The Pulse | September 17, 2021 |
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Upcoming Events:
09/18
09/25
Membership Class
10/01
10/03
Fall Congregational Meeting
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Please join your church in praying for the following requests for the life and mission of the church:
+ Please pray for the Lord to guide us in our continued searches for new Children's Ministry and Worship Arts Directors, that he would appoint the people he knows are best suited for his work in our church.
+ Give thanks for our church's Leadership Council, and pray for them as they do the work of supporting Nick as Senior Pastor and our church as a whole in our efforts to see God's kingdom come, and his will be done in Raleigh and beyond.
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Psalm 145 is the final Psalm attributed to David, the iconic King of Israel and man described by God as being “after God’s own heart” (1 Sam. 13:14; Acts 13:22). If you’re familiar with the Psalm, it’s probably because you’ve heard (or sung) its ascription of God’s character in verse 8: “The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.” I for one cannot read, write or hear those words without being reminded of two of my favorite worship songs inspired by them!
There’s another theme from the Psalm, however, that I want to reflect upon today. In addition to describing what God is like, David also explains how each successive generation learns about the Lord. What he emphasizes is not how God encounters people personally (though that’s certainly true) but rather the “main and plain” ministry of older generations teaching younger generations how to rejoice and trust and obey God. So Psalm 145:4: “One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.” The Spirit of God comes down vertically as God’s wisdom and truth is imparted vertically across generations.
Excepting the Fellows, a leadership development program so significant in the life of our church it deserves its own reflection, “next generation ministry” at Apostles takes three primary forms. This past week I’ve had a front row seat in all three of them.
The Vine: Inspired by John 15, the Vine is a community for people in their 20s and 30s who want God to positively impact every area of their life. Last night Meg and I hosted a kickoff event for this new ministry year at our new home. We had about 30 folks come over to get to know each other and dream about how we can make Apostles an even more welcoming place for young adults.
Student Ministry: When’s the last time you were covered in shaving cream? Do you want your car to smell like this? If your answer to those questions were “too long” or “yes please” then show up to next year’s Student Ministry’s fall kickoff. I was there Sunday night and had a blast. More seriously, I was so impressed with Hayes and Gebbie as they walked the parents through their vision, the values which guide their work and their plan to help students connect with God and be transformed by him.
Children’s Ministry: As I walked the halls of the church between services on Sunday morning, this ministry area screams (sometimes literally) with potential for growth. We have been led creatively and prayerfully by our outgoing director, Stacey Wiley, and are still waiting for the person God has called to lead us in this next season. However, there are some great things happening in this transitional time. The kiddos will be learning about the life of Joseph this fall to mirror our latest sermon series and we’re exploring a new curriculum that unites the influences of church and home. Parents, we’re planning a Children’s Ministry Vision Forum on Sunday 10/24 at 10am. Please plan to attend to hear more details! We also are trying to fill out our “sub” roster. These volunteers are committed to serve monthly, but are available on an as needed basis? Do you want to help out in this way? If so, please fill out this short form.
One final note on the Psalm. David stresses not merely that we teach the next generation, but that we teach them joyfully. The medium is the message, as they say. So let’s all, whatever our age, make it our aim to cultivate such delight in the Lord so that we can praise his works to each other out of the overflow of the joy we already possess in him. There is no higher calling.
Commending alongside you-
Nick
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September 19
Sermon Series: Lost in the Dream
Genesis 39:1-23 | Mark 9:30-37
Is God Enough? ~ Terri Shell
8:30am {live stream} + 11:00am
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Dear Apostles Community,
I was recently offered and have accepted the part-time role of Chief Financial Officer with our former Diocese Christ Our Hope. After discussions with our Senior Pastor Nick Comiskey, I will continue working at Church of the Apostles 30 hours a week alongside my new role with the diocese. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Nick and I appreciate the opportunity to continue serving under his leadership of the staff and the congregation. Both Nick and Bishop Steve Breedlove have readily expressed full support of my investment in our church while simultaneously working with our former diocese, and I am so encouraged by the mutual attitude of partnership which reflects the Spirit of our Lord.
My role as the CFO will allow me to support the diocesan staff as well as offer organizational assistance to the 40 churches in the diocese. There is much formational work to be done in processes and policies as the diocese aims to grow to 60 churches in the next 5 years. Over the past few years, I have had the opportunity to work informally with many growing churches on financial and operational challenges they face. I am eager to increasingly invest in these relationships in the coming years as part of my job at the diocese.
I am thankful that God has provided an avenue for me to continue to serve the church family I deeply care for as well as use the experience I’ve gained here to support the larger Anglican community. It will be my joy to continue in fellowship and service with you all.
Lee Hilts,
Executive Director
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What's Happening at Apostles |
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Membership Class | September 25 | 9am-12pm
Considering membership at Church of the Apostles? Want to learn more about who we are?
Join us for the next Membership Class on September 25 to learn about the mission
and ministry of Apostles.
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Thank You! Because of your faithful giving to our General Operating Fund. From July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021:
--We distributed almost $8,000 in benevolence assistance and have adequate funds to address anticipated needs for the upcoming fiscal year.
--We distributed almost $153,000 to Diocese of Christ Our Hope as part of our promised continued support of our former diocese, its church planting efforts and grants to churches we helped plant.
--In addition, we maintained our pre-COVID staffing levels, replaced the roof on our main building and purchased a cooling tower for our HVAC system.
We are grateful that throughout this pandemic season, your faithful stewardship has allowed our church to continue to minister to our congregants, our community and our global Anglican family.
A copy of our Financial Statements June 30, 2021 along with the Independent Accountant’s Review Report can be found under Files for the Apostles Members Group in Apostles Link.
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Church Office Hours: 9am-5pm | Mon-Thurs
919-782-0550 (Office)
919-283-2682 (Pastoral Care Emergencies)
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