Did They Show Us The Money?

Earlier I blogged about a proposal called Haven of Hope and how we were finalists for a large grant from a local financial firm to do an Extreme Home Makeover for one graduate of Aurora House the last week of June 2008 during our next Mission Trip to Toledo. The exciting news is we won!!! They chose our charity!!! I've calmed down long enough to praise God!!! And to give a big thanks to Stacy for helping us with this grant!!! WTG's are also in store for Carla and Kendra for coming up with Haven of Hope and by modeling the possibilities of such a venture in 2008 by doing a smaller version in 2007!!!

Since August, a small team of volunteers have been helping them renovate and prepare a home for one graduate of Aurora House. The unveil of her home is SUN NOV 18 from 3pm to 5pm. So make plans now to welcome her home!!! And click here or the graphic above to watch the music video Steve created that sealed the deal for our grant request and for an update on the progress made in the house so far. [After clicking the link, you may need to press the tiny triangular "play" button on the bottom left of the black video screen.]

You Did What Again?

Some of you know we're still looking for a Better Bus For Us. Well, this one ain't it!!! Monday this week the local Toledo bus service on the way to pick up some kids from school decided to drive underneath our Toledo First car port. The very one that had JUST been repaired a few weeks ago. When someone else decided to ignore the RED GLOW IN THE DARK LETTERS right above the entrance and exit that say LOW CLEARANCE 8' 6"
Aren't you glad when we tell God, "Sorry, God, but I did BLANK again" He responds with "You did what again?" He says that because when we confess our sins, the Bible says He casts them into the depths of the ocean [Micah 7:19] and remembers them no more [Isaiah 43:25]. Even if we do.

So you don't have to feel funny coming to God to ask forgiveness for the same thing again and again. Because He already forgot!!! To Him, it's always Ground Hog Day [for those of you who have no idea what this unique holiday represents, please rent the hilarious 1993 Bill Murray film by the same title]. And try to remember that God forgets!!! There are NO repeat offenders in God's eyes!!!

What Difference Can One Person Make?

What Happened @ Innovation 3?

Attendees from across the United States, Canada and Europe came together in Columbus, Ohio, September 30 to October 2, for the third annual National Conference on Innovation.

Describing the growing role of global South nations (Africa, Latin America, Asia) in Christianity, and their varying approaches to Scripture, Dr. Philip Jenkins described how the distinctive values held by the Adventist Church such as our emphasis on wholistic healing of mind, body, and spirit can have a positive impact in this changing environment. Dr. Jon Paulien established a theological framework tracing the role of the movements of remnant peoples throughout time. Doug Pagitt offered a case study of Solomon’s Porch, an unusual contemporary Christian community of which he is pastor. And Rabbi Marcia Prager traced the history of Jewish Renewal, with sample Renewal teachings on subjects like prayer and the Sabbath. Breakout groups explored how the information presented applied to Adventist life, ministry, congregations and schools.

Vervent, the North American Division Ministries Resource Center, awarded its first Innovative Church of the Year award to Pastor David Jamieson on behalf of the Aldergrove Seventh-day Adventist Church in British Columbia, Canada [click on their link at the top of the "Links" column of my blog]. In other words, we didn't win. But like Martin Scorsese at the Oscars, it was an honor just to be nominated. Specifically for our Mission Trip to Toledo. Next year, Innovation 4 takes place October 5-7 in Columbus, Ohio.

Porn Free Forum?

Do you remember me telling you Toledo First had a brand new online forum? I had been encouraging all you web surfing Bible scholars out there to Preach Wit Me by interacting with the passage I’m chewing on ahead of time so I could incorporate some of your God given ideas into my sermons.

Sadly, the porn companies out there gave you a run for your money!!! We received a few more responses from them than you basically taking our forum hostage. You know its serious when the security software our church website runs wouldn’t let the pastor see it!!! Fortunately, there were some cyber Samaritans out there who emailed me that our space was being graffitied so we [and by “we” I mean Shawn] removed the forum and its offensive imagery and started a new one!!! It's password protected and porn free!!! Click the graphic above to register.

All we ask is you use your real first and last name in your user name [no hiding behind cyber masks] and that you speak truth in love [even if nobody agrees with your version of it].

You do NOT have to be a member of Toledo First to join our online forum, but the same rules about identity and conversation will be applied and monitored by Randy and the F.B.I. [just joking] and by PASTOR D' M.A.N. [Dee; Mike, Aly, Nathan]. The next passage we’d love your input on is: John 4:1-45. So once you register, click on the thread “Preach Wit Me” to post your reply.

For those of you who have no idea what I just said, there will be a “How To Use The Forum” class after church in the lobby coming soon. Stay tuned!!!

A Ramadhan Revelry?

A big thank you and WTG!!! to the 50 folks who attended the afternoon “Confessions Of A Bridge Builder” presentation at the University of Toledo Law Center Auditorium last week. We were joined by Toledo's FOX 36 news [did anyone record it that night?] and about 10 of our Muslim brothers and sisters. Who invited us to eat their evening Ramadhan meal with them at their mosque.

After receiving a warm welcome from over 400 Muslims who had fasted all day, together we devoured the evening meal. And because our guest speaker Bryan Gallant previously confessed using quotations from the Quran and the Bible that: 1) Hatred is not a virtue 2) Labels are too easily hijacked 3) God is bigger than we think 4) We argue more about faith than live it and the 5) Sounds of our iPods are drowning out eternity, that evening THEY invited US back so Bryan could give the same presentation he gave to 60 of us to 600 of them in their mosque sometime soon!!!

Did God meet us at the mosque?!! You better believe it!!! Click either graphic for more info.

Does God Grow Tired Of Us?

Never! But it is tempting to think so sometimes! Especially if you've fled from your own country not once but twice and are all alone. Which is what happened to the "Lost Boys" of Sudan. This is no fairy tale. This is a true story that makes me want to partner with some of them in 2008 for Cars 4 Kidz...IN AFRICA!!! What do you think?

Can Handbells Help The Homeless?

I believe they can. And so do Bill and Janell. As most of you Toledo First veterans know, they have been leading RingFest for the last 9 years providing some of the highest quality bell choir music and performances around. This year, RingFest2007 promises to be bigger and better than ever!!!

In addition to more bells and choirs and publicity through a unique partnership with Hannah’s Socks [click the graphics for more details], the 11-13 bell choirs coming and each student in the schools they represent have been invited to bring a six pack of white adult socks. These will be collected and given to six year old Hannah during the Friday evening concert who will be present [along with local media] to thank everyone for allowing our hand bells to help the homeless have warm feet and warm hearts this winter.
All our guests will be staying in the boy scout cabins at Camp Miakonda or at the Wolf Creek YMCA or at the Apostolic Church gymnasium just down the road easing the lodging burden on Toledo First members .

We are looking forward to a successful and significant RingFest 2007. Together by bringing lots of socks to RingFest 2007, we can maintain the integrity and character of the Festival while passionately showing the Toledo area—including many of "the least of these" in it—that God loves them like crazy!!!

If you want to help, start bringing adult packs of white socks to church and throwing them into the "Sock Drop" located at the back of the church from SEPT 29 until Friday OCT 26 which is the night of the concert.

Can Pastors Party?

If you attend the SEPT 29 Toledo First Pastor Welcome Party for Nathan and Aly, you'll find out!!! The bash begins @ 6:30 pm with soup and sandwiches and proceeds from there with some devotional thoughts and musical numbers sure to draw your heart closer to Jesus.
After the 3rd intermission [just joking], the fun really begins with Pastor Nathan singing his hot new single “Adventist Land” previously banned at Southern Adventist University [no kidding]. You won’t want to miss the premiere of this soon-to-be classic Toledo First tune!!! And to round out the evening, we’ll be bestowing gifts galore on both Nathan and Aly.

So please, if you haven’t yet, find Donna and give her your gifts, your gags, and your money so she can give it to them that evening. We want to properly convey our deepest appreciation to Nathan and Aly for their willingness to sacrificially serve [we only pay them half a salary each] and give of their time and considerable talents to our church and its community.

It has been my heart’s desire to see a church that’s really a community of people that love each other and the people all around them like crazy. A church that makes praying together a priority trusting that God whom none can fathom is big enough to bless us and grow us faster than any church growth strategy we manufacture. And a church that empowers children to serve and love Jesus from the day they are born to the day they are born again. Long story short: Nathan and Aly are helping us accomplish that. They are vital sources of authenticity and joy and leadership. We need to let them know how much we appreciate them being here now. And hopefully, for years to come.

If you could share this invitation with as many Toledo First members and friends as you know, it would be greatly appreciated. And please, if you have any lame pastor jokes, please forward them to me or put them in my box at church ASAP. Neither Billy Crystal nor Steve Bills was available to emcee this shindig, so the powers that be [Donna, Marion, and Dee] have asked me!!!

Manning For Me?

Last week I drove to Cleveland to hear one of my fave authors, Brennan Manning, give a talk. Though in his 80s now, he still brought it!!! It was a thrill to meet him and have my picture taken with him. As you can see, he was thrilled to meet me too. Staring off into space. Wondering when this stalker talker would leave him alone. Just joking. He was really nice. He even autographed his new book I bought The Importance of Being Foolish: How to Think Like Jesus with the words “In the compassion of Jesus.”
But what I appreciated most about Manning this time is that he reminded me that God actually likes me. Not just loves me. He almost has to love me. Because God is love. But what is so cool to know is that God also actually likes me!!! Just as I am. Flaws and all. And that HE longs to be with ME!!! Way more than I long to be with Him!!! THAT is a wonderful thought to think isn't it? It gives me permission to like myself just as I am. Flaws and all. Do you like yourself? If not, save yourself thousands on therapy and purchase the book Ragamuffin Gospel instead. Read it. And then bask in the glow of God's liking and love. This last pic is of Nathan and I basking from that glow in the French Gothic architecture of one of Cleveland's oldest churches.

Are Tracts Still Tactful?

I’m not sure they ever were!!! Why? Because they require the recipient to immediately accept or reject the premise they contain. Often without sustaining any conversation about the questions they raise. Which is why I really like professionally produced Connection Cards.
I know you can probably make your own much cheaper, but nobody God bought with a price is cheap so we shouldn’t imply otherwise!!!
So cough up the extra 50 cents or whatever and send them the right message: God loves them like crazy!!!
I get mine from Market Place Printing and 123 Printing.com.
Click any of the graphics for more info.

The Lunch Lady?

I blogged earlier about our Vacation Bible School and how I taught the kids some Scripture songs. Dakota Joe [who some say is related to Ohio’s very own Loren Seibold but really isn’t] provided the lyrics. But I made up the tunes. Heavily influenced by Adam Sandler’s Lunch Lady. Who can forget his classic SNL song “Sloppy Joe”?!! Who knew that the Lunch Lady would have such a profound impact in the lives of children learning the Bible?!!

Here now, to frustrate the musically impaired, are the lyrics and chords for five little songs I used. Splice and dice to the glory of God!!! And ask Claire to share her “Big Finish” to these songs!!! She really brings it!!!

John 1:17
D [high] - Grace and truth came through - G - Jesus Christ [Boom!!!] - A - John 1:17. - D

1 John 5:20
D [low] - 1 John 5 verse - A - 20, - D - His Son Jesus - A - Christ, - D - is the true God - A - and eternal - D - life —— ife!!! [Big Finish]

John 8:32
D [high] - Jesus said [Jesus said], you will - G - know the - A - truth [you will - G - know the - A - truth] and the - G - truth [clap clap] will - A - set [clap clap] you - D - free. - G - This is true - A - John 8 verse - D - 32.

John 6:47
G [high] - From John chapter - Em - six, - C - verse - D - forty seven; - G - Jesus said -Em - no [NO!!!] - C - I am not - D - kidding. - G - I tell you the - Em - truth [Tell the truth!!!] - C - he who - D - believes, - G - has everlaa– Em - aa-aa -C- aa–aa-aa–aa–sting - D - life; has everlaa– Em - aa-aa -C- aa–aa-aa–aa–sting - D - life; has everlaa– Em - aa-aa -C- aa–aa-aa–aa–sting - D - life; We - G - do!!!

1 Timothy 2:4
C -God desires [God desires]; G - All people [all people]; C - To be saved [to be saved]; And to - F - come to the - G - knowledge of the - C - truth. - F - 1 Timothy - G - two - C - four.

Mission Trip to Toledo 2008?

Recently we submitted a large financial request to a local financial firm to partner with us for our Mission Trip to Toledo 2008 [big thanks and WTG!!! to Stacy for her help and expertise]. Because they cannot directly support a church, we wrote the proposal on behalf of the Aurora House calling it “Haven of Hope.” Click the graphic for a link to find out what the proposal says. Read on to hear the exciting response we received from it. And keep MTTT2008 in your prayers!!! James 4:2 says "You do not have, because you do not ask God!"

September 14, 2007

On behalf of the BLANK committee, I am pleased to inform you that the charity that you have nominated has been selected as a finalist for next year's event. Our committee will be making final selections at our next meeting on Thursday, October 11th. As a finalist, we have decided that the mission of your charity merits further consideration. In order for our committee to make a final decison, we are asking that you provide us with some additional information. Please send me a brief explanation of what a $10,000 - $20,000 check would mean to the organization. Please be specific as to the purpose of the funding, the type of impact it would mean to the organization and the lives it would touch. While I hope you share our excitement that your charity has been selected as a finalist. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Can Cars Comfort Kidz?

CBS 11 News and The Toledo Blade believes they can. Staff writer Meghan Gilbert joined 217 people and 42 cars at Cars 4 Kidz 2007 to document the day concluding our Summer of Service [S.O.S] 2007. Click here to read the entire article from the Blade. Click any of the pictures for a link to all the others archived on our church website.
Volunteers to Labor on the Day [including my father-in-law Frank and mother-in-law Laure in this pic below] began arriving at 8am placing signs up and down both sides of Sylvania Avenue from Corey to Tallmadge.

Next came the stage set up [always a major pain in the....neck!!!] followed by our manly Fresh Squeezed Lemonade Stand and a couple of grills to cook ye hot dogs.

Trailers started pulling in after 9am with cars rolling down the ramps and Pastor Nathan had Barry’s Bagels waiting for them to eat.

Chordoroy Jacket played 3 hours of oldies including some of my fave Beach Boys songs!!! We raised $1000 in donations throughout the day giving away an iPod shuffle to one lucky 13 year old girl and a Best Buy gift card to another one.

Adding what we raised that day to the $1000 St.Vincent’s Mercy Children’s Hospital already gave us to the $1000 from our church [if you want to help, send a check to Toledo First and mark “Webkinz” on the memo line] triples their original donation providing us with enough funds to purchase enough Webkinz to comfort over 150 kids in crisis battling cancer throughout the winter weeks ahead!!!

From the folks who brought their cars to the folks who came with the band to the three winners of this year’s People Choice Awards, everyone I talked to thoroughly enjoyed themselves, especially enjoyed our shady parking lot, and all checked the box on our response card “Do this again next year” and “Invite me to your next event.” A few guests even managed to track me down over the din of “California Girls” to share with me that they wanted more info about our church which I was more than willing to provide!!!

A special thank you to Chuck Heath and Denny Kajfasz and Greg LaPoint for helping a couple car show newbies like Pastor Nathan and me in the planning of this event. Their insight and expertise made this an extra ordinary outreach. Thank them when you see them!!!

Happy Birthday To Me?

SEPT 6 is my birthday. I turn 43 years old. Just joking. I'm really 34. Here’s how I’m coping. Every year, Jackie bakes/buys me a birthday pie [WAY better than cake!!! Sorry Joann!!!]. Every year, my best friend, Marty in Maryland, takes me to a Washington Redskins football game [He’s got season tix not far from the 40 yard line]. And every year [so far], Jackie re-news my NFL Sunday Ticket satellite football subscription so I can watch or record the rest of the Redskins games like any die hard obsessed crazy person!!!

This year, Jackie also got me tickets to hear Brennan Manning live which I’m really looking forward to. And every year, I’m eternally grateful to Jesus the King of the Universe for giving me a life worth living surrounded by people near and dear to me [like you!!!] who love me even when I’m not the cheerful, optimistic, patient pastor some think I am 24/7. Shocking, I know, but true!!! Thank you in advance for being you. For letting me be me. And for making my 34th year coming up one of the best yet!!!

Little House On The Prayer-ee?

If you’ve attended More About Jesus on Wednesdays nights at 6:30 pm, you know about how Jackie and I’ve been praying for the sale of our house in Canton, Ohio. Packing nearly 1200 square feet into this massive [ha!] brick bungalow [we had more space in our back yard than inside], we loved this little house [Joshua and Lydia cried when they realized we were leaving it behind. I think because they thought it was small enough to pick up and take with us like their Lego].

Long story short: When we bought this little home, a lot prayers got answered as far as location [close enough to Mayfair Junior Academy where Joshua went to school] and neighborhood [packed with friends and families some of whom have already come to visit us here in Toe-lee-dee-oh] and financing [we borrowed and paid back some money from my mom and dad] and features [everything inside and out had been renovated and replaced.] So doesn’t it make sense that a lot of prayers be responsible for its sale?

Of course, Jackie and I have been praying. But seeing as its been 7 months and it hasn’t sold yet [one likely purchase agreement fell through], we were hoping you could pray too!!! Specifically [since it’s always okay to ask God for anything as long as we finish like Jesus did with Not My Will But God’s Will Be Done], we’d like to sell it without a realtor [Sorry Heather!!!]. Will you join us in praying for our Little House On The Prayer-ee? My mom had to remind this pastor that LOTS o’ prayer is a good thing!!!

What's Your Love Language?

According to Dr.Gary Chapman, there are Five Love Languages [click graphic above for details]. To determine what they are, everybody in the office took an online quiz so we can know how they most like to be loved. While I can’t share their results without permission, here for your learning pleasure are mine [drum roll please!!!]

5) Acts of Service [Ironic for the Ordinary Outreacher in me!!!]
4) Physical Touch [Not a big hugger...but getting used to it Mary!!!]
3) Receiving Gifts [SEPT 6 is my birthday!!!]
2) Words of Affirmation [Is that where WTG came from?!!]
1) Quality Time [Time After Time, take it away Cyndi Lauper!!!]

What is your love language? Do those near and dear to you know how you like to be loved? Click HERE to find out!!! Take the online quiz!!! Share the care and spread the love!!!

Jingle All The Way?

Hear ye, Hear ye!!! We could use a small army of volunteers in their blue "Church Has Left the Building" T-Shirts on Monday SEPT 3rd @ 8 AM to help set up and serve during Cars 4 Kidz!!! [If you don't have a shirt, one will be provided while supplies last. You do not have to be a member of Toledo First to help out!!!]

Big Thanks and Way to Go!!! to Greg and Heather, Steve and Kendra and Chuck [who has such a SMOOTH radio voice!!! Casey Kasem eat your heart out!!!] for creating our Cars 4 Kidz radio jingle. It will be on the Oldies 93.5 station on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday this weekend before our Cars 4 Kidz show begins on Monday September 3rd.

If you hear it on the radio, let me know!!! Or if you simply can't wait, you can LISTEN TO IT NOW by clicking here or the graphic above. I think it's awesome. What do you think?

Calling All Ragamuffins?

A recovering alcoholic and former Franciscan priest, Brennan Manning has spent the past 40 years helping others experience the reality of God's love and grace. Brennan is perhaps best known as the author of the contemporary classics The Ragamuffin Gospel [one of my Top Ten all time faves], Abba's Child and Ruthless Trust. Brennan's latest book is The Importance of Being Foolish: How to Think Like Jesus.

Long story short: I'm going to hear him live in Cleveland on FRI SEPT 14 @ 7:30 PM!!! I can't wait!!! We'll leave Toledo First at 4:00PM and stop somewhere fast to eat supper on the way. Cost is $10/person. I share this with you because Quality Time is my number one love language [click here for more on that] so I would love to have YOUR company!!!

Please RSVP TO ME [mike4tune@gmail.com] before SEPT 6 if you want to go because pre-registration is required. Click the graphic above for more details. And even if you can’t attend, remember as Brennan says, “Once you come to know the love of Jesus Christ, nothing else in the world will seem as beautiful or desirable.”

Preach Wit Me?

Larry and Pastor Nathan gave me a great idea this week. It’s about how you [and even Nelly or Al Gore] could Preach Wit Me. I discovered this week that Larry’s young adult Sabbath School class is studying the book of John. Which just so happens to be the book I’m preaching through at the 11AM service... SO whether you’re young or just an adult, here’s what I’m suggesting: Help me preach through John!!!
Each of you read ahead with me a passage I’m chewing on and then either email me [mike4tune@gmail.com] your journal musings, devotional thoughts, illustrations or stories, questions, or applications [or post them on the new forum Shawn is launching on our church website. Click here or on enthusiastic Al Gore for more]

I’ll read them by THUR each week [when I’m usually holed up in my office writing my message] and look forward to including some of YOUR insights into MY message. Seriously. Try it. It’ll be fun!!! You can save me time and be part of my research team!!! First up for September 3rd — John 2:23 - 3:21.

Butterfly Kisses?

On Tuesday, August 21, 2007 Lydia Kay Fortune attended her first day of school. It was an emotional day for some of us. Alright, just one of us. Lydia was fine. Jackie did much better than I thought she would. But I was up for much of the night before tossing and turning in anticipation with the lyrics to Butterfly Kisses [click any pic to watch the YouTube video] tumbling through my mind. I don’t remember losing any sleep when Joshua went to all day Kindergarten...which is why I was caught by surprise I think...Here’s some pics of her first day with back packs and lunch boxes and the lyrics to that dang song I can’t get out of my head!!!
There's two things I know for sure / She was sent here from heaven and she's daddy's little girl / As I drop to my knees by her bed at night / She talks to Jesus and I close my eyes / And I thank God for all the joy in my life / Oh, but most of all / For butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer / In all that I've done wrong / I must have done something right / To deserve a hug every morning and butterfly kisses at night

Wanna Adopt 150 Webkinz?

A Webkinz is an individually boxed stuffed animal that our Cars 4 Kidz sponsor St.Vincent Mercy Children’s Hospital recommends as THE toy 7 year olds and up really love. Not only is it soft and cushy comforting kids in crises battling cancer, it also allows its owner to connect to the internet for continued “care and learning.”[Click the graphic for more info about Webkins].

Through the generosity of St.Vincent’s Mercy Children's Hospital, we have received enough money to purchase 50 Webkins so far. The goal between now and September 3rd is to find 50 more people/families/giving units inside Toledo First and 50 more outside Toledo First willing to part with $20 each so we can double the number of Webkinz we can give to kids in crisis as an ordinary outreach of our church.

Will you or your brother or sister pool your allowance money together to sponsor one Webkinz? Could you collect some loose change from the couch? Could you do some odd jobs around the house? We want to give away 150 Webkinz to comfort children battling cancer. I KNOW we can do it!!! Thank you for considering this small gift to show one child that God loves them almost as much as He loves you!!! Just kidding. As much!!! As much!!! As much!!!

No Joke?

A pastor, lady rabbi, and professor walk into a bar...Think you’ve heard the punch line? You haven’t! But you could if you register in time!!! [If you book Skybus, maybe you could even fly there for $10!!! Click here for details on that] The 2007 National Conference on Innovation • September 30 - October 2, 2007 • Columbus, Ohio

This year's event promises to be power-packed, and of particular value to congregational leaders. The presenters are nationally and internationally recognized.

Jon Paulien is a renowned expert on the book of Revelation, Professor of new Testament Interpretation, and incoming Dean of the Faculty of Religion at Loma Linda University. He is the author of several books, including: Knowing God In The Real World [one of my all times faves!!!], The Day That Changed The World, and Everyday Faith.

Rabbi Marcia Prager is Dean of the ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal Rabbinic Program and serves as rabbi of both the Philadelphia and Princeton P’nai Or Jewish Renewal Communities. Reb Marcia is the author of Path of Blessing, which has been called, “One of the best introductions to Jewish Renewal learning and practice.”

Philip Jenkins is a distinguished Professor of History and Religious Studies at Pennsylvania State University. A graduate of Cambridge University, he has published widely (over 20 books) on contemporary religious phenomena, but is best known for the highly acclaimed The Next Christendom: The Coming of Global Christianity.

Some have asked: Is this just for pastors? The answer is NO!!! Nathan, Aly, and I will be there. But we’d love to have some company!!! Some have also asked: Is there a group discount? And the answer is YES!!! For every three persons who register, one comes free [the third person's $99 registration fee is waived]. Don't miss this chance to learn from some of the best and brightest innovators God is leading today. For more info and registration information, click the graphic above.

Wanna Fly [No Lie] For $10?

Skybus offers all non-stop flights to 11 destinations on brand new full-size Airbus A319 air planes with at least 10 seats offered at $10 on every flight, every day. How do they do it?

A few of the ways they do it are by booking flights only through the internet, so there’s no expensive call center or 800 number to operate. By flying brand new, fuel-efficient jets to keep fuel costs lower. And by flying into smaller, regional airports where it’s less expensive (and more convenient) to land. The bottom line? You pay less, so you can afford to travel more. Click the graphic above for more details.

Which is all very interesting. But here’s what I’m wondering: If an airline can learn to not only survive but thrive in an industry plagued by rising fuel costs and poor customer service, don’t you think the local church can too? Did anybody read last week’s post about that little church in Wisconsin that could? [Click here to read it] What comparisons do you see between the local church and Skybus? Do success stories like these from the business sector motivate or de-motivate ordinary outreach?

As you ponder these questions, hum with me the encouraging lyrics of Martin Smith’s 1995 praise song “Shout To The North”: Rise up church with broken wings / Fill this place with songs again / Of our God who reigns on high / By His grace again we’ll fly

Which Logo You Likey?

At the conclusion of our Vacation Bible School, Pastor Aly reminded the children and their parents/guardians that VBS is not over.

Instead, it continues every Saturday @ 11AM and 5PM. Just with another name.

Which logo you likey?

Who's Invited To Cars 4 Kidz?

Our first annual Cars 4 Kidz carshow to benefit children in crisis will occur Monday September 3rd from 11 - 4 in our church parking lot and you're invited!!!

If you know a friend or family member [or complete stranger!!!] who might be interested in showing their car, they're invited too!!!

Click here for online pre-registration for car owners with any kind of car [classic, muscle, hot rod, etc.]

Click here to print a hard copy of the pre-registration form to give to them to mail into the church office. On site walk up pre-registration the day of the event will also be available from 9 - 11 AM.

Who Is Dakota Joe?

Dakota Joe and his dog Digger were the video leaders of the Quest For Truth vacation Bible school this year.

Pastor Aly led 35 children [divided into 5 groups] and 35 total volunteers throughout the week [WTG!!!] in a week long adventure discovering clues about the truth of Jesus.

I was the Bible Challenge leader. Which meant teaching them Scripture songs around the "campfire."

You think they enjoyed it?

Is Jesus Always Relevant?

Jesus is always relevant to every culture—to every person—to every age. We will not criticize church leaders. And we will not dump on other denominations or religions. These are a few things one little Adventist church in Wisconsin decided to emphasize before they started growing again. Click the graphic above to read the entirety of this fascinating article online.

God Sod Video?

Those of you who liked Shawn's carnival day recap of our Mission Trip to Toledo June 23 - 27 will love his latest creation -- The God Sod Soundtrack and Video.

I give it two thumbs up!!! WTG Shawn!!! Requires DSL or high speed internet.

Enjoy!!!

Holy Cal?

An integral function of the Hall of Fame is putting the best players' careers into proper perspective. Keeping with that theme, Cal Ripken took time out of his speech this past week during his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame to try to put his most famous accomplishment -- The Streak -- [playing 2632 straight games] into perspective, noting that he's not the only one who showed up for work every day.

"I know some fans have looked at the streak as a special accomplishment, and while I appreciate that, I always looked at it as just showing up for work every day," Ripken said. "As I look out on this audience, I see thousands of people who do the same. Teachers, police officers, mothers, fathers, business people and many others."

"You all may not receive the accolades that I have throughout my career. So I'd like to take the time to salute all of you for showing up, working hard and making the world a better place. Thank you, all."

No wonder the Hall of Fame set a single-day attendance record at the induction ceremony with an estimated crowd of 75,000. I'm not the only one who still admires Cal. Do you?

Wanna Monster Jam?

Joshua turns 8 years old on AUG 6. For part of his celebration, as a family we went to Monster Jam at the Toledo Speedway. In addition to baking in the bleachers watching monster trucks like Superman [driven by a guy no lie named Chad Fortune!!!] Grave Digger, and Monster Mutt crush cars, we also witnessed the American Thunder Jet Powered Jeep, the Crazyboy Jet Powered Recliner [now THAT'S a man chair!!!], and the Extreme Street Bike Association doing motorcycle tricks and wheelies on the 1/2 mile fast track.

Joshua's favorite Monster Truck, the Hot Wheels truck, wasn't there. But he enjoyed watching Monster Mutt take the donut competition, Grave Digger the freestyle [jumping over 50'], and Superman survive a horrendous crash rolling upside down to the delight of the crowd. How many of you think Josh will still be into Monster Jam next year?