'God is on the Loose... and requires a response'

This is the theme for 2009 for South Long Lake Presbyterian Church of Brainerd. Living a day (much less a year) is like bowling without pins or archery with a target. You just have no direction.

At South Long Lake, south of Brainerd on Highway 25, we will spend this coming year looking at the events of the world through the lens of Scripture. After all, what good is your faith if you don't do anything with it?

Last year we read through the Old Testament as a church. This year we build on that foundation by reading through the New Testament as a church as well. Certificates are awarded to those who complete the task.

"On the Loose Sunday" is the first Sunday of every month in which the "On the Loose" reporter brings in evidence that God is on the loose in this world, and how we should respond to what He is doing.

In a world where encouragement is hard to find, a shoulder to lean on is sometimes desperately needed, South Long will have "secret prayer partners" who will encourage each other with cards, letters, small gifts, etc., anonymously using the new church mailboxes.

Christians have long been accused of using their faith as a crutch to avoid reality. This year, South Long Lake will look for every opportunity to live out what they believe in every day life. Looking for the chance to serve the community in volunteer positions is the way to be "Jesus with skin on" to the world. Again, if our faith does not impact the realities of this world, the pains and trials we all face, of what good is that faith?

Last but not least, there are plans to start a men's group using a community facility. The goal of the group is to encourage men to be the men God created them to be. Good husbands, good fathers, good community members following biblical principles as the foundation for our behavior. The non-denominational biblical principles will absolutely change the lives of those who put them into practice.

This will be a "Band of Brothers" outreach (bandofbrothers.org) that binds men together in encouragement and brotherhood. All are invited to attend; details will come soon.

I Timothy 6:18-19 says, "Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure in heaven for themselves a s a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life."

Have you been searching for life that is "truly life?" Do you want to find the peace and joy that God promises those who come to Him? You won't find it in a church or denomination, but in the presence of God. South Long Lake welcomes all who are searching.

Happy New Year!