September

Sabbath

The Purpose for Our Pause

In September, our groups will be taking a break. While discipleship and worship are central to our life together, we also value rest—not as an afterthought, but as a necessary rhythm for spiritual health. That’s why Jesus invites us to rest in him: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Our church's life is not sustained by endless activity, but by abiding in the love of our Heavenly Father. Just as creation began with a day of rest, so too should our rhythms reflect our dependence on God—not just our holy hustle. Rest is part of our worship. It is an act of trust that God is at work, even when we are not.

We are especially mindful of our group leaders, many of whom pour out their hearts each week in service, teaching, hospitality, and prayer. This month off is an opportunity, especially for them, to receive rather than give—to sit, reflect, and remember their identity as beloved sons and daughters of the Father.

Our hope is that this brief pause in our group gatherings becomes a space for joy, reflection, and renewed intimacy with the Lord. Marva Dawn, who has taught us much about rest, says, “A great benefit of Sabbath keeping is that we learn to let God take care of us—not by becoming passive or lazy, but in the freedom of giving up our feeble attempts to be God in our own lives.” Rest creates space to be known and loved by the Father.

So in this season, we step back not because community isn’t important, but because we believe sustainable life and friendship grow from a well-rested soul. May the Spirit meet you in stillness, and may you know afresh the delight of your Heavenly Father.

Only Children reSt Devotional

During our month-long Sabbath, we’ll provide a four-week devotional called “Only Children Rest.” Every week you’ll have a five-day reading plan, a lesson to consider, questions to ponder, and a rhythm to practice. The themes and Scripture will correspond with our teaching series through John 15.

As we take a break from groups in September, we’ll be reflecting on the gift of rest in our Sunday teaching series. Each week, we’ll explore why only children rest. In other words, we’ll consider how seeing ourselves not as workers or performers, but as sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father, enables us to cease from work and worry—and truly abide in Him.

Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). We’re not called to hustle for our formation or fruitfulness. We’re invited to rest in Christ and trust that he is the source of our health and growth.

This requires a deep understanding of our identity. Pastor Rich Villodas puts it this way: “If we don’t rest, we will rely more on ourselves than on God. Rest is not a reward. It’s a reminder that God is the one who sustains us.” So, this month, may we learn again to rest like a child—secure in the Father’s love, free from anxiety, and rooted in the grace that holds you.

TeACHING Series

September Events

  • Encanto in the Park

    September 4th

    Let’s watch Encanto at Wrightwood Park

    RSVP

  • Movember Brewery Fundraise

    September 9th

    Join us at Pilot Project Brewing for Movember’s Suicide Awareness Month Silent Auction — an evening of good company, great beer, and meaningful impact.

    No RSVP

  • Kickball Game in Humboldt Park

    September 17th

    Dust off your sneakers and questionable athletic skills for a game at Humboldt Park!

    RSVP

Recommended REcources

Keeping the Sabbath Wholly