This weekend, we’re launching into a Hot Topics Series…in fact, you probably got a postcard invite in the mail. We’re kicking the whole thing off with a Porn Weekend! That is probably the exact opposite of what it sounds like.
HERE is the schedule of EVENTS: Friday night, October 10: PORN AND PASTRIES. For women only…how the porn industry dehumanizes and literally creates a cycle of dependence on substance, shattered lives and money…testimonies from some whom Jesus has saved…the rising amount of women who are getting hooked on porn, and the hope of Christ to bring freedom.
Saturday morn, October 11: PORN AND PANCAKES. For men only…tangible help for creating structures of freedom, friendship and accountability…how the church and Christ can help on the journey to wholeness…and the joy of living clean.
Saturday afternoon: PORN AND PARENTS. For moms and dads who are looking to create a porn-protected home, where the issues of lust and pornography are dealt with in a Christ-honoring and biblically based way, focusing on protection and freedom, and not shame.
You can sign up on the events page at OCC.org. These three events are held at Eastlake Community Church, which is pastored by my very good friend Ryan Meeks. The events themselves are run by the xxxchurch guys…you can find them online…
Sunday, all three OCC Services will address the topic of Porn…and Jesus.
We truly are praying that the love of Christ will come right into the heart of this issue, bringing freedom and wholeness and life. It will be a FREEDOM-Fest as we experience the cleansing grace of Jesus together.
Since we know that our topics in the HOT TOPICS Series are, you know, hot, we want to provide the following two special considerations:
1. During our 11am service every Sunday during the Series, Pastor Gary will be hosting a Q&A in the gym, and even drilling down a bit deeper on the issue that we discuss in the message.
2. Not all of our topics will be equally hot, but they all will be hotter than normal. So, for safety’s sake, I want to rate them all M for mature content. That means if you have children, this would be a great series to have them check out our World Class children’s ministry! (I don’t want your toddler’s first word to be “porn-a-graffy.”)
So, you’ve been warned.
Is it HOT in here?
Yes.
And exactly where Jesus would want to be…
Don’t forget to BRINGVITE a friend.
Love you. Loving Jesus.
2 comments:
pastor mike ... thanks for having the courage to address such a hot topic in church. Your leadership is an example to our congregation. I appreciate your open and honest presentation of this topic that affects each of us.
Spoiler warning--This ends on a postive note! I attended Overlake for several years when I lived in Bellevue prior to relocating to CA in 2006. I loved attending OCC and was feeling a bit nostalgic last week. So, I decided to visit websites of some of my favorite places "back home". I visited the OCC website and was sure that I had landed on the wrong web page. I was stunned! It was obvious that a lot had changed. I was especially concerned about the shock of the topic titles "Porn and Pancakes", etc. But, in an effort to overcome my tendency to be judgmental (God's been working on me to that end), I ret'd to the site and listened to Pastor Mike's message online today. The message was absolutely and totally ON POINT, with many biblical references, and seemed to be authentic. Pastor Mike, you included very practical solutions, and I believe you helped a lot of people who struggle with pornography... and at least one who struggles with being judgmental. God bless.
Missing Seattle
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