It's an extended family Sunday when we get to hear the message from the ears of

child. We also discussed the greatest yet most subtle shift that happens as we (W.E.) follow Jesus.

"Take up your cross".

From the God Who loves is this gentle reminder of our serious calling.

Why the call?

At the end of oneself is the riches of true joy.

Why gather on Sunday? Do we gotta? Do we wanna? Collective worship is an essential rhythm of Sabbath rest. Let's figure the ways forward together to honor God's heart and our rest.

NOTE: This message is poor quality. W.E. apologize and are working towards a better way forward. If you want the message notes, please email [email protected]

Burn out involves a developing apathy/ indifference toward the work of God.

When we reach capacity, what are the specific support system(s) I am needing?

Such a vital conversation because... with little rest comes little revelation. Conversely, with sufficient rest comes sufficient revelation. With space to be comes space to receive.

What do you need in order to retreat into rest? There is a handout attached.

God is the provider and the provision... and so are we.

When we surrender what we have for the sake of others, somehow everyone will have more.

As disciples, how do we experience the provision of God while becoming the provision of God?

Children and Children of God require guides who lovingly invite us into god-honoring relationships and challenges us into kingdom responsibilities.

Who is someone(s) that challenged you into the more loving way? ... to rugged purpose, greater generosity, merciful justice, sacrificial love, and ultimately towards Christlikeness?

Preference. Partiality. Prejudice. We have it. We do it.

How do we rise above our bias?

The primary purpose of the God's extended family (the Church) is to hear from and respond to God together (Luke 8:19-21). Meaning, we gather to help one another be attentive to the Living God and live accordingly.

But there are barriers... around us. In us. Studying briefly Jesus' parable of the Sower (aka the parable of the soils), we are asking, "What do we need to unearth in our hearts in order to hear from God?"

Looking for your people? Church is a great place to find friends! And to become friends with Jesus. Yet, Jesus calls you and I to deeper relationships. This process all begins with finding people of peace. This is the focus.

When we focus on people of peace, we will discover some amazing friendships along The Way.

Who are people of peace?

How do we discover them?

The acceptance of Christ comes with a rejection by many. Because the ways of Jesus comes in direct conflict with the self-serving, broken nature of fallen humanity, there will be people who refuse us.

This quote that rings true: "We are not fully accepted until we are utterly rejected." In the midst of the grief, we find Jesus walking with us (arm around our shoulders).

Un-alone beloved children. This truth frees us not to turn our back on others... even those who reject us.