This summer we are suspending our evening service (from Memorial Day thru Labor Day) for the sole purpose of spending that time deepening relationships, both within our church family and with those outside our church. We definitely enjoy and grow from our Evening Service, and will look forward to starting back up again in the fall, but sometimes we need to make an intentional effort to focus on another part of what the Lord has called us to do – minister to others. So, start planning now – be creative and have fun with it! Opportunities abound, but here is a starter list…

• Invite a family over or out for Sunday lunch after church
• Plan and organize a cul-de-sac cookout
• Invite a neighbor over for dinner or to watch the Thunder win the playoffs
• Go with your neighbor to his son’s baseball game
• Invite a co-worker and his family to go to the lake with you
• Offer to babysit for a young couple to go out on a date or away for a weekend
• Invite neighbors and friends to your home for a Bible Study in the Gospel of Mark (seehttp://www.thegoodbook.com/outreach/christianity-explored)
• Take your neighbors some cookies, and tell them you will water their plants or feed their dog while they are on vacation
• Help out a friend with an outdoor project, and get to know her better in the process

You get the idea – be a friend, be intentional. Don’t spend it on yourself – invest it in others in the name of Christ!