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...

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

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

"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

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"...

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...

"Myths" anyone?

We're working on a series for after the first of the year called "Mythbusters", where we will explore questions about things that people say are "true" about God and the Bible.

Anyone have any "myths" they would like to submit for us to explore? Things that people say about God/Bible that you're not really sure are actually True? Things that many people believe but don't seem "quite right" to you? Sound off... your "myth" may wind up being used in the Sermon Series.

Stuff I learned from people I love...

Ok, so you're a follower of Jesus and you wonder how you should tell your friends, your family...the people you work with. How can you let them know about the hope that you now have? Should you preach to them? Forward "christian" emails to them with pictures of cute "baby angels" and prayers that urge them to "forward this prayer to all your contact list"? Should you carry around a boom-box blasting hymns? Should you start adding "king james" english to your vocabulary? It's difficult to know what to do.

Here's something that struck me yesterday: I know about a lot of things that I never would have "learned" myself because of those around me that I love...

• I know all the Disney princesses by name...and who their "prince" is...
• I know almost all of the Disney Fairies by name...and what their "fairy talent" is...
• I know the difference between a Dooney and Bourke purse and a department store knock-off.
• I know more about the Pillsbury Doughboy than is healthy...
• I still don't quite understand women's clothing sizes but I have made a "cheat sheet" so I don't continue to buy stuff that is the wrong size...
• I now know lots about the "American Girl" line of Dolls...and have accepted the concept that "adopting" one of them costs more than actually having another "real" child...

So how can you communicate the fact that you love God and follow Jesus? Just be passionate about it. Live it! Make your faith part of your day to day life. I have "learned" all of the above not because my wife and daughter "Preach" to me about their interests...or "quiz" me about facts...they are just passionate about princesses, and doughboys, and dolls...and even a insensitive oaf like me eventually picks up on it. If something really "matters" to you it will show...and affect everyone around you.

"Good Day"

I hate when I do this, but I talked about gaining weight in a sermon a few weeks ago...of course I said that I was "working on it".

The problem with my plan to "work on it" was that it was the week before Halloween. What a "bad time" to try to lose weight! Who could possibly be expected not to snack when there are "fun size" snickers and kit kats everywhere? Come to think of it, this week is even worse for trying to "cut back". Thanksgiving is coming...that means there will be pies, pies, and more pies. December will be even worse...who can be expected to ignore the platters of Christmas cookies...I'm pretty sure that would be disrespectful to the Baby Jesus somehow. Maybe after the first of the year... of course then there will be Valentines day candy...flag day...and Summer picnics.

Ever feel like there is never a "good day" to start doing the right thing? There isn't. Ever.

Have you been struggling with something you know you should do...but just haven't found a "good time" to start, or stop? Today just might be the perfect day...

Doing Good in "Bad" times...

'Decision time. How do we react to difficult times...as households...as businesses...as churches?

Do we pull back? Hold onto "what we have"? Worry about our needs...ignore the needs of others? Is it time to panic? Sell our belongings on ebay, buy food and ammunition and build a bomb shelter in the basement? Do we ignore it? Fill our homes with more crap we-don't-need but-were-able-to-buy-because-we-just-got-a-new-credit-card-in-the-mail? Decisions...Decisions...

I can't (and wouldn't want to) make those financial decisions for anyone else... here's my personal "tough times" plan.

At home: Business as usual with the exception of being very careful to only make large purchases that we absolutely need. (Translation: Allow Michele to do her usual fantastic job of making a buck stretch...) Avoid buying anything on Credit. Continue charitable giving at our normal levels....trust God.

Business: Be frugal about purchases. Offer additional services at no additional charge to better serve customers who are definitely feeling the pinch of the poor economy. Communicate with customers and work together with them to improve their business and cut costs... Remember that "doing good is good for business. Most importantly...trust God.

Church: I think actionchurch has been prepared for "tough" financial times from our first day... We've trusted the generosity of God's people for our existence every week...we've never had any large scale "backing" or reserves. What are our plans for the future? More of the same. We will continue to "focus on others" instead of just thinking of our own survival. Last week we took in more money for the York Rescue Mission than for actionchurch...this week we will kick off our "Super Secret Christmas Project" to benefit a needy family outside of the church. We've chosen our path...we've tightened our belts expense-wise...and now our financial "plan" is to trust that God will provide for our needs. He always has!

So what's your plan? Pray about it...ask God for wisdom. Choose to live a life of Faith not Fear...

7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

2 Timothy 1:7

Thank you veterans...

We'll be talking about "attitude" and focusing on others all month in the during the "Mindset" series. I can't think of a better example of caring for your buddies in the very worst of circumstances...thank a veteran today.

McDonalds Cappuccino Commercial Faith.

Have you seen the new McDonald's Cappuccino commercial? (If you haven't,watch it above) From the first time I saw the commercial...it reminded me of church...and why we started actionchurch.

You see, I used to think that because I follow Jesus I had to pretend to love Bible studies and khaki pants. To follow Jesus I had to pretend to listen to only "contemporary christian" music and enjoy hearing "preacher types" tell me what words in the Bible meant "in the original Greek". 'Thought I had to pretend to enjoy attending church "whenever the doors were open" no matter how boring it seemed. My desire to follow Jesus was genuine...but my "love" of "church culture" was as phony as the one dudes "trendy black framed glasses" in the McDonalds commercial.

I don't consider myself an "intellectual" person...I can't make myself care about the "original Greek". (There is enough amazing truth in the latest translations of the Bible to intrigue me for a lifetime). I've virtually stopped reading any "non-fiction" other than the Bible for now...my mind needs a break. I'm a blue collar guy who listens to Modern Rock, 80's Metal, and when I'm in the mood, country. My nails are short and my hair is long. I'm much more likely to say "Damn it" than "praise the Lord" when I slam my finger in the door of my truck. I am absolutely passionate about serving Jesus and being part of his Kingdom plan for all eternity.

One of the things I love most about what actionchurch is becoming...is that it is a place where I can be "me". Flawed. "A work in progress". Forgiven. I don't have to pretend to like "church stuff". (and neither do you.)

Does that mean that it's wrong to like "original Greek bible study" and Chris Tomlin praise tunes? Not at all. Is there anything "wrong" with going to Starbucks? Not at all. What is "wrong" (and an extremely unsatisfying way to live-think itchy turtleneck sweater) is being phony...

Starbucks isn't going to shut down because McDonald's started serving "coffee house" coffees...but I bet a lot of people who enjoy cappuccino but didn't feel like they fit into the Starbucks "culture" will be served.

Welcome to McDonald's...would you like to try our new coffee house premium coffees?

Welcome to actionchurch...would you like to hear about Jesus...

Change

So we have elected a new President, Barrack Obama. No big "news flash" right? Change has happened. Whichever "side" you chose in this election...it feels kinda nice to have it over, doesn't it? (Sort of like popping that giant zit that's been on your forehead for 18 months.)

Let's pray for our new President. His task will not be an easy one. Let's be truly happy for those who are celebrating...and encourage those who are dissapointed.

Most of all I'm going to "rejoice" that I will not make another "political" post for at least 4 years!

Election Day...

So it's election day...and I want to challenge all of you to pray. Nope, I'm not just urging you to pray that "my guy" or "your guy" gets elected.

• Let's pray for wisdom for Whoever gets elected. (It's not like we can move to Mars if things don't go well in the USA- I want whoever wins to "govern well")
• Let's pray that the Church (actionchurch in particular) can become an example of people of very different political ideals and cultures coming together to worship God and serve others! (kinda like they managed to do in the Book of Acts.)
• Let's pray that God will show us how to advance God's kingdom plan for earth in whatever political/economical climate exists.
• Let's pray for all those who will be disappointed by this election...whether their candidate didn't win...or won and wasn't able to "make all their dreams come true"... Let's pray for the disappointed and the hopeless...that they will find real hope-in the Creator who is never "up for election".

Thanks to Micheal Buckingham (Holy Cow Creative) for open sourcing the "prayed and voted" graphic...

Stuff-that-makes-me-laugh-and-consider-getting-psychiatric-help...

Happy Halloween...be generous to the little "spidermen" and "Hannah Montana's" in your neighborhood...please don't dress up your pets!

"Relevant"

We talk a lot about "current events" at actionchurch. I want to be a "relevant" church and not just ignore what is happening in the culture around us. I can't tell you the times that I have sat through sermons from a "verse by verse study of the book of Philemon" that completely ignored some horrific event that had just happened. Meanwhile every one in the congregation was praying that the sermon would end soon so they could talk about "what was really going on".

I don't believe for a moment that church should be "Seminary on Sunday Morning" ...or a "history lesson". God is not retired! The Bible is not a book about "cool stuff God used to do"! God is still at work in our world today.

Some "current" stuff I just can't bring myself to talk about...I know the Phillies won the world series...I just can't "make myself" care about baseball. (Sorry Phillies fan) I have purposely not talked much about the Presidential election because good people on both sides are so divided about the candidates. This Sunday as we wrap up the "In God we Trust?" series I will break that silence. I'm not going to "endorse" a candidate. (like anyone would listen to me anyway...) I'm not going to "urge you all to vote". I'm going to talk about politics in the way Jesus talked about the Romans...with an understanding that there is a power at work that is so much greater than Political, Economic, or even Military power! So many people missed the point of Jesus when he was here, because they expected him to "save them" from the tyranny of the Romans...he did...just not they way they hoped he would. Long after the Roman empire crumbled the kingdom revolution that Jesus started is still around...

It's not about money, it's not about politics...it's about who you can Trust. More to come Sunday morning, 11am @ club 19.

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

Our neighbors are coming...

I know that followers of Jesus have different opinions and thoughts about Halloween. If you can't celebrate Halloween with a clear conscience...ignore this...take the family out for dinner Friday night and give your waitress a tip that is more "treat" than "trick".

For the rest of us... Halloween is the only time of the year( other than "girl scout cookie season", which I believe should be declared a national holiday by the way) when our neighbors will show up to our house in great numbers and ring our bell. Let's make the most of it! I challenge all of you to be the "best house" on the block. The one that kids (and parents) love to come to. It's a great opportunity to be generous...to give to your neighborhood "no strings attached".

Michele, Princess Belle (Reagan), and I will be having a free hot chocolate/hot cider stand (with candy for the kids of course) in our driveway. We've been doing it for three years now and it is a hit with parents and kids. It also allows us a chance to "meet" and speak with people in our housing development we might otherwise never meet... And no, other than displaying our awesome "actionchurch-o-lantern" that we were given Sunday...this is not about "church". We will not be handing out tracts or actionchurch invites...just serving and getting to know our neighbors.

So here's the challenge...be creative...be generous...be the "best house" on the block! I'd love to hear your stories...

Change or Ignore?

I luv spell chek, its the greatest nvention ever. Unfortuntly, I allso like to missspell stuff on purpos. Words lik "kinda", "sorta" and "gimme". I also like 2 use words that arenot in the Diktionary...like actionchurch and actionkidz. Im also "addicted to the overuse of "dot, dot, dot" and qoutation marks..."

The problem is that when the spell check box pops up at the end of by blog post or email, I often mindlessly click "ignore" over and over...or just click "ignore all". I miss much of the value of spell check because I don't want the hassle of going through the list of things I don't want to change... Mis-spellings and bad grammar areas get through, because I am so quick to "ignore" the prompt to "change".

I was thinking this morning that God works in our lives a lot like Spell check... He won't fix all our mistakes for us...but his Spirit is there to give us correct options and prompt us to change. The "trick" is to listen to the promptings. To Respond. To not be so arrogant (like I am sometimes) that you think you "know better" and just mindlessly "ignore" the promptings. It's our choice...It's up to us...will we click "change" or "ignore"...

In God we trust???

It's amazing how things can change in a year. I noticed on a news archive page this morning that the "most important" and numerous news stories of October 2007 were about Britney Spears... I remember being annoyed at the time by all of the stories about her...today I would be kinda happy if the news was filled with stories of misbehaving pop stars instead of stock market plunges and gloomy economic scenarios.

It's impossible to predict the future. Impossible to prevent "bad news" from happening. The real question is whether we will spend our lives being tossed around on the "waves" of situations that are beyond our control...or anchored to the one who is in control.

16 “I have created the blacksmith who fans the coals beneath the forge and makes the weapons of destruction. And I have created the armies that destroy. 17 But in that coming day no weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord; their vindication will come from me. I, the Lord, have spoken!

Isaiah 54:16-17