On Sunday, we talked about how Jesus took the initiative to get involved in the lives of those who needed him--people like Levi and his friends.  Jesus didn't just hang out with religious folks.  He went to parties and built friendships with people who were far from God and needed to experience God's transforming love, grace and power.  Jesus deeply cared about these men and women, and he showed it in his willingness to spend time with them on their turf.  That's his desire for us as well.  As people who have been touched and transformed by him, we now want to build genuine friendships with men and women who are not yet Christ-followers.  We want others to have an opportunity to experience Christ's love, grace and power through us.

We can help and encourage one another in this!  We'd love to hear ideas for how to get to know and begin to build friendships with neighbors, classmates, work colleagues, etc.  I suggested a few possibilities: an Illini game party, Wii party, chocolate party, or just having someone over for a meal (which doesn't have to be fancy).  What are some of your ideas?  What things have you tried that have been effective in "breaking the ice" and enabling friendships to start or grow?

We'd also love to hear stories of how you've seen God work.  We want to be a church whose theology of hangin' out reflects the heart and life of Jesus!