Ten for Jesus

Each month we have a neighborhood focus area at New Season. It is a neighborhood we pray for and seek to make contact with to share Christ's love with them and introduce them to our church.

One way we are reaching out to our neighborhood focus area for this month is to write them handwritten Christmas cards inviting them to our Christmas Eve service. We asked people in our church to take ten and write them out.

I am praying these cards find there way into the hands of people who need to know God's love this Christmas.

• The person who just went through a divorce.
• The person that just lost one of their parents this year.
• The family struggling to make ends meet.
• The person who has given up on the church but not on God.
• The person who is at their wits end.
• The person about to cheat on their spouse.
• The person who just needs to hear that God came as a little baby to offer salvation to the world.

Ways to Know You are Old

As I turn 33 this day and reflect on my aging here are some ways I know I am getting old:

• I have hair growing out my ears (that is just nasty).
• I have noticed some white hairs on my head and especially in my beard if I do not shave a for a couple of days.
• I find myself saying that no good music has come out since Guns N Roses.
• I look at people like the nurse that cared for Nolan in the hospital and think "How old are you 12?"
• Even though I exercise my gut continues to grow!
• I say find myself saying the same things to my kids that my parents said to me (i.e. you want to cry, I will give you something to cry about).
• I talk about the wonders of Atari 2600 with young kids and they have no idea what I am talking about.

Nothing New Under the Sun

Before there was Bill Hybels, Rick Warren, Andy Stanley, Adam Hamilton or Mike Slaughter there was John Wesley who knew that the main thing was not about the people already in the church but it was about the people outside the church. Wesley and the Methodist got in trouble for taking the Gospel to the people in the fields through what was known as field preaching.

Each morning as part of my devotional time I read a little Wesley (part of his sermons, letters, etc.). I am currently in parts of the minutes of the early Methodist conferences where the minutes are recorded in a question and answer format. Check out this from Thursday, June 18th from the Fourth Annual Conference in 1747.

Q. 1. Have we not limited field preaching too much?
A. It seems we have:

1. Because our calling is to save that which is lost. Now, we cannot expect the wanderers from God to seek us. It is our part to go and seek them.
2. Because we are more peculiarly called, by going out into the highways and hedges (which none of us will do if we do not) to compel them to come in [cf. Luke 14:23).
3. Because that reason against it is not good, "The house will hold all that come." The house may hold all that will come to the house, but not all that will come into the field.
4. Because we have always found a greater blessing in field preaching than in any other preaching whatever.

Cold Snap

We have been having a pretty good cold snap here in Virginia. It reminds me of growing up in Massachusetts. Back then it seemed we did not have cold snaps but long drawn out cold spells. Is that proper weather lingo?

One of our favorite activities was ice-skating. Sometimes this happened on a cranberry bog after they flooded the bog to keep the plants from dying. The good thing about skating on the bog was if you feel in because the ice was not thick enough you only fell in up to your waist. When I was older we would visit a pond behind the apartment complex I lived in. It was a wonder we all didn't fall in and drown. We would step gingerly out onto the ice listening for cracking noises which indicated the ice was not thick enough.

It was during these cold spells later on when I was a teenager working at a sporting goods store that we would have tons of people come to get their skates sharpened so they could go skate. It was three dollars a pair to sharpen. Some days we all we would so is sharpen skates. By the end of the day we would have nose bleeds. I am sure that was good for us breathing in all that metal. I guess that is why we used to pocket the money. Yeah, I know that was before I followed Christ. I repent.

So, here is to toe numbing, booger freezing, stick your tongue to a lamppost kind of weather!

Pearl Harbor

It is amazing to me how quick we as Americans forget. As more and more people who experienced firsthand the devastation of Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941 die, the bravery and American spirit demonstrated during and after this attack fades from our collective conscience as a nation. As one of three times our nation has been attacked on the homeland (the 1993 and 2001 World Trade Center attacks being the other two), let us not soon forget the men and women who were American heroes who gave their life that day in defense of our great nation. They truly were the greatest generation.

First Snow

The first snow of the year is always awesome and it reminds me of how God is so creative and his creation so masterful and beautiful.

We got the perfect first snow today. It snowed pretty strong for an hour or two, stuck to some tress and grass in some places and is now basically out of here. It didn't close school here, cause events to be postponed or cause a mad dash to the grocery store to buy five gallons of milk and seven loaves of bread.

Above is a view of the snowfall outside my office window. Well, not really. My real view is a gas station, CVS and Dunkin Donuts. A guy can wish right?

Andy Stanley on Going Public with Your Vision

I am making my way through Andy Stanley's Visioneering and it is chaulk full of great insights, teaching and quotes. Here is what he says about preparing to cast vision:

1. Ask what is the problem?

2. Ask what is the solution?

3. Ask why must something be done?

4. Ask why now?

"Answering these four questions gives you the potential to engage people's minds, hearts, imaginations, and energy. When you can verbalize your answer to these questions, you are ready to go public with your vision." p. 106.

Nolan Update

I'm glad to report that Nolan is back home now. The little man is doing much better. We need to give him some breathing treatments over the next couple of days and take him back to our doctor. Thanks so much for your prayers and offers to help. I give glory to the God of healing!

Prayer Request

Friends,

Please pray for our youngest son Nolan (2 months old on Wednesday) who was admitted to the hospital with RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus). Most older kids and adults can pretty much deal with RSV but it is harder for little ones under 6 months of age. Thanks in advance for your prayers.

For-giveness Follow Up

We started our Christmas if For-Giving Series yesterday with a hard hitting message on forgiveness.

Let's face it- forgiveness is hard. Yet the call is clear "as you have been forgiven then forgive others." Or, as we sometimes pray "forgives us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us."

There is no way to give a full treatment of forgiveness in a twenty minute message. But hopefully, we all started to ask some questions and experience some holy discomfort if we have been slow to forgive.

Here are some other questions when it comes to forgiveness that many people have that we did not cover:

• Does forgiving mean forgetting?
• What if the person we need to forgive doesn't even think they need my forgiveness?
• Does forgiveness mean that the former relationship has to be restored and if so does that mean you are you have to be around an abusive person?
• What if granting forgiveness to somebody else verbally will cause more harm than good?
• How can I come to a place of forgiveness for the person who has already died and is out of my life?
  

These are just some other questions to ponder that I have heard expressed when it comes to forgiveness.

Determining Factors

I received some useful info before having the privilege of beginning a new church when it came to what should be the determining factor for all the components of the church. That info said apart from the Gospel (the determining factor) what shapes all your other ministries, strategies, styles etc. is your mission field (the people you are trying to reach).

So, what determines your:

Music and worship style- your mission field.
The name of your church- the mission field.
Whether you have small groups or Sunday School or both- the mission field.
How you will do marketing- the mission field.
What kind of people gathering/ bridge/ connection events you will do- the mission field.

You get the picture. After the Gospel it is the mission field that is the determining factor. That is nothing new for foreign missionaries but something to think about for domestic missionaries.

Upcoming Series

We are starting an exciting Christmas series of messages this Sunday at New Season Church. The message series is called "Christmas is For-Giving" and we will be talking about some life changing topics. Grab a friend, relative, co-worker or neighbor (hell- bring all four) and make your way to Lee Hill Elementary School this Sunday. See you there!

What in the World Is Advent?

• Advent is the season of the church calendar right before Christmas that lasts four weeks and ends on Christmas Eve when we move into the twelve days of Christmas.


• It is a time of joyful expectation as we wait for the coming of the Lord. This means we wait for Jesus' birth we celebrate at Christmas and we wait for Jesus' second coming.


• It is a time of conversion and renewal, a time of watching and waiting, and a time of new beginnings. It is a season of preparation.


• The message of Advent is one of hope, peace and joy. The question we are called to ask in Advent is how do we prepare for the coming of Jesus into our lives now and in times to come?


• One of the symbols of the Advent Season is the lighted candle. In Matthew 25 a group of wise women carry their lighted candles in expectation of the coming of the Lord. The lighted candle also represents the presence of Christ in our midst.


• Each of the candles of an Advent Wreath remind us of the light of Christ coming and symbolize peace, hope, love and Christ himself.


• During the Season of Advent it has become customary in churches and even in homes to use what is called an Advent Wreath (consisting of four lighted candles) as a sign of our watching and waiting in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior as we celebrate his birth in Bethlehem and his return to bring about a new heaven and a new earth at the end of time.


• The circle of the Advent Wreath represents eternity. The candles signify the time of preparation, a time of looking into ourselves and recognizing the need for the coming of Christ in our lives and, the joy we know because God loves us so much that he sent Jesus into the world to give us life and victory.
  
  As we go through this Advent Season with all the preparations for buying presents, attending parties, preparing food, preparing for visitors and all the other things of the season, Advent and the Advent Wreath remind us of the importance of preparing room in our hearts for the coming of Jesus.

The Church Calendar

I must confess that in beginning a new church I have largely neglected the church calendar. I don't mean the "church calendar" that we schedule all our events around. Instead, the church calendar I am talking about are those seasons, holy days, and rhythms the church of Jesus Christ has been guided by through the centuries. Like many others who have begun new faith communities, I have viewed the use of such tradition as antiquated, irrelevant, and not "seeker comprehensible".

However, recently I have been thinking about the purpose of the church calendar particularly as the season of Advent approaches. My understanding of the purpose of the church calendar is that it help followers of Christ and those who are beginning or thinking about following Christ by being a way to mark and participate in the life of Christ from his birth, to this ministry, to his death and resurrection to his return in glory.

Why would we want to rob people of this opportunity to learn more about the life of Christ and model their lives on the life of Christ?

Admittedly, the church calendar becomes a tool that is abused when seasons and holy days become one more rote thing. However, I am feeling that if we explain the significance of these days to both followers of Christ and to those who are seeking they can hold power today. When we do this the church calendar can become a powerful tool to invite people into a life of discipleship and invite people to continue to grow in faith.

Small Acts Can Make a Big Splash

Please find below the first message from the Faith in Action message series "Small Things Make a Big Splash"

To listen now, click on the link below.

Small Things Make a Big Splash

Series
The Faith in Action message series is a series of messages challenging the church to puts its faith in action by being open to divine detours, seeing other people through Christ's eyes, and working together to make a difference in the community. The series culminates with the cancellation of morning worship services in the fourth week where participants go out into the community to serve. Throughout it all the challenge is not to go to church but BE the church.

Subscribe to this podcast via Apple iTunes by following this link.

Get Apple iTunes for PC or Mac here.

Faith in Action Follow Up

We had a great Faith in Action Sunday on November 18th. Thanks to everyone who made it possible and especially to those who provided leadership to each team that went out to serve. You made a difference in your community New Season Church! Way to go!!

I hope we can always keep in mind that important question: If New Season Church disappeared tomorrow would anyone in the community who does not already attend even care? If we can say that nobody would care then we need to get the hell out of the church (both literally and figuratively!).

Joe Vitale ran around like a chicken with his head cut off on Faith in Action Service Day to capture video footage and take some still pictures.

Here is a link to the video.

Here is a link to the pictures.

Faith in Action Day is Here!

Wow- this morning New Season Church will go and make a difference in the greater Fredericksburg community. I am really excited about what God has done, is doing and will do through our Faith in Action Campaign. I know as we make the sacrifice of praise through our service that God will use us to love others.

We have got six projects going this morning.

• Home repairs for a woman and her children living in a mobile home.
• Free Krispy Kreme donut delivery to people who are working.
• Yard clean up for an elderly woman who we are also buying a used washing machine for.
• Leading bingo at the Onyx Assisted Living Facility.
• A kids project where they are making cards and original artwork for soldiers.
• A clean sweep of an apartment for a woman who has been "collecting" because she suffers from Alzheimer's Disease.

I am so proud of our church and the people who are the project coordinators. Mostly, I am thankful to God who made the first move to love us in Christ so that we might turn around and love others in response so they can know and experience Christ's love.

Faith in Action Prayer

I praise God for his amazing grace and love for the community- and for us all- in Christ. Amen.

1 More Day Until Faith in Action Service Day

Faith in Action Prayer

I ask you God to search our hearts and lives, and I ask forgiveness for any ways that our own actions (or inactions), lifestyles or prejudices may have contributed to problems in our community and world.

3 More Days Left Until Faith in Action Service Day

Faith in Action Prayer

I pray that God's justice, righteousness, and peace would increasingly reign in our community- that God's will would be done on earth as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:10)

4 More Days until Faith in Action Service Day

Veterans

For all who have served, are serving and who have given their lives we say thank you. Thank you for allowing us to enjoy the freedom that God intends for all his children. Thank you for allowing us to experience Christ and worship him, the One who brings freedom in all aspects of life.

No matter what the "Blame America First for every problem around he world" crowd says- we are still the greatest country to live in for all of history. This is thanks in large part to our veterans.

Veterans- we salute you!

Faith in Action Prayer

I pray that New Season Church might be a beacon of hope and light in the community, drawing people to Christ. (Philippians 2:15-16)

6 More Days Until Faith in Action Service Day.

Faith in Action Prayer

I pray for the invisible people, those who are on the margins of the community, whose hurts are hidden from others, and whose voices are seldom heard in places of power.

7 More Days Until Faith in Action Service Day

Faith in Action Prayer

I pray for leaders who hold power within the community or make decisions affecting this area.

8 more days until Faith in Action Service Day!

Faith in Action Prayer

I pray for all organizations serving our community- our schools, hospitals, the police, courts, social services, civic groups and others churches.

9 more days until Faith in Action Service Day!

The Spiritual Discipline of Cutting Grass

This may sound strange but I find cutting grass (and yard work in general) therapeutic and one way for me to communicate, experience and honor God!! This is how it has been for me for some time. I love to cut grass, trim hedges, cut brush, take a chain saw to some trees etc.

I think there are at least a few reasons I like it.
1. It gets me outside. So much of my time is spent indoors. I once heard it said that there is nothing that can be done inside that cannot be more fully enjoyed outdoors.
2. After doing some type of yard work I can sit back and admire it. In other words, what I have done for that hour or half-day is measurable. So much of ministry is not measurable.
3. It gives me time to think without being able to do anything else. Riding on the mower there is nothing else to do but process stuff, pray, and enjoy the outdoors.

For me, there is nothing like it. Some reading this will think I am nuts. That's OK. What is the activity for you that helps you accomplish these things?

Faith in Action Prayer

I thank God for the power at work within us to accomplish far more than we can ask or even imagine! (Ephesians 3:20-21)

12 more days until Faith in Action Service Day!

Faith in Action Prayer

I praise God for what he is doing through our church's service and witness, as we spread the love of Christ and bring glory to the Father. Matthew 5:16

13 more days until Faith in Action Service Day!

Faith in Action Prayer

I pray for those entrusted with leading the church to experience God's empowerment, encouragement, wisdom and renewal.

14 more days until Faith in Action Service Day!

Faith in Action Prayer

I pray that we would be equipped to use the gifts God has given us for ministry, and would be faithful stewards of the resources God has given us to bless others (1 Peter 4:10-11)

16 more days until Faith in Action Service Day!

Faith in Action Prayer

I pray that God continues to work in and through our church to break down barriers of race, gender, class and culture. (Colossians 3:11)

17 more days until Faith in Action Service Day!

All Saints Day

Today is All Saints Day in the Christian calendar.

All Saints Day is a holiday of the church that honors and celebrates those who have given their lives for their faith. Early on in the history of the church Christians were severely persecuted. The early history of the Church is filled with stories of the heroic faith of these of witnesses to Christ's truth. The stories of these saints -- these baptized Christians of all ages and all states in life, whose fidelity and courage led to their sanctity or holiness -- have provided models for every other Christian throughout history.

All Saints Day has thus become a memorial day of sorts to remember these faithful and courageous people. However, we also remember on this day those who have been saints to us in our lives who have received the promises of Christ and dwell with him now. Who have been the saints in your life? Who have been those special people who led you in faith?

Here is a prayer for this All Saints Day.
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God,
today we rejoice in the holy men and women of every time and place.
May their example inspire us and give us courage for the facing of this hour.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Did These Tricksters Come to Your Door?

Robert as Spiderman!
Jack as Fireman Sam!
Nolan as a hungry and tired baby dressed up in a cute Halloween outfit!

Spiritual Thuggery and Other Gems

In Outreach Magazine's 5th Annual Special Issue: America's Largest and Fastest Growing Churches there are a number of churches from the list that are highlighted. In reading through a couple of the articles I came across some great quotes I wanted to share.

In the article about Salem Baptist Church in Chicago one of the members highlighted from the church who was saved from an addiction to crack had this awesome thing to say about his pastor...

"My pastor is a spiritual thug, a mighty man. He knew how to show me my pain would be my purpose, and that my pain would be my promise. He would not let me go until I realized that." Wow!! We need some more spiritual thugs in the church!

And then in the article about Mariners Church there was this gem that shows why we put our hope in Jesus Christ and not in Republicans, Democrats, Democracies, Autocracies or any other -ocracy.

"I believe that churches have a better chance of breaking the cycle of poverty than government programs because, as mine and Darrell's experience shows, it's not about programs and artificial goal-making. It's about sharing the love of Christ and letting God work magic by having a friend in Christ."

Faith in Action Prayer

I pray that God would overcome any obstacles to effective ministry, and that we would be transformed in our attitudes and actions that hinder God's well being among us.

18 more days until Faith in Action Service Day!

Harvest Parties and Fall Festivals

Can someone tell me what is up with church's having Harvest Parties and Fall Festivals. I mean it is great and all to have people come together for fun but let's call them what they are- Halloween Parties. Somehow I guess we think by calling them Harvest Parties or Fall Festivals it is not as bad as calling them Halloween Parties and we appease the people who say that Halloween is a Satanic holiday that the devil uses as an opening to get kids to play with Ouija boards and consult mediums. (And, save your emails I know the pagan roots of Halloween and have read about that but to me the blood of Christ is more than sufficient to cover our children who dress up in costumes with no intention of devil worship!)

And, I really like the Harvest parties and Fall Festivals where it is stipulated "biblical costumes only please." So, I guess that means you could dress up as the devil (he is a biblical character), the witch of Endor who Saul consulted, and the monster Leviathan the Psalmist speaks of.

Happy pre-Halloween everyone!

Love Takes a Detour

Please find below the first message from the Faith in Action message series "Love Takes a Detour."

To listen now, click on the link below.
Love Takes a Detour

Series

The Faith in Action message series is a series of messages challenging the church to puts its faith in action by being open to divine detours, seeing other people through Christ's eyes, and working together to make a difference in the community. The series culminates with the cancellation of morning worship services in the fourth week where participants go out into the community to serve. Throughout it all the challenge is not to go to church but BE the church.

Subscribe to this podcast via Apple iTunes by following this link.

Get Apple iTunes for PC or Mac here.

Faith in Action Prayer

I pray that God would give us a growing love for our neighbors, a burden for the things that grieve the Spirit in our community and around the world and the courage to act.

19 more days until Faith in Action Service Day!

In Memory of Grace Oughton

It is with deep sadness that I learned today that little Grace Oughton passed away after her long and courageous fight with cancer. Her family posted this announcement on her website earlier today. We at New Season Church have been praying for healing for Grace for some time and back in 2006 we did a benefit concert for her and her family.

Grace was diagnosed at 19 months and though she was only three years old when she passed away she has influenced many. This little girl was a fighter. She was so very brave. She experienced more in her three years than any child should ever have to experience.

I also remember how this little girl brought people together to fight on her behalf and to support her and her family. As the months went by and she battled this awful disease people's kindness and generosity was on display. Grace brought out the best in people in the midst of her unfortunate sickness. She brought together many communities. She brought together so many different people. She brought together churches who prayed for her, loved her and supported her and her family even when they did not know them personally. Grace as a uniter. It is amazing how God can use such a little girl who spent far too little time with us to change the world. I somehow recall a scripture verse about that..."and a little child shall lead them."

In the midst of deep sadness, questions, and anger there are no easy words or simple explanations and there never will be. Yet, Grace has inherited the promises bought for us all and is with the one who said "let the little children come to me." It is to the promises found in Christ alone that we can only cling in our sadness and bewilderment.

Please continue to pray for the Oughtons. For those who want to stay up-to-date with arrangements and such please visit the Grace Oughton Cancer Foundation website here.

2007 World Series Champs

What a privilege to see the Red Sox win two world series in my lifetime! I think I am starting to heal from watching them blow it in 1986. Way to go Sox!!!!

Faith in Action Prayer

I pray that our church would be guided by Christ's example: that we would imitate the sacrificial compassion of Christ, see our world through the eyes of Christ, serve in the power of Christ and rejoice in seeking God's kingdom with the faithful obedience of Christ.

20 more days until Faith in Action Service Day!

Faith in Action Prayer

I pray for a spirit of unity, humility and boldness around our church's mission (Philippians 1:1-2).

21 more days until Faith in Action Service Day!

Faith in Action Prayer

I pray for New Season's next steps in ministry as it considers how to follow up on the Faith in Action experience.

24 more days until Faith in Action Service Day!

Faith in Action Prayer

I give thanks for all God is doing and will do through this campaign and beyond, in the church and in the community.

25 more days until Faith in Action Service Day!

Faith in Action Prayer

I pray for the church's relationship with its ministry partners, giving thanks for their contribution to people's well-being.

26 more days until Faith in Action Service Day!

Worship Matters

In all the talk about worship "styles" and the friction and fracture caused by different worship styles in the same church, it is necessary for pastors, worship teams, lay persons and others to spend some time thinking and reflecting theologically on the purpose of worship.

Before congregations go like a bunch of lemming off the cliff and into the peaks and valleys of what is called "contemporary worship" they do well to look again and reflect from a biblical and theological perspective about what worship is about. In a work by Cornelius Plantinga Jr. and Sue Rozeboom’s called Discerning the Spirits: A Guide to Thinking about Christian Worship they refer to this theological work as “discerning the spirits”: “…what we clearly need is a particular gift of the Holy Spirit, namely, the ability to discern spirits- to identify them, to tell them apart, and to disentangle them from the Spirit of God” (1).

As many new churches seek to make worship relevant, meaningful, and experiential, it must be recognized that expressions of worship cannot be divorced from the cultures in which they are practiced. However, not all in culture is worthy for worship and it is imperative for the church, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to discern what spirits are of God and what needs to be disentangled from the Spirit of God.

Instead of jumping on the anything but 19th century pipe organ sucks view of worship, or the let's play AC/DC and show video clips from Spiderman 3 to illustrate Gospel truths bandwagon; pastors, worship leaders and those charged with leading God's people in worship do well to ask some hard question before diving right in.

Questions like- What is the purpose of worship- to glorify and exalt God or to help people come to faith? Can't it be both? Do we do what we do to be "cool" or do we do it because it helps persons become worshippers and bring glory to God? Who is the "audience" in worship? Do we seek to please God first or people first? It is worth pondering.

Faith in Action Prayer

I pray for those outside the church who are invited to participate in Faith in Action- that they feel welcomed and useful, that the joy of service is contagious, that they "catch" the Good News of Christ by seeing it in action; that they work well together- and have fun!

27 more days until Faith in Action Service Day!

Faith in Action Prayer

I pray for the volunteers participating in Faith in Action- that they deepen their faith and grow in Christ's love as they discover new ministry interests and make new friends; that people would see Christ's love through their faith in action; that they work well together- and have fun!

29 more days until Faith in Action Service Day!

Faith in Action Prayer

I pray for the service projects- that they would go smoothly and safely, and that God would bless the church to be a blessing to its neighbors near and far. (Genesis 12:2)

30 more days until Faith in Action Service Day!

Faith in Action Prayer

I pray for those who will use the devotional during the campaign - that God's word would be living and active (Hebrews 4:12), leading people into growing fellowship, spiritual insight, and steps of faith.

31 more days until Faith in Action Service Day!

Faith in Action Prayer

I pray that church leaders would have vision and discernment in making ministry decisions for Faith in Action and beyond- that the church would be led to do God's will in God's way. (Colossians 1:9-10)

32 more days until Faith in Action Service Day!

Faith in Action Prayer

Today I pray for those who are planning and executing the logistics of the Faith in Action campaign at New Season Church. Give them wisdom, endurance, faithfulness, teamwork and a sense of humor. Amen.

33 more days until Faith in Action Service Day!

Faith in Action- Spiritual Preparation

I continue to be exited about our Faith in Action series and campaign coming up. If you missed the post about what Faith in Action is all about then you can go here.

Prayer is at the heart of Faith in Action. In prayer, we join ourselves with God's work of transformation in our community, and we ourselves are transformed. Prayer empowers us to do good works, guides our ministry decisions, gives life to our witness and renews our hope. Therefore we will prepare for God to work through Faith in Action before, during and after through prayer.

Beginning today and continuing until November 18th when we cancel church and go serve I will be offering a prayer here on the blog. I invite you to take a moment each day to pray the prayer. Along with the prayer will be a countdown.

Nolan Update

Baby Nolan is now 11 days old! Time flies. He is doing really well and doing all the things little babies are supposed to do. He did have some jaundice issues but that has all cleared up now. Thank God for the miracle of life!!

Nolan Phillip Almy

Here is Nolan Phillip Almy born on October 5, 2007 at Memorial Regional Medical Cener in Mechanicsville, VA at 4:00 PM weighing 7 lbs. 14 oz. and measuring 21 3/4 inches. And yes that is a Red Sox hat he has on. He came out with it on and and his first words were "Manny, Manny" and "Big Papi!"

Relationship Rescue Messages

Please find below the first three podcasts for the message series "Relationship Rescue" at New Season Church. To listen now, click on the links below.

Back to the Basics

Getting Along with Obnoxious People

Marriage Maintenance

Series

Relationships– we all got ‘em, we all want’em, what do we do with them? This series explores how to establish, maintain, grow and heal the different relationships we have with people by applying practical wisdom from the Bible.

Subscribe to this podcast via Apple iTunes by following this link.

Get Apple iTunes for PC or Mac here.

Faith in Action

Don't go to church- be the church! That is the message of the Faith in Action Campaign at New Season Church. On Sunday November 18th we are cancelling church and going to serve in our community. Faith in Action will continue to cement the idea at New Season that the church is not a building, it is not what happens inside four walls on a Sunday. Instead, the church is the mighty army of God! The church is Christ's hands and feet in a lost and hungry world! The church exists not for itself! The church is called to take its place and be ready to storm the gates of hell because not event he gates of hell shall prevail.

New Seasoners should be on the lookout for their opportunity to sign on to one of the service projects.

Make plans now to transform this community!!

Land in a Church Plant

We started New Season church with the intention of purchasing ten or more acres of land. We were quickly slapped down when we say how much money land cost- even land that was not in the prime areas. It is ridiculous.

So, we then thought we can maybe just exist nomadically for a while. Maybe we will never own land. Perhaps we can rent out an old supermarket that has closed down or something. We will go where God leads us.

Then, recently I was talking to someone about 8,000 sq. ft. or so in a fairly decent location (though not the best) and they want $20 a square foot. That amounts to about $160,000 a year for rent for a smaller space in a so-so location. Are they smoking crack? Hell, we mind as well just but some land at that rate.

Again, we trust where God will lead us and trust Him to open the doors that need to be opened!

Red Sox Win!

Well the Red Sox wrapped up the pennant last night by winning the AL East. The Yankees lost to the hapless Orioles in a come from behind effort capped by Melvin Mora's bunt!

I do have to give the Yankees some due as much as it makes me queasy since they have had a great run. Baseball is about momentum and I hope the Sox are getting some! Now it on to play the Anaheim, California, Los Angeles whatever they are called this week Angels!

U2 Audio Up

I wanted to let everyone know that the audio from the U2 messages "I Believe in God Do U2" is up and available for download. You can go to the New Season Message Vault and get it here. Or, simply click the links below. You can also get the text at the Message Vault as well.

We had a bit of delay in getting it up as we were in between offices during the series and did not have our high speed Internet up yet.

With or Without You

Where the Streets Have No Name

One

Relationship Rescue this Sunday

This Sunday at New Season Church we are starting brand new message series called "Relationship Rescue." The first message will be a back to the basics look at the truths about relationships as found in God's word. You won't want to miss being there. You can spread some word of mouse and send an e-vite by going here.

Hang Out with People Smarter Than You Are

One of the lessons I have learned when it comes to leadership and a being more effective church planter is that I need to hang out with people smarter than me. This is often pretty easy for me but is also crucial for me. I think hanging out with people that are smarter than you allows you to grow in knowledge, vision, and character no matter what "field" you are in. What I have found is it is best to intentionally initiate and cultivate those relationships. Don't rely on people to come to you or worse yet a denominational program.

This past Thursday and Friday I got to hang out with Mark Miller from Ebenezer UMC and with a group of people whose goal is to help our conference begin 250 new faith communities in 50 years. All of these people were smarter than me :)

Vision

As I have been reading Andy Stanley's Visioneering I have been spending some time reflecting on things I have learned about vision and have had others reinforce for me when it comes to vision...

• It is true without vision, the people perish. It is equally true, especially in the church planting world, that without people the vision will perish. Thanks Jim Griffith.
• In the initial stages of starting a church vision is overrated. The only vision that matters is your vision as the church planter given to you by God that you have discerned through searching the scriptures, prayer, and seeking godly counsel from others. There is no need to debate the vision God has given for a church with the team that assembles. In fact, if you have people that are constantly wanting to debate the vision God has given you then ask them to leave as perhaps they are not called to be part of the vision God has given you.
• One has to be mean about the vision. Thanks Shawn Lovejoy. Not mean as in "mean and nasty" but mean as discriminating in the ministries, programs, teaching the church does- does it help to fulfill the vision?
• Vision has to be verbalized, written, and presented time and time again.
• It is easy once a church has begun public worship to begin to lose its vision. This is the enemy's work.
• Vision largely remains the same, the methods used to accomplish the vision can change. For example, if you envision a church that is for people not yet in the church and you are using radio ads on the Alternative Rock Station and you have seen no results you might instead do a servant evangelism project whereby you are polishing people's boots at a club.

Waiting...

This past year we had our house renovated and had to move out for about 7-8 months. During that time we had moved into an apartment. One of the advantages to moving to an apartment was that there was high speed Internet available which we took full advantage of. We also had high speed Internet at the New Season Offices until we moved offices and found out the Verizon did not provide DSL to where we moved. It was a frustrating few weeks when we had moved backed into our office and had moved the New Season Offices when all we had was dial-up. I felt like just banging my head against the wall repeatedly. What did we ever do before? Thankfully, we have been able to get broadband at the office and will be trying satellite at home.

I am convicted though about how our world, and my own little world, wants everything quickly.

• We don't like to wait too long at traffic lights.
• We like food served in less than five minutes.
• We want our money instantly out of ATMs.
• Our communication happens in seconds via email and texting.
• We get PO'd when they do not open more registers at Wal-Mart when there are more than three people in line.
• We try to schedule our flites so we do not have to waste time and wait for connections.

But, how does that affect us spiritually? I find myself expecting the same thing from God- quickness. Give me the answer now Lord. Bless me or these people now Lord. Lead me now Lord. There is an old saying that talks about "waiting on the Lord." Interestingly, the disciples waited three days on Jesus to be raised from the dead. They then went to Jerusalem to wait for the gift of the Holy Spirit. There is a lot of waiting going on there.

Perhaps some time the answers to our prayer is to wait.

• Wait for the right mate.
• Wait for the next promotion.
• Wait for the next group of people to be reached for Jesus.
• Wait as your child grows up and matures and then they will make good decision.

Waiting is hard. Yet, it is something God wants us to do because despite all our pda's, Blackberry's and Google Calendars the God who made and owns the universe also owns time and that is a good thing. Here is a good quote.

A. B. Simpson once wrote: "There are some spiritual conditions that cannot be accomplished in a moment. The breaking up of the fallow ground takes time. The frosts of winter are as necessary as the rains of spring to prepare the soil for fertility. God has to break our hearts to pieces by the slow process of His discipline, and grind every particle to power, and then to mellow us and saturate us with His blessed Spirit, until we are open for the blessing He has to give us."

Robert's First Day of School

Our oldest, Robert, had his first day of school this past Tuesday at Bowling Green Primary School. We put him on the bus bright and early at 7:30 AM. Diana and I did pretty well (well she got teary eyed and cried a little bit while I was my regualr stoic calloused self:) Robert looked real cute waving to us out the bus window. He did real well and did not cry and sat right behind the bus driver.

As any good obsessed parent would do in sending their first child off to school we followed the bus. The bust took like an hour and fifteen minutes to get to the school! We got there before the bus and were there when he got off the bus. He was doing fine until he saw us and started to cry. We brought him to his classroom and got him situated and left.

He apparently calmed down pretty quick and had a great day. He has been doing really well and seems to enjoy it. Diana and I are so very proud of him.

I continue to pray for him and one thing God has tuaught me in all this is my need to surrender, even the cocoon I try to put around my son. For the Heavenly Father is the one who will ultimately keep watch. Those are far better hands and protection than mine!!

Mad Props

Mad props and a huge shout out are well deserved by two guys and their spouses from New Season. We moved office space a few weeks ago to an old haunted house (not really but it looked like it).

Brett Barker and Robert Herron scraped the house by hand removing the three hundred year old lead paint from the outside. They then painted the whole house. It was a huge project taking many hours and I am most grateful to them. I know I speak for the rest of the New Season community as well. And, not only did their spouses allow them to be way for such long periods of time they came and helped with yard work. Thanks Melissa and Kathy!

As we have made this move we wanted the space to reflect well on the church and be well kept. These folks and others helped make that happen. Thanks everybody!

U2 Message Series

We have just been having a lot of fun with our message series that uses U2 as a jumping off point to delve deeper into the Bible and our faith.

Recently, Amy Umble, from the Free Lance Star newspaper in Fredericksburg did a story on it. She did a great job covering it and provided some great resources for readers to explore further the connection between U2 and faith.

Here is a link to the article.