tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12937505997321669712024-03-13T12:08:19.073-07:00Christ Church of West CountyBen DiStefanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689547716222646381noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293750599732166971.post-82717009659581001072012-12-11T09:47:00.002-08:002012-12-11T09:47:22.249-08:008 Things for CCWC to Know this Week<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><br />
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Hey CCWC Family here are <b><u>8</u></b> things I want to share with you today!</div>
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1. I am so glad that you had a meaningful worship service and time sharing Communion together last Sunday. Sam and I were praying for you and we hope that you were able to take one more step closer to God this week. My thanks to Pastor John Hall for bringing God's word to you and to Amy and Dave and Randy and Mitch for leading our worship time and guiding you throughout the day.</div>
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2. We are continuing in our series: <b>Peace on Earth</b> this week and I will be preaching from Luke 2 and focusing in on the story of the shepherds. Let me encourage you to read the passage this week in advance of the message - and hey, shoot me some ideas to hit upon!!! I just might use them.</div>
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3. I'm so thankful to Sara Peters, Gail Root, Colby Tucker and all of you who donated to Rob's Toys and helped the needy children of the area through the Erie City Mission. I really hope that we can be known as a church that reaches into our community to offer, help, hope, and healing in Christ's name. Great Job Everyone!!!</div>
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4. <b>Continue to Pray for our Year End Giving. </b> Amy and I have sent letters to friends and family asking if they'd consider investing in CCWC with a year end gift. Pray that these will be well received and that we will gain more investors in our ministry. Also, pray about your own investment to CCWC asking the Lord to guide you in your decisions, not just week to week or for year end, but as we look to a new year. There's so much we can do together.</div>
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5. Don't forget ... <b>CHRISTMAS EVE @ the Chapel at Pleasant Ridge Manor, 6:30pm</b>. </div>
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6. Keep me and Amy in prayer as we develop preaching and music themes for the new year.</div>
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7. <b><a href="http://www.nba.com/dleague/erie/knicks_affiliation_splash_page_2011_06_16.html" target="_blank">BayHawk Tickets</a></b> are available for Friday night's game and Sunday afternoon's game. Just let me know and we can hook you up.</div>
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8. Read through Luke 1-3 over the next few weeks and take a look at who is given the privilege of hearing about the birth of Jesus: Messiah and Savior. Also check out <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%202:21-28&version=NIV1984" target="_blank">Luke 2:21-28</a> and focus in on 2:24 and cross reference with <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=leviticus%2012&version=NIV1984" target="_blank">Leviticus 12:1-8</a> ... what is Luke telling us about Jesus birth family and how does that relate to the nature of God's kingdom???</div>
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Have a great week!</div>
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In Christ,</div>
Ben DiStefanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689547716222646381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293750599732166971.post-57973973426529130882012-10-23T08:35:00.002-07:002012-10-23T08:35:18.541-07:00The First 100 DaysAs we approach election day, one axiom that comes to mind is that for whoever wins, the first 100 days tend to set the tone for the person's tenure in office. I'm not sure exactly why 100 days is the timeline but it seems to be the mile marker that people tend to look at. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTtrtHGSaw8HjUmGJ7YKGgNzOfyeeY_M7xzuL3MRKGn5M7p_zws_hRZkqPXVj8-Yu4Ojy8ruonQEeks2rHFWpNG2jiaKYFMI30IgxX3mp9Uw72Qxz7Z2Hy52ieN7xhp-U1-UH9Io6tOqxE/s1600/100days.002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTtrtHGSaw8HjUmGJ7YKGgNzOfyeeY_M7xzuL3MRKGn5M7p_zws_hRZkqPXVj8-Yu4Ojy8ruonQEeks2rHFWpNG2jiaKYFMI30IgxX3mp9Uw72Qxz7Z2Hy52ieN7xhp-U1-UH9Io6tOqxE/s320/100days.002.jpg" width="320" /></a>On day one, Christ Church launched our first public worship service on July 8, 2012 with about 50 people in our living room. Today we sit at day 108. This hit me last night as our Finance/Business team met together for a regular meeting. We are 108 days old. What have we accomplished in 108 days? What tone have we set? What is our DNA at this point in the journey?<br />
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As we sat around the table last night we began to list off all that has happened in the first 108 days. And it's fairly amazing. It's amazing to see what God is doing both up front and behind the scenes. It's amazing to see God take care us and guide us and lead us. It's amazing the sense of common vision and direction that has filtered into the mindset of our people and leaders. <br />
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We began writing down what God has been doing and I want to share that with you ... but not here! You gotta come and join us on November 4 for our worship service and our Celebration/Vision luncheon to follow. You gotta spend time with us hearing the stories and sensing the moving of the Holy Spirit. You gotta be a part of it.<br />
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In terms of human development - remember the church is people not a building or a program - we are only 3 months old. 3 MONTHS!!! That's it!!! I hope that this brings some perspective to our ministry, reach, impact, and blessings from God. From a vision conceived in the hearts of two people, to the development of our core 12-20 people, to the birth of a new church in July it is amazing what God has done through us and for us in that time. <br />
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Take some time and think through how God is blessing and working through CCWC and then thank God for that. Let us not hold or hoard glory but let us cast our praise and thanksgiving back on God.<br />
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Plan now to join us this Sunday and again November 4 as we celebrate what God has done and look forward to the future.<br />
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Soli Deo gloria!Ben DiStefanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689547716222646381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293750599732166971.post-38229953230370952912012-10-09T10:33:00.002-07:002012-10-09T10:33:58.404-07:00Power of Persuasion<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">W</span>e've all been persuaded </b>to do something at some point in time. And I'm sure we've all persuaded someone to do something. You know, with some money, with a look, a bat of the eyes, or even a look of disdain or the dreaded "evil-eye."<br />
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Persuasion is a powerful art that some people have down pat. It can also be so subtle that we don't even realize that we're being persuaded. In and of itself it's not necessarily a negative tool. In fact, it's an art that pastors craft as we teach and preach. What determines the pro/con of persuasion is the heart from which it's done, the point we're driving across, the reliability (is it true) of what's being communicated, and the end result intent. For example, a preacher should use the art of persuasion to teach God's truth to people in a way that is compelling and understanding, clearly describing the end results. At that point the pastor should allow the Holy Spirit to work in the life of a person for whatever decision that person makes with what was said, taught, or preached. <br />
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The problem is when we are persuaded away from the truth, the truth of God. Paul writes in <b> </b><br />
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<b>Galatians 5:7-8: <span class="text Gal-5-7" id="en-NIV1984-29154"><sup class="versenum">7 </sup>You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?</span> <span class="text Gal-5-8" id="en-NIV1984-29155"><sup class="versenum">8 </sup>That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.</span></b></blockquote>
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<span class="text Gal-5-8" id="en-NIV1984-29155">He applauds them and commends them for their faith and how well they were growing in the truth and knowledge of Christ. But then he challenges them. Although they were running a good race, someone under cut them, made them stumble and fall. They had been PERSUADED by others that the faith they were living out and living under was insufficient. </span><br />
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<span class="text Gal-5-8" id="en-NIV1984-29155">Paul was torqued! In "half-time coach-speak" Paul asks who in the world persuaded you away from the truth of God? Who persuaded you that to live as a Christian meant following rules and heritage customs in addition to faith alone in Christ alone??? </span><br />
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<span class="text Gal-5-8" id="en-NIV1984-29155">His redirect was clear. Anything other than faith in Christ alone ... is not faith at all; we miss the grace of God. As long as we don't sin - and let's not dance around on this, the scriptures are clear as to what sin is and what grieves the heart of God - there is freedom to live and be in Christ. As long as we don't abuse liberty and neglect giving grace to others ... there is freedom in your Christian life.</span><br />
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<span class="text Gal-5-8" id="en-NIV1984-29155">Will we be perfect? No. Will we fail in our freedom? Yes. But there's always redirection, love, and grace to point us back on track.</span><br />
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<span class="text Gal-5-8" id="en-NIV1984-29155">Whatever it was, whomever it was in the past, let go of their persuasion that keeps you from enjoying the fullness of Christ and his freedom. And let us not be people who persuade others that there's more to faith in Christ than Christ alone.</span><br />
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<span class="text Gal-5-8" id="en-NIV1984-29155">Salvation, eternal and temporal, = faith alone in Christ alone.</span><br />
<span class="text Gal-5-8" id="en-NIV1984-29155"> </span> Ben DiStefanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689547716222646381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293750599732166971.post-44808318693190229422012-09-25T08:27:00.000-07:002012-09-25T08:27:03.662-07:00Because of the Kingdom ... <span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is your mind set on today? How are you actively managing your thoughts and intentions today? I really believe that what we do in our "every-day-living" is a result on what we've set our minds on and that is an issue of control.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By not giving God daily control over our lives we open ourselves to drifting into the natural flow and pattern of this world ... something that God warns us of and even expects us to stand against (see Romans 12:1-2). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In Romans 6 Pauls writes this about our those who've given their lives over to God through the grace of Jesus Christ: <i><b><span style="color: red;">"<span style="background-color: white;">For </span><sup class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28067X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)"></sup><span style="background-color: white;">sin </span><sup class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28067Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)"></sup></span></b></i><span style="background-color: white;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace (Romans 6:14)." </span></b></i> </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's that word <b>Dominion that caught my attention</b> today. It reminded me of the "kingdom" metaphors used in the Bible to describe God's reign and rule. It reminded me of the kingdom of this world and the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is both one yet to come and one that is here and now because of Jesus Christ.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Because of Christ, we live in and experience the kingdom of God.</b> Because of Christ we have the authority and power of the kingdom of God within us and available to us. Because of the kingdom of God in our lives, God has DOMINION over us, under his Grace.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Dominion is that idea of: </span><i><b style="text-align: left; text-indent: -20px;">1)</b><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left; text-indent: -20px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left; text-indent: -20px;">to be lord of, to rule, have dominion over; </span><b style="text-align: left; text-indent: -20px;">2)</b><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left; text-indent: -20px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left; text-indent: -20px;">of things and forces; </span><b style="text-align: left; text-indent: -20px;">a)</b><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left; text-indent: -20px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left; text-indent: -20px;">to exercise influence upon, to have power over. [Strong's Concordance]</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left; text-indent: -20px;">So I wonder, as we live in the Kingdom of God <b><i>do we live under God's influence </i></b>in our lives or the influence of sin? What has a draw on our lives? What are we giving attention to? What are we setting our minds on?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left; text-indent: -20px;"><b>The Kingdom of God is about freedom and LIFE.</b> Sin - which brings bondage and death (you know it to be true) - has NO dominion over you. But God's rule because of Christ and through the Holy Spirit in us, has dominion and that leads us to LIFE.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left; text-indent: -20px;">Because of the Kingdom we have LIFE.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left; text-indent: -20px;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>-Ben</i></span></span>Ben DiStefanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689547716222646381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293750599732166971.post-26440115180016885522012-09-18T06:44:00.001-07:002012-09-18T06:44:24.919-07:00Fully PersuadedThe other day a friend of mine told me a story of a 13 story building in China that simply toppled over. It seems that the contractors and workers failed to accurately follow the plans that were given to them. There was not enough strength in the base of the building to keep it from toppling over.<br />
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As I was reading in Romans today, I was reminded of how our faith is much like those buildings. <b>We need to be grounded according to the plans and the specs that are called for by God written and communicated to us through the Bible. </b> We need to know that when the storms of life come that we will not waver, we will not be shaken, and we will not fall in our faith. We can't take short cuts. We need to follow the plans.<br />
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There's also an element of trust involved. Often we don't follow the plans because we don't trust the plans, the map, the direction, or the guidance given to us. <b>We're not persuaded that God's plan is the best course of action for our lives. </b>We know better; we have obligations; we have commitments and bills to pay; we have .... fill in the blank yourself.<br />
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<span class="text Rom-4-20" id="en-NIV1984-28028"><sup class="versenum">20 </sup>Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God,</span> <span class="text Rom-4-21" id="en-NIV1984-28029"><sup class="versenum">21 </sup>being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.</span></i></blockquote>
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<b>Until we are persuaded that God can be trusted, our faith will be found lacking and the longer we wait to fortify our faith the sooner our lives will begin to topple. </b> We often don't have all the "therefores" and "hows" answered when God asks us to trust him. He simply says trust! That is the essence of faith!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHBIs1XiDcJBV3yNd09WlwpAfAnrcTa727JhdY_LfDnbYZpWqyNSXtpS8BsJ-wBnr9p-S3Kcw9zNjxIpiXm1v4V1Vf7-iMtiEadZRe6Dnsp4cz1CPp5XvXngeXZUdHVYyQD5Njnitcl1WV/s1600/757.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHBIs1XiDcJBV3yNd09WlwpAfAnrcTa727JhdY_LfDnbYZpWqyNSXtpS8BsJ-wBnr9p-S3Kcw9zNjxIpiXm1v4V1Vf7-iMtiEadZRe6Dnsp4cz1CPp5XvXngeXZUdHVYyQD5Njnitcl1WV/s200/757.jpeg" width="200" /></a>Be praying for Christ Church this weekend. We have <b>a partnership exploration meeting with the leaders of 757 Life Church</b> in Virginia Beach, VA. They will arrive in Erie on Friday and stay through Sunday. We are seeking a church to come along side of us as a partner to offer encouragement, coaching, mentoring, and accountability as we grow. I hope that you will make worshiping with us this week a priority, we would love to introduce you to Kreg and Faith Vaughne.<br />
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We have a <b>PODCAST</b> where you can catch up on or re-live the messages from our services. In the right hand column you can click on the word PODCAST and it will take you to our host site. We trust that this will be a valuable resource for you.<br />
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<br />Ben DiStefanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689547716222646381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293750599732166971.post-8867382847548574922012-09-05T03:11:00.000-07:002012-09-05T03:15:01.814-07:00One<strong>One ... united ... unity ... solidarity ... One</strong><br />
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I was surprised how often Jesus prayed for unity - for his followers to <strong>be "one"</strong> - as he prayed to God the Father in John 17. This prayer in John 17 is considered by scholars a significant prayer, as Jesus prepares himself and his followers for what would soon follow - the cross and his death. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8hOWnnp6om4tSaioDnI09vDnPS_QkfD68FnnwPIZnU-pg1aj1dgRhzE-2wl3RCp0Eoius9Qg4nc-aM7yW0e1PghOIl3iOh9haaW1O4Ge6CpVXYfM8lyT5XGgbS8KMhimvODYgQ_mfpUC/s1600/unity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; height: 199px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 196px;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8hOWnnp6om4tSaioDnI09vDnPS_QkfD68FnnwPIZnU-pg1aj1dgRhzE-2wl3RCp0Eoius9Qg4nc-aM7yW0e1PghOIl3iOh9haaW1O4Ge6CpVXYfM8lyT5XGgbS8KMhimvODYgQ_mfpUC/s200/unity.jpg" width="200" /></a><em><span style="color: #cc0000;">John 17:20-23 <span class="text John-17-20"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">20 </span></sup>“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message,</span></span> <span class="text John-17-21" id="en-NIV1984-26770"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum mid-line"><span style="font-size: x-small;">21 </span></sup>that all of them may be one,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV1984-26770AM" title="See cross-reference AM">AM</a>)"></sup> Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV1984-26770AN" title="See cross-reference AN">AN</a>)"></sup> May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV1984-26770AO" title="See cross-reference AO">AO</a>)"></sup></span></span> <span class="text John-17-22" id="en-NIV1984-26771"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum mid-line"><span style="font-size: x-small;">22 </span></sup>I have given them the glory that you gave me,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV1984-26771AP" title="See cross-reference AP">AP</a>)"></sup> that they may be one as we are one:<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV1984-26771AQ" title="See cross-reference AQ">AQ</a>)"></sup></span></span> <span class="text John-17-23" id="en-NIV1984-26772"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum mid-line"><span style="font-size: x-small;">23 </span></sup>I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV1984-26772AR" title="See cross-reference AR">AR</a>)"></sup> and have loved them<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV1984-26772AS" title="See cross-reference AS">AS</a>)"></sup> even as you have loved me.</span></span></span></em></div>
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<span class="text John-17-23"><span class="woj"><strong>Unity was at the core of Jesus prayer.</strong> He knew that without unity the world would not believe the message of his followers. The same is true for us today ... in fact Jesus prayed for you and me in his prayer some two-thousand years ago: "I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, ...." No one will believe the message we have in Jesus Christ unless we are united as followers of Christ. </span></span></div>
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<span class="text John-17-23"><span class="woj">Unity is <strong><em>NOT</em></strong>:</span></span><br />
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<span class="text John-17-23"><span class="woj"><strong><em>1. Uniformity ...</em></strong> there is no uniform or detailed way to live outside of the guidelines of Scripture. We are all uniquely created by God who is the author of diversity and creativity. We are to thrive in our diversity, thrive in our uniqueness as individuals - as long as it conforms to the guides of faith and truth in the Bible. Being ONE/UNITED under the banner of Christ allows for diversity, in fact it's expected (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2012&version=NIV1984" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 12</a>).</span></span><br />
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<span class="text John-17-23"><span class="woj"><strong><em>2. Abuse of Leadership / Getting My Own Way ...</em></strong> One of the great outcomes of our unity in diversity is that we have the opportunity to hear different opinions and perspectives and we can learn from each other. Leaders who fail to allow people to express their ideas, thoughts, or perspectives via their character and temperament miss the chance to learn from others. Leaders who jam their agenda downward and leaders who only want their own way are both abusing their role and hold a selfish grip. </span></span></div>
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<span class="text John-17-23"><span class="woj"><strong><em>Unity IS:</em></strong></span></span></div>
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<span class="text John-17-23"><span class="woj"><strong>1. A Shared Belief in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.</strong> That's where unity begins. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%2017:6-8&version=NIV1984" target="_blank">Check out John 17:6-8.</a> This is what binds our spirits one with another. There's something mysterious and wonderful when you find a kindred spirit ... it's as though you know something that others don't.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text John-17-23"><span class="woj"><strong>2. A Shared Mission.</strong> A lot is made about vision and mission statements. Sometimes in church-world this gets way over blown. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2028:18-20&version=NIV" target="_blank">Our mission as the Church is clear</a> - to make disciples of all nations, by going to them, teaching them the character and priorities and truth of Christ, and baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Regardless of where you live kindred spirits in Christ share and are called to the same mission. </span></span></div>
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<span class="text John-17-23"><span class="woj"><strong>3. A Shared Love for God and People.</strong> As we love God and understand how he loves us we learn to truly love others. </span></span></div>
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<span class="text John-17-23"><span class="woj">Here at Christ Church we are on a journey to be united. We want to worship, live, serve, and love <strong><em>united, in solidarity and as one.</em></strong> </span></span></div>
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We would love for you to join us on <strong><u>Sunday mornings at Fairview Middle School @ 10:00am</u></strong>. You will find a group of people who love God and are trying to do their best to follow him. You will find flawed people with messy lives <em>– we will be the first to tell you that we’re not perfect –</em> who are accepting and encouraging each other. You’ll find lively music, guitars, keyboard, and drums. And you’ll hear a relevant message from the Bible. All of this will happen in the span of about <b>65 minutes</b>. </div>
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Also, if you'd like <b style="color: blue;">to make a donation to help Christ Church get up and get going, you can forward it to our address: 170 Gateway Dr., Fairview, PA 16415.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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If you have questions, check out our FAQ tab above or feel free to email us at <a href="mailto:ccwestco@gmail.com"><span style="color: #992211;">ccwestco@gmail.com. </span></a><span style="color: #992211;"></span></div>
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<b>Church Should Be Simple: Love God and Love People!</b></div>
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<em>-Ben</em></div>
Ben DiStefanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689547716222646381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293750599732166971.post-21127156025892569422012-08-30T06:58:00.002-07:002012-08-30T06:58:19.889-07:00Just AskAs I read through the gospel of John, I notice Jesus mentioning a few times in a very short section to <b>ask God whatever you want</b> and he (God) will give it to you. This came at a very critical point in Jesus' life. These were some of the last words of instruction he would give to his followers. Ask and he will give (John 14:13; 15:7; 15:16). <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqV8kGKah8075J4wHv57eb9bg3Rp5CL98CotJfWp0g5eH7pyYS0Fwf2zwt02B1GjtMv9Z3HfPAo3jMHzANixnc3S32uzrnqEw0hCfEj71fT6tIusH7HQI4EsjNpQNekE25TolWoAwvWnbm/s1600/ask.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqV8kGKah8075J4wHv57eb9bg3Rp5CL98CotJfWp0g5eH7pyYS0Fwf2zwt02B1GjtMv9Z3HfPAo3jMHzANixnc3S32uzrnqEw0hCfEj71fT6tIusH7HQI4EsjNpQNekE25TolWoAwvWnbm/s1600/ask.png" /></a>Now, this isn't the "name it and claim it" prosperity message. There are caveats .<b>.. there are conditions</b>. Jesus puts it in context of "doing his work." Is it possible that as we are doing God's work: love, care, compassion, testimony, worshiping, teaching, preaching, etc., that we would just need to ask God for what we need and we'd have it?<br />
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<b>It's an asking that is rooted in Jesus name (14:13).</b> Not in our name, in our effort, in the name of our church or the name of a denomination. It's in Jesus name so that the "Son may bring glory to the Father." We receive because the Son (Jesus) wants to bring glory to the Father.<br />
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<b>It's an asking that is rooted in Abiding in God (15:7). </b> If we are not connected to God, how will we receive what we ask for. There is a relational connection to asking and receiving. It's interesting how the the impetus is on US remaining in Him. God never leaves us ... but we are so prone to wonder from him. If we remain in him, through the good, the bad, and the ugly we can receive what we ask for.<br />
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<b>It's an asking that is rooted in proven faithfulness; Jesus calls it "bearing fruit (15:16)." </b> It's related to remaining in Him. Using a vineyard metaphor Jesus claims that by remaining in him we bear His kind of fruit. When that is evidenced in our lives, then we ask and we receive.<br />
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I know that for me, I often get lost in the mania of life and<b> I really forget to just ask,</b> in Jesus name, for that which I desire. It can sound a bit self-serving too ... but as we remain in/stay connected with God we develop an affinity for Godly things, behaviors, and lifestyles that then influence our asking. But we just forget to ask.<br />
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<b>How about you? Have you remembered to ask of God today? Are you connected to him, does your life display his values, do you ask in Christ's authority?</b><br />
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Take time this week and just ask of him. At the same time measure your own life with the verses above and see where there's room for improvement. I have a feeling you will begin receiving what you ask for ... in God's timeline.<br />
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<b>Hope to see you Sunday at Christ Church of West County.</b></div>
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<b>Sunday 10am @ Fairview Middle School.</b></div>
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In Christ,<br />
Ben DiStefanoBen DiStefanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689547716222646381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293750599732166971.post-34472088315332017002012-08-24T13:07:00.002-07:002012-08-24T13:07:46.247-07:00SHAKE IT OUT<div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1345836521484225">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGwD_kBh3ud9-EfMbdsqR_ne_FDxNnkBuFL5myn7hD67FWBsQN7KnkkRvlkhvsVQD3omPghIq4OEM5gUVCSTvDT_d8L50hVLPeOWn6-V8dsUB4ZVhN6ckkDCzXIh6hKCWDQONF6UX5qfLE/s1600/saltshaker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGwD_kBh3ud9-EfMbdsqR_ne_FDxNnkBuFL5myn7hD67FWBsQN7KnkkRvlkhvsVQD3omPghIq4OEM5gUVCSTvDT_d8L50hVLPeOWn6-V8dsUB4ZVhN6ckkDCzXIh6hKCWDQONF6UX5qfLE/s200/saltshaker.jpg" width="200" /></a><i><b>*<span class="yiv1812107703tab"> Colossians 4:2-3: </span><span class="yiv1812107703text yiv1812107703Col-4-2"><sup class="yiv1812107703versenum">2 </sup>Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.</span> <span class="yiv1812107703text yiv1812107703Col-4-3" id="yiv1812107703en-NIV-29546"><sup class="yiv1812107703versenum">3 </sup>And
pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that
we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.</span></b></i></div>
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<span>Phew!!!
What a crazy two weeks ... I've really been putting <i><b>our value of
investing in the community </b></i>to the test. As most of you know, I am an
assistant football coach at Fairview Middle School and these past two
weeks have been consumed with the opening practices of the new school
year season. In addition, I volunteered to help my son's "little
gridders" football team. So I've had 2-a-day practices myself for much
of the past two weeks. </span></div>
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<span>Some
may think I'm a glutton for punishment but the reality is that <i><b>
"leadership leads"</b></i> and if we value investing in the community I need to
model that and be in the community, doing what I do well, with the gifts
I've been given. For me that means that for two weeks out of the year
my world gets really hectic. Many of you can relate as you invest
yourselves in other areas in our community or abroad.</span></div>
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<span>While
I love coaching football, many of you will understand when I say that <b>I
don't do it for football sake, </b>but to build relationships with people
and share the love and grace of Christ through my normal everyday
living. This is one way (among others) that I can<b><i> </i></b>practically be <b><i>"salt
and light" (Matthew 5:13-16) in my community and outside the parameters
of the church.</i></b></span></div>
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<span>I'm
not sure where your influence is in the community (neighborhood,
schools, workplace, gym, or your favorite coffee shop) but <i><b>I know that
there is a space that you can influence for Christ. </b></i> Through your
actions, decisions, and values you are model - people are watching. For
those of us who call ourselves Christian we have an
opportunity to "shake out" and "shine out" our faith; and with eyes
that are open wide, see the opportunities and open doors* to speak God's
truth into the lives of those who are not yet Christ followers.</span></div>
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<span>Come Sunday, let's celebrate what we've seen and heard this week as God's been moving in our lives and in our community.</span></div>
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<b><br /><span></span></b></div>
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<span><b>See you Sunday at 10am at Fairview Middle School.</b></span></div>
Ben DiStefanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689547716222646381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293750599732166971.post-1789155632296182042012-08-13T12:51:00.001-07:002012-08-13T12:51:49.975-07:00Don't Ask for Too LittleYesterday was a great day of worship at Christ Church. We began a new series on the person and the power of the Holy Spirit. I hope that as we experience the rest of this week we would tap into the person and power of God to work through us and sustain us. Too often we settle for too little of God because we simply don't ask for more of him in our lives. Ask for more and see what he does for you this week.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSW4N09kjP0KPurtg18H1esb2bdTXtFLSGis-bGONz1CKQviIuwG3wAr35TUF5t9AGKYJxQHKPxLwgFz5BBY5_BqLP2ji_VTcoOdOppehcWTDrdlC4PCm1tMcqCKPS2_Hzge7c46YAHuGN/s1600/Waterfall2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSW4N09kjP0KPurtg18H1esb2bdTXtFLSGis-bGONz1CKQviIuwG3wAr35TUF5t9AGKYJxQHKPxLwgFz5BBY5_BqLP2ji_VTcoOdOppehcWTDrdlC4PCm1tMcqCKPS2_Hzge7c46YAHuGN/s200/Waterfall2.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_kj0H2eAnnSmc_wdSGnHLsuT-LOc8qClVL7uE6OgjrJexPgaLnzBWtmqHSUDMk0u_EZHKWuqZDtZsd0VNcHK1EWysnP-ENa-t-Rzb5k4t_1h0rniu2Uge2R6q3XTC7uEsB9_zr0h6ymD-/s1600/free_waterfall_screensaver-270645-1249738722.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Today I want to share a message from a friend of mine that came through his recent weekly update. From Dr. David Aderholdt, international worker in Macedonia:<br />
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<span id="yui_3_2_0_8_1344885018288777" style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Leadership Corner </span><em style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;">- Authentic Church, True Spirituality in a Culture of </em><span style="font-size: 19px;"><i>Counterfeits</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">In
a world of consumerism, seduction, sexuality and self-indulgence, what
should Church look like? These competing values to the Cross, which we
say is central to our lives, how does that work out in 2012? Obviously
we are gonna have to make choices that other's are not making. We
cannot rely on human wisdom, but instead make the Cross central to our
lives. It is the only way to moral purity in a world gone mad with
moral permissiveness. Some gems from this book:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">"In
a world that regards the message of Christ crucified as weak and
foolish, it will always be tempting for Christians to look elsewhere for
the power and wisdom we feel we need to impress others. Our attention
can so easily shift from the message of the Bible, with its focus on the
saving work of Christ through the cross, to other preoccupations." (p.
18)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span>"We
too have done many terrible things, but now, if we trust in Christ, we
are completely clean in God's sight, washed by the blood of the one who
died for us. We have been 'sanctified', set apart from the wickedness of
the world to live godly lives as God's people. We are under God's
condemnation, but now we have been 'justified' and are completely in the
right with him.... This glorious truth was underlined for a friend of
mine when he was given a book called </span><em>The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner</em><span><em>.</em>
When he looked inside, he found the pages were completely blank. God
has wiped the slate clean for all who trust in Christ." (pp. 70-71)</span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span>"Christ's headship over Christians does not <strong>demean</strong> us, but rather <strong>enables</strong>
us to flourish into the people we long to be. He was so committed to
our welfare that he was willing to go to the cross so that we might
enter into the relationship with God for which we were made. In the same
way, a wife will blossom if she is married to a husband who exercises
his headship not to please himself, but in the interests of what is best
for his wife, even if it <strong>kills</strong> him." (p. 141)</span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span>"Teaching
which promises material and spiritual prosperity now is much more
attractive to us than any reminder that, wonderful as the blessings God
has already given us in Christ undoubtedly are, the Christian life in
this present world still requires self-discipline and suffering. Talk of
discipline is not popular in a self-indulgent world which always tends
to opt for the easy life; and teaching that points us to the future
leaves many cold in a generation that lives for the moment and is
frustrated by having to wait even a few seconds for an Internet
connection." (p. 194)</span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">"A
good test, therefore, of any movement or message that claims to be
spiritual is to ask, 'Does this point me to the crucified Christ and
encourage me to grow in knowledge and love of him, to serve him and
imitate him?' If not, it does not come from the Holy Spirit, however
impressive it may appear." (p. 19)</span></div>
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<div id="yui_3_2_0_8_1344885018288742" style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span>The
story is told of a bear that bumped into a hunter with a loaded gun.
The bear put up his hands and said to the hunter, 'Come on, let's be
reasonable - let's light a fire and chat a bit; you can tell me what you
want and I'll tell you what I want.' 'All right,' said the hunter, 'I'm
hunting bear because I want a great big fur coat.' 'That's fine,' said
the bear, 'I'm looking for hunters because I want a great big square
meal.' Fifteen minutes later the bear got up, patting his stomach
contentedly. He had had his meal, and the hunter had got his fur coat
on. (Illustrating the point that in some situations, wisdom demands that
we flee, not negotiate, especially when we are tempted sexually). (p.
76)</span> </span></div>
Ben DiStefanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689547716222646381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293750599732166971.post-70000793718104825232012-08-02T09:19:00.001-07:002012-08-02T09:19:27.174-07:00Everyone is WelcomeOver the past couple of weeks the issue of acceptance has crossed my radar a couple of times. One has been the very public Chick-fil-A controversy and the other one came through a private conversation with a friend of mine. Somewhere at the heart of both issues is the idea of acceptance and tolerance in its truest sense.<br />
<br />
As we begin Christ Church we are taking the position that everyone is welcome at our church <b>... and we mean everyone. We desire and want to be a place where all people feel welcome and honored.</b> As a protestant church we hold to the values and teachings presented in the Bible. But those values and teachings are not to condemn people (John 3:17) but to love and honor each other, encouraging them to live out Christ's priorities and become people of his character (Romans 12:1-2). <br />
<br />
We realize that people at times will feel uncomfortable, challenged, and confronted by God's word. This doesn't mean they are not welcomed or loved. It means that we are all people trying to be more like Christ in a world that works against us. <b> It means that in our disagreements we show grace; we honor each other; and we value a person more than their behavior (John 8:7). </b><br />
<br />
<i>This is how we parent our children. We love them, honor them, and value who they are ... but there are some things they do that are outside the character and priorities we are trying to invest in them. At those times we don't banish them from the home; we don't tell them they are not welcome here; we don't stop loving them; we don't stop being with them; and we certainly don't go to their schools and hold signs in the hallways claiming how terrible they are as children. </i><br />
<br />
We love them; we honor them; we value them and we stay close to them. We teach, model, instruct, and guide them <i><b>with love </b></i>according to our values and priorities<i><b> (Ephesians 4:15)</b></i>.<br />
<br />
<b>As a church we will welcome all people. </b>We won't change our position on our values <i>- and quite honestly I don't think anyone would expect us to -</i> but we will live with respect and love towards each other. This is good news to all of us liars, thieves, gossips, over-eaters, excessive drinkers, short tempered parents, speeders, and the like. <br />
<br />
We meet on <b>Sundays at 10:00am at the Fairview Middle School </b>on Avonia Road/Rt 98 in Fairview. Everyone is welcome. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Church Should Be Simple: Love God and Love People</b></div>
See you soon! <br />
~BenBen DiStefanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689547716222646381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293750599732166971.post-20779856501841828322012-07-21T06:56:00.002-07:002012-07-21T06:56:41.800-07:00It's Not Complicated<style>
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Over the past few weeks we’ve seen the results of the
continued decay of the value and authority of God’s word – the Bible – in our
culture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What’s sad is that this decay
is coming from within the church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
decay is happening on the watch of the very people who have given their lives
to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This decay is happening at the
hands of people who have claimed a call on their lives to work for God.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As Christ Church continues to grow and develop it should be
known that we view the Bible – God’s Word – the Holy Scriptures as the highest
and final authority for faith and life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We express our belief in the Word of God as God’s words to us, for all
generations past and present.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At Christ Church we will seek to study God’s word with
proper study methods:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>understanding the
culture, context, themes, norms, and values as written and presented.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will adjust our values and life to align
with God’s word as best we understand it and accurately pursue it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When we encounter passages that are hard to
hear, we will seek to examine our hearts and not soften the message.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we encounter passages that challenge our
living, beliefs, or upbringing, we will first examine our spirits and personal decisions
and not recalibrate God’s word to fit our life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At Christ Church you can expect a conservative teaching of God’s word but
in a relevant, meaningful, and common manner.</div>
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<br /></div>
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What’s great about God’s word is that it’s clear.*<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It only becomes complicated when we don’t
like what it says about the way we are living our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to be reminded that this is God’s
message to messy broken people inviting them to live with, dine with, and walk
with a Holy God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After we accept that
invitation, we adjust our lives to Him. God is patient and helpful; he’s there
for us.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God help us to accurately and passionately hold on to God’s
Holy Word for us!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a revelation of
his heart to ours that draws us to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is our message.</div>
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<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>Remember Christ Church now meets on <b>Sunday mornings at 10am at Fairview Middle School</b> </li>
<li>If you have a question or concern, please contact us at: <a href="mailto:ccwestco@gmail.com">ccwestco@gmail.com</a>. </li>
</ul>
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Church Should Be Simple: Love God and Love People,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ben</div>
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</div>
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---------------</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">*There are passages that are confusing or leave us
scratching our heads.<span> </span>But these
generally relate to specific cultural nuances or original [Hebrew/Greek]
translation issues – have you ever had a friend from a foreign country, yeah,
you understand how some things just don’t translate well.<span> </span>These sayings or passages NEVER deviate from
the overall message, theme, or common thread of the Scriptures.<span> </span>They cause us to dig deeper in understanding
and in the end enhance the message God is giving.</span></i></div>Ben DiStefanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689547716222646381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293750599732166971.post-60089366682883272722012-07-16T11:31:00.002-07:002012-07-16T11:31:26.289-07:00Mirror Mirror on the Wall ...<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I just read this post from a friend serving overseas. I thought I'd share it as a guest post today. From Dr. David Aderholdt working in Macedonia and eastern Asia. Enjoy. </span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b><span style="color: #663300; font-family: "Arial Narrow";">Dear Friends and Family</span></b><span style="color: #663300; font-family: "Arial Narrow";"></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghrjm5otywc_wq7LHdjz5Cuh2jRkSGzctD0W1TV7r2Jl7JwnDQ5K-_2FIpH256ni0MOUh_4BsJtiAxAKA9akwLvDAR7hxkTFamyH_fPjiNPZ51UmgLpgCrVGxi0dmKR-yWkSpbpWlbf0RG/s1600/standing-mirror.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; height: 143px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 104px;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghrjm5otywc_wq7LHdjz5Cuh2jRkSGzctD0W1TV7r2Jl7JwnDQ5K-_2FIpH256ni0MOUh_4BsJtiAxAKA9akwLvDAR7hxkTFamyH_fPjiNPZ51UmgLpgCrVGxi0dmKR-yWkSpbpWlbf0RG/s200/standing-mirror.jpg" width="103" /></a><span style="color: #663300; font-family: "Arial Narrow";"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let me tell you something, if you don't press a button for a floor other than the one you start on, the elevator won't move! I found this out this morning when I had to wait three rounds of people who kept showing up while I was waiting for the elevator. And since it is so small, I am the only one that can fit in there when I have my bicycle with me and I did. Finally I got one that was empty and no one was waiting, and so I raise the bike up on it's rear wheel and roll it into the elevator. Press one and then start admiring myself in the mirror that covers the rear wall of the small elevator (I have noticed that Asians are extremely mirror focused and they are examining their looks constantly, guess I am starting too as well). When my internal clock notified me that I should have arrived at the 12th floor by now, I looked up at the digital readout and saw that I was not moving and that I was still on the 1st floor. Thank God no one came and pressed the button for the elevator or they would have found me there standing there, holding my bike, admiring myself in the mirror!</span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="color: #663300; font-family: "Arial Narrow"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think we often live out our spiritual lives like this too. We expect progress without taking the necessary steps toward maturity. We expect sin to lose it's appeal, and we expect our embrace of all things spiritual to happen naturally and without effort or thinking or care or steps . . . you may soon wake up and find yourself on the same level you started out on.</span></span></div>Ben DiStefanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689547716222646381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293750599732166971.post-63423737675074554792012-07-12T07:00:00.001-07:002012-07-12T07:00:40.467-07:00Just a Little Peace<br />
Peace of mind, peace of heart, peace between siblings, peace
between spouses, peace in families, just a little peace can be quite
elusive. At times, we can’t seem to find
peace anywhere. Strife, frustration,
fighting … those we can easily find.
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<b>When our relationship with God is RESTORED,</b> there is a peace
that enters our spirit. When we live in
harmony with God, that peace begins to resonate to the rest of our lives. We may not be able to immediately have peace
in all our other relationships or areas of life and they may not be
consistently peaceful, but we have the opportunity and power from within to live
in and bring peace.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiBplHG18LHuHo09EXjBfHnbqVb4VlRieGQHqCp6pGmUQWaQ-zNPXvFO_RvGZSQKilPgGZH9QmrBZXBrR69Fpia1pKhvlTPJ9lgibHlWM8h0Mn-tXJIHOOD1OxL_QksupfWbJqeTlpJmuq/s1600/lrgword_peace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiBplHG18LHuHo09EXjBfHnbqVb4VlRieGQHqCp6pGmUQWaQ-zNPXvFO_RvGZSQKilPgGZH9QmrBZXBrR69Fpia1pKhvlTPJ9lgibHlWM8h0Mn-tXJIHOOD1OxL_QksupfWbJqeTlpJmuq/s320/lrgword_peace.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Ephesians 2:14-18: <span class="texteph-2-14"><sup>14 </sup>For he himself is our peace, who has made
the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of
hostility,</span> … <span class="texteph-2-15"><span id="en-NIV-29245">His
purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making
peace,</span></span> <span class="texteph-2-16"><sup><span id="en-NIV-29246">16 </span></sup>and
in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put
to death their hostility.</span> <span class="texteph-2-17"><sup><span id="en-NIV-29247">17 </span></sup>He came and preached peace to you who were far
away and peace to those who were near. </span><span class="texteph-2-18"></span><sup value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29247AM" title="See cross-reference AM">AM</a>)"><span id="en-NIV-29248">18 </span></sup>For through him we both have access to the Father
by one Spirit.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On Sunday we will continue our series <b>“RESTORED” </b>as we
understand the mission of the church and God’s desire to restore relationships
with him and help us find peace. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>You can join us on Sunday at 10:00 am at Fairview Middle School,
and for at least 65 minutes find a little peace.</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Church Should Be Simple:
Love God and Love People!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-Ben</div>Ben DiStefanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689547716222646381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293750599732166971.post-72417187855607529942012-07-11T11:00:00.002-07:002012-07-11T11:00:48.165-07:00Bring Your Muddy Boots<em>...even when ... </em><br />
It was those words that jumped out at me this morning as I was reading through Ephesians 2. <br />
<br />
<em><span style="color: #990000;">"because of his great love for us, <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29234H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup>God, who is rich in mercy, <span class="text Eph-2-5" id="en-NIV-29235">made us alive with Christ <strong>even when</strong> we were dead in transgressions <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29235I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup>—it is by grace you have been saved." (Ephesians 2:4-5) </span></span></em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE5za4CoBIj9WlPTDKMaWgOpZYkGx-pbVs-Q4xHfnCD0Q6k-8Mi7Z26ft-f_FBKlq3PBaMrhaJxPAAoo5LOhXR3dVyz2SCJJzyckYeTUITEJtSKv6wRXuDH_rGyg2VrsoYls7gBAz8mrYU/s1600/11161muddy_boots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $ca="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE5za4CoBIj9WlPTDKMaWgOpZYkGx-pbVs-Q4xHfnCD0Q6k-8Mi7Z26ft-f_FBKlq3PBaMrhaJxPAAoo5LOhXR3dVyz2SCJJzyckYeTUITEJtSKv6wRXuDH_rGyg2VrsoYls7gBAz8mrYU/s320/11161muddy_boots.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
One of the values of Christ Church is that <strong>we understand that life is messy and we're ok with that.</strong> We want people to understand that they don't have to clean their boots before they come to church ... they don't have to clean up their lives in order for Christ to reach them. Dirty boots means that we're real people living in a real world.<br />
<br />
<em>I've been reminded of this time and again over the past few weeks and I just wanted to restate it for our benefit as a church and for those checking us out. Remember that we can never clean up enough to be accepted by Christ. He accepts us right where we are and under his terms and conditions begins to clean us up. He does the work. </em><br />
<br />
<strong>Because of his love for us ... not because of how clean we are/were, God made us alive!</strong><br />
<br />
I don't know how many of you feel dead in your spirits. But God's work is that of the living. His work is one of restoration. <br />
<br />
This <strong>Sunday at 10:00am Christ Church moves to the Fairview Middle School</strong> (on Rt.98, just south of Rt. 20) and we will continue to explore this idea of restoration.<br />
<br />
<strong><em>You are welcome to come at 10:00am, muddy boots and all!</em></strong><br />
<br />
Church Should Be Simple: Love God and Love People!<br />
-Ben<br />
-------------------<br />
<br />
If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact us via email: <a href="mailto:ccwestco@gmail.com">ccwestco@gmail.com</a>.<br />Ben DiStefanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689547716222646381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293750599732166971.post-90425566462690077632012-07-10T10:35:00.000-07:002012-07-10T10:39:53.186-07:00Christ Church Moves after First Week<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>What a great Sunday morning worship time we had.</b> It was so good to see our leadership team
gather together on a Sunday morning and worship together. It was good to have some guests as well.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ve never been to a House Church worship time, but I would
have to say that this was pretty awesome.
Our worship team did a great job, people were engaged, and <b>there was a
buzz in the room as people were gathering.
</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwHLEWFRn0BxA_W8EK3176xhSAeCdwdKHj_ed0G7uUFlC9cG_OYyZd03W70r2xCMrHHxQlOCYyFiZLJJ_VKPKiLqZxR-pc0Ns0knvVHzyn8mTGDs1YFtz6DarjQEHVfZKi2NgInQw8-Qv/s1600/middleschool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="78" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwHLEWFRn0BxA_W8EK3176xhSAeCdwdKHj_ed0G7uUFlC9cG_OYyZd03W70r2xCMrHHxQlOCYyFiZLJJ_VKPKiLqZxR-pc0Ns0knvVHzyn8mTGDs1YFtz6DarjQEHVfZKi2NgInQw8-Qv/s400/middleschool.jpg" width="400" /></a>Well our Sunday morning worship continues this week but <b>we
are making a big move</b>. <b>This week we will
begin meeting at Fairview Middle School. </b>We are thankful for the opportunity to use this location and look
forward to welcoming people there. There
is plenty of parking and plenty of room for you and your children. Our Children’s ministry will be up and
rolling, welcoming kids from birth through grade 4. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We would love for you to join us on Sunday morning at
Fairview Middle School. You will find a
group of people who love God and are trying to do their best to follow
him. You will find flawed people with
messy lives – we will be the first to tell you that we’re not perfect – who are accepting
and encouraging each other. You’ll find
lively music, guitars, keyboard, and drums.
And you’ll hear a relevant message from the Bible. All of this will happen in the span of about
<b>65 minutes</b>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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If you have questions, check out our FAQ tab above or feel
free to email us at <a href="mailto:ccwestco@gmail.com">ccwestco@gmail.com. </a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Sunday morning 10:00 AM at Fairview Middle School, we hope
to see you there.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Church Should Be Simple: Love God and Love People</div>
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-Ben<o:p></o:p></div>Ben DiStefanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689547716222646381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293750599732166971.post-42028673380877221032012-06-26T08:12:00.004-07:002012-06-26T08:13:12.366-07:00Free Grace, Costly Following<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihjUPL_gX07-w_BY8goC6TF9p8bAFRUhfd-Ok4Ug65281kpUqvX8xkEJgED1wEUqFz_J6xhhZblFdluwJwQVZmOc3HOmjR0WngkbbvhEe6woroQzkT02D08sYotWeB71Iq_W-lGK4uQHa8/s1600/grace.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihjUPL_gX07-w_BY8goC6TF9p8bAFRUhfd-Ok4Ug65281kpUqvX8xkEJgED1wEUqFz_J6xhhZblFdluwJwQVZmOc3HOmjR0WngkbbvhEe6woroQzkT02D08sYotWeB71Iq_W-lGK4uQHa8/s320/grace.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="texteph-6-12">Perhaps the greatest theme in the
Bible is that of God’s Grace. Grace is
God’s unmerited favor, goodness, blessing, and salvation offered to us. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Unmerited.</i></b> It’s a word we don’t use too often
anymore. In fact in our culture we
probably offer and live with a lot of <b><i>stipulated grace</i></b>. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I will love you if … I will forgive you if …
I will honor you if ….”</i> I mean we
don’t actually say it that way, but we all know and sense the implication in
the tone of people.</span></div>
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<span class="texteph-6-12">But not with God. <b>God’s offer of “salvation,”</b> which has more
than just a future eternal destiny in mind – it has our today and everyday in
mind too – is based not on the merits of what we can do to please God or
accomplish to impress God or how “cleaned up” we can get before we turn to
God. God’s grace is based on who He
is! And he offers it freely – that is
without merit – to us. There are no
hoops to jump through. Click on this
verse – <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+2&version=NIV">Ephesians 2:1-10</a> to see one example.</span></div>
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<span class="texteph-6-12">While his offer to us is free, our
response to him is <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%209:23&version=NIV">costly</a>. This too is a
Biblical theme woven throughout. In
response to God’s grace we follow his lead for our lives and it will always
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt+10%3A39&version=NIV">cost us something</a>. This is why people
actually<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%2018:18-23&version=NCV"> turned away from following Jesus</a>.
Even though his grace was free - unmerited, the cost to take his name
(Christian) was too high. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMz1TBBhBvuGZI3qIQGmkFZ9UxcnjR8Ih-lDWsftFZc-i10lZcPW6XuohClHy_Y_uItLg8kjmsJM8yT0BtMe1NkYnIoVhKVMeOepSsFAmowoOTORzm6fg8sTpnCXpsdvfR7HHstO9BuWZ9/s1600/Pay-Off-Loans-Early.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMz1TBBhBvuGZI3qIQGmkFZ9UxcnjR8Ih-lDWsftFZc-i10lZcPW6XuohClHy_Y_uItLg8kjmsJM8yT0BtMe1NkYnIoVhKVMeOepSsFAmowoOTORzm6fg8sTpnCXpsdvfR7HHstO9BuWZ9/s320/Pay-Off-Loans-Early.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="texteph-6-12">That’s the
difference between<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%205.1-2&version=NASB"> the crowd and the disciples</a>.
The crowd followed at a distance, never willing to pay the price to
follow. The disciples, <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%204.18-22&version=NASB">they left home,changed business,</a> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2016.13-20&version=CEV">changed their names</a>, gave to the poor, supported the widows,
were rejected, changed their work schedules, ended destructive habits, turned
the other cheek, accepted instead of hated, embraced instead of resisted,
honored all people, and – for some – died, all because they accepted God’s free
grace and put their faith in Christ.</span></div>
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<i><b><span class="texteph-6-12">I worry that at times we are so consumed
with the free gift of God’s unmerited Grace that we forget (refuse, ignore, get too
busy) to follow God. </span></b></i></div>
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<span class="texteph-6-12">We have a saying in America, “you get what you
pay for.” <b>Here’s a hard truth,</b> <i><b>if
following God isn’t costing us something, then maybe we’re not really following
him at all.</b></i></span></div>
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<span class="texteph-6-12">Again, I’m not talking about the
offer of salvation (eternal and temporal); I’m talking about how we respond to
being “saved by grace.” </span></div>
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<span class="texteph-6-12"><b>As we start Christ Church there are
some things we will have to sacrifice</b> - price a pay - as we follow God’s
lead in this venture: time, money,
blood-sweat-tears (see yesterday’s post), some friends (both inside <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=smh"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">[#smh]</i></a> and outside the church), pride
& humility, sleepless nights, extended hours, and more. But that’s what happens when we follow
Christ. We sacrifice for him, our faith,
for God because we understand his Grace.</span></div>
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<ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<li><span class="texteph-6-12">Why would we do this: so that the people who will find Christ Church
will find a church where they understand God’s unmerited favor: so that a home
can be healed, relationships restored, hope strengthened, peace gained, healing
applied, and, someday, realize an eternal destiny in heaven. </span></li>
<li style="color: #990000;"><b><span class="texteph-6-12">We do it because Church Should Be
Simple: Love God and Love People!</span></b></li>
</ul>
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<span class="texteph-6-12">If you'd like to join us in this journey, then <a href="mailto:ccwestco@gmail.com">email us</a> and let us get to know you. Also, if you'd like <b style="color: blue;">to make a donation to help Christ Church get up and get going, you can forward it to our address: 170 Gateway Dr., Fairview, PA 16415.</b></span></div>
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<span class="texteph-6-12"><br /></span></div>
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<i><b><span class="texteph-6-12">Are you getting what you paid for?</span></b></i></div>
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<span class="texteph-6-12"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">-Ben</span></span></div>
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<span class="texteph-6-12"><br /></span></div>Ben DiStefanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689547716222646381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293750599732166971.post-87424798239158690442012-06-25T06:34:00.001-07:002012-06-25T06:34:31.327-07:00Blood, Sweat, and Tears ... and a Concert<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfqAtFLMDyVEITc6NDMunNdRPduWI0AIpV0ytR1wzIQFbsnheDfNFR4qzuPvsTr4Lueso7cJv9_u9re33hx4vH-cbJG-Zvk_jPa8UIKlm4pcRBSjvFVpikAPRhbQ2L_W8hTYuBal6N-4FX/s1600/548827_10151081199393968_2071907275_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfqAtFLMDyVEITc6NDMunNdRPduWI0AIpV0ytR1wzIQFbsnheDfNFR4qzuPvsTr4Lueso7cJv9_u9re33hx4vH-cbJG-Zvk_jPa8UIKlm4pcRBSjvFVpikAPRhbQ2L_W8hTYuBal6N-4FX/s200/548827_10151081199393968_2071907275_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_ZsdnTk3J3cWGQaVd62o7Q-Ek8h4fPrZQ0j8Xp-2BK9LKUnMAShR0QT7WzhtX91iB3iG8i5iweThMlhfPbG0iSHJ9ZrAcuL2j7OCwj7fXtsr4S8gD9kiz0hjBcwSGhaq0GFg8h9bGCJl/s1600/598861_10151080943593968_224231484_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><b>What a great concert last night.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b> </span>Christ
Church hosted our first
concert with Nashville Christian recording artist Jeremy Casella.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know what the final count was last
night, but a bunch of people joined us on our lawn and heard the powerful story
of Jesus and the gospel in a fresh, authentic, and vulnerable way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe God was honored.</div>
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As the day unfolded prior to the concert, <i>I was reminded
again that there is an enemy of God that is trying to defeat our plans to honor
God, point people to Jesus, and make a life-giving investment in the west
county.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>Thankfully the Crises were
averted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s what went down.</div>
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<b>About 9:30am Sunday morning </b>I get a text message from our
artist, Jeremy, saying his guitar broke at the church he was playing that
morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>His guitar broke!</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s coming to play an acoustic, guitar
driven concert … and his guitar broke!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not just any guitar <i>… his guitar: </i>the guitar he’s used to craft the
songs that he’s written for years, the guitar that has traveled the world with
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To a musician, a guitar of this caliber
and history is a part of who they are; to have it break is ... heartbreaking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, not to
mention he had another show in the evening – at our home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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He asked if we could find a guitar to use.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He asked for a couple of specific kinds of
guitars, which I completely understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(When
Jimmy Johnson wrecks his NASCAR race car, you don’t give him a Yugo as a
replacement.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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So I started texting people in our church and other friends
looking for help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While we couldn’t find
the specific guitars he uses, we found a good one that he could use.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i><b>Being the professional Jeremy is, he rolled
with it and graciously played the guitar and made it sound beautiful!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b></i></div>
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<b>Crisis #1 – Averted.</b></div>
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We, had a guitar, we were home free!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>And then the screaming started.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At 3:30pm our youngest daughter fell off her
bike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Screaming and crying walking back
the driveway, her hand covered her mouth that was bleeding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I called my wife (I don’t do blood and
trauma very well). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did I mention it was
2 ½ hours before guests would begin to arrive?</div>
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My wife gave appropriate first aid treatment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She called her father (who’s a physician) to
consult on the cut lip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then went to
our neighbor - who is really a best friend, launch team partner, and one who is like my older
brother - who happens to be local dentist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We interrupted his relaxing Sunday afternoon and he graciously examined
her lip and teeth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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She would be fine, just a lot of ice/cold compress and
ibuprophen and rest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>No ER visit
needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whew!!!</b></div>
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<b>Crisis #2 – Averted (with a little blood, sweat and tears)</b></div>
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My wife and I looked at each other and knew it was going to
be a great night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The enemy of God doesn’t
plan, work, and fight against us, unless there’s a Kingdom of God
reason to.</div>
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<b>Now I know what some will say or think.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b> </span>Those are just random happenings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those are just coincidences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I understand those ideas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t look for a demon under every rock either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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But this is what I know:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><b>Ephesians 6:11-12</b></div>
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<b><span class="texteph-6-11"><sup>11 </sup>Put on the full
armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.</span>
<span class="texteph-6-12"><sup><span id="en-NIV-29350">12 </span></sup>For our
struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the
authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual
forces of evil in the heavenly realms.</span></b></div>
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<span class="texteph-6-12">Our real struggles in this world are
not between each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>There is a
spiritual battle that takes place.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b> </span>We
are spiritual people and we are engaged in spiritual battles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the enemy of God knows that God is going
to be honored, when a group of people will gather to worship him, when God may
break through the hard hearts and understanding of some people to express his
grace and providence, <i><b>then the battle is on.</b></i> </span></div>
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<span class="texteph-6-12">Here’s the other thing I know … Christ’s
church is a powerful army and a magnificent team!!!</span></div>
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<span class="texteph-6-12"><b><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts%202:42-47&version=NIV">Acts 2:42-47 </a>was on full display
yesterday.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b> </span>From guitars to friend's who happen to be dentists, to prayers to
serving at a concert on a lawn, the church was the church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </span></div>
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<span class="texteph-6-12">So thank you to all who offered guitars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you to whoever was praying for us
yesterday at 3:30pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your prayers
helped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you to the people of
Christ Church of West County who gave of their resources, time, energy, and talent
to make last night happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a good
night.</span></div>
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<span class="texteph-6-12"><b>This is what Christ Church of West
County will be about: a church that acts like a church.</b><span style="color: blue;"> </span><i style="color: blue;">If you’re looking for a
church that’s not perfect but trying to authentically follow Jesus, help
others, and give of themselves to a cause that is bigger than they are, then we
may be the church for you.</i></span></div>
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<span class="texteph-6-12"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">¨<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span class="texteph-6-12">If you want more
information on Christ
Church or have something
you’d like us to pray about, email us at <a href="mailto:ccwestco@gmail.com">ccwestco@gmail.com</a>.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’d love to hear from you.</span></div>
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</span></span></span><span class="texteph-6-12">If you’d like to
<b>help us reach our goal of $50,000 in 50 days</b> to help with our start up costs:
audio/video equipment, rental payments, children’s ministry supplies, a
keyboard, a drum kit, pens and paper, etc., we’d love to invest your
donation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can make a check payable
and forward your donation to: <b>Christ Church of West County, 170 Gateway Dr., Fairview,
PA 16415.</b></span></div>
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<b><span class="texteph-6-12">Church Should Be Simple:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love God and Love People!</span></b></div>
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<span class="texteph-6-12">-Ben</span></div>Ben DiStefanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689547716222646381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293750599732166971.post-58628066359289989042012-06-18T07:58:00.002-07:002012-06-18T07:58:45.251-07:00"I am William Wallace ..."<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5g2BTKHrL_VJI_dqCdOG1tm8Tnv4NRbBmdnXxyVINOfxfGEAIewMttxh099C7M1wp2eKJc7xJQfPlUW7vRxAEnMbNrZJEkoiwLIrEA7iH6DUpkg7o1zlriZunmR3ZkY51cXyof6dc-JtQ/s1600/wallace.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5g2BTKHrL_VJI_dqCdOG1tm8Tnv4NRbBmdnXxyVINOfxfGEAIewMttxh099C7M1wp2eKJc7xJQfPlUW7vRxAEnMbNrZJEkoiwLIrEA7iH6DUpkg7o1zlriZunmR3ZkY51cXyof6dc-JtQ/s200/wallace.jpeg" width="168" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "sans-serif";">Braveheart is one of my all time favorite movies. The adventure, the action, the romance, the call to honor. For me, it's a great movie. Recently a
friend of mine posted on his Facebook account a quote from the
movie, attributed to William Wallace: <b>"All men die. Not all men really live." </b> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "sans-serif";">When
you think of that statement, what comes to your mind about truly living? What
images come to mind? What dreams resurface? What would you really want
to do? What for you is really living??? <b>You know the next set of
questions: what keeps us from that, and why wouldn't we pursue that?</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span id="yui_3_2_0_1_1340027065939123" style="color: black; font-family: "sans-serif";">Taken
in a spiritual context and for Christ Church as we start up, there are
people who will die but also may never really live. We have an
opportunity to help people find the way to really live in Christ - not
just for an eternal destiny someday, but to really live in Christ right
here and right now today.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "sans-serif";">Starting Christ Church can be overwhelming and frustrating at times; yet we see God's
alignment in our lives and answers to prayers. Let's keep praying,
let's keep seeking, let's renew our commitment to Christ and </span><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "sans-serif";">never forget why we are doing this: so people can really live both now and forever in Christ.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "sans-serif";">What's 1 thing you could do today to really live? </span></b></span></div>
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<li><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "sans-serif";">If you'd like to learn more about Christ Church of West County, send us an email and we'll get back in touch with you.</span></span></i></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "sans-serif";"> </span></span></i><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "sans-serif";">If you'd like to help us reach our goal of $50,000 in 50 days, investing in the start up costs of Christ Church, you can send you donation to the address provided in the right hand column. </span></i></span></li>
</ul>
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "sans-serif";"> Church Should Be Simple: Love God and Love People!</span></i></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "sans-serif";">In Christ,</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "sans-serif";">Ben </span><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "sans-serif";"><br /></span></b></span></div>Ben DiStefanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689547716222646381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293750599732166971.post-7962639292736662772012-06-13T09:02:00.003-07:002012-06-13T09:03:10.709-07:00Concert on the Lawn<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxdhtEkueE8SlXyioZeitf_yS1YgaDITKzoKYOfXg-HZiWrCaRUJcwF4hom0v1tE_TLLJ4PdVhOOkUg5JF92YCyzmexAqksd_8I9Wyq7gk0yqIfi83H92HsAlTb-P_kCf_FMA67mNTEIDZ/s1600/JC+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxdhtEkueE8SlXyioZeitf_yS1YgaDITKzoKYOfXg-HZiWrCaRUJcwF4hom0v1tE_TLLJ4PdVhOOkUg5JF92YCyzmexAqksd_8I9Wyq7gk0yqIfi83H92HsAlTb-P_kCf_FMA67mNTEIDZ/s200/JC+photo.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;">Nashville Christian Recording Artist, Jeremy Casella, </span><span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 12pt;">will perform an original set of music on the lawn at the home of Ben and Amy DiStefano.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 12pt;">This <b>60 minute acoustic show</b> </span><span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 12pt;">provides a unique listening experience that is completely unto itself. There's a powerful connection that happens when people get to know Jeremy and his songs about life and faith. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Candara; font-weight: bold;">Sunday June 24</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Candara; font-weight: bold;">Refreshments at 6:00pm - Show begins at 7:00pm</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Candara;">170 Gateway Dr., Fairview, PA 16415</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Candara; font-weight: bold;">Please RSVP by June 23.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Candara; font-weight: bold;">BYO-Lawn Chair and enjoy a night of music.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Candara;">Call: 814.460.8262 or Email: <a href="mailto:ccwestco@gmail.com">ccwestco@gmail.com</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Candara; font-size: 12pt;">Check out Jeremy's music at: <a href="http://www.jeremycasella.com/">www.jeremycasella.com</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMmKPW-r9fh01KqGmWHv3yqSL3n5ttuzLsgaVOQqHbZc_XjoN4ZIcA72l8kRs8yH5kVkX2c2bd2mH2pNdCSO1mw5IYJeeYfY8CEsNu_KMIPpnmUNDZGNcSIyu7U3-DgeGYh20uPvR5t3p1/s1600/JC+poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMmKPW-r9fh01KqGmWHv3yqSL3n5ttuzLsgaVOQqHbZc_XjoN4ZIcA72l8kRs8yH5kVkX2c2bd2mH2pNdCSO1mw5IYJeeYfY8CEsNu_KMIPpnmUNDZGNcSIyu7U3-DgeGYh20uPvR5t3p1/s640/JC+poster.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>Ben DiStefanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689547716222646381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293750599732166971.post-34523441492819775252012-06-12T07:31:00.001-07:002012-06-12T07:32:18.035-07:0050 in 50<br />
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Depending on who you talk to, the looks range from quizzical,
to shock, to disbelief, to amazement, or to quiet confidence. <b>Christ Church of West County</b> is embarking on
a great challenge … to raise <b>$50,000 in the next 50 days.</b> Yep, I’ve seen that look too.</div>
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It is a big challenge.
It’s a big ask of people. Or is
it? </div>
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We believe that when God is behind something, he will
provide the resources for it. And we
believe, <i>not with blind faith but with faith that’s been confirmed time and
again in this journey,</i> that God is behind this and will supply our financial
needs as a new start-up church. <b>$50k in
50days</b>. </div>
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Why $50k/50d; <b>well, think of it as a goal, not a line of
demarcation.</b><b> </b> There are a number of costs
involved in a start-up, as many of you know.
We need to secure a rental facility, finalize insurance, begin to
purchase equipment and software, resource our children’s ministry, advertise
our ministry, and fund our ministry areas, just to name a few of our
needs. So we set a goal – something to
shoot for. It’s strategic, measurable, attainable
<i>(yep, I’ve seen that look too)</i>, realistic, and time sensitive. </div>
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<b>It’s also a challenge to stretch our faith and to build
ownership among the core team of Christ
Church.</b><b> </b> As our team meets for prayer, Bible study,
and developing a connectedness, we also need to “own” a part of what God has
called us to. By asking our team to
reach out to their friends and family and help us to raise funds, we begin to own
the vision and values of Christ
Church as our own. This will propel us into the future and help
sustain us when we’re challenged or discouraged.</div>
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<b>So what if we don’t reach $50k/50d, </b>well, I hope we don’t …
I hope we exceed it. And if we don’t? We completely trust God’s leading and
timing. Again, it’s a goal not a
defining moment or referendum on the Church.</div>
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<b>We could really use your help to reach $50k/50d. </b>This is how God will move, through the generous gifts of those who love
us, believe in our mission, and want to make an investment for an eternal
difference <i>(and yes I’ve seen those looks too)</i>.
From small donations, to gifts of $250, or even major contributions of
$5,000, everyone plays a part.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Will you prayerfully consider making a tax deductible
donation to Christ Church of West County </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>as we press forward to $50,000 in 50
days??? </b></span></div>
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Whether you are a friend or you just happened across this
blog, you can help make a difference. If
you’d like to make a donation you can<b> make your check payable to “Christ Church
of West County” and mail it to: 170 Gateway Dr., Fairview,
PA 16415. </b></div>
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*Please do not let this interfere with your regular giving
to your local church.</div>
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We will work hard, invest wisely, and care for and support the people in our communities. We will do the hard work so that understanding and receiving the Gospel is easy for people.</div>
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<b>Church Should Be Simple: Love God and Love People!</b></div>
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In Christ,</div>
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Ben </div>Ben DiStefanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689547716222646381noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293750599732166971.post-78085239082510385122012-06-06T07:09:00.001-07:002012-06-06T07:09:29.810-07:00Yours or Ours<br />
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Over the past few weeks I’ve been reading in the Old
Testament. As I was reading today in <b>1
Samuel 15</b>, an interesting phrase jumped off the page to me. You have to go back and read through the
first 14 chapters to really appreciate the context of the verse. King Saul had made a grave error in not
following completely the Lord’s directions.
As he’s confronted by the Spiritual leader of Israel, Samuel, this is how Saul
responds: “…come back with me (Saul says
to Samuel) so that I may worship the Lord your God.” [1 Samuel 15.30]</div>
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<b>Did you catch that? “…
the Lord <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>your</u></i> God.”</b></div>
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While I have not dug into commentaries or the original
language to pick this verse apart (proper study has much value), I am taking
this at face value in the immediate context of the verse and the greater
context of chapters 1-14. <b>Something
happened here!</b><b> </b> This encounter, this
moment was a game changer. This was a
moment that revealed the true heart of King Saul. <b>The Lord was not <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">his </i>God … but "<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">your</i> God."</b></div>
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I cannot say that Saul never truly had a heart for God,
neither can I say that this was the moment he lost faith in God. What I do know though is that in this moment,
<b>the truth of his heart was that he was far from God</b> and in retrospect (previous chapters) we can
see how he had been gradually drifting off course from God’s direction.</div>
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<b>The same is true for many of us, isn’t it?</b><b> </b> There
are moments that reveal the true nature or position of our faith in God. <i><b>There are moments, because of either
continued “faking it” or because of our own wandering heart from God, we like
Saul will not own a relationship with God.</b></i><i><b> </b></i>
We will look to those around us who are worshiping and serving and
striving to grow in faith and say like Saul … “your God.”</div>
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<b>At Christ
Church we value honesty
and authenticity.</b><b> </b> We understand that <b>Life is Messy and We're OK with That. </b> So we will value
people who join us in worship, service, and mission and say that God is not yet “our God” but still “your God.” <i><b>Our desire is to walk in friendship with people
who are searching for “our God” so that they too, one day, will join us in worshiping “our God” together. </b></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6m6vbV1hbVm-R4ZgANocD84EJ1UGWE5D14IepExPqy0TfinsC1PmqNNo-sYg-2QYU2SlJEpdvBTib1abkhmGE3bJyFzyJtIhpD2NiifSH0yyfsp7oxsk5HWOjgQhv6L493Ikb3G3Ih-Gd/s1600/messy.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6m6vbV1hbVm-R4ZgANocD84EJ1UGWE5D14IepExPqy0TfinsC1PmqNNo-sYg-2QYU2SlJEpdvBTib1abkhmGE3bJyFzyJtIhpD2NiifSH0yyfsp7oxsk5HWOjgQhv6L493Ikb3G3Ih-Gd/s400/messy.jpeg" width="400" /></a><b>Your life is never too messy for God to intervene.</b><b> </b> Your life is never too complicated for God to
restore and redeem. For the people of Christ Church,
there was a day when the Lord was God of someone else – “your God.” But through honesty and friendship and the
understanding who God really is, we found him to be “our God” as well. We know that Our God is: greater, stronger,
higher, healer, and awesome in power.*
<b>That’s “our God.”</b></div>
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<ul>
<li>*Check out Chris Tomlin's song "Our God."</li>
<li>If you’d like more information on “Our God” and Christ Church,
please contact us through our <a href="mailto:ccwestco@gmail.com">email</a> and we’ll get back to you.</li>
<li>Our goal is to launch Christ Church
to the public sometime this fall. If
these posts, our vision and values, and investing in the community resonates
with you and you’d like to join us and help us launch strong in the fall, then send
an <a href="mailto:ccwestco@gmail.com">email</a> and we’ll get back to you.</li>
<li>Enter your email address in the upper right box to subscribe and automatically receive our updates!</li>
</ul>
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<b>Church Should Be Simple: Love God, Love People!</b></div>
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Have a Great Day,</div>
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Ben </div>Ben DiStefanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689547716222646381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293750599732166971.post-17040961071981492282012-05-31T12:32:00.000-07:002012-05-31T12:32:40.456-07:00No Perfect People Allowed<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
For many people the <b>perception of God
and the church</b> is that we have to "get it together" before we'd ever go
to a church. We say it in different ways: <i>"lightning might strike if I
walk into a church", or "the roof would fall I if I went to church",
and even "you don't know what I've done."</i><br /><b><br />Here's what's great about Christ Church: perfect people aren't allowed to attend. </b><br /><br />One
of our values is that<u> </u><b><u>Life is Messy </u>and we're okay with that. </b> The
church is a group of people who come from varied backgrounds and one of
the many things we have in common is that all of us are messed up,
broken, and imperfect people. So you're not alone ... we're not alone. And the church is something you become a part of, not a place that you go to. We are a group of flawed and forgiven people ... who still mess up ... but love God and his Son Jesus Christ. <br /><br />Jesus dealt authentically with
people and at Christ Church we will be authentic about our life and our
faith. We're not perfect and we don't expect others to be perfect. <b>So, just come as you are!</b></div>
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<b>Trust me, God can handle you junk, and so can we!</b></div>
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<li>If you are interested in being a part of Christ Church once we have our "grand opening" just <a href="mailto:ccwestco@gmail.com">email</a> us and we'll keep you posted. </li>
<li>If you are thinking of joining our Launch Team (people committed to working towards and through the grand opening) <a href="mailto:ccwestco@gmail.com">email </a>us too, we'd love to get to know you.</li>
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<b>*For immediate updates of this blog, be sure to use the new Subscribe feature in the upper right corner of this page.</b></div>
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<b>Church Should Be Simple: Love God and Love People!</b></div>
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<b>-Ben </b></div>
<br />Ben DiStefanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689547716222646381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293750599732166971.post-38478216940388433022012-05-29T09:26:00.000-07:002012-05-29T10:34:40.401-07:00ConnectionsWhat a great weekend for Christ Church. This was a weekend for connections. On Sunday night we had a cookout for the people of our "core team" (our first recruits to establish Christ Church) and our "launch team" (people who've heard about what we're doing and want to get involved). We were able to dodge the rain and have a blast with burgers, dogs, and smores. The night was filled with conversations, laughter, kids running and screaming, Bob FM, and some kind of yard game that had our insurance guys nervous! [No injuries reported! :)]<br />
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<b>Connections</b> were happening all over the place. Time and again in the conversations going on around me I heard people discovering their interconnectedness, whether it was related to their children, where they are from, or past job experiences. And that's exactly what we wanted to have happen. More than a picnic over a holiday weekend, we wanted the people of Christ Church to <b>connect</b> with each other in a casual and fun environment. There was no program, no agenda, and no schedule ... just eat, have fun, and build relationships.<br />
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Our hope is that Christ Church will be known for our relationships. Relationships that are authentic - where it's OK to be who you are, without judgements and criticism. Relationships that have Christ at the core and foundation - where people each day take one more step to understand and deepen their faith in Christ. Relations that ask questions - where people who are curious, confused, and even critical of the church and Christ, can ask their questions and get real, life-giving answers.<br />
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If this is the kind of church you'd like to be a part of, then <a href="mailto:ccwestco@gmail.com">email us</a> and let us get to know you. There's plenty of room for more people at Christ Church. <b>I bet you'll be surprised at the connections you'll make.</b><br />
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<i><b>Church Should Be Simple: Love God and Love People!</b></i><br />
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-BenBen DiStefanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689547716222646381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293750599732166971.post-26672851956954059412012-05-18T09:05:00.004-07:002012-05-18T09:26:51.950-07:00Values Driven<b>Values drive everything. </b><br />
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What we value will shape how we live our lives, manage our homes, operate on the job, participate in sports, express our art, and how organizations manage as a business. Values matter, and not just what's written on the wall.<br />
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One speaker once asked, "does what's happening down the hall match what's written on the wall?" We can say we are about customer care, but when the actions of employees don't carry that value it is untrue for you. We can say that we value family time, but when we over-stuff our lives or allow our lives to become overstuffed, it doesn't add up.<br />
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As a start up church we have the opportunity to build a values based ministry. We have the opportunity, from the beginning, to create an environment based on our values. <b> There's no argument of "we've never done that before," because there is no before. </b>
As we invite people to join our launch team (a team of go-get'ers and do'ers who will roll up their sleeves and work for the cause) we will be very intentional about our values. <br />
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Values will drive our programming; values will drive our decisions; values will be our filter for all good ideas. Our church will not be short on people presenting good ideas; therefore, our challenge will be asking if the ideas align with our values. If not, then it's a good idea that's not for us <b>... And that's ok. </b><br />
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If you look at the life of Christ, you can see what he valued - people, redemption, and the confluence of life and faith. He came to seek and save that which was lost. The sick need a doctor, not the healthy. He didn't come to condemn the world but to redeem people to a relationship with God. He hung out at the watering holes of that day with people who were messed up spiritually. In fact, he was known for it. He lived among the people.<i><b>
[Luke 19.10; Luke 5.31; John 3.17; Luke 5.29-30; John 4; Luke 15.2] </b></i><br />
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<b>We hope to own those values as our own.</b> Check out our vision and values page above. As we continue our start up phase, some of the wording may get tweaked and we may even add a few more lines of what we envision and value; but what we have so far is a pretty good indicator of what we want to be about.<br />
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If something resonates with you or is stirring in you as you think of Christ Church of West County, <a href="mailto:ccwestco@gmail.com">then drop us a line</a>, ask a question, or let us know if you're thinking of joining our launch team. We'd love to connect with you.<br />
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In Christ,<br />
Ben<br />
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<i><b>Church Should Be Simple: Love God, Love People!</b></i>Ben DiStefanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689547716222646381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1293750599732166971.post-87533010899003320102012-05-14T08:58:00.003-07:002012-05-14T11:09:57.603-07:00Keep It SimpleToday, <b>twice within the same hour</b>, I was reminded of our desire to keep church simple for our people. Too often we create, with good intentions, ministries and programs to advance our cause only to realize over time that we've lost our heart for our cause and are just managing the programs. The programs become so emotional for people that to stop having one of them causes a lot of heartache and at times, confrontational conversations. <i><b>We need to be reminded that the programs are not changing lives - Christ is changing lives. </b></i><br />
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I realize as we begin to gather people looking for a Simple Church that we will have to be tenacious about keeping our church simple. Simplicity begins with focusing on Christ and then our values. Programs will express our values. When need be, our programs/approaches will change, but our values will never change.
We desire a church that keeps it simple: love God and love people.<br />
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If you resonate with that, then <a href="mailto:ccwestco@gmail.com">drop us a line</a> and let us know how we can connect with you. If you're interested in more information on being a part of our launch team, helping us get Christ Church off the ground, then send us an <a href="mailto:ccwestco@gmail.com">email </a>and we'll get back to you.
We can already see things happening and opportunities to invest in the people of the West County. <b>Keep praying with us. </b><br />
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A.W. Tozer: <i>"...Every age has its own characteristics. Right now we are in an age of religious complexity. The simplicity which is in Christ is rarely found among us. In its stead are programs, methods, organizations and a world of nervous activities which occupy time and attention but can never satisfy the longing of the heart.... If we would find God amid all the religious externals, we must first determine to find Him, and then proceed in the way of simplicity... We must simplify our approach to Him. We must strip down to essentials (and they will be found to be blessedly few)."</i><br />
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<i><b>Church Should be Simple: Love God and Love People </b></i><br />
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-Ben DiStefano
Lead PastorBen DiStefanohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05689547716222646381noreply@blogger.com1