Upcoming

Good morning! I'm finding that I forget about doing this too often; so, I'm going to work hard at getting here once a week to post. Here we go for today:

We had our first training for the Fruit of the Vine food shelf that we're opening in FEB. We had a great turnout and I think a pretty good sharing of information with everyone. We were able to demonstrate how most things will work and let people get an idea of how we plan to feed those in need from the South Metro area.

People had great ideas as well. They were asking very pertinent questions which made the team think even more and has them considering implementing changes to improve upon things -- I enjoy seeing people work together to make something better! It will add to God's glory!

This weekend we're hosting a spiritual gifts seminar which should be really good! My wife has taught this several times and it helps people get the basics of spiritual gifts and helps them begin to assess the giftings they may have. Then, on SUN, we begin a series on Spiritual Gifts which will hopefully engage more people into ministry.

The word that I keep hearing this year is GENEROUS or GENEROSITY. We are to be generous with our finances (knowing that they are God's to begin with!) and with our lives. He has given us talents, skills, and gifts so that our lives will bless others!

Hope to see you there!

Poor with Jesus article

Just read an article on relevantmagazine.com that made me think (and agree!). Poor with Jesus spoke of the church doing the things Jesus did (and still does!) in order to build relationships and love people into his family. http://www.relevantmagazine.com/god_article.php?id=7287

I'm looking forward to the food shelf starting at SMVC. I can't wait for our church body to interact more with the community! Keep praying that we can have a profound impact for the Kingdom.

Training for those interested in serving is next MONDAY, JANUARY 29th @ 6:30pm in the Vineyard lobby. Contact the church office for details.

Just a Tuesday away!

Next Tuesday we receive our initial shipment for our new food shelf here at the Vineyard! I am way pumped! In fact, one month from this date on February 17th we'll open the Fruit of the Vine food shelf from 9:30-11:30 to hand out food for those in need in the South Metro area.

If you attend the Vineyard we need your help to stock shelves, to meet/greet people as they come in, and to sack the groceries. We want to pray for the folks receiving the groceries and help them get their stuff out to the car. We need people to help set up and help tear down/rearrange the Vineyard lobby and make sure everything is back in place.

Want to serve our South Metro neighbors? Sign up and/or show up for the training on MON, JAN 29th @ 6:30pm here at the Vineyard.

Let's surprise the world with God's lovingkindness in a very real and practical way!

Treasure

Starting a new series tomorrow on the Treaure Principle, a book I read several years ago that convinced me to be more intentional/serious about the giving of my finances. Having been a tither for many years, I had taken that for granted. But when I read this book it drew me back to the reason that we tithe -- that God is generous and has given us new life...that we are really stewards of this life and everything that comes into our hands is to be used for His glory and to extend His kingdom.

I recently read an article by Rich Nathan, Vineyard Columbus senior pastor, which stated this very clearly. He also included that we are to be stewards of our bodies as well -- to be careful of what we eat and that we are to exercise!

Back to giving -- I'm praying that our church family doesn't see this as heavy handed and arm twisting BUT instead listens to the Holy Spirit and allows Him to convince them (me included!) that giving and being God's steward is more beneficial than if we were to hold onto for ourselves. Our church family is extremely generous in that we've just committed to opening a food pantry in February and over $8,000 has been given so far towards it.

I see that as seed money that God wants to nurture and water and grow in our hearts the spirit of generosity so much that it spills out wherever we go. That's what I'm praying for myself and the church -- will you join with me?

God's best to you!

Happy New Year -- a little late

Welcome to the New Year! I finally have my computer stuff all switched over to a laptop so I'm going to use that as my excuse for not being on for awhile. I hope to catch you up to speed soon with all that has transpired here lately. It's been an incredibly busy, yet blessed, time as we've moved into the new year!

I pray that you will see God move in your life this upcoming year! God's best to you!
Chris