Give Me Your Money

Not you. No Worries.

I'm the area rep. for Barbara Ct and Kempton Rd here in the Sun Valley community. I volunteered to help out however I could, and I was elected to this position. It is official and comes with a badge. (It's rectangular. I'd rather have one that was shaped like a shield or a star, but what can you do?) My official responsibility is to hand out the newsletters to my neighbors. Another responsibility is to collect the annual dues for the HOA.

Our HOA is pretty low key. They mainly represent us to local politicians and law enforcement, hold monthly meetings. manage community property, signs, organize community patrols, etc. The dues are $10.00 a year. (a YEAR) It is also not mandatory that every household participate. So I have to ask whether people are volunteering to give me (see, look I have a badge) their money. I have always participated, but last night I met a number of people who didn't even know that there was an association. Gotta get the word out!

Last year only 104 out of the 440 homes in our neighborhood joined. Our goal this year is apparently 200, but I was only given 10 receipts; seems like low expectations. I sold them out last night, and only did half my route. I was pretty excited about that. I'll do the other half tonight.

One of the things that we've talked about in the Compassion Journey is our use of time. I've found that volunteering like this helps me use time to meet people, learn about their concerns and needs. It's a great adventure. I recommend it.

--Ben

Doing Nothing

It's Friday, and I'm doing nothing. I've taken my rest on Saturdays the last couple weeks, choosing instead to substitute teach for the county schools. This week I decided it was time for a little break. This morning I've done nothing but fix breakfast, do laundry (my secret is I let the machine do the work), picked up around the house, worked on my dad's old tripod and fixed our baby swing (after tearing it apart it turned out to just be the batteries.). I watched a couple shows on the internet that our nightly family reading and prayer time makes me miss, and I thought I'd pop on the blog.

BTW, Pat Grach signed on and commented. He is my coach in Hagerstown. Thanks for checking in Pat.

--Ben

One Blogger To Another

Yesterday I got to help my sister Ariel Rainey get her blog named in her own domain. You can check out her great adventures from around the world by logging onto www.arielrainey.com. Always happy to help someone find there way around cyberspace. I'm not a native, but I like to explore. So, I can pretty much only take you where I've been, but I try to keep exploring.

--ben

Juggling

During the Compassion Journey I have gotten to experience something that I never have in ministry. The feeling of being ahead. Way ahead! I have a month of teachings and small group lessons planned out, written, and most of the small groups filmed. I have never been this far ahead on anything. I actually am having a hard time keeping them all straight though.

I was counseling someone last week and could not help but talk about the scripture that I was teaching last weekend because it was on my mind. In small group, because the CJ is built on a continuum of discussions, I have a hard time not moving on to the next discussion; especially when I feel like we have broken through to the next level. For the first three weeks we are discussing personal approaches to compassion. The second three weeks is a discussion of our corporate approach to compassion.

Last night in small group, we started turning that corner in our discussion from me to we. Having already written and filmed that discussion I had to work hard not to go there, but instead to make sure we spent adequate time wrestling with our responsibility in compassion I had to put it off.

The problem is with a brain like mine it is dangerous to put so much up there. I am likely to lose it.

--Ben

Lights!

We received our new lighting system this week. Matt will announce it Sunday, but I thought I'd give you a sneak preview.

We have had a problem since we started with lighting. The rooms we meet in are not lit in any significant way making the speaker look shadowed out. In the Cade building we could turn some of the flood lights on the track system and give a little more light, but part of connecting with the audience is the ability to read faces, and we just haven't had good lighting for it.

When we moved into the FLRS building we discovered another lighting problem. One of the florescent lights buzzes very loudly. So loudly it is distracting. We are trying to address these problems by adding a light system that will throw light from the elevated back of the room. This will be an experiment of sorts. We will try different settings over the next several weeks. We're searching for a way to provide enough light for taking notes while eliminating the florescent lights altogether. We'll figure it out, thank you for your patience.

--Ben

Filming

Matt and I are filming again this morning over in Pasadena. We're recording the next two installments of our small group DVDs. In addition to the lessons, we're also filming some important updates of upcoming compassion. So stay tuned.

--Ben

CJ News

Last night I got to hear a story of what the compassion journey is doing for some people. One person, who struggles as I have with the needs of panhandlers, found himself at a stop light. His gift of compassion was an effort to do what he thought Christ would do.

I also heard about an SRCer who attended a party, and courageously invited someone from the Severna Park area to the church. The person said they would love to come, and asked for an email to help them with directions and times. And BAM! she handed out an invite card to The Compassion Journey. And, she handed out three more to others who overheard the conversation. Great stuff.

People who were having trouble connecting to a small group seem to have found connection, if you're still looking for a group click here.

--Ben

Small group at the office

This morning I'm working on a couple teachings that are coming up. I headed out to Corky's to work. But on Tuesdays we have a small group that meets at the cafe'. So, I hoped I wouldn't get in their way. I have worked hard at keeping myself busy, put in headphones and have worked diligently. Matt does a great job of leading the group, he doesn't need me to get in his way.

I will say that I've been excited all morning to have them meeting here. It's awesome that we have a group that meets here. I always get excited when we prove "the church is better at being the church when we're not at church."

--Ben

Looking for a Third Camera

We're looking for a third camcorder for Wednesday Morning. If you have one that you'd like to let us borrow, please let us know.

If you have $3000.00 that you'd like to invest in some guys who use digital media to do ministry, call 410.491.4314.

--Ben

Prayer Page

Prayer requests have been updated from yesterday on our Prayer Page. If you would like to pray for others, or if you have a need you can submit it there. We're praying.

--Ben

Weekend Reflections...

1. Visiting Friends

On Sunday morning I had a friend visit SRC. He called me on Saturday to let me know he’d be visiting. He attends another church in the area, but has been praying for us. He wanted to be able to come see it, so he took a week off to journey south to see us. It was a great encouragement, and probably the biggest part of it was the way, he genuinely demonstrated worship. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to speak to him before he left. We ran late on setup and music rehearsal, then I was available for prayer and follow-up after the teaching. At some point he had to leave. I’ll get in touch with him this week, but it was a great encouragement.

2. Katie Reading

Katie Purfield is a new attender at SRC, and I asked her to be my reader. As part of my teaching she would read the scripture, and then I would comment. It was a ton of fun, and she did a great job.

3. Committing to SRC

Yesterday I had another attender ask how they could commit to SRC. The answer was the “Discover the River”. DTR is our membership group, that explores the founding principles of our church. To make sure that everyone who commits to membership is on the same page with our mission, vision, beliefs and values. If you have been attending SRC for a while and want to make SRC “your” church, then consider DTR. It will be offered in a couple weeks.

4. Volunteers

Volunteers make SRC go. Yesterday a number of people jumped in to make the day possible. One person in particular stood out to me. She volunteered because I asked her last week to do greeting. Then this week she came and asked if she could do it again. She had Raven tickets with her family, that necessitated her leaving at 10:30, but she wanted to come and serve before the game. She came at 9:30 and was a great volunteer. If you haven’t volunteered, and found an exciting contribution to our church, get involved, it’ll make an eternal difference.

Great weekend!

--Ben

Marley Elementary...

Kindergarten...

Ill post later,

--Ben

Prayer Page

Just wanted to remind you about the SRC Prayer Page. We haven't really used it, but last night I was reminded of why we created it. At small group we closed by asking if there were prayer needs, and someone listed three serious needs that really need prayer. I reminded the person sharing that those needs could be listed on the site so more people would pray.

I want to encourage you, to use the Prayer Page. Submit a request and within 24 hours, your need will be prayed for at least by me and a growing number of people who will see that need.

To submit a request click here.

--Ben

Distracted or Meditating

There's a simple pleasure that I take in life, and that's burning a fire. I love to start, maintain, and extinguish fires. There's something so relaxing about it. About a year ago I decommissioned a grill because someone gave us a much nicer used one. So I took the propane off the old one and the grates out, and now I burn controlled fires in an enclosed container. It's also nice because I have the largest tree in the world in my back yard. It produces a never ending supply of sticks to burn. So at least a couple times a month I walk around my back yard picking up sticks, starting and maintaining fires and praying. Yup, praying.

I think that I've shared before that my prayer strategy is pretty simple, but I find it effective. I have a stack of 3x5 cards that I carry during prayer. The cards have a heading at the top, and I write notes underneath for prayer and answered prayer. These cards list categories of needs like financial support for the church and I pray for our supporters, to individuals names and needs. I might pray for you. I definately pray for you if you have a card. If you ever wonder, feel free to ask.

(I'll show you mine, so I won't disclose anyones privacy.)

Now am I burning a fire or praying? I've been thinking about this because I think my wife thinks I'm burning a fire. I mean, that is what I'm doing, and it appears to be all I'm getting done. But if you ask me, I'm praying. Doing an outdoor activity like that helps me feel close to God, and I take my time not just reading words off a card, but thinking about the person or need I'm praying for meditating on how I want God to bless them.

I'm no spiritual giant. In fact, when you stack all the great pastors of the world on top of each other, all of them are glad I don't qualify to add my weight to the pile. I just enjoy spending time like this in prayer. Maybe you need to seek a new prayer method?

--Ben

A breath of fresh air

Last night we got to go to small group for the first time in a couple months. It was like a breath of fresh air. Recently I was talking with a church staff that is looking ahead to planting a church. They were asking about our experience and I shared that the biggest hardship we've faced is the lack of small groups meeting over the summer. I likened it to having the oxygen shut off. In many ways I feel like July and August were a time of struggle gasping for breath. And I feel a sense that many around SRC are taking a deep breath right now. Small groups have started, and people are connecting again.

I had one of those, "man, I'm dumb" moments just this week. Several times we kicked around at our leadership meeting that as the OT we were connected and excited about what was happening at SRC, but many people didn't have that excitement or know what to be excited about. I think the rest of the OT with me thought that was because of the decisions we were making, vision we were seeing, etc. But I've changed my mind. It was because we were consistently meeting as a small group. It's not the stuff that made us feel connected, it was the relationship. SRCers know that we have a vision path, that is a system of discipleship in Large Group, Small Group and Prayer Groups. All SRCers should be part of that system at every level. We discovered early on that people apart from small groups get very weary in the hard work of planting a church. That's because they lose connection to the work of the church which isn't the stuff, it's the relationships.

I'm so thankful to be back in the swing with a small group. Corie and I were talking on the way home last night about how great it was that God put us in this small group. We have a group that has polar opposites: people who've been in the church their whole life, and some that are just starting to explore that teachings of Christ. It is so refreshing, and empowering when you see the mission working right in front of you; making disciples, baptizing them, and teaching them to obey God's word.

Breathe deep!

--Ben

* It's not too late to get into a group. You can sign-up again on Sunday. You can check out information here.

We are underway in the Compassion Journey. Week one is teaching us about the compassion of Christ as we become the bread of life to the world around us. There are several parts to this campaign that we think will deliver the greatest impact, they are listed as follows:

1. Attend weekend services. Our first weekend is gone, but it's not too late for you to jump in. In fact, it's not too late for you to invite guests. We'll see you Sunday.

2. Join a small group. Our small groups are meeting throughout the week in a variety of locations and times. Find one to connect with. We held a sign-up on Sunday, and are continuing to sign-up more. If you'd like to get connected click here for the small group line-up and information.

3. Spend 15 minutes a day with God. We've provided Guide Books for the journey that are a one-stop package for this journey. They are available through your small groups and at our weekend services. (These book cost us $6.00 to produce, we ask that you help defray that cost. If you can't afford it, take one anyway on us.)

4. Pick and pray for a Prayer Partner. These are handled through our small groups. Our expectation is that you'll connect once a week with your prayer partner and find out what they need prayer for. Then pray each day for that person. We believe praying for others changes our lives. This Sunday you'll have the chance to register as a Prayer Partner, and you'll be informed of prayer needs in the church.

5. Invite three friends to join us during the compassion journey.

These are the 5 pillars of a successful journey. We invite you to come along.

--Ben

The not to do list

Someone joked yesterday that there should be more "To do" things than "Not to do" on a pastor's list. (everyone else laughed)

I thought about it and in that moment, I wasn't sure that I could agree. I might be able to tomorrow, but still I'm in a place where I'm thinking my "Not to do" is at least as large, and growing larger. There are so many things that I look back on and think, "I shouldn't have done that in starting this church." So here's the short list.

1. Leadership structure. We aren't mobilizing leaders well, working on that.
2. Focus on the machine. Probably a result of my pride (not a shocking revelation), the "If you build it, they will come" mentality really short-circuited the "If you serve them, they will know you by your love" attitude of Christ. I would focus more on mission.
3. Contacts. While I'm out in the community all the time, I haven't been intentional about contacts in the community. A contact is a personal face to face encounter with people. The result is that I don't really know my community. I did demographic studies, but have recently been taught the process of really getting firm knowledge of a community. It has less to do with numbers, and more to do with conversations. Knowing your community requires 1200-1500 contacts. I'm only at around 300-350. That's a major goal going forward.

So those are a few of the "if I could do it again...", or more so, because I've learnt it, I'll be doing these things in the present and future.

--Ben

Off-Site

It's kinda funny to me that I've been invited to an off-site meeting at a supporting church who is looking forward to planting. The thought that keeps rolling around in my head is that all of my meetings are "off-sites". And I really like it that way.

I'm here at the coffee house again this morning meeting with Matt. I love that the barista attends our church, and the owner is genuinely excited to joke around with us. This is ministry at the well, just like Jesus did.

--Ben

The Severn River Runners

It's football season, and that means SRC Fantasy Football. I should've mentioned more about it earlier, but my team lost our first game. We won yesterday though, and now I'm excited about it. Looking forward to the season. We've expanded the league to intentionally include people who don't attend the church so we're bigger.

Shoutout to my Ravens who won yesterday. Woot.

--Ben

The Blessed Darlings.

Well, I was back in school today. I hold certification with the county to substitute. I only work required days, and I have to get in 10 this semester. One down, nine to go.

I was at Chesapeake Bay Middle School today subbing in Tech Ed. I did a sixth, seventh and eight grade class today. Very exciting. (not really.) Mostly I felt bad, because they came to shop class, and had to read photocopies and do cross words.

Home, rested, and reporting,

--Ben

Odd Situation

Ok, sometimes you end up in situations that just aren't normal. This one was so abnormal that I just had to write about it. I've edited the story of names and information, because that's not the point. The point is, "How odd is a situation like this?" I'm not sure that I've ever ended up in a situation where it was either my integrity, or the other persons, but that's what happened this week.

Months ago I received a call asking if an event had occurred in my life where a person (unnamed to me at the time) came and told me significant information. My answer was a positive no; it never happened.

The other party was subsequently told that I called them a liar. (interesting to me because I didn't even know who it was). Yet they are positive that they did tell me.

So who's telling the lie?

Well it all came up again because someone believed that I was the liar. I was asked again about the event, and again I said that it had not happened. Only this time I was told the name of the other party (not the name I had surmised btw), and was really taken aback. Especially at the thought that we were in this place where one of us had to be lying. So I did what I think Christians are supposed to do, I called the other party and said, "I think we need to talk." I asked them to recount the event for me as they remember it. They recounted a very believable story, and I'm convinced that they're telling the truth. So am I lying? Here's the problem. I still don't remember the event. While their story is very detailed, my mind can't conjure the scenario they laid out. So am I lying? It turned out to have happened while I was at church.

Now let me stop for a little instruction. If you have an issue, question, whatever of importance don't talk to me about it from about an hour before to an hour after the service. (I can't speak for all pastors, but I know it's a good rule for me.) Unfortunately, my brain is processing so much information that it doesn't absorb new information. Even if I smile, make a joke, and make some commitment to you, don't believe my mouth, because my brain is not connected. (I know some of you think that problem occurs when I preach too.) I have really tried to train myself to ask people to follow-up with me because I most likely won't remember the conversation at all.

Now back to the story. How do I say yes that's what happened, when I don't remember it? How can I say it didn't happen, when a friend that I trust recounts it so well? What a weird situation.

Thankfully the involved parties got to speak together, share their sides, memories, understanding, and at the bottom line agree that it didn't matter. That God's grace was overshadowing the whole thing and if we were at peace, there needed to be no division. The conversation ended with prayer, and a sense of resolution.

What a weird situation though. Hopefully only once in a lifetime. But with a brain like mine, probably not.



--Ben

Beautiful Day

It is a gorgeous day out here. I was out to the back porch by 7:00 a.m. and the chill in the air was refreshing. Sydney came out (it's becoming a ritual. she comes out while each morning while her mother is still in bed.) and as soon as she opened the door she said, "coldee". She was right about that. But, that just meant she snuggled a little closer on my lap.

It's a beautiful day.

--Ben

When I don't know what to do

Today I had a moment where I didn't know what to do. I know that you never have those, so please be gracious to me as I share. I believe that the Bible is our standard for living, and though I don't think I have corner on what it all means exactly, I do feel strongly about many things that it teaches. Sometimes though, I fall into areas that are not spelt out for me. How do I manage these encounters? Today's dilemma was about tithing. Recently the budget at SRC has changed, and in the aftermath my compensation has changed (although it has not gone up nor down) But my Salary has changed and I'm facing questions about my tithe. What did I do today, when I didn't know what to do, how to understand the teachings in the Bible. I thought it might help someone else to know what I do.

I sort it out through a number of channels. First I prayed about it, but I didn't ask God for the answer. I asked him to help me find the answer. Then I called my shepherd, my friend Phil. (I guess he's my shepherd like the stray dog who follows you around hoping scraps will fall off your plate. Meaning, I'm not sure if he chose me, but I've chosen him.) He shared with me his best counsel. Then I turned to my director, that's my father. When he thinks about a subject he has almost perfect performance (as Buckingham would say) at giving direction. Later this month I'll take it to my coach, and I may even bounce it off some friends of mine that I feel have particular insight into the area of finances and stewardship. Then I take that counsel, and compile it in prayer. Knowing that I've done my best to let the Spirit of God speak to me through the voices of the body of Christ around me and the voice of the Spirit inside me.

That's it. That's what I do. I try to perform for an audience of One. I think he's pleased with this approach.

For what it's worth,

--Ben

Politics as usual

The title I selected above has become as cliche' as saying, "playing politics", "working class" and a host of other terms that are thrown around in our sound-byte age. I am a person who has long been interested in the political process, but am growing tired of the relentless droning on and on that fills the political arena.

Are we honestly supposed to believe that there is an open-minded approach through either political party? Or that a third party would really represent the difference? Conservatives are portrayed as being in lock-step on every issue. Republicans most often just vote party line. Are we to believe that the same things aren't true of liberals or Democrats?

In times like ours I think it shows up most in the latest Petraeus Report. I find it absurd that for years we've heard from Democrats that we should let the commanders tell us what to do in Iraq, that Bush was incapable. Bush let's the commander report, and everyone says that he's not reliable we should hear from someone else. The hypocrisy is uncanny. But can any Republicans truly believe that Gen. Petraeus' report isn't shaped by similar ideals as the current administration? Of course it is. That's the way it works. The president gets to put his person in that seat.

I have one friend who is paid by the government. His vote goes to the candidate who is most likely to increase his pay. I guess at least he gets something out of all this.

--Ben

* I don't try to talk politics much, but man it's so blatant how divided our system is, and I'm alright with that, as long as you know what the system is.

Music

Thanks to Sarah for giving input regarding songs for us to sing. I would ask you to participate as well. I'm asking you to suggest songs for our newest 15 song superset. Are there songs you feel like help you connect to God. Leave a comment, or e-mail me at ben@severnriverchurch.com

--Ben

Fantasy Football

Well, the football season started this weekend, and I got blown out. The opposing team I played doubled up on me, out-scoring me 126-66. Embarrassing.

I'm only a second year owner, and still have a lot to learn. But I really enjoy it.

Congrats to the Sloths. (The team that beat my Severn River Runners.)

--Ben

Getting really excited about CJ

The Compassion Journey is really pumping now in my heart. Yesterday we looked at the journey Jesus sent his followers on from Luke 10:1-17. The bad news is that the teaching didn't get completely recorded, but the good news was the response I got from people yesterday after the teaching. One person came to me to say that she wanted to volunteer. She was willing to do whatever, as long as I gave her specific jobs and expectations. I think that's fair. I had two more volunteers to open their homes for small groups during CJ. What's really great is that they are both first time hosts. I'm really excited about their commitment.

It's just a week away now, can't wait to get on the Journey with You!

--Ben

Yuck

Sorry, just a little rant about the humidity. It is nasty, 94%, and stinks for an office in your outdoor patio. Ok, I feel better now.

--Ben

Music

It's everyone's favorite time again. You get to request the songs that we learn and sing at SRC. Please click comment and leave the title(s) of songs that you would recommend we use at SRC. This has worked really well for us over the last year. And because I'm asking for your help, let me explain our way of doing music.

In three quarters of the year we make a new set list. This list includes 15 songs. Of the 15, 4-5 are carry forwards (songs we already know), and we like to pick about 5 that are not brand new songs that most people are probably familiar with, and then about 5 that are brand spanking new. We pick each week, a set from that list so that the band is comfortable playing them at a quality level, and people are able to really learn and sing with us. The change every 4 months keeps things from staying too repetitive. (If it were up to me, we'd sing the same songs every week, because I'm a simple guy).

That's how it works. When we get to the summer we combine all three supersets and pick from all of them.

Anyway, we really do consider your suggestions. There are limited slots so we may not use all of them, but please suggest away. (you can even leave them anonymously if you want.)

--Ben

One of the most important things I do

One of the most important things I do takes about 30-45 minutes every morning. And I was thinking about it and realized that I don't talk much about it. But of all the stuff I do, this really takes the cake for most important.

I talk with God. Usually called prayer, the effort of talking and listening to God each day is the foundation of followership of Jesus. Sometimes the most basic things are the things we overlook in conversation. Generally we don't talk about nutrition and how to rest. We may talk about good restaurants and vacation. But nobody needs to talk about food groups and sleep cycles, because it's just basic right? Well, I don't know about you, but if the basics aren't working properly in my life nothing else is working quite right either.

Please don't get me wrong. I use a descriptor above that says, "every morning". The truth is that it's not every day. It is today, and yesterday, sometimes some days, others most days. The point? There are "not todays". I think we've all been there. But that is not an excuse for a lacking time of prayer in our lives. It means that we're taking steps as followers of Jesus, and we need to step forward again so the days we are praying are ever becoming every.

Why do I think prayer is important. Well, beyond the "you're supposed to" reasoning, I feel that it is a gift. Not to me, though it is, rather a gift to others. I spend most of my prayer time praying for others. I feel that it is the greatest gift I can give them. For instance, yesterday I went to a friends business and poked my head in to say hi. I asked if everything was alright, and he became quite honest in saying "No, things aren't alright." His business has slumped, and the look on his face made it apparent that he was really stressed about it. I said, "I'm not sure if you know or not but I pray for you. I'll pray for a bump in business." He was very thankful but no less stressed. But I prayed for a bump in business for him today.

I remember a couple years ago when I began partnering in prayer with someone. He was a salesman and his boss was kinda telling him he needed to kick it up a notch. I started praying that God would increase his business and within weeks he had already sold in the first quarter as much as he had sold in the previous year.

Prayer is a gift we can give to others. That's part of the motivation behind prayer partners at Severn River Church. Take time to pray for others it'll bless their life, it'll change yours.

--Ben

In Black and White

It's sobering when you see the words you've written quoted by others. This blog made the news in an article by the Severna Park Voice. The focus of the article ended up as an introduction of the kind of church we are. The paper defined us as a church without walls using the latest technology. This website became part of that discussion.

So, WOW! I'm a little scared about that. You know that I believe in honesty and transparency, it's just that I hadn't really thought about the impact it would have beyond our church. Glad it does, and I'll keep going for it.

Thanks for reading.

--Ben

The Swelling Tide

There is a swelling tide at Severn River Church. We're on the brink of some great stuff. I'm looking forward to the next couple months. The swelling tide of momentum is about to shift in our favor.

Momentum is an interesting phenomenon. We're probably all familiar with the word and relate to it in some way. My latest relation has been learned on the play set in my back yard. As I push Sydney on the swing I find it takes less strength and effort to push her higher if I wait until she has come all the way to the top of her back-swing and starts forward again. A lighter push at that moment results in momentum that pushes Sydney higher in her fore-swing.

John Maxwell calls it "The Law of the Big Mo" When you have momentum things seem better than they really are. When you don't have momentum things seem worse than they really are. As a leader I have to keep this in perspective in order to navigate through good and tough times alike. The result is that I tend to have a different perspective than anyone else.

Seeing where we are, and seeing where we're going is the key of leadership. That's called vision. Bill Hybels says that vision is the most potent weapon in a leader's arsenal. I have a vision. Be part of it. If we can all swing together, it'll take less effort to see the momentum take us higher.

--Ben

Work, work, work

A lot of stuff on my plate today, and the appetite isn't there for all of it.

The Budget:

Tonight is my monthly report to our oversight board. We submit to oversight by the Deacon Board of Pasadena A/G church. I report each month the financial picture of our church. Most months are a great joy to report on because we out-give our projection. Only a couple months during the summer did we not hit our projections. We're pretty open about our finances at Severn River Church. I think that disclosure/transparency is our best friend. As soon as I have the bottom line numbers I'll post them.

The doozy tonight is that I am reporting on the entire year as well. Our budget concluded at the end of August. So tonight I'm submitting a supplemental budget to take us through the end of the year, and expect to start on a January to December cycle in the new year.

The Compassion Journey:

There is a lot of work going on for the CJ. I was really happy to share about it Sunday as I challenged our church to be praying for the CJ and gave them a summary of what to expect. The biggest thing right now is organizing host homes for the small groups. If you want to host a group please click the link in the e-mail that all SRCers will be receiving this week.

We're providing a DVD with a 10 minute teaching followed by pre-scripted discussion questions for each week of the Journey. Hosts will just need to provide the DVD player, TV and place to meet. Working on all of that is time consuming, but worth it compared to what our church will be like on the other side.

Looking for Leaders:

My coaching meeting last week came face to face with an "AHA" moment. My coach talked to me about the 40 barrier. He faced it himself. The key to breaking through is the development of leaders. Now that's not a big realization to me, I've always known it. But what I'm finding is that I've seldom done it effectively.

Permission to speak freely? I have a great ability to mobilize doers. I'm a doer myself. But to take the next step, I'm going to have to become a developer, and I'm going to have to expect my leaders to be developers as well. Developers lead doers. Developers look for leaders who are emerging from the doers and develop them into developers. This isn't rocket science, but it sure isn't easy either. Leadership takes time to develop.

Now I'm focusing on seeing each person at SRC a little differently, looking to see who will lead us into the future. The leaders we have now are good leaders. All of this is not to take away from them. It's really just a reality check for me. As their leader, I owe it to them to develop them as leaders.

Set Building:

Just got a call from JoAnn Fabrics. Our material is in for the curtains. Work will begin tomorrow. If you have a sewing machine and are willing to sew, please click here for instructions.

--Ben

A Year Ago

Sunday I reflected on the path that we've walked over the last year. One year ago yesterday I left the comfortable confines of a good church to set out to do what I felt God was calling me to do at Severn River Church. On that Sunday a year ago we met at the campus on labor day weekend and we walked around in groups and prayed for the ministry that would come by God's grace and our efforts. We stood on a precipice as it were looking into the unknown and took the step that has been the fruition of the proverbial step of faith, and we have found footing.

It's hard to believe that we are a year old. It sounds like such a long time, but honestly a year is not very long at all. One year brought us a grand opening, the loss of old friends, the joy of new friends, Doubt Day, an unexpected move, and more. It produced new disciples that are following Christ, people who have been baptized and are learning to obey God's word.

When I look back on the year, I am moved in the deepest part of me to know that God has blessed our work. There's something special about SRC, and I'm glad you're a part of it.

--Ben

Exciting News

I found out yesterday afternoon that a photographer from the Severna Park Voice will be shooting at Severn River Church tomorrow morning. The Voice is publishing an article on the Compassion Journey, and wants a photo to run with the article. So excited, see you tomorrow.

--Ben