Jan 21, 2013 | Community Impact, Prayer
I’ve spent some time recently reflecting on 2012…as an individual, a father, and a member of Everyday Church. I’m happy to say it was a pretty incredible year. We have a lot of good reasons to be thankful.
But it wasn’t all fun and games. I was glancing back through pictures and noticed some from the weeks following Hurricane Sandy. Our city and the surrounding area were in chaos… power outages, wrecked infrastructure, destroyed homes and neighborhoods, lost lives. Sad and horrible and scary. Life in Inwood seemed fairly normal, but devastation surrounded us in every direction.
Here’s my prayer thought: the storm isn’t over. Let’s thank God for those of us who were safe and unharmed. And let’s ask him what’s next for Everyday Church as we respond to the aftermath. People’s lives are being put back together and neighborhoods need rebuilding. Faithful people around the country donated money to the Sandy Relief Fund. Quite a bit of that money was given to Everyday Church to respond to needs in our circles of relationships. Much of that money is still available and waiting to be passed on to folks who were impacted by the storm. Please pray that God would show each of us how we can help. Pray he connects you and me with people who could use the help.
“You will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous…” (2 Corinthians 9:11)
Let’s live it!
Jan 13, 2013 | Prayer
As we start 2013, we’re excited to grow as a church and spread the good news about Jesus to new places and people. But we’re reaching into dark places and messing with dark spiritual forces. Our prayers are important, because Jesus is the one with the true power to draw people to himself and to change lives. Please be praying for our church and against discouragement, lies, jealousy, envy. Pray that we would be a church that is known by our love for others, humility, and speaking the truth to one another. Pray that we would be attentive to the Holy Spirit’s voice and leading.
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12 NIV).
Thank you for your prayers!
Jan 9, 2013 | Community Impact, Everyday Groups
Tissues, Lysol wipes and cough drops might not sound like The Best Gift Ever, unless you are a school teacher heading into the winter! So the Everyday Families Group decided to serve students and teachers by making up winter survival bags for all the classrooms. They also worked together to organize games for students to play during indoor recess in the cold winter months. Just one more example of Everyday people making a difference together.
Interested in lending a hand? Contact us to find out more about Everyday Groups: Contact Us.
Jan 8, 2013 | Podcast, Teaching
We’ve started a new series all about how to grow spiritually. So, how do we grow? It all starts with grace. (Sunday, 1/6/13)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 34:11 — 47.0MB)
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Jan 2, 2013 | Prayer
What a great year for Everyday Church! God came through is so many incredible ways. Thank you for praying. I’m excited about this new year, because I think it’s very important. In the process of planting this new church, each of the first few years are critical to our long-term success, and we’ve got one more year of “heavy lifting.” Last year was huge, but we aren’t there yet. Last year got us into the playoffs. Now the fun stuff begins! In the process of establishing a new, healthy, thriving source of ministry and kingdom energy in upper Manhattan, I think this might be our most important year yet.
I know God is ready to do his part. We’re nothing without him, and all glory goes to him. But he has chosen to let us participate in our own small ways, and we’re ready to give this our best. Please pray that God would pour out his Spirit on us, give us wisdom and strength, and make his will a reality here in Manhattan.
Game on,
Chris
Dec 31, 2012 | Everyday Groups, Everyday Youth, Teaching
Most of us want to grow. We hope life is going somewhere. Whether it’s a better job or finding that right person, we’d all like this next year to be better than the last. While life is sometimes full of challenges, hopefully we’re at least facing new problems. And spiritually, who wouldn’t want to experience more peace? Or joy? Who wouldn’t want prayer to be more effective?
In Christ, God accepts us just as we are, but he doesn’t leave us that way. God is dreaming about more for us than we would dare dream for ourselves.
Just as our bodies need food, water, and air, God provides all our souls need to grow. In this series, we’ll look at seven ways we can position ourselves to receive His growing grace. Whether you are prioritizing your spiritual life this New Year or bringing someone along who is open to new experiences, this series will provide very practical ways to feed and water our souls. Come discover how you can grow.
For the schedule of Teachings and interactive experiences in Everyday Groups, look here: Gatherings.
I’ve spent some time recently reflecting on 2012…as an individual, a father, and a member of Everyday Church. I’m happy to say it was a pretty incredible year. We have a lot of good reasons to be thankful.