This Sunday, the 18th of January, we encounter Jesus in the beginning of his public ministry as written in John 1:37 and following. Jesus asks this question of the disciples "What are you seeking?" and he then says to them “Come and see.” That is about the simplest yet profound gospel invitation anywhere. It’s so generous, inclusive and passionate.

This invitation ties in so well with what will be happening Sunday. It is YOUTH

CONFIRMATION Sunday along with a few adults. Your youth pastor, Michael McGee, has taken these youths through a confirmation class, spent time with them, and helped them discern God’s call upon their lives. We applaud the work and ministry of Michael and his team, Carol Morrison, Micah and Lori Jones, Josh Johnson, Eli Vega, Sarah Fray, and Paul Michael and Emma Hargrove for their faithfulness in guiding the youth, middle school and high school, of ASD. They come from different backgrounds and regions of the city. They come downtown and experience the rawness and beauty of urban ministry and worship. As you may know confirmation is a sacramental rite that follows upon baptism which is usually as an infant or young child. It helps to center their belief as a teenager while living a teenager life with all its opportunities and challenges.

Join me in prayer for these candidates:

Defend, O Lord, your servants with your heavenly grace, that they may continue yours forever and daily increase in your Holy Spirit more and more until they come to your everlasting kingdom. Amen.

Also, this Sunday we honor SANCTITY OF LIFE SUNDAY. One of the ministries we support, Council for Life, will have a table in the narthex with material and information on the importance of life affirming opportunities. We also support Thrive Women’s Clinic to help support and encourage in these same opportunities.

Finally, please be aware of the street closures this weekend as I 30 is being re-developed and as this will affect your drive to ASD this Sunday. Lots going on all around us and in us. Praise God.

Come and See.

+Philip