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ALIVE Testimony Videos

2012-02-01T05:30:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to let you know that the testimony videos from Sunday are available on line in case you missed them or you just wanted to see them again.

To see all 11 videos on youtube click here.

2012 New Year-New Life Celebration

2012-01-30T14:47:00.004-05:00

Yesterday was a great day in the life of our church. I absolutely love the privilege of celebrating and bearing witness to Baptism!

I pray that we will never grow complacent or cavalier about the significance of these moments or the importance of them. Celebrating the new life we have in Jesus is no small thing.

In the waters of baptism, we acknowledge God's claim on our lives, and publicly declare that we have died to self and follow Jesus in new life.

That being said, it was a joy to baptize 11 brothers and sisters from our SLW church family.

That step of obedience is essential. As we talked about yesterday, it is not essential for salvation, but it is entirely essential for obedience. If we are truly followers of Jesus, we will do what He has commanded...and he has done that with baptism.

If God is going to be able to fully use us for good in our families, we need both the salvation of belief and the obedience of baptism.

Please join me in praying for the folks who were baptized. Their step of obedience and declaration of surrender to Jesus makes them dangerous for God and His Kingdom, and that makes them a more prominent target in the spiritual battle. So let’s be faithful to pray for them.

Here’s a reminder of who they are:

Jason Como

Mason DePeal

Bill Hostetler

Lexi Kautchick

Landon Ketler

James Klonowski

Dina McAfoose

John McAfoose

Bob Myers, Jr.

Frank Putnam

Cindy Tucker

New Year New Life...Alive Celebration Sunday!!

2012-01-28T06:28:00.005-05:00

I can't wait for us to gather as the church this Sunday. It is New Year/New Life!!

Our ALIVE Sunday's are great celebrations of the new life we have in Jesus. I love it!!

We will once again have the privilege of hearing personal testimonies and witnessing believer Baptism. It's going to be awesome!

In the waters of baptism, we acknowledge God's claim on our lives, and publicly proclaim that we have died to self and follow Jesus. Then we spend the rest of our lives living out the adventure of trying to figure out what that all means. There's always a journey that follows baptism. It is not a destination.

I look forward to seeing you Sunday at 8:15, 9:40 and 11:00 as we celebrate those who are experiencing the radical transformation of the power of Jesus and publicly proclaim Him as the Lord and Savior they will serve all the days of their lives!

I look forward to seeing you there. You won’t want to miss it!!

“Courageous” Family Discussion Guide

2012-01-27T21:15:00.003-05:00

It was an awesome night of food, fun and fellowship at SLW tonight as we watched the movie Courageous.

As a church, we are committed to seeing our families become all they can be in Jesus; and tonight was a great opportunity and challenge to really become the family and people God wants us to be.

If you joined us tonight, hopefully you had a chance to grab one of the Family Discussion guides. If you didn't get one or missed the movie night, here are the questions from the guide. I encourage you to spend some time after watching the movie to walk through this guide as a couple or as families.

See you on Sunday for our next installment of "Not So...Modern Family."

--------------------------

Now that you’ve seen the movie, we encourage you to discuss it and what impact it might have on your family in the future.

1) Which movie character did you most identify with? Why?

2) Priorities shape our family dynamics and our relationship with God. How did changing priorities impact families in the movie?

3) What are your top 5 priorities as a family?

4) What areas need to shift for your family to honor God more?

5) Adversity can pull a family apart or bring them together. Discuss an example of this in the movie.

6) How has adversity affected your family?

7) What are 2 things you can do now to position your family to support and encourage each other through adversity?

8) The characters in the movie demonstrated a spectrum of values. [i.e. integrity, dishonesty, greed, selflessness, etc.] Some were good. Some were harmful. Talk about some specific examples from the movie.

9) What values currently define your family?

10) How do they align with God’s values articulated in the Bible?

Join us on Sunday at 8:15, 9:40 or 11:00 as we continue in our “Not So…Modern Family” series and explore what to do when family doesn’t turn out quite like we expected. [www.slwchurch.org]

Perspective on Reality

2012-01-26T08:33:00.006-05:00

Last weekend, the SLW board met for our annual retreat.

One of the primary tasks of the board is governance and strategy, which relates to the long-term direction and vision of the church. The purpose of this annual gathering is to think strategically about where we are and where God wants us to go. It is an important part of us being the church the Lord wants us to be now and in the future.

This year, we specifically spent time in Situational Analysis [Where we've been & Where we are], Strategic Analysis [Where we should go] and Strategic Planning [How do we get there].

However, before we did any of that, we spent time in prayer, and we looked at a few realities that influence and shape what we do and why we do it. They provide perspective on the realities we face, and I wanted to share them with you. Here they are: [Note: Most numerical data is rounded and based on statistics from city-data.com]

Our church family:

:: represents a 5 county footprint, which means the SLW family comes from Mercer County and the 4 surrounding counties.

:: represents 12 different school districts.

:: has had an average attendance of 609 since September and weekend high of 809 at Christmas.

These realities are wonderful, and they represent what God is doing at SLW. However, they also hint at what He still wants to do at SLW. Especially in light of these regional realities:

Our region:

:: Population of Mercer County is roughly 116,000

:: Percentage of people with religious affiliation: 57% [66,000]

:: Percentage of people with no religious affiliation: 43% [50,000]

:: Population of Venango County is roughly 54,000

:: Percentage of people with religious affiliation: 50% [27,000]

:: Percentage of people with no religious affiliation: 50% [27,000]

:: Population of Butler County is roughly 185,000

:: Percentage of people with religious affiliation: 60% [111,000]

:: Percentage of people with no religious affiliation: 40% [74,000]

:: Population of Crawford County is roughly 88,000

:: Percentage of people with religious affiliation: 40% [35,000]

:: Percentage of people with no religious affiliation: 60% [53,000]

:: Population of Lawrence County is roughly 90,000

:: Percentage of people with religious affiliation: 65% [58,000]

:: Percentage of people with no religious affiliation: 35% [32,000]

All those statistics add up to 236,000 people in our region with no religious affiliation and in all likelihood no relationship with God.

Think about it…236,000! That’s a lot of people who need Jesus!

And…our average attendance this fall of 609 is just the beginning.

I realize those stats can either be a sobering reminder or motivating reality. We can shrink under the immensity of these realities or lean hard into them in the power and authority of our God.

Our regional influence is not an end in itself or a laurel to simply rest on. It’s a God-orchestrated opportunity for us to work very intentionally toward making the most of. [ref. Ephesians 5:15-17]

(Click here for some further thoughts on this opportunity.)

That being said, I invite you to join with me, the board and the ministry team in praying that the Lord will equip us with everything good for doing his will.

20 May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. [Hebrews 13:20-21]

Movie Night this Friday!!

2012-01-23T06:57:00.000-05:00

Brandon Heath Song

2012-01-21T05:17:00.002-05:00

Here's a look at a song by Brandon Heath, which fits nicely with out "Not so...Modern Family" series. Shout out to my friend Brian for pointing it out.

I am not my family tree

These are different leaves, you know

There are miles and miles between

My roots and what I’m trying to grow

I am not the slave they sold

Nor am I royalty

I’ve worn them both, the finest coat

And rags that barely cover me

But there’s mercy in the soil, mercy in the sun

Learning to forgive, what cannot be undone

And what was meant to harm can’t harm you in the end

Stepped out on a limb I thought might break

But Love said, it will only bend; it will only bend.

I am not my past mistakes

Labelled by some place and time

Nor am I a trophy case

Trying to maintain my shine

I have dreamed a thousand dreams

Watched a grain in famine, grow

I am not my family tree

I have branches of my own

But there’s mercy in the soil, mercy in the sun

Learning to forgive, what cannot be undone

And what was meant to harm can’t harm you in the end

Stepped out on a limb I thought might break

But Love said, it will only bend

Oh, does fate resign us to

Find shelter for our wounds

Beneath the battered roof of broken dreams?

Oh, but I will choose to stand

In the shadow of Your hand

And see what grows when Grace has sown the seed

These are different leaves, you know

But there’s mercy in the soil, mercy in the sun

Learning to forgive, what cannot be undone

And what was meant to harm can’t harm you in the end

Stepped out on a limb I thought might break

But Love said, it will only bend; it will only bend.

It will only bend, ooh-oh

It will only bend.

SLW Free Movie Night: Courageous

2012-01-19T05:23:00.002-05:00

Be sure to join us for the SLW Movie Night! Its going to be a great night to gather together and watch Courageous, which is a great movie and an excellent compliment to our "Not so...Modern Family" Series.

Here's some more information and the official movie trailer:

Friday, January 27 | 7:00 p.m. | at SLW Church

Join us for a free movie night in the Worship Center to watch “Courageous”. Popcorn and drinks will be available! Invite some friends and join us for a free evening out ...

What’s it about?

Four men, one calling: To serve and protect. When tragedy strikes home, these men are left wrestling with their hopes, their fears, their faith, and their fathering. Protecting the streets is second nature. Raising their children in a God-honoring way? That’s courageous.

Invite some friends & join us for a free night out!

Register now...Marriage Matters Retreat

2012-01-17T10:01:00.001-05:00

[Click to enlarge]

Click HERE to register.

Truth to counter the Lie

2012-01-15T07:17:00.003-05:00

As a follow up to our time together in God’s Word, here are some Scriptures to counter the lies with truth. Whatever lie has plagued your family, know that it is the truth of God’s Word that helps us overcome it as we continue forward in our Not so Modern Family series. Keep pressing on!

Why we pray Scripture?

2 Cor. 10:3-5; Romans 12:2; John 8:32; Psalm 107:20; Psalm 119:45

Overcoming the worship of idols (sin of idolatry – anything before God)

1 Chronicles 29:11

Psalm 145:3-7

Isaiah 40:2-31; 55:8-9

Acts 17:24-28

Overcoming the sin of Unbelief

John 20:27

1 Peter 1:8

Matthew 17:20

John 14:12

Overcoming the sin of Pride

Proverbs 18:12

Isaiah 66:2

James 4:6 and 10

1 Peter 5:5

Overcoming the sin of Deception

2 Cor. 4:2 (shows 4 things Satan uses to trip us up – Secrecy, Shame, Deception, and Distortion of Scripture)

Psalm 25:4-5

Psalm 86:11

John 3:20-21

James 1:22 and 25

Overcoming the sin of Addiction

Psalm 139:1-6, 14, and 23-24

Romans 6:19 and 22

Romans 8:1-2, 9-11, and 15

Romans 12:1-2

Overcoming the sin of Unforgiveness

1 Corinthians 13:1-8

Hebrews 12:14-15

Luke 7:47

Ephesians 4:30-32

Overcoming Sexual Sin

1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 13-16 and 19-20

Romans 6:11-14 and 16-18

Psalm 119:9-11, 37, 39, 66-68

Psalm 51:10, 12

Overcoming Sin of Greed

1 Timothy 1:9,10

Hebrews 13:5

Matthew 6:24

Malachi 3:10

Overcoming sin of Fear

2 Timothy 1:7

Deuteronomy 31:6 and 8

Psalm 23:4; 27:1; 56:3-4

Proverbs 1:7

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Praying God’s Word is a great resource to help and can be purchased by clicking here.

Music & Freedom...a Great Combination!

2012-01-13T06:57:00.000-05:00

Not For Sale is partnered with bands like Third Day and Tenth Avenue North to support survivors of human trafficking around the world. Great Stuff!!

Free2Rock from Not For Sale Campaign on Vimeo.

Tenth Avenue North's Free2Rock Tee Shirt from Not For Sale Campaign on Vimeo.

Safe H2O Result

2012-01-11T06:20:00.001-05:00

Wanted to make sure you were aware and celebrating what the Lord did during our Safe Water Project in December. Check it out:

So excited that our SLW family donated $22,242.97 to Okipe Children's Village during our Christmas Giving Opportunities! That's something to celebrate!

With that money they are able to complete their Safe Water project and also start toward their Village housing project!

The lives of the kids in the village will be forever impacted through your generosity and obedience to God's leading to "excel in the grace of giving"!

WAY TO GO SLW!! You rock!

Marriage Matters 2012

2012-01-10T05:57:00.004-05:00

Marriage is a sacred union between man and woman. It’s a commitment made before God, and it's the most meaningful and fulfilling of all human relationships. Well…at least that's the way it is supposed to be; but all to often, we don't invest in marriage in the ways we should. We don’t invest in ways that ensure we thrive and not just survive in marriage.

Maintaining a healthy marriage takes intentional investment, and one way you can invest in your marriage this year is by participating in this year's “Marriage Matters” retreat.

This is going to be a great opportunity to invest in your marriage that you will not want to miss.

Consider giving your spouse the gift of going to this retreat. Its a Valentine gift that will last a lifetime and can effect generations to come.

Here are the details:

- February 10 and 11, 2012, Hyatt Place, Cranberry TWP, PA

- Special Guests: Jim & Jerolyn Bogear, authors of Faith Legacy: Six Values to Shape Your Child's Journey and Faith Legacy for Couples: Seven Values to Shape Your Marriage [to be released August 2012]

- Cost $140 per couple

- Check-in begins at 3:00 pm, First Session at 7:00 pm

- Ends no later than 4 pm on Saturday. Plenty of time for a great date night!

Register online [here] or contact the church office directly. [office@slwchurch.org or 724-376-2233]

Sunday Reflections – 01/08/12

2012-01-08T18:34:00.002-05:00

It was a great Sunday at SLW today!! The Spirit of God was moving as we launched our new sermon series: Not so…Modern Family. Here are few reflections:

- Great to be back with the SLW family in the new year.

- I never grow tired of gathering as the Church to worship the King of kings.

- Love the spirit of love and expectancy that continues to mark the SLW Church family.

- Love the platform displays to help facilitate the series. Thanks, Vaughns. You guys rock!!

- Thanks to the SLW’ers for making room for others at the 11:00 worship gathering. Packing out the house!

- Here are a few highlights from the message today:

:: “But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” [Joshua 24:15]

:: Wherever you are, God can use you for good…especially in your family.

:: What we do matters now, for others and for generations to come.

:: “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” [Genesis 50:19-20]

:: We will never be truly happy apart from holiness.

:: God isn't as concerned about our happiness as he is about our holiness.

:: Scripture is clear that it is within the family that spiritual truths are to be lived out, taught, and passed on.

:: What would it look like for you to influence your family toward God this week?

:: “We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done…so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children.” [Psalm 78:4,6]

- Can’t wait to see how God is going to use this series to bring reconciliation, healing and hope among our families.

- Coming Soon:

:: Student Body Winter Retreat: 1/13-14

:: Uchooz/Club56/Family Table restarts: 1/18

:: Movie Night at SLW: Courageous on 1/27 at 7:00 PM

:: ALIVE: New Year/New Life: 1/29 at 8:15, 9:40 and 11:00

:: Marriage Matters Retreat: February 10-11

- Not sure how my “Root-for-Tebow-to-have-a-Great-Game-but-the-Steelers-to-Win” plan is going to work out, but I’m sticking to it.

- Back to the game to see what happens in the 2^nd half.

- Keep pressing on.

New Series: Not so...Modern Family

2012-01-05T05:54:00.002-05:00

We're launching a new series that I am stoked about. It is going to be fun, practical and challenging.

We're calling it: Not so...Modern Family; and we'll be digging deep into Scripture to unpack what we can do when family doesn’t turn out quite like we expected.

Its going to be some incredibly relevant and powerful truth for all of us regardless of our family situation. You won't want to miss it.

Here's a sneak peak:

“Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the LORD.” [Psalm 102:18]

“We put the ‘fun’ in dysfunctional.” Some people say this about their friendships, while others say it about their workplace. But the majority of people who utter this phrase are thinking of family – both immediate and extended – when attempting to capture the thought that best describes their family.

How would you describe your family? Is it close at all to resembling what God has envisioned for you? More to the point, how is God using you – and how are you doing at allowing God to use you – to shape the culture, atmosphere, and overall tone of your family’s relationships?

Struggling to maintain godly family dynamics isn’t a new thing; in fact, from the beginning of time families have had problems. Join us in taking a look and learning what we can do when family doesn’t turn out quite like we expected.

See you Sunday!!

Happy New Year

2012-01-03T22:51:00.008-05:00

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” – Mark 10:27

Happy New Year! It is 2012, and we face a new year with new opportunities and challenges…successes and failures.

There’s something invigorating about the start of a new year. Each January 1^st feels like a fresh start…a new beginning; and its in these moments that we make resolutions.

Sometimes these resolutions are to break an addiction, improve fitness, end a habit or start another. Whatever the specific resolution, we’re typically seeking to be better, healthier, more disciplined and more successful version of ourselves.

There’s nothing inherently wrong with New Years resolutions. They’re goals, and goals are good. They have the potential to help us accomplish things we deem a priority; but for those who make resolutions, the vast majority fail to keep them.

Here are some very interesting statistics released by the Opinion Corporation of Princeton, New Jersey:

:: 62% of people make New Years resolutions

:: 8% are successful

:: 19% achieve resolutions every other year on average

:: 24% never succeed and have failed on every resolution every year!

There are lots of reasons why some succeed and others fail. The goal may be too big. The planning may be lacking, which reminds me of the old saying: If you keep doing what you’ve always done, you’ll keep getting what you’ve always gotten.

That is true, and I'll add making a decision based on a date alone [or submitting to a date as the means to a better you] is a plan to fail. In fact, believing a certain date combined willpower will yield different results is simply a recipe for failure.

Real change…real improvement is always only found in Jesus. He is the one that transforms. He is the one who sets free. He is the one who positions us to leave the past behind us to step into a future where we are new creations. [ref. 2 Corinthians 5:17]

To break an addiction, to change behavior or to ultimately become a better version of ourselves requires the power of Christ at work in us…not willpower built on a new year.

A New Years resolutions plan that can position anyone for success starts and ends with submitting to God and not a calendar date.

Dwight L. Moody once said, “If God is your partner, make your plans BIG!” He was right!

So take a few moments right now to pray. Seek the face of the only one who can transform you into all you can be in 2012.

Please Stand By

2011-12-26T05:00:00.003-05:00

I'm taking some time away with my family for a few days. During that time, it is my intent to give my family the very best attention they deserve.

As a result, I do not plan to blog, e-mail or tweet. I’m going off the grid, and I’ll see you in the new year.

Grace and Peace, my friends!

Merry Christmas!!

2011-12-25T05:59:00.000-05:00

O Holy Night

2011-12-24T22:00:00.000-05:00

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” – Isaiah 9:2

This weekend we gather in homes and churches all across the country to celebrate the birth of our Savior. We'll fellowship, worship, open presents and even sing…all to remember the greatest rescue mission ever. I love this time of year for lots of reasons, but the music surrounding it is at the top of the list. We start playing it right after Thanksgiving in our family.

One of my favorite Christmas songs is O Holy Night. It was originally written as a poem by a French wine merchant and poet, Placide Cappeau, who had been asked by his priest to write a Christmas poem. A later musical version written by John Sullivan Dwight, resulted in this particular verse:

O holy night, the stars are brightly shining;

It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth!

Long lay the world in sin and error pining,

'Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope, the weary soul rejoices,

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

There is lots of imagery in that stanza, but I absolutely love the line… 'Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth.

We tend to cruise past lyrics in songs, but that line in particular leapt out of the music for me this year. I typically have focused on the “it is the night of the dear Savior’s birth,” which makes sense. I mean…it is Christmas and all, but this week the simple phrase “…the soul felt its worth” grabbed my heart.

This is why we all tend to feel a little different…even special…at Christmas. Its a time to remember a most impossible mission made possible. It was rescue mission. Better yet, it was God coming to rescue us. The King of kings and Lord of lords coming to rescue that which was most precious to Him. In this reality, the soul feels it’s worth; and we fall on our knees and worship Him…the ultimate hero!

Cappeau first wrote the refrain this way:

People kneel down, wait for your deliverance.

Christmas, Christmas, here is the Redeemer,

Christmas, Christmas, here is the Redeemer!

Jesus is the Redeemer because we’re a sinful, fallen and broken people. We trade the truth for a lie. We settle for the scraps of this world instead of seat of honor at the banquet table. We live our lives and use our bodies for much less than they were ever intended to be used, and we end up living in the oppression of our sin…in need of rescue. However, In that place, we fail to see and even forget our true worth as image bearers of the King. We can end up failing to know the worth of our soul.

However, in our brokenness, the Lord sees value. He loves. He pursues. He rescues. And that reveals our worth.

John Eldredge said it this way: “When a great King rescues his beloved, we all know she is precious to him. And we see his greatness.” In the light of that truth, everything changes. When we realize we are loved that much…that’s when the soul feels its true worth.

And after we fall on our knees in surrender before the one born in the manger that first Christmas morning…life is never the same. Something incredible takes place in our heart and mind when we know our true value. The brokenness and junk of the past is washed away in the hope that our ultimate hero and rescuer brings.

May you know and feel your worth revealed in His rescue this Christmas.

Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!

O night divine, O night when Christ was born!

O night, O holy night, O night divine!

See you tonight!

2011-12-24T12:34:00.001-05:00

Just for fun...

2011-12-22T06:04:00.000-05:00

Hahahahah...Here's something just for fun. Hilarious!

Christmas Weekend Services

2011-12-21T06:37:00.000-05:00

Sunday Reflections...on Monday

2011-12-19T10:09:00.001-05:00

The 4^th Sunday of Advent was a great day for SLW as we continued our Mission Impossible Christmas series, and here are just a few reflections:

- Love singing the songs of Christmas! Look forward to it every year. Thanks to the Worship Team for making it happen.

- Still seeing new people each week. It’s a humbling thing to see God using us to reach others for His purposes.

- Thanks for making room for people to find a seat. Keep inviting your friends and neighbors. We’ll make more room.

- As long as there is still one person in our region that doesn’t know Jesus, we still need to grow. J

- SLW Volunteers: You guys rock! Thanks for all you do to serve the SLW family each and every week. You guys rock!

- If you were a guest with us this weekend, I want to say thanks for coming and hope to see you this coming weekend for our Christmas services.

- Thanks to the 3 couples that volunteered to help out at the beginning of the message. Dale & Jan, Jonathan & Colleen, Bob & Val: You were all good sports and did a great job. Thanks!

:: Jesus is the ultimate hero. He’s done the impossible, and he wants to overcome the impossible things in our lives.

:: When God takes us to a place we've never been, it's often to make us into something we never knew we could be.

:: Why did God wait to tell Joseph what was happening?

:: The wait is always about us, not God.

:: What step of obedience do you need to take in your impossibility for God to do a new thing?

:: “The joy of God has gone through the poverty of the manger and the agony of the cross; That is why it is invincible, irrefutable.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer

:: When God asks His us to do the difficult, He doesn’t leave us on our own. He gives us himself and then He does the impossible through us!

:: “You're the hero…We've been waiting for…You have done the impossible.” Bethany Dillon

:: Whatever impossibility you face, Jesus has already endured the hardship of the manger and the cruelty of the cross. So…do not be afraid!

:: Wait and watch…with expectation.

- Be sure to invite a friend, neighbor or co-worker to join you at SLW this Christmas Season. It may lead them to a life-changing moment this Christmas.

- Christmas Weekend Schedule:

:: Saturday, December 24th, Christmas Eve Services at 4PM & 7PM

:: Sunday, December 25th, Christmas Day Worship at 11AM.

Keep pressing on!

Who do you trust?

2011-12-16T06:33:00.000-05:00

Trust is a key currency in any significant relationship. Without it our relationships are deficient and disfunctional, but with it there is incredible potential. When our relationships lack trust, we ultimately miss out on the richness and rewards of what a truly authentic and genuine relationship can be.

My friend, Rev. Phil Stevenson, recently sent out a few insights into the issue of trust as it relates to leadership, but the principles are also relevant in other relationships. Enjoy!

A Leader's Greatest Currency

I attended a one-day seminar on the Five Levels of Leadership. Chris Fuller was the presenter http://www.influenceleadership.com/. At the very beginning of the seminar he stated: “Trust is the leader’s greatest currency.”[1] This is a truism every leader must grasp. A leader must build trust on several levels. The leader must build mutual trust, motivating trust and maximizing trust. Each is needed for a leader to move the organization they lead to new heights.

Mutual trust is between the leader and those they lead. Leadership expert Warren Bennis states “Trust is the emotional glue that binds followers and leaders together.”[2] Mutual trust is foundational to any achievement a leader may have in mind. It is a by-product of genuine relationship. Mutual trust is developed when a leader is who they say they are, does what they say they will do, is present where they say they will be, fulfills what is promised and admits mistakes along the way. Mutual trust engenders loyalty.

Motivating trust allows the leader to move the organization forward. When those in our organization know we care about them, they are motivated to follow us. “Leading without caring is manipulation.”[3] Motivating trust spawns action. Motivating trust transforms employees into engaged workers. Motivating trust transitions a lethargic congregation into a tremendous force in their community. Motivating trust empowers results.

Maximizing trust is that which allows a leader to make quick and confident decisions. This can be done as she or he has earned high trust from those they lead. This high trust is a result of a track record of competency, character, charisma and concern. Maximizing trust allows for an organization to adjust, retool, change and realign within the guidelines of their mission. There is such a high level of organizational trust that resistance is minimal and mission fulfillment is paramount. Maximizing trust engages legacy.

For a leader to be trusted, they must trust. A leader needs to exhibit an ability to walk in a trusting relationship. Those they lead must see that the leader has a trust from which they lead and make decisions. One of the greatest and wisest leaders of all time, Solomon, said, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”[4]

When a leader models their willingness to trust God, they are better leveraged to command trust from others. Who do we trust? The answer to this question will reveal much about our ability to be trusted by others.

[1]Chris Miller, The Five Levels of Leadership Seminar, December 8, 2011, San Diego, CA.

[2]Don Soderquist, Live, Learn, Lead to Make a Difference (Nashville, TN: J. Countryman, 2006), 124.

[3]Miller.

[4]Book of Proverbs 3:5-6.

You can see more of Phil's insights at: http://thesisugroup.org/

Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol

2011-12-14T20:56:00.003-05:00

This weekend we will gather as the church for our fourth installment in our Mission Impossible Sermon Series. We're unpacking the reality that Jesus is the Ultimate Hero who has done the impossible, and the reality he wants to help us overcome the impossibilities in our lives as we live heroically for him.

It has been a great series so far, and you can get caught up or just listen in at the SLW Podcast.

I'm looking forward to digging into God's Word with you again this Sunday, but there is another fourth installment this weekend and it is the release of the new movie Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol.

It looks awesome, and I thought I'd share the trailer with you...just for fun. Enjoy!

Know the Hands...be the Hands!!

2011-12-12T06:03:00.002-05:00

All right people...God is doing some seriously good stuff at SLW through our expressions of hope & freedom. It's been so cool to see.

We're striving to remain in step with God as we invest in the things that reflect His heart and represent Jesus in this life.

As you know, we're using the "Hands of Hope & Freedom" to keep us on task, and I want to make sure you know what they are.

So....here's a reminder. J

Proclaim Hope: In Jesus, we have boundless hope, and we have the opportunity to share that with hopeless world. As we live SENT, we will look for opportunities to proclaim the reason for the hope that we have. [ref. 1 Peter 3:15]

Education: We are committed to educating ourselves and others about the truth of hope and the needs of the hopeless.

Partnership: We are not doing this alone; and therefore we are intentionally partnering with organizations and individuals who are are also striving to proclaim hope to the hopeless.

Eyes to See: We can struggle to recognize the needs & opportunities in front of us either because we are unaware or because we avoid it to avoid the weight of knowing or the responsibility to do something about it. [ref. Jeremiah 5:21, Mark 8:18]

Global Orphan Care: We face a global orphan crisis like none other in the history of the world. There is an estimated 143-163 orphans in the world today; and as followers of Jesus, we are called to do something about it. As a result, we are committed to addressing the needs of orphans in a variety of expression as we live out a pure and faultless relationship with Jesus. [ref. James 1:27]

Proclaim Freedom: In Jesus, we are FREE!! Galatians 5:1 reminds us that "it is for freedom that Christ has set us free. " We have the opportunity and obligation use our freedom to glorify God and bring freedom to others. As we live SENT, we will look for opportunities to proclaim the freedom Jesus offers. [ref. John 8:32]

Education: We are committed to educating ourselves and others about the truth of freedom and the needs of the held in physical and spiritual bondage.

Partnership: We are not doing this alone; and therefore we are intentionally partnering with organizations and individuals who are are also striving to bring freedom to those who are enslaved.

Addiction: The bonds of slavery can be imposed by others or by our own actions, and addiction is one area where Jesus can bring complete freedom. We're committed to investing in a variety of expressions of helping the addicted to find true freedom and healing. [ref. John 8:36]

Human Trafficking: There are more people trapped in slavery today around the world than the total number of slaves involved in the entire African slave trade. There is an estimated 27-30 million people living as slaves in forced labor, the sex trade and other forms of slavery. As the perceived value of human life has declined and people have become..."disposable," we face an increasing problem of modern-day slavery. As Christ-followers, we must stand against it and seek justice! [ref. Isaiah 1:17]

2011 Army-Navy Game

2011-12-10T06:56:00.000-05:00

"Upon the fields of friendly strife are sown the seeds that upon other fields, on other days, will bear the fruits of victory." – General Douglas MacArthur

Today is the Army-Navy game! It is one of my favorite college football games.

It's a good-natured competition between the United States Military Academy and the United States Naval Academy. Two great institutions who are very competitive in every sport, but football is the most notable.

They have competed on the gridiron since 1890. They have met 111 times, and today will be their 112th meeting on the field. Navy is currently leads [55-49-7], but Army looks even better than last year; and having almost beaten Air Force, they're poised for a grudge match victory.

Plus...you really never know what's going to happen during an Army-Navy game.

Our family is stoked and looking forward to the game.

GO ARMY! BEAT NAVY!

"I want an officer for a secret and dangerous mission. I want a West Point football player." – General George C. Marshall

2011 Christmas Giving Opportunities at SLW

2011-12-08T06:19:00.002-05:00

I love that the SLW family continues to be Jesus with skin on and to "excel in the grace of giving." [ref. 2 Corinthians 8:7]

Here's a picture of some of the Helping Hands Giving Tree packages and the toys for the State Police Toy Drive! Roughly 250 different presents in all!!

Plus, we're fast approaching our goal of $14k for the Safe Water project. Great stuff!

Way to go SLW! You guys rock!!

The 12 Days of Christmas...SLW Style

2011-12-07T06:48:00.003-05:00

Your participation in “Freedom For More” will position us as a church with an additional $48K a year to reach this region for Christ and directly result in greater ministry and life change.

We’ll have greater freedom to do what does God wants done, which we can't do because of the mortgage. Freed up funds could go to serve the poor, build a hospital, support Missional partners, feed the hungry, or launch a new campus to engage an unreached part of our region. Think about the possibilities!

Here are 12 different things we COULD do with greater financial freedom…its a 12 days of Christmas kind of thing. Although it would be hard to sing, you can still try. J

With an additional $48K a year, we could:

12 - support 12 U.S. families in the adoption process.

11 - more significantly support our 11 missionary partners.

10 - free 10 victims of slavery and human trafficking.

9 - provide homes for 9 orphans in Africa.

8 - give 8-dozen single moms livestock to care for their families.

7 - build 7 homes in an impoverished region.

6 - help 6-dozen individuals through micro-enterprise.

5 - send 5 new missionary partners from SLW.

4 - complete 4 safe water drilling projects.

3 - launch SLW satellites services in 3 locations.

2 - establish 2 school-centered programs to build stronger communities.

1 - daughter 1 new church in W PA.

Any one of these things could be done every year through Freedom For More.

All of them are possible, and they each represent increased ministry, more life change and more people receiving Jesus as Lord & Savior.

How will you be part of Freedom For More and reach this generation for Christ?

Make a sacrificial commitment here.

Give Freedom this Christmas

2011-12-06T05:34:00.001-05:00

Click here to give freedom to more this Christmas!

Sunday Reflections – 12/04/11

2011-12-04T17:34:00.001-05:00

The Church of Jesus gathered this morning on this second Sunday of Advent, and it was awesome! There is nothing quite like the Spirit of God moving through the gathering of the Church. I absolutely love seeing Him at work, and count it a privilege to be part of the SLW family.

We continued our Mission Impossible Christmas series this morning, and here are just a few reflections:

- I love that God continues to bring more and more people to Himself at SLW, and people are making decisions for Jesus.

- To our guests, I want to say thanks for sharing the morning with us, and we look forward to seeing you again.

- Thanks to all the SLW family for being a church that loves and welcomes everyone. You guys rock!

- Worship around Christmas is always special, and I appreciate what the team does to lead us before the throne. Great job on “Hero” today!

- Thanks for trying the “impossible things” today. Love being part of a church that likes to have fun. Following Jesus should never be boring!

- Shout out to Emma Hollenbaugh who showed me she was able to lift her ring finger with ease. Impressive!

- Jesus is the ultimate hero. He’s done the impossible, and he wants to overcome the impossible things in our lives.

- “You're the hero…We've been waiting for…You have done the impossible.” Bethany Dillon

- “Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” [Jeremiah 32:17]

- What impossibility do you need God to address in your life?

- “Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” [Mark 10:27]

- Be sure to invite a friend, neighbor or co-worker to join you at SLW this Christmas Season. It may lead them to a life-changing moment this Christmas.

- Prayed for each of our Life Groups that are meeting around the region this week. May the Spirit of God move mightily among you as you pray, study and fellowship.

- Christmas Weekend Schedule:

:: Saturday, December 24^th, Christmas Eve Services at 4PM & 7PM

:: Sunday, December 25^th, Christmas Day Worship at 11AM.

Keep pressing on!

The Power of No

2011-12-02T05:52:00.002-05:00

We live in a fast paced time in history. Our access to information, opportunity and people is really unprecedented.

We are more aware of needs and options than we ever have been; and in the midst of the "chaos," it can be hard to know when to say, "No." and who to say it to.

A great friend and leader, Phil Stevenson, recently wrote the following about the power of saying, "No." Thought you would appreciate reading it, and I post it with his permission. Enjoy.

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Leaders ought to lead from optimism. Leaders ought to have vision clarity for the organizations they lead. Leaders ought to keep their organizational mission sharp. Leaders ought to be permission givers. Leaders ought to know when to say no!

No can be seen as negative. No can be viewed as pessimistic. No can be perceived as fostering a less empowering environment. But the best leaders know that a well placed no can do wonders in honing organizational mission, vision and focus.

Seth Godin, in a recent blog, shared eight excellent nos a leader might give:

No, we don't take clients like that.

No, that's not part of what we offer.

No, that market is too hard for us to service properly.

No, I won't bend on this principle.

No, I'm sorry, I won't be able to have lunch with you.

No, that's not good enough. Will you please do it again?

No, I'm not willing to lose my focus.

No, I'm not willing to compromise.

It is clear that a no given at the right time, in the right context, with the right intent has the power to make a tremendous difference.

The story is told of the great composer Tchaikovsky. He affixed a sign to the gate that read: Visiting hours Monday and Tuesday between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. Other times please do not ring.

He understood his contribution to the world was going to be through composing, not by needless conversation. Tchaikovsky knew when to utilize the power of no.

Where might you need to apply the power of no?

Global Orphan Sunday Video

2011-11-30T06:05:00.000-05:00

Here's another look at the Global Orphan Sunday celebration video in case you missed it or just wanted to check it out again.

Blessed to be part of a church that is serious about living out the Word of God.

Enjoy! [Shout out to Jeremiah for pulling it together!]

Freedom For More: Commitment

2011-11-28T06:00:00.008-05:00

“...their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.” 2 Corinthians 8:2

On Sunday, we stepped into the commitment phase of our "Freedom For More" emphasis.

Having spent time in prayer and evaluation, it is now time to respond with the pledge commitment the Lord has directed you to make.

You can do that online by clicking here or via the pledge cards provided at the office or at key points around the building.

May the Lord be pleased as we seek freedom for more by striving to excel in the grace of giving.

Sunday Reflections – 11/27/11

2011-11-27T12:26:00.004-05:00

It was a great day of worship at SLW today. I never grow tired of seeing God at work among the SLW family.

Here are a few reflections:

- The building looks AWESOME!! Love what everyone did to decorate it for Christmas. The lyrics in the Hub look sweet!!

- Thanks to the ushers for getting everyone in. It was a packed house at 11:00.

- Worship Team: Thanks for taking us before the throne. Loving the new "Hero" song.

- Great to have our guests with us today. God continues to draw people to Himself at SLW.

- Shout out to all the "CHiP's" fans. Good stuff!!

- Great launch to our new series: Mission Impossible. Exited to see what the God of the impossible will do through it in the coming weeks.

:: 5 Steps of Freedom for more: Pray => Evaluate => Commit => Act => Rejoice!

:: We’re now in the “Commit” phase of our process. Pledge Cards are around the building or you can submit pledges online. I’m excited about the opportunity for freedom for more. If you have questions, contact the office.

:: Glad we serve the God of the impossible & that Jesus is the ultimate hero.

:: Rescue Process: 1) Acknowledge the need 2) Receive the help 3) Live it out

:: Be sure to check out the Bethany Dillon song called Hero. We’ll be seeing it again throughout the series.

:: Refrain: "You're the hero…We've been waiting for…You have done the impossible."

:: What does it look like for you to live heroically for Christ?

:: “For nothing is impossible with God.” Luke 1:37

Christmas Sermon Series Starts Sunday!

2011-11-25T05:55:00.001-05:00

It's seems weird that this Thanksgiving weekend is also the first Sunday of Advent. Crazy and exciting!!

I'm looking forward to digging into God's Word this Sunday as we launch our new sermon series: Mission Impossible.

It's going to be awesome! See you Sunday at 8:15 or 11:00. [Note: No 9:40 worship gathering this weekend.]

Here's a sneak peek:

“For nothing is impossible with God.” Luke 1:37

Have you ever watched a movie with a friend, when suddenly the hero does something so dramatic, so life-threatening, so unbelievable that you literally pause the movie, turn to your friend and say, "There is NO way that could ever happen"?

When you consider the nature of God's mission of redemption, you might be inclined to feel the same way. In fact, as the story unfolds - wise men looking for a Messiah, a virgin told she'll give birth to a Savior, an engaged man confronted by the captain of the Lord's army - it seems nearly impossible for the story to be true.

The prophet Isaiah, however, challenges our view of what a true hero looks like [Isaiah 53], and Luke 1:37 pointedly reminds us that "nothing is impossible with God." Perhaps, as we take a closer look at Jesus, we'll discover the ultimate hero - the God of the impossible.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2011-11-24T05:48:00.002-05:00

I'm pumped to celebrate a wonderful church, an awesome ministry team, a wonderful family and my Heavenly Father.

I'm so thankful for all of you who play a role in my life. I pray you have a blessed day!!

Psalm 105

1 Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name;

make known among the nations what he has done.

2 Sing to him, sing praise to him;

tell of all his wonderful acts.

3 Glory in his holy name;

let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.

4 Look to the LORD and his strength;

seek his face always.

Freedom For More: Pray & Evaluate

2011-11-23T06:02:00.007-05:00

This is an exciting time for us as a church! God has positioned SLW with a great opportunity to reach well beyond ourselves to proclaim hope & freedom through our 5 county footprint, and "Freedom For More" is one way for us to do just that…carry the hope & freedom Jesus offers even further.

"Freedom For More" is an intentional 3-year plan to direct more resources toward ministry and life change as we excel in the grace of giving. [See chart below] By completing our financial obligations early, we will be better positioned to provide freedom for more, which means freedom to:

:: Finish our financial obligations 5 years sooner and allow us to redirect upwards of $250K toward greater missional investments.

:: Annually invest an additional $48K in Christ-centered ministry.

:: Model financial freedom for our SLW families and others.

:: Do more...for more!

Here’s how we are inviting everyone to join the mission:

Step 1: Pray

This is the most important thing we can do! That's why it is Step 1. Everything you have belongs to God, and you need to take time to talk with Him to know what He wants you to do with your time, talent & treasure.

“…they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will.” 2 Corinthians 8:5b

Step 2: Evaluate

The Lord has given us intellect and reason, which we must use for Him. Take time to consider your time, talent and treasure to assess what you can do to excel in the grace of giving with His help.

“For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.” 2 Corinthians 8:3-4

Step 3: Commit

God calls each of us to excel in the grace of giving, and He proves Himself faithful as we demonstrate our faithfulness in giving. Trust him to provide what He leads you to give sacrificially.

“But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” 2 Corinthians 8:7

Step 4: Act

As faith without deeds is dead, your financial commitment without related actions is of no value. Follow through with what God directs you to do, and you will see Him respond to your obedient sacrifice.

“Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means.” 2 Corinthians 8:11

Step 5: Rejoice

You partnership in “Freedom For More” will help hundreds of people come to know Jesus. Rejoice in the privilege of joining the mission with God to reach our generation for Christ.

“Then the people rejoiced because they had given willingly, for with a whole heart they had offered freely to the LORD.” 1 Chronicles 29:9a

This week has been about steps 1 and 2…praying and evaluating,; and over the next few weeks, we'll move through steps 3-5. But the key right now is to take time to seek God's will through prayer and evaluation. [ref. James 1:5]

I can’t wait to see what God does as together we excel in the grace of giving and obtain…freedom for more.

To make a pledge click here or go to "Ways to Partner" at www.slwchurch.org.

Excelling in the Grace of Giving

2011-11-22T06:11:00.006-05:00

This past Sunday, we wrapped up our Deeper H2O series with a specific challenge to excel in the grace of giving with our time, talent and treasure. [ref. 2 Corinthians 8:7]

So...we're taking time this week to pray and evaluate our stewardship in those areas to discern how the Lord wants each of us to excel in the grace of giving at a deeper level.

In case you missed it or have questions, you can catch up via the SLW podcast. But just to clarify, here's the process and progression we are in:

Step 1: Pray.

This is the most important thing we can do! That's why it is Step 1. Everything we have belongs to God, and we need to take time to talk with Him to know what He wants us to do with our time, talent and treasure.

Step 2: Evaluate.

The Lord has given us intellect and reason, which we must use for Him. Take time to consider your time, talent and treasure to assess what you can do to excel in the grace of giving with His help.

This is all the further you need to go this week. Step 1 and Step 2.

We'll move on to the next 3 steps next week, but the key right now is to take time to seek God's will through the steps 1 and 2.

But just in case you're curious...here are the remaining steps:

Step 3: Commit

Step 4: Act

Step 5: Rejoice

I'll post more about those last 3 steps and the "Freedom For More" opportunity later this week. Until then, know I'm praying for you as you pray about this.

Here's another look at the time and talent opportunities and the "Freedom for More" page. Contact the church office for more information or to indicate interest in serving and giving.

Christmas Giving Opportunities at SLW

2011-11-21T07:44:00.001-05:00

Hey, SLW Family! Just wanted to remind you about the giving opportunities for this Christmas season.

Prayerfully consider how the Lord wants you to join the mission this Christmas season.

I love being part of a church that strives to excel in the grace of giving!!

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Christmas Present for Local Kids

If you’d like to support this local ministry to kids in need this Christmas, check out the “Bringing Hope This Christmas” Giving Tree in the South Drive Thru. Take a name from the tree and return the gifts before December 5th to the office reception area. Only a few remain, so if you miss this option, we’re also joining with the Pennsylvania State Police (Mercer barracks) in their annual toy drive.

Simply bring a new, unwrapped present and put it in the marked bin in the South Drive Thru before December 11th!

Safe Water Project

Join us this Christmas as we raise money to finish the safe water project for the Okipe Children’s Village in Haiti. All donations given will be matched! So, your $50 donation will send $100 to Haiti. Cards are available in the South Drive Thru if you’d like to give a donation in honor or memory of someone this Christmas.

Kids can join this effort as well! Grab a water bottle from the display in the Worship Center and have them drink the water. Then cut a slit in the bottle and have them use it to collect their change. Simply return the filled bottle before the end of the year & feel free to grab another one.

Global Orphan Sunday Summary

2011-11-17T05:57:00.002-05:00

Here’s a brief summary of our Global Orphan Sunday experiences. It will be published in a denominational publication soon, but I wanted to give you a sneak peek. Check it out:

Over 1,000 people recently participated in the Global Orphan Sunday opportunities offered through Sandy Lake Wesleyan Church as part of an ongoing emphasis on proclaiming the hope and freedom of Jesus. Participants received a new awareness of the global orphan crisis through a special morning message and daylong “Orphan Experience” opportunity involving vignettes of orphan life across the world. The snapshots of orphan life included the Orphan’s Table which featured a Haitian rice and bean dish commonly served in Caribbean orphanages. Another aspect of the day was a Global Marketplace with fair-trade goods available for purchase as gifts; not only were the goods sold benefitting artisans and craftspeople all over the world including some rescued from human trafficking, but the Marketplace resulted in over $4,000 in proceeds to be used in ongoing global mission projects.

Freedom Road 5K Summary

2011-11-16T11:42:00.007-05:00

Absolutely love how the SLW family is stepping up to proclaim hope & freedom. We aren't just talking about it. We're DOING IT!!

A-W-E-S-O-M-E!!!! The SLW family rocks!

Here’s a brief summary of our Freedom Road 5K to be published in a denominational publication. Check it out:

“Hope for 27 Million” was the theme of the first annual Freedom Road 5K walk/run hosted by Sandy Lake Wesleyan Church on November 4^th to bring awareness of the need to combat modern day human trafficking. Over 140 individuals took part in the nighttime race which featured a looping course along the historic Freedom Road and through an Underground Railroad cemetery. The event highlighted The Wesleyan Church’s history of abolitionism and the area’s background as a safe, free place for those caught in the African slave trade. SLW shared the need for being more involved than ever to see freedom come to captives of modern day slavery. Through race registrations and giving opportunities, over $3,000 was raised in support of modern slave-fighting efforts and many significant relational connections were made. The FR5K will be returning next year.

11-11-11

2011-11-11T11:11:00.001-05:00

Today is Veterans Day 2011…11-11-11.

It is a unique calendar date, but more importantly, it is a special day to honor and thank those who have selflessly served for the benefit of others.

The Commander-in-chief made this statement about our veterans last week:

“Our men and women in uniform are bearers of a proud military tradition that has been dutifully passed forward -- from generation to generation -- for more than two centuries. In times of war and peace alike, our veterans have served with courage and distinction in the face of tremendous adversity, demonstrating an unfaltering commitment to America and our people."

Take time to pray for our veterans right now, and be sure to thank them personally sometime today!

New Series: Deeper H2O

2011-11-10T08:39:00.005-05:00

This Sunday we're launching into a new sermon series called...Deeper H2O.

I'm spending some away from the office today for some message prep, and I'm already really excited to dig into the Word of God with the SLW family on Sunday.

We had a great Hope & Freedom Weekend, and Deeper H2O takes us to a whole 'nuther level. Oops, I mean...depth! J

Here's a sneak peek.

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“But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” 2 Corinthians 8:7

Biblical Stewardship is one of the most beautiful things anyone can embrace. It’s the principle way we simultaneously demonstrate our love God & others and “be Jesus” in this life. However, it’s quite a place that we just barely venture into as Christ-followers and instead stay in the shallow end of the pool, rather than diving deep into the gracious waters God has for us.

Despite what people often think, Biblical Stewardship is not a matter of losing something good, but rather the process of gaining something better...something deeper.

Join us this Sunday as we unpack the realities of “Deeper H2O.”

Video from Sunday: Children of God

2011-11-07T16:05:00.004-05:00

Here's the video we showed on Sunday.

I love that the people of the SLW Family, like the members of Third Day, aren't just talking about adoption but are actually doing it.

Powerful good stuff!

It all starts tonight!!

2011-11-04T12:54:00.002-04:00

Tonight, we start a big weekend for our church family with Freedom Road 5K. Its all part of our Hope & Freedom Weekend, and I am soooo pumped!!

The impact of this intentional emphasis on Hope & Freedom can...and I believe will...change lives and ripple into eternity.

Check out the details below: [click on the events for more]

Freedom Road 5K [Run/Walk]: A race along a section of the underground railroad on November 4^th at 7:27 PM to combat modern day slavery. To register click here.

Global Orphan Sunday: “i am adopted” on November 6^th during our Sunday Morning Worship Gatherings [8:15, 9:40 & 11:00]

Orphan Experience & Orphan Table: November 6^th at 3:00 PM in the Children’s & D-group wings.

Global Market Place: November 6^th at 3:00 PM in the Family Life Center

Orphan Sunday Simulcast: November 6^th from 7:00-8:00 PM in the Worship Center.

The weekend is packed full of awesome family-freindly experiences you will not want to miss.

Why I love Wednesday Nights at SLW

2011-11-03T05:47:00.002-04:00

Here are a few things that make Wednesday nights at SLW an awesome part of our church life...and why I love them! [Note: Not in any particular order.]

:: Opportunity to “break bread” with about 130 people.

:: Great food.

:: Incredible volunteers being Jesus to everyone who comes.

:: Seeing SLW’ers step up and do whatever needs done.

:: 100+ youth having a blast.

:: Kids making decisions for Jesus!!

:: New families finding a home at SLW.

:: Prayer warriors gathering for Kingdom prayer.

:: Watching the SLW family live SENT.

:: Kids learning how to know God, love Him, and live for Him.

:: Women digging into God’s Word.

:: Parents hanging out and building relationships with each other.

:: Volunteers being blessed while being a blessing.

:: Real community.

:: People doing life together.

:: Leaders walking the building and praying that God would move powerfully in every person.

:: Witnessing the body of Christ deepen, find and join...all in one night.

:: Meaningful conversations in every hallway.

:: Great ministry leaders getting it done.

:: Having a chance to celebrate volunteers.

:: The overwhelming reality that God continues to amazing things in and through SLW.

"Lord, Change Me" Video from Sunday

2011-11-01T06:00:00.002-04:00

Special thanks to the Harvest Bible Chapel for a great resource.

Lord Change Me from Harvest Bible Chapel on Vimeo.

Sunday Reflections – 10/30/11

2011-10-30T20:41:00.006-04:00

Our “Stuck?” series is now in the books, and we were once again challenged by the truth of God’s Word today. Here are a few reflections:

- Worship team rocked it this morning. Love worshipping before the Throne of God!

- Wrapped up “Stuck?” and now ready to roll into our Hope & Freedom Weekend.

- Some key thoughts from today:

:: Lord, Change me.

:: Our freedom isn't only for us. It's for God and others. [ref. Galatians 5:13-15]

:: Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” [John 8:31b-32]

:: The more we rub up against truth & don’t obey, the more calloused we become.

:: Jesus gets us unstuck, and obedience keeps us there.

:: Obedience doesn't make us right with God. Only Jesus does that.

:: What change do you need to make to overcome your inhibitors?

:: “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.” [Galatians 5:24]

:: If you keep doing what you're doing you'll keep getting what you're getting.

:: Again…Lord, Change me.

- Love meeting new people and hearing how the Holy Spirit works among the body of believers at SLW! It never gets old.

- Spent some time at the hospital with my dad today. He's doing well. Missed the Steeler game, but totally worth it!

- Don’t forget to turn your clocks back 1 hour next weekend as Daylight Savings ends.

- Coming up:

:: Freedom Road 5K on November 4^th

:: Global Orphan Sunday on November 6^th.

:: New Series November 13^th: H2O

- Keep pressing on.

Update On My Dad: Rev. Jim Cossin

2011-10-28T08:34:00.004-04:00

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." [Psalm 46:1]

I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you to those who were aware and were praying for my dad during his recent procedures, and I apologize to those who did not hear and were not aware. It’s been a bit of a whirlwind process.

Extra brief synopsis: After failing a routine stress test, my dad [pictured above before his procedure yesterday], went in for a “precautionary” heart catheterization. That procedure led to a successful open heart surgery 18 hours later. The end.

Told you it would be short. J

Addendum: The double bypass yesterday afternoon went extremely well, and he is currently recovering in the Butler ICU.

For those of you who are local…or close enough to visit, we ask that you wait to visit until he is out of the ICU and in another room in a few days...or even sometime during his next few months of recovery.

On behalf of our family, I again want to thank you for your ongoing prayers.

We are praising God for using an atypical process to discover a serious problem before we had a serious incident.

Known only unto God

2011-10-26T06:27:00.001-04:00

The cross in the above picture is one of the headstone markers in the slave cemetery along Freedom Road. Our Freedom Road 5k runners and walkers will pass through this location on November 4^th.

The cross says “Exslave known only unto God,” which is a powerful statement packed full of meaning. It speaks to what is and what was. It hints at both the big and small…the infinite and finite…while at the same time revealing the reality of hope and freedom.

Our God is omnipotent…all knowing. He knows the names of every slave and every orphan…past and present. He knows the name of the slave buried beneath this cross! He knows the number of hairs on every head…slave, orphan and free. But He is more concerned about their heart than their head. He longs for them...and us...to live in hope & freedom.

Our God is amazing and has done everything to rescues us; but yet, there is an overt absence of that hope & freedom in our region. As a church, we believe and live in the hope and freedom Jesus brings, and we must help others to do the same.

The Lord has clearly given SLW the unique positioning and the opportunity to serve as a conduit of those things for Him locally, regionally and internationally.

With that in mind, I want to once again encourage you to promote [invite others] and participate [be part] in the activities scheduled for November 4^th & 6^th as we raise awareness and resources to proclaim hope & freedom.

Please pray that the Lord will use this time to accomplish HIS purposes.

Note: November 4-6 is an important weekend for us as a church family. It is a family friendly, multi-generational weekend, and I look forward to seeing you there!

Race Video

2011-10-24T14:12:00.003-04:00

Here's different look at the race video we showed on Sunday.

Orphan Sunday Video

2011-10-24T06:09:00.001-04:00

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” -James 1:27

Here's the Orphan Sunday Video from Sunday in case you missed it or wanted to see it again.

SLW's Hope & Freedom Weekend is November 4-6!

Sunday Reflections – 10/23/11

2011-10-23T14:59:00.004-04:00

Our journey in our “Stuck?” series has been challenging and highly practical. Excited to see what God will do with the rest of our journey. Here are some reflections from today's worship gatherings:

- Still loving the Spirit of love and unity we are enjoying in this season at SLW.

- We missed a lot of our college friends today, but we were still packing it out at 11:00.

- Love the significance and importance of child dedications for the kids, the parents and us as a church.

- Still seeing new families joining us for worship. Praying that each encounter the Lord in every gathering.

- Thanks to all of our awesome SLW volunteers who week in and week out love and serve our SLW family. You guys are awesome!

- Feeling the burden of many of our church family who are facing loss, physical illness and other challenges. Praying for God’s peace that passes understanding.

- Glad our Student Body youth had a great time in Buffalo, NY at the Follow conference this weekend. Thanks to all the leaders and parents who helped make that happen.

- Praying for those Life Groups that are meeting across the region today.

- Next week, we’ll wrap up “Stuck?” and then prep for Global Orphan Sunday on November 6^thas part of our Hope & Freedom Weekend.

- "Stuck?" Highlights this week:

:: “You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you?” Galatians 5:7-8

:: What do you do when someone or something cuts in on you?

:: Something precedes disobedience.

:: The D’s Satan uses to keep us in a cycle of Isolation-Fear-Victim Mentality: Deception, Doubt, Discouragement, Despair, Diversion, Defeat, Delay

:: Resist the cycle of deception with TRUTH.

:: "No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear." - C. S. Lewis

:: Obedience to God is the key to freedom.

:: What’s the truth you need to take hold of to keep running the race?

:: Awareness doesn’t necessarily lead to change…obedience does.

- Praying for the Connection Points meeting. Love the number of people exploring greater partner ship and relationship at SLW.

- Bummed that there is only one football game on, and it’s...lame.

- Keep pressing on.

16 seconds of fun

2011-10-21T06:45:00.003-04:00

It's good to laugh. So here's something to help you do that.

See you on Sunday for more on Stuck?.

NOTE: It may be a Steeler fan thing, but I think this is HILARIOUS!

A Weekend of Hope & Freedom

2011-10-19T20:03:00.005-04:00

We are fast approaching a really big weekend for SLW! It is a primary opportunity for us as a church to continue to proclaim Hope & Freedom.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we are positioned to live in the hope & freedom Jesus provides, but also to point other people toward it as well. One way we are intentionally doing that is through the activities planned for the first weekend in November.

Here’s a run down in case you missed it or needed more information:

Freedom Road 5K [Run/Walk]: A race along a section of the underground railroad on November 4^th at 7:27 PM to combat modern day slavery. To register click here.

Global Orphan Sunday: “i am adopted” on November 6^th during our Sunday Morning Worship Gatherings [8:15, 9:40 & 11:00]

Orphan Experience & Orphan Table: November 6^th at 3:00 PM in the Children’s & D-group wings.

Global Market Place: November 6^th at 3:00 PM in the Family Life Center

Orphan Sunday Simulcast: November 6^th from 7:00-8:00 PM in the Worship Center.

The weekend is packed full of awesome family-freindly experiences you will not want to miss.

By the way, here’s another look at the hands of Hope & Freedom with the key areas of emphasis for each. Let’s keep pressing on in making this a reality for others.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9

Sunday Reflections...on Monday

2011-10-17T14:58:00.005-04:00

Yesterday was a wild day filled with great worship, sweet fellowship and God-filled moments of ministry. I posted via Twitter and Facebook that I absolutely love what I get to do!

Here are a few reflections from the day.

- Worship was off the chain good. Thanks worship team for being awesome lead worshippers!

- Love the spirit of unity and love the Lord has blessed us with. Its Psalm 133, baby!!

- Thanks for making room for each other at 9:40 and 11:00. Packing out the worship gathering is great "problem" to have.

- I continue to celebrate the new people the Lord is leading to SLW. It’s a beautiful thing, and a crucial time for our regular church families to step up and reach out.

- Guests: Thanks for spending the morning with us! Hope to see you next week.

- Absolutely love our newest missionary partners, Josh & Leslie. They are the real deal! It’s an honor to partner with them, and I can’t wait to see what God is going to do in and through them.

- We’re continuing to drill down into the issues of being stuck spiritually in our STUCK? Series. You can check out this week at the podcast site. [Click here]

- Consider who you can invite to join you next week.

- Great Student Body gathering last night. The group of youth and adult volunteers is incredible. There’s some serious community and ministry happening.

- I’m personally pumped for what I see God doing in the hearts of our Student Body parents. There are clearly some big God moments on the horizon.

- I’m chomping at the bit for our next board meeting on Tuesday night. It’s always an anointed time of ministry business. Pray for us.

- It is clear to me that God is getting ready to blow the lid off and take us to the next level at SLW.

- Keep praying people. The best is yet to come!

SLW Youth Event in Buffalo!

2011-10-14T08:38:00.003-04:00

The SLW Student Body is hitting the road for iFollow in Buffalo, NY October 21-22!

Your student (grades 7-12) is invited to join hundreds of students for a high intensity weekend of awakening messages and authentic worship. Students are challenged with the Matthew 16:24 call to “Lose All to Gain All”.

This is a “don’t-miss” opportunity!

The cost per student is $75 plus food money for Saturday’s lunch & dinner (other meals provided). Financial assistance is available, and should not be a deterrent.

We’ll be leaving SLW at 4pm on Friday, October 21 and arriving home at 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 22nd.

To register, download the registration form and mail at on the “Events and Info” page at www.slwchurch.org. Click Here to go there now.

Follow. 2011 Tour. from SFD on Vimeo.

Beyond Ourselves

2011-10-12T17:18:00.004-04:00

“For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.” - 2 Corinthians 5:14-16

One of the great opportunities we have as a church is to invest in people and places beyond ourselves. We can do that locally, regionally and globally.

It may not always be the easiest thing. It may even require a sacrifice, but the fruit is incredible. When we live SENT, others can know God and follow Him.

One of my SENT opportunities is serving as a leadership coach for a number of pastors around the country. I absolutely love it! It is truly a privilege to come alongside leaders and help them make a difference for God!

Leadership Coaching is not exactly the same as an athletic coach. It’s a little different. The coaching I’m privileged to engage in is the process of coming alongside a person to help them discover God’s agenda and vision for their life and ministry, and then cooperate with the Holy Spirit to see that agenda become a reality. It’s a cool thing to witness.

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of spending some time with one of the great leaders I’m privileged to coach. His name is, Tim, and he and his congregation were celebrating their 1-year birthday as a church plant near Kansas City, Missouri.

The celebration included receiving 25 charter members, 5 Baptisms, Communion and worship. Now…that’s some great fruit!!

Although I couldn’t worship with the SLW family this weekend, it was great to celebrate God’s faithfulness with a group of people who are also striving to live SENT.

I’m truly grateful to serve in a church that understands the value of living beyond ourselves!

Followers of Jesus know our lives are no longer about us but about Him and His Kingdom. How are you doing in this area? Here are a few questions to figure that out?

:: Where are you currently investing beyond yourself?

:: Who needs you to care about them and their circumstances?

:: Who can you encourage to be more…to be all they can be in Jesus?

:: What resource do you have that someone else may need?

:: Who are you regularly praying for?

Living SENT may come with a sacrifice, but it is always worth it.

Global Orphan Sunday Weekend

2011-10-07T06:00:00.003-04:00

A very exciting weekend is quickly approaching in November!

Global Orphan Sunday Weekend is November 4-6 ...

Friday - Freedom Road 5K

Sunday - "I Am Adopted" Worship Services | Global Marketplace | Orphan Experience | Worldwide Worship & Prayer Simulcast

More details on the way! Help us pass the word ...

New Series: Stuck?

2011-10-05T05:45:00.007-04:00

We introduced our new sermon series last Sunday as part of our ALIVE celebration, and we're rolling it out in full this coming Sunday. It's called...Stuck?

I'm really excited! This is going to be a "no holds barred" look at what gets us stuck spiritually and how we get unstuck.

Pastor Jeremiah will be bringing the message this weekend, and you won't want to miss this journey into God's Word.

Last week's intro is on the SLW Podcast, and here's a sneak peek into the overall series:

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1

Ever feel stuck? Sometimes it feels like no matter how hard we try, we just can’t move forward; that the things God calls us to “do” and “be” sound nice but are impossible to get to. We know there should be more, but we settle for what is while longing for what could be.

What if God not only called us to those things, he enabled us to grab hold of them? What if we didn’t have to be stuck, but could enjoy the full life and freedom promised to us by courageously stepping into what God has for us?

Join us as we journey into God’s Word this weekend.

October ALIVE Video Testimonies

2011-10-03T06:14:00.004-04:00

Yesterday was another great day of celebration. I never grow tired of seeing God at work at SLW.

Here are the ALIVE testimonies in case you missed it or wanted to see them again.

ALIVE Celebration This Weekend!!

2011-10-01T05:47:00.006-04:00

I can't wait to gather as the church tomorrow!

It is not only a chance to gather as the church...and World Communion Sunday...but it is also another ALIVE Celebration at SLW!!

We will once again have the privilege of hearing personal testimonies of new life in Jesus and witnessing believer Baptism. I love these times of celebration!

I look forward to seeing you there at 8:15, 9:40 or 11:00.

You won’t want to miss it!!

Freedom Road 5K

2011-09-28T17:34:00.015-04:00

I am so excited to highlight an awesome upcoming event...the Freedom Road 5K!!

This is going to be a great way to raise funds and awareness of modern day slavery and continue to proclaim hope & freedom as a church.

There are a bunch of ways to get involved. Here are the details. Hope to see you there as a runner, walker, volunteer or encourager!

-----------------------------

The Event

A 5 kilometer [3.1 mile] run or walk for all ages in Sandy Lake, PA.

The Date

Friday, November 4th, 2011 at 7:27 PM [A reminder of the estimated 27 million in slavery today.]

The Cause

There are 27 million people living in slavery around the world today. SLW Church is hosting this event, which will benefit the International Justice Mission and Not For Sale, two organizations who are leading the fight to end slavery in our time.

The Course

The rolling loop race course starts and ends at SLW. It also intersects with the Underground Railroad Freedom Road and will take place after dark, which is the same time that the Freedom Road would have been used. Head lamp or flashlight is suggested due to darkness.

Awards

Trophies will be awarded to the top male and female athlete. Medals will also be given by age bracket.

Registration

You can register online by clicking here or via the registration form available at SLW or download the form as a PDF.

For more information please go to www.slwchurch.org or call 724-376-2233.

[Historical Marker along the race route]

Sunday Reflections – 09/25/11

2011-09-25T18:49:00.007-04:00

“Now I’m turning you over to God, our marvelous God whose gracious Word can make you into what he wants you to be AND give you everything you could possibly need IN this community of holy friends.” - Acts 20:32 [The Message]

It was a great end to our commUNITY series today. It was the right time to bring the series to a close, but I’m a little sad to see it end. It really was a fun journey into what the Bible says about living a life that matters. The truths we looked at were pretty challenging but essential. Plus, we had a good time in the process. J

Here are some reflections from the journey and the worship gatherings today:

- Appreciate everyone being gracious and patient in finding seats at 9:40 & 11:00. Don’t forget there is still room at 8:15 with a traditional worship style, and The HUB is open as an additional worship space.

- Thanks to all of our awesome SLW volunteers who each and every week love and serve our SLW family. You guys rock!

- Still seeing new families checking us out. If you were one of our guests, just wanted to say thanks for spending your Sabbath day with us; and we look forward to seeing you next week.

- Speaking of next week [10/2]…Its World Communion Sunday and our next ALIVE Celebration. You won’t want to miss that great day of celebration as we take Communion and witness believer Baptisms.

- Wrapped up our commUNITY Series as we spent some good time in God’s Word. If you missed any of the commUNITY journey, you can get to the podcast by clicking here. Here are a few highlights:

:: The significance of our life is affected by who we do life WITH.

:: The significance of our life is defined by who we do life IN.

:: The significance of our life is realized in the fruit we BEAR.

:: Followers of Jesus always live lives that matter beyond themselves!

:: Jesus is the only way to live a life that matters!!

:: If God was limited to only helping us understand one thing about ourselves, it wouldn’t be what we aren’t or what we are; but rather what we can be in Jesus.

:: What would the crosscut of your spiritual life reveal?

:: “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit.” [Luke 6:43]

:: What will the story of your next few rings say?

:: “At least there is hope for a tree: If it is cut down, it will sprout again, and its new shoots will not fail. Its roots may grow old in the ground and its stump die in the soil, yet at the scent of water it will bud and put forth shoots like a plant.” [Job 14:7-9]

- Special thanks to Hank, Jeremiah and Ken for the fantastic job you did with the video supplements. They were great and really helped bring home the Scripture lessons.

- Want to encourage all of you to invite a friend or neighbor to join you next week. Know that it could be a life changing conversation for them!

- Sneak peak into our next sermon series…Stuck?...coming soon. Check back.

- Keep pressing on.

commUNITY Series Wrap-up

2011-09-24T09:23:00.003-04:00

“Now I’m turning you over to God, our marvelous God whose gracious Word can make you into what he wants you to be and give you everything you could possibly need in this community of holy friends.” - Acts 20:32 [The Message]

I can't wait to gather as the church tomorrow as we wrap-up our commUNITY series!

Its been a great journey into God's Word to unpack the Biblical realities of what it means to live a life that matters. With the help of some trees and tree-related Scriptures, we've looked further into the necessity of deepening the soul, finding relationship and joining the mission.

Tomorrow, we will gather at 8:15, 9:40 and 11:00 to close out the series; and you won't want to miss it.

Look forward to seeing you at SLW in the morning.

Impossible?

2011-09-21T12:00:00.018-04:00

There are a number of things that are considered impossible...or almost impossible...for the human body to do.

Some of those things include: raising one eyebrow, wiggling your ears, touching your nose [or elbow] with your tongue, sneezing with your eyes open or tickling yourself. I know a few people who might want to challenge the first couple items; but for the most part, they are all unrealistic things for the human body to do.

In fact, here’s something to try: bend your middle finger to your palm and place your hand on the table with the remaining fingers spread out. [as pictured to the left] Now, keeping the other fingers on the table, try to lift your thumb, index finger, and pinkie one at a time. No problem, right? Now, try to lift your ring finger.

It’s not possible!

There simply are some things that are not possible for humans to do with their body. But…what about the church body? What’s impossible for those who follow Jesus?

The body of Christ is made up of people with incredible potential in Jesus, but we can often settle for less because we think things are impossible. Jesus himself said that we can do nothing without God, but with Him “…all things are possible.” [ref. Mark 10:27] That is a game changer for us! With God, we are able to be and do things that are impossible on our own.

With God, we can be a life-changing influence in the lives of people around us. With God, we can live in complete freedom from every form of addiction, bondage and enslavement; and help others do the same. With God, we can be part of a larger movement of God that can transform our families and communities. With God, we can even change our nation!

We may be tempted to consider those kinds of things impossible, but they aren’t! Popular opinion may indicate these things are unrealistic, but followers of Jesus have the potential to literally change the world…with God!

Perhaps we should live life in light of what could be through the power of God rather than what we think is possible…or impossible.

So…what does God want to do in or through you that most people would say is impossible?

We really can do all things through Him who give us strength. [ref. Philippians 4:13] We serve the God of the Impossible, so let’s seek to live life with eyes of faith….where the impossible is not only possible...but probable.

In fact, take a few moments right now and approach the God of the Impossible in prayer. Ask Him what “impossible” things he wants to do in and through you. Then ask Him to equip you to do it.

3rd Video from Hank & Jeremiah

2011-09-19T10:44:00.004-04:00

Here's another look at last Sunday's "Not an Arborist" video. Love how Hank & Jeremiah have helped us throughout this journey.

Some things to consider...

2011-09-16T23:04:00.010-04:00

SLW Family –

God is once again blessing us with another great season of growth. I absolutely love seeing all the people coming to worship the King.

We had more than 750 people worship with us last week, and God deserves the praise for that!

With this great season, we also have some challenges in the area of space…in the parking lot and the Worship Center. Our 9:40 & 11:00 worship gatherings are again close to capacity and the parking lot has been difficult to navigate.

We celebrate the blessing of growth, and we are working on a few long-term solutions. However, for now, I want to ask our regular church families to consider the following suggestions for maximizing our spaces and ensuring our guests feel welcomed and loved.

- Park Strategically: Park farther away from the building to allow our guests to park more conveniently.

- Sit Strategically: Sit toward the front of the worship center to allow our guests the opportunity to sit further back.

- Be willing to move: We have a great team of ushers who each week help make sure everyone knows they are welcomed and loved. There may be times when a new family needs a seat. If that happens, be willing to give up yours. [Click here for more on that: What would you do…?]

- Carpool with friends: Limiting the number of cars in the parking lot is an obvious help. Ride with someone; and if you are a GCC student who can offer a ride or needs a ride, check out the SLW/GCC Ride Connection Group on Facebook.

- Worship in The Hub: Worshiping in this other venue at 11:00 will naturally open up spaces inside the main worship area.

- Worship at 8:15: Consider gathering for worship at 8:15. If you appreciate a traditional worship style, this is a great option.

- Invite a Friend: Seriously! Keep inviting people. This is important; and as long as there is one person in our communities that does not know Jesus, we will make room for that to happen.

- Pray: Prayer is the most important thing we can do as God leads us into this season of ministry. Take time before Sunday to ask the Lord of hosts that HIS will be done this weekend in and through us as a church.

These are just a few things for you to consider as we continue to move forward with God as a church. Thanks for being an awesome church family who understands…its not about us but HIM!

Keep pressing on, and see you on Sunday!

commUNITY Series Week #2 Video

2011-09-14T21:31:00.003-04:00

In case you missed it or wanted to see it again, here's the video from Sunday where Hank & Jeremiah helped us understand the connection between focus & fruit. Enjoy!

This Week: 12Stone Church

2011-09-12T11:32:00.006-04:00

I’m currently in Atlanta, Georgia.

After a fairly early wake up to catch a 6:00 AM flight out of Pittsburgh, I was welcomed to Atlanta by the beautiful sunrise pictured above. J

I’m here for the next couple days to participate in a Leadership Intensive at the 12Stone Church.

It’s essentially a mentoring opportunity that I was blessed to be invited to participate in, and I’m really looking forward to interacting with and learning from some incredible ministry leaders.

It will also be great to connect with a few friends and other church leaders from all over North America.

12Stone was identified in late 2010 as the fasting growing church in the United States, and just so happens to be the first Wesleyan Church to reach 10,000 in attendance. However, beyond the numbers, they are a church that has led the way in effectively making a difference in the world around them by living sent in specific and relevant ways.

Knowing that leaders are always learners, I’m looking forward to the opportunity to expand my leadership inventory; and I’d appreciate your prayers as I have this privilege of continuing to learn.

I’ll be sure to post a few key insights and lessons learned along the way here on the blog.

Keep pressing on.

Sunday Reflections – 09/11/11

2011-09-11T14:35:00.001-04:00

It was another great morning of worship at SLW! Here are few reflections that made today a great day:

- Good to take some time to remember the events of 9/11 and to praise God for His faithfulness over the past decade.

- Worship was rockin’! Way to go Worship Team.

- Love the passion our church family brings to worship.

- 9:40 & 11:00 worship gatherings were packed out!! Almost hitting standing room only in both. Love it!

- Thanks to usher crew for getting people in, and our regular SLW families for making room. Still waiting for the official numbers, but we had well over 700 in attendance!

- Great to have more new families with us. If you were one of those guests, know that we were glad you were there; and we look forward to seeing you again next week.

- Today was Week #3 of our commUNITY Series. Spent some good time in God’s Word unpacking the need to bear fruit. If you missed it, the podcast should be up on Monday.

:: The significance of our life is realized in the fruit we bear.

:: Followers of Jesus bear fruit!

:: What does the fruit of your life [or lack of fruit] reveal?

:: We tend to focus on personal growth instead of fruit when we are comfortable.

:: Romans 7:4 ”So, my brothers, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit to God.”

- God continues to draw more people to Himself at SLW. It’s a privilege to see it!

- Don’t forget to invite someone to join you in worship at SLW next week.

- Not happy about the progress of the Steelers-Ravens game. Boo!

- Time for some serious action in the second half.

- Keep pressing on.

What would you do...?

2011-09-08T07:49:00.006-04:00

Last night was a great night of ministry at SLW as we launched our midweek ministries!

I'm so grateful for the incredible group of volunteers and ministry leaders who willingly pour themselves out in service for Jesus so that more people can know Him. With more than 125 people at family table, 90+ kids in Uchooz & Club56 and countless volunteers serving all over the place, there was some serious ministry happening. Good stuff!!

When I got home last night, I had two Klondike bars. Yes..I said 2. It wasn't the healthiest decision, but they tasted great! Anyway, as I ate them, I started singing the Klondike theme song in my head, and I remembered something we talked about as a church almost exactly 2 years ago. [One Klondike for every year. J]

It was a simple question: What would you do...so that more people can know Jesus?

It's a great question, which is still incredibly relevant for us as we lean forward with God in this season of growth and health as a church. Here's what I before. It's still applicable, and I want to challenge you today to consider what your response is now.

-----------------------------

As we prepared for this new season of ministry, I asked each of us to consider a question. It played off the Klondike marketing theme: What would you do for a Klondike bar?

The question was: What would you do so that more people can know Jesus? That question prompted us to action and helped each of us consider new opportunities to know God and make Him known.

We are nearly three weeks into this amazing journey with God, and we have seen Him do amazing things among us. It continues to be a wild ride, but I want to encourage all of us to continue to consider what we can do so that more people can know Jesus. Here’s a few ideas:

- Pursue a new serving opportunity.

- Use an “Everyone Card” and invite a friend to go to SLW with you. [Remember 82% say yes.]

- Invite a new family to lunch.

- Park further away and allow our guests to park closer to the building.

- Be intentional and introduce yourself to someone you do not know after worship.

- Sit toward the front and leave seats toward the back for our guests.

- Consider attending a different worship time to make more room in the 11:00 AM Worship service

- Ask a friend to join you in a Dgroup or Life Group.

- Consider giving above and beyond. Your financial partnership directly impacts what God wants to do at SLW.

- Pray! Pray that God will continue to use you and SLW to draw people to Himself.

SLW you guys rock! You can truly make a difference by what you are willing to do. What would you do…so that more people can know Jesus?

Video from Sunday

2011-09-06T06:23:00.003-04:00

Here's another look at the great video Pastor Jeremiah and Pastor Ken pulled together with our resident tree expert, Hank Voorhees. More to come this week, but wanted to make sure you saw this one in case you missed it.

Sunday Reflections – 09/04/11

2011-09-04T19:36:00.005-04:00

Labor Day weekend is typically a “down” Sunday for churches, but that just wasn’t the case at SLW. I still can’t believe what God is doing, and I wouldn’t want to be any where else. Here are few reflections that made today a great day:

- Worship was sweet! I’ve gotta say…I continue to love the hearts of the folks on the Worship team. Thanks for taking us before the Throne.

- It was good to have more of our GCC friends back in worship. Looking forward to another great year living sent together.

- I love how God continues to bring new people to SLW each week.

- If you were a guest with us today, I want say thanks for coming; and we look forward to seeing you again next week.

- I love the volunteers of SLW! Their work continues to make an incredible difference as they weekly serve our families.

- Today was Week #2 of our commUNITY Series. Loving where God is taking us in this series. Here are a few key parts of the message today. If you missed it, the podcast should be up early this week.

:: The significance of our life is affected by who we do life with, but it's defined by who we do life IN.

:: Mesquite trees are amazing trees! Deep roots matter.

:: Who [or what] are you primarily rooted in? How are the unseen parts of your life?

:: Its not the root that makes the tree thrive but what the root taps into.

:: “[Most] blessed is the man who believes in, trusts in, and relies on the Lord, and whose hope and confidence the Lord is.” Jeremiah 17:7 [Amplified]

:: A. W. Tozer’s “Rules of Self-Discovery” can help determine where you are rooted:

___ 1. What we want most;

___ 2. What we think about most;

___ 3. How we use our money;

___ 4. What we do with our leisure time;

___ 5. The company we enjoy;

___ 6. Who and what we admire;

___ 7. What we laugh at.

- There really is nothing like an encounter with God, and SLW is definitely the place to do it.

- Don’t Forget….

:: This Wednesday starting at 5:45 PM: Family Table, Uchooz, Club56, and Prayer Meeting.

:: Next Sunday: Final week of commUNITY series.

- Be sure to invite someone to join you in worship at SLW next week. Your invitation may be the one thing that leads them into a personal encounter with God.

- Keep pressing on.

Hope & Freedom still matters.

2011-09-02T06:10:00.002-04:00

As a church, we remain committed to proclaiming hope & freedom locally, regionally and globally. Here is a great reminder from Not For Sale about why our efforts matter. Check it out.

Honoring those who served

2011-08-31T06:18:00.000-04:00

Today, I am heading out to a Naval Base near Mechanicsburg, PA. [Yes...a Naval Base in PA. J]

I'm travelling out to meet up with a State Police Academy classmate and to participate in a ceremony to honor those PA State Police personnel who have served in our nation's military since September 11, 2001.

I’ve been asked to provide the invocation and benediction for the ceremony, and I am pumped to do it!

As a former Army Officer, former State Trooper, and current State Police Chaplain, I am honored to be part of this great event and can’t wait.

I will have the privilege of sitting on the platform with the State Police Commissioner Frank Noonan, PA Governor Tom Corbett, LTC Oliver North USMC [Ret.], Adjutant General Craig and LTC Ken Hill. It's going to be a great day honoring those who have served.

I covet your prayers as I represent the soldiers, troopers, officials and most importantly our Lord tomorrow.

Keep pressing on.

What do you ask?

2011-08-29T06:00:00.000-04:00

What do you ask of God when you talk to Him?

Prayer is truly an amazing thing. Because of Jesus, we have direct access to a holy God that is not restricted by any time or place. That’s prayer, and that is cool! Jesus said:

7 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.” [Matthew 7:7-8]

That is incredible! The possibilities could be limitless, but sadly the limiting factor to prayer is…US!

The effectiveness, impact, reach, relevance, scope and power of prayer is limited by us. It’s our spiritual condition…our hearts…our requests that restricts the influence of prayer. James, the brother of Jesus, actually points out “you do not have, because you do not ask.” [James 4:2b, ESV] He goes on to talk about our hearts being the problem as well. Ouch! We are all too often then the limiting factor.

So what’s limiting the effectiveness of your prayers? Your heart? Your time? Your requests?

There is an interesting story about asking in 2 Kings 13. Joash, the king of Israel, in desperation over his enemies went to see the prophet, Elisha. Elisha, who was terminally ill, ends up telling him to shoot an arrow out the window, which he then declares as an “arrow of victory over Syria.” After that, he directs him to strike the ground with the rest of the arrows. This action symbolically represented the scope of victory the Lord would grant. The problem was Joash didn’t know that and didn’t ask for much. Not knowing the Lord was going to grant victory based on how many times he struck the ground [i.e. asked for], he only strikes the ground 3 times. So when Joash finished, Elisha got angry and scolded him saying: "You should have struck five or six times; then you would have struck down Syria until you had made an end of it, but now you will strike down Syria only three times."

Bummer! Instead of a complete and extensive victory, he would only recover what he lost because he asked for little [ref. verse 25]. He could’ve had something greater if he had only asked for it.

So I ask you again…what do you ask of God when you talk to Him?

Just to be clear…I’m in no way advocating any form of prosperity gospel, but I am acknowledging the truth of God’s Word:

:: We can ask, and we can receive. [Matthew 7:7-11]

:: If we ask for little, we will get little. [2 Kings 14-25]

:: If we don’t ask [or don’t ask with the right motive], we don’t receive. [James 4:2-3]

As we step into the Fall season, let’s be a people of prayer who ask for things that rank of the caliber of 5 or 6 strikes…not just 3. Pray that the Lord will do abundantly more than we can ask or think. [Ref. Ephesians 3:20]

The limitations of prayer are rooted in us!

Sunday Reflections – 08/28/11

2011-08-28T18:00:00.003-04:00

Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous;

it is fitting for the upright to praise him. [Psalm 33:1]

Woohoo!! Fall launch today was a blast!! I can’t fully describe it, but I love what God is doing. Here are a few ways to look at it:

- SLW Family: A tangible excitement, genuine love and obvious unity among the people of God at SLW.

- Guests: Still humbled by the number of new people the Lord is bringing to SLW. Wow! Love it! Keep inviting people you know. We’ll make more room.

- Numbers: We conservatively saw over 650 people gather at SLW to worship the Lord today.

- Space: Although we welcomed back the 9:40 worship gathering, which had roughly 200 people in it, we had no extra room in the 11:00 am worship time. In fact, we were still putting people in chairs. It may be time to fire up “The HUB” worship venue.

- Life Change: I’ve heard from a bunch of people who are wrestling with the truth of God’s Word. A lot are doing the hard work with God, and I love seeing it! Here are a few highlights in case you missed it…or you can check out the podcast tomorrow for the full message:

:: Psalm 1…good stuff!

:: The significance of our life is affected by who we do life with.

:: We are more together than we are apart.

:: Trees everywhere!! Well…not quite everywhere. J

:: Who do you walk, stand or sit with? Where are you rooted?

:: “A human life is like a single letter of the alphabet. It can be meaningless or it can be part of great meaning.” Ann Lamott, something she once read from Jewish Theological seminary

- God: He was clearly present among His people today, and I will never grow tired of it. Our God is amazing, and I am humbled to witness what he is doing among the SLW community.

Keep praying!

Don't forget...

2011-08-27T08:10:00.003-04:00

Don't forget...we're returning to 3 worship gatherings tomorrow!

:: 8:15 - Traditional Worship

:: 9:40 & 11:00 - Contemporary Worship

See ya' there!!

New Series: commUNITY

2011-08-26T05:58:00.004-04:00

We are launching into a new series this Sunday, and I'm pumped!! This journey into the Word of God will better position each of us to truly live lives that matter. Here's a sneak peak.

Pull out any Bible, and not long after you begin reading you’ll come across the reality that we need each other. Scripture is full of examples, challenges, and reminders that we need commUNITY... that we’re more together than we are apart.

What does this mean for us? Simple - God desires us to be in relationship with Him and also with each other. Explore the thought a little more, and you’ll soon realize that a life of significance - a life that really matters - is best found within the context of God-honoring relationship.

As we kick-off our fall series, we’ll explore how we can intentionally start “living lives that matter” as we deepen the soul, find relationship & join the mission.

Let’s dig into God’s Word and explore… together.

Don't forget we're back to 3 worship gatherings [8:15/9:40/11:00]. See ya' there!

This Sunday....

2011-08-24T06:57:00.003-04:00

Just a reminder...3 worship gatherings resume this Sunday! 8:15 / 9:40 / 11:00

Plus!

Dgroups are back in action @ 9:40 a.m.! Join us this Sunday in the Family Life Center as we talk about the different options available this session.

What does this schedule mean for your family? Just some reminders ...

Dkidz runs continuously from 9:40 to Noon. If you would like to attend both a Dgroup and the 11:00 service, your kids will have tons of fun at Dkidz for that full period of time. If your family is only attending for one hour, that's okay ... just sign 'em in when you arrive (but we'd prefer to have your kiddos for the entire block of time to get the FULL Dkidz experience and lessons).

Club56, Jr. High, and Sr. High groups will meet @ 9:40 only ... after that, your students will be dismissed to join you in the Worship Center for the 11:00 worship service. (Stay tuned for more details on Student Body PM at 6:00 p.m. Sunday evenings!)

Questions about Dgroups or the 3-service format?

Just ask a member of the Ministry Team ... we'd love to help!

News and Prayer Requests from The Bridge

2011-08-23T06:44:00.001-04:00

Here is a note from our friends at The Bridge with some ways to pray.

Dear Friends of The Bridge,

We are needing your prayers. Our second Family Fun Day is Saturday, August 27th. Last year God gave us a wonderful day. This morning the Lord reminded me that we can't run today on the Lord's past blessings. We need God to show up in a fresh new way, but we must call out to Him and ask him to come. We are asking you to hold us up in prayer over the next 10 days.

Pray Requests:

When people drive into the park they would feel the Lord's presence.

(We prayed this prayer last year and we actually had a lady tell us on the way out. "You all must be praying people for I felt the Lord's presence when I came into the park. We want this again this year.)

Most of our Bridge congregation are helping this year.

Pray that God will give them a boldness when talking to people. That they would be

sensitive when people are hungry and will share their faith.

This year we have 3 bands and a drama team performing.

Pray that God will use them to speak to hearts.

Pray that people will have the courage to stop by our prayer tent for prayer and that

God will give wisdom to those working there.

Pray that we will have the number of volunteers we need.

Pray that we will see new people coming to The Bridge through this event and ultimately coming to know Christ.

Pray that we will have good weather as we don't have a back up plan.

If you are able to come on the 27th please do. If you are not able to attend, would you consider praying for us between 1-4 pm on the 27th?

Let's unite our hearts together and believe the hand of God to move!

Rick and Eunice

The Bridge

PS. Please pass this on to your praying friends.

Sunday Reflections – 08/21/11

2011-08-21T17:56:00.004-04:00

- Worship today was powerful & moving. Thanks worship team. You guys rock!

- We ended our “Faith” Series today. The whole series was a great journey into the realities of true faith and the lives of those lived that kind of faith. Here are few reminders from today:

:: Genuine faith always requires a test and a fight.

:: “Faith must me tried before the reality of faith is actual.” – Oswald Chambers

:: God’s goal is not our happiness, but our holiness.

:: True faith trusts in who God IS, not what He does.

:: 3 Faith Journey Questions: Where are you? Where does God want you to go? What do you need to do to get there?

:: What’s your “by faith” line: By faith, [your name] ________________________________.

- Be sure to check back later this week for a sneak peak of our next series: “commUNITY.” It’s going to be significant. I’m pumped.

- It was great to have a few of our college friends back with us. We missed you!

- Also good to see more guests with us today. I praise God for the blessing of growth. He is drawing people to Himself, and I absolutely LOVE IT!! Be sure to reach out and introduce yourself to our guests.

- Remember: True faith trusts in who God IS, not what He does.

- Just another to reminder to pray about who the Lord wants you to invite to one of our fall worship gatherings. Use the “Everyone” cards to make it easy.

- Coming up:

08/27 – The Bridge “Family Fun Day”

08/28 - New Sermon Series Starts: commUNITY. Don’t miss it!!

08/28 - Regular Worship Schedule resumes. Join us at 8:15, 9:40 or 11:00!!

09/27 – Archery Shoot, 4-7 PM

10/2 – Alive Baptism Celebration & World Communion Sunday

10/23 – Child Dedication Sunday

- Keep pressing on!!

Next Uchooz & Club56 session coming soon!

2011-08-16T06:02:00.001-04:00

Uchooz & Club56 Registration is now open for the first fall session! Quick & Easy ... click here and then click "register online"!

Sunday Reflections – 08/14/11

2011-08-14T21:26:00.005-04:00

It never ceases to amaze my how the Holy Spirit works and moves among the SLW family. Today was a day marked by His presence and His Word. Here are a few reflections:

- Thanks worship team for leading us before the throne today. Sometimes the sweetest worship is expressed in simplicity.

- Loved unpacking some powerful good truths from God’s Word today. Our journey through Hebrews 11 continues to be a rich source of truth and challenge.

- Remember: True faith trusts in who God IS, not what He does.

- Are you willing to trust in who He IS regardless of what He does?

- It was great to see a few more new faces today. Glad you were able to worship with us today. Look forward to seeing you next week!

- I never grow tired of watching the unity and love of SLW expressed in true fellowship before and after worship. Good stuff!

- Just a reminder to pray about who the Lord wants you to invite to one of our fall worship gatherings. Using the “Everyone” cards makes it easy.

- As tough as it may be, there is comfort and hope in the reality that the Lord moves us toward beauty through our brokenness...not apart from it.

- Control remains the greatest threat to faith in the American church. Let doubt and fear lead you to choose faith…not control.

- What is one thing you need to release this week to demonstrate a new level of faith and trust in God?

- "Seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand." – Augustine

- Coming up:

08/28 - New Sermon Series Starts: commUNITY. Don’t miss it!!

08/28 - Regular Worship Schedule resumes. Join us at 8:15, 9:40 or 11:00!!

09/24 – Archery Shoot, 4-7 PM on Saturday

10/2 – Alive Baptism Celebration & World Communion Sunday

10/23 – Child Dedication Sunday

- Keep pressing on!!