One Healing Act at a Time
This Sunday we’re kicking off a new series, basically walking through the book of 1 Samuel, which tells the story of God’s people becoming a kingdom under Saul and eventually David. If you’d like to get your bearings ahead of time, I’d encourage you to read the first 7 chapters of 1 Samuel, as we’ll begin in Chapter 8 on Sunday. I think it’s going to be an exciting ride over these next 7 weeks as we wrestle with their story and our story in We Want a King!
That said, what really wanted to share with you today was about an initiative the following Saturday, September 7 – the free First Aid & CPR Training being offered for up to 40 people (20 at each the morning and afternoon sessions), by our own Josh Kozak.
First, this came out of the work of our Safety and Security Task Force, recognizing that over the years, we have dealt with several medical situations of members and guests during worship and other events, that required attention. Of all the safety issues we could address, ensuring we have people who know what to do in these events is absolutely critical. Starting where we are and what we’ve experienced is low hanging fruit!
But there’s two other ways that this is important. The first is that health and wholeness – whether we’re gathered together in worship or service, or scattered to our neighborhoods and jobs (the “going” part of how we “grow”), is central to who we are as followers of Jesus. God cares about our lives into eternity, which starts today! So, if we can be people who provide care for others when we’re out amongst the rest of the world, we’re further fulfilling our mission. And equipping each other for our mission is part of what is our call as a church!
The other part is that it’s so important to ensure we are a church for others! And others come in many shapes and sizes, many different situations and circumstances. If we’ve got 10, 20, 20, 40, 50 people who are trained in how to react and respond to a medical emergency – and don’t just rely on those whose job it is (nurses, doctors and EMTs) – then we’re providing a safe place for all of these people to hopefully encounter Jesus in our midst. That’s huge! We cannot discount the importance of the space we welcome people into. Our (ongoing) renovations speak to that. And our building and our people go hand-in-hand.
There are lots of ways that we can and continue to pursue and encourage greater life and health in our gathered and scattered life as followers of Jesus. (The newly installed emergency push-bars on our sanctuary doors speak to that)
Next Saturday’s First Aid & CPR training is just one of these examples. And if you’ve never been trained, and would like to be able to offer life-sustaining care in the event of an emergency (in our church and in your daily life), I’d encourage you to sign up while there’s still space!
Welcoming You to Grow in Jesus – one act of healing at a time,
Pastor Don