fbcslo updates

Have I Told You Lately? #5

Wed, 9 Jul 2008 10:54:42 -0700

BEN GETS IT.
Ben Barczi has been studying FOR WEEKS to deliver this message, “Beholding God Together.”   While some people approach the mysterious book of Revelation to unpack futuristic signs and events, Ben winnows out what Revelation says about Jesus personally, and why that affects our relationships.  These truths are the very basis for us being Better Together.  To get ready for Sunday, read Revelation 5, 7, and 19—don't worry about the strange images, but let your heart be moved by the worship!
NEW REC FIELD AND PLAYGROUND UNDER WAY!
Last Sunday afternoon the playground and recreation field vision-walk was very productive.  Our vision of a large multipurpose game field and kids' play area took a quantum leap forward.  We’ve contracted the services of Tom Becker, professional landscaper and longtime friend of FBCSLO.  God has stirred the hearts of volunteers and generous donors.  As one parent said during our vision-walk, “In the past, when new parents saw the condition of our children’s areas, convincing them that we care about kids was a hard sell.”  Glory to God, that’s changing NOW!  In the next few weeks you’ll be seeing pictures (including me and my trusty chainsaw) of volunteers making amazing progress.  We’ll show some pics on Sunday mornings and post plenty more on the fbcslo.org website.
PLAYGROUND WORKDAY (or workground playday).
This Saturday at 8am men and women will be prepping and painting the play-structure, and setting it up in its new location.  I can use up to 12 people.  Please confirm with coordinator Lisa at 543-0945 if you wish to help!  Men’s breakfast is at 9am as scheduled.
BETTER TOGETHER BOOK.
Come prepared Sunday to part with $8 for Rick Warren’s book called Better Together.  If it doesn’t provide AT LEAST $8 of spiritual benefit to your life as we move through our Better Together series, I’ll refund your $8 no questions asked.
TIMOTHY PROJECT GOES HOMELESS.
A dozen FBC college students and leaders have dedicated their summer to serving Christ 24-7.  This week they spent with the homeless.  In a few minutes I join them for two hours with homeless children here in SLO.  Please take a minute or two and pray for these students who are sharing the love of Jesus in the Timothy Project:
Jonathan Arnett, Tommy Bennett, Ed Chow, Matthew Clark, Luke Crestwell, Hallie Helbert, Stephen Laymon, Lyssa Loosa, Allison Malicoat, Morgan O'Hagan, Kate Polizzi, Jonathan Stoyko.
ELDER MEETING HIGHLIGHTS.
Lay elders have doubled their meetings this summer to clarify and affirm our core values and priorities as a church.  So much of their discussion came back to the small groups.  To be better together, Elder Don Green says, “It all comes back down to small groups.  Small group leaders are the VIP’s of FBCSLO.  We need to invest heavily into our group leaders!”   I agree, Don.  There is a kind of spiritual growth that just cannot happen in a large group worship service.  And small groups can make the highest outreach impact.  We are a church OF small groups, not just a church WITH small groups.  It’s where you REALLY feel the love!
And have I told you lately, church?  I LOVE YOU!

Pastor Tom

Have I Told You Lately? #4

Wed, 2 Jul 2008 10:33:47 -0700

PREPPING FOR BLESSING.
Have you ever arrived at church services feeling unprepared to engage the pastor's message?  Can you imagine how much more you would get from the message if you had already thought and prayed through the text?  As a result of the feedback I've received from the Pastor's Prep Class, I plan to give you weekly Bible passages and thoughts to consider in preparation for the following Sunday.  Remember this week in preparation for communion to set things right with anyone you need to give or receive forgiveness.
FREEDOM!
This Sunday Pastor Aaron Porter will be bringing the July 4thmessage entitled, "Fighting for Your Family's Freedom." Independence Day is this weekend—but what does it mean to really live in freedom? Developing further our Better Together series, Aaron will challenge us to help each other live in the freedom Christ purchased for us. If you want to prepare your heart for the message, take a minute and look over Acts 7:22-29 and Galatians 5:1.
BETTER TOGETHER BOOK.
Honestly, I had already named the summer series when I discovered a book by the exact same title by Rick Warren.  And it's a really good book!  Next Sunday, the 13th, we will have them for sale to REALLY get the most of our Better Together summer.
WORLD PRAYER.
This Thursday evening, a group of prayer warriors will gather to lift up the church around the world. They'll be praying for our FBC missionaries, and other Christians who are facing persecution for their faith. You'd be blessed to join them! Stop by the church lobby at 6:30p on Thursday and discover the joy of praying for God's kingdom.
THE TIMOTHY PROJECT.
About a dozen college aged students have signed on for a summer of ministry.  They live together and serve God together for most of the summer.   Aaron Porter and Lyssa Loosa have set six weeks of secret agenda for the students designed to stretch their faith and awareness of people in need.  We will see them in town from time to time, but the fact that a passport was required indicates they'll be on the move.  Yesterday the Timothy Team learned that this week they will be counselors for 1-6 graders at Camp Good News, so they've packed up their spartan supplies from their Huasna campsite and moved to Lopez.  Their eager adventurous and brave attitudes are outright inspiring.
ARE YOU A HANDYMAN?
FBCSLO is blessed with amazing volunteers like Dave Young and Rob Wurster who can fix and build.  But we have room for more volunteers!   We have a place for you if you like to paint, climb, clean, bolt, repair and build.  This Sunday you'll see me in my "work clothes" out front to recruit helpers for the playground renovation.  I need able bodied workers who'll help ready the children's play areas for a fresh crop of kids! Our facility REALLY gets used for God's glory day in and day out.  You could have a part in keeping God's house a place of excellence!
The amazing love of God is something too wonderful to keep to ourselves. Have you told anyone lately?
Love,

Tom

Women’s Movie Night

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 10:36:07 -0700

June 27 @ 6:30p. Join with other women from FBC and enjoy a night of fun, food and fellowship! Wear your comfy pj’s, and we’ll watch a movie, eat pizza and popcorn and have a great time. RSVP today by emailing Donna Porter at dne@charter.net. See you there!

Have I Told You Lately? #3

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 10:31:29 -0700

Dear Church, 
You are reading the THIRD "HAVE I TOLD YOU LATELY" email. And today it's about love…
 Last Sunday at 9 am about a dozen people in my new class helped me prepare a message from Hosea that I have titled "Lopsided Love." It's a sad but glorious story. Maybe you've felt it before, where love is not balanced or requited. Hosea is about the story of God's lopsided love. This Sunday the message and worship theme all center around the incredible love of God, and how far He is willing to go to reach his beloved – YOU! If you were to take your Bible and read the short book of Hosea before Sunday, you would get MUCH MORE from the message.
 BETTER TOGETHER!
THIS SUNDAY we enjoy another fine BBQ after church. But it's not hosted by your elder body this week. Rather, the "Timothy Project" people are cooking for us. The Timothy Project is a big "next level" step up from the "Backyard SLO" summer discipleship and mission program of years past. A dozen students and leaders have already met for one week to take Jesus' commands very seriously. At their home base near Lake Lopez they will learn to live in community, study the Bible, share their faith, care for the needy and then GO where the needs are. You'll hear from them in worship Sunday.
 PLAYGROUND.
Planning work has begun on the childrens play areas. This is an audacious goal indeed. This week a block retaining wall goes in for the lower playground equipment sand. If you like working with your hands and good company, let's work together. Give me a call and we'll have fun making something great for God and the kids!
  TONY IS HERE.
Tony Campolo is here THIS THURSDAY NIGHT (June 26) AT 6:30. We have space available, so just come experience this passionate advocate of living faith. You'll get a new vision of what God wants for your life and for us as an obedient church body!
 PICK A CLASS!
Remember our worship is 10:15 again this Sunday, BUT new electives classes continue this week at 9:00 a.m.! I'm teaching principles of Bible study related to upcoming messages. Church staff and volunteers are teaching many others. Let's grow together this summer! You can find a list of the elective classes by going to this link on our website. (http://www.fbcslo.org/FBCSLO/Updates/Entries/2008/6/15_Adult_electives.html)
 And have I told you lately that I love you? Well I do! 
Love, 
Tom

Have I Told You Lately? #2

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 10:29:00 -0700

Dear Church,

Thank you for taking a look at this SECOND "Have I told you lately" e-update.

BETTER TOGETHER!
Thanks to the big crowd that helped consume 175 burgers and dogs after church last week. In church service, the show of raised hands indicated 30 of you were staying for the BBQ. Hmmm, something changed as the throng of people lined up at the elders' grills. I wonder if the subliminal aroma-advertising did it, or maybe it was Aaron's sermon or maybe you found yourself standing in the hamburger line just to get to your car. However it was, I love it when God's people are together! We are indeed BETTER TOGETHER.

YOU MATTER!
I have undertaken a big audacious goal for the summer—I want to minister to YOU in a small group setting at least once this summer. That means in an existing small group, an after-service lunch, or a home gathering at my house for a BBQ. I have been deeply convicted that we believers belong together. I need to know what is happening in your lives. To be most effective in the pulpit I must feel what your life is really like. And most of all I just want to care for you. My assistant Lisa Mayer is coordinating these gatherings throughout the summer. I hope you say "yes!"

PLAYGROUND.
My second big goal for the summer is the completion of the children's play areas. This is an audacious goal indeed. Aaron has agreed to preach several sermons in August to allow me to get dirty for the kids playground. I am looking for people with chain sawing, tractor driving, wrench turning, irrigation, digging and just plain helping skills. This is going to be fun!

TONY IS HERE.
Tony Campolo is a fiery servant of Jesus who believes the church is "missional"—that is, has a vital purpose in our society. He has rocked my world several times in the past, and has contributed to my own passion for the lost and hurting people. He is speaking here at FBC on THURSDAY JUNE 26 AT 6:30. A donation of $3 or more at the door is appreciated but no one will be turned away from a LIFE-CHANGING time with a world-class servant of God.

VISION WITH ME.
Your elders met with me this week for dinner and 3 hours of "visioneering." We dream of a church so attractive, so inviting and delightful in its loving acceptance and commitment to each other that anyone would long to be included. We decided there are certain essential qualities of a vital body of Christ that absolutely must exist. We are only beginning our Summer study on this, but agree already that: 1) We are dedicated to developing Christ-like mature character in each person 2) We are dedicated to each person "owning" her ministry gift and calling to the body, and 3) The "gospel" is to be the lifestyle of all believers AND shared with the lost.

PICK A CLASS!
Remember our worship is 10:15 again this Sunday, BUT new electives classes begin at 9:00 a.m.! I'm teaching principles of Bible study related to upcoming messages. Church staff and volunteers are teaching many others.

Let's grow together this summer! And have I told you lately that I love you? Well I do!

Love,

Tom