I-9 : The Invitation

This is my web log about the early days and forming of The Invitation
Worship service at Columbus FUMC, Columbus, Mississippi.

Invitation is another way of saying welcoming and hospitality. It is what we are about as followers of Jesus. We launched out on our journey on September 19, 2007. I guess you might say we actually started before then. Our congregation has been wresteling with this decision for a few years now, and has come through our first trial (called the Oasis).

The focus of our trip is to tell the story in a new way. In a way that would be relevant to people who aren't "church" people. Not that there is anything wrong with "church" people, but, realizing that in order to grow God's realm, there is an overarching need to reach beyond ourselves. Reaching out is what Jesus did. Taking the good news to where people are is our business.

Early on, and after the ealier mentioned Oasis, we realized how important it is for us to craft worship around ancient primary symbols of our faith. We began with "water" for the first 4 sessions. "Paths" is the next theme on the horizon.

Our logo is I-9 , which looks like an Interstate sign. Where INTERSTATE would have been written across the sign we use the word INVITATION. The image we want the sign to convey is the feeling of knowing where you are... That you have made the right turn and are going in the direction you intend. Driving through Atlanta this summer I remember how comforting it was to see the interstate sign that let me know that I hadn't gotten lost in downtown Atlanta. Hopefully, our sign will provide the same hope and assurance.

Invitation is not coersion.. it is simply giving people an opportunity to be welcomed in the name of our Lord.

stylon