New Year Thoughts

The new year prompts me to pause and assess the past year. Counting my blessings, I recognize that the teams I work beside are a huge part of the good things I experienced this year. Some of you are new to the teams and in you God has brought me new friends. Those of you who have been here for a while have become even more dear to me over this year. All of you serve tirelessly bringing your best. Your best creates a synergy that stirs me to bring my best

We had a first this year. The “Come Hungry Concert” was a great success. God was lifted up, decisions were made to follow Christ and families sacrificed together as they ate beans and rice that week. The worship team grew together as we worked hard. Their talent, hours of rehearsal and personal practice laid out in surrender before God gave Him glory and blessed the church. We as a team grew in relationship as we prayed, practiced and laughed together.

As individuals you have worked on your talents by honing your gift. The music you are producing now is not what you produced a little over a year ago. You keep stretching and growing in your musical abilities. I simply praise God for each of you and admire your dedication.

This next year God has much in store for us. We may not know all the details but we generally know the path. It is one in which we see Him more clearly, love Him more dearly, and follow Him more nearly day by precious day. It is a walk of worship. This worship walk is lived out in the way we love our spouses, kids, friends and the world. That is worship. Music is a very small avenue of worship. Life 24/7 is the worship highway.

As creation participates in worship by simply being what it was created to be, we have the privilege of entering each day in worship by living out our God ordained purpose. God's purpose for me is simple. It is to love Him with everything that is within me. As a result everything I do should be motivated by this love affair with my God. I do life for Him and with Him.

I believe we make following Him complicated. We try to find the perfect will of God when HIs perfect will is spelled out very succinctly. "Love God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind and all your strength." Simple.

The Magi

Like you, I have been pondering the Christmas Story this season. My focus today is on the Magi. We know they came from the east. Some speculate it was a long ways east from which they traveled for many days or even months. What strikes a chord in me is that they came with nothing more than “theory” and a star to lead them. What drove them to travel far and wide, to follow a star in search of another King? What gnawed inside of them that simply would not go away and caused them to leave behind the familiar in order to find this King they did not know?

Upon finding this baby King, they were overjoyed and bowed down in worship. As I let this scene play out in my imagination, I am overcome with their responses of joy and worship. Their search lead them to bow down to a baby in worship...true, real, honest, vulnerable worship. Months of hard travel, wondering if they were crazy while following a star, resulted in joy.

The question I have to ask myself is am I willing to leave what I know in order to search for my King? My search, like the Magi will result in overwhelming joy and worship. May our search lead us to our King, our Lord, our Savior, our Redeemer and our Friend Jesus Christ.

I was reading from Luke 8:18. The words of Jesus, “Therefore consider carefully how you listen.” For some reason this has stopped me in my tracks today. Reflect on His words, read through the chapter and then listen.

Listening is becoming a lost form of communication. God is pushing me to be a better listener. The nudging to listen to people’s words calls me to pay attention to their hearts. The prayer of Richard of Chichester says it better than I can. It reads, “To see You more clearly. To love You more dearly. To follow You more nearly, day by day.” When I stop to listen to God and others, truth becomes clearer and life is more vibrant.

During this Christmas season, steal away some moments to quietly listen to the cries of a baby, our Savior, born in Bethlehem.

Omnitasking or Solotasking

I have been reading and musing over the book “The Good and Beautiful God” by James Bryon Smith. (I recommend it) The last chapter was about slowing down in order to live in the present moment with God. Admittedly, I don’t have this one down at all. It takes me a while at the end of the day or during a vacation to unplug from not simply multitasking but that ominously new phenomena of omnitasking. Omnitasking is being engaged in such things as texting from your Iphone while driving down the freeway at 70 miles per hour while on the business trip with the GPS device is telling you where to go, sipping the latte you purchased and talking on your bluetooth to your spouse about the kids school work. Are you tired yet? I need a nap but can't because I'm racing down the freeway. The nap will have to wait until I get on the plane..oh wait a minute. I have to create a report while flying home. You get the picture.

On the other hand solotasking is giving your total attention to one activity or person in order to produce or engage at your highest level and experience the deepest fulfillment. Rested, aware of surroundings, and connected to God is where life is lived...really lived. Hurry vanishes while peace, calm and order replaces the out of control lifestyles. Spouses draw closer to each other, parents have energy for their kids, people take care of their bodies through eating right, exercise and rest, and joy returns to the heart.

The world is working hard to steal our peace. Peace doesn’t usually reside in a state of constant hurry and stress. Peace resides in those who can go against the cultural norm in order to find solace and quiet in God.

I am seeking a slower pace, one where living deeply occurs as a result of being profoundly connected to the heart of God. My Christmas present to myself is to walk away from the frenetic pace so I don’t leave God behind in my wake. Instead, I want to stay in step with the Spirit. My first step in this process is to take Friday and Saturday off from work. Equally important to this change will be the necessity for time in the Word, meditation and prayer before the day begins. Five minute walks to get away from the computer and phone are in order so as to reconnect with the Spirit are part of my plan as well. You may think this is a funny idea but I plan to drive slower too. I don't drive excessively fast but I do get nervous when I am behind a slower car...Know what I mean? Eating slower, playing while doing the dishes...living simply and simply living.

How about you? Which do you want? Omnitasking or solotasking? Some place in the middle? At the end of the day, what brought you fulfillment? Stop, slow down, look for God, open your eyes to see Him...ENJOY!

Time

Time is drawing near. Lauren will soon be headed down a sandy aisle to wed her future husband. Being the MOB (Mother of the Bride) is a blessing. As I watch my kids become all that God has created them to be, I see how little I had to do with it. Given 18 years by God to train them in His ways is but a mere breath.

Time slows down for no one. As I look back I wonder what I may have missed and what seems to have worked. While musing over the past, I see the truth that with God's grace we are made into His image. His hand guides us to green pastures and quiet waters, restoring our souls. We want for nothing because all He is is ours. The pasture He has designed for me is safe, fitted with sturdy boundaries.

I am thankful today for my Lord's leading. In this green pasture I sense peace and contentment while my heart is sad. Lauren will forever be my daughter. She now prepares to leave and cleave to her wonderful fiancee David. He is getting a Godly woman who loves and deeply respects him. She is getting a Godly man who would lay down his life for her. What more could this mom want for her daughter.

David and Lauren, I love you. May God's blessing always be close to your heart. May His desires be your desires, His character your character, His strength your strength and His love your love.

II Timothy

This morning I spent time in the book of II Timothy.   The rich relationship between Paul and Timothy is so evident. Paul knows he is writing what will probably be his last letter to anyone.  Timothy was Paul’s son in the faith.  Paul knew Timothy’s history, his youth and how many times Timothy had messed up.  Yet Paul simply would not give up on him.  At the end of the book, we hear Paul’s plea for Timothy to come to him soon.  Oh how Paul loved that boy.  

There are moments when I feel Paul’s intense passion.  His resolve to live out his call while in chains cries out out to every believer.  This clarion call of sacrifice is not popular today.  The call has been muffled by the roar of the world.   Listen fellow servants...listen to the quiet yet clear voice of the Prince of Peace.  Get into the Word allowing it to search out the hidden sin in your soul.  Jesus will never give up on you and me.  Jesus pleas for us to come to Him.

Dear Parents

This week, parents are getting ready to send off their kids to Camp KidJam 2009. This year our kids will experience the action packed Jam sessions which feature high-energy worship, great skits, and the The Incredible Adventure of the Misfit Brigade - the stories of people who Jesus came in contact with and whose lives He changed forever. Their stories are our stories as we learn together how God wants to change us for Him. Additionally, the kids will experience small groups where they can unpack the story with their small group leaders and how the story applies to them personally. Of course what is camp without all the fun, messy games... You know the ones that make kids scream “YUCK.”

So for those of you who have your own set of jitters about sending your kids off to camp, we are praying for you. For those who wish they could be sending their kids... yes, we are praying for you too. Parenting during the summer is always filled with fun and frustration. Hang on. School is around the corner and you’ll be back in the swing of school schedules before you know it. Until then, take a deep breath, round up the floaties and head to the pool or the back yard for a camp out. In other words, hang out with your kids. It is one of the best parts of summer.

News in Adventure Kidz
Family Sunday: August 16
We are kicking off the new school year with a family day. All of the kids from 0 to 18 will join us for worship. The children will sing and be a part of the service. Continuing with the Big Faith That Works series, Tammy will lead a large group time on the virtue of Faith. Also it is very important that you, as a servant, attend the service you normally serve at. We want to recognize your service as well as share the vision for families and the ministry we want to accomplish for this community. Immediately following the 2nd service on August 16, there will be an all-church potluck and games for young and old. Please bring 3 dishes to share with at least 10 people! Drop your food off in the kitchen before 11 am. Paper goods and beverages will be provided. Following our time to eat and visit with each other, there will be organized games for everyone to participate in. This will be a fun time to spend with friends, your family, and your Life Group. If you'd like to help with set up, serving, clean up or games, please contact Linda at lmcmillin@eastsidecommunity.com

AdventureKidz Team Training: Aug 20 at 7pm or August 22 at 9am.
Vision casting, nuts and bolts, soul food. TRAINING In order to develop your gifts, talents, and soul as a leader. We will share the vision for AdventureKidz. We are holding two identical training opportunities for your convenience. So please pick one of the two times. They are August 20 at 7 pm or August 22 at 9 am. Put this date on the calendar. You won't want to miss it.

New blog with great weekly tools for parenting. http://eccparents.blogspot.com/
Terry Eis, our Parent Resource Coordinator, will be blogging weekly with updates on what our children are learning. She will provide talking points for you and your kids as well as give you tools to develop yourselves as parents and to help your kids grow in their spiritual journey. Our goal is that by the time your children launch out in the world that they will be solidly grounded in their faith and relationship with Jesus Christ.

I don’t know about you, but I know that I certainly could have used a resource like this. Parenting didn’t come naturally for me. Both of our kids were so different from each other. Just when I thought I might have had the parenting thing figured out, my kids blew up the plan. So that’s why we are here. To support you, care for you as parents, encourage you, listen to you, walk with you and love your kids. We are partnering with you...the parents... THE MOST IMPORTANT PEOPLE IN THE WORLD TO YOUR KIDS.

Warmly,
Cathy

Steal Away With The Prince of Peace

Big Faith That Works...That is a serious topic.  I have been living in a constant tension between giving all I am and have to the Lord and the pull of my fleshly desires.  Honestly, I am not sure which is winning in this tug of war.  My desire to become a “Whatever, Whenever” servant is wrapped up in a body of flesh that needs rest, care and quiet.  Our Beloved Prince Jesus knows this struggle.  For 3 1/2  years He served the multitudes, walked with the 12, and stole away with the Father.  It was during the silent years, while He was growing up, that His heart was formed and His character was forged into all the Father desired.  

I know you are so extremely busy.  I know this because I am.  As I reflect on where you are in raising families, careers, making ends meet, I know each of you are at times stretched in many different directions.  Remember, people all over this community and world are living out their faith just like you are.  Day by day and moment by moment people are worshiping the Prince of Peace right where they live life, in the middle of their one and only life.  Their worship isn’t based on their circumstances but on the reality of who God is and what He has done for them.  Across the world followers are worshiping 24/7. 

I am blown away by each of you.  You know intuitively that the stakes are high and eternity hangs in the balance.  What I deeply love is that you serve with no strings attached....Simply giving, loving and warmly extending the love of Christ.  You are becoming Whatever, Whenever Servants who worship God with your heart, mind, soul and body.

Today I hear Jesus calling, Come Away With Me.  You’ll find me on my porch today, listening, reading, seeking, resting.  May you find a moment to steal away with the Savior.  Be refreshed and recharged to give it up for Him.

Kids

If I were asked “What does it take to have a children’s ministry that helps kids become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ?”,  I would have one answer.  It takes a committed unified team, empowered by the Holy Spirit, who is willing to do whatever it takes, whenever it is needed.  This is a team where serving others is lived out in Big Faith... Faith that says yes because of how Big God is.  

I want you to know our AdventureKidz team is working hard to live out this vision and each of you are a part of this committed team.  We are forging ahead.  We are pulling hard for kids.  

I want to sincerely and genuinely thank each of you for bringing your best as you serve.  The stakes are high.  Families are at risk.   When families are at risk, kids are at risk.  These are some desperate times for some of our people.  It calls for a “Whatever, Whenever” team.   You are the team.

AdventureKidz Team News
The AdventureKidz Team worked hard last week.  We are continuing to flesh out some very important work for our kids. First I want to thank each of them for their sacrifice and passion to see AdventureKidz become all it can be for the kids and equally choosing to serve the parents.  Here is the progress we made.

• We are starting a prayer effort for the children and families.  We believe we must become people of prayer.  As we closed our meeting with prayer, God’s peace settled over us.  We know God will provide.  That’s who He is... Our Provider
• We are developing communication, support, resources and eventually training for families.  
• We are preparing consistent training for all who serve with the kids so you are ready provide excellent ministry to both kids and parents.
• We are modifying roles and responsibilities within the team.   New roles will be communicated.
  

The team is as follows:
AdventureKidz Director - Linda McMillin
AdventureKidz Admin – Kim Foster
AdventureKIdz Parent Liason - Terry Eis
AdventureKidz Prayer Coordinator - ?
Cove Coordinator - Toye Wheatly
Asst Cove Coordinator – Bess Smith
Reef Coordinator – Heather Womack
Asst. Reef Coordinator - ?
River and Studio 45 Interim Coordinator – Linda McMillin  (actively searching to fill this position)
Asst River and Studio 45 Coordinator (Large Group) - Tammy Unruh
Asst River and Studio 45 Coordinator (Small Group ) ?
Staff Management – Cathy Turner

Prayer Requests

• River and Studio 45 Coordinator and Asst Coordinator
• Asst. Reef Coordinator
• Protection against the enemy’s attack to divide
• The AdventureKidz families and children
• Each team member who serves
  

God is at work, building in each of us a faith that perseveres and stands firm on our beloved Prince, Jesus Christ.

AdventureKidz Update

We are half way through the summer and that means fall and school are just around the corner. There are a few adjustments and changes in store for AdventureKidz. But - before I talk about the changes - let me fill you in on the great things that will remain consistent.

First, we have many great group leaders who are returning in the fall. Those leaders want to come back. They deeply appreciate the summer off. Some have upped their commitment to be here each Sunday for our kids. They recognize that their consistent involvement with kids creates safety for our children. The bottom line is they have fallen in love with your kids and want to be with them. I think this is a huge victory to celebrate.

Second, we are continuing with the Rethink curriculum. This is one of the best resources that help the church and families work together, building spiritual faith in the lives of our kids. We know that when the church and the family work side by side for the good of our children that we have opportunity for greater impact for the Kingdom.

Third, it is important to recognize the leadership who have served and lead us with passion and deep commitment for our kids.

Thank you Jennifer Niemtschk. Jennifer has served for the last two years in the River and Studio 45. She has worked tirelessly for the ministry and I know we all appreciate her enthusiasm and passion for the kids. Jennifer is stepping down from leadership but will remain a volunteer in the environment, serving beside you as a storyteller, helping with check-in, and doing what she does best... loving the kids. Please take a moment to thank Jennifer for her hard work and dedication.

Thank you Tara Hagemann. Tara has served in the River working beside Jennifer. She came on board to help with administration, small groups and curriculum. Tara along with her husband Dan, serve because they love children and believe deeply in partnering together for the good of our children. Tara and Dan also serve in the Big Brother Big Sister Organization. Needless to say they are “all in." Tara is stepping down at the end of July to pursue schooling. You will continue to see her on a regular basis because she believes in being involved in ministering to children.

Rebecca Whitely brought dynamic energy to the production through story tellers and worship. Her smile and bubbly personality got kids moving, dancing, and worshiping while they learned from a talented team of storytellers, actors, and hosts.

Thank you Toye Wheatley and Heather Womack. These ladies each continue to bring leadership to our Cove and Reef respectively. They are passionate for children and for the parents. They recognize the hard work that goes into raising kids and the privilege of encouraging parents. They energetically create safe, fun, and loving environments for our littler ones in AdventureKidz. Join me in thanking them for all they do and the care they extend. Toye and Heather will continue this fall to lead and serve.

Finally, join me in thanking all who give their best to our kids. Those who sit in small groups, who tell stories, host, run check-in, clean toys, buy supplies, run copies... the list is long. It takes a small army to pull off each and every Sunday morning.

Now for the Future
In order to fill in during an unforeseeable interim, I will be leading a forming team of leaders for AdventureKidz. We will be spending July with the current team in order to learn from them. We will then assess how to move forward.

We are challenging ourselves with the task of working with you the parents in becoming a family ministry. We want to link arms with you in this precious privilege of raising children who are ready to storm the gates of hell with a water pistol. So even though we may call this an interim time, we are not going to merely maintain. We have a vision to live out through the families. We are going to raise up fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ within our children and within the families of Eastside who will go out into all the world to make disciples.

So join with me. Let’s work together, run the race and move forward building into children and families.

Warmly,
Cathy

Change

It is an amazingly gorgeous day. God is so good and faithful. I am thankful for his watchful care and guidance.

Dennis and I just returned from a great time in Florida with our friends. We spent time with a young couple who Dennis baptized and performed their marriage on the beach. We reconnected with our long time friends to find their kids are now adults with beautiful children of their own.

Upon our return, we came home to our beloved family pet’s last hours here. Cocoa died a couple of hours after we got home. She was old and we knew her time was short but she waited for our return. I am thankful to have had that time with her. I miss her like crazy. She raised our kids and guarded this family with passion. She loved us well and was loyal to us.

May you each find places and moments to get away with the Lord during these busy and uncertain times. He stabilizes us when the storms move in. As you worship God today open your mind to His wisdom, your heart to His love and your soul to His passion. Be salty so that others become hungry. Learn to be and allow Him to do. He has it all in control.

24/7 Worship

“So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him.”... Romans 12:1

The best worship in our week isn’t what happens on Sunday morning. By far the most important worship in our lives is how we live in front of our family, friends and co-workers. This worship is about how we love our spouses, raise our kids to know God and bear testimony of God’s grace, faithfulness and love to the world. This is 24/7 worship.

I have thought a lot about this activity we call worship. Some believe it is music. Others would define it as a Sunday morning activity. Others explain it as an incredible spiritual experience. I tend to see it as life. Worship is our response to what or who we value the most expressed through what we say and the way we live. I am looking for worshipers who love 24/7, serve 24/7, encourage 24/7 and leave it on the field everyday. You don't have to be in vocational ministry to do that. This is a lifestyle, a Christ-centered life passionately lived out before all of humanity

Honestly, what do you value most? Be honest with yourself. I will never hear your answer and God already knows the answer. Any changes you want to make? There's no time like the present! Take a step. Go on...."take your everyday, ordinary life .....and place it before God"...watch what He does with it. That's worship.

Battle for Worship

I have heard it said that we become what we worship. If we worship money, we become greedy. If we worship ourselves, we become narcissistic and prideful. If we worship another relationship, we become clingy and jealous. If we worship our abilities, we become defensive.

However, when we become living billboards of worship of God Almighty, then our lives begin to take on His character and image. We live in the shadow of His glory. We reside under the shelter of his wings of protection, help and strength. We begin to see as He sees, care about what He cares about and humbly live out His will.

There is definitely an all out battle for my worship. The last thing the enemy wants is my transformation and growth as a follower of Christ. He desires to take my mind off of God and put it on anything he can create that could become an idol for my attention.

Something is going to grab your affection today. Someone or something will enthrall you. Your greatest value will rise to the top. My question for you is this.... What is it? Is it God? Only you can answer this question.

The Samaritan woman got really uncomfortable when Jesus began to reveal what she worshiped. So like we all do when we are in a tight spot, she changed the subject to the question where and how should worship happen. It is funny but that is exactly what we do today. We look at styles of worship and declare them right, wrong, contemporary, traditional, seeker sensitive, believer oriented....you name it and we can give it a title and a rating. We focus on the style and unfortunately leave out who.

My mentor who has long passed away, used to tell me it didn’t make any difference to him what church he went to or what style of worship they used. He could worship God in a liturgical setting or in a charismatic church, because it was all about God... Not about his personal preference in styles.

What has your attention today? Take a moment even now to quietly turn your heart and worship to God. Listen for His whisper. Love Him now... Right this very moment

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matt. 22:37