The Well and The Chosen

 When I say we went through a lot of names I'm not really communicating the full extent of what we went through. For months I had sticky notes plastered on one section of my desk with different name ideas. I talked with a couple pastors I knew, a friend who had been through something similar before, marketing experts, and formed a focus group within the church. Late at night I'd look at Katie and ask "what do you think about this name?" I think she was more ready than anyone for us to make a choice. 

We wanted something that said who we are as a community, what our values were, and exhibited our hearts for service. We wanted it to exclaim how much we loved Jesus and one another. When the name "The Well" was proposed all the boxes were seemingly checked. What Biblical story could be more appropriate to describe who we were than that of the Samaritan woman at the well meeting Jesus. The book of John describes this event in a way that lets the reader know that all are welcome to meet Jesus. He explains throughout the narrative that our value is only found in Him, not who our other relationships or in what people say about us. Finally, we can seek spiritual renewal by coming to Him and serving others. All are welcome at the well, our value is in Him, and we are called to serve Him and one another no matter our 

past circumstances.  

Around this same time someone mentioned how much they were enjoying "The Chosen", a series based on the life of Jesus. I started the series and after we had chosen the name watched the episode of the women at the well. Now, the show is not exactly how the Bible depicts it and rightfully so. There is so much about their daily lives that we do not know. The details are elaborated on and exaggerated just a little to add to the content of the show. But when it gets to the important parts, like this story, the Biblical context seems to come to life. I watched the two interact and thought about how many times I've read the story. She really was welcomed by Jesus, she found herself in a new way that day, and she was spiritually renewed for the rest of her life. I wept. 

Jesus changed lives that day. He met a woman at a small well and in unprecedented circumstances. I wept because my prayer is that people will experience this for themselves at our Well. Watching the show brought about hopes of lives changed by Jesus where they are not defined by who others say they are but who they are in Jesus and where they find spiritual renewal. It came to life and I could see we were so close to seeing the same at our own Well. I know Jesus can do it and after watching you all go through this process with so much love and hope I know you can too. He has left us in this world to be His hands and feet so that when someone comes to The Well at Centerville seeking His living waters they will be welcomed with open arms. I've only watched three seasons so far but I'm excited about the fourth season of The Chosen. However, I couldn't be more proud and excited about our own new season of Ministry with you at The Well. Keep the Faith, Pastor Tommy 

Bible Reading Plan Week of May 21st

Sunday......... 1 Corinthians 9 

Monday…................ 1 Cor 10 

Tuesday…………… 1 Cor 11 

Wednesday……….. 1 Cor 12 

Thursday...………… 1 Cor 13 

Friday……………… 1 Cor 14 

Saturday……………1 Cor 15