We've moved!

Looking for the actionchurch blog? Check out our new home at actionchurch.com. (Go there) If you subcribe via feedburner email we will be transfering your subscription. Using an RSS reader? Please subscribe to our new address.

Sunday Recap: Mythbusters (Prayer)

"preaching gear"

Today was the kick-off of the new year at actionchurch...and the new "mythbusters" series. I talked about prayer today..."blew up" the greatest myth about prayer...that Prayer is primarily about getting God to submit to "our will". Prayer is more about us coming around to God's way of thinking instead of "forcing" him to do what we want. In the words of Jesus, "not my will, but yours (Gods)". I challenged everyone today to "experiment" by praying Honest, Humble, Hopeful prayers (H3) like Jesus did before his Crucifixion. Our sins are forgiven because God did not "answer" the prayer Jesus prayed in the Garden to "take away this cup of suffering". Learning to trust God's plan and submit to it through prayer instead of trying to get God to do what we want, is like the difference between "fighting the waves" and "catching a wave"...

The highlights:

• I did the DUMBEST thing today! I got "faked out" by the breakdown in Chambered's first song and jumped on stage to intro the day WAY before the song was over. Really embarrassing but funny. Josiah was messaging me to "get off the stage"... I was having "flashbacks" of being a lead singer and not knowing what to do with myself during the guitar solo...at least I didn't head bang or put my arm around the guitarist like every 80's rock video...
• Chambered on stage...besides my interruption they were fantastic as usual. They had just come off a late night club gig the night before but they were certainly no "worse for wear". Great way to kick off the new year...
• Used the "supper prayer" clip from Talledega Nights...had a combination of huge laughs and offended looks in the audience... "Dear Baby Jesus...all soft and cuddly in your fleece blanket...tiny, but omnipotent". I "offend" myself sometimes :-)
• Great "explosion" clip (family guy) from Josiah...looking forward to the various explosions during this series as we "blow crap up".
• I'm going to attempt to "answer" the txts we got during the service on Tuesday...good questions. We are now opening for text questions/comments during every service. Josiah will either put them on the screen live...or we will see them on the blog on TXT Tuesdays.
• The prayer request I read: "I really really really want a girlfriend"... was absolutely real.
• I think I gave Garrett a concussion putting with a ladder...everyone around me should consider wearing a helmet.
• Had a lot of people say they really missed having church last week...very cool. I dig that we can take the week off and urge people to attend other churches.
• Crowd was down this week...but actionkidz was packed...go figure. We definitely need more space for the kidz...(and everyone else as well) in the future. There are some really exciting possibilities for that happening. I'm praying that God will lead us and show us what to do "as usual".
• Everyone on Set up crew was early this week...I think we were all ready to get back at it! You guys are the best!
• The ground was so frozen this morning that I couldn't get the road signs in...luckily I had a cordless drill in my old truck and was able to drill holes for the signs to go in...adapt and overcome :-)
• I felt like the service "ran" well today...but for some reason I felt "off" the whole time... All the crew did a great job...I just was sort of "flat". It happens...maybe I have had too much rest and relaxation :-)
• Keep your eyes open for a brand new website coming very soon. Josiah has been working so hard on it...and it shows. It's going to be really exciting to have a website that "looks" like actionchurch!

Great to be back. I'll take my "worst" day at actionchurch...over a day anywhere else. Can't wait 'til next week as we "blow up" myths about the Bible...including one that I think will shock most of you.

Since this time last year actionchurch still wasn't meeting each Sunday, I'm looking forward to our first opportunity as a church to kick off the new year together!

A few things about Sunday:

• I'm convinced that the Sunday mornings between now and Easter will be the best we have ever experienced at actionchurch... don't miss it! (After Easter we plan to "suck" until summer :-) ...actually after Easter I will be saying that "this is going to be the greatest time ever...blah, blah, blah. I'm hardly an "impartial" judge.
• Texting is back! In 2009 you can text questions/comments anytime on Sunday Morning. If Josiah "approves" your question/comment and time permits it will go on the screens. (bring your "A" game...he's going to be tough!) If your text doesn't make it up to the screens I will attempt to answer it on the blog on "Txt Tuesdays".
• "Mythbusters" starts Sunday. I know the safe, expected, thing in January is to do a series on "Personal goals" and encourage you all to Pray more, read your Bible more, attend church more...etc, in 2009. Instead, we are going to question everything we thought we "knew" about prayer, the Bible, our "christian" nation, and the Church. We're gonna give you "experiments" to perform on your own. Hopefully we will completely "blow up" some myths of Christianity that keep us from living passionate, purposeful, meaningful lives.
• Chambered on stage Sunday...'nuff said!

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!

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.

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":

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!

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!

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!)

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.

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.

Sunday Recap: "Mindset" pt. 3

What a great day at actionchurch! Today I talked about thankfulness...and I am truly thankful for all the great people we have been blessed with. Jesus "gave up his rights" to the greatness of heaven and came down to live and work in our little "neighborhood" we call earth. Instead of angels his associates were fishermen, prostitutes, and tax collectors. Instead of the mansions of heaven he chose homelessness. Instead of feasting in heaven he thanked God for a few smelly unrefrigerated fish...and turned them into lunch for 5000. Jesus chose to be thankful for what he had...and "give up his rights" to the "things he deserved". That's the example I'm convinced we must follow if we want to live a thankful, content, happy life...

The Highlights:

• We started out the day with 69 ornaments (above) on the "Extreme Christmas Makeover Tree"...it was a big list...and after everyone was gone the tree was virtually bare! The only things left on the tree were the "big Ticket" items such as the x-box, TV, etc. and a few furniture items. We will be purchasing these items as a church... (more details on the grand total to follow) Thank you everyone for caring for our "adopted family". I know that they are simply going to be overwhelmed that so many people that they don't know would care about them! Way to focus on others!
• The only items that we need to cover still are a day bed/ or sleeper sofa (can be used but excellent condition), a Bakers rack or small kitchen work cart, a rectangular kitchen table and chairs, and a small chest type deep freeze. If you have one of these items and would like to donate them let me know.
• Even thought we are entering a Holiday week everyone was there for set-up...even Dave who actually came for set-up before leaving to attend a family gathering...our crew is simply the best.
• Today was the debut of "The Pledge" on stage... I heard from several people about what a great band they are-I definitely agree....hard to believe today was their first performance. I am looking forward to having them back in December. (Looking forward to a visit from Torn From Red after the first of the year to debut their new songs also!)
• I'll be posting some pics later in the week of actionkidz...they are truly doing an outstanding job...we are seriously going to need more space for the "kidz" before long.
• The new set up in the lobby/cafe area worked really nice and seemed much less "cramped". Thanks to Michele for the idea and Jerry for allowing us to make the "road case" coffee bar...
• ...anything can look cool if you paint it black and slap an actionchurch logo on it.
• Speaking of "cogs" I love the "santa cog" that Josiah made for the Christmas season... I haven't found anything yet that he can't create...
• The "Baby Bus" was fully operational-yeah!
• As I said in the sermon today...I really struggle with overlooking the great things that are happening by constantly looking forward to the "next thing" or the "next level"...I am truly grateful for the amazing thing that is happening at club 19 on Sunday mornings. It's beyond anything we could ever "deserve".

Sunday Recap: "Mindset" pt 2

Today was week two of the "mindset" sermon series. We talked about the "upside down" idea Jesus taught...the first will be last...anyone who wants to be a leader must become a servant to everyone... "Mindset" of the week: "Doing good for others...is good for me!" Even though there are so many "voices" in our society that urge us to look out for ourselves and get "ours" first...the people that we admire most (from Mother Thereasa to Bono) are those that put others first. Simply put, God's principles are true no matter what year it is!

The Highlights:

• Today I announced our plan to "adopt" a recently homeless family through Bridge of Hope for our Extreme Christmas Makeover actionchurch addition. I am so excited to team up with this great organization. Our adopted family is a single Mom with two children. They have recently been assisted in getting a place to live and an opportunity for "mom" to go back to school...but they have little else. As a church we plan to provide them with all the furnishings they so desperately need...+ a Christmas tree and presents. Stay tuned for details, this is going to be so much fun! The best part of the whole project is that everyone can do something...
• Really enjoyed interviewing Tammi Morris (Bridge of Hope director) on stage today. Her story was really compelling... Wow was it really obvious that actionchurch and "Bridge" are a really great partnership. I loved when she mentioned loving their families unconditionally...meeting their needs...not just "cramming Jesus down their throats"! amen sister.
• Today was "kinder gentler actionchurch"-acoustic guitars and clips from "Extreme Makeover, Home edition". Josiah said that "today's service was so "girly" that next week we need to have video clips with explosions and cuss words in them!" I love actionchurch... He may have a point, actually. I did talk about not being able to grow a beard last week and crying this week...next week will be all about Monster Trucks, "Huntin'", and Nascar!
• Speaking of acoustic guitars we had Mitch Meador rocking his today. Mitch is just ridiculously talented and so it is always great to have him with us.
• ...have to put some weights or tie downs on our parking signs. It was really windy today and they kept blowing over. Thanks to Bill for all his "sign wrestling".
• I officially "hate" Garrett for putting this song in my head during set up! la la la la... dear Jesus make it stop!
• Steve (owner of Club 19) is just ridiculously good to rent from...we are so blessed.
• Stay tuned for details about the "Makeover"... lots of news and details coming up this week!

Sunday Recap: "Mindset" pt. 1

On any given week I feel very fortunate to be able to be part of actionchurch...but this week really so much fun! Today was the first of the "mindset" sermon series. What a great "job" it is to be able to communicate with people that we not only "should" have the "same attitude as Christ Jesus" (Phil. 2:5) We CAN have the same attitude that Jesus had if we Focus on others as he did. We may not be able to change or predict many of our circumstances...but we can change our attitudes/mindset!

The Highlights:

• We took up a special donation for the York Rescue Mission thanksgiving dinner today...we will be sending them a check for $520! That means nearly 250 people will have dinner provided for them on Thanksgiving Day. Way to go actionchurch.
• I was so inspired by Kyle and Grant today... two 5th graders who heard last week that we would be donating to the rescue mission this week...they raised over $150 between them this week for the Mission. Unbelievable! Edit: Someone was inspired by Kyle and Grants fundraising and matched their donation....That means that now over 300 people will be provided for... Never think that someone is "too young" to make a difference!
• Torn from Red on stage today. Really great to have them on the "big stage" at club 19. Lots of changes coming up in "TFR world". Matt (Guitarist) is leaving to play with the Pledge (onstage at actionchurch in 2 weeks) and they are currently working on songs for a full length album. Looking forward to hearing the new stuff at actionchurch next year. always a pleasure to have TFR at actionchurch
• I love my new "flamed preaching stool" yee haw!

• Even though I preached this morning I got the "feeling" of attending actionchurch...It was awesome to be standing in the back as the service started knowing that Garrett (actionchurch stage manager) and Josiah (actionchurch Chief Creative Officer) would get the service started on time...and looking great. It is so gratifying to see these guys absolutely "run" Sunday Mornings... Thanks to their leadership and our great set up team I am able to concentrate totally on communicating the sermon...so very cool!
• Wanna learn to run "command central" at actionchurch? Josiah is looking for someone to train as his "apprentice"... If you like to flip switches and push buttons let me know... info@actionchurch.com
• Used a clip from Pursuit of Happyness today...definitely in my "top 10" inspirational movies.
• ...loved the new countdown timer...It's so cool to work with a crew of people constantly working to "raise our game"...every week!
• actionkidz @ club 19 seems to be really coming together...I have to get some new pics up...I really am amazed that we are able to offer a place like actionkidz as a "nine month old" church plant.
• Can't wait until next week as I will be interviewing a special guest as we "unveil" one of the most exciting things we have ever attempted...
• Had a great crowd today, great band, great vibe...but the thing that excites me most about the "momentum" that we are gathering as a church is that this is just the very beginning...I truly do not think we have even scratched the surface of what is possible if we will simply have the courage to walk down the "road" God has prepared for us. Let's not slow down or "get off course" even for a moment...there is too much at stake!
  

"Just another Sunday"

It's Friday...or as I like to think of it...two days 'til Sunday.

Josiah just replaced the graphics for our new sermon series "Mindset" with a new and improved version...

I'm still working on the Sermon...I'm usually finished by Friday...but I want to change up the way I normally communicate...I don't want to fall into a rut...I am convinced that I can do better.

They're installing some additional stage lighting in actionkidz today...they will also be re-arranging the area to optimise it for Sunday. I can't imagine how they are going to improve it...but I know they will.

Why all the effort to prepare for the second Sunday in November? Is there a visiting "dignitary" or film crew coming? Nope. It's "just another Sunday." Just another Sunday that someone will give church "one more try". Just another Sunday that someone will come to church for the first time. Just another Sunday that someone will hear the Good News about Jesus for the very first time.

We will never be "satisfied" with "good enough". We won't settle for "the way we've always done it." We will try, (and sometimes fail) to always get a little better than the week before. It's "just the way we roll" :-)

So invite your friends to club 19 as we kick off the "Mindset" series with Torn from Red on stage. Tell them it's "just another Sunday" @ actionchurch...



Don't forget we will be taking up a special donation for York Rescue Missions Thanksgiving meal Sunday!

Happy Holidays...

Ok, I know Halloween was just Friday...and it's not exactly Christmas Eve yet...but it seems like when it turns November the rest of the year just vanishes. So for "all ye faithful" (a little Christmas Carol Humor) blog readers, here's a preview of actionchurch through the holiday season.

November 9: (this Sunday-Torn from Red on stage) We kick off the "mindset" series and take up a special offering to help feed people at the York Rescue Mission. Even though we just mentioned that we would be having the special giving opportunity next Sunday, people were already giving in advance...way to go actionchurch.

November 23: Special service to kick off our "Extreme Christmas Makeover" for a needy family in York County. actionchurch may not be able to make every ones Christmas "Merry" in York County...but for one family...it will mean everything.

December 7: Kicking off our "At the movies-Christmas edition" series. If you enjoyed the "at the movies" series this summer...we're going to have even more fun this December, as we talk about the messages you may have never noticed in some of your favorite Christmas movies.

December 21: Final Service of the Year...ac allstars on stage...lots of "Merry Christmas and to all a good night" for everyone.

December 28: No Sunday morning service. actionchurch is made up of volunteers...to show our appreciation to all our volunteers who work so hard during the year to make actionchurch happen, there will never be services held on the final Sunday of the year (between Christmas and New years Day). Enjoy your family, play with your new Christmas toys...If you feel the need to attend church...attend one of the many good Churches in the York area.

January 4th: actionchurch '09 kickoff!

Sunday Recap: "In God we Trust?" Pt 3

Today was the final week of the "In God we Trust" sermon series. I talked about how God is not "worrying" in heaven about the outcome of this election. In Good times and Bad times...during times of freedom and during horribly oppressive regimes...God has been more than capable of advancing his plan for History. The big question for us as Christians is do we trust God?... or Government? Are we willing to do the hard work of "teaching right and wrong" and "making God's law our own" (Psalm 37:30-31) Or are we going to try to "use" government to legislate and enforce our values on others. Whether it's the "right" trying to legislate and enforce moral values...or the "left" trying to legislate and enforce "generousity" to help the poor the result is the same. Laws and regulations do NOT change people's hearts... Good people can disagree on what is the right path for our country...but I think it's time the church stops getting "used" by politicians for power and money. As for actionchurch...we will be in the business of advancing the kingdom by serving our community and "making Jesus famous"...not boycotting stuff or supporting political parties.

The Highlights:

• I announced today that we were going to be taking up a special offering next week for the York Rescue mission for their thanksgiving dinner. People already gave $110.00 this week... way to go. It costs only 2.36/person for the York Rescue mission to feed someone thankgiving dinner. I want to challenge everyone to give up a drink...skip purchasing a snack or meal...so that everyone can be part of helping those that have less than we are blessed with this thanksgiving.
• It was "country day" at actionchurch today. It was amazing to watch the ac allstars...the same band that just performed an amazing classic rock set in September...transform into a great country band. Lynn nailed "Jesus take the wheel" and Jerry sang "You're gonna miss this" by Trace Adkins spot on. I'm always amazed by the talent and versatilty of these guys! (and gal)
• actionkidz is looking amazing! I Karie, Susan, and crew have transformed a "deisel" garage stall into a really first rate childrens program. I am more impressed every week by what they are coming up with.
• Lynn and Steve from the "allstars" thought I might be "missing" the giant Buddha in the audience over at Fat Daddy's... so they brought me a Buddha statue, holding a guitar with a actionchurch logo on it. Too funny!
• Club 19 is really starting to "feel like home"... Even though the transition was a lot of work...it has so been worth it. We still have stuff to work on but the new venue is great.
• The "Toddler Bus" was in place but part of the equipment to send an live video and audio signal to it didn't come in...hopefully it will be fully operational by next week.
• I plugged the heater for the bus in the same circuit as our video system...not such a great plan since it kept blowing the breaker...Live and learn.
• ...Finally got the "VW bus entertainment center" delivered to actionkidz today. I strapped it carefully in the back of my truck (pictured above)...drove slowly and carefully to the club...and then forgot to mention how top-heavy it was, so we managed to flip it over and drop it while unloading it. I was amazed that it put only a tiny chip in the paint. What can I say...old buses are tough!
• I can't say enough how grateful I am to EVERYONE that works so hard to make actionchurch possible...you all are truly "action heroes"!
• The next seven weeks between now and Christmas(can you believe it?) are going to be highly exciting...I can't wait to see what happens next...