I remember singing a song when I was a kid that had the lyrics, “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.” Those words hit me as right: if I expect peace on earth, well then I better bring peace.
Apparently this sentiment seems right to a lot of people. A great variety of artists have performed this song—Gospel music singers, Country-western performers, pop musicians, school choirs—they all get it that peace starts with ‘me.’
A newspaper reporter once asked theologian G.K. Chesterton what’s wrong with the world today. He replied in writing:
“Dear Sir,
I am.
Yours,
G. K. Chesterton”
The world is not messed up because of some nameless problem out there, it really has problems because everyone adds to them regularly. As we are thinking about transforming the corridor, it might be tempting to point fingers at people “out there” and overlook our own need for transformation. Transformation begins when disciples of Jesus grow closer to Jesus and continues when disciples of Jesus reach out to others with the love of Jesus.
As mentioned last month, this vision of transformation is actually back to the basics. We are called to make disciples who make disciples in the everyday stuff of life. We “go make disciples” (Matthew 28:18-20) and when that happens, transformation happens.
Disciples love God deeply, love self properly, and love their neighbors boldly. I pray that if you have not yet caught the excitement of the possibility of transforming the corridor that you will simply draw near to Jesus. As you love Jesus more, you will love each other more and it is that love that makes all the difference.
Starting in September, we will explore the vocabulary of transformation. This exploration will help us understand a biblical vision of transformation and, I pray, fuel our mission for years to come. We can all grow by engaging in large group celebrations of corporate worship and gathering with a small group that is on mission. Large group celebrations shape us through
gospel-centered worship and small groups create safe places for relational connection and missional living. Life transformation emerges out of both!
The Lord be with you,
Pastor Kent
Eugene “Gene” Dlouhy, 85, died Monday, Aug. 27, 2018. Gene and his wife Judy previously attended Cedar Hills. Please pray for Judy (Gene’s wife), Monica (their daughter) and Mike Wilk (Son-in-law) and Melody Henderson (daughter), who attend Cedar Hills, in their time of grieving.
Starts Sept 6, 6-8pm, Women’s Revival is an opportunity for adult women to come together twice a month (1st and 3rd Thursdays) from 6-8p, for fellowship and fun, and to be able to grow in your walk with Lord. Each night will feature a blend of devotion, discussion and a nightly activity. There will also be programming for participants children (3yrs-5th grade) available. Women’s Revival returns from the summer break on September 6th. Join any time! 
We’re so excited to announce our new programming, called Family Adventure. Its goal is to equip families to be modelers of a gospel-centered life. The event will be held on the 4th Sunday of every month, 5:30pm-7pm with dinner 5:30pm-6pm. The night will be filled with Jesus, fun and fellowship!
Volunteers of all ages are invited Thurs, Aug 9, 1-4 PM and Sat, Aug 25, 1-4 PM, to make Days for Girls hygiene kits. No sewing skills required. Be part of the solution for hundreds of South African girls! For more info contact: