Monday's Musings

If I'm out of the house, out with friends on a Saturday night, I'm free to have fun. But if I'm in the house, all I can think about is the Sunday service. The only problem was, we had 3 extra girls spending the night.
Fine, put them in the basement with some pizza, and let them have fun.
But things never go that simply.
One girl has some separation anxiety, so this was going to be her first sleep over!
But by 9pm things weren't looking good. We had to take her home
Meanwhile Justin and Karis would not go to bed with all this commotion.
Eden started to stress because her sleepover plans were falling apart, out of her control.
Have I mentioned how much control Eden likes to have? The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
By 10pm another girl was ready to go home. There are reasons for this that would be very difficult to get into.
Eden had one friend left, but nothing went the way she hoped.
Things were looking bad on all fronts.

And I was bottling up all this energy, emotion, stress, etc.

We got through the night and got on to the service in the morning. Which was awesome, which I'll write more about later.
By last night I was exhausted, which is rare. All I wanted to do was watch the Steelers whomp New England (which they did) and go to bed. But we had our small group coming over.

And just when you think you have nothing left, you end up having an amazing time together.
It was one of our most beautiful times together- sharing, praying, and eating WAAAAY too much (the amount of snacks brought last night was insane!).

So what are my musing today after all this...

• Home can be a safe and relaxing place, but not always. Saturday nights are very difficult for me to be a dad/husband. But if we are having a sleep over, I need to man-up and do it!
• My tone sets the tone for the kids. I must let go of all anger, rage, bitterness and malice, just like I preached on two weeks ago. I can't hide it, bottle it up, or put it off- I need to get rid of it.
• I love my kids and their friends, and it is one of our most vital ministries to actually love our kids and their friends. Christians are always wondering how to love their neighbors. If your neighbors kids are sleeping in your house- LOVE THEM!
• Great community is energizing! I say it all the time, but our group is amazing!
• Quote of the night: "I'm getting more comfortable just talking like a Christian around people." In context it was very powerful for me. Just letting the love of Christ flow freely through our conversations with all people all the time. Not making a show of our faith, nor hiding our faith in a "tolerant" society. Just being who we are- people who are loved by God and love God back in return.

And I suppose that's all for now- lunch with a great friend and new father awaits!

PS, check out the article about Leah in Christian Life in London.
Leah, I'm proud to say, is one of those awesome people in our small group who I love!
http://www.clilondon.com/

Monday's Musings

My first reflection this morning- It's not Monday. I'm late.

• The coffee was AMAZING on Sunday- Haitian Blue Fairtrade from Fire Roasted Coffe right here in London. Buy it. Brew it. Drink it. Give thanks to God!
• The cups are now bio-degradable- the next best thing to bringing your own!
• Evan did an amazing job for his first time leading worship at Connections. Now I'm sorry I made fun of guys who wear pants so tight they need vasoline to put them on. Forgive me Evan, and wear whatever you want- just keep leading worship like that!
• Robin cracks me up! And I forgive her. Read here if you want to know the story.
• The message on revenge touched a nerve. I've had some amazing follow-up conversations. People really have some heart breaking stories. I mean HEART BREAKING! I've heard things since Sunday that make me want to kick-butt and take revenge. But we have to break free from this poison before it kills us. You can listen to the message online if you missed it Sunday. http://www.connectionschurch.ca/sermons.html
• I'm still all messed up (in a good way) from the conference last week. I'll need to post more to process my thoughts.

Peace,
G

Monday's Musings

Yesterday was one of the most challenging sermons I've ever preached.
It goes like this:

We have to talk about money- the bible talks about it.
We have to talk about money- it's a reality of our lives and a HUGE area of stress and confusion for many people.
But, it's such a sore spot for churches and people.

It's hard for people- we love to talk about money, just not our own money. More specifically, our spending habits.
It's hard for churches- we don't want to ever appear motivated by profit or greed.

I outlined the simple financial plan I was taught: 10-10-80
Give 10%
Save 10%
Live on 80%
As time passes, try to increase the first two.

I was given some great opportunities by my family. I was able to enter adulthood debt free.
Robin and I entered our marriage debt free. We've lived relatively simply ever since. We even lived in a dorm apartment the first 6 years of our marriage- now that's simple!
So we've given, we've saved, and we haven't gone into debt. (Actually, we have- we have a mortgage. I'm told not to think of that like debt, but I do. It still bugs me that we haven't paid off our house yet- but I'm working on it!)

For too long I thought I had it all figured out by living within our means.
But preparing for yesterday's message has really got me thinking and studying finances.

• Why do I still not really enjoy the spending part of my budget?
• Why do I resist firming up a budget that accounts for my spending before it happens?
• What would my giving look like if I took this more seriously?
• How far ahead might I be if I paid more attention to my savings?

My father once told me there are three stages to a mans life:

• First he's obsessed with sex.
• Then he's obsessed with money.
• I'm not saying what the third stage is.
• Nor am I saying I'm out of the first stage (Robin is so hot!)

But I've actually been praying, yes PRAYING, that I start to care much more about money.

• I'm praying I care enough to budget better.
• To give more.
• To save more strategically.
• And to enjoy spending.

The thing I realize is that I'm going to need help to do all this. I'm not wired to figure this all out by myself. I'm excited to see what unfolds. I'm also planning to preach a series on finances next year- tentatively set for April (I know- it's appropriate).

Until then we'll see how we get through this recession, the holidays, and who knows what else!
But no matter what happens I think we are entering a new age of living a more simple, more frugal life style. It's combination of new economic realities and changing cultural sensibilities.

But like I said, I'm no expert...yet.

Monday's Musings

Robin and I have been frustrated lately with people's lack of vision. We've been asking people, good people, God-loving people, what God has been doing in their life lately. Many look back at us with a vacant stare. It's like we're speaking another language. They don't get the question. It's sad.

If God so love the world he sent his one and only Son...
If the Son loves us so much he came to us...
If he died for us...
If he rose from the grave to conquer sin and death...
If he ascended into heaven and sent us the Holy Spirit...
If the Holy Spirit lives in us...
And if Jesus is coming back...
And if we really believe that God is active and alive...
And that we have a RELATIONSHIP with God through Jesus...
(and not just a religion we practice)

Then is only makes sense that we should see God doing things in our world and in our lives!

This is NOT putting God to the test.
This is putting us to the test.

If you don't see God doing stuff in your life, the problem isn't God.
It's you.
Because I can promise you that God is alive,
and doing stuff.

So pray that you actually move from religion to relationship. From believing, to participating. Pray that you'll have eyes to see and ears to hear how God is at work.
And pray that you can be a part of it.

Don't be surprised when He answers. Be grateful.

Monday's Musings

Yesterday we had our biggest turnout yet- 284 people.
Wow.
I knew it was a big crowd when we ran out of programs, but I had no idea.
A lot of folks were there to support the Kaastra and Terry families.
But still, take away 50 guests and we still had 234 people there to worship.

So I went home feeling pretty full of myself.
Then it started to dawn on me- God is really doing something here.
And if God is doing something, I'm both thrilled... and terrified.
I got the chills.

And I feel out of comfort zone already.

• How to you transition from wondering if anyone is going to show up, to knowing that a couple hundred will show up?
• What do you do when you fill your meeting space?
• Multiple services, multiple locations, video services, new venue?
• How do you make such a transition and keep the momentum?
• How do you lead people when you're clearly in over your head?
• I don't know, but it's going to be a blast figuring it out.

I had a confidence going into church planting that I could lead a group of people with a vision to change lives for Jesus. But taking that vision to the next level is where my challenge really begins.

• I'm going to have to resist the urge to play it safe now.
• Take chances on people.
• Let go of some things and trust others with leadership.
• Think organizationally as well as missionally.
• Plan ahead instead of respond to the moment.
  

_____
Yesterday I also preached at a Reformation Day service to a couple hundred people. It was awesome, and they were so excited to hear what God is doing through church planting.

Then we had our Connection Group at my place. Five weeks into the semester and I already feel so close with these people. Our prayer time was awesome!

We had company show up at 11:30pm to spend the night. I had never met them before. Honestly, I said who are you people and why are you at my house? Almost 12 years of marriage to Robin and she is still surprising me.

This morning we made pumpkin pancakes. It was a taste of the glory yet to come.

Monday's Highlights- FASTING

I'm hungry already.

Fasting is one of the lost disciplines of the Christian life.
At least its been lost in my life the past few years.
In college and as a young adult I made fasting a regular discipline.
Then Robin and I started a family. And for us family meals are one of our top priorities. We eat pretty much every breakfast and dinner together.
Then I'm usually meeting someone for lunch.

But enough is enough.
I need to fast.
Jesus expects us to fast. In Matthew 6 Jesus is teaching on what we would categorize as "spiritual disciplines."
First he talks about "acts of righteousness" and giving to the needy. That's a whole sermon there- the first "discipline" is really about loving others and getting our money under Christ's Lordship.
Second, he talks about prayer.
Third, he goes into fasting, and he starts with this audacious statement,

"When you fast..."

Not "if you fast," or "should you decide that fasting is for you," or "once a year when you give something up for Lent..."

He says when you fast. It's an expectation that someone following Christ will make fasting a regular practice.

So I'm once again convicted that I must return to this discipline.
I need this.
I need to hunger after more than food and drink.
I need to stand in solidarity with those who daily hunger and thirst.
I need to be and example to my family- where family meals are still a top priority, so family fasts must also become a part of our home.
And who cares if I look a little funny only asking for water at a restaurant. I'll just leave a bigger tip!

Now someone reading this knows this bible passage and knows that it says don't make a big show of your fasting. And I confess that by blogging about this I've turned this fast into a bit of a show.
But in truth, I don't write this as bragging. I write this as confession, and as accountability.
And maybe even to challenge you.

Monday's Highlights

I'm happy to say that something changed for me this weekend- I felt thankful!
Or to be more specific- I felt thankful for Thanksgiving in October. It's a good sign of my acclimatizing to the Canadian rhythm of life. It really felt like Thanksgiving. (You can check out the rest of the family photos here.)

And I get the best of both worlds- we'll still celebrate US Thanksgiving with my family in November! That's something else to be thankful for!

But on with my other reflections:

~ Sunday felt like the first "normal" service we've had at Connections since the summer. We played it pretty safe because of the Holiday weekend. It was a good morning, pretty straightforward, pretty relaxed. It think the team needed that.

~ I made a HUGE message change right before I preached- the first time I've done that in ages. I'm still not sure if it was the right move (You can read the sermon online and decide for yourself). It's no use beating myself up over the change, but I've been examining Why I made the change:

• Why did I feel unsettled about what I first wrote?
• Was it a lack of faith, or a sign of faith?
• Was I flowing the Spirit's leading, or listening to a voice of self-doubt?
• If the former- great. Stay sensitive George.
• If the latter, who was I trying to please with my message- God or people?
• If the latter, where am I out of step?

If I can get a better grasp on the WHY question, then I'm going to learn something profitable. I'm so thankful that most Sundays I walk in with a message that I'm bursting at the seams to share. I really feel that God has prepared me, and prepared hearts, for his Word. But every so often you don't feel it.

But I think that in itself is a grace of God. It keeps me humble. It forces me to take it back to square one. It puts my eyes on God and in His Word.

I've been asking some other questions lately. Questions about Connections next steps. But that needs more thought before I write anything.

Monday's Highlights

I woke up this morning with a massive headache. Drank a cup of coffee, felt sick, went back to bed, missed a meeting, got back out of bed at 10am and I still feel pretty lousy.

But other than that I am pumped!

It's like we are still feeling the ripples of the baptism service (do you like that water imagery!). I said we were making no promises on how we'd do baptism in the future, but this I know- we'll have more baptisms! I'm already praying about how we'll celebrate our 100th baptism, and I pray it's not too far down the road. People need Jesus, they need to be washed clean, they need a fresh start.

Yesterday the band covered "Fix You" by Coldplay to lead into the message. We knew this song had a lot of resonance with the culture, but I was blown away. Even as a performance piece (it's just not fair to ask people to sing along in falseto!) there were so many people singing along- even without any lyrics on screen.
When I heard that, I KNEW that people needed to hear the bible promise of Regeneration. People are crying out to be fixed!

I love the ...(FIED) T-shirts. They are so cool. And they only get better as the series progresses. Just wait until you see GLORI(FIED).

I love our Connection Group. These folks bless me with their lives.

Steelers RULE! I was so stressed out watching this game. They always throw it away to the Jaguars. Not last night! Even with the toughest schedule in the NFL in a quarter century we are leading the division, 4-1!

Finally, I was given permission to pass this along, so I am...

George,
I just felt like sending a note of encouragement your way.
Even though I've only been able to attend Sunday morning's hit and miss....It's really exciting to see the way God is working in this church, especially after the baptism service.
I've just been sorting out some cobwebs in my own life and God has definitely been speaking to me through different aspects of Sunday mornings at ccc.
I realize that there are a lot of people involved in this and you aren't the only person God is using at connections but i felt you should hear this.....feel free to let others know......

Wednesday Review

OK, my Monday highlights has now become my Wednesday review. So here I go, processing online all my thoughts...

• On Sunday we had over 50 people sign up for Connection Groups right out of the gate. We've had more than 14 registrations since Sunday. Now we are somewhere close to 70 registrations! I'm just praising God.

• We are going to break 100 in registrations. I'm praying for it, I'm recruitign for it. I can feel it coming. We are going to have at least half of our worship attendees engaging in Groups, and it is going to change their lives.

• Then we had 58 people attend our Volunteer Round-Up. 58! The energy in that place was overwhelming. I can't write enough good stuff about our people. It really felt like we took it to the next level. This group of people, and others who couldn't be there, are going to invest and put themselves into serving God through Connections and make things happen.

• I have to celebrate my Team Leaders- you were awesome:

1. Mike Fluit and Nate Birtch- Music
2. Graham Cartwright- Media
3. Sarah DeVries- Family
4. John VanderSteen and Becca Ingram- FaST
5. Jen Jolliffe- FIT
6. Hilk Bakker- Prayer
7. And of course, thanks Robin for doing so much with Planning Center Online.

• And folks, youreally have no idea how much Robin does to make Connections happen. If she wasn`t my wife, I`d ask her to marry me!

• Looks like we might be having some Junior and Senior High ministry going on. I`ll keep you posted.

• I've been speaking this week at the London District Christian Secondary School. They invited me to lead their theme exploration week. The theme being, "I AM." I have to say I love speaking with high school kids. They are a tough group, so you have to be on your game. But whenyou winthem over, man, you win them over. They are into it. After three days I'm just feeding off of their energy. So props to my peeps at LCDSS, you guys have been awesome, I can't wait for tomorrow- I'm gonna blow your minds! Actually, God is- He is so good.

• I'm writing from my Chiropractors computer right now. It's OK, we're friends. But it's kinda fun working in his office. Gotta love life online.

Monday Highlights

~ It was so awesome to see the theatre full! I'm praying hard we have to move to two services or two theatres this fall. I'm praying we know clearly which option will best serve our mission.

~ I can't believe we ran out of $5 gift cards for Starbucks.
Oh yeah, did I mention- we gave out gift cards! But we had so many more people yesterday we ran out. I feel horrible! Sorry to everyone who didn't get a card. You aren your relationships are worth $5 and next time, if there every is a next time, we'll be better prepared.

~ Every week we've been having people commit or re-commit their lives to Jesus. This will NEVER stop being exciting to me. There is nothing more awesome than this. This is why we're planting Connections. Angels sing, God is glorified, and we rejoice!

~ I'm more convinced than ever that the church must be clear on what we're doing. Presume nothing. Each week we tell people who we are, what we're about, why we exist. Each week we work to present Jesus clearly, compellingly, compassionately. Then people WILL respond. They will respond because we're being obedient to Jesus' command.

Oh, I like that...

"Presenting Jesus Clearly, Compellingly, Compassionately."

~ Did you see the uber-cool "Wiii Church" set on Sunday? Yes, those are all pictures of the past year of our church. Thanks to Robin and Kathryn.

~ Yesterday marked on year from our first public preview service. We've come a long way, but have so much farther to go. I still feel like we are taking baby steps. I want to run ahead, make things happen. But all in His time and due time.

~ I feel momentum. I even did in August when attendance was down. There was still a feeling of growing excitement, enthusiasm for God and for Connections, anticipation of big things on the horizon.

~ Our lights still haven't arrived- I'm going crazy! They need to pass some inspection before they are shipped to us. Something about "safety" and "dangerous materials." Whatever, just show me the light!

~ Connections Groups are nearly all in place now. Just a few lose ends to tie up. Print the catalog, then start the Round-Up! ALPHA is already filling up. This is gonna be aweseome!

Our Volunteer Round-Up is going to ROCK! I now this because our volunteers ROCK! Join us Sunday September 14, 6-8pm at the Navigators, 11 St. Johns Dr in Arva.

I'm already excited about our Baptism service on the 21st. I'm so mad we can't hold it in the fountain at the mall.

Our band is playing for Through The Roof at UWO on the 21st. They're gonna rock that campus' socks off.

I'm pumped about Communion on the 28th. It's gonna be the best!

I have so many awesome things I have to get ready for- next week leading chapel at a local Christian High School all week long. Another youth event on the 28th. Some othe community events in October. It all about sharing Jesus and getting the word about Connections out there!

Monday Highlights

My first Monday highlight- it's Tuesday!
Yep, took the day off. Hit golf balls with my father, then went to Ipperwash beach with the family. Ate KFC for dinner. Good times.

• Sunday was another amazing service.
• We had the skeleton crew for the holiday weekend, by the team pulled it off with flare! I learned a valuable lesson- three people in the band means about 4 fewer people helping to set up, which makes things significantly more stressful. But kudos to teh folks who showed up, set up, and pullit it off! You rock.
  
• We have a few people who make all the difference each week. If you don't know who you are, some of you are Mike, Jean, Carl, John, Irene, Jeff, Sonya, Mark, Nate, Paula, Graham... I'll stop there. All those folks were gone, and it really shows in setting up.
  
• The line between good stress, which is fun, and overwhelming stress, which is debilitating, is a fine one, and different for different people. Most Sundays I'm in teh zone with "fun stress." Yesterday I was close to freaking out!

• I'm psyched for September! Not because I love the fall, but because I love people. The students are rolling into town, and back into Connections.
• I'm so eager for some upcoming events:

1. Connection Group Kick-Off. We are unleashing a whole new way to do small group community! Training will happen September 27.
   
2. Volunteer Round-Up: Training, appreciation and encouragment, September 14.
   

Finally, I get to report this two weeks in a row now, and I hope I get to report this every week as long as Connections exists- we had another person commit their life to Jesus this past Sunday. This is what thrills me, fulfills our mission, makes angels sings, and brings joy to God our Father!

Monday Highlights

I think I'll make "Monday Highlights" a new feature, at least for now.
My head is always spinning after our Sunday worship service.
Maybe this will help me sort things out. So here goes...

• Yesterday's service was awesome! The band had two things come up, which meant they were shorthanded, but that didn't stop them from bringing it! I was singing "Rescue" all day long- much to the pain of my family.
• My man Mike stepped up and made the media portion happen! He even got the video going! I love people that rise to the occasion. But again, this illustrated for me why we need to have a media expert in place this fall. More on that when it's confirmed.
• Connections Groups are coming together like crazy. I'm am so excited I have to cross my legs! People are stepping up to Form groups. This September we'll be filling them. It's going to be amazing.

This is a HUGE PRAYER REQUEST...
For months now, literally, we've been pondering and praying about how to do a baptism service. I was literally drinking coffee with Robin the other morning, and the thought came to my head- why not in the fountain at the mall?

So I've approached the management at the mall, pitched my idea, and the guy didn't laugh. He didn't kick me out of his office. He didn't even say no. In fact, we talked about the logistics of such an event for a few minutes. Finally we had to leave it with this- he'll get back to me and let me know if we can do it!

And honestly, I think the guy wants to let us do this. He knew he couldn't say yes on the spot, as there is no precedent for this, ever, anywhere.

So pray like mad that we'll be given permission to hold a baptism service in the fountain at Masonville Mall Sunday September 21!

Finally, and this is what is always most awesome and most exciting for me-

• We had three re-commitments to Jesus
• Two people ask how to make a connection with God
• And our first official request for a baptism!

This is what it's all about!