Encouraged

Lately, I have been reading a lot more about churches that are making concerted efforts to truly be the body of Christ. For example, some are offering their buildings to new church plants when they are not using them. Churches of differing denominations funding and building a new house, and giving it to a well deserving family. Many large community churches are now putting free resources on the web for others that may not be able to afford it. Despite our differing belief systems, the church is striving to be the "body" of Christ-each one playing it's role. I'm excited for what God is doing/going to do through his church.

New Music

I am always looking for new people to listen too. Lately however, I have been stuck listening to Derek Webb. I love his stuff. Any suggestions?

Are we good CHRISTians?

I love this thought/story from Francis Chan. He tells a story about a friend of his, Dan, that went to Tijuana, Mexico with Pastor Von. Pastor Von has spent years ministering to a community there in Mexico. As they were walking through the streets and Dan was watching pastor Von minister to the people in this community, Dan realized that if Jesus was still on earth, this is what he would be doing. As Dan was telling this story to Francis, he said this, "The day I spent with Von was the closest thing I've ever experienced to walking with Jesus". This is when it hit Francis, "I could be the best, most popular, well liked pastor in the world, and have the most passion for telling people about Jesus, but if my life doesn't reflect Christ's, it means nothing." What a challenging statement! When was the last time you said that about someone-"_____ was the closest thing I've ever experienced to walking with Jesus". When was the last time someone said that of you? Our lives should so reflect that of Christ's, that we can boast as Paul did in 1 Cor 11-"Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ". May God give us wisdom and courage to live like Christ.

Thought for the Day-The Gospel

I have been coming back to this thought a lot lately and think it is so pertinent to who we are as a church. The church is not called to be a part of the culture. We are called to be anti-cultural. We are called to be different than what is happening around us. Instead of making our focus to be seeker friendly, or our building cool we should really be focused on preaching the message of Christ and "being" the church (as opposed to "doing" church). We plant the seed, and God will provide the growth. I think there is a definite need to be relevant to our culture but we don't have to be like our culture. If the church isn't offending someone, we probably aren't doing our job.

People Highlight-Caleb Foster

If you have been here the past few weeks you would know that we just hired a new youth minister-Caleb Foster. I had the privilege of getting to know Caleb through summer singers when I was subbing for their guitar player one semester. I am really excited about working with Caleb. It has already been great having another mind to bounce ideas off of. If you have the chance make sure and introduce yourself to Caleb and his wife Roxanne.

Living Offensively

Obviously, I am not talking about living to offend people (although I feel that is some people's mission in life). This is more about offense and defense. Just a quick question to pose. Do you live to not lose? Or, do you live to win? There is a big difference. What are you doing to actively pursue God's will for you life? Instead, are you waiting, hoping that God will reveal it to you? We must take action. Indecision, is actually a decision. You are choosing not to decide. What is it in your life that you know God is calling you to be more proactive about but you are to afraid to fail. You are just waiting for one more sign..."if you would only...","...then I will...". We must be willing to fail. We must be willing to live life on the offense. This week, I dare you to not wait for another sign. I dare you to decide to do whatever that one thing is that you know God is calling you to do. I dare you to live offensively.

Site for the Week-New Magazine

Here is a new magazine I stumbled on through another blog. Great design, super simple, good stuff. www.seeingtheeveryday.com

Question-Hilarity

Wanted to get everyone's feedback about Hilarity-our game night. We had great attendance last summer and were thinking maybe we could do it again, just this summer. What do you guys think? We would try and do it at people's houses maybe three times this summer.

Funerals

I just went to a funeral yesterday for my great aunt. Funny story-I didn't actually know that she was my aunt until a few years ago. Her name was Elaine Putnam. We called her, "Aunt Elaine". But when you say it fast, it sounds like, Ann-Elaine. So, to me, that was her name-Ann-Elaine. Just a few years back, my sister informed my brother and I that she was in fact, our great "Aunt" Elaine. I'm a dummy.
It was a beautiful funeral. We sang, we cried, we laughed, and most of all we rejoiced that she is in a better place. I have attended two really great funerals in the last couple of months, and both I have been privileged to be a part of. Maybe this is a bit morbid, but, I'm kind of jealous of Aunt Elaine. I had to lead a song that I didn't know yesterday at the funeral-Hand in Hand with Jesus. Maybe it's a bit cheesy and old school, but life will be so much easier that way.

Site for the Week

Thisiswhyyourefat.com-A quick disclaimer-this is not what is sounds like. Just some pictures of some really disgusting food. Good stuff.