Creative Ideas for Relevant Ministry

Understanding the Role of Community Group Leader

2009-09-09T15:02:00.000-07:00

Leadership Team:

I would like to join in this week's online discussion entitled "Understanding the Community Group Leader's Role". Whether I'm listening to Chip present his plan for Student Ministries or considering how our ministry can become more transformational, I believe Community Groups are the key. And as I consider the potential of our Community Groups, I don't believe it will ever exceed the capacity of our Community Group leaders. As we begin to address this crucial ministry need within our church, I believe we need to...

1) Clearly Define the Role for our Community Group Leaders

2) Get Buy-In From Our Community Group Leaders

3) Train Our Community Group Leaders in Keeping with Our Vision

3) Create Systems for Encouraging and Equipping Our Community Group Leaders

I believe the development of our Community Group leaders is Westwood Church's highest and most immediate priority. Review the below listed information and let me know your thoughts.

Community Group Leadership Understanding the Role

This month in our coaching calls we are asking, “How would you describe your role as a Community Group Leader?” “What terms or descriptions would you use?” Obviously multiple words could be utilized to describe the different aspects of a group leader. And our giftedness or comfort level usually causes us to gravitate more to some than others.

Some of the terms suggested won’t necessarily be unfamiliar to you--like facilitator, host, and Bible study or discussion leader. And, even though each of them may capture certain aspects of what it means to be a group leader, none of them does so fully.

The broader term I would like us to consider is “shepherd”. Though the word itself is familiar to most of us, it’s not one immediately associated with a group leader. Typically we correlate it with the role of a Pastor and the Elders of a church, or with Jesus as the “Good Shepherd.”

But for the same reasons we apply it to a Pastor or an Elder, I think we should adopt in reference group leaders as well. What I hope to accomplish through this communication is to explain why, and hopefully, to enlist your support and commitment.

As we begin to transform the role from simply “group leader” to “shepherd,” we do so because of four key responsibilities which need to be understood and accepted by the leader. And, because of the importance of each of these responsibilities, we believe a group leader can only effectively shepherd twelve or fewer people.

Responsibility #1: A shepherd chooses to KNOW.

Just like a shepherd knows his sheep, a group leader chooses to know her group. She knows their name, their story, and even their needs. In our fractured, mobile world, this knowledge hardly comes naturally. Instead it results from four regular choices the leader must be willing to make:

First, she must be intentional. Think of all the obstacles that stand in the way of the development of relationships. Let me identity just a few.

Obstacle #1: Our world is big and fractured. No longer do we live in small communities with limited mobility, which dictate we will grow-up, live, work, and worship together. Many of us live as part of multiple communities—our neighborhood, our children’s schools, the Little League, our place of employment, our church, etc. Therefore, relationships almost always require the element of intentionality.

Obstacle #2: Our world is busy. Never before have people filled their days with so much. We operate as if we can have it all. And rather than making choices, we continue to perfect the skills of cramming and multitasking. Technology has removed the normal boundaries that used to subdivide our world. Therefore, relationships almost always require the choice of intentionality.

Obstacle #3: Our world is diverse. In the church, our unity is found in Christ. And as the Body of Christ we embrace our diversity of maturity, economics, age, and culture. Yet in such a community, relationships will require intentionality.

Secondly, in order to know her group, the shepherd must be focused. Beyond the obstacles already mentioned, the group leader will need to choose to know her group members on a deeper level than the rest of the Body of Christ. Just like Christ had differing levels of relationship – with the group of 70 followers; the 12 disciples; the group of 3 (Peter, James and John); and the disciple He loved (John) – the group leader will have a distinct relationship with her community group.

And finally, the shepherd understands the power of shared experiences in creating relationship. In our fast-paced “Mc”-world we often forget that great relationships develop over time through shared experiences. It’s journeying together through life’s varying stages – being there through the “shadows of death,” as well as the celebrations of life – that create lasting connection and allow us to really know each other.

Since group leaders choose to know their group (and knowing takes time), it is anticipated that groups will choose to meet as a community for an extended period. But it should also be noted that groups have a life cycle of birth, growth, maturity, and death. Therefore, we recognize that new groups are continually being birthed, as others are being buried. And, because it is relationships that connect group members to each other, we would rather not identify groups by the material being studied.

Responsibility #2: A shepherd assumes RESPONSIBILITY.

A shepherd assumes responsibility for his sheep. A shepherd makes sure the sheep entrusted into his care have green pastures in which to eat, water to drink, a sheltered area to sleep, and protection from potential harm. As group leaders, we assume responsibility for the discipleship of our community group. We want to assist them in maturing and developing as followers of Christ. And as you think of discipleship, let your mind wander beyond the normal boundaries of the formal teaching environment. Rather, think of Jesus walking through life with His disciples. Far more than formal teaching, Christ allowed His journey through everyday life with His disciples to become teaching moments.

Responsibility #3: A shepherd chooses to focus on our MISSION.

A shepherd is purposeful in her work with her sheep. She knows what she’s trying to accomplish. Westwood Church has a Biblical Mission and Vision that provides direction for group leaders, and they are captured in the following three statements.

Statement #1: We love God through relevant worship.

Statement #2: We love others through creating places to belong.

Statement #3: We serve the world through participating in opportunities that make a difference.

For each of these statements, key qualities have been identified which group leaders can nurture through the community group experience.

These qualities are called Westwood Church’s Essential Qualities. They are…

Love God Love Others Serve the World Worshipping Connecting Reaching

Growing Caring Serving

Giving

Further definitions and their relationship to each other are reflected in the attached document entitled “Discipleship Chart”.

Focusing on mission does not necessarily mean the utilization of certain teaching materials. Rather it is nurturing the Essential Qualities through the full community experience. Group leaders are encouraged to pick a focus for their group every three months. Because they know their group and have assumed responsibility for discipleship in the group, leaders can be creative in how each specific quality is nurtured through the community experience. Therefore each group’s focus will be reflected differently. We call this the group’s Discipleship Focus. Every week, Coaching is made available to assist leaders with this component.

In addition to the coaching experience, the Community Groups Team is creating a resource list of materials, experiences, and ideas for each Essential Quality. This will help leaders to generate further creativity.

Responsibility #4: A shepherd chooses to create MOVEMENT.

A shepherd moves his sheep from pasture to pasture to enhance their growth. Staying too long in one place will deplete a particular area’s resources and hinder the sheep’s growth and eventual maturity. As group leaders we too want to create movement – through Westwood Church’s Mission, Vision and Essential Qualities.

Choosing to move the group through the full discipleship experience…

1) Prevents the group from becoming bogged down because of a leader’s or a group’s strengths, weaknesses, likes or dislikes

2) Allows the Community Group to have a balanced experience

3) Allows the full Mission and Vision of Westwood Church to be expressed

Every three months the group leader will be asked to pick a different Essential Quality in a different quadrant of the Discipleship Chart for their group’s quarterly Discipleship Focus.

As mentioned earlier, the application of the Discipleship Focus process is enabled through the coaching experience. Through the coaching experience, group leaders will utilize the creativity and experience of other group leaders to identify and create their own Discipleship Focus plan. The typical agenda for these conversations (either by phone or live) consists of…

1) A relevant discussion topic related to group leadership.

2) An update from each group leader about their group’s identity, issues and previous Discipleship Focus.

3) The identification and brainstorming of each group leader’s next Discipleship Focus.

SWOT - Silver Pines

2009-08-24T12:42:00.001-07:00

Leadership Team Discussion
S.W.O.T Analysis of Community Outreach at Silver Pines Apartment Complex

Thank you to those who responded to the discussion about our Fall/Winter event schedule. Your input will be helpful for the appropriate MATs and Staff to reach a consensus about direction.

I do hope you will choose to participate in these online discussions. Your input matters and it provides the opportunity for us to maximize our MAT, Staff, and Leadership Team meetings.

This week, I would love to get some feedback on our recent outreach at Silver Pines Apartment Complex. On August 13th and 14th we held a VBS for the residents from 9:00 AM to Noon. And on August 14th we held a block party for the complex from 1 to 3 pm. Please give us some feedback.

Please provide you input by clicking on www.ideasforministry.blogspot.com

I know each of you had different exposure to the event. But from your vantage point, even what you hear the Body talking about, what are your thoughts? Your evaluation?

To help with the discussion, I would like your answers to the following questions, utilizing the SWOT analysis.

Please provide you input by clicking on www.ideasforministry.blogspot.com

STENGTHS
1. What were the strengths of the event?
2. Strengths for the Silver Pines Community?
3. Strengths for Westwood Church?

WEAKNESSES
1. What were the weaknesses of the event?
2. Weaknesses for the Silver Pines Community?
3. Weaknesses for Westwood Church?
4. If we did the event again (or one like it), what should we do differently?

OPPORTUNITIES
1. What are some things we didn’t do this time we should consider doing next time?
2. What were some missed opportunities?
3. What can we build upon next time?

THREATS
1. Were there any dangers or threats we need to consider next time we do this event?
2. What could cause this event to fail in the future?
3. What are some threats (From Westwood, Community, Event, Goals, Purposes) we should consider?

Other thoughts or comments regarding this event?

Any other recommendations?

Thank you for interacting in this evaluation.

Please provide you input by clicking on www.ideasforministry.blogspot.com

Fall/Winter Schedule Discussion

2009-08-20T15:33:00.000-07:00

In our Leadership Team meeting Tuesday evening, we discussed our fall/winter schedule. I’m hoping we can continue the discussion online. Take a moment and peruse this document, but go ahead and click on the link and post your comments or ideas on the blog I am utilizing for this purpose.

Christmas Eve

Staff will be putting their final touches on our plan for our Christmas Eve Services. From our discussion it appears there exists strong support for a schedule similar to last year’s. This would consist of…

4:30 PM Family Christmas Eve Children’s Program.

8:30 PM Candlelight Christmas Eve Worship Service

Both services would have coffee, wassail, and Christmas cookies. Kelly M.’s Team would hopefully take on this responsibility. Kelly, do you think we could get a team leader for our Christmas decorations? What do we want to do about the lobby tree? Christie D. in the past has helped in this area. You might want to ask her.

It would also be nice to have carolers outside the front doors before the services. What do you think Dave and the Creative Arts Team?

What do you think about the outside luminaries? Drew K and Facilities, do you think you could put together a small team?

Community Outreach Events

In years past, we have held two major community events on the grounds in the fall and winter. On October 31, we have done our Fall Festival. In December we have held our Winter Wonderland with snow.

We need to answer the following questions.

1) Should we hold 0, 1, or both of the events?

2) Should we hold them at Westwood Church or possibly off-site at Silver Pines Apartment Complex.

3) Winter Garden holds a large event for both these times of year. If we don’t hold our own events, should we participate in these events?

The following thoughts should be considered in our discussion and final decision.

1. We have built some good momentum in our congregation for serving our community. Holding them off campus would allow us to “ride the wave of that enthusiasm.”

2. Each event is expensive and can cost between $2500 - $5,000.

3. There is no major event like we hold done in Pine Hills. Winter Garden and Ocoee both hold such events.

4. Should we consider another area in Pine Hills like the Wayne Densche YMCA?

5. Will our people be willing to come to Silver Pines to participate and work the event?

6. Doing we have a safety issue holding it at Silver Pines?

7. Does Silver Pines have adequate room?

8. If we had to choose one, isn’t Winter Wonderland the most original? After all Fall Festivals are a dime a dozen on Halloween.

9. If we do Fall Festival, should we do it during the daytime? Should we do it on different day than Halloween?

10. Is not holding it at Silver Pines or in Pine Hills good PR to the community about our message of service? Can’t we build some additional momentum from such a plan? Can we not still advertise in our normal zones inviting them to join us in our service to the community?

There is probably much more to consider. But let’s get the discussion started. Let me know what your thinking? Other ideas? Blog ‘em. Leave your comments.

Thanksgiving

What about doing a Thanksgiving picnic at Silver Pines? What about teaming up with a local agency either to bring in food or transport residents to their dinner? What do you think? What contacts do you have? What other ideas do you have?

2009-04-11T05:25:00.000-07:00

On Good Friday, our team created a prayer experience through the utilization of Group's Transformation Stations. Experiencing Jesus' Passion (http://www.group.com/). Though we need to advertise the experience better, those who participated were touched with this self-directed experience of reflection. Below you can get a taste of the experience through the video.

The kit includes the instructions and DVD for the experience.

Christ's Passion Prayer Experience

2009-04-11T05:18:00.000-07:00

Christ’s Passion Prayer Experience
Good Friday, 2009
Initial Review

I wanted to take a moment to give you my initial rundown on the Prayer Experience we held at Westwood Church on Good Friday.

This prayer experience is similar to the Stations of the Cross experience of many traditional Christian congregations. The material we utilize is provided by Group publishing. Most of the materials necessary for the experience we had purchased in previous years and we hold in storage for future events. I need to clarify this year’s cost and overall costs for supplies, etc.

Whitney Rumeau and her family volunteered to set-up the prayer experience. This was the best setup of the room yet. The video on the website can give you a feel for what it look and felt like. I will get from Whitney the time and number of volunteers necessary for setup and teardown.

This year we added the experience of communion in the Prayer Room with one of the staff members. We had very positive feedback on this addition.

The Prayer Experience was open from noon -1 PM and 5 PM – 8:00 PM

Initial Stats

136 participants
26 participants from the community
110 participants from the Body of Westwood Church

26 Guests from the Community
20 of the participants came during the Noon Experience
6 participants came during the Evening Experience
1 guest took the additional step of inquiring and connecting with one of our small groups.
Guests gave very positive feedback on the experience
3 of the guests were reconnections with Westwood from other Westwood experiences.

110 participants from the Body of Westwood Church
47 different families were represented
Good positive feedback
Surprised by the low representation of our Leadership Team. Not sure if this is because oftravel, lack of interest, or not understanding the importance.

Initial Ideas for Next Year
- Improve promotion inside and outside of Westwood

- Consider adding a second site…possibly outside…possibly even downtown Winter Garden…possibly with some other congregations…possibly with the showing of the Passion of Christ Film.

- Impress upon Leadership Team the importance of this weekend’s events. I guess I need to require staff to participate and work the event.

- Does adding the Spring Fling add too much to the weekend? Should we push hard or ration our energy and resources?

Let the Community Speak

2008-06-14T18:25:00.001-07:00

As a pastor, leader, and student of God’s Word, I believe in the tremendous value of learning in the context of community. Obviously, much of that opportunity exists right within my own church. This community specifically is found in...

Two small groups I am part of

Involvement in weekly staff meetings

Monthly meetings with two different leadership teams

But I also believe I need to intentionally add an element of diversity to my community. For example, I see a therapist who is not part of the evangelical community. Hearing a voice from a different perspective is so refreshing in trying to understand who you are. I listen to podcasts outside of ministry and church stuff. Two of my favorites are...

Econ Talk

Entrepreneurs Thought Leaders

I also have recently joined a group of clergy outside of my normal circle. (By the way, it is interesting to hear how they view us “Evangelicals”) These are few ways I allow the community to speak into my life.

I would encourage you to embrace community. But as you do, keep in mind the following...

Real community takes time to develop.

Real community often is messy and at times complicated

Real community values and seeks diversity

Stepping on toes, the possibility of being offended, the realities of hurt are as real as the hearing the broader voice of God and experiencing the encouragement and love of others. Community always challenges us; often changes us; and certainly connects us.

Seek it!

Memorial Service- Non Church Attender

2008-06-14T05:27:00.001-07:00

Here is a rough copy of a memorial service I recently conducted for someone who did not attend church.

Opening Scripture:

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

A memorial service serves as a marker in our lives. In the Old Testament often when God did some great act of deliverance, it would be marked in some way. Often it was done with a pile of stones. It was a monument. It was a pile of rocks.

But it was that pile of rocks that would cause a young Israelite child to ask his father a question. “Dad, why are those rocks piled up over there?” Dad would then proceed to tell the story of God’s movement. “That’s when God...”

These pile of rocks. These simple monuments that scattered the countryside were called “Standing Stones”.

Today as we gather in this place at this time we are reviewing some of the “Standing Stones” of _______________ life.

Those standing stones are captured in the the pictures displayed on the screen and throughout the room.

They are heard in the stories that have and will be told.

They stand tall and prominent in our memories from our shared experiences with _______________.

And as others encounter us...experience us, there will inevitably be those questions generated by each of us being a Standing Stone because of Lee’s impact upon us. His children, his wife, his family and friends, all in different ways testifying to the life of Lee Kasten. Each a Standing Stone telling the story of __________’s life.

As we begin this tour...this recalling...this honoring...

Let us ask for God’s comfort and guidance.

Prayer (Prayer for the family...comfort)

Standing Stones - Lee’s Life

I would like to begin our time together by sharing some of those Standing Stones in our memories from our shared experiences with Lee. Each of us have those memories that “stand out” and tell a little bit of the story of Lee’s life. I would like to encourage you from where you are and share some of those stories, impressions, influences...Standing Stones.

(Have the family & Friends Share stories)

Close with the Poem - The Dash (Selected by the Family)

Standing Stones: Marking the Realities of Life

In Ecclesiastes 3:1-15, the writer of wisdom writes these words...

1 There is a time for everything,

and a season for every activity under heaven:

2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,

3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,

4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,

5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,

7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,

8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

9 What does the worker gain from his toil? 10 I have seen the burden God has laid on men. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. 13 That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God. 14 I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him.

15 Whatever is has already been,
and what will be has been before;
and God will call the past to account. ^[a^]

Just like a hurricane Katrina wreaked devastation in Louisiana reminding us that no matter how advanced intellectually we become as a people, there are some things that are out of control.

Time passes. It is filled with events that at times we influence and others in which we have absolutely no control.

No matter how smart...

No matter how advanced...

No matter our wealth...

No matter our good works...

The passing of time, the aging in life, the sickness in our bodies reminds us that we are not God. There is only one God who is above and beyond all and yet chooses to share with us His hope, His eternal life through the person and work of Jesus Christ.

This memorial service is a “Standing Stone”, a pile of rocks, a monument to reality that we are not absolutely in control of our world. It reminds us that we are not God.

As we navigate this world filled with many things beyond our control, Christ has come blazing into our world, revealing a certain path found in relationship with Him.

Take comfort in these words as Christ’s disciples did as they pondered his impending death.

1"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God^[a^]; trust also in me. 2In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4You know the way to the place where I am going." 5Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" 6Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:1-6)

In our world that at times seems to be marked only by the certainty of passing time, God introduced Christ to reveal the certainty of His love for us and the path to God.

Psalm 23, a Psalm of God’s presence, reminds us of who God in Christ offers to be for us during this time. As I read the Psalm, imagine God saying, being, this to you.

1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.

4 Even though I walk
       through the valley of the shadow of death, ^[a^]
       I will fear no evil,
       for you are with me;
       your rod and your staff,
       they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
       in the presence of my enemies.
       You anoint my head with oil;
       my cup overflows.

6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
       all the days of my life,
       and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
       forever.

Standing Stone: Saying Good Bye

This service also is our Standing Stone marking us saying good bye to ________________ presence upon the earth.

As we look at this time and reflect upon this moment, may we forever remember ___________________ footprint he left in our world. He, like each of us, was made in the image of God and his presence in its own unique way reflected that image. As we mark this moment, may we now take a moment of silence to ponder his impact upon our lives.

(Silent Moment)

As we mark this moment, may we as well take some time to ponder what his death brings to mind. May we each in silence reflect upon the realities of our limitations and that we are not God. May we each reflect upon the certain hope and relationship Christ offers us in this world of uncertainty.

(Silent Moment)

Life at best is short. We brought nothing into this world, and we can carry nothing out. In the midst of life we are in the midst of death. “Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment” (Hebrews 9:27), let us here purpose to seek the Lord with all our hearts and respond to the opportunities of salvation extended through His grace.

The Scriptures say it is “God’s kindness” that “leads us toward repentance (Romans 2:4). And repentance leads us to His greatest gift, the gift of eternal life through the Lord Jesus Christ. May each gift of God’s kindness remind us of His love toward us in Christ. We now say good bye to the bodily presence of _____________; the spirit we leave with God, for “will not the Judge of all the earth do right? (Genesis 18:25) (From Pastor’s Handbook C&MA)

And now..

May the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace (Numbers 6:24-26)

Amen

Wednesday Morning Coffee Outreach

2008-06-12T12:09:00.001-07:00

Since we moved into our new facility 4 years ago, we have been serving coffee on Wednesday mornings from 7:30 to 9:00 PM for passing by cars (our neighbors).

Our objectives have been the following:

Create some visibility for our location.
To meet our neighbors
To provide a regular opportunity for our staff to remember "It's About People!"

Over the last number of years we have discovered the following:

We get regulars. We carry on weekly conversations with many people.
Consistency matters. The usual comment is..."This is so cool. I have driven by many times and always wished I could stop. Today I decided I would."
Some people stop for prayer.
We purposely do not push the church. We have no literature down at the stand. We only answer questions.
We go through about 4 pots of coffee each week.
The value goes beyond who stops. People notice. "Hey, you are those guys who give away the coffee".

Watch the video for some more information, etc.

A Memorial Service for a Life Long Church Attender

2008-06-12T07:04:00.001-07:00

Listed below is a memorial service I did this week for someone I have pastored for almost 18 years. She was 53 years of age and survived by her husband, college age son, and her sister. Two others from my staff assisted with the service. We utlized the Body throughout the service partly because of Karen's strong relationship with the Body of Christ. The information below contains the service flow and the gist of my thoughts. Hope you find it helpful.

Jon

Karen B. Memorial Service
Wednesday, June 11, 2008 @ Woodlawn Funeral Home

Special Music: Gaither Music from CD – Precious Lord Take My Hand

Opening Scripture Sentence
Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies . (John 11:25)

Karen not only believed those words; she not only heard those words; but this week she is experiencing those words.

Because of my 18 year relationship with Karen and her lifetime relationship with Westwood Church, the service this day is both difficult and joyous.

Because Karen so openly shared her heart and life with those around her, I feel great freedom in our time of worship. Therefore, listen as I read those words of Jesus spoken to the loved ones of Lazarus at his death.

Take them as the words of Jesus spoken to you about Karen. And when I finish reading the sentence, will you join with me in offering a “clap” offering to the Lord?

For Karen knew that in the midst of grief, the Words and presence of Christ also bring rejoicing.

Here we go…
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;

(Clap Offering)

Opening Prayer
Even as we rejoice this day in the promises and work of Christ, we still grieve because of the loss of Karen’s presence on this earth with us. And so in the midst of our rejoicing we also acknowledge our pain.

Even as Jesus spoke the Words of Life to Lazarus’ sisters, we also are reminded what Jesus did as he approached the death of his friend Lazarus. In the shortest of all Scripture verses in the Bible the following words are recorded.

Jesus wept

Let that sink in for a moment. Jesus, the Son of God, the Savior of the World, who knows the truth of life and death wept as he approached the tomb of his good friend Lazarus.

What does that mean to us? I believe it reminds us that even though we have this hope of what comes after this life, there is something painful and heart-wrenching about separation for those of us who go on living.

And so we do want to pray for this appropriate grief we feel in the midst of our hope and joy.

Specifically, we want to pray for Orrin, David, & Sylvia. And as we do, I would like to remind Orrin and David of God’s abiding presence.

In Romans 8:16 the Apostle Paul says these Words…

The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.

I pray Orrin, David and Sylvia, during this time of grief you will continually sense the presence of God; you’ll never forget you can call upon your dad; you’ll never forget you can crawl up in His lap and hear him say to you, “Daddy is here. Everything is going to be OK”.

Pastor Dave, will you come and pray for us? Elders, Staff, and others, will you come and gather around Orrin, David, and Sylvia as Pastor Dave prays for them and us.

Prayer (Pastor Dave)
(Emphasis upon God’s comforting presence and Our Hope in Christ Jesus.)

Special Music: Gaither Music from CD – Sitting at the Feet of Jesus

A great question to ask would be, “Why are we here today?”

I would like to mention three primary reasons.

Reason #1: Celebrate God’s Unique and Beautiful Creation of Karen.

We are reminded in the book of Genesis that we are created in the image of God. As we share together the beauty and uniqueness of Karen, we are highlighting how she reflected the image of God.

As family, friends, and the Body of Christ, let’s worship God by sharing some of the ways Karen reflected the image of God…Let’s share the uniqueness of Karen.

(Open Mic for Sharing – Individuals have been prepared to get things started)

Special Music: Gaither Music on CD – Haven of Rest

Reason #2: To be reminded from God’s Word of His promises and our hope in Jesus Christ.
(Jon will introduce each passage. Dan will read them)

Ps 23 – His Comforting Presence
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
(NIV)

John 14:1-6 His Comforting Promise
14:1 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going."
5 Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?"
6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
NIV

Rev 21:1-7 His Comforting Future
21:1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

5 He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."

6 He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. 7 He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son.

Phil 4:11-13 His Comforting Strength
11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

We take comfort in the Promises of God. We take comfort in the work of Christ. Why can we say Karen is with the Lord today? It is not because of her performance. It is because of Christ’s.

He lived the life Karen couldn’t live.
He died the death Karen deserved.
He rose again to life that we desperately long for.

His Work. His performance. He died so we could live.

Reason #3: To Comfort Each Other

As believers in Christ we believe we are the Body of Christ. The Scriptures remind us of our unique and enduring commitment to each other. In I Corinthians 12 Paul says…

The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ.

He goes on to say…

If one part suffers, every part suffers with it;

Orrin, David, and Sylvia, you are not by yourself. Not only do you have the presence of Christ and His promises to bring you comfort, God has given you this Body. As you remain seated, I am going to invite the Body of Christ to gather around you and sing together “Great is Thy Faithfulness” and at the end, I am going to open the floor for the Body to pray for you.

(Pastor Dave, will you close in prayer after others have prayed.)

Graveside Committal Service to Follow

Week 1 - June Series - MyStuff - Concluding Blog

2008-06-05T18:56:00.001-07:00

This was shown on the center screen in the midst of the MyStuff (MySpace) set. It came at the end of the message, forming the application of the message.

MyStuff Character - The Nater (Week #1)

2008-06-05T18:29:00.001-07:00

We created this character to introduce the message each week. Here is the week 1 video. It is meant to look "youtubish". It was shown on the middle screen, in the midst of the MyStuff (MySpace) set. It is meant to look like a video blog.

June 1 - MyStuff Series - Materialism Quotes

2008-06-05T18:28:00.001-07:00

This should give you a taste of what we did. These faded into the center screen on stage. After each was shown, the center screen would go black. As they were going black the side screens would come up with a Scripture about materialism. I think you get the idea. The worship team vamped quietly in the background.

May 31.June 1 Service Agenda - MyStuff

2008-06-05T17:22:00.000-07:00

Service Plan for May 31/June 1

Monthly Theme: MyStuff

Weekly Theme: Consumption

Time alloted for each element will be in the ( )

Pre-service Announcement Slides

1 Minute Countdown (go to our video link to see it)

(4(3) Song & Skit: All I Need (Youth Drama Team)

The Song All I Need is Played with the Lyrics on the middle screen. A couch is placed middle stage. A young couple come in in keeping with the lyrics. As the song progresses talking about all the things that get added to life, characters keep bringing stuff in, piling it around them.

Song: Our God Saves

(4) Song: I Give You My Heart

(3) Scripture Exercise - Materialism/God’s Word

We created an exercise in which quotes and stats were displayed on the middle screen. After each was displayed, it would fade and on the side screens with a simple black background with white letters would appear God’s Word about materialism. The band quietly vamped in the background. The house lights were lowered. It was a time of quiet reflection. I will upload a video of the images.

(4) Song: Enough

Prayer/Giving Statement/Offering

Video - “The Nater”

During the offering, on the center screen is shown the video blog of the character for our “MyStuff” (MySpace) page. He is nicknamed “The Nader”. I will upload the video.

(30) Message: Consumption

We consume much. If we are not careful we will become consumed by what we are consuming. The message utilized the MySpace theme through talking about “Our Profile” in comparison to “God’s Profile” when it comes to material things. The message would flip from looking at our profile, statistics about our materialism, and God’s profile, a scripture verse about materialism. The message climaxes with three observations.

Materialism is pervasive. It’s in our culture, church, families, and lives

Materialism is dangerous. It consumes us.

Materialism is out-of-step with God and the need in our world

The message concludes with an opportunity for admission, confession, and openness to what God has in store for us as a community.

Confessional Video

On the center screen, words begin to by typed. In the background you hear the keys being touched and a voiceover reading the following confession.

As I consider God's perspective on "my stuff," I recognize how pervasive

materialism is in my life. I am not only surrounded by it, but it occupies

my mind and my heart much more persistently and insidiously than I am

consciously aware of most of the time. I am just beginning to comprehend

how dangerous this is from God's view. I confess that my affections have

been set on so many things that draw me away from what is truly important.

I pray, God, that You will continue to open my eyes and teach me what really

matters from Your point of view.

(I will try and upload the video)

(2) Closing Thought and Prayer

Our June Set - MyStuff

2008-06-05T16:49:00.001-07:00

I have included our basic drawing and a rough video of the set. I will update it with some better pics and video next week. On each side of the big screen are plasma screens with flashing images and ads. It turned out pretty cool!

June Message Series Art - MyStuff

2008-06-05T16:03:00.001-07:00

In this video is the Theme artwork, the four message title artworks, and the generic backgrounds for powerpoint. Enjoy but please do not steal. If you would like to utilize them or have them adapted, please contact my good friend Chip at chip@kx-3.com.

June Series Overview - MyStuff

2008-06-05T15:27:00.001-07:00

We have chosen to step away from our Chronological Study of the Life of Christ for our June message series. As we have pondered some of the challenges facing followers of Christ living in Orlando, FL, we thought it would be helpful to do a series on materialism.

Beyond the obvious reason of it being pervasive and a dangerous part of living in American culture, it also affords us the opportunity to address the topic of stewardship in a different way.

We decided to entitle our series “MyStuff” based off of the popular social networking site MySpace. Our set would be built to look like a MySpace page. I will hopefully over the next few days be able to upload some pictures and videos. It did turn out to be pretty cool looking.

In our planning process, we came up with five messages. The first message would make the case for materialism. The next three would be ways in which we deal with materialism. And the fifth message would serve as a bridge back into our Chronological Study. We would pick up where we left off, Matthew 6:19-24, Treasures in Heaven.

The particular format for our messages resides within a quote from John Stott on materialism.

Comfort is dangerous, and we should constantly be re-examining our lifestyle. The New Testament is beautifully balanced on this. Paul avoids both extremes, not least in 1 Timothy 4 and 6. Asceticism is a rejection of the good gifts of the good Creator. Its opposite is materialism—not just possessing material things, but becoming preoccupied with them. In between asceticism and materialism is simplicity, contentment, and generosity, and these three virtues should mark all of us.

It's not a question of rules and regulations about our income, and how many rooms or cars we have. It's these principles of simplicity, contentment, and generosity over against covetousness, materialism, and asceticism that we have to apply to our living all the time. We need to give away what we are not using, because if we don't use it, we don't need it.

John Stott, "CT Classic: Basic Stott," Interview by Roy McCloughry, Christianity Today (1-8-96)

Therefore our messages for the month took on the following form.

Week #1: Consumption - The pervasiveness, danger, and out-of-step of materialism.

Week #2: Plugged In 2 Serving- Developing a new preoccupation of service to engender the virtue of generosity in our lives.

Week #3: A New Footprint - Creating a new footprint that engenders the virtue of contentment.

Week #4: Just Say No - Learning a new word through the discipline of fasting that engenders the virtue of simplicity.

In communicating our theme, there will be a number of common elements that reinforce the message and assist in theme development.

Component #1: A Fun parody type song highlighting the reality of materialism in our lives.

Component #2: A video blog from our MyStuff Profile Character we have nicknamed “The Nater”. He weekly shares his life of materialism with us. I will upload the video so you can see what I am talking about.

Component #3: A concluding blog. When the message finishes, the center stage screen which is part of the set, has words being typed across that contains the application of the message.typing. Their is a voiceover reading the I will upload the video for you to see what I am talking about.

I will begin to upload some of the artwork, set, etc over the next few days. Please feel free to utilize any ideas that you find helpful.