Hey New Hope Ashland,
This is Jared, your friendly TSA-approved "Transitional Navigator" with a short introduction and a word about the series we'll be starting next week at NHA called "Vintage Church." You already know a little about me from yesterday's bulletin and the announcement/intro that Kevin gave, so I'll skip the "where I'm from" and get right to the "what I'm excited about for the future." I'm coming to NHA with a great excitement for sharing God's word with you on Sunday mornings and the opportunity to encourage and coach the various leaders you've got at NHA. I've had the privilege of meeting with many of them and I have a great respect for the work of Kevin and the leadership team to already encourage and equip them during this transition. My only goal is to come alongside and join in the work that is already taking place. I haven't had a chance to meet everyone involved though, so please seek me out on a Sunday morning and say "hi" or drop me a line at jared@newhopeashland.com. I'm also a big fan of lunch and coffee, so don't hesitate to ask to meet up somewhere else. Being a temporary resident of Ashland during my seminary days, I'm a big fan of Aroma's, Belly Busters, and Jake's "Half-price burger Tuesdays." :)
Looking forward to the sermon series starting this Sunday, "Vintage Church" comes from the book of the same name written by Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears. It speaks to what the church is, what it does, and what it's supposed to be in our world. Many of you have probably heard that "church" isn't supposed to be something or someplace you go to, but rather "the church" is something you are a part of, it's you. Christ established the church to continue his ministry and the major agent in bringing people to Christ isn't a building, it's people like you and me! This fits perfectly with where NHA is right now. Some may be tempted to think that since Kevin is leaving the church will suffer, or since I (Jared) am only here temporarily the church will suffer, but the health of the church depends only on those who make up the church and that's you! Are you going anywhere? 'Cause if you are, then yes, the church will be affected, but you as a Body of Christ at NHA are so much bigger then Kevin, or Jared, or anyone else who shares from the stage on Sunday morning. Come out this Sunday and be a part of the "Vintage Church" series.
Grace,
Jared
