Near and Far Faith

Just a quick heads up do to my own lack of promotion. This Sunday is our final fund raiser before the West Virginia mission trip. Instead of a spaghetti dinner like we've done in the past, we're changing the menu up a bit and having a BBQ (pray the rain holds, though we'll have it either way). We'll also have a dunk tank that Jon Weeks will entice and tease you into getting angry (righteously... cause it's church) at. Suggested donations are $7 per Adult, $4 for kids 4-10, and free for kids 3 and under. See you there!

I'm coming up on 5 years here with Carpenter's and I've been reminded a lot lately of the many seasonal changes we've had here. I think it's not as much the change itself that embeds in our hearts through these things but the challenged growth. God brings seasons about - we don't and circumstances don't. In fact, many times we don't realize they've changed until half way through them. Paul tells Timothy to not let the seasons effect the message, exhorting him to be ready in and out of season though.

My point is this: in the middle of seasons often we are challenged towards new growth and our temptation is to force a seasonal change. Be encouraged. Just like our earthly seasons, we cannot change them, but they will come. Our reoccurring theme with Ignite Students has been this concept of remaining in Christ - His heart in mine. He never will never call us out of a season, but will often call us to be the instrument he uses to bring about change within it. Most of the time this begins in us. Don't miss it. It only makes the season last longer. He will never give up on you but will pursue your heart until he has the glory he deserves.