As I mentioned in several other posts, Doug and I have been looking for a church to call our own. We think we have found that place.
Lately, we have been attending McLane Church in Edinboro. It has been a really neat experience so far, and a church we think we would like to make our home. The people have been kind, but most of all, this church has a very clear focus on showing people how to have a personal relationship with Jesus. It seems like the kind of place where we can grow, but even more importantly, where we can bring people who are far away from God and where they will feel comfortable asking the questions they need to ask in order to bridge that gap. The church is exceptionally patient and respectful of each person's own spiritual journey and process. They present Truth clearly, but allow for everyone to make thier own choice without guilt or pressure. It's the kind of place we want to be a part of.
Since Doug and I have been married, God has blessed us with more than we could ever ask for. When Doug was a pastor, God gave us friends, family, a church that loved us, and always met our spiritual, financial and physical needs above what we ever expected. Now that we are pursuing a different career path, He is still showing us new and exciting ways He wants to use us and at every turn He has proven that He can and will meet our needs. It doesn't matter if those needs are social, mental, physical, financial, or spiritual....He always knows what we need and what we can handle. A phrase we hear at McLane all the time is: "God is seldom early, but He is never late." I didn't know what it would be like to find a different church, but as always, God has been so good to us. We continue to be blown away by His amazing kindness and constant blessings...always exactly when we need them. Both of us have a totally settled feeling...we know this is where we are supposed to be right now. And it is pretty exciting.
There is tons I could write about this church, but for now I will settle with my favorite experience so far.
A month or so ago Brian Kelly preached a series called "McLane U". It was all about what the church views as it's mission and what they value. It was a 4 week series and it just broke me. I loved every minute of it...I downloaded the messages and I have listened to each one at least 2 times. If you want to listen to a great series, go to the website and download the McLane U series. It will be time well spent. "Course 101" and "Course 301" were my favorites. But the coolest part about this is that God brought it along at the perfect time for us. We have been asking if this is where God wanted us...if this was the place He wants us to call "home" and wants us to serve. After hearing that series, there wasn't a doubt left. If that is what this place is about, that is the kind of place we want to be...the kind of place we want to invest....the kind of place we want shaping our hearts and our character.
Oh, God...let us have hearts that line up with you...let us have desires that mirror your desire to bring the lost back to your arms. I can't think of a better focus to have at Christmas.
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