Gardendale-Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church will start a journey on Feb. 14 to encourage good Samaritans.

The series will examine the biblical answer to, “who is my neighbor?”

It will also present practical ways in which Christians can show love to our brothers and sisters locally and abroad right now.

“This series is an exciting time for our church. Having just hosted a weekend in which many missionaries came to share their stories with us, this series will remind us that God doesn’t have to call us to go to some foreign country to be His missionaries,” said Bob Bradley, director of worship.

Start Becoming a Good Samaritan is a small group DVD-based curriculum that has attracted a lot of attention from churches throughout the country.

It explores the critical needs facing our world and helps Christians understand how they can become Good Samaritans.

Hosted by John Ortberg, the curriculum features an amazing lineup of teachers, thinkers and leaders including Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, Eugene Peterson, Kay Warren, Rob Bell, Jim Cymbala, Gary Haugen, Jim Wallis, Mathew Sleeth, Philip Yancey, Rich Stearns, Shane Claiborne, Star Parker, Steve Chalke, Joni Eareckson Tada, Chuck Colson, Zach Hunter, Denver Moore, Ron Hall and many others.

See SERIES on Page 2A

Series

Continues from Page 1A

At Gardendale-Mt. Vernon, the study is being partnered with a sermon series developed by senior pastor Dr. Rudy Guess.

“We have a ripe mission field right here in Gardendale and the North Jefferson County region,” Bradley said. “A lot of people have a lot of needs, and this will empower us to work to meet those needs in the name of Jesus. When we decide to just start doing something, our lives will be changed, and through the awesome power of God the lives of others throughout our community will never be the same, either.”

The series begins on Feb. 14, where the church will also be observing Scouting Sunday.

Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts from groups sponsored by the church will be present in the service to celebrate their ministry and to remind the congregation of their purpose.

For more information about the sermon series or the study group, call 631-7631 or email jlindholm@gmvumc.org.