2nd Annual Encounter Campout

This weekend about 20 of Encounter church's families are going camping near Bellefontaine, Ohio at Camp Cotubic. Some will be in air-conditioned motel rooms, most will brave humid 90 degree weather in tents:-) It's probably the best connecting time for our people during the year. Friday afternoon to Sunday lunch: fishing, swimming, S'mores, relaxing around the campfire, volleyball, kickball, and meals together. On top of that, there are 10 people signed up to be baptized in the lake during our 10:00am Sunday morning service. I'll post a link to pictures when the weekend is over.

The Bread and the Cup

This morning we had a very special service. First Pat Kearney prayed for our EMS (6-8 Gr.) young people who are heading off for a week of the Beyond camp up near Mansfield.

Then I had the privilege of leading the congregation in our first ever celebrating of just the bread and the cup in the service. I read from I Corinthians 11:23-29 and allowed our people a time to examine themselves before God. Similar to the experience we had at the Exponential conference, Kyle Mielke and I held the elements and the people came up when they were ready. It was really awesome to see a long line of people waiting to receive the body and blood of Christ. When everyone had come up, Kyle and I gave the bread and cup to Dalan Zartman, who'd been playing on the keyboard, and to each other. It doesn't happen that often, but at that moment I choked up just before praying.

Rachel and Jeff get married

Melissa and I recently got back from the wedding of Rachel Bauer and Jeff Ruetty. The last few weddings I've been to I officiated so it was fun to just be an observer with my beautiful date. We went up to Findlay, Ohio with a few friends and met up with even more. There were about three tables of Encounter-ites:-) As you can see from the pictures some were in the wedding.

Elders and wives BBQ

It's quarter to 1:00am in the morning and the last of the couples left 10 mins. ago.
Melissa & I hosted all the elders and their wives for a BBQ. It was mostly a night to connect, laugh and catch up with each other, though we also took a block of time to pray and discuss how we think things are at Encounter. As I look at the people in the picture below I think about how much the group exemplifies a cross section of our congregation. They are men and women in their 30's, 40's, 50's and 60's. All have been following Christ for 20 years or more and all have vital rolls in ministry on Sunday mornings, in small groups or both. They are not perfect people but by God's grace are willing to lead and be examples to the flock. As a pastor I feel very blessed by the Lord to have such people standing by my side as we together, "Seek HIS Kingdom First".

From left to right they are: Sean & Melissa Spoelstra, Kyle & Kristi Mielke, Luke & Beth Fields, Chuck & Deb Taylor, Bill & Janetta Sinzinger, and Rob & Carolyn Dubois

Living in the Middle of the Road

Here is a video clip from a guy I greatly admire: Francis Chan. Watch it and tell me what you think when you compare what he says to how you are living. WARNING: It may kick you in the butt.