I'm in the middle of two weeks off. And instead of trying to make a run for someplace warmer we opted for spending last weekend in Seattle. And now we're back and sticking around until I head back to work next Thursday for an all day sermon planning meeting.
This staycation is good.
I've got a stack of books to read, a stack of movies to watch, guitars and amps to be played, and a great family to hang out with.
Today's agenda? Not sure. We're making it up as we go.
Vacation update 2.0...
There are still clouds in the sky.
I'm still working on some reading.
I've watched a movie.
I played Call of Duty 4 until 1Am last night.
It's a rough life.
You may now return to your regularly scheduled events.
I'm still working on some reading.
I've watched a movie.
I played Call of Duty 4 until 1Am last night.
It's a rough life.
You may now return to your regularly scheduled events.
Book #26...
The StrainGuillermo Del Toro & Chuck Hogan
Occasionally I'll take a look through Amazon or Barnes & Noble to see what other people are reading. This book popped up on the list and seemed to be getting some pretty good reviews, so I headed on over to the library to pick it up.
First of all, it's a vampire book. Actually, it's the first book in a trilogy and I don't know if you can classify it as a typical vampire book.
The basic idea is that a vampire virus (think outbreak) has been deliberately unleashed on New York and a few key people must band together to end it.
It's not a book for the faint of heart, but it was a very compelling and entertaining read. The unfortunate part is that part 2 & 3 don't release until 2010 and 2011 respectively.
And if vampires aren't your thing...don't judge me.
Book #25...
Soul CravingsErwin McManus
After the April trip down to Catalyst where I heard Erwin speak, I decided I would track down a few of his books. I have 3 or 4 already sitting on my shelf that I've read in years gone by, but I don't remember much about them.
Soul Cravings was broken down into short little entries, most of which were 2-3 pages long. The content seemed a little roller-coasterish to me, in the sense that some of the entries were really inspiring and would rattle around inside my head, while other entries seemed to be filler.
"Is it possible..."
As I read that phrase over and over, I couldn't help envision Erwin sitting on his stool trying to inspire a room full of people.
I love some of the questions he asks. He does seem to have a way of inspiring hope.
So, I guess I'll just say I'm of mixed minds about the book.
Vacation update 1,0...
It's day one and it's raining. Raining?!?! Vacation is supposed to be sunshine and beaches and I spent most of today on the couch. That's not right.
On the plus side I was able to get some reading done as Becca hovered around with Lego and Aidan was wreaking havoc at a friend's house. Erin? She was working.
If you're looking for some music, I'd recommend Zach Williams. Start with the song "James" and I don't think you'll be disappointed.
On the plus side I was able to get some reading done as Becca hovered around with Lego and Aidan was wreaking havoc at a friend's house. Erin? She was working.
If you're looking for some music, I'd recommend Zach Williams. Start with the song "James" and I don't think you'll be disappointed.
PS...
I forgot to mention that it's VACATION TIME!!!
So, that last post will be the last bit of "shop talk" around here for the next couple of weeks. You'll have to settle for the occasional family photo and my ongoing reading list.
It won't blow your mind, but I'll blog anyways.
So, that last post will be the last bit of "shop talk" around here for the next couple of weeks. You'll have to settle for the occasional family photo and my ongoing reading list.
It won't blow your mind, but I'll blog anyways.
This fall...
Ok, a little background info might be needed here, so stick with me.
Our church has been trying for some time to come up with some sort of Sunday morning service "model" that works for the majority of our congregation. And last fall we decided to try out a format that sees us start our service with traditional worship elements (usually music) before going into some "family stuff" and the preaching, and then ending with some contemporary elements (usually music).
But it wasn't working. Some were mad that people were coming late to the service, even though we gave them permission to do so. Others were mad that some were leaving early, even though we gave them permission to do so. The music was too loud for some, and not loud enough for others. It was too new for some, and not new enough for others.
And in the midst of it people were leaving. Handfuls of people walking away because they couldn't take it any more.
As a leader in this church, it was hard to watch. And it was abundantly clear that something needed to be done now. It was time for something different.
So the staff huddled for the better part of May & June and we prayed. We dreamed. We vented. We talked. We planned.
We prepared a proposal and put ti into the hands of our elders who, in turn, prayed and dreamed and wrestled and talked about what to do.
The end result, which was officially approved on Thursday and was announced this morning, was that we need to go to a two service format. As of September 20th we will officially have two services.
Both will be led by the pastoral staff, but each service will look completely different. One will be "traditional" in an attempt to honor and connect with the aged among us. One will be "contemporary" in an attempt to honor and connect with the young among us.
So, what happens when you split a congregation in 2 and place them in a room that seats 1700? It feels empty and void. So, we're renovating the facility. Removing pews, changing the lighting, revamping the stage, updating the foyer and the "breezeway". All in an effort to bring people together. Shrink the gap that exists and foster relationship building.
This is deeper than a cosmetic makeover. It goes deep into the heart of who we are as a church and what we feel we need to become in order to continue to help people have their lives transformed by Jesus.
The leadership (staff & elders) of the church were so convinced of this that they alone on Thursday night pledged to cover over half of the bill for the renovations. That alone should show you how serious we are. And if you could hear the heart of those that sat around the table and discussed this, you would see that they get this.
So, it's time for a new chapter.
I'm stoked about this. It will make life look differently for all of us staffers in the fall, but I can't wait. I think we have an opportunity before us that is full of potential. I think we can become what we need to become in order to have an impact for Jesus in our city.
And as always, I'll keep you posted as we go.
Our church has been trying for some time to come up with some sort of Sunday morning service "model" that works for the majority of our congregation. And last fall we decided to try out a format that sees us start our service with traditional worship elements (usually music) before going into some "family stuff" and the preaching, and then ending with some contemporary elements (usually music).
But it wasn't working. Some were mad that people were coming late to the service, even though we gave them permission to do so. Others were mad that some were leaving early, even though we gave them permission to do so. The music was too loud for some, and not loud enough for others. It was too new for some, and not new enough for others.
And in the midst of it people were leaving. Handfuls of people walking away because they couldn't take it any more.
As a leader in this church, it was hard to watch. And it was abundantly clear that something needed to be done now. It was time for something different.
So the staff huddled for the better part of May & June and we prayed. We dreamed. We vented. We talked. We planned.
We prepared a proposal and put ti into the hands of our elders who, in turn, prayed and dreamed and wrestled and talked about what to do.
The end result, which was officially approved on Thursday and was announced this morning, was that we need to go to a two service format. As of September 20th we will officially have two services.
Both will be led by the pastoral staff, but each service will look completely different. One will be "traditional" in an attempt to honor and connect with the aged among us. One will be "contemporary" in an attempt to honor and connect with the young among us.
So, what happens when you split a congregation in 2 and place them in a room that seats 1700? It feels empty and void. So, we're renovating the facility. Removing pews, changing the lighting, revamping the stage, updating the foyer and the "breezeway". All in an effort to bring people together. Shrink the gap that exists and foster relationship building.
This is deeper than a cosmetic makeover. It goes deep into the heart of who we are as a church and what we feel we need to become in order to continue to help people have their lives transformed by Jesus.
The leadership (staff & elders) of the church were so convinced of this that they alone on Thursday night pledged to cover over half of the bill for the renovations. That alone should show you how serious we are. And if you could hear the heart of those that sat around the table and discussed this, you would see that they get this.
So, it's time for a new chapter.
I'm stoked about this. It will make life look differently for all of us staffers in the fall, but I can't wait. I think we have an opportunity before us that is full of potential. I think we can become what we need to become in order to have an impact for Jesus in our city.
And as always, I'll keep you posted as we go.
Let's try this again...
There's a big announcement coming this Sunday during the morning service.
An announcement that comes after countless hours of prayer, planning, discussing and dreaming.
An announcement that will likely have ripple effects for years to come.
The drama is building isn't it?
I'll honestly say that this is the first time in 9 years of full time ministry that I've been a part of something like this. And I'm stoked!
So, if you're in the area, swing by the building and find out what's about to happen. Chances are you might want to be part of this.
An announcement that comes after countless hours of prayer, planning, discussing and dreaming.
An announcement that will likely have ripple effects for years to come.
The drama is building isn't it?
I'll honestly say that this is the first time in 9 years of full time ministry that I've been a part of something like this. And I'm stoked!
So, if you're in the area, swing by the building and find out what's about to happen. Chances are you might want to be part of this.
Bring on July...
I'm looking forward to tomorrow. It feels a little strange having a day off in the middle of the week, but I'm not going to complain too much.
We're heading out to watch the parade and I'll also be keeping an eye on the NHL free agent signings, hoping that Bob Gainey can put together a stellar team for the fall.
Today he ditched Higgins for Gomez. Decent start.
So, what are you planning for Canada Day?
We're heading out to watch the parade and I'll also be keeping an eye on the NHL free agent signings, hoping that Bob Gainey can put together a stellar team for the fall.
Today he ditched Higgins for Gomez. Decent start.
So, what are you planning for Canada Day?
Closer...
Every time Sir Swarls (aka The Intern) wears his red t-shirt with the word "closer" on it I have a hard time deciding whether he is making a statement that he is a closer, as in closing pitcher, or he is closer, as in "closer to crazy than other people".
Today I use the term "closer" as in "I am closer to vacation than last week."
Two Seattle City Passes arrived today in the mail via Air Miles. One more kids pass is on its way, and we'll have to fork out a few dollars for the fourth. But that means that we'll be shelling out a mere $39 US dollars for all four of us to:
Today I use the term "closer" as in "I am closer to vacation than last week."
Two Seattle City Passes arrived today in the mail via Air Miles. One more kids pass is on its way, and we'll have to fork out a few dollars for the fourth. But that means that we'll be shelling out a mere $39 US dollars for all four of us to:
- Travel to the top of the Space Needle
- Visit the aquarium
- Visit the zoo
- Visit the Science Center and watch an IMAX flick
- Visit the Science Fiction Museum (or the Museum of Flight)
- Go on a harbor cruise
Inside my head...
As I may have mentioned before, sometimes I hear voices in my head.
In an attempt to explain myself, as well as hopefully give you a little insight into what goes through my head when I'm involved with leading worship at our church on a given Sunday, let me share this with you.
Back story: we have two "worship through music" portions of our service. One is traditional and the other is contemporary. The message is sandwiched in between with some other church family type stuff.
In order to help our worship pastor out, I offered to lead the contemporary portion this week with a scaled back "youth band". Only 5 of us were on stage compared to the usual (I kid you not) 8-10.
I picked the songs last week, hoping that we could pull it off with the minimal practice time we had available to us, because of the building being used for a grad ceremony on our typical practice night. I was also trying to get the songs to fit with the message theme as best I could, without ever having heard the actual sermon but knowing a little bit of the big idea.
Cut to this morning where I was a little on edge. Sweaty, shaky, nervous. I wasn't doubting the song selection per say, but I was doubting the transition from the sermon and into the contemporary portion.
Then as I listened to the sermon, I kept having a mini song race through my brain. It's one of those impromptu songs that only has about 2 lines and we have only actually practiced once as a band...ever.
But I can't shake the song. I can't shake the idea that with a little lyrical change it would be a perfect fit. It seems like it has to be done.
But we don't have words on the screen for it.
We haven't nailed it in practice.
But the message seems to fit so perfectly.
The voice in my head is very convincing. And I can't get it to leave me alone.
So...do I do it? Or do I stick to what is?
I traded a quick note with my wife. She added confirmation.
So, we tried it. I asked for people to reflect as they listened and then to join in as they were ready to make the statement:
Then we headed into these tunes:
With that being said, I still wrestle with that one transition.
It seems strange that one little piece of the service can cause my brain to race so much.
I just hope it wasn't a distraction to anyone who was there.
In an attempt to explain myself, as well as hopefully give you a little insight into what goes through my head when I'm involved with leading worship at our church on a given Sunday, let me share this with you.
Back story: we have two "worship through music" portions of our service. One is traditional and the other is contemporary. The message is sandwiched in between with some other church family type stuff.
In order to help our worship pastor out, I offered to lead the contemporary portion this week with a scaled back "youth band". Only 5 of us were on stage compared to the usual (I kid you not) 8-10.
I picked the songs last week, hoping that we could pull it off with the minimal practice time we had available to us, because of the building being used for a grad ceremony on our typical practice night. I was also trying to get the songs to fit with the message theme as best I could, without ever having heard the actual sermon but knowing a little bit of the big idea.
Cut to this morning where I was a little on edge. Sweaty, shaky, nervous. I wasn't doubting the song selection per say, but I was doubting the transition from the sermon and into the contemporary portion.
Then as I listened to the sermon, I kept having a mini song race through my brain. It's one of those impromptu songs that only has about 2 lines and we have only actually practiced once as a band...ever.
But I can't shake the song. I can't shake the idea that with a little lyrical change it would be a perfect fit. It seems like it has to be done.
But we don't have words on the screen for it.
We haven't nailed it in practice.
But the message seems to fit so perfectly.
The voice in my head is very convincing. And I can't get it to leave me alone.
So...do I do it? Or do I stick to what is?
I traded a quick note with my wife. She added confirmation.
So, we tried it. I asked for people to reflect as they listened and then to join in as they were ready to make the statement:
I may be down, but I will rise
I once was bound, God set me free.
Then we headed into these tunes:
- Glory to God Forever
- Holding Nothing Back
- Let the Praises Ring
With that being said, I still wrestle with that one transition.
It seems strange that one little piece of the service can cause my brain to race so much.
I just hope it wasn't a distraction to anyone who was there.
Book #24...
The Big Bad WolfJames Patterson
I think I know why my mom found this in the discount bin at her local library. Oh well...at least I didn't spend money on it.
Happy Saturday...
Waking up to cinnamon buns and the sun shinning sure can change the outlook on a day. Yes, I am that shallow.
Now it's time to figure out what exactly to do from this list:
Now it's time to figure out what exactly to do from this list:
- clean up the house
- fix the patches of lawn that aren't growing grass
- spread the gravel
- wash the car
- finish my reading
- play some guitar
Recruiting...
Fort all you student ministry type people, I'm wondering how you recruit leaders.
What works for you?
What's your system for recruiting?
What works for you?
What's your system for recruiting?
My year end thoughts...
Sorry about that last post. Got a little trigger-happy with the "publish" button.
But here's something that has got me giddy as a school girl these days.
It's become apparent to a few of our student ministry leaders that our student ministry needs some tweaking in some significant places.
We've seen a year of stabilizing things.
Significant relationships, a growing music & worship band ministry, a Thursday afternoon trial drop in, new faces, a full time intern.
But, it has also been apparent that a few things need some extra attention. So yesterday, I sat down with Josh and Erin. We spent almost 4 hours talking student ministry. We reflected on the surveys that were returned from our students. We reflected on the parent meeting from Wednesday night. And we tried to sift.
We talked long term.
We talked about what was working.
We were honest about what was not working.
We dreamed.
We brainstormed.
We scribbled on a white board.
Ad you know what, we have some great things starting to come together. Things that get me excited and anxiously looking forward to fall.
Sure, we've got some leg work to do. Particularly in the area of recruiting leaders, but it's exciting.
And this is one of the things I love about my job.
But here's something that has got me giddy as a school girl these days.
It's become apparent to a few of our student ministry leaders that our student ministry needs some tweaking in some significant places.
We've seen a year of stabilizing things.
Significant relationships, a growing music & worship band ministry, a Thursday afternoon trial drop in, new faces, a full time intern.
But, it has also been apparent that a few things need some extra attention. So yesterday, I sat down with Josh and Erin. We spent almost 4 hours talking student ministry. We reflected on the surveys that were returned from our students. We reflected on the parent meeting from Wednesday night. And we tried to sift.
We talked long term.
We talked about what was working.
We were honest about what was not working.
We dreamed.
We brainstormed.
We scribbled on a white board.
Ad you know what, we have some great things starting to come together. Things that get me excited and anxiously looking forward to fall.
Sure, we've got some leg work to do. Particularly in the area of recruiting leaders, but it's exciting.
And this is one of the things I love about my job.
What...
1. ...are you listening to lately?
2. ...are you in the midst of reading?
3. ...are you looking forward to?
2. ...are you in the midst of reading?
3. ...are you looking forward to?
Come on...
We're taking a group of our recent grads camping for one night. It's one last chance to get them together to hang out.
But...it's cloudy and calling for rain.
Come on!
But...it's cloudy and calling for rain.
Come on!
Tuesday night musings...
Life these days is unlike I've ever experienced.
If it's not one thing, it's another.
If it's not another thing, it's the one thing.
The projects are piled to the sky.
The list of things to do appears endless.
The challenges seem insurmountable.
But there are dreams...
...amidst the frustrations...
...beyond the obstacles...
...there is a little bit of hope.
That's more than enough.
Isn't it?
If it's not one thing, it's another.
If it's not another thing, it's the one thing.
The projects are piled to the sky.
The list of things to do appears endless.
The challenges seem insurmountable.
But there are dreams...
...amidst the frustrations...
...beyond the obstacles...
...there is a little bit of hope.
That's more than enough.
Isn't it?
Gas in the tank...
The ministry schedule is winding down.
The internship is coming to a close.
Holidays are looming.
School is ending.
But...some things are just beginning.
I just hope there's enough gas in the tank, because I'm stoked.
The internship is coming to a close.
Holidays are looming.
School is ending.
But...some things are just beginning.
I just hope there's enough gas in the tank, because I'm stoked.
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