Winning Ways: What's a Friendventory?

The New Year is underway! Here's how we're helping you start it right.

We're Taking a "Friendventory." No, you won't find that word in the dictionary. Most people who attend Hillcrest were first invited by a friend. During the next 3 weeks we're taking an "inventory" of those friends: a "friendventory." Even if it was many years ago, and even if your friend has moved out of the area since then, be sure to honor your friend by including him or her in our Friendventory. Use the Connection Card in Sunday's bulletin, or write me at tom@hbcaustin.org. You have until January 22. 

Riding Herd. To "ride herd" over something means to manage it, to steer it toward a desired end. Your 2012 will be a lot more effective if you can "ride herd" over 3 things: your time, your talents, and your treasure. We're taking the first 3 Sundays of the new year to learn how to manage these things. If you missed the first sermon on New Year's Day, you can listen online at www.HillcrestAustin.org. Join us this Sunday, January 8, and learn how to manage your talents! Remember, we'll be back to our normal schedule: an hour of worship @ 10, followed by an hour of small-group fellowship.

Midweek Study. "The Fruit of the Spirit." Join me for a 9-week study on the Fruit of the Spirit as found in Galatians 5:22-23. It starts this Wednesday, January 4, 6:30 p.m. in A-164. I used to count off my reps in my morning workout by reciting the Fruit of the Spirit. It was a great way to work on spiritual fitness while I developed physical fitness. I promise I won't lead you in push-ups during midweek study, but let's get in a good "spiritual workout" every Wednesday night!

"First Wednesday." Do you pray for God to reach your lost friends and relatives? Do you pray that God will use our church in reaching the lost? During the 2011-2012 church year, we're setting aside the first Wednesday of every month to do that. So, on this First Wednesday, January 4, take a moment to pray. Send me the name(s) on your prayer list and I'll add them to mine. And join us during the midweek service at 6:30 so we can pray together!

We're off and running!