Party FunFest Get on the Bus!

what a Saturday, over 100 people came to help us serve the Air Force housing area, as usual we begin with a short talk...we unpacked...

Mic 6:8 He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

We then broke up into groups of 3's and 4's and prayed that we'd be mercy, we'd extend love and tell God we needed Him...That's the humble part.

Families began to show up. It was great to see moms, dads and kids all having fun, racing through a two lane bouncy castle challenge, climbing a 28foot rock wall, and playing carnival games. ie. winning goldfish in gold fish bowls... Everyone we talked to loved the event and we were able to extend God's love in a practical way to the military community. In 2008 we will be seeking ways to reach the military community more consistently.

We have been looking at prayer and fasting on weekends, Marc Dupont did a great job this past weekend...check the series out on our web...weekend media.

ever listen to yourself speak

a friend of mine has a great blog...What I Meant to Say...it is a reflection of backward thoughts from the weekend speaking...good stuff...

Sometimes I'll listen to one of my messages and think...boy I sure over used that word...Last Sunday I over used connect...a word that doesn't do what it says often...anyway I had a lot of positive comments and encouraging remarks the message was on faith...

here is the link of you want to listen starbucks card to the first person who writes back numbering the times i say connect...
steve
Turn up the Volume the importance of faith

Dog Days of Summer

Monday, August 13, 2007

Dog Days of Summer

How do you know we are in the dog days of summer?
It's when you open the door for your dog and tell him / her to go outside and he / she looks at you and says nope I'm not going.

We've had a great summer! our new series has been well received...Turn up the volume... a series on prayer and fasting for 40 days...it's like Lent in summer...many people are responding and seeking to know God better by taking time to slow down, develop a hearing ear and responding to His voice.

We also are moving forward toward a new ministry for the people on Main Street. Main Street is where the Vineyard began serving the less served 15 years ago...Doug Roe is sensing we need to move back to our roots...

A couple of weeks ago we went down to see possible building, it was a great place. As we walked out of the building we met a lady who walked up to us...she was in need...her two grand kids were in a car wreck and she need funds to get to Columbus...it was a legit request...Doug being the generous guy he is pulled out his wallet and gave her more than enough funds for the trip...we then prayed with her as she thankfully wept...

the next day i received a phone call for a church on Main...they asked if we would help them reach their community on Sept 1st...I met with them on Thur last week...it was evident we needed to help...so we will be providing a block party in a box...all they have to provide is ice and volunteers..

This is the bubble principle in action...we sense God's leading, a need confirms the leading, an invitation solidifies the sense of leading.

Church Health

how do you know when a church is healthy? are there indicators? are there signs that show health and growth?

Jesus often talked about faith and action. The book of James also talks about faith and action. It seems that those who sought to know God...this is the work...to believe in the Father and whom He sent...and to seek to make God known to others through caring service seems to point to personal growth and health.

Those who are in the process of becoming gracious givers instead of grasping receivers seem to flow from personal growth and health. Freely you have received, freely give...Jesus mindset. The giving Jesus was talking about is to give forgiveness, love, genuine care, time, and material goods. When a large percentage of a church continues to reach out beyond themselves it is a sure sign of health.

During the last two months over 400 Vineyard people decided to put faith into action through participating in our City Care initiatives. They are learning that as they are giving to others, somehow they are refreshed in return. They are learning the principle of sowing and reaping... actions combined with an active faith= personal growth.

Back Packs an indication of health...

This year our backpack mound was off the chart...more people participated than expected and more people were generous beyond the norm. As the packs came in I noticed healthy attitudes, smiles, and a willingness to invest in the education of kids they knew not. Most included their families in the project as they packed and brought the backpacks to the Vineyard. It was exciting to see kids wearing the backpacks and then being challenged to throw the backpack on the pile.

Health can be measured by how many people are actively turning outward by practically serving others. Othercenteredness is a key to personal growth. Giving, caring, loving are active words that should move us beyond ourselves toward faith in action. Want to have a healthy life, or a healthy church? Then seek to motivate people toward a great Cause. A Commitment to a worthy Cause Creates a healthy Community...Cause Creates Community.