Join us at Safeharbor this Wednesday, June 17th, 6:30-8:30pm for an evening of prayer for racial healing around the world, with our partners in ministry from Rejoice Christian Church & Rivers of Living Waters Ministries.
Dinner will be provided by Chick-Fil-A, and served in pre-boxed packages, to ensure food safety and limit points of contact.

 

 

We envision a church that is marked by the unity that Jesus prayed for in John 17. This doesn’t mean overlooking differences. The Apostle Paul encouraged us to recognize the power of a diversity of gifts and personalities (Romans 12 & 1Corinthians 12); he even went so far as to say that we should give voice to those who are likely to go unnoticed (1Cornithians 12:22-25) and that it is the presence of the Spirit of God that unites us in our diversity, regardless of race, gender, or position (1Corinthians 12:13).

 

The practice of lament and confession is rooted in Scripture; in fact there is a whole book named “Lamentations.” So while we believe that Jesus has overcome our sin, we recognize that our experience of healing comes through confession and repentance (1John 1:9; James 4:7-12).  For this reason we acknowledge the reality of our own sin, and how we have all contributed to the dismissal of the image of God in those he created. We acknowledge the pain and suffering that our Brothers and Sisters of color have experienced, especially following the atrocities that came on the heals of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. And while many Christians of the past fought to right these wrongs, the problem has persisted even in our churches. So, while none of us are defined by our sin, we desire to confess and repent, as we ask God to lead us toward an even better future. Lament is the seedbed of hope for those whoREG trust in God!

 

We want to be a reflection of the assembly of the saints gathered around the throne of Christ (Revelation 7:9)–people from every tribe, nation, people, and tongue. So we believe it worthwhile to pray for racial healing in our world; but more importantly, we see it as valuable to gather in unity, to listen to one another, and to pray toward unity in the church. The church out to be a light of hope to the world around us, as a witness to the truth that Jesus draws all to himself, when he is lifted up (John 12:32).

We invite you to join us for an evening of prayer, and an expression of unity in the name of Jesus. We have asked a few key leaders to pray. If time permits we will allow for open sharing. We only ask that all comments be communicated in a way that is characterized as “full of grace,” (Colossians 4:6) with respect toward all people, and a love for one another (1Peter 2:17).

 

 

Dinner – 6:30-7:00pm
Worship – 7:00pm
Prayer – 7:10-7:45pm
Open Sharing – 7:45-8:15pm
Closing Prayer – 8:15pm