Three Headed Pumpkin

Two weeks ago my kids and I got a real jump on the pumpkin carving process. We went to the store and they each got to pick out the pumpkin they wanted. My oldest son, Kade, found the best pumpkin we've ever had. It's actually three separate pumpkins that had fused together along their outer skins. We were all pretty excited about this great find.

We brought this unusual pumpkin home and placed it on our craft and homework table with the plan to carve it in one of the next days. Kade got busy hanging out with friends after school. I was concentrating on getting a couple home improvement projects completed. The other kids were sidetracked with homework and playing around the house. All that to say, we kind of forgot to carve the pumpkin. We forgot until my youngest son asked why the pumpkin was leaking water.

Our delay had led to the internal rotting of the pumpkin and it was oozing onto the table. Kade and I managed to cut the rotting section of the pumpkin out and still create a pretty sweet looking three headed jack-o-lantern. Unfortunately the decline of the pumpkin has continued and each day the jack-o-lantern gets softer, squishier and falling in on itself. Bummer how this incredible gourd didn't get to be all that we had dreamed it was going to become.

I've been reminded over the past weeks how incredible of a place God envisions Silver Creek Family Church to be. We are no three headed pumpkin but I know He sees amazing possibilities with what He plan for us to become. That's why I love it each fall when we take a fresh look at our Core Values. Our Core Values are pretty simple but so critical. When we keep them in focus, they prevent us from forgetting who we are on the craft table and becoming rotten inside.

We could easily become distracted with lots of things that make us feel good, that help us look like a church might want to look like and even good things that just take up our time. The problem is that we have been called to be something unique in our community. To reach people that nobody else is reaching. To be a place where people can journey together in their individual spiritual lives, knowing it's safe, yet challenging church.

I hope you've been able to be at church these past three weeks to hear about three of our Core Values. If you haven't head to our web site and take a listen. Then plan to be there during the next weeks as we finish up the series. We have to stay focus on what God has called us to be, let's not miss an incredible opportunity to be the church this community desperately needs.

Brent

Partnering with Parents

Every month I get a newsletter from the organization that writes our curriculum for both preschool and elementary students. They do an amazing job of writing scripts, providing activities and centering all of that month's content around a common virtue or truth. I found some great reminders as to how we can partner with parents as they connect with their kids. I know that not everyone reading this blog is a parent or has young children but everyone knows a parent and I encourage you to pass along this information as we desire to reach into the lives of children and help to transform the way that they see God and how they process what it means to be growing in their relationship with God.

At Silver Creek, ministering to the whole family and partnering with parents are both huge priorities. The first Sunday of every month we have FUSiON, our family production, which is in place to provide a worship experience for the whole family. We believe that if we can get parents and kids to start talking about the same virtues then we have the potential to make a far greater impact then if we just leave that job to the church. As we look for realistic ways to partner with parents to nurture their children's spiritual growth, it's just as important to understand what this partnership is not. It's not about making parents meet a specific, predetermined standard, as if every situation is the same. It is about helping every parent make the most of what they have.
If we want to partner with parents, we must first believe in them. We need to believe that they want to get this right and that they care about their kids even more than we do. A few years back, the Barna Group released these statistics:

85% of parents believe they have the primary responsibility for teaching their children about religious beliefs.


96% of parents believe they also have the primary responsibility for teaching values to their children.

Parents feel strongly about their influence with their children. So we in the church need to see our primary responsibility as partner - giving encouragement and providing helpful resources that seem possible from a parent's perspective. The resources can't add to an already hectic lifestyle.

The American Time Use Survey asked thousands of Americans to share how they spend each minute of every day, and then averaged the results. The survey found that sleeping, eating/drinking, working, and watching TV take up about two-thirds of the average day. In the "people with two or more children" demographic, three more categories took up significant portions of each day - household activities, traveling, and family care (an additional half hour for each child). Not surprisingly, some of the smallest slivers of time spent were on personal care, socializing, relaxing and thinking, and religious activities.

With so much already packed into families' busy lives, how can we help parents use the time they are already spending with their children to create more of an everyday faith? It seems like the most likely way is to intentionally cue or prompt parents to use certain times of each day to further their children's spiritual growth. To not just drive to practice, but talk about the Bible or listen to praise music on the way there. To not just eat dinner, but to start a discussion about God and how He is working in their family. By cueing parents to use these key times they already have with their children, we are partnering with them and encouraging them to use their greater influence for their children's spiritual growth.

We think parents want the best for their children. They want to raise kids who believe in God and see Him as active in their lives. We need to help CUE every parent to make the most of their everyday moments with their children, instead of setting up an unrealistic model that makes them feel hopeless. In First Look (preschool), Base Camp (K-4th grades) and Summit 56 (5-6th graders) we have included pieces, marked with a CUE symbol, to help prompt you as parents to create and see natural opportunities to build an everyday faith at home.

We are here to support you in this adventure!

See you Sunday!

Elizabeth Volz

Disappointments

Don't you just hate when customer service representatives are kind and helpful on the phone? Yep, you read the question right. It's frustrating when a person in a position (that is supposed to be a helpful position, but rarely is) proves that someone in that role can actually be helpful. We've all grown so accustomed to going in circles with the voice prompts that large companies force us to deal with. We've have all felt the aggravation of a customer service representative who forgets we are the customer, that they are supposed to offer us a service and that they are representing a company that claims they care about us. In those rare moments, when someone we need to be helpful, actually is, we are forced to evaluate and maybe adjust all our preconceived ideas and biases against anyone in that occupation.

I just hung up the phone with my medical insurance company, trying to find out if I could have a procedure completed that a specialist ordered. Unfortunately since the time I first saw the specialist and she ordered the procedure until now, I've changed insurance companies. I had to make sure the procedure would still be covered. The lady I spoke with was incredible. She listened to my situation, did some research on her data base and when I needed to talk with the imaging center to confirm information, she asked me to hold and made the call for me. She took care of everything, found all the information I needed and went above what I expected she would do.

Those of us that have decided to be followers of Jesus, face a similar stigma as customer service representatives. The label of being a Christian or follower of Jesus, often communicates to people that we are judgmental, arrogant and hypocritical. Too bad it's a label we've either earned for ourselves or someone else, that's a follower of Christ or claims to be a follower of Christ, has earned for us. Unfortunately it's been earned or demonstrated enough that it's often what people expect, from you or me, when they realize we are a Christian.

That makes our new task, to be one of disappointing people. To frustrate them by not living up to what they've come to expect from someone that claims to know Christ. How amazing will it be the next time someone tells you, "you are so different from what I was expecting a Christian to be?" "You treated me with love." "You didn't make me change everything I do and think before you'd consider me a person of value." What if tomorrow when you are the customer service representative for Jesus (which you will be), the individuals you interact with are blown away as they experience what they didn't expect?

Let's get out in our community and strive to be huge disappointments. I know that each of us can do it.

Have a great week,

Brent

What a weekend!?

This morning I was sitting with one of my men's groups and we were talking about the great weekend we just had as a church. It was so cool to be with guys my age (OLD) who have raised their kids and are at a different stage in life and listen to them talk about how important our children are. I couldn't help but think about the fact that we have made a conscious choice once a month to make our young families the center of our efforts. They are important every day of the month but on Fusion Sundays we say our families are the future. I also loved the fact that the guys around the table were volunteers Sunday working on the games or parking or whatever was needed. They got it right! The church isn't about just meeting their needs it literally is about reaching the community and making a difference in people's lives. They were thrilled to be giving back. I love that! I want to be part of a church that is always looking to raise the spiritual water table in the community. I have never been more proud of a church. We had 110 volunteers working inside and outside of the building to make KidFest and Fusion the great success that they were. In case you're wondering if it was successful, when it comes to numbers we had 606 people on campus and 398 in the three services that morning. There were numerous families that said Silver Creek is the church they'll come to when they choose to go to church.

Each month we build on the theme of the Fusion production and the Virtue of the month in Basecamp, our weekly program for kids. My prayer for all of us is that we will be thinking about what our role is in ministry at Silver Creek. What a great weekend!

On another note our Compassion International goal was 45 kids. Compassion International is an organization that recruits people to sponsor children all over the world. CI is one of the most respected organizations around the world helping educate, feed and clothe kids. When we asked them to send us 45 names they said for a church our size they usually only send 10 names. When we told them our goal they sent us what we asked for. I am happy to tell you that we are almost at our goal. As of yesterday we have 33 sponsors signed up! If you haven't yet and would like to sponsor a child you have one more week. This Sunday we will have the table set up for anyone interested in being part of this important ministry to the children of the world.

Have a great week, and hope to see you Sunday,

Steve

Bigger than ourselves...

A month ago I was listening to a podcast about churches and individuals making a difference in the world. I listened as pastors chronicled their experiences in being a part of something bigger than themselves. Congregations were challenged and churches made impacts that were far bigger than they could have ever imagined! I was encouraged and challenged as I listened to their reports. Later that week I realized that three out of four days I had heard people speaking about Compassion International and the ways that the organization was meeting the needs of children all over the world. My last wake up call was from, Janet Stearns who approached me on a Sunday morning wondering if we, as a church, would consider talking about the organization and encouraging people to sponsor a child. I took the information to staff and we unanimously decided that it was something we wanted to be a part of. We couldn't stand by and not play a part.

Steve, Brent and I talked about how many kids we could sponsor as a church. On an average Sunday, we have about 45 kids that attend our Base Camp and First Look ministries. We have the chance to impact those kids, for Christ, each and every week. Brent suggested that we think about matching the number of kids attending our weekly programs with sponsorships of kids. This determined our goal of sponsoring 45 kids!

The preparations were under way, Janet ordered materials, we recruited people to help in facilitating a table, we talked about it as a staff and Steve decided to highlight the needs and organization in his sermon. This past weekend, we were able to present to you the opportunity to sponsor a child for $38/month. Included in the monthly payment is:

• Food and clean water
• Medical care
• Educational opportunities
• Important life-skills training
• The opportunity to hear about Jesus Christ and be encouraged to develop a lifelong relationship with God.

I am thrilled to report that we are on our way to our goal. We had 30 kids sponsored and we are 15 away from matching the kids we get to minister to each and every week. The pamphlets we received are good through October 10th and so we are still accepting sponsorships for the next two Sundays. I pray that you will consider being a part of something that is bigger than us! We can celebrate lives that will be forever changed because we gave to a cause with no expectation of receiving anything in return. Thank you for your part in making that a reality!

Don't forget, FUSiON is kicking off this weekend and our parking lot will be teaming with activities and excitement! We use this ministry and outreach as an opportunity to connect with those in our community and to help people in discovering the beginnings of a meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ! I hope you will join us and bring your friends!

God Bless You!
See you Sunday!
Elizabeth Volz

I've been profiled

It's a soul searching moment when one realizes that they have a habit or pattern that is so obvious to others that profiling takes place. There's a group of people in the Lynnwood area that have been watching me closely and have reached some conclusions regarding who they think I am. I'm now forced to wrestle with how I feel about this, if I'll allow it to continue, or if I'll stand up for myself and not be labeled.

Four months ago Starbucks introduced a new flavored syrup to there line of offerings, Dark Cherry. It would be a stretch to say that I dream about enjoying that flavor but I actually don't dream much any more because I'm always awake from all coffee I drink with Dark Cherry added to it. There is not currently a drink I order at Starbucks that I don't include Dark Cherry. It's brilliant in an Americano, regular old drip and on a hot day a Passion Tea Lemonade with Dark Cherry is pretty much a cup of vacation.

The barristas at a nearby Starbucks now great me, with "Hello Dark Cherry" or "what will it be with Dark Cherry" or "You're back for more Dark Cherry". I don't feel like they really know me as a person, they don't see all of my other qualities, they've labelled me and now that's what I'm known for. Excuse me for just a second, my drink is ready at the counter. You guessed it, venti drip refill with dark cherry.

I've probably earned the treatment I get at Starbucks. It got me wondering. What do other people that I run into, during life, label me as? Am I known by my neighobrs as friendly, considerate and generous? The clerks at the grocery store, do they think of me as courteous, patient and grateful? Do my kid's teachers recognize me as caring, dedicated and loyal? Is it possible that the barristas actually also think of me as kind, authentic and good-natured?

Whether we like it or not people are going to label us with qualities they think fit us. I can't force them to think one thing or the other but I can be aware that it happens. I can think about the way I present myself, the words I use, the expressions I display and my responses to peoples actions and words. When I compare how little I'm actually in a church service, a bible study or planning meeting to how much I'm in our community interacting with people, I need to remember that people are profiling and labeling me.

I can let this scare me or I can choose to let this be a challenge and encouragement. What will you do? What will people think when you come to mind? It's your label, decide what's going to be on it.

Hope to see you this weekend,

Brent

It was a Football weekend

Last February my good friend Lynn Moore was in a terrible motorcycle accident. I got the call on a Tuesday evening when we were setting up for our Fusion family service at the church. When I got to Harborview Medical Center, where most of the serious trama accident patients in the northwest end up, my worst fears were realized. Lynn was in serious condition. The first few days we didn't know if he would survive or not. On about day five in ICU Lynn began to recognize some of the people who were coming to visit him and support the family. Lynn and I have had a football rivalry going on as long as we've known each other. He is a died in the wool Tennessee Vols fan. He grew up in and around Vols football all his life until he moved to Seattle. I on the other hand am an avid Oregon Ducks fan. We would go back and forth on who had the best team year after year but since they never played each other neither of us had any proof. This year for the first time ever the two teams were meeting in Knoxville on September 11th. It was going to be the first time we would have "proof" concerning how good the teams were.

One night when I was in his ICU room and he was alert I said, "Lynn if you get out of the ICU and into a regular room in 15 days I will take you to the Oregon vs Tennessee game this fall. You will have to walk on your own power". That gave Lynn 7 months. Well, he made it out of ICU in time. The first day I went to see him in his regular room he greeted me with his trademark huge grin.

The last 7 months Lynn has been in rehab. He is gaining his strength and getting back to normal. As I stood outside the Vols stadium last Saturday night with Lynn we both hugged each other and walked into the game. And what a game it was! I'm not going to tell you the score - you can find that out on your own. On this night it was a win for God and His faithfulness to Lynn and his family. I will say that I have a picture of Lynn wearing my Oregon cap however. It was a great night.

When I knew I was going to be in Tennessee I called a good friend who had moved there years ago to let him know I was going to be in the area and see if he had time to get together for coffee. Richard said, Coffee?! I've got Tennessee Titan tickets. Do you want to join me at the game"? I have two favorite Pro Football teams; the Seahawks and whoever is playing the Oakland Raiders. You guessed it! The Titans were playing the Raiders. It was a hot and humid afternoon and Richard and I sat there enjoying the whipp'n the Titans gave the Raiders and reconnected.

As Lynn and I returned home early this morning (Tuesday) we talked a lot about God's faithfulness and His goodness to us. I can't tell you what a joy it was to spend time with two of my good friends. Isn't God good?

Well, on to other things...

The Financial Peace class we are offering this next Sunday only has one person signed up. We thought it may be a scheduling thing so we have decided to delay the start date and move the meeting time to Sundays after the second service. If you are still interested go to the website and sign up. We will announce it again this Sunday and you can let me know at church. The cost is $93. It just may be the best $93 you'll spend this year. Give it some serious thought.

I am looking for a great Sunday with you in church!

As always, I am expecting God's best!

Steve