July 2022 Edition
Welcome to the Beacon, University Christian Church's monthly newsletter since 1959.
Happy 4th of July we pray that you have a safe and fun 4th!
In her book, Unbinding the Gospel, Martha Reese gives a lot of helpful advice for churches like our own as we think about growing and sharing God's love.
The most important, for example, that people outside of the church expect from a life of faith is transformation. No one is part of a church because life is good and they have free time. We all are hurting and struggling, and we seek community that affirms us, challenges us, and enriches us.
What is important is the fact that church is part of the transformation process.
Ultimately, God is the one doing the transformation.
We are just lucky enough to be co-workers!
But the problem is that in many mainline denominations like our own, we have forgotten why we are Christians in the first place. We expect people to come to church. We think our kids should just gravitate to the faith of their parents. We think it is obvious.
In this new and changing world, where less and less people are attending church, we cannot expect our faith to be obvious. We must practice on how to share our faith.
Martha Reese writes:
Remember, evangelism isn't handing some pamphlet to a stranger. It's seeing who needs to be prayed for. It's waiting for an opening in a conversation with that friend to mention church or your faith. It can be as simple as, "You know, going to my church really helps me. Do you want to come to church with me on Sunday?" It can be more self-revealing, like, "I know you feel guilty. I wish I didn't know so much about that! When I was.." Like anything else, practice makes it easer to do the next time.
I love connecting with people. I love meeting people. I enjoy finding out about their gifts. It's sometimes awkward to approach a stranger and strike up a conversation. Sometimes, it doesn't go well. But most of the time, I am enriched and intrigued about something in that person. And often, if I am patient and humble, I have a chance to share about who I am and what brings joy to my life.
As we enjoy this summer and think about an exciting fall in a few months, let's pray together about opportunities to share who we are and why we are excited to be a part of a faith community like University Christian Church.
I'll see you again in July!
Blessings,
Rev. Nathan Hill
The most important, for example, that people outside of the church expect from a life of faith is transformation. No one is part of a church because life is good and they have free time. We all are hurting and struggling, and we seek community that affirms us, challenges us, and enriches us.
What is important is the fact that church is part of the transformation process.
Ultimately, God is the one doing the transformation.
We are just lucky enough to be co-workers!
But the problem is that in many mainline denominations like our own, we have forgotten why we are Christians in the first place. We expect people to come to church. We think our kids should just gravitate to the faith of their parents. We think it is obvious.
In this new and changing world, where less and less people are attending church, we cannot expect our faith to be obvious. We must practice on how to share our faith.
Martha Reese writes:
Remember, evangelism isn't handing some pamphlet to a stranger. It's seeing who needs to be prayed for. It's waiting for an opening in a conversation with that friend to mention church or your faith. It can be as simple as, "You know, going to my church really helps me. Do you want to come to church with me on Sunday?" It can be more self-revealing, like, "I know you feel guilty. I wish I didn't know so much about that! When I was.." Like anything else, practice makes it easer to do the next time.
I love connecting with people. I love meeting people. I enjoy finding out about their gifts. It's sometimes awkward to approach a stranger and strike up a conversation. Sometimes, it doesn't go well. But most of the time, I am enriched and intrigued about something in that person. And often, if I am patient and humble, I have a chance to share about who I am and what brings joy to my life.
As we enjoy this summer and think about an exciting fall in a few months, let's pray together about opportunities to share who we are and why we are excited to be a part of a faith community like University Christian Church.
I'll see you again in July!
Blessings,
Rev. Nathan Hill
Regional Assembly: The Christian Church Capital Area Regional Assembly will be October 14-15, 2022 at the William F. Bolger Center in Potomac, MD.
2022 Maryland Gubernatorial Primary Election
Early voting starts this week! Eligible voters can vote in-person at any of the 13 early voting centers in the County from Thursday, July 7 through Thursday, July 14. Polls will be open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. For more information or to locate an early voting center near you, visit the Board of Elections website here
Adult Bible Study resumes this Thursday @ 7pm
Join us for a month-long summertime swim into the First Epistle of Peter.
First Peter addresses this question head on: How do you survive and stay true to your ideals when you are a tiny and powerless minority in a world that thinks you are a threat?
****NEW REGISTRATION LINK BELOW****
Registration is required: Click here to register
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
If bible study registration links do not work you may also register through the UCC website. Choose GROW then Small Groups. http://uccmd.org/small-groups.php
We 
You!
~From the church at the Intersection
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Do you have questions or need help email the church office.
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