On Sunday we were reminded why the "back to school" season is so special for us at Grace Church.  The local schools have been the doorway God has opened for us in reaching our community.  Why is it important for us to reconnect with this every year?

Read Jeremiah 29:1-7.  How are God's people identified in this passage?  What are they called to be about?

What are some of the ways this connects with us today?  (Other readings: Hebrews 11:8-16 and 1 Peter 2:9-12)

Phil revisited a question from the book, The Externally Focused Church, that deeply impacted our church several years ago, “If your church vanished, would your community weep? Would anyone notice? Would anyone care?"  Why is this a good question to ask? 

If you were to apply that question personally, where you personally live, how would you answer? 

As we consider our past series, "Practices in Abiding", how do the practices of prayer, service, and witness in particular connect with this?  And how does engaging in these practices help us to become more like Jesus?

How is God calling you to respond? Pray and ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and strength.  To learn about different ways to help reach our community and to sign up, click here.