Orange Families

Orange is a color that is actually the combination of two colors, red and yellow. Red and yellow are great, don't get me wrong. But combining red and yellow makes a color, orange, that is more vibrant, interesting, and alive than either of the two colors by themselves.

"Orange Families" is a dream to see parents and the church as powerful partners leading children in a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. As the church partners with parents, something amazing can happen. Too often the church doesn't engage parents to be the primary leaders in the development of their child's faith. Too often parents drop their children off at church expecting the church to "fix" them. But at Auburn Church, we want to come together with parents with a common vision and strategy to lead the next generation into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.

Within the next few days, you will receive an introduction to your child's small group leader in Waumba Land and UpStreet. Our small group leaders are excited for the opportunity to partner with you. Also keep your eyes open for resources like the Refrigerator Door, God Time cards, Family Time Virtue packs and Small Talk cards. Each will help you continue the conversation and lead you child into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.

Can't go wrong going "ORANGE" in Auburn!

Bobby Jones
Lead Pastor

Staying Love :: Part One :: The "Juno" Dilemma

Falling in love is easy. Staying in love, being committed to each other, is a bit more difficult. Ever wonder if people can stay together for good...like people in love? Is it even possible for two people to stay happy together forever?

Yesterday, Andy Stanley shared with us that the plan to stay in love was given over 2000 years ago. In John 13:34, Jesus said, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." If you are not careful, you will miss it. Jesus takes the word "love" that is usually used as a noun and makes it as a verb. Love (verb/action word) one another.

You can watch part one of "Staying in Love" here: The Juno Dilemma

Andy also gave us homework.

1. Read the following verses every day in preparation for part two of "Staying in Love."

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same attitude of mind Christ Jesus had: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a human being, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! -Philippians 2:3-8

2. Answer the following questions (Andy recommended that you work through these questions alone):

What is one thing you can do to show someone close to you that you value him or her above yourself?

What is one specific way you could show interest in the things that are most important to someone you love?

What act of service could you do for someone you love that would come as a shock to him or her?

What emotions surface when you think about acting on these ideas?

What keeps you from making these ideas habits in your relationship?

What would you do differently this week if your goal were to actively love the person you are closest to the way he or she desires?

Making love a verb,

Bobby

We all know what's required to fall in love.

A pulse.

Falling in love is easy. But staying there? That's something else entirely. With more than 1,500 matchmaker organizations in the United States, finding someone is easier than ever, but staying together seems to get more difficult every day.

So. . . is it possible for two people to fall in love and actually stay there? Absolutely! Find out how in Andy Stanley's 4-part series, "Staying In Love."

See you Sunday at 11 a.m.

Bobby

God & Country :: Part Two :: Law and All

Hope you have had a great week. Tomorrow is going to be an exciting day at Auburn Church. We are concluding the series "God & Country." Have you figured out who the last president was to pray aloud and/or publish a prayer? Has the question, "What's our national motto?" stumped your friends? Who have you invited to come with you to Auburn Church tomorrow?

Oh...and don't be late or you'll miss our tribute to our small corner of this great country!

See you tomorrow at 11 am!

Bobby