rustle: 2011

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Prayer for Rustle from Next

This is the prayer that Todd Stelmach prayed for Rustle Church on behalf of Next Church on Rustle's 5th Anniversary:

5 years - has it really been that long?
5 years - has it only been that long?
However long ago it feels to us,when we sent a band of adventurers out of Next Church down to the old Polish Hall, it started something that felt an awful lot like family.
Like blood.
Sister, daughter, baby brother, distant cousin
whatever the relation, our connection to you proves blood runs thicker than water.
but like any family our feelings are complicated.
It was hard to let some of our best and brightest leave us to start you. its left us feeling empty. like something significant was missing.
That said, we have never felt more proud, nor have we been more quick to boast about any other group of people under the sun.
We thank our God every time we remember you.

So today on your 5th birthday, we want to bless you:
1st and foremost, we want to remind you that the blood that connects us as family is the blood of Jesus Christ that was shed to forgive us all of our sins, and to start something that feels alot like family. A family meant to support us through all of Life's twists and turns. A family that everyone's allowed to join. A family that will one day be made perfect and whole.
And this day will come! The Kingdom of God is at hand!

So here is our blessing to you:

May your hearts frequently Rustle with the stirrings of the Holy Spirit.
May you be a light on Russell street that Rustles up all sorts of souls - like moths to a flame.
May the General store always be stuffed to the brim. May you always be provided for and have much to provide.
May you easily Rustle up feelings of Love and Welcome for everyone who enters your door.

Finally, we pray that your Love for God in Jesus Christ would be hot, not cold and especially not luke warm.

We pray that you would know that God's love for you is hot and never cooling.

If you do these things well, you will love each other well. And love for one another is what will make you different than the neighbourhood and city around you.

God Bless you Rustlers! Follow Jesus!