Scripture calls us to seek the peace of the city and to love our neighbors.  The spirit in which we do these things should be one of celebration.  Because of the Gospel, we have every reason to celebrate.  So, on October 17, it is our joy to host our 3rd annual Fall Festival at the Germantown campus.  We are expecting 1,500 neighbors, many who will never darken the door of a church.

Food -
Main Dish (1-4pm):  BBQ, smoked chicken, Burgers, brats, Hotdogs, Corn Dogs
Side Dishes:  rice, potato salad, baked beans, chips
Desserts: Brownies, Oreos
Drinks:  water, lemonade, tea, hot coco, coffee
Fair Favorites (Noon-6pm):  rootbeer floats, popcorn, nachos, cotton candy
Cakewalk – Sojourn and neighborhood to bring 300+ cakes

Décor -
Hay bales, pumpkins, baloons, corn stalks, ribbon on the fence, sidewalk chalk

Games/ activities -
Corn Hole (6 sets)
Face Paint, Bobbing for Apples, Ring Toss, Bean Bag Toss, Bottle Toss, Pin the tail on the ?, Safety Town Tricycle Race, Pumpkin decorating
Strong Man Competition

Entertainment -
Bands
Affordable Art
Fire Truck
Police Horses
Kids Bounce
Blow up Rock Climbing Wall
Petting Zoo
Puppeteers
Ping Pong
Removable Tattoos
Face Painting
Obstacle Course

Neighborhood Stuff -
Neighborhood Network Sign Up
Booths for GPNA, VOA, and perhaps a few others

This is a great next step for many of you who want to serve or get involved.  It is also a great way to display the unity Sojourn has within its multiple campuses.  God has forgiven our sin and given us life through his Son, therefore let us with joy display this life by serving and showing our our city what life is like under the reign and rule of such a gracious God!

Register Here To Serve

Last week the Lord laid it on my heart to visit Bill, an elderly recluse a few blocks from the 930.  I had not visited or seen Bill for four months.  Over the past three weeks, I found myself praying for him often.  Last Monday seemed like a great time to take a few Sojourner’s over to Bill’s house to see how he was doing.  He didn’t know we were coming… we were just following a nudge in our spirit that God wanted us to visit.

Bill is a man’s man, a war veteran who is 78 years old.  He has seen some pretty difficult things as an officer in the Army.  Just ask him, and he will fill your ears with hours of incredible stories.  He also loves to work on cars and, at 78, still drives a Porsche. Like I said, a man’s man.

But, Bill is also very lonely with no family or friends.  He is an unbeliever who knows his Bible better than most Christians.  When asked about the Bible, he delights in making young Christians feel foolish.  Bill can be harsh and cold at moments, which can be uncomfortable,  but something tells me that he loves when we come around.

When we knocked on his door, his eyes lit up and he became very animated by our presence.  We talked for almost an hour on his front porch.  It turns out that his birthday is on the 25th of this month.  He said he hates birthday parties and that he hates all people.  He quickly conceded and told us that he actually liked us and enjoyed the time we spent together.  I think he might also concede his stance on birthday parties.  Really, who doesn’t like to be celebrated?

So, tonight we are throwing Bill a surprise birthday party.  There won’t be very many of us, but we are coming armed with treats and cupcakes.  We are doing this because we love Bill and want him to take joy and delight in the people of God.  Moreover, we ultimately desire for him to know and to praise the God that created him.

Apologetics and well crafted arguments for the existence of God have fallen flat with Bill. I admit, he is too clever for us.  However, what Bill needs right now is not more well crafted appeals to believe in God, but to see and experience God’s love showered on him through God’s people.  For somebody who is lonely and lives in isolation, a barrage of facts about Christ is not immediately attractive.  But, authentically demonstrate God’s presence, acceptance, intimacy and fellowship?  Now that is attractive to a lonely old man…and it’s a good starting point for explicitly sharing with Him Christ’s love for us.

We don’t know how Bill will respond tonight.  He may outright reject us.  And that is okay.  But, I do know this:  the gospel compels and empowers us to “live such good lives among unbelievers that, though they accuse you of doing wrong (in this case, throwing a small birthday party), they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” – 1 Peter 2:12

I’ll keep you posted on what happens.  In the mean time, join us every Monday evening at 6:30pm at the 930 to get equipped for face-to-face ministry in the city.  Perhaps you will meet Bill, or one of the other half-dozen families that we visit every week.  Learn to share and demonstrate the gospel with neighbors.  No one goes at it alone.  You know you want to.  Email jesse.moss@gmail.com for additional information.

God has forgiven our sin and given us life through his Son, therefore let us with joy display this life by serving and showing our city what life is like under the reign and rule of such a gracious God!  Seed is here to equip you for a life of service and mission.  You never go at it alone.  Join us as we follow Christ.  Here are some suggestions for “Next Steps” and contact info for people who can help you get connected.

BRAND NEW to Seed

• Get involve in a Community Group – (Mike Crowe, mcrowe@sojournchurch.com)
• Mercy Monday’s every Monday at 6:30pm, 930 Listening Room. Join us for face-to-face mercy ministry in the city.  Everyone welcome.(Jesse Moss, jesse.moss@gmail.com)
• Monthly Service Opportunities – (seed.sojournchurch.com or email mercy@sojournchurch.com)
• Return to Next Month’s Feed and Seed – Every Second Sunday
  • Intro to Seed class starting next month
  • You and/or your Community Group can serve after lunch

INACTIVE CG Seed Leader

• Email mercy@sojournchurch.com and a Seed Coach will be in contact with you so that you and your group get plugged back in.
• Monthly Service Opportunities – (seed.sojournchurch.com or email mercy@sojournchurch.com)
• Contact the leader who is coordinating one of our City Partnerships – Review the City Partnerships Info Sheet.  (email mercy@sojournchurch.com)
• Mercy Monday’s at 6:30pm, 930 Listening Room, (Jesse Moss, jesse.moss@gmail.com).  Every Monday night you can plug in and get equipped for face-to-face ministry in the city.  Bring your group and get exposed to home visitations, prayer walking, and meeting neighbors in the city.
• Return to Next Month’s Feed and Seed
  • You and/or your Community Group can serve after lunch.

ACTIVE CG Seed Leader

• Enter a relationship with a “Just One” family.  (Jesse Moss, jesse.moss@gmail.com)
• Mercy Monday’s at 6:30pm, 930 Listening Room, (Jesse Moss, jesse.moss@gmail.com)
• Serve!  Join one of our city partnerships, do a street cleanup, or expose your group to the joy of serving together.  (To get ideas email mercy@sojournchurch.com)
• Return to Next Month’s Feed and Seed
  • Bring your community group to the Seed 101 class or Leader training session
• Step up into other Seed leadership roles (email Nathan Ivey for a list of leadership roles at nivey@sojournchurch.com).

Part 1 of 2

Kind words, cleaning, and cookies. All were part of the summed up experience of last week at SEED’s Mercy Monday’s service effort. A recent boiling desire that God has put in me to grow spiritually has been leading me to seek how I can become more active in following Christ. Learning that God has promised us that we reap that which we sow¹ my desire to work became for Him surfaced, energized by faith. Now I was equipped, ready to do some service. SEED was there-ready to provide an opportunity for me to practice what I had been taught².

This would be my first time coming. With thoughts swirling in my head, I wasn’t really sure what was to be resulting from the evening, but I had been hearing about this thing for a little while now and decided I would come out and see what it was all about. What I found was that it was exactly what it was supposed to be about-sharing the love of Jesus Christ through acts of service and relationships. Being welcomed and greeted like family coming through the lobby doors of the 930 is a good way to start a night just as it is any Sunday morning. Already love was in the air (in a very Christ-like way) as I was set into a group where introductions and conversation were ready to flow like milk and honey. “Hi, I’m Sue…hey it’s Josh, man…my name is Tristan” and several others made their handshaking rounds. New friends were my shipmates and we were ready to embark on the journey upon our ship Service, to where I knew not. All I was aware of was that we commissioned to pirate a house of it’s dirt and disorganization-in other words we were cleaning. I found that the house belonged to a man by the name Austin, who I would soon meet.

We pulled out of the parking lot and made our way to the destination just a few blocks away. Entering house, an instant welcome from Michelle, Austin’s wife, followed by a comfort thick enough to sit down in like a lazy-boy recliner settled and quickly converted my attention to Austin-a nice, jolly fellow with a personality that seemed appropriate for a Broadway actor. He likes soccer (go England!) and used to play violent video games, but doesn’t anymore because he says that he can find more productive things to do (Amen). As he began to speak about how he came in contact with Sojourn and the love that experienced from that connection, his appearance became translucent, revealing a beating heart with kind words galore-a man that had been touched by the heart of Christ working through people. Soon enough we would continue this love by cleaning up their home, from the floor up. Gathering some scattered elementary school papers from the ground, my mind was focusing on a few things: the people around me, all being and working together, loving in fellowship to love the Lord our God with our hearts, minds, souls, and strength. There was no arguments or complaints of housework, just love. I’m not sure about you, but I don’t usually get these thoughts when I clean out where I live…The house was perfect soil to plant seeds for relationships as it was doused with the reign of Christ-like love coming from the shroud of group effort. Opportunity for building relationships was almost imminent. I was cleaning the floorboards when I first got a chance to talk to Austin and Michelle’s daughter, Chasity. With a gentle kindness she extended a tupperware full of cookies that I would not be refusing³. We quickly made friends as we discussed her 5^th grade career. We talked about school subjects leading to my learning that she likes math and is pretty good at it as I found out after quizzing her on a few problems. She also seems to take a special interest in juggling, so we tossed around a few objects and then ate some more cookies.    Thinking back it doesn’t feel like I had given up my Monday…it wasn’t like that at all. If anything, through the love that I experienced and became part of, I had gained an evening. Friends, conversing, and cookies are ingredients usually found at a party or mixer of some sort. Tonight they were part of our service to Jesus.

Read Part 2 of 2 tomorrow.  Jeff Armstrong, the author of this blog, attends Sojourn and can be reached at jeffarmstronginChrist@gmail.com.

¹ Galatians 6:9 ⁹And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint.

² James 2: 14, 18  ¹⁴What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?  ¹⁸But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.

³ 1 Timothy 4:4 ⁴For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,

Part 2 of 2

Eventually the evening grew late and we would have to leave the abode. We gathered in the main room for few last kind words and closing prayer. I quickly chugged down my warm coffee, said my good-byes to my new family members in Christ, and made way to the car, watching as little Chasity spectated our leaving from a window nearby.

I cannot help but to relate that night and what I learned to a comparison between the Kingdom of God and the Israelites journey to the Promised Land.  As Christians, strangers to this place, we are seeking for more love, mercy, and obedience to Christ-things not common in this world. We are in pursuit of a land filled with these virtues to the brim and overflowing, pressed down and shaken together, running over⁴. It is kingdom consisting of sharing cookies and making friends, but also of the power of a life-revolutionizing love⁵. I believe the Kingdom of Heaven to be made up of these things. Unlike the Israelites, our promised land deliverance doesn’t consist of breaking free from a physical Pharaoh, traveling across a desert, spending forty years in the wilderness, or battling Canaanite inhabitants to obtain a land of milk and honey.

Rather of Christ breaking us free from a sin that enslaved and ruled us like a pharaoh, times of growth that makes traveling through desert sound like a nice vacation to a foreign land, and forty years in the woods like a movie we’d watch on a Monday night at home with the family. Though there comes times when we have a chance to take charge and step out on Christ’s commands like Caleb did for God in face of fears or uncertainty.⁶ You may have uncertainty about getting out and caring for someone you don’t know or feel uncomfortable with doing some dirty jobs.

But we obviously aren’t battling giant Canaanite people- just our schedules, doubts and desires in opposition to Christ’s teachings. But what if the Israelites would not have followed Moses out of Egypt? What if they decided to not take the first step into the Promised Land? Taking opportunity to be put your faith into action through works, is a important part of following and serving Christ. James 2:14 discusses how we must have faith and deeds. He asks, “What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?” In relation to the importance of working for Christ, Paul states in his letter to Galatia that “God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”⁷

Sowing into the lives of Austin, Michelle, and their children and reaping the love they reciprocated in just a few hours spent cleaning is now worth more to me than riches. There’s no room for me to boast or to glory in myself, though. All I had to do was show up and be ready to do what I was told while having a little fun while doing it-truly bringing to light God’s honor in his works that are already prepared for us likewise we are prepared for them⁸. I encourage anyone looking to love Jesus⁹ more to come out-be a part of something like what I have been blessed to share, and let Him use you to make a difference. The reward is waiting on the other side of the fence! A land not flowing with honey or milk (although there may be cookies and coffee), but one with love, mercy, and a good times.

After seeing what God is doing there, my hope is that Mercy Mondays with SEED become topic of conversation and can be a firstborn spark that create a wildfire of discipleship, service, and evangelism in the community and the surrounding areas as individuals decide to seek God’s Kingdom. We were made for this¹⁰, so come join us for the next Mercy Monday at seven! At least take time out to pray about and for it. Lord willing, see you there!

If you ever run into Austin, Michelle, and their kids Zach and Chasity at Sojourn, make sure to recognize them as the great people they are. I also want to extend a special thanks in Christ’s name to all the other brothers and sisters that I did and did not get to meet last week that participated!

May God bless you through Christ!
Jeff Armstrong, the author of this blog, has been attending Sojourn and can be reached at jeffarmstronginChrist@gmail.com.

⁴ Luke 6:38
³⁸Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

⁵ 2 Timothy 1:7 ⁷For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
1 Corinthians 4:20 talks about a direct Kingdom of Heaven and it’s power reference.

⁶ Numbers 13:30 ³⁰Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.”  Relates to us today when referring to God’s blessings He provides through acts of love-moving us closer to the Kingdom.

^{7 7}Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. ⁸The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. ⁹Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. ¹⁰Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

⁸ Ephesians 2:10

⁹ Matthew 25:37-40

¹⁰ Ephesians 2:10

Hello Sojourners! My name is Jeremiah Taylor.  Several times a week Sojourners are building relationships with the kids in the neighborhood of Shelby Park after they get out of school. This is a recap of what happened this week:

Monday afternoon I picked up Kenny (who is a Junior in Quest) and took him to Shelby park. We ran into about 12 young men. Some of them were in High School and some of them already graduated or dropped out. We hooped it up for about an hour and a half. During the course of the games, we learned everyone’s names and a little about their lives. We had a great time playing and got a great work out.

Afterward, I was able to talk to a guy named John. He’s 18 years old and has his GED. He wants to go to college but doesn’t know how to apply in order to get accepted. In response, we’ll be getting together soon and working out that stuff (hopefully). I was able also to share with Him the gospel and he said he will be meeting me at Church this Sunday night! Praise God!

On Wednesday, we went to the park again and played some ball with about 10 guys. No conversations really, but that’s ok… can’t force it. I am hoping by our consistent presence, we as the body of Christ will be able to build relationships with some of these young men and point them to Jesus Christ. These first two times weren’t as awkward as I thought they would be. The kids are pretty cool and are way better at Basketball than me!

If anyone wants to come out to Shelby Park with us and get to know some of these kids/adults, I will be out there at the basketball courts every Monday and Wednesday afternoon from 3:15pm-5pm. You can reach me at Jchristsetmefree@aol.com if you have any questions.

Godspeed,

Jeremiah Taylor

God’s Word + good deeds = Seed. Grow your faith by putting it into action.  Join us.

Feed and Seed Luncheon September 13th – 12:30-2:30pm
Anyone interested in Seed is invited to attend this monthly potluck.  After lunch, there are several ways to get involved and serve.  You can help clean the rail road tracks and Swan Street or distribute the Sojourn Germantown Newsletter.  Seed Leaders will learn how to visit the sick and equip their groups for action.  Register online here.  http://sojourncommunity.ccbchurch.com/app/w_form_response.php?form_id=238

Mercy Mondays – Every Monday – 6:30pm-8:00pm
Every Monday evening we serve, visit and run errands for Germantown widows and residents.  This ministry will equip you for face-to-face mercy ministry in the city.  No one goes at it alone and everyone is guided by an experienced deacon.  We visit approximately eight families every Monday.  Contact Jesse Moss at mercy@sojournchurch.com for additional information.

Feeding the Poor – September 5, 12, 19, 26 – 11:30am-1:30pm
Bring your family and be blessed as you share a meal with poor families who live in our neighborhood.  Contact David Taliaferro at david.taliaferro@summitenergy.com for more information.

Handyman Meet Up – Wednesday September 23, 6:30pm.
Leaking gutters, busted pipes, broken doors, rusty windows and rotted ramps are all problems that occur in the 100+ year old homes in Germantown.  Join us if you are good with your hands and willing to sacrifice your time to fix things up.  You must email us to attend, since we meet off campus.   Contact Andy Robinette at mercy@sojournchurch.com for more information.

Sojourn Fall Festival Leadership Team – September 13th – 9:30am-11:00am
Sojourn hosts a fall festival every year with over 1,000 people attending.  There is free food, music, games, petting zoo, cakewalk and more.  Join the leadership team as we plan for this year’s festival scheduled for October 17th.  We meet every other week for 6 more weeks.  Contact Nathan Ivey at nivey@sojournchurch.com.

Help Deepen Our City Partnerships – September 20th – 4:00pm-5:00pm
Seed has partnered with several non-profits, neighborhood associations, churches and businesses in order to serve and bless the city.  If you want to learn to be a point person to facilitate one of our partnerships, please come to this meeting.  Individuals trained are responsible for coordinating Sojourn efforts for the agency that is closest to their heart and passion.  Contact Nathan Ivey at nivey@sojournchurch.com for additional information.

Give a ride to church – Every Sunday and Wednesday.  Let us know if you can pick someone up and bring them to church for worship or classes.  Contact the Coordination Team at mercy@sojournchurch.com for information.

I think it’s fair to say that many of our attitudes toward the poor are mostly disdain and fear. Sometimes there is a suspicion that their condition is their own fault, that they are simply lazy or inferior. Some of us are more kind-hearted, but prefer not to look at the poor too closely, because it is depressing, and they are surely not fun people to be with.

These attitudes are a world away from God’s attitudes, as described in the bible. Neediness arouses compassion in God– and action.  Ephesians 2:1-10 tells us that we were once dead in sin, but were made alive in Christ because of God’s great mercy.  God acted.  Christ became poor so that we may become rich (2 Cor 8:9).  Because God acted and raised us from the dead, we are now God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to act – to do good works.  Therefore, may the neediness around us arouse in us a godly compassion for the poor and let us not shrink back from action.