Who’s Up for the Challenge?

Last Sunday we kicked off the Old Testament Challenge part 3.  I’m a really excited about this series.  For those of you who are new to the Quarry, this is our way of making sure that we are learning all that the Bible has to say about God and his people.  We started three years ago – just taking bite sized pieces of the OT.  This time around we are going to cover the kingship of David, Psalms, Proverbs, Song of Songs, Ecclesiastes, Job and back to Kings.  If you dive in, this will be an incredible time of growth.  So are you up for the challenge?

I will be posting, on a weekly basis, the reading you should have done for the following Sunday.  Take time during the week to read the text and allow God to speak through his words.  Then on Sunday, we’ll go a little deeper – together.  If you are in a small group, challenge each other to stay current with the reading and engage one another in conversation. Hebrews 10:24 says,

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

Let’s turn it up together!  Here is this weeks reading.  I will also include last weeks text for you over achievers.

Reading for July 2, 2006:  Psalm 42; 103; 136:1-4; 137:1-4 

Reading for June 25, 2006:  2 Samuel 6:1-22; 11:1-17; 12:1-9

That’s not so bad.  Have a great week!

Prophets of the unknown God

So often I forget why it is I do what I do. For that matter I often lose site of our reason for being the church. Thankfully there are people around who continue to raise the banner. Erwin McManus, lead pastor of Mosaic Church in East Los Angles spoke to some church leaders at a recent conference. He was teaching about speaking truth in a relevant manner using Acts 17 as his focus text. Check out the quote.

"The church isn't here for us. We are the church and we are here for the world. We need to become prophets of the unknown God. We must be the ones who say, 'We have seen the invisible, we have experienced the unimaginable and we are here to tell you that what you do not know can be known.' . . . God is the unknown God, but He is not the unknowable God."

We can't loose sight of why the church exists. We have a story to tell so let's unashamedly shout it from the mountain tops (or at least the nearest bump in the road). What's your story about God's glory? Take a moment to comment about how God has become known to you.

A Little Tiddy

Some of you thought you heard me misspeak on Sunday morning. Come on now – do you think I, a pastor of Quarry Community Church, would slip in such a way? What you heard me articulate was a relatively new word. Actually it is a combination of two little known words. The first word is "tidbit" def. – a choice morsel. The second and lesser known of the two words is "diddy" as in "a little diddy about Jack and Diane" from John Cougar Mellencamp fame. When you ever so carefully combine the two words you get the hybrid "tiddy." Enough said. Let's just agree to leave this one alone.

A special thanks to all of you who averted eye contact with me following my hybrid slip of the tongue on Sunday morning. I was dying and as I looked out at all of you it seemed that you were usure of exactly what to do. Some of you started reading your Bibles while others found something interesting on the floor to stare at. Way to go! With out your help I would have totally lost all composure, gathered my stuff and headed straight for the car. Since Sunday, I catch my wife laughing for no apparent reason – she is reliving that brief moment on Sunday. I am glad to bring a little joy to someone's life.

If you want another reason to laugh, check out this little "tiddy": http://kevinrossen.com/?p=41/index.php. Thanks for the link Brenton. At least my mistake wasn't captured on video. Have a great day! I love doing ministry with you guys!

For His Glory

Now I don't want to scare anyone or guilt you into doing something.  However, I do want to challenge you.  If you have watched our little finance block in the bulletin than you are probably aware that we are falling behind budget at an alarming rate.  Summers are usually financially difficult in the church.  We expect it and plan for it.  But this year we are in the middle of an unprecidented slump.  Last weeks offering was the lowest our church has received in over four years.  I believe our church will be just fine but I need to let you know when things get tight.  Things are really tight right now.  We are trying to figure out how to pay staff.  Allow me to get real practical with you.  Ministry happens all year long.  The church needs your support all year long.  If the Quarry is your church home, enjoy the summer but continue to steward the gifts he has given you.  If you miss a few weeks don't feel guilty but remember your financial commitment to the ministry God has called us to.  Two weeks ago the elder's encouraged you to enjoy the summer.  Please, the summer months in Minnesota are a gift from God – enjoy them but don't leave God or your responsibility to his church.  We're in this together – working for his glory.