Hello friends,
What a wonderful Christmas and Advent season it was at The Way. We enjoyed our very first season together, set some traditions for our church family to enjoy as we go forward, and focused on living the way of Jesus as we celebrated His birth. There was much to celebrate over these past few weeks. The joy of new faces, the welcoming nature of our church family, and a record attendance at our Christmas Eve worship gathering are just a few of the joys that the past month has brought. In retrospect, it feels a little weird to think that this church is only 4 months old. It feels so comfortable and exciting that I'm more inclined to think that this church has a much longer history.
As we move forward there is much to do. Our intent is to hit the ground running to start off the New Year. With that in mind, here are a few items worth discussing:
-DON'T MISS THIS SUNDAY!!!! We have a surprise waiting for everyone who attends our worship gathering this Sunday morning. Don't try to figure it out. Just be sure to come. And if you have any unchurched friends that you could bring to church with you this weekend, DO IT. I promise you this is the Sunday to go the extra mile and have them attend. Neither you nor they will be disappointed.
-Our graphics/web designer is working hard on overhauling our website (www.thewayministries.info). Over the next month our website will be seeing some exciting upgrades. Our goal is to build a web presence that both engages people who are new to The Way in a manner that gets them the info that they need as well as serving some of the basic needs of our congregation. Do you have any recommendations that would help us fulfill that goal? If so, please tell us. We'd love to hear your input.
-Also pertaining to our new website, the designer would like to receive some quotes from the people of The Way to incorporate into the new design. Could you provide us with one? It could be anything that you feel is note-worthy regarding what you feel is unique about The Way or what you love about The Way. If you have something along those lines that you'd like to share, please email it to me at pm@thewayministries.info.
-We are prayerfully considering a facility change. This should not be any cause for alarm. And we may not actually ever change the venue. However, it is important to us at The Way to be able to invest as much money as possible back into the mission based needs that are brought to our attention as a church. In short, we believe that the church's money is better spent on people's needs than on our church's venue. Therefore, as we go about living into our financial commitments to stewarding our money in 2010 freeing up every possible dollar to be spent on "helping people", we are considering our options. Do you know of a venue in the local Greensburg/Latrobe area that can supply us a regular meeting space for up to 150 people with chairs and parking? If so, I'd love to talk with you about it.
I'm so excited about this church, and I'm so excited about seeing what God has in store for us in this New Year. Keep in mind, this Sunday is one that you don't want to miss. I hope to see you there!
Grace and Peace be with you.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Bet Lehem
On Christmas Eve The Way began a tradition of celebrating Jesus (the bread of life) being born in Bethlehem (Bet Lehem - the house of bread) by giving each family a homemade loaf of bread. We invited everyone to do whatever they felt was most appropriate for their family to do with this loaf to honor the birth of Jesus. Some families used their bread to have holy communion together as a family on Christmas morning. Another family gave theirs away to a neighbor to spread the message of love. As for me and my family, we used the loaf of bread as a centerpiece for our Christmas dinner. For us, it was the perfect reminder of just why it was that we were together and enjoying such a wonderful meal.
What a great Christmas and Advent this has been at The Way! I'm so blessed to be a part of a church who is striving first and only to live the way of Jesus.
Grace and Peace be with you.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Christmas Eve
I just wanted to post one last reminder for our Christmas Eve gathering at 7pm at Wimmerton Community Center in Latrobe. It's going to be a relaxed time of sweet treats, conversation, and celebration. Please feel free to bring anyone and everyone you know who may not otherwise have any plans at that time Thursday night. It's truly going to be a time of relaxing and enjoying one another's company as we gather around the manger to welcome the baby. Also, for those who are interested, we are meeting at the community center at noon that same day to decorate for our evening gathering. We'd love your help with that if you are available. If you are, then simply join us there at noon.
And finally, I want to once again say thanks to all who helped make our food drive such a HUGE success last Sunday. At this time, we've collected about 5 pick-up truck loads of food for this family. What a massive Christmas blessing!
I hope to see you on Christmas Eve.
Grace and Peace be with you.
And finally, I want to once again say thanks to all who helped make our food drive such a HUGE success last Sunday. At this time, we've collected about 5 pick-up truck loads of food for this family. What a massive Christmas blessing!
I hope to see you on Christmas Eve.
Grace and Peace be with you.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Thank you!
This is just some of the food that was gathered yesterday at The Way as a result of the plea that we put out for a family in need in our community. In addition to what you see pictured here, about this much more has been collected since yesterday morning. The idea was to get the family so much food that they didn't have to worry about grocery shopping for a long time. As you can see, we reached our goal (Yay God!)
Thanks so much to everyone who helped make this a success!
Grace and peace be with you.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Urgent Matter
Hi friends,
As you may know it was brought to our congregation's attention last week that there is a family of seven in our community that is in urgent need of assistance (mother with 6 kids). In short, this mother has mounting overdue bills that she is unable to pay, there is no food, and there are no plans for any Christmas celebration due to the financial situation. The great news is that God has been faithful over the past week to provide financial assistance in large enough measure to cover the outstanding bills, and Christmas presents have been provided for all of the children (YAY GOD!!!) which brings me to the reason for writing this to you. The Way would like to fill up their cupboards with food for the Holidays. We're holding a food drive for them this Sunday (12/20). We're asking for anyone and everyone to give can goods, storable grocery items, and/or grocery gift cards as they are able. We'd like to have it all by Sunday so that we can deliver it to this mother for use on Christmas week and thoughout the holiday season. Can you check your pantry for a donation? Can you ask your friends and neighbors to do that as well?
If you do not or cannot attend The Way this Sunday at L.E.S. at 10:30am and would like to make a donation, please contact me and I will make arrangements to meet you to pick up those items.
And a friendly reminder about our Christmas Eve service. The Way will be gathering at the Wimmerton Community Center at 7pm. We invite you and all of your friends and relatives to join us. It's gonna be a relaxing evening celebrating the arrival of the Christ child.
Thank you for your continued support of the ministries of The Way. God bless you.
Grace and Peace be with you.
As you may know it was brought to our congregation's attention last week that there is a family of seven in our community that is in urgent need of assistance (mother with 6 kids). In short, this mother has mounting overdue bills that she is unable to pay, there is no food, and there are no plans for any Christmas celebration due to the financial situation. The great news is that God has been faithful over the past week to provide financial assistance in large enough measure to cover the outstanding bills, and Christmas presents have been provided for all of the children (YAY GOD!!!) which brings me to the reason for writing this to you. The Way would like to fill up their cupboards with food for the Holidays. We're holding a food drive for them this Sunday (12/20). We're asking for anyone and everyone to give can goods, storable grocery items, and/or grocery gift cards as they are able. We'd like to have it all by Sunday so that we can deliver it to this mother for use on Christmas week and thoughout the holiday season. Can you check your pantry for a donation? Can you ask your friends and neighbors to do that as well?
If you do not or cannot attend The Way this Sunday at L.E.S. at 10:30am and would like to make a donation, please contact me and I will make arrangements to meet you to pick up those items.
And a friendly reminder about our Christmas Eve service. The Way will be gathering at the Wimmerton Community Center at 7pm. We invite you and all of your friends and relatives to join us. It's gonna be a relaxing evening celebrating the arrival of the Christ child.
Thank you for your continued support of the ministries of The Way. God bless you.
Grace and Peace be with you.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Church planting vulnerability
Sometimes we pastors are guilty of hiding behind our masks of Christianity so much so that the vulnerability of our true emotions never come through. To defeat that tendency, I give you an online conversation between myself and another church planter. This was taken from mine and Eric Phillips' Facebook walls:
Me: So you have a few weeks in...how's the new church going? Man, I've been praying for you like a madman.
Eric: Hey bro, it has been good. I think we might have just found a guy to do worship, he and his wife visited 2 weeks ago and we've been meeting and praying. We held a free community Thanksgiving dinner over thanksgiving which was awesome but completely broke me seeing how much need is in our area, and how many people are living with no hope. Just leaves me with more resolve to bring the hope of the Gospel and the coming Kingdom to this area no matter what it costs. I appreciate your prayers bro, even though God is doing awesome things I've been under a lot of attack, just really doubting my adequacy and feeling like I'm going to fail. How are things at the Way? How are you and your fam doing? How are you holding up financially?
Me: I here you about the attack, bro. I've been fighting off that demon for months now. Inadequacy, fear, worry...ugh...I have to put on the armor against them every day. I'm glad to hear of your early success. As for The Way, I couldn't be more pleased. We see new faces every day and the majority of them unchurched. We are literally a handful of empty chairs away from outgrowing our facility. And currently the church is in good financial standing. That's a little bigger deal to us than maybe most independent church plants as we tithe 50% of our budget back into the needy of our community...it means it takes twice as long to save up for purchases/bills. But because of His provision, our bills are all paid. Additionally, my personal financial situation is a blessing as well. I haven't received a paycheck in months, yet we have been able to find the funds every month come payment time. I still have days in which I feel like an irresponsible father, but I know that a day is coming in which my kids will have a testimony from my life experience which leads them to give obedience a chance. In short, I'm blessed. I'm excited. I'm terrified. I'm determined. I've never had so little, yet I've never felt so full. My church is a growing baby committed to Scripture and Missional expressions thereof. And this season of my life is a wonderfully messy expression of the deepest faith I've ever been able to muster. I've never been happier. I've never been so terrified. And I've never felt so close to Jesus. Blessings and favor upon you my brother...
Nothing like honesty to help people understand just how risky faith really is.
Grace and Peace be with you.
Me: So you have a few weeks in...how's the new church going? Man, I've been praying for you like a madman.
Eric: Hey bro, it has been good. I think we might have just found a guy to do worship, he and his wife visited 2 weeks ago and we've been meeting and praying. We held a free community Thanksgiving dinner over thanksgiving which was awesome but completely broke me seeing how much need is in our area, and how many people are living with no hope. Just leaves me with more resolve to bring the hope of the Gospel and the coming Kingdom to this area no matter what it costs. I appreciate your prayers bro, even though God is doing awesome things I've been under a lot of attack, just really doubting my adequacy and feeling like I'm going to fail. How are things at the Way? How are you and your fam doing? How are you holding up financially?
Me: I here you about the attack, bro. I've been fighting off that demon for months now. Inadequacy, fear, worry...ugh...I have to put on the armor against them every day. I'm glad to hear of your early success. As for The Way, I couldn't be more pleased. We see new faces every day and the majority of them unchurched. We are literally a handful of empty chairs away from outgrowing our facility. And currently the church is in good financial standing. That's a little bigger deal to us than maybe most independent church plants as we tithe 50% of our budget back into the needy of our community...it means it takes twice as long to save up for purchases/bills. But because of His provision, our bills are all paid. Additionally, my personal financial situation is a blessing as well. I haven't received a paycheck in months, yet we have been able to find the funds every month come payment time. I still have days in which I feel like an irresponsible father, but I know that a day is coming in which my kids will have a testimony from my life experience which leads them to give obedience a chance. In short, I'm blessed. I'm excited. I'm terrified. I'm determined. I've never had so little, yet I've never felt so full. My church is a growing baby committed to Scripture and Missional expressions thereof. And this season of my life is a wonderfully messy expression of the deepest faith I've ever been able to muster. I've never been happier. I've never been so terrified. And I've never felt so close to Jesus. Blessings and favor upon you my brother...
Nothing like honesty to help people understand just how risky faith really is.
Grace and Peace be with you.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Coats for the homeless
The Way and Garfield Memorial UMC express their sincere thanks to all who helped make this coat drive a HUGE success. The video below shows some of the sites on the delivery nights. One note: it is illegal to disrtibute anything to homeless people in Philadelphia. On the first night of delivery the police showed up at Love Park with their lights and sirens on looking to take us all to jail. They ran out into the middle of the crowd yelling "who's responsible for this!?!" All of the homeless people just looked at me because my friends and I were the one who had delivered them. I looked at the cops and said, "Jesus is responsible for this." Upon hearing that, the cops immediately got back into their cars and left without any further question or comment. Yay God!!!
Grace and Peace be with you.
Grace and Peace be with you.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Christmas Eve Gathering
The Way's Christmas Eve plans have been finalized. We will be gathering at 7pm for our Christmas Eve celebration at the Wimmerton Community Center. The community center is located on Wimmerton Blvd. by the pool accross from N. Shenandoah. If you don't already have plans, we hope you'll come for a cozy time of sharing and prayer with The Way. It's gonna be a great time.
Grace and Peace be with you.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Advent and other goings on
Friends of The Way,
What a phenomenal couple of weeks we've had at The Way. The laughter, the sharing, the new faces, the rapidly dwindling number of empty seats, and growing sense of "family" has all added to the excitement. It's hard to believe that this church is only 12 weeks old. And it's harder still to comprehend just how good God has been to us so far along this journey. As one of my mentors said the other day, "We could not have asked for a better first three months." Our attendance is consistently growing. Our passion and mission are sustaining the surge forward both inside and outside of our gatherings, and all of our bills are paid. Very few churches can say those things right now. Would you please join me in praising God for those things?
As we move forward this week, here are a few items that I am working on:
1) We're delivering the coats that we've gathered to the homeless in Love Park tonight! I'm SO PUMPED about this. Thanks so much to all who have made this effort a HUGE success!
2) Small groups...everyone who has offered up their home for the purpose of hosting a small group ministry will be receiving a call from me this week. We will be finalizing those plans and organizing a kickoff for each group.
3) Child care is an issue that is being worked on for our congregation. It's been proposed that a team be organized to rotate Sundays and provide some childcare in The Stuffice on Sundays during our worship gatherings. If this is something that you'd be willing to assist with and step into the rotation, please let me know.
4) Financial giving is a topic that I'm praying hard about right now. I'm so proud of the way that our congregation gives to its church. There are several stories in our brief history of people giving to our church in a manner that has allowed us to get to where we are today. And as we enter this Christmas season, I know that needs both for our church, as well as for those in our community, are going to increase. So I'm praying for God's provision and reminding our people to make your tithes and offerings as you are able. Thank you so much for your continued faithfulness and generosity to the ministries of The Way.
5) I'm joining Shane Claiborne, author of "The Irresistible Revolution" later this week at a speaking engagement to share about The Way and our values as a church. This is a HUGE opportunity as it will allow me to share not only who we are, but what we're all about, in an international arena that reaches out to Pastors and churches that hold to the practices of the Acts church. If nothing else, it will be an opportunity to meet many other people who think the way that we think and build their ministry around simply living the way of Jesus. This is such a cool opportunity for us.
6) We are spending this Advent season encouraging everyone to find someone who isn't already plugged in to a church and get them to The Way this Christmas season. We all know someone who doesn't go to church regularly who may otherwise find a place to worship this Christmas. Why not bring them to The Way? Will you be the one to get them there? Will you extend the invitation?
Let me close by saying that I LOVE THIS CHURCH! And I LOVE THE PEOPLE OF THE WAY! I'm so blessed to call you my church family. Thank you for each and every blessing that you bring to the Kingdom of God by living the way of Jesus.
Grace and Peace be with you.
What a phenomenal couple of weeks we've had at The Way. The laughter, the sharing, the new faces, the rapidly dwindling number of empty seats, and growing sense of "family" has all added to the excitement. It's hard to believe that this church is only 12 weeks old. And it's harder still to comprehend just how good God has been to us so far along this journey. As one of my mentors said the other day, "We could not have asked for a better first three months." Our attendance is consistently growing. Our passion and mission are sustaining the surge forward both inside and outside of our gatherings, and all of our bills are paid. Very few churches can say those things right now. Would you please join me in praising God for those things?
As we move forward this week, here are a few items that I am working on:
1) We're delivering the coats that we've gathered to the homeless in Love Park tonight! I'm SO PUMPED about this. Thanks so much to all who have made this effort a HUGE success!
2) Small groups...everyone who has offered up their home for the purpose of hosting a small group ministry will be receiving a call from me this week. We will be finalizing those plans and organizing a kickoff for each group.
3) Child care is an issue that is being worked on for our congregation. It's been proposed that a team be organized to rotate Sundays and provide some childcare in The Stuffice on Sundays during our worship gatherings. If this is something that you'd be willing to assist with and step into the rotation, please let me know.
4) Financial giving is a topic that I'm praying hard about right now. I'm so proud of the way that our congregation gives to its church. There are several stories in our brief history of people giving to our church in a manner that has allowed us to get to where we are today. And as we enter this Christmas season, I know that needs both for our church, as well as for those in our community, are going to increase. So I'm praying for God's provision and reminding our people to make your tithes and offerings as you are able. Thank you so much for your continued faithfulness and generosity to the ministries of The Way.
5) I'm joining Shane Claiborne, author of "The Irresistible Revolution" later this week at a speaking engagement to share about The Way and our values as a church. This is a HUGE opportunity as it will allow me to share not only who we are, but what we're all about, in an international arena that reaches out to Pastors and churches that hold to the practices of the Acts church. If nothing else, it will be an opportunity to meet many other people who think the way that we think and build their ministry around simply living the way of Jesus. This is such a cool opportunity for us.
6) We are spending this Advent season encouraging everyone to find someone who isn't already plugged in to a church and get them to The Way this Christmas season. We all know someone who doesn't go to church regularly who may otherwise find a place to worship this Christmas. Why not bring them to The Way? Will you be the one to get them there? Will you extend the invitation?
Let me close by saying that I LOVE THIS CHURCH! And I LOVE THE PEOPLE OF THE WAY! I'm so blessed to call you my church family. Thank you for each and every blessing that you bring to the Kingdom of God by living the way of Jesus.
Grace and Peace be with you.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Speechless
Check out this pic of the coats collected at The Way this morning. Praise God and thanks to all who donated. It's two truckloads of coats and other items. The pile was so big that we had to remove a row of chairs; it stretched from wall to wall. What an AWESOME morning at The Way!
Grace and Peace be with you.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Something big is happening
As written here previously, The Way has taken on the task of finding winter coats for a community of homeless people who are otherwise unprepared for the coming winter season. And I have to tell you that there is something BIG going on through this. People from The Way have been using their facebook status, blogpage, email address book, and professional networks among other things to gather coats on our behalf. In fact, another church has joined us in petitioning its people for this cause. It's SO cool to see what God is doing.
We're collecting these coats on Sunday November 8th at our worship gathering. We're gonna lay them on the floor at the foot of our altar table, pray over them, give God thanks for them, then send them off to meet their new owners. We do this because we believe it is our duty in Christ to care, even for those whom no one seems to want to care about. It was Jesus who once said, "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."
So what do you say, friend? Can you make it your goal to gather as many coats as possible on behalf of Jesus over these next few days? Are there friends and neighbors that you could approach about this? Could you talk to your coworkers or classmates? Would you use your facebook and email contacts, etc. to find some coats and other winter clothing items?
God is doing something big with this already. Let's join together with Him to see what this is going to become.
Grace and Peace be with you.
We're collecting these coats on Sunday November 8th at our worship gathering. We're gonna lay them on the floor at the foot of our altar table, pray over them, give God thanks for them, then send them off to meet their new owners. We do this because we believe it is our duty in Christ to care, even for those whom no one seems to want to care about. It was Jesus who once said, "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."
So what do you say, friend? Can you make it your goal to gather as many coats as possible on behalf of Jesus over these next few days? Are there friends and neighbors that you could approach about this? Could you talk to your coworkers or classmates? Would you use your facebook and email contacts, etc. to find some coats and other winter clothing items?
God is doing something big with this already. Let's join together with Him to see what this is going to become.
Grace and Peace be with you.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Coats and other things that tell the Gospel story
One of the things that we are most serious about at The Way is expressing the love of Jesus Christ to people in need by making it a point to share our possessions to meet those needs to the best of our ability. One of the ways that we do this is by using a web-based database called The Common. It makes disseminating information much less complicated.
This week on The Common one of the people from The Way made it known that she has some homeless friends who are in need of coats and other winter-weather items. And to put it more clearly, she has LOTS of homeless friends in need. So The Way is making it our mission to find coats...lots and lots of them...
Do you have a coat or two collecting dust in your closet? If so, can we have it? We're collecting them at our upcoming worship gathering on Sunday, November 8th. If you have a coat to donate, bring it with you on Sunday morning. If you have a coat to donate but don't, or can't, attend The Way this Sunday, we'd still like to get it from you. Email me to make arrangements for delivering the coats at:
pm@thewayministries.info
We're gonna collect these coats on Sunday, lay them on the floor in front of the altar elements, pray over them, and send them off for delivery to their new owners.
"I have come to recognize that, if I have two coats in my closet, one of them belongs to one who has no coat."
-Dorothy Day
Grace and Peace be with you.
This week on The Common one of the people from The Way made it known that she has some homeless friends who are in need of coats and other winter-weather items. And to put it more clearly, she has LOTS of homeless friends in need. So The Way is making it our mission to find coats...lots and lots of them...
Do you have a coat or two collecting dust in your closet? If so, can we have it? We're collecting them at our upcoming worship gathering on Sunday, November 8th. If you have a coat to donate, bring it with you on Sunday morning. If you have a coat to donate but don't, or can't, attend The Way this Sunday, we'd still like to get it from you. Email me to make arrangements for delivering the coats at:
pm@thewayministries.info
We're gonna collect these coats on Sunday, lay them on the floor in front of the altar elements, pray over them, and send them off for delivery to their new owners.
"I have come to recognize that, if I have two coats in my closet, one of them belongs to one who has no coat."
-Dorothy Day
Grace and Peace be with you.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Mono is no fun
So I'm going on week number two of bed rest due to mono. It's been no fun. It's also why I haven't blogged much recently. But that being said, I am beginning to feel better. And over this past week I have been completely blown away at the love and support of my church family. People from The Way have been just amazing offering childcare, food, and help with yard work while I've been laid up. I'll be back on my feet soon, but in the meantime God has shown me just how awesome our new church really is. Our declaration talks about being a church without walls and a practice of worship seven days a week...it's been a real joy to be the one on the receiving end of that. Thank you to all who have shown me the best of Christ's love while I've been so sick.
Sunday number eight is coming in just a few short days. It's gonna be a great one. There are some phenomenal God stories to tell through some things that have happened on The Common and away from our Sunday Gatherings. One of our own will be quest speaking this weekend sharing his story of how Jesus has changed his life. I hope to see you there as we together celebrate what God is doing in us and through us.
Grace and Peace be with you.
Sunday number eight is coming in just a few short days. It's gonna be a great one. There are some phenomenal God stories to tell through some things that have happened on The Common and away from our Sunday Gatherings. One of our own will be quest speaking this weekend sharing his story of how Jesus has changed his life. I hope to see you there as we together celebrate what God is doing in us and through us.
Grace and Peace be with you.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Those magic moments
As both a musician and preacher, I've experienced those moments when everything just goes wrong on stage...there's nothing more difficult than to be the one on stage when the magic is gone. But then again I've experienced those moments in which everything went right...and...there's no better feeling than being on stage when those magic moments come.
Speaking of a magic moment, I found this on YouTube today, and all I can say is wow.
Enjoy...
Grace and Peace be with you.
Speaking of a magic moment, I found this on YouTube today, and all I can say is wow.
Enjoy...
Grace and Peace be with you.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
My favorite questions
Over the past few months of starting a new church, I've received many questions. Some of them were humorous, and others of them were more theologically inquisitive. All of them were sincere and thought provoking. After praying about it, I've felt the Lord leading me to share some of those questions and responses as it may help you to better understand who The Way is as a church of Jesus Christ.
Q) The Way is kind of a dumb name for a church. Why call it The Way?
A) Our greatest goal as a body of believers is to move beyond a philosophy of religion which simply encourages you to attend church services. We, instead, put more emphasis on actually living our lives in the way that Jesus lived His life on Earth. We understand that this focus on living the way that Jesus lived is something that will always be our first priority. With that in mind, it seemed only fitting that we consider a name like The Way, as it not only represents our most primary core value, but it also speaks to the truth that we as a group of Christians believe that the way of Jesus is the best way to live.
Q) The advertising for The Way seems to repetitively communicate verses that describe the churches that are cited in the book of Acts. Why is that?
A) We feel that those churches being mentioned in Acts chapters 2 and 4 represent a high standard of unconditional love, selfless giving, authentic worship, and great commitment to the teachings of Scripture. In light of that, we can think of no better description of what values the church of Jesus Christ should have. Therefore, we make it our practice to remind ourselves regularly of what a church that gave birth to a global movement of faith looks like...devoting ourselves to the apostles teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer...to the sharing of goods, giving to anyone as he has need, etc. (Acts 2:42-45). In so doing we believe that God will add to our number daily the number of souls being saved (Acts 2:47).
Q) Are you Catholic or Protestant?
The Way strives to live into a faith practice which precedes both Catholicism and protestantism. Doing our best to model ourselves after the Church of Jesus Christ which was founded in the first century, we simply answer that question by stating that we consider ourselves to be in every way a part of The Bride of Christ, standing shoulder to shoulder with every person and organization who calls out for salvation in Jesus' name. In as much as the honor of being part of The Bride of Christ allows us to serve our Lord beside both Catholics and Protestants of all denominations, we are delighted to grow and serve with all believers. Yet we choose to not define ourselves in such terms. We are simply a church who strives in all things to live the way of Jesus.
Q) On your website it is stated, "The Way will live on a shoe-string budget so that the needy of our community won't have to." What's that about?
A) It is our understanding that followers of Jesus Christ have a responsibility to care for people who have needs. Throughout Scripture the practices of God's people are stated to include things like caring for widows and orphans, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and visiting those who are in prison. The Way has an unwavering commitment to regularly doing these things. What's more, we are so committed to doing these things as often and as much as possible that we have made financial policies within our faith community to better position ourselves to steward the money that God brings to us in a manner which best empowers us to assist those who have needs. In short, fifty cents of every dollar that The Way receives in tithes and offerings goes directly to people who have need. Living on just 50 cents of every dollar that The Way receives has dramatic impact on the church's budget. But our church family feels that living on more than half of our tithes and offerings robs the needy families of our community of what God may want to do in their lives through our church. Therefore, we have decided to live on a shoe-string budget so that more needy families in our community don't have to.
More to come next time...
Grace and Peace be with you.
Q) The Way is kind of a dumb name for a church. Why call it The Way?
A) Our greatest goal as a body of believers is to move beyond a philosophy of religion which simply encourages you to attend church services. We, instead, put more emphasis on actually living our lives in the way that Jesus lived His life on Earth. We understand that this focus on living the way that Jesus lived is something that will always be our first priority. With that in mind, it seemed only fitting that we consider a name like The Way, as it not only represents our most primary core value, but it also speaks to the truth that we as a group of Christians believe that the way of Jesus is the best way to live.
Q) The advertising for The Way seems to repetitively communicate verses that describe the churches that are cited in the book of Acts. Why is that?
A) We feel that those churches being mentioned in Acts chapters 2 and 4 represent a high standard of unconditional love, selfless giving, authentic worship, and great commitment to the teachings of Scripture. In light of that, we can think of no better description of what values the church of Jesus Christ should have. Therefore, we make it our practice to remind ourselves regularly of what a church that gave birth to a global movement of faith looks like...devoting ourselves to the apostles teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer...to the sharing of goods, giving to anyone as he has need, etc. (Acts 2:42-45). In so doing we believe that God will add to our number daily the number of souls being saved (Acts 2:47).
Q) Are you Catholic or Protestant?
The Way strives to live into a faith practice which precedes both Catholicism and protestantism. Doing our best to model ourselves after the Church of Jesus Christ which was founded in the first century, we simply answer that question by stating that we consider ourselves to be in every way a part of The Bride of Christ, standing shoulder to shoulder with every person and organization who calls out for salvation in Jesus' name. In as much as the honor of being part of The Bride of Christ allows us to serve our Lord beside both Catholics and Protestants of all denominations, we are delighted to grow and serve with all believers. Yet we choose to not define ourselves in such terms. We are simply a church who strives in all things to live the way of Jesus.
Q) On your website it is stated, "The Way will live on a shoe-string budget so that the needy of our community won't have to." What's that about?
A) It is our understanding that followers of Jesus Christ have a responsibility to care for people who have needs. Throughout Scripture the practices of God's people are stated to include things like caring for widows and orphans, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and visiting those who are in prison. The Way has an unwavering commitment to regularly doing these things. What's more, we are so committed to doing these things as often and as much as possible that we have made financial policies within our faith community to better position ourselves to steward the money that God brings to us in a manner which best empowers us to assist those who have needs. In short, fifty cents of every dollar that The Way receives in tithes and offerings goes directly to people who have need. Living on just 50 cents of every dollar that The Way receives has dramatic impact on the church's budget. But our church family feels that living on more than half of our tithes and offerings robs the needy families of our community of what God may want to do in their lives through our church. Therefore, we have decided to live on a shoe-string budget so that more needy families in our community don't have to.
More to come next time...
Grace and Peace be with you.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Week six preparations
It feels almost weird to say it, but Sunday number six is just days away. What a great ride this has been...What an awesome new church family to get to know and do life with...
This coming Sunday is a fun one as we will be hanging out after our worship gathering for lunch held in my garage (now affectionately known as "The Stuffice"). If you are planning on attending the worship gathering, please plan also for lunch. Jean has been making chili all day today. And if the way that my house smells is any indication, it is going to be goooood! Some have asked what, if anything, they can bring to help out with lunch. If it is that you'd like to contribute, then you should bring a drink item. Also, it would help to bring a folding chair if you have any.
In other news, small group ministry is currently a topic of discussion behind the scenes. Just as the Acts church made it a point to gather regularly in one another's homes, we at The Way want to do the same. As for what will happen at these small group meetings, it will vary some. It could be that dinner and laughter may be the only thing on the agenda
for some, and there could be Bible study and prayer at others. The agenda of the activities is really meant to rest in the hands of those people in the particular groups. After all, our main goal here is to build community with one another and with God; to live the way of Jesus. I feel like allowing the creativity of figuring out what exactly goes on in each small group to rest in the hands of the groups as they get established may better accomplish that task than if I were to dictate what should and shouldn't be done. So, at this time, I'm merely asking you to pray about it. Could you host a group in your home one night a week? Or could you join a small group that you would open your home to on a monthly basis? There really is no better way to get to know the people with whom you worship than to meet with them regularly in this setting.
In addition to that, we have been hard at work behind the scenes working on some promotional materials for The Way. A sneak peek at one of those items can be seen by clicking on this link:
Video #1
and another:
Video #2
If you have friends in you email contacts that are local and without a church home, then send them an email invitation including the link to one or both of these videos. Who knows, it may be all they need to come check us out. Will you do it? Imagine how many people we could reach if we all committed to doing it to all of our email contacts...Think about it. Pray about it. Give it a shot. I'm praying for you. I'm praying for our church. I ask you to continue praying for The Way, as well. Great things are happening, and greater things are yet to come. Grace and Peace be with you.
This coming Sunday is a fun one as we will be hanging out after our worship gathering for lunch held in my garage (now affectionately known as "The Stuffice"). If you are planning on attending the worship gathering, please plan also for lunch. Jean has been making chili all day today. And if the way that my house smells is any indication, it is going to be goooood! Some have asked what, if anything, they can bring to help out with lunch. If it is that you'd like to contribute, then you should bring a drink item. Also, it would help to bring a folding chair if you have any.
In other news, small group ministry is currently a topic of discussion behind the scenes. Just as the Acts church made it a point to gather regularly in one another's homes, we at The Way want to do the same. As for what will happen at these small group meetings, it will vary some. It could be that dinner and laughter may be the only thing on the agenda
for some, and there could be Bible study and prayer at others. The agenda of the activities is really meant to rest in the hands of those people in the particular groups. After all, our main goal here is to build community with one another and with God; to live the way of Jesus. I feel like allowing the creativity of figuring out what exactly goes on in each small group to rest in the hands of the groups as they get established may better accomplish that task than if I were to dictate what should and shouldn't be done. So, at this time, I'm merely asking you to pray about it. Could you host a group in your home one night a week? Or could you join a small group that you would open your home to on a monthly basis? There really is no better way to get to know the people with whom you worship than to meet with them regularly in this setting.
In addition to that, we have been hard at work behind the scenes working on some promotional materials for The Way. A sneak peek at one of those items can be seen by clicking on this link:
Video #1
and another:
Video #2
If you have friends in you email contacts that are local and without a church home, then send them an email invitation including the link to one or both of these videos. Who knows, it may be all they need to come check us out. Will you do it? Imagine how many people we could reach if we all committed to doing it to all of our email contacts...Think about it. Pray about it. Give it a shot. I'm praying for you. I'm praying for our church. I ask you to continue praying for The Way, as well. Great things are happening, and greater things are yet to come. Grace and Peace be with you.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Some of the goings on
Friends of The Way,
I just wanted to drop you a line and bring you up to speed on a few things regarding The Way. Since they're not necessarily related to one another, I'll bullet point them for clarity.
*I have a new email address. Add this address pm@thewayministries.info to your contacts. This is the email that I will be using going forward.
*The Way is planning on having lunch together immediately following our worship gathering on October 18th. Jean will be making Chili. And, trust me, you don't want to miss her chili...it's AMAZING! Please mark your calendar, and plan on staying for lunch.
*We have 4 weeks in the books at this point. And I can't communicate enough just how excited and pleased I am with all that has happened. We've worked hard at building some community and developing a comfortable environment at our gatherings. Sunday mornings at The Way are a consistent image of comfort, joy, fellowship, and unity. We continue seeing new faces every week, and we've even been successful in helping some needy folks in what is such a humble time for us financially. This is such a blessing. We've started a church from scratch with literally nothing more than a willingness to be boldly obedient unto the call to do so. And after 4 weeks of having our doors "open", I can honestly say that we are doing well! Please join me in praising God for this! We are doing our best to be faithful to Him, and He is CERTAINLY being faithful to us.
*We're still seeing new registrations on The Common every week. If you haven't joined our community on The Common, it's not too late. Sign up when you get a chance. It is an AWESOME resource that helps us focus on keeping the needs of our community in front of us.
*A professional quality P.A. system has been made available to The Way free of charge. This is a great addition to our worship gatherings and a true answer to prayer. As I metioned at our gathering last Sunday, the books on church planting in many cases tell you not to start your chuch until many items (such as a P.A. system) have first been acquired. I've always felt led of God that if we would simply walk in the manner that God has called us to walk then He would provide everything that we need. And He has...and He has even provided it to The Way free of charge. Can anyone say AMEN!?!
*Over the next month The Way will be focusing on the development of small groups across our community. There will be much more shared about this on Sunday mornings. But to put it in brief, just as the first century church kept to the practice of gathering in one another's homes, breaking bread, and praying together, we at The Way will be doing the same. Would you be in prayer about opening up your home on a somewhat regular basis to some friends from The Way for some food, laughter, and prayer? More to come on this...
*There is much to do at The Way. In fact, our "to-do" list is quite lengthy behind the scenes. To address that, I am putting together a small group of leaders to meet with me once a week to help me accomplish the tasks at hand. I'm calling it a "dream team" because it will be with this small group of people that I will work on realizing some of the dreams that God has given me for this church. I'm heavily in prayer for this team. This is crucial to our development going forward.
*And finally I ask that you continue being in prayer for The Way and that you continue inviting your friends to come and worship with us. This past month of worship together has been such a sweet and God-centered time. I've found such joy in getting to know the people of The Way, and I've been truly blessed by all that God is doing in our midst. I am convinced that God has big plans for us, and we have a phenomenal future ahead of us. Hopefully, I'll see you Sunday! Until then...
Grace and Peace be with you.
www.thewayministries.info
I just wanted to drop you a line and bring you up to speed on a few things regarding The Way. Since they're not necessarily related to one another, I'll bullet point them for clarity.
*I have a new email address. Add this address pm@thewayministries.info to your contacts. This is the email that I will be using going forward.
*The Way is planning on having lunch together immediately following our worship gathering on October 18th. Jean will be making Chili. And, trust me, you don't want to miss her chili...it's AMAZING! Please mark your calendar, and plan on staying for lunch.
*We have 4 weeks in the books at this point. And I can't communicate enough just how excited and pleased I am with all that has happened. We've worked hard at building some community and developing a comfortable environment at our gatherings. Sunday mornings at The Way are a consistent image of comfort, joy, fellowship, and unity. We continue seeing new faces every week, and we've even been successful in helping some needy folks in what is such a humble time for us financially. This is such a blessing. We've started a church from scratch with literally nothing more than a willingness to be boldly obedient unto the call to do so. And after 4 weeks of having our doors "open", I can honestly say that we are doing well! Please join me in praising God for this! We are doing our best to be faithful to Him, and He is CERTAINLY being faithful to us.
*We're still seeing new registrations on The Common every week. If you haven't joined our community on The Common, it's not too late. Sign up when you get a chance. It is an AWESOME resource that helps us focus on keeping the needs of our community in front of us.
*A professional quality P.A. system has been made available to The Way free of charge. This is a great addition to our worship gatherings and a true answer to prayer. As I metioned at our gathering last Sunday, the books on church planting in many cases tell you not to start your chuch until many items (such as a P.A. system) have first been acquired. I've always felt led of God that if we would simply walk in the manner that God has called us to walk then He would provide everything that we need. And He has...and He has even provided it to The Way free of charge. Can anyone say AMEN!?!
*Over the next month The Way will be focusing on the development of small groups across our community. There will be much more shared about this on Sunday mornings. But to put it in brief, just as the first century church kept to the practice of gathering in one another's homes, breaking bread, and praying together, we at The Way will be doing the same. Would you be in prayer about opening up your home on a somewhat regular basis to some friends from The Way for some food, laughter, and prayer? More to come on this...
*There is much to do at The Way. In fact, our "to-do" list is quite lengthy behind the scenes. To address that, I am putting together a small group of leaders to meet with me once a week to help me accomplish the tasks at hand. I'm calling it a "dream team" because it will be with this small group of people that I will work on realizing some of the dreams that God has given me for this church. I'm heavily in prayer for this team. This is crucial to our development going forward.
*And finally I ask that you continue being in prayer for The Way and that you continue inviting your friends to come and worship with us. This past month of worship together has been such a sweet and God-centered time. I've found such joy in getting to know the people of The Way, and I've been truly blessed by all that God is doing in our midst. I am convinced that God has big plans for us, and we have a phenomenal future ahead of us. Hopefully, I'll see you Sunday! Until then...
Grace and Peace be with you.
www.thewayministries.info
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Maybe this is why the Bible calls God's Word a sword
I wish we were all so bold in our faith.
Grace and Peace be with you.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Week number 4 is coming
Friends,
What a wonderful time these first three weeks at The Way have been...
In recent months I've found that planting a church is everything that people say it is; exhilarating, terrifying, hard work, pure joy. And doing it with you at The Way has made it all the more wonderful. I love the fact that there is already a strong sense of family and community at The Way. I love the fact that we laugh more than anything. I love that we share our lives with one another during our prayer times. I love the fact that we let our actions speak for themselves when it comes to caring for one another and seeing that needs get met. I love the fact that we don't take ourselves too seriously, and I love the fact that we meet in the most humble and simple way and find a marvelous and powerful God. This is truly the church that I've longed for my entire life.
How's it going for you so far? What's your feedback? As your pastor, I want to hear from you about these things. Feel free to drop me a line and share your thoughts with me. I have a new email address. Please make note of it in your "contacts". It is:
pm@thewayministries.info
I hope to see you this Sunday morning. In addition to our usual practice of community and learning to live the way of Jesus, some important announcements are coming regarding the formation of small groups at The Way. It's going to be another great weekend. Be sure to come, and bring a few friends with you. And one final thing, keep an eye out at my blog page and The Way's website for a promotional video that Chelsea Medic is putting together for us. I've seen one of the final edits...it's perfect!!!
Grace and Peace be with you.
What a wonderful time these first three weeks at The Way have been...
In recent months I've found that planting a church is everything that people say it is; exhilarating, terrifying, hard work, pure joy. And doing it with you at The Way has made it all the more wonderful. I love the fact that there is already a strong sense of family and community at The Way. I love the fact that we laugh more than anything. I love that we share our lives with one another during our prayer times. I love the fact that we let our actions speak for themselves when it comes to caring for one another and seeing that needs get met. I love the fact that we don't take ourselves too seriously, and I love the fact that we meet in the most humble and simple way and find a marvelous and powerful God. This is truly the church that I've longed for my entire life.
How's it going for you so far? What's your feedback? As your pastor, I want to hear from you about these things. Feel free to drop me a line and share your thoughts with me. I have a new email address. Please make note of it in your "contacts". It is:
pm@thewayministries.info
I hope to see you this Sunday morning. In addition to our usual practice of community and learning to live the way of Jesus, some important announcements are coming regarding the formation of small groups at The Way. It's going to be another great weekend. Be sure to come, and bring a few friends with you. And one final thing, keep an eye out at my blog page and The Way's website for a promotional video that Chelsea Medic is putting together for us. I've seen one of the final edits...it's perfect!!!
Grace and Peace be with you.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Why I'm sooo excited about The Way
Friends,
Sunday is coming, and it will mark week number 3 together at The Way. And as each Sunday passes, I only get more and more excited as we progress together as a family of God. As we have met in previous weeks, I have LOVED laughing with you and praying and worshipping with you. It just feels like home...
As this Sunday approaches, I am particularly excited. I can't quite put my finger on what it is that I feel is coming, but as preparations for this Sunday have been made I sense with all of my being that this is going to be a special weekend. Rehearsing with the band last night, there were times when goosebumps and tears were covering all of us. Studying the message for the weekend, I've been led to just get on my knees and pray. Mark my words, God is up to something.
It's been a big week behind the scenes in other regards, too. Revising insurance policies, meeting with leaders in our congregation to discuss their role in our ministry, and working on some promotional materials have occupied my week. As I type that I'm reminded of my conversation with a mentor/friend this week in Washington DC. I told him, "I'm just so pleased to be doing what I'm doing. I feel kind of like a proud papa holding his newborn baby. And just like that newborn baby is fragile, needy, and at times all a mess, I hold on to it and cherish it just the same." He replied, "Good. And the thing about babies is that they are all of those things that you said, and brand new churches are also all of those things that you said, but if you'll do the things that are obedient unto God the baby will grow."
I believe that he is right about that.
I'm ready to preach this weekend. I'm ready to pray and worship this weekend. But MOST IMPORTANTLY I am ready to truly connect with God and continue building community with people who are learning to live The Way of Jesus.
I hope to see you (and a few of your friends) at LES at 10:30am Sunday.
Grace and Peace be with you.
Sunday is coming, and it will mark week number 3 together at The Way. And as each Sunday passes, I only get more and more excited as we progress together as a family of God. As we have met in previous weeks, I have LOVED laughing with you and praying and worshipping with you. It just feels like home...
As this Sunday approaches, I am particularly excited. I can't quite put my finger on what it is that I feel is coming, but as preparations for this Sunday have been made I sense with all of my being that this is going to be a special weekend. Rehearsing with the band last night, there were times when goosebumps and tears were covering all of us. Studying the message for the weekend, I've been led to just get on my knees and pray. Mark my words, God is up to something.
It's been a big week behind the scenes in other regards, too. Revising insurance policies, meeting with leaders in our congregation to discuss their role in our ministry, and working on some promotional materials have occupied my week. As I type that I'm reminded of my conversation with a mentor/friend this week in Washington DC. I told him, "I'm just so pleased to be doing what I'm doing. I feel kind of like a proud papa holding his newborn baby. And just like that newborn baby is fragile, needy, and at times all a mess, I hold on to it and cherish it just the same." He replied, "Good. And the thing about babies is that they are all of those things that you said, and brand new churches are also all of those things that you said, but if you'll do the things that are obedient unto God the baby will grow."
I believe that he is right about that.
I'm ready to preach this weekend. I'm ready to pray and worship this weekend. But MOST IMPORTANTLY I am ready to truly connect with God and continue building community with people who are learning to live The Way of Jesus.
I hope to see you (and a few of your friends) at LES at 10:30am Sunday.
Grace and Peace be with you.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Don't miss this Sunday!
Friends,
The Way kicked off it's first weekend gathering last Sunday morning with great success. We talked vision, purpose, and dreams. We got to know each other a little better, and we shared The Good Gift in Christ's body broken and blood shed. It was a holy and wonderful time. But let me just say...YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS SUNDAY!!! We're gonna worship together and "get this party started".
Once again, we are gathering at Latrobe Elementary School at 10:30. Be there, and bring a few friends with you!!!
Also as Sam wrote in her letter, we're encouraging every person of The Way to join The Common. It is an online resource that allows us to better keep in touch with one another as we strive to address specific needs in our community. In brief, this resource is designed to connect persons in need with persons who have a means and a passion to meet that need. Have you signed up yet? It is our desire to see every person of The Way use this resource as we feel that it is FANTASTIC in helping us meet our objective in being the hands and feet of Christ right here in our community. Note...members of The Way used The Common to meet a need of a single mother in our area just this week!!! You'll hear more about that God-story this Sunday at our worship gathering.
In the meantime, I ask that you be inviting and be in prayer. God has great and wonderful things in store for The Way, and I'm looking forward to sharing this experience with you.
And finally, do you have a prayer need or a praise story that you'd like to share? We're gonna be having an opportunity for you to do that this Sunday, and every Sunday, as part of our weekend gatherings. And feel free to ask around to your friends and family to find out what it is that we can pray for them as we meet at The Way.
See you Sunday!
Grace and Peace be with you.
The Way kicked off it's first weekend gathering last Sunday morning with great success. We talked vision, purpose, and dreams. We got to know each other a little better, and we shared The Good Gift in Christ's body broken and blood shed. It was a holy and wonderful time. But let me just say...YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS SUNDAY!!! We're gonna worship together and "get this party started".
Once again, we are gathering at Latrobe Elementary School at 10:30. Be there, and bring a few friends with you!!!
Also as Sam wrote in her letter, we're encouraging every person of The Way to join The Common. It is an online resource that allows us to better keep in touch with one another as we strive to address specific needs in our community. In brief, this resource is designed to connect persons in need with persons who have a means and a passion to meet that need. Have you signed up yet? It is our desire to see every person of The Way use this resource as we feel that it is FANTASTIC in helping us meet our objective in being the hands and feet of Christ right here in our community. Note...members of The Way used The Common to meet a need of a single mother in our area just this week!!! You'll hear more about that God-story this Sunday at our worship gathering.
In the meantime, I ask that you be inviting and be in prayer. God has great and wonderful things in store for The Way, and I'm looking forward to sharing this experience with you.
And finally, do you have a prayer need or a praise story that you'd like to share? We're gonna be having an opportunity for you to do that this Sunday, and every Sunday, as part of our weekend gatherings. And feel free to ask around to your friends and family to find out what it is that we can pray for them as we meet at The Way.
See you Sunday!
Grace and Peace be with you.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Message from Sam
Hello everyone!
This is Sam Himler, who is going to be the facilitator of The Common for The Way. Just in case you could not attend The Way's first service, or if you did not understand everything I was saying, I am going to write step by step how you can start your account. Here it goes...
1) Log on to www.thecommon.org
2) if you want to learn more, you can watch the tutorial video that is on the opening page.
3) if you want to begin your account, hit the blue arrow that says "I'm a person who wants to help"
4) Click "already using thecommon.org"
5) Search "The Way" and select the option that pops up (We are the only "The Way" using the Common); hit pre-register...if you click on "The Way" you will go to the website.
6) Create Your account with your personal information
7) Now you have to wait. Either Mark or I will approve your account name. So, keep checking back on your account. If you have been approved, it will be obvious. If we have not yet approved you, it will say "Pending approval"
.....
8) After you are approved, you can now personalize your account by adding abilities, needs or goods. You can also requesting help or goods. To do this, click "the way dashboard" at the top of the page. This will take you to the page where you can add or request.
9) That's it!!! But please remember that the first month is free, after your first month it will cost $1 per month thereafter. It's only one dollar!!
*If you need help with ANYTHING do not hesitate to contact me. This is my email address (samanthamarie103@msn.com) and my contact info should be on The Way's website www.thewayministries.info.
Please contact me in a way that is convenient for you.
**Remember to visit The Way's website often to look for updates.
***If you have any success/ touching stories from The Common, please let me know of them. These stories will encourage more people to join the website and encourage people to continue being members.
I hope all is going well. I am looking forward to getting to know all of you!!
God Bless
Sam
This is Sam Himler, who is going to be the facilitator of The Common for The Way. Just in case you could not attend The Way's first service, or if you did not understand everything I was saying, I am going to write step by step how you can start your account. Here it goes...
1) Log on to www.thecommon.org
2) if you want to learn more, you can watch the tutorial video that is on the opening page.
3) if you want to begin your account, hit the blue arrow that says "I'm a person who wants to help"
4) Click "already using thecommon.org"
5) Search "The Way" and select the option that pops up (We are the only "The Way" using the Common); hit pre-register...if you click on "The Way" you will go to the website.
6) Create Your account with your personal information
7) Now you have to wait. Either Mark or I will approve your account name. So, keep checking back on your account. If you have been approved, it will be obvious. If we have not yet approved you, it will say "Pending approval"
.....
8) After you are approved, you can now personalize your account by adding abilities, needs or goods. You can also requesting help or goods. To do this, click "the way dashboard" at the top of the page. This will take you to the page where you can add or request.
9) That's it!!! But please remember that the first month is free, after your first month it will cost $1 per month thereafter. It's only one dollar!!
*If you need help with ANYTHING do not hesitate to contact me. This is my email address (samanthamarie103@msn.com) and my contact info should be on The Way's website www.thewayministries.info.
Please contact me in a way that is convenient for you.
**Remember to visit The Way's website often to look for updates.
***If you have any success/ touching stories from The Common, please let me know of them. These stories will encourage more people to join the website and encourage people to continue being members.
I hope all is going well. I am looking forward to getting to know all of you!!
God Bless
Sam
We have a venue!
Friends today was a "God day" for The Way. I finally received the phone call that I've been waiting more than a month for. We have a venue!!! For the foreseeable future, our Sunday morning worship gatherings will be at Latrobe Elementary School at 10:30am.
This is GREAT news!!! It's a location that we can grow into; there's ample parking; there are already chairs there...the list goes on and on...God has genuinely blessed us with this. And just in time as our first worship gathering is this coming Sunday morning, September 13th!!!
Are you planning on coming? Have you invited some of your friends? You should! :)
IT'S GONNA BE A FANTASTIC TIME!!!
Let me tell you a little about what to expect on Sunday:
-laughter
-some vision casting about who The Way is and where we are going
-informality...please come casual/comfortable...
-prayer
-a time to share testimonies...have a God story you'd like to share?
-not your typical worship service...there's plenty of time for that in the weeks to come...this weekend will be more of a "getting to know The Way" kind of weekend
-Jesus...something tells me He will make His presence known
-community...heh...from my perspective this Sunday is gonna be our very first family reunion...party anyone?
-Scripture...and perhaps some good ol' preachin'
I'm so excited! I hope to see you and your invited guests there.
Grace and Peace be with you.
This is GREAT news!!! It's a location that we can grow into; there's ample parking; there are already chairs there...the list goes on and on...God has genuinely blessed us with this. And just in time as our first worship gathering is this coming Sunday morning, September 13th!!!
Are you planning on coming? Have you invited some of your friends? You should! :)
IT'S GONNA BE A FANTASTIC TIME!!!
Let me tell you a little about what to expect on Sunday:
-laughter
-some vision casting about who The Way is and where we are going
-informality...please come casual/comfortable...
-prayer
-a time to share testimonies...have a God story you'd like to share?
-not your typical worship service...there's plenty of time for that in the weeks to come...this weekend will be more of a "getting to know The Way" kind of weekend
-Jesus...something tells me He will make His presence known
-community...heh...from my perspective this Sunday is gonna be our very first family reunion...party anyone?
-Scripture...and perhaps some good ol' preachin'
I'm so excited! I hope to see you and your invited guests there.
Grace and Peace be with you.
We have a venue!
Friends today was a "God day" for The Way. I finally received the phone call that I've been waiting more than a month for. We have a venue!!! For the foreseeable future, our Sunday morning worship gatherings will be at Latrobe Elementary School at 10:30am.
This is GREAT news!!! It's a location that we can grow into; there's ample parking; there are already chairs there...the list goes on and on...God has genuinely blessed us with this. And just in time as our first worship gathering is this coming Sunday morning, September 13th!!!
Are you planning on coming? Have you invited some of your friends? You should! :)
IT'S GONNA BE A FANTASTIC TIME!!!
Let me tell you a little about what to expect on Sunday:
-laughter
-some vision casting about who The Way is and where we are going
-informality...please come casual/comfortable...
-prayer
-a time to share testimonies...have a God story you'd like to share?
-not your typical worship service...there's plenty of time for that in the weeks to come...this weekend will be more of a "getting to know The Way" kind of weekend
-Jesus...something tells me He will make His presence known
-community...heh...from my perspective this Sunday is gonna be our very first family reunion...party anyone?
-Scripture...and perhaps some good ol' preachin'
I'm so excited! I hope to see you and your invited guests there.
Grace and Peace be with you.
This is GREAT news!!! It's a location that we can grow into; there's ample parking; there are already chairs there...the list goes on and on...God has genuinely blessed us with this. And just in time as our first worship gathering is this coming Sunday morning, September 13th!!!
Are you planning on coming? Have you invited some of your friends? You should! :)
IT'S GONNA BE A FANTASTIC TIME!!!
Let me tell you a little about what to expect on Sunday:
-laughter
-some vision casting about who The Way is and where we are going
-informality...please come casual/comfortable...
-prayer
-a time to share testimonies...have a God story you'd like to share?
-not your typical worship service...there's plenty of time for that in the weeks to come...this weekend will be more of a "getting to know The Way" kind of weekend
-Jesus...something tells me He will make His presence known
-community...heh...from my perspective this Sunday is gonna be our very first family reunion...party anyone?
-Scripture...and perhaps some good ol' preachin'
I'm so excited! I hope to see you and your invited guests there.
Grace and Peace be with you.
Happy Thursday
Hello friends of The Way,
A little heads-up...as it turns out, I will be doing some traveling this weekend, and we have to cancel this Saturday's prayer meeting. Please mark your calendars accordingly. In addition to that here are a few things currently dancing through my thoughts:
-I'm still working on venue details for our first worship service. This item needs your prayers. We currently have two locations actively discussing a partnership with The Way for Sunday morning worship. Both of them would be wonderful homes for our purpose. Please pray hard that God would open the Heavens and grant us favor on this matter.
-September 13th kicks off our first Sunday morning gathering. Mark your calendars!!!! We'll begin at 10:30am.
-I just heard a preacher say yesterday, "We as Christians are faithful to pray for rain, but we're not so faithful and trusting in the power of God to actually carry an umbrella along with us in the steps that follow our amen." Unfortunately I've been guilty of praying in the manner that carries with it no expectation... That simply has to change...so...in the meantime...I'm gonna literally carry around an umbrella with me everywhere I go until it sinks in to pray like God is about to open the Heavens for me.
That may seem silly...but I'm done praying sissy little prayers. How about you?
-It was brought to my attention that some people have sent mail to The Way's post office box only for it to be returned to them stating "no such address existed". That problem has now been rectified by the Post Master. Our address is: PO Box 361, Latrobe, PA, 15650
-I visited a friend this morning who is a wood-worker. He is currently fabricating the chalice and platter for The Way's communion elements. As I shared with him the vision for The Way, he designed a platter and chalice for us that are gonna be breath-takingly-first-century-Acts-church-like. It's simple. It's wonderful. It's plain. It's perfect. It's ugly. It's authentic to what they used 2 thousand years ago. Not gonna lie, it was a pretty emotional experince for me. I can't wait for us to share the Eucharist, the good gift, together.
Grace and Peace be with you friends.
A little heads-up...as it turns out, I will be doing some traveling this weekend, and we have to cancel this Saturday's prayer meeting. Please mark your calendars accordingly. In addition to that here are a few things currently dancing through my thoughts:
-I'm still working on venue details for our first worship service. This item needs your prayers. We currently have two locations actively discussing a partnership with The Way for Sunday morning worship. Both of them would be wonderful homes for our purpose. Please pray hard that God would open the Heavens and grant us favor on this matter.
-September 13th kicks off our first Sunday morning gathering. Mark your calendars!!!! We'll begin at 10:30am.
-I just heard a preacher say yesterday, "We as Christians are faithful to pray for rain, but we're not so faithful and trusting in the power of God to actually carry an umbrella along with us in the steps that follow our amen." Unfortunately I've been guilty of praying in the manner that carries with it no expectation... That simply has to change...so...in the meantime...I'm gonna literally carry around an umbrella with me everywhere I go until it sinks in to pray like God is about to open the Heavens for me.
That may seem silly...but I'm done praying sissy little prayers. How about you?
-It was brought to my attention that some people have sent mail to The Way's post office box only for it to be returned to them stating "no such address existed". That problem has now been rectified by the Post Master. Our address is: PO Box 361, Latrobe, PA, 15650
-I visited a friend this morning who is a wood-worker. He is currently fabricating the chalice and platter for The Way's communion elements. As I shared with him the vision for The Way, he designed a platter and chalice for us that are gonna be breath-takingly-first-century-Acts-church-like. It's simple. It's wonderful. It's plain. It's perfect. It's ugly. It's authentic to what they used 2 thousand years ago. Not gonna lie, it was a pretty emotional experince for me. I can't wait for us to share the Eucharist, the good gift, together.
Grace and Peace be with you friends.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
The Way: just 2 more Sundays
Well, I don't know about you, but, as far as I am concerned, September 13th can't come fast enough. I'm SO excited, and I'm SO ready to do this! It seems like every night I go to bed I dream about this church. And it seems like everytime someone asks me how things are coming with the new church that I just fumble over the words because I'm just ready to get on with it. I've written and re-written and studied and memorized the opening Sunday's message, and everytime I'm alone I catch myself preaching it. Goodness...This is SOOOO exciting.
Much has been done in the past week, and there is much left to do. And, frankly, I need all the prayer that I can get. Will you be in prayer for me?
A bit of news, The Way has been incredibly blessed to have several thousands of dollars worth of consulting donated for free! I've taken advantage of some of that consulting time already, and let me just say this...wow...this is great stuff! It's crucial stuff, and I am blown away that God has made this available to us. We would have never been able to afford it otherwise. God is SO good!
Friends, would you join me in prayer thanking God for His goodness toward us and asking Him for His continued guidance and favor? As September 13th draws closer I think it is of great importance that we all bathe ourselves and our new church in prayer. THIS IS SO EXCITING!
Grace and Peace be with you.
Much has been done in the past week, and there is much left to do. And, frankly, I need all the prayer that I can get. Will you be in prayer for me?
A bit of news, The Way has been incredibly blessed to have several thousands of dollars worth of consulting donated for free! I've taken advantage of some of that consulting time already, and let me just say this...wow...this is great stuff! It's crucial stuff, and I am blown away that God has made this available to us. We would have never been able to afford it otherwise. God is SO good!
Friends, would you join me in prayer thanking God for His goodness toward us and asking Him for His continued guidance and favor? As September 13th draws closer I think it is of great importance that we all bathe ourselves and our new church in prayer. THIS IS SO EXCITING!
Grace and Peace be with you.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
The Way: at face value
Dear friends of The Way,
Here's some old news, I'M PUMPED ABOUT THE WAY! In fact, I'm so excited that I can't keep a steady train of thought in my head tonight. So here is a random sampling of what's in my head:
The Way got a P.O. box today. Our mailing address now is P.O. Box 361, Latrobe PA, 15650
Some friends of The Way have spent the past two days helping with renovations in my garage to convert it into an office for me and Jean. We're making great progress...and having loads of fun! Thanks for the help!
Someone asked me today about the financial committment of The Way. They said, "I'm blown away that this church is gonna give 50% of its budget away to the needy. I think its so great. But tell me, why would you do this? No other church I've ever heard of has done this." I replied first by asking them on behalf of the church of Jesus Christ for forgiveness for not being more generous in stewarding God's money in a manner that gives it to the people who need it most and then said, "God has laid it on our hearts to put our church on a shoe-string budget so that needy people in our community won't have to." She cried a little and then asked me how she could make a donation to our ministry. :)
Our first Sunday morning worship service is getting close! September 13th at 10:30 am. Mark your calendars friends!!!!!!!!!!
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had to get thrown into a fiery furnace to enjoy the company of an angel. Peter, once walking on the water, had to get far enough out of the boat to sink before he got to hold the hand of Jesus. And Paul had to endure a thorn in his flesh before he understood the sufficiency of grace...it makes me wonder...what will the risk and challenge of starting this new church reveal to us about our Lord and His work in our lives. This is a bold act of faith. It's a risky move. It's kind of crazy really...It's just the kind of thing that God historically has used to create a greater fellowship with His people...that makes me excited! I desperately want to know Him better and love Him more. Anyone with me on that?
A laptop has been donated to The Way. YAY!!!
It could be said that I'm addicted to prayer right now. I've been praying for The Way and this community and the friends of The Way so much over the past few days that it's started to consume my thoughts. Could this be what Paul meant when he talked about praying without ceasing...? Anyways, I ask you to be in prayer, too. Could you help me hold The Way, our needs, our gathering times, and our people before God in prayer? For the Lord, our God, is faithful, and He will do it!
Thank you all for your many emails, texts, etc. of encouragement. Each one of them is a huge blessing!
I wonder if we all just took God's Word at face value if we would ever have a single worry or fear ever again...this is the kind of faith that I see in The Way.
Goodness...I'm so excited about this!
Grace and Peace be with you.
Here's some old news, I'M PUMPED ABOUT THE WAY! In fact, I'm so excited that I can't keep a steady train of thought in my head tonight. So here is a random sampling of what's in my head:
The Way got a P.O. box today. Our mailing address now is P.O. Box 361, Latrobe PA, 15650
Some friends of The Way have spent the past two days helping with renovations in my garage to convert it into an office for me and Jean. We're making great progress...and having loads of fun! Thanks for the help!
Someone asked me today about the financial committment of The Way. They said, "I'm blown away that this church is gonna give 50% of its budget away to the needy. I think its so great. But tell me, why would you do this? No other church I've ever heard of has done this." I replied first by asking them on behalf of the church of Jesus Christ for forgiveness for not being more generous in stewarding God's money in a manner that gives it to the people who need it most and then said, "God has laid it on our hearts to put our church on a shoe-string budget so that needy people in our community won't have to." She cried a little and then asked me how she could make a donation to our ministry. :)
Our first Sunday morning worship service is getting close! September 13th at 10:30 am. Mark your calendars friends!!!!!!!!!!
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had to get thrown into a fiery furnace to enjoy the company of an angel. Peter, once walking on the water, had to get far enough out of the boat to sink before he got to hold the hand of Jesus. And Paul had to endure a thorn in his flesh before he understood the sufficiency of grace...it makes me wonder...what will the risk and challenge of starting this new church reveal to us about our Lord and His work in our lives. This is a bold act of faith. It's a risky move. It's kind of crazy really...It's just the kind of thing that God historically has used to create a greater fellowship with His people...that makes me excited! I desperately want to know Him better and love Him more. Anyone with me on that?
A laptop has been donated to The Way. YAY!!!
It could be said that I'm addicted to prayer right now. I've been praying for The Way and this community and the friends of The Way so much over the past few days that it's started to consume my thoughts. Could this be what Paul meant when he talked about praying without ceasing...? Anyways, I ask you to be in prayer, too. Could you help me hold The Way, our needs, our gathering times, and our people before God in prayer? For the Lord, our God, is faithful, and He will do it!
Thank you all for your many emails, texts, etc. of encouragement. Each one of them is a huge blessing!
I wonder if we all just took God's Word at face value if we would ever have a single worry or fear ever again...this is the kind of faith that I see in The Way.
Goodness...I'm so excited about this!
Grace and Peace be with you.
Monday, August 24, 2009
The Way: visiting Nashville
Hello friends of the way. I apologize for not blogging as frequently as promised last week. I actually had to spend several days in Nashville as both my mother and my father had emergency hospitalizations last week. They are both now on the mend, and I am back in town. I'll get back to the grind here and post regularly. In the meantime, I ask you for prayer for my family, prayer for The Way, and prayer for God's provision for our many needs.
Grace and Peace be with you.
Grace and Peace be with you.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
The Way: for the attorneys (VOLUME 2)
More questions and answers to give clarity regarding the operations of The Way.
Q) It was indicated that the church will place no value in membership, but rather will encourage the individual covenant to join the congregation for a period of one year. Please describe the “covenant partnership” in more detail: Will you use an application form? If yes, please provide a copy or indicate what will be included in the form.
A) There will be a covenant agreement which every person who attends the way will be given to sign on an annual basis. The items of this covenant are taken verbatim from Acts chapter 2 verses 42-47. They are as follows:
As followers of The Way, I covenant over the next calendar year to regularly attend weekly gatherings at The Way for the purpose of keeping to the Apostle’s teaching as they are outlined in the Holy Bible, to the breaking of bread together, and to prayer.
As a follower of The Way, I covenant over the next calendar year to sharing my possessions to the best of my ability for the hopes of meeting the needs of those around me as they are brought to my attention.
As a follower of The Way, I covenant over the next calendar year to opening up my life, even my home, for the purpose of sharing the love of Jesus Christ, and meeting with others with a glad and sincere heart, delighting in the favor of all people and praising God as He adds to our number daily the number of souls being saved.
This covenant has less to do with attaining any rights per se within the organization, but rather it is intended to keep the values of The Way in front of its congregation on a regular basis.
Q) If an individual can become a covenant partner and still be a member of other church, please describe the circumstances in which your covenants would be involved in your church and another church.
A) The covenant of The Way, as mentioned above, is taken verbatim from the NIV translation of Scripture. Therefore, the behaviors held within the covenant should not in any way conflict with any other Bible believing church of which a covenant follower of The Way is a member. Furthermore, The Way views the practice of church membership, as it is commonly practiced in our society, as something that bears little if any eternal implication and true personal meaning. Therefore, we are making it our practice to make regular covenant agreements about the way that we live our lives and interact with each other and God instead of any one-time-decision to become a “member” of our organization. We believe that this practice will reinforce the practice of living a Christian lifestyle as of far greater importance than the completion of any sort of criteria that affords one the right to be called a “member” of our specific church.
If a covenant follower of The Way comes to us and makes that covenant after having been a member of a religious institution other than Christianity, we at The Way will recognize their conversion to Christianity and profession of faith in Jesus Christ as a denouncement of their previous religious views. We, therefore, accept that their public profession of faith to be sufficient in this matter and will accept them as covenant follower.
Tomorrow's installment will deal with "need-base giving".
And don't forget:
Our next prayer meeting is this Saturday morning at 10 o'clock! We hope to see you there!
Grace and Peace be with you.
Q) It was indicated that the church will place no value in membership, but rather will encourage the individual covenant to join the congregation for a period of one year. Please describe the “covenant partnership” in more detail: Will you use an application form? If yes, please provide a copy or indicate what will be included in the form.
A) There will be a covenant agreement which every person who attends the way will be given to sign on an annual basis. The items of this covenant are taken verbatim from Acts chapter 2 verses 42-47. They are as follows:
As followers of The Way, I covenant over the next calendar year to regularly attend weekly gatherings at The Way for the purpose of keeping to the Apostle’s teaching as they are outlined in the Holy Bible, to the breaking of bread together, and to prayer.
As a follower of The Way, I covenant over the next calendar year to sharing my possessions to the best of my ability for the hopes of meeting the needs of those around me as they are brought to my attention.
As a follower of The Way, I covenant over the next calendar year to opening up my life, even my home, for the purpose of sharing the love of Jesus Christ, and meeting with others with a glad and sincere heart, delighting in the favor of all people and praising God as He adds to our number daily the number of souls being saved.
This covenant has less to do with attaining any rights per se within the organization, but rather it is intended to keep the values of The Way in front of its congregation on a regular basis.
Q) If an individual can become a covenant partner and still be a member of other church, please describe the circumstances in which your covenants would be involved in your church and another church.
A) The covenant of The Way, as mentioned above, is taken verbatim from the NIV translation of Scripture. Therefore, the behaviors held within the covenant should not in any way conflict with any other Bible believing church of which a covenant follower of The Way is a member. Furthermore, The Way views the practice of church membership, as it is commonly practiced in our society, as something that bears little if any eternal implication and true personal meaning. Therefore, we are making it our practice to make regular covenant agreements about the way that we live our lives and interact with each other and God instead of any one-time-decision to become a “member” of our organization. We believe that this practice will reinforce the practice of living a Christian lifestyle as of far greater importance than the completion of any sort of criteria that affords one the right to be called a “member” of our specific church.
If a covenant follower of The Way comes to us and makes that covenant after having been a member of a religious institution other than Christianity, we at The Way will recognize their conversion to Christianity and profession of faith in Jesus Christ as a denouncement of their previous religious views. We, therefore, accept that their public profession of faith to be sufficient in this matter and will accept them as covenant follower.
Tomorrow's installment will deal with "need-base giving".
And don't forget:
Our next prayer meeting is this Saturday morning at 10 o'clock! We hope to see you there!
Grace and Peace be with you.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
The Way: for the attorneys
As promised, here is the first installment from the attorney's questionnaire. We'll begin with questions about the governing of our doctrine and worship practices. This segment may not be as "interesting" in that it really expresses the unique qualities of The Way. But I feel like this is the best place to start as everything else builds off of our corporate worship experience.
Q)It was indicted that the formal practice of worship will be in form of weekly meetings for corporate worship services at which you will have prayer, praise and worship through music and other art forms, the teaching of God's Word, and the holy sacraments of Baptism and The Eucharist. Please describe the form of worship in more detail (include the specifics of the worship expression, teaching, and governing of the doctrinal beliefs of the church community).
A)We will worship through song and scriptural liturgical meditation. This expression of worship will be led by a worship leader and then shared corporately by the congregation. The teaching portion of our services will be lecture style sermons intended to share insights from the Holy Word of God for the purpose of edifying, spiritually convicting, and growing His people. The governing of the doctrinal beliefs of the church shall occur as the Pastor and the Elders of the community work in relationship with one another holding each other to the letter of Scripture in all matters of the church both inside, and outside, of the worship service environment. It will also be the responsibility of the pastor and the elders to govern the doctrine of the church as it gets expressed throughout any ancillary ministry of the church (i.e. small group Bible study, etc.).
Q) Please provide a detailed description of each of your future church services including such information as the manner of conducting, topics discussed and explaining what benefits the attendees receive through each of the activities.
A) Our gatherings would be best described as a time to pray for and pray with one another, share concerns and praises from each person’s lives, sing songs to our God, discuss life issues and hear Biblical Truth regarding them in the form of sermons, learn about needs in our community and organize ourselves strategically to meet those needs, and to embrace the mystery of worshipping the Holy God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, receiving His grace as it is expressed in the cross of Jesus Christ, and somehow attain the new life which He promises to bring to those who repent and believe upon Him.
Tomorrow's post will be more expressive in communicating some of the unique elements of our community. We will discuss membership and need base giving.
PRAYER MEETING SATURDAY MORNING AT 10 O'CLOCK! (just a friendly reminder) :)
Grace and Peace be with you.
Q)It was indicted that the formal practice of worship will be in form of weekly meetings for corporate worship services at which you will have prayer, praise and worship through music and other art forms, the teaching of God's Word, and the holy sacraments of Baptism and The Eucharist. Please describe the form of worship in more detail (include the specifics of the worship expression, teaching, and governing of the doctrinal beliefs of the church community).
A)We will worship through song and scriptural liturgical meditation. This expression of worship will be led by a worship leader and then shared corporately by the congregation. The teaching portion of our services will be lecture style sermons intended to share insights from the Holy Word of God for the purpose of edifying, spiritually convicting, and growing His people. The governing of the doctrinal beliefs of the church shall occur as the Pastor and the Elders of the community work in relationship with one another holding each other to the letter of Scripture in all matters of the church both inside, and outside, of the worship service environment. It will also be the responsibility of the pastor and the elders to govern the doctrine of the church as it gets expressed throughout any ancillary ministry of the church (i.e. small group Bible study, etc.).
Q) Please provide a detailed description of each of your future church services including such information as the manner of conducting, topics discussed and explaining what benefits the attendees receive through each of the activities.
A) Our gatherings would be best described as a time to pray for and pray with one another, share concerns and praises from each person’s lives, sing songs to our God, discuss life issues and hear Biblical Truth regarding them in the form of sermons, learn about needs in our community and organize ourselves strategically to meet those needs, and to embrace the mystery of worshipping the Holy God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, receiving His grace as it is expressed in the cross of Jesus Christ, and somehow attain the new life which He promises to bring to those who repent and believe upon Him.
Tomorrow's post will be more expressive in communicating some of the unique elements of our community. We will discuss membership and need base giving.
PRAYER MEETING SATURDAY MORNING AT 10 O'CLOCK! (just a friendly reminder) :)
Grace and Peace be with you.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
The Way: Friday night recap
Hello friends of The Way. I know many of you were unavailable to attend this past prayer meeting, so I thought it might be helpful to recap it for you. We had a great half hour of prayer. We shared God stories and prayer requests. We spoke about The Way and the needs of The Way. In addition to the prayer time, much business was discussed.
In brief:
- The operating budget of The Way was presented.
- An update of the legal processes was given (we're official at this point!)
- Mark shared about the questionnaire that he has completed for The Way's attorneys and promised to share portions of it on here over the coming days as it could give some helpful clarification regarding the vision and mission of The Way.
- The Common was discussed, and an explanation of how and why The Common will be used was given.
And then we enjoyed a ton of deserts that Jean had made in preparation for a Pampered Chef show the following evening. :)
In all it was a GREAT evening. I hope you'll plan on attending our next prayer time together on Saturday August 22nd at 10am. It's sure to be a blessed time of fellowship and prayer.
Keep an eye out for blogs to come on a daily basis this week. I'll be giving you pieces of that questionnaire that I think will be very helpful for you to get a better understanding of everything we're going to be doing going forward.
Grace and Peace be with you.
In brief:
- The operating budget of The Way was presented.
- An update of the legal processes was given (we're official at this point!)
- Mark shared about the questionnaire that he has completed for The Way's attorneys and promised to share portions of it on here over the coming days as it could give some helpful clarification regarding the vision and mission of The Way.
- The Common was discussed, and an explanation of how and why The Common will be used was given.
And then we enjoyed a ton of deserts that Jean had made in preparation for a Pampered Chef show the following evening. :)
In all it was a GREAT evening. I hope you'll plan on attending our next prayer time together on Saturday August 22nd at 10am. It's sure to be a blessed time of fellowship and prayer.
Keep an eye out for blogs to come on a daily basis this week. I'll be giving you pieces of that questionnaire that I think will be very helpful for you to get a better understanding of everything we're going to be doing going forward.
Grace and Peace be with you.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Prayer meetings reminder:
Hello friends of The Way. I just wanted to remind you that the dates and times of our upcoming prayer meetings are as follows:
August 14th - 7pm
August 22nd - 10am
August 31st - 7pm
September 5th - 10am
All prayer meetings will happen at the McMahon's house (210 Irving Avenue, Latrobe). Please bring a lawn chair. Please keep in mind that these prayer meetings are going to be used to seek God in every way as we prepare to launch our new ministry together as well as to spend some time just getting to know each other better.
It's gonna be a great time! I hope to see you there!
Grace and Peace be with you.
*The picture above is from a baptism that took place yesterday. This picture shows Mark and Theresa hugging after she came up out of the water. :D
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
The Way: This is just exciting
You may be sick of reading it by now, but I am PUMPED about The Way!!! The mission and vision of this church to resurrect the fellowship of the book of Acts is something that I never get tired of sharing with people. In fact, I told someone about it just yesterday who said, "Church can actually be like that? I've always thought that it should be, but I never dreamed that it could be." It was as though he had heard an intriguing, yet foreign, concept.
Here are a few of the things that I'm currently working on:
1) Raising some money for a laptop. As we get started there are a handful of necessary expenditures such as this. This laptop will be used both for administrative and worship/tech purposes.
2) Securing a new venue for our worship services...one that will better suit the needs of those in our midst who aren't able to do flights of stairs. I have a few good leads that I'm working on. Do you have any that you'd like to pass along?
3) Working closely with our attorneys as each bit of paperwork gets completed for both state and federal classifications. This process is nearing completion. YAY!
4) Gearing up for our first prayer meeting this Friday night. Are you planning to join us? We'd love to see you there! It's at the McMahon's home (210 Irving Ave, Latrobe). Those attending should bring a lawn chair and park in the rear parking lot of Latrobe Elementary School. And feel free to bring a friend!
Would you help me cover these 4 items in prayer? God is doing so much in our midst, and this is a truly blessed time for the way. Let's do are part! Pray hard friends!
Grace and Peace be with you.
Here are a few of the things that I'm currently working on:
1) Raising some money for a laptop. As we get started there are a handful of necessary expenditures such as this. This laptop will be used both for administrative and worship/tech purposes.
2) Securing a new venue for our worship services...one that will better suit the needs of those in our midst who aren't able to do flights of stairs. I have a few good leads that I'm working on. Do you have any that you'd like to pass along?
3) Working closely with our attorneys as each bit of paperwork gets completed for both state and federal classifications. This process is nearing completion. YAY!
4) Gearing up for our first prayer meeting this Friday night. Are you planning to join us? We'd love to see you there! It's at the McMahon's home (210 Irving Ave, Latrobe). Those attending should bring a lawn chair and park in the rear parking lot of Latrobe Elementary School. And feel free to bring a friend!
Would you help me cover these 4 items in prayer? God is doing so much in our midst, and this is a truly blessed time for the way. Let's do are part! Pray hard friends!
Grace and Peace be with you.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
The Way: a means of actually doing it
Alright friends of the way. I have a HUGE announcement for you. As I mentioned in previous notes and meetings, part of our primary focus of ministry at The Way will be to "give to those as they have need" (Acts 2:45). And I am crazy excited to inform you that I have found a wonderfully helpful tool in keeping that objective at the forefront of our day to day existence that not only helps us as a faith community be notified and informed as to when a need might arise, but it also serves us in a manner that allows us to see how God uses our community to meet that need.
I recognize that what I just typed might sound confusing, but I promise you...this tool is one of a kind. There is literally nothing even remotely like it. It is called "The Common". You can check it out at:
www.thecommon.org
In addition to that, I am pleased to announce that we have had someone from our community step forward and offer her assistance in moderating our community on The Common. Her name is Sam. You'll be hearing more from her in the near future. But let me just tell you, I AM SUPER PUMPED ABOUT THIS!
As August moves forward, we have prayer meetings scheduled. I do hope to see you there! September is coming! The Way is...well...on its way! Feel free to contact me if there is anything you'd like to discuss.
Grace and Peace be with you.
I recognize that what I just typed might sound confusing, but I promise you...this tool is one of a kind. There is literally nothing even remotely like it. It is called "The Common". You can check it out at:
www.thecommon.org
In addition to that, I am pleased to announce that we have had someone from our community step forward and offer her assistance in moderating our community on The Common. Her name is Sam. You'll be hearing more from her in the near future. But let me just tell you, I AM SUPER PUMPED ABOUT THIS!
As August moves forward, we have prayer meetings scheduled. I do hope to see you there! September is coming! The Way is...well...on its way! Feel free to contact me if there is anything you'd like to discuss.
Grace and Peace be with you.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
The Way: Prayer Meeting(s) info
Hello friends of the way! As we mentioned at last week's interest meeting, we will be meeting handful of times between now and our kickoff on the 2nd week of September for the purpose of prayer and fellowship. Here are the dates and times:
August 14th - 7pm
August 22nd - 10am
August 31st - 7pm
September 5th - 10am
All prayer meetings will happen at the McMahon's house (210 Irving Avenue, Latrobe). Please bring a lawn chair. Please keep in mind that these prayer meetings are going to be used to seek God in every way as we prepare to launch our new ministry together as well as to spend some time just getting to know each other better.
It's gonna be a great time! I hope to see you there!
Grace and Peace be with you.
August 14th - 7pm
August 22nd - 10am
August 31st - 7pm
September 5th - 10am
All prayer meetings will happen at the McMahon's house (210 Irving Avenue, Latrobe). Please bring a lawn chair. Please keep in mind that these prayer meetings are going to be used to seek God in every way as we prepare to launch our new ministry together as well as to spend some time just getting to know each other better.
It's gonna be a great time! I hope to see you there!
Grace and Peace be with you.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
The Way: 50 cents on the dollar
As I've shared at our interest meeting, our call from God here is not so much to plant a new church but rather to resurrect an old church. The Way is intended to be a 21st century expression of the fellowship described in Acts chapters 2 and 4. Part of understanding this vision from God has been to spend a great deal of time in prayer over how the church positions itself financially to do ministry both inside and outside of its own congregation.
While the large majority of 21st century American churches tie up significant finances and other resources in the construction and maintenance of buildings, the Acts fellowship used the majority of its funds to give to those who had need. In the same spirit of the church of the book of Acts, I'm pleased to share with you a financial covenant that The Way has decided upon.
Beginning in September we will have weekly giving opportunities in the form of tithes and offerings. And in the spirit of the Acts church, we will maintain a firm commitment to giving fifty cents of every dollar collected to our missions budget. In other words, we will take half of every tithe and offering to fund our internal ministries and use the other half to, as Acts chapter 2 writes, "give to those as they have need".
This decision is made as an effort to make sure that the mission of The Way is kept sacred on all matters of budgeting.
May we at The Way have a great commitment to our services of worship, and may it forever be greater than building an ivory tower at which we may host a bunch of worship services.
Grace and Peace be with you.
While the large majority of 21st century American churches tie up significant finances and other resources in the construction and maintenance of buildings, the Acts fellowship used the majority of its funds to give to those who had need. In the same spirit of the church of the book of Acts, I'm pleased to share with you a financial covenant that The Way has decided upon.
Beginning in September we will have weekly giving opportunities in the form of tithes and offerings. And in the spirit of the Acts church, we will maintain a firm commitment to giving fifty cents of every dollar collected to our missions budget. In other words, we will take half of every tithe and offering to fund our internal ministries and use the other half to, as Acts chapter 2 writes, "give to those as they have need".
This decision is made as an effort to make sure that the mission of The Way is kept sacred on all matters of budgeting.
May we at The Way have a great commitment to our services of worship, and may it forever be greater than building an ivory tower at which we may host a bunch of worship services.
Grace and Peace be with you.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
The Way: two questions
Its such an exciting time. With each passing day there is another email or phone call from someone who wants to be a part of what we're doing. As I consider it all, I'm still just blown away by the favor that God is showing The Way. Now that our interest meeting is over, there seem to be two questions that I continue being asked.
1) When are we getting started?
and
2) When can I start giving to this ministry?
Let me now address those questions in this forum. We are getting started as soon as possible. While our Sunday morning meetings will not begin until the 2nd Sunday in September, our core group will be meeting together for prayer and fellowship on a weekly basis starting next week (more info on that to come). Stay tuned over the next couple of days for more info on times and places. And regarding giving to this ministry, by the end of this week our letters of corporation will be filed with the state of PA, and we will be an official entity. At that point, we are free to open accounts, collect tithes and offerings, etc.
It's that simple, and it's that soon! I don't know about you, but I'm crazy excited. In the meantime, I ask that you be in prayer. There is much to be done before we get this party started, and in all things we seek the face of God for whom we resurrect The Way in the first place.
Grace and Peace be with you.
1) When are we getting started?
and
2) When can I start giving to this ministry?
Let me now address those questions in this forum. We are getting started as soon as possible. While our Sunday morning meetings will not begin until the 2nd Sunday in September, our core group will be meeting together for prayer and fellowship on a weekly basis starting next week (more info on that to come). Stay tuned over the next couple of days for more info on times and places. And regarding giving to this ministry, by the end of this week our letters of corporation will be filed with the state of PA, and we will be an official entity. At that point, we are free to open accounts, collect tithes and offerings, etc.
It's that simple, and it's that soon! I don't know about you, but I'm crazy excited. In the meantime, I ask that you be in prayer. There is much to be done before we get this party started, and in all things we seek the face of God for whom we resurrect The Way in the first place.
Grace and Peace be with you.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
The Way: a letter
The new church (now known as The Way) had its interest meeting on Tuesday night, and it was a huge success. Here's how one person described her experience at our meeting:
"Wow...I could say "wow" a thousand times and not come close to expressing how amazed I am by this evening with the McMahons and everyone else that came to hear what he had to say.
It is truly amazing how God works! If I had to come up with a list of my most obvious "God moments"...this evening may be number one...atleast I have never been so blown away, excited, and literally in shock all at once as I was as I heard Pastor Mark speak of the vision he has been given for this new ministry. Oh my goodness...it was awesome! As I sat there, I felt like my smile would never again leave my face, like my heart was going to explode, like I was literally going to jump out of my seat in praise of God...and even like I was going to break down in to tears....what an amazing mix of emotions...all because of Him.
When God places a burden on your heart, a vision within you, a call upon you....that is amazing to experience as it is...but when you finally see it all coming together within one speech...now that is indescribable!
From God placing a certain vision of a ministry that He called us into over 4 years ago, to hearing literally EVERYTHING we have felt God saying to us being spoken through Pastor Mark this evening...Wow, Wow, WOW!!! I am not surprised by how God has been working in our lives in order for this to be, but I am honestly in shock! I knew that God wanted us to be a part of what He is leading Pastor Mark in...but I didn't expect it to literally match every core purpose we have been striving for in the ministry we felt led to begin...Things like that only come from God....miracles like what are happening as this is all growing only come from God....peace that covers you and makes it clear this is where you were meant to be all along can only come from God....It is beyond doubt, beyond words, beyond the scope of anything we could ever have imagined...God has worked miracles, is working miracles, and will continue working miracles!
What an amazing feeling it is when you know you are headed to where God wants you, when you know that the paths you have taken have led you to where you are, when you know that all along, you were being led to The Way...the way, the direction, the purpose that He wanted all along...and it is only just beginning!"
If you missed the meeting and would like to be added to our mailing list, please email your info to me at:
markmcmahon58@yahoo.com
Grace and Peace be with you.
"Wow...I could say "wow" a thousand times and not come close to expressing how amazed I am by this evening with the McMahons and everyone else that came to hear what he had to say.
It is truly amazing how God works! If I had to come up with a list of my most obvious "God moments"...this evening may be number one...atleast I have never been so blown away, excited, and literally in shock all at once as I was as I heard Pastor Mark speak of the vision he has been given for this new ministry. Oh my goodness...it was awesome! As I sat there, I felt like my smile would never again leave my face, like my heart was going to explode, like I was literally going to jump out of my seat in praise of God...and even like I was going to break down in to tears....what an amazing mix of emotions...all because of Him.
When God places a burden on your heart, a vision within you, a call upon you....that is amazing to experience as it is...but when you finally see it all coming together within one speech...now that is indescribable!
From God placing a certain vision of a ministry that He called us into over 4 years ago, to hearing literally EVERYTHING we have felt God saying to us being spoken through Pastor Mark this evening...Wow, Wow, WOW!!! I am not surprised by how God has been working in our lives in order for this to be, but I am honestly in shock! I knew that God wanted us to be a part of what He is leading Pastor Mark in...but I didn't expect it to literally match every core purpose we have been striving for in the ministry we felt led to begin...Things like that only come from God....miracles like what are happening as this is all growing only come from God....peace that covers you and makes it clear this is where you were meant to be all along can only come from God....It is beyond doubt, beyond words, beyond the scope of anything we could ever have imagined...God has worked miracles, is working miracles, and will continue working miracles!
What an amazing feeling it is when you know you are headed to where God wants you, when you know that the paths you have taken have led you to where you are, when you know that all along, you were being led to The Way...the way, the direction, the purpose that He wanted all along...and it is only just beginning!"
If you missed the meeting and would like to be added to our mailing list, please email your info to me at:
markmcmahon58@yahoo.com
Grace and Peace be with you.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
The new church: getting better and better
It just keeps getting better and better. Just today a professional graphics designer has stepped up to do our graphic and website design. And, once again, God has extended His favor to us, as this person has offered his services completely free of charge. The graphics alone would have cost hundreds of dollars, and the website would have literally been a few thousand...BUT GOD IS WORKING ON OUR BEHALF!!!!!! Also, I toured our venue for the first time yesterday. OH MY GOODNESS it's perfect! I can't wait to get this started. In addition to that, I got some seriously good news from the government today. More on that later...
As for now, all of my energy is focused on our interest meeting this Tuesday night at 6:30pm. We're gonna have a great time! If you plan on coming, here are some instructions:
1) Bring a lawn chair
2) Park in the rear parking lot of Latrobe Elementary School
3) Be sure to RSVP so we have enough food
RSVP at markmcmahon58@yahoo.com
Grace and Peace be with you.
As for now, all of my energy is focused on our interest meeting this Tuesday night at 6:30pm. We're gonna have a great time! If you plan on coming, here are some instructions:
1) Bring a lawn chair
2) Park in the rear parking lot of Latrobe Elementary School
3) Be sure to RSVP so we have enough food
RSVP at markmcmahon58@yahoo.com
Grace and Peace be with you.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
The new church: the moving mountains
What a blessed day it was for this new ministry. I got a phone call from the owner of the venue at which we will be meeting for worship, and she informed me that our ministry is going to be allowed to use their facility FOR FREE as we get on our feet financially!!! I don't care what anyone says, that's a miracle in my book. And it's further confirmation that this is God's plan for this church in this city at this time.
You know you have favor in your ministry when local business owners who have no ties to the faith and no interest in Jesus offer up all of their assets for the benefit of your mission. Think about this for a moment...they're letting us use the facility every week rent free with out even so much as paying a single utility bill...It's literally costing them money to have us in their venue under such terms, and they're offering it to us satisfied with the terms of the partnership. Wow...God is definitely at work here on our behalf...Business owners are sacrificing their "bottomline" for the benefit of our ministry. Thank you, Jesus!!!
Friends, our God is a mountain moving God. He's moved one huge financial mountain for us here, and I'm convinced that He's gonna move more for us in the future. Will you joining me in thanking God for the gift of a free worship space?
And don't forget to RSVP for the interest meeting!
Date - July 28th
Time - 6:30pm-8:30pm
Location - My house, 210 Irving Ave, Latrobe
Email your RSVP - markmcmahon58@yahoo.com
Keep up the prayers. God is hard at work!
Grace and Peace be with you.
You know you have favor in your ministry when local business owners who have no ties to the faith and no interest in Jesus offer up all of their assets for the benefit of your mission. Think about this for a moment...they're letting us use the facility every week rent free with out even so much as paying a single utility bill...It's literally costing them money to have us in their venue under such terms, and they're offering it to us satisfied with the terms of the partnership. Wow...God is definitely at work here on our behalf...Business owners are sacrificing their "bottomline" for the benefit of our ministry. Thank you, Jesus!!!
Friends, our God is a mountain moving God. He's moved one huge financial mountain for us here, and I'm convinced that He's gonna move more for us in the future. Will you joining me in thanking God for the gift of a free worship space?
And don't forget to RSVP for the interest meeting!
Date - July 28th
Time - 6:30pm-8:30pm
Location - My house, 210 Irving Ave, Latrobe
Email your RSVP - markmcmahon58@yahoo.com
Keep up the prayers. God is hard at work!
Grace and Peace be with you.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
My new church: an email
I just got this email regarding my new church. In as much as it inspires and encourages me, it is a reminder of what God has invited me to do:
Dear Mark,
Although we've known each other a relatively short amount of time, and knowing probably is not the best word for it, I've come to understand something of what follows you. What follows you is hope. Although I am yet unaware of what the hope is... well hoping for, I know it will end being interesting if not entertaining to watch it. There by I extend to you my hand in whatever you might ask, I will attend the meeting on Tuesday (28th) and I suppose we will all go from there.
I look forward to seeing you all on July 28th!
Grace and Peace be with you.
Dear Mark,
Although we've known each other a relatively short amount of time, and knowing probably is not the best word for it, I've come to understand something of what follows you. What follows you is hope. Although I am yet unaware of what the hope is... well hoping for, I know it will end being interesting if not entertaining to watch it. There by I extend to you my hand in whatever you might ask, I will attend the meeting on Tuesday (28th) and I suppose we will all go from there.
I look forward to seeing you all on July 28th!
Grace and Peace be with you.
My new church: convinced
I'm so excited about my new church. I've been on the phone with friends from all around the country today. One of them just wanted to find out what our needs were at this point, and another took time out of his VERY busy schedule to pray with me. That may not sound like much, but it meant the world to me in that moment. As I wait for the IRS to do their thing in processing my application, there's just one thought that keeps resurfacing in my mind. This thought....I've never been so convinced of anything in my life as I am of God's call and timing to start this church here in Latrobe. In fact it reminds me of something that I heard at a conference recently:
France Chan said, "If you've heard from God, drown out all of the other voices."
I thought that was good advice when I heard him say it at Thomas Road Baptist Church back in May. Little did I know that it would become one of the most important pieces of advice I would ever receive for this effort of planting a church. There are obstacles. There are nay-sayers. There are all kinds of uncertainty, but I've heard from God. There are no guarantees in this. There are huge risks in this, but I am convinced. God has marked me for this. He has called, and the time is now. I got goose bumps as I typed that. :)
Hey, have you checked your schedule regarding our interest meeting? The RSVP's are coming in steadily. Have you sent yours? Here are the particulars:
Date - July 28th
Time - 6:30pm-8:30pm
Location - My house, 210 Irving Ave, Latrobe
Email your RSVP - markmcmahon58@yahoo.com
Keep up the prayers. God is hard at work!
Grace and Peace be with you.
France Chan said, "If you've heard from God, drown out all of the other voices."
I thought that was good advice when I heard him say it at Thomas Road Baptist Church back in May. Little did I know that it would become one of the most important pieces of advice I would ever receive for this effort of planting a church. There are obstacles. There are nay-sayers. There are all kinds of uncertainty, but I've heard from God. There are no guarantees in this. There are huge risks in this, but I am convinced. God has marked me for this. He has called, and the time is now. I got goose bumps as I typed that. :)
Hey, have you checked your schedule regarding our interest meeting? The RSVP's are coming in steadily. Have you sent yours? Here are the particulars:
Date - July 28th
Time - 6:30pm-8:30pm
Location - My house, 210 Irving Ave, Latrobe
Email your RSVP - markmcmahon58@yahoo.com
Keep up the prayers. God is hard at work!
Grace and Peace be with you.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
My new church: it was a God day
Today was a God day. It was just one of those days in which you become so aware of the favor of God on your life that you just can't help praising him. And here's why...I've found the perfect location for my church. I have a verbal approval from the venue at this point, and I'm certain an official deal will be signed this week. Also, I had a conversation with a Pastor of a rather large church that wants to talk with me ASAP about the possibility of entering into a partnership on this venture. I don't know what that "partnership" means at this point. It may mean nothing at all, but it was such a blessing to have a local Pastor speak to me in an affirming way regarding my vision. As it is in other aspects of life and growth, networking in ministry is one of the keys to starting well.
Will you continue praying for this church? Will you continue praying for me? For the staff? I'm so excited!
And don't forget to RSVP to my email account your intentions regarding our interest meeting. We want to have enough food for everyone!
Interest meeting details:
Date - July 28th
Time - 6:30pm-8:30pm
Location - My house, 210 Irving Ave, Latrobe
Email - markmcmahon58@yahoo.com
Grace and Peace be with you.
Will you continue praying for this church? Will you continue praying for me? For the staff? I'm so excited!
And don't forget to RSVP to my email account your intentions regarding our interest meeting. We want to have enough food for everyone!
Interest meeting details:
Date - July 28th
Time - 6:30pm-8:30pm
Location - My house, 210 Irving Ave, Latrobe
Email - markmcmahon58@yahoo.com
Grace and Peace be with you.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
My new church: an interest meeting
Well, I'm ready to tell the world about it. I'm ready to share the picture that God has given me for my new church, and I'm inviting anyone who would like to find out more about it to come and hear about it.
Date: July 28th
Time: 6:30-8:30
Location: My house - 210 Irving Avenue, Latrobe PA
Are you interested? You should come. The nature of this gathering is to simply let you know just what I mean when I say, "I'm starting a church." That's it, and that's all.
Please RSVP your intentions by emailing me at:
markmcmahon58@yahoo.com
...otherwise we won't have enough food. :)
I hope to see you there. I'm PUMPED about this!
Grace and Peace be with you.
Date: July 28th
Time: 6:30-8:30
Location: My house - 210 Irving Avenue, Latrobe PA
Are you interested? You should come. The nature of this gathering is to simply let you know just what I mean when I say, "I'm starting a church." That's it, and that's all.
Please RSVP your intentions by emailing me at:
markmcmahon58@yahoo.com
...otherwise we won't have enough food. :)
I hope to see you there. I'm PUMPED about this!
Grace and Peace be with you.
Friday, July 17, 2009
My new church: with a little help from my friends
Today was a huge day for the new church. I can't really define why...it's just a feeling, a hunch. I had correspondence with several local friends who were offering words of encouragement, helpful insight, or offers to assist with the organization of the church. And, to put the icing on the cake, I spent about an hour on the phone with a very special friend of mine who lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is a HUGELY successful church planter/pastor/author who has graciously agreed to mentor me through the next two years. I'm so blessed by all of this. Ministry is not a one man show. It's a collaborative effort being carried out by like minded individuals who have sold out to the same vision for the glory of God. Can I get an amen?
It makes me wonder. Who else will God bring to this venture? What holy tapestry will God use this church to weave together? Whoever they are, I'm already praying for them and for their families. I'm so excited to get started! Will you join me in praying for those people?
Grace and Peace be with you.
It makes me wonder. Who else will God bring to this venture? What holy tapestry will God use this church to weave together? Whoever they are, I'm already praying for them and for their families. I'm so excited to get started! Will you join me in praying for those people?
Grace and Peace be with you.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
My new church: it ain't rocket science
"It ain't rocket science." That's what I was told today by a church planter who has agreed to mentor me through this process. He planted his church 3 years ago from scratch, and today there are 450 people in attendance. He said the most important thing is to "forget everything I've ever been told the church should be, and cling to what God has said THIS church should be". And that's where I'm at on this...I'm marveling at the picture that God has given me for this church. I'll share more with you regarding that vision as I go forward, but, for now, I'm just letting Jesus captivate me with it. I want to hear so clearly, listen so intently, and commit so entirely to what God has for this ministry that I never step off course. That's my heart's desire for this. Will you keep praying with me about this?
Grace and Peace be with you.
Grace and Peace be with you.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
My new church: you gotta start somewhere
Many of my friends and family have asked me to document my journey in planting a church here on this blog page. And while I haven't been posting regularly of late, I've decided to honor the request of so many and share regularly about my journey.
But before I get going on that, I'd like to add a disclaimer:
I do recognize that there are some who will read these blogs and try to make this into a negative gesture toward my former church family. And for those who do, know in advance that you are merely using the words here in a manner that I never intended for them to be used. I love Charter Oak Church (verb is present tense here for a reason). And I consider the employees of Charter Oak Church all to be friends. I hope that Charter Oak Church grows and thrives and sees her full potential reached. I wish the best for Charter Oak Church's leadership, and I am not interested in sharing any dialogue with anyone who wants to twist my words to mean anything other than that.
On with the post...........
I filed my application for my church's 501(C)3 today! It's the first important step to becoming a legally recognized entity. In fact, the application was for several other legal "what not" that goes with being a recognized non-profit. There is a 2-4 week window before I'll get my approval from the IRS, but I've got a great group of people working with me on this. They've assured me that approval is only a month away. This is a huge step. Taking the time to fill out the application and forking over the fifteen-hundred dollars in fees has made this all very real. I'm starting a church. Wow...There's no money, no structure, no history, no budget...just a vision...this is the scariest, most exciting thing I've EVER experienced. I'll share more about that vision in the days ahead. But until then, I'll just ask you to join me in prayer over this. For God's guidance; for God's anointing; for God's favor; for God's provision...
The day has come in which I've taken the first important step in realizing the dream that God has birthed in me. I can't wait for tomorrow!
Grace and Peace be with you.
But before I get going on that, I'd like to add a disclaimer:
I do recognize that there are some who will read these blogs and try to make this into a negative gesture toward my former church family. And for those who do, know in advance that you are merely using the words here in a manner that I never intended for them to be used. I love Charter Oak Church (verb is present tense here for a reason). And I consider the employees of Charter Oak Church all to be friends. I hope that Charter Oak Church grows and thrives and sees her full potential reached. I wish the best for Charter Oak Church's leadership, and I am not interested in sharing any dialogue with anyone who wants to twist my words to mean anything other than that.
On with the post...........
I filed my application for my church's 501(C)3 today! It's the first important step to becoming a legally recognized entity. In fact, the application was for several other legal "what not" that goes with being a recognized non-profit. There is a 2-4 week window before I'll get my approval from the IRS, but I've got a great group of people working with me on this. They've assured me that approval is only a month away. This is a huge step. Taking the time to fill out the application and forking over the fifteen-hundred dollars in fees has made this all very real. I'm starting a church. Wow...There's no money, no structure, no history, no budget...just a vision...this is the scariest, most exciting thing I've EVER experienced. I'll share more about that vision in the days ahead. But until then, I'll just ask you to join me in prayer over this. For God's guidance; for God's anointing; for God's favor; for God's provision...
The day has come in which I've taken the first important step in realizing the dream that God has birthed in me. I can't wait for tomorrow!
Grace and Peace be with you.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Am I "Emergent"
I had a Pastor from a church which is currently considering me for a job write to me saying that, after reading some of my material, it would seem that I am of "The Emerging Church" movement. He then asked if he were making the correct assumption about me. I thought that it might be helpful to post my response to that question here on my blog in case there are any other potential employers (or casual readers) wondering that very same thing.
Here's my response:
Pastor,
As for your question, you've challenged my thinking with this.
The short answer is simply no. I've never before called myself emergent, nor have I tried to identify myself with anyone who does. It's just not a label that I use for myself.
The long answer would be to say that, of all the labels that we throw around in Christianity, "Emerging" is one that is quite vague to me. Though some of my thoughts and writing about "the organized church" could be seen to be in line with the emerging church folks, I assure you that my comments are not intended to be received as an effort to align myself with a movement of ideology but rather a deep desire to do the very best I can to live into a Christianity which grows, loves, and serves in the most Biblical manner possible. To be frank, I hesitate to ever use the "Emerging" label with myself, as well as others, due to all of the doctrinal pluralism that gets associated with it. But I'm not at all hesitant to spell out my own commitment to the whole of Scripture, the Lordship of Jesus Christ, and my calling to serve the church who lives out the teachings of her King.
Grace and Peace
Here's my response:
Pastor,
As for your question, you've challenged my thinking with this.
The short answer is simply no. I've never before called myself emergent, nor have I tried to identify myself with anyone who does. It's just not a label that I use for myself.
The long answer would be to say that, of all the labels that we throw around in Christianity, "Emerging" is one that is quite vague to me. Though some of my thoughts and writing about "the organized church" could be seen to be in line with the emerging church folks, I assure you that my comments are not intended to be received as an effort to align myself with a movement of ideology but rather a deep desire to do the very best I can to live into a Christianity which grows, loves, and serves in the most Biblical manner possible. To be frank, I hesitate to ever use the "Emerging" label with myself, as well as others, due to all of the doctrinal pluralism that gets associated with it. But I'm not at all hesitant to spell out my own commitment to the whole of Scripture, the Lordship of Jesus Christ, and my calling to serve the church who lives out the teachings of her King.
Grace and Peace
Thursday, June 25, 2009
A requested re-post
I was asked to re-post some questions I have for the this generation's church. Here it is...
Why is it that we call ourselves "evangelical" when we aren't all that deeply committed to evangelism?
Why do we meet for ministry inside of our churches when Jesus did the bulk of His ministry on the streets and in people's homes?
If God is who we believe Him to be, and His call on our lives is what we know that it is, what are we waiting for?
If the Gospel really is good news, why aren't we excited about it?
When was it that Jesus stopped caring about the people who are so lost, so broken, so misled, so caught up in the world that they make their dwelling on the fringe of society?
When did God become so tame?
When did Jesus become an American citizen?
Why do preachers have to tone-down their sermons for fear of offending someone?
Why can't the "salvation message" find its way into everything we do?
If we're supposed to care for the widow and the orphan, why don't I know many of them by name? And why am I not cooking breakfast for them right now?
With so many people talking about their desire to change the world, who will be so crazy as to actually do it. Lord make me crazy...
Why do we teach grace when we aren't willing to live it?
What are we so afraid of?
Can we re-institute the Jubilee?
When did "God bless America" become a more popular phrase than "love thy neighbor as thyself"?
What kind of church are we building for our children?
What are we doing?
Grace and Peace
Why is it that we call ourselves "evangelical" when we aren't all that deeply committed to evangelism?
Why do we meet for ministry inside of our churches when Jesus did the bulk of His ministry on the streets and in people's homes?
If God is who we believe Him to be, and His call on our lives is what we know that it is, what are we waiting for?
If the Gospel really is good news, why aren't we excited about it?
When was it that Jesus stopped caring about the people who are so lost, so broken, so misled, so caught up in the world that they make their dwelling on the fringe of society?
When did God become so tame?
When did Jesus become an American citizen?
Why do preachers have to tone-down their sermons for fear of offending someone?
Why can't the "salvation message" find its way into everything we do?
If we're supposed to care for the widow and the orphan, why don't I know many of them by name? And why am I not cooking breakfast for them right now?
With so many people talking about their desire to change the world, who will be so crazy as to actually do it. Lord make me crazy...
Why do we teach grace when we aren't willing to live it?
What are we so afraid of?
Can we re-institute the Jubilee?
When did "God bless America" become a more popular phrase than "love thy neighbor as thyself"?
What kind of church are we building for our children?
What are we doing?
Grace and Peace
Random thoughts
The last 2 weeks of my life have flown by. I've put almost 1500 miles on my truck traveling. I've taken 16 job interviews, filled out 5 in-depth questionnaires, read 2 books, and rediscovered the importance of laughter...especially laughing at myself...It's been a period of lessons and laments, but here is a random sampling of my thoughts today:
- Marley and I have finally had enough quality time together that she is riding her bike without training wheels. Talk about unemployment benefits!
- I'm preaching this weekend in Cleveland, Ohio, to a very racially diverse crowd who shouts "amen" and "preach it" when they hear the Truth. It's gonna be fun!
- Chris Williams once told me, "Interviewing is an unnatural act between two consenting adults." Boy was he right about that.
- Jesus loves me. And Jesus loves you. I've never been more aware of that.
- Anger is tiring. Replaying painful memories is unproductive. Grace is enough.
- Somebody should tell the preacher that preached to me at church last Sunday that I got that second opinion he was talking about. And it's good.
- Jean and I had a meeting with some guys in Ohio yesterday who are so tired of merely talking about reaching people that they've actually started doing things to reach people...risky things...dangerous things...things that are guaranteed to fail if God doesn't show up in a big way. What a joy it was to chat with them.
- Blues and I are about to start building his tree house. And, if we end up moving, the tree house will move with us.
- What would happen if we moved our focus from practicing Christianity to falling hopelessly in love with the Christ of our faith?
- My neighbor's dog is a poop factory. Seriously, I'm beginning to wonder what they feed that thing.
- I've become convinced that what has been missing from my prayer life over the past several years was a sense of desperation. Over the last two weeks I've stopped "praying to God" and started "begging God" on a couple of issues. What a world of difference this has made.
That will do for now.
Grace and Peace
- Marley and I have finally had enough quality time together that she is riding her bike without training wheels. Talk about unemployment benefits!
- I'm preaching this weekend in Cleveland, Ohio, to a very racially diverse crowd who shouts "amen" and "preach it" when they hear the Truth. It's gonna be fun!
- Chris Williams once told me, "Interviewing is an unnatural act between two consenting adults." Boy was he right about that.
- Jesus loves me. And Jesus loves you. I've never been more aware of that.
- Anger is tiring. Replaying painful memories is unproductive. Grace is enough.
- Somebody should tell the preacher that preached to me at church last Sunday that I got that second opinion he was talking about. And it's good.
- Jean and I had a meeting with some guys in Ohio yesterday who are so tired of merely talking about reaching people that they've actually started doing things to reach people...risky things...dangerous things...things that are guaranteed to fail if God doesn't show up in a big way. What a joy it was to chat with them.
- Blues and I are about to start building his tree house. And, if we end up moving, the tree house will move with us.
- What would happen if we moved our focus from practicing Christianity to falling hopelessly in love with the Christ of our faith?
- My neighbor's dog is a poop factory. Seriously, I'm beginning to wonder what they feed that thing.
- I've become convinced that what has been missing from my prayer life over the past several years was a sense of desperation. Over the last two weeks I've stopped "praying to God" and started "begging God" on a couple of issues. What a world of difference this has made.
That will do for now.
Grace and Peace
Monday, June 15, 2009
To my students
I love you more than words can express. These last 4 years of ministry were a true joy for me. I want you to know that. I'm just as confused, surprised, and hurt by this as you are, but nothing of any great importance has changed...and by that I mean that Sunday is still coming. And until Sunday comes, you and I have a great work to do here. This is NOT a time for you to take a season off from church, and this is NOT a time for you to play the blame game. Though I am heartbroken that I will no longer be ministering to you at Charter Oak Church, you need to know that I EXPECT YOU to honor our history together by plugging in to the ministry this summer.
Get your butts to ABS.
Go to Revolution.
Go to Powered Up.
Go to prayer and Cocoa Puffs.
Our Student Ministry was never about me. It was about Jesus and His relentless love for us all. And that hasn't changed. It is my prayer that you will take this announcement of my employment ending as a call to "lean in" instead of a time to "walk out".
I love you. I love you. I love you.
You can hit me on facebook anytime, or you can reach me at my new email address:
markmcmahon58@yahoo.com
Grace and Peace
Get your butts to ABS.
Go to Revolution.
Go to Powered Up.
Go to prayer and Cocoa Puffs.
Our Student Ministry was never about me. It was about Jesus and His relentless love for us all. And that hasn't changed. It is my prayer that you will take this announcement of my employment ending as a call to "lean in" instead of a time to "walk out".
I love you. I love you. I love you.
You can hit me on facebook anytime, or you can reach me at my new email address:
markmcmahon58@yahoo.com
Grace and Peace
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Hunger Garden Update
A group from our Student Ministry answered Lyn Hunter's call last week to provide assistance at The Hunger Garden. Here's what Lyn had to say about it:
Hi All,
What can I say about last Monday evening at the Hunger Garden? "Divine Intervention" comes to mind. The weatherman called for storms in the evening - there were none. It was a beautiful evening in the country. I had groups unable to make it at the last minute...I was panicking - other groups came without being called upon for the evening. There were no less than six large groups of people show up, as well as countless individuals. There were so many new faces and so many of the familiar "regulars" - all of whom are the backbone of our efforts. There were well over a hundred people. We could not even count them all with so many people going in every direction.
I did tell you that we had 6,000 plants to get in the ground. That is an impossible number to plant in one evening, right? That would be wrong. Last night's group did just that!! They planted the last of the cabbages, bell peppers, sweet banana peppers, and tomatoes......6,000 plants in all! It was just getting dark when the last volunteers left the farm.
We had a system going: One man, John, came with six dibble sticks (They are pointed sticks that are about 2" wide that have a handle...about the height of a cane.). We were able to use the tools to make holes through the plastic just at the right distances that were deep enough to just drop in the plants and cover the roots with dirt...minimal digging...minimal bending. (This is not to imply that bending and kneeling were eliminated. That never happens, as any gardener knows.) These wonderful volunteers were moving in all directions, looking for how to spread out, not bunch up, and keep the process moving.
At the same time, Dick was putting down more plastic, and he had men working on the connections from the 2" main water line to the drip hoses under the plastic strips. The irrigation system is up and running. They also repositioned the gates in the electric fence so we will be better able to maneuver the quads and trailers at harvest time. Dick had a new pond dug to provide additional water for the nearly doubled garden. The plastic-laying machine makes for a better utilization of the garden area. That's why we could double the number of plants.
Next week we will be planting seeds...cucumber, zucchini, and beans. We will also be starting to put in the stakes for the tomatoes. If you can do that, please bring a mallet or hammer. I'm hoping to be able to start stringing the twine to tie up the tomatoes.
Now we only have to pray that the weather and the bugs are kind to us. If so, we could have a truly wonderful harvest to help feed our food dependent neighbors in Westmoreland County. Come again if you can. We are there on Monday evenings. However, even one evening contributes to the whole. Each person doing what he or she can do, large or small, all hopefully adds up to a major contribution to the Westmoreland County Food Bank to help those in need, especially in these economic times. Thanks again for a job well done.
Blessings,
Lyn Hunter
Praise God! Thanks to all who helped out.
Grace and Peace
Hi All,
What can I say about last Monday evening at the Hunger Garden? "Divine Intervention" comes to mind. The weatherman called for storms in the evening - there were none. It was a beautiful evening in the country. I had groups unable to make it at the last minute...I was panicking - other groups came without being called upon for the evening. There were no less than six large groups of people show up, as well as countless individuals. There were so many new faces and so many of the familiar "regulars" - all of whom are the backbone of our efforts. There were well over a hundred people. We could not even count them all with so many people going in every direction.
I did tell you that we had 6,000 plants to get in the ground. That is an impossible number to plant in one evening, right? That would be wrong. Last night's group did just that!! They planted the last of the cabbages, bell peppers, sweet banana peppers, and tomatoes......6,000 plants in all! It was just getting dark when the last volunteers left the farm.
We had a system going: One man, John, came with six dibble sticks (They are pointed sticks that are about 2" wide that have a handle...about the height of a cane.). We were able to use the tools to make holes through the plastic just at the right distances that were deep enough to just drop in the plants and cover the roots with dirt...minimal digging...minimal bending. (This is not to imply that bending and kneeling were eliminated. That never happens, as any gardener knows.) These wonderful volunteers were moving in all directions, looking for how to spread out, not bunch up, and keep the process moving.
At the same time, Dick was putting down more plastic, and he had men working on the connections from the 2" main water line to the drip hoses under the plastic strips. The irrigation system is up and running. They also repositioned the gates in the electric fence so we will be better able to maneuver the quads and trailers at harvest time. Dick had a new pond dug to provide additional water for the nearly doubled garden. The plastic-laying machine makes for a better utilization of the garden area. That's why we could double the number of plants.
Next week we will be planting seeds...cucumber, zucchini, and beans. We will also be starting to put in the stakes for the tomatoes. If you can do that, please bring a mallet or hammer. I'm hoping to be able to start stringing the twine to tie up the tomatoes.
Now we only have to pray that the weather and the bugs are kind to us. If so, we could have a truly wonderful harvest to help feed our food dependent neighbors in Westmoreland County. Come again if you can. We are there on Monday evenings. However, even one evening contributes to the whole. Each person doing what he or she can do, large or small, all hopefully adds up to a major contribution to the Westmoreland County Food Bank to help those in need, especially in these economic times. Thanks again for a job well done.
Blessings,
Lyn Hunter
Praise God! Thanks to all who helped out.
Grace and Peace
Monday, June 1, 2009
By Your Side
We recorded the rehearsal of the song that we did last night at Student Ministry, and some of the students have asked me to post it. Here it is:
Grace and Peace
Grace and Peace
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
A note from Lyn Hunter from The Hunger Garden
Hi All,
Unfortunately, we will have to cancel the Hunger Garden activities for this evening, May 27. The several days of rain that we had at the garden have created a mud bog. There is standing water in the troughs between the plastic strips. Also, weather.com is predicting thunderstorms to begin around 3:00 p.m., which are to last all evening.
We have thousands of plants waiting to be planted next Monday. We can use your help if you can possibly find the time to join us to plant. Thank you for all you do to help us. We really appreciate it.
Lyn Hunter
724-744-4961
They have THOUSANDS of plants waiting for us! Let's make a strong showing for Jesus next Monday.
Grace and Peace
Unfortunately, we will have to cancel the Hunger Garden activities for this evening, May 27. The several days of rain that we had at the garden have created a mud bog. There is standing water in the troughs between the plastic strips. Also, weather.com is predicting thunderstorms to begin around 3:00 p.m., which are to last all evening.
We have thousands of plants waiting to be planted next Monday. We can use your help if you can possibly find the time to join us to plant. Thank you for all you do to help us. We really appreciate it.
Lyn Hunter
724-744-4961
They have THOUSANDS of plants waiting for us! Let's make a strong showing for Jesus next Monday.
Grace and Peace
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Innovate Church
I've stopped posting my notes to this conference because it was announced that all of the sessions have been made available for free download at www.innovatechurch.us.
Grace and Peace
Grace and Peace
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Innovate Conference Session - 4 (notes from Frances Chan)
-The biggest problem with the church is that we're not running to the Word of God for Truth, guidance, and instruction.
-Preach the Word, men and women of God. Preach the Word even when it is unpopular.
-I've never read the book of Acts then put down my Bible thinking, "Cool, that's just like our church." Acts 4:13
-We're so educated, yet we're so afraid.
-Courage is what marked the followers of Yahweh from the beginning.
-God expects us to be courageous.
-Now-a-days we call ourselves Christians even though we aren't truly like Christ. It used to be that Christians actually lived out the teachings of Christ. Some even died for it.
-When reading Scripture, constantly bring yourself to the obvious Truth. Search for the deeper meanings, but don't miss the obvious Truth.
-Read the Bible cover to cover and then ask yourself, "According to this book, what is commanded of the church?" WHO CARES ABOUT THE REST! (Amen)
-The church should NEVER gather without there being a tremendous amount of love for one another.
-If you were on an island and unable to be influenced by anyone elses teachings, what would the Holy Spirit teach you about following Christ based upon the time that you spent by yourself reading God's Word?
-The problem that I have with most churches today is that they are so stoppable. Jesus makes it clear that His church is UNstoppable...not even the gates of hell can stand against it.
-If you've heard the voice of the Lord, drown out all of the other voices no matter what.
-Just believe again.
NOTE - This was easily the most powerful thing I've heard in a LONG time. When Frances walked off of the stage you could've heard a pin drop, then someone from the audience approached the stage and insisted that we pray for Frances and the power of his ministry. Then I had to disappear for a while and be with Jesus. God used Frances' words this morning to rock my world. I'm still just indescribably moved by this session.
-Preach the Word, men and women of God. Preach the Word even when it is unpopular.
-I've never read the book of Acts then put down my Bible thinking, "Cool, that's just like our church." Acts 4:13
-We're so educated, yet we're so afraid.
-Courage is what marked the followers of Yahweh from the beginning.
-God expects us to be courageous.
-Now-a-days we call ourselves Christians even though we aren't truly like Christ. It used to be that Christians actually lived out the teachings of Christ. Some even died for it.
-When reading Scripture, constantly bring yourself to the obvious Truth. Search for the deeper meanings, but don't miss the obvious Truth.
-Read the Bible cover to cover and then ask yourself, "According to this book, what is commanded of the church?" WHO CARES ABOUT THE REST! (Amen)
-The church should NEVER gather without there being a tremendous amount of love for one another.
-If you were on an island and unable to be influenced by anyone elses teachings, what would the Holy Spirit teach you about following Christ based upon the time that you spent by yourself reading God's Word?
-The problem that I have with most churches today is that they are so stoppable. Jesus makes it clear that His church is UNstoppable...not even the gates of hell can stand against it.
-If you've heard the voice of the Lord, drown out all of the other voices no matter what.
-Just believe again.
NOTE - This was easily the most powerful thing I've heard in a LONG time. When Frances walked off of the stage you could've heard a pin drop, then someone from the audience approached the stage and insisted that we pray for Frances and the power of his ministry. Then I had to disappear for a while and be with Jesus. God used Frances' words this morning to rock my world. I'm still just indescribably moved by this session.
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