Friday Mashup

Haven't blogged in eleven days due to busyness and higher priorities, so get ready for a schwack of stuff.  

Ruby went to visit her Island Nana for a week.  That meant Charlie ruled the roost while the queen was away... a role he quite enjoyed.  I enjoyed spending more solo time with him.  We went to the park, walked to the goats, and rode his bike.

I'm also glad to announce that I still hold the record for Parkside's shortest sermon (14 minutes). Isaac tried to challenge the record last Sunday, but lost by six minutes!  I assigned him the "fun" and awkward passage on circumcision.  It reminds me of the time I stayed over at my grandparents and in the morning they asked me to read their morning Scripture aloud to them as they ate breakfast.  Their text that morning just so happened to be one of the juicy bits from Song of Solomon.

On Monday night we had our first hermeneutics club meeting.  Nine folks showed up and we had a great time.  We read the text that I will be preaching from this Sunday, asked questions arising from the text, and then began some more research into the text.  I also enjoyed getting to know everyone a bit more.  We found out that Vaughan W. was literally stoned when he and his family were missionaries in Brazil!  We went for almost two hours.  The club is open to any and all (sporadic attendance is allowed)!  We'll meet again this Monday at 7:00pm.

I've been enjoying our new delegation and empowering process with our Church council.  You may remember a while back me communicating that our Church council would be moving from serving solely in an advisory capacity to adding on an administrative capacity.  Our journey through Acts (specifically Acts 6:1-7) inspired this change and it will take about another six months or so to fully implement.

This change in Council has already been a blessing to me and our Church family.  Here's how.  Last week, Cindy (our Office Administrator) dropped a stack of papers on my desk that contained our 'chart of accounts' so that I could proof them (we are in the process of changing our accounting software and system). Without batting an eye, I gave them back to her and instructed her to give them to Nicole (our Treasurer). Nicole took them and is doing a better job than I ever did of proofing them.  The next day, I sent an email to Chad (our Council Secretary) to begin the process of planning his first Council meeting.  I gave him the agenda items that I needed to be there and instructions on the other components.  What usually takes one to two hours in prepping all the documents for the meeting is now off my plate.  I have no doubt that Chad will do a better job than I ever did.

What did I do with the spare time?  I was able to give more time to my role of 'prayer and the ministry of the word'.  I have been able to read and study more Scripture.  I was able to start the hermeneutics club which will teach others how to "feed" themselves and others.  I was also able to spend more time in prayer.  The overall result has been that I have drawn closer to Jesus.  Our Church and community will benefit from my drawing closer to Christ.  Our Church and community will benefit from more people studying and applying Scripture.  Our Church and community will benefit from Chad and Nicole using their gifts because they will do it better than me and they will grow closer to Jesus through their service to Him. 

This serving thing is starting to catch on around here too!  This week Cliff came in and replaced four old sink basins in our main washrooms.  Lynn volunteered to oversee our food service for the Easter brunch.  Dave is serving communion at our community Good Friday service. Monica and Aaron are going to town with Easter Brunch decor and set-up plans.  That's in addition to all the others who serve so generously week in, week out!

Last night, our Elders met to begin a series of meetings aimed at reflecting and seeking the Lord.  It is a process of discovering what our Church in Mission, BC and on planet Earth needs to look like, how we look now, and then what steps we need to take to get to there.  This process was initiated in a desire to see our baptism tank never dry.  We long to see more people meet and follow Jesus.  We know that the byproduct of this will be a community and world with less chaos, less selfishness, more love, and more justice.  We know that we are called to go and make disciples and that we need to become better at doing that!  Now, it's not too difficult to figure out the 'where we are' and 'where we need to go' part, it's the 'how do we get there' part that requires listening to the Spirit and following Him in faith.  I'm excited to begin this journey as I believe it will result in us becoming better followers of Jesus and therefore more people coming to know Him.

That brings us to today.  It's sunny and Spring is here!  I look forward to a season filled with power-raking my moss out, over-seeding, trimming, and mowing.  Our vacuum died this week so I'm on the hunt for a new one.  I am supervising a course tomorrow at the College.  I am looking forward to our gathering this Sunday. 

Angela's starting to feel a bit better so I'm happy for her.  She gets an extra week off this round for Easter!!

Have a great weekend!

MY5

I have to apologize for having such little faith in the Parkside faithful!  I thought only 50 of us would brave the snow, but 170 of our family came out.  Everyone added to a great gathering where Karin lead us in a clear and intimate time of worship and I communicated a new challenge for 2012 called, "MY5".

In case you missed yesterday's gathering this page explains a bit more of our MY5 initiative: www.parksideonprentis.ca/index.php/Events/my5.html.  If you were there yesterday than I hope you have or plan to complete "Day 2".

On the home front, Angela is feeling a lot better today.  She has a few symptoms, but at least her energy is back much more than it has been.  We are snowed in and its blizzarding as I type.  We're supposed to get close to another foot this evening and through the night.  I'm really regretting not buying a snow blower :)

I hope you enjoy the snow and that you stay safe.
       
    

Friday Mashup

I am overwhelmed today.  Lot's on the plate... both good and painful things.  I think there's a reason that I've been drawn to James 1 for the past few weeks... I needed not only to read it, but understand it.  So, today I am practicing 'considering it pure joy' by seeing with eyes of faith the way in which the trials of today are used by God bring about great things for our future.

I believe that our Church is transitioning into a new season that will be filled with more of God's grace and power.  Even though I don't understand how we'll get there and even though I don't feel capable of getting there, I know that God will be faithful work it out... "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6).

I also feel as though the things I am doing in serving as our Church's pastor (under Jesus who is our Pastor) are so fragile and sometimes worry about the what if's.  My flesh response is to run around like a chicken with its head cut off, trying to tie up all the loose ends and shore up weak areas.  I know that I am fool to think that I am the answer to all our loose ends, but I love our Church family so much and believe in our purpose that I don't want anything to hit the floor or anyone to fall through the cracks.  I also know that the heavy lifting is always done by Christ, so I will begin my day on my knees surrendered to Him... trusting that as I put Him first the rest will fall into place.

This season that we are entering is definitely interesting...

• We are beginning Freedom Sessions and I'm sensing a lot of tension around those wrestling with their decision to go or not to go.  There is a spiritual and flesh battle that is going on in the lives of our Church.  I am praying for clarity and strength for all those in the decision making process.  I am praying for Eugene and Catherine as they lead us in this ministry that they would be strengthened and encouraged.
• Our Church is hosting an inter-church young adults outreach on Saturday nights in the Youth Centre.  Its design is to help those who made a commitment to Christ in their youth and now struggle with their faith to be encouraged, equipped, and connected.  We'll be starting with the Truth Project series.  Please be in prayer for this ministry and consider helping out: we need help in the area of set-up, food serving, and clean-up.
• We are entering a pivotal few months in the life of Church where we can either repeat history or embrace with a heart of faith new opportunities to be the Church.  We have some new families metaphorically knocking on our door to see if there's room for them in our family... our willingness to take the awkward hit, initiate and pursue a loving relationship with them, and adjust to the new feel of our Church family is up to us.  My hope is that every "regular" will develop a new relationships with someone else.  My hope is that every "regular" will step out and serve in ways that require faith and not comfort.
• Our Council will be increasing their involvement in the administration of our Church.  Please pray for them, encourage them, and make it easy for them to support and lead us.
• Our Elders will be entering a season of greater reflection of where we've been and where we are going.  Please pray for them, encourage them, and make it easy for them to support and lead us.
• Zain's promotion to Heaven, I am coming to believe, has been very timely.  In some ways I think his life and his death serves to illustrate to me the changing of seasons in our Church.  Zain was a man who would give you the shirt off his back; serve our Church family from sun up to sun down; stand behind you and with you no matter what; and do it all out of a humble love for Christ and His Bride.  John 16:7 comes to mind where Jesus said to his disciples, "It is for your good that I am going away."  Everyone I talk to about Zain says that they are happy for him, but sad for everyone he left behind.  Yet, through eyes of faith, I am beginning to believe that it is actually better for us that Zain is with the Lord... his promotion is not only great for him, but it is great for us.  Jesus knew when He said those words that the only way the disciples would grow and the Kingdom could expand would be if Jesus left and sent the Holy Spirit to empower the disciples to reach the world.  Zain's promotion will be a good thing for us... the hole he left in our Church family now allows for others to experience the joy he had in serving in the many ways that he did.

Ecclesiastes 3: 1-14 (NIV) "1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: 2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, 3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, 4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, 5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, 6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, 7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, 8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. 9 What does the worker gain from his toil? 10 I have seen the burden God has laid on men. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. 13 That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil--this is the gift of God. 14 I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him."

Vision Sunday Recap

The Power of One: Church from The Foursquare Church on Vimeo.

Yesterday we gathered to worship Jesus and hear from Him the objectives for our Church family in the year 2011.  I am humbled to coordinate this process and spent some time reflecting on not only what we are going to do this year, but the importance of us doing it together.

We looked at our past (watch the video above), we looked at our future, and then we looked at the present (year 2011).  Although we all agree on our history, future, and the general objective of the present (the Great Commission), the Church often breaks down when it comes to getting along and working together.  We rarely disagree on the destination, but we often disagree on the path and pace in which it will take to get there, together.  Many people run off ahead, abandon the group, or apathetically participate.

Our challenge is to die to self and serve one another by following Jesus together!  Below is the path and pace (our objectives) for the year 2011:

Objectives for Mission Foursquare Church in 2011:

1.  Continue to grow up (both personally and corporately) through things like engaging in Sunday Gatherings, attending Financial Peace University course, attending the next Truth Project course, joining/starting a small group, and participating in Freedom Sessions this Fall.

2.  Expand our Eldership both in number and in leadership.  Will you be ready to be an elder in one year, five years, or ten years?  Continue to grow in your love for Christ and serve those around you out of your love Him.

3.  Be more intentional about sharing in the work.  Consider how you can help out with the work and ministry of our Church family.  We currently need help in Sound, Sunday School, Janitorial, and Continental Breakfast hosts.

4.  Simplify and increase in excellence.  We're always open to ideas so please keeping thinking and praying about the ministry we have been called to!

5.  Develop greater community.  Sign up for our weekly email newsletter (go to our website to do this) and attend events you've never been to before.  Invite someone over for lunch or go for a walk with someone new!

6.  Encourage greater participation in small groups and start more small groups.  Join or start a small group... it doesn't have to be complicated.  Use the "Explore More" guides, pray with one another, and support one another.

7.  Unified in our giving.  Continue or start giving generously to our Church family so we can do all the things we are called to do!  Don't give with strings attached, but give freely... there's nothing like it in the world!


EXPLORE MORE
January 9-15, 2011

Study: Read Heb 13:8; Mtt. 18:29-20; Ecc. 4:9-12.  Take time to read these portions of Scripture.  Observe the principles involved and their impact on our lives.

Discussion - Option #1: If we work together can we really achieve more?  In a world where technology allows for less dependence on one another, is the belief that we can achieve more together still true?  How does this apply to our Church?


Discussion - Option #2: What personal desires are we supposed to let die and what ones do we protect (if any)?  How big is the God that you know?  How much do you trust Him to be who He says is and fulfill what He has promised?  How much to you believe in the resurrecting, redeeming power of the cross?  How much do you rely on the Spirit's power and gifting?

Application: Of the objectives given for 2011 where can you participate and help out?  See the back for a summary of our Church's objectives for 2011.  Take time to discuss with loved ones and pray about your part in God's family here at Mission Foursquare Church.

Januay 2010 Recap: Way to Go!

The first month of 2010 just wrapped up and things are off to a great start.  Here's a recap:

Growing Up
At the beginning of the month I challenged myself and our church to be purposeful about growing.  I've been meeting with people and hearing stories of how people are taking steps of faith and responding to God's purpose.  One family said they have made it their goal to participate in our Sunday gatherings on a consistent basis.  Another family set a goal to plug into a small group.  Many ministry leaders and volunteers have begun to be more purposeful about encouraging and releasing more leaders in their gifting.  Pre-service prayer has had standing room only, so we're moving into Rm. 105 to accommodate this.

Youth Ministry
Under Calvin's leadership, our youth leadership team is doing a great job of integrating small groups into our Wednesday nights so that greater relationship and application of God's Word can take place... we have many youth that aren't yet followers of Christ.

Missions Giving
In January we heard about Nicole R.'s step of faith to go to Sri Lanka for two weeks and how this was way out of her comfort zone, but that she knew it was God leading her.  Our church stepped up big time and gave over $1200 towards her trip.  We have and are responding to Haiti.  As of last Sunday we have collected over $600 towards Haiti plus the kid's change (I think Cindy is still counting it.... :)).  We have set a goal to raise $5,000 for Haiti Relief & Rebuilding and we are going to do this through this Saturday's bottle drive, the Kid's Change Drive, personal donations, and the benefit concert at the Clarke Theatre on Feb. 26.  I believe in total we've given over $2500 towards missions this month alone!

Healing
A couple people received physical healings as a result of them asking for prayer.  We simply respond with thanks to God and continue to pray for those who are still facing challenges.  We won't develop formulas or start a healing ministry, we'll simply keep praying and looking to Jesus.

Church Attendance
Our church attendance for January has been a bit higher than average so I'm excited about that.  Although at times I have to struggle with the pride factor that can be attached to numbers and head counting,  through faith God reminds me that numbers matter if for the right reasons.  We want to see and work towards a church that is first and foremost a healthy one (by God's standard).  We believe that if a church is healthy (like any living organism) it will grow (in maturity and in numbers/fruit).  If you are a part of our church family, I encourage you to continue loving your neighbors out of the love you have received in Christ.  We also need to work hard at loving those that walk through our doors and welcome them with radical hospitality.

Church Giving
Our general offerings and income surpassed our bare-bones budget goal of $17,000 and that will help us to catch up from last year's deficit.  Our goal is to be back in the black by the end of 2010 so that we can start 2011 by living to give.  On "Vision Sunday" I challenged our church family to increase their giving by 1% (if last year you gave nothing, then set a goal to give 1%; if last year you gave 10%, set a goal to give 11%).  Unless you're perfect, there's always room to grow and increase our faith.  God's not interested in the amount or percentage; he's interested in our heart and the direction it is heading!

Small Groups
Back in November I set a goal to have 4 small groups up and running by the Spring.  By the end of February we will have 8 groups going.  I encourage everyone to connect either formally through a small group or informally through a purposeful mentoring relationship so that we are stimulated towards growth!

Prayer
I know this wasn't the focus of January, but I had to put it in here.  As we travel through February we will increase our understanding of prayer through studying Scripture and practicing it.  I can't even begin to describe or imagine the results that will happen as we spend more time praying and seeking God then relying on our own understanding and agendas.   I know of many situations within our church family and connected to our church family that need miracles.  There are families that are struggling with cancer and illness, their faith, marriages, unemployment, financial issues, and the list goes on.  Please continue to pray for our church family, our neighbours, our community and our world.  Prayer matters.

Thank You
I am truly humbled to be our church family's pastor.  Every week I wonder why I am in this position as I am not qualified, capable, or deserving of the respect and support you or God gives me.  So thank you for your humility in supporting me and our church family.  It means more than you'll ever know.

Encouraging Sunday

I was really encouraged after Sunday's service.  I went 10 minutes late (sorry Sunday School teachers and helpers) and still over half of our church family stayed for a least an additional 20-30 minutes.  There seemed to be a more genuine friendship and discussion than usual and that gets me really excited.  I also had some really positive discussions with a number of people about taking a new step of faith to grow up!  A number of people also purchased the book by Barry Buzza called Life Purpose to work through... plus two couples have decided to start a home group that will go through the book and workbook together.  I love it when we open ourselves to follow Jesus!

We Grow Up By Growing Down

Over the next few months you'll be hearing this phrase a lot... "we grow up by growing down".

It's a simple principle in the plant world that a plant's health is only as good as its roots.  If you take out the roots, you take out the plant.  If you have a plant that doesn't have good roots, it won't make it through the rough seasons and it definitely won't grow to its potential.

That same principle is just as true to us as a followers of Christ and as His Church.  If we want to grow up to the potential we were created for then we need to ensure that we first concentrate on growing down (growing our roots).  The depth of our character, heart, and faith will determine the amount we grow above the surface.  We may temporarily focus on the surface and do impressive things there for all to see, but it will never last.  Storms and droughts will come and we will die.

This Sunday we will begin looking at the prayer life of a follower of Christ.  If we want to grow up then we better grow down by getting on our knees.

It's time to Grow Up!

This morning we met for "Vision Sunday" where I had the privilege of communicating where we are at, where we need to go, and how we can get there.  It all came down to phrase, "Grow Up!".

Would you believe the two spaces as pictured above are the same space?  They are... before and after.  Somewhere between where we are and where we need to be is a thing called growth.  Growing is uncomfortable because it requires change, stretching, and hard work.  The only part of this that makes growing worthwhile is the destination!  We have our destination as the source for inspiration and hope.  That destination is Jesus!

The way in which we communicate our growing steps or "mission" is through the terms, Know, Grow, and Sow.  It is our Church's primary purpose to see people come to KNOW Jesus as their Savior and Lord, then continue to GROW in Jesus (discovering and living out who we are in Christ), then allow the byproduct of a life in Christ to be expressed by SOWING Jesus (giving away).

The challenge to grow up in 2010 has been placed before us and now we need to respond.  If you don't know Jesus, then get to know him.  If you know Him then start to grow in Him.  If you are growing in Him then start sowing Him!

I also distributed a handout for everyone to place on their fridges to remind us to keep growing!  You can download it here.  On the front it explains the process and reasons for growth.  On the back it explains practical ways for you to grow.  Here are some to consider for 2010:

• Choose one way to grow in your knowledge of Him (start reading the Bible, praying, obeying, participating in our Sunday gatherings, etc.)
• Chose one way you can grow in who you are in Christ (this requires the help of other people... i.e. small groups, mentors,).
• Choose one way you can sow Jesus (step out in faith and donate an extra 1% of your income, volunteer for a ministry or community program, etc.).

This year is going to be a year of growing up!  I have been challenged personally to give away an extra percent of my income and I have formed a small group with my peers.  Although I will have to make sacrifices along the way, like eating out less and committing more time to my peers, I know the destination is worth it!

Lord, give us eyes to see, increase our faith so that we might step out and grow up!