There's so much to update everyone about.
1. Just finished an article about the mall for Christian News Northwest. Pretty cool.
2. I am officially within 2 chapters of having the book, DANGEROUS CHURCH, done. It's the story of Living Hope and our ONLY GOD stories. I am so glad to be done (almost) and so thankful to both Carly and Teresa who have worked with me and have both done so much. I guess you could say that it takes a village to write a book.
3. The mall really likes us. Praise God, Living Hope. THERE HAS NOT BEEN ONE SINGLE COMPLAINT. Isn't that a God thing? One of the goals we hoped for was that we would authentically bless the vendors and people at the mall. That has happened! I am just so grateful to be part of a movement of God that gets the words of Jesus "you are the salt of the earth..." Thanks for being who you are!!!!!
4. BRUSH PRAIRIE (and campuses). We had great discussion this week with key leaders about doing services (again) at Brush Prairie on Sundays. Probably at 9:00 and 11:00 AM. Please pray. The issue is mostly about resources - equipment, volunteers, etc. What we know is many people miss being at Brush Prairie. I totally get how difficult change and transitions can be. The cool thing was the mall campus was up in attendance by 1000 people in just two weeks, BUT the other campuses experienced growth as well. That to me is so amazing. To be in a smaller venue, where you can know others and be known by others is so good. The mall is simply a great way to reach massive amounts of people, but at the campus you will grow and learn and develop friendships that will in many cases last a lifetime. There is no date set for when we will begin services at Brush Prairie, but the decision is made that we will have Sunday services there. Please be in prayer for this. More details will follow. If you are able to help in this, call or email our church office.
5. The series. MR and MRS is off to a great start. Michelle and I will be teaching together this weekend. How can we stop fighting against each other, learn to communicate and begin to fight FOR each other? There are a few simple things we can do. Last week we talked about how expectations can kill a relationship. The series will be very helpful for all ages and all relationships. I hope to see you this weekend. Pray, because Michelle is good at speaking but I never know what she "may" say..... :) See you this weekend. Bring a friend.
6. REMEMBER, the 1:00 PM service is back. Praise God. Awesome group. One guy came and said, "I was told to come to this service because it is where the rowdy people go...." I just smiled....
7. GIVING. Please continue to be faithful in giving. The financial demands have increased as we are now serving hundreds more people. There are so many needs and I am so grateful to be part of a church that gets what Jesus meant when he said "go". You are going, God is being glorified and we are having fun.
See you this weekend.
John
PS - I'm so proud of Katie as she launches a new ministry for high school girls, Contagious Purity. Their first event, Don't Dress to Impress, is tonight at the mall at 6 PM. If you can't make it to this one, mark your calendar for May 21 for their next event.
Anyone can view this Jennifer White | May 20th Really enjoyed reading your blog today. Congrats on getting close on your book. Love the title "Only God"! |
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Tami | April 27th Mr.&Mrs.has really helped me when dealing with my 18 year old son. He was recently released from Green Hill School (jail for minors). The struggles are still there but "we can hear each other now" What a concept,"to LISTEN and REALLY hear what the other person is saying. Kind of like LISTENING to GOD. |
 Pastor John | April 27th Teri. Good comment. In a series about relationship, because I am 'married' I will tend to use language about that. I try to involve and include everyone in each message, and realize that is difficult to say the least. All of that to say, I invite and hope to involve singles in ministry. I believe the body of Christ is not just one group or one color or one place. The only thing that matters is Jesus and his Great Commission to "go" and reach people. We have just this one life. Let's do what we can. I hope to meet you. JOHN |
Dawn Almudarris | April 25th Jphn I was in church for all three services and I have to give you credit. Michelle critisized you for things that have happened in the past and you were so kind. I can feel the things she had gone through but Im sure it took alot of patiene to sit thru hearing about your faults time and time again ( five times to be exact) and you keep your cool. You can really see how God has worked in your marriage. God bless you and Michelle and keep up the good work you are an inspiration |
 Teri K | April 25th "The series. MR and MRS is off to a great start. Michelle and I will be teaching together this weekend. How can we stop fighting against each other, learn to communicate and begin to fight FOR each other? " Paul emphasized interdependent connectivity when he introduced the metaphor of 'head of' and 'body of' in Ephesians. Of course he had to sneak in the concept of this type of unity by talking to the wife first since men of the era thought that they were the whole banana, and such a concept of shared wholeness was not their lifestyle at that time. However, it is what God gave us in Gen. 1:26. It does appear that you are getting this pastor John, and it's really time that more pastors did. But now I have a question for you. Sometimes when people emphasize one thing they miss something else. We are after all not perfect as Christ is. My question is wondering if you are emphasizing couples for leadership and ministries and missing the treasures available in a single celibate Christian devoted to God. blessing, T.King |
Dawn Almudarris | April 24th John, I went to California for Easter and came back to a whole new church. I cant tell you how happy I was to find it in the mall. What a great idea. Im so happy because I never knew how to get connected in serving at the Brush Prarie campus but here is a whole new thing. Im so excited about all God is doing and I feel like this is a brand new church and Im so excited to be a part of it and be able to serve. God bless you John and your family. I know God has found favor in you. You are so sincere and I can feel your heart everytime you preach. Thank you |
Randy B. | April 23rd Thank you John, Michelle, my good shepherds. Your humble and contrite spirit as one and individually is a great power for the Kingdom. Embrace the intercession voiced daily to the Fathers throne for you and your awesome family. Anticipate more, it's a on it's way! |
