Was watching NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams tonight waiting for the local weather to come on so that I could find out how much snow we are supposed to get in the blizzard tonight (answer: three inches, should totally shut down the city - according to the weather wonks).
The final segment was about a church in Schaumberg, IL named Waterfront Community Church.
The story focused on it's policy of giving away 100% of the offerings.
They meet in the local high school. The pastor's office is a local coffee shop with Internet access. Praise band practices in someones house during the week.
And they use the offerings to help people in need.
All the offerings.
People who need medical help.
People who need financial help.
People who have lost their jobs.
People who need to know Christ.
And this was portrayed on the national news.
They don't have a lot of overhead.
Unlike most churches.
I'll be honest. I don't know how the Pastor is supported and I think there are some other staff.
But I do know this: Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after widows and orphans in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. (James 1:27)
At first glance it looks as though one church has a good start on this verse.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Fan Faves
So I have been busy the last couple of days working on letting people know about Loralie's song being up on Fan Faves at IndieHeaven.
The song that is up is Face of Jesus and we are excited to have it up and exposed to other independent artists.
I view this as all marketing and exposure for her music.
But it does give rise to the question: How much is enough?
For example, between yesterday and today:
We got an email from an outfit in New Zealand that promotes Christian artists and a guy in India that does music transcribing (which we need by the way). And then I had initiated contact with a group that reviews Christian CDs. And got an e-mail back from the guy who runs the review site. And mailed off a package of CD's to Indieheaven on consignment.
And did all the other stuff such as work and try to sleep.
So back to my original question: How much is enough? Part of the problem is that this is all fun and exciting. It is exciting to see how the new exposure of Facebook and IndieHeaven is helping us expose more people to Loralie's music and ministry.
So I guess I will know how much is enough when it gets to be drudgery and not fun. And then I can go back tot he XBox.
The song that is up is Face of Jesus and we are excited to have it up and exposed to other independent artists.
I view this as all marketing and exposure for her music.
But it does give rise to the question: How much is enough?
For example, between yesterday and today:
We got an email from an outfit in New Zealand that promotes Christian artists and a guy in India that does music transcribing (which we need by the way). And then I had initiated contact with a group that reviews Christian CDs. And got an e-mail back from the guy who runs the review site. And mailed off a package of CD's to Indieheaven on consignment.
And did all the other stuff such as work and try to sleep.
So back to my original question: How much is enough? Part of the problem is that this is all fun and exciting. It is exciting to see how the new exposure of Facebook and IndieHeaven is helping us expose more people to Loralie's music and ministry.
So I guess I will know how much is enough when it gets to be drudgery and not fun. And then I can go back tot he XBox.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Gaming
Interesting article by Jim Rosignol over on www.boingboing.net in the Offworld section (view BoingBoing at your own risk but OffWorld is pretty safe).
Jim interviews game designer Ed Stern. Ed has designed several outstanding video games including "Return to Castle Wolfenstein". Any way, Ed makes the comment that all too often game designers try to design for the "in crowd" of hardcore gamers instead of the the community of gamers at large. There are the in jokes and designs in the games that many casual gamers just don't get or appreciate.
Ed even argues against innovation to a certain degree, saying that if you want to bring in more people you have to have things at least partly familiar.
As I read the article I was reminded of how similar this is to the Christian experience. We become so familiar with our own vocabulary and rituals that we fail to realize how outsiders might feel when they visit our churches and services. To the unchurched, a typical worship service in a typical church can be almost incomprehensible.
Add in something like communion and many first time visitors will be out the door never to return.
And I am not sure that the so called "seeker sensitive" services are the entire answer either. I have heard it many times that the goal of our evangelistic efforts is to get our neighbors to come to church with us.
I think that is the wrong approach. We need to get people to Christ. First. Foremost. Always.
And too many times church is a hindrance to getting people to Christ.
Time to go check out Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter...
Jim interviews game designer Ed Stern. Ed has designed several outstanding video games including "Return to Castle Wolfenstein". Any way, Ed makes the comment that all too often game designers try to design for the "in crowd" of hardcore gamers instead of the the community of gamers at large. There are the in jokes and designs in the games that many casual gamers just don't get or appreciate.
Ed even argues against innovation to a certain degree, saying that if you want to bring in more people you have to have things at least partly familiar.
As I read the article I was reminded of how similar this is to the Christian experience. We become so familiar with our own vocabulary and rituals that we fail to realize how outsiders might feel when they visit our churches and services. To the unchurched, a typical worship service in a typical church can be almost incomprehensible.
Add in something like communion and many first time visitors will be out the door never to return.
And I am not sure that the so called "seeker sensitive" services are the entire answer either. I have heard it many times that the goal of our evangelistic efforts is to get our neighbors to come to church with us.
I think that is the wrong approach. We need to get people to Christ. First. Foremost. Always.
And too many times church is a hindrance to getting people to Christ.
Time to go check out Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter...
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Living Water: Pregnancy of the Holy Spirit
Chapter five of Living Water by Brother Yun this morning.
Interesting chapter (as usual). The author uses the story of Mary becoming pregnant through the Holy Spirit as his primary illustration.
Brother Yun makes the statement: "Do you realize that God wants all Christians to be pregnant with the Holy Spirit today? He wants to give you a vision for His kingdom that originates from Heaven, not from yourself. He desires that all of His children would be overshadowed by His presence in such a way that they are changed and give birth to something in their lives that brings many into His kingdom."
I think that the idea of being "pregnant with the Holy Spirit" is a tough thing for men in particular to relate to. I think that it is much easier for women to relate to especially when the metaphor turns to giving birth.
Unfortunately I think that today many people are not seeking the Holy Spirit in their lives. They are content to do the religious activity that is often required by the organized church and not truly seek God's will in their lives. To many, "worship" is an hour or so obligation each week where they want to be entertained. They watch the praise band perform because they don't know the words to the songs. They listen to a lecture from center stage. They smile fake smiles and say fake things and then go home and live life as if they don't know Christ.
They are the Christians who have found Christ and pulled out the lawn chair and plopped down and said: "Made it. Wake me when Christ returns. Let me know if you need anything."
And then if the church calls they may be willing to go to work if it doesn't get too spiritual.
Again to quote Brother Yun: "Today much Christian activity seems to originate with human plans, and it is then carried out in human strength with human results. It has nothing to do with the Kingdom of God."
Unfortunately, I have seen far too many church projects bathed with a minimum of prayer and then presented to "the body" as the Lord's will and then miserably fail because they are actually our human wants and desires and not actually God's will.
The last quote from the book for today: "Unfortunately, there are many in the church today who will do all they can to stamp out your call and enthusiasm for the Lord." I have experienced this first hand.
This comes under the guise of: "We've never done it that way before." or "We've prayed about it and it is not the Lord's will." or "We have to make things suitable for the community." or "You'll have to go through training." or "What you want to do just won't work out." or any of a hundred other excuses to just keep on keeping on and not seek the Lord's will for His Church.
And we have to keep that in mind: It is His Church, not our church.
Interesting chapter (as usual). The author uses the story of Mary becoming pregnant through the Holy Spirit as his primary illustration.
Brother Yun makes the statement: "Do you realize that God wants all Christians to be pregnant with the Holy Spirit today? He wants to give you a vision for His kingdom that originates from Heaven, not from yourself. He desires that all of His children would be overshadowed by His presence in such a way that they are changed and give birth to something in their lives that brings many into His kingdom."
I think that the idea of being "pregnant with the Holy Spirit" is a tough thing for men in particular to relate to. I think that it is much easier for women to relate to especially when the metaphor turns to giving birth.
Unfortunately I think that today many people are not seeking the Holy Spirit in their lives. They are content to do the religious activity that is often required by the organized church and not truly seek God's will in their lives. To many, "worship" is an hour or so obligation each week where they want to be entertained. They watch the praise band perform because they don't know the words to the songs. They listen to a lecture from center stage. They smile fake smiles and say fake things and then go home and live life as if they don't know Christ.
They are the Christians who have found Christ and pulled out the lawn chair and plopped down and said: "Made it. Wake me when Christ returns. Let me know if you need anything."
And then if the church calls they may be willing to go to work if it doesn't get too spiritual.
Again to quote Brother Yun: "Today much Christian activity seems to originate with human plans, and it is then carried out in human strength with human results. It has nothing to do with the Kingdom of God."
Unfortunately, I have seen far too many church projects bathed with a minimum of prayer and then presented to "the body" as the Lord's will and then miserably fail because they are actually our human wants and desires and not actually God's will.
The last quote from the book for today: "Unfortunately, there are many in the church today who will do all they can to stamp out your call and enthusiasm for the Lord." I have experienced this first hand.
This comes under the guise of: "We've never done it that way before." or "We've prayed about it and it is not the Lord's will." or "We have to make things suitable for the community." or "You'll have to go through training." or "What you want to do just won't work out." or any of a hundred other excuses to just keep on keeping on and not seek the Lord's will for His Church.
And we have to keep that in mind: It is His Church, not our church.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Working
New windows are in!
And they look great!
I think the thing that most impressed me about the whole process was the crew.
They were great ambassadors for the company even though they were subcontractors to handle the installation.
They showed up early. Grandpa, his two sons and grand daughter.
They were genuinely concerned that we like the windows and not just the installation.
They were quick to joke and poke fun at each other but they didn't goof off.
I thanked each of them for the work they did and each of them said "thank you for the business".
They were done early.
They did good work and they obviously took pride in the quality of their work.
Some workers seem to think that we should be grateful that they see fit to come out and do the work. Not these guys.
Really a pleasure. Now we just have to get rid of the fishbowl...
And they look great!
I think the thing that most impressed me about the whole process was the crew.
They were great ambassadors for the company even though they were subcontractors to handle the installation.
They showed up early. Grandpa, his two sons and grand daughter.
They were genuinely concerned that we like the windows and not just the installation.
They were quick to joke and poke fun at each other but they didn't goof off.
I thanked each of them for the work they did and each of them said "thank you for the business".
They were done early.
They did good work and they obviously took pride in the quality of their work.
Some workers seem to think that we should be grateful that they see fit to come out and do the work. Not these guys.
Really a pleasure. Now we just have to get rid of the fishbowl...
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Fishbowl
I am excited!
New windows come tomorrow! It will be nice to get rid of these cheap builder's grade, broken, vinyl windows and get new, energy efficient replacement windows. I am also looking forward to lower utility bills both in the summer and winter.
One problem with all this is that we have to clear access to all the windows being replaced. Not a big problem, just takes a little bit of time to move some furniture and clear the window sills.
The other problem is a bit bigger and I am not quite sure what to make of it. We have to take down all the window coverings and hardware. It really brightens up the house. And it really seems like it lets people see in.
We are replacing the kitchen, dining room, laundry room and my office windows.
It kind of feels like people can really see in. I feel like I need to watch what I do.
But isn't this how I should live my life everyday? Like everything can be seen and the people around me can see everything I do? God tells us that nothing is hidden from Him and all will be made known.
All too often I hide behind the curtains and ignore my neighbors and those around me. I erect barriers that keep others from getting to know me. These barriers are flimsy at best.
Don't get me wrong. I do not think that we should eliminate all curtains. I just think that I need to start living my life like all the curtains are gone.
What kind of changes would there be in your life if you lived that way? How would the world look if we all lived that way? And would we have the courage to live that way?
New windows come tomorrow! It will be nice to get rid of these cheap builder's grade, broken, vinyl windows and get new, energy efficient replacement windows. I am also looking forward to lower utility bills both in the summer and winter.
One problem with all this is that we have to clear access to all the windows being replaced. Not a big problem, just takes a little bit of time to move some furniture and clear the window sills.
The other problem is a bit bigger and I am not quite sure what to make of it. We have to take down all the window coverings and hardware. It really brightens up the house. And it really seems like it lets people see in.
We are replacing the kitchen, dining room, laundry room and my office windows.
It kind of feels like people can really see in. I feel like I need to watch what I do.
But isn't this how I should live my life everyday? Like everything can be seen and the people around me can see everything I do? God tells us that nothing is hidden from Him and all will be made known.
All too often I hide behind the curtains and ignore my neighbors and those around me. I erect barriers that keep others from getting to know me. These barriers are flimsy at best.
Don't get me wrong. I do not think that we should eliminate all curtains. I just think that I need to start living my life like all the curtains are gone.
What kind of changes would there be in your life if you lived that way? How would the world look if we all lived that way? And would we have the courage to live that way?
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Water Bottle
On Tuesday, the Print Shop had an open house to show off a bunch of new equipment and processes. I send pallets and pallets of paper there every month.
I went over to see a couple of paper vendors that I do a lot of business with and I picked up some samples of various products that they sell.
The next day my guys went over to do the morning pick up and delivery and the Print Shop people gave them some stuff the vendors had left for our department. I got a nice notebook.
Later that day one of my guys was showing me all the other stuff he had got. There was a really dumb paper car (dust collector) that made noise and a really cool stainless steel water bottle.
I instantly thought "Where is mine?" although I didn't say anything. Other thoughts ran through my mind like: " I do a ton of business with those guys, why didn't I get a water bottle too?" and "What if one of the guys swiped mine?"
I was kind of steamed for a bit.
Until I realized something: ITS ONLY A STUPID WATER BOTTLE!
And it was not a big deal. I can go buy one if I need one. And I don't need one.
I was not slighted in this and if I was so what?
See, all too often we covet junk just for junk's sake. I am just as guilty (if not more so) as everyone else. But I need to learn to be content with everything. And I need to rejoice with my guys that they got a nice gift.
So I repented of my greed in this matter and I hope that I learned my lesson (probably not though, I seem to be a pretty slow learner in some things.
And Father's day is in June so I can add a stainless steel water bottle to my wish list.
And I'll be happy with just a card.
I went over to see a couple of paper vendors that I do a lot of business with and I picked up some samples of various products that they sell.
The next day my guys went over to do the morning pick up and delivery and the Print Shop people gave them some stuff the vendors had left for our department. I got a nice notebook.
Later that day one of my guys was showing me all the other stuff he had got. There was a really dumb paper car (dust collector) that made noise and a really cool stainless steel water bottle.
I instantly thought "Where is mine?" although I didn't say anything. Other thoughts ran through my mind like: " I do a ton of business with those guys, why didn't I get a water bottle too?" and "What if one of the guys swiped mine?"
I was kind of steamed for a bit.
Until I realized something: ITS ONLY A STUPID WATER BOTTLE!
And it was not a big deal. I can go buy one if I need one. And I don't need one.
I was not slighted in this and if I was so what?
See, all too often we covet junk just for junk's sake. I am just as guilty (if not more so) as everyone else. But I need to learn to be content with everything. And I need to rejoice with my guys that they got a nice gift.
So I repented of my greed in this matter and I hope that I learned my lesson (probably not though, I seem to be a pretty slow learner in some things.
And Father's day is in June so I can add a stainless steel water bottle to my wish list.
And I'll be happy with just a card.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
