Free Jesus Movie?

In this 90-minute animated video, the story of Jesus unfolds through the eyes of his last surviving disciple, John. Banished to the Island of Patmos, John recounts the incredible and often dangerous story of what happened when Jesus lived among us. Viewers are sure to be inspired by this extraordinary retelling of the life of Jesus. Click here to register your church to receive a FREE DVD to show for Community Film Fest, Family Movie Night, or Church Social. Enjoy!!!

Rapping Like Crazy?

There are some great lines from "The Cypher" in here. "But don't stress about it / Youth Congress got the tools / Just meet us bright and early / We'll be in Sabbath School" "Anger 101 / Moses" made me laugh. "It's crazy how these lyrics soar through my brain / But enough about that I'm about to switch lanes." "He loved me so much / They nailed his hands and feet up / I guess I'm paid for / You can call it pre-nup." Young guns sharing the Gospel in a language and form many others can relate to. WTG!!!

Losing Us?

This video reminds me that when groups of all ages do service / leadership together, it makes a lasting difference in the lives of emerging generations of Christ followers. Ron Whitehead shared it at Ohio Ministry University 2012 (click here to listen to Ron's presentation). The question is: In 10 years, will you have made a difference in reaching the next generation in the next 10 years?

Does Batman Love Kids Like Crazy?

This one does. His name is Lenny. And he lives with his family in Maryland but during his free time, the caped crusader visits hospitals to encourage sick kids. Recently, he got pulled over in his Batmobile on the way to the hospital. You have to look, but there ARE God things happening in this world - even if secular newspapers don't report them that way!!! Read the whole Michael S. Rosenwald story in from the 3/28/12 Washington Post

Manfest Rules?

There's no women and pics allowed at Augusta National where the Masters Golf Tournament recently concluded play. And there won't be any at Manfest either. Deal with it.

Guys 18 and up!!! Let's get together for a non-churchy weekend full of Jesus centered fun and work. My friend Pastor Kevin will be there with some of his friends and I want to bring a bunch of guys from NW Ohio as well. Who is interested? You do not have to be a member of Toledo First to participate. Please do not let money be an issue. If you want to go, we can make it happen.

Please RSVP with me (mike4tune@gmail.com / 419.386.8918) before May 18 so I can know how to plan. We could really use your help on SUN MAY 20 as together with manly men from all over Ohio we'll be building one of two new bath houses @ Camp Mohaven. If you do, your accommodations on SAT night are free and food only costs $10/person for the entire weekend! Here's more details.


Lodging
FRIDAY NIGHT
Cabin – $5.00 / night /person – group
Contact Dave Robinson for more info
campmohavenman@gmail.com or 740.599.6111

Risen Christ by the Sea?

I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave. - Jesus (Revelation 1:18)

Click here to purchase the real version of Risen Christ by the Sea. It is my FAVE picture of Jesus. I have the 18 x 24" version double matted and custom framed in my house!!!

Jesus Paid It All?

Elvina Hall (1822-1899) wrote the words to “Jesus Paid It All.” The tune was originally composed by John Thomas Grape and played on the organ. Not this modern version by Kristian Stanfill. Enjoy!!!

Christ Is Risen?

Love this song. Too bad it's not hosted on Playlist.com or I'd add it to my playlist to the right. There you'll find a few more of my Easter 2012 faves. Enjoy!!!

First Easter?

I told the kids the Easter story this morning leaving out none of the details for the first time. They cried. And so did I. Do you remember the first time you heard how much God loves us like crazy?!! How old were you? Where were you? How did it affect you? How is it affecting you today?

Jesus Revealed?

I'm giving away the book Jesus Revealed to everyone in church this Easter. Want one? It elaborates on 40 of the Old Testament Messianic prophecies fulfilled by Jesus.

Met My Friend Aunt Leweez?

This dude in my church is such a riot. He's the closest thing I know to Tyler Perry / Madea. He plays percussion and bass in worship and is very well known in Toledo. It was my pleasure to be invited into a packed courtroom full of city officials and Ohio government dignitaries present to give him The Thomas E. Gahl Line Officer of the Year for the Great Lakes Region (November 2010) Award for his excellent work in law enforcement with the Federal Probation & Pretrial Officer's Association. But as much as he loves music and his job, he loves Jesus even more!!! And everyone he meets from judges to juries know this. Please blow up the comment section for my friend Lewis and ALL his alter egos including Uncle Lewkas, Uncle Lenny, Uncle Lewigi, Uncle Lewie, and my personal fave Aunt Leweez!!! Enjoy!!! PS - In case you're wondering what the song and title is about, here's what Lewis says: "Pastor, you too let your freak flag fly and I truly feel this is what the world needs. Yes, we have guidelines by which we are all expected to follow, but what is wrong with going beyond what's in black & white or what someone else thinks is the 'right way?' I have always worked outside the box to get things accomplished and I see you do as well. In order to get more people into the Kingdom, I feel we are going to have to continue to tell the truth, based off the Bible, but also work outside the box (Let our freak flags fly) just as Toledo First does with it's Outreach, Connections, and ways with 'working individuals slowly' back to the truth. Please continue to be encouraged and continue to do the work God has placed on you to do. You do it very well and if I must say so, you Pastor truly 'Let Cha Freak Flag Fly!'" Thanks Aunt Leweez!!! Much love!!! Click below to see the LOL outakes.

Not the Way I Heard It?

Jesus was the master storyteller. He used parables to capture the attention and imagination of his audience. If Jesus were here sharing those parables today he might update them to capture the attention and imagination of our current culture. And that's what actor / storyteller extraordinaire Chuck Neighbors will be doing in Toledo First Church on Saturday May 19 @ 11am.

You will hear The Parable of the Talents set in a psychiatrist’s office from a patient who is struggling with life after losing his job. The Parable of the Prodigal Son from the “other son’s” point of view as he communicates his feelings toward his wayward brother. The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard from a disgruntled employee trying to come to terms with the boss’s apparent favoritism. The Parable Good Samaritan from the victim’s perspective, as he discovers what it means to “love your neighbor as yourself.” The Parable of the Sower and the Seeds from a grandfather sharing the sorrow and joys of the differing paths his children have chosen. In the same way the original parables encouraged the faith of listeners over 2000 years ago—this retelling will encourage your faith as well! Plan now to invite a friend and bring them to Friendship Sabbath @ Toledo First.

Truth Is Jesus?

Ephesians 4:21 (NIV) says, "Surely you heard of Him and were taught in Him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus." That's the text the entire week of Camp Meeting 2012 is built around. Meetings and classes feature grace based Ohio speakers/presenters! (click here for topics and speakers).

Bring your Bibles for worship, work clothing for service projects, suits for swimming, etc. Early Morning Walks with Jeba Moses gets your heart pumping. Soul Café with Lori Farr will help campers begin their day in the word of God with new friends. Pick up your favorite drink and muffin and join the small groups around the tables to engage in an interactive study group to deepen your understanding and love of God. Joint worship for all ages in the Cafeteria precedes morning classes. Campers can enjoy afternoon family-friendly classes and presentations Cradle Roll through Teens. Afternoon Activities/Outings for ALL ages – swimming, bowling, Camp Mohaven Day, and area outreach service projects. Women’s Tea at the Gallagher Center Thursday, June 14 and much, much more! Worship every morning and evening Sunday night (opening night) – special showing of Forks over Knives. On Friday night, join us for a free meal and countdown to Sabbath Our Lord's Delight.

Saturday June 16 concludes the week long spiritual feast with more intergenerational worship, a free meal to registered guests (RSVP online here), an afternoon sacred talent show called Ohio Has Gifts featuring the spiritual gifts of people from across Ohio Adventist churches, an evening watermelon feed, an update on Adventist Health Study, a Camp Meeting recap in pictures, more worship featuring a youth production of Esther: Queen of Persia and a community concert. Don't miss it!!! (You do not have to Adventist or a member in Toledo First to participate)

Film Fest Legal?

Did you know Warner Bros has contracted with Swank Motion Pictures allowing churches and other non-profit organizations the legal right to advertise and show their films to groups? And that you can contact them, choose from their huge library of films by clicking here, many that come with discussion questions and advertising posters, and host your own legal Film Fests? Click here for all the details and contact account executive Meghan Edwards for any questions or help @ 1-800-876-5577.

Israel Pics?

I organized a tour to Israel in January 2012. Here's a few highlights.

Jesus told the waves on the Sea of Galilee to be still. They still are (most of the time).

This hill has the only first century wine press unearthed in Nazareth. Which means Jesus likely played and partied right here growing up.

Four people from our group got baptized while we were there. The Holy Spirit descended on that place like two doves!!!

Zechariah 14:4 says when Jesus returns, he is going to step onto the Mount of Olives. Here's a view from the top.

Would like to return Spring Break 2013 or 2014 when it's a little warmer over there. Wanna come?

Click here to see my 38 pic Facebook album. Each Facebook pic can be clicked to read about the details of what it describes.

Can a Ten Year Old Help Haiti?

Some of you read my post about Michou - an HIV infected orphan in Haiti (click here if you haven't). My 10 year old daughter Lydia read/watched Michou's story/vid and wanted to help. But didn't know how. Until she heard a friend Sabrina was making Duct Tape pens and novelties to raise money for kids like Michou in/near Eden Garden Orphanage in Haiti. So she decided to make $5 Friendship Bracelets. She got a book "How to Make Fancy Friendship Bracelets." That's basically it.

Her supplies are donated so 100% of the money you give to buy Friendship Bracelets here helps kids in Haiti there. She's trying to raise $1k. Wanna help? Click here to securely donate online ($10 min - there is no maximum!!!). The more you give the faster she reaches her goal. Check her progress in the top right of the page. For every donation, she will send you at least two of her fancy colorful friendship bracelets so you have one to keep and one to give away. If we don't have your address, we'll email you to get it from the receipt of your online donation. Thanks SO much for encouraging and helping Lydia help Haiti!!! Who knew ten year olds could make such a big difference?!!

Is Sending Flowers Evangelistic?

It could be if you purchase your Valentines Day flowers here. Thanks to the good folks at In Bloom Flowers and Gifts (click here for more info), 10% of every dozen roses ordered / delivered on Valentines Day 2012 will be donated to the recipient of our Valentines for Toledo benefit concert - SAIL (School for Autistically Impaired Learners). BIG thanks and WTG for pleasing your sweet heart AND helping autistic kids in Toledo continue to receive the personalized education they need. Here's In Bloom's address: 203 Conant Street, Maumee OH 43537

Valentines for Toledo?

On Saturday evening February 18, 2012 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm, YOU and a guest (or guests!!!) are cordially invited to attend the Valentines for Toledo benefit concert featuring local Toledo singer Sheri LaFontaine.

Admission is free but 100% of the LOVE offering collected during intermission will be given to SAIL (School for Autistically Impaired Learners. Click here to learn more about them). David Putano, music therapist who works at SAIL, will introduce us to some students from SAIL in addition to Dr. Marion Boss the Executive Director.

Save 90 minutes to warm your heart and touch some one else's in Jesus' name this Valentines Day weekend. It just might be the sweetest thing you do!!! Reception to follow. You do NOT have to be a member of Toledo First Church to participate. Click here for map and directions.

Love HIV Orphans Like Crazy?

"Michou, a fragile-looking 17 year old girl found our makeshift clinic in Fond Paul village, several miles away from Eden Garden. She presented herself for treatment to nurse Elizabeth who sadly determined that there was not much we could do for Michou except make her more comfortable, ease her pain and rehydrate her. Unfortunately, Michou was suffering from end-stage H.I.V., and told Elizabeth that her parents and family had abandoned her. From the unmistakable look of pain and desperation in her face and eyes, it was clear to us that Michou was enduring the last days of her disease alone and in the worst environment."

"Elizabeth began an IV line of re-hydration fluids, and a mattress was laid on the floor for her where she was cared for. She was given water, and when she could eat, some nuts and a granola bar." "At the end of the day, Elizabeth determined that she did not want Michou to go home by herself because she was so weak. So Charles, nurse Erin, interpreter TiTi, and Arden volunteered to walk her to her village up the mountain a mile or so away. And although Charles and Arden walked on each side of her, Michou stumbled and fell hard on the ground, scratching her elbows and knees. She sobbed quietly on the ground, tears flowing, as she could not get up." "Charles and Arden helped her up and took turns carrying Michou home. Sensing that she was a burden on Charles and Arden (whose huffing and puffing indicated that they were struggling with the uphill walk), Michou whispered that she would try to walk. They got to her village, found her two room home, and placed her on a mat. After praying with her, they left her bottles of water and protein bars, and later sent some supplies for her wounds and skin with another person. Michou was silent, and could not even wave goodbye. Her eyes were full of sadness."

"On Saturday afternoon, a group led by Elizabeth, and including Glenn, Sean, Kurt, Stacey, Ron and Arden decided to visit Michou at her home to give her more supplies and food. Unfortunately, Michou was not there, so they left the supplies with her family, who we couldn't even be sure that they would give them to Michou. Shortly after our group got back to Eden Garden, they were surprised to see Michou and her sister who walked at least three miles in the hot sun to Eden Garden to see us. They heard that we had visited Michou’s home. Michou told her sister that she knew “the Americans would never leave her.” After some refreshments, we were able to put take her home with a bag of medicines, clothes, towels, water, food and some money. When we said goodbye, Michou hugged and kissed Arden on the cheek, as did her sister. We saw a smile on her face for the first time. And this time, she was able to wave goodbye." The following true story took place in Haiti January 2012. Click here for more info or go to Eden Garden Orphanage's new website) and reminded me that God loves HIV orphans like crazy!!! Do we?

Joe Gibbs Second?

Joe Gibbs was the coach of the Washington Redskins. His autobiography Fourth And One is great.