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The "Best Week of the Summer" is over, and the buzz from a record-breaking 497 kids, 250+ volunteers, 16 decisions for Christ, and 21 Bibles given out is still lingering everywhere in the church building and hearts.
Sunday worship was awesome as well! God blessed the message and brought several guests to Horizons.
Praise God! Everything is going great!
But then there's Monday. As a general rule, I like to like Mondays. It's the freshest day. Everything's new, it's so far away from Sunday, and it's the day that sets the pace for the rest of an adventurous week.
However, Monday can also be pretty heavy. The weekly cycle starts over. All the things that are left over from Friday are waiting for me. All the goals for the near and distant future reemerge on my weekly list. The message for Sunday looks so fuzzy and undeveloped. Who knows what unforeseen events will come along.
Monday clearly wants to take away all the good things of yesterday and last week. This Monday in particular is offering cool weather and rain as if it were early October. and so, in spite of my rule, I'm not very fond of this Monday.
It would be easy to wish and pray Mondays away. It's tempting to ask that this day and the weight of it no longer exist. But I don't dare.
Paul writes to Peter saying “But rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that when his glory is revealed you may also rejoice exultantly” (1 Peter 4:13). So instead, I'll rejoice in Monday! If it weren't for Monday, I wouldn't be so sharply and deftly reminded to go to God with all things and invite Jesus to join me for another beautiful, powerful week of ministry. If Mondays weren't a little rough, I wouldn't have the chance to witness how the Holy Spirit sustains us in all times, working on our behalf for the kingdom.
In conclusion: Mondays are crummy, and I LOVE THEM. Amen, and bring it on week!
More to come!
Jason <><
Monday, July 29, 2013
Monday, July 22, 2013
Holy Church of VBS!?
If Horizons ever needed to change its name, perhaps the title of this post would work! "Holy Church of VBS!" Some would LOVE the new name, while others might ask if its a little TOO focused on the children. Adults need to grow too!
The good news: VBS may be for children, BUT, VBS is for adults just as much!
I don't simply mean that adults need VBS because they secretly love to sing and dance and play games and have snack time. It is totally true, and VBS offers exactly that for most of us who otherwise live in a very serious, high-pressured world of productivity and responsibility.
BUT, what I really mean is this: the Biblical voice of Luke gives us a famous impression of the early church in his book recording the Acts of the Apostles (Acts), which is by far the most referenced New Testament scripture for casting the vision for the church. In Luke's description, he writes "Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved" (Acts 2:46-47).
So many times we try to encourage today's church by repainting Luke's description, urging those in the church to pick up this life, these practices. That's what the church should be like--even today! But so many times, we feel it a bit too far outside of our norm, or we simply can't see how to get there. Often we never make it there.
Yet, as I was looking around yesterday and soaking up the miracles of the opening day of VBS, I saw EXACTLY what Luke described happening right before my eyes. That is why VBS is for adults!
The good news: VBS may be for children, BUT, VBS is for adults just as much!
I don't simply mean that adults need VBS because they secretly love to sing and dance and play games and have snack time. It is totally true, and VBS offers exactly that for most of us who otherwise live in a very serious, high-pressured world of productivity and responsibility.
BUT, what I really mean is this: the Biblical voice of Luke gives us a famous impression of the early church in his book recording the Acts of the Apostles (Acts), which is by far the most referenced New Testament scripture for casting the vision for the church. In Luke's description, he writes "Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved" (Acts 2:46-47).
So many times we try to encourage today's church by repainting Luke's description, urging those in the church to pick up this life, these practices. That's what the church should be like--even today! But so many times, we feel it a bit too far outside of our norm, or we simply can't see how to get there. Often we never make it there.
Yet, as I was looking around yesterday and soaking up the miracles of the opening day of VBS, I saw EXACTLY what Luke described happening right before my eyes. That is why VBS is for adults!
- There were tons of volunteers all day long, pouring their time and hearts into getting things ready.
- There is a family style dinner for all volunteers before the doors open, and I watched as the BOB grew full of families and volunteers eating together, at tables, on the floor, and anywhere they could find a spot.
- 401 children poured into the worship center, along with 200 volunteers, and Jesus' name was shouted at the top of our lungs as we praised a living, life-saving God.
- People laughed, worked together, cared for each other, wiped away tears, held hands, and caught up with each other as the night progressed.
- Leaders led and shared and directed and helped put God's plan into action, for the sake of helping lead others to Jesus' salvation.
THIS is the early church! I'm not saying Horizons is the perfect example, but I am saying Luke's example is alive, and Horizons has found a beautiful piece of it!
VBS IS FOR ADULTS! It's something we need in our lives and church far more than we can imagine! Praise God for VBS, the energy pouring into Horizons, and for the lives that are being changed because of it!
More to come!
Jason <><
Monday, July 15, 2013
Sometimes a Slow Learner
On a fairly regular basis I make it a point to stay out of the office for a morning or afternoon and hang out at a coffee place instead. It's a good habit to have as a church leader. But I'm always envious of the working professionals I see while I'm there who will stroll in, meet a friend or co-worker, and actually have coffee with that person or group. What?? Who has time to get coffee AND enjoy it as well?
Just last Sunday the teaching was on the value of community and the practice of NOT doing life in solitude. Once again, Monday rolls around, and I'm busy eating my words--alone at the coffee house. Of course, I refuse to preach on a teaching that isn't directed at me as well, so this isn't all a bad thing. But ultimately, it's still clear I have some learning to do.
It is important for me to be more community minded. I need to be more focused on collaboration. I need to find time to develop a network of similar professionals and seek out mentor relationships. God is making this increasingly clear to me.
But sometimes I'm a slow learner. Although I'd love to see what it's like to visit with friends and professionals on a regular basis at a coffee house or over lunch, I still haven't grasped the deeper value. "How can I be a good leader if I'm spending all my time chatting with friends?" I secretly wonder.
I'm clearly missing the point. But at least I know that I'm not getting it. The whole point of collaboration and working and living in community is that life and church and marriage and most any other thing we can consider are all meant to be shared initiatives. Jesus never said, "If you work really hard and shut the rest of the world out, there I'll be as well." Instead, Jesus says, "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them" (Matthew 18:20).
The point is that there is significance in our efforts to be with one another, and Jesus assures us that as we draw together, he also will be there, side by side, contributing to the work of our hearts.
Of course there are times when we need to be alone. Writing a blog while a friend sits at the table isn't the most successful approach. But there are tons of other things that would be far more blessed if they weren't done alone.
So here's to drawing near to others! Let's get going.
More to come!
Jason <><
Just last Sunday the teaching was on the value of community and the practice of NOT doing life in solitude. Once again, Monday rolls around, and I'm busy eating my words--alone at the coffee house. Of course, I refuse to preach on a teaching that isn't directed at me as well, so this isn't all a bad thing. But ultimately, it's still clear I have some learning to do.
It is important for me to be more community minded. I need to be more focused on collaboration. I need to find time to develop a network of similar professionals and seek out mentor relationships. God is making this increasingly clear to me.
But sometimes I'm a slow learner. Although I'd love to see what it's like to visit with friends and professionals on a regular basis at a coffee house or over lunch, I still haven't grasped the deeper value. "How can I be a good leader if I'm spending all my time chatting with friends?" I secretly wonder.
I'm clearly missing the point. But at least I know that I'm not getting it. The whole point of collaboration and working and living in community is that life and church and marriage and most any other thing we can consider are all meant to be shared initiatives. Jesus never said, "If you work really hard and shut the rest of the world out, there I'll be as well." Instead, Jesus says, "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them" (Matthew 18:20).
The point is that there is significance in our efforts to be with one another, and Jesus assures us that as we draw together, he also will be there, side by side, contributing to the work of our hearts.
Of course there are times when we need to be alone. Writing a blog while a friend sits at the table isn't the most successful approach. But there are tons of other things that would be far more blessed if they weren't done alone.
So here's to drawing near to others! Let's get going.
More to come!
Jason <><
Monday, July 8, 2013
One-Year Wonder!
Today, July 8th marks my one-year anniversary at Horizons! My appointment began July 1, but my first official day in the office was July 8.
It's been quite a year. A beautiful, challenging, and adventurous year to say the least! There has been much growth, many miracles, and tons of love to witness and live within. Thanks to God for all these things, and thanks to God for so many good people being a part of this year in BIG ways.
Here's just a glimpse of what God has caused in just a year:
It's been quite a year. A beautiful, challenging, and adventurous year to say the least! There has been much growth, many miracles, and tons of love to witness and live within. Thanks to God for all these things, and thanks to God for so many good people being a part of this year in BIG ways.
Here's just a glimpse of what God has caused in just a year:
- Attendance has increased, there have been great crowds on holidays, we are seeing tons of new faces
- Financial blessings/miracles to the church no one could have imagined
- New adult classes were offered for marriages and those with aging parents
- Disciple Bible Study classes doubled over the year
- A new HOME Group team was formed, along with 3 new HOME Groups
- 2 new staff people have joined us
- Well over 130 Bibles have been given out
- Several building improvements have been made
- The Atrium hastransformed into a villa setting
- 27 students were confirmed
- Record numbers were hit in DZ
- There has been drastic increases in our Project Hope support
- The prayer path was completely renewed by the youth
- Concert on the Hill raised over $12,000 for a Horizons/Lincoln family in need
- 2012 VBS had record attendance and raised $1,800 for backpacks!
- Teacher Blessings Sunday, Volunteer Celebration Sunday, and a Sunday in the Community all happened!
MOST IMPORTANTLY: People are growing in their faith! Lives have changed, been renewed, set in better directions. Friendships have started, and Horizons people have supported each other in tremendous ways, in very challenging times!
Sometimes we expect things to happen overnight; and we are certainly asking for God to do even more. BUT, look what God has ALREADY done literally overnight!
As Sarah and I reflect over our time at Horizons, we have often found ourselves in tears of joy and awe, seeing how God has decided to use us, and seeing where God has decided to put us. To this we say Amen! and "Okay God! That was year 1. What's next??!!" Join us to see What God will do next! Thanks God!
More to come!
Jason <><
Monday, July 1, 2013
Love Got All Over!
I wonder if Peter knew how big of a deal it would be for ages to come when he carelessly, daringly got out of the boat and tried to walk on the water to Jesus.
He probably wasn't thinking that his actions would surely turn into valuable lessons for others, including a church that hadn't yet even been born.
He was probably thinking: "Man, the rest of these guys are never going to let me live this one down," hoping they'd soon forget his cries for help as his feet left the surface and went plummeting into the depths of the water.
But no one forgot. It's a great story! Thanks Peter for not thinking about all the risks--embarrassment and possibly even drowning--before going on your 5 step adventure. Thanks for not doing the smart, wise, well thought out thing.
Of course there's great value in wisdom and thinking before we act, but not always!
Yesterday, Horizons got out of the boat and attempted to walk on the water to Jesus. Unlike Peter, instead of taking a few steps and sinking, we made it pretty far!
It was as though it actually worked--just not nearly as well as when Jesus did it!
We got out, went into the community, and shared as much love with others as we could. We picked up trash, handed out water, listened to people, gave away vouchers for concessions, and simply learned the names and stories of those who have lived hard lives. Sure, our numbers were a little lower than usual. Some things didn't go quite as planned; a couple connections were missed. Some struggled to find significant value in the day.
BUT, it worked!! The only difference was that rather than walking on the surface of the water, we managed to splash our way to Jesus in knee deep water, still finding something solid to stand on, but surely not a neat trip.
But it worked! We made it! I received several e-mails and messages yesterday about the miraculous things that happened, conversations that were had, and love that got poured out. It worked!
And although it may not have been nearly as pretty as we'd hoped, in all that splashing around, we surely still got a whole bunch of love all over the place--even if, like Peter, we had/have no idea how big of a deal it was!
More to come!
Jason <><
He probably wasn't thinking that his actions would surely turn into valuable lessons for others, including a church that hadn't yet even been born.
He was probably thinking: "Man, the rest of these guys are never going to let me live this one down," hoping they'd soon forget his cries for help as his feet left the surface and went plummeting into the depths of the water.
But no one forgot. It's a great story! Thanks Peter for not thinking about all the risks--embarrassment and possibly even drowning--before going on your 5 step adventure. Thanks for not doing the smart, wise, well thought out thing.
Of course there's great value in wisdom and thinking before we act, but not always!
Yesterday, Horizons got out of the boat and attempted to walk on the water to Jesus. Unlike Peter, instead of taking a few steps and sinking, we made it pretty far!
It was as though it actually worked--just not nearly as well as when Jesus did it!
We got out, went into the community, and shared as much love with others as we could. We picked up trash, handed out water, listened to people, gave away vouchers for concessions, and simply learned the names and stories of those who have lived hard lives. Sure, our numbers were a little lower than usual. Some things didn't go quite as planned; a couple connections were missed. Some struggled to find significant value in the day.
BUT, it worked!! The only difference was that rather than walking on the surface of the water, we managed to splash our way to Jesus in knee deep water, still finding something solid to stand on, but surely not a neat trip.
But it worked! We made it! I received several e-mails and messages yesterday about the miraculous things that happened, conversations that were had, and love that got poured out. It worked!
And although it may not have been nearly as pretty as we'd hoped, in all that splashing around, we surely still got a whole bunch of love all over the place--even if, like Peter, we had/have no idea how big of a deal it was!
More to come!
Jason <><
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