Big Event - a few thoughts

How about Sunday's service?! Talk about memorable. I hope everyone enjoyed themselves. I know the lack of a/c made it a bit uncomfortable - but it also enhanced the idea that we're not yet in a home of our own.

I was surprised by how emotional I felt - it was a bit difficult to get through the few words I had to share up front. A sense of history, a sense of family, a sense of community...a very clear feeling of true worship.

I'm glad I was there - the memory of what we are taking part of will last a very long while.

Seventh Church of Christ, Scientist on Queen Anne

Just wanted to put a prayer request up here for this church at 2555 8th Avenue West in Seattle. I don't feel emotionally committed in any way and yet doors seem to keep opening here.

Information - out and up

Interesting week. We had our first "Information Session" on Wednesday to make sure everyone in the City and North are up to speed on the RSI journey.

The service was flat-out fantastic and the second one next week should be as good...if not better.

I've mentioned to several people that is is really something quite different than we're used to as members of the Seattle Church. Most of us are used to "sprint" type campaigns in which we strain with all of our energy toward a goal within a fairly small window of time. Often, days or weeks, but rarely more than a year out.

This campaign, however, is much more of a marathon. What is happening is interesting. Because people are used to the sprint, some are a bit sceptical and want to know everything that is happening right now...or perhaps the race will be over without everyone at the starting line. The more I do for this journey, the more encouraged I am to just slow down. This is a long...long...journey. We're not even at the three-year commitment point yet.

Also, this is a journey of hope and dreams. Everything about it is positive. Again, stemming from the philosophy of "God, what do you what to do through me?"

Looking forward to the next meeting, our next step, and our elevation together.

Special Roles for A Special Project . . .

God designed us all uniquely, with special and distinct talents that other disciples do not have. It is really great to see everybody giving their best talents to God, particularly here . . . .

"The RSI Cheer Squad" ("B" Team)

Elevate!

Looks like the theme is set - Elevate Your Faith!

I like it. Elevation rings of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Haggai. God's people called to focus on building. This is what we're all called to - building God's spiritual building. Not of brick and morter, but the family of believers - a spiritual house of worship.

The theme also calls us to look heavenward. To me, the goal for all us us is to be in-step with what God will do. How will God us me in building his temple? What part do my gifts play in his grand plans? Am I available to be used? This campaign is a great call to prayer and this type of thinking and consderation flat gets me excited.

Danny Figgins may have slipped yesterday, but in saying goodbye after church he said he'd write a song based around whatever theme we decide on. Well...

Anyway, looking forward to the meetings tonight and I'm so thankful for all of the effort everyone is puting in on the process. To God be the glory!

Come On Home

Well - I planned on having the theme sewed up already...but Danny Figgins threw a wrench in the works.

Danny noted on a previous entry that he has a song entitled "Come On Home" that may work well as a theme. I wholeheartedly agree! I believe many of us have heard the song performed at service. I'm trying to figure out how to upload it to the blog here, but am not feeling too secure in my net saavy.

If you'd like to get the song directly from Danny, shoot him an email to danpatfig@hotmail.com. Be aware though...it's 4 megs.

Come on home...come on home... Has a nice ring to it, no?

Even more theme ideas!

A few more to ponder:

Faith Built
Foundation of Faith
Upon this Rock
Formed by Faith
Living Habitat
Spiritual Habitat
A Time to Elevate

From Aaron Butler:

The Road Home
Ask and Imagine
Journey of Faith
Built on the Rock
Dedicated to the Lord
In my Father's House

I'm still leaning toward Elevate your Faith...so....I need some convincing!

Theme redux

Keep in mind the theme for our stewardship journey with be with us for the next three years. It should be something that inspires and keeps spiritual momentum throughout the process.

So far, we've had two new theme titles suggested:

Heading Home
Homeward Bound

People seem to drawn to the concept of "home" in the theme...

Also, Forward by Faith, Elevate your Faith, and the Journey Home have received positive responses.

Thanks for the feedback so far - please keep it coming. We should get this wrapped up by tomorrow morning, so keep those thinking caps on!

One more thing - please keep praying that God will lead us in all of this. Pray for all involved to be listening intently to the Spirit's direction. This is an exciting time for all of us, and a great opportunity to draw near the Lord and glorify him with great faith!

Campaign Theme

The RSI campaign is in full swing. We had a great meeting tonight with Roger Boatman, who’s the representative from RSI leading us on our stewardship journey.

During our meeting it became apparent that we needed to decide on a title and them for our program as soon as possible. Many ideas were bandied about and I think it’s best to make this as collaborative an effort as possible. Please look over the campaign titles suggested so far and let me know your thoughts. Also, if you have other suggestions, please send those along as well. Here’s what we have as of now:

Show me the wonder (this one has the benefit of naturally linking to Brian Craig’s song as our theme)
Forward by Faith (this one was used by another church using RSI)
The Journey Home
Elevate your Faith (this is my favorite so far – it has multiple positive connotations)
Here am I (reference to Isaiah “Here am I send me”)

This needs to be firmed up in the next couple of days, so please, send your comments and suggestions along!


-Charles Robison