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Worshiping Sundays In-Person and as an
Online Faith Community
Be sure to 'Like' us on Facebook
to view our online sermons
10:15 a.m.: In-Person Worship Service and
Online Facebook Worship
Church Office: 980-999-3500
Weekly Newsletter: October 29, 2020
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Weekly Newsletter:
October 14, 2021
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Imagine Church continues to strongly recommend the wearing of masks for indoor worship as long as the city of Charlotte's mask mandate is in place requiring face coverings to be worn in any indoor public space regardless of vaccination status. This is also the position of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary where Imagine Church meets, and, therefore, masks will be available in the rotunda at GCTS when we worship indoors. However, knowing it's safer when we can meet outdoors, Imagine Church is in the midst of three outdoor drive-in worship experiences which continue this Sunday, October 17, and next Sunday, October 24, on the new church site at 5471 Highway 55, East, in Lake Wylie. We hope you will join us for outdoor worship this Sunday. |
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Friday, October 15: THIS FRIDAY!
6:30 p.m. Imagine Nation Youth Trip to Scarowinds
Saturday, October 16: THIS SATURDAY!
6:45 p.m. Imagination Destinations Life Group Outing to Carolina History & Haunts Ghost Tour of Charlotte, Hearst Tower Outdoor Plaza, 214 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte
Sunday, October 17: THIS SUNDAY!
10:15 a.m. Sunday Worship at Imagine Church (Outdoor Drive-In or Sit-Outside on New Church Site, 5471 Highway 55, East, in Lake Wylie, or Online on Imagine Church Facebook Page)
(In case of rain, worship will be moved indoors at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary)
Message: "Rescue Mission Part 3" by Pastor Bruce
Separate sessions for ALL ages of Imagine Kids and Imagine Nation Youth
Proclaim - Lee Potter; Safety & Security - Nick Jones
2:00 p.m. Guys & Cars Life Group Outing to Classic Car Show, River Hills Marina Parking Lot
Tuesday, October 19:
7:00 p.m. Main Class Group, Community Bible Study (in person at Community Church at Lake Wylie, and dedicated online groups)
Wednesday, October 20:
10:00 a.m. Wednesday Morning Women's Group, Community Bible Study, CCLW
Study of Revelation
7:00 p.m. Ladies Life Group, Home of Debra Tadlock, 117 Shimmerlake Lane, Belmont
Study of Daniel and Revelation
Sunday, October 24:
10:15 a.m. Sunday Worship at Imagine Church (Outdoor Drive-In or Sit-Outside on New Church Site, 5471 Highway 55 East, in Lake Wylie, or Online on Imagine Church Facebook Page)
(In case of rain, worship will be moved indoors at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary)
Message: "My Church Is Kind of a Big Deal, Part 1" by Pastor Bruce
Separate sessions for ALL ages of Imagine Kids and Imagine Nation Youth
Proclaim - Paula Davis; Safety & Security - Jeff Delp
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Imagine Church Devotional |
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"A Search and Rescue Mission" |
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A few years ago, I attended the Orange Conference in Atlanta. During one of the sessions, they brought a couple of teenagers up on stage, and Reggie Joiner, the moderator, asked them to explain a number of ordinary sayings -- things like "opening up a can of worms," "now the shoe is on the other foot," and "that's a horse of a different color." The teenagers had no clue what they meant.
Then they brought a few older adults up on stage. They asked them to explain some of the abbreviations that teenagers use when texting. Things like LOL (laugh out loud), OMG (oh my God), JK (just kidding), BRB (be right back), and WRUD (what are you doing). The older adults could only decipher one or two!
The point was that different generations have different ways of communicating. Most students who entered college this year were born in 2003 or 2004. As far as they are concerned, control/alt/delete is as basic as A-B-C. "Automatic" is a weapon, not a transmission. They never knew there was a car manufacturer named Datsun. They've always had a personal PIN number all their lives.
It's not their fault that college students don't know these things; they're simply reflecting their culture and the world in which they live. Culture often has a short memory about even the deepest of things: history, politics, economics, but most of all, spiritual things. Simply put, this is why the world still needs the church.
We still live in a searching world, filled with faces that have names and families. People who have souls and spirits, and who face an eternity. All around us are people who are longing for spiritual truth, longing for spiritual fulfillment. Though we always seek new and different ways to communicate it, we can never lose sight of what matters most which is people with eternity before them, facing the reality that they are going to spend eternity somewhere.
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We truly are on a search and rescue mission at Imagine Church. For people who are dying spiritually, there is a cure, and it's Jesus Christ. It's why we can never turn inward. We can never keep what we know of Christ solely to ourselves, but instead we must make it known to the entire world. The cause of Christ is about a person who is open to spiritual things, who is interested in spiritual things, who is wanting to find the answer, who is hoping to be rescued, but who needs somebody to help.
Jesus says, "Would you be that help? Would you do that?" And his strategy was this: his strategy was the church.
In the name of the One who can do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,
Bruce Jones, Pastor and Co-Creator,
Imagine Church of the Carolinas
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It's hard to put exactly into words why outdoor worship on the church property is such a moving experience. Maybe it's because this will be our permanent home, and a church building will arise there. Perhaps it's because it's so convenient to where so many of our folks reside. Maybe it's because it's such a beautiful, spacious tract of land, and it's invigorating to be outdoors on a gorgeous fall morning. Whatever the reason, we love it -- and we have two more opportunities to worship outdoors this Sunday, October 17, and the following week on October 24. Join us on the new church site, 5471 Highway 55, East, in Lake Wylie for worship this Sunday at 10:15 a.m. If you wish to sit outside your vehicle, just bring camping chairs or folding chairs. Bruce will conclude the three-week series, "Rescue Mission," there will be inspiring music, and there will also be separate sessions for Imagine Kids and Imagine Nation Youth. We look forward to seeing you outdoors this Sunday! (If rain were to move in, we will go back indoors in the chapel at GCTS, but we're praying for another day like last Sunday!)
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Our church building project is currently in the hands of York County officials as we go through the permitting process which we are told generally takes around ten weeks. While this is taking place, we are endeavoring to find ways to reduce or eliminate some costs, either in the building itself or in site development, as total costs are higher than we had hoped or anticipated. Part of this is because construction costs have soared during the months of the pandemic for a variety of reasons. When all is ready, we will take the time one Sunday to detail the project for the entire church family and share the cost and financing information. Only after the vote to proceed will we set the date for groundbreaking. Pray that God will continue to guide our project and give us wisdom and courage. |
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Commitment Emphasis Gets Underway on October 24 |
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We love Imagine Church, and we're not embarrassed to say that. In fact, we believe that many others will come to love our church, too. But what is it that we love exactly about Imagine Church? Why do we attend here week after week, and why do we volunteer and serve? There are so many unique qualities about Imagine Church, and our collective experience depicts abundant confirmation of God's providential direction. All of this has led us to this pivotal moment in history as we enter these last months of 2021, and it points to the reality that our church is kind of a big deal. That's the theme of our Fall 2021 commitment emphasis, October 24 through November 14, culminating with a brunch and worship together on November 14. More to come! |
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In early November, each household in Imagine Church will receive a packet of information regarding the "My Church Is Kind of a Big Deal" emphasis, and one of the things we're compiling this year is a new sheet called, "What They're Saying." This is your chance to share a brief, upbeat, inspiring word about what Imagine Church means to you! We just need a sentence or two from each of you. Please do this today or this evening! Send it to [email protected]. We will be excited to include your statement in this year's packet!
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Help Make Our TRUNK-or-TREAT a Success on October 24 |
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Thank you to those individuals and families who have signed-up to decorate their trunk and distribute teats and this year's Trunk-or-Treat! There will be prizes awarded, so don't be afraid to get creative!
But we STILL NEED A FEW MORE DECORATED TRUNKS to make this year’s TRUNK-or-TREAT a huge success for our church family and community!
Please sign-up to DECORATE YOUR TRUNK and DISTRIBUTE TREATS on Sunday, October 24, at 4:30 p.m. Arrive at our Lake Wylie church property a little before that to set-up. Here's the link to sign-up:
Questions? Reach out to Gregory Roberts at 704-502-3107 or by email at [email protected].
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Give Hope Global Gala: You're Invited to Make a Difference |
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TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE for the 8th Annual Give Hope Gala and Auction! Join Give Hope on November 6th at the Westin Charlotte for an elegant evening including seated dinner, entertainment, and stories of impact. This is a great opportunity to hear more about Give Hope, get a true understanding of what they do, and meet some of the children from Haiti.
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Change of Addresses for College Students |
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Attention PARENTS OF COLLEGE STUDENTS:
Matthew Hubbard is wanting to update the mailing addresses for all of Imagine Church's college students. Please see Matthew on Sunday to provide him with an updated mailing address for your college student, or you can email the info to him at [email protected].
Thank you!
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Just like this past Sunday, we invite Imagine Kids of ALL ages (nursery through 5th grade) to join us outdoors at our Lake Wylie church property this Sunday, October 17, when Gregory's message will be: Jesus Said, "I Am the Light of the World! (Part 2)" In case you missed Gregory's message this past Sunday, check it out right here (at the 24:50 minute mark): Jesus Said, "I Am the Light of the World! (Part 1)
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TRUNK-or-TREAT
You are invited to join Imagine Church for TRUNK-or-TREAT on Saturday, October 24! This family-friendly event will take place on our spacious Lake Wylie property located at 5471 Hwy 55, East. Bring the kids in costume at 4:30 p.m., and let them participate in activities and safely collect treats from the decorated trunks of vehicles right there on the property. This event is open to the whole community, so bring a friend or two! Just use this link to let us know you're coming so we can estimate headcount:
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CENTRIKID CAMP
You are invited to sign up for "CentriKid Camp July 2022".
CentriKid Camp is a place for kids (rising 3rd graders to rising 7th graders) to get away to hear loud and clear that God loves them and has a plan for their lives.
CentriKid Camp will be at Ridgecrest Conference Center in Ridgecrest, NC from July 22-24, 2022.
The cost is $199 and a deposit of $75 is required.
Please use this link to register your child and pay the $75 deposit:
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Memory Verse:
Parents, here is the memory verse for you to practice with your child(ren):
"Jesus spoke to the people again. He said, 'I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in darkness.'" (John 8:12ab NIrV)
Parents, if the verse is too long for your preschoolers to memorize, try this shorter version:
"Jesus spoke to the people again. He said, 'I am the light of the world.'"
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Just like this past Sunday, all middle school and high school aged Imagine Nation Youth are invited to leave our outdoor service after praise and worship to break away with Tim this Sunday, October 17, for the third installment of his new series called Totally Mental. He will continue discussions about mental health -- we want our teens to know they are not alone, and so we will look at what the Bible says about how we are wonderfully made by God.
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Looking Ahead:
Scarowinds -- Friday, October 15th! Meet at Carowinds between 6:30-7:00 p.m. and pick-up by 11:00 p.m. If you don't have a Carowinds pass, simply buy your tickets online at Carowinds.com or at the gate. Sign-up today so we know how many to expect:
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Winter Xtreme 2021
If you are attending Winter Xtreme in Gatlinburg this December 28-30, please use this link (click on 'Profile' and then 'My Registrations') to ensure your $75 deposit is paid: Winter Xtreme 2021
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Weekly Devotion:
Do you look to others for approval? I know I certainly have been guilty of that. I’ve wanted the approval of other people so bad, I’ve given in to peer pressure, made bad decisions, and many other things hoping to have other people like me.
What I discovered was this: when I lived to please other people, I wasn’t really making better friends. I couldn’t keep everyone happy at the same time, and when I tried, I was exhausted and stressed out. I realized that God describes a better way in today’s Bible verse.
For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts. – 1 Thessalonians 2:4 (NLT)
If we make pleasing God, rather than people, our purpose, we will be less stressed out. God is who we should be living to please. When we make living for God and knowing Him our goal, it will bring much more happiness than we could ever find living our lives to please others.
So today, choose to get to know God. Make pleasing Him your goal in everything you do. As you choose this, you’ll be less stressed out and more fulfilled than living to please others.
Today’s Truth: Live to Please God, not people.
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Did you like what you read above? Follow these steps to get set-up to receive Tim's weekly devotional messages and other important information for Imagine Youth via Remind:
Get push notifications on your smartphone by going to the following link(s): rmd.at/imagineyg
Sign-up to receive text notifications by texting @imagineyg to the number 81010.
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We look forward to seeing you Sunday morning, Imagine Youth -- and bring a friend, too!
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Be the Hands and Feet of Jesus |
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There are so many opportunities that exist for our church to be the hands and feet of Jesus by helping others through various means of service right here in our community and around the world. If you have a heart for missions, you are invited to join the Missions Team or simply support its initiatives. For more information about the Missions Team, please email Kari DiDonato at her Imagine Church email: [email protected]
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OCTOBER'S MISSION FOCUS:
~ Clover School District's Holiday Assistance Program ~
~ Thanksgiving Turkey Dinners Delivery ~
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"What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don't show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, "Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well" -- but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless."
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We are so very excited to partner once again with the Clover School District for the 7th consecutive year to purchase and deliver turkey dinners as part of the CSD's Holiday Assistance Program, a need-based program where families in the school district can sign-up to receive meal and gift assistance for kids during the 2021 Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. Many within our church family say this is one of the most meaningful ministries we support, and we think you will agree!
Last year we purchased and delivered 50 boxed meals within the Clover/Lake Wylie/York community, and we've asked to help serve even more families this year -- upwards of 60 or more! A boxed meal serves 8-10 people and typically consists of:
- 9-12 lb. frozen, pre-cooked turkey
- 2 lbs. cornbread dressing
- 2 lbs. green bean casserole
- 2 lbs. mashed potatoes
- 16 oz. gravy
- 18 oz. cranberry relish
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It's too soon to get finalized costs for these meals from the grocery stores, but based upon last year's costs, we estimate our cost for each boxed turkey meal may increase to be approximately $60. Therefore, in order to carry on this meaningful tradition, we need to reach out to you, our church family, and ask you to contribute financially toward this initiative. If you are led to contribute any amount of money, you can bring your cash or check donation to one of our upcoming worship services or mail it to our church address at:
Imagine Church
13000 S. Tryon Street, Suite F-114
Charlotte, NC 28278
We also encourage electronic donations using these convenient and safe options:
ONLINE: Use this link to access our Church Center online giving platform:
MOBILE: Make a donation from your smart phone using the mobile Church Center app. Search for Imagine Church in Lake Wylie to create your account:
ZELLE: Use Zelle to send donations to Imagine Church via the following email address: [email protected]
Please mark all donations for "Thanksgiving Meals" either on a check memo line or as an online comment field or drop-down selection.
Then, on Wednesday, November 24, 2021, we will deliver the boxed meals to recipients in the Clover/Lake Wylie/York community. Please stay tuned for more details pertaining to the delivery of these meals.
We wholeheartedly thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus by helping to make this outreach a reality again this Thanksgiving!
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Offering -- An Act of Worship |
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The act of giving can be viewed as a part of our worship to the Lord, and Imagine Church thanks you for being led to worship in this manner. If you are led to make a tithe, offering, or gift, we offer you these safe and convenient giving options:
MAIL: Cash or check donations can be mailed directly to our church office at:
Imagine Church
13000 S. Tryon Street, Suite F-114
Charlotte, NC 28278
WORSHIP: Cash or check donations can be placed in one of the collection baskets at our Sunday in-person worships at GCTS.
ONLINE: Use this link to access our Church Center online giving platform:
MOBILE: Make a donation from your smart phone using the mobile Church Center app. Search for Imagine Church in Lake Wylie to create your account:
Or, text the amount of your offering (ex: $123) to 84321.
RECURRING: Make a recurring donation using Church Center:
*** (NEW) ZELLE: Now you can setup Zelle to send donations to Imagine Church via the following email address: [email protected]
THANK YOU for making our ministry possible here in this community and around the world!
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The Ladies Life Group continues to meet on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. You can join them at Debra Tadlock's beautiful home (117 Shimmerlake Ln, Belmont, NC) as they delve into their Bible study series of Daniel and Revelation.
Please stay tuned for details about upcoming events and outings from the Ladies Life Group.
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Guys & Cars Life Group - Classic Car Show THIS SUNDAY! |
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Guys, if you have a classic car/truck or one that is unique and would show well, please contact Craig Miller at [email protected]. The Annual Classic Car Show is fun for all ages, honors our cool cars, and is a fun event for the community. We have over 30 cars currently registered and live music, too! So join us THIS SUNDAY, October 17, from 2:00-3:30 p.m. at the River Hills Marina Parking Lot.
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Imagination Destinations Life Group - Ghost Tour THIS SATURDAY (SOLD OUT)! |
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On Saturday, October 16, those who have already signed-up from the Imagination Destinations Life Group (previously the Adult Life Group) will partake in their next outing: a Carolina History & Haunts "Beyond the Grave" Ghost Tour in Charlotte from 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Rain or shine, this outing will be a 90-minute walking tour guided by the eerie glow of candlelight -- a little spooky fun that's entertaining and educational, too!
Please plan to meet 15 minutes before the start of the tour in the Hearst Tower Outdoor Plaza at 214 N. Tryon St. next to Malabar restaurant. Recommended parking decks are: The Dunhill Hotel and the Hearst Tower deck.
Reach out to Paula Davis at the contact information below if you have any questions.
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Weekly Inspiration and Encouragement |
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Inspirational Song:
By: Rend Collective
“He's our rescuer (hey)
He's our rescuer (hey)
We are free from sin forevermore
Oh how sweet the sound (hey)
Oh how grace abounds (hey)
We will praise the Lord our rescuer (hey)”
Submitted by: Jennifer Tankersley,
Minister of Worship and the Arts
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Bible Verse of Encouragement:
"Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."
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Our prayers are with the family of GCTS student Alan Church whose funeral is being held today, October 14, in the Gordon-Conwell chapel as Alan claimed his victory over non-hodgkin's lymphoma cancer and death. Alan was an M.Div. student who attended the ordination service for Heidi Chausse at Imagine Church in July, 2020, and came to know Bruce and others of our church family.
We continue to pray for Dick Penman (father of Kathy Imrick and Kelly Linck) and Henry Freitag (brother of Bonita Nugent) as they each receive cancer treatment; Logan Smith as he recovers from a painful break in his collarbone, and Jerry Brownlee (father of Lydia Smith) as he battles illness from home; and Mary Jo Shannon, Director of Admissions at Walnut Grove Christian School, who is receiving cancer treatment (Savannah Brown and Josh Jones are students at Walnut Grove).
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We send heartfelt and happy birthday greetings to these Imagine Church family members who have birthdays throughout the next two weeks: |
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Oct 15.....Kristin Clark
Oct 15.....Sydney Walker
Oct 16.....Jill Turner
Oct 17.....Cameron Hurst
Oct 19.....Cadence Jones
Oct 19.....Stephen Kowalczyk
Oct 19.....Lauren Magnie
Oct 22.....Summer Whalen
Oct 24.....Sawyer Clark
Oct 24.....Emma Transou
Oct 28.....Saddie Case
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If you are wanting your name added to our birthday list, simply send us a quick email at [email protected]. We want to celebrate with you!
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Everyone needs a place to become and a place to belong. At Imagine Church, we have people who are at different places on the path of Christian faith, from those who are just starting out or still exploring to those who have been walking this journey for many years. Wherever you are on your faith journey, there is a place for you at Imagine Church, and we expect you will quickly feel at home. That's Imagine Church!
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Why can't church be more like that?
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