Momentum

It's Time to Share!

We would like to do a version of this "CARDBOARD TESTIMONY" at Faith Church on or around EASTER of this year. I would ask that you watch this and consider participating by sharing your own card board testimony. Please contact me and let me know if you are willing to do this! The video is 8 minutes but worth watching!

Inaugural Week

I was able to watch about an hour of the inauguration of President Obama this past Tuesday and I'd like to share some of my reflections of the day.

• I've been impressed by President Obama's decisions and demeanor since his election.
• I was impressed by President Bush's transition of power, his spirit and humility.
• I'm thrilled by the unity our country is experiencing through this new president.
• I'm so happy for the racial harmony in our country.
• I believe much of the world was impressed by our transition of power and American democracy.
• I believe history will look very favorably on George W. Bush as a primary advocate of freedom and the diminishing of extreme terrorism.
• I think the concept of 4/8 year terms is so fascinating because entire philosophies, political parties, monies, cabinets, taxation, and approaches to problems in America change in ten minutes on inauguration day.
• I'm intrigued by the appointment of a man who will oversee taxes and treasury who avoided them for four years.
• I love watching President Obama and President Bush love their wives and daughters.
• I think President Obama is very bright.  His intellect comforts me.
• President Obama's inaugural message was good, but I was hoping for a more memorable line that would be quoted and spoken throughout history.
• I was very disappointed with the closing prayer by the pastor who encouraged a variety of different colors, but cut down whites.  That was sinful and needs to be repented of.
• Missing from the crowd and missing from the speeches were the voices of the unborn.
• Overall I have hope for our future as a country and I am very proud of America.

What are your thoughts?

Meet My Friend Charlie

From time to time I said I'd share a Q&A to help you get to know my friends and family.  Today's guest is Charlie Contreras, Pastor of Spiritual Formation and Leadership.  I've known Charlie for a long time, and I might even be surprised by some of his answers.  I tried to insert Charlie's picture here but technology wouldn't cooperate (!!).  If you don't know who Charlie is, click here.

1. People would be surprised to know: I love choral music
2. Your wife Anne's favorite treat (excluding you): Rice Krispie Treats
3. What makes Anne radiate?  Words of affirmation
4. Kids' names and ages: Gabriel, 4 and Gracie, 1-1/2
5. When and where did you meet Bob?  Northwestern College 1980
6. What was your first impression?  Pink Izod shirt Preppy!
7. Favorite artist on your iPod?  Stevie Wonder
8. Favorite snack food? Chips and salsa
9. Hobbies? Woodworking and gardening
10. TV show you can't miss? American Idol
11. Latest movie you saw? Doubt (very good)
12. Favorite ministry moment: Watching the Spirit minister to people
13. Challenge for Faith Church: Every member in a mini-church
14. Best thing about Indiana? Snow!
15. If you were able to eat dinner with someone very special, who would it be? (Jesus is a given): Barack Obama (He's serious)
16. Your pet peeve? Slow drivers!
17. Happier moments in life: Alone time with my honey
18. What do you need to work on? Physical fitness (heard that before)

Hope you've enjoyed getting to know Charlie.

Mini-Church Training

Saturday morning I was invited to open up the session where existing and new Mini-Church leaders were being trained by our talented Mini-Church oversight team. Over 90 leaders trudged through the snow to come.  It was a very well-run, beneficial, insightful training session.  I was so proud.  Our church is beginning year 2 of our 5-year process of revolutionizing how get people connected into Faith Church. 

God be glorified! This is good stuff! Way to go team - way to go, those who came!

Proud Moment

Yesterday I bumped into Kevin Bruinsma, our Visual Communications Director, and he said "Hey Bob, did you go downstairs yet?"  I said "No, but can you show me?"  We went downstairs to the Garage (our lower level) and Kevin and his team had set up for the coolest evening hosting the Insight Design Conference.  About 100 people gathered for a symposium on graphic arts.  An amazing opportunity to serve our greater community.

Way to go Kevn, way to go team!  So proud!

Back from Break

My tradition is to take vacation between Christmas and the new year.  That also explains why I had no blog entries last week.  It was a delightful break.  Laurie and I reflected that this break went very well.  We had plenty of good times with family and friends.  We went downtown and enjoyed Michigan Avenue and Giordano's pizza.  The only "downer" was all the obnoxious Detroit Red Wings fans gloating and rubbing their victory in our Black Hawks faces.  We had some great meals including filets on the grill! 

This week begins my normal routine again.  I like normal too.  I'm excited to study and prepare for our new series at church called Making Change: Making Sense of our Economic World.  Hope you had a great Christmas and a blessed new year!