2006 EM Summer Conference
The 2006 summer conference was a time of much learning, discussing, worshipping, and applying. Held at the Ayres Hotel, it was different from past retreats. Instead of a woodsy outdoors, the environment was clean and refined. There were no "games" or strenuous physical activity, but rather, a lot of free time. The conference consisted of five sessions, where we studied and discussed a mature understanding of the church's purpose, stewardship of money, and church government.
During the first session, we realized that currently, FPC exists to socialize, worship God, and eat, grow, and/or basketball. After learning what the Biblical function of the body of believers is, during the second session, we made individual and communal committments to mature so that FPC will exist to worship God, nurture believers, and evangelize and show mercy to nonbelievers. In the third session, we realized how we need to make more kingdom investments in our stewardship of money, and that with a cheerful and joyful attitude. We also made projected budgets of how our offering should be used, and realized how after paying rent and other expenses, it was hard to give to the needy as much as we'd like. In the fourth session, we studied what the Bible says about duties and qualifications of elders and deacons. The session ended in a bang, as small groups performed skits depicting scenarios of elders and deacons carrying out their roles at FPC. During the last session, Pastor Roy wrapped up by exhorting the body to have a mature understanding of the church, to practice mature worship, and to live mature lifestyles.
Between and after sessions, people spiritually conversed, continued discussions from sessions, worshipped together, played Scrabble and various other games, swam and jacuzzed, and explored the area. Mike Lee returned from his short-term mission trip to China on Saturday night and shared with many members about his experience. Justin and Christina also shared their experience from their trip to Uganda. It was awesome hearing not only how God blessed our brothers and sister, but how God is moving in different parts of the world.
The conference further elaborated and made practical the teachings in Ephesians. As we move towards obedience and preparing for and carrying out the church's purpose, it is exciting to anticipate and already see how beautiful the body is, and how even more beautiful God is. It is through his blood that all this is and will be possible.
During the first session, we realized that currently, FPC exists to socialize, worship God, and eat, grow, and/or basketball. After learning what the Biblical function of the body of believers is, during the second session, we made individual and communal committments to mature so that FPC will exist to worship God, nurture believers, and evangelize and show mercy to nonbelievers. In the third session, we realized how we need to make more kingdom investments in our stewardship of money, and that with a cheerful and joyful attitude. We also made projected budgets of how our offering should be used, and realized how after paying rent and other expenses, it was hard to give to the needy as much as we'd like. In the fourth session, we studied what the Bible says about duties and qualifications of elders and deacons. The session ended in a bang, as small groups performed skits depicting scenarios of elders and deacons carrying out their roles at FPC. During the last session, Pastor Roy wrapped up by exhorting the body to have a mature understanding of the church, to practice mature worship, and to live mature lifestyles.
Between and after sessions, people spiritually conversed, continued discussions from sessions, worshipped together, played Scrabble and various other games, swam and jacuzzed, and explored the area. Mike Lee returned from his short-term mission trip to China on Saturday night and shared with many members about his experience. Justin and Christina also shared their experience from their trip to Uganda. It was awesome hearing not only how God blessed our brothers and sister, but how God is moving in different parts of the world.
The conference further elaborated and made practical the teachings in Ephesians. As we move towards obedience and preparing for and carrying out the church's purpose, it is exciting to anticipate and already see how beautiful the body is, and how even more beautiful God is. It is through his blood that all this is and will be possible.
posted by FPC at 10:27 PM
3 Comments:
FIRST. Hoo-yeh.
I learned a lot, especially how overpaid pastors are. Roy, get us a beach house next time with your overflowing monies.
eek! i don't know how to react about the above comment. so i'll just giggle nervously. hi everyone! hi kims!
-julie
Praise the Lord!!!!
It's so awesome to hear how God is maturing this body. And thank you so much for this blog so that we can take part in what He is doing through FPC. Sorry my internet connection is very slow and expensive but I will check it often. Will get back to you later.
-Kims
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