For several months the banner out front stated: LFC - growing, expanding and making room for you. It will reappear when we begin the work of burning down the corner house and the grading of the land there to prepare for foundation and underground utilities. The intention of the sign was to let those driving by gain insight into the
hearts of the people who attended here and those praying, giving and believing. It is the reality of a vision and as we come to the home stretch, people are excited.The pictures below do little justice to the look and feel of the expanded sanctuary and the comfort of the new chairs. Certainly they cannot capture the enthusiasm that was in the air. The weekend was great: There was an incredible sense of family and joy, as our staff, many from our leadership team, worship team and council came out and served on Saturday - moving items from the corner house garage, to storage. We also moved our old sanctuary chairs to storage as they will be used in our new multi-purpose building. Then we set up the new chair configuration which allowed for many more occupants and did some clean up and I was not the only one that was overjoyed. Thanks to all who helped.
Sunday allowed for some electric moments and times of great worship, prayer and the message was very well received. With many making personal commitments to running the race God is calling them to run. Below are some pictures of what things are looking like. If you were not here, hope you will join us soon to experience the expanded space for yourself. Though not fully done, we are on the way. After scrolling down to see the pictures, take a moment to read some vision sharing or shedding that I am doing with you from my heart.
Sunday allowed for some electric moments and times of great worship, prayer and the message was very well received. With many making personal commitments to running the race God is calling them to run. Below are some pictures of what things are looking like. If you were not here, hope you will join us soon to experience the expanded space for yourself. Though not fully done, we are on the way. After scrolling down to see the pictures, take a moment to read some vision sharing or shedding that I am doing with you from my heart.
What is missing is the people and the heart - which are both really great at LFC.
Vision SheddingMuch like the water shed after the rain, sharing a vision has the power to shed broader than just a page or a stream. I have decided to leave last weeks vision shedding with you underneath a few critical points.
1) Our Life Transformation Groups need our prayers and your participation: I am praying they will see the value in expanding and thereby including room for many more to become a part of this vital way of growing. If you are in an LTG then I encourage you to see about starting other ones by multiplying the one you are in. If you are not in an LTG then I encourage you to get over the reasons for not joining in and find your way to one as soon as possible.
Making relationships with others is vital to your spiritual growth and Life Transformation Groups are key to making that happen. This is a key to growth and you taking responsibility for your own growth.
My friend, Pastor Wayne Cordeiro, was recently sporting a pretty cool tee shirt. I will be seeing him later this month and looking forward to being with him. His shirt said: HUNGRY? feed yourself. It of course is referring to the concept of being in the word, daily bible reading and journaling. Self-feeding is essential for growth and is the second key vision shed I want you to catch. Now you might say, these are not new visions, but my vision of them for you participated is. These are some of the key areas I shared at our recent family meeting: LTG and bible reading / journaling.
2) Spend time each time with God and in the bible and with the simple practice of journaling. These both tie in greatly with what I shared this past Sunday from the Reveal Study. It showed that simply being involved in church and church activities had little or no benefit on a person’s spiritual growth. Activity and programming meant nothing without someone willing to take responsibility for their own spiritual growth. There was no correlation between great services and programming and an effective spiritual journey. This all sets well with me because we have attempted to do more than fill seats, but fill hearts and watch those hearts grow. Best way you grow is to be responsible for your own growth. The Reveal Study revealed four essential elements to growth and all were personal responsibility:
1. Reading and studying the Bible
2. Prayer and solitude
3. Sharing one’s life with friends and mentors.
4. Serving others.
How are you doing in these areas?
Increasing the areas essential for growth will accelerate your growth. Again, read the list of the 4 points above and see where you can increase.
Keep going and growing,
Much Grace to you all,
Pastor Bernie
If you want to catch up on our teachings - here is a link.
LFC MESSAGES
Serving is the Heart behind Living and Loving Out Loud.
Vision SheddingMuch like the water shed after the rain, sharing a vision has the power to shed broader than just a page or a stream. I have decided to leave last weeks vision shedding with you underneath a few critical points.
1) Our Life Transformation Groups need our prayers and your participation: I am praying they will see the value in expanding and thereby including room for many more to become a part of this vital way of growing. If you are in an LTG then I encourage you to see about starting other ones by multiplying the one you are in. If you are not in an LTG then I encourage you to get over the reasons for not joining in and find your way to one as soon as possible.
Making relationships with others is vital to your spiritual growth and Life Transformation Groups are key to making that happen. This is a key to growth and you taking responsibility for your own growth.
My friend, Pastor Wayne Cordeiro, was recently sporting a pretty cool tee shirt. I will be seeing him later this month and looking forward to being with him. His shirt said: HUNGRY? feed yourself. It of course is referring to the concept of being in the word, daily bible reading and journaling. Self-feeding is essential for growth and is the second key vision shed I want you to catch. Now you might say, these are not new visions, but my vision of them for you participated is. These are some of the key areas I shared at our recent family meeting: LTG and bible reading / journaling.
2) Spend time each time with God and in the bible and with the simple practice of journaling. These both tie in greatly with what I shared this past Sunday from the Reveal Study. It showed that simply being involved in church and church activities had little or no benefit on a person’s spiritual growth. Activity and programming meant nothing without someone willing to take responsibility for their own spiritual growth. There was no correlation between great services and programming and an effective spiritual journey. This all sets well with me because we have attempted to do more than fill seats, but fill hearts and watch those hearts grow. Best way you grow is to be responsible for your own growth. The Reveal Study revealed four essential elements to growth and all were personal responsibility:
1. Reading and studying the Bible
2. Prayer and solitude
3. Sharing one’s life with friends and mentors.
4. Serving others.
How are you doing in these areas?
Increasing the areas essential for growth will accelerate your growth. Again, read the list of the 4 points above and see where you can increase.
Keep going and growing,
Much Grace to you all,
Pastor Bernie
If you want to catch up on our teachings - here is a link.
LFC MESSAGES
Serving is the Heart behind Living and Loving Out Loud.
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