Parents Night of Freedom

Connectors,

We have 4 more openings for the Parents Night of Freedom!
This Friday (tomorrow night), December 12, from 6-8pm an evening of fun for your grade-school age children (JK-5th).
All we ask is for a donation to the North West London Resource Centre Food Bank.
(Anything non-perishable that you like to eat.)

If interested email Sarah DeVries (sarahdevries@rogers.com) to find our the location and other details.

Merry Christmas,
George
ps. anyone living in the Oxford/Richmond area- Jennica Blydorp needs a ride to worship on Sunday's. If you live in or drive by that area and can pick her up, let us know and we'll give you her contact information. We really need to get a ride for her this Sunday- she's teaching the Connection Kids class!

Baptism and Communion Sunday

Today was, for me, the scariest service yet.
Today was the read deal.
Inviting people to be baptized.
Inviting them to take communion.
We have been talking about being the church,
The body of Christ.
We had to talk about baptism and communion, and we had to invite people to experience it.
We just were sure how.
Even right up until the service began.

I really wanted to baptize people in the fountain at the mall- but the man said no.

This is the really "churchy" stuff.
It's also really powerful stuff.
We decided from the start of this church that one of our values would be "Biblical Truth and Cultural Relevance."
We believed that somehow our church could practice these ancient "mysteries" in a way that would be meaningful for the believer,
compelling for the "seeker,"
and still comfortable for those not ready to participate.

I'm still processing it all, but here what I know:
We had 2 adults, 2 babies, and 3 kids come forward to either be baptized or dedicated to Jesus.
And we had out largest service yet- 217 people!

Praise God- really!

Volunteer Round-Up!

When: Sunday, September 14, 6-8pm
Where: Navigator's Resource Centre, 11 St. John's Dr. In Arva
(Just 2k up Richmond past the Masonville Mall)

This will be a fun, fast-paced and informative night for all our volunteers.
We'll go over the basics and then break up into teams:

• FaST,
• FIT,
• Family,
• Media,
• Music,
• Prayer

And yes, there will be coffee!

Hillsong Reflections

In the past two weeks we've had team members at two conferences.
I love that our folks are committed to learning, growing, stretching themselves, and investing in awesome experiences. Like I wrote before- it's all about the shared experience.

We had 13 folks go to the Hillsong United Conference in Toronto this past weekend.
The worship was amazing.
The music phenomenal.
The speakers inspiring.
So here are the honest thoughts that go through my head as a church planter as I experience something like Hillsong unfold:

• First, God is so good! When you have so many folks worshiping, it's so easy, so great, to just let yourself be enfolded into the moment. Loved it.
• Second, they did well what they do best. No dramas, no skits, no long list of 30 workshops to choose from. They did worship, they did sermons. They did them both well.
• They maximized their media. They used video clips for intro, during sets, for announcements, for everything, and it works so good. I'm more convinced than ever we are going in the direction of "Media, Music and Message."
• I love lighting! Great lighting makes such a huge difference in creating mood, effect, emotion, and moment. The old expression was, "If they can't hear you, they can't hear the good news." That was the rationale for great sound systems. Now I'm saying, "If they can't see us, they can't see the good news!" We need to create powerful visuals of the good news we are communicating- this means great video and lighting production.
  
• I need to love where I'm at. We don't have a building. We don't have equipment. We don't even have staff! There will be a time when Connections is huge. When that happens, we will start to talk about "the good old days" when we ran on a shoe string budget, made tons of mistakes, trusted fully on God, and had a blast every step of the way. These are those days- and I do love it!

We have awesome volunteers, we have vision, we have enough "stuff'" to create an event, and we have Jesus. Sounds simple, but it's the profound truth. There is so much more you can say about something like Hillsong, but it's really one of those things where "You just had to be there!"

Road Trip!

I'm pretty excited.
My folks are visiting for the Labor Day weekend, and I'm getting ready to head to the Hillsong United Conference.
Actually me, Robin, and 12 other folks from Connections.

But really, it's just about the people.
If an experience like Hillsong isn't shared with others, for me, there's no point.
The speakers might have the best material in the world, but if I can't talk about with others, and apply it in our church, it just ends up being an exercise in frustration.

So I'm grateful for my parents watching the kids.
I'm excited to go have an awesome time with our worship team.
I'm thrilled to come back to a visit with my folks, a great Sunday service, and day of golf on Monday!

Time to pack up and head to Toronto!

NWLRC Funfest

Join us this Saturday, August 16 for the
Northwest London Resource Centre Funfest
2-6pm behind Bantings High School

• Here the Connections Band rock!
• Volunteer to help out!
• Have FUN!

Hey, really, it's a good time and we can use some volunteers.
Email gsaylor@connectionschurch to sign up.

Summit Day 1

Day one at the Summit- awesome.
I guess I shouldn't assume everyone knows what the Summit is.
It's actually "The Leadership Summit."
A conference done by Willowcreek focusing on the issues of leadership.
Specific enough to fit a nitch.
Broad enough to always cover a ton of material.

So here are just my random thoughts, reflections, etc...

Bill Hybels opening talk-
A great overview on the process of decision making and how vital it is to leadership at any capacity.
The axiom "This is Church" is what's it's all about.

Gary Haugen, director of the International Justice Mission-
Just heart breaking.
"If you want your leadership to matter, lead in the things that matter to Jesus."
"Leadership matters when it feels hopeless, scary and hard."

Bill George, Harvard prof and former CEO of Medtronic-
Align- Empower- Serve- Collaborate
"Leaders fail when they are not grounded. Get grounded by working at the ground level."

Wendy Kopp, founder of Teacher for America-
This was really challenging. She rocked.
It was like the leadership issue didn;t matter to her. Her mission is all that mattered- educational equality is the civil rights issue of our generation.
Give people the opportunity to make a difference, and they will.

John Burke, wrote one of my favorite books, No Perfect People Allowed-
He didn't really say anything new, but I like what he said.

Efrem Smith, pastor of The Sanctuary Covenant Church-
This guy brought it! Black man preaching to a bunch of suburban pastors- it was awesome.
Raised the bar to intentionally build the church to reflect the kingdom of God- multi cultural, class, and race.
And really, we don't have a choice. Our neighboring city of Toronto is the most diverse city in the world now. London isn't much different. The church needs to be the most integrated place on earth.

Now it's late, I haven't eaten yet, and want to rest, for tomorrow we do it all over again.

And a special shout out to the grandparents for watching our kids today and again tomorrow so both me and Robin can enjoy this.

Into the Wild

Today is the first day of August.
Time to relax, go on holiday, maybe even cancel church...

WRONG!
This Sunday we are going "Into the Wild."
I can genuinely say that our team has made every series better than the previous one, and "Into the Wild" is no exception!
You won't want to miss what we have planned.

And your friends won't want to miss it either.
But the only way they are going to find their way to Connections is if you bring them.

Connections was and always will be a "grass roots" movement.
We started through your passion, we've grown through your passion, and we will continue to grow as you passionately promote what God is doing.

Join us on Sunday. Bring a friend. I can promise you an amazing morning.

Into the Wild: My journey

We are gearing up to start our "Into the Wild" series. One of the things I'm doing to get ready is simply reading through the entire Exodus story.
I'll be honest- it's harder than it sounds.
The story starts off great- action, adventure, plagues and fire.
But then it starts to bog down.
I'm probably not supposed to say that as a pastor, but it's true. The first half is great, up through about chapter 20. Then it gets in the laws. A few interruptions spice things up- a golden calf and Moses glowing face- but it's still tough to wade through.
But it's vitally important.
It's one of those disciplines that are rewarding not in the moment, but in the long haul.
But that's a lot of what a trip into wild looks like. In the big picture it's an awesome adventure. But in reality it's a hard, difficult and trying experience.

It's like reading the blogs of our friends biking coast to coast on the Sea 2 Sea trip. The idea is awesome, exciting and inspiring: bike across North America to raise funds and awareness in the fight against poverty. How great is that!

The the trip begins. And reality sets in- day after day, week after week, of riding mile after mile. After 4 weeks and hundreds of miles, the adventure is not so glamorous. It's more about sore muscles, saddle sores, sunburns, and missing the comforts of home.

But for those who persevere there is unparalleled satisfaction awaiting them. I imagine.

So that's what I'm up to. I'm persevering through the entire Exodus story, into Numbers, Leviticus and Deuteronomy. At the end is a great reward!

Join me if you want to prepare your heart for this awesome series. Try to read through all of Exodus, and see what twists, turns and surprises await in the adventure. It's wild!

Connections Picnic

Look at the intensity on their faces...priceless!



Vanessa was the only person to bring a jello mold! It was soooooo good. Next year everyone better bring jello!

What can I say- Connections has the cutest girls in the city!

Check out lots more photos on our facebook page, we're an open group so just join us.

Breakout Begins!

I would be lying if I didn't tell you how excited I am about our Breakout series starting this Sunday, June 1. This series will cover several areas:

First, we'll be working our way through Philippians, one of the great letters of the New Testament. You'll be amazed at the ways God speaks to us when we systematically work through His word. So come eager to experience what God will apply. I've been reading through the entire letter everyday, and can't wait to share what God has been putting on my heart.

Second, as individuals this series will help empower us to break free from sin and give our lives freely to God. The theme of the letter is joy, and we'll uncover the heart of the joy-filled Christian life.

Third, this series will set the stage for our church to breakout, break free, and break loose on London! I'm praying seriously that God will take our church to the next level over the next two months. I'm praying that we...

• Breakout of our comfort zone and start bringing our friends and family to worship.
• Breakout of our worship and share God's love with the world.
• Breakout of our theatre as we fill all 350 seats.
• Breakout into Connections Groups and break into real community.

I can't wait to worship with you on Sunday. It's going to be awesome!

The Breakout Challenge, Day 2

For day 2 of the Breakout Challenge we go to a paraphrase of Philippians.

Philippians 1 (The Message)

The Message (MSG)

Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson

Philippians 1

1-2Paul and Timothy, both of us committed servants of Christ Jesus, write this letter to all the followers of Jesus in Philippi, pastors and ministers included. We greet you with the grace and peace that comes from God our Father and our Master, Jesus Christ.

A Love That Will Grow

3-6Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God. Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer. I find myself praying for you with a glad heart. I am so pleased that you have continued on in this with us, believing and proclaiming God's Message, from the day you heard it right up to the present. There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears.

7-8It's not at all fanciful for me to think this way about you. My prayers and hopes have deep roots in reality. You have, after all, stuck with me all the way from the time I was thrown in jail, put on trial, and came out of it in one piece. All along you have experienced with me the most generous help from God. He knows how much I love and miss you these days. Sometimes I think I feel as strongly about you as Christ does!

9-11So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well. Learn to love appropriately. You need to use your head and test your feelings so that your love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush. Live a lover's life, circumspect and exemplary, a life Jesus will be proud of: bountiful in fruits from the soul, making Jesus Christ attractive to all, getting everyone involved in the glory and praise of God.

They Can't Imprison the Message

12-14I want to report to you, friends, that my imprisonment here has had the opposite of its intended effect. Instead of being squelched, the Message has actually prospered. All the soldiers here, and everyone else, too, found out that I'm in jail because of this Messiah. That piqued their curiosity, and now they've learned all about him. Not only that, but most of the followers of Jesus here have become far more sure of themselves in the faith than ever, speaking out fearlessly about God, about the Messiah.

15-17It's true that some here preach Christ because with me out of the way, they think they'll step right into the spotlight. But the others do it with the best heart in the world. One group is motivated by pure love, knowing that I am here defending the Message, wanting to help. The others, now that I'm out of the picture, are merely greedy, hoping to get something out of it for themselves. Their motives are bad. They see me as their competition, and so the worse it goes for me, the better—they think—for them.

18-21So how am I to respond? I've decided that I really don't care about their motives, whether mixed, bad, or indifferent. Every time one of them opens his mouth, Christ is proclaimed, so I just cheer them on!

And I'm going to keep that celebration going because I know how it's going to turn out. Through your faithful prayers and the generous response of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, everything he wants to do in and through me will be done. I can hardly wait to continue on my course. I don't expect to be embarrassed in the least. On the contrary, everything happening to me in this jail only serves to make Christ more accurately known, regardless of whether I live or die. They didn't shut me up; they gave me a pulpit! Alive, I'm Christ's messenger; dead, I'm his bounty. Life versus even more life! I can't lose.

22-26As long as I'm alive in this body, there is good work for me to do. If I had to choose right now, I hardly know which I'd choose. Hard choice! The desire to break camp here and be with Christ is powerful. Some days I can think of nothing better. But most days, because of what you are going through, I am sure that it's better for me to stick it out here. So I plan to be around awhile, companion to you as your growth and joy in this life of trusting God continues. You can start looking forward to a great reunion when I come visit you again. We'll be praising Christ, enjoying each other.

27-30Meanwhile, live in such a way that you are a credit to the Message of Christ. Let nothing in your conduct hang on whether I come or not. Your conduct must be the same whether I show up to see things for myself or hear of it from a distance. Stand united, singular in vision, contending for people's trust in the Message, the good news, not flinching or dodging in the slightest before the opposition. Your courage and unity will show them what they're up against: defeat for them, victory for you—and both because of God. There's far more to this life than trusting in Christ. There's also suffering for him. And the suffering is as much a gift as the trusting. You're involved in the same kind of struggle you saw me go through, on which you are now getting an updated report in this letter.

Philippians 2

He Took on the Status of a Slave

1-4If you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.

5-8Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn't think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn't claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.

9-11Because of that obedience, God lifted him high and honored him far beyond anyone or anything, ever, so that all created beings in heaven and on earth—even those long ago dead and buried—will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ, and call out in praise that he is the Master of all, to the glorious honor of God the Father.

Rejoicing Together

12-13What I'm getting at, friends, is that you should simply keep on doing what you've done from the beginning. When I was living among you, you lived in responsive obedience. Now that I'm separated from you, keep it up. Better yet, redouble your efforts. Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God's energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure.

14-16Do everything readily and cheerfully—no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night so I'll have good cause to be proud of you on the day that Christ returns. You'll be living proof that I didn't go to all this work for nothing.

17-18Even if I am executed here and now, I'll rejoice in being an element in the offering of your faith that you make on Christ's altar, a part of your rejoicing. But turnabout's fair play—you must join me in my rejoicing. Whatever you do, don't feel sorry for me.

19-24I plan (according to Jesus' plan) to send Timothy to you very soon so he can bring back all the news of you he can gather. Oh, how that will do my heart good! I have no one quite like Timothy. He is loyal, and genuinely concerned for you. Most people around here are looking out for themselves, with little concern for the things of Jesus. But you know yourselves that Timothy's the real thing. He's been a devoted son to me as together we've delivered the Message. As soon as I see how things are going to fall out for me here, I plan to send him off. And then I'm hoping and praying to be right on his heels.

25-27But for right now, I'm dispatching Epaphroditus, my good friend and companion in my work. You sent him to help me out; now I'm sending him to help you out. He has been wanting in the worst way to get back with you. Especially since recovering from the illness you heard about, he's been wanting to get back and reassure you that he is just fine. He nearly died, as you know, but God had mercy on him. And not only on him—he had mercy on me, too. His death would have been one huge grief piled on top of all the others.

28-30So you can see why I'm so delighted to send him on to you. When you see him again, hale and hearty, how you'll rejoice and how relieved I'll be. Give him a grand welcome, a joyful embrace! People like him deserve the best you can give. Remember the ministry to me that you started but weren't able to complete? Well, in the process of finishing up that work, he put his life on the line and nearly died doing it.

Philippians 3

To Know Him Personally

1 And that's about it, friends. Be glad in God! I don't mind repeating what I have written in earlier letters, and I hope you don't mind hearing it again. Better safe than sorry—so here goes.

2-6Steer clear of the barking dogs, those religious busybodies, all bark and no bite. All they're interested in is appearances—knife-happy circumcisers, I call them. The real believers are the ones the Spirit of God leads to work away at this ministry, filling the air with Christ's praise as we do it. We couldn't carry this off by our own efforts, and we know it—even though we can list what many might think are impressive credentials. You know my pedigree: a legitimate birth, circumcised on the eighth day; an Israelite from the elite tribe of Benjamin; a strict and devout adherent to God's law; a fiery defender of the purity of my religion, even to the point of persecuting the church; a meticulous observer of everything set down in God's law Book.

7-9The very credentials these people are waving around as something special, I'm tearing up and throwing out with the trash—along with everything else I used to take credit for. And why? Because of Christ. Yes, all the things I once thought were so important are gone from my life. Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Master, firsthand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant—dog dung. I've dumped it all in the trash so that I could embrace Christ and be embraced by him. I didn't want some petty, inferior brand of righteousness that comes from keeping a list of rules when I could get the robust kind that comes from trusting Christ—God's righteousness.

10-11I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience his resurrection power, be a partner in his suffering, and go all the way with him to death itself. If there was any way to get in on the resurrection from the dead, I wanted to do it.

Focused on the Goal

12-14I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back.

15-16So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you'll see it yet! Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it.

17-19Stick with me, friends. Keep track of those you see running this same course, headed for this same goal. There are many out there taking other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go along with them. I've warned you of them many times; sadly, I'm having to do it again. All they want is easy street. They hate Christ's Cross. But easy street is a dead-end street. Those who live there make their bellies their gods; belches are their praise; all they can think of is their appetites.

20-21But there's far more to life for us. We're citizens of high heaven! We're waiting the arrival of the Savior, the Master, Jesus Christ, who will transform our earthy bodies into glorious bodies like his own. He'll make us beautiful and whole with the same powerful skill by which he is putting everything as it should be, under and around him.

Philippians 4

1 My dear, dear friends! I love you so much. I do want the very best for you. You make me feel such joy, fill me with such pride. Don't waver. Stay on track, steady in God.

Pray About Everything

2I urge Euodia and Syntyche to iron out their differences and make up. God doesn't want his children holding grudges.

3And, oh, yes, Syzygus, since you're right there to help them work things out, do your best with them. These women worked for the Message hand in hand with Clement and me, and with the other veterans—worked as hard as any of us. Remember, their names are also in the Book of Life.

4-5Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!

6-7Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

8-9Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.

Content Whatever the Circumstances

10-14I'm glad in God, far happier than you would ever guess—happy that you're again showing such strong concern for me. Not that you ever quit praying and thinking about me. You just had no chance to show it. Actually, I don't have a sense of needing anything personally. I've learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. I don't mean that your help didn't mean a lot to me—it did. It was a beautiful thing that you came alongside me in my troubles.

15-17You Philippians well know, and you can be sure I'll never forget it, that when I first left Macedonia province, venturing out with the Message, not one church helped out in the give-and-take of this work except you. You were the only one. Even while I was in Thessalonica, you helped out—and not only once, but twice. Not that I'm looking for handouts, but I do want you to experience the blessing that issues from generosity.

18-20And now I have it all—and keep getting more! The gifts you sent with Epaphroditus were more than enough, like a sweet-smelling sacrifice roasting on the altar, filling the air with fragrance, pleasing God no end. You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus. Our God and Father abounds in glory that just pours out into eternity. Yes.

21-22Give our regards to every follower of Jesus you meet. Our friends here say hello. All the Christians here, especially the believers who work in the palace of Caesar, want to be remembered to you.

23Receive and experience the amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, deep, deep within yourselves.

The Breakout Challenge

Here it is.
Real simple.
We start our series "Breakout" this coming Sunday.
The best way to prepare...

Read the letter to the church in Philippi ever day for the next week.
Read it like the way it was meant to be heard- all at once, in one sitting.
It takes 10-15 minutes tops, and that's reading slowly.
It will prepare your heart and mind to breakout and be transformed this June and July.

I'll be sending it out in a different translation/paraphrase everyday this week to aid your study.

Philippians 1 (English Standard Version)

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

Philippians 1

Greeting

1Paul and Timothy, servants^[a] of Christ Jesus,

To all the^(A) saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the^(B) overseers^[b] and^(C) deacons:^[c]

2^(D) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving and Prayer

3^(E) I thank my God^(F) in all my remembrance of you, 4always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5^(G) because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6And I am sure of this, that he who began^(H) a good work in you^(I) will bring it to completion at^(J) the day of Jesus Christ. 7It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you^(K) in my heart, for you are all^(L) partakers with me of grace,^[d] both^(M) in my imprisonment and in^(N) the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8For^(O) God is my witness,^(P) how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9And it is my prayer that^(Q) your love may abound more and more,^(R) with knowledge and all discernment, 10so that you may approve what is excellent,^(S) and so be pure and blameless^(T) for the day of Christ, 11filled^(U) with the fruit of righteousness that comes^(V) through Jesus Christ,^(W) to the glory and praise of God.

The Advance of the Gospel

12I want you to know, brothers,^[e] that what has happened to me has really^(X) served to advance the gospel, 13so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard^[f] and^(Y) to all the rest that^(Z) my imprisonment is for Christ. 14And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold^(AA) to speak the word^[g] without fear.

15^(AB) Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16The latter do it out of love,^(AC) knowing that I am put here for^(AD) the defense of the gospel. 17The former proclaim Christ^(AE) out of rivalry, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.

To Live Is Christ

Yes, and I will rejoice, 19for I know that^(AF) through your prayers and^(AG) the help of^(AH) the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20as it is my eager expectation and hope^(AI) that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full^(AJ) courage now as always Christ^(AK) will be honored in my body,^(AL) whether by life or by death. 21For to me^(AM) to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23^(AN) I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is^(AO) to depart and^(AP) be with Christ, for that is far better. 24But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25^(AQ) Convinced of this,^(AR) I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your^(AS) progress and^(AT) joy in the faith, 26so that in me^(AU) you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.

27Only^(AV) let your manner of life be^(AW) worthy^[h] of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you^(AX) that you are standing firm in one spirit, with^(AY) one mind^(AZ) striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is^(BA) a clear sign to them of their destruction, but^(BB) of your salvation, and that from God. 29For^(BC) it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also^(BD) suffer for his sake, 30engaged in the same^(BE) conflict that^(BF) you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

Philippians 2

Christ’s Example of Humility

1So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from^(A) love, any^(B) participation in the Spirit, any^(C) affection and sympathy, 2^(D) complete my joy by being^(E) of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3Do nothing from^(F) rivalry or^(G) conceit, but in^(H) humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4Let each of you^(I) look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5^(J) Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,^[a] 6^(K) who, though he was in^(L) the form of God, did not count equality with God^(M) a thing to be grasped, 7but^(N) made himself nothing, taking the form of a^(O) servant,^[b](P) being born in the likeness of men. 8And being found in human form, he humbled himself by^(Q) becoming obedient to the point of death,^(R) even death on a cross. 9^(S) Therefore^(T) God has^(U) highly exalted him and bestowed on him^(V) the name that is above every name, 10so that at the name of Jesus^(W) every knee should bow,^(X) in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and^(Y) every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is^(Z) Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Lights in the World

12Therefore, my beloved,^(AA) as you have always^(AB) obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13for^(AC) it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for^(AD) his good pleasure.

14Do all things^(AE) without grumbling or^(AF) questioning, 15that you may be blameless and innocent,^(AG) children of God^(AH) without blemish^(AI) in the midst of^(AJ) a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine^(AK) as lights in the world, 16holding fast to^(AL) the word of life, so that in^(AM) the day of Christ^(AN) I may be proud that^(AO) I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 17Even if I am to be^(AP) poured out as a drink offering upon^(AQ) the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.

Timothy and Epaphroditus

19I hope in the Lord Jesus^(AR) to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. 20For I have no one^(AS) like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. 21For they all^(AT) seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22But you know Timothy’s^[c](AU) proven worth, how^(AV) as a son^[d] with a father^(AW) he has served with me in the gospel. 23I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, 24and^(AX) I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.

25I have thought it necessary to send to you^(AY) Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and^(AZ) fellow soldier, and your messenger and^(BA) minister to my need, 26for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 27Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. 29So^(BB) receive him in the Lord with all joy, and^(BC) honor such men, 30for he nearly died^(BD) for the work of Christ, risking his life^(BE) to complete what was lacking in your service to me.

Philippians 3

Righteousness Through Faith in Christ

1Finally, my brothers,^[a](A) rejoice in the Lord.^(B) To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.

2Look out for^(C) the dogs, look out for^(D) the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. 3For^(E) we are the circumcision,^(F) who worship^(G) by the Spirit of God^[b] and^(H) glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— 4^(I) though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5^(J) circumcised on the eighth day,^(K) of the people of Israel,^(L) of the tribe of Benjamin,^(M) a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6^(N) as to zeal,^(O) a persecutor of the church;^(P) as to righteousness under the law,^[c] blameless. 7But^(Q) whatever gain I had,^(R) I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8Indeed, I count everything as loss because of^(S) the surpassing worth of^(T) knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I^(U) have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9and be found in him, not having^(V) a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but^(W) that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10^(X) that I may know him and^(Y) the power of his resurrection, and^(Z) may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11that by any means possible I may^(AA) attain the resurrection from the dead.

Straining Toward the Goal

12Not that I have already^(AB) obtained this or^(AC) am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do:^(AD) forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14I press on toward the goal for^(AE) the prize of the upward^(AF) call of God in Christ Jesus. 15Let those of us who are^(AG) mature think this way, and if in anything^(AH) you think otherwise,^(AI) God will reveal that also to you. 16Only^(AJ) let us hold true to what we have attained.

17Brothers,^(AK) join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk^(AL) according to the example you have in us. 18For^(AM) many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you^(AN) even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19^(AO) Their end is destruction,^(AP) their god is their belly, and^(AQ) they glory in their shame, with^(AR) minds set on earthly things. 20But^(AS) our citizenship is in heaven, and^(AT) from it we^(AU) await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21who will transform^(AV) our lowly body^(AW) to be like his glorious body,^(AX) by the power that enables him even^(AY) to subject all things to himself.

Philippians 4

1Therefore, my brothers,^[a] whom I love and^(A) long for,^(B) my joy and^(C) crown,^(D) stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

Exhortation, Encouragement, and Prayer

2I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to^(E) agree in the Lord. 3Yes, I ask you also, true companion,^[b] help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers,^(F) whose names are in the book of life.

4^(G) Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.^(H) The Lord is at hand; 6^(I) do not be anxious about anything,^(J) but in everything by prayer and supplication^(K) with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And^(L) the peace of God,^(M) which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9What you have learned and^(N) received and heard and seen^(O) in me—practice these things, and^(P) the God of peace will be with you.

God’s Provision

10I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length^(Q) you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be^(R) content. 12I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and^(S) hunger, abundance and^(T) need. 13I can do all things^(U) through him who strengthens me.

14Yet it was kind of you^(V) to share^[c] my trouble. 15And you Philippians yourselves know that^(W) in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia,^(X) no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17^(Y) Not that I seek the gift, but I seek^(Z) the fruit that increases to your credit.^[d] 18I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied,^(AA) having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent,^(AB) a fragrant offering,^(AC) a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19And my God^(AD) will supply every need of yours^(AE) according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20To^(AF) our God and Father be^(AG) glory forever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings

21Greet every saint in Christ Jesus.^(AH) The brothers who are with me greet you. 22^(AI) All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.

23^(AJ) The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Prayer Ministry Training

Did you know that the ONE thing the disciples of Jesus asked him to teach them was how to pray? (Luke 11:1)
We'd like to help teach you how to pray and be a part of our Prayer Team.

ALSO, we will teach you how to share the plan of salvation from the bible.
If you've ever wondered what the bible says about salvation, or wondered how to pray with someone to commit their life to God through Jesus, then you'll want to be at this event. We'll teach you a simple, biblical outline to follow.

What: Prayer Team Training
When: Monday, May 12, 7:30pm at 1326 Hastings Dr.
Why: To organize and prepare our team.
Starting IMMEDIATELY we want to have at least 2 people praying for our service and our community on Sunday mornings from 9-9:30am, and then to be available to pray with/for people after the worship service.

First Easter Recap

I try to be honest on this blog with victories and defeats, celebrations and disappointments.

And I have to say I'm NOT disappointed with our first Easter service.

• I thought the energy and excite was the best yet!
• I was so proud of our team when we blew a breaker in the theatre and they literally FLEW into action. In less than 5 minutes they had everything back running- awesome!
• Mike's rendition of "My Hero" by the Foo Fighters was jaw-dropping. I was ready to say "amen" and wrap it up.
• I had to start kicking people out of the theatre at 11:45am.
• The response to the welcome packets was amazing. So the bags are a little girly- real men embrace the tote! Or maybe they give it to their wife/girlfriend/mom.
  
• The feedback we received is enough to make you shout for joy!

My only disappointment:
I really wish more than 200 could have been there to experience God's presence and the fellowship of so many wonderful folks. I can honestly say I don't want to grow for the sake of numbers. I want us to grow because I believe in this mission more than ever! Folks need to experience what's happening at Connections.

The people of our church simply amaze me!

If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. 1 Corinthians 15:13-14

Our faith is FAR from useless, and so was our service yesterday.

Easter Sunday

Folks have asked if we're making a big deal of Easter at Connections.

They seem surprised when I tell them no.
But I go on to tell them that we make a big deal out of worship EVERY Sunday.

For us, it's always Easter.
I pray hard, and work hard, and listen attentively to craft a meaningful message.
The band practices and prays and practices more to present amazing music.
The Media Team works throughout the week to pull it all together.
The Drama Team (Andrew is a team of one) pours over scripts.
The Family Ministry Team makes sure everything is prepared to give kids an amazing experience.
The First Impression Team makes sure the coffee and snacks will be fresh and tasty.
The set-up team gets out of bed at the crack of dawn to make everything perfect.

For Connections, every Sunday is a celebration of the life we have in Jesus.
Every Sunday is a big deal.
Last Sunday is in the past.
Next Sunday isn't promised.
All we have is THIS SUNDAY.
And THIS SUNDAY is going to be the best service ever!

So this Sunday come and worship.
This Sunday bring a friend.
This Sunday all first time visitors will receive a Connections Bag with a CD and information packet.

So yeah, maybe we do have something special planned for Easter. And maybe God does too.

Radio Interview

I just had a great phone call.

Word got wind of Connections Community Church to "News Talk 1290 AM."
(I think a friend named Hilke put a bug in somebody's ear.)

I'll be interviewed on air at 9:45 am tomorrow, Thursday March 20.

Apparently a church meeting in a movie theatre is just innovative enough to be categorized as "news." Also, they wanted to highlight some "church stuff" for Holy Week and we're the church!

Just goes to show what we keep experiencing- ask and you will receive. Someone loves Connections enough they thought it would be great if we made the news. They followed the one connection they had to a radio station, and next thing you know, I'm scheduled for an interview.

I love our church!

So tell your friends and if you're in London ON, tune in to 1290 AM at 9:45am!

PS, say a prayer that your pastor doesn't put his foot in his mouth!