tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73068920861854716062024-03-14T04:30:28.825-04:00threshold church blogCross the threshold . . .Faith. Service. Growth.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12141540653569128849noreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306892086185471606.post-73662008765677428842010-09-06T19:01:00.004-04:002010-09-06T19:42:10.197-04:00Turning The Corner<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It seems to me that the fall ( after Labor Day ) is the time when the church makes the greatest strides in the area of attendance and commitment. For the church, new beginnings often come when the new school year commences. The Sunday after Labor Day, not the first Sunday of the year, is the day we look forward to as a kind of measuring stick for the next 8 months. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If this past Sunday is any indication of things to come, then we are in for a great year! On Labor Day Sunday, if such a day exists, we more than doubled my anticipated attendance. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And while I firmly believe that numbers DO matter to God, there have been other exciting developments as well: In the last three weeks, people have begun to take ownership of the ministries of the church and many have signed up to serve for the first time. . . I've seen new faces at church, and seen evidence of God at work in their lives. . . I hear people talking about who they want to invite to church and who they are reaching out to . . . </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It is so exciting to see God at work, laying the foundation and putting things in place for the future!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I am looking forward to Sunday with an anticipation similar to our opening day. If you're reading this, please take time to pray for the people being invited to Threshold this Sunday. Pray that lives will be impacted and that people will be drawn into a relationship with Jesus Christ. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And watch what God will do. </span></div>Faith. Service. Growth.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12141540653569128849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306892086185471606.post-34164521882982825762010-08-17T11:55:00.008-04:002010-09-06T19:44:37.149-04:00Church Signs - What are they for?<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLbJ1nmzHyMvtvwM6pY8R9iYEIl0fQQEx_3-nxFgPaaytG80h_VP_KU5itvMeoZIjAOBEuBaLD4Pe_FTwgnLJxtDSzIws_klN2Ka2BBXDwDDEfgRWO2FX66PfbkjlaX_pZZ8EHoukniKV/s1600/smoking.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 98px; height: 62px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLbJ1nmzHyMvtvwM6pY8R9iYEIl0fQQEx_3-nxFgPaaytG80h_VP_KU5itvMeoZIjAOBEuBaLD4Pe_FTwgnLJxtDSzIws_klN2Ka2BBXDwDDEfgRWO2FX66PfbkjlaX_pZZ8EHoukniKV/s200/smoking.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511675182309041650" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">In fact that does say "ETERNITY - SMOKING OR NONSMOKING"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 37px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1351ssRXwyQUwuB09LIITw_4pyh21XGlCfNFSePO_QsDRZ7-tXJwjFBoAFjKJw-2YgIAr_mnl3qObAQVT0o5FjbMvp5-J9NCtMVCBXOgxVlCRsYLVQIq9M1cwmV0iAQlcBilzeULJjvS/s200/SANY1285.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506817339497804466" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">For some time I have been annoyed by the signs that pop up all across our area on the property of our local churches. The message they often send is very negative and a turn off to people who don't attend church. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">About 15 years ago I read a study (that I can no longer find) related to church signs. The study generally concluded that churches that only listed church activities were the most well received by the un-churched community. The second group of signs always had the Pastor's message for the upcoming Sunday. If the titles asked a question the rest of the world was interested in, the signs were also received well. The category that was consistently offensive was the signs that the "church" finds funny or cute.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>The "That will show those unbelieving losers" kind of signs defeat the very stated purpose of the church. If you really think winning those far from God will be achieved with an offensive sign, you haven't polled your congregation to see how many came to Christ when confronted with a sign that read "Turn or Burn." </div><div><br /></div><div>I asked a first time attender to church what drew him to our church and in the process of the conversation he revealed that he takes pictures of our local signs and shows them to his un-believing friends for a good laugh. He said "At first they offended me, then I started to look for the new ones so I could get a good laugh and eventually I started taking pictures ... they have no clue how stupid those signs are." So on a day when I had to look at two new ones in one day, I thought I would keep a photo log here. I hope I soon run out of material and the signs go away. </div><div><br /></div><div>See a sign in Boiling Springs - Submit it to thresholdchurch@live.com. I'll be glad to add it to the list.</div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 53px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQFuohNa1x0oZx7akJR5CElWtysbfH_P4gRZR-PmftwrC6-Au39qyLTZvKsPcSB-HvpggeAfo0aVLbEIcsjclLSG5BbXZragUZ_pUXklJXCacYWMxqaLgjKRh736wgF9V19RUgUElj7CJ/s200/SANY1286.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506817614235520370" /></div>Faith. Service. Growth.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12141540653569128849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306892086185471606.post-12431592731468312172010-08-17T11:22:00.003-04:002010-09-06T19:44:56.500-04:00MyGroups<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Our first MyGroup GroupLink will be held after church this Sunday, Aug. 22nd. We will eat together and a brief presentation of Groups will be made. You will have an opportunity to sign up for a group if one works with your schedule. More information on groups will be added next week.</span>Faith. Service. Growth.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12141540653569128849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306892086185471606.post-59115731057577495892010-07-04T13:59:00.006-04:002010-09-06T19:45:31.666-04:00Sunday De-BriefS<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">unday Debrief - Independence Day Style<br /><br />*It was good to see some old friends and new faces today as we worshiped together.<br /><br />*By the way, "old friends" refers to how long I've known someone, not to their age.<br /><br />* We continued our study of the Ten Commandments, specifically looking at honoring your father and mother.<br /><br />* God deals with us harshly if we don't honor our parents. In Romans, He compares those who don't honor their parents to murderers.<br /><br />* The music was awesome today! I think Jordan is starting to get used to us! He did a great job of helping us focus on God and and who He is.<br /><br />* Our new bass player is waaay better than the last one we had.<br /><br />* (I was the last bass player. It is so much much easier for me to prepare to teach when I'm not trying to play the bass.)<br /><br />* It's good when church is over and folks just hang around because they enjoy each other. Seriously, I've been at churches where people just didn't like each other. I'm glad Threshold is not like that.<br /><br />* I mentioned today how good God has been to us lately with financial matters. He has always provided just what we needed when we needed it. As we reach out to the community with Movies in the Park, God has supplied every financial need this brand new church has had. And it is awesome and humbling be so taken care of by Him.<br /><br />So, I hope everyone enjoys the rest of their holiday. As we celebrate the freedom we have as a country, remember also, that our freedom in Christ is far greater.<br /><br />Ryan</span>Faith. Service. Growth.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12141540653569128849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306892086185471606.post-32106734590086326132010-06-20T17:23:00.003-04:002010-09-06T19:45:51.604-04:00Sunday Re-Cap<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">* We had a great time of worship with guest worship leader Jordan Lukens.<br />* The children shared what they have learned over the last two months with a multimedia presentation that really helped us prepare for the message.<br />* I had no idea of the topic the kids would be sharing on, and it fit the sermon perfectly!<br />* I noticed people were laughing a lot during the sermon. I hope it was with me and not AT me. :)<br />* We bought a mobile air conditioner unit to supplement the big one. It seemed to be just enough to keep us comfortable.<br />*(Well, in conjunction with the sprinkler on the roof!)<br />* It was our second week of looking at the Ten Commandments. We talked about not taking the Lord's name in vain, having reverence for who God is, and being in a right relationship with God so that we can live in His protection. Good stuff.<br /></span><br />Hope to see everyone back on Sunday!<br />The End.<br />RyanFaith. Service. Growth.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12141540653569128849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306892086185471606.post-28026293381265787692010-06-09T22:40:00.003-04:002010-09-06T19:46:10.291-04:00Excited bout the Movie<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">June 18 will be the second movie of 2010 for the Boiling Springs community. We will be showing THE SPY NEXT DOOR. Every family will be given a bag full of local information and valuable coupons. The give away selections are bigger than ever and one family will be treated to something that will be the envy of everyone. Chick-fil-A will be there and we will have all the free sno-cones you can crunch.</span>Faith. Service. Growth.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12141540653569128849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306892086185471606.post-46533309744369648422010-04-12T10:46:00.004-04:002010-09-06T19:47:55.136-04:00Long Time Coming<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So much has happened in the last 3 months and I, once again, have had nothing to say about it on the blog. . .</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We have been through at least 85 musicians in the last three months and to say the least, that has been a bit draining. (Yes 85 is an exaggeration!) It seems when something is not running on all cylinders, it just drains you a little more. There is the constant searching and calling and interviewing also. A bit of the experience has been reminiscent of American Idol... some really talented folks and some that must be heard to be believed. (I am convinced that one of the greatest wrongs in our world is mamas telling their kids they have musical talent when they don't.)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Of course that is followed closely by people sleeping under bridges and eating out of dumpsters. Actually that is the purpose of this post and the other was just to get you to agree with something I write. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It seems that we are in the habit of getting really excited about things that have little eternal significance and we have very little concern for things that make a huge difference. I have often wondered what would happen if we successfully pulled just one person from the cycle of dependance and hopelessness and could see the result of their life-change 20 years out. What would future generations look like?</span></div>Faith. Service. Growth.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12141540653569128849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306892086185471606.post-24958422254243401852010-01-14T08:58:00.002-05:002010-09-06T19:48:14.745-04:00Peer Pressure<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">You know that peer pressure can be a really strange thing. Some parts of the issue can't be fully explained by simple analysis. I'm writing this entry because of peer pressure but I am choosing what to write. My peers harass me if I go more than two weeks without an entry. <br /><br />Peer pressure can be good and it can be bad. Some believe peer pressure exposes who you really are when you give in to the pressure. Of course that only applies if the thing you gave in to was a bad thing. If you were influenced to do good outside your standard character, then you are in a phase or just trying to be someone you're not.<br /><br />Peer pressure can bring great rewards when acted on and it can also bring great sadness when acted on.<br /><br />The greatest problem with peer pressure is when you are still suffering consequences years after a decision has been made.<br /><br />This week I have seen the single most painful,lasting result of a bad decision made earlier in life.<br /><br />I don't know when the first introduction to drugs came, for that matter I knew nothing about drugs or a struggle past or present with drugs in the life of my friend.<br /><br />I knew about some issues with alcohol which was probably also introduced by a peer, but I had no clue of any other struggle.<br /><br />My friend lost his life and everyone believes narcotics were involved. As I talked with another friend he told me of the struggles of so many to shake off and become free of the addiction to narcotics. He said he had witnessed people free from drugs relapse after up to six years. In their drug induced state they acted out of character for them. Often times it resulted in a crime being committed.<br /><br />In my friend's case there was a crime committed and the proper response of law enforcement ended a life seemingly devoted to God in every aspect. But there was that one area that very few were aware of where satan was quietly using a decision made years earlier to destroy a life, even one devoted to God.<br /><br />I don't doubt my friend's devotion to God but I will always wonder why help wasn't sought. I will also be left to wonder if my friend had given up on life and become weary in trying to undo the damage done by giving in to peer pressure so many years ago.<br /><br />If there is any one lesson worth taking away from this experience for those who have never been bound by a drug, it is that in any area of life, God must have exclusive access. When we give Satan any place to set up camp in our life we invite a lifetime of regret for a life not lived exclusively for God.</span>Faith. Service. Growth.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12141540653569128849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306892086185471606.post-24159729065511976132009-12-15T20:13:00.003-05:002009-12-15T20:27:14.272-05:00ReputationAs I was handing out balloons this past Saturday, someone stopped me and said, "Your church is always doing stuff in the community" He went on to say that many people are commenting to him that our little church is constantly "doing something". <br />You know, I guess it's good that a church has a reputation for helping others. I'm not complaining. But, my prayer for 2010 is that we can move beyond being recognized for "doing stuff" and begin to make an actual impact on our community. <br /><br />Please don't confuse what I'm trying to say. God has given me a vision for so much more than name recognition. . . <br /><br />Imagine for a moment that we were able to reach <strong>every single person</strong> in Spartanburg County in 2010. What if we could make Jesus famous to every resident in Boiling Springs and surrounding areas? Now consider the fact that people usually become the Christian that is modeled for them in their church and answer the obvious questions:<br /><br /><br />Would waitresses still hate Sundays because Christians are jerks and bad tippers?<br /><br /><br />Would the homeless population increase or decrease?<br /><br /><br />Would we still have children waiting to be adopted?<br /><br /><br />Would we still be ashamed to pray in our schools or businesses?<br /><br /><br />Would Greenville, Union and Cherokee counties have any idea that Jesus was at work next to them?<br /><br /><br />This time next year I want to be writing that people who know nothing about God are commenting that <strong>GOD is at work in Boiling Springs</strong>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Keep up the hard work of making the name of Jesus Christ famous in Boiling Springs.Faith. Service. Growth.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12141540653569128849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306892086185471606.post-23120824339582775792009-12-08T00:22:00.006-05:002009-12-08T01:04:02.498-05:00Bout TimeThe blog has been silent for far too long. I am writing in a bit of a stupor ... so any corrections that are needed will have to be made tomorrow. I feel as if when I am not blogging that nothing is going on in the church, but that couldn't be farther from the truth. <br /><br />So here is an update for those of you who check up on us; We have had our building open last week and we continue this week so that college students have a place to study. 2am was so early 20 years ago when I was in college. <br /><br />We have been able to support our local food pantry through a collection and donation of needed items. Serving there is one of my weekly highlights. <br /><br />This Saturday morning we will be giving out candy bags to the children gathered for our local Christmas parade. Don't get too excited. We will not be giving out the candy, just the bags.<br /><br />This Sunday we will be serving at the local soup kitchen. Some people will even skip church to get things started. How will they make it through the week without my sermon?<br /><br />Needing a church? Come serve with us.Faith. Service. Growth.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12141540653569128849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306892086185471606.post-82309438364567993012009-10-28T22:43:00.003-04:002009-10-29T08:56:28.260-04:00Friend DayFriend Day was a success! (Even though I have written nothing about the results of our inviting efforts.) Not to make more excuses for not blogging, just to let you know, I have spent some time getting in the groove for the Christmas season this week and at the same time I have the next four sermons close to the finish line. Additionally, I am aware that this Sunday has the potential to be better attended than Friend Day so that brings into play additional thoughts about how to approach the message. <br /><br />So what did I think about Friend Day?<br /><br />Friend day could have been a bit better in several areas (all of the shortfalls are on me) but overall it was a very good day. With 13 first time visitors and more than half committing to return, we are on the verge of some significant momentum. Our drama folks really made it easy for me to present the message and the music was the best since we started according to several folks.<br /><br />What I like best is that our greeters make people want to return before they hear the message or music. That is huge, and I am so thankful for folks that are willing to volunteer every week to welcome our visitors, prepare breakfast and coffee, run sound, lights, teach children, clean the building, etc. <br /><br />By the way, our upgraded refreshment station was a huge hit thanks to a generous donation of tables and chairs!!<br /><br />Hope to see you this Sunday for Friend Day revisited. OK not officially, but it is acceptable to invite your friends this week too.<br /><br />Don't forget we have lunch together immediately after church this Sunday... Barbeque :) No need to bring anything or make reservations. Just bring a friend and hang out!<br /><br />See you then!Faith. Service. Growth.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12141540653569128849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306892086185471606.post-61245460917036648152009-10-23T22:44:00.005-04:002009-10-24T21:23:16.196-04:00Looking Forward to SundayHaven't posted in a while due to being completely swamped. It has been a long time since I've been this tired. Busy doesn't even begin to describe it. <br /><br />I worked on our facility a lot this week making sure everything was top notch for our GUESTS that are coming on FRIEND DAY. (Don't you clean <em>your</em> house when you are having company?)It was a great motivator to get a lot of things caught up, cleaned up, and spiffed up. So, be prepared for some (good) surprises on Sunday! <br /><br />Matt has prepared a <strong>great worship set</strong>, and our (newly formed) Drama Team will be demonstrating their <strong>talent and creativity</strong>, while making us ponder the age old question, "how do you get into heaven?". <br /><br />So, basically, if the old preacher can get his act together, we should have a great time together on Sunday :)<br /><br />Pray for Sunday. Prepare now for our time of worship together. And <strong>invite friends!</strong> They will be welcomed, have fun, and most importantly, hear the truth of Christ.Faith. Service. Growth.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12141540653569128849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306892086185471606.post-41085103424398616582009-10-12T09:54:00.006-04:002009-10-12T18:00:13.323-04:00Sunday De-brief<span style="font-size:130%;">Every so often you have one of those days where things are non-standard -- where things are not as you expected and the best planning on your part does not bring the results you imagined. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">I tend to have those days every 7th day. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">The fun thing is when you prepare a message with a particular set of attendees in mind (not to single them out - just knowing who would likely be in attendance) and you wind up preaching to a very different crowd. That was yesterday. Along the way I found out that two families have really bought into our outward-focused thinking. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">This is big! </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Remember our upcoming events:</span><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;">* Hanging out at Hendrick's Elem. while helping out with the Movie Night this coming Friday. . .</p></span><span style="font-size:130%;">* Friend Day is only two weeks away and friends have already been invited. Keep inviting folks! If you've been invited, I promise you'll be glad you came. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">See you on "Day 7".</span>Faith. Service. Growth.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12141540653569128849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306892086185471606.post-68037247864379677482009-10-08T05:33:00.011-04:002009-10-08T07:11:34.067-04:00KidVenture<span style="font-size:130%;">I wanted to give everyone some info on what to expect if you have children and you are thinking about visiting Threshold. </span><br /><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 273px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 204px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390166381042175154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHGvQV4BxJGt5AazTjE-Xd7A5hlS6Tq1cgDQci3-cC0b78BChDbvaOeipLr-YbwZdRO5eO_iCbP4nj7llcT1BFQ-3cys0vuu0f8168LzNYpfn7QufL2SlU6l3IxhnG9ibx8Cv4b8LAl46/s200/Aubree+9+months+037.jpg" /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">First of all, be prepared to be surprised at how much fun your kids have.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Seriously.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">They just might BEG you to take them back to church.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">And, no, it's not because we bribe them with candy or hypnotize them! It's because <strong>we believe our teaching time should be FUN and ENGAGING and SAFE. </strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">We sing and dance and shout out Bible verses. We watch silly skits that show us what NOT to do. We have been known to dress up in silly costumes to capture a child's curiosity.</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi05RA_1mNSTYL0vasA-be10nPXrKHlxxtWY6sQk2g7VOjFS1b0rNGmBbve3qA6dZFPo_tYkxQUxObNbnFcwXZ2LbsHmEvvwskzPsEzVV8aGpcq61JAYn1pEXsSiqeGgDOtKPQbciQgj0Kw/s1600-h/Aubree+9+months+041.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390166100482437026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi05RA_1mNSTYL0vasA-be10nPXrKHlxxtWY6sQk2g7VOjFS1b0rNGmBbve3qA6dZFPo_tYkxQUxObNbnFcwXZ2LbsHmEvvwskzPsEzVV8aGpcq61JAYn1pEXsSiqeGgDOtKPQbciQgj0Kw/s200/Aubree+9+months+041.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">We know children learn better when they are ACTIVE - so we use hand motions to memorize things. We connect the Bible to real life situations through roll play and even games. </span><br /><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">We sing songs and pray and thank God for all He has given us. We learn to be good friends and good sisters and brothers. We laugh a lot :)</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Right now our church is small. It won't always be. So from the beginning we have initiated a <strong>secure child check in system</strong>. It works like this. On the way in to the auditorium, you will see a KidVenture kiosk.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390167767707520658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy4-Hhbo2isMk4zI9lfaGa_fCt83PwWrVTXpLufAnD7QzBJMB5TNkPkg-VWEReVb4W7Xbbn7Dpshy6yT3If6sjxDb4b-OYbMLa0YVZ71yQJyjKL8rGsa4PyiQJagZfKEcfCf-IXks8vj9x/s200/kidventurelogo.jpg" /> </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">(Okay kiosk sounds fancy-shmancy. It is really a little nook in a hallway, but it works for now!) You check in your children with the KidVenture volunteer, and you and your children receive matching labels with a number code and name on it. If your child needs you during the service, your number code will appear on the screen. When you pick your child up after church, you must have your label. Or we are gonna card you. Seriously. :) </span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">In addition, ALL of our children's volunteers have been given a back ground check to ensure the safety of our chilren. (Yes, this is Lisa, the "Preachers Wife" and yes, he did a background check on me too!! So if you want to work with children, don't be offended when we ask for a background check. It's nothing personal! And we are flat-out going to do this for the safety of the children in our care)</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Okay. FUN. ENGAGING. SAFE. See?</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">We have been having quite a few visitors lately, and we love it. We can't wait to see more new faces on Sunday! Wonder what to expect for adults? <a href="http://threshold-church.blogspot.com/2009/01/preview-threshold.html">Read this.</a></span><a href="http://threshold-church.blogspot.com/2009/01/preview-threshold.html"><br /></a></p><span style="font-size:130%;"></span>Faith. Service. Growth.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12141540653569128849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306892086185471606.post-27785468502919525692009-10-07T09:39:00.002-04:002009-10-07T09:41:49.023-04:00FOOD PANTRY IN GREAT NEED<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(68, 68, 68); font-family:Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><p class="ecxMsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; line-height: 17px; text-align: center; font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px; font-family:'Poor Richard', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">These are the most pressing needs. </span></span></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; line-height: 17px; text-align: center; font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px; font-family:'Poor Richard', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">We have been very low lately!!!!</span></span></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; line-height: 17px; text-align: center; font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Poor Richard', fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">If you can help, bring these to the </span></span></span></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; line-height: 17px; text-align: center; font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Poor Richard', fantasy;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Upstate Family Resource Center</span></span></span></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; line-height: 17px; text-align: center; font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px; font-family:'Poor Richard', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Canned meats/pasta</span></span></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; line-height: 17px; text-align: center; font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px; font-family:'Poor Richard', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Canned veggies</span></span></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; line-height: 17px; text-align: center; font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px; font-family:'Poor Richard', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Breakfast items</span></span></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; line-height: 17px; text-align: center; font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px; font-family:'Poor Richard', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Dry Noodles/rice/beans</span></span></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; line-height: 17px; text-align: center; font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px; font-family:'Poor Richard', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Mac and Cheese</span></span></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; line-height: 17px; text-align: center; font-family:Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px; font-family:'Poor Richard', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Spaghetti sauce</span></span></p></span>Faith. Service. Growth.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12141540653569128849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306892086185471606.post-25016518528977947392009-10-05T17:32:00.003-04:002009-10-08T05:32:48.841-04:00Another Good Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkhSIoI9LPFyLlTflTEQuf4kiTwJlC6KdHOECicVoY4d6-iFapYiOoTdQ89OTG3dcDvDKeaoVDrDr8bpijsrmvY4WsPVv6UeN6afq4a4qe21gIJqX08ekJsputN5OANoyrLsHcO0omN7L0/s1600-h/New+road+sign.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389233779840284498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkhSIoI9LPFyLlTflTEQuf4kiTwJlC6KdHOECicVoY4d6-iFapYiOoTdQ89OTG3dcDvDKeaoVDrDr8bpijsrmvY4WsPVv6UeN6afq4a4qe21gIJqX08ekJsputN5OANoyrLsHcO0omN7L0/s200/New+road+sign.jpg" /></a><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0px; FONT: 12px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Sunday was a good day to be a church planter. New faces again. We also had some return visitors. We are on the edge of a breakthrough in reaching our community. We are seeing people inviting their neighbors and expressing concern about their coworkers and family. When people are accepting the fact that God loves them and sharing that love with others the world is a better place. Yard signs are bringing folks to us... why not join us too?</span></p>Faith. Service. Growth.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12141540653569128849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306892086185471606.post-11985215946627603502009-10-05T17:25:00.002-04:002009-10-05T17:31:32.718-04:00Fall in the Park<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidA2oODrSlyD3jub0QUE46sST887HOhHRLOjKQalwMZmIyvNjP2ZGDIt_AyzEbXVWwFqO-k2YfWY9Tbz40DOdtFnCV61-TWSHJ9QyljqAW7-b9hyJmz2z90aXWf1GyvPyIWRUc2O1UEor0/s1600-h/boiling+springs+community+pary.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 159px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidA2oODrSlyD3jub0QUE46sST887HOhHRLOjKQalwMZmIyvNjP2ZGDIt_AyzEbXVWwFqO-k2YfWY9Tbz40DOdtFnCV61-TWSHJ9QyljqAW7-b9hyJmz2z90aXWf1GyvPyIWRUc2O1UEor0/s200/boiling+springs+community+pary.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389231657927021074" /></a><br /><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Fall in the Park Boiling Springs gave us an opportunity to meet many new great people. As a first timer to this event I did not know what to expect. From my past festival experiences I anticipated a larger event but saw a steady flow of people that I had never met. So it was a good day. We gave away 250 frisbees and information to 100 parents. It may have been only 97 but 100 is a good round number. The event included a dog show, and a talent show. Also several local demonstration teams participated in the festivities. Looking forward to participating in the event next year.</span></span></p>Faith. Service. Growth.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12141540653569128849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306892086185471606.post-65975996376501831982009-09-28T13:33:00.004-04:002009-09-28T13:41:04.024-04:00Dead in the Water<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPzIn84Q6pCfflmBE1OFzTZr6i7GXDuVobIyM_YknsIKK_P-aZPYEJNoyPlP_s8Wj-yRhXA82YVoo-bGjsf9z-DcvoxP-0tn-46IHaMMNBrzPCI_keG0voBcP1xx7j1_sIm0zKcb1rVMDU/s1600-h/church+under+water.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 156px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPzIn84Q6pCfflmBE1OFzTZr6i7GXDuVobIyM_YknsIKK_P-aZPYEJNoyPlP_s8Wj-yRhXA82YVoo-bGjsf9z-DcvoxP-0tn-46IHaMMNBrzPCI_keG0voBcP1xx7j1_sIm0zKcb1rVMDU/s200/church+under+water.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386574292697203570" /></a><br /><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">A friend of mine wrote this entry this morning. http://networkedblogs.com/p12975236 -- worth a look</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">I noticed that all of my other friends are linked here... so I need to step up my writing to be included.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Every once and a while I have one of those conversations with someone that is worth repeating. Last night I had one of those conversations with my dad. He is a slow deep thinker who talks in reverse circles and somehow ends up with me either thinking "I've heard this before" or just "hmmm." </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Last night was a little of both so hang with me.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">So my dad visited a church and made this observation; "I can guarantee you that the church we went to is at no risk of becoming a dead church." </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">So in my best Florida regressive language from my upbringing I responded "howya figure?" </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">My dad's response was quite profound. "Because it is already dead." </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">For me this is of great interest because I have observed things my dad considered to have "life" in the church world. I made this judgment because he failed to see the cannula and oxygen and heart monitors positioned all over some churches in his experience. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">How do we miss all the obvious signs of sickness in the church leading to a certain death? If enough nurses gather around a patient it is difficult to see the signs of distress. Same goes for churches. If there is enough activity around the facility, there is an assumption of life. I too am guilty of this same assumptive logic. On the way home yesterday I noticed a brand new church sign. I immediately wondered what good things they must be doing. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">So the conversation continued...</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">There weren't more than 2 people in the entire facility between the ages of 18 and 50. To be fair I would never presume that a church is dead just because the average membership is old, but he went on to tell me about the elementary school around the corner and how many children were picked up for school, yet none of them were in attendance at this church they all pass on their way to school. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">So</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I'll buy in to the argument that the church is dead. If any church, your church included, is having no impact on the lives of the people in the area it would be reasonable to assume that Jesus has left the building and the operation is now in human hands. Might be time to look for a renter since you no longer provide a product (Jesus) and the money you are spending is therefore wasted.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">As the conversation continued my dad asked about our church in reference to life. Yesterday we had the most visitors since opening and the best offering by miles. Is this an indication of "life" within the church?</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Almost everyone is under 50... is this an indication of life or is it a reflection of an intentional target audience?</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Believe it or not the conversation had a conclusion. You will need to assume a few additional pieces of conversation prior to this question.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">"How does a person come to Christ?" </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Well it is not;</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">through a friend</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">with current music</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">with eloquent speech</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">with proper attire .....</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">It is only through recognizing;</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">that all of our our efforts to save ourself have failed and will fail</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">that we bring nothing of value to the spiritual table</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">that the sacrifice of Jesus is completely sufficient for our salvation</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Otherwise we are we are spiritually lifeless regardless of the activity, church included, that surrounds our lives.</span></p>Faith. Service. Growth.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12141540653569128849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306892086185471606.post-26717079455222058772009-09-24T23:00:00.005-04:002009-09-24T23:18:30.492-04:00Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#990000;">This is Lisa and I <strong><em>hijacked</em> </strong>the blog to give a plug for our current series going on in KidVenture. It's called . . .</span><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 221px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 158px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385234956485223970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKWWvbuwrrHjTafQyg8QSdR8uuMTa1QJFuEP3K8DQNDlhPfhet3KznkZlU4VVSipdRYsJa11rLDoKMe09Q75L2rnzEWxYxJvfaPSltvMa6dwr47S_qyufZsZKfed6iJpiFnkFH58iKNGV/s200/zooplosion.jpg" /><br /><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#990000;">and it is one of the best I've seen. The kids love it! We "fly like eagles, stand like flamingoes, wrestle crocodiles, and charge like rhinos"! And we are learning about our world, how to take care of it, and most importantly, how God takes care of us. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#990000;">Parents, we also have a worship time and an offering if you would like to talk to your child about participating in the offering. I know it has opened up some great dialogue with my 7 year old. . . </span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#990000;">We would love to have MORE children go on an animal adventure with us! If you are thinking about checking us out, we are ready and excited to meet you and your kids!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#990000;">Speaking of hijacking, (hows THAT for a segue?) Ryan has a neat video to show you and a great teaching time lined up for Sunday. What if we got hijacked?</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#990000;">Come Sunday to find out.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#990000;">10:07 am. See you then :)</span></p>Faith. Service. Growth.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12141540653569128849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306892086185471606.post-41890995591753617782009-09-22T23:48:00.003-04:002009-09-23T00:04:17.551-04:00What if you got Hi-jacked<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I just entered the realm of the secret service. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sunday is gonna be good. Can't wait to preach this sermon. My only prayer for this week is that you will get the Bible Hero treatment and get Hi-jacked. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Or you could give in voluntarily. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Faith. Service. Growth.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12141540653569128849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306892086185471606.post-15281430168892370382009-09-21T15:07:00.003-04:002009-09-21T18:38:15.725-04:00Sunday Upd8<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhnS-hts2eE7fJid2_3p7MsSf9XJLb6pKGKf_0qbko1DISW37uTJnSB_AqJ0YAXmOrafo_or9Fk6WxQUSSPmo_WAxD7Wja23AN-lmK7dQDPK1pn7dOXV1A97AemWURqzTngS8U0FCun9xo/s1600-h/furyfront.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhnS-hts2eE7fJid2_3p7MsSf9XJLb6pKGKf_0qbko1DISW37uTJnSB_AqJ0YAXmOrafo_or9Fk6WxQUSSPmo_WAxD7Wja23AN-lmK7dQDPK1pn7dOXV1A97AemWURqzTngS8U0FCun9xo/s200/furyfront.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384009392944431746" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Don't be hating on the Fury!<br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Good day Sunday for us despite 12 potential "regulars" on the lam. The 8 first time folks were a very welcome sight. Probably the best attendance since our second preview day. I say probably because we don't really count who is in attendance. We typically count visitors and those not in attendance. Sorry to those of you who jumped when I turned on the saw. I am periodically laughing when I recall the faces of a few that didn't see that noise coming. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Also great response to the concept of POWER... Power that only comes when we exchange our best effort for the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">MyGroups got off to a good start Sunday night and will be a regular fixture until the Christmas season. Interested in joining a MYGroup/spiritual discovery group, be sure to sign up this Sunday.</span></span></div></div>Faith. Service. Growth.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12141540653569128849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306892086185471606.post-19322924930794111302009-09-14T11:06:00.009-04:002009-09-14T15:35:08.625-04:00Hendricks Elementary Movie Night<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3d6uhtDFOq03SqVJ_R6EylQSaH52Uqw10GhkaoVJOMzhRqOnfzQFfchP8TVHIgCzF9z_Sz7_edQchQm4k1BKDaR6i-H9C3IwJ0qAuY4uE9Nr25JOZ5fwQ2vD9Oauj8vYsrGSEa5cyg3dB/s1600-h/walle.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 101px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3d6uhtDFOq03SqVJ_R6EylQSaH52Uqw10GhkaoVJOMzhRqOnfzQFfchP8TVHIgCzF9z_Sz7_edQchQm4k1BKDaR6i-H9C3IwJ0qAuY4uE9Nr25JOZ5fwQ2vD9Oauj8vYsrGSEa5cyg3dB/s200/walle.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381346419423010962" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">We have an awesome opportunity to serve the families of Hendricks Elementary School at 5:30 this coming Friday.</span></b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">We are partnering with <a href="http://www.hubcitychurch.com/hub_city_church/home.html">Hub City Church</a> and <a href="http://kaleidoscopeethnic.org/">Kaleidoscope</a> to provide sound, screen and projector for the <a href="http://thresholdchurch.tv/Hendrix_Elementary.html">family fun night</a>. We will be showing Wall-E, handing out frisbees, and just getting to know the families while getting the word out about Threshold.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Remember, reply to your e-mail about the t-shirts so that you can have one of our new shirts to wear on Friday. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">See you there!</span></div>Faith. Service. Growth.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12141540653569128849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306892086185471606.post-8953841735229492152009-09-13T21:51:00.007-04:002009-09-14T11:35:25.202-04:00Heckled From The Cheap Seats!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeBZPIWpdWwNFYi8BGvulnqhLAdmdoXagUdBrukSS0EBWg3taS21lppdFgP7IzRUX5Uw9qXkarO9Q_nMgV5EUYXtVaTbDmyk52PToAkAcW3f-nR818K5v0dWwbIkZSVipEzorFnGgYEyd1/s1600-h/NRHC+Series+-+What+If+-+Slide+Main+copy.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeBZPIWpdWwNFYi8BGvulnqhLAdmdoXagUdBrukSS0EBWg3taS21lppdFgP7IzRUX5Uw9qXkarO9Q_nMgV5EUYXtVaTbDmyk52PToAkAcW3f-nR818K5v0dWwbIkZSVipEzorFnGgYEyd1/s200/NRHC+Series+-+What+If+-+Slide+Main+copy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381141573245131266" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Baskerville;font-size:medium;"><span class="hwGrp"><span priority="2" dhw="1" class="hw" style=" ;font-size:24px;">heck<span class="hsb"></span>le</span><span class="pronGrp"><span pr="US" type="US" class="pr" style=" ;font-family:HiraMinPro-W3;"> |ˈhekəl|</span></span></span><span class="SB" style="display: block; margin-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em; "><span class="prelim"><span ps="1" class="ps" style="font-weight: normal; ">verb </span><span priority="2" class="gramGrp" style="font-weight: normal; ">[<span class="syntax" style="font-weight: normal; "> trans. </span>]</span></span><span abs="1" class="sense" style="display: block; "><span class="sn" style="font-weight: 600; ">1 </span><span class="formGrp" style="font-weight: normal; ">(often <span class="f" style="font-weight: 600; ">be heckled</span>)</span><span class="def" style="font-weight: normal; "> <span apple_mouseover_highlight="1">interrupt</span> (a public speaker) with derisive or aggressive comments or abuse.</span></span><span abs="1" class="sense" style="display: block; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></span></span><span abs="1" class="sense" style="display: block; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">We could call this "the death of announcements" or the "birth of good announcements". </span></span></span><span abs="1" class="sense" style="display: block; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></span></span><span abs="1" class="sense" style="display: block; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">In my attempt to give details (announcements) of the upcoming opportunities, I found myself heckled by the musicians behind me. I have previously threatened to never again make announcements but had rescinded that position due to the existence of visitors and the fact that some still either do not have an email address or never check the one they have. Someone else will be making announcements from now on so that I can avoid the abuse! </span></span></span><span abs="1" class="sense" style="display: block; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></span></span><span abs="1" class="sense" style="display: block; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Sunday was a good day despite the musicians. Actually they were on the top of their musical game and the sound was great! We had several new faces and great feedback from those in attendance. Sunday we looked at the "Kingdom of God" and our place within the kingdom. We are to embrace the kingdom and proclaim the kingdom so that the world around us will know of the love of God.</span></span></span><span abs="1" class="sense" style="display: block; "><br /></span><span abs="1" class="sense" style="display: block; "><br /></span><span abs="1" class="sense" style="display: block; "><br /></span><span abs="1" class="sense" style="display: block; "><br /></span></span></span>Faith. Service. Growth.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12141540653569128849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306892086185471606.post-89755047884081393532009-09-01T23:06:00.004-04:002009-09-14T11:39:44.159-04:00Coming This Week<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOcp65GW73ACxD6WkvPYTc-Nyn_0gVimyRCfb3BoXkMBAXplXoeTdWHrIi23s4GKajfDK-rd7NCggybFqvHHgHhBs5giqc1i1b_WKuV7sCzbY1T9vp_6QaT7X8Z_OX8BLoaUQLiFmr1m8/s1600-h/communion.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 116px; height: 116px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOcp65GW73ACxD6WkvPYTc-Nyn_0gVimyRCfb3BoXkMBAXplXoeTdWHrIi23s4GKajfDK-rd7NCggybFqvHHgHhBs5giqc1i1b_WKuV7sCzbY1T9vp_6QaT7X8Z_OX8BLoaUQLiFmr1m8/s200/communion.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381348252369764786" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">This Sunday we will be looking at the concept of Communion and the relationship to Passover. I am often amazed by what we blindly do in the name of religion. The goal of this week is to put the history of this Christian ordinance in perspective while celebrating the fulfillment of the original Passover Covenant. If that statement means nothing to you then be sure to be at Threshold Sunday. Hopefully at the end of the day we will no longer participate in communion because the preacher said to....instead I trust that we will be forever grateful for the sacrifice of of the Lamb and the provision of our Creator who loves me and you more than we could ever fathom. </span>Faith. Service. Growth.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12141540653569128849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7306892086185471606.post-80285979988862489812009-08-20T11:37:00.005-04:002009-09-14T11:37:41.109-04:00Boiling Springs Today Magazine<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-Q72z_NGK6iIgYrKfBMiga7VVPpzmqQQwmjIgPbe5i4ooxkrBFAr0ho77TV7gTCHaOZqhxJrLvdJOyjMRusr4mQqSocMKoyqRwZS-6mUUoOvzTTQEv3W3COlYkEjXDi59kRbeZNzSenH/s1600-h/sept09cover.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 153px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-Q72z_NGK6iIgYrKfBMiga7VVPpzmqQQwmjIgPbe5i4ooxkrBFAr0ho77TV7gTCHaOZqhxJrLvdJOyjMRusr4mQqSocMKoyqRwZS-6mUUoOvzTTQEv3W3COlYkEjXDi59kRbeZNzSenH/s200/sept09cover.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381347714427455954" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I had the opportunity to write an article in the Boiling Springs Today Magazine under the headline "Paper Pulpit". This opportunity is the result of our contacts from the Movies In The Park events. I don't do a whole lot of writing and never for any publication. I used this opportunity to present an idea that we will be working through in the Sunday morning messages over the next three weeks without using any scripture or ideas that will be presented on Sundays. The following is that article;</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I would like to introduce myself. My name is Ryan Bishop. I was born 39 years ago in North Florida and moved to the upstate in March of 2000. I am a church planter with the N.A.M.B. My style may be a bit different than you are used to so try to hang with me through the end of the page. </span></span><span style="font: 16.0px Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Forgive me if you are reading this and you don't attend church, but I am writing from the expectation that those who take the time to read this will likely be church attenders.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Helvetica; min-height: 19.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">From time to time I catch myself checking and rechecking my appearance in the morning before I go out. This is not due to vanity. For those who know me, most are currently shocked to hear that I have a mirror. The reason I double check on certain days is because I am meeting someone new. I hate to shave, I forget to brush my hair and I would generally rather not ask my wife if my clothes match. The horror on her face as she says "Did you wear that?" is just priceless. I check and recheck to be sure I actually brushed my hair. Just call it morning amnesia; a complete loss of short term memory as I move through the fog that is morning. In God's word we find James commenting on this very problem. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 16.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Verdana"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">James 1:22-24 </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 16.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Christians are prone to believers amnesia. This disorder has many root causes not the least of which is to see God's Word (which is the only good reason to attend church) as optional. When we hear God's Word and subsequently dismiss it as antiquated we slip into the trap that James was describing. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 16.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">James gives the warning not to deceive ourselves. A fair question is, "What is this deceit that he is warning about?" </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 16.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">The deception comes when we claim to belong to God and do not follow His instructions found in the Bible. This is no different than the "Oprah" plan for finding God. She incorrectly suggests that you can just set off on a course in the general direction of what you believe to be God and in the end achieve a connection with God. The truth is that the God created in your head will only lead you to a relationship with a better "spiritualesque" YOU. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 16.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">When you see parts of God's Word as optional or negotiable you cease to be part of Christendom. You have simply created a new religion with a Christian feel. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 16.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">My encouragement to you is to move through this life making the most of every moment, trusting God at every turn and never negotiating with the truth found in the Bible.</span></span></p></div>Faith. Service. Growth.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12141540653569128849noreply@blogger.com