Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Where Disciplemaking Friends Gather...

Thursday, January 28
11:30 AM-1 PM
Double A's, Peoria IL
7301 N. Radnor Rd
Peoria, IL 61615

At this lunch, we'll wrestle the big question..

"Why youth ministries fail and what to do about it?

Please give it some thought and come with ideas.

Expect 90 minutes of great food, no programming, and lots of Romans 1:12 opportunities for mutual connection, encouragement, and community.

Bring your Bible.

Invite a non-PALCO friend if you're so inclined.

If you're attending, please email me ASAP so I can make sure we're good to go with Double A's.

Can't wait!

Monday, January 4, 2016

An Equipping Opportunity for You and Those You Know...

Our disciplemaking friend, Aaron Yoder, let me know this First Mennonite in Morton, IL, is hosting this (below) and I thought you might like an invite.
We are intentionally connecting with Eastern Mennonite Missions Peacemakers Team - an organization which builds relationships among Muslim communities - in order to equip believers to be...
1) better informed about the Muslim religion and
2) to know how to have spiritual conversations with Muslim neighbors about Jesus.
THE WORKSHOP
In order to do this, we are hosting a workshop entitled "Understanding Your Muslim Neighbor" on Saturday, January 23rd from 8:30am until Noon.  Food and drinks will be provided.  Childcare will not be provided.  The event is free.

THE TIMING
We believe the timing is important because our culture is tending to either be fearful of Muslims or inclusive about all religions.  Instead, we are choosing a peaceful proclamation of the gospel. 

THE PRESENTER
The presenter is Jonathan Bornman from Pennsylvania.  He is a cross-cultural trainer and Christian/Muslim relations consultant who severed in Senegal for 10 years as a church planter and saw many Muslims come to believe in Jesus as the Messiah.
THE VISION
The EMM vision for such workshops are explained from their brochure, which reads:
“Many Muslims have questions about the Christian faith. But often Christians do not know how to respond to those questions, or they are afraid that they might offend their Muslim acquaintances. I hope we can help to equip Christians to follow the apostle Peter’s counsel: Commit to Jesus as Lord. Respond to all questions people may ask, and demonstrate a spirit of gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15).”
THE MATERIALS
Here are links to our advertising materials:
Muslim Neighbor Workshop Poster (PDF)
Muslim Workshop Letter (PDF)
Muslim Workshop Ad (JPEG)

If you do have an interest in attending and plan to bring more than 6 people from your church, please RSVP to our church office at 309-266-7591 so we can plan accordingly.  This invitation is going to several area churches as well as our local Mennonite network.