Young Adult Convocation

The Illinois Conference invites you to Young Adult Convocation, Saturday, May 17th, 9:45 AM, at McAninch Arts Center, College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137. Hosted by Oasis and MyTown Ministries, featuring Damian Chandler and Okios Principle 2.0. Stay tuned for more info and service opportunities. For more information contact Oasis, oasiss07@gmail.com

The Illinois Young Adult Convocation is a delightful example of grassroot young adult synergy coming together to bring worship to GOD. The first “convo” was held last year and returns with leadership from Oasis, which began out of a desire to create a spiritual “refuge” for young adults. Networking for community service, worship, discipleship, and fellowship, these young adults have met throughout the year offering a spiritually refreshing break from the norm.

When I spoke for the convocation last year, I arrived to the art center which was buzzing with activity. Young adults setting up the worship band, preparing breakfast, transforming the theater into a space for worship, fellowship, and fun. Smiling faces were everywhere. Eager volunteers donning “Oasis” shirts were quick to greet those gathering. The theater was quickly packed with hearts seeking, the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

I was blessed by their enthusiasm, their desire to reach out to their peers. I as impressed by their talent and their willingness to use whatever their gifts were for ministry. Over this past year, I have watched from a distance, curious as to the longevity of their vivacious zeal. It has been refreshing to see their devotion to Jesus and each other grow, albeit with the bumps and hiccups of authentic life together. There is a tangible spirit that is magnetic.

It reminds me of what I imagine the Acts 2 church was like. People saw what was going one with the 1st century church, and liked it. And each day more were added to the Jesus movement as a result.

If you get the chance, stop by the “convo.” Take a look around. Step into worship. Share a meal with them. Tell me what you find.

New Contributor

I’d like to welcome Chris Bullock to our stable of writers. As he notes in his bio, which I’ve just added to the “about the authors” page, Chris is planting a new church in Atlanta, GA, called FUSION. He’s been a pastor for 10 years in Colorado, Tennessee and Georgia and has worked in youth and young adult ministries, as well as lead pastor. His passion is for secular postmodern society to experience a revelation of Jesus Christ. He is married to Sonya, and has two children.

For a little more about Chris’s ministry, check out this article.

Welcome, Chris!

Carry Out GODencounters

“How do I bring GODencounters to my young adults where I live?”

Carry Out GODencounters is a one-day intensive intending to equip you to “take it home.”

Join us Monday, May 26, 2008, 9:00 AM, at Forest Lake Seventh-day Adventist Church, 515 Harley Lester Lane, Apopka, FL 32703-6129. Carry Out follows the Florida GODencounters Conference. This is a free training intensive, please RSVP to help us plan well. For more information go to http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=12908399906

Lodging: Residence Inn Marriott is offering discounted GODencounters rates! Get info at http://www.residenceinnaltamontesprings.com/
Travel: Although Orlando International Airport (OIA) is a well known travel hub, also check out Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) for economical alternatives.

To RSVP, email A Allan Martin, amartin@GODencounters.org or click “Attending” at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=12908399906

GODencounters in Georgia-Cumberland Conference, May 28-31

2008 Theme: Worship As A Way of Life

In his book, The Air I Breathe, Louie Giglio initially defines worship as “our response to what we value most.” He goes on to say that worship is the activity of the human soul. God created us to worship. Whether we recognize it or not, we worship every day… a lot of things… sometimes God.

He goes on to say whatever we worship, we become obsessed with, whatever we become obsessed with, we imitate. Whatever we imitate, we become. If we worship money, we become greedy; if we worship stuff, we become materialistic.

So, if this is the case, I wonder how my life would be different if I could truly grasp what it means to . . .

worship God as a way of life!

What do you think it means to: Worship God as a way of life?

I’d love to hear any of your thoughts.

Graduation

It’s graduation time, which is a great time for you to recognize young adults in your church, whether they are graduating from high school, college, or grad school.

At Houston International, we’ll have a recognition this Sabbath. I’ll get them each a little something, and invite them forward for a blessing, involve some in the service, and focus the sermon on young adult ministry. It will be a sort of baccalaureate service; I had to just pick a date in the middle of all our graduations, since some were last weekend, some this, and more over the next couple of weekends.

ABH HOP Day 6

I can’t believe how fast this week has gone by! I have been remiss in writing  any posts to keep you all “in the loop” about the house of prayer at Bolingbrook Hospital. I have been fighting off a very bad cold and unfortunately it got the best of me although I did make it into work every day. Today though I succumed and just stayed in bed until my assigned hours at the prayer room came up. (I feel loads better!!) The house of prayer has taken on a life of its own. I can’t even begin to tell you all of the comments that I’ve heard about this space and how much people have enjoyed it.

I can tell though, from the nearly full wailing wall that those who have come into this room have sensed God’s presence and felt comfortable crying out to Him from their heart. What an answer to prayer! This has become like an oasis in the desert of pain, illness, grief and struggle that a hospital can be. All the honor and praise goes to God for meeting each individual here and embracing them in his love.

Here are some quotes from “the wall”…

• “I want time to stop so I can be with you forever. I love you. Thanks for loving me!”
• Father God, Thank you for teaching me to be still and know that you alone are God. My steps are ordered and I am content with where have led me along this journey. I will praise you for who you are. May my praise be sweet to your ears. Love, Your Daughter
• I don’t want to do anything! I don’t want to read or write or talk or think, not even pray… I just want to be in your presence. Love, Me  PS. I bet you always dreamed of having me in your arms!

As the week progressed I wanted to do something nice for Sabbath or add something little to make it special. So yesterday morning I stopped at the grocery store and bought a dozen roses and wrote some thoughts about Sabbath to add. Reflecting on the “sabbath” of illness and how sometimes it is only during illness that we pause long enough to rest and let our bodies rejuvenate. We are so rushed! I often live my life from one event to the next without even taking a breath in between.

“There comes a moment in our striving when more effort actually becomes counterproductive, when our frantic busyness only muddies the waters of our wisdom and understanding. When we become still and allow our life to rest, we feel a renewal of energy and gradual clarity of perception. The Psalmist speaks of this: He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still water. He restores my soul… God does not want us to be exhausted. God wants us to be happy.” (Sabbath by Wayne Muller p. 26)

My prayer is this sacred space has given some “fresh air” to the employees, visitors, & patients who have entered these walls. I hope they felt a connection that will push them toward God in their everyday mundane life. I don’t know what will happen after I leave or if there will be someone who will champion a 24/7 experience here, but I know for this season there was a purpose and a reason that the room was here.

Thank you for each of your prayers and your supportive notes. This week has been hard in some ways - especially physically as I’ve gotten sick, but with God’s strength and your prayers we have made it through. One more day - I am kind of sad to know it will end and at the same time curious to see what the final conclusion will be and who will step forward to see it continue (even just another event).

Lord, as this week comes to a close tomorrow I just lift it up to you as a sacrifice. Hear the prayers of your children as they cry out to you. Father may all that has happened here be to your honor and glory and please finish the work you’ve started in the lives of those who have come here. God none of the credit do I take but I give it all to you. I long for my life to be used up for you. Please honor your promise that you will give them a heart to know you and please be their God and call them back to you (jer 24.7). Thank you — Amen