I swear it seems like we just finished the Tree, but it's time for another one.
For the fourteenth time, we are presenting our Argyle Outdoor Singing Christmas Tree to the community. Each year, over a period of four nights, as many as 3,000 people come to experience the music and the message. People all over our area know about the Tree, and for some, it is the only time they will hear the Gospel.
It is entirely free to our guests, but certainly not free to produce. We have to buy the music, buy the promotional material, buy the coffee and hot chocolate and the cups to serve them in, rent the chairs and scaffolding, and buy all the odds and ends of things needed to to produce the show.
In years past, we have had sufficient money in our regular budget to carry the cost of producing the Tree. This year, because of the budget shortfall, we are taking a special offering on Sunday, December 7, to subsidize the costs.
If you believe the Tree is an important outreach to the people around us, please join us in supporting this very public ministry.
Hal Hunter
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Budget Town Hall Meetings...
So far, we have held two Town Hall Meetings to give our members an opportunity to review the details of the 2009 Ministry Spending Plan and to speak to the Stewardship Committee and Staff about our finances. A grand total of ZERO people have shown up so far.
We always wonder if this means that everyone is totally satisfied with the state of our finances, or if they simply don't care. Of course we hope it means people trust the leadership and have all the information they need, but you have to wonder.
We would like to hear a little feedback on this. If you care to comment, tell us why you haven't attended one of the Town Hall Meetings, or maybe if you plan to attend one of the ones coming up.
Hal Hunter
We always wonder if this means that everyone is totally satisfied with the state of our finances, or if they simply don't care. Of course we hope it means people trust the leadership and have all the information they need, but you have to wonder.
We would like to hear a little feedback on this. If you care to comment, tell us why you haven't attended one of the Town Hall Meetings, or maybe if you plan to attend one of the ones coming up.
Hal Hunter
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Going Out...
We had a great time this past Sunday after the second service. About 50 people gathered in the Family Life Center where Rich Painter's Community Group passed out trash bags and gloves so that we could go out into our surrounding community to pick up trash.
Rich led us in prayer, then divided us up into two groups. One went into the neighborhood behind the church and the second group crossed Argyle Forest Boulevard into the neighborhoods across the street. The weather was beautiful and everyone was energized and excited! We had all generations represented with a common goal!
One group had a car stop and ask what they were doing and if we were part of the church! They said yes and that they just wanted to reach out to the community and clean up. He appreciated the effort and said thank you. If nothing else, maybe we touched someone who might not have realized we cared.
We want to say a personal thank you to Rich and Mindy and their leadership in the area of community outreach! We are also hoping this will spark interest in others as we step outside of the box and reach out. We would love to hear about other group interactions!
Some of the pictures are posted on the "photo album" section of the church website. Check it out by clicking here.
Peace
David Bass
Rich led us in prayer, then divided us up into two groups. One went into the neighborhood behind the church and the second group crossed Argyle Forest Boulevard into the neighborhoods across the street. The weather was beautiful and everyone was energized and excited! We had all generations represented with a common goal!
One group had a car stop and ask what they were doing and if we were part of the church! They said yes and that they just wanted to reach out to the community and clean up. He appreciated the effort and said thank you. If nothing else, maybe we touched someone who might not have realized we cared.
We want to say a personal thank you to Rich and Mindy and their leadership in the area of community outreach! We are also hoping this will spark interest in others as we step outside of the box and reach out. We would love to hear about other group interactions!
Some of the pictures are posted on the "photo album" section of the church website. Check it out by clicking here.
Peace
David Bass
Friday, November 07, 2008
Post Election Pondering...
I know that there are many emotions today.... happy and sad. I have heard some pretty negative words from "Christians" so I thought I would send out an email with my thoughts about the matter.
First thing is my hope is not in a particular party or ideology, it's in Jesus. Nothing caught Him by surprise. According to scripture God puts leaders in power and takes them out... all for His purpose.
Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience' sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. (Romans 13:1-8)
Second thing is maybe we Christians need some fire under us to get us on the ball. I think we have become complacent, fat and sassy.
Luke 12:16 -20a sounds familiar... "And He told them a parable, saying, "The land of a rich man was very productive. And he began reasoning to himself, saying, `What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?' "Then he said, `This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. `And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry."' "But God said to him, `You fool!'""
I have noticed the the Christian faith is growing like a wild fire in the nations where there is the most pressure on them. Perhaps we can grow in this season and set the record straight on what a real Christian looks like.
We are living in extreme days!
Davis Bass
Deacon Chairman
Student Pastor Designate
First thing is my hope is not in a particular party or ideology, it's in Jesus. Nothing caught Him by surprise. According to scripture God puts leaders in power and takes them out... all for His purpose.
Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience' sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. (Romans 13:1-8)
Second thing is maybe we Christians need some fire under us to get us on the ball. I think we have become complacent, fat and sassy.
Luke 12:16 -20a sounds familiar... "And He told them a parable, saying, "The land of a rich man was very productive. And he began reasoning to himself, saying, `What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?' "Then he said, `This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. `And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry."' "But God said to him, `You fool!'""
I have noticed the the Christian faith is growing like a wild fire in the nations where there is the most pressure on them. Perhaps we can grow in this season and set the record straight on what a real Christian looks like.
We are living in extreme days!
Davis Bass
Deacon Chairman
Student Pastor Designate
Friday, October 31, 2008
All Star Survey .. Part II
Another thing we saw on several surveys had to do with music. A number of people yearn for the traditional hymns.
When we decided several years ago to try to reach people who weren't already in church, one of the major changes had to do with our worship style, and music in particular. Study after study, plus personal experience, tell us that unchurched people are uncomfortable with traditional hymns and church music styles- they simply don't get it.
Our music is chosen to be both doctrinally sound and in a style that will appeal to a wide variety of the people in our community. It is more a "rock band with horns" sound, with prominent drums and bass. it's uptempo and takes advantage of the outstanding musicians and singers God has sent us.
Remember, our Sunday Worship Gatherings are primarily "living room" environments- a place an unchurched visitor can feel comfortable and welcome. It is designed for those folks, the outsiders, not so much for insiders.
Load your favorite style in your iPod, but celebrate Sundays with a style that will appeal to the people we are trying to reach with the all-important message of the Gospel.
Hal Hunter
When we decided several years ago to try to reach people who weren't already in church, one of the major changes had to do with our worship style, and music in particular. Study after study, plus personal experience, tell us that unchurched people are uncomfortable with traditional hymns and church music styles- they simply don't get it.
Our music is chosen to be both doctrinally sound and in a style that will appeal to a wide variety of the people in our community. It is more a "rock band with horns" sound, with prominent drums and bass. it's uptempo and takes advantage of the outstanding musicians and singers God has sent us.
Remember, our Sunday Worship Gatherings are primarily "living room" environments- a place an unchurched visitor can feel comfortable and welcome. It is designed for those folks, the outsiders, not so much for insiders.
Load your favorite style in your iPod, but celebrate Sundays with a style that will appeal to the people we are trying to reach with the all-important message of the Gospel.
Hal Hunter
Saturday, October 25, 2008
All Star Survey.. Part I
We have carefully reviewed all of the All Star Surveys. If you haven't already participated, you can click here to complete the survey.
We are going to use this blog to discuss some of the results.
Several people mentioned they thought we ought to be be doing an invitation or altar call. First, we may need to explain what this is for those who didn't grow up in a church that does this.
An altar call or invitation is usually given at the end of the service. The pastor invites people who have made a spiritual decision to come forward. It is usually accompanied by music, lasts several minutes to perhaps ten minutes, with periodic exhortations from the pastor to those who may be considering a decision.
We stopped doing a traditional invitation several years ago, and we did it for several good reasons.
Almost every week we speak at length with someone who has questions or who has made a spiritual decision of some type. We are not missing opportunities by not doing an invitation- we are simply eliminating the intimidation factor.
Hal Hunter
Ministry Pastor
We are going to use this blog to discuss some of the results.
Several people mentioned they thought we ought to be be doing an invitation or altar call. First, we may need to explain what this is for those who didn't grow up in a church that does this.
An altar call or invitation is usually given at the end of the service. The pastor invites people who have made a spiritual decision to come forward. It is usually accompanied by music, lasts several minutes to perhaps ten minutes, with periodic exhortations from the pastor to those who may be considering a decision.
We stopped doing a traditional invitation several years ago, and we did it for several good reasons.
- There is no Scriptural mandate for it- it is first documented being used in a form we would recognize today during what is known as The Second Great Awakening, a great period of revival that began in the 1820's.
- Many people find it intimidating to respond to a spiritual call in the presence of what might be hundreds of strangers. Remember, public speaking or doing something in fron of a crowd, is one of the greatest fears of most people.
- It can lead to "emotional" responses, rather than genuine responses to the Holy Spirit.
Almost every week we speak at length with someone who has questions or who has made a spiritual decision of some type. We are not missing opportunities by not doing an invitation- we are simply eliminating the intimidation factor.
Hal Hunter
Ministry Pastor
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
HVAC update
A week has now passed since the air conditioners were looted for copper. We thought maybe an update would be appreciated.
Q- Have the police caught anyone?
A- No; and they are not likely to. We are told this is a very common and wide-spread crime, but our police are already stretched thin and not able to give a lot of manpower to a non-violent crime when people are being murdered in our community almost every day. Pray for both situations.
Q- Are the repairs done?
A- About 85% as of today, and almost certainly will be 100% by this weekend.
Q- What has this all cost?
A- The damages have totaled just over $52,000 so far. Almost all of this has been paid by insurance. However, some additional costs will not be covered by insurance, and will eventually come to $4,000 or more.
Q- What are we doing to prevent this from happening again?
A- We are having alarms installed on all the equipment- this accounts for much of the additional cost. We are also increasing the amount of security lighting, adding some locks and taking some other steps we would rather not discuss publicly to discourage a repeat.
Q- What can I do to help?
A- Prayerfully consider your financial support to the church. With our already under-funded budget, this makes things even more difficult.
Hal Hunter
Administrator
Q- Have the police caught anyone?
A- No; and they are not likely to. We are told this is a very common and wide-spread crime, but our police are already stretched thin and not able to give a lot of manpower to a non-violent crime when people are being murdered in our community almost every day. Pray for both situations.
Q- Are the repairs done?
A- About 85% as of today, and almost certainly will be 100% by this weekend.
Q- What has this all cost?
A- The damages have totaled just over $52,000 so far. Almost all of this has been paid by insurance. However, some additional costs will not be covered by insurance, and will eventually come to $4,000 or more.
Q- What are we doing to prevent this from happening again?
A- We are having alarms installed on all the equipment- this accounts for much of the additional cost. We are also increasing the amount of security lighting, adding some locks and taking some other steps we would rather not discuss publicly to discourage a repeat.
Q- What can I do to help?
A- Prayerfully consider your financial support to the church. With our already under-funded budget, this makes things even more difficult.
Hal Hunter
Administrator
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