Indescribable

Thank God for his Son—a gift too wonderful for words! 2 Cor. 9:15 (NLT)

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! 2 Cor. 9:15 (NIV)

Jesus is indescribable, as we have been learning over the past three weeks. And then we try to put words to something that is too wonderful for words – wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting father, Prince of peace. God has given us hope through the gift of His Son.

This morning my heart is bursting as I think about all I have to be thankful for. This church family at New Community is such a giving group of people. Words cannot begin to say how much I love every one of you who has committed to be part of this church. You lift me up with your love and your participation and your giving. Over and over again you surprise me with your generosity. Thank you feels pretty shallow, but I really appreciate you and the gifts you share. I am so excited about what God has planned for us in the coming days, weeks and months. Thanks for choosing to be part of God’s work through New Community Christian Church. I love every one of you.

Day 21 21-Day Challenge

Last day! I made it, but about a week late. Amazing the things that can get in the way of getting involved in studying our Bibles. I feel like I have learned quite a bit from this 21-day journaling challenge. I hope many of you have had the same experience.

"I'm going out to fish," Simon Peter told them, and they said, "We'll go with you." So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. John 21:3 (NIV)

He said, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. John 21:6 (NIV)

I have read this so many times and marveled at the enormity of this miracle. But I never saw it like I did this morning. Jesus was teaching His followers (and me) about the results of the work they would be doing for Him. Working with the church can be an up-and-down experience -- people responding at times and not even listening at other times. Catching fish, maybe catching nothing. We may see results, we may not.

Some of the lack of results may be due to the fact that I don't remember to keep Jesus at the center. I get my priorities a little messed up and I feel a little proud and in-control, and then we don't see results from our work. But when Jesus is at the right place in the center of my ministry, people will respond to Him and the results will be "egantic and ginormous". That is exciting to me.

My prayer is that we all can get our priorities right so that Jesus can work through us and reach our community with God's love. When we do that our vision will become reality -- "To be a Christ-centered community, loving and accepting people so that lives are changed by the power of God." Amen

Day 19 & 20 21- Day Challenge

Later, knowing that everything had now been finished... John 19:28

Peace be with you... Peace be with you... Peace be with you... John 20:19, 21 & 26

Jesus knew His purpose from the beginning of His time on earth. He moved forward through His 33 years with that purpose firmly set in His sights. Nothing could deter Him. Not even the fear of suffering and death kept Him from carrying out God's plan and purpose for His life. It is hard to imagine that I could ever have that kind of resolve in my own life. To be firmly set on God's plan and direction and purpose for my life - that would be so rewarding.

And Jesus' concern is that His followers find peace -- real, lasting peace. And by saying it at this point, He indicates that it only comes through Him and acceptance of all He has done for us. This year it seems that so many people are without peace. People struggling, searching, grasping, fighting, yelling, crying, screaming -- there is a lack of peace in our world. Jesus is the peace that we all seek. That is the very thing that we commemorate and celebrate at this time of year. And it is the very thing that is lacking in most of our lives and our relationships. We need to put Jesus at the center of our lives and then He will bring peace, wonderful, blessed, comforting peace.

That is my hope for every one of you reading this -- that you will know the peace of having Jesus as both your Lord and your Savior. Enjoy your Christmas season by grasping God's peace.

Day 18 21-Day Challenge

OK, got a little off-track with 2 funerals and Christmas shopping. I need to finish this.

When Jesus said, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground.

Being in the presence of Jesus was overwhelming for these people. Although they had come there looking for blood to be spilled, they heard Jesus speak and they were obviously afraid and awed by him. I love the power that Jesus had even in this situation which makes him look powerless. He is about to be arrested (and He knows it) and yet, the people recognize His authority. Maybe it was in their souls that they knew who He was.

I love the times when I feel the closest to Jesus and His power and majesty overwhelm me. It doesn't happen often enough, but when it does it comes suddenly and nearly always makes me want to kneel. My Savior is so powerful and mighty, yet He is so loving and compassionate. Could it be any better than that? I don't believe so. Amen.

Day 17 21-Day Challenge

Vs. 1 "Father, the time has come." Such simple words and such huge importance. Jesus knows what is about to occur in His life because He is God. But He is also human and there must have been some apprehension. Yet He faces the evil in the world and allows God's plan to begin to play out. "It is time. Let's go." And Jesus prays this incredible prayer of protection for His friends and for every other believer who would come along through the ages - that we will know and understand more about God.

To be right in the center of God's purpose and plan is my hope. To know that it is time for God's work to be done - that's right where I want to be.

God, show me Your timing and get me ready. I make myself available for You to use me. I know that Your timing is perfect and Your time has come. Amen.

Day 16 21-Day Challenge

John 16:33 "so that...you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Even though Jesus was headed for the darkest period of His life (of human history), He was concerned that His close friends understood what was coming. All these things He shared were to help them find peace through some very difficult days.

Jesus also desires to give us His peace. As a follower of Jesus, I will face problems in life. God never promises am easy life. The promise is that He has overcome everything I will ever face. That encouragement helps get us through the junk we encounter.

God, it is amazing that You have overcome everything I could ever face in this world. Thank You for the peace You promise to us. Thank You that I can take heart. Your love and Your plan encourage me. Amen.

Day 15 21-Day Challenge

"And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning." John 15:27

Jesus completes this section on bearing fruit by telling His followers to spread the Word about all they have seen and heard. Whether the world loves me or hates me, Jesus encourages me by saying that He is with me in every circumstance. And my part is to tell what I know - to bear fruit!

God, I want to bear fruit. Use me today to minister to Your people. There are so many people struggling through life. Please give me the wisdom to know what to say, what to do , what not to say, what not to do. I want to testify for You. Amen.

Day 14 21-Day Challenge

I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. John 14:29

Out of love for these close followers Jesus again tries to let them in on what is about to happen. He very obviously tells them He is leaving this world. He is going to His Father. Seems like it should have been a given that He was going, but the disciples had their own pre-conceived ideas about what might be happening. They could not or would not believe that their Teacher could ever die.

God has also given us advance notice about what is going to occur in our lives. The Bible explains so clearly what God has planned for us, yet we refuse to accept it. God has designed this great plan that allows us a place in heaven. All we have to do is accept Jesus and we get to be in heaven. "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6

Could it be any simpler? No, but we sure make it seem difficult. We want to try every other option that we can think of. God loves me the same as He loves the disciples. God desires that I have this figured out and have a great relationship with Him through His Son. God is so good to me. Thank You God for loving me and opening The Way for me. Amen.

Day 13 21-Day Challenge

...love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:34-35

Jesus loves these men so deeply. He has just washed their feet to teach them about leadership and servanthood. Now He tells them that their love for each other will speak to the world about their relationship with Jesus. People should be able to look at my life and know that Jesus is my motivation. Am I showing this kind of love? Do people look at me and see Jesus through me?

God, help me to love others in ways that will impact other people. I want You and Your love & compassion to be evident in me. I don't always get this right, but when it works, I feel so close to You. Give me Your heart for people. Amen.

Day 12 21-Day Challenge

Martha is serving again (she must have been a great hostess and she must have loved it) and Mary does this beautiful thing for Jesus. A burial spice - very prophetic - is poured over Jesus' feet. Then Jesus cried out, "When a man believes in me, he does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me." John 12:44

Seeing Jesus is seeing God. Hearing Jesus is hearing the Father. Belief in Jesus is belief in God. The Bible shows us this very detailed picture of Jesus. As we learn about Jesus we are learning about God. Compassion...Healing...concern - people struggle with faith because they cannot see God, but God can be seen clearly in and through Jesus.

Father, thank You for revealing Yourself to me. I love to read about Jesus and this great love He had for everyone. Thank You for loving me. Amen.

Day 11 21-Day Challenge

I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks. Check out that dive!!! (Has nothing to do with todays's journal entry. Sorry.)

"Yes, Lord," she told him, "I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world." John 11:27 NIV

This is cool - I never got this before from this passage. Always got hung up on what is about to happen with Lazarus coming back to life. These words were spoken by Martha. Martha, and her sister Mary, were close friends of Jesus (along with brother Lazarus) and their story is well-known. In Luke 10 we learn that Martha is upset because her sister won't help in the kitchen while Jesus is visiting. All Mary wants is to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to Him. When Martha complains Jesus says that Mary has chosen what is better. That discussion was all about priorities.

And now Martha has figured it out. She is the first one to meet Jesus and her faith in Him is immovable. "But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask." vs. 22 Incredible faith from a person who was basically chastised (or that's how I see it) by Jesus. Martha has figured out what is priority in her life. Jesus has become for her a Rock, even in a horrible time of her life.

I see myself in this situation. I get hung up on going and doing and I often feel that being busy makes me successful in God's eyes. The chastising that Martha got is also for me. I need to focus on priorities. I need to place my trust in the Immovable Rock. I have to be willing to spend time at the feet of Jesus. Then I know that every detail of life will fall into place.

God, help me to remember today that being busy at Your work doesn't mean I'm really getting anywhere. Help me to slow down and listen to the voice of Your Son. Only by sitting at His feet will I be able to get my priorities in line with Your plans for me. Thank You that You have plans for me - to prosper me and not allow harm to come to me. You are my Rock and my Hope. Amen.

Day 10 21-Day Challenge

"I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd." John 10:16 NIV

Early in Jesus' ministry he is telling the Jews that they are not God's "only" people - there are others. And He pouts forth the idea of unity - one flock and one shepherd. God's perfect plan for the church and it has gotten so far off-track. God wants us unified as His one church and we can't even get along within our own local church family. God must be dismayed with our choices and our actions.

God, forgive me for the times I treat the church as my own turf. Help me see Your plan for the unity of the church - one flock and One Shepherd. Thank You for the Shepherd. Amen

P.S. I am concerned for the families of our church and our communities. There is this attack going on that is trying to destroy our marriages and families. Please join with me to pray that Satan will not be able to destroy any more marriages. That God will strengthen our marriages and our families. Thanks.

Day 9 21-Day Challenge

He replied, "Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see."

Jesus healed many people of blindness. He wanted people to see and understand the fullness of the beauty of God's creation. Such an incredible gift. He also heals us of spiritual blindness. Jesus wants to open the eyes of my heart so I can look at the world and see a glimpse of what God sees. God looks and sees hurting people, messed up, lost, blind, stumbling around in spiritual darkness and He desires to heal us of our blindness. This man knew one thing - he was blind and now he can see. This brought him to faith in Jesus - a simple yet strong faith in God's Son.

God, open my eyes and my heart to You and Your plan today. Strengthen my faith. You saved me - that one thing I will focus on today. Amen.

Day 8 21-Day Challenge

"...because his time had not yet come." John 8:20 NIV

Jesus is on this incredible mission - a journey - and nothing will stop God's plan. People try to turn against Him. The religious authorities want Him dead. But no one can get their hands on Him, because God says it is not yet the right time.

God is on control. God's plan is perfect - timing for everything, including my life. If we could just remember that. Healing comes in God's time. Answers to our prayers - they come according to God's plan. And above all of this is the fact of His perfect love for me and for you. It is great to know that I am within His love and His plan.

Thank You, Father. Amen.

Day 7 21-Day Challenge

"Are you from Galilee, too? Look into it, and you will find that a prophet does not come out of Galilee." John 7:52

Rumors, gossip, hearsay - all this junk being spread around about Jesus. and they were wrong. They knew Messiah would come from Bethlehem, but Jesus was from Galilee. How could they know something so definitely and be so wrong? There is a strong message for me as a leader of God's people - don't jump to any conclusions; don't believe everything I hear. All kinds of junk might be flying around, but I have to weigh the truth and be cautious.

God, as I work with Your church, help me to see the truth, to be patient, and to love Your children the way You do. Amen.

Day 6 21-Day Challenge

"From this time many of His disciples turned back and no longer followed Him." John 6:66

These followers of Jesus had just been part of a HUGE miracle - thousands of them had eaten their fill of fish and bread. The next day they began to question and doubt. "Many" of them turned away. That is so sad - to be with Jesus and see Him work and yet not believe.

But I am no different. I have seen Jesus work in so many ways in my life and in the lives of others, but I go through these times when I question and I have my doubts. I want my faith to be unwavering, but it still happens and I hate this about myself.

Forgive me, Father, for those times I doubt. You show Yourself to me in so many ways. You are so great to me. I want to be strong. Strengthen my faith. Amen.

Day 5 21-Day Challenge

OK. I had no Internet at home over the holiday, so I am typing in what I journaled at home. Sorry for all this at once. I am enjoying this study of the book of John - pretty cool.

"The man who was healed had no idea who it was, for Jesus had slipped away into the crowd that was there." John 5:13 NIV
Imagine this encounter - 38 years crippled and hoping for something to change, but every day it was the same - waiting. This one day a stranger shows up and the man is healed. Of all of the people gathered there who needed healing, Jesus chose this man. Talk about life-changing. A personal encounter with Jesus, whether you know Him or not, will change your life and your future.

Thank You, God, for sending Jesus and for the "encounter" I had with Him. Please help me to remember the significance of this encounter - I have a hope for the future because of You, because of Your Son. Amen.

Day 4 21-Day Challenge

I love the story of the Samaritan woman at the well. There are so many great lessons there. Today, though, this verse caught my attention - "They said to the woman, 'We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and WE KNOW that this man really is the Savior of the world.'"
The woman by the well was telling everyone about her encounter with Jesus. Her invitation brought them to Jesus, but it was hearing it for themselves that opened their souls to God. This tells me how important it is that I tell people about God and invite them to come hear about Jesus. But the work of opening their hearts is God's part of the process. I am not responsible if someone refuses to accept God.
We are in partnership with God - we share and invite - He touches the hearts of people and causes change. God chooses to use you and me to get His Word out there.
Thanks God for Your plan. You said that the harvest is plentiful - make me a harvester for You. You have blessed me in so many ways. On Thanksgiving and every day I praise You. Amen.

Day #3 - 21-Day Challenge

Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. John 3:14-15 NIV

This verse is a reference by Jesus to the action of Moses with the nation of Israel. So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, he lived. Numbers 21:9 (NIV) Any person could be saved from death by simply looking at the snake that had been placed on a pole. When Jesus is lifted up people are saved by looking to him. Later Jesus would state that when he is lifted up he will draw all men to himself. This is a reference to his death on the cross and how life comes to us through that act of sacrifice. He gave everything as He allowed Himself to be placed on the cross and hoisted into the air. That act allows me to look to Him for my hope.

Another thing I think of here is that I have the responsibility to "lift Jesus up" so that others have the opportunity to see Jesus. As a follower of Jesus I have the opportunity to use my life to show others the power of God. I see this as the most important thing I can do with my life. It is vital that the church be lifting Jesus up and allowing people to catch a glimpse of Him.

How do we "lift Jesus up"? What things should our church family be involved with that will show others the power of God to change their lives? This really speaks to being careful the things we get involved with. Do our church programs lift up Jesus and help others see Him? That is the question I have to consider as I look at the work of the church. In my personal spiritual life I have to be sure I am showing others what God is doing in my life. Pretty heavy stuff.

Thank You Father for the life You offer through Jesus. My salvation comes through the fact that Jesus was placed on a cross to die. My future hope was cemented when Jesus walked out of the tomb. You are an awesome Dad. I love You.

Day #2 "21 Day Challenge"

How are you doing on your reading from the book of John? It's not too late to get started.

This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed at Cana in Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him. John 2:11 NIV

Jesus turned water to wine at this wedding celebration. That was his first miracle. John doesn’t focus on the wine, but he looks at the purpose of doing the miracle. Jesus used this event to give his followers a glimpse of who he really is. He revealed his glory to them. They could not have understood the whole picture of who Jesus was, but they got these insights little by little. Moses encountered God’s glory on Mt. Sinai. When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen. Exodus 33:22-23 (NIV) No human can fathom the full picture of God’s glory. Our finite minds would collapse. But God understands this and He gives us these little clips along the way. Not until he had died and come back to life could the disciples begin to comprehend most of his actions. But they got this glimpse. Because of this revelation, these guys made up their minds. “We are going to follow this man. We trust him.”

In my mind I think about those first followers and I wonder why they had to have all of these signs and wonders in order to truly believe in Jesus. They got to be with him and hear him speak and see him heal people and yet they struggled to put their faith in him. I like to think that I don’t need those signs in order to believe. I simply put my trust in him.

Deep down I know I am just like those very first followers. I go through times when I question God and I wonder why certain things happen and other things don’t happen. I’m sure you struggle with these spiritual questions like I do. We are just humans. I look for signs that show me who God is; signs that reveal his glory. And just when I need a reassurance about God’s presence in my life, He steps in and He works and I am blown away all over again. Then I put my faith in him. I wish I wasn’t so human like that, but I am. Seeing is believing.

God continues to show Himself for me and for you every day. Sometimes I see His Hand at work. Other times I’m not paying attention and I miss it. This doesn’t mean He is not working. Just means I forgot to tune in.
God, help me today to tune in to what You are doing. Thank You for honoring my doubts by showing Yourself over and over and over again. Thank You for sending these signs my way and letting me get another glimpse of You and Your glory. Today, Father, I put my faith and trust in You. Thank You for the plan You have put in place for my life. Use me and my small faith today in an amazing way. Blow me away with Your love. Again and again and again. Amen.

Day One - 21 Day Challenge

I am excited this morning. It is the first day of our 21-Day Journaling adventure and I cannot wait to see and hear what God has planned for us. We are going to read one chapter from the gospel of John each day and then simply write about what we find. Are you up to the challenge? Am I?

Many things jumped out at me today as I read - Jesus gives light to every man, Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, but here is where I landed today:

Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, "We have found the Messiah (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. John 1:40-42

The first thing Andrew did... Andrew had an encounter with Jesus and it changed him. Andrew knew that this information was too great to keep it inside of him. And notice who he tells - his brother, Peter. Peter who became such a great leader in the church was brought to Jesus through the excitement of Andrew.

I hope you have had that encounter in your life. Jesus will rock your world when you let Him come into Your life. I know that my life would not be as great as it is without the presence of God in me. But how many of us can say that the first thought on our minds is, "Who else needs to know about this? Who can I tell?" I love that sense of excitement and expectation. I love it when I get to be a small part of people meeting God and accepting him.

I hate it when I lose that sense of excitement - when it feels like going through the motions. God, You know my heart is for lost people. Please take that spark in me and increase it so that I cannot help but tell everyone I meet about how great and loving You are. There are so many people right outside my door who are lost and struggling to survive. God, don't let me ever forget that I have within me the power to change the world. Andrew came into contact with Your power and he couldn't keep it to himself. God, forgive me for losing sight of your plan and for becoming lackadaisical about being your witness. Give me the confidence of Andrew so that my first thought is always to tell people about you. God use me today to impact your children. That next person I talk to is important to you. Amen

Let's keep first things first, shall we?

Sell Something Valuable

A few weeks back I asked New Community to consider selling some item of value on Ebay (or some other method) and then give the proceeds to fund our benevolent ministries. Several people gave cash donations to purchase trucks full of food for area disbursement. So far we have received $ to fund 4 truckloads of food. That is so awesome. And just yesterday we received a check from the first item that someone sold. That $100 check is the seed money for some great ministry that will be accomplished throughout Grundy County. I am excited about how this church family steps up to meet needs. I love these people! This picture is from one of our "Feed the Need" food drives. We always have so many generous volunteers when we are out there serving. Thanks, New Community.

Feeling wrung out?

I am tired. Do you ever get that feeling of being overwhelmed, overrun, beaten down, pushed around and defeated? You know what I mean. Everything seems to be going wrong and you don't feel like doing much. I know, though, that I am in good company. I read this passage today about Moses and how he got tired of standing and holding his arms up in prayer to God. It's in Exodus 17:8-13. While Moses held his arms up in prayer the Israelite army would be winning. If he got tired and dropped his arms, even to just rest his weary limbs, the army would begin to lose and soldiers would be killed. Moses got tired and that affected the outcome of an important battle.

Is our battle any less important? People are lost and struggling and losing their battles all around us unless we step up and do something. But, like I said, I am so tired. How did Moses do it? For a whole day he stayed on that hill and held up his arms in prayer to God for the soldiers. The key - Moses had help. "When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up - one on one side, one on the other - so that his hands remained steady till sunset." Moses needed help. He needed help to hold up his hands in prayer to God for the people. If a mighty leader like Moses needed help, guess what? I realize that I need help, too.

I need people to gather around me and join with me in prayer for the work of the church. I cannot do this alone. I cannot lead by myself. At the times when I feel that I need to do it all myself, that is exactly when my energy begins to decrease dramatically. So, if you are a part of New Community, I need your support. I am asking you to come alongside and hold my arms up in prayer. Join me in praying for this church and help me by holding me up in prayer, too. If you are part of another church, your pastor and leaders need you to support them. Some of us leaders might be a little too proud to admit this - but we get tired. Join with me. Pray with me. Let's support each other through prayer and see how God begins to make the battles go our way.

It's About Time

I received a nasty (not really nasty) anonymous email today saying that I have not blogged in 3 weeks. Sorry. I have been consumed by other things. Several home improvement projects (which I enjoy, but am not that good at) and lots of excitement around New Community. Thanks for most of you who have been so patient with me.

This past Sunday evening we had a Vision Night for New Community Christian Church's leadership. We invited anyone who was currently serving or "should be" serving. Great turnout and a very important time for us. Many commented that they thought some of the discussion bordered on being too negative, but I felt that some things were shared that needed to be brought out into the open. I am not usually the person who is comfortable with conflict, but I am learning the importance of allowing conflict if we are going to keep moving forward. I have to remember that not everyone thinks like I do (thank heavens) and different thinking is what makes a church grow, expand and reach out. I welcome differing opinions on most issues, but I am confident of a few areas where opinion is not an acceptable criteria.

For our church we have determined that our efforts will be focused first on reaching out to people who have no church background or have been away from the church scene long enough that they really don't get what "church" is all about. This means that our worship time will have a certain feel that differs from traditional church. Churched people may struggle to find a comfortable spot in some of our worship experiences. I know because I am one of those churched people. But I have seen the impact that this church has had on our community. Every week people attend and they say things to me like, "I never knew church could be like this." "The people here are so friendly." "I will be back next week." "Thanks for making church easy to understand."

Many times we will feel like church at New Community is "not about me." When that happens I feel we are probably doing our job right. It should never feel like it is about "me." We should be able to say that everything we do is about them - people who are lost and hurting and suffering through the drudgery of everyday life without God. My personal feeling and desires cannot be the driving force behind New Community.

At NC3 we are reaching people and I don't ever want to hinder that outreach. I hope you can understand that this might not be the way you would do church, but this works and lives are being changed by the power of God. Thanks for letting me rant a bit.

I look forward to the next gathering of leadership folk from New Community in November.

Church (S)hopping

Yesterday afternoon I had a great conversation with a newer couple to our church and they really encouraged me. They have had many experiences with churches in different communities and when they visited New Community they knew what they were seeking. In previous churches that they visited they were actually ignored several times. When they attended NC3 they were greeted by many people and that first impression was what got them hooked. We talk a lot about the importance of those personal encounters and it was great to have this confirmed by people who have seen both sides of this coin.

If you are part of New Community, thanks for doing your part to talk to people you don't already know. And we could use your help on our First Impression team (parking lot, greeting, coffee prep, guest services). Let me know where you would love to serve. If you are part of another church, be sure you are doing all you can to make new people feel welcomed and comfortable. Your encounter may mean the difference between someone staying and hearing about God and His love, or walking away and never coming back. Never underestimate the impact you have on the church.

What do you look for in a church? What things do you appreciate about New Community? Let me know what you think.

A Gentle Reminder About What's Important

Anyone tired of the rain and the humidity yet? It has been crazy weather, but at least we are not dealing with hurricanes. Just want you all to know that I occasionally get reminded by God that this life is not all about me. I was reading Dave Ferguson's blog (Community Christian - Chicagoland) and he referenced the fact that Bob Russell from Southeast Christian in Louisville was on site at Naperville for worship on Saturday evening. Russell's church in Louisville has reached more people than any other Christian Church in the U.S. Now the strange thing was that I was also in attendance at their worship service that evening. How come no one blogged about me being there? Maybe because I haven't pastored a church of 20,000 people? Why was my presence not enough to evoke a blog entry?

Actually, I found this to be pretty funny. Cindy and I spent Saturday "country" shopping in Plano and then headed to Naperville for worship at 5 pm. Corbett (my co-pastor and Creative Arts Director at NC3) and his kids went to Naperville for their 6:30 worship time. Neither of us knew that the other was heading there. Great minds... Cindy and I enjoyed the worship time - we feel the need to occasionally be fed when we don't have to worry about the details. Thanks to Community Christian for a powerful experience. I will just head back home with the realization that I may not be a Bob Russell, but I am Kevin Yandell, Pastor of the greatest church in these parts. Thanks to all of you who make NC3 the great church it is.

Heart of a Servant

Thanks to a great bunch of workers who served the people of Grundy County on Friday afternoon/evening. We purchased a truckload of food from Northen Illinois Food Bank to distribute to people who needed food. Very simple plan. Our people donated the $750 needed and then they showed up to handle the distribution. Around 170 families were given over 50 pounds of food and dry goods each. And we served 400 hot dogs and lots of bottled water. I am so proud of a church that will see a need like this and jump in to serve. Thanks to those of you who donated money and those who gave their time to serve. I know God was smiling on Grundy County Friday night. I love this church.

Rainy Days & Fridays

I was just sitting here feeling sorry for myself (I do that occasionally). I think it's the combination of a few things - a rainy day, some troubling news from old friends of ours, and I'm feeling a little hungry. It is so easy to focus on the junk of life (especially as a pastor) and forget that there are a million things to be thankful for. As I sat here God put David into my mind. Talk about mood swings. Read the Psalms and you find the heights of exhilaration and the depths of depression. "Why so downcast?" was the verse I remembered. Read Psalm chapters 42 and 43 and you will see what I mean. David had so many troubles (some self-induced) and yet he was able to look beyond the junk and see God.

Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God. Psalm 43:5 (NIV)

Put your hope in God. Stop dwelling on the problems. Lift your eyes and you will see God and His incredible love for you. So, yes, I needed a little shot in the arm and God has done it again. I am thanking God for His love and grace. He has blessed me with a great wife and two sons. My church family means so much to me. Thanks to God for His blessings. Don't forget - be careful where you focus - on the issues at hand or on the One who can handle every issue you throw at Him. Oh, by the way. It is still raining and I am going to find some lunch.

A "Hell" of a Day

What a great day we had Sunday. It was good to see many people who we had not seen for a while. Several new faces, too. I presented a lesson that was a little deviation from our "normal" style (whatever normal is). I talked about the realities of Hell. Hell is a real place (as real as Heaven) and I challenged every person to be sure where they are headed. The "so what" of the day is that we cannot rest on the fact that we get Heaven when we accept Jesus. We also carry a responsibility to know what is going on in the lives of the people in our circles of influence. Every one of us have at least one person we need to be praying for and talking with. God wants to use us to keep our friends out of Hell.

Worship was also very powerful (nice job, Corbett). I know the day was powerful because I cannot stop thinking about how horrible Hell is, how fantastic Heaven is and how many people will go to Hell if I don't speak up. What a tremendous and awesome responsibility we have as followers of Jesus.

The Cool Parts of Ministry

I love baptisms. I just watched a video from another church that does outdoor baptisms in the bay at Washington, D.C. It was so cool and very moving. I love that part of my work here in the church - to see someone commit their life to Jesus (a private, personal decision) and then to see them go public with that belief in a major way by being baptized. There is nothing cooler than that! Seeing the change that occurs in the lives of people. I love being part of what God is doing. How about you? Are there things that just really "turn your crank" about ministry? Let me know. And thanks to many of you who gave me your impressions of Hell. Those will be very helpful. You still have time to send those to me.

Here are the pictures we took of Smokey the Bear. This was off of our deck and he just hung around for a while and let us take his picture. We were glad for the 25 feet that separated us from him. It was dark, so the pictures are a little hard to see, but you get the idea. Our dog, Sadie, was uninterested in the bear. God sure made some incredible creatures. Another night I saw a large coyote in the same spot.

Welcome To My Scary Place: Where Do They Get This Stuff

Welcome To My Scary Place: Where Do They Get This Stuff

I need your help. We are talking about Hell in a couple of weeks and I want to hear your impression of what Hell may be like. Any thoughts you have would be appreciated. Doesn't have to be biblically based, just give me your thoughts and impressions. I promise I won't make fun of you. Just post to the blog or you can email me at revkevmorris@yahoo.com. Thanks for your help.

Hello everyone. Just back from two weeks of vacation in the eastern Tennessee mountains. We had a home on top of a mountain and it was so very nice. There was a pool within a few steps of our front door and a hot tub on our deck and I did a lot of sitting in the sun and reading. We also did some tourist things (Gatlinburg Aquarium, Dollywood and Dixie Stampede). This was a great time to relax and enjoy ourselves. Now I am back at work and I can't get myself started yet. I think it is the "car lag" from the 12 hours on the road home.

We saw a black bear from our deck one evening. My sister-in-law has pictures to prove it. I will post when I get a hold of them. Speaking of pictures, when you go to a place like Gatlinburg they are constantly taking your picture and asking you to buy the photos. On every roller coaster, at the dinner shows, riding the aerial tram, entering the men's room (just kidding). But they have figured out that no one takes their own photos anymore. We even posed with a person in a black bear suit at one of these. I think that is why Gatlinburg is known as a tourist trap. They have imagined all kinds of new ways to get your money. But, like I said, we stayed at our mountain home a lot and really enjoyed our time. Thanks to everyone at the office who kept things together while we were gone.

Kevin

Thankful for New Community

Hey y'all. It is Friday and I have not talked with you for a while. Sorry. Things seem to be so crazy these days. This week we are completeing our series on "Prison Break" as we talk about the Prison of Discontent. Be sure to get here Sunday and share together with your brothers and sisters. We will miss you if you are not here.

I am really looking forward to next week. Cindy and Jake and I are heading out for some vacation time - rest, relaxation, recuperation and lots of reflection. I will be reflecting on what has happened in the past year here at New Community. God has worked in some amazing ways to bless our church family - 20 acres of land and an office building, sacrificial commitments of over $720,000 to pay for these purchases, new people joining NC3 and many people committed to ministry and service. I want you all to know that you will be on my mind. I will be praying for you and your family. This church means so much to Cindy and I and we are so aware of the time and money many of you are giving to make this possible. Please know that we appreciate you and your sacrifices for God are making a difference.

Take some time this summer and reflect back on what this church means to you and your family. Write down your thoughts and send them to me. And be sure that you get to church as often as possible. You need it and we need you to be here. Thank you for your commitment. We love you and look forward to hearing how God is working through you this summer.

A Windy Day

"God intervenes when we intercede." - Tim Wilkins, founder of Cross Ministry

According to a recent survey 47 percent of terminal cancer patients say their spiritual needs are not being met by their religious community. - Source: Christianitytoday.com

Hey everyone. Hope you are having a great day. It is hot and windy here in Morris today. We need some rain. I found these quotes in Rick Warren's newsletter and they grabbed me. Just the idea that someone who is terminally ill would sense that their religious community is not getting it done. That is sad. Who do you know right now who needs a little attention and compassion? You might be the only God they are going to see today. Show them His love and you could help them find hope in otherwise impossible situations.

I want to ask you to pray for my Aunt Nancy who has started chemo treatments for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. She lives in Indiana and she is pretty sick. Also, pray for Lori Ritter and Dave from our church family. Lori will have surgery tomorrow (Friday) and then they will decide if she will need cancer treatment. This will be a difficult time for a young family with two little girls. Please lift them up. "God intervenes when we intercede." Let's get busy. Thanks. Pastor Kevin

A Funny thing happened in Dallas

Hey everyone - I am in Dallas for two days at a Ministry Advantage training session. In Ministry Advantage I work weekly with a ministry coach who helps me become more systems-oriented about how we do ministry here at New Community. As a young church this is sometimes an overwhelming task, but I feel that our church is truly benefiting from this experience. Anyway I am here in Dallas where it is cloudy and about 80 degrees. I am in a hotel that is surrounded by interstates (I30, 35 and 635). Out my window are three layers of roads. Not too pretty, but I am close to the church for these sessions. I will return home on Thursday evening.

I had a funny experience that I will have to share Sunday. It is especially funny since we are in the midst of the "Pure Sex" series. I am safe and my mind is still pure, but Satan is very tricky. You will have to come Sunday to hear the rest of the story. Oh, and I saw Elvis walking through Midway Airport on Tuesday afternoon. People are strange!

As I sat in these sessions today I was overwhelmed with how much work we have to do to make New Community the church God wants us to be. Our community is lost and hurting and there are not very many people who seem to care much about that. This church is going to keep caring and showing God's love. Then I realized how far God has brought us. In 5 years we have changed from a small group of about 20 meeting in the Weber's home to a growing, vibrant church family of 350. God is the only one who could have orchestrated this change. We have seen lives transformed by God's power and people are stepping up and serving in so many ways. For those of you who have been privileged to be part of this experiment, I say, "I have the utmost respect for you and I love every one of you." This is possible because you are allowing God to work in you and through you.

Not that we have arrived - I don't believe we will ever arrive until the day we get to walk through the gates into God's presence - but I love the fact that I get to work with the best group of people a pastor could ever hope for. Thank you for believing in the vision and mission of New Community. Because of you people are connecting with Jesus and their lives are being transformed by the power of God. You are awesome and I just had to tell you. And I cannot wait to see how quickly we are allowed to impact the next 500 people from Grundy County. Let's get to work! See you Sunday. Pastor Kevin

Day One

After failing to send out Email Updates on a regular basis to all of you on my email list, I decided there had to be a better way. Blogging. We'll see if I do any better with this than the email newsletters.

Thanks to those of you who have given feedback from last week's message on "The Language of Lust". This seems to have struck a chord with many. I believe that this is one area where so many people struggle in silence, unaware that there are others having very similar struggles. We could do so much to help each other if we could just let down our guard for a few moments. This week we host Dr. David and Debbie McFadden speaking on "Straight Talk for Men and Women." I have known the McFadden's for many years and they will bring some great insights to us.

Then we are tackling probably our toughest topic (or the most volatile) - PORNOGRAPHY! "Porn: What's the Big Deal ?" This is probably the area where we are losing most of the spiritual battles in our culture today. Porn promises to be a best friend, but turns on a person and seeks to totally destroy all normal relationships. I am praying that we are able to tear down some major walls and begin to see healing in the lives of many. Please pray about that with me.

The final week of the Pure Sex series will be another serious topic, but it should be a little fun, too. "What Happens in Vegas WON'T Stay in Vegas." Whether we like it or not there are ramifications and outcomes to every decision and action we make. It is not possible to draw a circle around certain activities and act like they did not happen. There are always two people who know your every action - you and God!. And one of those two is much more forgiving than the other (your conscience will not let you off the hook). I am expecting some people to be dealing with major junk in their lives. We need to pray that God shows these people what a great feeling it is to be healthy and whole as followers of Jesus.

Hey, you all have done great with inviting friends to join you in church and parking and sitting in spots that all0w room for others. Thanks for being flexible. We will need to remain flexible to allow our young church to grow beyond 400 and then 500 in the next year (we reached 451 adults and kids on Easter Sunday).

Sunday I encouraged us to think about what it will take to reach our communities for Jesus. Our challenge - are we the kind of church that could throw a birthday party for a prostitute? Or an addict? Can we learn to see beyond the outward junk to the hurting person inside? If not, we might as well hang up the idea of being the church that Grundy County needs. If so, God is going to be sending us a lot of hurting people. Are you ready? You need to think through what this means for you and your role in this church. We need more compassionate people stepping up and committing to serve. Where is God telling you to serve?

One last thing - I need to ask your help again. The last time I made this request I had only two people step up. As a church on the move, we need to set up and tear down and clean up after ourselves every Sunday. Our school is being used again this summer by the YMCA, so we will not get a break. Kevin Murphy and his crew (Keith, Adam, Jim, Mike, Rich, Linnelle, Bob, Nancy and I may have forgotten someone, sorry) are doing a great job of serving in this area. But they are too small of a group. I need people who will step up and be part of this team on a regular basis (weekly or bi-weekly) to set up the school on Saturday mornings around 8:30 and clean up following worship. When I have made this request in the past I have felt the silence of being ignored. We cannot have church without this crew. And I do not want to take advantage of these committed people. Please consider helping out. Email me and tell me that you will serve as part of this team. Together we can accomplish so much more for God.

Have a great week. I appreciate you and I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.