Let It Snow, Let It Snow!
We hope everyone is warm and safe and handling the heavy snow and cold temps with aplomb. If you’re not, please reach out to Kyle or the Deacons and we will do what we can to help, whether it’s coordinating shoveling, grocery drop off, or getting your heat working.
And it’s a perfect weekend for Ice Camp, which our student ministry will be attending at Miracle Camp and Retreat Center. Pray against frostbite and for warm hearts to hear the Gospel.
Also, in the case of any program or service cancellation, remember we will communicate in a multitude of ways including email, home page of the website, Church Center, phone call and WWMT.
Scandal of the Kingdom Book Club
Remember to sign up for the Scandal of the Kingdom Book Club with Dave Nieboer from Haven Reformed. He will be leading the club here at First Reformed Monday nights, 6:00 – 7:30pm starting Feb. 2. The book is written by Dallas Willard and helps us practically implement the faith and teachings of Jesus in our daily lives. Sign up on Church Center (under More/Groups…) or at the Welcome Center in the lobby. Books are available there as well.
God in a Box
Kyle will be out of town this weekend. Originally, he was going to do his annual winter camping trip with friends up North, but the “Feels like -31” made them think postponing was a good idea. Instead, he’s going to drive Charlotte and Nikki through the snow storm to Charlotte’s volleyball tournament in Indianapolis. Then, starting the next Sunday, we will begin our series “God in a Box: Thinking Through AI with the Mind of Christ”. Artificial Intelligence has been brewing for decades but just recently has broken into our daily lives at a rate that is incomparable to any other technology humans have seen. This is being compared to a revolution that surpasses writing, the printing press, the assembly line or nuclear power. Many of you are already using it or seeing it’s products. And while the promises are great, so are the dangers. This technology will confront every person with ethical and spiritual decisions, and is forcing us to ask what is reality, who is God, and what does it mean to be human. The heart behind the series is to awaken us to the ways this new world created by the AI revolution will threaten our souls, while also seeing the opportunities to purse authentic human flourishing. The series will start with “Summoning the Demon”, an introduction to the technology and laying the theologic foundation for how to evaluate it.
This may also prove to be a controversial topic for some. This is a current issue, unfolding as we speak, with a broad spectrum of confusing facts and opinions (think of what happened with COVID). We hope it sparks deep introspection and prayer for God’s active direction in all our lives, and where there are differences of opinion, may we fight our Enemy by staying unified in our shared trust in Christ.
First, Pray…in February
How’s your prayer challenge going? Keep praying. It’s so important for you, but also your family and our church. Prayer is one of the primary ways God changes you, and we need that version of you that is in step with the Spirit.
Also, you’ll receive your February packet this Sunday at church (passed out with the bulletins or available at the welcome center). A PDF download as well as text copy will be on the website and Church center starting Feb. 1.