Amazing Night!

Last night was our final night of Community Building 101. We had 25-30 people who came and we ran it just like a regular small group setting. But our goal was different tonight. In groups I believe we should have an Upward focus (toward God in worship & prayer), Inward (pastoral care of group members), Forward (developing new leaders), and also Outward (reaching our community).

So last night we had 22 bags of groceries and after worship we divided up into groups, grabbed the groceries and went out into the surrounding neighborhoods to bless our neighbors. You should have seen some of the people's faces when I told them what we were going to do! Some looked mad...some looked dismayed, almost in pain. But everybody loaded up and headed out the door.

They had 45 minutes to accomplish this task: Take the bags, ask the Holy Spirit where to go, give away the groceries, and then come back. Of course the hard part is finding a place to go.

You should have heard the stories that came back! But first one of mine...we went to a home where I always put our Vineyard street signs telling when the services are. I thanked the guy for letting us use his yard. We gave him a bag of groceries and he was caught off guard - but so thankful. He then asked if I knew that sometimes the arrows on the sign pointed to his house -- like it was the church! He thought that was funny...so I asked him if people had been showing up and if he had been taking an offering! We had a great laugh!

Here's another story:
So last night was so totally awesome!We went out for outreach in the neighborhoods where God led us. We stopped at twin homes where neither person accepted the groceries. When we returned to church one of the ladies from that twin home had come over and asked eric to come back that she had some food she wanted to give us. Eric and I went back after the community 101 meeting and she invited us in. She gave us 7 bags of food. Her husband had an intestinal blockage and was on a restricted diet and she had had weight loss surgery and was on a restricted diet. We talked with her for a long time. Then we were able to pray for her and her husband. She said she felt the prssence of the Lord.It was so amazing! Go God!

Isn't it cool when we break out of our holy huddles and actually do something to show the love of Jesus to the community! I love it! People get to see God and that He is real and that He cares for them -- and it's just fun to be His messenger!

I hope that this encourages you to step out and do the stuff! There are opportunities around you everyday that need someone willing to say, "It's my turn!" I pray that you'll seize that opportunity today! God's best to ya! Chris

Misspellings

Sorry about all the grammatical errors in that last post -- just think, I used to teach elementary school language arts!?! You wouldn't be able to tell from that last post. Please forgive me!

Kids Church

Good day Vineyard family and friends tuning in...I want to share an excerpt of a letter I just received about our Children's Ministry here at South Metro Vineyard Church. Our CM Director shared this with her team that works with the children. I read it and knew that you had to see it too! It really blessed me -- as the pastor of the church and as a parent of kids in the ministry!

So, here it goes:
This past week was fun! It was the first time that I got to see the kids engage in worship with Paula. I was expecting to see the same worship that we experience in church. Yes, you have permission to call me worship-leader impaired What I saw was God meeting the kids at their level. Paula led the kids in songs that bent down to them and yet reached up to God at the same time. For example, during 2nd service, Paula led in singing "Give me Oil in My Lamp." You know the one. Most of the kids were singing and clapping along. A few of the girls were either too shy or too cool to give it their all. Mid-song Paula asked them what they like to do. One girl called out "Talk." So right there, on the spot, Paula started singing, "Give me minutes for my phone cuz I cannot talk alone. Give me minutes for my phone I pray. Hallelujah! The girls were immediately listening and singing. I think it made them feel like they belonged.

Paula is fabulous; we are so blessed that she is giving her talents & gifts in our direction. We are also blessed because God has raised up Nichole and Amy to lead our children in worship. But the deepest blessing here is that God is raising up a team in Children' Ministry. We each contribute a vital piece in teaching South Metro's children that God loves them. Reread 1 Cor. 12:12-26 if you need a refresher about the importance of all parts working together. I felt a bit disconnected this past Sunday but our kids were still blessed because the message they received was not dependent on me. God worked through us as a team to touch the hearts of the kids.

Did I see anything that led me to believe that God was touching hearts? Yes, indeed!

I saw God calm Bud in first hour Pre/K and open him up to enjoy his Sunday school class which was led by Chris. In the past month, Bud has moved in with his new foster family; he is new to our church. During worship, he came over and held my hand when he was nervous. Isn't God amazing? He is teaching Bud that church is a fun and safe place.

I saw Emma who was shy during worship break into a smile when I danced over to her; whispered in her ear that she couldn't fool me. I knew she was dancing on the inside. She smiled and I could see the tension leave her shoulders. For whatever reason, her body wasn't moving but she really WAS dancing on the inside.

I saw Betsy and Lydia with their eyes closed and their hands outstretched worshiping Jesus. I saw other children gaze with wonder a their faces. They seemed to be asking, "Is that real? And if it is, can I be part of that?"

Maybe it was just a passing glance, but He is here.

It's incredible to see our children growing in worship and the ability to hear God's voice. Over the past few weeks some pretty incredible things have been shared by the kids as they've prayed and listened for His voice.

Would you pray for our children, both in this ministry area and also the nursery? These are our next pastors, teachers, prophets, worship leaders, etc. Pray that they would continually be open to His Holy Spirit's work in their lives. (They may not know what that means, but pray it anyway!) God's blessings to ya! Have a great day!

Pray it doesn't rain tonight -- I have three ballgames to get to tonight! :)

First Impressions

Every week we send out a thank you letter to guests who attend a SUN AM service here at the Vineyard. We include a postcard that asks for a person's first impressions of the church, of worship, of our people...really anything that a person wants to comment on -- it's wide open!

Every one is very gracious and kind in their remarks, from: people are so friendly to the music was nice to my kids were well taken care of, etc. Sometimes we do get a few that cross the line and can be mean -- but we want that feedback! My former pastor used to tell me that feedback is the breakfast of champions! (I know that he stole that quote from someone famous -- I just can't remember who right now.)

This week a person shared that she loved the friendliness of the church, loved the teaching & worship BUT -- it would be nice if the senior pastor dressed up a little more! I had on my jeans and a nice button down shirt (like every other SUN) plus I didn't wear my running shoes! I thought I was dressed up!

Seriously -- the reason for not dressing up is this: I want people to feel comfortable coming into this building wearing whatever they have. If they are wearing suits -- good for them! If they are wearing shorts & a T-shirt -- that's great too! except that we do live in MN and it is cold here10 out of 12 months!

I don't want to set myself apart (or my staff to be set apart either) from people as they come in. I want people to experience God's love no matter their fashion. I remember in college not having too many nice clothes and when I finally went to church I found out it didn't matter the clothes I wear -- it mattered where my heart was. In the OT it says that man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at my heart. I like that!

Have you seen those new commercials that say get your FASH-on! (fashion) I want people to get their church-on, regardless of their fash-on! My wife gets upset with me once in a while because I'll grab some cheap, ripped up jeans at Unique (kinda like goodwill) and try to wear them to church. But what's the difference if God is looking at my heart. Shouldn't I take him at His word?

In fact, I think I'll wear my running shoes this week! It will be a good reminder of this, plus it will remind me to pray for those running the TC Marathon.
God's best to ya! Chris

Whole lotta Maroney

I thought I would add a weird title tonight...I just heard that on TV during the FB game. Maroney is the running back of the Patriots. Anyway...

Had a great weekend! My wife took a small group of women to IA to visit a couple of Vineyard churches down there. They were looking at different ways to run a food pantry because we'd like to start one here at our Vineyard in Burnsville. A couple of months ago a newspaper article came out looking at the plight of the homeless in the South Metro area and then it was followed by an article looking at the amount of people in the SM area who are the working poor and really need help getting by each day.

We as the church are called to help! When these ladies read that article and looked at the unfinished kitchen that we have been using as storage in our new (4-yr-old) addition they thought, "Let's do the stuff here!" In fact, one of the gals thought that she heard the Lord say, "Start with what you've got!" We felt like that meant to start here and work with the hungry in our community.

Today we gave out bags of groceries for the people of our congregation to take out. They were to take a bag, pray about whom to give it to, then take it to that person/family. I was shocked and surprised that more than half the bags were left! Most of the people didn't take a bag -- I don't know what that means!?! Is that a hardened heart condition? Is that fear? Is that a desire to not looking foolish in the eyes of the world?

Whatever it is -- we've got to get over that! And quick! I believe that we have the hope that the world needs! If we can give somebody a bag of food and a glimmer of hope, I know that can lead to a conversation about Christ somewhere down the road. In the future, a food pantry at our building will need volunteers and people willing to serve -- yet we can't even hand out a bag of groceries on our own?

That's why we pray -- MORE HOLY SPIRIT!

Friday Night Lights

My wife and I just ran together and caught the late night lights of E-ville on a FRI night. Ever so exciting -- of course late for us is 9pm! We must be getting older!

Last night was another extremely exciting night at the Vineyard -- I believe we had another healing take place! One of the gals came to Community Building 101 and sat pretty quiet all night with her husband until the end. We were praying for the Holy Spirit to stir up the prophetic giftings in people and she was one that came forward wanting to have that happen.

She told me later that she was kind of disappointed that no one laid hands on her while everyone else prayed or received prayer...but then someone put a hand on her shoulder and it was extremely hot. She had been having a hard time breathing all night and had experienced chest pains throughout the week. But as soon as that hand was put on her she said she felt different.

She told me that she went to get her son from the childcare area and could walk there and actually take a deep breath...she hadn't been able to do that for a couple of days! She came back and told me that story...we were pretty excited! She emailed me today and said she still felt good today!

The funny thing was that the young man who prayed for her was new to our church and had never really experienced anything like this before...he said that on the way to the building that evening that he felt like God said that he was going to heal someone tonight through him.

Pretty cool, huh! I heard this quote the other day that kind of describes this -- When I pray, coincidences happen. When I don't pray, they don't. I think that is a great line!

If you have a cool God story feel free to share it with me -- I love how He still moves today!
Have a good one!

Wednesday night rundown

Just got back from a 2 mile walk/run...still catching my breath. Seems like WEDs are always like that. I wrote last week about our coaching meetings with our staff members and how much energy that takes.

Today we added budget talks, a Matthew's Party, my daughter's soccer game and then a quick run. (Not so quick really--it's my second day walk/running and it looks more like a tortoise chasing a turtle when I run -- I saw my shadow tonight as I passed a street lamp and know why they call that guy in the Runner's World Penguin -- LOL!)

You say you don't know what a Matthew's Party is? Our student life ministry and several sets of parents took our mobile grill and games over to a local mobile home park. We invited children and families to come eat for free, play some games for prizes and candy and had a great time showing them that Jesus loves them. We even had a couple guys fixing the kids' bikes for free -- they changed tires, fixed pedals, adjusted seats, etc.

Our whole purpose as a church is shared during this time (hopefully with as few words as possible)...we are transformed by God's love to SURPRISE THE WORLD! It always nice to see a smile on a face and people happy -- one family as they left tonight was fun to see...each little bitty girl walked along with a helium balloon and a bag of candy, the parents had these great big grins on their faces, and their little toddler was waving bye-bye as he peered back at us over his mother's shoulder. Those are the types of surprises I like being part of...you could tell our students loved it too!

Even though it was extremely chilly for September I thought our crew did a nice job. We didn't have as many people turn out as we did back in AUG but still I was impress with how our students were interacting with the community kids and talking with them, skateboarding and doing tricks, and just overall being friendly. I'm not sure how many young people would put aside a night of 'studying' or hanging out with friends to spend it in a neighborhood where they've never been and don't know anyone. I think that has to be God! I don't know what else would inspire them to do that!

Earlier this week I wrote about my frustrations with finances -- I thank those of you who sent me comments with suggestions about how to make more money. Some were good...some were lame...some were, well, unmentionable. But thanks! I appreciate your thoughts -- I'd appreciate your prayers even more!

Have a great night!

Playing Catch Up!

Today is my Monday in the office...you know what I mean? (I have regular Mondays off.) It's everything that has piled up from the weekend is now sitting squarely in front of me -- looking at me as if to ask me, "Are you going to pay attention to me today?" The administrative work of being on staff at a church.

We're currently working on budgets, revising our spending patterns/habits, and forecasting for the next year. It takes a lot of money to do church...facilities, utilities, salaries, and then ministries. That's the part I don't like...and then ministries. Aren't we supposed to fund that first? I hear the saying to give GOD your firsts, not your seconds or leftovers and I get frustrated. Our giving goes first to a mortgage, to the lights, to redoing the parking lot -- all of which are nice to have! Please don't get me wrong -- we have a beautiful building and a great campus setting.

But I think it would be best to have those things paid off so that the majority of our money goes to people (not salary increases!) to people in need of hope, people in need of food, people who need Jesus! That's the frustrating point -- we have a generous church, people who are very good at giving and we also have the reality of a large mortgage hanging over our heads.

Do you have that at your home -- large debt but a desire to be more generous and giving to others in need? I'm praying that God will turn that around for us -- that someday a mortgage won't be the unspoken concern -- but that ministry will be first. If you're a member of SMVC will you pray that direction with me?

Thanks for reading -- that was my point of frustration today -- I just needed to share that!
God bless ya!

Good News, Bad News

It's always hard to answer when a person asks which would you like to hear first...the good news or the bad news? Today we didn't have a choice and we started with the good news...a soccer victory for our daughter this AM as they won 3-1, followed by a football victory for our second son 20-0. They both played great and hustled extremely well. They are exciting to watch!

We got home and found out more good news -- the Hawkeyes beat ISU 27-17 after trailing 14-3! It's about time we beat those Cyclones! I'll root for them every other game -- but not against the Hawks!

Then came the bad news -- a friend of ours whose son & daughter-in-law had just delivered through emergency C-section this beautiful little girl on WED had to break the news to us that this precious little one (3.5 pounds!!) had just passed away.

How do you respond to something like that? In one sense you know that this child is better off because I believe we have a Big God who has now received her into heaven. Yet I struggle in knowing what to say and how to be attentive. I look at my six beautiful children and say "thank you God" for mine, knowing full well it could be any one of them anytime.

Yet this isn't about me -- it's about this family. How do we respond as people of faith? I'm sure we'll do provide prayer and help for a short time -- but how do you provide assistance over the long haul? Grief is a one day at a time thing...for some it doesn't manifest until much later, and for others, they never really come out and express it.

I know that in Romans it says we are to laugh with those who are laughing and then to grieve with those experiencing grief. I pray that our community of Christ followers will do the same with this family and allow them to work through their grief and assist them as much as possible.

I pray that today you'll cherish the good news you receive and also be prepared for the bad that may come. The only way I know how to do that is in my relationship with Jesus Christ. Knowing that He went to the cross so that I may be forgiven...knowing that when I asked Him to forgive me -- He really did!...knowing that since I believe in Jesus, he now leads my life, and that I can trust Him with everything that happens -- good or bad! Do you have that confidence? I hope that you do.

If you don't...do something simple for me right now. Ask Jesus into your heart. Ask Him to lead your life. Tell Him you need Him for more than just those 'help me' prayers, but that you need him for everything. Ask Him -- I know He'll respond...because I know that He loves you!

That's really the best news ever!

Come Holy Spirit!

Omigosh! What an incredible evening! 40 people came together for our Community Building 101 session at the Vineyard tonight and I saw the Holy Spirit do some incredible things. We took people through how a small group should look and as we did that we explained everything -- especially how our whole focus on the evening was to let God have His way!

As we interacted over the Bible study and shared in worship it was evident that the Holy Spirit was there -- and then when we had the groups minister to one another He really went to work!
As a Christ follower I couldn't have been more pleased -- God was having His way! All we had done was set up a night to showcase how small groups should work -- and He honored that and starting working on people's hearts.

I thinked that if you were to ask 4 out of 5 people there they would say that God showed up in power! (Isn't it interesting how we have to quantify everything to prove our points? 2 out of 3 dentists surveyed said...)

Anyway...we're doing it again next THURS and also the following one -- I hope you can make it! I firmly believe that God wants to touch His people's lives and bring them hope, healing, and most importantly -0- HIS LOVE! If you need that - come and get it! Come with expectation!

Thanks God for showing up! Will you continue to grace us with your presence and your power to transform lives...we want more of you!

Wild Wednesday

Had a wild time today...I've set my schedule on WEDs to be meetings from 9:30 - noon and then 1 - 3:30 so that I can meet with all of our staff on the same day and do our staff meeting. That will wear a person out...but in a weird sort of way it is energizing! You get to hear and see all the exciting things God is doing in our midst.

It's funny how we can sit and look at the stuff we may be doing and not consider it very important until we all come together and share what's happening and see how God is weaving all these things together for His good! Wednesdays make me want to work harder and pray longer!

And yes, there are times of discouragement that come...but that's why God made us a team. He made us for one another to encourage and support, to lift up and pray for.

There are some pretty cool things God is pulling together here behind the scenes...we've just brought three new people on staff and they are doing terrific! It helps that we've been able to watch them the past5-6 months (in one case a year!!) and see how they make choices, how they react to stressful situations and how they want to serve the church! Each of them has a servant's heart...I would love to have a dozen more (10 dozen more) like them! They are a blessing already!

I'm here at the church tonight having brought my kids to youth group...what an eclectic bunch of young people! Skaters, jocks, artsy, introverts, clowns, etc. Yet all are drawn here and they invite their friends too! New people are coming every week! There's an excitement building here that should be contagious to the whole church body.

You should see them worship and then pray for one another...God is faithful to show up and moves on these students. I pray that he continues to set them on fire, so we can watch them burn -- and even get set on fire ourselves! Talk to ya soon!

Time for a Snack

This AM I've been meeting with all of the staff -- it's definitely time to get my sugar high on! I'll be back later to share more! 

Doing the One Anothers

I've started this series on Community Life: Getting Connected at the Vineyard and have been prepping to tackle the one anothers of the NT. I think that there are over 50 of them sprinkled throughout -- stuff like love one another, encourage one another, support one another, etc.

That's a big list from God about how we are to live in community don't you think? I don't know that we'll ever measure up to fulfilling that whole list will we, or even can we? I know that when we receive Christ into our lives we are to have the fulness of Him leading us and that we ourselves have really died to our agenda and now under His new leadership take on His agenda -- doing the one anothers (and more!)

How radical would it be to see the church do the stuff like this this? To actually see people putting these things first on their priorities and walking the talk! It would be like waking a sleeping giant! The world is crying out for the church to be the church -- to be the people of God, led by the Holy Spirit, ministering in the name of Jesus. We, as the church, should give them what they want, what the world so desperately craves! To see the church be Jesus! WOW! That would be breathtaking!

How can that happen? I met with a group from the Vineyard last night who want to invite the homeless and the poor into our building and give them food and groceries and pray for them and bless them...that's an awesome start...one of the gals felt like Jesus said to her "Use what you have" and she took that to mean let's use our building and get to helping people! Let's provide a place where people can receive the love of Jesus with none of the strings that are normally attached.

You know those strings don't you? We'll give you food if you come to church...we'll pray for you if you'll promise to straighten up...we'll be kind to you because we're in a church's building, but outside of here I'm not so sure I'll even notice you. Those types of conditional love.

But Jesus wasn't like that -- and we don't want to be either! So Lord teach us to be more like you. Change our hearts that we really could experience the love you have for others -- whether they be better off than us or worse off. Help us to realize that we are no better because your love for each of us is the same, and that you care deeply about each person. Give us that heart! Renew us each morning with that desire to show your love to one another!

My Brain is Mush

Monday afternoon has hit at our home -- which means naptime! After every Sunday it seems that Mondays are good throughout the morning but they get rockier as the day goes by. About 1pm and it's all I can do to be polite to my family -- and this is my day off! I want to be able to enjoy this time together. I've found that a good nap makes the whole family happier! I'll get there pretty soon. My mind is seems like mush on a MON...SUNs are a spiritual battle -- after teaching during both services and then going to a pretty awesome prayer meeting! God showed up at each service and then really spoke to us during the time of prayer...I'm thankful that He tells us what He's thinking. A couple of times last night someone would speak and then another person would say the same thing but in a different way -- God was confirming His presence through different people's thoughts and words, and even through His word as people shared out of it! God is awesome!

Here's a couple other thoughts of mine from the weekend:

Did you watch the start of the NFL season? The Chiefs got their rear ends kicked...plus the starting QB is knocked out for a few games. Not a great way to start the new season, especially with a new coach. Thankfully, the Hawks won this weekend in 2OT! I won't tell you who we beat, but we won!

My son and I also are leading our fantasy football league...last year it took us five games before we won once. This year (with two games remaining tonight) our team is leading the whole league in points scored -- not bad for what I thought was a terrible draft! We'll see what happens after tonight's games!

That's all I have for now -- my brain is now much mushier since I started a while ago. Time for my nap! Have a good one!

Frantic SAT AM

Day 3 -- I'm running a little late today -- I've spent the morning running kids to soccer and football games and then enjoying the 50 degree weather at both -- BRRR! It seems to me that these football/soccer/sporting events are people's new meeting place. Besides Caribou coffee or Starbux -- people seem to find their need for community at these events. We drive our kids to practice, we sit and talk a bit, we continue our conversation at the weekend game and then we have a short break before the next week kicks it all back into gear again.

I remember growing up and people would just stop by our farm and chat for awhile and then proceed to their next stop, or I remember going to the coffee shop or grain elevator (CO-OP) with my dad or grandpa and we'd experience the same thing -- community living in short bursts -- almost casual, yet hardly life-transforming or deep enough to penetrate our souls and quench the thirst of our spirit. I believe we each long for community -- for that deepening connection -- yet we allow the busy-ness of life to prioritize the importance of our relationships.

We've become casual -- we have casual acquaintances, we interact casually with one another never having intentionally pressed into one another's life to really grow to care, we even consider casual physical relationships (casual sex) better due to its brevity and lack of having to put anything out there except our naked bodies.

What about baring our souls and sharing intimately with one another about the challenges and joys of life...the things that frustrate us...the things that pull us closer to God...or even make us question things? Where does that happen? And when?

Do you ever wonder that? I do...and I believe we wonder that because that's what we need. I'm praying that I'll grow in that ability to really connect with my wife, my friends, and the people God puts in my path. I pray you'll be able to as well!

Have a good one!

Good Friday Morning!

Good morning everyone -- I'm trying to creat a habit here of getting on and sharing my thoughts each day with you! I hear it takes 3 weeks to create a habit, so this is only DAY 2. That's a long way to go -- LOL!

I'm sitting here thinking of my sermon preparation for this weekend -- getting connected into God's community life and how that pertains to so many people -- people who are hurt in their relationships, people who are afraid of others seeing who they really are, people who aren't able to take the time to build friendships and instead have a variety of acquaintances-- people who are casual and distant, and yet we still seek that closeness we can only have with Jesus and with close friends.

I'm thankful God has brought incredible people into my life -- my wife first of all. What better friend could a man have than his wife! Plus she's good looking -- I love to hang out with her! Our times together with our family or alone (seldom with 6 kids!) are awesome! She cares about me...she challenges me to grow...and she doesn't expect me to be anything but me!

I have other friends that are the same way -- men and women who want the best for me and me for them. I have been extremely blessed -- all because I hopped in and got connected to the community that God is creating!

I read recently about a woman who has had difficulty building/sustaining relationships. Her quote was that she felt like she was looking through the window of a party to which she wasn't invited. I was crushed. How often does the church carry on its busy-ness without inviting people to play/work alongside us? How often do we ask people to join us in the journey? That's our business -- to be about connecting with God and connecting God with people.

We have to invite people to the party God is throwing realizing it's not just a block party, or a neighborhood party, it really is a global community party that spreads one person at a time. Today I'm praying that I can encourage and invite someone to His party. I hope you will too!
God's blessings to ya! Have a great day!

Welcome to Vineyard Notes!

This is my first foray into the world of blogging -- please bear with me! We're putting up this site to keep our friends and family informed of what's happening here at South Metro Vineyard Church. Feel free to check us out and tune in regularly to find out the happenings here and also the musings of me Chris Reeves, the senior pastor.