I would like to ask that you pray for Kristy and me today and this week.  We had not yet announced this to the entire church, but we were pregnant again.  Until today.

Kristy had a routine check up today, and they could not find a heart beat for the baby on the ultrasound.  Our baby has passed away.  With Kristy being about 16-17 weeks pregnant her body did not naturally “miscarry” the baby.  Kristy has miscarried before (between 1st and 2nd children), but this time she was much further along.  Last time we only saw a heart beat.  This time we saw the baby moving around her (I am just assuming) arms and legs. 

Furthermore, with her being so far along in her pregnancy we have to make the decision today if they should induce labor for Kristy to deliver the lifeless body, or if a D&C should be done.  We know what it is like to go through the D&C process, since Kristy had to have a D&C for our last miscarriage. 

I ask for your prayers first of all for Kristy.  Pray that God gives her peace and hope today.  I also ask that you pray for our girls.  Pray that they can understand this in the most healthy way possible.  They were excited for the baby.  Also, pray for our decision that we need to make today.  Finally, pray for us financially.  To add insult to injury, from experience we know that it is more expensive to go through the removal of a miscarried baby than it is to deliver a healthy baby. 

In the midst of this we have confidence that God is in control.  We know that He loves us, and that He has never let a little one slip away from His grasp.  We believe that His grace is sufficient for us, and that He knew everything that was going on with our little one. 

Thank you for your prayers!

Pastor Ronnie

There are less that two weeks left to sign up for a summer small groups.  All summer small groups start the first week of June and go through August. 

I realize that there are many people who have started attending Relevant who can’t even believe they are attending a Sunday Service as consistently as they are, and the thought of joining a small group seems like a HUGE commitment.  I understand.  If you have never been in a small group, it can seem like a scary step.  I could sit here and tell you that it won’t be weird, you don’t have to know anything about the Bible to go to one, no one is going to make you share you dirtiest secret, and kool-aid will not be served.  However, I am guessing that those things alone will not settle the uneasiness in your stomach enough to actually sign up.  So, all I am going to do to today is challenge you.

If you want to take a step forward on your spiritually journey…If you desire to build some relationships with other people…if you desire to understand how Jesus wants to relate to you every day…if you want to be a part of other people’s lives…then I challenge you to sign up for a group this summer.  Summer small groups only last 12 weeks.  It is a short time commitment, but I believe God can really do something amazing in your life during that time.

Visit the small group page.  You can sign up for a group right there.  Online sign ups end on May 30th.  Hope to see you in a group

Pastor Ronnie

This is the last week you can sign up for the spring trimester of small groups.  I encourage every person at Relevant to be connected in a small group.  I would not encourage this if I did not believe in what they can do to help spiritually transform you.  By connecting in a small group, I truly believe you are going to be spiritually challenged and take steps forward on your spiritual journey.  I also believe that by connecting in a small group, you are going to meet some people you really connect with, and can start developing authentic relationships with. 

Many people are Relevant are new, and are nervous about going into a small group environment becuase they don’t know what to expect, don’t know anyone, feel like they are going to be put on the spot, etc.  My suggestion to you would be…GIVE IT A SHOT!  Spring small groups start the first week of February and only last through April.  All small groups are starting at the same time, and will end at the same time.  They are not established groups where everyone knows one another, and you are going to be on the outside of a “clique.”  It doesn’t matter how much you know about the Bible…how shy you are…how many questions you have.  Our small groups are designed for people like you.

If you feel a tug on your heart to connect in a small group I really encourage you to sign up this week and NOT WAIT!  Our next small groups sign ups will not be until May.  Connect in a small group today, and see what God wants to do in your life!

Pastor Ronnie

Our fall 2009 small groups launch this week and run through mid-December.  Our small groups are designed to be a relevant environment where participants can connect in authentic relationships with others, and grow in a life-transforming relationship with Jesus.  They are groups of 15-17 people, and are open to everyone, no matter where they are on their spiritual journey.  We have four fall small groups, and over 50 people signed up for those groups for the fall. 

The mission of Relevant is to spiritually transform people who transform their cultures.  We believe small groups are a key way that people will be spiritually transformed at Relevant.  What we are trying to accomplish through small groups cannot be accomplished without God!!!  No once can transform another person…that is a work of God.  With that being said, I ask that you please call on God with me through prayer for these groups this week…and throughout the semester.  Here is some of my prayer journal entry from this morning.  Will you pray this along with me today…

“Small groups for the fall start this week.  I feel in awe that you have risen up the leaders you have to lead these small groups.  Lord, I pray for the leaders: Rodger and Charlene Peck, Scott Ruane, Amanda Stark, and myself.  Bless us as leaders.  Work through us to lead people to you.  I pray that over the next 12 weeks that the people in these small groups connect in authentic relationships with others, and are spiritually transformed.  Lord, let this be a divine endeavor.  I pray that these small groups are Kingdom Building and not just a program”

Thank you for praying along with me.

Pastor Ronnie

Fall 2009 Small Groups start in one week from now.  If you have not signed up yet, make sure to do it this week.

Relevant Small Groups are open to everyone, no matter where you’re at on your spiritual journey. Our Small Groups are groups of 12-15 people that get together for 10-12 weeks to spiritually grow, have fun, and meet new people.  There are a number of groups to choose from meeting at different times and locations that are convenient for you.  In addition, there are a variety of topics and types of groups to choose from, so that you can choose a group that is RELEVANT for you.

Fall 2009 Small Groups begin the week of October 5th and last through mid-December.  It’s a short time commitment, but imagine what God could do in your life during that time. We really want to encourage you to take the next step and get connected with the Relevant Community today.

Sign-ups for Fall 2009 Small Groups end THIS SUNDAY, October 4th.  You can sign up for a small group today at: http://relevantcommunity.org/smallgroups.aspx. 

Don’t miss out on Fall 2009 Small Groups!!!