How Did that Church Begin – or – WHY ARE WE HERE?
Our church, Central Assembly in El Sobrante, California began in 1953. It still exists today, some 60 years later. People gave a lot of money for a building, then expanded and relocated. Built more building space, started a school — and continued to move forward.
Literally THOUSANDS of people have been through the doors of our church and it’s ministries, one of which is a K-12 school.
I truly believe that we are still called to the primary purpose of “THE CHURCH” — and that is found in Matthew’s gospel.
[19] Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20 ESV)
We MUST continue to get back to the basics, right? We modify, change, and introduce our programs, approach, and styles constantly. It happened in the 50′s, too, by the way. It’s an ongoing challenge for every generation, decade, and season.
When we evaluate WHAT WE “DO” at/in our churches, the question to ask is actually pretty simple. Are we STILL IN EXISTENCE to see LOST people SAVED?
Giving Challenge
Mariner’s Church made this video about giving. It is very well done and helps us to understand some very challenging things about how we think about money and giving to a church.
Tithe Challenge 2010 Into Video from mariners church on Vimeo.
Worship Teams – Dynamics – Drums
I really have to agree with Greg Atkinson when he posted that dynamics can really be a HUGE factor in leading worship. You should read his post, it’s right on. But I think the big thing for me is to watch how simple and DYNAMIC this video is that he posted by Phil Collins. I like it so much that I wanted to post it below.
uStream – uStream.tv Media Streaming
I have a couple of uStream.tv accounts that offer free live video streaming. Since they began their services I have been interested in gathering together people and interacting with a live Internet audience.
What would you be most interested in tuning in? Interviews, concerts, Bible studies, New Media training? Something else? Would you tune in on a regular basis to something like this?
Would you like to learn how to do this yourself?Perhaps you would stream your church service or a Bible study. There are lots of possibilities. You just need a web cam, computer, and high-speed internet. Start there, then improve over time. It could be fun and rewarding, right?
Facebook, MySpace, Blogs … Unifyer
I love Facebook. I have been able to connect with dozens and dozens of my current and past friends and family. It seems that not a day goes by when the name of someone I once spent a lot of time with pops up.
For me, that is AWESOME, I really love it.
What if the local church — MY church, CENTRAL ASSEMBLY — was able to connect the like-minded people groups together. Communication would increase. I think there could be a quicker adoption by ministries to connect. Hope Groups could even go to the next steps.
I have been exploring this. There are a lot of social networks out there. And recently I have discovered Unifyer. I am doing research on it right now. Ning, Unifyer, Facebook, and blogs are all ways to make connection.
Maybe you could check the link below, then come back with a few comments as you see it. I would love your input!
Unifyer Review at ChurchCrunch.
HOSTAGE! ADDICTION
On September 28, 2008 learn how to BREAK FREE! Or help someone else BREAK FREE from addictions. More information at RestoringHope.com, the Central Assembly in El Sobrante, California website.
911 in 2008
I made a pledge to myself — now 7 years ago — to remember. Each year I want to reflect on what MY FAMILY and MINISTRY and CHURCH and FRIENDS went through. This year I will watch a news documentary that is primarily video of that terrible day.
I will never forget many of the feelings I had. One person came into my office and said that it looked like it could be over 20,000 deaths. Thank God for those brave people that frantically rescued and enabled the rescue of so many. And a few times a year I still pray for the broken and hurting families that went through that tragedy. So may will get ?stuck? in time for the rest of their changed lives because of the trauma.
What do YOU remember? What happened in YOUR world back in 2001?
Randy Stonehill in Concert — THIS SUNDAY, December 23
Christmas Family Fireside Service
with RANDY STONEHILL
Central Assembly
570 Appian Way (at Argyle Rd)
El Sobrante, CA 94803 — 510.223.2240
http://RestoringHope.com
Public always welcome!
We meet each Sunday at 10:30 AM
with a live band and lots of
REAL PEOPLE just like Y-O-U!
Randy Stonehill will make a very
special appearance this Sunday, December 23!
He will bring Christmas classics as well as some
all-time favorites with his unique acoustic style.
Join us for refreshments, coffee, hot chocolate, hot cider,
and a Cafe’ Hope style that will bring special warmth for the season.
Flickr Photos
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