25
Sep 08
Text More During Church
This Sunday bring your cell phone to church and leave it turned on (vibrate mode is appreciated). We will take live polls (using your cell phone) during the service and have the results shown on screen as soon as you hit send. I’ve heard others complain about texting during services. I am looking forward to engaging texters! Let me see those cell phones out this Sunday. I want to see what you have to say!
I also came across another way we can use texting to keep you in the loop. This week we are starting a “VCC Top Three” text message we will give you the top three events you need to know about. If you want to get in on this text TOPTHREE (all one word) to 41411. You can also Subscribe Online by entering your phone number in the subscribe box .
25
Sep 08
Connecting
I am committed to helping people connect to God, connect to each other, and connect to our world.
Right now I feel like our church needs to zero-in on connecting with each other. As I look out in our worship experiences I see so many new faces. I know many are new to our community and new to following Christ. I don’t want anyone feeling like they need to make this spiritual journey alone. Our small group options are a key part of making this happen, but what about those who are just not “into” small groups. Is there a way to help people meet up outside of Sunday? In our high tech world we want real interaction. There is even a website called Meetupdedicated to helping people “Get on the internet to get off the internet.”
We’re going to try three ideas this summer…
1) Never Eat Alone — In the eighties we had “Dinners for Eight” or some cheesy title like that. We still need to have some sort of connection over lunch or dessert. Everyone likes food, why not eat with someone new. We’re going to try and help people take the risk of expanding their social circle at church. I like the title of the book “Never Eat Alone” I haven’t read it (I don’t like the premise of building your network for your own benefit) but I do like the idea of building relationships on purpose…. not to sell Amway, Tastefully Simple, Tupperware, Melaleuca (enter your favorite pyramid marketing idea here) but to invest in real relationships. We need one another as we follow Christ.
2) Name Tags — I think people feel bad that they cannot remember people’s names in church. They have seen them for six weeks in a row but they are too embarrassed to admit they forgot their name. We’re going to have a monthly “Amnesty Sunday.” Even if you are guilty of forgetting someone’s name, you get to have a chance to learn it again.
3) Photo Directory — This is kind of an extension to #2. I want to be praying for people in our church by name each week. When I look at the names in our online database, I don’t have all the names and faces connected. I want to know who I am praying for. We have a guy in our church who is passionate about this project. It will be great to have this completed next month. I remember hearing Rick Warren say that he had 1000 names memorized in his church. There is no reason why I cannot know everyone by name until we reach 1000.
Do you want to get connected? Let me know.
05
May 08
Cowboy Radio Interview
Here is a radio interview I used in church this past sunday. I was looking for a video that helped people going through difficult times see life from a different perspective. Logan is a 13 year old cowboy from a small town in Nebraska. He called into a Christian radio program to share what God told him and now over 7.5 Million people have listened to his interview on youtube.
07
Mar 08
Caribou WiFi
Caribou no longer has a one hour time limit on Internet use! Maybe you will see me blogging more often.
04
Mar 08
Back in the office
The past month has been crazy. I was only able to post one blog from Tanzania. The internet was pretty sparse once we left Dar es Salaam. But I was amazed at the cell phone coverage while I was there. It was crazy to be able to be in the middle of the Ngorongoro Crater and text Melinda about the elephant I was watching. I think I had better coverage there than in the Twin Cities. It feels great to connect with my pastoral team. I love being able to leave and know our church is in good hands.
31
Jan 08
Dar es Salaam Day 1
Today was our first full day in Dar es Salaam. Charles Porter has been a great host for Joe and I. We traveled across the city and shot some video you’ll see later. Here is a shot of us by the Indian Ocean. The temperature is in the upper 80’s and humid. Quite a nice change from the -45 windchill we were having in Woodbury.
We met with the General Superintendent of the Tanzanian Assemblies of God. He shared some of the needs in his country and we toured the facility they are building. This morning we also stopped by the local produce market. I’ve been amazed at how modern Dar is compared to Haiti. Granted our power has gone out twice today at Charles home, but we do have a connection to the internet. Charles also makes some great coffee. I’ll try and post more info in the coming days.
19
Nov 07
iPhone
This weekend I upgraded to an iPhone. I’m loving it. Apple amazes me their ability simplify the complex. So far no complaints at all. I’m also trying out “twitter.” You can see what I am up to in the upper right hand corner of my blog.
04
Sep 07
Welcome To Our World
Elisha David Jay was born August 29 at 8:59 a.m. It has been an awesome week connecting with him and seeing our family grow from 2 kids to 3 kids. Everything is going great! Melinda is recovering well from her c-section and Rylie and Joel love their new baby brother. Thank you so much for all the cards and meals!
28
Jul 07
Echo Prayer
I found a website that helps me to pray more often. It is a nifty little site called www.echoprayer.com. The concept behind it is to send e-mail reminders to you at various times of the day. My phone receives these e-mails and I’m able to pray for them on the spot. Too often I want to pray for someone but I forget. This is a great tool to help your prayer life and it is totally free. Check it out and see what you think.