We have resurrected the Granite Creek Newsletter!
I want you to have something tangible in your hands as we frame out the future of the church. Years ago I had this bright idea that if we just went digital we could save a lot of money, be more relevant and leverage social media for faster communication, strengthening the relationships in our community. It has worked, but we lost something in the process and I feel that our message is getting lost in the static. I think we all know by now that social media is amazing at communicating ideas, but it has hurt us in having real authentic relationships. Some of us literally don’t know how to talk to one another unless it involves texting. I find myself constantly grabbing for my phone and I don’t know why.
In any relationship, authentic holistic communication is vital for true connection. We’ve had the ability to communicate via phone for years, and yet communication experts have noted that phone conversations are a weaker form of communication than a face to face. Likewise, communicating via email is a weaker form of communication than a phone call, and the worst and weakest of course is texting. If you need to communicate something very important or if you want to make an authentic connection nothing is more powerful than being physically present.
The transformational power of the Gospel is tangible. There is something very primal and powerful about touch. Jesus touched everyone when he ministered to them (with the exception of the demon possessed).
The Bible constantly refers to the “Finger of God” coming down from heaven to transform His people. The lady with the issue of blood “touched the hem of His garment," then received her healing. And we know that there is an impartation of the Holy Spirit that is received by the “laying on of hands” for the advancement of the Kingdom.
A newsletter is just words on paper. You can crinkle the paper, smell the pulp and ink, post the calendar on your fridge.
But more importantly, I encourage you to reach out to a real live person, give a hug, worship in an actual church family rather than online. Instead of posting a salvation meme, have a holistic conversation with someone that involves breathing the same air and build a relationship with eternal rewards!
- Pastor Josh
