tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50368572011-04-21T19:17:56.960-04:00Crosscurrent ChurchThe ongoing saga of Church as CommunityJasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comBlogger871100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-1060795259036191682003-08-13T13:20:00.000-04:002003-08-13T13:25:45.530-04:00Blog -- Closed for Business
I've been putting off the inevitable. I'm going to shut down the blog. I just don't have the time to do it justice. For all of you out of staters that enjoyed getting some church updates -- we're getting to reamp up our newsletter so you can get on that list if you so desire.
Here's a quick update on the Church. We are experiencing a time of growth right now. GodJasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-1058192025121232552003-07-14T10:13:00.000-04:002003-07-14T10:13:45.083-04:00Running out of Chairs
On Sunday morning we had our biggest crowd to date. I was given a count of 68 people which is about 20 more than our highest yet. There were about 12 people who were in town for the baptism but that still puts us over the 50 mark for the first time. Really exciting seeing the growth. Numbers are a funny thing because they're one of the few measurable things in ministry.Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-1058191738941800352003-07-14T10:08:00.000-04:002003-07-14T10:08:58.900-04:00Baptism & Barbecue
Sunday afternoon Crosscurrent Church held its first ever Baptism. Like we do with most everything we combined the festivities with food after our worship service. The whole event took place down on 85th street, with a cookout at Carrie's followed by the baptism service in the ocean.
We baptized 8 people, most of whom had been Christian's for a while but had never been Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-1057852564463837752003-07-10T11:56:00.000-04:002003-07-10T11:56:04.430-04:00Great Opportunity
I just was in this local coffee house and ended up having a great conversation. What adds to the event is that I wasn't supposed to be in this coffee house but through circumstances ended up there.
I was supposed to be meeting two people at Tropical Smoothies to talk about Baptism. Tropical Smoothies power went out and they weren't open. So went down to Fill My Cup instead.Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-1057671199792124612003-07-08T09:33:00.000-04:002003-07-08T09:33:19.693-04:00Back on
Well for the past week I've been in and out of town. We've done a little vacationing/family reunion in Williamsburg which was a great time with family that we haven't seen in a while. But in the midst of trying to be freed up to hang out it made the three work days I've had pretty hectic. But everything was completed when it needed to be and we fit in a little R-n-R.
Quick Update: Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-1056632482430501832003-06-26T09:01:00.000-04:002003-06-26T09:01:22.413-04:00Another Blog Bites The Dust
Disappointed to find out that good friend Ben is shutting down his blog for awhile. He's a church planter in NOVA/Reston area and has so many great thoughts about the church and ministry and people in general. Apparently there were some people who would use his blog thoughts against him or the church -- so he's keeping in his thoughts for now.
This goes to prove Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-959473542003-06-23T11:06:00.000-04:002003-06-23T11:06:47.710-04:00One More Item
We had another great worship service on Sunday. As the first worship set started I was standing in the back looking around the room very excited about how the church is developing. And then God put this little thought in my mind -- "The best part is that we get to do this together". What a great feeling of joy to realize that we have the privilege to develop and be the church Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-959471842003-06-23T11:00:00.000-04:002003-06-23T11:00:49.186-04:00It's been six days
I start the week with such great intentions for blogging and then the week gets out of hand. Last week especially. I had four different speaking opportunities and while I love to speak and do the preparation for speaking it definitely took its toll on me this week.
Last night at our partnership series I had very few articulate words left. I think it was a combination of Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-957544752003-06-17T10:43:00.000-04:002003-06-17T10:43:47.953-04:00Wild & Crazy Day
Today is going to be one of those days -- a mixture of fun and running around. I just got done playing racquetball which is an every Tuesday morning affair with my kids Pediatrician and another local Pastor. Now I'm on to finish up my message for Christian Surfers tonight. Then on to a lunch with a good friend who I haven't had a chance to catch up with in a long time. Then Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-957534832003-06-17T10:14:00.000-04:002003-06-17T10:14:57.023-04:00Funny Blog
Have no idea what it's saying but it certainly is a creative idea for a blog.Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-957147952003-06-16T09:15:00.000-04:002003-06-16T09:15:16.426-04:00Good Update
We had another great week at the Crosscurrent Worship Service. The worship times were strong again. Felt good about the message, not great, but good. Talked about God as a Father.
The doctrine of adoption is an amazing doctrine to me. Not only am I justified (given right legal standing) by God but he also then adopts me into his family. What an incredible thing. I have Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-957146122003-06-16T09:08:00.000-04:002003-06-16T09:08:07.690-04:00"And They're Off
I decided to head out of the blog gates running this week. I'd really like to be more consistent with blogging. Sometimes it's therapeautic for me, sometimes others read and it's conversationally beneficial for the both of us. However I do wonder how much blogs in general get looked at. I know there's some out there that get more reads than most but for the average blogger I Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-956335342003-06-13T12:20:00.000-04:002003-06-13T12:20:46.616-04:00A Comment
I'm hesitant to say anything but this has been eating at me. I just saw a marketing postcard from a new church in VB. Besides the fact that they are advertising free starbucks coffee as a reason to attend they make a comment that really frustrates me.
"Late Saturday night? No problem. Sleep in. You can still make it to our 11am service. And better yet, you'll be out by 12:15" Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-956332332003-06-13T12:11:00.000-04:002003-06-13T12:11:58.663-04:00A Short Hiatus
Heading to Richmond/Williamsburg for a little overnight. Will be going to Aimee's brothers graduation tonight and then spending time with my family most of tomorrow. I'm beginning to look forward to these little escapes the more I feel locked down by being around every Sunday. I love doing what I'm doing but the free spirit nature in me never wants to be tied down. This little Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-956142092003-06-12T22:55:00.000-04:002003-06-12T22:55:09.240-04:00Beginning to Wonder
I've been thinking a lot this week about the past Sunday's worship service. As I mentioned before it was a fantastic week. One of the things that stuck with me was the awareness that we could grow out of the YMCA very quickly. When we add another twenty people it's going to feel full. Have already begun dreaming about the next place. The 'Y' is a great place/great Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-956140552003-06-12T22:50:00.000-04:002003-06-12T22:50:40.810-04:00The Beauty of Team
Had a meeting with Tim who is going to be leading our worship team. I'm very encouraged by how he's thinking about this facet of the ministry. He is such a great addition to the church and I couldn't be more excited about having him on board. He has a great vision for the church and specifically for creating a worship environment. Huge load off of my shoulders having Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-955176312003-06-10T15:13:00.000-04:002003-06-10T15:13:03.850-04:00Funny (or Quirky) Quiz
Funny little quiz on this blog. Did not look at the rest of the blog so don't blame me if there is anything inappropriate.Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-954686752003-06-09T12:00:00.000-04:002003-06-09T12:00:06.613-04:00Great Weekend
Wow! I wish I could describe things better than that, but that's how I felt after yesterday. What a great Sunday. The Worship Service on Sunday morning was fantastic. Great time of worship. Really felt like we worshiped and God was pleased. Also felt really good about the message -- trying to tie a number of things together and really use it as a springboard to living our out Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-952845832003-06-04T10:26:00.000-04:002003-06-04T10:26:40.210-04:00A couple of shout-outs
Have looked at a couple of good websites recently. I like their content and feel.
The Bridge
Evergreen Church
We're still working on storyboarding our site - -hopefully we'll have something in the very near future.Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-952844632003-06-04T10:24:00.000-04:002003-06-04T10:24:13.580-04:00My Friend the IRS
Just spent another four hours with IRS paperwork trying to get all the necessary info to them for our 501(c)3 application. As a church we technically can act as a non-profit, but there is something about going through the formal process/paperwork to receive the determination letter that makes me feel better. I want to have the paper and the validity that goes along with it. Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-952843282003-06-04T10:21:00.000-04:002003-06-04T10:21:20.883-04:00Crazy week so far. I've been bouncing back and forth from planning Community Group to planning our first Partnership Series which starts this Sunday night to preparing for the Worship Service on Sunday. It's a funny thing because I love what I'm spending my time doing and yet I feel like my head is spinning at the same time. I'm glad I have the personality that likes to have a few projects Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-952376902003-06-03T10:29:00.000-04:002003-06-03T10:29:05.853-04:00Sound Advice
We are in the process of buying sound equipment for the church. First I can't believe how expensive this is and second, I can't believe how many options there are. Tough task when you're strapped for cash.
I have been seeking sound advice from many people and it becomes more and more confusing by the day. We're definitely narrowing down the decision but we are wading through a Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-952374852003-06-03T10:24:00.000-04:002003-06-03T10:24:07.966-04:00I Am Lazy
The blogs are becoming few and far between lately. It's a mixture of too much to do and being too tired to think of anything coherent to say.Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-949932442003-05-28T11:48:00.000-04:002003-05-28T11:49:20.000-04:00Partners in Crime
Just had a great time hanging out with fellow church planter/leader Ben Arment. We were discussing the joys and pains of church planting while sipping on smoothies from Tropical Smoothies. Not a bad way to spend a couple of hours.
I realized through our conversation that it's easy to get caught up on the negative. We have such high hopes for our churches as they fit in God'sJasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-949393712003-05-27T09:47:00.000-04:002003-05-27T09:47:29.120-04:00Memorial Day Weekend
Great weekend overall. Didn't do too much on Saturday due to the weather in the morning. That afternoon had a great walk with the family and played around the house. Relatively uneventful.
Sunday was a fantastic day. Our worship service was a memorial service to God. I took the message from talking about the reason our country celebrates memorial day and transitioned toJasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-949390732003-05-27T09:40:00.000-04:002003-05-27T09:40:52.590-04:00Sign of Solidarity
Ben's computer got knocked out by lightning a couple of weeks ago and he hasn't been posting to his blog in over a week. I haven't posted in over a week either and I'm using the excuse of solidarity with him in his anguish as my reason. Actually I've been both busy and not having the motivation to say much, but that should change somewhat. I realize the more I have going on,Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-944017602003-05-15T13:53:00.000-04:002003-05-15T13:53:25.306-04:002nd Samuel 14:14
"Like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be recovered, so we must die. But God does not take away life; instead, he devises ways so that a banished person may not remain estranged from him."Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-942201722003-05-12T15:34:00.000-04:002003-05-12T15:34:37.653-04:00Latest Ponderings
This past Sunday's worship service went well. Had a good time focusing on the Church as the sent people of God. Officially the message was titled "Gospel as Epidemic" which was interesting when I used epidemics as an example of how the Gospel is supposed to be spread. Comparing the Gospel to a Yawn was one thing but using the history of the spread of AIDS as an illustration Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-942193252003-05-12T15:17:00.000-04:002003-05-12T15:17:52.896-04:00Monday's
Sunday's seem to be really wiping me out recently. I don't know if it's the preparation that leads into Sunday's or just the actual day itself but by Sunday evening I'm pretty spent. I don't really notice till Monday's when I'm trying to get work done and my mind wanders (more than normal). Tough to be effective even though I try to be.Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-940455702003-05-09T07:26:00.000-04:002003-05-09T07:26:07.140-04:00God is relentless sometimes
The conference seemed to be an extension of all that God has been challenging me on in the past two weeks. He has been relentless on me continuing to hammer a point across so I'll listen and be obedient.
The theme for the past couple of weeks has been to return to the embodiment of mission in my own life. Its so easy planting a church to get caught up in Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-940454202003-05-09T07:20:00.000-04:002003-05-09T07:20:00.820-04:00A Day in Charlottesville
Spent all day yesterday at a CRM conference called d:frag. A long day but worth it. Had to leave my house at 5:30 and then after the conference drove to my brothers house in Blacksburg for his graduation.
The conference was good, actually it was more of a learning lab/workshop than a conference. The whole purpose (according to them) was to talk about missional Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-938718072003-05-06T12:54:00.000-04:002003-05-06T12:54:53.376-04:00Another Trip to CHKD
Well Caitlin and I just had our quarterly trip to CHKD for her checkup. A number of times today I had to tell people when she was first diagnosed with cancer. I think God was reminding me of something. It was May 2000 when she was diagnosed, November of 2000 when she was finished with Chemo. It's amazing how long ago and not long ago that seems. In three weeks it will Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-938109602003-05-05T13:34:00.000-04:002003-05-05T13:34:53.886-04:00Can't Ever Get that Time Back
Just wasted too much time changing my blog. I need to get back to more productive efforts. The internet is both a great blessing and curse. It was very useful this past week as an information gatherer for the message. Today it was useful for distracting me to no end. Time to turn off the IE.Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-937545412003-05-04T14:18:00.000-04:002003-05-04T14:18:13.353-04:00Sports Illustrations
I should apologize to our people for the amount of sports statistics and stories that I used today. I won't apologize though because I love using sports as an example. Paul seemed to talk about them on occassion as well. It is amazing how one guy could have a career batting avg of .342, hit 714 home runs and play for 22 years (Babe Ruth) while another guy could hit .200, Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-937543232003-05-04T14:13:00.000-04:002003-05-04T18:22:19.000-04:00Coming Together
One of the great things about us having our Sunday morning service is that it's given us a chance to serve together. Every Sunday at 9 AM there's a group there setting up chairs, refreshments and the like. It's fun to role up the sleeves together, to catch up, to create and then to worship. I'm enjoying that time more and more.
Huge props on the room set up today. Our Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-937541652003-05-04T14:09:00.000-04:002003-05-04T14:09:27.416-04:00What Makes a Great Church
That was the message today at Crosscurrent. The more I think about it the more fired up I get (in a good way). I really want to have a long term mentality. Not 5 or 10 years, I want to be thinking about building a foundation that will be producing fruit 100 years from now. I want Crosscurrent Church to be an extraordinary church, a great church, a church that is Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-934724802003-04-29T12:10:00.000-04:002003-04-29T12:10:16.190-04:00What a Statement
"Community is the place where the person you least want to live with always lives."
Henri NouwenJasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-934062162003-04-28T12:14:00.000-04:002003-04-28T12:14:52.156-04:001st Crosscurrent Wedding Announced
Last weekend -- Easter Sunday, a couple (Mike and Krista -- wish I had pictures) from the church got engaged. A romantic walk on the beach, before Easter brunch, a statement of love, a dropping down on one knee, a popping of the questions, a perplexed stare, a showing of the ring and then finally an answer of 'yes'. That's the story in a nutshell. Great to Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-934060132003-04-28T12:11:00.000-04:002003-04-28T12:11:18.186-04:00Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder
At least that's what I tell myself after I go four days without a blog. Sometimes I just don't have anything to say other times I do but I forget it. That's what happens when you're 33 and have four kids.
Great weekend this weekend. Between Gymnastics, Soccer Game, Worship Service, Birthday Parties and yardwork, it really was a nice weekend. Sometimes our Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-931841802003-04-24T12:11:00.000-04:002003-04-24T12:13:09.000-04:00Community
Had a great community group last night. Spent some time in worship and then took a detailed look at Philippians 2:19-30. Paul gives us such a great example of Biblical Community through his words about Timothy and Epaphroditus. This is a passage that is so easy to glance over and yet I believe is so incredibly profound, especially coming on the heels of the previous passage.
The Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-931785852003-04-24T10:26:00.000-04:002003-04-24T10:26:32.393-04:00Newsletter
I just finished creating the April Newsletter. I really need to do a better job of getting it done sooner. Hopefully I'll get it printed, stuffed and stamped to get out tomorrow.
I'm also trying to figure out what the newsletter should be saying. I'm not sure it's overall purpose. I started writing it to inform out of town donors and prayer people of the happenings of the church.Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-931135752003-04-23T10:32:00.000-04:002003-04-23T10:32:39.000-04:00Great Resource a Week Late
Just found a great booklet that Mark Driscoll put together for Mars Hill's Easter Celebration. It's a nice compilation of info for a discussion on the death and resurrection.
By the way check out the pictures of their new facility on their site. Great vibe.Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-930505722003-04-22T11:24:00.000-04:002003-04-22T11:24:15.196-04:00On The Same Page
I just got an evotional from Mark Batterson of National Community Church that was amazingly similar to my message this past Sunday. I'd accuse him of borrowing except the very thought of that is laughable.
I was talking about the concept of things that were irreversible and even mentioned Superman flying around the earth reversing it's rotation so he could go back in time and Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-930454762003-04-22T09:51:00.000-04:002003-04-22T09:52:23.000-04:00Took It On The Chin
Every Tuesday morning I play Racquetball with two other guys at the local Rec Center. Great time and great run, usually. I got my fanny kicked today and it wasn't even close. Both guys were on and I was not so on. Oh well, I'll have to trust that it was productive cardio.
A few months ago I started working out 3 days a week, playing racquetball once and basketball once. Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-929837922003-04-21T10:38:00.000-04:002003-04-21T10:38:54.436-04:00Easter Celebration
Great morning yesterday at the Y. The place is growing on me but only because we transform it every Sunday. Glad at this point that we aren't hauling in video projectors and sound equipment. That day is coming soon though.
All in all a great service. Really felt like we worshipped God this morning through word as well as song. I'm so glad we haven't gotten "big" yet Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-928050042003-04-17T19:00:00.000-04:002003-04-17T19:01:46.000-04:00A Mini Revelation
As I was driving today I got to thinking about my expectations for the people in my church. My first natural inclination is to raise the bar as high as possible and expect everyone to reach high. However as I thought about my own life and my own inability to reach the bar so often, I realized I need to lean much more to grace and patience. God has been so patient with me as Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-928046712003-04-17T18:52:00.000-04:002003-04-17T18:52:15.263-04:00Busch Gardens
Just spent the day at Busch Gardenswith the family. This past Christmas my parents bought season passes for our family and this was the first of many trips we'll take this year. Nothing quite like riding the Big Bad Wolf with your five year old son for the first time and watching the range of emotions he experiences on his first real roller coaster. Our kids are at such a fun ageJasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-926703052003-04-15T16:15:00.000-04:002003-04-15T16:15:52.996-04:00Momentum
I was a little concerned last week when the Y told me they were closed Easter Sunday and that we might not be able to meet there. Found out today that the Y-Director found someone to work for us. Now that I think about it I have mixed feelings. Something inside made me want there to be nobody able to work because I'd like everybody to be excited about church/family but I do understandJasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-925847002003-04-14T10:45:00.000-04:002003-04-14T10:45:19.030-04:00Great First Day
We had our first meeting at the YMCA on Sunday and it went great. All week long we had folks creating, sewing, building and buying to turn an aerobics room into a big living room. We definitely took a great step in that direction. The Vibe Police did such a great job of making the room comfortable. I'm very thankful for the people in our church. They have such huge hearts andJasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-923565332003-04-10T08:56:00.000-04:002003-04-10T08:57:45.000-04:00Community Groups
We had a great time last night at our Wed night community group. Great time looking at Philippians 1 -- I think we were all challenged by the passion Paul had for Christ and for the preaching of the Gospel. Definitely convicting on my own life, but it seemed as a group we all wanted to lock arms and step it up a couple of notches. Also there was the challenge to be in the WordJasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-922261752003-04-08T11:34:00.000-04:002003-04-08T11:34:07.326-04:00 It's Fun to Stay at the YMCA
Had a meeting at the Y yesterday to think through all of the details for our worship service move there this Sunday. It was fun to be over there and dream about the next leg of the journey. I can see us growing out of there in a few months time, but we'll see. I'm trusting that God is growing this church at His pace not mine.
It's going to be a great facility forJasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-921534802003-04-07T11:24:00.000-04:002003-04-07T11:24:37.293-04:00The Scripture Speaks
I just finished reading the book of Judges. Great book that I've overlooked before. I love this comment that is throughout the later chapters. "In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit." (Judges 21:25) Not only is that in a number of place but the book ends on that commentary. What a great statement about what happens when there is a lack of Godly Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-921528332003-04-07T11:12:00.000-04:002003-04-07T11:12:40.716-04:00Trying to Blog More Frequently
Was challenged by the comments of Ben concerning blogging. I mentioned that I was struggling to find the time to throw down thoughts and he reminded me of the potential encouragement or challenge that can come through some honest dialogue, especially in the joys and struggles of church planting. Made me think about all the times I've read his blog and was inspiredJasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-919174532003-04-03T10:17:00.000-05:002003-04-03T10:17:03.343-05:00Back From Florida
Well Aimee and I got back from Florida yesterday afternoon. All in all it was really a good trip. Acts29 had built a lot of free time into the schedule which really was a benefit to us personally. I feel rested and ready to get back into the swing of things; and a lot of swinging there is.
Sunday, April 13th we're moving the church out of our house and over the Hilltop Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-914834202003-03-27T10:19:00.000-05:002003-03-27T10:19:53.390-05:00Something to Think About
Interesting article in Relevant Magazine that Robb had mentioned on his blog.Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-914748702003-03-27T07:11:00.000-05:002003-03-27T07:11:24.246-05:00Boca Bound
At about 2PM today we're leaving for Boca. Actually Aimee, Holden and I are the only one's going. The rest of the kids are spread out over different Grandparents. We're heading down to Spanish River Church for the annual Acts 29 conference. Important time for our church as I meet with the board about inclusion into the network and discuss potential funding.Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-914747532003-03-27T07:07:00.000-05:002003-03-27T07:07:53.686-05:00A Crazy Week
Well it's been a while since I've hopped on the blog. It really has been a crazy week. My good friend Geoff Treichler came into town on Saturday and stayed through Wed morning. Great time hanging out with a great friend. He made quite the effort driving from Ohio to spend a weekend with us. I miss doing ministry and hanging out with him on a regular basis.
Along with that were Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-911346152003-03-21T12:40:00.000-05:002003-03-21T12:42:26.000-05:00My Date Night
On a personal note I had a great time last night with my daughter Caitlin. The rest of the family went to Williamsburg for a little overnight at my parents house. Caitlin had gymnastics and school so she stayed with Dad. So after school I took her to gymnastics and then we went down to Norfolk for a date. We had a great meal at No Frill Grill and a great time of conversation. Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-911342972003-03-21T12:34:00.000-05:002003-03-21T12:34:19.390-05:00Spiritual Gifts
I'm looking forward to this weekend as we wrap up our study on spiritual gifts. We're going to take a practical look at how we're wired and how we use that in the life of the church. It's been a fun few weeks discussing things like gifts and missional pathways and using our gifts in the life of the body. My hope is that Crosscurrent Church will be a place where the entire Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-911209422003-03-21T08:08:00.000-05:002003-03-21T12:36:49.000-05:00March Madness
Hard to know whether we're talking about basketball or current world affairs.
Prayer definitely goes out to the troops and our leaders. Living in Va Beach the war hits way too close to home. I find myself watching to keep up to date but with every image of a bomb dropping or news about a target being hit I find myself cringing. While this war might be in our country's best Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-910087872003-03-19T14:43:00.000-05:002003-03-19T14:46:32.000-05:00Interesting article on the anti-war sentiment.Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-909954692003-03-19T10:41:00.000-05:002003-03-19T10:41:06.296-05:00Great word from Lesslie Newbigin's The Open Secret.
Talking about the difference between those who see mission purely as justice and those who see mission purely as personal conversion, Newbigin writes, "The effect of this is that each is robbed of its character by its separation from the other. Christian programs for justice and compassion are severed from their proper roots in the liturgical Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-908590032003-03-17T10:45:00.000-05:002003-03-17T10:45:43.966-05:00Ended the night last night over at Central 111 a tapis bar in Great Neck. Dr Burnside's was playing their weekly gig there. Great jazz band -- feel privileged to have Jake, the sax player, apart of the church. Quite a talent. Good time listening to music and having conversation with friends in the church. Nice way to end a sunday.Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-908588232003-03-17T10:42:00.000-05:002003-03-17T10:42:59.546-05:00Big day yesterday in the life of Crosscurrent Church. Had a great morning as a core group continuing our discussion of gifts in the life of the church. There was some great brainstorming done on what an authentic worship service really should look like. Our vision has four main elements in it -- Glorifying God, Developing towards spiritual maturity, impacting culture with the Gospel and doing Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-906670582003-03-13T15:55:00.000-05:002003-03-13T15:55:08.496-05:00On a deeply spiritual note -- I've got to mention that I'm very excited about the beginning of baseball season. I have high hopes for the Dodgers this year. MLB is doing a very cool thing and telecasting a large amount of games via the internet. Still considering signing up so I can catch a few Dodgers games this year.Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-906667742003-03-13T15:50:00.000-05:002003-03-13T15:50:07.246-05:00Just bought "The Open Secret" by Lesslie Newbigin from Amazon. Looking forward to being challenged.Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-906666862003-03-13T15:48:00.000-05:002003-03-13T15:48:34.140-05:00I've been printing out past newletters from Gospel and Our Culture Network and have been taking them and reading them during the various "waiting around" periods of the day. There is some great content in the newsletters. Here's some comments from George Hunsberger writing about Lesslie Newbigin's missional theology:
"By the term election Newbigin refers to God's choice of Israel to be God's Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-905282442003-03-11T11:24:00.000-05:002003-03-11T11:24:07.373-05:00I was looking back at a past newsletter from the Gospel and Our Culture Network and came across a couple of interesting comments.
Anne Wilkinson-Hayes writes:
The first key factor was a deep expression of inclusive community. People were amazed by the love Christians had for one another, which broke all the normal social barriers. The second was the degree of service the Christians offered toJasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-904669242003-03-10T12:40:00.000-05:002003-03-10T12:40:44.640-05:00If you're always using the expression, "that's the best thing since sliced bread" then this website is for you.Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-904617602003-03-10T11:01:00.000-05:002003-03-10T11:01:05.420-05:00I've been absent from blogging for a couple of days. Don't know if it was the work I had to do for the church or maybe just laziness and not wanting to sit down and blog, but either way I'm back in the saddle.
Very interesting time Sunday morning. Really feel like we're making some headway as a community. We started the time discussing the greatest needs and top values of the Virginia Beach Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-902532002003-03-06T14:17:00.000-05:002003-03-06T14:20:06.000-05:00Funny article on espn.com today. Quite a career this guy has.Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-901969322003-03-05T16:47:00.000-05:002003-03-05T16:47:17.310-05:00I just got asked a couple of great questions that I want to process with our core group.
What are the top 5 needs in Va Beach as we see them?
What are the values important to the Va Beach community?
To be quite honest I had trouble being specific and found myself giving very broad answers. I want to start at this point and then try to think about pathways that reach from the church to these Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-901117512003-03-04T09:01:00.000-05:002003-03-04T09:03:32.000-05:00Christian Counterculture has thrown down the end times gauntlet. While these articles/books might not make the NY Times bestsellers list, they certainly are worth the read. And I know that this might not sit well with popular mainstream christian culture but they certainly challenge the Left Behind end times stance. Would I be showing my hand if I said thank you to Christian Counterculture.Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-900486812003-03-03T08:43:00.000-05:002003-03-03T08:43:39.780-05:00Strange thing happened yesterday. I spent a little time blogging, posted and published and then the blog disappeared into cyberspace. Don't know what happened but hope that this one sticks.
Yesterday we switched our Core Group mtg to Sunday mornings. Didn't know what to expect going into it but was more than pleasantly surprised. I guess the thing I was most worried about was the numbers. Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-899178042003-02-28T14:57:00.000-05:002003-02-28T14:57:21.996-05:00Great quote on Ben's blogsite today under the heading of How To Keep Disciples Immature Through Teaching.Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-899026512003-02-28T09:45:00.000-05:002003-02-28T09:49:30.000-05:00Numbers 11:4-5 "The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and said, "If only we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost . . ."
My first inclination is to dismiss the Israelites as a pathetic people who deserved to go back to Egypt. I can't believe God didn't just give them what they desired. I love how this verse Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-898364242003-02-27T08:42:00.000-05:002003-02-27T08:42:15.436-05:00Sickness and schedule has kept me off the blog spot this week. Holden, the 11 month old, has been sick all week. It's amazing how one kid sick in the family affects the whole family. God is gracious in that we've never had all four sick at the same time. I got a little something yesterday afternoon and have been down for the count. Trying to get up and move around right now but I think I'm Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-897159312003-02-25T10:47:00.000-05:002003-02-25T10:47:25.246-05:00I just ran across this Johnny Cash Video of the Nine Inch Nails song hurt. Not a Nine Inch Nails fan but this is a pretty powerful video. Definitely worth a watch.Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-896458002003-02-24T10:11:00.000-05:002003-02-24T10:11:10.966-05:00Sermon for President Bush
Interesting article/sermon from Brian Mclaren. Worth the read.Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-896450692003-02-24T09:57:00.000-05:002003-02-24T09:57:25.623-05:00Just realized that I hadn't been on here in a few days. Time seems to fly by pretty quickly these days. I guess that's typical of the church planting lifestyle. A lot to do in a short amount of time. I can't argue with the lifestyle though -- love what we're doing and can't believe God has given me the privilege of leading this church.
Great night last night. Guess I feel that way almost Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-894380102003-02-20T11:00:00.000-05:002003-02-20T11:00:14.110-05:00Thanks to Ben for helping me get the links and fellow bloggers template going. I need to take an html class or something. Never was good with foreign languages.
Seems I stirred a little controversy with Tuesday's blog. I want to clarify that Crosscurrent Church will not be serving alcohol at it's Worship Service as William Blake's poem might suggest. Tuesday's blog was more of a commentary Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-893107362003-02-18T10:46:00.000-05:002003-02-18T10:46:02.996-05:00"The Little Vagabond"
Dear Mother, dear Mother, the Church is cold,
But the Ale-house is healthy & pleasant & warm;
Besides I can tell where I am used well,
Such usage in heaven will never do well.
But if at the Church they would give us some Ale,
And a pleasant fire our souls to regale,
We'd sing and we'd pray all the live-long day,
Nor ever once wish from the Church to stray.
William Blake (Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-891074322003-02-14T14:47:00.000-05:002003-02-14T14:49:22.000-05:00Had a great meeting with soon to be fellow church planter Robb Overholt. Had fun sharing our visions which we're finding out is very similar. It makes me think that God is doing something big in Va Beach.
This Sunday night we're going to be looking at the Church through the lens of covenant relationships. Should be an interesting discussion. It's been a good time in preparation although Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-890358192003-02-13T10:32:00.000-05:002003-02-13T10:32:32.296-05:00I continue to try to tweak and learn how to use this blog site -- hopefully it won't take too long to master.
I've been confronted with a scriptural reality lately as I've studied and taught: here it is. Almost every time God tells Moses to go back to Pharoah he mentions the words, or words similar, "Let my people go, so that they may worship me in the desert." I found this concept in every Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-890121982003-02-12T22:51:00.000-05:002003-02-12T22:51:12.706-05:00This is a test to see if I can set a link. I'll try to set a link to History Church.Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-889930252003-02-12T16:23:00.000-05:002003-02-12T16:23:59.200-05:00I realized that a couple of days ago I felt like I had a lot to say but now that I have a forum, nothing's coming to mind. I'll attribute this to Blogfright.
I've had a couple of conversations recently that have involved talking about some of the other churches in the area. It's been interesting after the conversations to check my motives and attitudes. I don't want to get caught in the us --Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5036857.post-888537122003-02-10T10:32:00.000-05:002003-02-10T10:32:21.490-05:00Well I've finally entered the world of blogging much to the pressure of my good friend and fellow church planter Ben Arment . I've hesitated to start because I know I have a lot to say, just don't know if I want to say a lot of it in a public forum. I guess we'll just have to see what comes out in time.
Great night with the core group last night. Sometimes it seems like it just keeps gettingJasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07392252031830807134noreply@blogger.com