See you all back for the next one!
Saturday, October 4, 2008
XMConference 08
We just concluded our first XM Ministry Conference here in New York City. Twenty-five pastors from the Tri-State area came out for an afternoon of conversation and refocusing. It was a great success and my deepest "thanks!" to all who made it possible.
See you all back for the next one!
See you all back for the next one!
Blogging over at FHCChurch.blogspot
hey,
I am placing this BLOG on "hold," until I get time to be consistent.
In the meanwhile, I am regularly blogging at Fhcchurch.blogspot.com
Check it,
jeremy
I am placing this BLOG on "hold," until I get time to be consistent.
In the meanwhile, I am regularly blogging at Fhcchurch.blogspot.com
Check it,
jeremy
Friday, July 18, 2008
Manly Men for Jesus
So, this past Sunday ROCKED at FHCC. There were just so many good things that took place, and the message was super cool.
here is a snipet of that message, and I highly encourage everyone to visit iTunes or our website for the complete sermon.
here is a snipet of that message, and I highly encourage everyone to visit iTunes or our website for the complete sermon.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
God Desires are being revealed in Hawaii
How awesome is our God and His love for NYCity???
I have never been to Hawaii, nor do I know anyone in Hawaii, but somehow, word of Forest Hills Community Church spread to a church in Hawaii. They heard of the passion and zeal that our church leadership team has for Jesus and His people in Forest Hills, and they knew that God is wanting to do something big in Queens. So this incredible church in Hawaii, has recently begun praying for our little church, and beseeching the Lord to have His way in our hearts and city. How awesome is our God and HIS church!!!
Now, to all of us at FHCC: let's not disappoint. Let's not handle church, and our relationship with Jesus, like everything else in our life. Let's not turn this incredible opportunity into a fad or a religious event. Let's seek Jesus! Let's live like Jesus! Let's allow Jesus to change our city and our world FOREVER!!!!
I have never been to Hawaii, nor do I know anyone in Hawaii, but somehow, word of Forest Hills Community Church spread to a church in Hawaii. They heard of the passion and zeal that our church leadership team has for Jesus and His people in Forest Hills, and they knew that God is wanting to do something big in Queens. So this incredible church in Hawaii, has recently begun praying for our little church, and beseeching the Lord to have His way in our hearts and city. How awesome is our God and HIS church!!!
Now, to all of us at FHCC: let's not disappoint. Let's not handle church, and our relationship with Jesus, like everything else in our life. Let's not turn this incredible opportunity into a fad or a religious event. Let's seek Jesus! Let's live like Jesus! Let's allow Jesus to change our city and our world FOREVER!!!!
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Thoughts on Calvin
I'm reading "Institutes" by Calvin. I completely reject TULIP, but I love the beginning of his book, and his view/love/respect/awe for God.
Over the next few weeks, I'll post some quotes I like and find relevant. Here is the first batch...
BOOK 1, Chapter 2:
Here is what stuck out at me:
1 - " ..not a particle of light, or wisdom, or justice, or power, or rectitude, or genuine truth, will anywhere be found, which does not flow from him, and of which he is not the cause; in this way we must learn to expect and ask all things from him, and thankfully ascribe to him whatever we receive." THE TRUTH OF THIS REALLY THROWS ME BACK.
2 - "...no, unless they place their happiness in him, they will never yield up their whole selves to him in truth and sincerity." AGAIN, THIS IS A PROFOUND TRUTH, THAT REALLY HITS HOME AS I SEE SO MANY NEW PEOPLE COME TO JESUS AT OUR CHURCH.
3 - "...the pious mind dos not devise for itself any kind of God...nor does it feign for him any character it pleases." WOW!! NOW THAT WILL PREACH!!...and REBUKE!
4 - "Besides, it is not the mere fear of punishment that restrains him from sin. Loving and revering God as his Father, honoring and obeying him as Master, although there were no bell, he would revolt at the very idea of offending him." THIS IS TRUE CHRISTIANITY...SERVICE FOR GOD OUT OF LOVE.
5 - "Such is pure and genuine religion, namely, confidence in God coupled with serious fear- ..." WHICH HE GOES ON TO DEFINE AS "REVERENCE." FUNNY< I SHARED THIS SAME THOUGHT WITH A NEW BELIEVER EARLIER THIS WEEK WHO WAS STRUGGLING WITH "GOING BEYOND SENSATIONALISM."
jeremy
www.fhcchurch.com
Over the next few weeks, I'll post some quotes I like and find relevant. Here is the first batch...
BOOK 1, Chapter 2:
Here is what stuck out at me:
1 - " ..not a particle of light, or wisdom, or justice, or power, or rectitude, or genuine truth, will anywhere be found, which does not flow from him, and of which he is not the cause; in this way we must learn to expect and ask all things from him, and thankfully ascribe to him whatever we receive." THE TRUTH OF THIS REALLY THROWS ME BACK.
2 - "...no, unless they place their happiness in him, they will never yield up their whole selves to him in truth and sincerity." AGAIN, THIS IS A PROFOUND TRUTH, THAT REALLY HITS HOME AS I SEE SO MANY NEW PEOPLE COME TO JESUS AT OUR CHURCH.
3 - "...the pious mind dos not devise for itself any kind of God...nor does it feign for him any character it pleases." WOW!! NOW THAT WILL PREACH!!...and REBUKE!
4 - "Besides, it is not the mere fear of punishment that restrains him from sin. Loving and revering God as his Father, honoring and obeying him as Master, although there were no bell, he would revolt at the very idea of offending him." THIS IS TRUE CHRISTIANITY...SERVICE FOR GOD OUT OF LOVE.
5 - "Such is pure and genuine religion, namely, confidence in God coupled with serious fear- ..." WHICH HE GOES ON TO DEFINE AS "REVERENCE." FUNNY< I SHARED THIS SAME THOUGHT WITH A NEW BELIEVER EARLIER THIS WEEK WHO WAS STRUGGLING WITH "GOING BEYOND SENSATIONALISM."
jeremy
www.fhcchurch.com
Friday, May 2, 2008
Saturday, April 12, 2008
No Respect from the Ladies
So today was a great day. First, the weather men got it all wrong by predicting a RAIN-filled weekend on Friday, only to wake up Saturday to a revised forecast of, "Cloudy and cold, with only a slight chance of a ray of sunshine." WRONG! It is warm (upper 60's) and partly sunny.
Second, today I got to hang with the boys...my two sons that is. Christine FINALLY got a day to go to mall without crying kids, which meant daddy got the kids. (It was a great treat for me, and for her.) The boys and I watched "A GOOFY MOVIE" till mid-morning, and I was surprised at how short the movie was, and how many era-famous voices made up the cast. It was a cool trip down memory-lane and Cart loved it too. The jury is still out on Jax's opinion.
Seeing that it was not 10am and I have several more hours with the boys...alone!...I decided it was time for a walk. A long walk that would entertain and wear them out physically. I mapped out my route that would be over 2 miles in length, fulfill "errands" I had overlooked during the week, and even provide a treat at the end. It was sheer brilliance!
A problem arose, however, as we hit pedestrian traffic: women! Particularly older women who felt the need to comment, not on the cuteness of my kids, but on my parenting. Honestly, I was doing nothing wrong, in fact I was doing nothing. I was pushing the stroller, Jax was asleep, and this lady freaked out that he was sleeping in the stroller! "Sir, Sir, your baby is asleep!," she screamed. Duh! No kidding, that's the goal lady.
Then there were the "other" ladies, who didn't care about my kids, but about the fact that I was a guy ALONE with kids. Some (I'm sure) were checking out the cool, good-looking dad for lustful reasons, but I got the feeling that the others were doing the opposite. For some reason I felt that everyone saw me as another "divorce'," or worse yet, "a dad who had the kids 'this weekend'." Maybe I was making all this up, but I'm not so sure I was. Praise God, I am a happily married man, who loves and is loved, by his wife; but I'm glad I could take this walk today and feel this societal shame. As a result, I now love single-dads/moms more.
I don't condone divorce, or ANY sex out of marriage, and I never will; and I am not a big fan of "stay at home dads," but no one should have to feel "excessive" guilt for their mistakes/decisions. Jesus reconciled us back to God, meaning that He took our sin and shame upon Himself to bring us back into a relationship with the Father. Paul then states in II Cor. that we therefore should be in the business of reconciliation as Christians. What this means then is the do not OVERLOOK sin and pretend it doesn't exist, but we address it and allow GRACE(forgiveness) to be extended to the offender.
Our society has no problem seeing sin/faults in others. In fact, we love it when we do find fault in other, but we never go beyond it to offer love and grace to the offender. As a result, there is now a backlash where we REFUSED to see sin, much less address it, and just pretend to live in harmony with one another. Forget that! That strategy has a very short shelf-life as people will either "crack" and explode emotionally, or worse yet fall prone to the sin they're ignoring in another's life or worse. Either way it is a dead end, an therefore the only solution is RECONCILIATION God's way: Address and Extend Forgiveness.
Think about it, if these ladies would have just addressed what they thought was "wrong" in my life, and offered me "grace," not only could I have explained to them that I was happily married and doing my wife a favor, but I could have shared Jesus with them! Love is a verb that draws us to POSITIVE action.
Hope that all makes sense...
Bottom line, I had a great day with my kids and my wife, and I even got a 7/11 slurpee and nachos out of it!!
Second, today I got to hang with the boys...my two sons that is. Christine FINALLY got a day to go to mall without crying kids, which meant daddy got the kids. (It was a great treat for me, and for her.) The boys and I watched "A GOOFY MOVIE" till mid-morning, and I was surprised at how short the movie was, and how many era-famous voices made up the cast. It was a cool trip down memory-lane and Cart loved it too. The jury is still out on Jax's opinion.
Seeing that it was not 10am and I have several more hours with the boys...alone!...I decided it was time for a walk. A long walk that would entertain and wear them out physically. I mapped out my route that would be over 2 miles in length, fulfill "errands" I had overlooked during the week, and even provide a treat at the end. It was sheer brilliance!
A problem arose, however, as we hit pedestrian traffic: women! Particularly older women who felt the need to comment, not on the cuteness of my kids, but on my parenting. Honestly, I was doing nothing wrong, in fact I was doing nothing. I was pushing the stroller, Jax was asleep, and this lady freaked out that he was sleeping in the stroller! "Sir, Sir, your baby is asleep!," she screamed. Duh! No kidding, that's the goal lady.
Then there were the "other" ladies, who didn't care about my kids, but about the fact that I was a guy ALONE with kids. Some (I'm sure) were checking out the cool, good-looking dad for lustful reasons, but I got the feeling that the others were doing the opposite. For some reason I felt that everyone saw me as another "divorce'," or worse yet, "a dad who had the kids 'this weekend'." Maybe I was making all this up, but I'm not so sure I was. Praise God, I am a happily married man, who loves and is loved, by his wife; but I'm glad I could take this walk today and feel this societal shame. As a result, I now love single-dads/moms more.
I don't condone divorce, or ANY sex out of marriage, and I never will; and I am not a big fan of "stay at home dads," but no one should have to feel "excessive" guilt for their mistakes/decisions. Jesus reconciled us back to God, meaning that He took our sin and shame upon Himself to bring us back into a relationship with the Father. Paul then states in II Cor. that we therefore should be in the business of reconciliation as Christians. What this means then is the do not OVERLOOK sin and pretend it doesn't exist, but we address it and allow GRACE(forgiveness) to be extended to the offender.
Our society has no problem seeing sin/faults in others. In fact, we love it when we do find fault in other, but we never go beyond it to offer love and grace to the offender. As a result, there is now a backlash where we REFUSED to see sin, much less address it, and just pretend to live in harmony with one another. Forget that! That strategy has a very short shelf-life as people will either "crack" and explode emotionally, or worse yet fall prone to the sin they're ignoring in another's life or worse. Either way it is a dead end, an therefore the only solution is RECONCILIATION God's way: Address and Extend Forgiveness.
Think about it, if these ladies would have just addressed what they thought was "wrong" in my life, and offered me "grace," not only could I have explained to them that I was happily married and doing my wife a favor, but I could have shared Jesus with them! Love is a verb that draws us to POSITIVE action.
Hope that all makes sense...
Bottom line, I had a great day with my kids and my wife, and I even got a 7/11 slurpee and nachos out of it!!
Friday, April 4, 2008
What is Forest Hills Community Church?
So, I found my camera. Learned how to IMPORT video on my Mac, and VOILA!, we now make videos.
Please check out all THREE FHCC videos and let me know what you think.
BTW, sorry about the wind.
Please check out all THREE FHCC videos and let me know what you think.
BTW, sorry about the wind.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Don't Get Lost in the Dust
God bless consistent Bloggers. I don't know how they do it, but I certainly can't. Too much to do, too much fear of UNNECESSARY scrutiny, and just too much of... well, I'm not sure, but for some reason I just cannot stay consistent with this thing. My apologies to the dozen people who read this thing. (BTW, I love meeting you randomly on the street.)
So, a lot is going on at FHCC. God continues to take this incredible vision and burden He has given me and make it a reality. Our Sunday attendance considers to grow, but more importantly, so does the DEPTH of our congregation. For example, last night we kicked off Round #2 of our New Believer's Class and had 20 people show up!!! That's pretty good since it is like 25% of our church!!!
Now, the really cool part is that about half of these people already "know" Jesus and are solid. They are not necessarily taking the class to solely learn for their own sake, but rather to be better equipped to reach their neighbors. AWESOME! You see these people KNOW that Jesus is awesome, and they want to better be able to share Him with someone else. THIS IS TRUE CHRISTIANITY and the very mission and vision of FHCC. (God forbid we become and "Member's Only Cult.")
So God is doing His thing and I'm just trying not to get lost in His dust. It is very exciting, and really very cool to see total NON-Christians find Jesus and find EVERYTHING they ever needed in life in Him. It's humbling actually...and rightfully so.
So, a lot is going on at FHCC. God continues to take this incredible vision and burden He has given me and make it a reality. Our Sunday attendance considers to grow, but more importantly, so does the DEPTH of our congregation. For example, last night we kicked off Round #2 of our New Believer's Class and had 20 people show up!!! That's pretty good since it is like 25% of our church!!!
Now, the really cool part is that about half of these people already "know" Jesus and are solid. They are not necessarily taking the class to solely learn for their own sake, but rather to be better equipped to reach their neighbors. AWESOME! You see these people KNOW that Jesus is awesome, and they want to better be able to share Him with someone else. THIS IS TRUE CHRISTIANITY and the very mission and vision of FHCC. (God forbid we become and "Member's Only Cult.")
So God is doing His thing and I'm just trying not to get lost in His dust. It is very exciting, and really very cool to see total NON-Christians find Jesus and find EVERYTHING they ever needed in life in Him. It's humbling actually...and rightfully so.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Great Service
Today was a phenomenal service at FHCC. A big THANK YOU to all who responded by asking Jesus into your life, and to the rest who simply wanted MORE Jesus in your life.
God is moving in Forest Hills, and I am excited and humbled to be along for the ride.
BTW, FHCC now has its own blog. FHCChurch.blogspot.com Check it out!
God is moving in Forest Hills, and I am excited and humbled to be along for the ride.
BTW, FHCC now has its own blog. FHCChurch.blogspot.com Check it out!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Water Baptism Service
WOW!! March is quite the busy month for a pastor! My apologies to the handful that read this thing...
The good news is that FHCC is experiencing phenomenal growth, numerically and spiritually! All month long, we have seen new people dedicate their lives to Jesus, and members go deeper into the things of God. Witnessing, wisdom, discernment, miraculous provision, etc. have all been taking place over the past few weeks. It is amazing!!
Also, we had 11 individuals make a decision to be water baptized last week. It was powerful, emotional, and highly spiritual as they took another step to being more like Jesus!
Rock On, FHCC!!
View the FHCC Baptism Video NOW.
The good news is that FHCC is experiencing phenomenal growth, numerically and spiritually! All month long, we have seen new people dedicate their lives to Jesus, and members go deeper into the things of God. Witnessing, wisdom, discernment, miraculous provision, etc. have all been taking place over the past few weeks. It is amazing!!
Also, we had 11 individuals make a decision to be water baptized last week. It was powerful, emotional, and highly spiritual as they took another step to being more like Jesus!
Rock On, FHCC!!
View the FHCC Baptism Video NOW.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Dating and Mating Q/A
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!
This past month was a huge success for Jesus and FHCC. Our recent series, "Real Love," brought out many first-timers and saw 7 individuals dedicate their lives to following Jesus!
What this series was also successful in was stirring up questions and emotions from everyone. In our world obsessed with love, sex, and dating, many have been hurt and jaded by the topic of love. This was especially obvious last week with our talk on "Real Marriage." Therefore, we have decided to extend our open Q/A forum by another week.
If you have a question about DATING, MARRIAGE, DIVORCE, or anything else related to the topic, please ask it NOW. Please post your question "anonymously" in the comments portion of this blog, and we will answer it during a special Q/A session following the service on March 2nd. As always, no question is "off limits," so fire away!
This past month was a huge success for Jesus and FHCC. Our recent series, "Real Love," brought out many first-timers and saw 7 individuals dedicate their lives to following Jesus!
What this series was also successful in was stirring up questions and emotions from everyone. In our world obsessed with love, sex, and dating, many have been hurt and jaded by the topic of love. This was especially obvious last week with our talk on "Real Marriage." Therefore, we have decided to extend our open Q/A forum by another week.
If you have a question about DATING, MARRIAGE, DIVORCE, or anything else related to the topic, please ask it NOW. Please post your question "anonymously" in the comments portion of this blog, and we will answer it during a special Q/A session following the service on March 2nd. As always, no question is "off limits," so fire away!
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Something New
This Sunday at FHCC, we introduced a variety of NEW things and I would love to get your feedback:
New Bulletins: Smaller, different color, and more compact.
Text Messaging: Several of you took advantage of this new feature, and I LOVED it! I would love to continue it.
FHCC Kids: We also "secretly" unveiled FHCC Kids for little ones in pre-school. From what I can tell, everyone had a blast. Definitely will keep this going, but would like for it to expand into other age groups. Volunteers?
Resources on the Web: Following each sermon, you can now log onto FHCChurch.com to get sermon notes and other resources to enhance what you heard, and to further your education. Lot of work, but if you want it we will keep it going.
OK, I am all ears.
New Bulletins: Smaller, different color, and more compact.
Text Messaging: Several of you took advantage of this new feature, and I LOVED it! I would love to continue it.
FHCC Kids: We also "secretly" unveiled FHCC Kids for little ones in pre-school. From what I can tell, everyone had a blast. Definitely will keep this going, but would like for it to expand into other age groups. Volunteers?
Resources on the Web: Following each sermon, you can now log onto FHCChurch.com to get sermon notes and other resources to enhance what you heard, and to further your education. Lot of work, but if you want it we will keep it going.
OK, I am all ears.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Real Love Series- Update
Well, this past Sunday we kicked off our Real Love Series and had a blast!! It was hearing God's definition of love, and how totally opposite it is from what the world tells us is "love." I guess our best testimony from last Sunday was that 10 people gave their hearts to Jesus after the message. Rock on, Jesus!
Just a reminder: This week we are talking about Sex and following the message with a 30-min Q/A session. If there is a question you need an answer to, PLEASE ASK. Visit the post specifically designed for the event, and post. God wants you to have answers.
We love you, and look to see you this Sunday!
Just a reminder: This week we are talking about Sex and following the message with a 30-min Q/A session. If there is a question you need an answer to, PLEASE ASK. Visit the post specifically designed for the event, and post. God wants you to have answers.
We love you, and look to see you this Sunday!
Monday, February 4, 2008
More Random Thoughts/Observations
First off: Way to go, Giants!!! Yes, I was skeptical (even critical) of your abilities, but I never doubted your brute strength. While I still cannot relate to any of your players (although Plaxico really gave a great interview after the game), I'm proud of you. PLUS, you are NY, and I LOVE NYC. Atta boy, Giants!
Next: THANK YOU to all who made the first ever FHCC Super Bowl possible; that was an awesome event!!! I especially loved how everyone talked to someone. Very cool. Very real. Very Jesus-like.
Speaking of: FHCC Leadership Team, you SUPER ROCK! You guys have really come through and made FHCC more like what God desires for it to be. Thank you for your commitment to Jesus and His people. His love shines through you.
BTW: FHCC now has an office, but we are not calling it an office. The word "Office" sounds stuffy and pointless. Instead, we are calling it by a more appropriate term, a "Resource Center." Now the people of FHCC have a place they can call their own and minister in and out of. If they need a Bible reference book, a copier, or meeting place, or whatever; they've got at the Resource Center. God's doing it in Forest Hills!
Finally: Way to go all of FHCC. THANK YOU for responding to this month's sermon series on Love and posting comments on this blog. Get ready for some Godly advice to finally come to a subject we all deal with DAILY.
Next: THANK YOU to all who made the first ever FHCC Super Bowl possible; that was an awesome event!!! I especially loved how everyone talked to someone. Very cool. Very real. Very Jesus-like.
Speaking of: FHCC Leadership Team, you SUPER ROCK! You guys have really come through and made FHCC more like what God desires for it to be. Thank you for your commitment to Jesus and His people. His love shines through you.
BTW: FHCC now has an office, but we are not calling it an office. The word "Office" sounds stuffy and pointless. Instead, we are calling it by a more appropriate term, a "Resource Center." Now the people of FHCC have a place they can call their own and minister in and out of. If they need a Bible reference book, a copier, or meeting place, or whatever; they've got at the Resource Center. God's doing it in Forest Hills!
Finally: Way to go all of FHCC. THANK YOU for responding to this month's sermon series on Love and posting comments on this blog. Get ready for some Godly advice to finally come to a subject we all deal with DAILY.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Real Love Series Q/A
LAST CHANCE TO ASK:
Love is in the air this February at FHCC! Throughout the month of February, we'll be tackling one of the world’s biggest desires: Love. Society has messed this one up BIG TIME, and God wants to set the record straight in a very special way.
Rather than just have me give the Biblical definition of Love, Sex, and Marriage each Sunday and risk missing your specific question, we're making this series interactive. Please post your question "anonymously" in the comments portion of this blog, and we will answer it during a special Q/A session following the service on Feb. 17 and 24. No question is "off limits," so fire away!
Monday, January 21, 2008
Who Needs a Sign?
Church this past Sunday was FANTASTIC. Yes, we went 10-min over, but it was worth it. We had a great turnout, despite the 10-degree wind chill, a great debut to the new FHCC worship team, a dynamic response to the message, and a great "Membership Q/A" session following the service. It was really, really wonderful. PLUS, three more people gave their hearts to Jesus, so what more could you ask for?
FHCC is really being blessed by some incredible individuals. Rather than have a congregation full of self-seeking deadbeats, the FHCC crew is constantly pursuing others. This past Saturday, Eddy and I committed ourselves to handing out FREE Bibles and hot chocolate on 71st and Austin. Yet, when the time came to begin, it was not just Eddy and myself, but Lisa, Nita, Anthony and Jacob had come out too! We handed out over 400 invitations to church, 10 bibles, and I don't know how many cups of hot chocolate. (The cool news is that the people we met on the streets on Saturday, came to church on Sunday and made a decision for Jesus! (So, who needs a sign, really?))
So now our FHCC crew is not only committing to weekly reaching out to our community, but they are also spearheading their own get-togethers. Whether it's a not of bowling, dinner on the town, or whatever, our people are doing it. (For a list of these events, visit out website.) I am blessed to be their pastor. I know that they are not doing out of "moral obligation," loneliness, or pride. They simply are driven by the genuine love that comes from knowing Jesus.
So cool to know Jesus...
FHCC is really being blessed by some incredible individuals. Rather than have a congregation full of self-seeking deadbeats, the FHCC crew is constantly pursuing others. This past Saturday, Eddy and I committed ourselves to handing out FREE Bibles and hot chocolate on 71st and Austin. Yet, when the time came to begin, it was not just Eddy and myself, but Lisa, Nita, Anthony and Jacob had come out too! We handed out over 400 invitations to church, 10 bibles, and I don't know how many cups of hot chocolate. (The cool news is that the people we met on the streets on Saturday, came to church on Sunday and made a decision for Jesus! (So, who needs a sign, really?))
So now our FHCC crew is not only committing to weekly reaching out to our community, but they are also spearheading their own get-togethers. Whether it's a not of bowling, dinner on the town, or whatever, our people are doing it. (For a list of these events, visit out website.) I am blessed to be their pastor. I know that they are not doing out of "moral obligation," loneliness, or pride. They simply are driven by the genuine love that comes from knowing Jesus.
So cool to know Jesus...
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Simplicity
Quite an amazing 48hours and counting. So much to say, so much has happened....
Tuesday started off with some bad news, as someone had runoff with the FHCC sandwich board. As a result, no one has any way of knowing that a church operates every week inside the Movie Theater. It is quite infuriating and very disheartening to know that there are people who would want to: 1 - steal from a church 2 - hate another because of religion 3 - steal something that they cannot even use, sell, or hide. Nevertheless, we love 'em.
And if this person were to ever return to FHCC, either for a service or to just punch me in the face, I'd have no other response but to love them some more. So, go ahead take our sign, our building, our permits, whatever; we still have Jesus, and He is the one drawing people in and building a church.
All we need is Jesus.
Tuesday started off with some bad news, as someone had runoff with the FHCC sandwich board. As a result, no one has any way of knowing that a church operates every week inside the Movie Theater. It is quite infuriating and very disheartening to know that there are people who would want to: 1 - steal from a church 2 - hate another because of religion 3 - steal something that they cannot even use, sell, or hide. Nevertheless, we love 'em.
And if this person were to ever return to FHCC, either for a service or to just punch me in the face, I'd have no other response but to love them some more. So, go ahead take our sign, our building, our permits, whatever; we still have Jesus, and He is the one drawing people in and building a church.
All we need is Jesus.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Chilling with the Hommies
Not sure how you spell, "Hommies," so I hope I got it right. Nevertheless, it was a great day today. Started off with a miracle...I got to sleep in! went to bed Sunday night at 8:45am and my wife and I slept until 8:00am. A sleep like that was long overdue and I was extremely grateful.
The day then progressed with the opportunity to play with my boys before work. Yes, I work from home, but that can be both a blessing and a curse. Too often, because the computer is right in front of me in the house, I am drawn to it to complete a "work assignment" at any and every moment of the day. A Home Office just doesn't allow a disconnect too often. Today, however, I fought the power and played with my boys until 10am. Time well spent and very productive!
Later in the morning I was able to meet up with Eddy and we mixed a new podcast for the church. It not only was a lot of FUN, but it probably is our best podcast ever. YES, there is a small technical glitch about half way through, but it still is light, engaging, and deep in the truths of God's word. you can check it out here. Afterwards, it was back home to help put the kids down for a nap (a job I request and make room for everyday), and give Eddy a chance to help me find Air Jordan VI in the original black for under $200. (No luck with that one yet...)
Now, this afternoon got really crazy as Eddy and I hooked up with Niters for lunch at Corfu. Corfu is a phenomenal little Greek joint in Forest Hills, and is located right next to Omar's Concrete Jungle supply store. Speaking of Concrete Jungle: that place rocks!! If you are into Hip/Hop attire, urban art, or just cool people, then you have to check out Concrete Jungle. All the workers there are great, but the owner, Omar, takes the cake. Tell him I sent you whenever you visit. (You won't get a discount, but you will make me look good! :))
Now, during our meal at Corfu today, we were also joined by our friend, Norm. Norm brought his usual humor and insights into the conversation. It was great all being together and talking, that the party became a "crawl" without the alcohol. We spent all afternoon bouncing around the restaurants of Forest Hills. It was cool, and very enjoyable. I am blessed to be the pastor of such a great group of people who really do LOVE Jesus!!! As if this day wasn't already action-packed enough, turns out more great things were still to be had.
When I returned home for dinner, I was finally able to do what I've always wanted to do: take the kids off my wife. My wife is so great and loves our kids more than any other, but I know that even she could use a breather during the day. Today I was finally able to give her one before dinner. I love my wife.
After dinner, another church member hooked up with us, Sista Torey. Torey and the family were able to hang out and work on our Facebook account. I still think Facebook is too hard, but with Torey's help I think we can use it to reach a lot of people for Jesus. You can check our church GROUP page the next time you log in. We'd love your feedback.
So, in closing: it was a good day. Great people. Great family. Great God.
The day then progressed with the opportunity to play with my boys before work. Yes, I work from home, but that can be both a blessing and a curse. Too often, because the computer is right in front of me in the house, I am drawn to it to complete a "work assignment" at any and every moment of the day. A Home Office just doesn't allow a disconnect too often. Today, however, I fought the power and played with my boys until 10am. Time well spent and very productive!
Later in the morning I was able to meet up with Eddy and we mixed a new podcast for the church. It not only was a lot of FUN, but it probably is our best podcast ever. YES, there is a small technical glitch about half way through, but it still is light, engaging, and deep in the truths of God's word. you can check it out here. Afterwards, it was back home to help put the kids down for a nap (a job I request and make room for everyday), and give Eddy a chance to help me find Air Jordan VI in the original black for under $200. (No luck with that one yet...)
Now, this afternoon got really crazy as Eddy and I hooked up with Niters for lunch at Corfu. Corfu is a phenomenal little Greek joint in Forest Hills, and is located right next to Omar's Concrete Jungle supply store. Speaking of Concrete Jungle: that place rocks!! If you are into Hip/Hop attire, urban art, or just cool people, then you have to check out Concrete Jungle. All the workers there are great, but the owner, Omar, takes the cake. Tell him I sent you whenever you visit. (You won't get a discount, but you will make me look good! :))
Now, during our meal at Corfu today, we were also joined by our friend, Norm. Norm brought his usual humor and insights into the conversation. It was great all being together and talking, that the party became a "crawl" without the alcohol. We spent all afternoon bouncing around the restaurants of Forest Hills. It was cool, and very enjoyable. I am blessed to be the pastor of such a great group of people who really do LOVE Jesus!!! As if this day wasn't already action-packed enough, turns out more great things were still to be had.
When I returned home for dinner, I was finally able to do what I've always wanted to do: take the kids off my wife. My wife is so great and loves our kids more than any other, but I know that even she could use a breather during the day. Today I was finally able to give her one before dinner. I love my wife.
After dinner, another church member hooked up with us, Sista Torey. Torey and the family were able to hang out and work on our Facebook account. I still think Facebook is too hard, but with Torey's help I think we can use it to reach a lot of people for Jesus. You can check our church GROUP page the next time you log in. We'd love your feedback.
So, in closing: it was a good day. Great people. Great family. Great God.
Monday, January 7, 2008
We Resolve: to Pray More!
Praise God for what took place yesterday at FHCC! We kicked our "We Resolve..." series with "Pray More;" and boy, did the people respond. People prayed and sought God yesterday at church and it was amazing to see Him work.
To start off the service was packed yesterday. We typically run around 50 each week, but yesterday we hit over just 60. Not a HUGE jump in numbers, but given it was the first weekend in January, we did very little promotion of this series, and the weather has been "iffy" at best; to be above normal in attendance was a MIRACLE. Second, we seriously prayed before the service.
Yes, we always pray before a service, but for the past two weeks the Leadership of FHCC has been getting together, setting aside more than 30-seconds, and really digging in and seeking God in prayer. The results of these efforts are obvious and they are not only blessing our services, but our leaders are getting blessed at the same time. This past Sunday was no exception, but what made this week more unique than the previous was that EVERYTHING/CIRCUMSTANCES/ETC. was trying to keep us from praying. Set-up took twice as long, worship practice was having sound issues, the sound system was acting up, etc. But, we knew we had to pray so we said forget setup/practice; let's pray, and we did!
Thirdly, God has given FHCC a vision of the future and the people are responding to that vision. What I mean is this: because we have laid out a vision of what FHCC is called to be, given evidence that we are serious about the vision, and because it IS God's vision, people are accepting the challenge and eager to prepare for it and carry it out. If the FHCC vision was just a pipe-dream of Jeremy's, then people might smile or give a dollar, but they are NOT going to sacrifice or become uncomfortable to fulfill it. FHCC has a mandate from God to be HIS real, relevant, and empowered church.
Again, the proof of this is that when we concluded the service at 11am yesterday, I also dismissed the crowd, but invited those who wanted to stay and pray with us at the front. Over 75% of the church stayed to pray, with 40% coming down front to pray corporately. It was AMAZING, powerful and humbling. Let's never forget that FHCC is made up largely of new Christians and non-charismatics; staying to pray is not normal for most of us, but yesterday we all did it and God moved.
There are so many other signs and wonders that took place yesterday, but they are too numerous and personal to share. All I can say is that I am proud to be the pastor of FHCC, and humbled that God could work so mightily though such a lowly guy. I mean it. What happened in church yesterday and over the past 4-months is not because of me or any of us; it's because of Jesus and His love.
So to all of us: let's keep making room for Jesus in our lives, keep trying to live right, and keep being utterly desperate for Him and His glory. If we pray, seek, ask and knock; He will answer.
Best is yet to come!
To start off the service was packed yesterday. We typically run around 50 each week, but yesterday we hit over just 60. Not a HUGE jump in numbers, but given it was the first weekend in January, we did very little promotion of this series, and the weather has been "iffy" at best; to be above normal in attendance was a MIRACLE. Second, we seriously prayed before the service.
Yes, we always pray before a service, but for the past two weeks the Leadership of FHCC has been getting together, setting aside more than 30-seconds, and really digging in and seeking God in prayer. The results of these efforts are obvious and they are not only blessing our services, but our leaders are getting blessed at the same time. This past Sunday was no exception, but what made this week more unique than the previous was that EVERYTHING/CIRCUMSTANCES/ETC. was trying to keep us from praying. Set-up took twice as long, worship practice was having sound issues, the sound system was acting up, etc. But, we knew we had to pray so we said forget setup/practice; let's pray, and we did!
Thirdly, God has given FHCC a vision of the future and the people are responding to that vision. What I mean is this: because we have laid out a vision of what FHCC is called to be, given evidence that we are serious about the vision, and because it IS God's vision, people are accepting the challenge and eager to prepare for it and carry it out. If the FHCC vision was just a pipe-dream of Jeremy's, then people might smile or give a dollar, but they are NOT going to sacrifice or become uncomfortable to fulfill it. FHCC has a mandate from God to be HIS real, relevant, and empowered church.
Again, the proof of this is that when we concluded the service at 11am yesterday, I also dismissed the crowd, but invited those who wanted to stay and pray with us at the front. Over 75% of the church stayed to pray, with 40% coming down front to pray corporately. It was AMAZING, powerful and humbling. Let's never forget that FHCC is made up largely of new Christians and non-charismatics; staying to pray is not normal for most of us, but yesterday we all did it and God moved.
There are so many other signs and wonders that took place yesterday, but they are too numerous and personal to share. All I can say is that I am proud to be the pastor of FHCC, and humbled that God could work so mightily though such a lowly guy. I mean it. What happened in church yesterday and over the past 4-months is not because of me or any of us; it's because of Jesus and His love.
So to all of us: let's keep making room for Jesus in our lives, keep trying to live right, and keep being utterly desperate for Him and His glory. If we pray, seek, ask and knock; He will answer.
Best is yet to come!
Friday, January 4, 2008
Oh yeah, I blog!
Sorry, my blogging community, I've ignored you for too long!
Well, the holidays are over and life is beginning to get back to normal. Which does not mean it is any less hectic, it simply means that I have some SWEET new editions to my wardrobe, extra toys in my house to trip over, and about 600 more miles on our Honda. Speaking of which, "God bless that little ride!" She has over 160k on her, and still purrs and is in great condition. However, because of a growing kid there is so denting taking place on the back of the drivers seat.
I am really excited about 2008, and I love January. It is a great month, not JUST because I have a birthday (1/11), but because it just oozes expectations. Maybe it is just me, but there is a lot of anticipation around January. It's "kick-off week" in football. The season has begun, and it is time to see how it will all play out. And '08 has come GREAT potential!!!!
Forest Hills Community Church (FHCC) is in a great position as we head into our first full-year of ministry. Lots of people have made a commitment to following Jesus these past few months and they are serious about living it out. Acts 2:41-47 is our focus and calling, and these guys get it!!! So get ready for some AMAZING days in Queens. I mean it.
Well, the holidays are over and life is beginning to get back to normal. Which does not mean it is any less hectic, it simply means that I have some SWEET new editions to my wardrobe, extra toys in my house to trip over, and about 600 more miles on our Honda. Speaking of which, "God bless that little ride!" She has over 160k on her, and still purrs and is in great condition. However, because of a growing kid there is so denting taking place on the back of the drivers seat.
I am really excited about 2008, and I love January. It is a great month, not JUST because I have a birthday (1/11), but because it just oozes expectations. Maybe it is just me, but there is a lot of anticipation around January. It's "kick-off week" in football. The season has begun, and it is time to see how it will all play out. And '08 has come GREAT potential!!!!
Forest Hills Community Church (FHCC) is in a great position as we head into our first full-year of ministry. Lots of people have made a commitment to following Jesus these past few months and they are serious about living it out. Acts 2:41-47 is our focus and calling, and these guys get it!!! So get ready for some AMAZING days in Queens. I mean it.
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