It occurs to me that the way I live my life—and probably the way you live YOUR life—is by believing in something that God actually DOESN’T believe in.  “What is that,” you ask?

In a word: accidents.  Because we often can’t see the big picture, or the cause behind the effects, we believe in and call certain things accidents.  Random, purposeless events that impact our lives in some way.

But I don’t think God believes in accidents.  Consider this bold statement:

Psalm 139:16

Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

God always has a purpose in mind.  And when it comes to Seneca Creek, I believe that part of his purpose is for us—all of us who are part of this local church—to be involved in bringing together the needs in our community and the resources to help meet those need.  It’s no accident that we’re located precisely where we are as a church.

And THAT is why we’re so excited about HOPEFEST!  This brand new event is our way of bringing together as many resources, and as many needs as we can in one place on one day.  We’ve invited organizations from the local area to join with us in creating hope right here in Gaithersburg.  Here’s a partial list of the organizations that will be present at HOPEFEST:

• Montgomery County Dept of Health & Human Services
• Montgomery County Public Libraries
• Boy Scouts of America
• Metropolitan Ballet Theatre
• MCPAW
• American Cancer Society
• Arc of Montgomery County
• Cornerstone Montgomery
• Habitat for Humanity (Metro Md)
• Hospice Caring Inc.
• Operation 2^nd Chance
• Women Who Care Ministries
• Montgomery County Fire & Rescue
• and more!

Furthermore, we’re inviting over 10,000 homes from the community to come and hang out together.  We’ll provide free food, games, entertainment, bounce house, obstacle course, and more.

• It’s a way for busy, disconnected people to spend a little time reconnecting.
• It’s a way for people who want to make a difference in our community to find meaningful ways to volunteer.
• It’s a way to build strong partnerships with other organizations in our community.
• And it’s a way for those who are most vulnerable in our community to find the help, and the hope that they so very much want for themselves and their families.

This bold initiative is a very clear message that we are not here by accident.  We are here to make an impact as a church.  And if you’re part of Seneca Creek, YOU’RE not here by accident.  So I’m inviting each one of you to join us on Saturday, October 25^th from 2 to 5 pm for HOPEFEST.  And please invite your friends and neighbors.  It’s no accident that God has put them in your life at this time, either.

-Pastor Mark

P.S. In case you’re wondering, it will take some serious volunteer power to make this work.  If you would like to be part of our team, please click here for more details.

P.P.S. – Hey guys, I’m starting a new series at the Men’s Breakfast this month.  Saturday, October 11th at 8:00 am at 13 Firstfield.  Join me and the other guys for breakfast, a short teaching, and a chance to grow together.  Topic: How To Act Like a Man.   $5 at the door

P.P.P.S – (really…) There will be a video crew on scene this Sunday getting footage for our 25 Year Anniversary Celebration weekend. If you’ve got a Seneca Creek story to share (how God has used Seneca Creek to change your life), you may have a chance to share it with them. Watch for them in the lobby.