Emergent Brethren

I absolutley love reading Mark Batterson’s blog and highly recommend it to you!  Here is a link to another blog that has a novel idea that I thought would resonate with many Brethren….  http://www.junkycarclub.com/

Yesterday, my church had a prayer meeting for the fire situation in California. One news report this morning said that more people have been evacuated in Southern California than those evacuated for Katrina. I don’t know if that is true, but over 500,000 evacuees is the largest number ever in California history. The fires this week have been much worse than those of 4 years ago.

I was asked to create 4 prayer experiences for the prayer service today. It was a short-notice affair. I’m sending them on to you, in case you would like to add your prayers to those of others in the midst of this tragedy.

I created 4 stations: one each for those who have been displaced (victims.doc & fire prayer requests.doc), emergency personnel (firefighters.doc), our own feelings and emotions (our feelings.doc), and an offering table (our response.doc).

After I printed out the prayer requests, I burned the edges of the paper to make it look like the requests came right out of the fire.

I’ve also attached some pictures to give you an idea of my set-up. After I took the picture of the offering station, we added some small material items (bottle of water, tooth brush, tooth paste, kleenex, etc.) to symbolize one way we are giving.

If you use these ideas, or modify them, please let me know!

Blessings to you,
Jeff

Prayer Station Signs

Pictures of the Prayer Stations

At Community of Joy, I am working hard to change our perspective on church… we just bought our first property in May and moved into it in July.  We call it a Ministry Center NOT a church!

Yesterday in both of our worship gatherings, we dedicated our new ministry center. It is an exciting step in the journey. Here are some of the key components of our dedication….

Leader: To some people this building looks like a church. It is NOT! It is a ministry center. WE are the church. This ministry center is a place where people can find God’s love, hospitality, hope, healing and peace, as they meet Jesus here or elsewhere through the various ministries of which we are apart.

All: We dedicate this ministry center to continuing the work of Jesus in our community and world.

Leader: May this building be a tool for the work of ministry to which God has called us. And may it never be more important or matter more than the people who come through it’s doors or live around it’s border both near and far. May this place truly be a place where relationships matter!

All: We dedicate this ministry center to continuing the work of Jesus in our community and world. Thanks be to God!

Greetings from South Central Indiana! Jeff asked me to share about a new service concept we’ve developed and are finally launching November 4, 2007, here at Grandview COB.

We’ve observed that with a blended service format, no one ever is very happy, yet congregations strongly resist two services for various reasons. We believe God has given us an inspired solution and are interested in connecting with others who may be on the same path.

Basically, the first third of the service is strictly traditional worship with responsive reading, hymns, etc. The second third is the sermon. The third third is the contemporary worship elements. Thus, those wanting a traditional service format attend the first 2/3 of the service. Those wanting a contemporary service format attend the second 2/3 of the service. Everyone is gathered together for the sermon, so they still feel like one body. We will have a transition with a count-down video and greeting one another before the sermon section. We will transition after the sermon with ministry time and some transitional songs/videos before moving into contemporary praise time. Anyone can stay for the whole service as well.

Children’s Sunday School and Children’s Church are moving into a format of 1/2 hour blocks so children can arrive or leave at transitional times. Adult Sunday School coordinates with the traditional 2/3. Weeknight small group meetings are offered for those attending the contemporary 2/3.

Offerings during both first and third worship times (finance loves us for this!). Church family events like baptism or baby dedication will take place during the middle sermon third.

We’re basically a traditional congregation that needs to grow. We’re very excited about the possibilities. We’re convinced God hasn’t given this idea to just us though, and would love to hear from others who may be doing something similar.

Blessings,

Lisa G. Yoder

Are there any videographers out there? The Congregational Life Team of the Church of the Brethren General Board is sponsoring a video contest for next year’s Annual Conference. The winning video on the 300th anniversary theme will be featured on the floor of Annual Conference either during business or worship.

Each video submitted must be no longer than 3 minutes. More information can be found on the attached entry forms or you may contact me. Submissions are due February 1, 2008 to me. Please send a dvd of your creation to:

Jeff Glass
5460 Gilbert Dr.
San Diego, CA 92115

So, I invite you to be thinking about next year’s theme: Surrendered to God – Transformed in Christ – Empowered by the Spirit; John 12:24-26a and be creative with your talent!

I’m excited about this project to celebrate our church’s anniversary! If you know of anyone who might submit a video, please download the forms and pass them on to your friend.

Blessings to you,
Jeff Glass

300th Video Contest Entry Form