After and AWESOME service this past Sunday at FHCC, we hopped into the family micro-sedan and headed to "Amish-Country" for Christmas. After one wrong turn and 15-min. of panicking at the thought that I may have forgotten something back in NYC, we arrived at Christine's parents' around dinner time. We ate, unpacked, bathed the kids, put them in bed, and then fell asleep only to wake up every hour to our youngest screaming. Apparently he was not liking the new mattress grandma had specially bought just for him. Needless to say, it was a LONG night...
Monday (Christmas Eve) it was "up at dawn" to take the car for the annual inspection. Sure enough, it needed some work so I spent the day sitting at my parents' house watching YouTube and waiting...and waiting...and waiting... But, by mid-afternoon it was done, the credit card was swiped and it off to Lancaster to pick up the wife and kids and head out to the Christmas Eve service. Super-sprint to church in time to get a seat, get inside and see all our friends we haven't seen in a year. GREAT TIME! The service starts with us standing and singing carols. I get to hold my youngest who hates to be held when I am sitting, so all is well...UNTIL the end of the first song. From there on out it was a sitting service, which meant I had to go to the back of the auditorium and walk and hold my baby. SUPER GREAT TIME!!! My arms are breaking, people are staring, but I am dancing and singing with my smiling, happy, daddy-loving boy. LOVED IT!!! Best way to spend a Christmas Eve.
Service is over, race home, bathe the kids, get them in bed, and then wake up early to run back to my parents' house for Christmas morning. Spend the morning with them, race home at noon to get the kids down for nap-time, finally open MY presents, get the kids up, eat dinner, bathe the kids, get them to bed, and then spend the night talking with family, FIGHTING FACEBOOK! and going to bed late...PRAISE GOD, the baby sleeps through the night.
Day after Christmas the baby is up before sunrise, which is no biggie since daddy got a new coffee-maker for Christmas. Fresh smell of Starbuck's, a Hillsong cd, baby in my arms and praying with Jesus is a GREAT way to start the day. Surprisingly, the family soon awakes, showers are taken, and it is OFF TO THE MALL for returns and gift card shopping. (NO post-Christmas deal this year :( ) Ended up buying nothing, coming home, putting the kids down for a nap, and getting ready for Sunday.
The rest of the week looks like the first part of the week: break-neck. Honestly, I have no complaints (my blood-shot eyes do, but I don't). I'm with my family, I love my wife and kids, and I love being a pastor. LOVE IT!
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Real Ministry
It is Saturday night, and I am overwhelmed with the need of this city. Over the past 48 hours I have SEEN vividly the desperate condition Forest Hills. I cannot even begin to describe it, nor do I need to. I am grateful that God has sent us here.
Yet while I have been taken back by the depravity, I have also seen the redemptive power of Jesus take place. I have seen miracles in the past 48hours. God is moving, and He is doing it through His church.
We should be honored and humbled to be a part.... I am broken...
Yet while I have been taken back by the depravity, I have also seen the redemptive power of Jesus take place. I have seen miracles in the past 48hours. God is moving, and He is doing it through His church.
We should be honored and humbled to be a part.... I am broken...
Thursday, December 20, 2007
12:21am and Still Awake
Thinking. Wondering. Pondering. And answering emails that have been stacked up in my Inbox all week. It's been a crazy busy week. No calamities, just busy. I'm not stressed out, all is in order on my weekly "To Do List;" I guess I'm just awake. Plus, I've been tackling Murray's "The Indwelling Spirit" book. The jury is still out on this one...
Speaking of books, I've been reading a lot lately. Honestly, nothing good. I try to read books that make me think, or church/leader books that are popular, or just some classic theology book. I don't know about you, but I don't read to "receive," I read to analyze and compare. I would like to think that everyone reads with this goal in mind, but I don't think they do. Based on my observation of other's response to the books I've been reading, I think that most read and accept, rather than challenge. And I don't think they take this position out of stupidity, but rather out of ignorance. People voluntarily "limit" themselves in thought, practice, and exposure; and therefore, when someone does something even SLIGHTLY different it is as though a revolution has taken place. I'm not sure why they do this, nor do I think they know that they do this; but it is still voluntary nevertheless. For while they may not conscientiously "limit" themselves, they don't "push" themselves, and I think the desire to challenge is the natural human response. I also think this "limiting mentality" has become the world's practice. We only do what we are comfortable doing, nothing more. It's sad, because we are missing out on some really great opportunities, breakthroughs, and experiences as a result. So many are just wasting their God-given potential...
Incidentally, there is one book that ALWAYS leaves me challenged, and that is the Bible. I mean it with all honesty and sincerity: it humbles me and calls me out. I believe that God has created us for an incredible purpose, to experience life beyond our self-imposed boundaries, and for some reason this scares the majority of us. Why?
Speaking of books, I've been reading a lot lately. Honestly, nothing good. I try to read books that make me think, or church/leader books that are popular, or just some classic theology book. I don't know about you, but I don't read to "receive," I read to analyze and compare. I would like to think that everyone reads with this goal in mind, but I don't think they do. Based on my observation of other's response to the books I've been reading, I think that most read and accept, rather than challenge. And I don't think they take this position out of stupidity, but rather out of ignorance. People voluntarily "limit" themselves in thought, practice, and exposure; and therefore, when someone does something even SLIGHTLY different it is as though a revolution has taken place. I'm not sure why they do this, nor do I think they know that they do this; but it is still voluntary nevertheless. For while they may not conscientiously "limit" themselves, they don't "push" themselves, and I think the desire to challenge is the natural human response. I also think this "limiting mentality" has become the world's practice. We only do what we are comfortable doing, nothing more. It's sad, because we are missing out on some really great opportunities, breakthroughs, and experiences as a result. So many are just wasting their God-given potential...
Incidentally, there is one book that ALWAYS leaves me challenged, and that is the Bible. I mean it with all honesty and sincerity: it humbles me and calls me out. I believe that God has created us for an incredible purpose, to experience life beyond our self-imposed boundaries, and for some reason this scares the majority of us. Why?
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Casual Connections
I'm still torn about the the title, "Casual Connections." It sounds too much like the bad section of Craigslist....
For those of you who don't know, our church (FHCC) has a calling to be a body of believers who love Jesus and who love others as a result. And to implement this calling, we try to provide as many opportunities as possible for people to get together throughout the week and just "hang out." No agenda, no work, no expectations; just chilling.
We launched this new activity back in November and began calling it "Casual Connections." Our first one was a tremendous success, bringing out a dozen individuals of varying ages and backgrounds, and of even varying involvement in the church. It was great to see everyone participate in the various discussions taking place around the table, and even better to see so many "small" conversations happening throughout the night. It wasn't about a single personality or topic, yet every conversation included a testimony about what Jesus was doing in someone's life. It was a fantastic night, and a wonderful beginning to this new outreach.
Well, we conducted our second CC last week, and again, it was another success! Same people, different people, and yet all of the talk was still about Jesus and helping each other. It is so cool to see God's calling on our church come to fruition! After the meeting, I immediately began planning the next installment of CC for January. However, as the week progressed, and as more and more people began commenting on how much fun they were having at the CC's, and how so many others still wanted to be a part, I knew we couldn't wait until January to host a third CC.
So, last night was round #3 of "Casual Connections." Once again, we had same people/different people and great conversations. Yet, rather than be of equal or lesser quality from the first two, this past one was probably the best yet. For more than any other night, everyone talked with everyone who was present. We all got to know each other personally, and that just doesn't happen in NYC, especially when dealing with strangers. It was beautiful, and not only did I notice the miracle, but so did the restaurant staff. They simply could not believe that people from a church would voluntarily come out during the week, pay for a cup of coffee, and talk with strangers, much less enjoy themselves in the process. It was amazing, and to top it all off, we even were able to pay the tab for the complete strangers sitting next to us! Mission Accomplished.
For those of you who don't know, our church (FHCC) has a calling to be a body of believers who love Jesus and who love others as a result. And to implement this calling, we try to provide as many opportunities as possible for people to get together throughout the week and just "hang out." No agenda, no work, no expectations; just chilling.
We launched this new activity back in November and began calling it "Casual Connections." Our first one was a tremendous success, bringing out a dozen individuals of varying ages and backgrounds, and of even varying involvement in the church. It was great to see everyone participate in the various discussions taking place around the table, and even better to see so many "small" conversations happening throughout the night. It wasn't about a single personality or topic, yet every conversation included a testimony about what Jesus was doing in someone's life. It was a fantastic night, and a wonderful beginning to this new outreach.
Well, we conducted our second CC last week, and again, it was another success! Same people, different people, and yet all of the talk was still about Jesus and helping each other. It is so cool to see God's calling on our church come to fruition! After the meeting, I immediately began planning the next installment of CC for January. However, as the week progressed, and as more and more people began commenting on how much fun they were having at the CC's, and how so many others still wanted to be a part, I knew we couldn't wait until January to host a third CC.
So, last night was round #3 of "Casual Connections." Once again, we had same people/different people and great conversations. Yet, rather than be of equal or lesser quality from the first two, this past one was probably the best yet. For more than any other night, everyone talked with everyone who was present. We all got to know each other personally, and that just doesn't happen in NYC, especially when dealing with strangers. It was beautiful, and not only did I notice the miracle, but so did the restaurant staff. They simply could not believe that people from a church would voluntarily come out during the week, pay for a cup of coffee, and talk with strangers, much less enjoy themselves in the process. It was amazing, and to top it all off, we even were able to pay the tab for the complete strangers sitting next to us! Mission Accomplished.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Unintended Illustrated Sermon
Well, God rocks! I went into this Sunday's service "prayed up" and expecting God to move mightily. I had been meditating a lot on what God wanted to say this week, was excited for the message, the new location, the new vision and growth we've been seeing to continue, etc. I was also in a state of expectancy due to the weather man's ominous predictions for service time. There was a lot surrounding today's service, and I knew it was going to be meaningful...and it was, just not the way I had been expecting.
Today's message was all about the redemption on Bethlehem. In the days of Jesus, Bethlehem was a little no-name place with not much of a reputation. It had nothing on its own going for it, and yet this is preciously where God chose to bring forth His Messiah and world redeemer. Out of nothing, something great happened; and ironically, this is precisely what happened in church today.
Today, we met in a new theater inside the Midway. We have been growing every week and this new theater offered us more space, better lighting, and supposedly more time to set-up and tear down. It was the right decision to move, and everything started off GREAT in service today. The lighting and sound were great, people could see, we were on track, yet when the message started...
As I am delivering the message, the theater's PA system kicks in with Alvin and the Chipmunks singing "I Saw the Witch Doctor." This was followed by a country diddy about a love-sick Reba McIntyre. Eventually it stopped, but it was a real mood killer for sure. We continued on in the service, yet a few minutes later I see people pointing and laughing at the screen. I turn around to see what was going on and the theater's projector had turned on. Sure enough, over the Bible verses were advertisements for popcorn and hair removal (not on the same slide, of course). It was a wild and crazy time, but FIT PERFECTLY with what God was telling us through His message in Micah 5:2.
The service ended beautifully with us recognizing that God is in charge not matter what, when we allow Him to be. He can take any mess, uncertainty, calamity and make it perfect for accomplishing His will. We SAW that today at Forest Hills Community Church.
I love Jesus. He never ceases to amaze me....
Today's message was all about the redemption on Bethlehem. In the days of Jesus, Bethlehem was a little no-name place with not much of a reputation. It had nothing on its own going for it, and yet this is preciously where God chose to bring forth His Messiah and world redeemer. Out of nothing, something great happened; and ironically, this is precisely what happened in church today.
Today, we met in a new theater inside the Midway. We have been growing every week and this new theater offered us more space, better lighting, and supposedly more time to set-up and tear down. It was the right decision to move, and everything started off GREAT in service today. The lighting and sound were great, people could see, we were on track, yet when the message started...
As I am delivering the message, the theater's PA system kicks in with Alvin and the Chipmunks singing "I Saw the Witch Doctor." This was followed by a country diddy about a love-sick Reba McIntyre. Eventually it stopped, but it was a real mood killer for sure. We continued on in the service, yet a few minutes later I see people pointing and laughing at the screen. I turn around to see what was going on and the theater's projector had turned on. Sure enough, over the Bible verses were advertisements for popcorn and hair removal (not on the same slide, of course). It was a wild and crazy time, but FIT PERFECTLY with what God was telling us through His message in Micah 5:2.
The service ended beautifully with us recognizing that God is in charge not matter what, when we allow Him to be. He can take any mess, uncertainty, calamity and make it perfect for accomplishing His will. We SAW that today at Forest Hills Community Church.
I love Jesus. He never ceases to amaze me....
Friday, December 14, 2007
Rough Day
Hey, guess what: Pastors have rough days too. Surprise, surprise, I know. Man, it started off a winner. I was handing out invitations in the subway (300 in less than an hour), prayer walked home, finished the week's sermon and powerpoint, and then BAM!...all down hill from there.
What is weird is that it wasn't "one thing" or even "several things;" it was simply me! I was just in a funk and I let it get the better of me. I am still soooo human; and that is the problem.
No, I am not talking crazy left-coast-hippy-talk. I am not striving to become an enlightened spirit or being. What I mean by being "human," is I was not living like Jesus today in my attitude. I wasn't evil, cursing, watching bad movies or getting in fights with others, I was just living my day on my own like everybody else. I wasn't dependent and seeking God's influence as much as I should have been. The result: bad day.
Now, can "bad days" happen when you are full-throttle for Jesus? Sure. Life is life, and more often than not it's hard and disappointing. But in those situations, when you are full-throttle on Jesus, those bad days are still good days spiritually.
Ah...to be dependent on Jesus. It truly is the only way to go.
What is weird is that it wasn't "one thing" or even "several things;" it was simply me! I was just in a funk and I let it get the better of me. I am still soooo human; and that is the problem.
No, I am not talking crazy left-coast-hippy-talk. I am not striving to become an enlightened spirit or being. What I mean by being "human," is I was not living like Jesus today in my attitude. I wasn't evil, cursing, watching bad movies or getting in fights with others, I was just living my day on my own like everybody else. I wasn't dependent and seeking God's influence as much as I should have been. The result: bad day.
Now, can "bad days" happen when you are full-throttle for Jesus? Sure. Life is life, and more often than not it's hard and disappointing. But in those situations, when you are full-throttle on Jesus, those bad days are still good days spiritually.
Ah...to be dependent on Jesus. It truly is the only way to go.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Thursday Sabbath
Once a week, a day is set aside for NOTHING. As a husband and father of two small boys, "nothing" certainly doesn't mean "nothing." What it does mean is that the email is not opened, no work is done/modified/etc., and I don't even make a list of things to do. What does happen, however, is I spend the entire day with my family. This typically involves a trip to Target for family items, a $1 popcorn and Icee combo, and wrestling my oldest multiple times throughout the day. I always try to read a book or watch a movie, but again, I have two small boys and a wife that I love with all my heart. There is NO WAY I am going to ignore them for a book or comedy.
Today was no exception to the norm. Had a great day with the family, watched the snow fall (for a total of 1-hour before turning to nasty sleet and rain) and ate homemade "Sweet baby Ray" bar-b-que sandwiches. If you have never heard of "Sweet Baby Ray's Bar BQ Sauce," you are missing out on a little piece of heaven on earth.
I am grateful for the Sabbath concept. Good thinkin', Lord.
Today was no exception to the norm. Had a great day with the family, watched the snow fall (for a total of 1-hour before turning to nasty sleet and rain) and ate homemade "Sweet baby Ray" bar-b-que sandwiches. If you have never heard of "Sweet Baby Ray's Bar BQ Sauce," you are missing out on a little piece of heaven on earth.
I am grateful for the Sabbath concept. Good thinkin', Lord.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
In Theory
Now that I have been an official "blogger" for the past 24 hours, I think I like it. My mind now races throughout the day thinking of thoughts to post. I hate to say it, but this constant analysis of my day makes me appreciate my life more. (Yes, Google, you have changed my life...) Every event is being scanned as, "How and Why should I post this thought or event." It is quite weird, but so far so good.
The other notion I have been dwelling on in relation to this Bog-thing, is what I commented on in my first post: Connection. I really hope that this blog will become a tool for connection. Man, we live in a City where thousands of people are right on top of each other, yet we don't even know our neighbor's name. You know, it is sort of hard to witness/minister to someone when you don't even know their name! I know this is a part of what God is longing to do through the members of FHCC.
Last night at Martha's Bakery was a pretty good beginning to that fulfillment...
The other notion I have been dwelling on in relation to this Bog-thing, is what I commented on in my first post: Connection. I really hope that this blog will become a tool for connection. Man, we live in a City where thousands of people are right on top of each other, yet we don't even know our neighbor's name. You know, it is sort of hard to witness/minister to someone when you don't even know their name! I know this is a part of what God is longing to do through the members of FHCC.
Last night at Martha's Bakery was a pretty good beginning to that fulfillment...
Monday, December 10, 2007
One More Blogger
Well, I've made the move...I am now a blogger. I'm not quite sure "what" caused me to make the move. I guess I just felt "lead." Cheesy answer, I know, but I mean it. Having this incredible opportunity to pastor this amazing new church in Forest Hills, just moves me. I love how God is drawing people in from all over Queens, and I just don't think 1-hour on Sunday is enough.
Please don't kid yourself for 1 second. An hour a week of Jeremy is more than enough, but God has given me the incredible job as "pastor." That means something, and I refuse to take this calling lightly or callously. We need each other, and if that means that I have to get online and post thoughts and questions, well then, so be it.
The great thing about blogging is that it is a CONNECTION tool. Please know that this will not be a place for me to "rant," but a place for all of FHCC to connect and share. Again, God is doing something AWESOME in Forest Hills, and we are ALL a part of it. Let's go after Him like nobody's business, and leave a wake of change in the process...
Cool?
Please don't kid yourself for 1 second. An hour a week of Jeremy is more than enough, but God has given me the incredible job as "pastor." That means something, and I refuse to take this calling lightly or callously. We need each other, and if that means that I have to get online and post thoughts and questions, well then, so be it.
The great thing about blogging is that it is a CONNECTION tool. Please know that this will not be a place for me to "rant," but a place for all of FHCC to connect and share. Again, God is doing something AWESOME in Forest Hills, and we are ALL a part of it. Let's go after Him like nobody's business, and leave a wake of change in the process...
Cool?
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