photo © 2008 Just Being Myself | more info(via: Wylio)
Monday, November 8, 2010
For all the bloggers out there... Wylio is your friend!
I found this great website that is free and it allows you to add and appropriately cite pictures to you blog. All I did was type in Polar Bear in the search block, followed their easy instructions, and in no time I've got a pic of cute snuggly polar bears on my blog. Saves a lot of time and headaches. Great site run by even better people! Check them out at wylio.com.
photo © 2008 Just Being Myself | more info(via: Wylio)
photo © 2008 Just Being Myself | more info(via: Wylio)
Monday, November 1, 2010
Mission Update
My beautiful wife sent out this update to a family member and I thought I should pass it on to all of you. We're still alive and kicking here in Dayton. Thanks so much for your prayers and encouragement!
Dear Friends and Family,
I hope everyone is doing well! We had a busy, busy weekend, but it was a great one! The girls were so excited to dress up and go trick or treating and did it 2 nights in a row. On Saturday night, the stores in downtown Dayton opened the doors for the kiddos and the street was packed with families. Last night, we had church so our sweet babysitter walked the girls to the Baptist Church in our neighborhood where they did "trunk or treating" in the parking lot with lots of games and festivities. I don't think I've ever seen them as pooped as they were when we came home last night!
We had the opportunity to open the doors to our church on Saturday night as all of the festivities were going on. Being centrally located now in town, it was great to be able to have an open house and invite people in for snacks and conversation! The church is now in a space that is NEXT DOOR to where we live. Right now, the man that owns the building is letting us use the space for free as we have agreed to do some work to fix it up. So far we've taken down old dry wall to expose brick, installed a working toilet and have cleaned, cleaned, cleaned! This past week Brian and some guys built and stained a huge partition to section off a portion of the space as it is very long and narrow (15x100ft). Now we have a more intimate meeting area that we've fixed up with some lighting and furniture. We have a long ways to go, but we're excited to have a place to use as a group to serve the community.
Brian is now working at Advance Auto Parts full time. It's not the consistent schedule that he had at WalMart, but it's still 40 hours and a bit more pay. I'm continuing to keep 2 kiddos during the day with Adi from 7:30 to 5 on the week days and also work at a Methodist Church in the nursery on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings. Avery goes there for the kid's programs while I work which has been a huge blessing as we don't yet have a children's program.
It has been a tough year, but it's been such a blessing to know that we're not alone in this process. We're so thankful for your faithful support and pray that you are doing well.
A few prayer requests...
-Perseverance... That we would not loose sight of where we feel the Lord is leading us with the church as we plug away at our daily routines to support ourselves and our family in the process.
-Service... That we would be able to support & provide for a local family as a group throughout the holiday season and beyond.
-Family... Pray for our family to remain strong and support each other by intentionally focusing on time with one another although we feel our time and energy is often stretched with work.
-Community... Pray that we will continue to be a safe and welcome environment for many in the community that feel disconnected and frustrated with church in general. Pray that our Sunday night gatherings would be a fruitful time together as we dig into God's word.
-Finances... That through our members and supporters, we would have what we need when we need it.
We love you guys!!
Brian and Carrie
Dear Friends and Family,
I hope everyone is doing well! We had a busy, busy weekend, but it was a great one! The girls were so excited to dress up and go trick or treating and did it 2 nights in a row. On Saturday night, the stores in downtown Dayton opened the doors for the kiddos and the street was packed with families. Last night, we had church so our sweet babysitter walked the girls to the Baptist Church in our neighborhood where they did "trunk or treating" in the parking lot with lots of games and festivities. I don't think I've ever seen them as pooped as they were when we came home last night!
We had the opportunity to open the doors to our church on Saturday night as all of the festivities were going on. Being centrally located now in town, it was great to be able to have an open house and invite people in for snacks and conversation! The church is now in a space that is NEXT DOOR to where we live. Right now, the man that owns the building is letting us use the space for free as we have agreed to do some work to fix it up. So far we've taken down old dry wall to expose brick, installed a working toilet and have cleaned, cleaned, cleaned! This past week Brian and some guys built and stained a huge partition to section off a portion of the space as it is very long and narrow (15x100ft). Now we have a more intimate meeting area that we've fixed up with some lighting and furniture. We have a long ways to go, but we're excited to have a place to use as a group to serve the community.
Brian is now working at Advance Auto Parts full time. It's not the consistent schedule that he had at WalMart, but it's still 40 hours and a bit more pay. I'm continuing to keep 2 kiddos during the day with Adi from 7:30 to 5 on the week days and also work at a Methodist Church in the nursery on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings. Avery goes there for the kid's programs while I work which has been a huge blessing as we don't yet have a children's program.
It has been a tough year, but it's been such a blessing to know that we're not alone in this process. We're so thankful for your faithful support and pray that you are doing well.
A few prayer requests...
-Perseverance... That we would not loose sight of where we feel the Lord is leading us with the church as we plug away at our daily routines to support ourselves and our family in the process.
-Service... That we would be able to support & provide for a local family as a group throughout the holiday season and beyond.
-Family... Pray for our family to remain strong and support each other by intentionally focusing on time with one another although we feel our time and energy is often stretched with work.
-Community... Pray that we will continue to be a safe and welcome environment for many in the community that feel disconnected and frustrated with church in general. Pray that our Sunday night gatherings would be a fruitful time together as we dig into God's word.
-Finances... That through our members and supporters, we would have what we need when we need it.
We love you guys!!
Brian and Carrie
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Once a Month!
Well, I'm posting about once a month now and I'm not surprised. I'm not much of a blogger, never really claimed to be. I do believe that every now and then I'll have something significant to write about, but for now this is the best way for me to communicate the stuff happening with The Mission.
It's been roughly 6 months since we officially started The Mission. Right now I'm relearning for the millionth time that things take time, be patient, stay focused, don't get discouraged, and trust. Good Grief! You'd think I'd have figured these things out by now. I'm as convinced as ever that God is up to something in our midst, but sometimes the details get a little fuzzy. Here's what I'm struggling with right now:
Horizontal Leadership instead of Vertical Leadership. I'm so tired of the "up the ladder" form of leadership that has held the church captive for so long. I'm continually amazed at the amount of money I was paid in the church world to do a 1/4 of the work I do now at Walmart. The specialized, professional, and pampered pastor in today's churches mostly lead from the top, without any real involvement with the "Average Joe" in their community. How did we create such an organization? How have we managed to scrap the horizontal, intimately relational church of the first century, and turn it into a business run by "leaders" (that's church language for CEO). If you're wanting to pick a fight with me about deacons/bishops/elders of the first century church being equivalent to today's evangelical mega-church organizational chart, then bring it on.
Conversations about politics. I can't make any sense of how American politics and Jesus fit together. Frankly, I'm disgusted at myself for taking so much time to think and argue about this stuff. Wasted hours indeed! Enough said on that issue.
Money. Money sucks... both figuratively and literally. It sucks in the sense that it is THE most important thing in our lives ( I wish that statement weren't so true). And, it literally sucks the life out of me. Money and God. God and Money. Money is God or God is money. Which is it for you? Be honest!
Heat. My armpits are in a state of perpetual leaking. Since I work outside and underneath hot vehicles I'm slimy and sweaty all day.
People that don't get it. I wish I could just get everyone (as in Globally) to just listen to me. I promise I could fix you all.
OK, so I'm just being a little sarcastic about most of those things, except the pampered pastors and money. Every now and then you just need to let some things out and vent... so I did. In reality though, I'm blessed beyond my imagination to have a wonderful family and faith community. Things are a struggle sometimes. And, sometimes those sometimes are longer than others. But, we live now knowing that better will be in our future. People will meet Jesus. Lives will be changed. Justice and peace will happen.
Mission Update
The Mission Dayton is struggling through it's first summer. When five people are out of town it drastically changes the size of our group. Summer is just a tough time to do anything, especially continue the momentum from a very exciting spring. Fall is right around the corner though and we are nearing a move into our "next" meeting place. More details should be coming soon about that. In a few weeks, we will be starting a video series through Reggie McNeal's book, The Present Future: Six Tough Questions for the Church. I'm excited about The Mission being challenged to think outside the box about the church and it's place in our community. I'm praying for big things to happen in the life of our church as a result of this series.
I'm so grateful for all of you that support us with your prayers and resources. It's humbling to know that so many are willing to give up their money and time to help us. May the Lord continue to bless you as you seek Him. Until next month...
Peace,
BW
It's been roughly 6 months since we officially started The Mission. Right now I'm relearning for the millionth time that things take time, be patient, stay focused, don't get discouraged, and trust. Good Grief! You'd think I'd have figured these things out by now. I'm as convinced as ever that God is up to something in our midst, but sometimes the details get a little fuzzy. Here's what I'm struggling with right now:
Horizontal Leadership instead of Vertical Leadership. I'm so tired of the "up the ladder" form of leadership that has held the church captive for so long. I'm continually amazed at the amount of money I was paid in the church world to do a 1/4 of the work I do now at Walmart. The specialized, professional, and pampered pastor in today's churches mostly lead from the top, without any real involvement with the "Average Joe" in their community. How did we create such an organization? How have we managed to scrap the horizontal, intimately relational church of the first century, and turn it into a business run by "leaders" (that's church language for CEO). If you're wanting to pick a fight with me about deacons/bishops/elders of the first century church being equivalent to today's evangelical mega-church organizational chart, then bring it on.
Conversations about politics. I can't make any sense of how American politics and Jesus fit together. Frankly, I'm disgusted at myself for taking so much time to think and argue about this stuff. Wasted hours indeed! Enough said on that issue.
Money. Money sucks... both figuratively and literally. It sucks in the sense that it is THE most important thing in our lives ( I wish that statement weren't so true). And, it literally sucks the life out of me. Money and God. God and Money. Money is God or God is money. Which is it for you? Be honest!
Heat. My armpits are in a state of perpetual leaking. Since I work outside and underneath hot vehicles I'm slimy and sweaty all day.
People that don't get it. I wish I could just get everyone (as in Globally) to just listen to me. I promise I could fix you all.
OK, so I'm just being a little sarcastic about most of those things, except the pampered pastors and money. Every now and then you just need to let some things out and vent... so I did. In reality though, I'm blessed beyond my imagination to have a wonderful family and faith community. Things are a struggle sometimes. And, sometimes those sometimes are longer than others. But, we live now knowing that better will be in our future. People will meet Jesus. Lives will be changed. Justice and peace will happen.
Mission Update
The Mission Dayton is struggling through it's first summer. When five people are out of town it drastically changes the size of our group. Summer is just a tough time to do anything, especially continue the momentum from a very exciting spring. Fall is right around the corner though and we are nearing a move into our "next" meeting place. More details should be coming soon about that. In a few weeks, we will be starting a video series through Reggie McNeal's book, The Present Future: Six Tough Questions for the Church. I'm excited about The Mission being challenged to think outside the box about the church and it's place in our community. I'm praying for big things to happen in the life of our church as a result of this series.
I'm so grateful for all of you that support us with your prayers and resources. It's humbling to know that so many are willing to give up their money and time to help us. May the Lord continue to bless you as you seek Him. Until next month...
Peace,
BW
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
The Mission Update
All is well here in Dayton. We are very excited about Rachel Held Evans' book launch in July. Rachel is a participant and leader at The Mission. Her book is being published by Zondervan and is starting to get some pretty neat press. Please take a moment and visit her blog to learn more about her book. If you have gone through a faith crisis in your journey of following Christ, Rachel's story is bound to resonate with you.
In a few weeks we will celebrate together as a church our first baptism service. Chad, a regular guy that Jesus got a hold of a few years back, is ready to take the plunge. We're going old school down at the river. We are so thrilled to be a part of this big decision in Chad's life and pray that this will be the first of many more visits to the river.
I continue to forge relationships at Wal-Mart as the Service Manager in the Automotive Department. My new motto is, "I would really like to change the world, but will settle for changing your oil." I'm grateful for the opportunity to test my faith and contentment on a daily basis. It brings out a whole new meaning to Colossians 3:17. There Paul writes, "And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through him to God the Father." That seemed like such a no-brainer when I was in full-time ministry. Now, those words truly give me life and endurance. I live and work for a purpose far greater than my own comfort and satisfaction.
To those of you that have faithfully partnered with us through prayer and financial support, please know that our hearts are filled with gratitude. None of this would be possible without your willingness to be used by God to serve this community. Pray that we will continue to be good stewards of His many blessings. As always, stop by here on a regular basis for updates on The Mission. If you happen to be in the Dayton area and have not checked us out on a Sunday night, please feel free to stop by and hang out. Detailed information is available on our website.
Many Blessings,
BW
In a few weeks we will celebrate together as a church our first baptism service. Chad, a regular guy that Jesus got a hold of a few years back, is ready to take the plunge. We're going old school down at the river. We are so thrilled to be a part of this big decision in Chad's life and pray that this will be the first of many more visits to the river.
I continue to forge relationships at Wal-Mart as the Service Manager in the Automotive Department. My new motto is, "I would really like to change the world, but will settle for changing your oil." I'm grateful for the opportunity to test my faith and contentment on a daily basis. It brings out a whole new meaning to Colossians 3:17. There Paul writes, "And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through him to God the Father." That seemed like such a no-brainer when I was in full-time ministry. Now, those words truly give me life and endurance. I live and work for a purpose far greater than my own comfort and satisfaction.
To those of you that have faithfully partnered with us through prayer and financial support, please know that our hearts are filled with gratitude. None of this would be possible without your willingness to be used by God to serve this community. Pray that we will continue to be good stewards of His many blessings. As always, stop by here on a regular basis for updates on The Mission. If you happen to be in the Dayton area and have not checked us out on a Sunday night, please feel free to stop by and hang out. Detailed information is available on our website.
Many Blessings,
BW
Friday, April 30, 2010
Really Busy...
I've taken a new job at Wal-Mart as the Service Manager in the Automotive Department. It is a full time job that offers benefits. So, I pretty much had to take this opportunity. It is a much more demanding job with longer hours so I've not been posting on here as much as I would like.
The Mission is busily trying to find a "next" space to call home on Sunday nights. I say next because it will most likely not be permanent, but just a transitional space. Kaley has been so faithful in letting us use her home, but we are striving for a different identity than as a house church or small group Bible study. So, pray with us as we seek to move to a place where we can grow and impact the lives of this community.
Be sure to check out The Mission's website at www.themissiondayton.org.
The Mission is busily trying to find a "next" space to call home on Sunday nights. I say next because it will most likely not be permanent, but just a transitional space. Kaley has been so faithful in letting us use her home, but we are striving for a different identity than as a house church or small group Bible study. So, pray with us as we seek to move to a place where we can grow and impact the lives of this community.
Be sure to check out The Mission's website at www.themissiondayton.org.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Settling In...
After months of setting the foundation in place, The Mission is finally gaining some steam. We have introduced a number of new families into the fold and we're starting to think strategically about different ministry opportunities in the community. Still, the road ahead is long and winding. There's much to do in order for us to launch in September. Here are some specific prayer requests:
I get asked all the time what kind of church The Mission is and if we're an "Emergent" church. I never know how to answer those questions. We're just a church. A local expression of the Body of Christ wanting desperately to live out the life of Christ in this community. Whether or not we fit into the mold of what conservative evangelicals from these parts perceive as "right", I won't make any promises.
I'm sure in the days ahead there will be many more questions. People in the buckle of the bible belt tend to take very seriously some of what I consider the negotiable aspects of our faith. Things like end times theology, miraculous gifts of the Spirit, women in ministry, "being saved", and a variety of other issues. Notice I said that these things are negotiable. Meaning, they are important, but there's also a lot of wiggle room. When taken to the extreme, these topics can tend to divide more than they unite.
Quite simply, we will not take a definitive stance on most of these issues. Not taking a definitive stand spells trouble for a lot of folks around here. When you don't lean one way or the other you risk being labeled liberal or new age. I think I'm OK with that as long as anyone with questions or concerns is willing to sit down and have a meaningful conversation before jumping to false conclusions.
I'm thankful that God has allowed me to serve in the two very different churches over the last 15 years. I still consider both "my church" and the relationships formed over the years continue to impact my life today. As a result, I believe God has given me a unique perspective of the common ground shared by all of those that love and follow Jesus. It is my hope, and The Mission's as well, that we communicate through our lives the glory that can be brought to God by living in unity on this common ground.
These are exciting days for our little church. We need your support as we forge our way through the tough beginning stages. Pray for us! Pray that God would meet our needs in the way He sees fit. Support us financially if He leads. Join us on a Sunday night if you're interested or have questions. All the info you need can be found at www.themissiondayton.org.
10,000 more blessings,
BW
- A space to call our own
- Wisdom in developing a children's ministry
- Continuing to build up the bank account
I get asked all the time what kind of church The Mission is and if we're an "Emergent" church. I never know how to answer those questions. We're just a church. A local expression of the Body of Christ wanting desperately to live out the life of Christ in this community. Whether or not we fit into the mold of what conservative evangelicals from these parts perceive as "right", I won't make any promises.
I'm sure in the days ahead there will be many more questions. People in the buckle of the bible belt tend to take very seriously some of what I consider the negotiable aspects of our faith. Things like end times theology, miraculous gifts of the Spirit, women in ministry, "being saved", and a variety of other issues. Notice I said that these things are negotiable. Meaning, they are important, but there's also a lot of wiggle room. When taken to the extreme, these topics can tend to divide more than they unite.
Quite simply, we will not take a definitive stance on most of these issues. Not taking a definitive stand spells trouble for a lot of folks around here. When you don't lean one way or the other you risk being labeled liberal or new age. I think I'm OK with that as long as anyone with questions or concerns is willing to sit down and have a meaningful conversation before jumping to false conclusions.
I'm thankful that God has allowed me to serve in the two very different churches over the last 15 years. I still consider both "my church" and the relationships formed over the years continue to impact my life today. As a result, I believe God has given me a unique perspective of the common ground shared by all of those that love and follow Jesus. It is my hope, and The Mission's as well, that we communicate through our lives the glory that can be brought to God by living in unity on this common ground.
These are exciting days for our little church. We need your support as we forge our way through the tough beginning stages. Pray for us! Pray that God would meet our needs in the way He sees fit. Support us financially if He leads. Join us on a Sunday night if you're interested or have questions. All the info you need can be found at www.themissiondayton.org.
10,000 more blessings,
BW
Friday, March 12, 2010
Mission Update
Well, we set up a bank account! Man, there sure is a lot of paperwork and red tape to go through in order to set up a church. Our incorporation papers are being filed and we should start filing for 501c3 status soon. As you might remember, Carrie and I sent out support letters a few weeks ago, and the response has been amazing. We have received a little over $3800 dollars!!! If you are able to support The Mission, I encourage you to click here and partner with us on this incredible journey.
God continues to provide me with opportunities to build relationships with people I run into, and work with, at Wal-Mart. I had a great conversation with a lady just last night. Although much of what God is up to these days remains a little blurry, I think I'm starting to see some questions being answered.
On Sunday nights we are still plowing our way through The Gospel of John. The fact that he was most likely the oldest surviving eyewitness of Christ really does lend to the uniqueness of this Gospel. This week we will be tackling the difficult passages found in chapter 6 about eating His flesh and drinking His blood. Sounds kind of shocking doesn't it? I would love it if y'all would share your thoughts with me about this passage.
Finally, Carrie and the girls will be joining me in Dayton this weekend for good. We will be moving into an apartment on Monday. After 7 months of living in other people's homes, we will be together again. I can't wait!!!
Continue to pray for The Mission and it's future impact on this little community. Our hopes and dreams of bringing a "fresh set of legs" to the body of believers in Dayton is becoming a reality. Much love to you all.
BW
God continues to provide me with opportunities to build relationships with people I run into, and work with, at Wal-Mart. I had a great conversation with a lady just last night. Although much of what God is up to these days remains a little blurry, I think I'm starting to see some questions being answered.
On Sunday nights we are still plowing our way through The Gospel of John. The fact that he was most likely the oldest surviving eyewitness of Christ really does lend to the uniqueness of this Gospel. This week we will be tackling the difficult passages found in chapter 6 about eating His flesh and drinking His blood. Sounds kind of shocking doesn't it? I would love it if y'all would share your thoughts with me about this passage.
Finally, Carrie and the girls will be joining me in Dayton this weekend for good. We will be moving into an apartment on Monday. After 7 months of living in other people's homes, we will be together again. I can't wait!!!
Continue to pray for The Mission and it's future impact on this little community. Our hopes and dreams of bringing a "fresh set of legs" to the body of believers in Dayton is becoming a reality. Much love to you all.
BW
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