Pictures

Back to the Beginning: Genesis

I'm looking forward to the new series that we're starting this Sunday. It's called Back to the Beginning: Genesis. It is a study of the book of Genesis. Genesis means "beginning" and I think that there are a number of fundamental stories to learn from in the Bible. The way I've decided to attack this series is through narrative presentation. Storytelling, whether in poetry or prose, has been around forever, and I find it particularly interesting that The Bible is begun with a poem to tell the story of creation. So I'm going to follow the theme of the book and use the stories it contains to show us what God intended from the beginning. He wants people in relationship with Him, growing in Faith, growing in moving away from mistakes in our past and moving toward honor.

I can't wait to share the stories of Adam, Abraham, Jacob, and Jospeh, in ways that you probably haven't heard before.

--Ben

Adjusting Nicely

Well,
I'm adjusting nicely to the little one. Probably to my wife's chagrin. I think I only heard Ellie cry once last night. Though I'm certain she cried more than that. God bless my wife. She's an amazing woman.

--Ben

Automatic Millionaire

Book Review: The Automatic Millionaire by David Bach

If I only had a treasury bond for every time people laughed and asked, “Why are you reading about that? You’re a pastor.” Whether it is Fortune magazine or The Automatic Millionaire people find it absurd that a pastor who isn’t destined for the “Big Bucks” is reading in this arena. I think they find it even more interesting when I’m not reading “Christian” authors on the subject. I’ll tell you that Millionaire wasn’t on my list to buy and read, however it was recommended by my coach. (As an aside he is requiring Corie and me to read Smart Couples Finish Rich by the same author. Review to come.) So I got it and read it in a couple hours.

Probably the most surprising thing about this read was what it did for my awareness level. I tend to read books about church, leadership, and church leadership. It really turned the rock over to look into my financial life and ask some tough questions about why I was not doing the simple things that I knew I should be doing. This is the case with most of America. I found it funny that when I mentioned reading this book and the things I knew about investing from middle school to friends of mine I was sure were preparing for their financial future, it turned out that they weren’t doing these basic steps either. And that’s what this book is about basic steps….For more of this review click on the Book Reviews link below or navigate directly to www.benrainey.info.

--Ben

11:30

Well, it's 11:30 and I'm posting for the first time today. Last week was a good week off, and I was really looking forward to getting back to business. I made a change several months ago that started my workday at 6:00 a.m. and usually started with writing. Last night I set the alarm for 6:00 and thought I'd get back in the swing today, but last night at 4:00 a.m. awakened by the midnight rendezvous of my wife and daughter, Ellie, I decided it was vanity to try and pick up at 6. So I got up at 7:30 and hit the dusty trail.

Had a great meeting with my friend Phil this morning. He preached on Friendship at his church yesterday and this morning was just a great time of reconnecting as friends. He mentioned his points from yesterday and they really resonated with me, especially because he has modeled them for me. Friendship requires refinement, honesty, and sacrifice. That's why I've enjoyed with Phil. Today we just took an hour to talk, and he was so open with me. You know it's foolish to think that when you know someone well, you know all about them. I thought I had heard every story that Phil had about ministry. Today, though, he shared another story that was I'm sure humbling for him, but showed the great strength of God's call on his life.

I may be a bit tired, but I love what God has called me too. I don't grow weary of it. Especially when I get to fight in the foxhole next to Phil Foster, my true friend.

--Ben

Venturing Out

Corie is venturing out this morning. She was invited to a bruncheon with some friends. So this is her first trip out. Should be exciting.

--Ben

Getting back to...Normal?

Is there such thing as normal? Normal life was interrupted two years ago with my first daughter, but since then I seem to have a hard time remembering memories from my past without her present. Now there's another, new little girl and I am caught in this wormhole of change that is bending time and space, but really not that far removed from where I was, or am I there, here.?

Things must be getting better (for me at least). Last night I was able to miss an entire episode of changing diaper, feeding, and changing diaper all while my other daughter Sydney climbed into bed with me. I found her there this morning at 7:30 when I woke up.

The thought occurred to me this morning that I was in a room with three of the opposite gender, and it kind of hit me that that's a potential for a lot of estrogen and I had better work at maintaining my masculinity. Maybe a problem for lesser men.

And they never told me that blogging got harder with more children. They need to add that to the course. I think. Maybe I'll start a course, Data for Dads: Parenting or Posting.

Anyway, I'm thankful that you've continued to check in, and hopefully there will be an increase in my posting. I miss the blogosphere.

--Ben

Sleep?

Sleep? Who needs Sleep?

--Ebn

We're Home!

We're all home, safe and sound. I have heard that many of you have contacted Laurie o signup for delivering meals. I just want to say thanks again.

If you are interested, please contact Laurie Boyer at 717.329.8229.

--Ben

Latest Information

We'll be checking out of the hospital tonight, and headed home. Thanks to all who visited.

--Ben

Ellie's here

Meals

Some of you have wondered how to be involved in providing meals for us. The person you need to contact is Laurie Boyer at 717.329.8229. She is organizing a list now. She'll have the dates that still need to fill in.

We are so appreciative for your help.

--Ben

Movies

I went to the movies last night. $10.00 are you kidding me?

--Ben

Just another day in Paradise

Man it's awesome outside this morning. Hope you get to spend some time outdoors. For me, I'd like to spend sometime doing some construction. I fixed a lot of things yesterday around the house, did something that someone told me couldn't be done, and crossed them off my list. Now I'm looking to fill up a list and cross more off.

--Ben

Instructions for Monday

A couple things...

1. We are having the baby by C-section. So we invite (non-family) vistors to arrive anytime after 2:00 p.m. We really love to have visitors, so please feel welcome.

2. Pictures (and possibly video) will be available right here at benjaminrainey.com on Monday evening chronicling this adventure.


Thanks,

--Ben

Beautiful Day

The weather is fantastic. Wow, it's nice out here in the office today. Of course, I'm not working. Just chillin. I kinda feel like I need to take a calm before the storm that arrives Monday. I can't wait for the new baby to come, but of course with it comes a lot of change.

Yesterday my coach talked to me for about 30 minutes related to changes I needed to make to prepare for my second child. Ways that I make myself available to the church, and ways I make myself available to my family. All in all I'm really excited and pumped up about the baby coming.

Please pray for us.

--Ben

Coaching

I met with my coach today. We had a great time. He spent some time going over the homework that he gave me. It was a great discussion on Courageous Leadership by Bill Hybels. In addition, we discussed our approach to the location transition we've entered. He was very encouraging about our current strategy, and is excited to see us make this move.

For what it's worth....His church plant moved 4 times before they even held their first public service. And when they launched publicly it was in a new location. They've been there for two years and are looking at a transition of their own.

Again. There was a lot to process, so you'll see it salt and pepper the posts over the next week.

Who are you coaching? Who's coaching you?

--Ben

Virtual Tour

Meeting with Noah

Many of you know I have a friend named Noah that is the lead pastor of Capitol Christian Fellowship in the Greenbelt area. They are a Mennonite fellowship that saw the vision of SRC as something they wanted to be part of so they have picked us up for support. We're so thankful for their contribution.

Part of the joy of this church plant is the connection I have made with pastor's like Noah. Noah is younger than I am, but his leadership is a great model for me. It is also great to have a partner in whom I can trust and verbally work through things that I'm thinking about and decisions that I'm making.

I also appreciate that he picks up the check when we meet. He told me that it is kind of a personal gift to the vision of SRC for him to pay for my meal when we meet. Thanks for the meal Noah!

It's so exciting to hear the great things that are happening for CCF. They have some strategic decisions ahead, and I thought I might impose on my readers to say a prayer for CCF and pastor Noah today for wisdom.

Thanks,

--Ben

Dreams

Why do we dream what we dream? Why does it go so long between dreams that we remember vividly sometimes?

I had a good one last night. Well, it wasn't good, but it was vivid. I was in prison. And I was on death row. I had a blue jumpsuit, and spent most of my time in handcuffs moving from cell to cell. So much happened, it was one of those all night dreams, but ultimately I ended up in New Orleans to be hung. My mother cried, and my Dad was very supportive right up till the end. My dream ended with a one day stay of execution. and before the tomorrow dawned I was awake.

Corie was in my dream, but no children. Maybe that's why it was easier for me in the dream to accept what was going on. I don't know what I had done to deserve death, but I remember waking up with this on my mind:

Philippians 1:21 (NIV) ²¹For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

--Ben

Small Group

I'm looking forward to small group tonight. We have only two more meetings this semester, but I have really enjoy being part of this group. This fall we'll be rebooting our small groups, and we're looking for one hundred percent participation in the small groups. It made me think that some may not be familiar with our vision path and I wanted to recap it for you. We think that the mission of the church is accomplished best when people are connected to Large Groups, Small Groups and Prayer Groups. This is a boiled down version of Acts 2:42-47. Our Large Group meets on Sunday's, Small Groups throughout the area at varying days and times, and prayer groups, which we'll be unveiling this fall, allow everyone at SRC to have a prayer partner.

--Ben

A Trip To Florestano

I headed over to the school this morning to try and shoot some video of the new location. I hope to have that up for you today of tomorrow.

Isn't it funny when people think you're important when your not really? I was filming in the room when a professor came in. She asked what kind of camera I had and that she was thinking about getting one for something she was doing. She asked me a bunch of questions about my camera as though I know anything about them. I point, shoot, capture and edit with the most basic of tools it's ridiculous. I must have looked impressive, who knows?

--Ben

Leadership Development

Can I just tell you we had a great OT meeting last night? (For those who may not know what the OT is, it is our Operations Team. They oversee all of the operations of the church.) We started working through lessons of leadership over the last few weeks and last night's discussion rocked. I was so excited a couple weeks ago to hand out Bill Hybels book: Courageous Leadership. We read a chapter a week, and then discuss it at our meeting. Last night we had to manage two chapters so it was about the first hour of our meeting, but the reason I let it go on so long was because it was some of the most basic parts of leadership that our young leaders had never embraced as their own.

I love pastoring this church because of our developing leaders. I discerned the spiritual gift of leadership in my life long ago, because a pastor/mentor/friend, Phil Foster, discerned it in me. About a week before I went to college he gave me the book Developing the Leader Within You by John Maxwell. Off to college I went with the only book I owned and I began reading it. It was a turning point for me. It began to frame the way I saw my life developing. Could I really be a leader? I spent the first couple years in college learning how to lead, and emerged as a leader on my campus. That's not to say that I didn't make huge mistakes in leadership. One summer I had a person hate me so bad they left the concert tour we were on. But I learned from that, and tried to improve. By the time I left school and went to work in Pasadena, I had leadership experience, but would learn over the next 6 years what it meant to provide pastoral leadership. I misstepped there too. My biggest error was not doing a more intentional job of raising up leaders. I had great workers along side me, that I led, and some of them had great leadership giftings, but I feel I did little to really develop them.

When I was preparing to launch the church, I assembled a team of leaders. They were "leaders-to-be". I think they probably viewed themselves more as workers, but I saw and see in them the potential of making significant contributions of leadership of their own. Most of them had never been in a leadership position in the church. That's why it's a joy to see them growing and learning about leadership. Leaders are learners. But they're not learners only. They have to take action. That's what takes courage. Last night one of the team said, "I never thought of my self as a spiritual leader...I never thought of myself as spiritual." What a fantastic step in leadership! To reframe your vision of what you see yourself as, and what God sees you as.

Another person on the team seemed to be feeling a lot of pressure under the weight of these discoveries. I remind her of what I told her the first time we talked after she agreed to the post she leads in. I told her, "I'm not the pastor that I will be tomorrow, or tomorrow. But I promise to improve." That's all it is. I'll nurture the gift God has given me a little more, and tomorrow, and tomorrow, I'll become what He wants me to be. The beautiful part is that God has already given us what we need to do what He's positioned us to do for the kingdom.

What about you? Are you leading? Are you learning? Perhaps you are not in a leadership position, or perhaps you would say that you don't have the spiritual gift of leadership. That's fine. Let me ask you this. Are you nurturing your gift as much as I'm nurturing mine? Are you investing as much in giving, mercy, administration, wisdom, etc. as I am in the gifts God has given me? The church needs you and the gifts God has given you to flourish.

--Ben

The Announcement (new posts below)

The Announcement:

Due to recent conflicts with the school a decision has been made regarding the use of the CADE 219 room as our meeting location. The school’s requirement of setup/teardown rules required that a team of two custodians be paid a minimum four hours labor to set the room for us. This requirement would effectively double our rent. Through negotiations with the school we have come to an agreement which allows us to use another building on campus without incurring the additional cost.

We will be moving to the Floristano Building room 101 starting this Sunday. This room offers fixed theater seating. It is located around the far corner of CADE. When using West Campus Drive, turn right at the stop sign, make your first left past the CADE building and use the parking lot just outside of the FLRS building.

We will be using this location through the end of the year with a reasonable level of certainty. In addition, the Operations Team is putting together an exploratory committee to look into other options for meeting facilities. That search will be updated here at www.benjaminrainey.com.

We thank you for your patience during this time of change and transition, and I invite your question directed to ben@severnriverchurch.com or to 410.491.4314. I’d be happy to hear ideas you may have, or options you may know of. One request that we have is that you’d please direct other SRCers or concerned parties to this site to be filled in on information. The Operations Team and I as your pastor know the value of good information and the danger of mis-information. We have unprecedented ability to keep everyone on the same page by coming to this web page. Thanks for your help.

Prayer will help us transition through this next step.

Thanks,

--Ben

53 hits

Today we set a record here at Benjaminrainey.com. We had over 50 hits. Seems that a lot of people were interested in the announcement. I think that it is indicative of the number of folks that are praying for us. I thank you for that.

Tune in regularly for the most up-to-date info on Severn River Church.

--Ben

PS. 53 hits, and no comments?

Important Announcement To Be Made Sunday

Dear Readers,

This post is to inform the members and prayer partners of Severn River Church of a significant upcoming announcement this Sunday. There has never been an announcement made that was so important to our future, and we are asking everyone to pray in preparation of this event.

There is a change on the horizon for our church and because of the need for information we're asking everyone to be there in order to hear the announcement. The more efficiently this information can be disseminated, the better we will navigate the change.

There is no need for alarm. Our future will be affected by this announcement, but it will not hinder our pursuit of our mission: becoming a significant church in the greater-Annapolis area: making disciples, baptizing them, and teaching them to obey God's word.

After the announcement Sunday, a letter will be sent to everyone on our mailing list informing them of the announcement made and explaining it in further detail. Additionally, I'll be posting regarding the change here at www.benjaminrainey.com.

Our aim is to use information to navigate change and we appreciate you praying and staying informed.

Much thanks,

--Ben

What am I doing?

I've been really enjoying the time that I have freed up in my calendar with Matt speaking thoruhg the month of July. You may wonder to yourself what I'm up to since I don't have to spend time preparing teachings.

I'm working on teachings for the month of August right now. I'll be teaching a series called Genesis: Its only the beginning. In this series we'll be exploring the first book of the Bible. It's a masterpiece you know. Not my series. The book of Genesis. A literary marvel to me, because it uses technique that must be supernatural.

In storytelling, one of the most effective and tantalizingly delightful techniques is to start at the end, then come back to the beginning so that in the end the audience hears the same thing it heard in the introduction, but understand it in a whole new way. Movies do this all the time, and it is fantastic.

The book of Genesis astounds me because it uses this very technique. It is the introduction to the entire Bible, and somehow 40 different writers over a millennium and a half, independently wrote a continuous story as it unfolded. And because it was inspired by the Holy Spirit it is seamless.

Consider that in the very start, God gave us a picture of the very end. And the first three chapters show us what the rest of the entire Bible try to get back to in the last three chapters. Imagine that God would show us encapsulated in the story of the forefathers of faith the story of redemption that would be played out generation after generation until its final fulfillment in Christ.

So that's something I'm working on.

----

In addition to that I'm also writing the teachings and small group teachings for The Compassion Journey. I can't wait for this fall. We have some very special things planned to come out of the Journey. That keeps me busy as well.

--Ben

A Fabulous Break

Wow, the weather has broken. It is beautiful here. The oppressive heat and humidity have been replaced with a cool front that has left the temperatures down and the sky brilliant blue. I hope that you are able to get out and enjoy this day.

As for me, early this morning I got to help my sister and brother-in-law by hauling some stuff to the dump. They are preparing to move into a new apartment, but the move requires a lot of work on their part to get the efficiency ready. Corie rode along to the dump and helped me. I love working with her. It was a gift for me, to give a gift to them.

--Ben

A great night

Last night, I had our Tuesday night small group over to the house. We have only met a couple times, but last night was great. We cooked out on the Rainey's deck, and I did the grilling. I get so excited about hosting people at my house. I really feel like it's a stewardship issues. By that I mean that I feel God has blessed and entrusted this house to us. When I offer it for the enjoyment of others, and especially for a small group meeting, I feel that it is as honoring to God as my tithe.

We hung out on the deck for a while, then we transitioned into the living room. I feel that I stink at hosting parties. I love for you to come to my house. And while you're here, everything is at your disposal, help yourself. But I just don't have the party flare that others have. I do run meetings pretty good. Anyway...

We had the discussion in the living room, and I was really pleased with the way we tackled the spiritual transformation neccessary to live up to what Matt taught on Sunday about becoming doers of the word. We also talked about what its like in Old School Pentecostal Churches, someone had recently visited one and had a lot of questions about why when they prayed at the altar the pastor screamed in the peoples faces. Why they were passing out, and why they covered them with blankets. Then we also talked about redemption in Christ, how we can overcome original sin, and the age of accountability. Needless to say, it was a varied and delightful conversation.

Then it was guitar hero till 10:30. And Good night.

I'm really looking forward to next week. I've said it many times before, but it's truer this morning than its ever been, "I will never be without a small group again for the rest of my life." There just is no significant discipleship apart from them.

--Ben

Meeting AACC

The meeting today was postponed. It will be rescheduled to next week. Thanks for your prayers.
--Ben

Is it hot enough for you?

When I was a kid, I listened to a radio station that would play a game on summer mornings called, "Hot enough for you?" The game went like this. When you pulled up to a stop light, you rolled down your window and asked someone "Is it hot enough for you?"

I always thought it would be a great way to build the camaraderie of humanity, because we suddenly all have another thing in common. We're all hot. It's hot!

One of the disadvantages of moving my office into my patio enclosure is that it is approaching 90 degrees out here. Yikes!

--Ben

Prayer Need

Dear Readers,

Today I'll be having a meeting with the Anne Arundel Community College. I'm meeting with Facility Managers regarding an evaluation of our use of the Cade building. I look at every opportunity to meet as a chance for God's favor to go before me. Would you please pray for favor?

Thanks,
Ben

Does Anyone Like Health Insurance Providers?

Come on, am I the only one who hates Health Insurance issues. It is a constant shuffling from one touch-tone to another. Then you get through the gauntlet of menu options in the most logical order only to find an operator who can't operate, but can transfer you to...click.

You call back and dial through the menu hoping to get Jay who just cut you off for "transferring you to billing", only to talk with Pam who tells you there is no other billing department, and that she can help with anything I need. (thanks Jay)

Our policy was recently bought out by another company. The new company told us that the contract (no not a contract with me), the contract between the old company, with which I already satisfied my deductible, and the new company who is graciously giving me deductible credit over the last three months. Of course, the deductible satisfied, the money we've paid over the last three months has been only a small portion, ugh!

And they can't even tell me how much has been applied from my deductible, because that hasn't been updated in their system. I could try back at the end of the week. BUT on a scale of 1-10 she wouldn't even posit a number of the chances that it will be there. You see, "THEY're" fixing it. "THEY'll" let her know when it's up and running. So I asked, "Who's They?" Can I have their phone number. Since they're the only ones who have the key to the gate I need to pass?

Nope. she can't give me a number because they don't talk to customers. They're only accessible through the system or via email. AHA! "I'll take their e-mail address please."

Nope. She can't give that out. "Well, Pam, could you e-mail them on behalf of me, please?" Please hold.

(Sure the old "Please Hold" trick. Put me on hold, and wait for the little red light next to the holding line is extinguished because you've beaten me, worn me down, and avoided the hassle.)

Nope. The little red light is calling to you Pam. It's whispering, "this guy isn't going anywhere." Oh yeah, he's got a boat load of rollover minutes and he'll use each and every one to..."

"Yes, I'm still here."

She e-mailed them, takes my phone number and as soon as she gets a reply she'll call me. (Sure)

"Thanks Pam. I know that you have nothing to do with this, but I'm sure you can understand what a disadvantage I've been put in because of this contract. Well, thank you for your time."

The only thing that could be worse is if it were a government employee. Hillary Healthcare '08 anyone?

--Ben

A whirlwind weekend

Wow! Time flies.

It seems like it was just Monday and we were heading into the week with so much to accomplish and get done. And here we are on the other side starting all over again. You know many call it "the grind". I'm happy to not feel ground. I enjoy it. Now, compared to some of you, you've been in the grinder a whole lot longer than I have, but I still enjoy the weariness as a sign of life (not death). What I mean is, I like feeling tired because it lets me know that I've been busy living. As Wyatt Earp said, "Get busy livin', or get busy diein'."

So in my business of life, I painted my daughter's bedroom (a feat that I'm very proud of). I had several people say, "Wow, it looks really good. I'm surprised you could do this good a job." I'm like, "hey thanks for the confidence." I think that they meant that because it's not my profession they were surprised how good it looks.

I also hung out with my family. I posted two days ago about the fun evening at the pool we shared, and we followed it up by getting in the other grandparent's pool on Saturday and Sunday evenings. Sydney loves the water.

Yesterday morning was a blast at church. An SRCer volunteered for a role of managing our small groups. Plenty of SRCers showed up early to help set-up. Matt did a great job launching the series he's doing on James. And I think we'll have a new singer in August. It was a great day. When we talk about "every member ministry" we're not kidding. We believe that everyone has a place and role to play.

Speaking of which the team for the Compassion journey is coming together. A bunch of SRCers are agreeing to leadership tasks in getting this thing to the success we want it to be. So thankful for the heart of cooperation and volunteerism.

I had a funny conversation with a couple women from SRC yesterday. They represent the...erm..."mature" contingent of SRC. They walked in and saw our room setup. Vacation had kept them away for a couple weeks. Long enough to not know that we had totally changed our setup, but only by turning it 90 degrees. They laughed about how you can't mess with old people. I reminded them that it is one of the joys of church planting to create experiments of everything. I think they came to like the new setup...not sure.

And then I sacrificed my nap. Those of you who don't know me as well, may not know about my allegiance to the Sunday Nap. It may be hereditary, but Sunday afternoon naps are a reset switch for me. I sleep well during the week, but if I don't get a nap on Sunday I feel it for a couple days. Also, I generally have no problem going back to sleep Sunday night. I sleep for about two hours usually. But yesterday I had to help my daughter adjust to her new "big girl" bed. So I laid with her till she fell asleep. That was a while, because she was so excited by her new and colorful room, and awed by the quality workmanship that surrounded her. So after 30 plus minutes she finally went to sleep. Then I crawled out and headed into my bed. Corie was awake, so I didn't end up asleep in that room for another half hour, so by the time I did fall asleep it was further into the day than normal. Corie left a while later to go to her parents, and I tossed and turned. I didn't end up with a good nap, so don't bother me this week....just kidding.

Anyway, that should catch you up. I've got an exciting day planned full of phone calls, meetings, inviting people to SRC, and maybe if I'm lucky I'll put some primer on the walls of our baby's room and start the project in there off getting it ready.

Bring it ON!

--Ben

The Slide

Is there anything better than family time? Wow, it is soo great. Last night Sydney got to swim at my grandmother's house. We swam in an in-ground pool that is 50 years old; and Sydney though sometimes shy is a little daredevil.

When she was littler I called her my chair devil, because she would climb up on chairs (often a death defying feat). Last night she got to experience the sliding board. We started her on just the bottom of the board. She slid off into my arms. Then we sat her half-way up, and she slid down and into my arms. Then she walked over and started climbing the ladder to the top. My mother followed her up so she wouldn't fall, then she slid all the way down and into my arms. That happened several more times. She had a ball, so did I. Great night with the family after we had worked hard yesterday on Sydney's new room.

BTW,
We saw the baby's face in the sonogram yesterday. Looks like more chubby cheeks and a Rainey nose headed our way. We'll keep you posted.

--Ben

This week at Severn River Church

This Sunday we're starting a new series that Matt will be teaching for the next four weeks only. It is a study in the book of James from the New Testament. He has been preparing this series over the last few months as we've been counting down to this start date.

James is referred to as Wisdom Literature, because it is a book filled with practical truisms of life. It is very similar to the type of literature found in the book of Proverbs. Jesus said in Matthew 11 that Wisdom is proven right in her Action, and this series will challenge us to action in living out faith in Jesus Christ.

---

For those who may not know, this series gives me a break from the teaching that I normally do. It is a great opportunity for me to prepare for the new baby that is due to arrive in our house in just a few days. I'm thankful that God has brought a partner pastor to SRC and that we have the chance to share the teaching load together.

--Ben

Nothing's more fun, or much easily done...

I'll be painting today. We're painting Sydney's new bedroom. Should be moving her in this weekend to make room for the baby coming. I enjoy the work that comes along with this kind of adventure.

I'm an achiever by nature. When I get a task on my agenda it gets DONE. Some would argue what it takes to get on my agenda, but once it's there. There's generally no stopping me. But if you want me to get your agenda done, make it mine. Sell me on the compelling reason I need to do it. But get on my team, because I'll be expecting you to run right with me.

But that's just me...

--Ben

The Quiet Beneath The Waves

Wow! How could I have missed one of the most exciting things that has ever happened at SRC. Last Sunday we baptized 4 members of SRC. Talk about exciting, it was off the meter for me. As many of you know I am sold out to the mission of the church which is to make disciples, baptize them, and teach them to obey God's word. Days like Sunday show us we're winning.

People making the choice to be baptized is a huge step of commitment in their faith journey. It is a symbolic way of putting old lives behind them, and beginning new lives. For Kevin, Drew, Jenna, and Joe the journey with Christ led them to steps into a pool, but more important were the steps out of the water. The mission is perpetuated in their lives. I was thinking about it this morning after listening to Sunday's message again. Listen to this...




For more on what Joe had to say and to hear the story of our first baptism click here.

When we fulfill the mission of Christ, we begin the mission again. I'm so thankful to be sharing it with special SRCers like this.

The firsts of more to come!

--Ben

All the Benjamins

Some of you may note that I received a comment from another Benjamin Rainey from Australia. I posted part of my reply email as a comment. So I was curious, and googled my name. I found this interesting information...



REV. BENJAMIN RAINEY.

R EV. BENJAMIN RAINEY was born October 8, 1758, and died May 5, 1811. He was buried near the Big Spring with his wife, in Orange (now Alamance) county (on the farm of Junius H. Harden, north of Graham [47] depot), North Carolina. His three daughters were married--Rachel to Michael Holt, Nancy to Thomas Sellars, and Sarah to William Mebane.1 Mrs. Nancy Sellars, the daughter of Rev. Benjamin Rainey, died the 22nd of August, 1881.

In October, 1808, he attended the General Meeting at Raleigh, North Carolina, which continued four days. He in company with Joseph Thomas (later known as the 'White Pilgrim'), after leaving the Conference and traveling about fourteen miles from Raleigh, spent the night with the "pious J. O'Kelly." The following morning (Wednesday) Elder Rainey in company with Joseph Thomas traveled on, and that evening they held meeting at Haw creek. Elder Rainey preached.

He was the author of "Episcopacy Unmasked," and in it he says with reference to the Methodist Discipline, 6th edition, "The sacred Scriptures have no place in the Constitution thus made, neither is the name of God mentioned in it."2 In 1809 he issued with Rev. Mr. Stringer a "Pamphlet in Vindication of the Christian Doctrine." In 1906, the Bible used by Rev. Benjamin Rainey was in the hands and possession of the widow of the late Dr. B. A. Sellars, of Burlington, North Carolina. The texts from which he preached were marked in this Holy Book.

Blog Test Below

The post below this one is a new test I'm doing. I know that some of you chuckle each time you come on here and find something new on the blog (i.e. Ben's Box, E-mail Sign-up, etc.), but it is to satisfy my curiosity, and though you may find it pointless, I have have points in mind.

Now here's how you can help me. Last year I posted video (hosted via YouTube) with a message from me. The complaint I heard then was that it took too long to download. Some of you with dial-up connections would start loading it and walk away and view it a couple hours later when it had finished. I would really like to know if you have trouble with this audio clip loading slowly. So please leave a comment and tell me how it sounds.

Regarding comments. I'm seeing more and more commentors around the blog circuit. I think the comment issue might be fixed. It will probably require you signing up again, but I think this time it might stick. As always, you can post anonymously with or without attaching your name at the end.

Thanks,

--Ben

Audio Blog Test

New Book Review

New Book Review (Click the book to go to the full review)

Here is a cutting from the full review:

"...Remember that the framework from which Jeffery works is this, 'All things being equal, people want to do business with their friends. All things being not quite so equal, people STILL want to do business with their friends.'

The premise for this book is summed up in the idea that the relationships you develop today..."

Enjoy!

--Ben

I'm Reconnected

I have a mentor who blogs and when he travels he gives an announcement that he'll be unplugging from the blogosphere for a few days. I wonder how he feels when he does that? I know that I feel like I miss friends when I don't come on a post. That's why last week I tried to post at least once a day, just to stay in touch. But, as you could tell it wasn't a lot of good information.

I want to welcome a couple new viewers to the blog. I found out that there are people who don't attend our church that are checking in from time to time, and that there are people from our church who just found out how to get to the blog last week for the first time. Congrats on that. The reason it's important, as you the faithful know, is because this is really where the best information stream is. There's a lot to get here, drink deep.

And on more random comment. The person who had struggled and finally found their way to the blog was using the actual blogspot address (http://riverchurch.blogspot.com) I think www.benjaminrainey.com is a lot easier, that's why I added it. If you're trying to help someone find the way (and so far about 30 there be that find it) maybe try offering them the new address.

Ok. More later.

I'm back and ready to blog boogey,

--Ben