The Gathering - Raleigh Churches Connecting
February 25, 2002
Cary Christian Assembly is serving as the host this month for the inaugual "The Gathering" ... a stepping into relationships with other fellowships across the city. We will meet on the 4th Sunday eve of every month; this month we meet at 7 p.m., for joined worship and prayer.
The Nelsons (Worship on the Square), Becky and I (CCA), and the Wilsons (All Nations Fellowship) have "bought the field" on this matter of churches joining together across boundaries and barriers and "searching for the pearl" together. For many others, they will be coming to this worship time with a "taste and see" attitude... which is great!
*We're here to compliment the local church, not compete with it.
*We're hoping to strengthen the local church, by affirming its value to the city and to other churches.
*We are looking intentionally to be Body-building, "one body, many parts"; valuing and appreciating different styles, calls & giftings.
*We are not trying to build a new government or organization or denomination. We are looking to focus on two things.... Jesus Christ, him crucified and resurrected, and we are looking to build durable friendships between churches. Koinonia not just within our four walls but within our city.
*Jesus' prayer to the Father in John 17, "that they may be one", is not a goal we can strive for through another bunch of meetings; God save us from more meetings! Unity and oneness not a goal, but a fruit of relationships... and the intentional committment to building relationships. Most of us do not commit to the things we do not schedule. And we do not schedule the things which are unimportant. We hope you will come and "taste and see" if this is a "divine appointment" for you and your fellowship.
Our plan is to rotate meeting places among those fellowships that "taste and see" that this is good for them and pleasing to God. Times of meetings will also possibly vary. There will be ministry (not just sitting services) for children, and we would love to see "cross-pollination" within our churches in teaching solid doctrine our kids on these evenings, that our children's workers would come to know one another and that all could benefit from each one's gifts. Does this sound vaguely Biblical?
Finally, we invite all who come to bring snacks or "finger food" to share during the evening... that along with joined worship, prayer, and growing in the Word, we would also fellowship and begin to strenghten the friendship ties that will let us look like who Jesus says we are together... A City on a Hill .
Please, dress casually... as though you were going to a picnic, a party at a friends house, or coming to have coffee in my kitchen. Let's not stumble, or cause others to stumble over dress.
In the interest of time and effort, if you are interested in more information and directions, please send return e-mail asap. I promise a prompt response.
Hoping to see you on the 24th.
Glad to be with you in His loving grip,
Scott Lycan
Cary Christian Assembly
in South West Raleigh
Location: Raleigh - Cary, NY, United States
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