where do we go from here...

Church Planting Expectations

2007-06-28T10:52:00.000-07:00

David Fitch, hits the nail on the head as far as I'm concerned:

TEN THINGS ANYONE WHO JOINS IN A TWENTY FIRST CENTURY MISSIONAL CHURCH PLANT SHOULD NOT EXPECT:

1.) Should not expect to regularly come to church for just one hour, get what you need for your own personal growth and development, and your kid’s needs, and then leave til next Sunday. Expect mission to change your life. Expect however a richer life than you could have ever imagined.

2.) Should not expect that Jesus will fit in with every consumerist capitalist assumption, lifestyle, schedule or accoutrement you may have adopted before coming here. Expect to be freed from a lot of crap you will find out you never needed.

3.) Should not expect to be anonymous, unknown or be able to disappear in this church Body. Expect to be known and loved, supported in a glorious journey.

4.) Should not expect production style excellence all the time on Sunday worship gatherings. Expect organic, simple and authentic beauty.

5.) Should not expect a raucous "light out" youth program that entertains the teenagers, puts on a show that gets the kids "pumped up," all without parental involvement. Instead as the years go by, with our children as part of our life, worship and mission (and when the light shows dim and the cool youth pastor with the spiked hair burns out) expect our youth to have an authentic relationship with God thru Christ that carries them through a lifetime of journey with God.

6.) Should not expect to always "feel good,"or ecstatic on Sunday mornings. Expect that there will ALSO be times of confession, lament, self-examination and just plain silence.

7.) Should not expect a lot of sermons that promise you God will prosper you with "the life you've always wanted" if you’ll just believe Him and step out on faith and give some more money for a bigger sanctuary. Expect sustenance for the journey.

8.) Should not expect rapid growth whereby we grow this church from 10 to a thousand in three years. Expect slower organic inefficient growth that engages people’s lives where they are at and sees troubled people who would have nothing to do with the gospel marvelously saved.

9.) Should not expect all the meetings to happen in a church building. Expect a lot of the gatherings will be in homes, or sites of mission.

10.) Should not expect arguments over style of music, color of carpet, or even doctrinal outlier issues like dispensationalism. Expect mission to drive the conversation.O AND BY THE WAY… Should not expect that community comes to you… I am sorry but true community in Christ will take some "effort"and a reshuffling of priorities for both you and your kids. Yes I know you want people to come to you and reach out to you and you’re hurting and busy. But assuming you are a follower of Christ (this message is not for strangers to the gospel) you must learn that the answer to all those things is to enter into the practices of "being the Body" in Christ, including sitting, eating, sharing and praying together.

So it's been a while again...

2007-06-27T06:38:00.000-07:00

Ya, so.... huh.... We've been doing a lot of praying about how to go about our ministry lately... SO many things have changed... We are looking for a NEW core team... and we are going to take things pretty slowly... What is a core team you ask? Well it is a group of people who will support our ministry with their time, talents, their hearts and who will do this because of their passion for Christ and not for popularity or to simply make us happy... We are in the process of getting our charitable status (man it's a long process) and we need to submit our new plan before September. This means that we will need to spend a lot of time praying and seeking God's plan for The Lion's Den... I do believe that God wants us to keep it small (we aren't trying to be a mega church by any means...) We were a successful house church for about two years... but it's funny (not really) how people just didn't consider us a church because firstly we were located in our home.... (no pews, pulpit, etc) and secondly, we were only a group of 10-15 people (sometimes more... man was that ever squishy! lol) Success of a church should never be measured by numbers but by the accomplishing of God's will for that ministry. Are we living up to our/God's vision for the church?

Please pray for The Lion's Den, that we can find the appropriate leaders, those with a true passion for the furtherance of God's Kingdom... People who truly want to love others... People who have the desire to be a part of a strong community for Christ... People who are not judgemental... People who are striving to be Chritlike and not striving to be "Christian".... People who understand that regardless of how long you've been a Christian, no one is perfect... People who are willing to embrace our differences and see that we are all a part of the body of Christ and that we were made differently, to serve....to serve a purpose together for God and for the furtherance of His Kingdom. Remember the Great Commission... when Jesus said:

Matt 28:19-2019 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." NIV

Are you one of these people? Have tou prayed about what you can offer to God with your gifts, talents and passion? Email us if you feel that you might want to be a part of the Lion's Den team. Pray about it. God knows who is supposed to join our team and he will impress those feelings on your heart... So far we can see those that God is moving...

GOD IS GOOD!

We're Back!!!!

2007-04-28T12:04:00.000-07:00

Ok so... This is the new look (for now)... Comment, say hi or whatever so that we know that you are gonna take part in this... Any thoughts on raising funds for LaTienda? Yay! Glad to be back!!! YAAAHHHOOOOOOOIIIIIIIII!!!!!

Fellowship and Confession

2007-03-01T12:25:00.000-08:00

Fellowship: Synergy in Community

Fellowship is a word that has a secret identity these days. We mistake it as the mild-mannered potluck luncheon or picnic, when it is really the super-powered reality of the life of the Church.
Jesus said, "where two or three come together in my name, there I am with them" (Matthew 18:20). There is a sense that Christ is most present in the community of His people. In the Church, God is here with hands and feet. When we look into one another's eyes, we can see the eyes of Christ looking on us. Jesus said, "whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:20). And in a very real sense, we do. It is not simply "imagining" that Christ is there and we are serving him, he says that in some real way we truly are serving him.

Confession: Freedom in Transparency

There is no stronger sin than sin that remains hidden. Secret sins are the most destructive force in the spiritual life. They chain us into a life of duplicity and spiritual mediocrity, if not spiritual bankruptcy. However, when we practice confession, our sin is no longer hidden. Such transparency brings an incredible freedom. What were once iron chains of bondage fall off as if they were made of paper.
If confession is so powerful for the spiritual life, why do so few of us practice it? We could identify many excuses, but the central reason is pride. We are afraid that someone will think less of us. We believe that our present "image" will be permanently defaced. But what good is an "image" if it masks inner decay?
Some of the most public examples of fallen Christian leaders revealed that the reason for their collapse was that they had no accountability. They had no one to whom they could confess. No one who could help them find freedom from their secret sins.
James 5:16 says, "confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another…."

REMEMBER!!!!

Potluck this Saturday and our THIRD attempt at watching that movie! Let us know what you're bringing.

Spiritual Disciplines - Service and Submission

2007-02-21T09:12:00.000-08:00

As with most, if not all, of the spiritual practices, service and submission go very much against the grain of our culture. However, when we make them a part of our life, we find incredible freedom from a life of duplicity, manipulation, arrogance, and resentment.

Service: Downward Mobility in an Upwardly Mobile World

Jesus taught that the way up is to go down. He taught his first disciples that the secret to becoming great is to become the servant of all. He illustrated his teaching by putting on the dress of a lowly house servant, and washed the grimy feet of his students.

Submission: Freedom from the Need to "Have It Your Way"

Perhaps one of the most difficult spiritual practices is the discipline of submission. It is completely counter-cultural. We want things to go "our way." We do not want to answer to anyone. We do not particularly care to have someone tell us how to live our lives. However, we need the freedom that comes in living life in complete honesty, transparency, and openness to correction and discipline.

We are meeting at 7pm and are ACTUALLY having out movie night this week... Be there... Bring snacks...

spiritualdisciplineslesson5 : prayerandstudy

2007-02-08T08:53:00.000-08:00

"Those who live prayerfully are constantly ready to receive the breath of God, and to let their lives be renewed and expanded."-Henri J. M. Nouwen, "With Open Hands"

"All good meditative prayer is a conversion of our entire self to God."-Thomas Merton, "Thoughts in Solitude"

Keep your soul free. What matters most in life is not knowledge, but character.-A. G. Sertillanges, "The Intellectual Life"

"Many people have chosen to seek knowledge rather than to live well, and they are often let astray and their lives come to very little--or nothing at all."-Thomas a Kempis, "The Imitation of Christ"

Prayer...

Sam closed his eyes as the elder began his prayer. Sam was with him for the first ten seconds, then he remembered that he needed to pick up some super-glue so he could fix that coffee cup he chipped that morning…which reminded him of breakfast…which reminded him of lunch…which reminded him that he also needed to get the grill's propane tank filled soon…which reminded him that the gas bills were finally coming down with the warmer weather…gee it's a beautiful day…kind of like those days he flew kites as a kid…nice breeze…warm sun on your face…Then the elder said, "Amen."

Study...

When Jamie's mother walked in her room, Jamie was laying on her back with her feet at the head of her bed. She had headphones covering her ears which blasted out music at a seemingly deafening volume. The television blared out some commercial about fast food. Jamie was holding a book up in the air two feet from her face."What are you doing?" her mother yelled."Studying."

Prayer and study are the two practices that are the most talked about, and perhaps the most commonly practiced-although not as commonly as we would like to imagine. Prayer and study are often either avoided or misapplied. However, they are two disciplines that act as catalysts for transformation in both the heart and mind

spiritual discipline part 4 : secrecy and sacrifice

2007-02-03T05:46:00.000-08:00

Secrecy and Sacrifice.

These are two more spiritual practices that are not made easy by our culture. However, they are two spiritual practices that will produce incredible freedom from the chains of emotional, spiritual, and material insecurity

"Don't do your good deeds publicly so that you will be admired, because then you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven" (Matthew 6:1).

Do we do the things we do in order that we will be admired, respected, applauded? Are we caught up in the approval game?How do you know if you are caught up in the approval game?

Ask yourself these questions:

Do I ever feel disappointed when nobody notices my efforts?

Do I ever get upset when someone else gets the credit for my idea?

Do I ever find myself doing something so someone will think I am smart

?Do I ever sulk when my past achievements are forgotten or ignored?

Do I ever get upset when no one says, "Thank you?"

Heb 13:15-16

15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise-the fruit of lips that confess his name. 16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

NIV

This week at The Lion's Den...Spiritual Disciplines part 3

2007-01-22T08:39:00.000-08:00

spiritual disciplines part3 : fasting and frugality

Once two brethren came to a certain elder whose custom it was not to eat every day. But when he saw the brethren he invited them with joy to dine with him saying: Fasting has its reward, but he who eats out of charity fulfils two commandments, for he sets aside his own will and he refreshes his hungry brethren.-from"Wisdom of the Desert: Translations from the 'Verba Seniorum,'" by Thomas Merton.

"Stop trying to impress people with your clothes and impress them with your life."-Richard Foster, "Freedom of Simplicity"

Abbot Agatho frequently admonished his disciple, saying: Never acquire for yourself anything that you might hesitate to give to your brother if he asked you for it, for thus you would be found a transgressor of God's command. If anyone asks, give it to him, and if anyone wants to borrow form you, do not turn away from him.-from"Wisdom of the Desert: Translations from the 'Verba Seniorum,'" by Thomas Merton

Two Stories of Spiritual Foundering (basically they didn't learn anything!)...

Joe had almost done it. It was 11:51pm and he had gone the whole day without eating. It was his first attempt at fasting, but at that moment all that was on his mind was: "Should I wait until after midnight to order the pizza or can I order it now-since it wouldn't be ready until after midnight anyway?"
To this day, Joe doesn't remember what he decided to do, but he does remember that the pizza was delicious!

Lenny had just come back from hearing the missionary speak of the horrible poverty where he served. The pictures of the children with torn, worn, and re-worn clothes had made an impact on him. In fact is such that when he opened his closet and saw his piles and piles of clothes-many of which he rarely wore-he decided to give his excess away to Goodwill.
The next morning Lenny woke up and set himself to the task of dividing up his laundry between the essentials and the excess. After going through his piles of clothes, he had decided that he would give up all the clothes he did not wear every week. The pile was substantial. Later, Lenny congratulated himself on his sacrifice as he dropped off the bags to Goodwill.
On the way home, Lenny saw a sale sign at his favorite clothing store.Lenny walked in the door of his home with two pair of new blue jeans, three shirts, six pair of socks (they were 3 for $8!), and a new pair of shoes.

Fasting and frugality are two spiritual disciplines that our culture will not make easy for us. In fact, the messages of almost every commercial urge us to eat more, buy more, eat more, buy more…
In this weeks study we will look at the why and the how of fasting and frugality-two practices that will bring us incredible freedom and open our lives to God's great work of making us more like Jesus.

Wayne's Birthday!

2007-01-17T10:41:00.000-08:00

So we're going to meet at 4pm and have a potluck. Let us know what you're bringing. We are making a chili! We could use some salad, some buns or garlic bread... something to drink...pop, juice, whatever.... We always have coffee! Um... what about some munchies!!! Ok but you need to let us know so that we don't have a disorganized potluck... the last thing we want to have happen is to have no food at all! I know how hungry yall are all the time! Can't wait to hear from yall! There's 3 days left all! YEEEEEHHHHAAAAAAWWWWW!!!!!

A post from a friend... So moving!

2007-01-16T05:20:00.000-08:00

in honour of you…Tita
By Administrator on meaningful monday's
“It is not our purpose to become each other; it is to recognize each other, to learn to see the other and honor him (her) for what he (she) is.” Hermann Hesse (parentheses mine)
(photo credit: LaTienda)
Tita is an artist. She makes anklets dripping with glass beads and hand crafted copper accents.
Tita is 22, or perhaps 25. The interesting thing about the Haitians of this village is that the majority of them don’t have a quantitative grasp on time, but rather a qualitative one. This person is old, this one young. That time was bad this time good. I once heard a story of a Haitian lady, when asked how long she had been pregnant answered,” about 8 years”. This was not an error in translation but rather the response from a woman with a mind that processes time measurement different then the west.
So as best as Tita can guess she was raped when she was about 16. She found out she was pregnant and immediately became a prostitute.
This puts a bleak picture in my mind but Tita narrates with stoicism. She became a prostitute to save up some money to buy a home. She did save up her earnings and did purchase a home in order to raise her son.
Tita mentioned recently that it wasn’t until she was promised a Job in the art co-op (called La Tienda de Raquel by the villagers) that she was able to stop living as a prostitute.
It was a beautiful transformation that happened in Tita over the last year and a half. She went from being very cool and uninviting to warm and full of life.
When you teach someone how to create with their hands, it brings them to life with a sense of purpose and self worth. Tita has a skill. Not only does she now create and learn and grow, she makes things that others want to buy. Not just anyone either. THE RICH. All those rich Gringos with clean hair and access to an excess of goods. The rich who eat three meals a day and have bathrooms in every house and a bed for every person; They actually WANT what SHE makes. This is big.
Now Tita and her young son Frankie (or Tee-pa-pa) can eat every day as opposed to every other day. But more importantly, she has a job with dignity. You won’t find her walking the streets at night.
You will however find her in the Co-op the moment the doors are unlocked until the sun goes down. She loves to be there.
http://www.latienda.moonfruit.com/ (the women)
Dear Tita,
Your story forever changed my life. When I first heard your story and then saw the home you created for yourself and your son (and a bed made of sticks), I knew I must live my life in such a way that I would never take for granted the struggle and reality of how most people on planet earth live. I committed to helping LaTienda in any way possible knowing there were women like you in need of food, shelter, and dignified ways to make money.
Today, upon learning of your passing, I will celebrate your life. I will honour you. What you gave to this great earth, to your son, to the women of the Tienda, to our dear friend Rachel, and to me - so far way and yet somehow connected, will forever be remembered.
If, if I can muster any of your strength, any of your courage, any of your kind of determination I will be better for it.
I had hoped to one day look you in the eyes and somehow share with you through human connection just how much your life has affected mine. Now, I must wait until our freed spirits meet, but oh how I long for you to know that your precious life will NEVER be forgotten.
You will be missed!
‘Till we meet,
Katherine

January 13th Meeting at the Den

2007-01-11T07:39:00.000-08:00

Here's a sneak peek of what we will be studying this week... Spiritual Disciplines (and for a few weeks after that too...This should be really interesting) This is a clip from some Randy guy at "the Reading Room @ the Waters Edge" Cool stuff... Enjoy....

"Superficiality is the curse of our age…. The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deep people."-Richard Foster, "Celebration of Discipline"

"The spiritual life is first of all a life.It is not merely something to be known and studied, it is to be lived."-Thomas Merton, "Thoughts in Solitude"

"Everybody thinks of changing humanity and nobody thinks of changing himself."--Leo Tolstoy

Once upon a time, a group of men from Chicago left their jobs in the high-rise office buildings, moved to the prairie, and bought some farmland. "We're farmers!" They all declared to each other. And all summer long they would go to the field to watch their crop grow up. However, when September rolled in, their fields were filled with goldenrod and all kinds of wildflowers and weeds.

"Where's the corn?" they asked each other. And they wondered what they could have possibly done wrong.

Growing up in the church, I have often noted the fact that so few "long-time church members" experience the significant life-change expected from many years as students of Jesus. Like those city boys, they purchase the land, but do nothing to cultivate a field in which growth could take place.

Why do so many of us feel like we just have not grown very much in the likeness of our Master? Are we just spiritually "thick-headed?" Are we just not "built" to be spiritual giants? Or have we simply not been taught what it means to be a student of Jesus?
Perhaps we as the church have placed so much emphasis on making converts that we have neglected to make disciples. We work hard to help people come to faith--to become a "Christian"-but can you identify any intentional efforts to help people become more like our Teacher?

Perhaps we have emphasized a wrong teaching about faith and its relationship to good deeds. Works has gotten a bad rap, while workless faith has grown more appealing-"cheap grace" as Bonhoeffer stated it.

Maybe both are involved. Maybe something else. In any case, we must realize that something is wrong, and we must take steps-even "radical" steps-to "strengthen what remains and is about to die" (Revelation 3:2).

Hangin' out at the Den...

2007-01-05T05:23:00.000-08:00

Hey guys,

We're meeting at 7pm this week... Really hope we can see you there. Especially because Jay and I won't be at Rymal on Sunday... We're studying "love" or "loving others". We've just posted a new website for the Lion's Den at www.intothelionsden.org you've probably already received the email. We've posted daily devotionals on the site and will be posting our studies and stuff on there too. So far in the weekly sermons and studies we have the notes for this Saturday. Feel free to peruse before you come. I already have copies if for yall here. Looking forward to hangin out!

Check yall later!

This week at The Lion's Den

2006-12-29T06:00:00.000-08:00

Well we are meeting at 5pm and a potluck will be had. Let us know what you're bringing! Post it... That would be best and that way everyone can see what everyone else is bringing... We will talk about the Lion's Den and its objectives for the coming year. The Den will begin collecting canned goods (non-perishable stuff) as of this Saturday and we will help support families in the area and throughout Hamilton. So Bring'em! We will also begin collecting tithes which will be applied to the ministry itself. We will use the money to help purchase things for the needy and to help supply our ministry needs and ressources (there aren't too many of those so most will go toward any project that we decide to support or take on). All of the decisions of where to spend the money will be decided by our official board. Feel free to let us know if you would like to be a part of the team. You can also describe the area that you would like your money to be designated on an offering enveloppe. All offerings given in a marked donation enveloppe (available on the piano) will receive a donation receipt for 2007 (for tax purposes, to be received in 2007).

Ok so after all of that... We will be talking about um... loving each other...

Bring your musical instruments and let us know if there are any song requests that you would like to sing/play for worship! Ok I know... Days of Elijah... Well um, we do have the music.... I think that if we do this song we'll have to have dancers! Even those with sprained ankles! Yes that means you Brynna! lol ... ok so it was more like a kolol (kind of laughing out loud...) ha ha

Resolution to get more sleep...

2006-12-28T04:51:00.000-08:00

Well you probably already knew this but I thought that it would be nice to post because I know that most of us don't actually get enough sleep...

One major factor for maintaining good health is getting an adequate amount of sleep. Perhaps you’ve had the chance to catch up on some zzz’s over the Holidays but on a regular basis how do you rate?

Many of us will be attempting to revamp or adjust the ways in which we take care of ourselves in the New Year. Let’s not forget the sleep factor when assessing our well being needs.

Typical Sleep Needs

Age Group or Special Group

Amount of Sleep Needed

Infants

* About 16 hours per day of sleep

Babies and toddlers

* From 6 months to 3 years: between 10 and 14 hours per day. Young children generally get their sleep from a combination of nighttime sleep and naps. See: How Much Sleep Is Enough for My Child?, especially for tips on shaping nighttime awakenings in young children.

Children

* Ages 3 to 6: between 10 and 12 hours of sleep

Ages 6 to 9: about 10 hours of sleep

Ages 9 to 12: about 9 hours of sleep

Teenagers

* About 9 hours of sleep per night. Teens have trouble getting enough sleep not only because of their busy schedules, but also because they are biologically programmed to want to stay up later and sleep later in the morning, which usually doesn’t mesh with school schedules. See How Much Sleep Do I Need?.

Adults

* For most adults, 7 to 8 hours a night appears to be the best amount of sleep, although some people may need as few as 5 hours or as many as 10 hours of sleep each night.

Older adults

* Current thought is that older adults need as much, if not more, sleep than middle-aged adults. Taking a midday nap may help. See Sleep and seniors: Insomnia isn’t inevitable as you age

Pregnant women

* During pregnancy, women may need a few more hours of sleep per night. See Pregnancy and Sleep: A Contradiction in Terms?.

The REAL gift exchange...

2006-12-22T16:35:00.000-08:00

So for all of yall who are actually gonna make it out this week... we'll meet at 7pm. Do our study and then open gifts... I have a little surprise for us all!!! lol
See ya then!

"TO the YOUTH of AMERICA" by Andrew Strom

2006-12-16T12:07:00.000-08:00

This is Jason. I found this as a blog posting on the band Seven Systems' MySpace. Makes you think about what it is we should really be striving for in this short life that we have here on Earth to serve God and in turn each other with more than simply just physical ways such as appearances and musical taste/style...it needs to be much more deeply rooted than that as you will see. Don't just stop at being a "Cultural Christian" but strive to be "EXTREME" in all you say and do for Christ's sake, being set apart from the world without compromise so as to be a shining example of the Message Christ gave us to go out and make disciples with yo.

"TO the YOUTH of AMERICA"

by Andrew Strom.

I write this as a musician and a radical. Christian Youth of America, your generation is dying, and I need to ask if you are EXTREME enough to provide the answers. We know there never was anyone more "Extreme" than Jesus. But what about you?

Christian Youth, I need to ask why you sit in the padded pews of your fathers while all around the darkness takes your cities and your friends.

I need to ask why you worship the great god of Entertainment, just like your parents before you - but a bit 'louder' - and think that is "radical".

I need to ask why you think it is "extreme" to slam and mosh, when all the while the devil owns your streets, and fat Record Companies line their pockets with your cash.

I need to know why you have allowed the system to make you a slave - a "consumer" - a clone. I need to know why you can be sucked into buying $150 shoes and $200 sunglasses - while 30,000 children die of starvation every day.

I need to know why you will not cry out to the rich money-preachers "REPENT". I need to know why you still enjoy it when they tickle your ears and never speak of Hell. I need to know why you accept it when their gospel sounds like a toothpaste commercial - all slick and no substance. Well-dressed drones with plastic smiles, selling you the latest line in snake-oil. WHEN WILL YOU WEEP?

I look at your piercings and your tattoos and your hair and I still have to tell you: You are nowhere near EXTREME ENOUGH. The outward appearance will not do.

The time is coming when an army of young warriors will hit the streets - fearless and bold beyond anything we have ever seen. Even death itself will hold no fear. They will cry to the church "REPENT" and to the comfortable, "SELL what you have and GIVE TO THE POOR". They will be hated and despised by religious authorities. They will openly decry the TV preachers and eschew the watered-down pap that passes for 'gospel' in our day. They will reject sin and love people - even the homeless and the very least. Utterly pure of heart, they will befriend the prostitutes and the gang bangers. They will look and sound just like Jesus.

With great daring and ruthless aggression, this army will make war on the devil and the darkness. Their music will be hymns of battle. Their sound will ROAR over the crowd. Truly these shall be the 'Sons of Thunder'.

Christian Youth of America, can you not hear the call of God in this hour? All heaven awaits the moment when you will arise and ACT on behalf of your generation.

To the Christian Youth of America I say:
It is time to get "EXTREME".

God bless you all.
-Andrew Strom.

Our Christmas Gathering

2006-12-12T09:07:00.000-08:00

Well thanks guys for the fun email replies regarding what you wanted for Christmas. I'm so glad that you all think that chocolate is NOT considered junk food... This week is our gift exchange and we'll study Christmas scripture... It should be lots of fun! Remember not to write who the gift is from and maybe we can guess who gave the gifts! That could be fun too!

Ok so here's what we'll be reading and studying...

Luke 2

2:1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to his own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
NIV

Discussion questions to ponder...

1. Why did God allow for such unfavourable circumstances surrounding the birth of His Son and our Savious Jesus Christ?

2. What might have happened if there were only favourable circumstances surrounding Jesus' birth?

3. What was the original message of Christmas?

4. How has Christmas strayed from it's original message?

5. If God were to send a messenger to earth today to proclaim the true message of Christmas, what would it be and how could it be materialized in today's North American culture?

The scripture highlighted in pink could be depicted through a wonderful art project (painting, drawing, whatever.... bring something to draw on and try it out!)

No meeting this week

2006-12-07T10:45:00.000-08:00

The Lion's Den has a Christmas Staff luncheon in Kitchener... We will miss you. Pray about the ministry projects in the previous posts... OH AND REMEMBER! Secret Santa next Saturday!!! OH YEAH! I think I've got the names figured out! lol OH YA! I still haven't bought my present for that!!!!! Hmmmmm........

So, let's get the Lion's Den involved in this...

2006-12-06T05:04:00.000-08:00

The day has arrived. It’s time to enlist.

Many of you have been introduced to the women of La Tienda. La Tienda ("the store") is a fair trade arts co-op for women located in the Dominican Republic. The women create originally designed items for sale. Beautiful jewellery, bags, candles, lip gloss, soap, paper and more. This co-op, lead by Rachel Sticklee, gives women of the village a way to sustain their own economy by creating gifts of beauty. Working at the Tienda enables these women to have enough money for rice and beans so that they and their children can eat everyday.
The Tienda however is not owned by the workers themselves. Often they are threatened of being kicked out of their place of work. If this happens their livelihoods are in serious jeopardy.

(La Tienda; inside the co-op)
edeva is taking the initiative to make it possible for the women of La Tienda to OWN their own land and building to ensure the sustainability of their economic futures. This will enable them to continue working without the pressures of landlord mood swings, and continue providing for their families. Without the opportunity to work at the Tienda often women are left with the options of rummaging through the dumps or prostitution as ways to provide for their children.
What is needed to make this a reality? $10,000.
What can we do? We can join the ARMY of 100. edeva is asking 100 women to commit $2 per week for 52 weeks to meet this goal. It’s a mere $104 per person, collected over the course of one whole year. In early December of 2007 we will present Rachel with the $10,000 (or more) for the women of the Tienda to own their own property, building, and futures. Together, we can do it!
Are you ready to fight for the freedom of these women? To help end the cycle of poverty? To use what you’ve been given to enhance the life of another? Then start today, December 1, 2006 to work towards your personal, familial, or group goal of raising $104 dollars for the women of LaTienda.

Join with your friends, your sisters, your daughters and mothers (whoever), and join the ARMY of 100.
army = "any body of persons organized for any purpose". (dictionary.com)
Ways to get started:
tell your friends
create an ARMY of 100 group
grab a container, jar, hat, whatever and start collecting
Ways to raise $2/week:
Eat breakfast at home one morning and forego that Tim Horton’s bagel and specialty coffee
Purchase a cheaper lipstick and donate the rest to the Tienda
Instead of buying those bags of potato chips that are on sale - donate. You’ll help feed someone else while watching your waist line decline. Now there’s incentive!
Have a brainstorming session with your friends and come up with what will work for you.
*Please email info(at)edeva(dot)ca and let us know of your ARMY of 100 group. We will feature your group on edeva’s ‘Feature Friday’s’ posts. Also, look for LaTienda product to be featured on upcoming Feature Friday’s.

Christmas gift ideas...

2006-12-06T04:53:00.000-08:00

Here's another blog entry from a friend. I really think that this is important to support. I will do my best to support this. Let me know what you think or even forward this onto some friends and family. Lets help some less fortunate people this season and all year through... Isn't that what Jesus would want us to do? These women are slaves and are building this business to be able to get away from the brutality of their lives... Many women are being sold into the sex trade and these women are doing their best to keep their families from having to live this horror.

La Tienda is arts co-op for women located in the Dominican Republic. The women create originally designed items for sale. Beautiful jewellery, bags, candles, lip gloss, soap, paper and more. This co-op, lead by Rachel Sticklee, gives women of the village a way to sustain their own economy by creating gifts of beauty. Edeva supports the women of La Tienda by setting up "La Tienda Parties". At these parties you’ll hear more about this project and have the chance to buy some of the handmade creations. If you would like to setup a "La Tienda Party" in your area email us at: info(AT)edeva(DOT)ca

So Christmas is only twenty days away. Do you have everything you need? Consider purchasing LaTienda products for your special friends and family members. A new Products page displays these beautiful items. edeva will continue to add more product photos early next week.
Simply email info(at)edeva(dot)ca for purchasing information (shipping fees apply).

Or go directly to the site http://www.latienda.moonfruit.com/

A good answer to what church should be...

2006-11-30T09:18:00.000-08:00

This is from a pastor friend Joseph who writes a daily email to his congregation... This is really well said in my opinion.

Daily reading taken from the Church of England lectionary: Bible (and Apocryphal) readings can be found at: http://www.satucket.com/lectionary/

Ephesians 1:15-23 (The Message)
15-19That's why, when I heard of the solid trust you have in the Master Jesus and your outpouring of love to all the followers of Jesus, I couldn't stop thanking God for you—every time I prayed, I'd think of you and give thanks. But I do more than thank. I ask—ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength!
20-23All this energy issues from Christ: God raised him from death and set him on a throne in deep heaven, in charge of running the universe, everything from galaxies to governments, no name and no power exempt from his rule. And not just for the time being, but forever. He is in charge of it all, has the final word on everything. At the center of all this, Christ rules the church. The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. The church is Christ's body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence.

Thoughts
Whoa!

That is a freaky piece of writing this morning!

I know the Church in general has not been perfect. Sadly, it has done many things that have given Jesus a bad reputation by association.

One reason why my own dad still uses the expression: Jesus Christ. As an expletive. A curse.

I find that strange, because I really love Jesus. Hearing His name used as a curse is just weird to me.

But to be fair to my dad, I understand fully why he is not impressed by the Church or by his image of who Jesus might be.

It is like it has been masked by people using the name of Jesus and the title of Church who have kept my dad from seeing what is real. I think if he saw the Church in action, he might change his opinion.
Hmmmm. The Church is central to what God is up to on the planet. According to today’s reading.

Central.

Now if we all remember what CHURCH means it helps us get a clearer picture. CHURCH literally means, “people of God.” Not program. Not a building with a steeple and cross on top. Not organ music. Not hip indie music. Not potluck dinners and bake sales. Not pedantic bible study groups. Not another sermon about evil versus good. Not one more prayer time disconnected from reality.

Real church is energized human beings who have said time to wake up to who I am called to be. Fully alive. Fully in love. In love with God. In love with me. In love with other humans around me.

Real church does not talk about justice, it does justice.

Real church does not meet to pray and then fail to become the very answer to the prayers.

Real church does not hear Bible words and avoid the costly implications of those words.

Real church smells, tastes, sounds, feels, and looks like Jesus.

That kind of church is indeed central to what God is up to on the planet.

I hope, I really hope I personally do not get in the way of what God wants to do in the Church.

That is my prayer this day.

by Joseph, that dreamer

WOW it's been a while!!!

2006-11-27T09:16:00.000-08:00

So, we're really missing yall! This week we'd like to make it interesting... Ponder the following questions and respond/comment. You can comment anonymously too... W can talk about this Saturday too... We are really interested to know what you think!

1. What does Christianity mean to you?
2. What is the "TRUE" Gospel?
3. What are messages of hope that we can give to hurting people in our communities that don't know Christ?
4. What are messages of hope that we can give to hurting Christians?

NO gathering this Saturday

2006-11-13T08:15:00.000-08:00

Jason and I will be away... You should all get together anyway.... Practice some music... Now that would be fun wouldn't it?

Community Projects

2006-11-10T09:05:00.000-08:00

Lets talk about our city. What are it's needs in your opinion? Who needs to be touched by God?

Lets pray about what we can do to positively affect our community. It is really needed. I realize that we often bring this up but Jesus called us to be pro-active Christians. We need to stop talking about it and thinking about it and actually DOING it. So lets make a plan to do something! What are your thoughts?

Prayer List

2006-11-10T08:55:00.000-08:00

Hey all... Yesterday, a prayer list was put together. Please pray over these and post any prayer concerns or praise notes that you would like to have published. If there are any prayers that you don't want published, email them to intothelionsden@hotmail.com

Prayer List

*Simms family reconciliation*

*Purchase of building downtown*

*For the strength and development of the Lion's Den core group*

*The Lion's Den meeting with Rymal and Growth Ministries*

*Positive response to the Lion's Den*

*Overcoming insecurities*

*Wayne and Mélanie's grandmother had heart attack and is seeking treatment*

*Wayne and Mélanie's little cousin broke ankle*

*Finances*

*That we can find joy in the Christian life*

*Job for Jessika/painting career*

*That we can have more energy*

*That all of our gifts and talents be developped*

*The success of the art show at Rymal*

THANK YOU!!!!!

2006-11-06T06:22:00.000-08:00

Guys we want to thank you soooo much for your food contributions for the potluck this past Saturday..... It was soooooooooo good! The Lion's Den hopes to have a potluck every week but don't feel obligated to bring anything extravagant. This week we will actually make a salad or two for our potluck. Let us know what you are bringing too...

Gathering at the Den...

2006-10-30T10:17:00.000-08:00

Hello all! This Saturday we should try to meet at 4 again... This time we will do things a little bit differently (but not too different) We will still have a potluck (because those are sooooo fun!) I think the potluck will work out better if we actually know who's bringing what... Sooooo post it here! Yall can bring your instruments again if you want... (I'm still not sure if I want to consider a cell phone an instrument....) It would be really nice to hear Davey play his violin! Jay can play the guitar again.... ahhhhh ♪♪♪ the hills come alive ♪♪♪ with the sound of music...♪♪♪ AAAHHHHHH!!!!!♪♪♪ Ok I know that some of you are actually laughing! If you're not... you are totally deprived! lol That movie ROCKED! (yup, there's my girlie side...)

This week we will begin to study the book of Galatians (like I said, different format. I think someone requested studying books.... well here you have it! This one will be good) Let me know if you have a preference of which book to study or topic or whatever...

Gal 1
1:1 Paul, an apostle-sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead- 2 and all the brothers with me,

To the churches in Galatia:

3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel- 7 which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! 9 As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!

10 Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

11 I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. 12 I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.

13 For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. 14 I was advancing in Judaism beyond many Jews of my own age and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased 16 to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man, 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus.

18 Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Peter and stayed with him fifteen days. 19 I saw none of the other apostles-only James, the Lord's brother. 20 I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie. 21 Later I went to Syria and Cilicia. 22 I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only heard the report: "The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy." 24 And they praised God because of me.
NIV

Let me know if you have a prayer request. It would be nice to post them here so that we can all pray for them. If you want your prayer kept anonymous, email it to the Lion's Den intothelionsden@hotmail.com . We also would like to start sending out a newsletter that will have the prayer requests and soooooooo much more! We can email that so if you want "in" let us know...

Ok I realize this is long (but isn't it always? lol) Let me know if you're coming on Saturday...

What is going on with the time...just passing us by!

2006-10-30T09:48:00.000-08:00

WOW how fast time flies! It's Halloween tomorrow (did you go out and dress up?)and November already! You know that Jay and I actually saw Christmas trees for sale at Fortinos this Saturday! And then on Sunday we went into Carlton Cards and Hallmark and they didn't even have Halloween stuff!!! It was all Christmas! IN OCTOBER!!!! Ok, usually I would be the first to be excited at the thought of Christmas but this is a little early for the stores to be bombarding us with their manipulative sales tactics reinforcing the pagan version of the holiday... On the other hand.... IT'S AWESOME to be able to start thinking of Jesus' birthday this early! Maybe all this extra thinking about Christmas will give us more opportunity to think of what God would really have us do this Christmas. Should we celebrate it as usual? Is there a family that we can sponsor? Someone's life that we can touch? Hmmmm, so many things to contemplate...

POTLUCK!!!! (of course!)

2006-10-23T05:46:00.000-07:00

I still haven't heard as to who is bringing what for the potluck??? I am writing this super big so that you will see that I added this to the post. Comment and let me know. By posting a comment to the blog, everyone else will be able to see what you are bringing too and therefore not bring the same thing...

So when we get together on Saturday I expect a feast! lol Let me know what you can bring... If you can play an instrument... bring that too! (ummm, I think a bunch of us would ACTUALLY love to hear the BANJO!!!!!) Ahem...um, you know who you are.... "Bring it" dawg!!! ha ha ha ok, this really is beginning to be a ummm, well a silly post!

See yall Saturday!

The Lion's Den Ministries Meets

2006-10-16T05:22:00.000-07:00

So once again no study this Saturday the 21st BUT on Saturday the 28th, bring your guitars, bass, violin, whatever... Lets hang out and play some music. We realize however that some of us (well most of us) are beginners but that's ok! We can have fun learning together. Let's meet at 4:00pm and we'll eat dinner together. If anyone wants to bring anything, let me know... We can make it a potluck... (I'd make the whole dinner but I know how much we all like to eat!!! lol) What should we have??? Let me know what you think.... We have a whole week to plan!!! ha ha ha... (I really hope that we don't just end up with chips...lol we need to fill our bellies with more than that for supper!!! lol) OK so anyhoooooo.... ya 4:00pm and um.... we'll actually have a wonderful time with God and maybe we can throw in a hockey game or two... (well I don't know if anyone but Wayne can handle more than one game!)

Let me know if you have any ideas of what you would like to study over the next couple of weeks/months.... Give us ideas... What's on your heart?

Not Gonna Be There

2006-10-13T13:17:00.000-07:00

Not gonna be there for the next 2 weeks. We have a Thankgiving dinner to go to this saturday at Jessica's Mom's place and we will be in Ottawa next weekend.

Jesus read's the scroll...Luke 4:18-19

2006-10-13T09:45:00.000-07:00

Luke 4:18-19
18 "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." NIV

1. Who are the poor that the scroll refers to?
2. Who are the prisoners that the scroll refers to?
3. Who are the blind that the scroll refers to?
4. Who are the oppressed that the scroll refers to?
5. How is God calling us to directly affect the people referred to in the scroll?

And then we'll watch the ♪♪♪Good Old Hockey Game!♪♪♪

SHOE BOXES

2006-10-13T05:03:00.000-07:00

Hannah commented that the age group for the oldest boys category for the shoe boxes has the least amount donated to them. Perhaps we should all consider doing a shoe box for the older boys...

Thanksgiving Weekend!

2006-10-06T11:02:00.000-07:00

Oh yeah... It's time to enjoy the last long weekend for 2006! (unless of course you're counting Christmas, but that's not really a weekend... OH WAIT! It is this year isn't it! Hmmmm, less days off...) Anyway, Rockton Fair tonight, (gotta get myself a candy apple, I just NEED to).

Having thanksgiving dinner with mom, mom in law and then probably dad in law.... Hey! Where does my dad fit in? Anyhoo... Sat (thanksgiving with mom) we will be celebrating with the newest member of our family..... (NO, AGAIN I'M NOT PREGNANT! lol) Jessika!!!! You're it girl! I can't wait! I love having you be a part of our family.... You are so fun and talented, creative, ummm, and I love the way that you write, (your thoughts are so deep and intriguing, I love that!) and you're always up to having a giggle.... (luv ya Jess.... seriously... from anonymous! lol) Anyhoo again... not sure about having time for the bible study this Saturday... I haven't even prepared one yet...

Enjoy your thanksgiving dinners and the time that you get to spend with your family. (we really don't do enough of that).

Check yall later!

MORE BOXES!!!!

2006-10-04T04:52:00.000-07:00

Well believe it or not I actually have 7 more boxes... I hear that there's potential for more boxes too! hmm... I'm wondering if we should start collecting all of these clothes for the Christmas party at the townhouse complex close to the church? Maybe we should be looking for toy donations too! Hmmm I'll see what I can do... Maybe we should try to bring a couple of canned goods that relate to what someone would use to make a Christmas dinner each week. Stuffing is on sale at Fortino's right now because of Thanksgiving. That way we can also make baskets for Christmas dinner! HEY WAYNE! Do you think that we could ask Frank for some Turkey vouchers again from Fortino's? This could be pretty cool you know!

Let me know what you all think... Seriously, I don't want Jay and I to be the only ones motivated to do this and that we be forcing it on you. If you have other ideas, let me know.

Thanks for helping

2006-10-02T05:04:00.000-07:00

Thanks for helping with the process of preparing the gift boxes for the less fortunate. Some of you looked pretty hilarious trying on those little wee girlie clothes...lol I can't wait to see the pictures!

Ok, this is what we need...

2006-09-29T05:16:00.000-07:00

This Saturday we will have a Bible study (can you believe it???? How long has it been?) Anyhow, I thought that it would also be nice to get in on some gift preparations for the poor. We will need someone to iron, someone to assemble ensembles, someone to wrap boxes (empty ones... they need to stay that way so that the church can ensure that there is only good stuff in there)Some to sing and dance and entertain us... (Dan, I think that will have to be you... lol) Someone to make sure the coffee is topped up (Ummm, Jay and Dave???), someone to play Christmas music (ok, that's optional but who better than ME!)

There's still lots of stuff that we need...

* empty shoe boxes (or boxes that are similar in size, ya like gift boxes! lol)
* tissue paper (someone can get that at the dollar store. I have some blue sheets but there's only about 20. Red ones or white ones might be nice)
* tape (real sticky stuff.... I keep using the dollar store stuff and frankly it just doesn't stick!)
* If you have any old stuff that you don't need anymore that you would like to have wrapped and given away to less fortunate people, bring it along.
***FOOD*** um, lets bring some munchies and perhaps something healthy too!

If everyone tells me what they can bring before tomorrow, Jay and I can make sure that we have most of what we need... (so that the night's not a bust) Can't wait to hear from you all!

Yayeeeee for Anonymous!!!!

2006-09-27T07:58:00.000-07:00

Hey there everyone! Jess (I mean anonynous) is bringing a special video for us to watch on Saturday night!!!!!! I can't wait!!! We need some people to bring food and stuff! It's just not the same without it!!! Sorry for blowing your cover Jess... :-)

NEW JOB!!!

2006-09-25T15:20:00.000-07:00

I started my new job today @ Revenue Canada. Finally!!! I have my own laptop and security clearance that took about 3hrs to set up. Security in this place is strict! Even the washroom doors wont open unless u have a security card. All in all it was a good day. Happy to be working again!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

2006-09-25T06:13:00.000-07:00

Congrats Ian and Joanne on your pregnancy!!!!! I am sooooo happy for you! Our prayers will be with you and we will miss you at Rymal. Keep in touch and make sure to come visit at Christmas time. (Gotta see that baby belly!) Perhaps you could contribute your progress to the blog! I know I'm interested!

Hockey Night Bible Studies...

2006-09-25T06:02:00.000-07:00

As per request from a hockey fanatic (yes, it's Wayne) we will be watching the hockey games on Saturday nights and integrating a Bible study throughout them. This will be a great time to bring friends and to obviously bring food.... lol I can't remember if it starts this week or next (or whatever) maybe Wayne can fill us in... Anyhow, it will be fun... ♪♪♪♪The Good Old Hockey Game....♪♪♪♪

A moving thought that brought me to tears...

2006-09-23T09:54:00.000-07:00

This morning when I woke up I was feeling a little down. Life just doesn't always dish out all that we hope for; life just isn't easy. I tried doing little things like making coffee and taking time to watch a little tv to make me relax a little and hopefully forget my sadness so that I could move on with my day... Hmmm, that never works. I then looked at the stack of boxes that my mom left in my living room last night... filled with baby clothes! (No I'm not pregnant!) My mom's intention was to give it to the poor and then she suggested that she wanted to wrap them up to give to the less fortunate at Christmas time. I thought it was a great idea and I volunteered our small group to do the sorting and the wrapping... So that will be one of our projects over the coming weeks...

So anyhow, when I saw those boxes, they inspired me and I began wrapping empty boxes in Christmas paper to be filled with joy for those who seldom feel or see joy. While I was wrapping the gift boxes I began to think how many people think about giving at Christmas time but not during any other time of the year? Why is that? Couldn't we or shouldn't we do something to change that? Isn't it our duty as Christians? Duty is not the right word... if we are truly trying to be Christ like, these feelings and DESIRES (now there's the right word) to give should be spilling out from us all year round! Isn't that what Jesus would do?

I put on some Christmas music while wrapping those boxes to help me stay in the mood... (plus, anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE CHRISTMAS! Not for the gifts but for the joy that I see on peoples faces, the love that is shared among family members that is sometimes lacking throughout the rest of the year and simply for the priviledge of being able to celebrate the birth of our Saviour! Whenever I'm down, I usually turn to a Christmas CD or movie... I don't care what you think! lol) After wrapping just one box I started to think about my childhood and how every so often a box would be left at our doorstep filled with goodies... I remember telling my mom that the church must have gotten the wrong address because this box was for poor people and we weren't poor! That shows how oblivious my brother and I were to our poverty... lol (we were so cute!) I also remembered a Christmas when I was about 8 years old (Wayne would have been almost 7) when we got up Christmas morning and of course my brother and I were really excited about finally getting to open presents!!!! Well my mother seemed really down and didn't want to get on with our Christmas morning traditions... Finally we proceeded to go through our stockings and I remember my mom apologizing that there wasn't more. We didn't really care because we still got to open our present (I realize that there's no s on the word present). One each, they were from our uncle Doug... (I think that's when I realized that we really were poor... My mom was so sad...)I got a NKOTB tape and Wayne got a Def Lepard tape (I think that's what it was)... I'm sure we must have said "that's it???" My poor mother.... We were quite happy with our tapes though... (Don't worry mom, it was obviously a very memorable Christmas if 20 years later I am still thinking about it!) I'm pretty sure that after realizing that there was nothing under the tree for my mom (that was about a foot and a half tall and fake of course... there were 2 of them... We still have them kickin' around somewhere...lol) I went up to my room and got my only NKOTB card and one of those little plastic bubbles that you get from a bubble gum machine and filled it with pennies... I was so proud of myself when I went up to my mom and told her that there was something under the tree for her too! (I still remember her telling me to keep those gifts because they were mine.... She thanked me anyway.... How I wish she would have just kept them. I felt so bad for her because she seemed so sad...)

Wow.... thinking back to that time in our lives and how hard that must have truly been for my mother just broke my heart! Of course I was crying.... So much for getting away from my sad feelings.... but I didn't lose my motivation... It made me want to inspire everyone to keep a heart for others all throughout the year... I want to show Jesus to everyone I meet by simply showing love and kindness... Isn't that what God wants us to do anyways?

I realize that this is a long blog entry but I really just needed to spill my thoughts out... Thanks for reading! Please try to think of ways to reach out to those in our communities that God would want us to touch... We can talk about it here on the blog and at our next Bible study... In the meantime, if you have any clothes that you don't wear or anything that would be nice to wrap up and give away to someone who is less fortunate, bring them over to my place and we'll wrap them.... If you have any wrapping paper or old shoe boxes laying around the house, or tissue paper and tape.... Bring them along next weekend.... We'll make a night of it!!! I'll even play Christmas music!!!! Oh and have coffee too! (for Jay and Davey of course) Please pray about what God would have you bring... I look forward to next weekend...

Lastly.... a special note for my mommy.... I am so greatful to have you as my mother... Throughout all that we lived through as a young family, you truly made it wonderful... Wayne and I had no idea really that we didn't have much. We were happy kids.... Thank you for that... We both love you mom... xoxoxoxoxo God really was looking out for us wasn't he mom...I guess that the only way that we can show God that we are thankful to Him is by showing our love to all of His other children... (Thank you God for the opportunity to serve you in this way...)

THIS SATURDAY

2006-09-20T11:21:00.000-07:00

****FYI ****
BIBLE STUDY AT THE CHURCH THIS SATURDAY 7PM...

Be there... lol

What happened Saturday????

2006-09-18T07:01:00.000-07:00

So that was weird... I think that everyone was thinking that they needed the night off.... Um, only Jess showed... Wayne was busy killing like 10000 bees in our garage that make their way into our house daily!!! Davey was really busy setting up for Summit Park! (by the way, we totally appreciate all that you and your dad did! You are both awesome!) Anyhow, we will be doing the last bible study on being a servant. Let me know if you'll be coming out... Snacks are always cool if you're bringing some.... Um, but I'm gonna try to watch what I eat so don't be insulted if I don't indulge like I usually do... Hmmm, unless you bring veggies or cheese and crackers, or something healthy anyway. So, lots of blabbing about nothing going on here..... Hmmm, why am I the only one that blabs? NO ONE ELSE seems to want to comment or blab... lol I guess it's because I've just said it all already! Well, I really hope to see all of ya there on Saturday because we have some pretty serious business to be discussin'! lol (no seriously) ha ha ha (NO SERIOUSLY!!!) ok now, I'm arguing with myself! ha hahahahahah gotta keep entertained somehow! See yall for now.

Being a Servant - Mark 10:43-45

2006-09-11T09:12:00.001-07:00

Mark 10:43-45
Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
NIV

Matt 6:244 "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. NIV

1. Why does Jesus say that you need to be a slave to be great? Why couldn't a rich man be great?

2. How is it possible to serve money?

3. What are things that we can do to make sure that we are serving only one master? (The one true master?)

4. What are ways that you can serve God individually?

5. List ways that we as a team can serve God.

6. Create an action plan to ensure that these goals to serve as an individual and as a team come together.

Bible Study on New Wine Skins

2006-09-06T11:28:00.000-07:00

Bible study at the church this Saturdat at 7pm. We will also be preparing for the Summit Park Service for the following week and of course doing the silhouettes.... Bring food and we'll bring coffee!!!! Let me know if you can make it. Don't forget to print your copy of the Bible study if you want to follow along. See yall then!

Matt 9:16-17

16 "No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. 17 Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved."
NIV

Discussion Questions:

1. What do the wineskins and the unshrunk patch represent in the above scripture?
2. How are the wineskins and unshrunk cloth relevant in todays society?
3. What needs to happen in our churches and communities to ensure that we do not let the patch pull away from the garment or that the wineskins burst?

Lead Musician Needed

2006-09-04T07:32:00.000-07:00

Hey guys, does any one know someone who can play lead guitar? Piano will do as well... We have recently lost our drummer to an out east backpack adventure turned permanent..... and we are about to lose our piano player to a land called Sarnia (no, not Narnia...lol)Summit Park is the name of the service (as we are situated in a developing community of homes names Summit Park) Our service time is at 10am every Sunday. The lead musician will be required to participate in every Sunday service (obviously with some exceptions, I mean everyone gets sick and goes on vacation...)and to attend rehearsals (a total of 4 hours per week. We are looking for someone who is passionate about serving and worshipping God. There will be some monetary compensation. Let us know if you know of someone or if you secretly have been a lead musician all along!!! lol. We would hope that someone could join our team asap.

hi!

2006-08-31T21:30:00.000-07:00

hey this is jenn - remember: the one who played piano sometimes? :) i got your blog invite and thought it would be cool to join yours too.

i have a blog of my own (you can feel free to check it out at www.jkak.blogspot.com if you'd like) but i'd love to be a part of this one! it looks like you have a good thing going here so far.

i don't have anything earth-shattering to post as of yet: i just thought I'd say hi and let you know i haven't forgotten about you even though it has been a while. i'll make sure i think of something interesting to post soon!

Spiritual Retreat

2006-08-30T10:06:00.000-07:00

Well it's almost time for what I would consider "well deserved rest". We're going away to celebrate alone time... We are also going away to spend quality time reflecting on God's will for our future... While we're there we will do our best to spend much of our time in prayer... Why am I telling you all of this you ask? Well, I'm setting the stage to ask if anyone has any prayer requests.... If you do and you would like us to pray about them when we're away, comment to this post and we'll take your concerns along with us. The great thing is that others can be praying for you too by posting your requests. It will be nice to eventually have prayer notes posted.... We should totally keep track! Well, I'll check the blog again before we leave tomorrow at 5am. THAT'S RIGHT! 5AM!!!! lol

Keep 'em comin'!!!!

2006-08-29T11:14:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! So glad that you're all taking the time to read the blog and to comment...

There are so many different types of people in this world. All have a very different way of looking at things, different ways of learning and certainly different ways of worshipping God. There are some people who simply don't feel comfortable singing whereas there are some that simply ADORE it!There are some people who are uncomfortable in a crowd setting whereas some people enjoy being the life of every gathering! That is why it is so important to reflect on these things. God doesn't want us to alienate any of His children therefore it is our responsibility to ensure that everyone feels accepted and that everyone has the opportunity to express themselves in worship toward God in a way that they feel confortable. For some, this may be through loud (and what some may consider obnoxious) music, for others it might be a contemporary praise song and again for someone else it might be that wonderful old hymn. Still some feel that they can express themselves better through art or even dance. There are some who feel that they can only truly worship God in solitude and prayer whereas others need the energy of a crowd to keep them focused.

All in all I hope to encourage all of you to stay "others focused" and to truly consider ways to help make others feel more confortable and able to express themselves in genuine worship. The term "bizarre" that I used in the last entry is simply another word for unconventional. Let us constantly be thinking WWJD? Jesus was constantly testing the people around him and the cultural boundaries. People of the first century found him to be "out of the box" and unconventionnal, he definitely stirred things up and often confronted the "conventionnal" way of thinking.

Don't feel limited to comment in the context of what we can do at Summit Park or at Rymal. Think about commenting in context to how we can affect our communities, our cities, our world...

A thought to ponder....

2006-08-28T11:13:00.000-07:00

Ok , so since there is NOT going to be a Bible study this weekend... (unless of course one of you builds up the courage to take it on!!!) We thought that we would leave you with a serious question to ponder.

What in your opinion would be the most creative, innovative and bizzare way to do church?

Now take this question seriously and reflect on these things when coming up with a concept...
1. Will the churh be affecting people around me for God's Kingdom?
2. Will the church be following biblical principles?
3. Is this just something funny that I came up with or could this seriously work in our society/community?

Don't forget to post some comments on your thoughts. Here is scripture to back up this concept. We just might end up talking about this scripture at our next bible study (depending how this post is absorbed)

Matt 9:16-17

16 "No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. 17 Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved."
NIV

The Parable of the Fig Tree

2006-08-25T05:03:00.000-07:00

Luke 13:6-9

6 Then he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree, planted in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it, but did not find any. 7 So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, 'For three years now I've been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven't found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?'

8 "'Sir,' the man replied, 'leave it alone for one more year, and I'll dig around it and fertilize it. 9 If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.'"
NIV

1. What does the parable of the fig tree symbolize?
2. Why did Jesus tell the Galileans this parable? (Read it in context)
3. What does this parable mean to us today?
4. How can we ensure that we are also bearing fruit? (remeber your gifts and talents from last week... you know, the ding dings!!! lol)

Hehehehehe

2006-08-17T19:48:00.000-07:00

I now know how to blog oh my!!!!

The Great Commission Bible Study

2006-08-17T10:28:00.000-07:00

So here is another Bible Study. This one should bring on some awesome conversation! I will email the SHAPE material to all of you who let me know that you're coming on Saturday... This will be really fun. I hope to hear from you all soon!

The Great Commission

Matt 28:16-20
16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
NIV
1. Who are the people in the community around us?
2. What challenges do the people in or community face?
3. Are we as individual’s community or outwardly focused?
4. How has God made us able to affect those in our community? (refer to your SHAPE profile)
5. How are we currently accomplishing the Great Commission for Christ?
6. What are ways that we can positively affect our community?
7. Devise an implementation strategy.

A GREAT READ TO FINISH THIS OFF!!!!

Isa 58

"Shout it aloud, do not hold back.Raise your voice like a trumpet.Declare to my people their rebellion and to the house of Jacob their sins. 2 For day after day they seek me out;they seem eager to know my ways,as if they were a nation that does what is right and has not forsaken the commands of its God.They ask me for just decisions and seem eager for God to come near them. 3'Why have we fasted,' they say,'and you have not seen it?Why have we humbled ourselves,and you have not noticed?'
"Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers. 4 Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife,and in striking each other with wicked fists.You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high. 5 Is this the kind of fast I have chosen,only a day for a man to humble himself?Is it only for bowing one's head like a reed and for lying on sackcloth and ashes?Is that what you call a fast,a day acceptable to the LORD?
6 "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke,to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter--when you see the naked, to clothe him,and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? 8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn,and your healing will quickly appear;then your righteousness will go before you,and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. 9 Then you will call, and the LORD will answer;you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.
"If you do away with the yoke of oppression,with the pointing finger and malicious talk, 10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,then your light will rise in the darkness,and your night will become like the noonday. 11 The LORD will guide you always;he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.You will be like a well-watered garden,like a spring whose waters never fail. 12 Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations;you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls,Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.
13 "If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day,if you call the Sabbath a delight and the LORD's holy day honorable,and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words, 14 then you will find your joy in the LORD,and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob." The mouth of the LORD has spoken.
NIV

Whos coming?

2006-08-11T08:08:00.000-07:00

Well..i expect I will be there as usual, regardless of anyone else being there. As for food, not sure whats the plan...a bbq type thing again? or just 'snack'/'munchies' type thing?

Davey

Saturday Night!!!!!! Who's Comin'?

2006-08-11T06:31:00.000-07:00

WEll all, just wanted a heads up on who's actually coming out. Like I told Dave, um, I'm not making food...... I'll make tea and coffee but yall are bringin' the food this time! lol. So who's in? Who's bringing what? Let me know yall! Email me or call or whatever, comment if you want! It will be fun...

Mel

Bible Study - Ephesians 5:1-20 - Living a Holy Life

2006-08-09T06:34:00.000-07:00

A picture of a library in Ephesus

Have you ever noticed how we always seem to make excuses for the things that we do? Well maybe not all of us...(who are we kidding! Of course it's all of us!) Sometimes we twist the words of the Bible to make them suit our lifestyles, etc. Well that's exactly why I love Ephesians 5! It is SOOO blunt about what God WANTS us to do and how He wants us to live...

Eph 5:1-20

5:1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person-such a man is an idolater-has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them.

8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14 for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:

"Wake up, O sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you."

15 Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
NIV

PERSONAL REFLECTIONS...

1. Are there any areas in your life that you need to change that you may have justified by either twisting Gods Word or by letting someone else convince you that what you were doing was ok? (even though Gods Word speaks against such behavior?)

2. What things do you need to do to set things straight in regards to your walk with God?

3. Are you striving to achieve holiness? What steps are you taking to be more Christ-like? (sharing the steps that you are taking as a comment would be a great way to help others grow in their walk with Christ.)

WOW those are some deep personal reflections!!!! Now lets talk about the scripture itself... (Fellowship discussion questions)

1. In what ways have Christians become too leniant in regards to our principles for Christian living?

2. How is our sometimes hypocritical behaviour affecting the world around us?

3. What does Paul suggest that we do rather than to enter into the temptations of this world?

4. What does Paul mean when he says "Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."?

It's been a long time! (since I've Rock and rolled....)

2006-08-09T05:43:00.000-07:00

Ha ha ha!!!! Well, maybe I'm the only one that finds that funny. Um It's Led Zepplin! So how does everyone feel about an online Bible Study? Let me know what yall think. I think that it would be beneficial to all of us as we will be able to ask questions and then follow up on the weekend. Well let me know what you think!

Yup, see ya!

Mel

Yet another day.... soooo tired! LOL

2006-06-23T18:55:00.000-07:00

So today is yet another day... Hmm.... too tired to really comment on anything or even to think about anything... It's really too bad that I have to feel like this on a Friday. God willing, I will be able to get some homework done tomorrow... I'm not complaining, don't get me wrong! If anything, I'm learning to live life while taking the punches! That can only help me grow as an individual and of course spiritually. God definitely has His hand in all that I'm doing. I am truly nothing without Him.

<>< Mel <><

where do we go from here...: Where do we go from here...

Where do we go from here...

2006-06-22T17:42:00.000-07:00

Do you ever notice that just when things seem hopeless.... God pulls through? I notice this more and more as I continue in my walk with God. Time and time again He provides the things that I didn't even know that I needed and usually doesn't provide the things that I think that I need. GOD IS ALWAYS RIGHT! Wow, why is it taking me so long to learn that one??? I think it's probably because I spend all of my time pleading with God for the things that I want rather than stoping to listen to what He's telling me that He wants. A wise person will stop to listen as well as plead because it is in those times of complete desperation and silence that God can truly speak to us and open that door that we could not have otherwise seen.

Thank you God for your love and grace...

Mel <><