Prayer Circles

Last Sunday we began a new series: The Circle Maker. It is about dreaming big, praying hard, and thinking long. Last week’s message was about dreaming big dreams and praying bold prayers—things in our life that can only happen with God’s help. I encourage us to clearly define big dreams in our lives: personally, family, and in ministry to the world.

I want to share a few things I am praying hard for regarding our congregation:

Sunday Evening Worship 

Last week our leadership team and staff unanimously voted to start a Sunday evening worship experience beginning on September 8th. We will worship at Palisades Elementary School on 168th Street between Cornhusker and Giles. This will be one of our biggest endeavors as a congregation so far. Our aim is to reach new people and lead them into a growing relationship with Christ. The message will be the same as Sunday morning, but the worship experience will most likely be different. I ask you to join me in praying for this new service. If you are interested in serving on the leadership team for this service an informational meeting will be this Thursday evening, April 18th. Email jennie@watersedgeomaha.com if you are interested in attending. 

Leadership Development Academy 

Our Easter attendance was 1,300 people—up 45% from last year. That is great news! During that same time our leadership hasn’t grown 45% so our current leaders are carrying a heavier load. The Leadership Development Academy will train and equip new leaders at The Water’s Edge so that our growth is sustainable, to prevent the burnout of existing leaders, and grow committed followers of Jesus. The Leadership Academy will start in August and I’m already so excited! It will be an 8 month program that meets once or twice a month. Participants will learn about prayer, discipleship, financial and personal stewardship, how to lead small groups and serving teams, how to share our faith in authentic and non-threatening ways, and how to serve outside the church in the larger community. If this is something you are feeling led to participate in, pray about joining us in the fall. If you are ready to register—we will probably limit this to 25 people—you may do so by emailing jennie@watersedgeomaha.com.  

Women’s and Men’s Ministry 

Teams are being created for both men’s and women’s ministry. We have a number of men’s and women’s small groups, but the time has come for encompassing men’s and women’s ministries to enable men and women grow in their faith development, to help men and women deal with issues specific to their gender, and to allow men and women to develop healthy relationships with others. If you are interested in leading or serving in one of these ministries, email ron@watersedgeomaha.com (men) or jill@watersedgeomaha.com (women). 

The best is yet to come… 

Craig