Dear Friends,
These days, it’s clear we all need a bit more civility and respect. Between the heated political debates, lingering church conflicts, and unresolved family tensions, it feels like we’re all craving a little more harmony and understanding.”
Starting on July 30th at 7:00 pm, location TBD, we invite you to join us for a transformative book study on “Restoring Civility: Lessons from the Master” by Kent Hunter and Tracee Swank. This study is crucial as we equip ourselves as a congregation for our larger ministry to the West County area, striving to be a mission-minded church that reaches out to those far from Christ.
Why This Study is Crucial
As dedicated members of our church family, you know how vital our role is within the community. However, our mission is first to extend Christ’s love and respect to those who are far from Him. We get our needs met as we do that. It’s tempting to get this backward and serve our needs first (and ultimately, only our needs). “Restoring Civility” offers seven practical lessons that can help us foster a culture of respect and civility within our church and beyond, aligning with our mission to serve others.
Lessons We Will Explore
- The Principle of Respect: Understanding and recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of every individual.
- The Power of Listening: Developing empathy and deeper connections through active listening.
- The Role of Self-Control: Maintaining respectful interactions, especially in challenging situations.
- The Impact of Words: Using language to build up rather than tear down.
- The Value of Service: Demonstrating respect through acts of service.
- The Necessity of Humility: Embracing humility to foster mutual respect.
- The Practice of Forgiveness: Restoring relationships through forgiveness and grace.
Why Your Participation Matters
Many of you have experienced past church conflicts that led to the start of West County Lutheran Church. These conflicts often stemmed from a lack of civility and respect, resulting in painful divisions. Our goal is to shift this focus, preparing ourselves to be a beacon of Jesus-inspired civility in a world desperate for positive examples. This study is about personal and spiritual growth while equipping our church to fulfill its mission effectively.
Warm and Conversational Environment
We aim to create a friendly and welcoming space for our study sessions, where open dialogue and mutual support are encouraged. It’s a great chance to connect with each other, share experiences, and grow in our understanding of what it means to live out Christian civility.
Call to Action
I invite you to be part of this important journey. Joining this book study means you’ll play a key role in shaping the future of our church and its mission. Let’s come together to rediscover respect and civility, making our church a true reflection of Christ’s love and grace.”
Engage and Reflect
We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments section of our blog. Your insights will enrich our understanding and help us build a more connected and supportive community.
Practical Details
- Sign-Up: A sign-up sheet to order books will be available in the church starting in early July.
- Location: The location will be announced in mid-July and may be influenced by the number of participants. The book will cost no more than $15 and will be ordered on your behalf once sign-ups have ended.
- Invite Friends: This book is very accessible and covers a relevant topic for our unchurched friends. Inviting others to join us in this important discussion is a great opportunity.
Let’s do this together and commit to restoring civility in all our interactions while we extend Christ’s love to all.
Pastor Mark
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