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.

Bail out...

If you'd like a little "good news" I think you'll enjoy this... I ran across this story of a woman who noticed another woman crying at a (Dallas TX) home foreclosure auction. A complete stranger felt compassion for her and purchased her former home and returned it... The generous stranger said "people need to help each other...that's all there is to it". Amen. That's a "bail out" that I can be excited about.

'Auction angel' comes to homeowner's aid October 27th, 2008
Two strangers were brought together by a leap of faith and one piece of property that was among 200 North Texas homes facing a foreclosure auction this weekend. . . (Read the rest)

Watch video here

Make a meal...

If you like to cook (or carry out) and would like to do something to make life a little easier for Josh and Dwan, contact Michele about making a meal for their family... info@actionchurch.com

Earlier in the week I posted a list of "Stuff we are working on". My favorite part of this week was getting input and help from people who have solutions for a lot of our current growing pains. This is what it's all about! If actionchurch depends on what "I know" we are in serious trouble...but I am confident that if we follow the vision that God has given us, there will always be people who have the answers to our questions....if we are just willing to ask. Thanks to everyone who is stepping up to make actionchurch "work"!

Friendship Community Church

File this under "action heroes"! This weekend the girls and I will be spending three services with Friendship Community Church in Dover, PA. I'm gonna be joining in with their worship team (pictured) above and speaking about actionchurch at every service.

Here's the amazing thing- Pastor Dennis has asked us to set up an actionchurch information table in their lobby until our launch with invitation cards and information so their congregation can invite their friends to actionchurch. Their youth pastor Mike is bringing the youth to help out at our launch also. This church never ceases to amaze me! Pastor Dennis, Rich (worship pastor) and Mike, have blessed me with wisdom and encouragement through out this whole process and now they are literally blowing me away with their support! (I haven't even mentioned yet that Friendship is also giving us some much needed funds for our launch!)

This church truly lives up to their name...and are truly "action heroes"!

Quote of the week:

Start where you are.

Use what you have.

Do what you can.

-Arthur Ashe

"Repay" cards

I just ran across this idea of printing a "Repay" card to encourage random acts of kindness. (link) Is this a good plan? I kinda like the idea... Shout out.

Elk Creek Church-action heroes!

I just got an email yesterday from my friend Mike Silliman over at Elk Creek Church. It seems that their four month old church plant is putting actionchurch in their budget for monthly support in 2008. (link) These guys never cease to amaze me. They are truly "action heroes"!

To be honest when we started out I never thought we would receive anything but disapproval and criticism from churches. I was wrong about that. Elk Creek is a great example of a church that not only cares about people disenfranchised by religion...they care about them even if they will never attend their church...even if they don't live in their area!

I'm thankful for churches like Elk Creek. Not just for their generosity, (although I really appreciate that!) but also for the example they set and they encouragement that they are. It reminds me that we are certainly not alone...we are just a tiny part of a great movement that is rising up everywhere...Churches looking outward instead of inward... doing good instead of just "looking" good...putting the teachings of Jesus into action!

Test Drive "action"

Here's a few pictures from our first Test Drive at Fat Daddy's. I'll post more about the experience tomorrow but I have to say...

• Church at Fat Daddy's is not only possible-it's gonna rock.
• Clean Slate (band) was unbelievable...I am now a fan!
• I am so blown away by our crew! It was so amazing to see just a handful of people do so much...so well. You guys are true action heroes!
• I am so thankful for my family! From my beautiful Michele cleaning the restrooms and everything else in the club...to my little angel Reagan who was happily playing the whole time...to my Father-in-law Phil for helping get the video (and most everything else) working.
• Matt (club owner) was unbelievably kind and actually helped us set up!
• Jake (sound man extraordinaire) and his wife not only whipped our sound into shape but helped us set up also.
• Thanks God, thanks crew...I feel so lucky to get to be a little part of actionchurch.

Clean Slate "in action"!

Last call

We could still use a couple more people for set-up and cleaning at the club before Church on Sunday. If you are interested please shoot me an email (info@actionchurch.com) and be ready to show up early Sunday morning. (12.09.07 8am) This highly glamorous position will include getting the club cleaned up and set up for church. Perks include getting to see what Fat Daddy's looks like early on a Sunday morning without being arrested for trespassing, and a cool actionchurch crew lanyard.

I know that we will have more help as more people see that this "crazy idea" is really happening... Still, I think the real "action heroes" of our test drive are the handful of people who are willing to show up early on a Sunday morning and prepare so that others can enjoy church. You know who you are and I hope you know how much Michele and I value and appreciate your help! Thanks!

A "Scary Good" Opportunity for Generousity...

If tonight is the night for trick-or-treating in your neighborhood, it's a great opportunity to be generous and meet your neighbors. (When else do they come to your door?) If you are a follower of Jesus remember you have the opportunity to "show" every "buzz-lightyear", "star ship trouper" and "princess" that comes to your door that Christians are either the stingy, up-tight, kill-joys that they have heard about, or the most generous and friendly folks in the neighborhood...it's our choice. Don't forget the parents! We started giving out hot chocolate and hot cider for the parents (Michele's idea) last year and it was awesome! I'm looking forward to raising the bar tonight with halloween balloons and Dunkin Donuts Coffee!

And no, if you come to my driveway tonight you won't get a tract or a sermon...that's not how we roll...here's why (link)

action heroes wanted!

Have you watched the new NBC show "Chuck"? It's your basic boy-meets-girl-who-turns-out-to-be-spy-who-informs-boy-that-his-head-is-full-of-downloaded-government-secrets-so-in-addition-to-working-at-Best-Buy-as-a-"nerd"-he-needs-to-save-the-world...you know the type.

Here's what I think is inspiring about "Chuck". I love the idea that everything in your life can change in a moment...in a good way. I believe that to be true. It has happened to me. I believe that any one of us, when confronted with a cause that is big enough to capture our attention and imagination, can move beyond our ordinary lives and begin to do heroic things to "save the world"

Allow me to "download" some potentially life changing information into your "heart". On 2.10.08 crowds of people are going to show up at Fat Daddy's Night Club on a Sunday Morning. They will come from all over York County. They will be curious, and a little nervous. Many will be surprised at their selves that they would even consider attending church...even one that meets at a night club. They will all have one thing in common: Their experience on that one Sunday morning will likely determine whether they will "try church" again! Think about that...what a huge opportunity...and responsibility.

In order for these people to have a positive experience, other "ordinary people" will have to step up in heroic ways. Heroes will be needed to make sure that all our guests are welcomed and the many questions they will have are answered. Heroes will be needed to make sure the Dunkin Donut's coffee and Donuts are ready and inviting . Heroes will be needed to be make sure that Fat Daddy's is clean and set up in a manner that will be exceed any of our guests expectations. Heroes will be needed to transform Fat Daddy's Dance floor into "actionkidz zone" where children will not just be taught, but will play, laugh, and learn in one enjoyable experience. "Tech" heroes will be needed to set up and operate equipment. Finally, Heroes will be needed that will financially support this dream of a "church for those who don't like church" in York County.

If you would like to know more about becoming an "action hero" please contact us at info@actionchurch.com. Our first informational meeting will be held on Sunday, Oct 14th.

To go...

I love it when preparation plus inspiration leads to innovation. A couple of days ago we realized that some of the people that would most enjoy a cup of hot coffee, are the people working the midway and other booths who can't leave and get one. Michele and Reagan have been enjoying taking our wagon filled with free Dunkin Donuts Coffee "to go" ever since. I believe generosity is contagious because even though they are making it very clear that the coffee is free (we don't even hand out any of our actionchurch cards unless someone asks) some of the carnival game operators have literally been throwing new "stuffed animal friends" into the wagon as they leave. Although in the picture it appears that my princess may have passed out, she's actually hugging her new "friends" of the evening. Sometimes this is just too much fun!

action heroes: The power of Cookies

Two things my wife Michele loves are the Pillsbury Dough boy and baking. That makes us the perfect couple because I love to eat what she bakes. (Make your own joke about me being white and "doughy" like the dough boy.)

Fortunately for my waistline, Michele doesn't let me eat all the cookies she bakes...she gives them away...all the time. Michele gives cookies to contractors, postal workers, people at banks, people in the neighborhood, anyone she comes in contact with on a regular basis. You know what, she loves baking them and people love eating them-go figure! Just yesterday she had a great conversation with a nurse at a nursing home she and Reagan visit, because she took a plate of cookies by the nursing station. That's the power of cookies...

We often think that being "kindful" or generous and serving people involves sacrificing and doing something we "don't want to do." Sometimes it does. But sometimes, it can be as simple as doing something you love-for others. It obviously doesn't have to be giving cookies, but if you love to bake-go for it. Guys- if you love to work on cars-use that to help others. 'Love to do carpentry or wood working-give it away, do it for others. Got a green thumb-give someone flowers you grow. Being "Salt and Light" can be as simple as doing something you love-for others!

What do you love to do, and how can you use it- for others? I'd love to hear your stories.

Seeing...and being "kindful".

Our daughter Reagan has a word for doing good- "kindful". As far as I can tell, "kindful" is a combination of kindness, helpful, thoughtful, thankful...anything good is "kindful". I think it's a great word, I've actually started using it myself.

It's amazing how a 4 year old can actually remind you to live a more "kindful" life. A few days ago as we were walking out of Wal-mart, Reagan kept saying "Daddy stop, we need to be kindful!" We were actually some distance down the sidewalk before her little voice penetrated my skull. She was "adamant" that we needed to go back and be "kindful", so back we went... Reagan wanted us to pick up the trash on the sidewalk outside the Wal-mart. As we picked up the few smashed soda cans and wrappers she asked, "Daddy, didn't you know it's not kindful to leave trash on the ground?"

The truth is I didn't "see" the trash. I expect there to be trash on the sidewalk in front of Wal-mart. Quite frankly it seems like a situation for store employees to "handle". I've been doing some thinking... Maybe it isn't just that my daughter is blessed with the "neatness gene" from her "cleaning nazi" mother (I love you baby!) . Maybe she doesn't just notice more trash on the sidewalk than me because she's "a lot closer to the ground". (My excuse). Maybe she sees opportunities to be "kindful" because she "sees" more than I do. Her eyes haven't yet grown accustomed to the "mess" of this world we live in. She sees opportunities to be "kindful" everywhere.

I want to be more like her...

action heroes-"Going out of your way".

How has your week been? Have you been able to use you "position" in life to help someone? I've heard a couple great stories about people being "action heroes" this week. The first story is very funny but impossible to "tell". Let's just say that our unnamed "action hero" showed hospitality to a young magazine salesman who desperately needed to use the restroom. Hilarity ensued as the "gastricly distressed" salesman proceeded to re-enact the bathroom scene in Dumb and Dumber for what seemed like an eternity. Meanwhile our "heroine" was on the phone with her husband who was hovering between calling the police, an ambulance, or rushing home to kick down the bathroom door as the minutes ticked away. In the end (pun intended) everything was okay as a very appreciative and pale salesman did finally emerge from the "facilities."

Millie in Idaho started her story of helping "someone" by asking if it "counted" to help lost animals. She went on to tell about finding two dogs who had escaped from their yard running loose in the street. With the help of her family she was able to capture the dog's, leave a note for their owner, and "dog sit" the animals at her home until the owner could pick them up. It's a great story so I'll let her tell it:

" There was one point in time that I asked myself, "IS this really worth it to help these two tiny creatures? After all, you are tired, hot, not feeling well, on and on goes the scenario. BUT, helping others isn't always "convenient"---usually NEVER convenient! :) I felt God was saying, "How many times have I helped you through difficulties"? Well, needless to say, I DID remember and I KNEW He wanted me to help these little balls of fur!!!!! It's just like us with Him. We are all running all over the place, THINKING we are having a ball, ignoring all of the danger signs!
Those two little guys certainly taught ME a lesson! I was having a really difficult day dealing with "things" and wasn't in any "mood" to be helping others/other things! :) I had been asking God to give me someone I could encourage and help, and look what he sent my way-------------2 fur balls that needed someone to rescue them from their escape from home!!!!! GOOD LESSON IN THIS EXAMPLE!!! God DOES HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR!!!!
-Millie

Wow, As a pet owner I can just imagine how thankful those dog owners were that someone went so far "out of their way" to help them. Let's let these stories be the inspiration for our next "mission".

Mission #2. Go "out of your way" to help someone. Do something "inconvenient", something "over the top" something "too much" to help someone this week... We would love to hear your story this week in either the comments or at info@actionchurch.com

action heroes: How's your mission?

So how was your week? Did you have a chance to use your position to help someone? If you're new to the blog you can "get up to speed" here and here. Did you miss an opportunity to help someone and regret it later? Perhaps you took an opportunity to help someone and regretted it later...I've heard some interesting stories this week.

I can't say that I "regret" taking part in the "mission" this week. It was difficult, but I did learn something that might help all of us on our mission to become "action heroes". I'll spare you the details but in the "territorial" world of contracting that I work in being "on schedule" makes you "right". I know those standards may seem amazingly high but in "contractor world" just showing up on the day you said you would to do your job makes you "the man". This may be shocking to an "industry outsider" but some contractors don't show up when they say they will. Some (gasp) don't even follow through on promises they make! I ran into just that "rare" sort of contractor this week that was behind schedule and a few bad excuses short of the good graces of the site supervisor. I had a decision to make. I could use my "rightness" and my "position" to kick everyone else out, and get my painting done as scheduled. (That's what the supervisor suggested) Or, I could extend mercy to the "offenders" and work around and with them until they caught back up.

I chose "mercy" and I wish I could say everything went easily from that point on. In reality, it made my week even more difficult. No one said thank you. In fact, I'm not sure that my kindness was not viewed as weakness by the other contractors. Being "nice" may make it harder to defend my "territory" in the future. Oh, well... I did learn this: Sometimes the only way to "use" your position to help others is the "give up the rights" of your position... Kind of like the "ultimate action hero"!

6 Though he (Jesus) was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as God. 7 He made himself nothing; he took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form. 8 And in human form he obediently humbled himself even further by dying a criminal's death on a cross. Phillipians 2:6-8

action heroes: intro

There's a reason that this video was at the top of the countdown for so long... Take the time to watch it (again?). I don't know about you, but even though the video moves me with its accounts of people's actions who single handedly changed history, I can't imagine doing something so "heroic". Each account seems "bigger than life", somehow out of reach.

I am convinced; however, that each of us can change the "history" of someone by simply living out the lifestyle Jesus taught when he walked the earth. Each of us can be "salt and light" to those around us. I believe God's loving nature is best illustrated by the fact that he not only has an amazing eternal plan for those who chose to follow him, but also makes the primary "business" of his followers to improve the lives of those who choose not to follow him....simply amazing.

At actionchurch we believe so much in the power of the "stories" of simple kindness and generosity that we plan to take time each week in our short one hour meeting to tell the stories of our "action heroes". We believe "if it matters, count it!"(link) I've decided to start now! I am amazed at the number of people who chose to gather at this blog each week. I hope each of you will chose to join in our first mission. I hope each of you will report back with your stories in the comments or email (info@actionchurch.com) Please do not feel like you are "bragging" by sharing your stories...you can even be anonymous...its' the Internet after all. No matter where in the country you live I hope you will join in, because I know if you do it will be an amazing experience both for you , and the people you "bless". You were born to be an action hero!

action heroes: 1st mission.

If you haven't read the intro (link) please take time to do so:

Our 1st mission: Use your "position" to help someone (show God's kindness)...with no strings attached.

Soon after David became King of Israel, the bible says he began "wondering if anyone in Saul's family was alive so he could show God's kindness to". Saul was not only the king that preceded him. but the dude who had tried to kill him-for years. In spite of their bad history David used his "position" as king to help one of Saul's descendants... Read the complete story. (link)

How can you use your "position" in life to help someone? Someone you don't know. Someone who might not deserve it. How can you (and I) show "God's kindness" to someone through our "position" God has blessed us with. Each of us have a "position". Stay at home mom, manager, employee, coach, etc...everyone has one. The question is, how can you use that position to show Gods kindness??? I'll get started in the comments with my story. God speed on your mission!