New Series – “Embracing the Future!”

This Sunday, October 5, we will begin a new sermon series titled “Embracing the Future!” Here are some important questions for all of us to ponder:

• What hopes and dreams do we have for our own future?

• How might the future be different from the past?

• What changes do we need to make in our lives?

• What are the important lessons we have learned so far in our lives?

• How have our families grown and changed over the years?

• What would we like to see our church family accomplish together in the coming years?

• What are the important things we can do as a community?

• What does it mean to live into the future with faith and hope?

We will be looking at the timeless words of the Hebrew prophets who spoke boldly in their own day. Jeremiah told the Israelites who were in exile, “For surely I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord, “plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” We will also look to some core teachings of Jesus as our guide. Many people can approach the future with fear and anxiety because it is unknown, uncertain, and perhaps overwhelming. Approaching the future in faith is a much better way to live. We should always live with hope, knowing that the decisions that we make today will heavily impact where we are going. We keep trusting in God along the way to find a sense of peace.

Here at Woodmont, here are some of the major things we are trying to accomplish with our vision and master plan:

• Develop the Campbell West portion of our property (2.3 acres that we already own)

• Heavily invest in our youth, children’s, family, and YP ministries for the future; these ministries have significant momentum right now

• Build a multi-use gymnasium that could also be used for worship, speakers, and large events; this will relieve pressure on Drowota Hall

• Build a new home base for our growing youth ministry that will set it up for the future

• Free up additional space for our children’s ministries (the current youth space)

• Add over 100 additional parking spaces for Sundays

• Build a Connection Cafe that will serve as a hub for gathering and fellowship

• Build a large, covered porch for fellowship and group gatherings

• Create a common green space between the buildings for outdoor events and activities

• Provide adequate space for Woodmont to grow and flourish in the future

I am recommending a new book to go along with this series titled “Future Church” by Will Mancini and Cory Hartman. I encourage you to check it out. We will have copies of it in our bookstore. Here’s to an exciting future at Woodmont and in our own lives!