I'm behind . . . I've never watched Glee until a few months ago when we went on vacation and because of all the chatter about it, I downloaded all the episodes to my iPad. I didn't know I was missing 1/2 of shows! So tonight I was thrilled to see that it was coming on tv.
If you've never watched it, try to catch an episode . . . they have many "teaching points" in each one!
Tonight's show, however, was probably one of the most powerful I've seen! The "Cheerios" (cheerleaders) were being made to do some kind of strenuous ritual to make sure they were thin enough, pretty enough, etc. to be viewed by a famous reporter that was going to give their coach a prestigious award.
It came time for their performance but much to their coach's dismay it was not the cheerdance she was expecting. The song started with the "atypical" cheerio singing Christina Aguilera's "Beautiful" and before you knew it ALL the "atypical" beautiful people were out on the floor singing and dancing!
It immediately made me think of West! Our commitment to being a place where "atypical" people can come and feel welcome, loved, accepted regardless of personal characteristics that distinguish anyone as "different" in a bad way. We've committed to loving people whether they are long-time Christians or people who are not even sure there is a God. We want all people to feel a part. Far too often religion has judged people based on social status - how they look when they "come to church," their way of worshipping, life choices, physical characteristics like hair color (died perhaps purple or green), body piercings (if I HAD a cool belly button I'd have it pierced too but I don't so I won't!), tattoos - I like those too but have an aversion to pain, and all TOO often these judgments end up standing in the way of people finding their place on path to faith. We are called to love all people. Breaking out of the huddle means loving all people!
On Glee tonight the point was to empower people where they are in their own lives! People should "be the people they are" without feeling like they have to change to be beautiful! What a powerful message . . . thus I've named this blog "Glest" for "Glee/West" . . . now, if we only had their money.
I thought the words of Aguilera's song were appropriate . . .
Everyday is so wonderful, then suddenly, it’s hard to breathe
Now and then I get insecure, from all the pain
I'm so ashamed
To all your friends you're delirious
So consumed in all your doom.... (oohh mmm)
Trying hard to fill that emptiness,
The pieces gone,left the puzzle undone,
Aint that the way it is?
I am beautiful no matter what they say
Words can't bring me down
I am beautiful in every single way
Yes words can't bring me down
So don't you bring me down today
Let's be a faith community that seeks not to break down but to build up!
Let's show all people they are beautiful in our eyes, but even moreso in the eyes of God!
About Me
- Andrea
- So grateful for passionate people and a passionate place in which to be in ministry . . . West is ONE YEAR OLD!!!! YEAH! And looking forward to a great year ahead . . .
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 16, 2010
"Changing Faiths"
I think it is interesting, especially in light of the sermon yesterday on why folks don't want to be a part of the church . . . b/c Christians are seen as judgmental, hypocritical, and insensitive to the needs of others . . . that this is the article I read this morning in my study time.
This article was spawned by the fact that Ann Rice, famous author, publically renounced her Christian faith. In Saturday's Charlotte Observer it read, "Ann Rice: 'I felt I had to step aside from Christianity'" and then in the article she expounded on why.
'In the name of Christ I refuse to be anti-gay. I refuse to be anti-feminist. I refuse to be anti-artificial birth control. I refuse to be anti-Democrat. I refuse to be anti-secular humanism. I refuse to be anti-science. I refuse to be anti-life.'
How sad that Christianity is seen as "anti" everything. Again, it is no wonder people do not want to be a part of a church.
It is the goal of the West Campus to refute that belief. We are not "anti" we are about love and grace, forgiveness and journeys! We are all in need of those things and we are each on a journey that will have great experiences and then times where we find ourselves searching for meaning and belonging.
Take a look at this excert from the Barna Group . . . it is definitely food for thought!
Why People Change Faiths
The survey also explored the top-of-mind reasons why people change faiths. The most common reasons for moving away from Christianity included life experiences, such as gaining new knowledge or education; feeling disillusioned with church and religion; feeling the church is hypocritical; having negative experiences in churches; being in disagreement with Christianity about specific issues such as homosexuality, abortion or birth control; feeling the church is too authoritarian; wanting to express their faith outside of church; and searching for a new faith or wanting to experience other religions.
Among those who were shifting toward Christianity, the most common motivations were going through difficult life events (such as divorce, a health crisis or death of a loved one); getting older and seeing life differently; wanting to connect with a church and grow spiritually; discovering Christ; or wanting to know what was in the Bible.
Age and Change
Most of the people who have made these changes did so as a teenager or young adult. The study discovered that the median age at the time they changed faiths or significantly altered their faith perspective was 22.
One-third of those who experienced a significant faith shift did so during their twenties and another one-third did so before age 20. In total, two-thirds of people who had a major faith change experienced that outcome before the age of 30 (68%). In fact, among respondents over 40, only 5% of them reported making a major shift in their religious affiliation after the age of 40.
This article was spawned by the fact that Ann Rice, famous author, publically renounced her Christian faith. In Saturday's Charlotte Observer it read, "Ann Rice: 'I felt I had to step aside from Christianity'" and then in the article she expounded on why.
'In the name of Christ I refuse to be anti-gay. I refuse to be anti-feminist. I refuse to be anti-artificial birth control. I refuse to be anti-Democrat. I refuse to be anti-secular humanism. I refuse to be anti-science. I refuse to be anti-life.'
How sad that Christianity is seen as "anti" everything. Again, it is no wonder people do not want to be a part of a church.
It is the goal of the West Campus to refute that belief. We are not "anti" we are about love and grace, forgiveness and journeys! We are all in need of those things and we are each on a journey that will have great experiences and then times where we find ourselves searching for meaning and belonging.
Take a look at this excert from the Barna Group . . . it is definitely food for thought!
Why People Change Faiths
The survey also explored the top-of-mind reasons why people change faiths. The most common reasons for moving away from Christianity included life experiences, such as gaining new knowledge or education; feeling disillusioned with church and religion; feeling the church is hypocritical; having negative experiences in churches; being in disagreement with Christianity about specific issues such as homosexuality, abortion or birth control; feeling the church is too authoritarian; wanting to express their faith outside of church; and searching for a new faith or wanting to experience other religions.
Among those who were shifting toward Christianity, the most common motivations were going through difficult life events (such as divorce, a health crisis or death of a loved one); getting older and seeing life differently; wanting to connect with a church and grow spiritually; discovering Christ; or wanting to know what was in the Bible.
Age and Change
Most of the people who have made these changes did so as a teenager or young adult. The study discovered that the median age at the time they changed faiths or significantly altered their faith perspective was 22.
One-third of those who experienced a significant faith shift did so during their twenties and another one-third did so before age 20. In total, two-thirds of people who had a major faith change experienced that outcome before the age of 30 (68%). In fact, among respondents over 40, only 5% of them reported making a major shift in their religious affiliation after the age of 40.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Headed West . . .
3 am rolled around and I woke up in a panic . . . I only sent one email to the launch team - they were not going to have a clue about today, we would be lucky if we had 30 people show up! AND maybe that would be a good thing because I FORGOT all about getting stuff for the nursery.
One of those MINOR details at a launch of a new faith community in a high school. There are NO toddler toys lying around!!!!!! So after a brief trip to Walmart this morning we had what we needed to do our first service where we were trying to tweak all the things that need to be perfect on Sept. 12 for our public launch!
Right before it was time for people to arrive I had another moment of panic - we had no "hospitality!" No signs, no refreshments, what would it be like, would people feel like it was a total waste of time and energy! BUT we said it would be a service where we worked on sound and lighting so no need to stress on all the other factors, there was nothing I could do about it at the last minute.
We had worship! There were 101 people there . . . and we had people from WC Brawley Campus that are willing to serve on the launch team and we had folks that are new to the WCUMC community period! That's truly what the west campus is supposed to be and I am so grateful for the folks that are willing to take this leap of faith into HARD WORK and lugging carts, etc. to make the West Campus happen!
BUT the coolest part of all came after the service. I went to the hallway to take off the microphone contraption that will have to be exchanged by next Sunday because it made me look like I had my hair in pigtails and I heard tons of laughter and noise.
"Hmmmmmmm," I thought, "What's the deal? Why is everyone happy? There is no food out there, no refreshments, nothing to do, people are just chatting and standing around, people sound happy."
Then I hurried out there because I wanted to see it for myself. . . there were the folks that had attended worship, just being friendly and warm to one another and I venture to guess there were probably no groups larger than 10 that knew each other . . . the people came from all aspects of WCUMC and the community.
And even though they did not know each other - they were sharing radical hospitality and love with one another. And that is what it means to be the church!
I pray that God will continue to pour out his blessings on the West Campus of Williamson's Chapel as we prepare for our public launch on Sept. 12. It is my hope that people will encounter the presence of Christ through an atmosphere that is open to all!
Speaking of atmosphere - did I mention some of the launch team wore p.j.'s?
Some folks took me literally - "Come as you are!" So they did! And guess what . . . I don't think anyone judged them . . . I didn't see any noses turned up, etc. I will admit I was a LITTLE puzzled at first but I figured, "oh well, I'd rather them be here in pajamas than not be here at all!"
The Scripture Passage today was taken from 1 Cor. 13. Not the traditional way of looking at the text in light of love between a couple committing their lives to each other but a definition of love in light of the church being a body of believers who follow Jesus, whose defining characteristic was love.
It is our dream to live out this calling to "Be the church." I encourage you to read this Scripture but instead of putting the word "love" put the words "The Church" . . . this is who we are called to be and how we are called to live!
I am EXCITED and HONORED to be a part of the church!
From 1 Cor. 13:
Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
Love never dies.
Grace and Peace,
Andrea
One of those MINOR details at a launch of a new faith community in a high school. There are NO toddler toys lying around!!!!!! So after a brief trip to Walmart this morning we had what we needed to do our first service where we were trying to tweak all the things that need to be perfect on Sept. 12 for our public launch!
Right before it was time for people to arrive I had another moment of panic - we had no "hospitality!" No signs, no refreshments, what would it be like, would people feel like it was a total waste of time and energy! BUT we said it would be a service where we worked on sound and lighting so no need to stress on all the other factors, there was nothing I could do about it at the last minute.
We had worship! There were 101 people there . . . and we had people from WC Brawley Campus that are willing to serve on the launch team and we had folks that are new to the WCUMC community period! That's truly what the west campus is supposed to be and I am so grateful for the folks that are willing to take this leap of faith into HARD WORK and lugging carts, etc. to make the West Campus happen!
BUT the coolest part of all came after the service. I went to the hallway to take off the microphone contraption that will have to be exchanged by next Sunday because it made me look like I had my hair in pigtails and I heard tons of laughter and noise.
"Hmmmmmmm," I thought, "What's the deal? Why is everyone happy? There is no food out there, no refreshments, nothing to do, people are just chatting and standing around, people sound happy."
Then I hurried out there because I wanted to see it for myself. . . there were the folks that had attended worship, just being friendly and warm to one another and I venture to guess there were probably no groups larger than 10 that knew each other . . . the people came from all aspects of WCUMC and the community.
And even though they did not know each other - they were sharing radical hospitality and love with one another. And that is what it means to be the church!
I pray that God will continue to pour out his blessings on the West Campus of Williamson's Chapel as we prepare for our public launch on Sept. 12. It is my hope that people will encounter the presence of Christ through an atmosphere that is open to all!
Speaking of atmosphere - did I mention some of the launch team wore p.j.'s?
Some folks took me literally - "Come as you are!" So they did! And guess what . . . I don't think anyone judged them . . . I didn't see any noses turned up, etc. I will admit I was a LITTLE puzzled at first but I figured, "oh well, I'd rather them be here in pajamas than not be here at all!"
The Scripture Passage today was taken from 1 Cor. 13. Not the traditional way of looking at the text in light of love between a couple committing their lives to each other but a definition of love in light of the church being a body of believers who follow Jesus, whose defining characteristic was love.
It is our dream to live out this calling to "Be the church." I encourage you to read this Scripture but instead of putting the word "love" put the words "The Church" . . . this is who we are called to be and how we are called to live!
I am EXCITED and HONORED to be a part of the church!
From 1 Cor. 13:
Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
Love never dies.
Grace and Peace,
Andrea
Monday, August 9, 2010
The Bash!
Wow! It is hard to believe that months and months of Tuesday morning meetings are now finished and Darlena Goodwin, Leslie Wilson, Denise Takes, and Joycelyn Armstrong and I don't have a lot to do! Seems unreal to go in Staples or Walmart and NOT analyze the prices of the supplies for school!
HOW grateful we are to ALL who made this weekend possible. From the prayers of the team, to the support of the area churches and businesses, to the fact that PEOPLE are STILL bringing in supplies b/c there were some high school students that did NOT get what they need, to the kind lady who left 11 o'clock worship yesterday and gave me her number on a piece of paper so I could contact the young man who left without getting a hair cut and that was the only reason they came - we THANK YOU!!!!
Saturday not only were the lives of the people in the community changed, the lives of WCUMC were changed. We are living in the reality of changing lives, changing the world. Just like Jesus called us to do!
There were so many stories - for me, the biggest was the email I received from a lady who does not attend Williamson's Chapel sharing with someone else, "If this is what heaven looks like, people loving and helping each other, then I am ready to go." Her grandson received supplies and she said all night he was packing and unpacking his new bookbag.
One young girl going into 6th grade had never had a new backpack.
Another boy was going into middle school and had received a haircut one time in his life prior to Saturday. We had to close off the haircut line at 1 b/c there were too many people and not enough haircuts BUT we are already working on a plan for next year. Every room downstairs will be FULL!!!!!!!!!! Certainly that is a need!
Also, people stood in line for 1 1/2 hours to get a pair of tennis shoes they had never seen, had no clue if it was a "cool tennis shoe" or not . . . and then responded when members of the team said they were sorry because they were having to wait in line so long, "Oh, I've only been here 1 1/2 hours, that's not bad for something like this!" WOW!!!!!! What grace!
And the other thing that just rings in my mind - people were telling me the kids picked out their mechanical pencils as if they were choosing gold. They went through each pencil carefully, looking for their special color. Wow. . . . wow!
Feet were washed, children were prayed with and for, supplies were distributed, and fun was had.
The Methodist Men cooked over 4000 hot dogs and at some point yesterday I found myself saying in my sermon, "Isn't it amazing that faith could be rolled up (w/ a lot of other things too) in a hot dog?" and then I started rambling about how hot dogs were nasty! REALLY ANDREA . . . JUST HUSH! BUT WOW! The men were so dedicated and gracious - they were truly appreciated!
BUT - the biggest story from Saturday for me is a Thank You to you! The other 4 women on the team were phenomenal . . . and ALL the sponsors were so gracious . . . Jeff Nanney and Lake Norman Screen Printing waited til Wednesday afternoon to finish the backs of the volunteer shirts because the sponsor list kept growing! YET nothing would have happened if you did not take the vision.
Either you guys just don't want to hurt my feelings when I come up with some crazy idea or you are able to see bigger and you know that if we just open up and give it all to God, the one much bigger than us, it will all be ok. Not just ok - it will change the world.
I hope you had a chance to read the link in the Statesville Paper!
Correct statistics now are:
2100+ students served
557 volunteers from ALL OVER
5000+ people walking around and creating community, a true Mooresville Community
We're still giving out shoes and supplies to some so the gifts just keep giving!
In fact, The Cove called today. "IF you need anything please let us know. We will put out a call to The Cove and make it happen!" And they will . . . what an amazing church! And how cool it is to partner together!
It was amazing to work with other churches and NO ONE CARED about denominations, who gave what, did what, where it was, etc. The ONLY thing people cared about was serving the young people in our community, and serve we did!
This Scripture verse jumps at me . . . Luke 12:48: "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked."
We are living out that call from Christ as we ARE the church, reaching out and changing lives and changing the world!
Truly this weekend was one in which the church lived out being the church God calls us to be!
We can't WAIT to see what God holds in store for next year!
And now . . . I'm 'heading West'!!!! And I can't wait to see what God is going to do!
It really is a privilege to be a pastor at Williamson's Chapel and now "the" pastor for our West Campus! I NEVER thought that would be a reality - to be "the" pastor unless something bad happened and the conference had to pull me to use me in that capacity! Now . . . here we are . . . and you know what, tonight I ran by Michael's to get something and I saw statues of Pigs with Wings. "When Pigs Fly!" . . . Guess what - at Michael's they fly!
Let's go FLYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!
Love, Grace, and Peace,
Andrea
Friday, August 6, 2010
Tired . . .
The eyes are a weeeee bit tired . . . shed a few tears last night either from sheer fear of crowds ;) or because on Sunday things change, transitions happen, exciting times ahead but change is a little sad sometimes! After Sunday the West Team will head West to make things happen and get ready for our launch on Sept. 12.
So this morn I am dragging just a bit . . . woke up at 5 thinking of "entrance" and "Exit" signs . . . but then I get here and Kathy Warner received an email from our sister church in India . . . the children from the Sunday School here sent cross necklaces to them b/c there is no where there to even begin to think about obtaining a cross.
Kathy is in the middle of planning our trip in March and she has encountered roadblock after roadblock. In fact, Wed we were so frustrated . . . then we get this and we are reminded why we do what we do!
Here's to loving people here and loving people half a world away . . .
To,
Pastor Andrea Smith & Kathy Warner,
Greetings in the name of Lord Jesus Christ.
Here's to loving people here and loving people half a world away . . .
To,
Pastor Andrea Smith & Kathy Warner,
Greetings in the name of Lord Jesus Christ.
Thank you for your prayer support for our church& her activities. Church members are very happy and preparing themselves to make your visit a success and a great joy to both of us. xxxxx visited our centre on 28th July, 2010 along with two CEI staffs.
Project children are doing well. New babies and mothers are also doing well. Mothers have learnt few new craft works. They wish to learn you two new items as well as to learn new items from you. This time I am sending a beautiful photograph of God’s new creations (group photograph of new born babies). Project children are preparing new designed greetings cards to present your Sunday school children. May I know how many Sunday school children you have. Our Sunday school children greet your Sunday school children through a photograph which is attached hereby. Please show convey their love and greetings to them in the name of Lord Jesus Christ.
A selected group of 7 children are doing theological class every Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Pray for them so that they could be the cross bearer and committed children of Christ in their adulthood. They play cricket & football well. Even they could play musical instruments. We have a children music team but they could play music well.
XXXXX & XXXXXX are well and pray for you. I have conveyed your greetings to all the children. They are also preparing to present you a short attractive cultural program.
Pastor XXXXX, my husband and I always pray Lord to lead us with His great commission. Believe your presence and acceptance of our church is under the planning of God’s mighty grace. Pray Lord to make it strong in the sharing of God’s grace.
May Lord richly bless your ministry.
Your in His service
Rev. XXXXXXX
Director
Now I'm READY to go to India even though I fear the "hotel" they are putting us in in the middle of NOWHERE . . . google it and see what YOU can find!
Sea Bird International Near Diamond Harbour
BUT it is safe and that is all that matters!
Pray for the Bash, the people that will come, the safety of all in parking and walking, and then pray for the message on Sunday that it will be God's and not mine!
Now - off to the Leadership Summit.
So this morn I am dragging just a bit . . . woke up at 5 thinking of "entrance" and "Exit" signs . . . but then I get here and Kathy Warner received an email from our sister church in India . . . the children from the Sunday School here sent cross necklaces to them b/c there is no where there to even begin to think about obtaining a cross.
Kathy is in the middle of planning our trip in March and she has encountered roadblock after roadblock. In fact, Wed we were so frustrated . . . then we get this and we are reminded why we do what we do!
Here's to loving people here and loving people half a world away . . .
To,
Pastor Andrea Smith & Kathy Warner,
Greetings in the name of Lord Jesus Christ.
Here's to loving people here and loving people half a world away . . .
To,
Pastor Andrea Smith & Kathy Warner,
Greetings in the name of Lord Jesus Christ.
Thank you for your prayer support for our church& her activities. Church members are very happy and preparing themselves to make your visit a success and a great joy to both of us. xxxxx visited our centre on 28th July, 2010 along with two CEI staffs.
Project children are doing well. New babies and mothers are also doing well. Mothers have learnt few new craft works. They wish to learn you two new items as well as to learn new items from you. This time I am sending a beautiful photograph of God’s new creations (group photograph of new born babies). Project children are preparing new designed greetings cards to present your Sunday school children. May I know how many Sunday school children you have. Our Sunday school children greet your Sunday school children through a photograph which is attached hereby. Please show convey their love and greetings to them in the name of Lord Jesus Christ.
A selected group of 7 children are doing theological class every Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Pray for them so that they could be the cross bearer and committed children of Christ in their adulthood. They play cricket & football well. Even they could play musical instruments. We have a children music team but they could play music well.
XXXXX & XXXXXX are well and pray for you. I have conveyed your greetings to all the children. They are also preparing to present you a short attractive cultural program.
Pastor XXXXX, my husband and I always pray Lord to lead us with His great commission. Believe your presence and acceptance of our church is under the planning of God’s mighty grace. Pray Lord to make it strong in the sharing of God’s grace.
May Lord richly bless your ministry.
Your in His service
Rev. XXXXXXX
Director
Now I'm READY to go to India even though I fear the "hotel" they are putting us in in the middle of NOWHERE . . . google it and see what YOU can find!
Sea Bird International Near Diamond Harbour
BUT it is safe and that is all that matters!
Pray for the Bash, the people that will come, the safety of all in parking and walking, and then pray for the message on Sunday that it will be God's and not mine!
Now - off to the Leadership Summit.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
You just never know!!!
Well, in about 36 hours there will be LOTS of folks that come to the corner of Brawley School Road and Williamson's Road to celebrate getting ready to go "Back to School" at the first annual area Back to School Bash! It's been so cool to watch the community come together . . . all denominations, area businesses, and people to offer things for students that will make a difference. It really did start as a "little" idea and just grew, grew, and grew but the most amazing thing (the God thing) was that as it grew, the volunteers grew and at some point the leadership team has wondered . . . will we have more volunteers than we will kids??? I don't think so - but we did wonder!
Wednesday I was talking with Mike Faircloth, a gentleman at WC that has been a part of a church that does events like this a lot. They are called "Bridge" events . . . events that bridge the gap between the church and the community.
He told me about an event they had when they opened the church many years ago. They had inflatables, games, etc. and the traffic was backed up in the town of Mountain View all the way to Hwy. 321 (over 3 miles). He said it was a logistical nightmare because so many people came and they NEVER anticipated that many! (As he talked my stomach started to churn more and more and more)
He then shared an amazing testimony that came out of the event . . .
There was a lady that was driving by (stuck in the traffic) with her little boy. He saw the inflatables and immediately started begging to stop. She told him no, they had somewhere they had to be. He was relentless in his asking . . . in fact, in her words, he began to beg. He wanted to stop and jump for just a few minutes. He promised he would be ready to go as soon as she said it was time if only they could stop for awhile.
She decided to stop so she pulled into the church parking lot and was immediately greeted by a gentleman that helped her and her son find their way to the registration area. She responded later that she was greeted so warmly, she felt immediately welcome. They ended up staying for a long time and when she got ready to go she went back to the gentleman and some others that were around and asked them to follow her to her house.
That's an odd request . . . . someone you have never met before asking you to follow her home!!! But . . . even though it was odd, they did.
When they arrived at her home she handed them a note she had written. The content was explaining the reason she felt she had nothing to live for.
When she and her son were in the car, she was on the way to her mother's house because she was going to drop off her son so she could then return home to end her life.
Yet, once she encountered some folks that were happy and had joy something "switched" in her and made her change her mind. She shared that with those folks in her home on that Saturday and I believe that encounter changed all their lives. They gained a new perspective of what an encounter with someone you don't even know can mean and she became a committed part of the church and now is one of the key leaders in ministry.
Saturday is a big day for us as a community of believers. Although we won't be taking a poll, "Do you know Jesus" . . . hundreds of thousands (yes, thousands) of people will know that "church" is not a noun, not a place, but a verb . . . it is people loving and serving in the name of something bigger than themselves. . . God. Snow cones, hot dogs, shoes, pencils (about 18,000), paper, books, etc. will share a message of hope with a community that needs to know there is hope in despair, light in darkness, and we are ALL in it together!
Let's join in praying together that God will continue to be "all over this" and remember that it is not about us . . . it is only about Him. May he use it to warm hearts and share love. Thank you for being part of this dream!
Philippians 2:17:
"If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."
This is what you are living . . . wow . . . way to "BE" the church!
Wednesday I was talking with Mike Faircloth, a gentleman at WC that has been a part of a church that does events like this a lot. They are called "Bridge" events . . . events that bridge the gap between the church and the community.
He told me about an event they had when they opened the church many years ago. They had inflatables, games, etc. and the traffic was backed up in the town of Mountain View all the way to Hwy. 321 (over 3 miles). He said it was a logistical nightmare because so many people came and they NEVER anticipated that many! (As he talked my stomach started to churn more and more and more)
He then shared an amazing testimony that came out of the event . . .
There was a lady that was driving by (stuck in the traffic) with her little boy. He saw the inflatables and immediately started begging to stop. She told him no, they had somewhere they had to be. He was relentless in his asking . . . in fact, in her words, he began to beg. He wanted to stop and jump for just a few minutes. He promised he would be ready to go as soon as she said it was time if only they could stop for awhile.
She decided to stop so she pulled into the church parking lot and was immediately greeted by a gentleman that helped her and her son find their way to the registration area. She responded later that she was greeted so warmly, she felt immediately welcome. They ended up staying for a long time and when she got ready to go she went back to the gentleman and some others that were around and asked them to follow her to her house.
That's an odd request . . . . someone you have never met before asking you to follow her home!!! But . . . even though it was odd, they did.
When they arrived at her home she handed them a note she had written. The content was explaining the reason she felt she had nothing to live for.
When she and her son were in the car, she was on the way to her mother's house because she was going to drop off her son so she could then return home to end her life.
Yet, once she encountered some folks that were happy and had joy something "switched" in her and made her change her mind. She shared that with those folks in her home on that Saturday and I believe that encounter changed all their lives. They gained a new perspective of what an encounter with someone you don't even know can mean and she became a committed part of the church and now is one of the key leaders in ministry.
Saturday is a big day for us as a community of believers. Although we won't be taking a poll, "Do you know Jesus" . . . hundreds of thousands (yes, thousands) of people will know that "church" is not a noun, not a place, but a verb . . . it is people loving and serving in the name of something bigger than themselves. . . God. Snow cones, hot dogs, shoes, pencils (about 18,000), paper, books, etc. will share a message of hope with a community that needs to know there is hope in despair, light in darkness, and we are ALL in it together!
Let's join in praying together that God will continue to be "all over this" and remember that it is not about us . . . it is only about Him. May he use it to warm hearts and share love. Thank you for being part of this dream!
Philippians 2:17:
"If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."
This is what you are living . . . wow . . . way to "BE" the church!
Sunday, August 1, 2010
I call it "God things!"
The title of the blog is "It's those things again" because frankly that's just how I live my life . . .
I WANT so desperately to always KNOW and have the faith that all is going to be ok!
Yet when things happen that just don't make sense, I see hurting that is unjust, or just sometimes in my own humanity I have questions . . . doubts . . . fears . . .
And it is in those times that I find my self wallowing in self-pity or fear that I ask pretty loudly "God, where are you?"
Everytime in the depths of the questions, I get an answer.
It may not come as quickly as I would like sometimes but God is always there with an answer.
I think God must know that I am on some pretty FRAGILE ground right now with the Back to School Bash that has over 3000 students registered and the Launch of the West Campus. Between the two things, sleep is something not easily obtained.
This morning I realized we were going to need a considerably larger amount of food than I had imagined . . . so panic set in . . . again! I spoke and thanked the Methodist Men for their gracious contribution and support and then walked over to the office to prepare for worship. I spoke with Rebecca, our children's minister, and admitted my fear about this whole thing.
She reminded me . . . "Andrea, God always provides." Bob Chambers, the President of the Methodist Men, had previously said the same thing.
I went by my office mailbox and saw the bill for the backpacks lying inside. "Oh no . . . . here we go again. Now this is going to be another downer to a day that really has yet to get firmly started."
I debated opening it - it can wait for tomorrow for me to stress over.
Something "nudged" me to open it . . . I debated a few more minutes then kept feeling that nudge - so finally I gave in!
I should have known. It's that "God thing" again!
I opened the bill for the 1400 backpacks that we ordered for the kids and low and behold the bill was $1500 less than I thought it would be. . . . I'm sure it is just my "bad math" but . . . I am attributing it to being a "God thing!"
I read from Steven Furtick, pastor at Elevation Church, that we pastors really lose out when things happen and we don't take the time to record them. We get too wrapped up in ministry and life to see and hear the "God things" and to write them down. So then we find ourselves searching and looking later on when we could have had it all along . . . if we had taken some time to write it down!
I'm not a journal person . . . I say I will and I never get around to it!
But with the launching of West Campus it is rather important that my focus change a little, instead of just letting life happen and being in the "now" of the God moments, I want to remember them too!
So I invite you to follow along with the blog. My goal will be 3 times a week, more than that and I know I will fail! I'm about setting goals that are obtainable!
Check out West Campus on Sept. 12. I truly do believe it too, like this Back to School Bash, is going to be a "God thing!"
Andrea
I WANT so desperately to always KNOW and have the faith that all is going to be ok!
Yet when things happen that just don't make sense, I see hurting that is unjust, or just sometimes in my own humanity I have questions . . . doubts . . . fears . . .
And it is in those times that I find my self wallowing in self-pity or fear that I ask pretty loudly "God, where are you?"
Everytime in the depths of the questions, I get an answer.
It may not come as quickly as I would like sometimes but God is always there with an answer.
I think God must know that I am on some pretty FRAGILE ground right now with the Back to School Bash that has over 3000 students registered and the Launch of the West Campus. Between the two things, sleep is something not easily obtained.
This morning I realized we were going to need a considerably larger amount of food than I had imagined . . . so panic set in . . . again! I spoke and thanked the Methodist Men for their gracious contribution and support and then walked over to the office to prepare for worship. I spoke with Rebecca, our children's minister, and admitted my fear about this whole thing.
She reminded me . . . "Andrea, God always provides." Bob Chambers, the President of the Methodist Men, had previously said the same thing.
I went by my office mailbox and saw the bill for the backpacks lying inside. "Oh no . . . . here we go again. Now this is going to be another downer to a day that really has yet to get firmly started."
I debated opening it - it can wait for tomorrow for me to stress over.
Something "nudged" me to open it . . . I debated a few more minutes then kept feeling that nudge - so finally I gave in!
I should have known. It's that "God thing" again!
I opened the bill for the 1400 backpacks that we ordered for the kids and low and behold the bill was $1500 less than I thought it would be. . . . I'm sure it is just my "bad math" but . . . I am attributing it to being a "God thing!"
I read from Steven Furtick, pastor at Elevation Church, that we pastors really lose out when things happen and we don't take the time to record them. We get too wrapped up in ministry and life to see and hear the "God things" and to write them down. So then we find ourselves searching and looking later on when we could have had it all along . . . if we had taken some time to write it down!
I'm not a journal person . . . I say I will and I never get around to it!
But with the launching of West Campus it is rather important that my focus change a little, instead of just letting life happen and being in the "now" of the God moments, I want to remember them too!
So I invite you to follow along with the blog. My goal will be 3 times a week, more than that and I know I will fail! I'm about setting goals that are obtainable!
Check out West Campus on Sept. 12. I truly do believe it too, like this Back to School Bash, is going to be a "God thing!"
Andrea
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