Hey everyone,
I just want to follow up on a few announcements today. First, the Tuesday Bible Study is starting again this Tuesday at 7:00. Please feel welcome to come!
Second, I updated the Bible reading list on the blog.
Third, as Dennis announced today, we were given the go-ahead to relocate to the building across the street from us. This will give us a lot of new room for our children's ministry, as well as an office and some much-needed storage space. We're getting quite a good deal on this--especially for the first six months.
As Dennis said, this week we'll be analyzing the build-out needs this week(there will be a small amount of work before we can move in--but it is work we MUST do). After that, we'll be planning some Saturday work-days to get things moved over, do some dry-wall work, and do some painting, etc. Look for announcements coming up.
This is a VERY exciting step for us. Days like today, however, tell us just how much we need to make this step. As God continues to use and bless our church to reach people, I think we'll see much, MUCH more exciting things in the future!
In Christ,
Jason
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Support Letters
Hello Castle Christians,
This is something I meant to talk to everyone about at the last church meeting, but didn't remember at the time and, since then, have not found the right time during a church service to talk about.
As a church, we've really risen up in our overall giving to begin to meet the greater needs of our congregation. I really feel like we've made some great steps! However, one of the things we were encouraged to do by a well-known church-building agency was to raise support from other churches. On an official level, as the church's senior minister, I'm working on contacts I can make to raise support funds. But we were also encouraged to use our natural abundance of contacts that we have as individuals. The thought is that with so many of us coming from different locations have contacts at home churches and other bodies we've been involved with, there may be churches we know of that would be willing to support our church.
The Shepherds and I have drafted a letter, and I have made copies and have them available at the church, which individual members can sign and send out as representatives of the church to people they know at other congregations. It is simply a letter explaining who we are, where we've been, and where we're going. And it also asks for financial assistance and prayer.
If you think there is someone you would like to approach for help for our church, please feel free to grab one of those letters this Sunday.
Thanks again!
Jason
This is something I meant to talk to everyone about at the last church meeting, but didn't remember at the time and, since then, have not found the right time during a church service to talk about.
As a church, we've really risen up in our overall giving to begin to meet the greater needs of our congregation. I really feel like we've made some great steps! However, one of the things we were encouraged to do by a well-known church-building agency was to raise support from other churches. On an official level, as the church's senior minister, I'm working on contacts I can make to raise support funds. But we were also encouraged to use our natural abundance of contacts that we have as individuals. The thought is that with so many of us coming from different locations have contacts at home churches and other bodies we've been involved with, there may be churches we know of that would be willing to support our church.
The Shepherds and I have drafted a letter, and I have made copies and have them available at the church, which individual members can sign and send out as representatives of the church to people they know at other congregations. It is simply a letter explaining who we are, where we've been, and where we're going. And it also asks for financial assistance and prayer.
If you think there is someone you would like to approach for help for our church, please feel free to grab one of those letters this Sunday.
Thanks again!
Jason
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Women's Retreat
For those of you who were not at church this morning, or those who missed me because I rushed out so quickly, I wanted to post my little retreat survey here on the Blog as well.
You can send your answers back to me by email at pf227@bellsouth, or just give them to me in the next couple of weeks.
As I said earlier, the reason to get this ball rolling so early is to be sure the facility is available for us when we want it, and so that folks can budget for it and more can attend.
Call or email if you have any questions. My home number is 770-889-3685 and my cell is 770-861-2095.
Women’s Spring Retreat Survey
I am trying to plan a retreat in March or April.
I have a location (Bryson City, NC-only 2 hours away) and a concept/theme.
Now I need some input……
1. Would you like to attend a retreat? ___________
2. Please provide three weekend dates in March and April 2009 that would work best for you to attend: ___________________ ___________________ __________________
3. The cost will be approximately $50 for two nights (Friday and Saturday), but does not include food. I’m working on a couple of ideas in that area. Is this good?_______
4. Would you be in a position to sponsor a woman who would like to attend, but might not be able to for financial reasons? _________
Name:________________________________ Best way to contact you:__________________________
Comments:___________________________________________________________________________
You can send your answers back to me by email at pf227@bellsouth, or just give them to me in the next couple of weeks.
As I said earlier, the reason to get this ball rolling so early is to be sure the facility is available for us when we want it, and so that folks can budget for it and more can attend.
Call or email if you have any questions. My home number is 770-889-3685 and my cell is 770-861-2095.
Women’s Spring Retreat Survey
I am trying to plan a retreat in March or April.
I have a location (Bryson City, NC-only 2 hours away) and a concept/theme.
Now I need some input……
1. Would you like to attend a retreat? ___________
2. Please provide three weekend dates in March and April 2009 that would work best for you to attend: ___________________ ___________________ __________________
3. The cost will be approximately $50 for two nights (Friday and Saturday), but does not include food. I’m working on a couple of ideas in that area. Is this good?_______
4. Would you be in a position to sponsor a woman who would like to attend, but might not be able to for financial reasons? _________
Name:________________________________ Best way to contact you:__________________________
Comments:___________________________________________________________________________
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Podcast and Online Listening Tutorial
Hey everyone,
I've put together a tutorial to help people listen to the sermons online or even download them on a program such as iTunes. It is available for download here.
Let me know if you need any help!
Jason
I've put together a tutorial to help people listen to the sermons online or even download them on a program such as iTunes. It is available for download here.
Let me know if you need any help!
Jason
Thanks to Everyone!
I just want to thank everyone for the great church meeting today. We went over changes to our budget and the church showed great support for our leadership as we endeavor to get us moved into a better location. I feel very positive about the future of Castle Christian Church!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Prayer Request
Hey everyone,
Please be in prayer for this situation. Kevin Slatton emailed with this request.
"The young son of one of our employees was just rushed to Scottish Rite with severe breathing problems. The doctors are trying to figure what is going on but are telling the parents that right now it’s a 50 – 50 proposition. Don’t have a lot more details but this young family could certainly use our prayers."
Let's be praying hard!
Jason
Please be in prayer for this situation. Kevin Slatton emailed with this request.
"The young son of one of our employees was just rushed to Scottish Rite with severe breathing problems. The doctors are trying to figure what is going on but are telling the parents that right now it’s a 50 – 50 proposition. Don’t have a lot more details but this young family could certainly use our prayers."
Let's be praying hard!
Jason
Thursday, August 14, 2008
BAKE SALE and MEETING
I almost forgot to post this....YIKES!
Don't forget the meeting after service, this Sunday 8/17 and please don't forget to bring a bake sale item (or two) to help the youth in their fundraising efforts.
Don't forget the meeting after service, this Sunday 8/17 and please don't forget to bring a bake sale item (or two) to help the youth in their fundraising efforts.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Gracie Update
Hey everyone,
I just want to update everyone on today's events in the lives of your preacher-family. I know many of you were calling and praying for us, thank you so much. It was a scary situation.
Basically, both the 2nd grade classes at Horizon came back in from recess at the same time. Grace is in one, Stacie's class is the other. One of Grace's little friends had a humongous splinter--something like two inches long. The nurse pulled out the splinter with the class right there. Apparently Gracie saw it.
A few minutes later, Gracie turned to Stacie and said, "Mommy, I can't talk." After that she moved her mouth like she was trying to talk but couldn't. Her face went completely white, her body went completely rigid with her arms straight down to her sides. She fell backwards (luckily there were a few kids there so she didn't hit her head on the floor). After she fell her body convulsed for about 20-30 seconds while her eyes were open and looking straight ahead. While that was happening, the nurse quickly called 911.
By the time the paramedics came, she had come to, but was unresponsive and didn't understand what was happening. The paramedics believed she was probably fine, but because of the convulsing they believed she should go to the hospital immediately in case she had had a seizure.
At the hospital, Grace confirmed that she had had a headache and had lost her vision before she blacked out. The doctor examined her and was convinced that Gracie had NOT had a seizure, but had only fainted--probably due to the anxiety of the first day and seeing the big splinter (Gracie has always been a little sensitive to even the most mildly disturbing images). He said that sometimes kids faint from that kind of thing and sometimes the fainting looks like a seizure like this did. But there are too many variables that coincide and point to just a fainting spell. We do have to watch to make sure it doesn't happen again, but he thought it was 99.99% chance of just a blackout.
In the end, it turned out to be nothing more than a scary event, but you know how those can go sometimes. Your mind rushes with all the possibilities. She is much better now and is laying on the couch watching cartoons.
Thanks for all of your prayers. We hope we didn't scare anyone. A few people called me and I couldn't answer--sorry! We love you all very much. Tomorrow after we're rested from the drama, we'll be in better shape!
I just want to update everyone on today's events in the lives of your preacher-family. I know many of you were calling and praying for us, thank you so much. It was a scary situation.
Basically, both the 2nd grade classes at Horizon came back in from recess at the same time. Grace is in one, Stacie's class is the other. One of Grace's little friends had a humongous splinter--something like two inches long. The nurse pulled out the splinter with the class right there. Apparently Gracie saw it.
A few minutes later, Gracie turned to Stacie and said, "Mommy, I can't talk." After that she moved her mouth like she was trying to talk but couldn't. Her face went completely white, her body went completely rigid with her arms straight down to her sides. She fell backwards (luckily there were a few kids there so she didn't hit her head on the floor). After she fell her body convulsed for about 20-30 seconds while her eyes were open and looking straight ahead. While that was happening, the nurse quickly called 911.
By the time the paramedics came, she had come to, but was unresponsive and didn't understand what was happening. The paramedics believed she was probably fine, but because of the convulsing they believed she should go to the hospital immediately in case she had had a seizure.
At the hospital, Grace confirmed that she had had a headache and had lost her vision before she blacked out. The doctor examined her and was convinced that Gracie had NOT had a seizure, but had only fainted--probably due to the anxiety of the first day and seeing the big splinter (Gracie has always been a little sensitive to even the most mildly disturbing images). He said that sometimes kids faint from that kind of thing and sometimes the fainting looks like a seizure like this did. But there are too many variables that coincide and point to just a fainting spell. We do have to watch to make sure it doesn't happen again, but he thought it was 99.99% chance of just a blackout.
In the end, it turned out to be nothing more than a scary event, but you know how those can go sometimes. Your mind rushes with all the possibilities. She is much better now and is laying on the couch watching cartoons.
Thanks for all of your prayers. We hope we didn't scare anyone. A few people called me and I couldn't answer--sorry! We love you all very much. Tomorrow after we're rested from the drama, we'll be in better shape!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Sunday Change and Leaving Intern
Greetings church,
Just a quick message about this Sunday. A few weeks ago I announced that Kyle would be preaching his last Sunday with us. Due to some important topics I feel we need to address, we've made a slight change to that plan. Kyle is planning on saying a few words this Sunday, as a thank-you and farewell, but I will be presenting the message. When I approached him about this Sunday, he graciously agreed to change plans.
When Kyle asked to complete this part of his training with us, I explained to him that there would be no way for the church to compensate him, and he agreed to that and has covered most of his own costs. However, getting his flight plans changed and a few other unforeseen costs have made life a little more difficult for him. He could use a little help to get home. I know many of us are also dealing with income issues, but I'd like to leave the box out this Sunday for anyone who would like to give a special love-offering for Kyle. If you would like to give and want to use a check, just make it out to the church, put it in the box, and it will get to him.
We've enjoyed having Kyle with us. He's done a great job with the Tuesday night Bible studies and has preached or helped me preach on three occasions. You all have taught him a lot about how church is supposed to be done, and he has commented many times that this is the kind of church he's looked for.
Thanks!
Jason
Just a quick message about this Sunday. A few weeks ago I announced that Kyle would be preaching his last Sunday with us. Due to some important topics I feel we need to address, we've made a slight change to that plan. Kyle is planning on saying a few words this Sunday, as a thank-you and farewell, but I will be presenting the message. When I approached him about this Sunday, he graciously agreed to change plans.
When Kyle asked to complete this part of his training with us, I explained to him that there would be no way for the church to compensate him, and he agreed to that and has covered most of his own costs. However, getting his flight plans changed and a few other unforeseen costs have made life a little more difficult for him. He could use a little help to get home. I know many of us are also dealing with income issues, but I'd like to leave the box out this Sunday for anyone who would like to give a special love-offering for Kyle. If you would like to give and want to use a check, just make it out to the church, put it in the box, and it will get to him.
We've enjoyed having Kyle with us. He's done a great job with the Tuesday night Bible studies and has preached or helped me preach on three occasions. You all have taught him a lot about how church is supposed to be done, and he has commented many times that this is the kind of church he's looked for.
Thanks!
Jason
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Thanks, Reading List, and Church Meeting
Hey everyone,
I wanted to say thanks to everyone who contributed to our family we're helping. I'm taking the items to him today.
I've updated the reading list on the blog. You can click the title of the email to go to the blog.
Also, don't forget our church meeting in two weeks!
Thanks to everyone who participated in today's service. I thought it was an emotional and beautiful morning and I'm still on cloud 9 about it!
Jason
I wanted to say thanks to everyone who contributed to our family we're helping. I'm taking the items to him today.
I've updated the reading list on the blog. You can click the title of the email to go to the blog.
Also, don't forget our church meeting in two weeks!
Thanks to everyone who participated in today's service. I thought it was an emotional and beautiful morning and I'm still on cloud 9 about it!
Jason
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