Explore God with us!
The Clerk’s Corner, by Rob Riehl, clerk of session, ruling elder
We all have questions about God, faith, religion, and more. Where can we find the answers? Where –and with whom– can we discuss our personal perspectives and experiences about these questions? The “Explore God” series is designed to provide opportunities for people to explore these important questions through hearing sermons and participating in follow-up discussion groups. Six area Christian churches have collaborated to invite their surrounding communities in Cape May County to explore the many common and important questions about God. This community outreach initiative calls everyone who is seeking satisfying answers to these questions —both those affiliated with a church and those who do not belong to a church. Why is having and sharing this knowledge important? What is the objective –the mission– of this initiative? Through this process, participants can both strengthen their own faith beliefs and be able to engage in healthy spiritual conversations with others. This is a way for everyone who hears the Word of God to fulfill the command of the Great Commission: to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to his/her world —their “sphere of influence”. You are invited to explore God!
The “Explore God” Sunday sermon series schedule:
- September 24 “Does Life have a purpose?”
- October 1 “Why does a good God allow pain and suffering?”
- October 8 “How bad is ‘too bad’? / How good is ‘good enough’?”
- October 15 “Jesus: lunatic, moral example, or God?”
- October 22 “Is Christianity too narrow?”
- October 29 “Is the Bible reliable?”
Q Place
“Q Place” means a safe place where you can ask questions about the topic under discussion. Everyone has the opportunity to explore the question more deeply –some by asking questions or sharing their own perspective and experience; others may prefer to just “listen in” and learn from what others have to say. Whether you are an active or a passive learner does not matter; the shared questions, perspectives, and experiences provide an interesting learning opportunity for everyone in the group. A short DVD introduction of the scheduled question will be viewed, followed by comments from the group. These comments are often the catalyst that ignites stimulating discussion! Recommended readings would be presented for those who wish to further explore the topic on their own.
For anyone interested in discussing these Sunday sermon questions within a small group setting, simply show up for the designated class. No registration is needed to participate in this open-meeting format. You may participate in any one or more of these weekly sessions.
Coffee and fellowship begin at 10:15 a.m. with the discussion led by a facilitator beginning at 10:30 a.m.
The “Q Place” discussion group schedule:
- Wednesdays at 10:15 a.m. in the Taylor Room of Price Hall
- September 27; October 4, 11, 18, 25; and November 1
In the course of the next few weeks, you will notice a banner proclaiming “We all have Questions! –Explore God” posted on Seashore Road as you approach our worship center. There will also be several “lawn signs” positioned by our several property driveways and facility entrances. This is just one of the several ways that our church is announcing to our surrounding community (and the out-of-town drive-by vehicles) that we at Cold Spring are a participating church in this mission! Help us by “spreading the word” and by your personal prayers for its success. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
–Rob Riehl
