Here we go, friends—new school year, new rhythms, and new opportunities!
Leveling Up Our Weekly Rhythms
I’ve said it nearly every year since I’ve been in Statesboro, because it’s true every year: Fall gives us a natural chance to reset. Our new calendars, new routines, and new rhythms give us an opportunity to start again, to stop living in borkenness and isolation and start getting some things right. Around here we’re talking about “Leveling Up,” and this week I want to invite you to three moves that can shape your fall:
1) Press Start – Decide What Matters Most
Every direction begins with a decision. So does discipleship; you’ve got to decide to follow after Jesus instead of all the other distractions this world presents. Stephanie shared with us two Sundays ago that pressing Start means naming your mission and values for this season: “As for me and my house, we will worship, grow, serve, and rest.” If you’ve drifted over the summer, this is your opportunity to begin again—no shame, just a Savior who loves fresh starts.
2) Upgrade Your Priorities – Because Life Is Chaotic, Our Priorities Matter
There are two traps that steal our joy and the abundant life that Jesus offers us: learned helplessness (“nothing I do matters”) and the illusion of control (“everything depends on me”). The way of Jesus is different: trust God, take the next faithful step, and do it consistently. Put worship, prayer, and community on the calendar first, then let everything else find its place. Small, steady choices beat big, unsustainable bursts. To help you keep choosing to follow after what’s most important, we’ve created a tool to help you write down your Personal/Family Mission Statement and write a Spiritual Rule of Life. You Can Click Here To Download The Free Tool.
3) Build Your Team – Life Is Better In Community
We’re not meant to play the game of life alone. Everyone needs people who will celebrate with you, pray with you, ask good questions, and stand beside you in every season. We believe that church is meant to be a place where we practice life in community—week after week—until it becomes our reflex.
So, let’s Level Up this week by settling into some new rhythms to support your decisions, your priorities, and enhance your relationships. Here’s what’s starting up this week at Pittman Park:
Wednesdays at the Park — beginning Wednesday, August 13
- 5:00 p.m. – Communion in the Chapel
- 5:30 p.m. – Open Table (Complimentary Community Meal)
- 6:30 p.m. – Surprised by Hope Adult Bible Study
- 6:30 p.m. – Chancel Choir
- 6:30 p.m. – Park Kids Small Groups (Children’s Ministry)
- 6:30 p.m. – Park Students Small Groups (Youth Ministry)
Sundays at the Park — beginning Sunday, August 17
- 4:00 p.m. – Confirmation
- 5:00 p.m. – The Road Back to You Adult Spiritual Growth Study
- 5:00 p.m. – Park Students
If you’ve been waiting for the “right time,” this is it. Press Start. Choose one or a few places to plug in, put them on your calendar, and invite a friend to come with you. Let’s build rhythms that form us into Christlikeness—slowly, surely, together.
God bless,
Jonathan
For Jesus. For People. For Community.