Adventures in Missing the Point

Just finished up another book entitled Adventures in Missing the Point by Brian McLaren & Tony Campolo. I really enjoyed this book! Each author tackled different issues writing their take on various issues and how they believe the Church has missed the point. The other then presented a brief response to what the other had written. Taken together there was much to consider and hopefully they are getting us on the track of healthy dialogue which gets us closer to a more healthy, balanced, biblical view of and approach to the issues. Included in the book is also a discussion guide. I have ordered several copies of the book and I am going to be inviting a bunch of my friends to read through the book and gather together on a weekly basis in a small group format for fellowship and to work through the discussion questions provided. I am really looking forward to this!

William Booth: Soup, Soap, & Salvation

I just finished reading William Booth: Soup, Soap, and Salvation by Janet & Geoff Benge. It's part of the Christian Heroes: Then & Now book series. William Booth was the founder of the Salvation Army, and I was very much looking forward to reading this book about his life and ministry. The read was quick and easy and it's a book that older children and youth will enjoy as I did. I most appreciated reading of Booth's holistic approach to ministry. In the beginning of his ministry he was only concerned about the soul. But as he began to get more in touch with the compassion of Christ he began to recognize the need to minister to the entire person - something I have been meditating on much of late.

Gearing Up for Small Groups!

Tonight I had about 20 of our student and adult small group leaders over to my house gearing up for our Spring Small Groups which kick off next Sunday night, January 25th. During February and March we will be doing a series called Love Out Loud, and in April and May we will be doing a series called Live Pure. It's going to be great!

Redeeming the Snow

Although I can't stand snow (I was traumatized growing up in Rochester, NY and have seen enough snow for two lifetimes (lol!)) today I embraced the principle of God seen in the life of Joseph (What the enemy meant for evil, God has turned for good), and took my 7-year old out sledding. We had a really fun time together! After we were done we went to Starbucks. On the way home we stopped by a pond near our house where many people were playing ice hockey and we walked out onto the ice. At first Natalia was excited, but then suddenly she thought of the fish under the ice and the possibility that they might break through the ice and get her, freaked out, and jumped into my arms. It was quite comical. Enjoy the pics and videos.

Centerreach High School Bible Club

Today I had the privilege of speaking at the Centerreach High School Bible Club. Here are some questions we thought through together:

When you think about the things that characterized the life of Jesus, what kinds of things come to mind?

What would you school look like if people lived out the teachings and followed the example of Jesus?

Where do you see Jesus in your school?

How can you serve Jesus in your school this year?

Scriptures we looked at together that related to the above questions:

Matthew 25:31-46
Matthew 22:34-40
I John 4:7-8, 20-21

January Fill The Tub: Shoes!

This month for Fill The Tub we are collecting new and lightly used shoes. Go through your closet or attic and bring in any sizes for either gender. Our goal is to collect at least 1,000 pair of shoes! The shoes will go to Global Soles - an organization which distributes them to people in need around the world. Bring your donations to the youth office.

Faith Still At Core of Warner's Success

Faith still at core of Warner's success

Cardinals quarterback goes out of his way to credit God

"If you ever really want to do a story about who I am, God's got to be at the center of it. Every time I hear a piece or read a story that doesn't have that, they're missing the whole lesson of who I am." - Kurt Warner

Read the entire article here: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/articles/2009/01/09/20090109boivin0109.html