Encountering God: Sabbath Month at MSPC

As we turn the page into a new year, our church family will enter a season unlike any we’ve shared before—Sabbath Month, a four-week experience designed to help every person take their next steps of faith with Jesus by entering into God’s rhythm of rest.

The weeks around the holidays often leave many of us feeling hurried, noisy, and relentlessly full. Our calendars fill up, our attention becomes fractured, and our spirits struggle to catch up. Jesus, however, models a different way—a rhythm of abiding and renewal that empowers Him for seasons of ministry. Specifically:

• Daily abiding with God through prayerful attention to Scripture

• Weekly Sabbath devoted to rest, relationships, and restorative practices

• Occasional retreats that pull us out of our routine so we can hear from God clearly

  
  

During Sabbath Month, we’re creating a “retreat in place”—a season to intentionally embrace these biblical rhythms so we can encounter the presence of God with greater clarity. Here’s what to expect:

A Rest from Church Activities

Our leadership has intentionally held off on scheduling events or programs in January. We want to give everyone space to breathe.If you’re part of a study or fellowship group, you are welcome to continue meeting. But our committees, special events, and regular programming will take a break so we can rest together as a congregation.

A Different Kind of Worship Service

Throughout January, we will gather for one weekly worship service at 10:00am.Each service will include:

• Personal stories from our congregation

• A focused encounter with Scripture

• Communion every week

• Space for fellowship and connection

Worship will be intentionally quieter, simpler, and shaped around encountering the presence of God.

Encouragement for Daily Encounter with God

We’ll walk together in developing a daily rhythm of listening to Scripture, praying, and creating quiet space for God to speak. Even a few minutes each day can begin to reshape the heart.

Encouragement to Practice Sabbath as Rest, Relationship, and Renewal

Sabbath is not simply the absence of work—it is the presence of God.Each week, we’ll invite you to carve out intentional space to step away from hurry, reconnect with loved ones, and engage in practices that restore your heart, mind, and soul.

Encouragement to Invest in Relationships Within the MSPC Family

January is a wonderful time to deepen connections within our church community.Throughout the month, several families will host drop-in gatherings for anyone to stop by, meet new people, and build meaningful relationships. This is a simple way to strengthen the bonds of our church family.

Culminating Weekend Retreat

Our month will conclude with a special retreat weekend. We are partnering with the Presbytery of Cincinnati to bring Bob Rognlien back to teach The Jesus-Shaped Way.After a month of resting and encountering God, this weekend will fuel you for the next stage of life and ministry.

So enjoy the beauty and energy of the holiday season—and look forward to the rest we will share together in January as we journey deeper into Encountering God.