The August Adventure

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.      Ecclesiastes 3:1

Wisdom teaches us there is a season for everything.  In recent seasons at Chestnut Grove, we have undertaken many matters under heaven.  We’ve expanded and enhanced our ministry space with a new building and a revitalized basement.  We’ve heaped new blessings on the community, including: a Missional Pavilion & Playground, community-wide picnics, and tons of firewood and food.  We’ve experienced sustained growth in breadth, depth, and vehicle capacity!  

The season has come to articulate new long range plans. 

God’s mission to redeem all of creation remains unchanged.  Our purpose to BE a people of FAITH, FORMATION, and FRUITFULNESS, is steadfast.  Our vision of a “rejuvenating culture of maturing disciples liberating the world” remains the aim.  But, the specific pathways and pursuits therein remain variable.   Such specifics require a season of divine discernment. 

Will you join us for a season of listening?   Will you help articulate God’s plans for our future?  

I pray you’ll join Chestnut Grove’s August Adventure.  The adventure involves a month-long season of scripture exploration, prayer, guided listening and collective response to God’s spirit.

Exploring the book of Acts over 31 days, we will

·      Learn how God “sent” the Spirit into a widening world to stimulate the world to receive God’s love

·      Pray daily for God to speak, sing, reveal, shout, nudge, or otherwise inspire us to behold God at work in our families, neighborhoods, communities, and world

·      Listen  to God’s history to inform our imagination about God’s future story

·      Respond collectively, weaving our individual inspirations and creative interpretations

Daily “adventure guides” will be posted here beginning Thursday, August 1 to facilitate our shared journey.   Each day, participating Chestnut Grovians will read the same text, consider shared questions, pray similar prayers, and await God’s inspiration.  You may subscribe by e-mail for a daily reminder (only available in web version), use the RSS feed, or simply check the site daily. Printed copies of the devotional guide are available at the church.   Our adventure will culminate in a tiered congregational connection facilitated by our Staff, Deacons and Long Range Planning committee.

May the pending adventure inspire you.  May the results shape the seasons ahead.