not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. – Hebrews 10:25
We cannot afford to take a summer break spiritually.
The summer break countdown in school classrooms is in full swing. Last night Camille crammed Jelly Bellies into a jar for kids in Micah’s Kindergarten class to guess the number of beans in the jar. His class is doing an alphabet countdown. Yesterday was Ice Cream Day. Today is Jelly Bean Day. Tomorrow is Kindness Day. It’s only 16 days until the kids “Zoom out of here”.
I hope each of you spend extra time with your family this summer. When I was growing up my family didn’t have a lot of extra money, but my dad made sure a summer family vacation was a priority. I’m grateful for my dad’s leadership in this way. Let’s make sure we’re not just spending time with and caring for the family of God; let’s make sure we’re spending time with and caring for our own families. How will you be intentional with investing in your marriage and your children this summer?
That said; please do not neglect to meet together as a Small Group during the summer months. There are three reasons for this:
1) We still need accountability. We, me included, cannot afford to be without accountability for three months.
2) New people want to join Small Groups. As the pace of life slows a bit, people seek to join a Small Group. But we cannot place people in Small Groups if they are not meeting.
3) We need to continue our fellowship. It’s hard to pick up in September with where your group is at in May if you don’t see each other the entire summer.
Some of you have already picked a summer study and do not plan to skip a beat from your normal schedule. Some of you may choose to change up your routine over the summer. As you plan your summer Small Group calendar, here are some things to consider:
- Encourage each person to identify new Personal Growth Points for June through August. We should still be growing in our Spiritual Disciplines, Character, and Relationships over the summer. :)
- Schedule ‘Guy Time’ or ‘Ladies Time’ – meet for breakfast or dessert or do a fun activity together. The guys watch the kids during ladies time and vice versa.
- Serve together as a Small Group through ‘Feed My Starving Children’ (June 3-6) or a Harvest House BBQ (sign up for a Wednesday evening this summer with Laura at lzimmerman@harvestbible.org).
- Do “reply to all” accountability and prayer requests once a week through email – of course men with men, women with women.
- Attend the Saturday, July 18 Ravinia-style outdoor concert at Harvest as a Small Group.
- Plan a group date night (no kids).
- Plan a social with the kids present.
- Pick a book to read over the summer – even if you don’t get a chance to regularly study it as a group.
- Do a ‘progressive supper’ from home to home in your Small Group.
- Meet once a month for a regular Small Group, and once a month for a social.
- Encourage someone else in your group to plan and/or host some group times this summer.
Obviously you cannot do all of these activities, but these are some ideas for keeping things fresh this summer. If you need more ideas, ask Kathy Congemi. I’m sure she has a bunch of ideas, too. Don’t be discouraged if people (including you) cannot attend every event. People will be in and out of town … but let’s not neglect meeting together.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
It’s May! Spring is definitely in the air. I hope you have been able to enjoy some of the beautiful weather the past few days.
As you wrap up your current Small Group study, I want to encourage you to take time this month to celebrate and encourage one another. Hopefully you have seen some spiritual growth within your group in the past year.
Rather than encouraging others to share how they have grown, it can also be very effective and meaningful to encourage others to share words of affirmation about someone else.
You could say, “It’s been great to see God working in our lives this year. It’s been a joy to share our lives together and experience genuine fellowship with one another. Tonight we want to spend some time building each other up by sharing words encouragement. Let’s focus our sharing on affirming a character quality or an area of growth that you have seen in someone else. We’re not going to go around the circle and have everyone share in order. So, as you have something you want to share, jump in and share it.” Then you set the tone by sharing about someone yourself.
People can share about more than one person, but encourage them to only share about one person at a time. It’s fine for others to follow up and share more about an individual. As people are sharing, be aware of individuals who may not be receiving encouragement from others and chime in yourself to encourage them.
I believe this could be done appropriately in the mixed setting, but you may prefer to divide into your men’s and women’s groups. You choose.
Let’s take the time to encourage one another and build one another up.
Seeking to build you up.
It’s May! Spring is definitely in the air. I hope you have been able to enjoy some of the beautiful weather the past few days.
As you wrap up your current Small Group study, I want to encourage you to take time this month to celebrate and encourage one another. Hopefully you have seen some spiritual growth within your group in the past year.
Rather than encouraging others to share how they have grown, it can also be very effective and meaningful to encourage others to share words of affirmation about someone else.
You could say, “It’s been great to see God working in our lives this year. It’s been a joy to share our lives together and experience genuine fellowship with one another. Tonight we want to spend some time building each other up by sharing words encouragement. Let’s focus our sharing on affirming a character quality or an area of growth that you have seen in someone else. We’re not going to go around the circle and have everyone share in order. So, as you have something you want to share, jump in and share it.” Then you set the tone by sharing about someone yourself.
People can share about more than one person, but encourage them to only share about one person at a time. It’s fine for others to follow up and share more about an individual. As people are sharing, be aware of individuals who may not be receiving encouragement from others and chime in yourself to encourage them.
I believe this could be done appropriately in the mixed setting, but you may prefer to divide into your men’s and women’s groups. You choose.
Let’s take the time to encourage one another and build one another up.
Seeking to build you up.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. – Acts 20:28
We cannot afford to allow sin to take root in our lives.
We need to pay careful attention to ourselves. Before ministering to others, we need to be in the Word ourselves and walking in close fellowship with the Lord. We need to make sure there is not a gap between our public life and our private life. I know my heart is prone to wander. I need to pay close attention to myself.
Furthermore, we need to pay careful attention to all the flock in which the Holy Spirit has made you and overseer. We cannot afford to gather in Small Groups to simply to discuss a book and share a snack together. There is way too much at stake. We need to spur one another on toward godliness by giving each other permission to ask the tough questions. Then we need to respond truthfully. Accountability is meaningless without authenticity.
Pastor James’ message on the Sensual Wanderer (Judges 14-16) is a reminder of the importance of authentic accountability. I want to commend to you that you set aside your normal topic for study in your Small Group in order to devote extended time to follow up the message from this past weekend. I suggest that you gather in separate rooms as men and women to reflect, discuss, and a pray together. If you need a guide, follow this link: http://www.harvestbible.org/Content/4/150919.pdf. Or you may simply ask:
- How were you challenged by the message this past weekend?
- Do you remember the four areas of sensuality that Pastor James identified? (food, entertainment, substances/legal & illegal, and sexual immorality) Discuss these topics and dangers in general together before moving to a more personal level.
- Review the main points. How do we see this progression to be true in life?
- Is there anything related to these areas in your life that is displeasing to the Lord?
- How can we build hedges to protect ourselves from falling into temptation in these areas?
- How can we pray for you?
And let me encourage you to talk openly and candidly about these issues – current struggles or victories from the past. Disclosure breeds disclosure. And disclosure is the currency of deep relationships.
The reason for reflecting on the sermon in your Small Group is three-fold:
1) We need to meditate on God’s Truth. Too often we hear the Word of the Lord but then move on with life unchanged.
2) There many be some (or most) in your Small Group who may feel alone in their struggles, but really do want to talk. Have you ever considered that some may come to your Small Group hoping you will bring up this subject?
3) Proverbs 13:12 says: “Hope deferred makes the heart sick.” Some really want to change, but don’t know how. If hope and help seems a long way off then the heart is sick.
As we discuss sensitive topics, let’s guard against heaping on shame and condemnation. Rather, offer your people hope (God’s forgiveness, identity in Christ, power through the Holy Spirit to change). And offer help (offer to pray and follow up, suggest resources from the list below). In many ways, this is what Small Group ministry is all about. Let’s not miss a clear opportunity to pay careful attention to ourselves and to all the flock that God has entrusted to us.
Of course, if you have any questions … or if you need to hope and help personally, please contact your Flock Leader!
I’m praying like crazy for you.
Pastor Craig
P.S. Here is a list of recommended books for follow up. Most of these books are available through the Harvest Bookstore:
At the Altar of Sexual Idolatry by Steve Gallagher
Crossroads: A Step-by-Step Guide Away from Addictions by Edward Welch
Desiring God by John Piper
Every Man's Battle by Stephen Arterburn
Healing the Past God's Way by Carol Jenkins
I Really Want to Change, So Help Me God by James MacDonald
I Surrender All: Rebuilding a Marriage Broken by Pornography by Clay and Renee Crosse and Mark Tabb
Idols of the Heart : Learning to Long for God Alone by Elyse Fitzpatrick
Living in Victory by Steve Gallagher
Raising Purity by Gerald Hiestand
Sex is Not the Problem, Lust Is: Sexual Purity in a Lust-Saturated World by Joshua Harris
The Lord's Table: A Biblical Approach to Weight Loss by Mike Cleveland
The Purity Principle by Randy Alcorn
Uncommon Vessels: A Program for Developing Godly Eating Habits by Elyse Fitzpatrick
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Moses’ father-in-law said to him, "What you are doing is not good. You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone …” – Exodus 18:17-18
Camille and I host and lead two Small Groups in our home – a premarital group on Tuesday nights and a 2:1 (newly married) group on Wednesday nights. It’s been a joy to invest in these young couples’ lives during these important foundational years.
It’s a joy … but it’s also a lot work.
We have a great appreciation for ALL that you do. We understand firsthand that it’s hard work to clean your home, prepare a meaningful lesson, keep the group fresh, call and email during the week, plan snacks, pray regularly, follow up Personal Growth Points, model integrity and authenticity, be energetic even at the end of a tough day, etc. And to repeat these things week after week. Month after month.
Exodus 18 tells the story of Moses being overwhelmed with the many tasks of ministry leadership. Concerned that his son-in-law was wearing himself out, Jethro encouraged Moses to find others to “bear the burden with you” (v.22). Moses listened to the voice of his father-in-law. As he began sharing ministry responsibilities it allowed for three things: 1) greater ownership in others, 2) more effective and personalized ministry, and 3) sustained energy in Moses. This was helpful advice for Moses … and for us, too.
Would you breathe a sigh of relief if I were to tell you that you do not have to do every task for your Small Group?
When we speak of “Mutual Ministry” it is more than dividing into gender-based groups within your Small Group for accountability and prayer. That’s part of it. But Mutual Ministry also involves allowing others to mutually bear the burden of some of the Small Group responsibilities.
The problem for some of us is that we love to do the ministry. But in doing all the ministry, we prevent others from contributing, inadvertently neglect a task or need for personal care, and can burn ourselves out.
Here are a few ideas to consider:
· Involve others in providing snacks (even coordinate the snack sign up)
· Allow someone else plan and host the next social event or potluck dinner
· Invite someone to update Small Group Online or coordinate the weekly email update to your group
· Divide into smaller breakout group for the ‘Mutual Ministry’ time (i.e. two groups of men, two groups of women)
· Encourage people to get into ‘prayer pairs’ or ‘prayer triplets’ to pray together at the close of Small Group and to follow up with each other during the week (you should not have to be the person calling everyone during the week!)
· Identify an apprentice (with the approval of your Flock Leader) and begin to share leadership. Kudos to the many of you who are already proactive with this. As our church grows, we have an increasing need to multiply healthy groups.
What can you do this week to share the burden of ministry and get someone else involved?
Let’s run the race with endurance!
P.S. I want to give a quick SHOUT OUT to those who helped with the Food Drive on Sunday morning. Over 40 people from our family group joined the fun. Yeah! Together we picked up groceries from the lots, sorted thousands of food items, and packed over 100 ready-to-distribute boxes. And it was great to have many children helping, too. Jen Galicinski observed, “This is a perfect service project for Small Groups and for families, too.” If you missed out on this opportunity, plan to join us in the Fall. If you are aware of a family who is struggling financially and could benefit from a box of groceries, please contact me. We can give boxes away as a one time gift or as a weekly supply if needed.
Camille and I host and lead two Small Groups in our home – a premarital group on Tuesday nights and a 2:1 (newly married) group on Wednesday nights. It’s been a joy to invest in these young couples’ lives during these important foundational years.
It’s a joy … but it’s also a lot work.
We have a great appreciation for ALL that you do. We understand firsthand that it’s hard work to clean your home, prepare a meaningful lesson, keep the group fresh, call and email during the week, plan snacks, pray regularly, follow up Personal Growth Points, model integrity and authenticity, be energetic even at the end of a tough day, etc. And to repeat these things week after week. Month after month.
Exodus 18 tells the story of Moses being overwhelmed with the many tasks of ministry leadership. Concerned that his son-in-law was wearing himself out, Jethro encouraged Moses to find others to “bear the burden with you” (v.22). Moses listened to the voice of his father-in-law. As he began sharing ministry responsibilities it allowed for three things: 1) greater ownership in others, 2) more effective and personalized ministry, and 3) sustained energy in Moses. This was helpful advice for Moses … and for us, too.
Would you breathe a sigh of relief if I were to tell you that you do not have to do every task for your Small Group?
When we speak of “Mutual Ministry” it is more than dividing into gender-based groups within your Small Group for accountability and prayer. That’s part of it. But Mutual Ministry also involves allowing others to mutually bear the burden of some of the Small Group responsibilities.
The problem for some of us is that we love to do the ministry. But in doing all the ministry, we prevent others from contributing, inadvertently neglect a task or need for personal care, and can burn ourselves out.
Here are a few ideas to consider:
· Involve others in providing snacks (even coordinate the snack sign up)
· Allow someone else plan and host the next social event or potluck dinner
· Invite someone to update Small Group Online or coordinate the weekly email update to your group
· Divide into smaller breakout group for the ‘Mutual Ministry’ time (i.e. two groups of men, two groups of women)
· Encourage people to get into ‘prayer pairs’ or ‘prayer triplets’ to pray together at the close of Small Group and to follow up with each other during the week (you should not have to be the person calling everyone during the week!)
· Identify an apprentice (with the approval of your Flock Leader) and begin to share leadership. Kudos to the many of you who are already proactive with this. As our church grows, we have an increasing need to multiply healthy groups.
What can you do this week to share the burden of ministry and get someone else involved?
Let’s run the race with endurance!
P.S. I want to give a quick SHOUT OUT to those who helped with the Food Drive on Sunday morning. Over 40 people from our family group joined the fun. Yeah! Together we picked up groceries from the lots, sorted thousands of food items, and packed over 100 ready-to-distribute boxes. And it was great to have many children helping, too. Jen Galicinski observed, “This is a perfect service project for Small Groups and for families, too.” If you missed out on this opportunity, plan to join us in the Fall. If you are aware of a family who is struggling financially and could benefit from a box of groceries, please contact me. We can give boxes away as a one time gift or as a weekly supply if needed.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend. - Proverbs 27:5-6
Correction can be one of the most loving things we provide for those within our Small Groups.
Merriam-Webster.com defines 'confront' in two ways:
1: to face especially in a challenge [oppose]
2: to cause to meet; bring face to face [encounter]
Confrontation does not have to be adversarial. It doesn’t have to be done in opposition. Rather it can be a way for us to help each other see and encounter truth about ourselves. Even though it was hard at the time, I am grateful that I’ve had people in my life who have cared enough to help me encounter truth about myself.
What do you do when someone in your Small Group lacks follow through with a commitment, or is stuck in a pattern of sin, or is in denial about an issue, or is hindering the progress of your group, or did something hurtful to you or to others? Rather than ignoring these situations (or worse, gossiping about them) the loving thing to do is to talk one-on-one with the person. Men with men, women with women, or a couple with a couple.
After choosing an appropriate time and place, here are some guidelines for speaking truth in love:
1) Start with affirmation.
“Tim. I like you and appreciate you. Because of that, there is something I think you need to know that might help you…”
2) Share your perceptions honestly and clearly.
“I notice that sometimes your work and other things seem to leave no room for your spouse and kids” OR “The way you talk about your spouse during break out time sounds to me like there are some unresolved hurts in your marriage”
Here are some words to use:
- I notice that…
- I have seen that you …
- Have you noticed that …
- One of the things that I have seen you do …
- I wonder if you have ever thought about …
- I have heard you say…
3) Listen.
Allow the person to respond. Sometimes just inquiring about an issue is a welcomed opportunity for someone to open up about something that he/she has longed to talk about. Take time to listen to his/her story. And don’t rush a period of silence as the person may be processing what you just shared.
4) Offer biblical counsel.
As you dialogue together, make sure you are bringing God’s Word to bear on the situation. Don’t lose sight that the goal is not to point out faults, but help someone grow as a follower of Christ.
5) Plan to follow up, then pray with the person.
Before taking a moment to pray with the person, determine appropriate action steps. There is personal ownership if the person can identify some of the steps. Encourage being specific as possible (What are you going to do?, How are you going to do it?, When are you going to do it?). Affirm the person of your desire to run alongside and provide encouragement for growth.
The above process is the first step that Jesus outlined in Matthew 18:15-18. If the issue persists and needs further follow up, please contact your Flock Leader to discuss the next step of talking with the person.
If at any time you are uncertain about how to handle a situation with someone in your group, please know that your Flock Leader is only a phone call away and is always eager to assist you.
Remember: better is open rebuke than hidden love, faithful are the wounds of a friend.
Correction can be one of the most loving things we provide for those within our Small Groups.
Merriam-Webster.com defines 'confront' in two ways:
1: to face especially in a challenge [oppose]
2: to cause to meet; bring face to face [encounter]
Confrontation does not have to be adversarial. It doesn’t have to be done in opposition. Rather it can be a way for us to help each other see and encounter truth about ourselves. Even though it was hard at the time, I am grateful that I’ve had people in my life who have cared enough to help me encounter truth about myself.
What do you do when someone in your Small Group lacks follow through with a commitment, or is stuck in a pattern of sin, or is in denial about an issue, or is hindering the progress of your group, or did something hurtful to you or to others? Rather than ignoring these situations (or worse, gossiping about them) the loving thing to do is to talk one-on-one with the person. Men with men, women with women, or a couple with a couple.
After choosing an appropriate time and place, here are some guidelines for speaking truth in love:
1) Start with affirmation.
“Tim. I like you and appreciate you. Because of that, there is something I think you need to know that might help you…”
2) Share your perceptions honestly and clearly.
“I notice that sometimes your work and other things seem to leave no room for your spouse and kids” OR “The way you talk about your spouse during break out time sounds to me like there are some unresolved hurts in your marriage”
Here are some words to use:
- I notice that…
- I have seen that you …
- Have you noticed that …
- One of the things that I have seen you do …
- I wonder if you have ever thought about …
- I have heard you say…
3) Listen.
Allow the person to respond. Sometimes just inquiring about an issue is a welcomed opportunity for someone to open up about something that he/she has longed to talk about. Take time to listen to his/her story. And don’t rush a period of silence as the person may be processing what you just shared.
4) Offer biblical counsel.
As you dialogue together, make sure you are bringing God’s Word to bear on the situation. Don’t lose sight that the goal is not to point out faults, but help someone grow as a follower of Christ.
5) Plan to follow up, then pray with the person.
Before taking a moment to pray with the person, determine appropriate action steps. There is personal ownership if the person can identify some of the steps. Encourage being specific as possible (What are you going to do?, How are you going to do it?, When are you going to do it?). Affirm the person of your desire to run alongside and provide encouragement for growth.
The above process is the first step that Jesus outlined in Matthew 18:15-18. If the issue persists and needs further follow up, please contact your Flock Leader to discuss the next step of talking with the person.
If at any time you are uncertain about how to handle a situation with someone in your group, please know that your Flock Leader is only a phone call away and is always eager to assist you.
Remember: better is open rebuke than hidden love, faithful are the wounds of a friend.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
15He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. 21And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him. – Colossians 1:15-22
Jesus is the LORD of creation and the LORD of redemption.
As you prepare your heart for the sober reality of death of Christ on Good Friday and the celebration of Christ’s glorious resurrection on Easter, I encourage you join with me in pondering the above words from the Apostle Paul.
Go back and reread the passage. Read the verses through slowly. Phrase by phrase. Pause. Reflect.
Ponder the depths of these truths about Jesus:
· His eternality
· His creative power
· His sustaining power
· His preeminence
· His supremacy
· His holiness
· His extraordinary grace despite our alienation, hostility, evil deeds
· His blood, shed on the cross – not only as a sacrifice, but as a substitute
· His incredible offer of reconciliation to present us holy and blameless and above reproach before God.
As I reflect on these truths I am struck be the fact that the same hand that holds all things together is the same hand that was born in a stable in Bethlehem. And that hand ministered to people – loved people, held little children, touched people, healed the sick. Then the same hand was pierced as it was nailed to cross. But that hand rose again victoriously; then ascended into heaven. And that hand – that holds all things together, ministered to people, was pierced – reaches out to us today and offers to reconcile us to Him.
Oh, the extravagant love of the LORD.
Happy Easter to you and your family!
Jesus is the LORD of creation and the LORD of redemption.
As you prepare your heart for the sober reality of death of Christ on Good Friday and the celebration of Christ’s glorious resurrection on Easter, I encourage you join with me in pondering the above words from the Apostle Paul.
Go back and reread the passage. Read the verses through slowly. Phrase by phrase. Pause. Reflect.
Ponder the depths of these truths about Jesus:
· His eternality
· His creative power
· His sustaining power
· His preeminence
· His supremacy
· His holiness
· His extraordinary grace despite our alienation, hostility, evil deeds
· His blood, shed on the cross – not only as a sacrifice, but as a substitute
· His incredible offer of reconciliation to present us holy and blameless and above reproach before God.
As I reflect on these truths I am struck be the fact that the same hand that holds all things together is the same hand that was born in a stable in Bethlehem. And that hand ministered to people – loved people, held little children, touched people, healed the sick. Then the same hand was pierced as it was nailed to cross. But that hand rose again victoriously; then ascended into heaven. And that hand – that holds all things together, ministered to people, was pierced – reaches out to us today and offers to reconcile us to Him.
Oh, the extravagant love of the LORD.
Happy Easter to you and your family!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. – 1 Timothy 4:7-8
Physical fitness does not “just happen”.
I don’t shed a few pounds because I hope to do so. My muscles don’t get stronger because I read a book about weightlifting. I can’t run five miles because I discuss running strategies with a group of guys each week. If only fitness was that simple. Physical fitness requires training. It requires active discipline. And so does personal spiritual growth.
Just because people attend Small Groups doesn’t necessitate spiritual growth, right?
This is why we’re committed to Personal Growth Points in our Small Groups. I trust all of you are continuing to encourage each person in your group to identify one area for personal growth in each of the three categories of Spiritual Disciplines, Character, and Relationships. But there is more to growth than just identifying a need. It’s one thing to identify a need to lose weight; it’s another thing to be actively disciplined to lose weight. Michelle Strissel told me last week that she regularly asks three follow up questions to the ladies in their breakout time to promote intentionality and specificity:
- What are you going to do?
- How are you going to do it?
- When are you going to do it?
I love it! And because she asks these questions over and over again, they have become a part of the ethos of her group.
In January, I identified one of my Personal Growth Points as increasing in Scripture memory by memorizing the book of Colossians. So far I have chapters 1, 3, and 4 down … and I’m starting on chapter 2 this week. This active discipline has so refreshed my walk with the Lord. And I can tell you it would not have happened without first identifying it as an area for growth and the weekly accountability I am receiving in my guy’s group every Thursday morning.
As you gather for your next Small Group, whether tonight or in a few days, be sure to cast the vision again and review Personal Growth Points with each other. Take time to celebrate growth. Be a source of encouragement by affirming the progress you have seen. And if you’re nearing your 90 day mark, identify new areas for growth.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
One of the best ways to bond together as a Small Group is to serve together.
There are many opportunities to "work for Christ" in the month of April. I encourage you to pick one of the opportunities below and commit to serve together as a Small Group (especially if you haven't done a serving project this semester!)
Food Drive - Sunday, April 19 at 9:00 am
Our bi-annual Food Drive is the weekend of April 18-19, and our "Family Group" of Small Groups is responsible for staffing the 9:00 am service on April 19. We need men and women, even children. My two sons, Jonathan (8) and Micah (6), love helping me on Food Drive weekends! People will bring food in boxes and place them behind their vehicles. We need people to drive around, pick up these boxes and bring them to the dock. At the dock, we need people to receive the boxes and check the contents. Then the boxes are stacked on pallets and distributed as needed. And, of course, you can participate by donating a box of food items, too. If you, your family, or your Small Group would like to help, please email me. :)
400 Hours of Serving in April Challenge
Our beautiful Elgin Campus needs some work and loving attention in the month of April. We are looking for one hundred volunteers to serve 4 hours each during the month to help with painting, general carpentry, electrical, heating & cooling, Spring landscaping, and general property beautification. This is a fantastic opportunity to serve as a family or a Small Group, or to use your trade in service to the Lord. Times are flexible. For more information, please contact Bryin at bnelson@harvestbible.org or (847) 398-7005 x3256.
Men's Work Weekend @ Camp Harvest - April 2-4
This annual Spring trek to Camp Harvest provides plenty of fun memories with the guys and prepares the Camp for ministry this summer. Depart on Thursday after work and return on Saturday evening. There are plenty of projects for guys with skills or who are just willing to work hard. In addition to working, you'll eat great food, play games, enjoy the outdoors, and bond together with other men. And best of all ... there is no cost to this weekend! For more information, please contact Dave at deichmann@harvestbible.org.
Child Care during Good Friday Services
If you would like to volunteer to provide child care at the 4:00 pm or 5:30 pm service, please contact Lisa at leklund@harvestbible.org.
There are many opportunities to "work for Christ" in the month of April. I encourage you to pick one of the opportunities below and commit to serve together as a Small Group (especially if you haven't done a serving project this semester!)
Food Drive - Sunday, April 19 at 9:00 am
Our bi-annual Food Drive is the weekend of April 18-19, and our "Family Group" of Small Groups is responsible for staffing the 9:00 am service on April 19. We need men and women, even children. My two sons, Jonathan (8) and Micah (6), love helping me on Food Drive weekends! People will bring food in boxes and place them behind their vehicles. We need people to drive around, pick up these boxes and bring them to the dock. At the dock, we need people to receive the boxes and check the contents. Then the boxes are stacked on pallets and distributed as needed. And, of course, you can participate by donating a box of food items, too. If you, your family, or your Small Group would like to help, please email me. :)
400 Hours of Serving in April Challenge
Our beautiful Elgin Campus needs some work and loving attention in the month of April. We are looking for one hundred volunteers to serve 4 hours each during the month to help with painting, general carpentry, electrical, heating & cooling, Spring landscaping, and general property beautification. This is a fantastic opportunity to serve as a family or a Small Group, or to use your trade in service to the Lord. Times are flexible. For more information, please contact Bryin at bnelson@harvestbible.org or (847) 398-7005 x3256.
Men's Work Weekend @ Camp Harvest - April 2-4
This annual Spring trek to Camp Harvest provides plenty of fun memories with the guys and prepares the Camp for ministry this summer. Depart on Thursday after work and return on Saturday evening. There are plenty of projects for guys with skills or who are just willing to work hard. In addition to working, you'll eat great food, play games, enjoy the outdoors, and bond together with other men. And best of all ... there is no cost to this weekend! For more information, please contact Dave at deichmann@harvestbible.org.
Child Care during Good Friday Services
If you would like to volunteer to provide child care at the 4:00 pm or 5:30 pm service, please contact Lisa at leklund@harvestbible.org.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. – 1 Chronicles 29:11-12
As I was running on Sunday afternoon I passed someone who was taking his dog for a walk. Correct that. The dog was taking him for a walk. The dog was clearly in control and the man was struggling to hang on.
Unfortunately many people today find themselves in a situation where their finances are controlling them, rather than them controlling their finances. Some are in a financial crisis due to greed and mismanagement. But many others, perhaps even some in your Small Groups, are struggling because of a recent job loss due to our economy. And almost everyone has some anxiety because of all the economic bad news.
I am attaching two PDF documents of a newly released book written by Ron Blue, Surviving Financial Meltdown. This book was a very helpful read for me. It addresses the current economic situation and is written using language that even I can understand! And it’s only 106 pages long. The book follows four financial principles:
1) Think long-term with goals and investing
2) Spend less than you earn
3) Maintain emergency savings
4) Minimize the use of debt
In addition to these four, a fifth principle that has guided Camille and me in 13 years of marriage is “give generously”. These principles will help lead someone out of a crisis – and can prevent future ones. Due to cost of living increases and enrolling a second child in HCA, Camille and I have reassessed our budget and cut spending in certain categories so we are living responsibly and with integrity before the Lord.
As believers in Jesus Christ, God has called us to be sanctified (to be set apart). Sadly Christians can be as materialistic as the world. We cannot afford to be bankrupt spiritually. May God be honored in the way you handle your own finances and in how you care for and minister to others.
I have given each Flock Leader a copy of Surviving Financial Meltdown to read, then to pass on to a Small Group leader or member. If this would be a blessing to you or to someone in your Small Group, please contact your Flock Leader. Then, after reading it, pass it along to someone else. :) Or you can purchase it at the Harvest Bookstore.
If you are looking for a Web resource, I’d recommend these two sites: http://www.crown.org/ and http://www.masteryourmoney.com/.
As I was running on Sunday afternoon I passed someone who was taking his dog for a walk. Correct that. The dog was taking him for a walk. The dog was clearly in control and the man was struggling to hang on.
Unfortunately many people today find themselves in a situation where their finances are controlling them, rather than them controlling their finances. Some are in a financial crisis due to greed and mismanagement. But many others, perhaps even some in your Small Groups, are struggling because of a recent job loss due to our economy. And almost everyone has some anxiety because of all the economic bad news.
I am attaching two PDF documents of a newly released book written by Ron Blue, Surviving Financial Meltdown. This book was a very helpful read for me. It addresses the current economic situation and is written using language that even I can understand! And it’s only 106 pages long. The book follows four financial principles:
1) Think long-term with goals and investing
2) Spend less than you earn
3) Maintain emergency savings
4) Minimize the use of debt
In addition to these four, a fifth principle that has guided Camille and me in 13 years of marriage is “give generously”. These principles will help lead someone out of a crisis – and can prevent future ones. Due to cost of living increases and enrolling a second child in HCA, Camille and I have reassessed our budget and cut spending in certain categories so we are living responsibly and with integrity before the Lord.
As believers in Jesus Christ, God has called us to be sanctified (to be set apart). Sadly Christians can be as materialistic as the world. We cannot afford to be bankrupt spiritually. May God be honored in the way you handle your own finances and in how you care for and minister to others.
I have given each Flock Leader a copy of Surviving Financial Meltdown to read, then to pass on to a Small Group leader or member. If this would be a blessing to you or to someone in your Small Group, please contact your Flock Leader. Then, after reading it, pass it along to someone else. :) Or you can purchase it at the Harvest Bookstore.
If you are looking for a Web resource, I’d recommend these two sites: http://www.crown.org/ and http://www.masteryourmoney.com/.
Friday, March 13, 2009
So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us. – 1 Thessalonians 2:8
What does it mean to “share…our own selves” with one another?
It’s more than sharing brownies. It’s more than sharing mutual interests with someone. And it’s more than just being in a Small Group with other people. It implies depth and richness. It implies a willing spirit motivated by genuine affection. It implies authenticity and action.
There are two dimensions involved in sharing our own selves with one another:
- Opening Up about Yourself – being authentic; sharing faith stories; being honest about joys and transparent about struggles; informing others of your needs
- Entering into Another’s Life – asking questions and listening to the heart, not just words; serving someone’s needs inside & outside of the group time; speaking truth in love; following up during the week; carrying one another’s burdens.
Here are four questions to ponder and talk about with your spouse:
1) Why are both dimensions necessary for a healthy Small Group?
2) What are obstacles to experiencing each dimension in a Small Group?
3) Which comes more naturally for you – opening up or entering in? Why?
4) What is something you can do this week to encourage the sharing of one’s lives with one another?
The following is an excerpt from a Small Group Online update I received from Charlie & Linda Poppert this morning regarding their gathering on Tuesday night:
“We changed things up a little and had Jim lead in worship. After each song we gave everyone an opportunity to share how they came to the Lord. Then we all had communion and shared prayer requests. It was amazing. I just sat there and though how we all came from such different backgrounds and the Lord worked in our lives in such different ways and yet the outcomes were all the same. Many in our group asked for prayer for children that are not living for the Lord.”
I love it! This is a group that understands what it means to share their lives with one another – through sharing faith stories, communion, worship, and meaningful prayer requests.
May we not settle for anything less than sharing our own selves with one another!
What does it mean to “share…our own selves” with one another?
It’s more than sharing brownies. It’s more than sharing mutual interests with someone. And it’s more than just being in a Small Group with other people. It implies depth and richness. It implies a willing spirit motivated by genuine affection. It implies authenticity and action.
There are two dimensions involved in sharing our own selves with one another:
- Opening Up about Yourself – being authentic; sharing faith stories; being honest about joys and transparent about struggles; informing others of your needs
- Entering into Another’s Life – asking questions and listening to the heart, not just words; serving someone’s needs inside & outside of the group time; speaking truth in love; following up during the week; carrying one another’s burdens.
Here are four questions to ponder and talk about with your spouse:
1) Why are both dimensions necessary for a healthy Small Group?
2) What are obstacles to experiencing each dimension in a Small Group?
3) Which comes more naturally for you – opening up or entering in? Why?
4) What is something you can do this week to encourage the sharing of one’s lives with one another?
The following is an excerpt from a Small Group Online update I received from Charlie & Linda Poppert this morning regarding their gathering on Tuesday night:
“We changed things up a little and had Jim lead in worship. After each song we gave everyone an opportunity to share how they came to the Lord. Then we all had communion and shared prayer requests. It was amazing. I just sat there and though how we all came from such different backgrounds and the Lord worked in our lives in such different ways and yet the outcomes were all the same. Many in our group asked for prayer for children that are not living for the Lord.”
I love it! This is a group that understands what it means to share their lives with one another – through sharing faith stories, communion, worship, and meaningful prayer requests.
May we not settle for anything less than sharing our own selves with one another!
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