Dear Friends,
Many of our Church family will be at the family camp at Parpan, near Lenzerheide in the canton of Graubünden this weekend. The theme of the weekend is “Running the Race…Together”.
A member of our church took part in the world-famous Comrades Marathon in South Africa this past weekend, an annual race of 89 kilometers between the cities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg. It is the world’s largest and oldest ultramarathon race. I know of at least two people from IBCZ who have run this race previously. In Hebrews 12:1 the writer likens the Christian life to running a race.
At our first session this weekend we will consider 1 Corinthians 9:19-27. “24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”
In the breakout groups we will discuss these questions: (I encourage you to also answer them as these are church related)
1. In the Christian race how are you are doing: (a) “Fresh because I’m just starting”? (b) “Feeling tired and weary, thinking of dropping out for a while”? (c) Doing great, I’ve got my second wind”? (d) “Where in the world in the finishing line”? (e) “I thought this was a sprint not a marathon.”?
2. How do YOU get fit/stay fit? > Regarding our church family: How do WE get fit/stay fit?
3. Where do YOU feel called to run? > Regarding our church family:Where should WE be running?
While you may not be able to attend the Camp, your feedback is important and would be appreciated. Please, share with me or one of the Elders.
This Sunday we meet for worship at 10:30 am. Tom Grieve will be preaching. (He previously served as an associate pastor at IBCZ)
There will also be a Prayer Meeting before the service at 10:00 am.
A baptismal Service is to be held next Sunday, 25 June. If you would like to be baptised or would like to know more about baptism, please to me or one of our Elders know.
Yours, Rejoicing in the Lord,
Bruce, Pastor/Elder