Experiences in the Pit

Hey all,

Have you ever run over a pothole? Now you may be thinking (especially here in Michigan, all the time), but actually I am talking about spiritual potholes. These are those things in our lives that come along and try to distract you from the path that God has set you on.

I think in order to add some clarity to this journey we need to look in scripture. Specifically read John 13:1-17. As I shared with a few people this week, in reading this scripture (the washing of the disciplesh feet) has this question ever occurred to you: "Why in the World would Jesus wash the disciples feet"? Afterall he is Alpha and Omega, the coming king, and here we have the image of him washing the feet, lowering himself as a servant.

Ah yes, you have probably thought of this and to go a bit further you probably realize that Jesus was setting the example for you and me. On this jouney we are destined to run into potholes but in the same way that Jesus set an example for us, we are to set the example for those around us. When the hard times come of course our first reaction may be to panic/lose hope. In truth, through prayer and supplication we must learn that the bad times will not last. No matter how many pot holes we run over, we must steady our course. Moreover we must come alongside one another and be that helping hand through the rough times. This is the example that Jesus set, to be a servant to all. As the Fall kicks in and Children's ministry, youth ministry, Adult Bible Studies and Sunday morning celebrations rev up, let us not forget he who was servant to all!

May God Bless you and Heaven Smile on you!

Pastor Jason

My Bible and Me.

Hey all,

Funny how that title reminds me of a title of a lifetime movie, or Hallmark card. I've been thinking a lot this week about the bible, as a whole book. I hope this will resonate with you also.

When it comes to the bible, I used to underline, highlight, and generally mark up my bible with everything that was said by the pastor or speaker (probably harkens back to my college days). Flipping through my bible you would see page after page marked with notes, highlighted with color pencil, (FYI: most highlighter pens bleed through the paper) and cribbled with arrows, circles and wavy lines.

What I found happening was that everytime I opened my bible my gaze was drawn to all the artwork, and not the content of scripture. Now don't get me wrong, all the notes were good, but I have found that when I take notes, if I am clear and concise and not trying to write everything down, it makes a world of difference. Here is some scripture that I have been rereading:

John 8:56-59: Jesus himself exists outside the realm of time. He was born in a manger and yet was in existence before time.

Jeremiah 1:5: God knows each of us intimately evern before our birth.

I love and appreciate how God's word is there for us, and we have full access to it. May you utilize that access this week!

May God be with you!

Pastor Jason

Here is my shoulder.. You can lean on me

Does it sometimes amaze you how cruel people can be at times. It takes a simple flick of the television to see stories of crime, hurt, and of pain. If I were to title it as a movie I would call it, "It's a sad, sad, sad world".
While at Stony Creek last night (Summer Nights) I watched as an older gent let his anger and frustration illustrate itself through drinking. Of course the park security came, and as they did I found myself shaking my head in sadness. This is the world we are called to minister too. The hurt that people feel is pretty universal, how it is dealt with is not.
God loves us more than we'll ever know, and desires to walk with us through the painful times. Instead many are giving in to hopelessness. Let us be people that will provide a shoulder to lean on, an arm to cry on through the rough times. I praise God that I have people in my life for which I can do just that. the first step was for me to open myself up and I believe that is true for everyone. Let us be transparent and honest when it comes to our daily struggles. Furthermore, continue to pray for one another and have genuine concern for one another. Jesus Christ is what this hurting world needs more than ever!

Have an awesome and blessed week!
Pastor Jason

Followers of... THE WAY

SUMMER CAMP 2008

What an awesome 2 weeks of camp ministry this July. Over 180 teens from the East Michigan District(# for both weeks combined) attended either Junior or Senior High Camp at the end of July: I would love to list all the highlights from the week, but there are just so many. It was awesome to see the next generation so truly touched by the Holy Spirit these last few week, and as I told the teens, let's keep the momentum up! God wants to do some great things.

Through prayer walks, worship, and the message as delivered by Ed Shigley (Sr. High) and Kyle Brown (Jr. High) it was very evident that our teens were blessed by God these last two weeks. If you are a parent to a Sr. Higher you may have seen them walking around with a chain-link (perhaps attached to a necklace, etc..) This symbolized how we are all a link in God's chain and we need to be ready to do his will. this same concept was lived out also at Junior High Camp where they were challenged to take a step of faith, and they did. This was a very emotional time for many of them in that some have never thought of living their faith out in this way! But now their eyes have been opened to what God has planned for them.

A highlight from the week is watching one of my 9th graders recieve a call into ministry to be a pastor while at camp, just a smany recommitted their lives to Christ! Indeed, God is really moving. As I mentioned on Sunday, now parents the charge is yours. Continue building into your kids. Become their biggest cheerleader for Christ. They need to know you are praying for them, and that you are trusting God. God smiles when we completely trust him. Don't let what has become in our teens at Children's and teen camp go by the wayside as school begins anew and preparation for sports begin. Put all of your trust in him, and truly guide the next generation of leaders that we are raising up. Romans 15:13 states: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as your trust in him". Don't just read it, but live it!!!!!

As you think about our children and our teens, remember the early Christians were not called Christians, they were called FOLLOWERS OF THE WAY. I just think that is so cool, and really tells us what the church of Acts Chapter 2 was about, this is the kind of thinking we want to pass on to future generations!

As I lead a group of our teens to go to Metamaros Mexico next week (Aug 2-8) please keep us all in prayer, and you better believe there will be more God-sightings to follow as our teens are growing and changing for Christ!

May God Bless your week and Heaven Smile on you

Pastor Jason

PJ and the Cheese Pie! (yuck)

Summer Blessings

Hey all,
Well what a wonderful time of year this is. As summer is in full effect (and my birthday approaching, July 19th:) It is always good to take some time of introspection. Upon returning from Family camp (and what a wonderful time that was). At lunch Shelly informed me that my sister had given her a video of my mom (Pamela) at a summer party before she passed away. I had not seen this video since it was taped in the summer of 2000. We prayed about it and sat down to watch.
What a wonderful thing to share together. It wasn't as hard to watch as I thought. As I looked on my mom's face there was a peace about her (the video occurred about 10 months before she died, and 2 months after accepting Jesus as her savior). It had been so long since I had seen her face, talking, etc.. but as the tears came I remembered how much I miss her. This was something awesome that I could share with my wife. We cried and prayed together the entire evening.
As I write this I think of the sadness, as we all do, but I also think of the celebration of her life and how one of my goals aside from seeing my savior is to see her again. I don't know what the summertime will bring for all of you. Whether it by vacations, mission trips, or just (as my teens like to say it) "sitting around" at home. Whatever it may be, enjoy good times with family and friends, and never forget how much of a blessing we can be to one another!

Praise: On June 29th I became an Uncle. My sister India had her baby! His name is Rodney James (RJ for short) and he weighed 8 pounds and 4 ounces. Mom and child are doing great. Thanks be to God, and thank you all who have been praying for her!

May God Bless you this week and Heaven Smile on you!
Pastor Jason

Our Future

Picture below: PJ; Getting cheese dumped on him truly the grossest thing ever!

Paintwars/Waterwars 2008

Yay the End of the school year is here. As you can see by the pics, was time for some summer fun!

Enjoy those and enjoy this:

Titus 2 is an interesting chapter of the bible as it relates tou our teens. Did you realize that as adults we have a responisibility to our young? Titus 2 illustrates the following:

Older men: You are to be temperate, worhty of respect, self controlled, sound in Faith, in Love and Endurance.

Older Women: reverent int he way they live, not to be slanderers but to teach what is good.

Teens/youth: they will learn to Love, to be self-controlled, and pure not allowing anyone to malign the Word of God.

As the school year has come to an end, for many the summer brings a wealth of activity. Summer/Teen Camps for the teens, vacations (even with the gas prices, people are still getting out) and what I hope to see, s summer where we all stay connected with God. Taking family time to read God's word, pray, and just have some time to relax.

Unfortunately we put forth a notion that, we can take a break from God and pick things up in the Fall. There will be various summer bible studies going on over the summer, including the Thursday night ministry at Stony Creek for families. Don't miss out. Remember we have a responsibility!

May God Bless you and Heaven Smile on you!

Pastor Jason

Awards Night 2008