I have had the opportunity to visit other congregations the last few weeks.  There seems to be a trend of concern about numerical growth and particular why younger people are not attending.  Is this a concern in your congregation?

What are you doing to evangelize and bring people in?

SUMMER OF DOOM?

Today is the first Sunday of the summer season of 2008.  I suspect this is going to be an important and influential season for our nation and for the church.  The economic and moral standards of the United States are changing rapidly and drastically.  There is an ever widening gap between those who have and those who do not have; and this is always a sign of impending transformation.

It is very possible that we will go through an even more escalating period of difficult economic and social unrest than this generation has ever experienced.  A period like this is certainly not new to history, but because we have been so blessed with peace and prosperity it will be very alien and disruptive to our times. 

As Christians we must be prepared and sensitive to these changes. There will be needs and opportunities that only the most senior of us can remember.  However, if an economic downturn will bring people back to the Lord, then so may it be!

Galatians 6 tells us to bear one another’s burdens.  The burdens of God’s family are already occurring at an accelerated pace.  They could magnify in the season ahead.  Paul would also write, “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”  (Galatians 6:10) Be aware of the struggles of those around you.

In the days of the prophet Amos, the Lord blessed His people with prosperity and peace.  He also sent famine and pestilence in their lives.  Whether good times or bad, the purpose was to stimulate the people to return to God.  In both situations in Amos’ day; good or bad, they did not come back to God.  Let us pray that as a nation, we will reverse the devastating path that we are traveling and return to our loving Heavenly Father. 

This passage from the Old Testament still rings true today: “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”  (2^nd Chronicles 7:14) 

MIDWAY CHURCH OF CHRIST

The Midway church of Christ has been serving the Sarasota/Bradenton area since October 1964.  The congregation has had a building at the corner of Pearl Avenue and US 41 since 1967 which is where they continue to meet.  Midway is so called because it is midway between the cities of Sarasota and Bradenton and has members from both areas.  Located about a mile north of the airport on Tamiami Trail, the building has a Sarasota address but is in Manatee County. 

As is the case with a lot of aging congregations, Midway has a good representation of mature members but also seeks to serve new and potential members who may be seeking a change in their life and are turning to God for answers.  The congregation offers a friendly welcome to all who visit and have regularly scheduled Bible studies on Sunday morning at 9:30 and on Wednesday evenings at 7:00.  There are other studies through the week including a ladies Bible study on Tuesday mornings at 10:00.  Visitors are welcomed at any of the Bible studies and services.  The congregation has regular scheduled public worship each Sunday at 10:30 and at 6:00 pm.  The Lord’s Supper is available each Sunday.  It is the goal of the congregation to help as many as possible to obtain a closer walk with God and to help assure one’s destiny for eternity. 

The Midway church emphasizes the study of the Bible in everything that it does.  The Bible is considered to be the word of God and this is how God communicates with man today. All of the classes and services will use the Bible as the primary source of instruction and Midway offers free Bible studies on-line, by correspondence, and direct study to anyone wanting to learn more from God’s word.   

Midway is served by elders, deacons, and a full-time minister.  Gene Britton is the current minister, and has been with Midway since 2004.  Britton is from Muscle Shoals, Alabama and came to Midway from a work in Connecticut.  Britton is a graduate of Abilene Christian University, Heritage Christian University and Southern Christian University. For more information concerning Midway please call 941 355 6785 or email midwaychurch11@verizon.net.  The church would love to serve you in your desire to come back home to God. 

We are living in a time when God’s light is so needed. We need strong Christians and strong churches to be the example to the world that is growing further and further away from the Lord’s way.  The Midway church of Christ is one of those sources of light in the Bradenton/Sarasota communities and you are invited to come be a part of this exciting movement. 

If our society suddenly woke up and begin to live God’s way – just imagine the positive direction we could see around us.  It is high time that the people of God in this area, and in this country, and in the whole world moved toward God.  It is time for good people everywhere to proclaim enough is enough, and let us get back to the light of truth found in God’s word.  Let us truly be a people of God and let us seek to understand and obey His word.  As the church of Christ, we do not profess to be a congregation of perfect people.  We are a community of believers who love God, respect the Bible, and make an earnest effort to live righteous lives.