Because of God's Love - You've Got Questions...

Thursday April 28, 2011

At the beginning of this blog series I invited you to ask questions.  I believe that good questions help make a project like this better.  In today’s New Building DYK we explore the most frequently asked questions from our Because of God’s Love… Information Meetings which are still taking place. Thanks, BER

Scripture of Day

Matthew 5: 7-12

 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”

We are asking everyone to complete the phrase Because of God’s Love…

Responses from our congregation

And today’s special BGL…

I am able to give to others.

I have the hope of salvation.

I live in a free country that is full of opportunity for all.

I have faced the challenges recently in my life with grace and strength and have come out a better person.

And today’s special BGL…:

Because of God’s Love…

Grace Avenue will grow to be an example of faith in the community.

What will you be today Because of God’s Love…

New Building DYK

Most Frequently Asked Questions from our BGL…meetings

1.      What kind of seating will we have in the new sanctuary; pews or chairs?

2.      How high will the steeple be?

3.      I see the Bride’s Room.  Where is the Groom’s Room?

4.      Will we have an organ in the new sanctuary?

5.      Why are there steps in the Lobby of the new building?  What if I am with someone who needs different accessibility?

6.      Why are we not building a big new kitchen we can cook in?

7.      How will this new construction affect the Pumpkin Patch?

8.      When will the new traffic light to be installed in front of the church?

9.      Do we have to wait until all the money comes in before we can start building?

10.  How long will it take to build the new facility?

BOTTOM LINE:  Answers to these and other questions will be addressed at the remaining Information Meetings.  Sign up for one at http://www.graceavenue.org/.  Also let’s start a discussion online.  Send more questions in response to this blog.  Either email me at billy@graceavenue.org, facebook, twitter or the comments section on the blog itself.  I will attempt to answer in upcoming blogs.  Now is the time to ask and get all our questions on the table.

Prayer of the Day

Gracious God,  We are grateful that even when we don’t have all the answers, we still have you.  Because of your love we can act in faith and seek your will with all our hearts. AMEN.

Because of God's Love - Pray Without Ceasing

Wednesday April 27, 2011

The internet has shown us the power of a movement.  When things go viral on the internet everyone, it seems,  is participating, sharing, forwarding, and giving their own twist to the subject at hand.  The early Methodists were involved in a movement more that an organized religion.  The Methodist revival began because they made their spiritual habits contagious.  In today’s New Building DYK we discuss the potential of prayer going viral in this campaign. Thanks, BER

Scripture of Day

II Chronicles 7: 14-16

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.  Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.  I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there.

We are asking everyone to complete the phrase Because of God’s Love…

Responses from our congregation

I am saved by Christ's mercy and able to live my life at peace.

I take courage in God.

I am blessed with a life full of love and respect.

I love who I have become.

And today’s special BGL…:

Because of God’s Love…

I have faith by the grace of God - I'm here and sane.

What will you be today Because of God’s Love…

New Building DYK

1.      1 Thessalonians 5:17 reminds us that we should “Pray without ceasing”.

2.      This Thursday – Saturday April 28-30 we will be having a prayer vigil at Grace Avenue to pray specifically for our Capital Campaign.

3.      The prayer vigil will be a prayer path where one goes from station to station following specifics experiences of prayer.

4.      The entire path takes about 45 minutes.

5.      Times are available Thursday 2:00 – 9:00 pm. Friday 9:00 am – 9:00 pm. Saturday 9:00 am – 5:30 pm.

6.      To sign up please email Laura at laura@graceavenue.org.

BOTTOM LINE:   Now is the time for our prayer commitment to go viral

Prayer of the Day

Gracious God,  we stand in the need of prayer.  We are thankful that you hear our praises and petitions.  May we learn the value of living a life of prayer. AMEN.

Because of God's Love - Lift High the Cross

Thursday April 21, 2011

This week we reflect on the death and resurrection of Jesus.  It is the thing which brings everything into perspective.  We, however need a moment in which it dawns on us just how powerful Christ’s death and resurrection is in our lives.  In today’s New Building DYK we reflect on the cross.

Thanks, BER

Scripture of Day

Philippians 2: 5-8

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

  Who, being in very nature God,
   did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
 rather, he made himself nothing
   by taking the very nature of a servant,
   being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
   he humbled himself
   by becoming obedient to death—
      even death on a cross!

We are asking everyone to complete the phrase Because of God’s Love…

Responses from our congregation

I am too blessed to be stressed.

I am secure in the knowledge that I am blessed and forgiven and called to share those blessings with all.

My heart is full and I am surrounded by amazing people

I am able to know my sins and know I am still saved.

And today’s special BGL…:

Because of God’s Love…

Jesus died, so I could live! Amen.

What will you be today Because of God’s Love…

New Building DYK

1.       In the new sanctuary a large specially designed cross will be on the front wall in the center above the choir.

2.      In the renovation of the Worship Center the center cross will be moved up and will replace the center screen.  Two new HD projection screens will hang on either side of the cross.

3.      The steeple during the day will feature a cross on top which will be 100 feet in the air.

4.      At night the stained glass cross will be seen from four directions from as far away as the Toll Road.

BOTTOM LINE:   Jesus Christ is the ultimate Because of God’s Love statement.

The cross of Christ makes the ultimate statement about where our hope lies

Prayer of the Day

Gracious God, we are in awe of Jesus’ sacrifice for us.  May his cross never become mere decoration or adornment.  May it be the symbol that guides our every decision. In the blessed name of Christ, AMEN.

Because of God's Love - Bringing in the Tweens

Wednesday April 13, 2011

Children today are forced to grow up fast.  They are exposed to more and more at an earlier age.  It is imperative that we expose them to the love of Christ in a variety of ways at church.   In today’s New Building DYK we look at having space for the older elementary children called “tweens”.  Thanks, BER

Scripture of Day

Proverbs 22:6

Start children off on the way they should go,
  and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

We are asking everyone to complete the phrase Because of God’s Love…

Responses from our congregation

I am content.

I am original.

I know what true love feels like!

Life is better today than it was yesterday.

We found this wonderful church!

And today’s special BGL…:

Because of God’s Love…

I am reminded to be thankful for all I am blessed with.

What will you be today Because of God’s Love…

New Building DYK

1.      Our summer camps at Grace Avenue service nearly 2000 participants across 8 weeks.  Many of the participants are guests from the community.

2.      EDGE is a fellowship program for 4^th & 5^th graders at Grace Avenue which services approximately 75 children every month.

3.      We sponsor Boy Scout 216, with over 80 participants, meets at Grace Avenue every week.

4.      In addition there are 13 Scout groups (cub scouts, girl scouts, brownies, daisys, etc.) that meet at Grace Avenue every month.

5.      We turn down evening requests for other children & youth groups because we do not have space.

6.       The new building will have a large open space for upper elementary children (see rendering at the top of the page).  The space will have storage, restrooms and technology to serve a wide variety of church and community groups.

BOTTOM LINE:  If we believe children are our future, then we must have space for them.  If we are going to be good neighbors in the community, we must be willing to offer space to worthwhile community groups.   

Prayer of the Day

Gracious God, we are thankful for the opportunity to guide children to your love while they are young and receptive.  May we communicate that love in tangible actions and not just religious words.   In the name of Christ, AMEN.

Because of God's Love - Radical Hospitality

Monday April 11, 2011

People often remark that Grace Avenue a friendly church.  I believe that is because we work at hospitality. We also all remember what it was like to be a newcomer.  In that sense welcoming others is really just part of practicing the Golden Rule.  In today’s New Building DYK we look at having space for hospitality.  Thanks, BER

Scripture of Day

Hebrews 13: 1-2

Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters.  Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.

We are asking everyone to complete the phrase Because of God’s Love…

Responses from our congregation

We will work on a better community.

I am constantly trying to be better knowing how much God loves me.

I have comfort and peace and a place of refuge.

We've found Grace Avenue and have been here every Sunday since:)

And today’s special BGL…:

Because of God’s Love…

I am still alive to be able to participate in this campaign.  God is SO great!

What will you be today Because of God’s Love…

New Building DYK

1.       The new building will have a spacious new lobby for greeting, gathering and fellowship. (see rendering at the top of the page)

2.      The lobby will have a large space for a Welcome Center.

3.      Current Room 108, which is now the Choir Room will be a room that will be converted for a variety of uses including newcomer gatherings like Invitation to Grace Avenue.

BOTTOM LINE:   Hospitality does not happen by accident.  We must have a welcoming building as well as a welcoming spirit.

Prayer of the Day

Kind & Loving God, you welcome us into your presence with open arms.  May we be ambassadors of radical hospitality as we welcome others into a ministry where they meet Jesus  the Christ.  In his name we pray, AMEN.

Because of God's Love - Here Come the Brides (and the Grooms)

Saturday April 9, 2011

Many of you know my daughter is getting married in May.  I have witnessed firsthand the planning and decision making that is involved in a wedding.  We conduct very few wedding ceremonies currently at Grace Avenue.  Some of it is because we have a Saturday evening worship service, but also we know our worship facility is not formal enough to attract couples looking to be married in a church setting.  In today’s New Building DYK we’ll see how all that can change with the building of this new facility.  Thanks, BER

Scripture of Day

Proverbs 16:9

 We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.

We are asking everyone to complete the phrase Because of God’s Love…

Responses from our congregation

            I am a better dad for my girls.

            I am a better mom and daughter.

            I have a wonderful family and a great Christian life.

            I am a blessed, loved person with a wonderful life.

            We are able to live and have loving families.

            My family is loving, fun, helpful, healthy and safe.

And today’s special BGL…:

Because of God’s Love…

I am a mother of 5 and grandmother of 6.

What will you be today Because of God’s Love…

New Building DYK

1.    The new building will include a formal worship space that will be well suited for weddings including a center aisle.

2.    The new building will include a beautifully appointed Bride’s Room.

3.    The new building will allow for us to have weddings on Saturday evenings without interrupting the regular Saturday evening worship service.

4.    The new building will allow us to create a whole new ministry around Christian Weddings including the ceremony as well as preparing for marriage classes and counseling sessions.

BOTTOM LINE:  Many of our children and grandchildren will want to get married in their church home.  This beautiful space provides for that, but it also allows us to create an outreach ministry to those getting married who do not have a church home.  Like many of our other programs, our wedding ministry, may be the entry point for a couple to become faithful disciples of Christ through our church.

Prayer of the Day

Majestic God, you are the source of all our days especially the important ones.  May we keep you at the center of every celebration and at the heart of every blessed event.  To your honor and glory, AMEN.

Because of God's Love - Ministries of Compassion

Thursday April 7, 2011

Multi-purpose space is great until something unexpected happens in scheduling.  This past weekend was a good example.  One of our members died last week after a courageous battle with cancer.  To best accommodate her loved ones the memorial service needed to happen over the weekend.  Also scheduled, however, was our annual rummage sale to raise money for missions.  In a 24 hour period our current Worship Center went from Rummage Sale tent to weekend Worship Center to Memorial Service Sanctuary.  In today’s New Building DYK we will examine how our new facility can meet our more formal ministry needs such as memorial services.  Thanks, BER

Scripture of Day

Psalm 40:5

 O Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us.  Your plans for us are too numerous to list.   You have no equal.  If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them.

We are asking everyone to complete the phrase Because of God’s Love…

Responses from our congregation

            I am redeemed!

            I am able to face challenges.

            I am loved no matter what.

            I am blessed with a life full of love and respect.

And today’s special BGL…:

Because of God’s Love…

We are filled with joy over yesterday, today and tomorrow.

What will you be today Because of God’s Love…

New Building DYK

1.       The new building will include a formal worship space that will be well suited for weddings and memorial services as well as traditional worship services every weekend (see rendering above).

2.      The new building will include a room 1 ½ times the size of the current Gathering Room that can be used for classes, seminars, dinners and receptions.

3.      The new building will include a Family Room/Bride’s Room where families can wait in a comfortable space prior to a memorial service.

BOTTOM LINE:  When a family is grieving the loss of a loved one the church has a sacred responsibility in ministry.  The church, however should not be a place where we sit and wait to conduct funerals.  We need space that can accommodate pastoral care as well as mission mindedness.

Prayer of the Day

Almighty God, you pour out mercy and grace to us in our time of need.  Cultivate in us loving and generous hearts that the work of the church might reflect the compassion of your son Jesus Christ, AMEN.

Because of God's Love - For to Such Belongs the Kingdom of God

Wednesday April 6, 2011

Making provision for the children among us is an important part of a church’s ministry. We are blessed at Grace Avenue to have so many young children and we take seriously our responsibility to care for them.  In today’s New Building DYK we look at new space that is being designed for pre-school children.  Thanks, BER

Scripture of Day

Luke 18: 15-17

People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them.  But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

We are asking everyone to complete the phrase Because of God’s Love…

Responses from our congregation

            I am here & blessed with a wonderful and loving family.

            I have been blessed - family, friends, health and peace knowing I am loved.

            I am free to give and love.

My imperfections are forgiven.

I find peace.

And today’s special BGL…:

Because of God’s Love…

God takes me through the wilderness and troubled times and guides me thru to show me that he does have a plan for me.

What will you be today Because of God’s Love…

New Building DYK

1.      There were 63 children baptized at Grace Avenue in 2010.

2.      On any given weekend at church we average 120 children in our nurseries.

3.      Our weekday preschool called Rainbow Corner has an enrollment of 160 students.

4.      Our weekday Kids Day Out program has an enrollment of 32 infants and toddlers.

5.      In the new building two more large preschool rooms are planned.  They will be used for nursery and Sunday School on the weekends and for Rainbow Corner during the week.

6.      In the new building a new children’s check-in area is planned along with a new office for the preschool directors.

 BOTTOM LINE:  Our children are precious.  We want space for them at church where they can be safe, secure and well cared for.  In addition there are more children in our community that need to be served by our wonderful children’s ministry.  We build these spaces so that our children can encounter the love of Christ.   Otherwise we are like the Disciples who wanted to chase the children (and their parents) away.

Prayer of the Day

Loving God, you have blessed us with the opportunity to be called your children. May we approach our lives with the faith of a little child. Through Christ Jesus, AMEN.