2022 Year End

Summit Family,

To encourage you, and to highlight the power and glory of God, we’ve put together this guide to share with you some of the specific ways the Lord has been at work in and through our church in 2022. The things we have captured are not even close to the complete story. But we pray it is enough to both stir your heart with gladness, and cause you to worship the Lord.

God bless you. - The Elders of Summit Church

“And God is able to make grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8

Year End Review 2022

Click the square below in the bottom right corner for a full screen version of our Year End guide.

The God We've Waited For - Advent 2022

The act of waiting may be one of the most challenging conditions we experience in life...

A mother waits to give birth to her child after nine long and arduous months—the early pains of labor settling upon her body.

A family sits in a doctor's office, hearts racing and palms sweaty, awaiting the results of a medical test.

A student lies awake at night, stressing over the results of an admittance test after months of vigorous study and preparation.

Waiting can often generate anxiety as we worry and stress over endless possibilities. For others, it builds up frustration as we bitterly stew over circumstances beyond our control. For most of us, it tests our faith as we battle doubts regarding God's nature and character. But the act of waiting also has the potential of producing enduring and life-giving qualities that strengthen our trust in the promises of God.

Throughout Scripture, the people of God waited expectantly for the coming Messiah. The promise of a Savior made in the garden (Gen. 3:15) was continually traced throughout generations of genealogies and prophecies. Yet by the end of the Old Testament, the nation of Israel found itself in exile—taken captive by their enemies and forcefully removed from the land of promise (Gen. 12). The words of the past prophets seemed like empty platitudes that held no weight for their future. But looking back upon their own history, they were reminded of God's previous gracious provisions. The God who led them out of Egypt in the Exodus was still the same God who desired to extend his mercy to them once again. Their dark and seemingly hopeless reality gave birth to eager expectation and prayerful anticipation as they waited for the prophecies to be fulfilled.

But for five hundred years the prophets ceased speaking. The silence was deafening—the waiting unbearable. All they had were the promises of old. Until one still and calm night in Bethlehem, the sounds of angels pierced through the night, singing: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" (Luke 2:14). The dark night suddenly illuminated by the glory of God, as angels comfort the terrified shepherds: "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy...For unto you is born this day...a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:10-11). The waiting was over; the promised Savior had arrived. The prophecies foretold long ago, now fulfilled in a baby, lying in a manger. The act of waiting had accomplished its purpose—strengthening their trust in God and his promises. Together the people declared, “Behold, this is our God, we have waited for him...let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation” (Isa. 25:9).

For centuries, Christians around the world have used the four weeks leading up to Christmas to prepare themselves for the celebration of Jesus’ birth. In this Advent teaching series, The God We’ve Waited For, we will explore several prophecies in the Old Testament that caused God’s people to expectantly wait for the promised Messiah. As we immerse ourselves again in the story of Israel's waiting, we not only remember and rejoice in the birth of Christ. We, too, are filled with longing and anticipation as we await his return, the second and final advent, when the dwelling place of God will be with man for all eternity (Rev. 21:3). Join us this Advent as we remember, celebrate, and rejoice in the birth of our Savior—the God we’ve waited for.

Grace Stories

RYAN’S GRACE STORY

I grew up Catholic and always believed in God but never heard much or thought much about Jesus. I believed God was happy with me when I did good things and unhappy with me when I fell short. When I was 21 years old, I started attending a friend's church where I began to hear and understand the gospel for the first time. I realized that I was a sinner and the only way to be reconciled back to God was by putting my faith in Christ's death, burial, and resurrection for the forgiveness of my sins.

---

ALIVIA’S GRACE STORY

I was blessed to be born into a family of Christian believers and so I have known about Jesus my entire life. A few months ago I was waiting in line to order food at a restaurant with my parents. I was hugging them and as they both squeezed me, God gave me a flash of amazing memories reminding me of how thankful I am for the blessing of my family. Deep inside I heard a voice telling me that it was time to get baptized. And so I am here today to show my thankfulness, my faithfulness, and my love for my Savior Jesus.

---

MADISON’S GRACE STORY

Jesus has shown me how easy it is to love him when you see how much he loves you. He has protected and healed the most broken parts of my heart in last handful of years. He has shown me what true love is and the true meaning of giving him control over my life.

---

GRANT’S GRACE STORY

Before Christ, I was a sinner without direction or spirit. Finding Christ, I was a sinner who listened and felt Jesus’s presence in me. My faith in our Savior has grown over the years as I learn more about His teachings. I am still a sinner, but by following Jesus Christ, I know I am forgiven.

Eight Days of Hope

eightdaysofhope.com

We are now into our third week of sifting through the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, one of the most devastating national disasters in our nation’s history. Thousands of volunteers representing hundreds of organizations from around the country have entered our region bringing rescue and relief to those who were affected. But the tragedy is, they haven’t even begun to scratch the surface and many of them are already arranging for their departure.

But we are not going anywhere, and we need your help. For this reason, we are inviting you to partner with us as we participate in an 11 day working blitz in partnership with our friends at Eight Days of Hope, seeking to bring the light of Jesus into the darkness within our region.

Hundreds of volunteers from around the country will be joining us as we seek to serve over 100 houses throughout our region. And we need your help. Would you prayerfully consider joining this tremendous opportunity to serve our city?

WHEN:
November 1st-11th (pick the days that work for you. It can be one, some, or all.)

SCHEDULE:
6:30am - Breakfast (provided) and daily devotion/briefing
7:00am - Worship and devotions
7:15am - Team designations and departure (lunch provided)
6:00pm - Dinner (provided), hangout and conclusion to the day

WHAT:
Removing debris, removing trees, mucking out homes, and assisting families with whatever they need.

WHO:
Able-bodied adults, 18 years or older.

HOW:
Summit congregants, local volunteers, and individuals driving in the for the day may simply show up on days you’re available to serve, for as many days as you like (see schedule above, but show up no later than 7:15am).

Those who need lodging to serve for multiple days must register online using the link below.

Hurricane Information and Disaster Relief

Updated: 11/29/22

Thank you to everyone who has volunteered! You are making a huge difference in our community as you represent the love of Christ! See below for the latest opportunities.

---

volunteer.

Thank you for your interest in serving our city, as we seek to represent the heart and hands of Jesus to every man, woman and child. There are lots of opportunities to serve over the coming months, for both locals and those coming from out of town. Here are the best ways.

Local Volunteers

If you live in the area and would like to jump in to volunteer over the coming months, please go directly to the address below at 9am on any Thursday, Friday or Saturday morning. There will be teams assembled and mobilized to serve in light of the current needs. If you cannot go on those days, or have questions, please reach out directly to Chris Horvath.

Phone: ‭(612) ‭‭‭483-5630
Email: chrishorvath@adventures.org

Harlem Heights Center - 15570 Hagie Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33908

Out of Town Individuals or Teams

For anyone looking to come and serve from out of town, we have partnered with Adventures in Missions (AIM) to provide logistical details. This will include a platform to raise necessary funds, lodging, meals and team/project management. This is a great opportunity to bring a group from your church, friends or family. If you want to come alone, you are more than welcome to join an existing team and help.

For more information you can fill out an interest form and they will contact you to coordinate details for your trip.

Click here to fill out an interest form

---

give financially.

Thank you for your desire to donate to the tremendous needs in our area. Your generosity is such an expression of God’s heart, and will give us the tangible means necessary to contribute to the ongoing relief work.

Summit has created a fund specifically designated to disaster relief, and 100% of the money will be used for this purpose. To make a gift, you can use the giving link below and be sure to select “Hurricane/Disaster Relief” from the dropdown menu.

Give here

To give by check, you can make a it payable to Summit Church, with “Ian Relief” in the memo line, and mail the check to:

Summit Church
19601 Ben Hill Griffin Pkwy,
Fort Myers, FL 33913

If you would like to give to any local charities, we would recommend the following:

Interfaith Caregivers

Better Together

---

weekend services.

All of our campuses have returned to normal service times with full Summit Kids programming.

We love you. Please make your needs known so that we can serve you.

- The Summit Team

The Heart of Jesus - New Teaching Series

When we think of the heart in human terms, we usually refer to either biology or our emotional state. It's the central organ in our cardiovascular system pumping blood throughout the body, or it is used colloquially to summarize our passions and feelings. But the Bible uses the term in a completely different sense. It is used almost 1,000 times throughout the Bible as a "comprehensive term that captures the totality and unity of our inner nature."(1) It is a complex summary of our mind, desires, and will functioning together to define our existence. In other words, the heart reflects the essence of who we are and determines what we do or how we live.

When it comes to Jesus, we thankfully don't have to wonder who he is. He tells us plainly as he describes his heart in the Gospel of Matthew. "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Why? Jesus responds, because "I am gentle and lowly in heart" (Matt. 11:28-29). Nowhere else in Scripture do we find the Son of God so candidly conveying his heart toward humanity. As author Dane Ortlund remarks, "If we are asked to say only one thing about who Jesus is, we would be honoring Jesus's own teaching if our answer is, gentle and lowly."(2) Jesus, the King of the Universe, full of glory and power—who by his very words spoke the world into existence—is in his essence humble, meek, kind, and approachable. And because of this reality, he invites us to draw near to him.

But Jesus not only tells us who he is, he graciously proves it repeatedly throughout the Gospels. His actions confirm and verify the self-description of his heart. "What he is, he does. He cannot act any other way."(3) When we consider the total weight of the Scripture's witness, we find that Jesus "moves toward, touches, heals, embraces, and forgives those who least deserve it."(4) Lepers, prostitutes, drunkards, tax collectors, thieves—his gentle and lowly heart thrust Jesus toward the broken and destitute—suffering sinners who need him most. And he continues to do so today. His heart toward humanity has not changed. He is just as gentle and lowly as he was when he walked the dusty roads of Jerusalem.

In this teaching series, The Heart of Jesus, we will consider who Jesus is as we explore his actions throughout the Gospels. How Jesus lives and interacts with the brokenness of this world flows directly from his heart—who he is determines and directs what he does. As we study several well-known stories retold by his disciples, we will find a Savior who cares deeply, loves profoundly, and serves sincerely.

But more than simply understanding who he is and what he's done, we are being invited to experience him afresh in personal and intimate ways. Join us as we ponder the heart of Jesus for us—the humble, meek, kind, and approachable Savior who whispers to us once again: "Come to me...for I am gentle and lowly in heart."

SERIES BREAKDOWN:

• Week 1: Jesus at the Wedding at Cana – John 2:1-12

• Week 2: Jesus and Zaccheus – Luke 19:1-10

• Week 3: Jesus and the Man at the Pool – John 5:1-20

• Week 4: Jesus Walks on the Water – Matthew 14:22-33

• Week 5: Jesus Cleanses Ten Lepers – Luke 17:11-19

---

(1) A. Craig Troxel, With All Your Heart: Orienting Your Mind, Desires, and Will Toward Christ (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2020), pg. 17-19.

(2) Dane Ortlund, Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2020), pg. 21.

(3) Ibid., pg. 25.

(4) Ibid., pg. 27.

God of My Sorrow

God of My Sorrow
by Ashley Johnson

(Psalm 62; Lamentations 3)

Oh God of my sorrow,
To thee do I bow
In resigned submission
With sweat on my brow

For where can I turn to
Oh, where can I go?
When trouble surrounds me
And pains overflow

Like a river around me
That whisks me away
From the land of plenty
From sunlight and day

Oh God of my anger
To thee do I bow
In heated submission
For how can you allow?

Such horror to find me
Such evil abound
In a world you created
Have you not been crowned?

With power and glory
Dominion and rule 
With unmatched authority
Or am I just a fool?

Oh God of my sadness
To thee do I bow
In broken submission
With tears on my brow

The shock has worn off
My anger poured out
I have nothing left
But quietness now

And that’s where you find me
And speak to my soul
The words that I need
That only you know 

Oh God of my hope
To thee do I bow
In humble submission 
With your light on my brow

Though questions and problems 
With me they remain
You’ve promised your presence
Will do all the same

And with you as my refuge
Through the sickness and sorrow 
I can wake up again
Tomorrow, tomorrow

Oh God of my joy
To thee do I bow
In grateful submission 
Your work on my brow

It binds me
It seals me
It guides me
It heals me

And now I can see
What I couldn’t before
Your lovingkindness toward me
It is more, it is more

Grace Stories - Avila Family

Ralph’s Grace Story

I didn’t grow up in a home that honored Jesus as Lord. I was often witnessed to by my aunts and uncles when we would hang out, but I did not really pay too much attention to them. I did believe that there was a God and a heaven, and just figured I was ‘good enough’ to get in.

One day, in an FGCU study room in 2012, the topic of Jesus came up. Someone whom I barely knew, but eventually became good friends with, patiently answered my questions (even though I was probably being a bit more argumentative than I care to admit). He challenged me to look at scripture with him and we started a guided study of Romans meeting weekly at Panera Bread or in group study rooms at the University library. He challenged me to look at the evidence and meditate on it. And he invited me to start attending Summit Church with him.

After accepting Christ, I now see that I was not ‘good enough’ to get in; not by a long shot. Looking back at my life before Jesus and now, I see the need for a Savior. In moments where I struggle, I look to the scriptures and thank God for my Savior. I lay my fears and anxieties on Him, and trust in Him, and remind myself He is sovereign and in control.

Lauren’s Grace Story

My life before accepting Jesus was full of worry. What would the next day bring? And how many things would I accomplish in my life? In many ways it was safe to say that I was lost. I had an aunt and uncle witnessing to me for years and I would listen, but never fully take it in. I was not raised knowing about Jesus, so for me it was a little confusing. I am so happy that they never gave up on witnessing to me.

One day my uncle and I started talking and he shared the verse John 3:16.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

He told me to go home and reflect on this, and that night I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior and asked Him for forgiveness. This moment that I will never forget was one of instant peace. Peace that I had never ever felt in my entire life. Nothing will ever compare.

Since accepting Jesus as my Lord and Savior, my life has been different in so many ways. He has not stopped pursuing me, in fact He has opened so many ways for me and my family to know He is taking care of us. He provided me with a job so my husband does not have to work 2 jobs, and now we can attend community group weekly. This has been a blessing for my family. The church has been so welcoming of us and has made such an impact as well. I have peace knowing that even though we will still have hard times, we have Him to get us through the darkness.

Nathan’s Grace Story

I came to know Jesus through my family and coming to church. I know that Jesus died on the cross for us, for our sins, and it shows me just how much He loves us. Now that I’ve accepted Jesus, I know He is with me.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

19 Years of God's Faithfulness

A prayer for 19 Years of God’s Faithfulness at Summit Church

Heavenly Father, on our Church’s anniversary weekend we want to thank you for your goodness, grace, blessings and faithfulness to us over these nineteen years. We thank you for every soul saved by the gospel of Jesus Christ. We thank you for every heart that has been restored and healed. We thank you for the marriages reconciled, strengthened and formed within this body.

We thank you for every child that has been dedicated within this covenant community. We thank you for every student that has been ministered to and spiritually formed in this place. Thank you for the churches planted, the missionaries sent out, and mission organizations supported around the world. Thank you for the opportunity we have had to see the reach of the gospel into many different nations and people groups.  Thank you for the children fostered, adopted and sponsored by families here at Summit.

Lord, we thank you for the many different ways you have provided for the needs of this ministry; from people, to resources, to partners, to finances. You have always granted what we needed and have been so good to us.

Father we thank you that you have made us one in Christ. We pray that as members of your family, your Holy Spirit would continue to knit us together in the bonds of unity and love.

Lord, you have promised that you are the One that would build your Church so we ask that you would continue to empower each of us, both individually and corporately, to use the talents and gifts that we have been entrusted with for the praise and glory of your name and the edification of the saints of God.

Lord please protect us from the wiles of the enemy who seeks to destroy and cause divisions among your Family. Help us to be sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable and gentle towards each other. May the one-anothers you have mandated in your Word be our habitual practice and culture. May your Holy Spirit lead us away from selfish motives, and towards humbly regarding the needs and necessities of others before our own. May your love mark us and may your love be evident in the ways we love one another so that the community around us may know we belong to you.

And Lord we continue to cry out for the lost around us. We ask that you would use us as your ambassadors. Let us be salt and light in the places where we live, work, and play so that through us, every man, woman, and child may have repeated opportunities to see, hear, and respond to the good news of the gospel.

 And may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all this day and every day that follows.

“Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.”

In the victorious, mighty and glorious name of Jesus we pray - Amen.

Foster Care Info Meeting

Foster Care Informational Meeting

We are hosting an informational meeting for anyone interested in learning more about Foster Care. The meeting will be facilitated by our Every Child Initiative(ECI) partner, One More Child.

When: Tuesday, September 20th at 7pm. (Zoom link will be available as well)
Where: Summit Church - University Campus - 19601 Ben Hill Griffin Parkway

REGISTER FOR IN PERSON HERE

REGISTER FOR ZOOM HERE

Questions? Contact Vicky@summitlife.com

Family - New Series

Sunday mornings are a peculiar time of the week. While many people choose to sleep in, catch up on some housework, head to the beach, or perhaps grab brunch with friends, countless others get in their cars to gather at a specific meeting place. They sit shoulder to shoulder—some are close friends, others acquaintances, while many are seemingly strangers. The group is usually quite diverse in gender, age, race, and social-economic status; yet, they gather together in the early morning hours. Who are these people? And what has brought them together? It might seem strange to say or even comprehend, but they are a family. In some sense, you can even say that their gathering is a weekly family reunion. But this is no ordinary family; this is the church—the household of God.

The church is many things. As a matter of fact, the New Testament uses multiple images to paint a vivid portrait of who we are as the people of God. But the biblical authors use one particular picture more often than the others—the church as a family or household. Yet this is no mere metaphor or illustration, it is a theological reality accomplished through the gospel. In his glorious grace, God chose to adopt us into his family through the work of Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:5). In doing so, he now calls us his children (1 Jhn. 3:1), and in turn, we get to call him "Abba! Father!" (Rom. 8:15). But not only is God our Father, and we, his children, but Jesus—the Eternal Son—is our elder brother, who is in no way ashamed to call us his family (Heb. 2:10-13). This is who we are.

The image of the church as a family was never meant to be an abstract, theoretical, or simply idealistic vision for God's people. To ignore this fact, and even more gravely, to neglect to embrace this specific marker, would be to disregard God's heart and desire for his people's identity. We are a family; we are brothers and sisters. And how do we practically embrace God's blood-bought vision for his people, within the context of the local church? We choose to belong to a specific people in a particular place where we tangibly express our familial commitment to one another in response to the gospel. Through the local church, we joyfully yet soberly commit ourselves to our brothers and sisters. We reorient our loyalty and devotion. Why? Because the gospel compels us to embrace our family. Not just on Sunday mornings, but every hour of every day.

What would it look like for us to embrace this reality as a value at Summit Church? We often say we are a God-glorifying, gospel-centered, missionally-driven, and disciple-making people. In other words, we are committed to these distinctive values that shape and form who we are as a church. But what if our identity as the family of God was the distinctive that provided the context for us to truly embrace these values? What if we were committed to resting in our adoption as children of God? What would it look like to truly live in biblical community? What if we devoted ourselves to caring for one another as Scripture commands of us? Over the next few weeks, we will answer these questions as we consider what it means to live as the household of God—children adopted by the Father in Christ Jesus, committed to each other as brothers and sisters. Join us as we explore what it means to be a God-glorifying, gospel-centered, missionally-driven, disciple-making FAMILY!

School Deliveries

A huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who participated in our Serve our Schools project this year! We’ve been delivering the supplies to our school partners, praying with them, blessing the teachers with lunches, breakfasts, and smoothies. Please pray that God would expand our gospel influence as we seek to share the good news of Jesus with every man, woman, and child!

Here are some things the teachers have shared with us so far!

“We are so very grateful for your generosity! Our teachers were delighted! The treats were absolutely perfect!
Everyone was so thankful and wanted me to pass on our most sincere written appreciation!”

“…to see y’all pray outside the office was powerful and comforting. Also- thank you for bringing the healthy, delicious snacks!”

“Our students and staff are blessed to have your love and support year after year. Thank you for all the backpacks and treats. We appreciate you! ”

“This is a huge help to us every year!”

“Thank you for praying over us.”

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

All the Way In

By Joe O’Neal

Psalm 62:1-2

1 For God alone my soul waits in silence;
    from him comes my salvation.

2  He alone is my rock and my salvation,
    my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.

When I was a kid discovered skateboarding. A simple wooden toy with wheels and yet, also incredibly complex, artistic, challenging and beautiful. It’s a pretty good cardio workout too if you’re into that sort of thing. So I still thoroughly enjoy skateboarding whenever I find few minutes of time.

Skateboarding is everywhere these days; in advertising, in the olympics, in popular culture. So you’ve probably seen a picture or video clip of a skateboard ramp, commonly referred to as a halfpipe. (see illustration above)

Now if you’ve ever watched anyone skate on any of these ramps, what you should know is that the first thing that skater had to learn in order to ride the ramp was how to ‘drop in’; this entails standing atop the ramp and then ‘dropping in’ to the curvature of the ramp, plunging down towards the bottom of the ramp on your way to the other side. But here’s the thing about dropping in; it feels completely counterintuitive to what is your natural inclination. 

“But here’s the thing about dropping in; it feels completely counterintuitive to what is your natural inclination. ”

You see, you have to lean much further forward than feels safe to do in order to keep the board from shooting out from under your feet, causing you to take a very hard and painful fall. Fear will cause you to hesitate and be tentative instead of leaning all the way in; but that’s a huge mistake. Don’t believe me? Youtube it.

The only way to be stable is to believe that the curvature of the ramp will carry you forward despite leaning, what feels like, too far ahead. If you are half in and half out, you will be rewarded with a very painful fall. Its full commitment or nothing.

Now that’s a silly illustration. But Psalm 62 has a similar warning for those who put their trust and hope in anything but God alone. 

5 For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,
    for my hope is from him.
6 He only is my rock and my salvation,
    my fortress; I shall not be shaken.

9 Those of low estate are but a breath;
    those of high estate are a delusion;
in the balances they go up;
    they are together lighter than a breath.

10 Put no trust in extortion;
    set no vain hopes on robbery;
    if riches increase, set not your heart on them.

David is quietly, confidently locating his hope in God alone. Not in himself, great warrior though he was, not in power, in people, or wealth or anything else…No, the Psalmist is instructing us to lean all the way in to God; to put our hope and trust in him alone. 

“No, the Psalmist is instructing us to lean all the way in to God; to put our hope and trust in him alone. ”

That’s because David knows our natural, sinful inclination is to put our hope in ourselves, in our financial portfolios, in the right political leaders…but this is like being half in, half out. And that’s only setting us up for a painful fall.

Instead, let’s put all of our trust and hope in God alone. Lean all the way in. He’s fully trustworthy. And in His power and love, there’s a thrilling ride ahead.

Fall Kickoff Family BBQ

Join our Summit Kids team on Saturday, August 27th as we celebrate the kickoff of our Fall ministry season with a time of food, fun, and fellowship for all of the families with children in Summit Kids! (infant-5th grade)

This event is happening at both our University and Gateway campuses.

UNIVERSITY
What: Hotdogs, Ice Cream Truck, Games, Inflatables, Water Balloons, Fellowship and more
When: Saturday, August 27th - 5-7pm
Details: Hot dogs, chips, and drinks will be free of charge; ice cream truck will be present ($3-5 per item)
Where: University Campus - Please consider bringing your own lawn chairs for additional seating.

---

GATEWAY
What: Hotdogs, Games, Fellowship and more*
When: Saturday, August 27th - 5-7pm
Details: Food will be provided ($ donations welcome)
Where: Gateway Campus

Serve Our Schools

Every year, we have the God-given opportunity to serve the schools and families within our Circles of Accountability (COA) by providing uniforms, backpacks, and school supplies. Would you join us in multiplying our gospel influence as we tangibly represent the love of Christ to our partner schools and the families in our communities? Not only does this simple act of love imitate Christ's generosity, but it also provides us with opportunities to proclaim the message of the gospel through a variety of ways as we build relationships with the administrations and teachers.

To participate, simply pick up a supply list from the table at your campus this weekend! Thank you!

The Posture of the People of God

When dignitaries walk into the room, everyone in attendance swiftly stands to their feet. Soldiers salute their authorities of higher rank, and citizens of a kingdom bow before the throne of their ruler. Even fans cheer and praise the sight of their favorite celebrities or sports teams.

But how should we respond to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords? What posture are we to assume in the presence of the Almighty? What does he demand of his people, and how should we joyfully respond?

This summer, we will consider how the book of Psalms vividly demonstrates the diverse postures we are to embrace as the people of God—postures such as humility, worship, trust, and repentance. Each posture reveals an aspect of God's character and invites us to respond in kind. Join us for this teaching series as we look at The Posture of the People of God.

A Lament for Today

I am weary with my moaning;
    every night I flood my bed with tears;
    I drench my couch with my weeping.

 My eye wastes away because of grief;
    it grows weak because of all my foes.

Psalm 6:6-7

Almighty God, it’s so crushing to be in this dark world. Our souls are greatly troubled. We feel like weeping with the unbearable sadness of it all. Evil surrounds us. How long, O Lord? The pit of unimaginable wickedness feels insufferably wide and impossibly deep.

We’re left stunned, speechless, and horrified by the senseless murder of school children, just finishing their 4th grade year. How can this be? How long, O Lord?

Unborn children have their lives extinguished in the womb. White supremacists murder grandmothers in the grocery store aisle because they are black. War ravages nations. Innocent men, women, and children are bombed in their homes or shot in the streets. How long, O Lord?

We hear of sexual abuse and coverup in the Church, and we’re filled with righteous anger and an awful, sickening sorrow. How long, O Lord?

People call wrong, right. They look at evil and say ‘this is good, this is my truth’. They choose their own way, enslaved without even knowing it. How long, O Lord?

God, your children look to you. Where else can we go? 

Jesus, You are the resurrected, death-defeating, sin-conquering King. The Prince of Peace. We breathe deeply, and so we are not afraid. But still we are mournful and angry. Help us. What can we do?

Spirit, may the cleansing begin here. Sanctify us. Purify us. Rid of us sin, prejudice, callousness, hate, idolatry, pride. We repent. And we worship. In the darkness, we worship You.

Make us shine like stars in this crooked and perverse generation.

Come, Lord Jesus. Come quickly.

Hallie's Grace Story

I grew up in a household where we went to church on Christmas and Easter and a few other Sundays throughout the year. But I never knew who God was or had a relationship with him. In 8th grade my best friend introduced me to what a relationship with God could look like. I began studying the Bible and developing a relationship with God for myself and never looked back.

Through the years, I have been on some mountains and in some valleys but God was there walking right beside me. When I moved to Florida for college, God immediately led me to join a women's ministry and I have met many Godly women who invited me to start attending church with them at Summit.

A year and a half later, I am standing here as a testament of God's faithfulness.

Trent's Grace Story

I grew up in a loving Christian family and was baptized as a child. As I’ve grown in my faith I realized that this baptism hadn’t been my choice. I understand now that believer’s baptism is an outward expression of my inward commitment with Christ. When I was growing up I believed I was a ‘Christian’ because I did all the good Christian things… but I know now that only Jesus can get me into heaven.

During the season in which I was beginning to understand this more, my mom got very sick. We had no idea what was wrong with her. Her illness caused me to question God’s love, wondering why He would let this happen to her.

Over time, God began revealing His good purposes. My mom became a health coach and now helps others. It was in the 6th grade at my school (FBA) that I realized everyone there had something I didn’t – Jesus. As Tim Keller said, “God’s grace doesn’t come to people who morally outperform others but to those who admit their failure to perform and who acknowledge their need for a Savior.” It was that first week of school my dad led me in prayer and I trusted in Jesus as my Lord and Savior. 

Some of the hardest times in my life were when my mom and my sister got sick. I had doubts and questioned the love of God – but it was my sister Tayah, that helped keep my faith in check. Her faith has been such an encouragement to me through the years. During these times I began recognizing that God always has a plan for His children. Just like the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis.

I trust that God has a plan for me, so I will continue to let Him guide me. The story of the criminal on the cross next to Jesus in Luke 23 gives me comfort and confidence. He says to Jesus “remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” Jesus responds “Truly, I say to you today, you will be with me in paradise.” God will take anyone that is willing to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. This is the good news I believe in and will share with others until he returns.

I Am - New Teaching Series

The words of Jesus bear significant meaning among his followers. From The Sermon on the Mount to The Lord’s Prayer to The Upper Room Discourse, his words carry the force to transform, each with the unique ability to elicit adoration and devotion. But his words also have the ability to provoke hatred, anger, and violent rage. It was this exact reality that ultimately led to his crucifixion, and it all began with two simple words: “I Am” (Jhn. 8:58). While these two words may not mean much to an average modern-day reader, the Jews who filled the temple the day Jesus spoke those words knew precisely what he was saying. Those two simple words were all it would take for the angry mob in the temple to pick up stones to hurl at Jesus (Jhn. 8:59). And their intentions were clear: kill the man who would dare to claim that he himself was God (Ex. 3:13-14)!

For over two thousand years, generation after generation has grappled with the same age-old question: Who exactly is Jesus of Nazareth? Who was this man crucified by the Roman Empire and the Jewish leaders of his day? Who is this man whose life sparked an entire religion and changed the history of the world? To debate his existence is futile, but sharp disagreements continue to this day regarding his true identity. While most world religions concede that this historical figure was a moral teacher or prophet, one must come to a completely different conclusion when considering the words of Jesus himself. As C.S. Lewis famously expressed, if we take Jesus at his words, he was either a liar, a lunatic, or God in the flesh. If he truly is God, then his claims must not only be closely studied, but our lives must joyfully bend in submission to his every word.

In this new teaching series, I Am, we will consider the words of Jesus, each week studying one of the seven "I am" statements made by him in the Gospel of John. In doing so, not only will we come face to face with his claims of deity, but we will see that believing such claims lead us to embrace Jesus himself. His words are invitations to experience true life, a way of living that fully satisfies hungry and thirsty souls. They beckon the tired and weary to rest in his perfect care, freely receiving comfort from his divine provision. They offer everlasting joy and produce genuine flourishing, not found in life's fleeting moments but rooted in his unchanging life and unconditional love. Join us as we examine and respond to the claims of the Great I Am.

New Series begins 4/24/2022