Isn’t it a tremendous feeling to be able to take part in a day like Rally Sunday? We are so blessed to be able to drop our kids off at Sunday school (or in the choir room!), grab a cup of delicious coffee (oh, Perky People...how we love you), and take a seat in the adult offering of our choice (we’ve got three––that in itself is also pretty tremendous!).

Rally Sunday was a little different this year, though, for a few reasons. First, it’s been a little while since we’ve skipped our ministries fair (if you didn’t like not being able to sign up for something like usher ministry, altar guild, flower guild, or greeter ministry, though––call us!), but having EVERYTHING start at once was perfect! Second––the rain did more than just threaten us this year, and we had to cancel the jump castle. The upside, though, was that we got to huddle up nice and close inside––all of us––AND we got a cute picture of everyone’s umbrellas lining the Parish House breezeway.

And third, our preacher, the Rev. Jeff Miller, talked to us about living fruitful lives and introduced the St. Philip’s Tree of Life! In order to grow into the full stature of Christ, we must commit to weekly or twice-weekly corporate worship (making the Lord’s Day a priority), weekly Sunday Christian formation (e.g. Rector’s Forum, Sunday School), weekly corporate Bible study (Rector’s Bible Study and/or small group), daily prayer and study of God’s Word, service to the church (lay ministry, missions, etc.), Christian fellowship (e.g. foyer group, Theology on Tuesdays), and making disciples (sharing the faith).

But he didn’t just send us out to figure all of that out on our own; our Rector outlined a list of daily devotionals and online resources that will help us on our journey. This list is not exhaustive––there are plenty of other fantastic resources––but it is certainly an excellent source. Visit our resources page to browse the list, which includes selections by Timothy Keller and John Stott (plus Amazon links). Happy exploring!

Almighty God, who seest that we have no power of ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies, and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.