A Growing Anticipation

I talked with my Operations Team last night. We have now given out right at 1000 door hangers. Tonight will put us over that. And one of these weeks, someone is going to walk into SRC because they got an invitation.

Personal invitation is always the strongest for response. That means that for every thousand door hangers we'll get a certain response, but we have a much higher chance of someone coming through personal invitation of a friend.

I'm looking forward to it so much. I have a growing anticipation that someone is going to come check us out. It's like when you know someone is coming over to your house. You know how you start to clean up and get stuff ready? There is an excitement and an anxiety, but definately anticipation.

I was telling Rob and Alma last night that I hope so much for that to happen this week at Church, but I'm going to be away, so it kinda stinks that I won't get to see it if it does. But here's the thing, CONTACT has been such a bigger effort than just me, so it shouldn't matter. If someone comes because of our invites this week, it'll be a fitting response to the work that so many SRCers are doing through volunteering.

Thanks guys!

--Ben

Long Day

Today is going to be a long day. I started with an early trip over to PAG to settle financials for the month of July. This morning I'm continuing to work on getting everything in order for this weekend, and the coming week while I'm away. The longest block of my time will be a Church Planter assessment. It'll last from 11:00-6:00 (a long time), then I head out to do door hangers. Should be fun.

I like days like this because I enjoy the feeling of putting my head down on the pillow knowing that I accomplished a lot.

--Ben

Are You Kidding Me?

I told you before that Corie's van has every imaginable thing on it. Well, we found out yesterday that it also has a navigation system. Ridiculous.

We found it yesterday and how to use it. Corie is beside herself with happiness. It just makes me wonder how many more features are there, that we didn't know about.

--Ben

What I'm Learning

If there is one thing I'm learning these days as a church planter it's that the mission better have intrinsic value. Our mission is becoming a significant church in the greater annapolis-area: Making Disciples, Baptizing Them, and Teaching Them To Obey God's Word.

It's fairly simple really, it is nothing more than doing what Jesus told us to do. The way we accomplish this is through Large Groups and Small Groups, and our current season has us working hard at getting the word out. I feel like our church has so much to offer people. Not much in the way of the much that mega churches offer, but much in the way that authentic people, honest conversation, and real connectivity that I find at Severn River Church. It is worth it. This cause that I've given my life to. It is a drive that leads me. I will continue to plant the seed, because it wasn't intended to be planted. It was never intended to just be seed.

So I'm out here doing it. I'm working like it all depends on me, and praying like it all depends on God. That's what I'm learning these days.

--Ben

Door Hangers

Just a reminder that you're invited to help us hang door hangers on knobs throughout the area. This week we're going out Thursday night. Several people have signed up. We'll meet at the City Dock Coffee in Arnold between 6:00 and 6:30. We'd love to have some more help. Sign up here!

--Ben

Last Syllabus

Last night I printed out my last syllabus. I will be taking my last class in September. I'm looking forward to the class, and I'm looking forward to being done with class. I thought my last class was going to be my last trip to VFCC, but I decided instead of doing an online course I'd wait and take a class with someone I highly respect, Dr. H. Robert Rhoden.

I am winding down, and plan on being done my degree within months. It's nice to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

--Ben

International Prayer

We've had an entrance of international prayer needs that have been added to the Prayer Page. I invite you to pray with these folks in their need.

--Ben

Getting The Word Out

We're doing Door Hangers again this week. I want to invite anyone interested to come help us. We're meeting in Arnold at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday. For information and to sign-up click here.

--Ben

Teen Challenge

This morning I attended a meeting to discuss the plans of the new Baltimore Teen Challenge. Some of you may not know what Teen Challenge is so let me give a brief description. Teen Challenge is a Faith based approach to the rehabilitation of drug addicts. It started in NYC almost half a century ago, and has become one of the most effective treatment programs in the world. For years we have had a program in the DC area, and at times have had centers in Baltimore under the DC oversight. Recently though the decision has been made to make Baltimore an independent program.

Bill Parks a Baltimore native has been selected as the Executive Director of the Baltimore Teen Challenge and they are currently renovating a building to house 20 in the Patterson Park area. I heard from the building committee today. Their representative shared about the projects they're doing to bring the building up to speed.

You gotta love it when someone is passionate about their work. Dan has held a building license with the state for 30 years. During that time he also worked as a Baltimore County Police officer, and is now working for the State with parole retakes. He shared that 9 out of 10 people he arrested over his years in BCPD were carrying Heroin. Baltimore has 15 times more problems with heroin abuse than any other city. It is estimated that 60,000 of the city's 650,000 residents is in need of drug and alcohol treatment. Today he was moved to tears asking for the churches to pray, because he said, "I'm tired of putting these men in prison."

Beyond the emotional appeal though there are some great things in the future of Baltimore Teen Challenge. Nowadays it is normal for us to be touched in some way with someone who has affected by the drug culture. Now we have an opportunity to reach out and help.

Several months ago someone in the church talked to me about our missions giving. All of our missions guests have been foreign missionaries, and this person expressed that we should look at local missions too, because in his words, "I think we're pretty screwed up here too." Baltimore Teen Challenge is a ministry that I hope our church will partner with to focus some of our resources meeting the need of our local area.

--Ben

Katrina From Belgrade

We just got an international prayer request over at the prayer page of SevernRiverChurch.com. I invite all my readers to check in and pray for the needs that come it. We had a couple this weekend.

--Ben

Volunteers

I'm so glad that yesterday I had another couple people ask to help with door hangers. We will be putting together some weekend distributions to accommodate people's work schedules. Thanks, and stay posted here at BenjaminRainey.com.

--Ben

The Rest

Well I headed out Friday to do door hangers with my wife and girls. We went to a neighborhood with about 176 homes. We did the majority of them, but the heat over powered us, and we had to call it a day.

I went out this morning and finished up the neighborhood by myself. Someone thanked me today for handing them out. That was nice. I also heard someone leaving their house that picked it up and read our name out loud. I was kinda waiting for a cuss word to follow, but it didn't so that's a good thing.

I think one gut thought I was casing the neighborhood. He left his house, looked at me, drove away, then drove back into the neighborhood and stayed in his car until I had hung a few, then he left. I guess I can look pretty scary, so I don't blame him.

Glad to have done it. I was reading Zechariah this morning, and this verse stood out to me, "
Zechariah 4:10 (NIV) “Who despises the day of small things? Men will rejoice when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. ”.

These are the days of small things. A small group of people on Sunday. Small amount of donuts to serve them. Small door hangers; small door knobs. Small beads of sweat on my forehead, and wet shoulders. These are the days of small things. And I love it, I don't despise these days. The small things precede the building of God's church!

--Ben

Packing

Just got back from packing up Kevin and Christine Duerling. They were loading the moving truck and headed out to their home in Mt. Airy. It was kinda sad. I know they must have a ton of memories, but I have a list of memories there too. In the only three years since I've known them they have become friends, helped plant a church, held meetings in their house for the church. Just a lot of stuff. They mean so much to me, it is hard to see them go.

Tomorrow will be their last Sunday at SRC. We will be taking special time to pray for them.

--Ben

New Baby in the Church

We're so happy to welcome Juliana Gillmeister into the world. Mike and Tina had their little girl at 3:00 a.m. She weighed in at 7 lbs. 9 oz. and was 19.6 inches long. Congrats Mike and Tina!

--Ben

Matt Boyer

As you know my friend Matt and his wife Laurie have recently become parents. Their contribution to the launch of our church has created a special connection between them and SRC. Next Sunday, August 3rd, we'll be hosting them for the morning as Matt does the morning teaching. Those of you who know Matt, know that it will be a great morning at SRC, and we hope you'll be there.

--Ben

Education

Someone asked yesterday where I was with my Grad work. I thought I'd mention it on here. I am taking a class this fall, and writing my contextualized project. That will leave my thesis for January, and I'll be done in May. I do not plan on walking in graduation, because I would have to travel to Springfield, MO. And I'd be walking with a bunch of people that I don't know. There is no meaning for that for me.

Education in my future?
Well, if I could find a way to fund it I would like to expand my disciplines to include a degree from Johns Hopkins in Communication and Business Administration. (The MBA only because they offer a dual track, and the subject's leadership applications intrigue me.) I feel that at the completion of that program then I could get a bearing for what type of doctoral degree I would pursue, if any.

I don't have an aspiration that dictates a degree, in that I'm not planning to teach at the collegiate level. But I believe in preparation, (see article) and I believe that each step of preparation opens doors that would not otherwise open. So, we'll see what the future holds, but that is what I'm looking at.

--Ben

The Pig and The Bat

I went to see Batman last night. I had to raid my piggy bank to buy the ticket, but it was worth it. What a fantastic movie. I love those superhero movies, because the themes are so epic. The writers can really unleash strong tones in the rhetoric, because there is only good and evil in their stories so the ideals of good and evil show in sharp contrast.

The premise of the movie is different than others. It focuses on elevating Harvey Dent (District Attorney) as the White Knight of Gotham. Batman becomes the Dark Knight. Really interesting.

If you like the comic book genre you'll love this movie.

--Ben

PS. Parents be smart and preview the movie before you let your children see it. There are some pretty intense scenes with the Joker, and Two Face is introduced in this movie, and his face could mean nightmare city.

Meeting

Today I'm meeting with a missions family that we support, the Maksims. They have recently relocated back to the area and are settling in. I'm looking forward to the chance to meet with them today, hear about their lives in California, and their plans for the future.

--Ben

Doors

I'm hitting another neighborhood today with door hangers. I'm trying to put together a team for this Friday. If you want to do door hangers after work on Friday sign-up here.

-Ben

Anniversary

I suppose I should've mentioned it yesterday, but it was our wedding anniversary. July 22, 2001 we tied the knot, and have enjoyed seven years of marriage. What did I get her for our anniversary? A Minivan.

I guess at this point I have to come clean about something. Something that is bound to lose me some of my street cred. I like minivans. Like if I had the choice between a new mustang and a minivan, I choose the minivan. I guess I'm just boring that way. My experience though is that boring is better, if boring means practical and simple.

Of course for my self I'd prefer a truck over either, but I just wanted to get my fondness for minivans out in the open.

Last night after our anniv. dinner we drove all over Glen Burnie looking for a comparable van to the one we had seen in Timonium. But we couldn't find one, so we went back to Timonium and bought the one I wrote about yesterday. However, we had agreed that we wouldn't pay what they had come down to. They would still have to come lower. They did, and we paid the price we wanted to pay. Corie drove the van home last night.

She is very excited about it. I switched the car seats over this morning, and it is officially the mom mobile, but it's a very nice van.

--Ben

The Longest Day

Yesterday began early with a run, and ended late with a truck problem that I didn't get fixed. It was a long day.

Ironically on the day that we're looking for a replacement vehicle the truck we were driving (the one that I don't own but have been driving for 15,000 miles) began overheating. We were in Glen Burnie when it happened so we were able to get it home.

Because of the inconvenience I had to call off our small group. (sorry guys)

I really hoped it was just a problem with the thermostat, but after replacing the thermostat I still had overheating problems. I've got to figure out a solution quick no wheels means no deals.

--Ben

The First Rule Of Negotiation

The first rule of negotiation, be ready to walk away.

In the used car game this rule is one that is of utmost importance. Yesterday Corie and I were put to the test, but we passed. We saw a vehicle that we quickly knew was not the vehicle we wanted, but ended up seeing another that we liked. However the price was considerably more until we expressed our interest, then suddenly we were being given the "internet" rate, phone calls to the manager (another thousand off), but it didn't come quite enough for a vehicle that was the same year, but had twice as many miles. We were close, but not quite there. So we walked away.

On to the next one!
--Ben

The Week Ahead

At some point this week we're going to buy a pre-owned minivan. Corie and I are going to look at one today. We've been doing a lot of internet research, and I thought I'd mention it. It is very exciting for us, and if you've seen our vehicles lately you'll understand why. For one thing one of the vehicles we drive is not ours. The S10 belongs to my parents, and they let me start driving it over a year ago. Our other vehicle was a purchase I made in my first job out of college. In 2000 I bought a 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 8 cylinder engine when Gas was 1.50 a gallon. It has served well for the 8 years I've owned it, and I have never had a problem with it mechanically. It is very reliable, but cosmetically it has just taken the abuse of time, and internally a number of the things have broken, or are held together with duct tape. She has a 170000 miles on her, and she just needs a break from hauling kids around. Not sure what we're gonna do with her. I don't expect any worth in a trade, but it seems a waste to sell her to Crazy Ray when she's got life left in her.

I'm most excited about getting a minivan because of what it means for Corie. She deserves it. She has worked two long term substitute positions over two years saving her money to make this purchase. She is buying this van, she's making the commitment to monthly payments and insurance, and I think this is one of her most admirable qualities. Corie is not seduced by instant gratification. She sets goals, saves, works, and earns everything. I'm very proud of her, and I know she'll enjoy her van.

--Ben

Catching Up

I work a portion of Saturdays, usually 4-6 hours. Today I have a ton of email to respond to that came in since Thursday evening. If you're waiting on a response, it should come today.

--Ben

HOT!!!

It is ridiculously hot. I was just out in the yard, and worked up a huge sweat. The kind that soaks all the way through your clothes. Yuck!

Take my advice, stay someplace cool, and enjoy the day. Then this evening when it cools off around 5:00, come help us set up the church for tomorrow. We'd love the help. If you want more specific instructions contact Rob at faithworks@severnriverchurch.com.

--Ben

New Stuff

Yesterday the new soundboard came in the mail. It was delivered to the house. I pulled it out and looked it over, and it looks good. Can't wait to hear how it sounds this Sunday. The soundboard was purchased because of one person that heard our need and wrote a check to cover the cost. I really appreciate it.

--Ben

Meeting Jim

I live an exceptional life. Now, before you read too much into that statement, I don't use the word exceptional as a qualifier as a statment of being better than anyone. In fact, I use it as a descriptor of the differences of my life and the lives of what appears to be the norm.

Let me explain one exception.

There seem to be few people who have the resources of mentors that I do. If normal is at thirty to have 1-2 older men to talk about life with (i.e. Dad and Grandad) I'm exceptional because I have multiple older men that I talk to about life.

One of them is Jim Elliott. Jim is a man that has ministered to me directly or indirectly for most of my life. He became a mentor when I started working at PAG 8 1/2 years ago. His insights are always welcomed, and best served over coffee. My favorite conversations are the ones we disagree on. Jim has a way of searching for his best argument, and defending the status quo. He also operates humbly in a way that fiercely defends his position, but if the decision doesn't go his way, he grabs a paddle and starts rowing. Jim is confidential. I don't think he talks about our conversations with anyone else to a degree that I would be uncomfortable with. He allows me to openly share my thoughts, and at times believes in me more than I believe in myself. Jim Elliott makes my life exceptional.

Who makes your life exceptional?

--Ben

Morning Run

I was out there training again today. I completed my third week. I expect next week will be more difficult, so I thought I'd check in with the Blogosphere and mention that next week could be a good week to encourage me.

--Ben

Trip To Hagerstown

This morning I headed out to Hagerstown for my monthly coaching meeting. I was so proud to report our progress on the door hanger initiative, the new movers program, and CONTACT. I was most excited not by the programs, but by the people.

On Sunday I introduced everyone at SRC to the hero of our church. Mike Jones. By tomorrow Mike will be responsible for the distribution of over 800 door hangers in less than a month. I even heard a comment about Mike from last weekend that, "He seems to really have ownership of what we're doing." That's an awesome report. I'm excited to hear Diane out doing Contact, and just watch the way she shares her experience with SRC to people she meets. I don't think I'll ever get tired of hearing her say that she never felt more welcomed in church then when she came to SRC. That's just awesome.

I love having a good report.

--Ben

Great To Have Back

Last night was the first Operations Team meeting that we've had over the last several weeks. The reason is that the majority of our team just got married. It was fun just to get together and hear how their honeymoon went, and listen to their journey of re-entry into normal life. They're so cute!

--Ben

Once My Heart Was Heavy

There is an old Hymn that says, "Once my heart was heavy with the load of sin, Jesus took that sin and gave me wonderful peace within my heart and now I'm singing as the days go by. Jesus took my burden all away."

I find the scriptures very convicting. Funny how that works. I spent most of my day yesterday meditating on 1 John 3:1-10. It is a passage that I'm going to preach on Sunday, and I'm at the point of an expositional series where the themes of a short letter start getting very repetitive. 1 John's themes revolve around togetherness, God's love, and the difference between a life of sin and a life in Christ.

It's the last theme that I dealt with this morning after my workout. The Christian life is such a tension between grace and holiness. We receive grace from God because nothing we ever do on our own merit would be good enough to receive forgiveness for the wrong we've done. But continuing to sin after we've been forgiven is not the appropriate behavior for those who are in Christ. So there is Grace on one end and the act of holy living on the other, and the truth is in the tension in the middle. But this morning I took time to sort through my heart, my actions, my motivations to discard from my life the things that don't honor Christ. I sat on the bench on the side of the B&A Trail and confessed sin, repented of some things, and asked the Lord's help to live rightly.

I'd like to tell you that I have a systematic understanding of the difference that John writes about, but I don't. I'm just a man trying to pursue God under grace and trying to live right.

--Ben

Picnic Tonight

The picnic group I attend is meeting tonight. I'm looking forward to heading out there this evening. We are going to be at Lake Waterford park if you'd like to join us. Just let me know. It's "bring your own" so you're welcome.

--Ben

Facebook

A defining mark of this generation is the use of social networking websites. Myspace has been the most widely publicized. I think primarily because it took off the fastest, and had a host of negative media stories that captivated the attention teens and parents alike.

Facebook is another site that allows people to network relationships. I find it a much more enjoyable experience than my Myspace. It is cleaner and more mature (IMHO). While I still have a myspace, I prefer Facebook. Feel free to add me as a friend you can find me by my name: Benjamin Rainey.

--Ben

Proud To Announce

Saturday night my friends Matt and Laurie had their firstborn child. A boy weighing in at 7 lbs. 2.5 oz. 19 1/2 in. long. I'm pretty impressed with such a large baby from such a tiny mom. Very proud of this couple, and excited to celebrate this new arrival.

--Ben

Close the church!

I was reading Malachi this morning when a couple verses stood out to me. Malachi 1:10 says, "O that one of you would shut the temple doors, so that you would not light useless fires on my altar!" I had underlined it before, but as I read it again it gave me pause. Is God really interested in closing the church doors?

We are excited about opening church doors. We're glad when a new church is opening, and I pray for them to do great things in pointing people to Christ. But God wasn't happy with his church in Israel. The temple had become a haphazard place where people weren't offering God what was right; they were offering Him what was left. (that's a play on words see? right/left)

The bottom line is that God starts showing them that they were offering leftovers to God. At one point he even says, "Try offering that to your governor and see if he takes it." As a Marylander, I know that since our governor has taken office he hasn't been satisfied with what we were paying so he started collecting more. God never raises his fee. He never increases a tax. He simply wants us to offer our part with as much integrity as He offers his.

I guess this text would be my argument for closing churches, because in some cases God is for closing the doors.

--Ben

Sensational

I try not to sensationalize "Acts of God", unless I really believe them to be an act of God. This one we can file under the, "If God did it then thanks a lot" file.

You've seen the ongoing saga of my lost phone. I lost it last week, and looked everywhere for it. Then I went on AT&T's website and ordered a new phone, just after placing that order I logged on to report the order on my blog.

Saturday morning I wondered where my order was, so I went to my email certain that AT&T would have sent a receipt, but they hadn't. In fact there was no change to my account online either. And my credit card didn't show a charge. I thought that was strange. I do quite a bit of shopping online, so I feel well versed in how to place an online order. It just wasn't there.

Later that day I went to set up for church, and when I opened the trailer...there it was my old phone.

So, did God cancel my order so I could stick with my old faithful? I don't know, but if He did...I'm thankful.

--Ben

55 Stay Alive

This morning we collected 55 surveys out at the trail. Diane volunteered, and met me out there. It was really a lot of fun. It certainly got warm, when the sun poked over the trees at about 10:00. Many people thought we were surveying for the B&A Trail. I thought that would be a fun survey to do. People love the trail.

One of the things that makes the day fun is that you run into people that you know. (Or I guess they run into us since we're stationary.) Both Diane and I saw friends today.

Thanks Diane!

--Ben

CONTACT

We were out on the trail again today. I think I mentioned this before, but the B&A Trail is the friendliest place in our area. I think the chemicals that the brain produces during exercise really helps.

We had a great day, I'll update the survey count later today.

--Ben

Phone Update

Well, I've officially ruled my phone gone. So I ordered a new one yesterday. I ordered the Treo 750W. Can't wait to get it. For those of you enduring the week without being able to get in touch with me, I apologize. I can't wait to get connected on Monday.

--Ben

Day Off

I've got a list today, boy. I'm resting around the house today. Looking forward to cutting the grass, and maybe doing some painting.

--Ben

Chicken Day

Today Chickfila is running a special. If you dress like a Cow, you get a free sandwich. So my girls are getting their outfits together. They're going to be so cute.

--Ben

B&A Trail

This week were going back to the B&A Trail for CONTACT. I swung by the office this afternoon and talked to Mary (the woman that keeps the park rolling). We're good to go for Saturday morning. As always volunteers are welcome. Sign-up Here.

--Ben

Feelings of Support

I love my life. I find it an enjoyable privilege to serve God. I don't think that we're promised that, but I get to enjoy it. I thought I'd make a note, so that if in the future He decides to make the privilege less enjoyable I'll be able to keep it in perspective.

One of the greatest things about the church plant is that we're partnered with a great church in Pasadena. In addition to a monthly commitment, some people of the church give individually to our project. And even more people pray. I ran into someone today who let me know that they pray for us daily. They were thrilled to hear about the things we're doing, and just gave us a great boost of confidence.

Thanks so much!!!

--Ben

Hitting the Streets

Yesterday at my lunch meeting my friend Noah says, "Man, you are hitting the streets." He was referencing the things he's been reading about on my blog. I told him, that he was absolutely right in his evaluation. That's exactly what we've been doing.

It is all because of a transformation in thinking that I went through about 3 months ago. I had started a church with the approach of a "pastor of a church in the community." But that's not what I am. I'm a church planter. I'm a missionary. I'm not an ordinary pastor, and oh yeah while we have a church, the community knows nothing about it. These are radical changes in perspective. They may not seem it. In fact, as I look in retrospect, I wonder why it took so long to figure out, but I'm there now. My schedule has changed. My work has changed.

The interesting thing is that I feel like the church has changed/is changing. More people are getting involved in new ways. Volunteers are getting plugged in. Our small groups are spread among more leaders than ever. I believe that when God births a vision he does it not just in the heart and mind of the leader, but it is revealed in the people too.

I gotta say, that this is the most excited I've been. I have a real confidence that this is what we should be doing. I love it.

--Ben

Lunch with a Friend

Today I'm having lunch with a friend. It is amazing how time can fly. It seems like just a couple weeks ago I was with my friend, Noah, but it turns out to have been months. Looking forward to catching up with him.

--Ben

Training Continues

Thought I'd mention that my training continues. I'm currently training for my first 5k this fall. I haven't selected the run yet, but will over the next couple weeks. This is week two, and though it's pretty boring reading, you're welcome to track my progress at my jog blog.

I'm enjoying it so far.

--Ben

Smart Phone

The irony of me losing my phone is that it is what the industry calls a smart phone. Tell me this. If it is so smart, why can't it tell me where it is?

[I know I'm opening myself up for all kinds of "smart" jokes]

--Ben

Another 200

I'm so excited about our door hanger team. Today we picked up another helper, Amee. We distributed over 200 door hanger invitations to SRC. It takes us about an hour and a half. Today, they did most of the work. I had miscalculated the number of apartments at Bay Hills, so while they finished up there I went and found another neighborhood. Then while they did that one, I found another site, and scouted the next distribution spot.

We're just so excited to share about this new church with our community. We want everyone to know that there is a place for people from all walks of life to experience the love and joy that comes from a church that genuinely loves Jesus Christ and each other.

Thanks Mike and Amee,
--Ben

Lost Phone

I have lost my phone. I can't find it anywhere. If you have seen it, please let me know. I lost it somewhere between the campus and Monday morning. So....


Man, don't you hate when you misplace something important like your phone.

--Ben

On The Road Again

This week we're hitting the road again distributing another 200 plus door hangers. Slow and steady wins the race.

Door hangers are a means for us to raise awareness in the community about our church. The door hangers include information about our weekend services and invite people to visit severnriverchurch.com.

--Ben

Some time off

Today I'm taking most of the day off. There are a few things that needed to be taken care of this morning. So I've completed those. I need to make up some family time that we lost over the holiday weekend. Corie and I are taking Sydney to the aquatic center. Should be a lot of fun.

--Ben

Volunteer Highlight

I wanted to take a moment and say thanks to a new volunteer at SRC. Diane started attending SRC several months ago. She has jumped in and embraced SRC as her own. In a conversation last month I was asked to describe our weekend service and to prioritize the strengths and weaknesses. One major weakness that I saw was our effort to greet people when they came in.

We moved our lobby to the back side of the building where it is much more comfortable and put up signs that clearly direct people to through the building, but I wasn't satisfied without that personal touch of someone who smiled and welcomed you into the building. So, following that conversation, I asked Diane to fill that role for us. She is now the first face of SRC. That could be intimidating, but Diane does it wonderfully. She is a very inviting person, so I know she'll do a great job helping guests feel welcomed.

Thanks Diane!

--Ben

Proud

I've gotta say, that I'm extremely proud of our group from CONTACT yesterday. We worked to our full potential, and got the thoughts of another 80 people toward our goal of 1500. Those surveys are informing us of the thoughts and feelings of people that we are trying to reach with the message of Jesus Christ.

I loved how the group coalesced into a rhythm. Without a lot of direction, people jumped in and made the day go great. Some people emerged as our front people, clipboards in hand asking passerbys to participate. Others filled in the background, refilling clipboards, loading pens, and filing the incoming surveys. I hafta tell you that it was a really cool feeling when I would go back to the tent to get another clipboard, and all ten would be in the hands of people filling out the survey.

Our winners will be receiving their $50.00 gift cards in the mail.

It was a blast. Mike J. took pictures. I'll post some as soon as I get them.

Thanks for praying and for your support!

--Ben

Psyched

Today is the day. CONTACT is hitting Severna Park. A little chance of rain, but I'm ready! Come out and visit us if you want.

--Ben

The Collective Relaxation

Can you feel it? I can. As I've been working, as I've been out and about. There is a collective relaxation among our countrymen. This is going to be a great weekend. People are already starting to enjoy it. I hope you enjoy yours.

--Ben

Busy Week

I gotta tell you that this has been a busy week. The wedding is a big chunk of time, because it was rehearsal last night, and wedding today. I'm helping with the sound so I'll be headed out early for that. And Friday is such a big opportunity that I've been working on prepping for that. The local chamber of commerce is putting on a community parade and festival for the 4th of July. We're going to be conducting CONTACT surveys as part of the festivities. We got a new banner printed, portable Gazebo, and our setup is going to look awesome. Everyone will be very proud of our public presentation.

Now we're expecting 1000 people there, and the math is still not in our favor. So far I've heard from 10 people that are coming to help. That's 100 surveys each. That's alot. Sure would like some more help.

If you can come even for part of the day (between 10-1:30) please sign up HERE.

--Ben

Stone Manor

The wedding that I'm officiating today is at the Stone Manor Country Club. Stone Manor is a beautiful property in Middletown, Maryland. It is out in the foothills past Frederick, and is just gorgeous. There is an old stone house that was added onto years ago. The property is very well maintained.

It is an interesting year. Both of the weddings I'm doing this summer are outdoor weddings. I'm really looking forward to it.

--Ben

Rehearsal

Today I head out to Fredrick to conduct a wedding rehearsal, and then tomorrow is the wedding. Rob and Alma from SRC are tying the knot and I'm so happy to be part of the festivities. As you think of them, please pray for them.

--Ben

Investing In What God's Doing

How about this? We had an extra gift of $2000.00 given unexpectedly last month. We considered this found money, so instead of just letting it go into our bank account and paying for regular old expenses, we decided to set this money aside to fund CONTACT.

See I believe that part of church leadership is being able to discern what God is active in, and do it along with him. A surfer doesn't concern him/herself with generating the waves. They just try to get in position to ride the wave. That's how I feel about CONTACT. CONTACT is something that God is doing and blessing. We just need to ride the wave as far as we can.

Last night the oversight board of SRC approved this new fund. I'm so glad. I can't wait for Friday.

STILL NEED VOLUNTEERS. Click Here.

--Ben

Going Public

Last Sunday I went public with the announcement that I am going to run a 5k this fall. I announced it in my message Sunday. Many people have followed up with encouragement, and I appreciate it. Today was my second workout. I'm using a training program called "Couch to 5k" (c25k.com).

I have friends that run in triathlons and stuff. I feel quite elementary "training" for a 5k. But my training for a 5k will probably be as hard as their training for their races. When I run the 5k this fall. It will be the farthest I've ever run in my life.

I guess you've got to walk before you can run. Or in my case run before you can run further.

--Ben

Mr. Jones and Me

Today we kicked off the door hanger distribution. I went out with Mike Jones, and we distributed to over two hundred homes. It was such an adventure.

I was hoping to have a cool pic of my face for you, because I got bit by a bug on the lip. It didn't swell though, so I'll keep my face to myself. (yes, I know that's a relief).

Other than that, there were no major injuries. It was actually a lot of fun. I did one side of the neighborhood, and he did the other.

Some of our thoughts driving home was that it was more fun than Mike had expected. He was seeing how this could be a regular part of our ministry at SRC. He said he'd be up for it again. If you want to join us next week, let me know. We'll be doing another two hundred.

--Ben

4th of July

I will probably make an appeal every day this week because this Friday is going to be huge. On Friday we have secured a booth at the Severna Park Festival. From our booth we are going to distribute surveys and information about the church. And we're giving away two $50.00 Gas Cards. There's likely going to be over 1000 people, so we need volunteers to hold clipboards, and help distribute, quality control and collect the surveys. There's no hard sell here. If you worried that you have to approach people, that's not the way this works. They will come to us.

Details:
Friday, July 4, 2008
10:00 a.m. till 1:30 p.m.
Cypress Creek Park
Park at St. John the Evangelist and walk over to the park.

To sign up to volunteer CLICK HERE.

--Ben

First Door Hangers Go Out Today

Well, our first door hangers go out today. Me and Mike are going to distribute them. It should be fun.

--Ben

St. Joe's

Several years ago, I imagined a church of small groups. I imagined what they would be like, and one of the versions was a book club. As I day dreamed about that an image emerged in my mind of what that would look like. It was very real in my mind; tangible. It was like a portrait, and the placard under the picture said, "St. Joe's Book Club".

I don't attribute any kind of spirituality to my vision, but it stuck. Ever since I've looked forward to leading St. Joe's book club, and last night was my chance. St. Joe's is reading Velvet Elvis, by Rob Bell. Last night was our first meeting. We met at Panera Bread after work for our discussion. I had a blast with these guys. It's three of us at this point, though, if you want to get in, you still can. But we talked about the first chapter and a ton of other stuff. What I like about it is that there are three very different backgrounds approaching the book from different angles. I look forward to next week.

--Ben