Momentum

Bible Reading Schedule

   With the 40 Days of Purpose going on and over 2,000 people signed up for the bible reading schedule at Faith, fitting in all that reading can be a challenge some days.  Don't get discouraged; hang in there!  If you're not sure where you should be at in our bible reading, the schedule is posted on the website along with a bible reading schedule insight pertaining to the scriptures of the week:

www.faithchurchonline.org/BibleScheduleInsights/tabid/136/Default.aspx

The bible reading insight may give you a fresh look into the chapters in a direction that your thoughts may not have taken you.  Add it to your favorites in your internet browser and check it weekly (updated on Thursdays).  Another tool that's in the works is a daily meditation containing a verse of the day to be sent via email to those who subscribe.  This e-mail subscription would not only keep you updated on the chapter of the day but would also provide a quick verse to read and meditate on throughout your day.  Keep up the reading.  You can do it!  As you already know... it's worth the effort.

Marathon Meeting Day

Thursday was an interesting day.  I was in meetings from 7:30 am straight through to 4:00 pm.  At one point, I had two meetings at the same time.  The "big" meeting was exciting.  We met for six hours with the architect we hired for the future auditorium at the Dyer site.  We made a wise selection in this architect.  They know their stuff.  We were exhausted but pumped. 

This picture is of me studying for this weekend's message when the Building Team and architects got above me and a bit boring for me.  At one point I just stopped and worshipped God (think Purpose Driven) because in my life time I got to be part of something so awesome.

Jesus' Refrigerator

  What would Jesus have on his refrigerator?

On the side and front of our refrigerator are many things: pictures of our children, the two Honduras kids we sponsor, to-do lists, and a pile of great pictures.  I was thinking about that and wondered what would be on Jesus' refrigerator.  Here's my hunch:

1. A picture of you
2. A wedding picture of His bride (His Church)
3. The global world
4. All the orphans and widows
5. A prayer list from you, via the Holy Spirit
6. A to-do list with only one thing: COME AGAIN.

What would you add?

Jet Lag

It still amazes me that I can wake up in Geneva, Switzerland and be back in Chicago on the same day.  Saturday was a 37-hour day for Laurie and me.  We're still trying to get our body clocks back on schedule.  Being on a plane for over 8 hours is interesting, to say the least.  These are my observations and questions.

1. Individual TVs with hundreds of movies and TV shows makes the flight seem so much faster.
2. Deodorant should be a pre-boarding requirement for all passengers.
3. How come flight attendants are two extremes: either super nice or super crabby?
4. Aisle seats are great for people with ADD.
5. How come first class passengers leave bigger messes?
6. Is airplane food a form of punishment?
7. How do larger people use the restroom on planes?  I can hardly turn around.
8. Do all people on international flights think about crashing into the ocean?
9. Should flight attendants offer babies valium?
10. Can airlines screen for obnoxious, annoying people?
11. All men should be required to sit on the toilet to pee.
12. Customs people are intimidating.
13. I do enjoy flying.
14. Flying is amazing to me.  I'm glad God invented it. 
15. Jet lag is a drag.

U-Turn Conference 2008

Last week Faith had the privilege to host our annual U-Turn Church Conference.  (It is amazing to me that the amount of people who have now attended a U-Turn is over 1,100 people!)  We had a wonderful time of sharing Faith’s story of turn-around, listening to great teachers including Kevin Harney, Gene Appel and Mindy Caliguire.

From all accounts, our guests left ready to either begin, or continue, the U-Turn process in their individual churches in order to see disconnected people connect with the One, True, Living God!

They also were greatly impressed by all of the volunteers who were both helpful and cheerful.  Way to go church!

 

A Milestone Birthday!

This week I have the awesome privilege of joining about 50 pastors from Reformed Churches around the world at the John Knox Center in Geneva, Switzerland.  I am representing the RCA as we dialogue about building stronger and more effective ministries in our churches.  A big reason we're here is to celebrate John Calvin's 500th birthday and talk about the impact he had on our roots.

John spent most of his last 30 years in Geneva, lecturing, preaching, and writing until his death in 1564.  He left many marks on the city, many of which Laurie and I will be able to see while we're here.  Please pray for us and this group of leaders over the next couple of days as we continue to work together and build relationships.  We look forward to sharing pictures and stories about our trip when we get back!

p.s. Hope you're enjoying our first week of 40 Days.

   

Please be in prayer for the 75-100 church leaders who will be attending the U-Turn Conference at Faith Church this week.  Pray for safe travel, open hearts and minds, good fellowship, the speakers, volunteers, and most of all that the Holy Spirit will be evident among us!

Whose Team Are You On?

This is what we on staff are in relation to our favorite baseball team.

This is what we would be like without Jesus.

This is what we are supposed to be like with Jesus.

GO CHICAGO!