Coldstone!!!

Great things just keep happening here at GCC. Yesterday for our weekly staff meeting, the senior management team took everyone (60-70 people) to Coldstone Creamery for a celebration of the successful Innovative Church Confernce that happened last week. We went at 11:45 so it ended up being everybody's lunch for the day but it was worth it. That was my first trip to Coldstone but probably not my last. Strawberry-Banana Rendezvous. Excellent!!! So if you're a boss or in charge where you work, it might be a good idea to take those who work along side of you out for a special treat. It's worth the time and money to reward their efforts.

Innovation Station

I said in a previous post that I would share more of what happened at the Innonvative Church Conference here at GCC so here it is. Last week on Thursday and Friday, Granger held its annual Innonvative Church Conference. It was two days of Granger sharing what they have learned through their 20 years of ministry experience with over 600 pastors and ministry leaders from around the country and Cananda. It was a set up of large sessions and smaller breakout sessions of specific ministry components taught primarily by GCC staff. Some of the topics discussed were missions, volunteers, first impressions, maximizing the arts, blogging, leading worship, student and kids' Ministry, web strategy, staffing, etc. On Thursday, the band Shane and Shane was here leading worship throughout the day and they also did a concert in the evening. To make a long update short, the ICC was inspiring and motivating. I feel very fortunate about the position I am in because the people I am around are passionate and intentional about the ministry they do here at GCC. For anyone reading this who is a pastor or church leader or even volunteer, you should really consider attending this event next year. Until then, there is an opportunity in to attend a one day session on one of the following topics on November 10. They are Communication Workshops, Discipleship, Maximizing the Arts and Simply Strategic Volunteers. For any information on other resources or future workshops check Granger's Wiredchurches website. I hope some of you will attend one these conferences in the future. I promise it will be informative and beneficial to your ministries no matter what environment you're in. Also, the sooner you sign up, the cheaper it will be. It would be great to have some visitors for a day or two. I hope to see you here!!

Back to the Roots

I'm not sure if I spent more time inside or outside of my car this past weekend. I was on the road a lot!!! Friday after the Innovative Church Conference at GCC, which was incredible, I packed up and headed to Mt. Pleasant for the night. On Saturday, Hayley and I left for the old home town of Pigeon. We were able to spend some time with Chad and Lisa Sturm and the newlyweds, Chad and Shari Craig. On Sunday I shared at Pigeon River about what is happening in Indiana at GCC and Bethel. It was fun see everyone again but it does feel a lot different now. After church we ate lunch with Chad and Lisa and then headed to Mt. Pleasant to pick up Hayley's vehicle. Then from there to Vermontville, MI to spend the night with Hayley's parents and pack up all of Hayley's belongings. Then this morning I got up early and drove another 2 hours back to Granger and now here I am. It was a lot of miles but it was worth it to see everyone.
Today is a pretty exciting day because Hayley is finally moving down here. She found an apartment in Mishawaka, which is only about 10 minutes from me, 5 minutes from the church and about 20 minutes to where she will be working. So I am excited and looking forward to spending more time with her and venturing into this journey together. God is Good!!!

Creation, Curses, Convenants, and Christ

I apologize for this being only my second post this week. It's partly because I was really busy and partly because I kept putting it off until now. I experienced my first Graduate level class this week. The class was Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8-5. That is a long time to be in class but it really wasn't too bad with the breaks and the 1 hour lunch. It also helped that the topic of study was God's Word. The class was Biblical Theology and I learned more in 3 days than I have in the last three years I think. We began the class in Genesis and work all the way through to Revelation looking at the theology of the scripture throughout. The God we serve is, wow, I can't even think of a word to describe His goodness, faithfulness, mercy, grace, love, wisdom, and righteousness. He wants us so bad. He fights for us everyday. He even died for us. I am amazed at the story God has written and that He wants me to play a part in it and on His team. I challenge you all this week to dig in to the Word and see how God is working throughout the scripture in attempt to redeem His people.

47-21

What a great weekend in the area of South Bend. It was definately the best weekend I've had here (well maybe next to celebrating the 375 people that were baptized). But it was a weekend to remember nonetheless. I'll have to admit, I was a little nervous for the big game this weekend. I really didn't think Michigan would come out on top but did they ever. It was complete domination of those rancid Irish. It was a site to behold. Not only a victory but a blowout!!! It let's the fans of Notre Dame feel for one week what it's like to cheer for the Detroit Lions on any given week. Needless to say, I was happy to come back to the South Bend area after spending the weekend in Vermontville, MI (for good reason) knowing I now have bragging rights for my whole first year here at GCC. What a weekend.

Let's Go Blue!!!!

Well, I am approaching the end to my first full week here in Granger. It is starting feel like I am slowly finding my place here at GCC. I am learning the names of a lot of the people who work here (70 paid staff) and I am feeling a little more comfortable with how things operate. This week I began creating and developing what the steps might look like for launching the family missions program. By the time I was done laying it out, I was planning into March of 2008. That is something I have never done before. So I am continually learning new things and being stretched. I am excited for next week. I will be starting my classes at Bethel and on Thursday and Friday of next week GCC is hosting its Innovative Church Conference. If you are not signed up for this thing yet you need to. It is going to be incredible. I will be posting more about this after the conference.

Also this weekend is one the biggest events of the year. The "to be praised" Wolverines of Michigan are coming to town to take on the despised No. 2 ranked Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. Should be a good game and fun atmosphere. Go Blue!!!

MERGE

Last night was another big night in the life of GCC. The college age (18-25) ministry Merge got underway. It is a once a month ministry for people in the college age of life who are looking to connect with others their age in a worship experience. It started last night at 7:30pm and somewhere between 250 and 300 students showed up. The format was worship, then a message and then a little more worship. Pretty typical of what most services for this age group. If time allows, I will be volunteering with this ministry by possibly helping to connect the loner students to others so they can feel more connected and comfortable. I'm excited to see what this ministry does and how it will impact the college campuses in the area. It seems that this ministry was a long time coming and now it is finally here. I will write more about merge in the future.

Sprinkle, Pour and Immersion

It was quite a day in the life of Granger Community Church on Sunday. Between 2pm and 6pm yesterday, approx. 300 people were baptized and welcomed into the family here at GCC. It was definitely a first time experience for me to see so many people come and take part in a huge celebration. Even though it rained most of the time (sprinkled and poured) that did not stop the thousand or so people in attendance, some bringing tents and almost all bringing blankets, umbrellas, and food. It was like a huge tailgate party but not for a huge sporting event like most people were doing on the opening day of the NFL. It was for a baptism and to celebrate the public confession of faith of hundreds of people. It just seems right. Almost like a scene from the New Testament. People gathering at the edge of the water to watch and eat and celebrate the decisions of those being immersed. I will try to get some pics up of the event so you can have somewhat of a visual of the event. The Kingdom of God is growing!!!

FYI: New Information

I have recently discovered some new information for those of you that may wish to contact me as some point in the journey. Here goes:

A second email: jking@gccwired.com (otis_44@hotmail.com will still work)

A new address: 14855 Fairfield Dr. Granger, IN 46530

A work phone: 574.243.3500 ext. 317

That's all I can think of for now. Feel free to contact me anytime.

The Journey Begins

Well, it has begun. All of the waiting and wondering has finally come to an end. As of 9:00 this morning I have officially begun my new season of ministry here at GCC. As you can see in the picture, my head is full of new information, new people, new programs and new surroundings. It is going to be a challenge and I know I that I am incapable of doing what I am being asked to do which is actually right where I want to be. I am forced to rely on the strength and power of Jesus to perform. So as I continue to press on in this journey, please keep me in your prayers. Every step will be uncharted territory and every day a step in faith. Thanks to everyone for your encouragement, prayer and support. God Bless!!!