actionchurch

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2009-01-11T21:18:00.002-01:00

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Quote of the week

2009-01-09T06:47:00.002-01:00

"I'm not convinced that your date of death is the date carved on your tombstone. Most people die long before that . We start dying when we have nothing worth living for. And we don't start living until we find something worth dying for." -Mark Batterson

"Original Idea"

2009-01-08T07:16:00.000-01:00

We're gonna be "busting" some myths about the Bible this week. The scary thing is that I'm gonna be using a metaphor for scripture that I have never heard anyone use before... I don't make a practice of repeating what other preachers/writers say...but this is an idea that came to me that is really "out there". An idea that I have been rolling around in my head for some time. Something that seems to make "too much sense". We'll see.

I'm glad you all can txt in during the service...instead of just asking for questions and comments I'm gonna ask people to tell me "what's wrong with this analogy?". I'm really not sure some days if I have had an "original idea" or if all the paint fumes are starting (!?) to get to me :-)

Virus...

2009-01-07T07:09:00.001-01:00

I picked up a really nasty "virus" on my computer Monday. I dropped my firewall just for a moment to "allow" in a web page for Reagan's online school and BAM! it hit me. It started out with a few annoying pop-ups but before long it had completely overtaken my desktop and main menu. I tried to fight it...in fact I went to bed Monday night thinking I had it "beaten". I woke up yesterday morning to find my laptop on, (I had put it "to sleep") frozen, and jam packed with spam and "malware". My machine had been busily allowing in more "bad guys" while I slept. I knew that I needed help.

Once I admitted the virus was "to much for me" to handle, I decided to call in the professionals. Michele (thank you) took my laptop to the various "geek squads" in town to see if they could start it up and remove the virus. They were mainly interested in selling a "warranty package", a new computer, or charging a couple of hundred dollars to wipe the hard drive and reinstall windows. No thanks! I searched on the Internet and the software isle for a "fix". Some people wanted more money. Others scolded me for getting the virus in the first place. The "mac cult" bragged about how apple products don't get virus' (Thanks Josiah:-)

In the end I found a step by step set of instructions on the net about how to remove "my" particular virus from someone else who had experienced it. I downloaded a free scanner...it took a lot of time...it was a process not a "quick fix"...but my laptop is now malware free and better than ever. Thank you kind "stranger".

My "virus" is a lot like sin... It creeps up on you. Temptation hits you just at the moment your defences are down. You think you can handle it...but it will eventually take over everything and leave you with nothing . It's too big for us to handle alone and everyone faces it (even mac users). The question is how will we as people...and together as a church...relate to those "fighting" the affects of sin in their lives? Will we lecture...or scold? Try to enrich ourselves by "helping" others? Or will we be the "kind stranger" who shares our step-by-step battles with our own personal "virus"? Who points others to the "free scanner" for no other reason that we have been "set free"?

Thank you "kind stranger"...you saved my laptop...but more than that you reminded me why we do actionchurch each week...

Txt Tuesday (late night edition)

2009-01-06T23:53:00.001-01:00

Okay, I promised I would get to the text messages that came in during the service on Sunday and technically it's still Tuesday... I've been battling a really vicious virus on my PC (more about that later.) Here they are:

Q: Do u think that sometimes our prayers aren't answered because our suffering can create in us a compassionate heart more sensitive to the suffering of others?

Me: Excellent point... absolutely. There are many examples in scripture of God allowing people to suffer for a time. (Job, Joseph, David, Daniel...etc.) Almost every "great" story in the Bible includes (unfortunately for us sometimes) suffering. I think that's why God commands us to "bear each others burdens" to be compassionate and loving to each other...because suffering is simply unavoidable...but at least we can hold each other up as we go through life.

Q. Do your parents support the direction you have gone with actionchurch?

Me: I'm pretty sure this question comes because I mentioned that my dad is a (recently retired) baptist minister. At first my parents were honestly pretty horrified when I first told them we were going to be starting a church in a bar. As Midwest baptists they get pretty offended if someone tossed a beer can on the church lawn... In August they came out from Missouri and attended a service at Fat Daddy's (with a metal band that day) and have been very supportive ever since. I guess what speaks most is that they now give financially every month to actionchurch even though they are retired and far from wealthy. I love and appreciate them both...and often ask my dad questions during the week about areas of the scriptures I am unsure about.

Q. How do you pray? Do you just pray to God like you are talking to a friend?

Me: Exactly! Only God is the very best friend you could have...one that won't leave you...betray you...one that you can tell anything, because he already knows. Make no mistake God is absolutely to be "feared"...but he allows us to approach him boldly...not as cowering subjects, but as sons, daughters..."friends". I hope lots of you are praying Honest, Humble, Hopeful prayers this week!

We just had the three questions this week...I hope to have more next week and see some of them on the screens. Thanks!

"No answer"

2009-01-05T07:17:00.002-01:00

I had a great comment after talking about "what prayers God answers" yesterday. "Sometimes no answer, is the answer-NO". (Thanks Keith) It made me think about all the "no answer prayers" I have prayed as we started actionchurch... and how much I have learned from them.

When we first started promoting the idea of actionchurch I prayed for money to come in so we could buy equipment and rent a building. I "knew" what sound and lighting equipment costs...I "knew" we were going to need a lot of it...So I prayed for lots of money. No answer. Even though I have a background in "leading worship" (whatever that actually means) I knew that even I would be bored if I both sang and preached on Sunday mornings...so I prayed for a "worship band". No answer. I kept praying. No answer.

One Saturday I walked out of my "hair cuttery" that just happened to be next door to Fat Daddy's night club at the time and saw my "answer". I saw a place that we could rent on Sunday mornings and not have to purchase sound and lighting equipment. I was excited! I felt that I had very clearly had my prayers "answered". In spite of the weird looks I got from everyone I told about my "Fat Daddy's answer"...I immediately began to try to contact the club owners to let them know about my "great idea". No answer. I prayed that they would be receptive to the idea. No answer. I finally managed to personally talk to one of the owners. No answer. I was so sure the Fat Daddy's Nightclub was the "answer" for actionchurch that I persistently kept trying to rent it most of the summer of '07. No answer. Our first "Test Drive" service was four months away and we still had no venue, no band, no money, and no equipment.

I began to pray differently. I "confessed" that I had been wrong about the whole Fat Daddy's thing... (I might have had a couple of "cussing prayers" during this period:-) I prayed that God would forgive me and show me the "right place" and send the "right band" for actionchurch. No answer. I decided to try "just one more time". I don't believe in coincidence so I believe God allowed me to talk to the one person with the interest and the "juice" to make the Fat Daddy's deal happen- the owner's Mother. With her introduction and "blessing" we were able to reach an agreement to rent the club... It turned out to be absolutely the "right answer" for actionchurch.

I continued to pray for the "one band" to show up to play actionchurch on Sunday mornings. No Answer. That "No answer" has allowed us to be blessed by a great "house band" (ac all-stars) and so many other talented bands that play our Sunday services.

The list of "no answer" prayers in the past few years is long. As we began to outgrow Fat Daddy's I prayed that God would help us as we made the transition to multiple services on Sunday morning. No answer. Instead he sent Club 19 "to our rescue"... I'm praying right now that God will show us how to provide more seats for the people that continue to invite their friends on Sunday morning. (and more space for their kidz also!) I haven't received an answer yet. That's fine with me.

I've come to believe that life and leadership are far less about "figuring out" the right thing to do. Far less about coming to God with a "well thought out" answer to our "problems", and asking him to bless it...but much more about bringing our problems and opportunities to God and waiting for him to guide us. The thing that I pray for most now is courage and perseverance to act on his "answers". Especially "no answers".

Sunday Recap: Mythbusters (Prayer)

2009-01-04T16:47:00.006-01:00

"preaching gear"

Today was the kick-off of the new year at actionchurch...and the new "mythbusters" series. I talked about prayer today..."blew up" the greatest myth about prayer...that Prayer is primarily about getting God to submit to "our will". Prayer is more about us coming around to God's way of thinking instead of "forcing" him to do what we want. In the words of Jesus, "not my will, but yours (Gods)". I challenged everyone today to "experiment" by praying Honest, Humble, Hopeful prayers (H3) like Jesus did before his Crucifixion. Our sins are forgiven because God did not "answer" the prayer Jesus prayed in the Garden to "take away this cup of suffering". Learning to trust God's plan and submit to it through prayer instead of trying to get God to do what we want, is like the difference between "fighting the waves" and "catching a wave"...

The highlights:

I did the DUMBEST thing today! I got "faked out" by the breakdown in Chambered's first song and jumped on stage to intro the day WAY before the song was over. Really embarrassing but funny. Josiah was messaging me to "get off the stage"... I was having "flashbacks" of being a lead singer and not knowing what to do with myself during the guitar solo...at least I didn't head bang or put my arm around the guitarist like every 80's rock video...
Chambered on stage...besides my interruption they were fantastic as usual. They had just come off a late night club gig the night before but they were certainly no "worse for wear". Great way to kick off the new year...
Used the "supper prayer" clip from Talledega Nights...had a combination of huge laughs and offended looks in the audience... "Dear Baby Jesus...all soft and cuddly in your fleece blanket...tiny, but omnipotent". I "offend" myself sometimes :-)
Great "explosion" clip (family guy) from Josiah...looking forward to the various explosions during this series as we "blow crap up".
I'm going to attempt to "answer" the txts we got during the service on Tuesday...good questions. We are now opening for text questions/comments during every service. Josiah will either put them on the screen live...or we will see them on the blog on TXT Tuesdays.
The prayer request I read: "I really really really want a girlfriend"... was absolutely real.
I think I gave Garrett a concussion putting with a ladder...everyone around me should consider wearing a helmet.
Had a lot of people say they really missed having church last week...very cool. I dig that we can take the week off and urge people to attend other churches.
Crowd was down this week...but actionkidz was packed...go figure. We definitely need more space for the kidz...(and everyone else as well) in the future. There are some really exciting possibilities for that happening. I'm praying that God will lead us and show us what to do "as usual".
Everyone on Set up crew was early this week...I think we were all ready to get back at it! You guys are the best!
The ground was so frozen this morning that I couldn't get the road signs in...luckily I had a cordless drill in my old truck and was able to drill holes for the signs to go in...adapt and overcome :-)
I felt like the service "ran" well today...but for some reason I felt "off" the whole time... All the crew did a great job...I just was sort of "flat". It happens...maybe I have had too much rest and relaxation :-)
Keep your eyes open for a brand new website coming very soon. Josiah has been working so hard on it...and it shows. It's going to be really exciting to have a website that "looks" like actionchurch!

Great to be back. I'll take my "worst" day at actionchurch...over a day anywhere else. Can't wait 'til next week as we "blow up" myths about the Bible...including one that I think will shock most of you.

Blown away...

2009-01-03T12:40:00.000-01:00

I've had the most amazing morning writing personal notes to give out with the year end giving statements. I am really overwhelmed at how many people that I hadn't even met this time last year, have been so generous with both their time and money. It's both humbling and inspiring... I really wish I could better express what I'm feeling...

I'm just so grateful to be part of actionchurch.

2009-01-02T06:59:00.001-01:00

Since this time last year actionchurch still wasn't meeting each Sunday, I'm looking forward to our first opportunity as a church to kick off the new year together!

A few things about Sunday:

I'm convinced that the Sunday mornings between now and Easter will be the best we have ever experienced at actionchurch... don't miss it! (After Easter we plan to "suck" until summer :-) ...actually after Easter I will be saying that "this is going to be the greatest time ever...blah, blah, blah. I'm hardly an "impartial" judge.
Texting is back! In 2009 you can text questions/comments anytime on Sunday Morning. If Josiah "approves" your question/comment and time permits it will go on the screens. (bring your "A" game...he's going to be tough!) If your text doesn't make it up to the screens I will attempt to answer it on the blog on "Txt Tuesdays".
"Mythbusters" starts Sunday. I know the safe, expected, thing in January is to do a series on "Personal goals" and encourage you all to Pray more, read your Bible more, attend church more...etc, in 2009. Instead, we are going to question everything we thought we "knew" about prayer, the Bible, our "christian" nation, and the Church. We're gonna give you "experiments" to perform on your own. Hopefully we will completely "blow up" some myths of Christianity that keep us from living passionate, purposeful, meaningful lives.
Chambered on stage Sunday...'nuff said!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T13:22:00.001-01:00

...according to my new "cutest guinea pigs '09" calendar, today is the start of a brand new year. It's a chance to start new...a "re-set" for this precious gift that God gives to us each year...life.

Let's live it to the fullest!

No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

Philippians 3:13-14

What if there was a place...

2008-12-31T06:22:00.002-01:00

I've been working on writing a paragraph about the "history" of actionchurch for the new website. (Josiah will be launching it soon and it rocks!) I came across the first thing I ever put on the website nearly two years ago. Before this blog...before we had a single person committed to joining us in this adventure...

What if there was a place…

Where you could be yourself and still fit in.

That cared more about doing good in the community, than looking good to the community?

That would never lecture you, bore you, or waste your time?

Where your skills and experiences could actually make a difference in York county -no matter who you are?

Where each week you heard one practical idea of how to live a more satisfying, meaningful life- instead of being overloaded with pointless information.

What if that place turned out to be a church? -January 2007.

I though it would be appropriate to post it again on this final day of 2008 because it is happening...there is "such a place"... we're living out that dream...with God, nothing is impossible.

Above all else...

2008-12-30T06:22:00.003-01:00

As I evaluate the great things that God has done at actionchurch this year I keep coming back to this verse.

Mathew 6:33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

It's a common verse...one that churches often teach their people. Since most churches think of themselves as being the "Kingdom of God", the teaching usually goes something like this: "Seek the work of the church above all else...give your tithes and offerings to the church first...think about your commitment to the church first...live righteously...and God will give you everything you need."

I've come to understand that this verse is so much "bigger" than a command for individuals to show up, pay up, and serve in the local church. I believe the "Kingdom of God" is much bigger than "a" church...or even "all" Churches. The "Kingdom of God" is God's ultimate plan for earth...all of it...for everyone! And the command (and the promise that goes along with it) doesn't just apply to individuals...it applies to churches also!

If I had to "explain" what is happening at actionchurch...how a ten-month old "renegade" church plant could have held our last service of the year in a packed out (over 170 people Sunday), "pimped out":-) facility like club 19...the miracle of us even existing at this point. I can only explain it like this: " Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need."

When we put the "Kingdom" above actionchurch...when we gave money to those who needed it in our first Easter service (link) even though we were struggling to pay the bills...when we chose to support those who battled cancer instead of just worrying about how we were going to survive as a church plant (link)... When we chose to give away coffee at the County Fair (link)...when we chose to feed those who have less than us at thanksgiving (link)...when you all GENEROUSLY chose to give a deserving family a brand new start this Christmas (link)...when we put the "Kingdom of God" above all else...God gave us everything we need...and a whole lot more!

Wow...it's amazing to even look back and think of all the "Kingdom" things that we have accomplished together as a church. It's amazing that we even had time to think about the "care and feeding" of actionchurch. But I'm convinced that is our "secret" of success...and our hope for the future. I can't wait to see what happens in the coming year as we trust God to give us what we need...and seek to do the work of his Kingdom...above all else!

Possible new years resolution...

2008-12-29T18:35:00.000-01:00

Outside...

Inside...

(the "junk drawer" of actionchurch)

I'm not one to make "New Year's resolutions" but I'm considering "resolving" to clean out my briefcase... Sure it looks sweet on the outside :-) but it is starting to get a bit messy inside. I hate to get rid of anything in there though because everything in it is needed at some point on Sunday...

What's on your "to do" list for '09?

Sunday Recap: "No Church" edition.

2008-12-28T18:43:00.001-01:00

Today was our scheduled "bye week" at actionchurch. I'm happy with the decision to cancel the service that falls between Christmas and New Years Day...it's a good policy for us...and I plan to do the same next year. I've preached for 40+ weeks straight...our volunteers have the same "record" of showing up and working hard to make actionchurch happen each Sunday...the break was nice...I've had some much needed "down" time to think, plan, and sort some things out. But I absolutely missed church today!

I can't wait for the opportunity to have my skull pounded by loud and heavy music on Sunday morning. (Chambered on Stage next week!) I can't wait to hang with the actionchurch crew. I can't wait to share some of the stuff I've been learning about prayer over the last few weeks... I miss the excitement that comes from witnessing all of the elements that make up a Sunday morning service "come together". I'm looking forward to catching up with the great folks that make up the actionchurch crowd. I can't wait to see what God is going to do through our "little for now" church-in-a-nightclub in 2009. I "missed" going to church today...and that's one of the nicest feelings I've ever had.

Jesus Is The Reason For The Season?

2008-12-25T06:04:00.009-01:00

Merry Christmas to everyone...here's a few thoughts from actionchurch's Chief Creative Officer- Josiah

If you attended a christmas eve service last night you may have been reminded that: "Jesus is the reason for the season." I attended two different services because I needed reminded of that twice... (No, not really, I am just a good boyfriend and a good son)

It made me think though. This time of year is already crowded with tv ads from Target, donation pleas from food banks, emails from African princes, and church's trying to get you to come to their christmas eve service. Do you ever feel like Jesus is being sold for Christmas right along with the Tickle-Me-Elmo's, Wii's, and cowboy boots? I am not disputing that Jesus came to earth at this time of year, or that we should be thankful that he was sent.

But I, like most other Americans, just try my best to ignore advertising and its various messages now. We all have become callus to companies and churches trying to sell us what they believe we need. Even the message of "Don't forget what Christmas is really about" needs another message on top to remind me to "Don't ignore the 'don't forget what Christmas is really about' message."

I think the best present we can give our neighbors is not an invitation to a christmas eve service, but maybe a friendly invitation to coffee and christmas cookies at our house Nobody cares if you figured out a clever catch phrase to put on your church sign. Let's stop selling Jesus 1 month out of the year, and start showing some love that Jesus showed to our neighbors all the time.

Merry Christmas.

Josiah

2008-12-24T06:56:00.000-01:00

Thanks to all the great actionchurch crowd & crew...enjoy time with your families...take the week off...or take in a service at one of the fine churches in York County. Merry Christmas!

See you on 1.04.09 for the big 09 kick-off!

(w)rapper...

2008-12-23T07:05:00.002-01:00

Yeah, I'm a "wrapper"...(not that kind, although I do "rock the mike like a vandal") I'm the wrapper at our house. I wrap up the Christmas gifts. I actually enjoy it. I like to make each gift look great...I like to be creative with the packaging to preserve the "surprise". (I'm so glad I'm not saying this on stage...because I'm sure Josiah would have some comment about that "mental image".)

I was thinking yesterday as I "wrapping" though, that Michele and "Grandpa" actually purchased 95% of the gifts. (She actually purchases 100% of the gifts that people actually enjoy each year ...including hers!) Someone else did most of the work...found the "perfect" gift...stood in the check out line...made the purchase. I'm just lucky enough to get to "wrap it up" and put it under the tree...'cause I HATE shopping!

I've been thinking that I am a "wrapper" on Sunday mornings at actionchurch as well. I don't "create" the truths I get to "wrap up and put under the tree" each Sunday. I just get to create a little "surprise" with my "wrapping". I don't actually do the things that are making actionchurch the great "gift" to our community that it is becoming each week...you do! You create the atmosphere, fill (and set up) the chairs, play the music, make the coffee, welcome the guests, design the graphics, teach the "kidz", tell your friends, pay the rent, set up the signs, ..."run the show". Thanks for letting me "wrap it up" each week...it's an honor...and a real pleasure.

More pics from Sunday

2008-12-22T08:00:00.000-01:00

Jerry and the ac all-stars kickin' it off!

Here's a link to some new pics from Asheley Z. She uses a thing called a camera to take pictures instead of our phones like Garrett and I, weird... :-) (link for sunday gallery)

Dave surprising Michele and I with a gift from you all...thank you!

Sunday Recap: Christmas Finale edition.

2008-12-21T18:23:00.000-01:00

Glow sticks and Silent Night...

Today was the final week of the Christmas "at the movies" series...and the final Sunday morning of actionchurch this year. (No Service on 12/28). Today's movie was "A Christmas Story" and I talked about God being a "BB gun God"...like the father in the movie...a God that has our best interests at heart and knows what will truly make us satisfied and happy in life...a God who gives "Good Gifts. I talked about God not being a "Bunny Suit God"...how we can trust him...if we follow him we won't end up miserable and embarrassed if our friends "see us". Religion is a "bunny suit"...following Jesus leads to a "BB gun" life. We ended the day singing "Silent Night" and thanking God for the ultimate "BB gun" gift...Jesus.

ac all-stars crankin' out the funky Christmas!

ac all-stars on stage today...they tore the place down with some serious "funky Christmas!" I love the fact that "Run Run Rudolph" (Chuck Berry) makes the set list on Sunday morning...the all-stars are a party from the moment they hit the stage. Jerry, Lynn, Steve, Roy and Rod...thank you all for being simply the best "house band" we could wish for. (Be looking for them onstage in February for our Birthday Bash!)
It might have been snowy outside but we were packed this morning...It's really amazing to see the place filled only 8 weeks after our move to Club 19...we are nearing capacity...but you guys keep bringing your friends and we will free up as many seats as necessary! You can count on it.
Thanks to Tammi from Bridge of Hope for giving us an update today on the absolutely amazing makeover you all made possible. Everyone that bought a present, a cleaning supply, a household item, furniture, made a donation to cover the electronics and appliances... YOU changed the life of a family this week. Thanks you all!

Pez and oreos for me...thanks!
(check out Jerry's "christmas red" amp and guitar in the background.)

For the Record I was not wearing a "women's coat" today :-) I'm going to wrap myself in Velvet!
Thanks to all of you who surprised Michele and I with such a generous cash gift...and oreos and pez for me! It was really unexpected and touching...I really feel like we get a gift every week by getting to be a part of something like actionchurch. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.
It made me laugh when Dave said "Michele handles the money of the church"...and then she proceeded to drop the cash all over the stage :-) Trust me, she's a lot more careful when it comes to deposits and offerings:-)
What a great way to end the year...I'm going to miss church next week...but I really am going to enjoy the break...look for us to come ROARING back on January 4!
Kirsten is a Cookie artist! All hail the "Santa cog" cookie! I believe cookie dough is the ultimate artistic medium...

"Santa Cog" Cookie!

Today was seriously "action packed"...thanks to Josiah and Garrett for making the service "move" and actually fit into our one hour "time slot". Thanks to all the Sunday morning Crew for packing everyone in...for showing up early when lot's of people wouldn't show up at all because of the weather...for making actionchurch happen!
Thanks to Garrett for I-phone pics...

Garrett- stage manager, donut destroyer, Iphon-ographer

I double dog dare you...

2008-12-19T06:37:00.001-01:00

...to not miss the final Sunday morning at actionchurch in 2008 this weekend. (No service on 12/28). This Sunday is the final week of the "at the movies" Christmas edition...and I get to talk about my favorite holiday movie, "A Christmas Story". Jerry and the ac all-stars have got an amazing "funky Christmas" line up planned ... (there's James Brown and Chuck Berry in the Set list). I'll? be giving you a full report about the outcome of the Extreme Christmas Makeover. And, to top it all off, we are putting an "actionchurch twist" on the "traditional" candlelight service to end the year. The weather is probably going to be "frightful"...it doesn't matter...bring a friend...ski in if you have to...don't miss it!

Here's the original theatrical trailer from "A Christmas Story" to get you "in the spirit":

"Family Values"

2008-12-18T06:00:00.000-01:00

Reagan (5) and I were watching one of her cartoons earlier this week when I flipped past an old Tom and Jerry episode on Cartoon Network. I stopped and said "let me show you a 'good' cartoon from when Daddy was a little boy". ...of course she loved the "cute little mouse and the mean cat". ...of course she wants to tivo all of the old episodes and watch them. What I didn't remember is that the "cute little mouse and mean cat" smoke, drink, light each other on fire...and shoot each other with pistols. (Itchy and Scratchy "old school"). Maybe the "good old days" weren't as "good" as we remembered...

When "Santa falls off the Roof"

2008-12-17T07:14:00.000-01:00

I've heard from so many of you this week. You've been telling me your story of "when Santa fell off the roof" in your life....when dramatic "incidents and accidents" changed everything in your life...when you were faced with a choice to either respond in faith (and trust that God knew what he was doing) or in fear (and run away). Thanks so much for sharing!

So for all of you out there wondering if God has a plan...if you're facing a disaster, or an opportunity to see God do something incredible...here's a little encouragement (courtesy of "The Santa Clause").

Go ahead..."climb the ladder", "put on the Suit", trust God and "fly away".

(the "scary" part)

Go through the "changes"...face the doubters...follow through.

(this part is the "toughest")

God designed you from the very beginning...a unique plan...to serve him by serving others!

(the very best part...)

Where ever you are at in this "story" know that you are not alone...don't give up...don't lose faith..no matter how dark your circumstances seem. You were born for this!

34 Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.” 35 The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. 36 What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she’s now in her sixth month. 37 For nothing is impossible with God. 38 Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her. Luke 1:34-38 NLT

Thank you note...

2008-12-16T07:09:00.006-01:00

(Link to original list and info)

Next Saturday afternoon (12/20) Bridge of Hope volunteers will be placing all of our donated items in the home of our "adopted family" (the family will be out for the day). Best Buy will be delivering and installing a brand new GE Washer and Dryer...dozens of presents will be put under the tree...bedrooms will be "made over" with all the furnishings you have donated...new clothing ready to be unwrapped and put in the closets...a brand new dining room table and chairs will be set up...the living room will be furnished for the first time with a new futon, coffee table and television...the kitchen will fully stocked and ready to prepare family meals. They will have a deep freeze...a new x-box 360...(2) handheld Nintendo DS's under the tree...a packet of gift certificates for car car and hair cuts...stuff they need now...stuff they never dreamed of actually owning...other stuff that they have needed but done without for years. In short, this Saturday, because of you, everything will change for this family.

I'm looking forward to giving a "full report" of the big day on Sunday. I won't be able to share pictures or video because we want to preserve "our" mom's anonymity...we want this to truly be an extravagant gift to a needy stranger...no strings attached! I couldn't wait 'till Sunday to say a few words of thanks to you all.

Thanks for caring about the needs of a stranger.
Thanks for being so generous and faithful in difficult financial times.
Thanks for returning your gift and tags...no one "knew" who took each tag...yet almost all of the tags came back with the gift or items attached (we are purchasing the few missing items this week.)
Thanks for actually giving above and beyond what you were challenged to do. I can't tell you how many gifts came back with " a little something extra"
Thanks for continuing to support actionchurch financially-allowing us to purchase the appliances and large ticket items as a church family. (and pay the rent :-)

Above all else Thank you for being part of this thing we call actionchurch...whether you are in "blog world" or show up on Sunday...you folks are the reason we are able to be a church that even attempts something like this Extreme Christmas Makeover...without you none of this happens. Thank you!

Introduction- vs -Information

2008-12-15T11:33:00.005-01:00

Recently something has occurred to me about what is happening at actionchurch. Every person in our growing crowd is there because someone introduced them to our gathering. They didn't read and informational brochure (there aren't any), they didn't see or hear an "information packed" advertisement about us (there haven't been any since our launch in February). Call it "word of mouth"...call it "viral marketing"... one thing is sure, there is huge power in people introducing their friends and family to something...or someone. Our world is flooded with "information" but "introduction" is still the most powerful method of change.

I've come to trust the power of introduction over information to not only bring people to actionchurch...but to communicate the good news of Jesus to them. People who are thirsty don't need "information" about the chemical properties of water...they need a drink. People involved in a car accident don't need a physics lecture about momentum and inertia...they need someone to pull them from the wreckage and tend to their injuries. People who come to actionchurch don't necessarily need more "information" about God...they need to be introduced to the one who created them...loves them beyond their understanding...and sees possibilities for their future they could never imagine. I've come to trust less in my ability to "explain" God and the Bible...less in communicating a "formula" for salvation...and more in the Spirit of God to change hearts and lives. It's about introduction...not information.

Thanks to all of you who introduce your friends and family to a "church for people who don't like church". A place that "everyone is accepted, and anything is possible". Your introduction is more powerful than you may ever know!

Sunday Recap: At the movies (The Santa Clause)

2008-12-14T16:55:00.006-01:00

Metal Wreath
Metal Band!

Today was a "very merry metal Christmas" service at actionchurch. I talked about "what to do when Santa falls off the roof...when Destiny calls...when God moves and everything changes." So many people wonder if their "destiny" is already written...if they've missed their chance to do something great...if they've messed up too much to be part of Gods plan. Today I told folks that "Destiny" moments still happen...they're often disguised as "problems", our choice is whether we are going to respond with fear...or faith-like Mary, and Joseph...and Scott in the movie "The Santa Clause". "When Santa falls off the roof we have a choice...whether to run away... or climb the ladder, jump in the sleigh...and fly away.

The Highlights:

Extreme! Christmas Makeover...

It was absolutely inspiring to see the gifts pour in today for our "adopted family"...the action bus is filled with really great stuff... including a brand new dining room table and chairs...gift after gift for the children...lots of stuff for mom's kitchen. A new futon for the living room...too much stuff to list...actionchurch folks are simply the best...so generous! I'm looking forward to giving everyone an update about the "reveal" next week.
Chambered on Stage... O holy moly these guys brought it hard today! I have to get a copy of the recording today of their version of "O come, O come Emmanuel". It was so heavy...so powerful. We are probably the only church in America today that had a "Five Finger Death Punch" (Never enough) song...and a Christmas Carol in the set list...I love this band, and I love being part of actionchurch!
Josiah made the most "Deadly" sharp wreath out of twisted shards of galvanized roofing...it was so cool...and you could literally kill someone with it if you had too. (not sure why you would need to...but you could)
Speaking of Josiah it was great to have him back doing his thing this week...even though he made me laugh and lose my place during the service... you had to be there.
This week we had an even bigger lighted deer on stage than last week...along with lots of other assorted Christmas "crap". Our stage looks like the most "decorated home in the trailer park"...no offense to trailer parks. :-)
Crystal made a much less "deadly" but really amazing fabric actionchurch "cog" ornament...we have some really creative folks...Thanks!
I heard we were setting up chairs as folks came in...today was our highest attendance ever as a church...hard to believe that this week last year was our first "test drive" practice service...God has really blessed us this year.
Also one of our largest offerings ever today. Thanks so much for your generosity. I know times are difficult...and so many people have purchased gifts for our Extreme Christmas Makeover...thanks so much for contributing financially as well.
I was "accosted" by someone from another local church (what the..?) as I was taking down the signs by the road today. He wanted to quiz me on what I knew about the bible after I told him I was the pastor. He also wanted to "inform" me that we weren't teaching the right things (even though he had never attended actionchurch). I asked him if his "approach" ever worked...if he had ever "argued" someone into loving Jesus? He said "people don't listen to me because they don't want to know the truth". I told him (my exact words) that "people don't listen to you because you are annoying!!!" I don't think they will be inviting me to speak at their church...but he did offer to "pray for me" :-)
What a great week, I absolutely cannot wait for next Sunday to get here. If you attend only one service at actionchurch for the rest of the year it should be next week (actually next week is the last actionchurch service of the year) but I guarantee you that you will not want to miss it!

Don't forget!

2008-12-12T06:34:00.001-01:00

I know it's a very busy season, so just a quick reminder to bring your Christmas Makeover gift and ornament back to church Sunday. We will be delivering all the items to Bridge of Hope volunteers for "our" adopted family on Saturday the 20th.

Remember the list? I'm going to be announcing Sunday that every item on it has been donated thanks to your generosity. We just got a donation of the final item this week (the deep freeze) so everything is now covered.

We are still accepting donations to cover the cost of the new washer and dryer, X-box 360, and Nintendo DS's purchased jointly by the actionchurch family.

Thanks to everyone who has participated. "Our" adopted family has no Idea what a great Christmas (and beyond) this will be because of you!

"Primer and prep"

2008-12-11T04:14:00.006-01:00

I make a living as a painting contractor, but I never give painting "advice" on this blog.(even though ironically, painting is probably the ONE area in which I actually have some expertise.) Yesterday I was advising one of my clients to not "cut corners" on purchasing primer for a paint job. I was telling him that "It's the stuff that you can't see...the primer and the prep work especially...that actually "make or break" a paint job"...I realized even as I spoke that it was also pretty good "advice" for life.

It's the "stuff you can't see" that really count in life. Doing the right thing even when no one is looking. Being kind and loving not only those who love you back-but your "haters" as well. Doing the right thing even when you won't be praised...when you may well be criticised...

Don't cut corners on the "primer" and "prep" of life (the stuff "no one sees".) over time they add up to to integrity and character.

and by the way...someone is watching.

6 But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. Matthew 6:6

O Holy Night

2008-12-10T06:24:00.001-01:00

If you missed it, I just found out that The Pledge posted their version of O Holy Night, (recorded live at actionchurch) on their myspace page. (Listen Here).

I'm amazed by the talent that we get to witness every week at actionchurch...worth coming each Sunday just for the music. You will definitely not want to miss the final two Sundays of 2008. Next week (12/14) we will definitely be "rockin' around the Christmas tree" because Chambered is comin' to town for a little "metal Christmas". Jerry and the ac all-stars will be closing out the year (12/21) with something truly special... (think actionchurch's version of a candle light service...with a hot funk/rock band on stage!)

A Christmas Rant...

2008-12-09T06:41:00.002-01:00

"Tis the season for Christians everywhere to complain...

Complain that "They (whoever "they" are) have taken Christ out of Christmas and made it X-mas"...even though "X" was a symbol early Christians used to signify Christ.

Complain that "Christmas is becoming a secular holiday"...even though "Christmas" as we know it has always been a weird mix of pagan and Christian traditions.

Complain that "Christmas is become such a materialistic holiday...it's all about merchandising and buying things"...we usually make this complaint when we can't find a place to park at the mall.

Complain that "More kids believe in Santa than Jesus"... when truth-be-told many "christian" households make greater, more elaborate, and certainly more expensive efforts to teach their young children to believe in Santa than to tell them the story of Jesus...

Complain about retailers using signs that say "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas"...even though what we call the "Christmas season" IS made up of many holidays in America...and strange as it may seem, retailers would like to sell stuff to anyone, not just "Christians."

I preached Sunday morning with a light up lawn Santa behind me on stage. I don't want to "Fight Santa". (The old dude looks pretty tough anyway) For the love of all that is holy let's stop complaining about what "IS" in our culture...and use it to further the story of Jesus "coming to town". Let's put less effort into fighting atheists over nativity scenes on courthouse lawns, and more time and resources behind telling the story of Jesus in our homes and churches. Let's stop complaining about all the creative marketing behind Santa Clause and get a little creative ourselves. Let's rejoice in the unselfish giving that comes from this season... whatever the reason.

I realize this post isn't very "Christmas-ey"...and technically I just spent the last few paragraphs "complaining about complainers"...but I feel better now :-) I do think I'm going to miss all the "Christmas Crap" that the Pledge had on stage last week... does anyone have any of those plastic light up "noel candle" yard ornaments? an inflatable Rudolph? ...something too tacky to put on your lawn? Bring em'! I think we may have a new actionchurch "tradition"...

Sunday Recap: At the movies "Elf"

2008-12-07T15:26:00.001-01:00

Yep, that's a lighted reign deer and Santa on stage :-)

Today was the first day of "at the movies" (Christmas edition). I talked about how being a follower of Jesus is sort of like being a "human raised by elves"... if we actually follow the teachings of Jesus we're still completely human (and prone to sin) and a God's Child (So we don't "fit" in with our old way of living). We are free from sin...not free to sin (1 Peter 2:11-17) When we mess up and lose our way we can trust God to forgive us and take us back...instead of abandoning our faith because "we're not good enough". God loves nothing better than to to "silence the stupid comments of foolish people" through our good works. Don't give up...Don't quit...even if you feel like a "misfit toy" or elf... we are on an important mission far more important than just "bringing toys to good little boys and girls"...we get to bring the good news of Jesus to everyone...with our words or actions.

The Highlights:

The Pledge on stage (along with about half of Wal-mart's Christmas department) I love these guys (and Gal) they are great musicians, have great hearts, and how can you not love a band that brings a lighted animated reign deer and Santa on Stage. Great Set...and thanks for decorating my mike stand.
Ended up with "O Holy Night" with band playing acoustic guitars and bass, toms, and jingle bells. It was absolutely beautiful...I saw a lot of people wiping their eyes after the song...I might have been one of them.
Had 3 key production crew folks Josiah, Bill, and Ryan out today (traveling). Thanks to Dave for being the "inspector" and Rob, Ashley, Crystal, and Jeremy for showing up and Jumping in! You Guys really made it happen!
You could definitely tell Josiah was out today (even beyond the fact that he wasn't there to "persecute" me for my denim jacket) we are still looking for a "sorcerers apprentice" for him. I can't believe when we started out I used to run graphics...It was really difficult and we didn't even have Josiah' full set up online.
The gifts and household items are rolling in for our Extreme Christmas Makeover...remember next week is the final week to turn your stuff in.
Thanks to Garrett for running the stage, cueing the videos...and plugging in all the Christmas lights...all with out showering or brushing his teeth :-)
Packed house again this week...club 19 is definitely allowing us to grow.
I can recite about half of "Elf" by heart by now... Favorite line (Buddy to "fake Santa") "You're not really Santa...you sit on a throne of lies"
I know it's SANTA that comes down the chimney...not SATAN...same letters...different spelling.
Thanks for inviting, investing, and getting involved! Even on a very busy, difficult week...I am grateful to be able to be part of actionchurch.

a couple more pics...

At the movies (Christmas edition) Starts Sunday.

2008-12-05T04:39:00.003-01:00

A little slice of "elf culture" to get you in the mood for Sunday as we kick of our "At The Movies" (Christmas edition) series with the movie "Elf".

Remember "Singing is just like talking...except it's louder and longer and you move your voice up and down". Enjoy...

Crew members needed this sunday... (12/7)

2008-12-04T06:46:00.001-01:00

my monitor and clock

(we love duct tape!)

I know I brag about these guys all the time but our set-up/production crew is the absolute best at actionchurch on Sunday mornings. I never worry that they won't show up. I never worry that we won't get done on time. I never have to worry that they won't find a solution to any difficulty that pops up. They simply make actionchurch happen each week!

Well, 'tis the holiday season so we will have 3 guys from the crew out of town this week. Would you like to enter the "glamorous" world of an actionchurch crew member? Would you like to show up at 9am this Sunday and move heavy things...tape stuff to other stuff... and generally turn a club into a church in 90 minutes? Have you dreamed of wearing the uber-cool actionchurch crew lanyard? The benefits are great, crew members get free coffee and donuts...oh wait...everyone gets free coffee and donuts-but crew members get their PICK of the donuts:-) If you can help out this Sunday email me at info@actionchurch.com.

Edit: Thanks for all the offers to help- Sunday is covered.

Partners...

2008-12-03T07:47:00.000-01:00

I read recently that one of the ways Toyota is beating the "Big Three" is because of it's close realtionships with it suppliers...it's "partners" if you will. In many cases Toyota will actually build "extra" space into their plants so their suppliers can work side by side with them under the same roof.

From the very beginning actionchurch has been about "partnering" with other businesses and organizations. We didn't have a place to have a church service so we partnered with Fat Daddy's Nightclub. The "partnership" was great for both the Nightclub and actionchurch. (In fact I ran into the owner of Fat Daddy's last week and he is definitely "rooting for us" to grow and need a second site so we will come back!) After only a few short weeks I can already see how our partnership with Club 19 will be more of the same. We partner with Relay for Life every year to serve their organization and raise money for those suffering from cancer. Our recent partnership with Bridge of Hope for our "Extreme Christmas Makeover" is truly one of the most exciting and life changing thing we have had the opportunity to do as a church family. (They are blown away at how all of you stepped up to car for "our" adopted family! I am so proud to be part of actionchurch!)

What can you expect in the future? Lots more of the same. I believe we are just beginning to develop the resources and the partnerships that will allow our little (for the present) church do big things to serve those both inside and outside of actionchurch. Just yesterday I had two great conversations...one with a counseling organization...and one with an artist management company (bands) about how we can work together. I can see both of these organizations working with actionchurch as Forrest Gump would say..."like peanut butter and jelly".

God created us to work together in community...so it doesn't surprise me that some of the biggest advances I see on our horizon as a church will come from cooperating with others...

Behind the "door" of actionkidz.

2008-12-02T07:18:00.000-01:00

If you've ever wondered what goes on in actionkidz after the "blast door" goes down...here's some pics. Thanks so much to all of our actionkidz leaders for taking a "diesel garage stall" and turning it into an absolutely top notch childrens ministry experience! actionkidz teaching time (that's "fake smoke" for the lights folks :-)

actionchurch of the future...

2008-12-01T07:12:00.001-01:00

December is going to fly by so I thought I would toss out some of the stuff that we are working on for '09. I am really truly grateful for what God is doing at actionchurch. I love our people. I love the "can do" attitude of our crew. It is simply ridiculous that we have been blessed so much...so quickly. (See, I'm trying to be grateful for the "now"- people. I'm seriously working on it!)

That being said...Here's some stuff we are working on for the future :-)

Church Survey- We're not a church that "votes" on stuff. We simply put out the direction that the church is going and allow people to "vote" with their feet and their wallets. (If people weren't voting "yes" for actionchurch with their giving and attendance we would be history by now.) We do; however, value our peoples input. We want to know how we are doing. We want to know what we can improve. Expect a church Survey before our first "birthday" as a church...prepare to sound off. (All comments about my sweater this Sunday will be disregarded)
A real website! 'Nuff said! (Thanks Josiah for continuing to find ways to make actionchurch look better...not just on Sunday Morning...but all week long.
"Universal Texting"- In '09 Texting questions, comments, etc to the screens will become more of the "normal" thing at actionchurch than a "special" deal. I think the future of the "sermon" at actionchurch is for it to become more of a "discussion" less of a monologue. We will continue to make our Sunday mornings more interactive. The "format" we are planning to use is kind of what you would expect from a "call in show" on TV or radio. The "host" (me) will still ramble on incessantly...the callers (or txters in this case) will be put on the screen if the "Producer" (Josiah) thinks it adds to the conversation. Sometimes there will be lots of txts used...sometimes few or none...but every week the "Lines will be open". I'm looking forward to this...
An "alternate economy"- Seeing how the great people of actionchurch responded with such overwhelming generosity to our "Extreme Christmas Makeover" has really confirmed that we need a way for people within actionchurch to communicate and help each other in these difficult times. We are working on ideas both online and off for people to communicate the stuff they "need" whether it be goods or services. Other actionchurch folks could then respond with items or services they have available. Helping hands could be extended...barters made...gifts given. I am convinced that many of the "answers" to our prayers are available now...we just need a better way to make our needs known to our church family.
????????? (Who knows)- The truth is that in spite of our best planning and preparation, the best things that will happen in the coming year- are stuff we can't even imagine yet! We will respond to great ideas from our crew. (NONE of the stuff above came initially from me!) We will respond to "problems" and opportunities (generally the same thing) that arise. Who knew that we would be we would already be in our second venue as a church? I sure didn't. I am sure as we look back at '09 we will have the same "surprised" and grateful attitude. One thing that will NOT change in the coming year (or ever) is our relentless, obsessive, desire to introduce "people who don't like church" to Jesus...and to trust Jesus to guide us on our way...

Sunday Recap: "Mindset" pt 4

2008-11-30T22:10:00.003-01:00

Today was the final week of the "Mindset" series. I talked about how the only way to truly be free of worry is to give up trying to "control" our future...and trust God to have our best interests at hard. Simple...but very difficult to do....

The Highlights:

The Sunday after Thanksgiving is "traditionally" known for being low in attendance...we are not a traditional church... great crowd today.
I loved hanging out with the "crew" for dinner... we truly have the BEST people who give their time and talents to make actionchurch happen... I am beyond grateful.
I wore an argyle sweater...get over it :-)
"Don't worry, be happy" is the most annoying video bumper we have ever used...
We used a clip from "It's always Sunny in Philadelphia"... I was offended :-) Thanks Rachel.
People keep saying that they can see when Josiah sends me and IM on my monitor...I'm sure you are all mistaken.
We only have ONE item left that is not spoken for for our Extreme Christmas Makeover! Thanks to everyone who is purchasing stuff for "our" family. Thanks to all of you who are donating cash to cover the stuff we purchased as a church! We are actually putting ornaments that the actionkidz made on the tree next week because it is Bare!
Great complement today...."I thought this would be lame...but I kinda liked it!" That's why we do actionchurch.
Letters for Lovers on Stage...I heard a lot of positive reviews of their performance...especially from the "ladies" I don't think we have ever had so many teenage girls at actionchurch.
I used the word "neckid" way too many times today...
I used the word "pissed" in telling the story of creation...what can I say...it was one of those days...I guess you had to be there.
Had a great time hanging out with Mike and Naomi Silliman from Elk Creek Church...we are blessed to have them as friends...

I cannot wait till next week...we're kicking off the At the Movies (Christmas Edition) series...and the pledge is back on stage.

Thou Shalt not Covet thy neighbor's power lift...

2008-11-28T19:51:00.000-01:00

We take our outdoor Christmas lighting serious in my "hood". Am I a little Jealous? Guilty as charged...

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-26T06:28:00.001-01:00

Hope everyone has a great thanksgiving with family and friends. My plans are to hang out with the family and consume way too much pie. I will also be "consuming" way too much electricity by hanging lights on everything that doesn't move around the house... "It ain't decorated 'til you can see it from space"!

See ya on Sunday!

Extreme Christmas Makeover: Update

2008-11-25T06:59:00.001-01:00

Status update: Sunday everyone headed for the Christmas Makeover tree like shoppers at Wal-mart after they announce that a new check out lane is actually going to open. I had people actually telling me that they "didn't get to the tree quick enough to get an ornament." Simply awesome! For those of you who didn't get an ornament...hate to shop...or just want to help out in a different way...you can still be part of this opportunity to completely change one families life at Christmas.

What we purchased as a church "family": Yesterday we purchased the "big ticket" items on the list. (Kind of like the "big" gifts at Christmas that the whole family or office chips in on). Michele was in full "shopping ninja" mode and we shuttled back and forth between Best Buy and Circuit City matching prices, waving coupons from the Sunday paper, and just generally squeezing the most value out of every purchase. Thank God for Michele's shopping savvy...I would have got half the stuff for twice the price! We picked up a brand new GE washer/dryer set (to be delivered and installed by Best Buy on the "reveal day") An X-box 360 with two free games, a Nintendo DS for each of the kids with a free character stylus (whatever that is), and a couple of games for the Nintendos. I still have to pick up a TV (nobody beats Wal-mart) but basically the "big" shopping is done. Is this going to be a Christmas "our" family will never forget? You betcha...

What we still need: The only items that we do no have spoken for are:

Small deep freeze
Rectangular Kitchen table and Chairs (can be used-great condition)
Sleeper sofa/Day bed for the living room (mom sleeps there)
Kitchen Cart/Bakers rack (Can be used-great condition)

Wow I just realized that I am listing 4 things we DON'T have yet...instead of this list from last week! I love it!

"Reveal" Day: 12.20.08 Bridge of Hope Volunteers will be have arranged for our family to be out for the day. They will place all the presents and household items in the home (The family has no idea that we are doing this so they will be completely surprised!)

What Can I do?: If you have an ornament please purchase your item and return it to the tree (with ornament attached). December 14th will be the last Sunday before the family will be receiving their gifts. I forgot to mention on Sunday-check the back of your ornament for additional descriptions of the items needed. Didn't get an ornament or just want to do more? Please donate to actionchurch to be part of purchasing the appliances and electronics that we will be donating to our "adopted family".

Thanks to everyone for being part of this opportunity to completely change a deserving family's life at Christmas. "Extreme" generosity isn't just something you see on Television...

"Myths" anyone?

2008-11-24T08:48:00.002-01:00

We're working on a series for after the first of the year called "Mythbusters", where we will explore questions about things that people say are "true" about God and the Bible.

Anyone have any "myths" they would like to submit for us to explore? Things that people say about God/Bible that you're not really sure are actually True? Things that many people believe but don't seem "quite right" to you? Sound off... your "myth" may wind up being used in the Sermon Series.

Sunday Recap: "Mindset" pt. 3

2008-11-23T20:37:00.004-01:00

What a great day at actionchurch! Today I talked about thankfulness...and I am truly thankful for all the great people we have been blessed with. Jesus "gave up his rights" to the greatness of heaven and came down to live and work in our little "neighborhood" we call earth. Instead of angels his associates were fishermen, prostitutes, and tax collectors. Instead of the mansions of heaven he chose homelessness. Instead of feasting in heaven he thanked God for a few smelly unrefrigerated fish...and turned them into lunch for 5000. Jesus chose to be thankful for what he had...and "give up his rights" to the "things he deserved". That's the example I'm convinced we must follow if we want to live a thankful, content, happy life...

The Highlights:

We started out the day with 69 ornaments (above) on the "Extreme Christmas Makeover Tree"...it was a big list...and after everyone was gone the tree was virtually bare! The only things left on the tree were the "big Ticket" items such as the x-box, TV, etc. and a few furniture items. We will be purchasing these items as a church... (more details on the grand total to follow) Thank you everyone for caring for our "adopted family". I know that they are simply going to be overwhelmed that so many people that they don't know would care about them! Way to focus on others!
The only items that we need to cover still are a day bed/ or sleeper sofa (can be used but excellent condition), a Bakers rack or small kitchen work cart, a rectangular kitchen table and chairs, and a small chest type deep freeze. If you have one of these items and would like to donate them let me know.
Even thought we are entering a Holiday week everyone was there for set-up...even Dave who actually came for set-up before leaving to attend a family gathering...our crew is simply the best.
Today was the debut of "The Pledge" on stage... I heard from several people about what a great band they are-I definitely agree....hard to believe today was their first performance. I am looking forward to having them back in December. (Looking forward to a visit from Torn From Red after the first of the year to debut their new songs also!)
I'll be posting some pics later in the week of actionkidz...they are truly doing an outstanding job...we are seriously going to need more space for the "kidz" before long.
The new set up in the lobby/cafe area worked really nice and seemed much less "cramped". Thanks to Michele for the idea and Jerry for allowing us to make the "road case" coffee bar...
...anything can look cool if you paint it black and slap an actionchurch logo on it.
Speaking of "cogs" I love the "santa cog" that Josiah made for the Christmas season... I haven't found anything yet that he can't create...
The "Baby Bus" was fully operational-yeah!
As I said in the sermon today...I really struggle with overlooking the great things that are happening by constantly looking forward to the "next thing" or the "next level"...I am truly grateful for the amazing thing that is happening at club 19 on Sunday mornings. It's beyond anything we could ever "deserve".

What's wrong with this picture???

2008-11-21T07:14:00.000-01:00

Seriously...I want a "snow day"!

Quote of the week:

2008-11-21T06:58:00.000-01:00

Failures and set-backs are faith-killers.

The important question is whether they're killing my faith in God... or my faith in me.

-Ben Arment

Experiment:

2008-11-20T07:01:00.001-01:00

So we have our Extreme Christmas Makeover list... It's a big one. (I just got an update this morning for what the little girl wishes for). Can we do it? I believe we can.

The question is Why? Why care for a family we have never met? A family that doesn't attend actionchurch? Couldn't the money be "better spent" taking care of "ourselves"?

Those are all valid questions and I think the answer is found in the "Mindsets" we've been talking about on Sunday Mornings. We are to have the "same attitude" as Jesus. He left heaven...with all of it's benefits...to care for people who would eventually turn on him and have him murdered. Now that's an unselfish life that "Focuses on others"!

From the very beginning of actionchurch we have chosen to put our faith in action by focusing on those outside of the church. Just a few weeks after our launch we gave cash away...no strings attached. We've donated money and services to the Relay for life in York. We give stuff away at the fair. Two weeks ago it was the York Rescue Mission... It's in our DNA. It's what we do...

We have been extremely blessed as a church. We've never had a lot (read almost none :-) of cash, but we have been blessed in spite of that. Every Sunday morning I look around and cannot believe that we get to bring our friends to a venue like Club 19! That all the Gear we need to do church "actionchurch style" has been donated. It is simply undeniable that without God's blessing, a 9 month old church plant with no denominational backing should not have the venue, the equipment, the talent, and the crowds we have come to expect on Sunday Morning. It simply shouldn't be happening.

So why care for those "outside" of our crowd? Because it is what Jesus did. Because "Focusing on others" and allowing God to provide for our needs is the essence of Faith. ...the essence of unselfish living. Because ultimately actionchurch believes that "Doing Good for others-is good for us". As I said Sunday it's a "Grand experiment". I hope you'll jump in and be part of it...I do not believe you will be disappointed!

Extreme Christmas Makeover

2008-11-19T06:33:00.009-01:00

Latest Update: Click Here
Here we go! Below is the master wishlist for the family we are "adopting" for Christmas at actionchurch in partnership with Bridge of Hope -York County. Our family now has a place to live...but little else. We're going to change that! On Sunday you will be able to take an ornament (marked with a specific item) off the "Extreme Christmas tree" at church...If you see something on the list that you definitely want to provide before we put them up for grabs...let us know. Questions about other items? info@actionchurch.com

What you can do to help: Donate an Item or service, or make a cash donation to actionchurch. This is an "all skate" event. We will not be taking up separate donations. Instead, we will be purchasing some of the larger items from regular church donations.

The "Rules": All appliances, electronics, toys, and clothing should be new. Furniture may be in "as new" condition. Let's do this in the spirit of the Extreme Home Makeover show...our goal is not to gather second hand items...the family could do that themselves...our plan is to completely "overwhelm" this family with love and generosity this Christmas! Two of our core beliefs are "Doing nothing half-way" and "Giving- with no strings attached"! Let's put them into action!

Stay tuned for more details on Sunday...

The Master List

Houshold Needs

Washer and Dryer- . purchased by the actionchurch family...thanks
Kitchen Table and Chairs- Rectangular is needed - Donated-thanks
Sofa Couch. The townhome is only a two bedroom and she has a boy and girl 8-10 and they have the two bedrooms. Our Mom has a twin size bed in the livingroom where she sleeps. A daybed that could be disguised as living room furniture would be fine. -Donated-thanks
Set of pots and pans -Donated-thanks
DVD/VCR Combo -Donated-thanks
Larger TV ( they have a 13 inch in the LR. No Cable, doesn’t plan on getting it.
Small Deep Freeze for ahead meal prep and freezing. Her freezer is tiny. -Donated-thanks!

10 year old Boy- Blonde Hair Blue Eyes (Loves anything Scooby Doo, this would be an ideal theme for his room)

new dress shoes for church size 2 black preferably -Donated-thanks
new sneakers ) loves Vans- his are way to small. Donated-thanks
dress shirts – and camoflauge themed clothes ( size 8/10) he very thin and somewhat tall. Likes plaid shirts too. Donated-thanks
a complete bed set, sheets, comforter, blanket, new pillow, curtains ( Scooby Doo) Window is 84 inches wide- drapes would be ideal. Donated-thanks
an alarm clock -Donated-thanks
new jeans, snap button only Donated-thanks
new slippers. The floor is carpeted but it is cold. Donated-thanks

Christmas wish list...

the Scooby Do and the Goblin King DVD- has a couple VHS movies but cant watch .em they don’t have a playe Donated-thanks
Has a living room lamp in his room, wants a normal lamp Donated-thanks
Loves to draw- has no crayons, markers, coloring pencils, paper, etc. Donated -thanks
Likes to tye dye
Likes science and mystery books
Likes spongebob
Play Swords -Donated Thanks
Toy Box Donated -thanks
Christian Music CD’s preferably the kids versions of todays hits. WOW Worship for kids? Donated thanks
Guitar Hero, but has nothing to play it on
Santa Claus Costume
Nintendo DS ( Scooby and Spongebob games) Purchased by actionchurch...thanks for your donations
Wallet size frames to give his school pictures as Christmas gifts. Donated Thanks
Electronic Monopoly Game? Donated thanks

The 9 year old girl- Blonde Hair Green eyes

Complete bed set and curtains as the 10 year old boy, only she likes the Philadelphia Eagles 1st and Nascar 2nd
Bed Frame for a twin bed, that is currently on the floor -Donated Thanks!
Alarm Clock

Christmas Wish List

Wants
Prankster Kits _ Fake bugs, whoopee cushions, etc
Spiderman Toys
Play Swords
Nerf Guns

Edit: Here is her complete Christmas wish list.

Guitar Hero
Nintendo DS purchased by actionchurch...thanks for your donations.
XBOX 360 purchased by actionchurch...thanks for your donations
Pokemon Books Donated-thanks
Shrek “Operation” Game -donated thanks!
Shrek Stuffed Animal -donated thanks!
DVD- Shrek the Halls -donated thanks!
Spongebob Square Pants- DVD Donated-thanks
Music CD – Kids WOW Worship Donated-thanks
Eagles PJ’s Donated-thanks
SpongeBob thermal underwear Donated-thanks
Toy Fire Truck Donated-thanks
Tonka Dump Trucks Donated-thanks
West Coast OCC Choppers Shirt Donated-thanx
Magnetix Set Donated thanks
Lycos – Star Wars
Toy Dinosaurs

General Family needs:

- Mom wants to theme her kitchen with lighthouses
Trash cans for bathroom and kitchen Donated Thanks
Pots and pans (complete set for cooking and baking)
Electric Can Opener Donated Thanks
Basic household tool kit- Hammer, nails, screwdrivers, picture hangers, etc Donated Thanks
Welcome Mat Donated Thanks
Hampers for the kids rooms Donated thanks
First Aide Kit
Entrance way rug Donated thanks!
Broom and Dust Pan Donated Thanks
Vacumn Donated thanks
Coffee Table Donated Thanks
Bathroom Towels and washcloths Donated thanks
Shower Curtain and liner. She only has a liner and it is see through.- No color scheme or them to the bathroom. Donated Thanks
Robes for the kids Donated Thanks
Food Storage containers ( Rubbermaid, etc)
Bakers rack of small worktop cart. Her counter space is almost non existent Donated Thanks
Dishrack for clean dishes – no dishwasher Daonated Thanks
Ice cube trays Donated thanks!
Oil Changes/Tire Rotation- General Maintenance for her vehicle -donated thanks!
Haircuts for all -donated Thanks!
General Cleaning supplies
Paper products.

As Tye would say..."let's get to shopping"!

Stuff I learned from people I love...

2008-11-18T06:26:00.001-01:00

Ok, so you're a follower of Jesus and you wonder how you should tell your friends, your family...the people you work with. How can you let them know about the hope that you now have? Should you preach to them? Forward "christian" emails to them with pictures of cute "baby angels" and prayers that urge them to "forward this prayer to all your contact list"? Should you carry around a boom-box blasting hymns? Should you start adding "king james" english to your vocabulary? It's difficult to know what to do.

Here's something that struck me yesterday: I know about a lot of things that I never would have "learned" myself because of those around me that I love...

I know all the Disney princesses by name...and who their "prince" is...
I know almost all of the Disney Fairies by name...and what their "fairy talent" is...
I know the difference between a Dooney and Bourke purse and a department store knock-off.
I know more about the Pillsbury Doughboy than is healthy...
I still don't quite understand women's clothing sizes but I have made a "cheat sheet" so I don't continue to buy stuff that is the wrong size...
I now know lots about the "American Girl" line of Dolls...and have accepted the concept that "adopting" one of them costs more than actually having another "real" child...

So how can you communicate the fact that you love God and follow Jesus? Just be passionate about it. Live it! Make your faith part of your day to day life. I have "learned" all of the above not because my wife and daughter "Preach" to me about their interests...or "quiz" me about facts...they are just passionate about princesses, and doughboys, and dolls...and even a insensitive oaf like me eventually picks up on it. If something really "matters" to you it will show...and affect everyone around you.

"Good Day"

2008-11-17T09:16:00.001-01:00

I hate when I do this, but I talked about gaining weight in a sermon a few weeks ago...of course I said that I was "working on it".

The problem with my plan to "work on it" was that it was the week before Halloween. What a "bad time" to try to lose weight! Who could possibly be expected not to snack when there are "fun size" snickers and kit kats everywhere? Come to think of it, this week is even worse for trying to "cut back". Thanksgiving is coming...that means there will be pies, pies, and more pies. December will be even worse...who can be expected to ignore the platters of Christmas cookies...I'm pretty sure that would be disrespectful to the Baby Jesus somehow. Maybe after the first of the year... of course then there will be Valentines day candy...flag day...and Summer picnics.

Ever feel like there is never a "good day" to start doing the right thing? There isn't. Ever.

Have you been struggling with something you know you should do...but just haven't found a "good time" to start, or stop? Today just might be the perfect day...

Sunday Recap: "Mindset" pt 2

2008-11-16T20:35:00.005-01:00

Today was week two of the "mindset" sermon series. We talked about the "upside down" idea Jesus taught...the first will be last...anyone who wants to be a leader must become a servant to everyone... "Mindset" of the week: "Doing good for others...is good for me!" Even though there are so many "voices" in our society that urge us to look out for ourselves and get "ours" first...the people that we admire most (from Mother Thereasa to Bono) are those that put others first. Simply put, God's principles are true no matter what year it is!

The Highlights:

Today I announced our plan to "adopt" a recently homeless family through Bridge of Hope for our Extreme Christmas Makeover actionchurch addition. I am so excited to team up with this great organization. Our adopted family is a single Mom with two children. They have recently been assisted in getting a place to live and an opportunity for "mom" to go back to school...but they have little else. As a church we plan to provide them with all the furnishings they so desperately need...+ a Christmas tree and presents. Stay tuned for details, this is going to be so much fun! The best part of the whole project is that everyone can do something...
Really enjoyed interviewing Tammi Morris (Bridge of Hope director) on stage today. Her story was really compelling... Wow was it really obvious that actionchurch and "Bridge" are a really great partnership. I loved when she mentioned loving their families unconditionally...meeting their needs...not just "cramming Jesus down their throats"! amen sister.
Today was "kinder gentler actionchurch"-acoustic guitars and clips from "Extreme Makeover, Home edition". Josiah said that "today's service was so "girly" that next week we need to have video clips with explosions and cuss words in them!" I love actionchurch... He may have a point, actually. I did talk about not being able to grow a beard last week and crying this week...next week will be all about Monster Trucks, "Huntin'", and Nascar!
Speaking of acoustic guitars we had Mitch Meador rocking his today. Mitch is just ridiculously talented and so it is always great to have him with us.
...have to put some weights or tie downs on our parking signs. It was really windy today and they kept blowing over. Thanks to Bill for all his "sign wrestling".
I officially "hate" Garrett for putting this song in my head during set up! la la la la... dear Jesus make it stop!
Steve (owner of Club 19) is just ridiculously good to rent from...we are so blessed.
Stay tuned for details about the "Makeover"... lots of news and details coming up this week!

Quote of the week:

2008-11-14T06:27:00.001-01:00

The problem is not that there are problems. The problem is expecting otherwise and thinking that having problems is a problem...
- Theodore Rubin

"Tension"

2008-11-13T06:41:00.000-01:00

I've come to realize that there are certain "constants" about being part of leadership of a church. One such "constant" is tension. I don't mean the "tension" that happens between people (although come to think of it that happens too) but the tension that happens between ideas and values.

In a church that is growing and dynamic there will be tension:

between never being satisfied with "good enough" -and- being thankful for the resources that you have been given.
between being "wise managers" of the money that people have donated -and- living out "faith" as a church by following God's leading even when all the finances aren't in place.
between meeting peoples needs -and- not allowing your organization to become so cluttered with "ministries" and "services" that it is unsustainable and unwieldy...
between giving people freedom to fully utilize their gifts and talents (which means they will not do things exactly like you would)-and- protecting the "identity" and "DNA" of the church ...
between serving those in the community outside the church -and- meeting the obligations necessary to "put on" the church service on the weekend...

These are just some of the areas of the church that will always exist in tension if we wish to continue to grow and impact our county. The temptation that faces us as a church is to chose comfort over tension. To chose "bylaws" and "checklists" over prayerful consideration of issues... It's not supposed to be "easy". The written record of the first church in the New Testament is filled with "conflict", tension, constant challenges for the leadership...and constant growth. The "power" of a spring becomes evident when it is stretched...I think the same is true for churches. I pray that actionchurch will continue to grow, to move, to remain under "tension".

Doing Good in "Bad" times...

2008-11-12T06:52:00.001-01:00

'Decision time. How do we react to difficult times...as households...as businesses...as churches?

Do we pull back? Hold onto "what we have"? Worry about our needs...ignore the needs of others? Is it time to panic? Sell our belongings on ebay, buy food and ammunition and build a bomb shelter in the basement? Do we ignore it? Fill our homes with more crap we-don't-need but-were-able-to-buy-because-we-just-got-a-new-credit-card-in-the-mail? Decisions...Decisions...

I can't (and wouldn't want to) make those financial decisions for anyone else... here's my personal "tough times" plan.

At home: Business as usual with the exception of being very careful to only make large purchases that we absolutely need. (Translation: Allow Michele to do her usual fantastic job of making a buck stretch...) Avoid buying anything on Credit. Continue charitable giving at our normal levels....trust God.

Business: Be frugal about purchases. Offer additional services at no additional charge to better serve customers who are definitely feeling the pinch of the poor economy. Communicate with customers and work together with them to improve their business and cut costs... Remember that "doing good is good for business. Most importantly...trust God.

Church: I think actionchurch has been prepared for "tough" financial times from our first day... We've trusted the generosity of God's people for our existence every week...we've never had any large scale "backing" or reserves. What are our plans for the future? More of the same. We will continue to "focus on others" instead of just thinking of our own survival. Last week we took in more money for the York Rescue Mission than for actionchurch...this week we will kick off our "Super Secret Christmas Project" to benefit a needy family outside of the church. We've chosen our path...we've tightened our belts expense-wise...and now our financial "plan" is to trust that God will provide for our needs. He always has!

So what's your plan? Pray about it...ask God for wisdom. Choose to live a life of Faith not Fear...

7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

2 Timothy 1:7

Thank you veterans...

2008-11-11T06:32:00.001-01:00

We'll be talking about "attitude" and focusing on others all month in the during the "Mindset" series. I can't think of a better example of caring for your buddies in the very worst of circumstances...thank a veteran today.

McDonalds Cappuccino Commercial Faith.

2008-11-10T07:46:00.000-01:00

Have you seen the new McDonald's Cappuccino commercial? (If you haven't,watch it above) From the first time I saw the commercial...it reminded me of church...and why we started actionchurch.

You see, I used to think that because I follow Jesus I had to pretend to love Bible studies and khaki pants. To follow Jesus I had to pretend to listen to only "contemporary christian" music and enjoy hearing "preacher types" tell me what words in the Bible meant "in the original Greek". 'Thought I had to pretend to enjoy attending church "whenever the doors were open" no matter how boring it seemed. My desire to follow Jesus was genuine...but my "love" of "church culture" was as phony as the one dudes "trendy black framed glasses" in the McDonalds commercial.

I don't consider myself an "intellectual" person...I can't make myself care about the "original Greek". (There is enough amazing truth in the latest translations of the Bible to intrigue me for a lifetime). I've virtually stopped reading any "non-fiction" other than the Bible for now...my mind needs a break. I'm a blue collar guy who listens to Modern Rock, 80's Metal, and when I'm in the mood, country. My nails are short and my hair is long. I'm much more likely to say "Damn it" than "praise the Lord" when I slam my finger in the door of my truck. I am absolutely passionate about serving Jesus and being part of his Kingdom plan for all eternity.

One of the things I love most about what actionchurch is becoming...is that it is a place where I can be "me". Flawed. "A work in progress". Forgiven. I don't have to pretend to like "church stuff". (and neither do you.)

Does that mean that it's wrong to like "original Greek bible study" and Chris Tomlin praise tunes? Not at all. Is there anything "wrong" with going to Starbucks? Not at all. What is "wrong" (and an extremely unsatisfying way to live-think itchy turtleneck sweater) is being phony...

Starbucks isn't going to shut down because McDonald's started serving "coffee house" coffees...but I bet a lot of people who enjoy cappuccino but didn't feel like they fit into the Starbucks "culture" will be served.

Welcome to McDonald's...would you like to try our new coffee house premium coffees?

Welcome to actionchurch...would you like to hear about Jesus...

Sunday Recap: "Mindset" pt. 1

2008-11-09T16:19:00.001-01:00

On any given week I feel very fortunate to be able to be part of actionchurch...but this week really so much fun! Today was the first of the "mindset" sermon series. What a great "job" it is to be able to communicate with people that we not only "should" have the "same attitude as Christ Jesus" (Phil. 2:5) We CAN have the same attitude that Jesus had if we Focus on others as he did. We may not be able to change or predict many of our circumstances...but we can change our attitudes/mindset!

The Highlights:

We took up a special donation for the York Rescue Mission thanksgiving dinner today...we will be sending them a check for $520! That means nearly 250 people will have dinner provided for them on Thanksgiving Day. Way to go actionchurch.
I was so inspired by Kyle and Grant today... two 5th graders who heard last week that we would be donating to the rescue mission this week...they raised over $150 between them this week for the Mission. Unbelievable! Edit: Someone was inspired by Kyle and Grants fundraising and matched their donation....That means that now over 300 people will be provided for... Never think that someone is "too young" to make a difference!
Torn from Red on stage today. Really great to have them on the "big stage" at club 19. Lots of changes coming up in "TFR world". Matt (Guitarist) is leaving to play with the Pledge (onstage at actionchurch in 2 weeks) and they are currently working on songs for a full length album. Looking forward to hearing the new stuff at actionchurch next year. always a pleasure to have TFR at actionchurch
I love my new "flamed preaching stool" yee haw!

Even though I preached this morning I got the "feeling" of attending actionchurch...It was awesome to be standing in the back as the service started knowing that Garrett (actionchurch stage manager) and Josiah (actionchurch Chief Creative Officer) would get the service started on time...and looking great. It is so gratifying to see these guys absolutely "run" Sunday Mornings... Thanks to their leadership and our great set up team I am able to concentrate totally on communicating the sermon...so very cool!
Wanna learn to run "command central" at actionchurch? Josiah is looking for someone to train as his "apprentice"... If you like to flip switches and push buttons let me know... info@actionchurch.com
Used a clip from Pursuit of Happyness today...definitely in my "top 10" inspirational movies.
...loved the new countdown timer...It's so cool to work with a crew of people constantly working to "raise our game"...every week!
actionkidz @ club 19 seems to be really coming together...I have to get some new pics up...I really am amazed that we are able to offer a place like actionkidz as a "nine month old" church plant.
Can't wait until next week as I will be interviewing a special guest as we "unveil" one of the most exciting things we have ever attempted...
Had a great crowd today, great band, great vibe...but the thing that excites me most about the "momentum" that we are gathering as a church is that this is just the very beginning...I truly do not think we have even scratched the surface of what is possible if we will simply have the courage to walk down the "road" God has prepared for us. Let's not slow down or "get off course" even for a moment...there is too much at stake!

"Just another Sunday"

2008-11-07T07:01:00.000-01:00

It's Friday...or as I like to think of it...two days 'til Sunday.

Josiah just replaced the graphics for our new sermon series "Mindset" with a new and improved version...

I'm still working on the Sermon...I'm usually finished by Friday...but I want to change up the way I normally communicate...I don't want to fall into a rut...I am convinced that I can do better.

They're installing some additional stage lighting in actionkidz today...they will also be re-arranging the area to optimise it for Sunday. I can't imagine how they are going to improve it...but I know they will.

Why all the effort to prepare for the second Sunday in November? Is there a visiting "dignitary" or film crew coming? Nope. It's "just another Sunday." Just another Sunday that someone will give church "one more try". Just another Sunday that someone will come to church for the first time. Just another Sunday that someone will hear the Good News about Jesus for the very first time.

We will never be "satisfied" with "good enough". We won't settle for "the way we've always done it." We will try, (and sometimes fail) to always get a little better than the week before. It's "just the way we roll" :-)

So invite your friends to club 19 as we kick off the "Mindset" series with Torn from Red on stage. Tell them it's "just another Sunday" @ actionchurch...

Don't forget we will be taking up a special donation for York Rescue Missions Thanksgiving meal Sunday!

"audience"

2008-11-06T06:57:00.001-01:00

...did something really stupid yesterday. I put out our garbage directly behind my truck, got in my truck, and backed into the cans. Fortunately my truck is so low that it didn't run "over" the cans. (it can barely run "over" a soda can). I did manage to push my cans out in the street, tip them over, and catapult our halloween pumpkins out of the garbage and send them rolling down the street.

At first it seemed kind of funny...I amuse myself often with my own clumsiness. It seemed a lot less funny when I realized I had an audience. I managed to perform my "amazing feat of stupidity" in front of a large crowd of neighbors waiting with their kindergardners for the bus. Some laughed...some gripped their children tightly to their sides probably hoping that I wouldn't somehow manage to back over them...and my neighbor across the street helped me pick up my trash and move the cans.

Everything is more embarrassing in front of an audience... a lot of stupid stuff I do seems "OK" until someone else sees it. I was reading this verse later (below) and it struck me that we always have an "audience". God is always watching. Nothing is "Secret"... As followers of Christ we should live like we always have an "audience"...

I wonder if God ever laughs at us...?

6 But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. Mathew 6:6

Change

2008-11-05T07:05:00.001-01:00

So we have elected a new President, Barrack Obama. No big "news flash" right? Change has happened. Whichever "side" you chose in this election...it feels kinda nice to have it over, doesn't it? (Sort of like popping that giant zit that's been on your forehead for 18 months.)

Let's pray for our new President. His task will not be an easy one. Let's be truly happy for those who are celebrating...and encourage those who are dissapointed.

Most of all I'm going to "rejoice" that I will not make another "political" post for at least 4 years!

Election Day...

2008-11-04T06:37:00.001-01:00

So it's election day...and I want to challenge all of you to pray. Nope, I'm not just urging you to pray that "my guy" or "your guy" gets elected.

Let's pray for wisdom for Whoever gets elected. (It's not like we can move to Mars if things don't go well in the USA- I want whoever wins to "govern well")
Let's pray that the Church (actionchurch in particular) can become an example of people of very different political ideals and cultures coming together to worship God and serve others! (kinda like they managed to do in the Book of Acts.)
Let's pray that God will show us how to advance God's kingdom plan for earth in whatever political/economical climate exists.
Let's pray for all those who will be disappointed by this election...whether their candidate didn't win...or won and wasn't able to "make all their dreams come true"... Let's pray for the disappointed and the hopeless...that they will find real hope-in the Creator who is never "up for election".

Thanks to Micheal Buckingham (Holy Cow Creative) for open sourcing the "prayed and voted" graphic...

Happy Holidays...

2008-11-03T08:49:00.001-01:00

Ok, I know Halloween was just Friday...and it's not exactly Christmas Eve yet...but it seems like when it turns November the rest of the year just vanishes. So for "all ye faithful" (a little Christmas Carol Humor) blog readers, here's a preview of actionchurch through the holiday season.

November 9: (this Sunday-Torn from Red on stage) We kick off the "mindset" series and take up a special offering to help feed people at the York Rescue Mission. Even though we just mentioned that we would be having the special giving opportunity next Sunday, people were already giving in advance...way to go actionchurch.

November 23: Special service to kick off our "Extreme Christmas Makeover" for a needy family in York County. actionchurch may not be able to make every ones Christmas "Merry" in York County...but for one family...it will mean everything.

December 7: Kicking off our "At the movies-Christmas edition" series. If you enjoyed the "at the movies" series this summer...we're going to have even more fun this December, as we talk about the messages you may have never noticed in some of your favorite Christmas movies.

December 21: Final Service of the Year...ac allstars on stage...lots of "Merry Christmas and to all a good night" for everyone.

December 28: No Sunday morning service. actionchurch is made up of volunteers...to show our appreciation to all our volunteers who work so hard during the year to make actionchurch happen, there will never be services held on the final Sunday of the year (between Christmas and New years Day). Enjoy your family, play with your new Christmas toys...If you feel the need to attend church...attend one of the many good Churches in the York area.

January 4th: actionchurch '09 kickoff!

Sunday Recap: "In God we Trust?" Pt 3

2008-11-02T19:59:00.004-01:00

Today was the final week of the "In God we Trust" sermon series. I talked about how God is not "worrying" in heaven about the outcome of this election. In Good times and Bad times...during times of freedom and during horribly oppressive regimes...God has been more than capable of advancing his plan for History. The big question for us as Christians is do we trust God?... or Government? Are we willing to do the hard work of "teaching right and wrong" and "making God's law our own" (Psalm 37:30-31) Or are we going to try to "use" government to legislate and enforce our values on others. Whether it's the "right" trying to legislate and enforce moral values...or the "left" trying to legislate and enforce "generousity" to help the poor the result is the same. Laws and regulations do NOT change people's hearts... Good people can disagree on what is the right path for our country...but I think it's time the church stops getting "used" by politicians for power and money. As for actionchurch...we will be in the business of advancing the kingdom by serving our community and "making Jesus famous"...not boycotting stuff or supporting political parties.

The Highlights:

I announced today that we were going to be taking up a special offering next week for the York Rescue mission for their thanksgiving dinner. People already gave $110.00 this week... way to go. It costs only 2.36/person for the York Rescue mission to feed someone thankgiving dinner. I want to challenge everyone to give up a drink...skip purchasing a snack or meal...so that everyone can be part of helping those that have less than we are blessed with this thanksgiving.
It was "country day" at actionchurch today. It was amazing to watch the ac allstars...the same band that just performed an amazing classic rock set in September...transform into a great country band. Lynn nailed "Jesus take the wheel" and Jerry sang "You're gonna miss this" by Trace Adkins spot on. I'm always amazed by the talent and versatilty of these guys! (and gal)
actionkidz is looking amazing! I Karie, Susan, and crew have transformed a "deisel" garage stall into a really first rate childrens program. I am more impressed every week by what they are coming up with.
Lynn and Steve from the "allstars" thought I might be "missing" the giant Buddha in the audience over at Fat Daddy's... so they brought me a Buddha statue, holding a guitar with a actionchurch logo on it. Too funny!
Club 19 is really starting to "feel like home"... Even though the transition was a lot of work...it has so been worth it. We still have stuff to work on but the new venue is great.
The "Toddler Bus" was in place but part of the equipment to send an live video and audio signal to it didn't come in...hopefully it will be fully operational by next week.
I plugged the heater for the bus in the same circuit as our video system...not such a great plan since it kept blowing the breaker...Live and learn.
...Finally got the "VW bus entertainment center" delivered to actionkidz today. I strapped it carefully in the back of my truck (pictured above)...drove slowly and carefully to the club...and then forgot to mention how top-heavy it was, so we managed to flip it over and drop it while unloading it. I was amazed that it put only a tiny chip in the paint. What can I say...old buses are tough!
I can't say enough how grateful I am to EVERYONE that works so hard to make actionchurch possible...you all are truly "action heroes"!
The next seven weeks between now and Christmas(can you believe it?) are going to be highly exciting...I can't wait to see what happens next...

Don't forget to set your clocks back one hour tonight...

2008-11-01T12:28:00.003-01:00

Enjoy your extra hour of sleep... Or, if you forget, thanks for helping out with set-up:-)

Stuff-that-makes-me-laugh-and-consider-getting-psychiatric-help...

2008-10-31T10:23:00.003-01:00

Happy Halloween...be generous to the little "spidermen" and "Hannah Montana's" in your neighborhood...please don't dress up your pets!

"Relevant"

2008-10-30T07:56:00.001-01:00

We talk a lot about "current events" at actionchurch. I want to be a "relevant" church and not just ignore what is happening in the culture around us. I can't tell you the times that I have sat through sermons from a "verse by verse study of the book of Philemon" that completely ignored some horrific event that had just happened. Meanwhile every one in the congregation was praying that the sermon would end soon so they could talk about "what was really going on".

I don't believe for a moment that church should be "Seminary on Sunday Morning" ...or a "history lesson". God is not retired! The Bible is not a book about "cool stuff God used to do"! God is still at work in our world today.

Some "current" stuff I just can't bring myself to talk about...I know the Phillies won the world series...I just can't "make myself" care about baseball. (Sorry Phillies fan) I have purposely not talked much about the Presidential election because good people on both sides are so divided about the candidates. This Sunday as we wrap up the "In God we Trust?" series I will break that silence. I'm not going to "endorse" a candidate. (like anyone would listen to me anyway...) I'm not going to "urge you all to vote". I'm going to talk about politics in the way Jesus talked about the Romans...with an understanding that there is a power at work that is so much greater than Political, Economic, or even Military power! So many people missed the point of Jesus when he was here, because they expected him to "save them" from the tyranny of the Romans...he did...just not they way they hoped he would. Long after the Roman empire crumbled the kingdom revolution that Jesus started is still around...

It's not about money, it's not about politics...it's about who you can Trust. More to come Sunday morning, 11am @ club 19.

Bail out...

2008-10-29T06:09:00.000-01:00

If you'd like a little "good news" I think you'll enjoy this... I ran across this story of a woman who noticed another woman crying at a (Dallas TX) home foreclosure auction. A complete stranger felt compassion for her and purchased her former home and returned it... The generous stranger said "people need to help each other...that's all there is to it". Amen. That's a "bail out" that I can be excited about.

'Auction angel' comes to homeowner's aid October 27th, 2008
Two strangers were brought together by a leap of faith and one piece of property that was among 200 North Texas homes facing a foreclosure auction this weekend. . . (Read the rest)

Watch video here

Our neighbors are coming...

2008-10-28T06:26:00.002-01:00

I know that followers of Jesus have different opinions and thoughts about Halloween. If you can't celebrate Halloween with a clear conscience...ignore this...take the family out for dinner Friday night and give your waitress a tip that is more "treat" than "trick".

For the rest of us... Halloween is the only time of the year( other than "girl scout cookie season", which I believe should be declared a national holiday by the way) when our neighbors will show up to our house in great numbers and ring our bell. Let's make the most of it! I challenge all of you to be the "best house" on the block. The one that kids (and parents) love to come to. It's a great opportunity to be generous...to give to your neighborhood "no strings attached".

Michele, Princess Belle (Reagan), and I will be having a free hot chocolate/hot cider stand (with candy for the kids of course) in our driveway. We've been doing it for three years now and it is a hit with parents and kids. It also allows us a chance to "meet" and speak with people in our housing development we might otherwise never meet... And no, other than displaying our awesome "actionchurch-o-lantern" that we were given Sunday...this is not about "church". We will not be handing out tracts or actionchurch invites...just serving and getting to know our neighbors.

So here's the challenge...be creative...be generous...be the "best house" on the block! I'd love to hear your stories...

Change or Ignore?

2008-10-27T07:51:00.000-01:00

I luv spell chek, its the greatest nvention ever. Unfortuntly, I allso like to missspell stuff on purpos. Words lik "kinda", "sorta" and "gimme". I also like 2 use words that arenot in the Diktionary...like actionchurch and actionkidz. Im also "addicted to the overuse of "dot, dot, dot" and qoutation marks..."

The problem is that when the spell check box pops up at the end of by blog post or email, I often mindlessly click "ignore" over and over...or just click "ignore all". I miss much of the value of spell check because I don't want the hassle of going through the list of things I don't want to change... Mis-spellings and bad grammar areas get through, because I am so quick to "ignore" the prompt to "change".

I was thinking this morning that God works in our lives a lot like Spell check... He won't fix all our mistakes for us...but his Spirit is there to give us correct options and prompt us to change. The "trick" is to listen to the promptings. To Respond. To not be so arrogant (like I am sometimes) that you think you "know better" and just mindlessly "ignore" the promptings. It's our choice...It's up to us...will we click "change" or "ignore"...

Sunday Recap: In God we trust? pt 2

2008-10-26T14:22:00.000-01:00

Today was week two at Club 19 and week two of the In God we Trust? series. I talked about God's promises and plan for our finances from Psalm 37 using the metaphor of fitness/weight loss. Managing money and weight loss are similar because there is no "easy" way to do either...for all the commercials on tv promising miracle cures the only way to lose weight is to expend more calories than you take in...the only way to be financially fit is to take in more than you put out...both are simple and difficult..and sure to offend someone when you talk about them. God cares more about us being "healthy" financially than our cultural idea of "wealth". Seventy percent of the world would love to be "poor" in America. Psalms 37:21 The wicked borrow and never repay, but the godly are generous givers. God wants his people to be part of the SOLUTION for America...not part of the problem...

The Highlights:

Check out the actionchurch-o-lantern! (above) Unbelievable. I was wanting to do a logo pumpkin...but the Grows created art...thanks Guys...we will display it with pride!
The sophomore jinx must be real...or maybe it's "bad luck" for a certain someone to cut off all their hair:-) but everything went wrong for the service today. Josiah's Mac is in the shop...I shouldn't have made fun of him because my pc freaked out and I could not get the video card to communicate with the screens. For a while it looked like we would have three laptops and still not get the main screen to work. Yikes! After much rebooting and frantic prayer my pc decided to work....(Josiah's command center below)
We also had a last minute band cancellation. Thanks so much for the guys of Solar Child for stepping in and playing like they had been on the schedule for months. I'm really grateful for their help.
Allowing questions via txt msg always adds something to the service...I really enjoy the opportunity to be more interactive than "lectur-y".
I talked about my pants being too tight in the sermon...and actually ripped them before the service started...I fixed them with duct tape. Duct tape+leg hair= pain!
Attendance was down from our launch last week but up from the week before at Fat Daddy's...Club 19 is a great new home for actionchurch.
I announced that next week we will have the "actionbus" set up as a play area for parents with small children. Parents will be able to watch the service while their children play...
Lot's of exciting possibilities popping up for ways to expand as we grow at our great new venue...thanks so much to all of our great Crew for making it happen each week...

Gotta run...I'm off to the Candy Bowl Race at Susquehanna Speedway to see the Bob Race the actionchurch legends car for the final race...

In God we trust???

2008-10-24T08:04:00.002Z

It's amazing how things can change in a year. I noticed on a news archive page this morning that the "most important" and numerous news stories of October 2007 were about Britney Spears... I remember being annoyed at the time by all of the stories about her...today I would be kinda happy if the news was filled with stories of misbehaving pop stars instead of stock market plunges and gloomy economic scenarios.

It's impossible to predict the future. Impossible to prevent "bad news" from happening. The real question is whether we will spend our lives being tossed around on the "waves" of situations that are beyond our control...or anchored to the one who is in control.

16 “I have created the blacksmith who fans the coals beneath the forge and makes the weapons of destruction. And I have created the armies that destroy. 17 But in that coming day no weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord; their vindication will come from me. I, the Lord, have spoken!

Isaiah 54:16-17

"Lifting Holy (or Severed) Hands"

2008-10-22T06:18:00.001Z

One of the "deal with it" situations of having church in a nightclub is Halloween decorations. Club 19 was decorated for Halloween with severed arms and skeletons hanging around the club. We asked if we could "raise" the arms up into the rafters and secure them during the service...I'm really glad one didn't vibrate down and surprise someone during the music. Ashley Z spotted our "hidden" decorations and captured them...

I went by Fat Daddy's afterward to pick up our "we've moved" sign and our "old lobby" was completely filled with witches, spiderwebs, and bats...so all in all the few severed arms were easy to deal with...

So how do you "deal with" Halloween? Do you ignore it? Protest it? Embrace it? I'm reprinting a post I wrote last year about how we have come to celebrate Halloween as a family (Below)

Halloween Multiple Choice.

2008-10-22T06:14:00.001Z

Halloween is...

a. ...a holiday celebrated in October best known for children dressing up in costumes and asking for candy.
b. ...a celebration of satanism, occultism, and consumerism in America.
c. ...an opportunity for seemingly "normal" guys to squeeze into some size 14 pumps and fishnets and head off to a party without be labeled cross dressers. (What's up with that?)

The best way to share your faith at Halloween is...
a. ...be generous, friendly and kind. What other time of year do your neighbors actually come to your door? No crappy candy, turning off the lights, or leftovers from your kid's Easter basket!
b. ...answer the door but tell everyone you don't celebrate Halloween because you are Christians. (I actually saw this on a Wife Swap episode)
c. ...Tracts, and only tracts! (NO CANDY) The scarier the better! Extra points awarded for those who mention the Spanish inquisition or name the Pope as the anti-christ! Enjoy getting the toilet paper out of your trees...

The best way for Churches to share their faith with their community...
a. ... be generous, friendly, and kind at a community event. Get involved. Give away great stuff! Urge church goers to be the "most generous house in the neighborhood.
b. ...have an alternative event. Call it a harvest party, Hallelujah party, or Fall festival. Bonus points if you feature gospel music, ban costumes, or give out prizes for reciting Bible verses. Great entertainment for the religious.
c. ...ignore it! Only 196 days 'til Easter!

The best thing to teach your children from Halloween is...
a. ...the joy of giving. How to be live out your faith in a post-christian world.
b. ...the joy of taking.... Turn out your lights and take them to all the "best neighborhoods". Grab as much candy as you can...make sure they split with you.
c. ...to be scared of witches, Satan, and cultists. ...that church Harvest parties are "almost as good as" Halloween parties. ...that they can't wait to grow up and be "normal".

What's the "right" choice...It's up to you.

I'll give you a hint what I believe...like the Fonz I say a-a-a-ay!

In progress...

2008-10-21T08:07:00.001Z

Stuff we are working on after Sunday:

Looks like we have come up with a place for families with small children to take their little ones and watch the service on a monitor while they're toddlers play. (stay tuned for more info)

Still working on a better way to move a slate top pool table safely and more easily every week...

...will probably try different chair/table lay outs to see what works best.

Jerry and Steve will be bringing the sound in mains down next week... I'm sure we will still be called "the loudest church in the east" like we were at Fat Daddy's...but we are not trying to start a new ministry to the deaf :-)

Lot's more tweaks and work to do to make Club 19 into actionchurch... but I definitely feel blessed to have such a clean and well-put-together place to have church in on Sunday mornings!

Flicker Site link- Photos from Club 19 launch.

2008-10-20T08:33:00.001Z

Here's a link to Ashley Z's photo's from yesterday at Club 19. (link)

Faith is not a "superpower..."

2008-10-20T07:27:00.001Z

I had some great comments and questions sent in during the sermon about trusting God, Faith, and belief. Since they all hinged around the same thought...I thought I'd take a moment and address them here.

The big Question: Jesus said if we had the faith of a "mustard seed" we could command mountains to move... Moses parted the red sea with his shepherds staff... Elijah trusted God and had the faith to bring down fire from heaven... The apostles in the New Testament healed people... So the "TV Preachers" say that if we believe enough...we can have it all. Can I "believe enough", or have enough faith for God to give me a sweet "MTV cribs style" house and a fleet of Bentleys? Why not? Jesus said if I had faith I could move mountains...why couldn't I just use my "Faith and belief" to get some sweet stuff for the crib?

Here's why I called that idea "a bunch of Crap" yesterday. If you notice in every instance in the scriptures where people did amazing things "by faith"...they were always responding to God's command, and having enough faith in him to do what he said...to be part of his plan...and then amazing, miraculous things happened. Never once do we see in scriptures an instance of people using "faith" or "belief" to somehow "force" God to get them "stuff". In fact one of the ways Satan tempted Jesus in the desert, (read it) was to try to entice him to use his power to turn rocks into bread because Jesus hadn't eaten in 40 days...Jesus refused. Faith or belief is not something that we can "concentrate" and produce results like Hiro stopping time on Heroes. It's not a "power". It's not an "ability". It's a decision to trust God...even when all odds are against you...and do what he says...even when (and most of the time it does) look idiotic or futile. Faith is a decision that grows based on trust. We trust God in small things...we see him work...our faith grows...we trust him in larger areas...he shows up...our faith grows...and so on.

I believe faith is real. I fact, I believe we observed some of the results of it yesterday. I think it is God's plan for everyone in York county (and the world) to hear the Good News of Jesus...even those who don't feel they "fit in" to a "normal church". Because people believed God, they acted in faith...they used their talents...they donate their time, their equipment, their knowledge, their toys. Because they believed God and had faith in his plan, we all got to go to church in an unbelievable environment yesterday. 'Way better than a 8 month old church "deserves" or could expect. In the midst of a failing economy, with no "fund raising drive", no "capital campaign", no mortgage, we just moved into a great new larger venue. The "kicker" is that our expenses at Club 19 are actually considerably lower than before. That's the way faith and belief work... Ordinary people believe God and attempt extraordinary things for him...

Could we use that same "faith" and "belief" to get us all Hummers and 60 inch flat screens? I'm thinkin' not so much...

Pics from Club 19

2008-10-19T22:32:00.009Z

Photos by Ashley Z...shaky shots that look like they are from a webcam strapped to a monkey by me.

Sunday Recap: In God we Trust? pt. 1

2008-10-19T18:42:00.001Z

Tear Down

Today was the first week of the "In God we Trust?" series...and our first week meeting at Club 19. Today I talked (from Psalm 37) about how we can trust God to "keep score"...to judge evil and reward good. I think so much of our frustration and anger as a country comes from the injustice we see when good responsible folks struggle and those who harm others and do wrong prosper... Justice is coming...we just have to remember that the one "keeping score" is not public opinion, the media, politicians...or even you or I...it's God!

The Highlights:

Eight months after launching on February 10th at Fat Daddy's Nightclub...oops we did it again! actionchurch 2.0 launched today at club 19. What a great Venue.
actionkidz looked amazing...It's hard to imagine what the guys did with basically a diesel garage stall...I am really excited for the future of the "kidz"
Thanks to Jerry for loaning us all the cool automotive memorabilia...
I know this is going to sound like a "thank you note" but thanks to all of you who worked so hard to make this new launch possible... Special thanks to Michele for never allowing me to settle for "good enough". We are a better church because of her attention to detail.
Fire From the Sky on stage today...the bigger stage really allowed them to turn loose some high energy stream of consciousness punk.
I loved having the new "big screen" behind me (Thanks Shawn from Stagemasters)...and I really loved the "big screen" monitor in front of me (Thanks Keith!)
Josiah needs to grow a third arm to run all the stuff in "command central" but the graphics were incredible...and it is going to be really useful being able to send different images to the various screens.
This was Garrett's first week as actionchurch's first Stage manager. He managed to do something I have never been able to accomplish...getting the band on the stage and playing in less than a minute...unfortunately I told him the wrong time...which is exactly why we need a stage manager!
Lot's of great txt msg questions today...I'll cover some of the ones I didn't get to later this week here on the blog.
Thanks to everyone for showing up early this morning and making it happen...and staying after and tearing down. We were finally at the point at Fat Daddy's that set up and teardown were "second nature". I have no doubt that in a few short weeks we will have it organized again!
I know, I know, it didn't seem like we had a lot of "extra" room in the "bigger package." We still have a lot more chairs and more arranging to do ...but it did seem to be pretty full already today. I'm determined to just continue to tell the good news about Jesus in a relevant "action filled" way...and trust that God will continue to provide more seats for the people that show up to hear. The fact that we are able to meet at a venue like Club 19 shows that you should never (as the guys sang today) "underestimate my Jesus".

Stuff we are working on...

I understand the music was a "smidge loud" :-) New club...new system...we'll bring it down. I was beside the stage instead of in front of the mains like I used to be at Fat Daddy's so I thought it was actually quieter than normal...not so much.
We have to have a place for people with small children too young for actionkidz...and too young to handle the music...we should have a solution this week... Sorry for those with little children this week...stay tuned.

Lots of stuff we need to do better...lots of stuff to tweak..but I am really grateful and proud of the job that the actionchurch crew is doing...this is only the beginning.

Holy crap!!!

2008-10-18T23:58:00.005Z

Just a little taste of what tomorrow at Club 19 is going to be like... I am actually speechless. We are so blessed to have such a great new venue...and such talented and hardworking people. Thank you everyone who has been part of this thing...

Do not miss tomorrow!

In God we Trust?

2008-10-16T06:36:00.001Z

I think the new series starting Sunday may be the most timely teaching we have ever done...I say "we" because Josiah and I started discussing the idea for "In God we Trust?" in late August/early September. (I think the series artwork is his best yet!)

At the time I had no idea the financial/political/cultural/turmoil and uncertainty we would be facing now...I just had this feeling that we were "missing something". It seemed at the time (and still does) that everyone was looking for answers...no one really trusts anyone else anymore...and all of our "solutions" and "hopes" seemed to depend on everything but our creator.

I'm looking forward to talking about what we can actually trust God to do. I'm looking forward to your questions and comments coming in via text msg. What I will not be doing is endorsing political parties or candidates...giving Dave Ramsey style financial advice... or pontificating about how to "stop the gay whales from smoking in public". It ain't about politics...it ain't about money...it's about who you can trust.

See ya Sunday at Club 19...bring a friend and your phone.

Signs, Signs, everywhere Signs.

2008-10-15T07:19:00.000Z

I just got the message that our signs are ready at Fast Signs. I love the smell of new signs early in the morning. Our single largest expense for the move to Club 19 is signage... and this is just the beginning.

I never want to become a church that "doesn't need signs". ...a church that everyone attending "already knows how to get there". I want every week to be someone's first Sunday at actionchurch. Signs help take a little of the anxiety out of going to a new place...point you toward places you have never been. If you can't tell already ...I'm excited about new signs to point even more new people toward actionchurch...and then Jesus. We need a Billboard on Rt. 30!

Rev. Run

2008-10-14T07:33:00.001Z

I've never been a rap fan but I'm a big fan of "Run's House" on MTV. Besides the fact that I am Jealous of the fact that he can make a clerical collar look cool...while driving a Bentley...I really admire the way he leads and loves his family. I heard him say something in a recent interview that really sort or stuck in my head...

He said, "I'm a Reverend but I don't run a church, My whole ministry is to show the love of Jesus in my life whether I am with my family or on tour with Kid Rock...the cameras just catch the action and spread it around" (my paraphrase)

I'm pretty sure that's the "point" for all of us...whether we are a "Reverend" or not... Well said, Rev. Run.

"Church is People"

2008-10-13T07:29:00.001Z

Psst...Church is people. I think one real benefit of our move to Club 19 is that it visually reminds us that like soylent green...church is entirely made up of people! If you think that church is a building...or "stuff" or equipment...right now all of our "church" is packed in a van down by the river..err bus in my driveway. From yesterday afternoon when we moved out of Fat Daddy's Nightclub until Friday when we move into Club 19 there is technically no actionchurch "building"...we're "homeless".

The great news is that actionchurch will reapear next Sunday and actionchurch V2.0 will be better than ever, because we are made up of people...not buildings or stuff!

So thanks for being actionchurch: people who helped us load our stuff after church yesterday. The people who will help us unload and set up on Friday. People who have invited their friends to a crazy church service at Fat Daddy's. People who will now invite their friends to Club 19. People who have given their hard earned cash to pay the bills for each weekly gathering. People who got up early on Sunday mornings to make sure that things were clean and set up for others...(enjoy your well earned break!) People who have showed up and allowed us to "practice" being a church from the very first service...people who just started attending last week. The list is too long to remember everyone...bands, sound engineers, artists, builders, cleaners, greeters, designers, coffee makers, coffee drinkers...you all make up this beautiful, messy, powerful, and broken thing called the church... Thank you all...I cannot wait to see what you become in our great new venue!

Sunday Recap: Moving day...

2008-10-12T17:45:00.000Z

Today was moving our final Sunday at Fat Daddy's Nightclub.

Next Sunday we will be meeting at Club 19 so we had to pack up all of the "church" in the "actionbus" after the service ended. I talked about "looking after you leap" about faith being obeying God without knowing the outcome. It's so easy to read stories in the Bible and see the end result and miss the "process". I talked about the blind man in John 9 who was healed by Jesus...after Jesus put "saliva mud pies" on his eyes and told him to go jump in the pool...I bet the still-blind dude with mud on his eyes had lots of questions about the outcome as he walked toward the pool. That's the way it is when you follow Jesus.

The highlights:

Everyone was so helpful loading up...we literally had everything we own (including the baptismal "trough" loaded into the bus in less than an hour! Thanks everyone.
Speaking of Baptisms...I offered the chance to "go public" through baptism...I honestly had no idea why...other than I felt like I should...and it's pretty difficult to preach about "faith is being obedient to Jesus without knowing the outcome" and not being obedient myself...Thanks John for sharing your story and choosing spontaneously to get "baptised in a bar" on Sunday morning.
The Historic on stage today...they were really our most unusual act yet...and I really dig them. The best way I can describe them is "1940's Rock n Roll"... I really like their original stuff. Phil Rohr (also of the Gulls) is a really talented dude. They started the service with the Thrice tune"Come all ye weary". The line from that song "you've been spurned by fine restaurants and tossed out of church" sounds like the reason we started actionchurch!
Awesome Job by Josiah today creating the "Fight Club" video bumper. He set up the "Jump" sermon perfectly...removed the numerous "F-Bombs" in the clip...and faded into the sermon graphic. I thought I was preaching at a mega-church with a video department for a moment. The artwork for next week's series is ridiculously good also...We are very lucky to have Josiah as our "Chief Creative Officer" (CCO)...he's got a cool title...now we just need to pay him in something other than free coffee and all the donut's he can eat.
After loading everything into the "actionbus" it wouldn't start! aaarrrgh! I was seriously wondering what we were going to do with all of our church gear if they had to tow it into the garage... Fortunately after lunch it decided to start right up on the first turn...thank you God.
It was awesome reading all of the kind things written by people on our thank you notes for the crew at Fat Daddy's ...very touching. Michele Reagan and I are taking them by the club tonight along with their "thank you gifts"
I am so thankful for the amazing things God has Done at Fat Daddy's Nightclub...looking forward to seeing even more amazing things at Club 19!

Donation Boxes...

2008-10-10T06:15:00.001Z

I thought I'd preview our spiffy new donation boxes. I know they may look like some cheap tool boxes that I picked up at Harbor Freight to replace our current ragged cardboard boxes...and they are.

I'm gonna miss our old cardboard donation boxes...I still remember making the decision to put them out... to not "pass a plate"...to allow people the freedom to choose to support actionchurch financially without pressure or scrutiny. Thanks for choosing to give. Because of you we are able to purchase the equipment and supplies we need to move into our new venue. Because of you we are positioned to be a blessing on our community...and not a burden in financially difficult times. Because of you all 25 of the employees of Fat Daddy's nightclub are going to get a little "early Halloween surprise"(picture below)...made up of a goody bag and a gas card (thanks Michele and Reagan for putting them together.) Because of you, people in York County have a little bit different idea of what a "church goer" is...

I just wanted to say thanks... and I am looking forward to the difference we can make as we begin to fill our "spiffy" new boxes....

"Chairs-that-look-like-thrones-that-no-one-sits-in"

2008-10-09T07:42:00.002Z

...had a funny conversation last night with someone who grew up in the same religious background as I did about the "Chairs-that-look-like-thrones-that-no-one-sits-in" on the platform of churches... (I found out they are called clergy chairs.) The funny thing I remember about them growing up is that NO ONE ever sat in them...but they were present at every church I attended. Long after whatever function they served was over...Churches still purchased them or moved them to their new auditoriums...because you couldn't possibly do church without "Chairs-that-look-like-thrones-that-no-one-sits-in".

As much as that makes me laugh, it happens in every church (including actionchurch) if we don't constantly guard against it! It's so easy to let something outside of our mission become "tradition" because "that's the way we have always done it."

Can you imagine the strange "traditions" that actionchurch could develop if we forgot about our mission of introducing people who don't like church to Jesus, and focused on our surroundings at Fat Daddy's? It would become tradition to have a giant Buddha statue in the back of any auditorium we moved to... "Tradition" to have an atm in the lobby and Bud Light signs on the windows... "Tradition" to have go go dancing platforms in the children's area... Sure it sounds silly...but that's "the way we've always done it"!

Final week at Fat Daddy's Nightclub

2008-10-08T06:01:00.001Z

In the middle of all the crazy-last-minute-stuff to get ready for the first service at Club 19 it's really hitting me that this is our final week to meet at Fat Daddy's. We are going to end our time at the club just like we began...full of faith...without a clue about what is actually going to happen...

I believe it's going to be a really special and memorable week. I'm gonna talk about faith...and demonstrate a little faith (or stupidity) by bringing along the "Baptismal horse trough" and offering a chance for people to go public with their faith in Jesus. I'm not sure if anyone will respond...no one has yet...I just feel really strongly that I need to offer a chance to be baptized on Sunday...no real clue what will happen...and that's the way it should be...

Want to know more about baptism? email info@actionchurch.com or check this out (Baptism FAQ)

Trust...

2008-10-07T06:43:00.000Z

I was reading Psalms 78 last night and it reminded me of ...uh...well, me. It's basically a "laundry list" of all the great things that God did for the people of Israel in the past...rescuing them from Egypt...parting the red sea...leading them with a pillar of fire in the day and a pillar of fire at night...providing them with food and water in the desert...etc. In spite of all these great miracles they had witnessed...they still completely pissed God off ("fire of his wrath=seriously pissed off) by doubting that he would provide for them in the future.

Man is that a serious temptation for me...how about you? I've seen God do amazing things. I give God all the credit for the fact that our personal business has even survived over the years... I don't deserve to have the family or life I have been blessed with. It's seriously crazy that actionchurch launched and stayed open for more than two weeks...definitely a God thing. Having seen those things and countless more, I am still tempted to worry about the future. I'm still tempted to wonder if God can "do it again" as we re-launch at Club 19... To wonder if God can provide in some seriously "spooky" economic times... (can you watch cnbc without wanting to jump out the window?)

So...I've decided to not piss God off like the Israelites...to trust that he will "come through" as he always has in the past. I don't think that it's any accident that the next four weeks I will be talking about Faith (Jump) and Trust (In God we Trust?) on Sunday mornings. I'm certainly not an expert on faith or trust by any means...but you can bet I am motivated to learn all I can...and pass it on to you all. Buckle up..this should be interesting.

" 19 They even spoke against God himself, saying, “God can’t give us food in the wilderness. 20 Yes, he can strike a rock so water gushes out, but he can’t give his people bread and meat.” 21 When the Lord heard them, he was furious. The fire of his wrath burned against Jacob. Yes, his anger rose against Israel, 22 for they did not believe God or trust him to care for them." Psalms 78:19-22

Club 19 move update..

2008-10-06T07:18:00.001Z

Here's a quick update on whats happening at Club 19 to prepare for our move there on 10.19.09 (oh yeah....we are moving to "19" on the 19th):

a large video screen is being installed behind the stage (pictured above)...there is simply not a "bad seat" in the house. Everyone will be able to hear and see everything going on!
Dave Brubaker has been playing the "actionchurch board game" at home(below)...and here's the seating you can expect to see on the 19th...except the tables won't be made out of Mountain Dew Boxes. Lots more tables...plenty of room to expand seating up to 200 comfortably.

Signs are being ordered to direct everyone from Rt 30-one block up George St.-and to the club...and then to parking. Josiah is designing them this time...so they should look great...and be readable. (I'm the one who designed the black road signs with gray lettering that can only be read if you stop and get out of your car!)
Everything will be fresh in the actionkidz area...we have a "semi-permanent" home for the "kidz" (We don't have to pack it up every week but it all must be able to be moved for special events)
The Check in area for actionkidz is being built this Saturday (10.11.08) Welcome Race fans to actionkidz...
Lot's of cool stuff happening that will make Club 19 totally "actionchurch" when we start meeting there...I think everyone will be pleasantly surprised that a "newborn" church like we are has been blessed with such a great new venue...

Thanks so much to all of you who are giving your time, talents, and financial gifts to make this happen...It is going to be amazing!

Sunday Recap: (Behind the music addition)

2008-10-05T15:47:00.001Z

Today was the final week of the "Rock Band" Series. We talked about Act 19:8-10...where Paul took the believers out of the local Synagogue and instead held discussions at the local lecture hall. I can't think of a better example of what actionchurch is all about... taking the message of Jesus to outsiders...instead of just arguing with religious folks. Because of this move in Acts everyone in the province of Asia heard the good news of Jesus...that is our dream for York County...that because we are taking the good news of Jesus outside of religious circles...everyone will hear.
The Highlights:

Chambered was insanely good today.... Five Finger Death Punch (Never Enough) to open..followed by a really sweet new original (Never Give up). Next was Disciple (Game on) which they absolutely killed...in a good way. Final song was Shinedown (Save me) which led up to next weeks message "Jump" perfectly. These Guys have not missed a beat since reforming after the Clean Slate Break up...I just wish they would play some "heavy" music...:-)
Jake had the music crankin' today...I think he loves turning Chambered UP... We're going to miss working with Jake every week (He owns the Sound system at Fat Daddy's) We will be using the Sound man From Club 19 but Jake has agreed to be our back up sound engineer.
Feeling kind of nostalgic today...I'm really excited about the move to Club 19...but I think everyone will miss Fat Daddy's....I kept snapping pictures of "behind the music" stuff that I wanted to remember...here's some below.

Guys playing pool before church started this morning...

Here's my "secret" restroom by the stage...

I remember lots of last minute "desperation" prayers before preaching

after we first launched in February...I was terrified!

Below is the closet that ALL of our "church" fits in downstairs...

Finally- Somebody lost some money at church this morning...we found it...let us know what you lost and it's yours...we don't want to take an "accidental" donation...

Talledega is on...Dale Jr. is leading...I gotta get back to it. Thanks to all of you who make actionchurch possible each week!

"loudest church in the east"

2008-10-04T05:22:00.001Z

I just noticed that Chambered (playing Sunday) have actionchurch listed on their myspace as the "loudest church in the east". That made me smile.... We might also be the only church on the east (or west) coasts to start their service with "Never Enough" by Five Finger Death Punch... The "rock band" series is going to go out with a bang!

Quote of the Week:

2008-10-03T06:33:00.001Z

"All the good that has come in this world has come from Fools with Faith..."

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.

Garage band?

2008-10-02T07:22:00.000Z

Here is yet another example of how Churches are like Rock Bands...(and church-goers are like rock "fans") I have so much respect, admiration, and love for LCBC (Lancaster County Bible Church). Michele, Reagan and I attended there for the 18 months we were planning and preparing to launch actionchurch. I can say without reservation that attending LCBC was our best experience with attending a church ever... If we didn't feel like our purpose in life was to help start actionchurch we would still be happily attending there.

Let me say congratulations to LCBC for making the 100 largest Churches in America list again this year. (link #84) The funny thing is that I know by posting this that I will have hits later in the week from people who want to talk about how LCBC has "Sold out"...how it has "watered down the gospel" (whatever that means), how much it sucks. There is a whole group of people out there set on tearing down any church that does what the church is actually supposed to do...grow and influence more people!

It's funny, this whole "argument" against mega-churches reminds me of "indy music fans" who live in their mom's basement and post about how great U2 was "until they sold out and became popular"... post about how they used to "like the White Stripes before anyone had heard of them"...whine about how "Mettalica sold out since the black album". I swear it is the same "argument"...maybe even the same "arguers".

Not every church is going to grow as large as LCBC. Not every band is going to become as huge as U2. I have to say though that I think U2 has made some of their greatest music after becoming a "mega-band"...and "Saint Bono" definitely has more influence for good now then he did as the mulleted front man of an unknown Irish rock band.

So congratulations LCBC... not bad for a Church that started out in a Garage (link). Maybe this is the ultimate story of a "garage band" that "makes it"!

actionkidz check in work day...

2008-10-01T07:13:00.000Z

I mentioned last week that we would need to build a "set" for actionkidz. The new actionkidz area is basically a really clean "garage" with a large garage door on each end. (the Club 19 building was actually an auto repair business at one time) So...the new actionkidz "theme" is pit area/Garage. (I can't believe I didn't think of that!)

The date for the "build" is Saturday October 11th. We will basically need to build a "Set" or Facade (approx 13.5' wide by 12' tall)that fits that theme (I think the picture above might need a little too much repair), functions as a check in center, is able to be moved on its own wheels...and won't fall over and crush the children...that's pretty important!

Email me for details... I know someone Sunday said they had Set building experience...if you are that person please email me...I have questions. info@actionchurch.com

"Decentralized"

2008-09-30T07:10:00.002Z

Yesterday I had a chance to watch a little "cable news". I've been studying the Book of Acts for the "Rock Band" series and I couldn't help but think about what the response of the church...actionchurch in particular...should be to the economic uncertainty we face as a nation.

I'm not sure what the "fix" is for our nations finances...besides actual responsibility which is way too "unpopular" to happen... I do know that the church needs to be able to react to the financial needs that will certainly "trickle down" to our community. The question is "how"? Typical church thinking is to start a "benevolence fund" where people give donations and then the money is given to people who need it... The problem is a "few" people have to decide if the needy person is actually "worthy" of receiving the rest of the churches money... I'm desperately trying not to be political here but that system is not working out too well for us as a nation...I'm not thinking it will work great for the church...

How could we help those around us in a "decentralized" fashion... Where people who have needs could let them be known in a "non-embarrassing" way. Where people who have the ability(whether it be extra stuff, skills, or cash) could help others in need. After Church Sunday, Jared and Melissa told me about a "need it- have it" type bulletin board that they saw another church and the idea makes a lot of sense! I'm thinking about ways to make that concept work at actionchurch...both on Sunday mornings, and on line. Any Thoughts?

Other related stuff: I'm thinking that it is no "accident" that we are moving to a larger place that dramatically cuts our operating budget...God has a great sense of timing. The first series (Starting Oct. 19th) at Club 19 will be called "In God we Trust" where we will discuss (in this time of uncertainty- financial, political-cultural) what we can actually "TRUST" God to do. We are going to open up the screens for "txt messaged" questions from the crowd again...and really try to discover what God said he would do... Stay tuned.

Kitchen Nightmares...

2008-09-29T12:07:00.004Z

'Anybody elso out there watching Kitchen Nightmares? Even though each week the "plot" is highly predictable...I love watching the show.

If you've missed it, each week goes "a little something like this"... A failing restaurant invites Chef Gordon Ramsey to "makeover" their greasy spoon... Even though they are obviously failing they still think that they are "pretty much doing everything right". They blame the customers for not eating at their lousy restaurant. Enter Gordon Ramsey... Chef Ramsey tastes the food and rules it disgusting. He pokes around in their filthy kitchens and freezers and generally hurls (censored for tv) curses at them for being such "filthy pigs". The owners and staff resist at first but finally come to the realization that however painful the truth is...if they do not face it and accept Chef Ramsey's profanity laden help...they will fail. Humility ensues...changes are made...Kitchens and cupboards are opened and cleaned...the restaurant is "made over" and relaunched...in the end the grateful owners and chefs end up hugging Ramsey and thanking him for saving their restaurant...and their lives.

I think God works a lot like Chef Ramsey...minus the profanity?! We cry out to him from our filthy messed up lives...we resist his truth at first because it's painful...it's shocking when he reveals our "filthy kitchens" and our "disgusting freezers". It's much easier to blame others for our sins... In the end we make a choice. We chose to either send the "Almighty Chef" away...and continue to struggle on our own. Or, we invite him in...make the changes in our lives he suggests...allow him to help us clean up the filth we have accumulated in our lives. We end up thanking him for coming and saving us... That's what undeserved Grace is all about.

So that's what I "learned" from Kitchen Nightmares....that...and to NEVER eat in a restaurant again...

Sunday Recap: Rock Band pt. III

2008-09-28T17:00:00.001Z

Today was week three of the Rock Band sermon series. We talked about things that bands (and churches) argue about...and the things that are not worth arguing about... Grace is a non-negotiable function of the church. It's messy...it's difficult...it causes arguments (as in Acts 15) but in the end we must extend undeserved grace to others...because it has been given to us. We didn't "accept Jesus"...he accepted us...when we did not deserve it!

The Highlights:

Thanks to our opening (Rock band) act...Garrett did a great job "preparing the crowd" to experience the musical genius that is "Napalm"
I "heart" the Gulls...I like their spirit...I like the way they love Jesus and don't take themselves too seriously...I love the Deftones cover (Minerva) they did at the end of service...What a great and original band! Thanks Guys.
Ever heard the statement "you can't win em all"? Today absolutely proved that to be true! Some weeks are just going to be "Off"....
I forgot to prepare 3 things...that I have Done EVERY week since we launched 7 months ago...like I said...sometimes things are just OFF!
We have been having great attendance all through summer...Ironically on the first weekend of fall...after we announced that we are moving to a larger club...attendance was the lowest it has been since May...Wha?? (Come to think of it...this should probably be expected. Whenever we announced in the past that we were committed to doing something for the community that would be a real leap of faith financially...offerings would be immediately down. The good news is that we don't move forward based on "reports" (either attendance or offering)...we operate on faith... I can't wait to pack the new place out in October!)
Today was a "tough" sermon to preach...I really actually struggled to get it all in the time allotted...and I am usually done "early". I am not a "long winded" dude...but there was so much more I would have liked to say!
I am going to miss Fat Daddy's... but we spent some time after church over at Club 19 planning preparing for the Grand Opening over there on October 19...and it is going to ROCK...I am really starting to get stoked about the possibilities!
A little over a month ago I preached about God saying to Gideon "Go in the Strength that you have"(even though he had no Idea that he already had everything he needed to rescue his nation)...that is exactly what is happening at actionchurch. We are seeing so many people step up to use their talents and skills to take our impact on York county to the next level...truly amazing! I had no idea how many talented and gifted folks we are blessed with.
Even though we were low on attendance today it seemed like more people than ever stayed to help tear down...strange...but really appreciated!

Even after a tough week...I am really excited to see what God is up to at actionchurch...

"Limber"

2008-09-26T07:24:00.000Z

So it sorta goes without saying that I am a big proponent (read "loud mouth") about Churches being willing to "stretch" and change their structures and programs in order to grow and continue to be relevant in our society... I must admit though, that it gets progressively harder as a church grows and gets "older". actionchurch is only 8 months old...but it is difficult already to make some of the changes necessary for the much needed move to Club 19.

Our new relationship with Club 19 means we have to leave behind a really good relationship we have built with the Fat Daddy's crew. Our growth and move means that many of our great volunteers will have to change jobs and responsibilities... Some people will love the new facility, some will miss the "old" one. Even at this early stage of church growth...change is a bit painful at times...

So what do we do to "avoid" the pain of change and stretching? If we want to continue to do the work that the church was designed to do...nothing! We simply must be willing to go through the "growing pains". My prayer for actionchurch is that we remain "limber". That we constantly "move", stretch, and change to continue to connect with people in our community who are far from God. That we never get "set in our ways". That we are always ready to "risk it all" for the next opportunity to serve our community... My prayer for actionchurch is... "Lord keep us limber..."

"Special Music"

2008-09-25T06:38:00.000Z

I almost forgot to post this with all the "moving" stuff after Sunday. For those of you who didn't grow up in churches that had "special music" like this...enjoy. For those of you who did...this may cause nightmares. I especially love at the end where the person behind the camera seems to lose consciousness...

As I said Sunday: "Everyone is important- No one is (talented and gifted) the same."

Stuff we need for the move to Club 19:

2008-09-23T06:48:00.000Z

Here's some Stuff/"skills" we will need to make the move to Club 19:

"Bob (or Betty) the Builder"We need someone(s) who is the "carpentry type" to help build our new check in center for actionkidz. We have the opportunity to have a "semi-permanent" set for actionkidz. (as long as it is on wheels we can leave it up at the club). I have a vision for a check in center for actionkidz that will allow us to safely check "kidz" in...cut down on noise between the services...and look really cool. I can help out painting but I will simply not have the time to build the whole thing between now and the 19th. We can supply materials, plans, etc... but we really need someone to head up the construction...and someone with a big truck or trailer to transport the sections. (We basically need to build a "Stage set" or "Facade" for check in) Got experience in carpentry or Theatre set design? ...you are needed!
Parking Crew We will need to direct cars at the new club through the main parking lot to the ones in the rear. Like to wear a cool orange Vest? We have the position for you!
Prayers! We need people to pray for wisdom and strength for the move. ...for the people who haven't even heard of actionchurch that will now have an opportunity to attend.
Clean up Crew There will be very little "set up" at "19". The club will be clean and ready to hang signs and sound check the bands on Sunday morning. (I know everyone who has been so faithful to clean and set up Fat Daddy's is crying right now...no more 8am on Sunday mornings....more like 9:30am! I do want to make sure we leave the club as clean as we found it so even though there will be less "tear down" we will need to sweep up before we leave.
"Advertisers" We need help in letting everyone possible know we are moving...Got a myspace or facebook? Would you like to post our moving "ad" and map? Tell your friends, spray paint it on city buses...oops actually don't spray paint it on anything...I just got carried away... but please tell everyone!
Donations... Here's the most amazing thing about this move...we started out in August DEAD BROKE! actionchurch paid five weeks of rent in August...and spent nearly $2000 giving stuff away at the fair. The amazing thing is that in spite of that, we have received many amazing gifts this month...and we have most of the funds needed to purchase equipment/signs for the move! On top of that...the owners of Club 19 are purchasing the large screen and projector we need (and the chairs and tables)...which saves us THOUSANDS of Dollars! (Thank you Club 19!) Thank you all for your generosity...we will still need extra donations to pay "first months rent" etc...(we pay weekly now) But the great news is that God is already providing through the generous people of actionchurch...so there will be no massive "fundraising thermometer" that you might expect to see on stage during a move such as this...I am blown away!

If you can help out in any of these areas, please let us know. info@actionchurch.com I'm sure other needs will come up and I will post them as they do.

On moving:

2008-09-22T09:51:00.001Z

Back in July I wrote this. I had no idea how true these words were when I posted them:

"I'll close with two true-but completely contradictory statements.

We are already planning, preparing, and praying about how to take actionchurch to the "next level" as we continue to grow.
I have not a freakin' clue what exactly is going to happen...that's in God's hands. (Don't worry...this time last year I had no idea how or where to start a church (seriously)...and now we are trying to figure out how to best deal with actionchurch's growth.) God is Good!"

Since I wrote those words in July we have been working to free up more seats on Sunday Morning by first filling the bar area with as many seats as possible, (sorry for the crowded conditions lately) and then offering a second service...I was convinced that in spite of the difficulties and expense of having a second service on Sunday mornings at Fat Daddy's, it was the best option...the owners and sound man even generously offered to let us have the extra time for free...our main concerns were for the volunteers who set up and tear down actionchurch every week...and the bands that would have to agree to play twice on Sunday Mornings. actionkidz was also a difficulty... we struggle to find enough volunteers upstairs on Sunday Mornings for one service...let alone two. There were many questions and difficulties...but it seemed to be our only option, because as I said this Sunday, "actionchurch exists for the many people in York county who are not at this point even considering coming to church. The don't think they would be accepted, they don't think they would be interested...but if we could provide more seats and invite them...they just might change their mind about Jesus and the church".

It turns out that there was a better option. Even though I was certain that I had "explored every option" before launching actionchurch...I missed one...and I am convinced that God had it "waiting in the wings" for us when we outgrew Fat Daddy's Nightclub. (I actually met with one of the owners of Club 19 before we launched in February...I just didn't know who he was...) In short, Club 19 offers us a chance to seat roughly double the number of people we can currently handle on Sunday Mornings. Offers more tables that we can invite our friends to join us at for coffee, donuts, a band, and a preacher on Sunday morning. Offers our great volunteers a much needed break by taking most of the cleaning and set-up out of the equation. (I am really glad that Michele will no longer be cleaning nightclub restrooms on Sunday morning... talk about doing the "dirty work" of church planting...thank you!) The move will also offer us a chance to dramatically reduce our monthly expenses (unbelievable)...a chance to do even more in our community...a chance to become financially solvent...basically a chance to not only survive..but grow.

Will we have to deal with the "problem" of going to multiple services in the future? I certainly hope so...and soon. (It will be helpful; though, to have a larger volunteer base when we do.) Will we move again? I certainly hope so... in fact I hope in the future that we move back to Fat Daddy's as an additional "East Side" campus... Whatever happens in the future I am thankful that we have been given such a great opportunity as a "next step" for actionchurch. See ya at club 19 on the 19th!

Rock Band Week 2 pictures.

2008-09-22T08:39:00.000Z

Thanks Ashley Z for the great Shots!

actionchurch

We've moved!

Quote of the week

"Original Idea"

Virus...

Txt Tuesday (late night edition)

"No answer"

Sunday Recap: Mythbusters (Prayer)

Blown away...

Happy New Year!

What if there was a place...

Above all else...

Possible new years resolution...

Sunday Recap: "No Church" edition.

Jesus Is The Reason For The Season?

(w)rapper...

More pics from Sunday

Sunday Recap: Christmas Finale edition.

I double dog dare you...

"Family Values"

When "Santa falls off the Roof"

Thank you note...

Introduction- vs -Information

Sunday Recap: At the movies (The Santa Clause)

Don't forget!

"Primer and prep"

O Holy Night

A Christmas Rant...

Sunday Recap: At the movies "Elf"

At the movies (Christmas edition) Starts Sunday.

Crew members needed this sunday... (12/7)

Partners...

Behind the "door" of actionkidz.

actionchurch of the future...

Sunday Recap: "Mindset" pt 4

Thou Shalt not Covet thy neighbor's power lift...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Extreme Christmas Makeover: Update

"Myths" anyone?

Sunday Recap: "Mindset" pt. 3

What's wrong with this picture???

Quote of the week:

Experiment:

Extreme Christmas Makeover

Stuff I learned from people I love...

"Good Day"

Sunday Recap: "Mindset" pt 2

Quote of the week:

"Tension"

Doing Good in "Bad" times...

Thank you veterans...

McDonalds Cappuccino Commercial Faith.

Sunday Recap: "Mindset" pt. 1

"Just another Sunday"

"audience"

Change

Election Day...

Happy Holidays...

Sunday Recap: "In God we Trust?" Pt 3

Don't forget to set your clocks back one hour tonight...

Stuff-that-makes-me-laugh-and-consider-getting-psychiatric-help...

"Relevant"

Bail out...

Our neighbors are coming...

Change or Ignore?

Sunday Recap: In God we trust? pt 2

In God we trust???

More questions/comments from Sunday...

"Lifting Holy (or Severed) Hands"

Halloween Multiple Choice.

In progress...

Flicker Site link- Photos from Club 19 launch.

Faith is not a "superpower..."

Pics from Club 19

Sunday Recap: In God we Trust? pt. 1

Holy crap!!!

In God we Trust?

Signs, Signs, everywhere Signs.

Rev. Run

"Church is People"