In this newsletter:
- Director's address
- Prayer updates
- Care/Compassion updates
- Share/Evangelism updates
- Opportunities
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Everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said: ‘Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. Ephesians 5:13
The verdict is out -
- Christ followers are experiencing a deepening hunger for God
- from Westerly to Burriville, Attleboro to Newport and beyond pastors and leaders are coming together to pray for and support one another,
- new collaborations are being birthed to instigate kingdom advancement,
- and the Holy Spirit is orchestrating a new move of God.
In short, awakening is underway in greater Rhode Island! I’d like to offer a word of encouragement as we navigate this journey towards what I like to call a “sustainable revival.” In the words of our friend, professor David Thomas, “awakening happens at the speed of relationships.” We have been created for community, and are called to oneness with God, as well as with one another. While this is a beautiful and inspiring idea especially for us Christians, oneness in community is rarely something experienced in any lasting and meaningful way. This is because the place of oneness is a place of absolute selflessness, humility, submission, and exposure. Each of these factors antagonize the independence and pride of human nature, yet I want to call attention to the one factor in particular that has been reverberating in many circles; namely exposure. Jesus tells us that He is the Light of the world, and praise God that as we grow closer to Him, he transforms us and His light even shines through us! Yet in this process of transformation we regularly find things within us being exposed for what they are, things that are less and other than the full image of Jesus. Of course it takes humility to accept these things, repent and move forward; but what can make it even harder is that the exposure often comes through our brothers and sisters in Christ. When our relationships deepen, (the pathway to awakening) less can be hidden and more becomes exposed. Are we willing to be exposed, seen for who we are, and helped by one another on our shared journey to the deeper things of God? Although the natural instinct is often shame and embarrassment, exposure is truly a blessing - especially for those who embrace the conviction it brings, then confess and look to the Holy Spirit to overcome characteristics that are not of God. One way to view exposure is like taking an x-ray. It reveals what sits under the surface, showing where things are in good working order, and where things are broken or need healing. The x-ray does not heal, but reveals deeper issues, giving an opportunity to approach healing. We don’t always like what is revealed through exposure, but if we accept it, it will show us what needs to be addressed and surrendered to God. The Body of Christ is being called together in a renewed way, and we are just beginning to see things being exposed at various levels. If you haven’t already, I expect you will soon see this for yourself. My prayer is that the Holy Spirit would give strength and humility to accept what He shows us even when it comes through people rather than directly through Him. As we move ahead in this awakening, the verse tells us what will happen, “Christ shines on us” and, “if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” Let’s continue to pursue Christ with determination, open hands, and open hearts.
Better Together,
Ed Pichette
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First Fridays Prayer
First Fridays monthly prayer and worship night in Warwick is seeking a volunteer coordinator. If you would like more information or would like to apply, find more info here.
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Regional Prayer Breakfast
Pastors and ministry leaders will gather to pray for one another and for continued renewal in the Church at our quarterly Regional Prayer Breakfast on February 13.
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IMPACT CENTER PVD CHURCH
Many of you may have heard about the tragic fire that has affected our ministry partners at Impact Center Church in Providence. They will be out of their building for an extended amount of time during repairs. Please remember to keep them in prayer for direction and provision as they go through the transitional period while the building is repaired. For more information and to provide financial help, go here.
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Gathering Internship
TG25 is a brand-new internship for Gen Z. This program seeks to identify, mentor, and train the next generation of leaders who will embrace the next era of the church, empowering them to lead with wisdom, confidence, and humility. The internship will leverage the relationships of the Together network to provide intentional discipleship, practical ministry experience, and spiritual formation from the pastors and leaders throughout the region. The beta version of the TG25 Internship launches this week, bringing together passionate young adults and leaders from around the region. Applications for this semester are closed, but you may now apply for the next semester, which begins in August.
Alpha Group Alpha is an open and informal conversation about life, spirituality, and the person of Jesus without judgement or pressure. It is an 8-week series of sessions exploring faith over a meal. Each 20min talk looks at a different question and is designed to create conversation. All are truly welcome; learn more here. GATHER25 Live sites will be hosted throughout Rhode Island to gather and be encouraged by the stories of how God is moving across the earth, and be inspired to carry the gospel out to every person on earth–but it won’t be a gathering of the global Church without you - more info here. Contact Allison Lugar for more information on hosting a gather group.
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First Fridays continues as a monthly prayer and worship night, this month to hosted by North Kingstown Assembly of God at The Haven. Doors open at 7pm and all are welcome! Alpha Group, February 10 The new Alpha Group kicks off in Providence.
Pastors and ministry leaders will be gathering for fellowship and prayer from 8:30am-11:00am. For more information and register here. Gather25, February 28 - March 1 A 25-hour globally broadcast gathering of saints!
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Together is only able to carry on the mission of serving the local Church, through partnerships with people like yourself. Would you prayerfully consider joining in the mission by partnering financially?
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