Sunday Setlist 11.2.08

Sunday was an unusual day; we pulled the plug on the planned service on 'Prayer' to wind up our 'Awaken' series in the book of James.  Instead, we responded to a nudging from the Spirit and talked about relationships and the foundation for healthy communication, particularly in marriages.  As Brian stated, in the past few weeks we have seen so many relationships in crisis that we have had to sit up and take notice.  

We pray, because we believe it's an issue of spirtual warfare.  

And we teach God's truth about relationships, because it matters.

It was a powerful message and a good day.  Here's the lineup:

Awaken - Natalie Grant.  We revisited this tune from the beginning of the series.  Good, high energy tune.

Welcome and Comments - our associate pastor came running through the crowd with a (fake) Olympic torch while a snippet from the Olympic Fanfare played.  It was funny, and it worked to promote this week's Small Group Olympics, which will close our Spiritual Growth Emphasis.

As It Is In Heaven - Matt Maher.  What a great song; I've never seen our crowd catch on to something quiet so quickly.  They were instantly engaged and singing along.

Sweetly Broken - Jeremy Riddle.  It's nearly impossible to play and sing this song without experiencing that which we declare; "i am lost for words so/lost in love i'm/sweetly broken/wholly surrendered".  Power.

Standing In the Need of Prayer - We had some fun with this, old-time swing bluegrass-y.  Started out with an almost a capella turn from Andy, one of our ace guitar players who doesn't sing much - so, when he does, it's a nice surprise.  We layered three parts on top of his melody line slowly, and the crowd basically went nuts.  It's a rural community; what can I say?

Bound To Come Some Trouble - Rich Mullins.  We closed the first part of the message with this song, solo with the piano.  Amazing and poignant tune from a master songwriter.

Majesty - Delirious.  We moved easily from the Mullins tune to this one to bring the audience to a time of response.

Great service that seemed to help some people and allow for an authentic, transformative experience.

Brian has been consistently following his messages with blog posts that have additional information or resources (powhatancommunitychurch.blogspot.com).  In our rural community, where only about 60% of the population has access to high-speed internet, we are turning the fly-wheel on utilizing the internet for communication and connection.  These follow-up posts seem to be an effective resource - at least for part of the population...

This post is part of Fred McKinnon's blog carnival; check it out!

On The Eve Of The Election

Carlos Whittaker posted today about the election and what we can do, other than vote, that will make a difference.  You can read his post here, and perhaps you'd be interested in participating in the live video stream prayer gathering he will host tonight.

If not, at the very least, I challenge you to do the following.  Put feet to your faith.  Quit arguing and worrying about who is right and who is wrong.  Stop condemning and complaining.  Stop with the anxiety.

If you are a person of faith, then pray.  As my friend Bartley might say, "Shut up and pray."

Here's what Carlos suggests; I think his ideas have merit.  How about you?

1. Pray that our leaders would grown in faith and in their relationships with Jesus Christ.
2. Pray for their marriages.
3. Pray for their children.
4. Pray for those around them.
5. Pray for their emotional and physical health.
6. Those on the left pray blessing on McCain, those on the right pray for Obama.
6. Those on the left pray blessing on McCain, those on the right pray for Obama.
6. Those on the left pray blessing on McCain, those on the right pray for Obama.

Pony Pasture

My friend Kelley inspires me to do more with my kids than collapse in exhaustion after running them around.  So today I took them to Richmond to check out Pony Pasture, part of the park system on the James River.  It was a blast.  Having an extra hour of sleep made it possible to do without the standing appointment with the couch for my Sunday afternoon nap.

Fun times.  We took along our buddy Joshua.  Upon hearing our initial plans to go see "nature", he said - with all the politeness he could muster - "Uh, that sounds boring."

But when I told him it was Pony Pasture, he was intrigued.  At one point they were all convinced that we would see ponies there - and if you caught one, you could ride it.  When I began to elaborate on a story of man-eating ponies, I think they stopped believing me.

Regardless, it was a beautiful fall day.  The colors were gorgeous.  Sarah took her camera and captured much of the fun.

Yes, that's a shot of me - your friendly blogger.

I love this girl, and I love how this shot captures her attitude of confidence and self-posession.  She is an amazing, intelligent, creative and beautiful young woman.

And she's still got a lot of kid in her.

As does Syd, who jumped as well.

All of Pony Pasture is littered with rocks.  Reminded me of my own childhood in western PA (yeah, I know - I'm one of those "rednecks" mentioned in the recent political conversation) on French Creek.
Not much better than sisters with true affection for one another.

Halloween 08

I haven't decided if this is a good thing or a bad thing, or just a thing.  A passage of time thing.

First year in many that I didn't walk around the neighborhood.  The first wave went out from our house - the 16-year old Spice Girl with her un-costumed boyfriend and un-costumed best friend.  They went to one house and came home.  I think she was making one last stab at her childhood, wearing six-inch stillettos.  The 17-year old made no effort; she was taking a nap.

The second wave was 12-year-old boy as Tom Morello with nine-year old-brother as a cross between a pirate and an ex-con (thanks, Bill and Pat!), along with 16-year old family friend Robert as a punk kid, 14-year-old Sydni as a punk kid, 16-year-old Dylan as a "Hippo Lover" (don't ask; I never did figure it out...)

That was it.

When they hit double digits, it's just not the same.

I stayed home, handed out candy, and thought about my future grandkids.

Quite Simply, "Yes"

Marc Chewning, Robert Moroney, Elijah Schiarelli, Joseph Freeman, Andrew Basic

Last summer a team of students and adult sponsors went to Cherokee, North Carolina for a week of work projects and mission work.  Like most trips of this nature, those who went came back with much more than sore muscles and finished projects.  God dealt with people and, in one particular case, infected a group of five young men in an unbelieveable way.

Marc Chewning returned from Cherokee knowing that he wanted to do more to help others know and understand the love of God.  Shortly after arriving back home in Powhatan, he was mowing the grass.  A bird skeleton was lying in the yard; he noticed it and thought to himself, "That's gross."  He passed the skeleton again and was suddenly impacted by a powerful thought.

"How many times do we do that same thing with people?  Notice, think "that's gross", and turn and walk away..."

Marc couldn't shake the thought of hurt and broken people who were ignored and left in need, often by those who claim to follow Jesus and his command to "love your neighbor as yourself."

After a flurry of communication with some of his partners from the Cherokee mission trip, Marc felt certain that God was speaking, and clearly calling them to go.  They weren't sure where they were to go, but the compulsion to act was undeniable.

With the strength of their conviction and the boldness that comes from an encounter with God, these five guys starting moving.  In spite of the fact that they weren't sure exactly what was ahead, they unashamedly began to declare that God had called them, and they starting looking for the next step.

Their journey led them to the front steps of the International Mission Board in Richmond (in spite of several wrong turns and a brief period of being lost), where they simply walked through the door and made themselves available.  They were warmly received and graciously encouraged, and it was there that they received clarification as to the path before them.

Marc Chewning, Elijah Schiarelli, Joseph Freeman and Andrew Basic are going to spend their Christmas break in China.  They will work within the specific guidelines of a Mission Board project, but what they will do is not as important as the fact that God spoke, and they said, quite simply, "Yes."

In response to the need for an adult chaperone, David Samuel also said "Yes", and he will join them.  Robert Moroney will be unable to travel to China, but he said, "Yes" to the call to support those on the journey from home.

This trip is not inexpensive.  Part of saying, "Yes" includes a committment to raise funds for travel.  There are other basic expenses for the journey.

This is where we can help.  Quite simply, say "Yes" to the opportunity to support this team financially and with prayer.  There are a few specific upcoming opportunities:

• China Mission Carwash at Brusters on Saturday, November 1st, 9:00 - 1:00.  This is a great time to actually meet these young men - and let them wash your cars!
• China Mission Day at Allen's Chinese Restaurant.  Tell the cashier that you are dining out to support the China Mission Trip, and they will donate part of your check total to help support the trip.
• China Mission Ice Cream.  Bring your church program or bulletin (PCC or any other church!) to Brusters on Sunday, November 2 and Sunday, November 9.  Buy ice cream and give the cashier your church program.  In return, Brusters will donate $1 to the China Mission Fund!

These minor opportunities add up and can make a tremendous impact on the efforts of these young men to make this journey.  If you are unable to participate in this way, feel free to simply write a check and mail it to China Mission Trip, Powhatan Community Church, P.O. Box 834, Powhatan, VA 23139.  Every contribution makes a difference.

We are excited about the privilege of partnering with these young men who heard a huge challenge from God and said, quite simply, "Yes."

Will you?

Just Curious...For A Reason...

What would you do...

...if you had only thirty days to do it?

La Sarah

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Check her out here.