"A Compelling Invitation"

SERMON TITLE:                 “A Compelling Invitation”
SERMON TEXT:                  Luke 14:12-23
PREACHER:                         Rev. Kim James
OCCASION:                         September 4, 2016, at First UMC
 
 
INTRODUCTION
 
                My husband Steve and I had a nice week of vacation.  We went to western Oregon to see Steve’s mom, who is 90 years old.  We enjoyed our visit with her and got some chores done to help her.  On our way back, we stopped in Boise to visit my uncle, who is soon to be 93.  Uncle Fred wanted to take us out for lunch, but he isn’t driving much anymore.  Of course, we could have driven, but Uncle Fred had already made another arrangement.  With a twinkle in his eye, he explained that he had asked his 85-year old lady friend to drive us.  Fred had told Hope that if she would drive him to his morning doctor appointment and then all of us to the restaurant, then he would buy her lunch.  Hope agreed to the plan, so I guess Uncle Fred must have made a compelling invitation.
                Next Sunday is our fall kickoff day.  In anticipation of the startup of new ministry programs, I thought it would be good for us to consider today why and how we might go about inviting folks to participate with us.  Like Easter, Christmas, and the beginning of a new year, September is a time when people are more open to the church and starting new routines in their lives.  Summer may have taken us every which way with vacation, family visits, class reunions, and weekend outings.  But, in September, kids are going back to school with all the excitement of starting a new grade, and even older folks are signing up for social and recreational opportunities.  As this new school-year season begins, the idea of settling down and getting involved in a church seems more possible for many people.  So, let’s look closely at our scripture passage from Luke 14 and see how we might make a compelling invitation. 

Continue reading . . .