Devoted to Prayer: March 16

Make prayer your first response, not you’re last resort.

Pray bigger than you think is reasonable.

Pray for things only God can do.

Those are some of the key thoughts from our current series of teachings called unnamed (see Gatherings for the schedule). On Friday March 16, from 8p-9p, Everyday people will gather at the church office, 5030 Broadway Unit 630, New York, NY 10034 (map), to live those words together. Mark your calendar and get involved.

Acts 2:42, NLT: “All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.” They devoted themselves to prayer.

Mark Your Calendar: March Events

For more information about these opportunities to get involved, please Contact Us. For our current schedule of Sunday gatherings, see our Gatherings page.

Math Tutoring, Session #1, Sat 9a-11a. Find how you can make a difference for a neighborhood student here: One Plus One.

 

Math Tutoring Session #2, Sat 9a-11a

 

Prayer Meeting, Fri 8p-9p at the Everyday Church office, 5030 Broadway Unit 630, New York, NY 10034 (map). Some key thoughts from our current series of teaching: “You have direct access to the Almighty.” “Make prayer your first response, not your last resort.” And, “Pray bigger than you think is reasonable. Pray for things only God can do.”

Math Tutoring, Session #3, Sat 9a-11a

 

Math Tutoring, Session #4, Sat 9a-11a

 

Math Tutoring, Session #5, Sat 9a-11a

 

 

About Everyday: Power, Not Glitz

In one of the glitziest cities in the world, we can’t compete. The “Empire State of Mind” is true, “big lights will inspire you.” But there’s something else, and it goes like this:

One time, I was feeling inadequate as I prepared to speak at another church in Manhattan. That’s how I feel whenever I consider the impossible task of changing peoples’ hearts. So I prayed, simply and honestly, that God would speak to people. In that talk, I made a point from Scripture to the effect of, “People sometimes think they have a problem with worry or with their marriage or how they manage their money, when in actuality it’s a foundation issue.” That’s a simple Truth– not much glitz there.

After the service, a man came up to me trembling, with tears in his eyes, and said, “I don’t know if I should hug you or punch you.”

“You know what, why don’t hug me,” I suggested.

He seemed rattled. Slowly shaking his head, he explained, “On the train on the way over here, I just asked my wife, ‘Could this be a foundation issue?'” Only God can make a moment like that happen. That guy probably doesn’t remember my name, but I doubt he’ll forget what God said to him.

I’m in favor of hard work and excellence, but I also think that the time our worship team spends praying is more important than the time they spend practicing.

“because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction” (1 Thessalonians 1:5).

Post by: Chris Travis

One Plus One

Everyday Church will once again help provide a math tutoring program for neighborhood students at Muscota Elementary school. With the NY State exams looming, extra attention can help students feel confident and prepared. It doesn’t take much to give a local student the competitive edge– just some extra attention. That’s where you come in!

When is it? Saturdays in March from 9a-11a, beginning Mar 3rd. The program runs for five Saturdays (Mar 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31).

What is it? We are partnering with teachers of Muscota elementary to offer a 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade class. After each lesson, volunteers (ahem, you!) will help guide students through engaging activities.

What if I stink at math? Then you might be the most qualified to help! Sometimes, people who struggle with math can explain it better than those who find it easy. Teachers will introduce the concepts. You will simply help with hands-on activities like using a ruler to measure different objects. You don’t need to be a math wizard to help a student practice flash cards and feel confident.

How do I get involved? Please Contact Us by Feb 29. This is a great opportunity to include friends or co-workers who are interested in making a difference. We try to keep the adult-to-student ratio as close to one-on-one as possible. So, the more adults who volunteer, the more students we can help.

Here are some posts about last year’s program:

* See a goofy video we made with some of last year’s students: More Math Please.

* Read an article the Manhattan Times wrote about it: First the Studying, Then the Drumming.

This Sunday: “underestimated”

The problems in the world are profound. Just watch the evening news. Wars and genocides flare up like cancer; peace is only a remission. Poverty is so complicated that few can agree even on what the problems are, let alone the solutions.

When you look at the big picture, it’s normal to ask: What difference could we make? What good is it?

There’s something so much bigger and so much more important going on here. We may not be able to change much, but God can do more through us than we imagine.

Don’t be underestimated. Join us this Sunday 11am at 4862 Broadway * (map) for accessible teaching among accepting people.

* This activity is not sponsored or endorsed by the New York City Department of Education or the City of New York.

About Everyday: Belong Before Believe

“He’s a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!”

That’s what religious leaders said about Jesus (Mt 11:19, Lk 7:34, NLT). “Just look at the people he keeps company with!” they accused. It’s not that Jesus didn’t have an affect on others. On the contrary, a few minutes with Jesus could turn someone’s life upside down. But people who seemed “far from God” stayed close to Jesus. He was so patient with his disciples. How many times did they doubt him?

Everyday Church people represent such a variety of spiritual postures. Some are faith-filled believers while others are unconvinced. Some are curious while others are skeptical but open-minded. Some seem to have it all together while others are picking up the pieces. Regardless, most people need to belong before they’ll believe.

Why would we expect anything different? Jesus said, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (John 13:35, NLT).

Your love for one another will prove it.

Post by: Chris Travis