Virus...

I picked up a really nasty "virus" on my computer Monday. I dropped my firewall just for a moment to "allow" in a web page for Reagan's online school and BAM! it hit me. It started out with a few annoying pop-ups but before long it had completely overtaken my desktop and main menu. I tried to fight it...in fact I went to bed Monday night thinking I had it "beaten". I woke up yesterday morning to find my laptop on, (I had put it "to sleep") frozen, and jam packed with spam and "malware". My machine had been busily allowing in more "bad guys" while I slept. I knew that I needed help.

Once I admitted the virus was "to much for me" to handle, I decided to call in the professionals. Michele (thank you) took my laptop to the various "geek squads" in town to see if they could start it up and remove the virus. They were mainly interested in selling a "warranty package", a new computer, or charging a couple of hundred dollars to wipe the hard drive and reinstall windows. No thanks! I searched on the Internet and the software isle for a "fix". Some people wanted more money. Others scolded me for getting the virus in the first place. The "mac cult" bragged about how apple products don't get virus' (Thanks Josiah:-)

In the end I found a step by step set of instructions on the net about how to remove "my" particular virus from someone else who had experienced it. I downloaded a free scanner...it took a lot of time...it was a process not a "quick fix"...but my laptop is now malware free and better than ever. Thank you kind "stranger".

My "virus" is a lot like sin... It creeps up on you. Temptation hits you just at the moment your defences are down. You think you can handle it...but it will eventually take over everything and leave you with nothing . It's too big for us to handle alone and everyone faces it (even mac users). The question is how will we as people...and together as a church...relate to those "fighting" the affects of sin in their lives? Will we lecture...or scold? Try to enrich ourselves by "helping" others? Or will we be the "kind stranger" who shares our step-by-step battles with our own personal "virus"? Who points others to the "free scanner" for no other reason that we have been "set free"?

Thank you "kind stranger"...you saved my laptop...but more than that you reminded me why we do actionchurch each week...

Blown away...

I've had the most amazing morning writing personal notes to give out with the year end giving statements. I am really overwhelmed at how many people that I hadn't even met this time last year, have been so generous with both their time and money. It's both humbling and inspiring... I really wish I could better express what I'm feeling...

I'm just so grateful to be part of actionchurch.

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!

"Lifting Holy (or Severed) Hands"

One of the "deal with it" situations of having church in a nightclub is Halloween decorations. Club 19 was decorated for Halloween with severed arms and skeletons hanging around the club. We asked if we could "raise" the arms up into the rafters and secure them during the service...I'm really glad one didn't vibrate down and surprise someone during the music. Ashley Z spotted our "hidden" decorations and captured them...

I went by Fat Daddy's afterward to pick up our "we've moved" sign and our "old lobby" was completely filled with witches, spiderwebs, and bats...so all in all the few severed arms were easy to deal with...

So how do you "deal with" Halloween? Do you ignore it? Protest it? Embrace it? I'm reprinting a post I wrote last year about how we have come to celebrate Halloween as a family (Below)

Flicker Site link- Photos from Club 19 launch.

Here's a link to Ashley Z's photo's from yesterday at Club 19. (link)

Sunday Recap: In God we Trust? pt. 1

Tear Down

Today was the first week of the "In God we Trust?" series...and our first week meeting at Club 19. Today I talked (from Psalm 37) about how we can trust God to "keep score"...to judge evil and reward good. I think so much of our frustration and anger as a country comes from the injustice we see when good responsible folks struggle and those who harm others and do wrong prosper... Justice is coming...we just have to remember that the one "keeping score" is not public opinion, the media, politicians...or even you or I...it's God!

The Highlights:

• Eight months after launching on February 10th at Fat Daddy's Nightclub...oops we did it again! actionchurch 2.0 launched today at club 19. What a great Venue.
• actionkidz looked amazing...It's hard to imagine what the guys did with basically a diesel garage stall...I am really excited for the future of the "kidz"
• Thanks to Jerry for loaning us all the cool automotive memorabilia...
• I know this is going to sound like a "thank you note" but thanks to all of you who worked so hard to make this new launch possible... Special thanks to Michele for never allowing me to settle for "good enough". We are a better church because of her attention to detail.
• Fire From the Sky on stage today...the bigger stage really allowed them to turn loose some high energy stream of consciousness punk.
• I loved having the new "big screen" behind me (Thanks Shawn from Stagemasters)...and I really loved the "big screen" monitor in front of me (Thanks Keith!)
• Josiah needs to grow a third arm to run all the stuff in "command central" but the graphics were incredible...and it is going to be really useful being able to send different images to the various screens.
• This was Garrett's first week as actionchurch's first Stage manager. He managed to do something I have never been able to accomplish...getting the band on the stage and playing in less than a minute...unfortunately I told him the wrong time...which is exactly why we need a stage manager!
• Lot's of great txt msg questions today...I'll cover some of the ones I didn't get to later this week here on the blog.
• Thanks to everyone for showing up early this morning and making it happen...and staying after and tearing down. We were finally at the point at Fat Daddy's that set up and teardown were "second nature". I have no doubt that in a few short weeks we will have it organized again!
• I know, I know, it didn't seem like we had a lot of "extra" room in the "bigger package." We still have a lot more chairs and more arranging to do ...but it did seem to be pretty full already today. I'm determined to just continue to tell the good news about Jesus in a relevant "action filled" way...and trust that God will continue to provide more seats for the people that show up to hear. The fact that we are able to meet at a venue like Club 19 shows that you should never (as the guys sang today) "underestimate my Jesus".

Stuff we are working on...

• I understand the music was a "smidge loud" :-) New club...new system...we'll bring it down. I was beside the stage instead of in front of the mains like I used to be at Fat Daddy's so I thought it was actually quieter than normal...not so much.
• We have to have a place for people with small children too young for actionkidz...and too young to handle the music...we should have a solution this week... Sorry for those with little children this week...stay tuned.

Lots of stuff we need to do better...lots of stuff to tweak..but I am really grateful and proud of the job that the actionchurch crew is doing...this is only the beginning.

"Church is People"

Psst...Church is people. I think one real benefit of our move to Club 19 is that it visually reminds us that like soylent green...church is entirely made up of people! If you think that church is a building...or "stuff" or equipment...right now all of our "church" is packed in a van down by the river..err bus in my driveway. From yesterday afternoon when we moved out of Fat Daddy's Nightclub until Friday when we move into Club 19 there is technically no actionchurch "building"...we're "homeless".

The great news is that actionchurch will reapear next Sunday and actionchurch V2.0 will be better than ever, because we are made up of people...not buildings or stuff!

So thanks for being actionchurch: people who helped us load our stuff after church yesterday. The people who will help us unload and set up on Friday. People who have invited their friends to a crazy church service at Fat Daddy's. People who will now invite their friends to Club 19. People who have given their hard earned cash to pay the bills for each weekly gathering. People who got up early on Sunday mornings to make sure that things were clean and set up for others...(enjoy your well earned break!) People who have showed up and allowed us to "practice" being a church from the very first service...people who just started attending last week. The list is too long to remember everyone...bands, sound engineers, artists, builders, cleaners, greeters, designers, coffee makers, coffee drinkers...you all make up this beautiful, messy, powerful, and broken thing called the church... Thank you all...I cannot wait to see what you become in our great new venue!

Donation Boxes...

I thought I'd preview our spiffy new donation boxes. I know they may look like some cheap tool boxes that I picked up at Harbor Freight to replace our current ragged cardboard boxes...and they are.

I'm gonna miss our old cardboard donation boxes...I still remember making the decision to put them out... to not "pass a plate"...to allow people the freedom to choose to support actionchurch financially without pressure or scrutiny. Thanks for choosing to give. Because of you we are able to purchase the equipment and supplies we need to move into our new venue. Because of you we are positioned to be a blessing on our community...and not a burden in financially difficult times. Because of you all 25 of the employees of Fat Daddy's nightclub are going to get a little "early Halloween surprise"(picture below)...made up of a goody bag and a gas card (thanks Michele and Reagan for putting them together.) Because of you, people in York County have a little bit different idea of what a "church goer" is...

I just wanted to say thanks... and I am looking forward to the difference we can make as we begin to fill our "spiffy" new boxes....

Final week at Fat Daddy's Nightclub

In the middle of all the crazy-last-minute-stuff to get ready for the first service at Club 19 it's really hitting me that this is our final week to meet at Fat Daddy's. We are going to end our time at the club just like we began...full of faith...without a clue about what is actually going to happen...

I believe it's going to be a really special and memorable week. I'm gonna talk about faith...and demonstrate a little faith (or stupidity) by bringing along the "Baptismal horse trough" and offering a chance for people to go public with their faith in Jesus. I'm not sure if anyone will respond...no one has yet...I just feel really strongly that I need to offer a chance to be baptized on Sunday...no real clue what will happen...and that's the way it should be...

Want to know more about baptism? email info@actionchurch.com or check this out (Baptism FAQ)

Club 19 move update..

Here's a quick update on whats happening at Club 19 to prepare for our move there on 10.19.09 (oh yeah....we are moving to "19" on the 19th):

• a large video screen is being installed behind the stage (pictured above)...there is simply not a "bad seat" in the house. Everyone will be able to hear and see everything going on!
• Dave Brubaker has been playing the "actionchurch board game" at home(below)...and here's the seating you can expect to see on the 19th...except the tables won't be made out of Mountain Dew Boxes. Lots more tables...plenty of room to expand seating up to 200 comfortably.

• Signs are being ordered to direct everyone from Rt 30-one block up George St.-and to the club...and then to parking. Josiah is designing them this time...so they should look great...and be readable. (I'm the one who designed the black road signs with gray lettering that can only be read if you stop and get out of your car!)
• Everything will be fresh in the actionkidz area...we have a "semi-permanent" home for the "kidz" (We don't have to pack it up every week but it all must be able to be moved for special events)
• The Check in area for actionkidz is being built this Saturday (10.11.08) Welcome Race fans to actionkidz...
• Lot's of cool stuff happening that will make Club 19 totally "actionchurch" when we start meeting there...I think everyone will be pleasantly surprised that a "newborn" church like we are has been blessed with such a great new venue...

Thanks so much to all of you who are giving your time, talents, and financial gifts to make this happen...It is going to be amazing!

"loudest church in the east"

I just noticed that Chambered (playing Sunday) have actionchurch listed on their myspace as the "loudest church in the east". That made me smile.... We might also be the only church on the east (or west) coasts to start their service with "Never Enough" by Five Finger Death Punch... The "rock band" series is going to go out with a bang!

On moving:

Back in July I wrote this. I had no idea how true these words were when I posted them:

"I'll close with two true-but completely contradictory statements.

• We are already planning, preparing, and praying about how to take actionchurch to the "next level" as we continue to grow.
• I have not a freakin' clue what exactly is going to happen...that's in God's hands. (Don't worry...this time last year I had no idea how or where to start a church (seriously)...and now we are trying to figure out how to best deal with actionchurch's growth.) God is Good!"

Since I wrote those words in July we have been working to free up more seats on Sunday Morning by first filling the bar area with as many seats as possible, (sorry for the crowded conditions lately) and then offering a second service...I was convinced that in spite of the difficulties and expense of having a second service on Sunday mornings at Fat Daddy's, it was the best option...the owners and sound man even generously offered to let us have the extra time for free...our main concerns were for the volunteers who set up and tear down actionchurch every week...and the bands that would have to agree to play twice on Sunday Mornings. actionkidz was also a difficulty... we struggle to find enough volunteers upstairs on Sunday Mornings for one service...let alone two. There were many questions and difficulties...but it seemed to be our only option, because as I said this Sunday, "actionchurch exists for the many people in York county who are not at this point even considering coming to church. The don't think they would be accepted, they don't think they would be interested...but if we could provide more seats and invite them...they just might change their mind about Jesus and the church".

It turns out that there was a better option. Even though I was certain that I had "explored every option" before launching actionchurch...I missed one...and I am convinced that God had it "waiting in the wings" for us when we outgrew Fat Daddy's Nightclub. (I actually met with one of the owners of Club 19 before we launched in February...I just didn't know who he was...) In short, Club 19 offers us a chance to seat roughly double the number of people we can currently handle on Sunday Mornings. Offers more tables that we can invite our friends to join us at for coffee, donuts, a band, and a preacher on Sunday morning. Offers our great volunteers a much needed break by taking most of the cleaning and set-up out of the equation. (I am really glad that Michele will no longer be cleaning nightclub restrooms on Sunday morning... talk about doing the "dirty work" of church planting...thank you!) The move will also offer us a chance to dramatically reduce our monthly expenses (unbelievable)...a chance to do even more in our community...a chance to become financially solvent...basically a chance to not only survive..but grow.

Will we have to deal with the "problem" of going to multiple services in the future? I certainly hope so...and soon. (It will be helpful; though, to have a larger volunteer base when we do.) Will we move again? I certainly hope so... in fact I hope in the future that we move back to Fat Daddy's as an additional "East Side" campus... Whatever happens in the future I am thankful that we have been given such a great opportunity as a "next step" for actionchurch. See ya at club 19 on the 19th!

"Bar Band"

So for the next three weeks I'm comparing the Church to a band in the "Rock Band" Series...and it made me think. If actionchurch were a Rock Band, what kind of band would we be? The answer is... A "nineties" boy band, with matching outfits, "tight" harmonies, and choreographed dance moves! (Sorry just a "dream" of mine...I can't believe I said that out loud)

Actually, If actionchurch were a band, we would be...a Bar Band!

• a band of "ordinary guys"(and gals!) who practice after work and show up on the weekend to Rock!
• a band that expects to carry their own equipment...
• a band that is always looking to play bigger clubs...to attract a bigger following...but wouldn't think of "selling out" to get there...
• a band used to having the occasional insult (or bottle) flung their way...
• a band that realizes they "aren't stars"...
• a band that appreciates the fact that they get to do what they love, because of the people who come out each weekend to hear them...
• Finally... a band who's "sum is truly greater than it's parts"... a band that is surprises every one who "knows them" individually when they see them together under the lights. That's the power of a band...and even more so...The Church!

...and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. Mathew 16:18

What we offer...

I've had some questions and comments lately that have made me think about this question: "Since actionchurch is a "church for people who don't like church", and is focused on connecting with those who have "questions and conflicts" with the Creator...what does actionchurch have to offer "mature Christians"?

It's a good question...and I understand why people would ask it. The truth is actionchurch does not "offer" a lot of things that a potential member would expect to find in a church.

• We don't offer exclusive parking spots for members (this sign makes me want to "accidentally" run over it with my truck)
• ...we don't even offer "membership" for that matter.
• We don't offer the opportunity for insiders to vote on every move of the church on boards and committees. (At actionchurch everyone votes with their feet and their wallets...if people stop coming...or stop "voting" yes for actionchurch with their financial donations we simply cease to exist. That's how we "vote"!)
• We don't offer long periods of musical "worship" Our bands and the songs they perform are supposed to direct our attention toward the main thought of the day... (sometimes we even accomplish our goal...but on any given Sunday it's loud and "joyful")
• We don't offer Leadership positions based on resume or pedigree. (The Leaders of actionchurch are college students, unemployed, drive bread trucks, ride Harleys, are stay at home moms, computer "ninjas" etc... Some of our leaders have never before been involved or even regularly attended a church...they simply became Leaders by serving...kinda like Jesus and his disciples in the early church did...
• We don't offer Brass plaques on stuff for donations...(we just say thanks...and then usually find a way to give it away...)
• We don't offer "in depth Bible teaching" or "Deep Theological Sermons"...I just try to point people to a life of Following Jesus using the scriptures and the evidence of God in our culture and nature...(and no I have never been to seminary...as if you couldn't tell)
• We don't offer small groups (yet) or classes for "purpose driven cat lovers" (ever)

I'm sure I missed some things but the point is clear...actionchurch simply doesn't offer most of the things church goers in America expect. So what do we offer someone who is a already a "mature" follower of Jesus. One thing...One simple (but rare) thing. actionchurch offers an opportunity to be part of a movement that actually connects with and serves those who are far from God! An opportunity to find the "lost sheep" that Jesus said were worth leaving the "99 others" to search for... to actually put the teachings of Jesus into "action"...

If that is an opportunity you are interested in ...roll up your sleeves and join our little part of the revolution...

actionchurch..."Show and Tell"

Here's a cool link from a self described "grandpa" about attending actionchurch yesterday (link)

I'm glad that actionchurch is made up of such a diverse crowd... Thanks for the link and the kind words Rich! We're not getting old...we're just going "vintage"...

More seats on Sunday morning...

I'm gonna throw out some stuff that we are working on/thinking about to create more seating for our guests on Sunday morning. First of all, there are still plenty of seats available...no need to stay home to "free up some seats for others". We are consistently growing though, and the seats available are becoming more scattered and in less desirable places in the club. Although "preachers and bands" like to "play to a packed house"...being completely full is not comfortable for our guests...especially if they arrive late and have stand in the back. As we head into the fall this will increasingly become a problem. We are working to created more empty seats in the best possible locations. Here's some ideas we are working on...

1. Replacing tables with more seating. I love having tables available...but as we grow we are going to have to probably remove/reposition them. I don't like this option but it may happen.
2. Invest in technology (IMAG) to put an image of the band and my wildly handsome face up on the screens so that no matter where someone sits they will be able to see. (hearing on Sunday morning is not a problem...) ...this option will increase our capacity greatly...but we do not currently have the funds to do it.
3. (Eventually) a second service. ...I think 11am is the earliest that our actionchurch peeps or bands would want to show up (and the set up crew is already there at 8am)... so it would probably have to be at 1pm... maybe we would call it the "Hangover Service" not sure about that time slot.
4. (More bars in more places)... our vision has always been to be in multiple locations...this is the longest term option...and no...actionchurch locations will probably not all be bars or nightclubs.

Am I missing something? I would love to hear your idea on how we could comfortably serve more people on Sunday mornings...

I'll close with two true-but completely contradictory statements.

• We are already planning, preparing, and praying about how to take actionchurch to the "next level" as we continue to grow.
• I have not a freakin' clue what exactly is going to happen...that's in God's hands. (Don't worry...this time last year I had no idea how or where to start a church (seriously)...and now we are trying to figure out how to best deal with actionchurch's growth.) God is Good!

"Competition"

Ashley shot some great pictures Sunday (Thanks) and the one above of the band hanging out before church reminded me of something I have been thinking about lately. I shot the picture of one of our banners next to a Miller Lite banner on Sunday as well. I've been thinking that although it may look strange at first to see church advertising next to beer/nightclub signs that is really the environment that the church exists in America...

We are "competing" for people's time on their weekend...we are asking them to come out on a Sunday morning in prime-sleeping-sports watching-hanging out-recovering from a hangover-time... We better make it "worth" their time if they are going to continue to wake up-show up-and participate. Although actionchurch may be one of the few churches to actually put our signs up next to the Miller lite signs...we're not the only ones "competing" for a slot in every one's weekend plans...maybe we are just one of the few that realize it.

"Baptism at the Bar" June 2008 pics...

Innovation comes from Desperation...

One of the things I have learned this past year while being a part of the actionchurch journey is that Innovation usually comes from Desperation instead of Inspiration. We set out to plant actionchurch with a vision to create a church for people who didn't like church... We knew that music, video, sound and lighting were important tools needed to communicate in our culture. The "problem" was that all of those elements were expensive...and we had no financial backing and very little money. Out of "Desperation" we started to look at nightclubs because they had the sound and lighting capabilities we needed for our vision, but were "available" on Sunday mornings. Out of "Desperation" we hired bands because we didn't have the musicians or resources necessary to have our "own band"... We've had many other "desperation to inspiration" moments...But where we meet and the bands that play have been two of the largest "shaping" elements of actionchurch culture...and neither were in the original "plan".

So what are the things that you "know" you should be doing...What's holding you back? A lack of resources? Time? Training? Maybe it's time for some "Desperation Innovation"...

Stuff we're gonna be "bad" at...

You can't be good at "everything" as a person, as an athlete...or as a church. You have to chose what you will put the most effort and resources behind...and the things you are willing to let "slide". We are a three month old church in a nightclub with no paid staff. Our main concerns right now are:

1. Putting on the best "Sunday morning" possible...(one that you can depend on when you invite your friends, an inviting, exciting, and welcoming place for "people who don't like church),
2. "Making Jesus Famous" by serving those in need in our community" (example Relay, we will have over 30 people serving there June 13th and 14th...way to go!),
3. Building and maintaining a culture of generosity, kindness, and love for others as a church and as a group of people. (Putting the teachings of Jesus into action!)

Because we are currently putting all of our resources and energy toward these three goals, there are other things we have chosen to be "bad" at. 'Not saying this is the "right way" to do church...or that we will never get "better" in these areas...these areas are just not a priority right now.

• We're "bad" at "activities"... we will have a Baptism and BBQ celebration in June but you won't see a women's retreat...midweek service...softball league etc.
• We're "bad" at personal "follow up". We will respond to every "talk back" card and every person who asks for information or wants to volunteer...but if you need a phone call after every Sunday you miss church, checking in to see if everything is "Ok" and reminding you that church is at 11am the following Sunday...it ain't going to happen.
• We're (I'm) "bad" at "counseling"...we simply don't offer it. I am more than happy to sit down over coffee or lunch and have a discussion...but I am not gifted in counseling in ANY way...so I'll spare you from any "advice" I might have...
• We're "bad" at Birthday parties, baby showers, and retirement "get togethers"...We hope that these things will happen among the friends you meet at actionchurch...but as we grow we could never "sustain" party planning for everyone...so we won't start.
• We're "bad" at Bible studies and "classes". We are a movement...not an educational organization. As I urge every Sunday morning, please explore the Bible and make sure the things you are hearing are true...they have immediate and eternal consequences...don't believe everything you hear from a "guy you met at a bar"....question and explore.

I'm sure that there is more stuff that we're "bad" at...but instead of worrying about those areas right now we're going to celebrate the good and work to make them even better...every week.