At LMPC we seek to help people CONNECT deeply with God through worship, GROW in faith in Christ through small groups and SERVE God and others through ministries in our congregation, community and world. Let's take a brief look at each part of the CONNECT, GROW, SERVE process:

CONNECT

Have you ever felt isolated and alone? We believe our hunger for CONNECTION is a tremendous clue to God's design for us. The Bible tells us that at the beginning of time God said, "It is not good for man to be alone . . ." We were made for relationships with God and with others, we are made to CONNECT. One of our goals for our worship services at LMPC is to CONNECT with God. That is why we sing together, pray together, give together, and study the Word of God together.

Ephesians 4:5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism;

 

Ephesians 4:6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

 

1 John 4:9-10 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

GROW

We were designed to GROW in Christ! That means growing in conformity to His character of love, joy, peace and all the "fruit of the Spirit". The amazing thing is that as we GROW more like Christ we also become more truly and fully ourselves. As we grow more like Christ our unique individuality is enhanced, not diminished. It's a Holy paradox! Jesus promised to make us "truly free". At LMPC we are developing a small group structure to help us GROW in Christ. We invite you to participate! Our first "Sermon-based Small Group" series will launch following Easter, 2009 around the theme of, "Lost and Found: Finding Our True Home in God's Grace". This series will aim to help us understand the process of coming to know and grow in Christ, as well as giving some handles on how to share the Good News with others.

Hebrews 1:1-3 The Son Superior to Angels
In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

 

2 Corinthians 5:21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

 

1 Peter 2:21-23 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.   "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.

Acts 10:42-43 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."

Matthew 5:17-19 The Fulfillment of the Law: "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

2 Peter 3:14-15a So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation...

Psalm 19:7-11 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them

 

John 14:26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

Romans 5:5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

Galatians 5:22-26 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

1 Corinthians 6:19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.

SERVE

How do you define greatness? Jesus had a different and surprising standard. He identified greatness as servanthood; He taught us to SERVE. Jesus said that whoever wants to be the first among others should be the servant of all. We believe God is developing in our church a heart to SERVE God and others through ministries in our congregation, community and world community. Within our congregation our leaders' focus is to serve others.  

John 15:12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.

 

Acts 2:42-47 The Fellowship of the Believers They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

 

Philippians 2:1-5 Imitating Christ's Humility If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.