What if there was a place...

I've been working on writing a paragraph about the "history" of actionchurch for the new website. (Josiah will be launching it soon and it rocks!) I came across the first thing I ever put on the website nearly two years ago. Before this blog...before we had a single person committed to joining us in this adventure...

What if there was a place…

• Where you could be yourself and still fit in.


• That cared more about doing good in the community, than looking good to the community?


• That would never lecture you, bore you, or waste your time?


• Where your skills and experiences could actually make a difference in York county -no matter who you are?


• Where each week you heard one practical idea of how to live a more satisfying, meaningful life- instead of being overloaded with pointless information.
  

What if that place turned out to be a church? -January 2007.

I though it would be appropriate to post it again on this final day of 2008 because it is happening...there is "such a place"... we're living out that dream...with God, nothing is impossible.

Above all else...

As I evaluate the great things that God has done at actionchurch this year I keep coming back to this verse.

Mathew 6:33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

It's a common verse...one that churches often teach their people. Since most churches think of themselves as being the "Kingdom of God", the teaching usually goes something like this: "Seek the work of the church above all else...give your tithes and offerings to the church first...think about your commitment to the church first...live righteously...and God will give you everything you need."

I've come to understand that this verse is so much "bigger" than a command for individuals to show up, pay up, and serve in the local church. I believe the "Kingdom of God" is much bigger than "a" church...or even "all" Churches. The "Kingdom of God" is God's ultimate plan for earth...all of it...for everyone! And the command (and the promise that goes along with it) doesn't just apply to individuals...it applies to churches also!

If I had to "explain" what is happening at actionchurch...how a ten-month old "renegade" church plant could have held our last service of the year in a packed out (over 170 people Sunday), "pimped out":-) facility like club 19...the miracle of us even existing at this point. I can only explain it like this: " Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need."

When we put the "Kingdom" above actionchurch...when we gave money to those who needed it in our first Easter service (link) even though we were struggling to pay the bills...when we chose to support those who battled cancer instead of just worrying about how we were going to survive as a church plant (link)... When we chose to give away coffee at the County Fair (link)...when we chose to feed those who have less than us at thanksgiving (link)...when you all GENEROUSLY chose to give a deserving family a brand new start this Christmas (link)...when we put the "Kingdom of God" above all else...God gave us everything we need...and a whole lot more!

Wow...it's amazing to even look back and think of all the "Kingdom" things that we have accomplished together as a church. It's amazing that we even had time to think about the "care and feeding" of actionchurch. But I'm convinced that is our "secret" of success...and our hope for the future. I can't wait to see what happens in the coming year as we trust God to give us what we need...and seek to do the work of his Kingdom...above all else!

Possible new years resolution...

Outside...

Inside...

(the "junk drawer" of actionchurch)

I'm not one to make "New Year's resolutions" but I'm considering "resolving" to clean out my briefcase... Sure it looks sweet on the outside :-) but it is starting to get a bit messy inside. I hate to get rid of anything in there though because everything in it is needed at some point on Sunday...

What's on your "to do" list for '09?

Sunday Recap: "No Church" edition.

Today was our scheduled "bye week" at actionchurch. I'm happy with the decision to cancel the service that falls between Christmas and New Years Day...it's a good policy for us...and I plan to do the same next year. I've preached for 40+ weeks straight...our volunteers have the same "record" of showing up and working hard to make actionchurch happen each Sunday...the break was nice...I've had some much needed "down" time to think, plan, and sort some things out. But I absolutely missed church today!

I can't wait for the opportunity to have my skull pounded by loud and heavy music on Sunday morning. (Chambered on Stage next week!) I can't wait to hang with the actionchurch crew. I can't wait to share some of the stuff I've been learning about prayer over the last few weeks... I miss the excitement that comes from witnessing all of the elements that make up a Sunday morning service "come together". I'm looking forward to catching up with the great folks that make up the actionchurch crowd. I can't wait to see what God is going to do through our "little for now" church-in-a-nightclub in 2009. I "missed" going to church today...and that's one of the nicest feelings I've ever had.

Jesus Is The Reason For The Season?

Merry Christmas to everyone...here's a few thoughts from actionchurch's Chief Creative Officer- Josiah

If you attended a christmas eve service last night you may have been reminded that: "Jesus is the reason for the season." I attended two different services because I needed reminded of that twice... (No, not really, I am just a good boyfriend and a good son)

It made me think though. This time of year is already crowded with tv ads from Target, donation pleas from food banks, emails from African princes, and church's trying to get you to come to their christmas eve service. Do you ever feel like Jesus is being sold for Christmas right along with the Tickle-Me-Elmo's, Wii's, and cowboy boots? I am not disputing that Jesus came to earth at this time of year, or that we should be thankful that he was sent.

But I, like most other Americans, just try my best to ignore advertising and its various messages now. We all have become callus to companies and churches trying to sell us what they believe we need. Even the message of "Don't forget what Christmas is really about" needs another message on top to remind me to "Don't ignore the 'don't forget what Christmas is really about' message."

I think the best present we can give our neighbors is not an invitation to a christmas eve service, but maybe a friendly invitation to coffee and christmas cookies at our house Nobody cares if you figured out a clever catch phrase to put on your church sign. Let's stop selling Jesus 1 month out of the year, and start showing some love that Jesus showed to our neighbors all the time.

Merry Christmas.

Josiah

Thanks to all the great actionchurch crowd & crew...enjoy time with your families...take the week off...or take in a service at one of the fine churches in York County. Merry Christmas!

See you on 1.04.09 for the big 09 kick-off!

(w)rapper...

Yeah, I'm a "wrapper"...(not that kind, although I do "rock the mike like a vandal") I'm the wrapper at our house. I wrap up the Christmas gifts. I actually enjoy it. I like to make each gift look great...I like to be creative with the packaging to preserve the "surprise". (I'm so glad I'm not saying this on stage...because I'm sure Josiah would have some comment about that "mental image".)

I was thinking yesterday as I "wrapping" though, that Michele and "Grandpa" actually purchased 95% of the gifts. (She actually purchases 100% of the gifts that people actually enjoy each year ...including hers!) Someone else did most of the work...found the "perfect" gift...stood in the check out line...made the purchase. I'm just lucky enough to get to "wrap it up" and put it under the tree...'cause I HATE shopping!

I've been thinking that I am a "wrapper" on Sunday mornings at actionchurch as well. I don't "create" the truths I get to "wrap up and put under the tree" each Sunday. I just get to create a little "surprise" with my "wrapping". I don't actually do the things that are making actionchurch the great "gift" to our community that it is becoming each week...you do! You create the atmosphere, fill (and set up) the chairs, play the music, make the coffee, welcome the guests, design the graphics, teach the "kidz", tell your friends, pay the rent, set up the signs, ..."run the show". Thanks for letting me "wrap it up" each week...it's an honor...and a real pleasure.

More pics from Sunday

Jerry and the ac all-stars kickin' it off!

Here's a link to some new pics from Asheley Z. She uses a thing called a camera to take pictures instead of our phones like Garrett and I, weird... :-) (link for sunday gallery)

Dave surprising Michele and I with a gift from you all...thank you!

Sunday Recap: Christmas Finale edition.

Glow sticks and Silent Night...

Today was the final week of the Christmas "at the movies" series...and the final Sunday morning of actionchurch this year. (No Service on 12/28). Today's movie was "A Christmas Story" and I talked about God being a "BB gun God"...like the father in the movie...a God that has our best interests at heart and knows what will truly make us satisfied and happy in life...a God who gives "Good Gifts. I talked about God not being a "Bunny Suit God"...how we can trust him...if we follow him we won't end up miserable and embarrassed if our friends "see us". Religion is a "bunny suit"...following Jesus leads to a "BB gun" life. We ended the day singing "Silent Night" and thanking God for the ultimate "BB gun" gift...Jesus.

ac all-stars crankin' out the funky Christmas!

• ac all-stars on stage today...they tore the place down with some serious "funky Christmas!" I love the fact that "Run Run Rudolph" (Chuck Berry) makes the set list on Sunday morning...the all-stars are a party from the moment they hit the stage. Jerry, Lynn, Steve, Roy and Rod...thank you all for being simply the best "house band" we could wish for. (Be looking for them onstage in February for our Birthday Bash!)
• It might have been snowy outside but we were packed this morning...It's really amazing to see the place filled only 8 weeks after our move to Club 19...we are nearing capacity...but you guys keep bringing your friends and we will free up as many seats as necessary! You can count on it.
• Thanks to Tammi from Bridge of Hope for giving us an update today on the absolutely amazing makeover you all made possible. Everyone that bought a present, a cleaning supply, a household item, furniture, made a donation to cover the electronics and appliances... YOU changed the life of a family this week. Thanks you all!

Pez and oreos for me...thanks!
(check out Jerry's "christmas red" amp and guitar in the background.)

• For the Record I was not wearing a "women's coat" today :-) I'm going to wrap myself in Velvet!
• Thanks to all of you who surprised Michele and I with such a generous cash gift...and oreos and pez for me! It was really unexpected and touching...I really feel like we get a gift every week by getting to be a part of something like actionchurch. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.
• It made me laugh when Dave said "Michele handles the money of the church"...and then she proceeded to drop the cash all over the stage :-) Trust me, she's a lot more careful when it comes to deposits and offerings:-)
• What a great way to end the year...I'm going to miss church next week...but I really am going to enjoy the break...look for us to come ROARING back on January 4!
• Kirsten is a Cookie artist! All hail the "Santa cog" cookie! I believe cookie dough is the ultimate artistic medium...
  

"Santa Cog" Cookie!

• Today was seriously "action packed"...thanks to Josiah and Garrett for making the service "move" and actually fit into our one hour "time slot". Thanks to all the Sunday morning Crew for packing everyone in...for showing up early when lot's of people wouldn't show up at all because of the weather...for making actionchurch happen!
• Thanks to Garrett for I-phone pics...
• 

Garrett- stage manager, donut destroyer, Iphon-ographer

I double dog dare you...

...to not miss the final Sunday morning at actionchurch in 2008 this weekend. (No service on 12/28). This Sunday is the final week of the "at the movies" Christmas edition...and I get to talk about my favorite holiday movie, "A Christmas Story". Jerry and the ac all-stars have got an amazing "funky Christmas" line up planned ... (there's James Brown and Chuck Berry in the Set list). I'll? be giving you a full report about the outcome of the Extreme Christmas Makeover. And, to top it all off, we are putting an "actionchurch twist" on the "traditional" candlelight service to end the year. The weather is probably going to be "frightful"...it doesn't matter...bring a friend...ski in if you have to...don't miss it!

Here's the original theatrical trailer from "A Christmas Story" to get you "in the spirit":

"Family Values"

Reagan (5) and I were watching one of her cartoons earlier this week when I flipped past an old Tom and Jerry episode on Cartoon Network. I stopped and said "let me show you a 'good' cartoon from when Daddy was a little boy". ...of course she loved the "cute little mouse and the mean cat". ...of course she wants to tivo all of the old episodes and watch them. What I didn't remember is that the "cute little mouse and mean cat" smoke, drink, light each other on fire...and shoot each other with pistols. (Itchy and Scratchy "old school"). Maybe the "good old days" weren't as "good" as we remembered...

When "Santa falls off the Roof"

I've heard from so many of you this week. You've been telling me your story of "when Santa fell off the roof" in your life....when dramatic "incidents and accidents" changed everything in your life...when you were faced with a choice to either respond in faith (and trust that God knew what he was doing) or in fear (and run away). Thanks so much for sharing!

So for all of you out there wondering if God has a plan...if you're facing a disaster, or an opportunity to see God do something incredible...here's a little encouragement (courtesy of "The Santa Clause").

Go ahead..."climb the ladder", "put on the Suit", trust God and "fly away".

(the "scary" part)

Go through the "changes"...face the doubters...follow through.

(this part is the "toughest")

God designed you from the very beginning...a unique plan...to serve him by serving others!

(the very best part...)

Where ever you are at in this "story" know that you are not alone...don't give up...don't lose faith..no matter how dark your circumstances seem. You were born for this!

34 Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.” 35 The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. 36 What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she’s now in her sixth month. 37 For nothing is impossible with God. 38 Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her. Luke 1:34-38 NLT

Thank you note...

(Link to original list and info)

Next Saturday afternoon (12/20) Bridge of Hope volunteers will be placing all of our donated items in the home of our "adopted family" (the family will be out for the day). Best Buy will be delivering and installing a brand new GE Washer and Dryer...dozens of presents will be put under the tree...bedrooms will be "made over" with all the furnishings you have donated...new clothing ready to be unwrapped and put in the closets...a brand new dining room table and chairs will be set up...the living room will be furnished for the first time with a new futon, coffee table and television...the kitchen will fully stocked and ready to prepare family meals. They will have a deep freeze...a new x-box 360...(2) handheld Nintendo DS's under the tree...a packet of gift certificates for car car and hair cuts...stuff they need now...stuff they never dreamed of actually owning...other stuff that they have needed but done without for years. In short, this Saturday, because of you, everything will change for this family.

I'm looking forward to giving a "full report" of the big day on Sunday. I won't be able to share pictures or video because we want to preserve "our" mom's anonymity...we want this to truly be an extravagant gift to a needy stranger...no strings attached! I couldn't wait 'till Sunday to say a few words of thanks to you all.

Thanks for caring about the needs of a stranger.
Thanks for being so generous and faithful in difficult financial times.
Thanks for returning your gift and tags...no one "knew" who took each tag...yet almost all of the tags came back with the gift or items attached (we are purchasing the few missing items this week.)
Thanks for actually giving above and beyond what you were challenged to do. I can't tell you how many gifts came back with " a little something extra"
Thanks for continuing to support actionchurch financially-allowing us to purchase the appliances and large ticket items as a church family. (and pay the rent :-)

Above all else Thank you for being part of this thing we call actionchurch...whether you are in "blog world" or show up on Sunday...you folks are the reason we are able to be a church that even attempts something like this Extreme Christmas Makeover...without you none of this happens. Thank you!

Introduction- vs -Information

Recently something has occurred to me about what is happening at actionchurch. Every person in our growing crowd is there because someone introduced them to our gathering. They didn't read and informational brochure (there aren't any), they didn't see or hear an "information packed" advertisement about us (there haven't been any since our launch in February). Call it "word of mouth"...call it "viral marketing"... one thing is sure, there is huge power in people introducing their friends and family to something...or someone. Our world is flooded with "information" but "introduction" is still the most powerful method of change.

I've come to trust the power of introduction over information to not only bring people to actionchurch...but to communicate the good news of Jesus to them. People who are thirsty don't need "information" about the chemical properties of water...they need a drink. People involved in a car accident don't need a physics lecture about momentum and inertia...they need someone to pull them from the wreckage and tend to their injuries. People who come to actionchurch don't necessarily need more "information" about God...they need to be introduced to the one who created them...loves them beyond their understanding...and sees possibilities for their future they could never imagine. I've come to trust less in my ability to "explain" God and the Bible...less in communicating a "formula" for salvation...and more in the Spirit of God to change hearts and lives. It's about introduction...not information.

Thanks to all of you who introduce your friends and family to a "church for people who don't like church". A place that "everyone is accepted, and anything is possible". Your introduction is more powerful than you may ever know!

Sunday Recap: At the movies (The Santa Clause)

Metal Wreath
Metal Band!

Today was a "very merry metal Christmas" service at actionchurch. I talked about "what to do when Santa falls off the roof...when Destiny calls...when God moves and everything changes." So many people wonder if their "destiny" is already written...if they've missed their chance to do something great...if they've messed up too much to be part of Gods plan. Today I told folks that "Destiny" moments still happen...they're often disguised as "problems", our choice is whether we are going to respond with fear...or faith-like Mary, and Joseph...and Scott in the movie "The Santa Clause". "When Santa falls off the roof we have a choice...whether to run away... or climb the ladder, jump in the sleigh...and fly away.

The Highlights:

Extreme! Christmas Makeover...

• It was absolutely inspiring to see the gifts pour in today for our "adopted family"...the action bus is filled with really great stuff... including a brand new dining room table and chairs...gift after gift for the children...lots of stuff for mom's kitchen. A new futon for the living room...too much stuff to list...actionchurch folks are simply the best...so generous! I'm looking forward to giving everyone an update about the "reveal" next week.
• Chambered on Stage... O holy moly these guys brought it hard today! I have to get a copy of the recording today of their version of "O come, O come Emmanuel". It was so heavy...so powerful. We are probably the only church in America today that had a "Five Finger Death Punch" (Never enough) song...and a Christmas Carol in the set list...I love this band, and I love being part of actionchurch!
• Josiah made the most "Deadly" sharp wreath out of twisted shards of galvanized roofing...it was so cool...and you could literally kill someone with it if you had too. (not sure why you would need to...but you could)
• Speaking of Josiah it was great to have him back doing his thing this week...even though he made me laugh and lose my place during the service... you had to be there.
• This week we had an even bigger lighted deer on stage than last week...along with lots of other assorted Christmas "crap". Our stage looks like the most "decorated home in the trailer park"...no offense to trailer parks. :-)

• Crystal made a much less "deadly" but really amazing fabric actionchurch "cog" ornament...we have some really creative folks...Thanks!

  
• I heard we were setting up chairs as folks came in...today was our highest attendance ever as a church...hard to believe that this week last year was our first "test drive" practice service...God has really blessed us this year.
• Also one of our largest offerings ever today. Thanks so much for your generosity. I know times are difficult...and so many people have purchased gifts for our Extreme Christmas Makeover...thanks so much for contributing financially as well.
• I was "accosted" by someone from another local church (what the..?) as I was taking down the signs by the road today. He wanted to quiz me on what I knew about the bible after I told him I was the pastor. He also wanted to "inform" me that we weren't teaching the right things (even though he had never attended actionchurch). I asked him if his "approach" ever worked...if he had ever "argued" someone into loving Jesus? He said "people don't listen to me because they don't want to know the truth". I told him (my exact words) that "people don't listen to you because you are annoying!!!" I don't think they will be inviting me to speak at their church...but he did offer to "pray for me" :-)
• What a great week, I absolutely cannot wait for next Sunday to get here. If you attend only one service at actionchurch for the rest of the year it should be next week (actually next week is the last actionchurch service of the year) but I guarantee you that you will not want to miss it!

Don't forget!

I know it's a very busy season, so just a quick reminder to bring your Christmas Makeover gift and ornament back to church Sunday. We will be delivering all the items to Bridge of Hope volunteers for "our" adopted family on Saturday the 20th.

Remember the list? I'm going to be announcing Sunday that every item on it has been donated thanks to your generosity. We just got a donation of the final item this week (the deep freeze) so everything is now covered.

We are still accepting donations to cover the cost of the new washer and dryer, X-box 360, and Nintendo DS's purchased jointly by the actionchurch family.

Thanks to everyone who has participated. "Our" adopted family has no Idea what a great Christmas (and beyond) this will be because of you!

"Primer and prep"

I make a living as a painting contractor, but I never give painting "advice" on this blog.(even though ironically, painting is probably the ONE area in which I actually have some expertise.) Yesterday I was advising one of my clients to not "cut corners" on purchasing primer for a paint job. I was telling him that "It's the stuff that you can't see...the primer and the prep work especially...that actually "make or break" a paint job"...I realized even as I spoke that it was also pretty good "advice" for life.



It's the "stuff you can't see" that really count in life. Doing the right thing even when no one is looking. Being kind and loving not only those who love you back-but your "haters" as well. Doing the right thing even when you won't be praised...when you may well be criticised...

Don't cut corners on the "primer" and "prep" of life (the stuff "no one sees".) over time they add up to to integrity and character.

and by the way...someone is watching.

6 But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. Matthew 6:6

O Holy Night

If you missed it, I just found out that The Pledge posted their version of O Holy Night, (recorded live at actionchurch) on their myspace page. (Listen Here).

I'm amazed by the talent that we get to witness every week at actionchurch...worth coming each Sunday just for the music. You will definitely not want to miss the final two Sundays of 2008. Next week (12/14) we will definitely be "rockin' around the Christmas tree" because Chambered is comin' to town for a little "metal Christmas". Jerry and the ac all-stars will be closing out the year (12/21) with something truly special... (think actionchurch's version of a candle light service...with a hot funk/rock band on stage!)

A Christmas Rant...

"Tis the season for Christians everywhere to complain...

Complain that "They (whoever "they" are) have taken Christ out of Christmas and made it X-mas"...even though "X" was a symbol early Christians used to signify Christ.

Complain that "Christmas is becoming a secular holiday"...even though "Christmas" as we know it has always been a weird mix of pagan and Christian traditions.

Complain that "Christmas is become such a materialistic holiday...it's all about merchandising and buying things"...we usually make this complaint when we can't find a place to park at the mall.

Complain that "More kids believe in Santa than Jesus"... when truth-be-told many "christian" households make greater, more elaborate, and certainly more expensive efforts to teach their young children to believe in Santa than to tell them the story of Jesus...

Complain about retailers using signs that say "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas"...even though what we call the "Christmas season" IS made up of many holidays in America...and strange as it may seem, retailers would like to sell stuff to anyone, not just "Christians."


I preached Sunday morning with a light up lawn Santa behind me on stage. I don't want to "Fight Santa". (The old dude looks pretty tough anyway) For the love of all that is holy let's stop complaining about what "IS" in our culture...and use it to further the story of Jesus "coming to town". Let's put less effort into fighting atheists over nativity scenes on courthouse lawns, and more time and resources behind telling the story of Jesus in our homes and churches. Let's stop complaining about all the creative marketing behind Santa Clause and get a little creative ourselves. Let's rejoice in the unselfish giving that comes from this season... whatever the reason.

I realize this post isn't very "Christmas-ey"...and technically I just spent the last few paragraphs "complaining about complainers"...but I feel better now :-) I do think I'm going to miss all the "Christmas Crap" that the Pledge had on stage last week... does anyone have any of those plastic light up "noel candle" yard ornaments? an inflatable Rudolph? ...something too tacky to put on your lawn? Bring em'! I think we may have a new actionchurch "tradition"...

Sunday Recap: At the movies "Elf"

Yep, that's a lighted reign deer and Santa on stage :-)

Today was the first day of "at the movies" (Christmas edition). I talked about how being a follower of Jesus is sort of like being a "human raised by elves"... if we actually follow the teachings of Jesus we're still completely human (and prone to sin) and a God's Child (So we don't "fit" in with our old way of living). We are free from sin...not free to sin (1 Peter 2:11-17) When we mess up and lose our way we can trust God to forgive us and take us back...instead of abandoning our faith because "we're not good enough". God loves nothing better than to to "silence the stupid comments of foolish people" through our good works. Don't give up...Don't quit...even if you feel like a "misfit toy" or elf... we are on an important mission far more important than just "bringing toys to good little boys and girls"...we get to bring the good news of Jesus to everyone...with our words or actions.

The Highlights:

• The Pledge on stage (along with about half of Wal-mart's Christmas department) I love these guys (and Gal) they are great musicians, have great hearts, and how can you not love a band that brings a lighted animated reign deer and Santa on Stage. Great Set...and thanks for decorating my mike stand.
• Ended up with "O Holy Night" with band playing acoustic guitars and bass, toms, and jingle bells. It was absolutely beautiful...I saw a lot of people wiping their eyes after the song...I might have been one of them.
• Had 3 key production crew folks Josiah, Bill, and Ryan out today (traveling). Thanks to Dave for being the "inspector" and Rob, Ashley, Crystal, and Jeremy for showing up and Jumping in! You Guys really made it happen!
• You could definitely tell Josiah was out today (even beyond the fact that he wasn't there to "persecute" me for my denim jacket) we are still looking for a "sorcerers apprentice" for him. I can't believe when we started out I used to run graphics...It was really difficult and we didn't even have Josiah' full set up online.
• The gifts and household items are rolling in for our Extreme Christmas Makeover...remember next week is the final week to turn your stuff in.
• Thanks to Garrett for running the stage, cueing the videos...and plugging in all the Christmas lights...all with out showering or brushing his teeth :-)
• Packed house again this week...club 19 is definitely allowing us to grow.
• I can recite about half of "Elf" by heart by now... Favorite line (Buddy to "fake Santa") "You're not really Santa...you sit on a throne of lies"
• I know it's SANTA that comes down the chimney...not SATAN...same letters...different spelling.
• Thanks for inviting, investing, and getting involved! Even on a very busy, difficult week...I am grateful to be able to be part of actionchurch.

a couple more pics...

At the movies (Christmas edition) Starts Sunday.

A little slice of "elf culture" to get you in the mood for Sunday as we kick of our "At The Movies" (Christmas edition) series with the movie "Elf".

Remember "Singing is just like talking...except it's louder and longer and you move your voice up and down". Enjoy...

Crew members needed this sunday... (12/7)

my monitor and clock

(we love duct tape!)

I know I brag about these guys all the time but our set-up/production crew is the absolute best at actionchurch on Sunday mornings. I never worry that they won't show up. I never worry that we won't get done on time. I never have to worry that they won't find a solution to any difficulty that pops up. They simply make actionchurch happen each week!

Well, 'tis the holiday season so we will have 3 guys from the crew out of town this week. Would you like to enter the "glamorous" world of an actionchurch crew member? Would you like to show up at 9am this Sunday and move heavy things...tape stuff to other stuff... and generally turn a club into a church in 90 minutes? Have you dreamed of wearing the uber-cool actionchurch crew lanyard? The benefits are great, crew members get free coffee and donuts...oh wait...everyone gets free coffee and donuts-but crew members get their PICK of the donuts:-) If you can help out this Sunday email me at info@actionchurch.com.

Edit: Thanks for all the offers to help- Sunday is covered.

Partners...

I read recently that one of the ways Toyota is beating the "Big Three" is because of it's close realtionships with it suppliers...it's "partners" if you will. In many cases Toyota will actually build "extra" space into their plants so their suppliers can work side by side with them under the same roof.

From the very beginning actionchurch has been about "partnering" with other businesses and organizations. We didn't have a place to have a church service so we partnered with Fat Daddy's Nightclub. The "partnership" was great for both the Nightclub and actionchurch. (In fact I ran into the owner of Fat Daddy's last week and he is definitely "rooting for us" to grow and need a second site so we will come back!) After only a few short weeks I can already see how our partnership with Club 19 will be more of the same. We partner with Relay for Life every year to serve their organization and raise money for those suffering from cancer. Our recent partnership with Bridge of Hope for our "Extreme Christmas Makeover" is truly one of the most exciting and life changing thing we have had the opportunity to do as a church family. (They are blown away at how all of you stepped up to car for "our" adopted family! I am so proud to be part of actionchurch!)

What can you expect in the future? Lots more of the same. I believe we are just beginning to develop the resources and the partnerships that will allow our little (for the present) church do big things to serve those both inside and outside of actionchurch. Just yesterday I had two great conversations...one with a counseling organization...and one with an artist management company (bands) about how we can work together. I can see both of these organizations working with actionchurch as Forrest Gump would say..."like peanut butter and jelly".

God created us to work together in community...so it doesn't surprise me that some of the biggest advances I see on our horizon as a church will come from cooperating with others...

Behind the "door" of actionkidz.

If you've ever wondered what goes on in actionkidz after the "blast door" goes down...here's some pics. Thanks so much to all of our actionkidz leaders for taking a "diesel garage stall" and turning it into an absolutely top notch childrens ministry experience! actionkidz teaching time (that's "fake smoke" for the lights folks :-)

actionchurch of the future...

December is going to fly by so I thought I would toss out some of the stuff that we are working on for '09. I am really truly grateful for what God is doing at actionchurch. I love our people. I love the "can do" attitude of our crew. It is simply ridiculous that we have been blessed so much...so quickly. (See, I'm trying to be grateful for the "now"- people. I'm seriously working on it!)

That being said...Here's some stuff we are working on for the future :-)

1. Church Survey- We're not a church that "votes" on stuff. We simply put out the direction that the church is going and allow people to "vote" with their feet and their wallets. (If people weren't voting "yes" for actionchurch with their giving and attendance we would be history by now.) We do; however, value our peoples input. We want to know how we are doing. We want to know what we can improve. Expect a church Survey before our first "birthday" as a church...prepare to sound off. (All comments about my sweater this Sunday will be disregarded)
2. A real website! 'Nuff said! (Thanks Josiah for continuing to find ways to make actionchurch look better...not just on Sunday Morning...but all week long.
3. "Universal Texting"- In '09 Texting questions, comments, etc to the screens will become more of the "normal" thing at actionchurch than a "special" deal. I think the future of the "sermon" at actionchurch is for it to become more of a "discussion" less of a monologue. We will continue to make our Sunday mornings more interactive. The "format" we are planning to use is kind of what you would expect from a "call in show" on TV or radio. The "host" (me) will still ramble on incessantly...the callers (or txters in this case) will be put on the screen if the "Producer" (Josiah) thinks it adds to the conversation. Sometimes there will be lots of txts used...sometimes few or none...but every week the "Lines will be open". I'm looking forward to this...
4. An "alternate economy"- Seeing how the great people of actionchurch responded with such overwhelming generosity to our "Extreme Christmas Makeover" has really confirmed that we need a way for people within actionchurch to communicate and help each other in these difficult times. We are working on ideas both online and off for people to communicate the stuff they "need" whether it be goods or services. Other actionchurch folks could then respond with items or services they have available. Helping hands could be extended...barters made...gifts given. I am convinced that many of the "answers" to our prayers are available now...we just need a better way to make our needs known to our church family.
5. ????????? (Who knows)- The truth is that in spite of our best planning and preparation, the best things that will happen in the coming year- are stuff we can't even imagine yet! We will respond to great ideas from our crew. (NONE of the stuff above came initially from me!) We will respond to "problems" and opportunities (generally the same thing) that arise. Who knew that we would be we would already be in our second venue as a church? I sure didn't. I am sure as we look back at '09 we will have the same "surprised" and grateful attitude. One thing that will NOT change in the coming year (or ever) is our relentless, obsessive, desire to introduce "people who don't like church" to Jesus...and to trust Jesus to guide us on our way...

Sunday Recap: "Mindset" pt 4

Today was the final week of the "Mindset" series. I talked about how the only way to truly be free of worry is to give up trying to "control" our future...and trust God to have our best interests at hard. Simple...but very difficult to do....

The Highlights:

• The Sunday after Thanksgiving is "traditionally" known for being low in attendance...we are not a traditional church... great crowd today.
• I loved hanging out with the "crew" for dinner... we truly have the BEST people who give their time and talents to make actionchurch happen... I am beyond grateful.
• I wore an argyle sweater...get over it :-)
• "Don't worry, be happy" is the most annoying video bumper we have ever used...
• We used a clip from "It's always Sunny in Philadelphia"... I was offended :-) Thanks Rachel.
• People keep saying that they can see when Josiah sends me and IM on my monitor...I'm sure you are all mistaken.
• We only have ONE item left that is not spoken for for our Extreme Christmas Makeover! Thanks to everyone who is purchasing stuff for "our" family. Thanks to all of you who are donating cash to cover the stuff we purchased as a church! We are actually putting ornaments that the actionkidz made on the tree next week because it is Bare!
• Great complement today...."I thought this would be lame...but I kinda liked it!" That's why we do actionchurch.
• Letters for Lovers on Stage...I heard a lot of positive reviews of their performance...especially from the "ladies" I don't think we have ever had so many teenage girls at actionchurch.
• I used the word "neckid" way too many times today...
• I used the word "pissed" in telling the story of creation...what can I say...it was one of those days...I guess you had to be there.
• Had a great time hanging out with Mike and Naomi Silliman from Elk Creek Church...we are blessed to have them as friends...

I cannot wait till next week...we're kicking off the At the Movies (Christmas Edition) series...and the pledge is back on stage.