Discipleship

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. (3John 4)

This has always been an extraordinary verse to me. On the surface it seems borderline blasphemous. Shouldn't any reference to great joy be associated with the eternal hope of seeing Jesus Christ face to face? For John to say that his greatest joy comes as a result of others' obedience seems misguided. But maybe the problem comes from a lack of understanding of the fullness of life with Christ. True relationship with him demands our lives be directed outward. It seems that much of our sanctification is not complete until our lives are being spent in such a way that others are influenced towards Him. John, then, is expressing the great joy that comes from mimicking Christ's example of discipling others. Perhaps our joy is incomplete until we experience the great delight of being used to shape somebody else's life.

This week at Ignite, Rich Thatcher will be speaking primarily on 2Timothy 2:2, which is one of the classic verses on discipleship:

And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.

Rich will be sharing many principles and practicals on shaping lives (and being shaped) through a discipleship relationship. If my conclusion from 3John 4 is correct, then this is something that we need to understand. In order to experience great joy and the fullness of life with Christ, we need to be better equipped in this area.

So we hope you can make it. It could help to open up a whole new aspect of your relationship with Jesus.

Ultimate Frisbee

We'll be playing Ultimate this Saturday at 3:30pm at City Park. We'll be on the south field right next to Mulberry. If that field's being used, we'll head to one of the northern fields. Invite any friends, neighbors, and coworkers. We may try to grab a bite to eat afterwards.

Honduras Mission Trip

As most of you know, Symbio is sending a group of 11 people to Choluteca Honduras on a mission trip June 20-27th. We wanted to ask you to join in praying for us as we travel to work with a church associated with Summitview. We will be working to build Casa Hogar Vida which is a self-sustaining community for people who have HIV/AIDS. We will also be going house to house talking with families about the love of Christ and how they are only saved by grace. Please pray however the Spirit leads you, but here are a few specifics:

1. Safety in traveling and we would make all of our connecting flights there and back
2. Every person would stay healthy
3. The gospel would go out, God would speak through us and the translators. God would be preparing hearts now.
4. People would get saved and become disciples. Anyone who accepts Christ or is seeking Him, would get plugged into the church right away
5. We could serve and bless the church there; we could be an encouragement to them.
6. Our team would be united: Kristian and Vanessa Fitzgerald (leading the trip) Travis and Faith Neidert, Matt and Desiree Peters, Ryan Martine, Stephanie Jordan, Laura Buck, Shaye Fitzgerald (Kristian’s sister) and Liz Grove (Faith’s sister)
7. Our gifts we are bringing down could really bless people
8. Right now, God would be preparing our hearts, and draw us closer to Him as we're in Honduras
9. We wouldn't complain (especially about the heat)

Inaugural Symbio Chili Cook Off

Tonight we are having dinner in the Fellowship Room before our Ignite meeting, starting at 6pm. Chili is on the menu. Many of us will be fasting through breakfast and lunch today before breaking our fast together at dinner. Feel free to join us. Then at 7pm we'll worship together before Mitch takes us through 2Timothy 1:2-7. Hope to see you there!

Taste of Fort Collins Pics

Here are a few pictures from this weekend. Thank you all for your help!

"Wherever there's trash, that's where you'll find us." - Travis Neidert

"I just wanna fly. Put your arms around me baby." - Sugar Ray

Looks like that trash can's goin' nowhere.

At least somebody's doing some work.

A little stretching always helps.

Russ keeping watch.

These guys were the bouncers. Nobody's sneakin' by them.

7816, 7817, 7818...

Sign us up for another 6 hours!!

TOFC Time

Just to be clear, the check-in time for us today is 3:00pm. See you then.

TOFC Dinner

Good news! Those that are volunteering a full shift at the Taste of Fort Collins will be provided 1 meal, so dinner is covered. There will also be water available for refilling water bottles.

Taste of Fort Collins Details

If you're volunteering for the TOFC this Saturday, here's what you need to know:


First I want to thank you for your support. The Taste of Fort Collins is the largest fundraiser for the Northeast Area and your support is greatly appreciated.

Location:
Civic Center Park (behind the court house off of Mason and LaPorte)

Volunteer check-in will be located inside of the gate at Mason and Laporte.

• There is free parking straight ahead of this intersection behind the large brick building on the left.
• There is a parking lot on the right of Mason and Laporte but I don't know what the daily fee is.
• There is also free parking up one block behind the police station.
• When entering the gate tell the staff you are volunteering and they will let you in.

Jobs:

• Trash - 20 + rolling trash cans around, taking out full bags and putting in new ones, taking trash to dumpster
• Ice runners - lifting 20lbs bags of ice and taking to vendors - 4
• Booth sitters - 2 going around giving vendors a restroom or dinner break
• Corporate Cabana helpers - 2 working corporate cabana area waiting on people
  Entrances - 2
• Breakers - 4 to go around and give volunteers breaks

The second shift on Saturday will be very busy. We will be floating people around to where help is needed.

Saturday and Sunday volunteers will receive a Taste T-shirt. We ask that you wear these shirts with your volunteer name badge. This is how we recognize our volunteers. There will be port-a-pots available to change into your shirts.

Things you might want to bring with you:

• Water bottle, we will have some bottles availabe and water in coolers to refill with.
• Sunscreen - might be a bright sunny day
• Lawnchair - many of the positions allow you to sit. Chairs are not always available.
• Appropriate footwear for the job that you are doing. Many positions have a lot of walking.
• Id - incase we need your help with selling alcohol or if you want to buy an alcoholic beverage. You jmust be 21.
• Please do not bring your purses or large bags. We do not have a storage area for these.
  Jacket - the weather has been been a little raining.

We will not cancel this event unless it is ruled unsafe. In 13 years we have had rain but the show has always gone on. Please be prepared for the weather.

In case you are unable to work your shift please call my cell 970.397.7236. Please let me know if you have questions. Thank you again.

Forrest Phillips

Northeast Area Manager