| In an effort to reconnect with and encourage those Christians who lived in Ephesus (a pretty worldly place, hostile often to Jesus followers), Paul wrote these bold words of encouragement: “… even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.” You were chosen by God and a way to be in right relationship with God was accomplished by Christ. By faith in Jesus, we find new life. But what are we to do with all these days between being justified by faith in Christ and when Jesus returns for us? That’s the life Paul speaks of in his letter to the Ephesian Christians. Every day, every single day is a journey in and of itself as you and I seek to walk more in step with Jesus, following him in all the ways of our lives – the way we work, the way we play, the way we rest and renew, the way we stumble and rise again, all our ways. Three primary ways of growing in sanctification, or holiness, is to open ourselves to God in the study of God’s Word, prayer to and with God, and worship of God both individually and corporately.God’s is trusting us with ourselves, and it is imperative that each of us find the best way for us to learn and grow in our personal discipleship. We have engaged with at least six Bible reading plans that would take us through a year of study; we encourage each believer to find a study plan that will challenge you to grow, not just mark time. And, if you need help finding a resource that fits you, please reach out to a staff member or a church leader; we’ll be glad to help! In 2023, I will be facilitating two Discipleship Experiences for those interested. One is a yearlong small group working with: |
 | Alicia Britt Chole’sThe Sacred Slow: A Holy Departure from Fast Faith |
| The second is a 12-week small group experience (offered 3 times over the next year, loosely – winter/spring, spring/summer, and fall) that will engage with: |
Tyler Staton’sPraying Like Monks, Living Like Fools: An Invitation to the Wonder and Mystery of Prayer |  |
| If you are interested in either experience, please “register” by sending an email to revsandra@cooksumc.org no later than Monday, December 19. You will then be invited to an organizational meeting during which we will design our meeting schedule, including start date, frequency, etc., and determine the covenant by which we will work together. (Registering in no way obligates you to the experience, nor does being absent from the organizational meeting keep you from being included.) We are praying for you as you walk this journey of faith. May you grow in holiness and love through all that life brings! |
