Peter Fitch, St. Croix Vineyard Sunday, April 22, 2018 Going Deeper into Life Peter Fitch, St. Croix Vineyard Sunday, April 22, 2018

Longing for growth (Jesus to Peter) John 21:18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to gird yourself and walk wherever you wished; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will gird you, and bring you where you do not wish to go.” 19 Now this He said, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me!”

Paul to the Ephesians Ephesians 3:14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man,17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.

So many passages on growth Ephesians 4 Romans 8 Philippians 2 1 John 2 Hebrews 5 2 Peter 1

And we’re all different! 1 Corinthians 12 . . . Community pictured as a body Each part has a different role All are important

What might not work so well “The Smell of Artificial Roses” Rod McKean, Wittenburg Door Magazine The “Purpose Driven Life” approach of Rick Warren and others Anything that doesn’t pay enough attention to the fact that we are unique beings in need of holistic development

What might help Life “Come and see” (John 1) Come, follow Me” (John 21) Polished rocks!

And, our new plan!!! We have tried many things over the past 25 years and some have been helpful for some people However, a continuing sense of need emerges when surveys are taken or questions asked Many of us got tired of offering regular small group times or we became too busy So, we have a fair number of people who connect with SCV on Sunday mornings but don’t have a clear path to deeper connection or toward personal growth

We are more inclusive than ever and less apt to simply tell people what they need to do or how they need to grow Still, some opportunities would probably enhance the life of people in our community Can we find a creative way to do this that doesn’t over-tax our energy and strength?

Mental Image: Merry-go-round SCV Plug and Play Finally: CAROUSEL (I give you Derelict!)

Carousel Various members of our community offer 1 month experiences in something they love Each one is seen as a separate unit, available for a new group of participants People sign up for experiences that are attractive to them Normal time commitment: one evening a week for 4 weeks (but each leader could choose the time that works best for them)

Experiences could range from social or physical activities (including dinners, hikes, music, games, helping projects) to learning (Bible, other books, finances, counselling ideas) to prayer opportunities (meditation, Lectio Divina, etc.) The next month’s experience would be announced by the leaders from the front on a Sunday morning (giving a sense that there are opportunities for connection and growth) We could start with one experience per month but we could imagine more than one being offered over time if people got excited about leading things

We would try to have something going on each month from September to June, and possibly a picnic or Loon Bay time once or twice in the summer months We could produce a simple policy guide that included our basic philosophy of ministry (ideas about inclusivity and learning from others without foisting our own beliefs too strongly, being comfortable with organic growth rather than programs, and comfortable with “anchored with wings” ideas as they relate to Scripture or traditional Christianity). Anyone who could uphold these simple values would be welcome to share the things they love

Carousel People would also have to be ready to handle the discomfort of not enough people wanting to sign up for the thing they love. This can be a tough experience but it’s good to be prepared for it. Wait a few months and try again or tweak the offer and try once more. At some point it may work! Trying to figure out what to offer provides a chance to participate with God’s Spirit as you learn to listen to your own heart and possibly receive suggestions that come from God through you