Grateful…

Posted on January 24, 2011 by donrecord

It’s been a while since I re-capped a Sunday morning at actionchurch. I stopped doing that because it quite frankly began to feel like reading the minutes at a board meeting. I do want to share just a few things I’m really grateful for, as I look back on this Sunday at actionchurch.

I’m not writing this to brag about the “best Sunday we ever had” (I think the preacher talked about arrogance yesterday ) In Fact, yesterday had a lot of difficulties. Numerous technical issues ALMOST shut us down. It wasn’t the highest attended week we’ve ever had. I wasn’t that happy with my sermon. But I’m grateful to part of a place like actionchurch…very grateful.

So, in no particular order, I’m grateful for:

God’s provision and blessing. (We were an “almost homeless” church a few months ago…Sunday we met in one of the newest in a nicest facilities in York County!)

A church that laughs at Dumb Will Ferrell Clips

The Bible. (every week I am equally amazed at how a book written thousands of years ago can be so absolutely in-tune with the struggles we face today!)

People who show how much they Love God and Love people not just by talking about it…but by showing up early on a Cold Sunday morning to carry heavy things (Also really grateful for people who tear down the actionchurch “circus” each week and load it up in an amazingly short time.)

People who love Kids enough to give up a seat in a cushy leather recliner to run, teach, hug, and wipe sticky hands as they teach our children about living for Jesus!

Artists. (Every Sunday, ARTISTS make actionchurch the experience that it is by sharing their talents ranging from music…to photography…to typography and design.)

People who tirelessly invite their friends each week.

People who give financially in a very difficult economy so that OTHERS can benefit from their donations.

People who are Real…and open…and don’t try to be “church people” on Sunday morning (Or any other day of the week.)

A church where I can preach a hard core bible based sermon…in a stupid t-shirt…in the middle of some amazing Music…I’m just not sure where else that exists.

Just a few things I’m grateful for this morning. What are you grateful for?

Sunday @ actionchurch

Posted on January 21, 2011 by donrecord

This Sunday we’ll spend another week in the ‘verbs talking about some attitudes that the Proverbs warned about thousands of years ago-that can still WRECK your life today! This first teaching series has been one of the most intense, personal, and helpful series that we have ever taken on at actionchurch. I believe Sunday will definitely carry on that “streak”.

I encourage you to read along with us as we read one chapter of Proverbs per day in January. Todays reading is Proverbs Chapter 21.

If you missed any of the previous weeks of “The ‘verbs” series you can check out the podcasts here.

January 2: Podcast

January 9: Podcast

January 16: Podcast

Darry Miller and the Veil will carry on our streak of really great bands this month by being our musical guest, (Listen to them here). I’ll be trying my hand at writing a ”Proverb” myself. :-) and as always your kids will love actionkidz, so bring them along.

Service starts at 10:30 at Frank Theaters (Queensgate Stadium 13). Come early for Coffee, Donuts, Bagels, and a chance to hang with other actionchurch folks. (Directions)

Lending to God

Posted on January 19, 2011 by donrecord

Do you watch award shows? Did you watch the Golden Globes on Sunday night? I’m personally MUCH more likely to watch the CMA awards than the Oscars, Emmys, or Golden Globes, but all of the ”red carpet” award shows have one thing in common: Much of the glamorous jewelry and clothing worn by the ”stars” does not belong to them! When asked “Who are you wearing?”, most invited guests should truthfully say, “Something that was loaned to me by a jewelry designer or clothing line.”

So why do designers and companies loan millions of dollars worth of jewelry and clothing to people who could probably afford to pay? There are several reasons. It’s a great way to advertise your product. It’s great advertisement to be mentioned by a star on the red carpet. It’s also a great way to build good-will with a clientele that can actually afford to buy your ten-thousand-dollar-dress-that-looks-like-a-swan. For many reasons, clothing and jewelry designers have found that it is good business to lend to those who already “have everything”.

Today in Proverbs Chapter 19 the writer makes an amazing statement:

Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done. Proverbs 19:17

Whatever we do to show kindness to people who are needy, is like lending to God. God PROMISES to repay if we will give to people who can not personally repay us. It’s the only place in the Bible that I am aware of that seems to make it possible for the all-powerful and rich-beyond-measure God to “owe us one”. Amazing!

I hope you will take the time to read the rest of Proverbs Chapter 19 today. Most of all though, I hope you will remember verse 17 whenever you have the opportunity to help someone in need. Even though it may never “buy” you a mention on the red carpet, I think lending to God is a far safer bet than loaning an evening gown to Snooki…