We push “Pause” to worship. This past Sunday we were instructed by the word of God to actively worship Christ in any given moment. Bradley took us through the word of God to watch and worship. Worship is a daily practice that can be ushered in at any given moment where we turn our hearts toward the Lord and express thanks to God for life and purpose.

 Speaking of worship, did you know we have a group of teens who lead worship for brothers and sisters at South Hampton Nursing Home the third Sunday of each month? I think it’s cool that we have this ministry that is an ongoing expression of worship in our community.

 Additionally, our senior ministry has a choir that performed a patriotic program at different assisted care centers around town over the past two weeks. We, as a church, exist to intentionally connect people to Jesus. We do this both on our campus and off of our campus in purposeful ways. Thanks to Tarry and Poppy Koutz for putting this into place. Join in prayer for the seeds of the gospel that were sown.

This Sunday we’re going to look at pausing to confess. Coming clean before the Lord is a beautiful thing. To know you’re completely and totally forgiven for sins committed is a freeing and audacious thing. We’ll look at Psalm 32, lay out our sins before the Lord, and rejoice in His forgiveness and renewal. There are times when I think we take this action of God for granted. I think we don’t contemplate our sins and need for confession enough. This Sunday will be a time of introspection, forgiveness, and transformation.

It would be a good Sunday to invite a friend to attend church because of the transformative power of healing and forgiveness being poured out. As ever, I cannot wait for us to worship God together.

-Scott

This past week, we were encouraged to “Pause” for prayer.  Prayer is a God-initiated event. We should come in to listen to God. We should actively seek His Holy Spirit and walk in His confidence. Blake did an exceptional job encouraging us to listen for God’s prompting. First and foremost, God communicates to us through His written word. Psalm 62:1 says to us, “I wait quietly before God.” God speaks to us in His word, through people, through dreams, through promptings, through pain, and through creation. Blake asked in reference to our need for God, “Are you striving for God as much as you strive for the air you breathe?” Are you listening to Him? Are you hearing His voice in your life? Are you seeking that divine presence in your life?  I sure hope so. 

As a ministry, let’s be in prayer for the over 70 high school students from Forum attending Christ In Youth this week. Pray they encounter God and listen to Him. Pray they bond with one another. Pray for their leaders who are pouring into them. Pray for the unity of the group. Pray for safety as they travel. 

As I was typing this, our Senior Choir was in the lobby between gigs. They had just performed at one of the local assisted care facilities and were heading to another one. I think it’s awesome they are striving to intentionally connect people to Jesus through the gift of music. 

This Sunday we are going to “Pause” for worship. We are in the book of Psalms studying the heartbeat of God. The Psalms are a compilation of hymns, prayer, and expressions of worship to God, and we are looking at some of the major components of the Psalms. The Psalms were used as the book of hymns by the Hebrews as they corporately worshiped together.

I can’t wait to worship with you this Sunday. Nothing gives me greater joy on this earth than to be in worship with the church body at Forum. Nothing is as satisfying as the moments that we are gathered together as His church lifting up Christ, pouring our hearts out in worship. Nothing is finer than encountering His body and blood in communion. Nothing brings more meaning to my soul than His preached word. As I say, “I can’t wait to worship with you this Sunday!” 

-Scott

What a great weekend we had as a ministry! First, we had Crossroads Mission here to help us build a house for Habitat for Humanity. Over 160 people turned out to help build the walls of the three bedroom home in a little over three hours. The project was so very well done and the recipients of the house will be doubly blessed because their home has been prayed over. It was tremendous to see the outpouring of faith and service on Saturday morning. Thanks to all those workers who prepared the meals and orchestrated the site for the rest of us to come and participate. 

It was also wonderful having Stephen and Alisa Walton sharing about their work in Ireland. It’s encouraging to hear of their work and progress of spreading Christ and His mission in Ireland. 

Additionally, we started the "Pause" series out in strong fashion as Bradley taught from God’s word and gave us some vital tips for pausing for the word of God in our own lives. Are you pausing through the day to prioritize God? Are you taking the time to focus on His word? Are you aligning with Him daily? Remember the words of Psalm 1:3 regarding those who meditate on God’s word: “They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.”

This week we focus in on Pausing to pray. What defines a vibrant prayer life? What aspects of prayer are often overlooked? Where can you recalibrate connected to your prayer life and implement change? Psalm 62 is a good passage to read as a backdrop for this. 

As ever, we’re here to worship Christ and this would be a great series for inviting a friend, coworker, or family member to come and try out church. This series is filled with so many practical applications that it will help anyone with day-to-day and moment-by-moment situations. 

I look forward to worshiping with you this Sunday! 

Scott