Thoughts from the weekend

Friday evening (my day off) I went with my kids and Debbie to see Star Trek. Good movie. Not great, but good. I liked it because it brings us back to the original series, and creates a sense of "how" the characters came together and "why".

I won't spoil it for you, but it's nice to see Captain Kirk, Spock, McCoy and Scotty back together again. In Spock's case, it is almost spooky as to how much the younger Spock and the older Spock look alike.

The special effects are spectacular! One action scene after another. And then at the end, the younger Captain Kirk walks on the bridge of the U.S.S. Enterprise with the same swagger as William Shatner used to bring.

Saturday morning, we had a tremendous time at our life groups meeting. Over 80 people came for the breakfast! Life groups are becoming and will be the centerpiece of "who we are as a church." Weekends services remain important, other ministries that we have will remain as part of of ministry arsenal, but life groups will be our main identity.

Here's a summary of what we learned:

- We must think life groups first - other ministries second
- Summer is to be a time to invite non-churched friends and family (and people who aren't attending a life group to come for a picnic or barbecue
- We are going to use the summer to plan for the fall
- Our life groups should not be over 12 people
- We need to multiply our life groups almost immediately for the fall
- People aren't looking for a friendly church - they are longing for friends
- It's hard to become friends in rows - we must meet in circles
- Groups are to be open; groups that are closed will die
- We must strive for effectiveness and not efficiency

Great stuff. I was thrilled as Sun-Hui Dudey (and Bob) shared with me that they are going to be hosts of a life group this fall with John and Pat Janks as the leaders!

We also announced Dave and Hermila Dewes as our Life Group ministries leaders.

The next Life Group leaders meeting will be Friday, August 21,22, 2009.

Dave Treat (our speaker) shared a story of how someone in their church lost their home. Instead of forming a committee, forming an official ministry, their life group built this family a new home! No bureaucracy, no red tape. Just people ministering to people.

Sunday morning - wow. A great sense of God's spirit. I saw several with addictions come down to the altar to be prayed for. I trust that we will be hearing great stories of what God is doing! It was wonderful to hear of how Dina Maldaner was healed, and the doctor verified the healing!

God is the healer of our bodies, our minds and our spirits!

May you walk in His healing power today!