EPIC WEEK 2

What a great Thursday. The band was on fire and our speaker was phenomenal. He was funny and energetic and most importantly spoke a very relevant message on why is it so easy to love Christ but so hard to love Christians? The message challenged all who were present by bringing them to account. Are Christians representing Christ well? Or are we tainting the name of Christ to a broken and searching world?

He explained how Jesus was the kind who loved and spent time with all people, including those who opposed Him, those who lived contrary to His values, those who were of a different social and economic class than him etc. He didn't demean, exclude, turn His back on those who weren't like Him. He had compassion on them, He loved them, He gave them hope, He gave them truth...all without condescencion and judgmentalism.

The church on the other hand, has gained the reputation of being judgmental, homophobic, right-winged political zealots, sitting on our self-made throne condemning and judging all who don't fall in line with their beliefs.

Albert pointed to the fact that it seems a little bit different than how Christ behaved...okay a lot different. The answer is a call to action. Will the real Christians please stand up and start representing Jesus as He really is. Perhaps then people will be attracted to His gospel and His people rather than be repulsed!

WHAT DID YOU THINK OF ALBERT'S MESSAGE?

EPIC WEEK 1

What a great night of worship and community! Just under 250 people gathered to see what Epic was all about this last Thursday. The night began with Candolyn leading us in energetic praises to God, followed by a panel of six young adults candidly talking about where this generation and the church is at. Love was the theme of the message as Manny spoke. A vision was cast as all agreed that Epic needs to be a place where people are loved and accepted as they are, and a place where people don't feel the need to pretend.

Thanks to all who were a part of this Epic kickoff especially for the encouraging and constructive comments. We can't wait till next Thursday night for Epic week 2! Here's what's happening next week.

DON'T FORGET TO TELL US WHAT YOU THOUGHT OF WEEK 1.

Loving People

During this first week at Epic, a couch discussion took place where six young adults shared their raw, uncensored thoughts regarding the negative effects that the church and Christians have had on the gospel. Much was shared about how in many ways we have been bad misrepresentations of Christ to the world.You heard from them. Now it’s your turn. Let us know what you think. Let’s keep the conversation going!
Here are a few questions to ponder. Feel free to answer one or all.

- What are your views on the comment made about going drinking andpartying in order to witness to unsaved friends?

- How can one be accepting and loving, and at the same time beforthecoming about the fact that people are separated from God and inneed of a Savior?

- How do we accept a homosexual person without condoning the lifestyle?