Invitation to Fun

Last Sunday, I did something a little different. Rather than give a typical message from the Scripture and help you see how to apply the gospel to everyday life, I had you look back at 2015 with me (click here to see the 2015 Annual Report) as well as look ahead to 2016. (Listen here if you missed it.)

As we looked forward to 2016, I decided to give us one goal as a church family, and that goal is to invite others to be a part of Riverwood and/or be part of your life. Because when you invite, you are communicating to your friend, co-worker, family member, or neighbor that they are important to you.

But what do you invite people to? Simple. Invite them to things you enjoy, as well as to things they enjoy. In other words, invite them to things that are fun!

• If your friend is a sports-loving fan...
...invite them to the Worship Gathering this Sunday as we have fun wearing the jerseys or colors of our favorite sports teams.
...invite them to your home for the Super Bowl. (Or the Super Bowl commercials)

• If your neighbor is struggling in his or her marriage...
...invite them to listen in to the Redefining Love series we'll kick off this Sunday.
...invite them to your Growth Group where we'll discuss deeper just what love truly is.

• If your family member rails on Christians who just sit in their pews without making a difference...
...invite them to a serving event like the Food Bank.
...invite them to help coordinate serving at the Waverly Community Gardens this Spring, making sure they get involved.

But most of all,  invite people into your life:

• Invite them over for dinner.
• Invite them out to a movie.
• Invite them to go out for lunch during your lunch break.
• Invite them to study the Bible or read a book together over breakfast before work.
• Invite them to go hunting or fishing or snowshoeing or kayaking.

The point is to invite people into your life. Invite them to have fun, because that lets them know they are important to you.

And to model how to invite, let me invite you to a super Sunday Worship Gathering this week, 10:00 am at the Civic Center! 😉