CELEBRATION NOTES

February 22, 2026

“WE DON’T JUST GO TO CHURCH…

WE ARE THE CHURCH”

Sugden Park…Part 1

proskartereo: to live in a constant state of relentless pursuit; persistent, ongoing, obstinate devotion

WE WILL BE AN INTENSELY DEVOTED CHURCH.

Which people matter to God? All people matter to God.

“Us versus Them”

EVERYBODY’S WELCOME

“As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector’s booth.” Matthew 9:9

Why sinners and tax collectors?

“Follow me…”

“So Matthew got up and followed him.”

EVERYBODY’S INVITED

“While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples.” Matthew 9:10

EVERYBODY’S ACCEPTED

“When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?’ On hearing this, Jesus said, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice. “For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:13

Welcome to Matthew’s party!