52 Days

In the book of Nehemiah it talks about a wall that needed to be built around the city of Jerusalem. The city was exposed to enemies and was a mess. So, Nehemiah assembled a team and built the wall in 52 days. And they all lived happily ever after.

Riiighhhht.

There are 13 chapters in Nehemiah, and they are filled with the trials and tribulations involved with the wall being built. It is so eerily similar to the story of Waterfront that we had to study this book to gain insight as to what we are up against. So, over the next 52 days (That’s right, we launch in 52 days) we will look at the book of Nehemiah and learn what God has to say about calling people to do His work.

Something old, something new

This is a strange week. We are entering what I have been calling the “breaking training camp” phase of our launch. We are still holding every other Sunday services for our core team, but with our move to the Schaumburg Park District Center it is feeling more like “Church” capital C. As we gear up for October 19th, it is feeling more and more exciting and real each week.

One of the amazing God-opportunities that has presented itself is the chance to purchase a complete portable setup. That means, literally, a trailer with everything we would need (and then some) to “do” church. We are praying it up, and doing some due diligence as well. But the thing that is so strange is that this trailer is available because a church plant didn’t make it. After one year (or so) this church is closing it’s doors. Kind of sobering, really, when we are oh-so-excited about opening our doors here in 7 weeks.

Sunday, August 24

This Sunday we are back at the Schaumburg Park District Fitness Center. We met there 2 weeks ago, and loved it! The staff is warm and friendly, and the facility is great. It is such a God thing that we wound up there. We thought we might be at Schaumburg High School by now, but they have a massive construction project going on. So, we are very thankful to have such a great space to meet and worship!

This Sunday we are looking at “The Heart Of A Church” and David will be giving the message. Hope to see you there, 10am!

The Facebook Phenomenon

OK, I am “on” Facebook. I have bought into the hype. Sort of.

See, I still don’t get it. It’s like a wierd cyber-place that
seems like a community of sorts, except for the fact
that everyone (myself included) has their face buried
in a laptop and isn’t experiencing anything like
community at all.

I mean, it is cool to run into that person you went to third grade with, and I really do want everyone to know that I am watching a rerun of Star Trek AT THIS VERY MOMENT!!!! And, I eventually want to have a “virtual pillow fight” or whatever that means, but I have this pervasive sense that the emperor has no clothes. Like, “ooh, I’m so emergent and post-modern” when I’m on it, but I’m actually missing something…..

Or, maybe I’m just old.

Are you ready for some football?

Not very spiritual, but exciting just the same. David Herrick has started a Waterfront fantasy football league. I have never participated in one, but there is no doubt that I will win. In fact, I’m surprised that David let me join!

My team is the Eichelschaumburgers. I think we will go undefeated.

I am basing all of this confidence on my one golden rule:

Do not draft any Bears.

Like the new look?

I thought I’d change it up a little, and get a new look for the blog. Something more in line with the website.

So, how do you like it?

Back home

This weekend will be special. The whole arts team for Waterfront is heading back to Romeoville to lead worship at Community Christian Church.

Some of us haven’t been back since we left to start Waterfront, while others have. Either way, we all are excited to be back, and to serve the church that we were a part of for so long.

CCC Romeoville is where many of us learned how to “do church.” There is so much that is right and wonderful about that place; it is a grace filled community of believers who love and support each other. I hope that someday Waterfront will become what the Romeoville team is at CCC, but we already have experienced that love and grace, so as we begin to grow we have a wonderful model to aspire to!

Leadership Summit

We had a whirlwind week here at Waterfront. The early part of the week was spent trying to plan and find a location for the Sunday service. Then, on Thursday and Friday Jim, David, John, Cindy and I attended the Leadership Summit at Willow. It was great as usual. There were many highlights, including 2 Bill Hybels talks. I missed the second one, which concluded the Summit, because I was on overload by then and had a massive headache!

I am still trying to digest the event, but there was a very clear theme this year, and it was one of depth and focus. I believe we are seeing the end of the “be everything to everyone” church. Speaker after speaker referred to a time they had to “say no” to something or “strip down” to essential activities and ministries. It seems that God wants us to stick to the things He calls us to, and to let go of the other things that look and feel good, but just pull us away from our calling. We are then free to dive deep into relationship with God and the people he has called us to serve. When we draw closer to Him, we are where we should be. Always. And as the leaders of His church, if we aren’t close to Him, and putting Him first, what are we leading people in and to?

Again, it was a great event, and I can’t wait until next year!

Waterfront News……

Lots going on here at Waterfront! In the past 10 days we have seen the following milestones:

* Held our first small group
* Added our first “local” musician to the arts team
* Acquired and used our new “Mediashout” computer
* Partnered with the Village of Schaumburg to serve at Septemberfest
* Put the final touches on paperwork that will officially let us met at Schaumburg High School
* Were contacted by PBS about possibly having Jim on a show talking about Waterfront

We are a church on the move! The best thing is that even in the busyness there are plenty of opportunities to love God and people well. If we get that right, the rest is easy!