What Am I Thinking... @FaithWalk?

When I got in last night from FaithWalk I couldn’t help but have one of those quiet, “ah-ha,” part smile, part laugh moments with God. You know… One of those moments when you realize something cool has just happened (or is happening) and you are privileged to see it. I love those moments because they are pieces to the puzzle that continue to validate and further bring into focus the vision and direction of FaithWalk.

Here are some thoughts and reflections...

• Conclusion of ESCAPING UP! (featured clips from Disney/PIXAR’s movie “UP”) Yesterday I concluded my message series with Part 3: Escaping Temptations. Kind of a thick topic because we all deal with temptation on a daily basis. I looked at two moments when Jesus was tempted the most -- 1) At the beginning of His ministry (Matthew 4:1-11), and 2) Toward the end of His ministry on earth (Luke 22:39-46). We all have a monster inside of us demanding to be fed exactly what we want. How are you feeding that monster? Christ exemplifies how we escape temptation by orientating ourselves toward God… We can’t make it on our own! It’s hard to fight off those moments when we are in a trance, saying, “But, it looks soooo chocolaty…” (a little inside reminder for those in attendance Sunday...). We all have our own “chocolate” -- food, control, attention, validation, alcohol, drugs, sex, pornography, affirmation, self-image, money, power, and on and on… How might you, today, escape temptation by escaping up to God? Also see 1 Corinthians 10:12-13.

• In keeping with our series on Sunday morning, Youth VIBe (our youth program) dug a little deeper along the same vein as temptation, with teaching and discussion on “Choices.” Afterwards, the pool at the house was full of youth. Awesome! Got to take advantage of these last summer days while we still can! I feel another “Dive-in Theatre” on the horizon!

• Last night’s FAITHREMIX (worship culture for emerging generations) was the “icing” on a great day, with Part 3: "Expectations,” of our series, “Beautiful Chaos.” Several new faces were among the regulars, as this ministry continues to take hold. Our special guest artist was Amy Vachon, who did a great job!! Ellen Shelton offered reflection as our speaker, jump-started by a NOOMA video, which we are using for this series. The optional discussion time at the end is where things really unfold… It is awesome to come together in a safe space and talk about REAL, challenging, issues in an environment that is relaxed and very different (FAITHREMIX looks nothing remotely like Sunday morning worship!). In fact, I asked Scott P. last night (who joined us for the first time) what his thoughts were, and he said, “Different, but in a good way! Really good way.” Join us next Sunday for Part 4: “Life Today” as we talk about living in the moment. Good stuff! Our special guest artist will be Rob Blackwell. Check our Rob’s music and info here!

• The next two Sundays I will be doing a two-part series titled, “The Biggest Favors,” which will look from a different angle at the sacraments -- Baptism and Holy Communion -- and why they matter. Ever had questions about them? Have you thought of them as “church” activities for so long that you don’t know what they represent or why we practice them? We will be looking at these means of grace (divine unearned favor) as a part of what it means to follow Christ. Don’t miss this set-up series that will prepare us for “Alive Not Survive,” which starts August 30th and will parody (through live action skits and video) the popular reality show “Survivor.” Join us this Sunday for Part 1 of “The Biggest Favors.”

• Homeless Ministry… As many of you are aware, we are participating and exploring several ways we can both support and help grow existing and new ways to minister to the homeless population around our greater community. We are working with Audrie Keen who attends FaithWalk and who is a co-founder of StreetWatch in Greensboro, NC. On designated Thursday evenings we have come together to make sandwiches for over 75 homeless people supported by StreetWatch. We are working to expand this effort and will keep you posted. This week I am also meeting with a friend and minister Gene “Bones” Boswell (who serves as a street minister in Burlington, NC) to further discuss ways we can support his ministry efforts at Lost Souls Ministries and the Lazarus House, a safe space where “men are brought back to life from addiction.” We will keep you informed about emerging opportunities to serve!

• Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University again a part of FaithWalk-U! Don’t miss our second round of Financial Peace University. If you were not able to participate in our spring class, we will be starting our next class on September 7th! Interested? Come to one of our preview/informational sessions this Wednesday, August 12th @ 6PM, and Sunday, August 16th @ 12NOON and 6PM!