Men's Gathering

I have been discussing with Jason Phipps and others the need and potential for a men's gathering and study (By the way ladies, you can have one too). Not only that, but I have a potentially really cool place to hold it. You'd probably want to come just because of the place, even if you don't like the gathering!

What do you think? Would time together as men, young and old, be worthwhile? Is it something you'd make time for? What would you recommend for a gathering? And, most importantly, is there anyone in your sphere of influence that you could persuade to make really good snacks for said gathering? ;-)

Sound off! Tell me what you think!

Blessings
Jack

What I'm Reading

I thought it might be enlightening to some, intriguing to others, helpful to a few, and a completely useless piece of information to others to know what it is that I think is worthwhile to read. I know that we have some avid readers in our family, as well as some that love some good research into the backgrounds of belief. So with that in mind I'm starting-in competition with/and what I'm sure will eclipse the Oprah Book Club-The Java With Jack Book Club.
I was reminded at a relatively recent dinner that Paula and I had at Kenny and Martha's home that a good cup of coffee and discussion of good books and the ways they enrich our lives are things hard to beat. It really reinforces the good stuff of life: time together, conversation, mental stimulation, sharing of dreams, intellectual enrichment. And it was all free (at least for Paula and me...the Collings paid for dinner. ;-).

I have wanted for sometime to start a group gathering, built around good books, that provides for the things mentioned in the previous paragraph. And as I continue to think about it, I thought I would put it out there for your comments. Is there any interest in such an idea? Would you like something like this to get involved with? It could be done entirely through email, or in a meeting get-together setting...or both. I envisioned an early morning gathering over coffee and muffins (there must be good snacks), or it could be an evening get-together (with snacks).

The books can cover a plethora of subjects and interests; it doesn't have to be just heavy theology. Parenting, marriages, relationships, travel...you name it. Fellowship, fun and lives & loves shared. Sound off! What do you think? Would you be interested? Post a comment!

While I'm waiting to hear back from you, here are some things that I'm reading that I think will challenge you. I have two books in my current rotation. First, "Jesus, The Tribulation, And The End Of The Exile" by Brant Pitre (Doctoral dissertation, heavy theology). There is some wonderful research in this book by a Catholic theologian, the purpose of which is to show that eschatology and the atonement are inseparably intertwined in the first century. A great read for those inclined to this level of study. Second, "Furious Pursuit" by Tim King & Frank Martin. This is an easy read with a fabulous message: A God who furiously pursues us, longing for relationship, in-spite of our humanity; a God to embrace not fear.

There are several others that I think would be very good reads and would serve as a great basis for discussion. There are so many rich new ways to enhance each others lives. This might be one. Sound off! What do you think?
Blessings
Jack

Sunday's MAC Agenda

First, let me begin by reemphasizing some things I stressed on Sunday:

• This forum is a way to help us further discuss very important things that touch all of us.
• This forum is a way to enhance and clarify the issues that we need to make decisions about.
• This is primarily a way to share what is on your mind - a way of sharing your thoughts and your questions. Discussion, questions and clarification are fine as long as it is kept civil and respectful.
  
• Remember, written discussions often cannot clearly express the emotional intent of the writer. So, what may be intended as humorous or teasing or "tongue-in-cheek" may be misunderstood. So, try to be clear and succinct if you choose to participate.
• Or, you may just want to wait until our discussions on Sunday to share your thoughts, which is fine as well.
• Finally, as the administrator I have the ability to approve what is posted, or decide not to post something. If I choose not to, I will notify you with the reasons why.

Having laid the ground-rules for our discussions, now is the time for us to identify an agenda of items that need our attention. As an assembly of believers who desire to grow and change the world we live in, we are a public organization not a secret society, therefore what we portray to the public is critical; especially in our assemblies. While it may be argued that our assemblies are primarily for the purpose of the family, they are also our public expressions of how we see ourselves and our mission in the world. Just as critical as the discussion of our "name change," and the reasoning for its relevance, is the need to look critically at our assemblies and ask, " are they as relevant to our total Mission and Vision as they should be?" In fact, this is perhaps more important than the name change, for it matters little what we call ourselves if our corporate life isn't what it should and could be. Can we be a community sensitive to the relevance of our self-description, and not be just as diligent when it comes to our public manifestations in our assemblies, knowing these are the standards people will really judge us by?

In our public representations we must model what can only be called "life-relevance." Few if any have aspirations of enhancing life with a brand new "ice-box & wringer washer" (you younger people ask someone older). Similarly, we should desire to apply the life-relevance principle to all our public gatherings. Both in small nuanced ways and even perhaps in large paradigm shifts, we have the freedom and opportunity to dream and reevaluate what we hope to accomplish and how.

LET ME SAY CLEARLY, TO THOSE MOST SENSITIVE TO THE DISCUSSION OF CHANGE, IN NO WAY IS THIS AN INDICATION OR EXPRESSION THAT WE FEEL THE WAY THINGS HAVE BEEN DONE ARE BAD OR WRONG. QUITE THE CONTRARY, WE EMBRACE OUR PAST AND PRESENT AS THAT WHICH HONORS GOD AND HAS PAVED THE WAY FOR US TO HAVE THE FREEDOM TO DREAM ABOUT THE FUTURE AND CHANGE ACCORDINGLY TO ADAPT TO AND MEET THOSE DREAMS.

With all of this in mind, our public assemblies need to be rethought. If we are to start with what would appear to have the most challenges, then our Sunday morning assembly is not where we should begin. By far, our most neglected and statistically challenged services are our Sunday and Wednesday evening assemblies. With that in mind let us direct ourselves to what we should do with these times and their formats.

1. Sunday evening:

• continue or end?
• more dynamic for activities, service projects, children & fellowship?
• separate focus-group to bring back suggestions to church?

2. Wednesday evening:

• family emphasis - kid focus?
  
• earlier time - 6:00 vs. 7:00?
• complete specialty focus, such as Financial Peace University?
• do we wish to select other times for specialty projects.
  

Please give prayer and thought to these subjects and your active participation in these conversations. Failure to converse and move ahead is not an option; such will only drain the life from our family. Dreams linked to conversation lead to vision which produces dynamic growth. Please, come and be a constructive part of our families discussion on these matters.

Blessings
Jack

M.A.C. Update

Just a reminder to those who were in our MAC meeting Sunday morning...an update to those who were not able to be there. We discussed the difficulty of having good participation because of the "auditorium culture/atmosphere." We need and want good participation and conversation and most all seemed to agree that this would be easier if we switched to the fellowship hall.

Secondly, we desire to have our teachers involved as well, unless they just simply want to continue their classes and choose not to. To that end we are purchasing our license to be able to show movies in the auditorium. So all of the kids, at least those whose teacher will be in the MAC meeting, will meet in the auditorium.

Third, we agreed that this process is important and we don't want to be rushed, so we may in fact take longer than the normal class period for our discussion. For those teachers who may choose to continue their class, please be advised of this. If you desire to end your class at the normal time, then please escort the kids to the auditorium for supervision, then feel free to join us at that time.

Finally, I will try to add an agenda by tomorrow that will guide our discussion for this coming Sunday, so please check back for a look at what we will be discussing.

Blessings
Jack

Wee Worship Workday

We will be having a Wee Worship Workday on August 24th beginning at 2:00pm.

Wee need anyone wanting to help prepare artwork for lessons to attend this meeting.

Also, the first Wee Worship will be held on Sunday, August 31st during during Jack's sermon.

Have a great day!
Jason

Wee Worship

Please remember the organizational meeting for our children's worship time named "Wee Worship".

All those interested in this ministry should plan to meet at the church building Thursday (tomorrow), August 7th at 7 pm.

********************************************************* FOLLOWUP NOTE FROM HELEN:
The first organizational meeting for our WEE WORSHIP, was a huge success. If you were not able to attend that is okay because we are having our next meeting Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2008 @7:00 PM at the building. Please email me if you are willing to help. Don't be scared. We have a progam that is easy to implement. I need these names ASAP. We WILL have our first WEE WORSHIP the first Sunday in September. Just think of the possibilities. How cool is this going to be for our kids! We need you to be a part of this. Come on and jump on the "band wagon". WEE WORSHIP NEEDS YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HELEN

Backpacks Needed

The school supplies that we collected have been delivered to the YWCA Grace Center. They were very appreciative of the supplies.

They are in need of school backpacks. We were told that the Grace Center has had over 250 request for supplies and that they are constantly running out of backpacks. If you can purchase a backpack, please bring to the building and they will be delivered.

Helen

You Tube

Thought we might get a You Tube site where we can show people what goes on in our family.

Here's the link where a video slideshow is online.

http://www.youtube.com/user/ArdmoreFamilyOfGod

Check it out! Brett

Overall Sunday

From all reports, our first Overall Sunday was a HUGE success! Over 30 adults showed up at JoAnn Young's house ready to sweat on what we now know was NOT the hottest day of the year, while still very competitive.

A big thank you to all who helped. We carried away 5 heaping flatbed trailers full of yard debris and limbs and left behind some fresh paint and a lot of love and goodwill.

We will keep this ball rolling in August. The last Sunday is August 31. We are reviewing a couple of options for this month including Bill and Loraine Darnell's house. A scout team will evaluate what we want to accomplish this time so we can be better prepared with the right tools and equipment.

Last Sunday, Ruth Ann showed a short video of some of the action. I bet we can convince her to bring it next week for any who missed it. Photos from the first overall Sunday are available at the site Jason Phipps set up for us at...
http://picasaweb.google.com/ardmorefamilyofgod

Family Photo Album

Jason Phipps has created a Family of God photo album. To see it, click the following link...

http://picasaweb.google.com/ardmorefamilyofgod

Check here for pics of the latest fun and events from the F.O.G.
Recent announcements will also be available there, too.

Thanks, Jason! We love all the new Power Point screens with animation!