Dear Group Leaders,
Welcome to our September newsletter! As we transition into a new season, we're focusing on Spiritual Renewal – that vital process of refreshing our hearts, rekindling our passion for God, and experiencing His transforming presence in fresh ways.
Important September Events
Sunday, September 7 marks a bittersweet milestone as we bid farewell to our beloved worship arts leader. Join us after service for a reception honoring Pastor Eric Stafford as he begins his next chapter of ministry in Baltimore. While distance may keep us separate, our hearts and spirits will remain connected through the bonds forged in Christ.
Prayer Revival Week: September 7-13
Each evening at 7pm, we'll gather to pray for revival in our hearts, church, community, and nation. This is a powerful opportunity to seek God's face together and experience spiritual renewal through unified prayer.
Refresh Revival Weekend: September 26-28
Pastor Stephen Durden will be our guest speaker for this special weekend focused on receiving a fresh touch from God. No registration necessary – just come ready to be renewed!
Devotional: The Spring of Renewal
"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." - Psalm 51:10
King David understood something profound about spiritual renewal: it's not a one-time event, but an ongoing process of allowing God to recreate and refresh our inner being. Like a natural spring that continuously flows with fresh water, spiritual renewal requires us to return regularly to the Source.
Consider the imagery of a well. If it is not connected to a spring that constantly feeds it a fresh, life-giving flow of water, it will begin to store old, stagnant, toxic water. Similarly, spiritual renewal happens when we position ourselves to continuously receive from God's inexhaustible supply of grace, love, and power – staying connected to the Source so our hearts don't become stagnant reservoirs but remain fresh, living wells allowing us to continue to build and strengthen others.
The Hebrew word for "renew" (chadash) means "to make new, to restore, to repair." It suggests that renewal isn't just about feeling better – it's about being fundamentally restored to God's original design for our lives.
Reflection Questions:
What areas of your spiritual life feel "stagnant" and need fresh flow?
How can you position yourself this month to receive God's renewing touch?
What old patterns or attitudes might God want to "repair" in your heart?
Personal Spiritual Renewal Practices
Daily Rhythms
Morning Journaling: Begin each day with reflective writing, expressing your thoughts, prayers, and gratitude to God
Scripture Meditation: Choose one verse to meditate on throughout the day, allowing it to transform your thoughts
Evening Reflection: Ask yourself: "Where did I see God today?" and "What is He teaching me?"
Weekly Disciplines
Sabbath Rest: Designate time for true rest and worship, disconnecting from productivity to connect with God
Nature Walks: Spend time in creation, allowing God's handiwork to refresh your perspective
Worship Playlist: Create a collection of songs that draw your heart to God and play it during commutes or household tasks
Monthly Practices
Personal Retreat: Schedule 2-4 hours alone with God for prayer, reading, and listening
Confession and Cleansing: Regularly examine your heart and confess anything that hinders your relationship with God
Vision Renewal: Revisit God's calling on your life and ask Him to refresh your passion and purpose
Integrating Renewal into Your Small Groups
Study Ideas
Renewal Stories: Study biblical characters who experienced spiritual renewal (Jacob, Peter, Paul)
Fresh Perspectives: Revisit familiar passages and ask, "What is God saying to us now that we might have missed before?"
Testimony Time: Have members share how God has brought renewal to different areas of their lives
Interactive Elements
Prayer Stations: Set up different areas for confession, gratitude, intercession, and listening prayer
Creative Expression: Use art, music, or writing to express what renewal looks like in their lives
Partner Prayer: Have members pray specifically for one another's areas needing renewal
Group Challenges
21-Day Renewal Challenge: Encourage members to commit to one new spiritual discipline for three weeks
Scripture Memory: Learn renewal verses together throughout the month
Service Project: Plan an act of service that refreshes your group's mission focus
Closing Practices
Commissioning Prayer: End each meeting praying blessing and renewal over each member for the week ahead
Renewal Reminders: Send midweek texts with short prayers or verses about renewal
Celebration: Share testimonies of how God is bringing renewal to group members
Leader Encouragement
Remember, you cannot give what you don't possess. Your own spiritual renewal is not selfish – it's essential for effective ministry. This September, prioritize your personal encounters with God so you can authentically lead others into renewal.
As we navigate farewells, welcome new seasons, and seek God's fresh touch together, may we discover that His mercies truly are new every morning. Our God is the God of fresh starts, second chances, and continuous renewal.
May your groups be springs of living water this month, offering refreshment to weary souls and renewal to eager hearts.
Blessings and renewal,
Pastors Kurtis and Daisy Allen
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" - 2 Corinthians 5:17