Church Outreach Into The Community

If your church is ready to reach out into the community and truly become a community church, here are a few, simple steps with which to begin the journey. All of this is done in coordination with your pastor.

1. Have a community team ... or the church as a whole as this might be a fun church project ... walk or drive through the community within a few miles of your church and list all the organizations available for partnership with your church (it's important not to be recreating the wheel) and/or opportunities to serve found within your church's immediate community, where you hope to have immediate impact.


2. Have a delegation from the church (appropriate leadership, hopefully with your pastor) go to the town council, school supervisor, and local fire & police chiefs and ask them what they need done in the community by a local, community church (again, no need to try to reinvent the wheel).

3. In the Philadelphia area, churches may contact the Words and Deeds network (part of Evangelicals for Social Action--there is a link on the right side of this blog) and see if the network would be a good fit to work with your church to move to actively serving your local community. This network is designed to partner with local churches for creative outreach. Check in your region and see if such a network may be found close to you.

4. Once the research is done and you feel your church is ready for outreach, as part of an implementing campaign, your church might use the program "Faith in Action," which gets a church directly involved in outreach and evangelism in the local community. It is put out by Zondervan, Outreach, and World Vision. It will provide you with all you need to roll out an outreach and evangelism program in your community.
 
With outreach and evangelism come church renewal, so there is every reason to give this a try. May God bless you and your church in your efforts!

Weekly Bible Verse: 2 Timothy 1:1-14 Rekindle

2 Timothy 1: Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, for the sake of the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus, 2To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3I am grateful to God—whom I worship with a clear conscience, as my ancestors did—when I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. 4Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy. 5I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, lives in you.


6For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands; 7for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline. 8Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God, 9who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11For this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher, 12and for this reason I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know the one in whom I have put my trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that day what I have entrusted to him. 13Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14Guard the good treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us.

Seekers: God Loves You ... Follow and See

Our days are filled with messages from one source or another, most wanting something from you. However, here is a message well worth pausing to take in ... and pausing further to consider. Set aside your Enlightenment era skepticism for a few moments while you read or listen to the following message from God, paraphrased from Scripture. The message is personal, it is for you, and the offer is for you from a loving God who wants to walk with you in your journey through life. Read or listen to this carefully (there is an audio version if you need it) and see if it doesn't change your view of your world.

http://www.fathersloveletter.com/

Introducing Haiti Missionaries Deliris Carrión-Rosa & Nancy and Steve James

After several years ministering in El Salvador, Deliris Carrión-Rosa transferred to Haiti after the earthquake. Trained as a pediatric occupational therapist, Deliris helps Haitian children deal with the loss or physical limitations to their limbs as a result of the earthquake. She’s also helps coordinate the work of visiting medical teams to Haiti.

Also meet Nancy and Steve James, medical missionaries in Haiti. Committed Christian physicians, they have worked for 18 years serving Haitians by providing physical, mental, and spiritual health in Christ’s name.

Follow the following address to see a short video about this hardworking new missionary!

To view it, go to: www.worldmissionoffering.org

Weekly Bible Verse: 1 Timothy 2:1-8: Quiet and Peaceable Life

1 Timothy 2: 1First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, ²for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. ³This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, ⁴who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. ⁵For there is one God; there is also one mediator between God and humankind, Christ Jesus, himself human, ⁶who gave himself a ransom for all—this was attested at the right time. ⁷For this I was appointed a herald and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. ⁸I desire, then, that in every place the men should pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument;

Youth Event in Coatesville to Benefit Charities

Hello!


The Colors Tour featuring Leo and Shine Bright Baby from Wisconsin, comes to Olivet United Methodist Church in Coatesville, PA at 7PM on Sunday September 26. Tickets are $4 in advance or $6 at the door. Capacity is limited to 500.

Call 610.384.5828 for tickets.

Any income which exceeds expenses will benefit Coatesville charities.

Compassion International and TWLOHA (To Write Love On Her Arms) will have displays in our lobby.

LISTEN to headliner “Leo” (sounds a bit like “owl city”) and lead-in group “Shine Bright Baby” (alternative music, sounds a bit like “evanescence” or “flyleaf”) for FREE at:

www.thecolorstour.com

Leo performed on the Main Stage at the Purple Door Music Festival this summer.
Testimonials:
Leo -
I’ve been listening to some new age techno lately, and it always left me feeling hyped for a bit then just bored. i needed to hear some good music so i decided to visit ur page, played some of your songs, and remebered how much i love your music. i think your music is beautiful and it makes me feel good after i listen to it.

Shine Bright Baby –

“We never planned on any of this,” says Emily about being in an up and coming band. But when a person is born for a purpose, whether you are looking for it or not, it finds you. ...their newest release “The Heart and Its Hope” includes the energetic single “We Were Made To,” - “a fresh sound” With sales and media attention rising, it will not be long until the depth and range of their talents are unveiled for eager ears worldwide.

Leo’s bio –
Say "hello" to Leo and their fresh new rock 'n roll sound! With warm smiles and down-to-earth personas, the guys of Leo are energetic, fun performers that connect with listeners each and every night leaving them entertained, inspired and uplifted.
Leo's Front Man, David Duffield says, "What we are aspiring to do is write and sing songs that will express a real sense of God's love to young hearts and minds across the world." Ben Kasica of SKILLET (grammy award winning band) says: "Leo is a pop/rock band with heart. When you dig into their catchy songs, they will move you..."
Leo recently returned from the "Color of Fall" tour, traveling thru Illinios and Iowa to Nebraska, Colorado and Wyoming. At every show, in every state they play, Leo has a knack for winning the hearts of the kids in the crowd, while getting rave reviews from promoters and venues!
Pastor Jayelle, Student Ministries Pastor at Fellowship Church in Grand Junction Colorado said:
"Our kids adored Leo! And my staff and I loved working with a band with such a great attitude and humble spirit."
The guys from Leo are passionate about Mission work and helping impoverished children. David and Jonny have traveled around the world with Teen Mania Missions & Acquire the Fire Youth Events. Leo has recently become a sponor Artists for COMPASSION International. (Other Compassion artists have included Jeremy Camp and Micheal W. Smith) Leo was also featured last summer at Michigan's Big Ticket Festival '09 alongside artists such as Switchfoot, Family Force 5 & Attaboy. Leo is currently touring America while writing songs for their next record and negotiating a record deal.

The Colors Tour on MySpace Music - Free Streaming MP3s, Pictures & Music Downloads

www.thecolorstour.com

MySpace Music profile for The Colors Tour. Download The Colors Tour music singles, watch music videos, listen to free streaming mp3s, & read The Colors Tour's blog.

Thanks to Youth Minister Allen Keller for letting us know!

ECBC Offers Marriage Relationship Series

Exton Community Baptist Church, 114 E. Swedesford Rd., Exton, is offering a FREE six week series: MARRIAGE Built to Last, Living Intentionally & Loving Biblically, written by Chip Ingram. It will be presented for six consecutive weeks, starting Tuesday, October 12, at 7 pm until 8:15 pm. All are welcome to this free seminar, but registration is required in order to provide seminar materials. The series will be led by Pastor Jay VanHorn of ECBC.


This six part series will inspire and challenge all who attend. Each of the sessions will be part video presentation by Chip Ingram and part discussion. All those who are want more information, or to register for the series should call Exton Community Baptist Church at 610-363-7814 or email secretary@extonbaptist.org. You are invited to visit our website, www.extonbaptist.org for more information about the church or directions.

C.S. Lewis Explains His Faith

C.S. Lewis, influential Christian writer of the mid-twentieth century, spent years as an atheist. Here he explains a bit of his reasoning for the existence of God. It's a quote worth reflection from his book Mere Christianity.

My argument against God was that the universe seemed so cruel and unjust. But how had I got this idea of just and unjust? A man does not call a line crooked unless he has some idea of a straight line. What was I comparing this universe with when I called it unjust? If the whole show was bad and senseless from A to Z, so to speak, why did I, who was supposed to be part of the show, find myself in such a violent reaction against it?... Of course I could have given up my idea of justice by saying it was nothing but a private idea of my own. But if I did that, then my argument against God collapsed too--for the argument depended on saying the world was really unjust, not simply that it did not happen to please my fancies. Thus, in the very act of trying to prove that God did not exist - in other words, that the whole of reality was senseless - I found I was forced to assume that one part of reality - namely my idea of justice - was full of sense. If the whole universe has no meaning, we should never have found out that it has no meaning: just as, if there were no light in the universe and therefore no creatures with eyes, we should never have known it was dark. Dark would be without meaning.

Weekly Bible Verse: 1 Timothy 1:12-17 GOOD NEWS: With Christ, Your Past Need Not Dictate Your Future!

1 Timothy 1:12I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because he judged me faithful and appointed me to his service, 13even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a man of violence. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the foremost. 16But for that very reason I received mercy, so that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display the utmost patience, making me an example to those who would come to believe in him for eternal life. 17To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Where and When ECBC Will Crop Walk

A view along the route

ECBC members will gather for the CROP Walk at the Central Presbyterial Church on 113 at Pennsylvania Avenue, Downingtown, Pennsylvania, on October 3. The registration begins at 1pm and the walk starts at 2. When the walk ends depends on the walker!

 

Of course, in the age of connectivity, you can also register to walk online. Here's how:

 

1. Go to www.cropwalkonline.org
2. Click on your State
3. Locate your walk and click on it
4. Follow the simple step-by-step instructions to register as an individual, a member of a team, or to create a team.
5. Tailor your personal web page with photos, quotes, and your fund raising goal.
6. E-mail family and friends to contribute.
7. Widgets are available to help raise funds from your blog or social networking sites, too!

We hope to see you there. If you can't walk, you can always do what one church does. They set up a cheering section and congratulate each and every walker who completes the course. It is a wonderful, generous gesture and everybody loves to see those happy faces at the end of the walk.

 

Weekly Bible Verse: Jeremiah 4:11-28 A Prophet Offers a Timeless Warning

Jeremiah 4: 11At that time it will be said to this people and to Jerusalem: A hot wind comes from me out of the bare heights in the desert toward my poor people, not to winnow or cleanse— 12a wind too strong for that. Now it is I who speak in judgment against them. 13Look! He comes up like clouds, his chariots like the whirlwind; his horses are swifter than eagles— woe to us, for we are ruined! 14O Jerusalem, wash your heart clean of wickedness so that you may be saved. How long shall your evil schemes lodge within you? 15For a voice declares from Dan and proclaims disaster from Mount Ephraim. 16Tell the nations, “Here they are!” Proclaim against Jerusalem, “Besiegers come from a distant land; they shout against the cities of Judah. 17They have closed in around her like watchers of a field, because she has rebelled against me, says the Lord. 18Your ways and your doings have brought this upon you. This is your doom; how bitter it is! It has reached your very heart.”


19My anguish, my anguish! I writhe in pain! Oh, the walls of my heart! My heart is beating wildly; I cannot keep silent; for I hear the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war. 20Disaster overtakes disaster, the whole land is laid waste. Suddenly my tents are destroyed, my curtains in a moment. 21How long must I see the standard, and hear the sound of the trumpet? 22“For my people are foolish, they do not know me; they are stupid children, they have no understanding. They are skilled in doing evil, but do not know how to do good.” 23I looked on the earth, and lo, it was waste and void; and to the heavens, and they had no light. 24I looked on the mountains, and lo, they were quaking, and all the hills moved to and fro. 25I looked, and lo, there was no one at all, and all the birds of the air had fled. 26I looked, and lo, the fruitful land was a desert, and all its cities were laid in ruins before the Lord, before his fierce anger. 27For thus says the Lord: The whole land shall be a desolation; yet I will not make a full end. 28Because of this the earth shall mourn, and the heavens above grow black; for I have spoken, I have purposed; I have not relented nor will I turn back.

Join ECBC in Crop Walk to Stamp Out Hunger

Come walk with us and raise money to combat hunger in the Downingtown, Exton, Coatesville area ... and around the world. The 2010 CROP Walk is Sunday, October 3! The ECBC Goal is $800. We need both walkers and donors. Please sign up to walk and get your collection envelope and walk information materials from Beverlee Everett. We need YOU to make this a success... it is a healthy way to spend a Sunday afternoon, and it's FUN.

Vacation Bible School Inspires Cubans to Trust God

Here is a message from the missionary ECBC supports, Susan Hegarty. This will give you some insight into how missionaries work has a positive impact on lives. At the end of the article, an opportunity is presented for you to become indirectly involved in the vital work missionaries perform.

As the world faces economic difficulties, Cuba is no exception; in addition, the country is contending with poor harvests months after violent tropical storms. Life is becoming more of a daily scramble than before – for money, food, and transportation. In uncertain times, what brings hope?


Second Baptist Church of Santiago set their ministry emphasis for 2010 on the theme: “God opens the door to a new decade, let’s enter with confidence!” based on Rev. 3:7-8. Seeing what was happening around them, it seemed appropriate to use this same theme for their Vacation Bible School as well.

The Editorial Group I work with (and whose ministry you support) wrote Vacation Bible School lessons for preschool through adult levels based on this door theme. God opens the door to: salvation, faithful commitment, growth, service and a confident future. After conducting a teacher orientation at the church, I then had the privilege of seeing the lessons put into action while visiting their July VBS. The children’s classes were overflowing and there was also a good adult turnout. What a contrast to the annual carnival that is held a few weeks later at the end of the month, promoting lots of conga parades, excessive drinking and partying in the streets when people go into debt to forget their troubles for awhile.

Writing the youth and adult lessons was a blessing to me as well; particularly the last lesson on the book of Ruth which helped reaffirm a truth we should know so well but sometimes forget.

In the first place, Ruth chose an uncertain future when she threw her lot in with her mother-in- law and her God. She left all she had known to go to a foreign country with strange customs and take on the responsibility of supporting Naomi. Ruth had many needs, including work in order to feed the family, protection, health and friendship. God provided for her present-day needs mostly through the generosity of Boaz. But God went above and beyond, securing Ruth’s future by providing her a husband, property (the inheritance), and a son. Like Ruth, we who trust God can count on his continual presence in our lives, both now and into the future, even through times of uncertainty.

I thank the Lord that I have seen this to be true in my life, and I’m sure that you also have found it true. Praise God! I’ve also seen God’s provision for my ministerial needs through your financial and prayer support. Thank you, God is using you as he did Boaz to bring blessing to Ruth and Naomi! Your gifts have been used by God to touch the lives of many people, like those who attended VBS in Santiago (many of whom were visitors). Pray that those both new and old in their faith will have this confidence in their future with Christ.

There is still a need for additional funds to underwrite the financial support for my ministry in Cuba. If the Lord is leading you to participate in this way, International Ministries has a special promotion to provide an “Extra Lift” for missionaries still needing to reach 100% of their financial support goal. Through September 27, new recurring commitments ranging from $20 to $100 per month are eligible to be matched dollar for dollar for one year from Extra Lift Matching Funds. More information about this opportunity can be found at: http://www.internationalministries.org/drives/extra_lift_matching. I believe that God wants to provide for future ministry in Cuba as he provided for Ruth’s future. Let us pray and work to that end together.

Healing Prayer

Prayer draws us closer to God. Prayer helps us orient our wills toward God's will. There are many ways to pray and the Bible encourages us to pray constantly. We are guided to seek healing through prayer, assured that God has healing power to give. N. Graham Standish, in Becoming a Blessed Church, offers some guidelines to healing prayer.

To begin, you need to have faith that God does heal and you have to surrender yourself to God. Take a look at your Bible and recognize that roughly one fifth of the stories in the Gospels are about Jesus healing all kinds of illnesses. Have faith that God does heal. Having doubts? Good, that shows you are thinking. Offer up those doubts to God and ask for faith. One of the most powerfully honest verses in the Bible is in Mark 9:23, when a father seeking healing for his son cries out to Jesus, "I believe, help my unbelief!" That is the human condition. God understands and God will help. Jesus healed the struggling father's son. Surrender, however, is as important as faith. We all need to recognize that God may decide to heal us in ways far different than we had expected or hoped. Surrender yourself to God and let God decide what sort of healing will be truly best for you. Keep in mind that God's healing preference is to heal from the inside out, beginning with your soul.

One more thing before we begin. As Standish advises, it is most significant that you work hard to trust that God is at work, even when you cannot feel anything happening. Real healing takes time ... and God does not work on our timetables.

Here are the steps to follow in seeking healing. Since this is a blog posting, it has to be short and this list is streamlined. Refer to this book for a more detailed approach. This will, however, give you enough to get started:

1. Lay your doubts, cares, and worries aside. Be still and calm as you pray, as Psalm 46:10 recommends.
2. Open yourself to Christ. Standish suggests taking a minute to repeat to yourself, "Bless the Lord, O my soul." Once you feel more open to Christ, invite Jesus into your life to live with you and grow in you.
3. Pray for healing. Be specific. Ask with confidence. Standish suggests using the following language: "Lord, I know that it is your will for me to be whole and holy. Let your power enter me and heal me. Heal me by [name specific request]. Thank you for healing me." 
4. Trust and believe that God's power enters you: When the Holy Spirit enters people and begins work, we generally don't see, feel, or sense the Spirit at work. No "Spirit at Work" signs are erected. Healing may be immediate or take a long time. Trust and believe that healing is underway.
5. Thank God for healing you. By thanking God we appreciate God and allow God more deeply into our lives. Gratitude changes attitudes.
6. Set up a prayer discipline. Don't pray once and stop. God wants to be in conversation with us always. That way God is allowed in and increases God's influence in our lives. 
7. Finally, follow these challenging biblical guidelines:
1. Rejoice always.
2. Pray without ceasing.
3. Give thanks in all circumstances.

This prayer discipline will work when praying for others as well.

If you wish to order this book and learn more, here are the details: N. Graham Standish. Becoming a Blessed Church: Forming a Church of Spiritual Purpose, Presence, and Power. Herndon, VA: Alban Institute, 2005, pp. 219-221.