As was announced last night, a group will be heading to Parkersburg Saturday, May 31, to help with some cleanup effort. The plan is to meet at the Hiawatha Casey's, at the corner of Center Point Road and Boyson, by 8:00am. People will then carpool up to Parkersburg (80 miles) and report to the United Methodist Church. A volunteer station is set up there, and they will give instructions on where to go.
The only thing you should have to bring is safety glasses and work gloves (hard-soled shoes recommended). If you have a sledge hammer or shovel, you may wish to
At this time no clothing donations are needed, and it seems the Butler County site has taken down the list of items to donate. We will consider collecting donations as a follow-on effort in the weeks ahead.
Directions from Casey's to the P'burg Methodist Church:
http://tinyurl.com/5r8tal
For information for volunteers:
http://www.butlercoiowa.org/
I will be heading up earlier in the morning with a few other folks, but John Connelly will be at Casey's with map printouts for you.
Thanks to everyone who is giving their time for this!
-Steve
Friday, May 30, 2008
Friday, May 9, 2008
Summer Schedule
Along with my personal announcement, we also announced the summer schedule (beginning in June). The easy way to remember it is as follows:1st Thursday - Regular (7:30 pm @ Maranatha)
2nd Thursday - Serving
3rd Thursday - Regular
4th Thursday - Park (come early to eat, worship at 7:30, locations to be announced)
There is a 5th Thursday in July, and the leadership team is trying to come up with some sort of special event for that night (outside worship night? some other event?).
If you want a "hard" schedule, copy the following, paste it in your own word processor, and print it out (or just stick it in your own calendar program on your computer or the Internet):
June 5 - Marantha, 7:30 pm
June 12 - Serving (time and location to be announced)
June 19 - Marantha, 7:30 pm
June 26 - Palisades-Kepler State Park - Shelter 1 (6:30 pm Bring-your-own Picnic &/or Hiking, 7:30 pm Worship, Fire afterwards)
July 3 - Marantha, 7:30 pm
July 10 - Serving (time and location to be announced)
July 17 - Marantha, 7:30 pm
July 24 - Bever Park, 7:30 pm (come early to picnic)
July 31 - Special Event
August 7 - Marantha, 7:30 pm
August 14 - Serving (time and location to be announced)
August 21 - Marantha, 7:30 pm
August 28 - Park-to-be-announced, 7:30 pm (come early to picnic)
Sept 4 - back to weekly schedule at Maranatha
We'll try to keep this updated as serving opportunities and parks are confirmed. Here's to a great summer!
A Time for Everything
For everything there is an appointed time,
and an appropriate time for every activity on earth:
A time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to uproot what was planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance.
A time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to search, and a time to give something up as lost;
a time to keep, and a time to throw away;
A time to rip, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silent, and a time to speak.
A time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.
(Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 – NET)
This is only the 2nd (and last) time that I have posted the same thing on my personal blog as I have posted on Waterblogged, the “official” blog of Watershed. But I felt it best to put this in both locations since it concerns Watershed and myself.
Last night at Watershed, I announced at the beginning of my message that I am stepping down from leadership of Watershed. Anytime a leader announces they are “stepping down” immediately questions arise: “What’s wrong?” “What did he do?” “Is there some scandal I don’t know about?”
So let me start by saying that nothing’s wrong. I’m fine. My marriage is fine. I’m doing well spiritually. I don’t have some unconfessed sin I am needing to deal with.
Also, Watershed is fine. In fact, it is going great and could possibly be at its healthiest point ever in its 4 1/2 years of existence.
So why would I be stepping away if everything is “fine”? Simple: obedience.
Now I must confess that my obedience has come slowly. I have sensed that God has wanted me to do this for several months. But I like Watershed – I like the young adults who come, I enjoy teaching, I enjoy worshiping alongside of those who come, and more. And so I fought against what I knew God was telling me to do.
But by February, I knew I had to obey. This feeling wouldn’t go away after much prayer and counsel.
This summer seemed to make the most sense for a transition, so I will be transitioning out of leadership during June, July, and August. The leadership team (made of Steve Adolphs, Matt & Amber Schouten, John Connelly, and Bill & Sue Lottes) will continue to protect the vision of Watershed. At this time we don’t have a solid answer on how we will oversee the teaching schedule since I have been doing that pretty much by myself. But I have no fears that we, with God’s guidance, will come up with a great solution.
I always knew my time with Watershed would some day come to an end, but I always thought it would happen when I died or God moved me to a different ministry. But I’m obviously not dead, and I don’t have other plans in mind. So my plan is to just pour into my family more and the ministry I was called to first as the young adult pastor at New Covenant. But I am remaining open to whatever the Lord wants to do with my life.
I want to thank all of the young adults that worshiped together through the gatherings of Watershed. Seeing you worship, give of your time in serving, and caring for one another and those outside of Watershed has been an inspiration to me. When we tried to start Watershed back in 2003, many people said we were crazy – it wouldn’t work. There was no way you could have people from many different churches come together without it wrecking. I think they would be right if Watershed was a man-birthed organism. But from the very beginning, we knew that God was leading and creating this unorthodox ministry. And we simply chose to follow Him in faith. That is why I believe Watershed is as strong as it is right now.
I’m excited about the future of Watershed. I wish I could be intimately involved to watch it closely, but God either has different plans for me or for Watershed (or both). I’m excited because last week around 10 people stood up saying they were feeling some sort of call from God to go overseas for a long term commitment (a year or more). I’m excited because I see people worshipping authentically through the songs and as they listen to the messages. I’m excited because I see new people being welcomed naturally. I’m excited because God is clearly doing something by moving me out, and we get to place our faith in Him and follow His lead just as we did when we started this crazy thing.
I’m not leaving Cedar Rapids anytime soon – so to any Watershedders reading this – if you see me around, please stop me and say hi. I’ll want updates! But not only will I want to know what’s going on with Watershed, but also I’ll want to know what God is doing in your life. So I encourage you to keep going deeper, to get in over your head so that the “river” of Jesus Christ can take you wherever it/He wants.
Still going deeper with you,
Erin
and an appropriate time for every activity on earth:
A time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to uproot what was planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance.
A time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to search, and a time to give something up as lost;
a time to keep, and a time to throw away;
A time to rip, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silent, and a time to speak.
A time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.
(Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 – NET)
This is only the 2nd (and last) time that I have posted the same thing on my personal blog as I have posted on Waterblogged, the “official” blog of Watershed. But I felt it best to put this in both locations since it concerns Watershed and myself.
Last night at Watershed, I announced at the beginning of my message that I am stepping down from leadership of Watershed. Anytime a leader announces they are “stepping down” immediately questions arise: “What’s wrong?” “What did he do?” “Is there some scandal I don’t know about?”
So let me start by saying that nothing’s wrong. I’m fine. My marriage is fine. I’m doing well spiritually. I don’t have some unconfessed sin I am needing to deal with.
Also, Watershed is fine. In fact, it is going great and could possibly be at its healthiest point ever in its 4 1/2 years of existence.
So why would I be stepping away if everything is “fine”? Simple: obedience.
Now I must confess that my obedience has come slowly. I have sensed that God has wanted me to do this for several months. But I like Watershed – I like the young adults who come, I enjoy teaching, I enjoy worshiping alongside of those who come, and more. And so I fought against what I knew God was telling me to do.
But by February, I knew I had to obey. This feeling wouldn’t go away after much prayer and counsel.
This summer seemed to make the most sense for a transition, so I will be transitioning out of leadership during June, July, and August. The leadership team (made of Steve Adolphs, Matt & Amber Schouten, John Connelly, and Bill & Sue Lottes) will continue to protect the vision of Watershed. At this time we don’t have a solid answer on how we will oversee the teaching schedule since I have been doing that pretty much by myself. But I have no fears that we, with God’s guidance, will come up with a great solution.
I always knew my time with Watershed would some day come to an end, but I always thought it would happen when I died or God moved me to a different ministry. But I’m obviously not dead, and I don’t have other plans in mind. So my plan is to just pour into my family more and the ministry I was called to first as the young adult pastor at New Covenant. But I am remaining open to whatever the Lord wants to do with my life.
I want to thank all of the young adults that worshiped together through the gatherings of Watershed. Seeing you worship, give of your time in serving, and caring for one another and those outside of Watershed has been an inspiration to me. When we tried to start Watershed back in 2003, many people said we were crazy – it wouldn’t work. There was no way you could have people from many different churches come together without it wrecking. I think they would be right if Watershed was a man-birthed organism. But from the very beginning, we knew that God was leading and creating this unorthodox ministry. And we simply chose to follow Him in faith. That is why I believe Watershed is as strong as it is right now.
I’m excited about the future of Watershed. I wish I could be intimately involved to watch it closely, but God either has different plans for me or for Watershed (or both). I’m excited because last week around 10 people stood up saying they were feeling some sort of call from God to go overseas for a long term commitment (a year or more). I’m excited because I see people worshipping authentically through the songs and as they listen to the messages. I’m excited because I see new people being welcomed naturally. I’m excited because God is clearly doing something by moving me out, and we get to place our faith in Him and follow His lead just as we did when we started this crazy thing.
I’m not leaving Cedar Rapids anytime soon – so to any Watershedders reading this – if you see me around, please stop me and say hi. I’ll want updates! But not only will I want to know what’s going on with Watershed, but also I’ll want to know what God is doing in your life. So I encourage you to keep going deeper, to get in over your head so that the “river” of Jesus Christ can take you wherever it/He wants.
Still going deeper with you,
Erin
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Bringing Relief to the Cyclone Victims in Myanmar
If you haven't heard by now, a major cyclone slammed into Myanmar (also known as Burma). Current estimates report that 22,000 people have died, another 40,000+ missing, and possibly a million people homeless. Right now, water and food are difficult-to-get necessities. Electricity is out, so news is slow to travel. But the government of Myanmar, which has been very closed to other countries as well as the gospel, is suddenly opening up - they realize they can't handle the magnitude of this tragedy themselves.
Since most of you can't just pick up what you are doing to fly over and help in relief efforts, I thought many of you would be willing to help give financially to help. Here are 3 reputable organizations that will bring relief in the name of Christ and have strong financial accountability:
To give, simply click the link above for the organization you want to donate through. Each link goes directly to each organizations page concerning the cyclone, as well as directions for how to give.
Since most of you can't just pick up what you are doing to fly over and help in relief efforts, I thought many of you would be willing to help give financially to help. Here are 3 reputable organizations that will bring relief in the name of Christ and have strong financial accountability:
To give, simply click the link above for the organization you want to donate through. Each link goes directly to each organizations page concerning the cyclone, as well as directions for how to give.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Young Adult Worship Service at Mission of Hope
I got the following email. Thought it might interest some of you! The speaker has given the message at Watershed 3 different times in past years, and those of you who have not heard her would probably benefit the most. Plus, she's a personal friend of mine. :o)
-------
Mission of Hope is having a worship service designed especially for youth and young adults!
Saturday, May 10th
6:30 PM
Mission of Hope - 1537 1st Ave SE
Message - Karen McCaa
Music - "Happy-Go-Lovely"
Join us for a positive and uplifting message by well-known and loved Christian motivational speaker, Karen McCaa. A counselor at Kirkwood Community College and traveled speaker for Nike Co., Karen comes to us from Indiana, and her teachings are universally respected and cherished by all who hear her. Karen pours out her heart as she shares personal stories and Biblical teaching that will be sure to inspire and motivate us to lead lives that honor & follow our Lord Jesus Christ.
In addition, local young band "Happy-Go-Lovely" returns to Mission of Hope to lead us in worship! It's guaranteed to be a night of fun and revelation!
Please forward this invitation, invite your children, bring a friend. Hope to see you there!
Tina
Tina Herring
Worship Coordinator
MISSION OF HOPE
(319)362-5559
-------
Mission of Hope is having a worship service designed especially for youth and young adults!
Saturday, May 10th
6:30 PM
Mission of Hope - 1537 1st Ave SE
Message - Karen McCaa
Music - "Happy-Go-Lovely"
Join us for a positive and uplifting message by well-known and loved Christian motivational speaker, Karen McCaa. A counselor at Kirkwood Community College and traveled speaker for Nike Co., Karen comes to us from Indiana, and her teachings are universally respected and cherished by all who hear her. Karen pours out her heart as she shares personal stories and Biblical teaching that will be sure to inspire and motivate us to lead lives that honor & follow our Lord Jesus Christ.
In addition, local young band "Happy-Go-Lovely" returns to Mission of Hope to lead us in worship! It's guaranteed to be a night of fun and revelation!
Please forward this invitation, invite your children, bring a friend. Hope to see you there!
Tina
Tina Herring
Worship Coordinator
MISSION OF HOPE
(319)362-5559
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)