Summer Series 2008 – “Outrageous Love”

I am so excited about our theme for this Summer – “Outrageous Love”.  As I begin my assignment as Lead Pastor of our First Friends “family” I believe it’s so important for us to focus on the pinnacle of Jesus’ message. As he spoke with his followers in the closing hours of his life (John 13-17) he summed up his life’s work. The greatest manifestation of the presence of God in our lives is his Outrageous Love flowing to, and through us.

We cannot separate Christ expressing love to us, from his expression through us. They are two sides of the same coin. Therefore experiencing God’s love results in us expressing it. Just as faith without action is dead, so love without expression is only good intentions. We are going to create wonderful opportunities this summer to express God’s Outrageous Love to one another, and celebrate the transformation that occurs in all of us.

As I think back to times in my life when I was going through major transitions that included uncertainty, it was always helpful to concentrate on what I knew for sure. We as the First Friends “family” are going through a major shift in leadership. God is preparing us for the next decade of ministry, and beyond. Paul said in Galations 5:6 “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” Let’s begin this new season of leadership by keeping the main thing, the main thing!

Serving together,

Stan Hinshaw

Lead Pastor