Aspen Grove Church - Blog

Thanks to the "Hands on Deck"

2011-06-22T13:02:00.002-06:00

No one would argue with the fact that our Family Ministry has dealt with some unexpected weather this week. However, the sky's are clearing up, and the boat is settling down. We are undeterred and set on a course that we're really excited about. We have a wonderful team and lots of "hands on deck." We hope you're encouraged by that as much as we are.

We are so thankful for a strong team of volunteers already in place to help us continue to provide great care and teaching on Sunday mornings. A few spots in our volunteer roster have opened up, so we are looking for volunteers to serve in the following classrooms:

Elem K-2 2 teachers, 1 assistant
Older Toddler 1 teacher, 2 assistants
Younger Toddler 1 volunteer
Substitute 1 volunteer.

Contact Amanda Sivess (amandas@aspengrovechurch.org) or Samantha Vermillion (samantha@aspengrovechurch.org) if you are interested.

NLP Collection and Future Opportunities

2011-06-22T12:51:00.002-06:00

5x5 Challenge -- NLP Collection Sunday
One of the components of the 5x5 Challenge is to give $5 dollars a month to the focus ministry. Sunday is our last Sunday of highlighting North Littleton Promise, and you have the opportunity to give to that ministry at the back of the chapel. You'll see posted ideas for what $5, $10, $25, $50 and $75 gifts will provide for the kids NLP serves. Be sure to place your NLP gifts in the containers at the back of the room, not in the offering bag that is passed during the service. Any checks should be made out to AGCC with "5x5 Challenge- NLP" written in the memo.

Future Opportunities to Serve NLP
NLP serves kids by helping them reach their fullest academic potential, grow spiritually, and develop strong character. You can be a part of that work in many ways: Help with periodic administrative needs like putting out the quarterly newsletter; provide lunch meals in July for ~20 people (a great Home Group service opportunity); provide Wed. night meals during the school year; Coach middle school boys soccer late Aug-late Oct; Teach a 4-6 week Extended Learning Opportunity class in an area of your interest. Contact Maureen Walker (maureen@northlittletonpromise.org).

What to expect on Moving Day, Sunday, June 26th

2011-06-22T12:47:00.001-06:00

We’ll have our final church service at the Seminary! After the service, please grab something to take from the Seminary to the new building at Broadway and County Line Road. There will be plenty to take – so don’t be shy! Look for boxes, bins, and toys from the children’s classrooms, our storage closets, and the kitchen. See Mickey if you’re unsure about what to take. Sunday would be a good time to bring your gifts from the registry, too.

Lunch will be provided at the new building, so head over there to unload. Put your loads in their new classrooms and offices. Staff members will be there to direct you. Then, settle in for an afternoon of moving, cleaning, and organizing! There will be a special room set aside where kids can watch movies and stay occupied, but parents are responsible for their little helpers.

This is what we need to accomplish
(and won’t be able to do so unless everyone helps):
- moving everything from the Seminary over to our new building
- cleaning furniture stored at the new facility
- moving furniture to the proper offices and classrooms and assembling as needed
- cleaning/dusting/vacuuming the new building
- moving our office items from IDEAS (near Broadway and Mineral)
- getting our new chapel chairs from storage; unloading and unpacking the chairs
- getting a set of donated children’s tables and chairs from Cherry Hills Community Church
- moving leftover furniture and supplies to Goodwill at the end of the day

These are the specific areas we need volunteers for:
- the big move from the Seminary to the new building - as many as possible!
- trucks/vans/SUVs to carry things for the move
- a supervisor for the kids’ movie room at the new building

Email Sammie at office@aspengrovechurch.org to RSVP for the day. Thank you so much for your faithful help during this transition – we are almost done!

This Week in Worship: Should I not be concerned? (Jonah 4)

2011-06-22T11:58:00.003-06:00

I find that a great many people worry in our day and age. Most of what we worry about is driven by fear. Fear of environmental calamity. Fear of other nations having their way with us. Fear of the wrong politics taking over. Fear of losing a job. Fear of losing a relationship. Fear of being alone. Fear of being taken advantage of. All of these fears have at the center ourselves. As far as the Scriptures are concerned, it looks like we worry about ourselves in this life far too much.

This week in worship, we will cover the last chapter of Jonah. It is an intriguing chapter that details a man who is so worried and fearful that he would rather die than to live. In the end, God not only has a lesson to teach Jonah, but also a lesson to teach us as we get ready to move out of the seminary and launch out into the world God so loves. Read Jonah 4 in preparation for our time together this week.

Women's Ministry at AGCC

2011-06-15T22:00:00.000-06:00

Attention all ladies of Aspen Grove, we are in need of volunteers in Women’s Ministry. Our desire is to create a team to help plan community activities, service projects, and Bible study groups. If you are interested in serving any possible way, please contact Amanda Stage or Maryse Martin at women@aspengrovechurch.org.

This Week in Worship: Go, Show & Tell (Jonah 3)

2011-06-15T11:16:00.005-06:00

My kids loved show and tell days at their respective schools this year. I never had to pry for information to find out what they learned on those days. They were happy to freely share with me all the details. I noted this change in attitude, so I explored it more. What did they like so much about show and tell days?

For starters, they liked the objects other people held dear. It was easy to know why. They were special objects of affection. My kids told me about everyone's favorite stuffed animal and how that animal provided comfort when sick, alone, or scared. These stuffed animals weren't bought, they were given to them by their families. As my kids shared, they told me that these stuffed animals were their "company guys." Everywhere they went, their stuffed animal friends would go and experience the world with them. When people asked about their favorite stuffed animal, the kids would be eager to share their history with their special, stuffed friend.

As we move on to chapter 3 in Jonah, we find that he is not all that different from chapter 2. He obeys God this time and goes to Nineveh, but his preaching is...well, lackluster to say the least. Yet, as I read the chapter, I can't help but compare his preaching to ours in our day? Is our presentation of the gospel lackluster? Do we have true compassion for those who are lost? Do we run from God when he calls us to share about him? Can we use the name, "Jesus," if it isn't a used as a curse? What if, our preaching contained the dynamism of show and tell days at school? Can we envision a day that people who don't follow Christ would be riveted when we talk about him?

This week, we are going to read chapter 3, and talk about what it means to go out into our world, and preach like we mean it. We are going to learn to preach the message of Jesus like my kids when they talk passionately about their objects of affection on their show and tell days at school.

NLP Family Day: A Picnic with a Purpose!

2011-06-15T09:59:00.007-06:00

What a wonderful Saturday morning many of us enjoyed last week. The weather was perfect as many Aspen Grove families came out to enjoy friendship, fun games and food with families in the neighborhood served by North Littleton Promise.

The morning started with the early arrival of Luis, an elementary student who is a regular participant in NLP programs. I asked if his mom or dad was planning to come, to which he quickly and matter-of-factly replied, "No. My dad abandoned me when I was little, and my mom has to work today." Sweet, eager Luis then helped us get all of our games ready and jumped right in for the rest of the days' activities. Aspen Grove dads played relay games and soccer with him. Aspen Grove moms and kids ate lunch with him and laughed over amazingly huge bubbles, water balloons being launched from a football field away, and outrageous face painting. I think it was a good day for Luis.

It was also a good day for Maureen Walker and Vioneth Ramirez, the two NLP staff who joined us. A couple of families who did not yet have a connection to NLP were with us, and Maureen and Vioneth were able to get to know them and tell them of NLP's work with kids in the neighborhood. Maureen and I also met for the first time the parents of a boy who has been attending NLP's Kids Club on Tuesdays for a long time. It was a delight to brag to them about what a wonderful son they have and all the specific ways we have appreciated his presence at Kids Club.

And what a wonderful time for our church family. Gathering together for a relaxing time of play was something many of us needed to reconnect with each other. I saw several families meeting for the first time and sharing a meal together or laughs over how close that water balloon actually came. It was a great picture of our body being the hands and feet of Christ, doing our part to change the world right here in Littleton. We're looking forward to another family day, another picnic with a purpose! Until then, you can live or re-live our fun day by clicking on the video slide show below.

A huge thanks to the volunteers who helped make the event a reality: Ken & Cherril Serdy, Misty Rhodes, Sara Weyandt, Jamie Pickett, Laurie & Bruce Swanson, Andrea Swanson, Barb & Jack Srnec, Ashley Kenney, Tammy Michaels, Chris & Christina, Angel Vick, Lindsay Scanlan, Chris Martin, Carolyn Smith, Jeremy Clemons, David Craig.

San Diego Mission

2011-06-14T09:42:00.001-06:00

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR YOUTH MISSION TRIP.

SATURDAY JUNE 18 - SUNDAY JUNE 26.

CHECK BACK AT THE BLOG FOR TRIP UPDATES!

Registry

2011-06-13T08:00:00.002-06:00

Here are lists of Aspen Grove's needs. If you are willing to purchase one or more of these gifts please let Sammie know by emailing her at office@aspengrovechurch.org

FAMILY MINISTRY NEEDS:
Target registry first name "Aspen" last name "Grove"

NAME	STORE	QUANTITY	COST	LINK
Quartet® Melamine Dry-Erase Board	Office Depot	4	$122.99	http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/691976/Quartet-Melamine-Dry-Erase-Board-48/;jsessionid=0000awYwX1adW_A13BkHQ9ZfYcg:13ddq0u44
Puppet Ministry Starter Set	Puppets for Jesus!	1	$299.99	http://www.puppets-puppets.com/Puppet_Starter_Set_p/startersetpmss.htm

YOUTH MINISTRY NEEDS:

NAME	STORE	QUANTITY	COST	LINK
Carrom® Burr Oak Foosball Table	Sports Authority	1	$669.99	http://www.sportsauthority.com/product/index.jsp?productId=150034&cp=3077575.3084929.2769334&parentPage=family
Couches	Your Home	Many!	Donate	Please email Chris Martin so he can examine any couch you wish to donate.

WORSHIP NEEDS:

NAME	STORE	QUANTITY	COST	LINK
Live Wire Solutions ADI Active DI Direct Box	Guitar Center	2	$59.99	http://www.guitarcenter.com/Live-Wire-Solutions-ADI-Active-DI-Direct-Box-104205752-i1383816.gc
Sennheiser E604 Evolution Dynamic Tom and Snare Drum Microphone	Guitar Center	2	$139.95	http://www.guitarcenter.com/Sennheiser-E604-Evolution-Dynamic-Tom-and-Snare-Drum-Microphone-100373347-i1126758.gc
KandM EB-1 Extension Bracket	Sweetwater	4	$16.99	http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MicStdExtBrkS
PAR38 - 200W PAR38 STEEL PAR CAN Light	Barbizon	8	$85.36	http://www.barbizon.com/product_info.php?cPath=3_13&products_id=14491
Surprise Pink Gels	Barbizon	8	$7.50	http://www.barbizon.com/product_info.php?products_id=2010&opt_val_id=116
SOURCE 4 JR. 26 DEGREE Light	Barbizon	2	$278.00	http://www.barbizon.com/product_info.php?cPath=3_13&products_id=14502
Photoshop CS5 Software	Photoshop.com	1	$699.00	http://www.photoshop.com/

This Week in Worship: Jonah, Go Change the World! (Jonah 2)

2011-06-08T11:47:00.003-06:00

Last week, we saw how God chose an unlikely man to go to an unlikely people to bring them an opportunity to experience grace. This week, Jonah experiences grace in the most unlikely of places...in the belly of a big fish!

Read Jonah chapter 2 to prepare for this week's conversation.

Facility Update: Three Weeks and Counting...

2011-06-08T10:48:00.003-06:00

Hi Team Aspen Grove!

We are coming down to the wire with our final construction needs. I want to encourage us all to consider spending an hour in service at the new facility each of the remaining three weeks. Here's how:

1. Pray - If you are not physically able to serve in construction, then please take a walk through the parking lot to pray for our relationships with other businesses and consumers. Also, you can spend an hour with your kids or friends at our picnic table out front. Eat your lunch together and pray for God to bless our ministry to our neighbors. If you bring your kids, tell them why we are moving - so that we can serve this new neighborhood in the name of Jesus. Use your time as a teaching moment for your kids.

2. Clean Up - We need to prepare the floors and rooms for the final construction. With all the stuff we have in the building, it is a bit like playing Tetris while working on construction. You can be a big help, but sorting, cleaning, sweeping, and removing unnecessary items in our construction zone.

3. Painting - Yes, we still have painting needs. We are finding out that painting in the dark has not produced stellar results. That's the nature of the business. Also, those of us who have been installing things like ceiling grids and cabinets have unfortunately made a few dings in the walls along the way. You can come and give us grace by covering our mistakes with a little drywall mud and some fresh paint. There are lots of touch up areas needing attention.

4. Ceiling Tiles - We are getting close to replacing the tile ceilings in all the rooms. We need lots of people helping to put all the tiles back in place. Also, the Cafe tiles are going to be painted black, so we will have spray cans at the ready!

5. Stage Building - This weekend, Jon and Steve King are tackling the stage. We will need lots of people to help bring the wood into the chapel. The wood will amount to a small lumber yard. Haulers, measurers, cutters, hammerers, and encouragers welcome!

Jon and I have been so touched by the outpouring of support we have had for this project so far. We know that you have many things calling for your attention, but you continue to astound us by your willingness to serve. THANK YOU!

The good news is that this project is almost over. Please help us finish the work by serving at least one hour at the new building each of the remaining three weeks. My hope is that we will not be a community that lets Jon sweat the final details. Let's be the body of Christ for him by coming by to support the effort he has led to build us a home for our ministry.

Here is a reminder of contact info for those in charge of the following projects:
Cleanup - Marsha Herald, 303-795-7471
Painting - Ron Bechler, 303-868-8665
Audio Visual Wiring and Equipment Install - Jason Page, 303-949-2433
Phone and Internet Wiring - Roger Ross, 303-221-7363
Security Wiring - Matt Sivess, 303-918-3030
Tile, Cabinets and Counters, Stage Build, Doors and Hardware, Build Shelves - Jon Holm, 720-341-0396

NOTE: if you are available to work this Saturday and will be there for lunch, PLEASE let Sammie (office@aspengrovechurch.org) know so we can get a head count for the lunch provided.

Grace & Peace,

Scott Vermillion
Lead Pastor for Aspen Grove Community Church

Youth Mini Golf

2011-06-06T09:40:00.000-06:00

Come One, Come All! The End is Near!

2011-06-01T04:52:00.006-06:00

Yes, you can help bring about the end of the world...of construction that is. Our plan is to operate out of the new facility by July 3rd. That gives us four and a half weeks to get a lot of tasks done. This is truly exciting!

Yet, the timing is dependent on your willingness to help. We have had such a great response to our construction effort so far. I am truly touched by everyone's labor of love. I want to ask that you would continue to serve by helping with our construction needs for one more month. Jon can't complete the project on his own. He needs our help this month to get the job done.

Jon Holm has been serving us relentlessly by tirelessly working (6am to 9pm) 6 days a week to finalize the construction project. He needs all of our help if we are going to make the July 3rd date. Let's join him in making this date a reality!

We have much to do over the next four and a half weeks, so we can use all the help we can get. Here is what's left:

1. Encouragement - We all need a little pick me up now and again. Email Jon (jonh@aspengrovechurch.org) and others you know who have been working on the building to let them know you appreciate them.
2. Cleanup - There's always something that needs cleaning.
3. Painting - We are getting close, but there are still rooms to complete.
4. Phone & Internet Wiring - Help us reach out and touch someone, by installing our communications.
5. A/V Wiring - The services will be a bit dull if no one can hear Chris Martin's awesome music.
6. Sinks, Toilets - Let's face it, when nature calls, we want to be ready.
7. Carpentry - Want to be like Jesus? Work with wood! He was a carpenter before his ministry gig took off, so if you want to be like Jesus help build the stage, hang doors, build shelves, hang cabinets.

To make this happen, volunteers have stepped up to lead the charge in different areas. Please contact them and let them know you are interested and what your available times are to work.

Cleanup - Marsha Herald, 303-795-7471
Painting - Ron Bechler, 303-868-8665
Audio Visual Wiring and Equipment Install - Jason Page, 303-949-2433
Phone and Internet Wiring - Roger Ross, 303-221-7363
Security Wiring - Matt Sivess, 303-918-3030
Tile, Cabinets and Counters, Stage Build, Doors and Hardware, Build Shelves - Jon Holm, 720-341-0396

NOTE: if you are available to work this Saturday and will be there for lunch, PLEASE let Sammie (office@aspengrovechurch.org) know so we can get a head count for the lunch provided.

Remember, all of this construction work is for the purpose of loving our neighbor well. We have had several people stop in and ask if we are ready yet. Pray with me that our being ready has doesn't just include setting up our home at South Park, but also setting up our hearts to love people in Jesus' name.

Grace & Peace,

Scott Vermillion
Lead Pastor for Aspen Grove Community Church

This Week in Worship: Jonah, Go Change the World

2011-06-01T04:40:00.004-06:00

Are you in it for yourself?

In our world, it is easy to come to the conclusion that people are out for themselves. There is no concern for the other. We see this attitude in parking lots, as people hunt for the best spots. We see it in our schools, as students are pitted against one another for the top grades. We see this attitude in our politics, as men and women squabble over who gets credit for successes (and blame for failures). Yet, when it comes to the church, we have to ask the sobering question, “Are we in it only for ourselves?” Is our pursuit of Christ merely about gaining our own happiness and our own security? In order to counter this attitude that causes us to be “in it for ourselves,” we are going to look at the book of Jonah.

Jonah was the reluctant prophet called to bring salvation to his enemies. Jonah, would rather die than to extend God’s mercy to his hated foes. Yet, that doesn’t stop God from using him. God used Jonah, the reluctant prophet, to change the world. If God can use Jonah, then God can certainly use people like you and me to change the world.

In order to prepare for this week, read Jonah 1.

From the New Family Ministries Leader

2011-05-25T20:09:00.003-06:00

Dear Faithful Volunteers,

Since my time at Aspen Grove I have felt welcomed and grateful for how you each take ownership of your community. As the Family Ministry’s Leader I have been very thankful to have so many wonderful volunteers with our children in Family Ministries. This past week as a “mother” provided me a new appreciation for all of you faithful volunteers.

When Joe and Pedro found out we were going to church. Pedro exclaimed, “I hate church!” However, after their experience at Aspen Grove, not only have they been asking when we get to go back to church, but they have also been telling me things they learned about Jesus. Thank you for all that you give of yourself to ensure that the children at Aspen Grove are shown the love of Christ.

I am privileged to be a part of such a loving and generous community.

With love and grace,

Tara

This Week in Worship: Practice - Fast (Ps. 63)

2011-05-25T09:22:00.003-06:00

When it comes to our faith, fasting is not something that gets a lot of practice. But it should be.

It is one thing to intellectually affirm something as true, or in other words believe something. Yet, putting it into practice is another thing altogether. Fasting is one way we can put our longing for the Lord's return into practice.

If we are not careful, we are tempted into believing that all there is to life is what we see here on earth. We can become complacent with building our own kingdoms. We can become satisfied with a "little injustice" here and there. We can become hard-hearted toward those who suffer as long as we are comfortable. Plain and simple, in America its easy to confuse heaven for life here on earth.

Yet, fasting is a practice that changes all of that. Fasting is a physical reminder that our home is not here on earth. Our home is with God, and nothing will satisfy us until we find ourselves at home in God's presence. In a very tangible way, we get to remind ourselves that our souls crave God and nothing else will satisfy us. By fasting we tell God what we really desire is his kingdom come, and we mourn our participation in and reception of anything less than that.

This week we will conclude our series Practice: Habits that Transform, but taking a look at the practice of fasting. In order to prepare for our conversation, read Psalm 63 .

Thanks to David Crowder

2011-05-23T11:26:00.000-06:00

The David Crowder*Band have been one of the most prolific modern worship bands over the past decade and change. They have released 5 full length studio albums and a smattering of EPs and collaborations. They have won numerous Dove awards and even been nominated for a Grammy. Now, you may have no idea who these guys are, but if you've spent any time in contemporary churches you've heard their songs. Here's a short list of their most celebrated tunes:

Make A Joyful Noise
Rain Down
Our Love Is Loud
O Praise Him
No One Like You
Here Is Our King
The Glory Of It All
Everything Glorious
SMS (Shine)

I first heard the DC*B while listening to an early Passion record in the early 2000s, and little did I know that this band would change so much for me personally and professionally. Many of my most powerful corporate and individual worship experiences have come to the sound of their songs, and I can't overstate the impact they have had on my worship vocation. The David Crowder Band opened the door between contemporary worship and stylistic creativity. While much of the "mainstream" worship market remains uninterestingly steril and stoic DCB has been a bastian of musical evolution. From violins to electric guitars, to turntables, to samples, to banjos, to dance music - they have covered a lot of ground.

I have seen them live numerous times and even had an opportunity to meet them. They'll be playing one final tour called The 7 Tour (with John Mark McMillian, Chris August, and Denver based Gungor) with a stop in Denver at the Ogden Theatre on October 14th. I will be there, and I'd encourage AGCC folks to buy tickets and join me at this will be great concert.

Thanks to the David Crowder Band. You have led us in worship and we'll miss you addition to our worship repertoire in the future.

Facility Update Video 5-15-2011

2011-05-20T09:01:00.000-06:00

Can Observing the Sabbath & Painting on Sunday Coexist? Yep!

2011-05-18T16:10:00.006-06:00

This weekend, Ann preached on the practice of stopping, so we could enjoy the Sabbath. Then in our announcements we asked people to come out to a painting party after church this week to help color the walls of the facility. If you were paying attention at all, you might think we are going mad! To paint or not to paint? That might be your question!-) Below is an attempt to help clarify the synergy of the two words spoken on Sunday:

The big idea in scripture is that the Sabbath is a day to glorify God. Ann spoke to this concern well on Sunday. The work we rest from is our own, not God's work. The Sabbath is the ideal time to take on God's work.

In John 5, Jesus healed an invalid at the pool of Bethesda. He was questioned by the Jews for this work because it occurred on the Sabbath. However, John lauds Jesus' work on the Sabbath for bringing a rest to the invalid in a way he never experienced before. For 38 years he had been an invalid, which just happened to coincide with Israel's length of stay in the desert before entering the promised land. In the 38th year in the desert, the last person of Israel's unbelieving generation died (Deut. 2:14). The promised land was also called "Israel's Rest." Jesus worked on the Sabbath to bring the invalid into his rest, just like God worked to bring the Israelites into their rest.

The point of the Sabbath is not to refrain from all work. It is to rest by doing God's work. Jesus said in Matt. 11:30, "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” When we enter into God's work, it is rest for us. We stop tending to our own needs, and look to God. We stop pretending that we supply our own provisions, and take note of the one who is providing for us. We stop being busy with our own work, and get in on God's work. This is the theme of correction that runs through the whole Bible when it comes to us misunderstanding the Sabbath. It isn't a time to sit on the couch and do nothing. It is a time to worship, to give our attention to God, and to get in on his work of freeing others with his grace. What seems to be clear in Scripture is that anything that gets in the way of us concentrating on God's activity in our lives needs to cease.

So, as we come to a point in our lives where we need all hands on deck to work on the facility, I don't see this as our work. I see this as worship. We are working toward furthering God's mission. The building is a part of our becoming a missional church. Not the whole, but a part. We need a place to locate. We need a community to care for. We need to intersect with people who are in need of God's grace in order to give them their rest.

The leadership council has discerned it is God who has called us to the old liquor store. The fact of the matter is that it is not our building. It is not our space. It is God's space into which he is calling us to be his witnesses. I believe this with all my heart. The building is a sacred space in which to interact with the secular. As we follow God's calling, we will find our rest.

With that said, this Sunday we are providing you with a different opportunity to worship. To build something that will serve someone else. Are you and I going to use the building - yes! But, the building's purpose is not for us. It isn't to make us more comfortable. It isn't so we can stop setting up and tearing down for Sundays. The building is for others. It is a tool that will help us pay attention to God and get in on his work in our community. It is so that we can host others and have a place to launch ministry into the community at South Park. I see this work as holy and all about worship, so that we and others might find rest in God.

Bottom line, you are free not to attend. There will be no judgment on my end if you choose not to participate. People are at different places, and I respect that. However, if you choose to join us, I would ask that you would come ready to worship. As you paint, would you pray for the people who are going to be in the rooms? As you work next to someone else, would you take the time to ask them what God is doing in their lives? As you take a break outside, would you pray for the people and businesses at South Park? In short, would you use this time as an opportunity to worship - to pay attention to what God is doing in us and in others?

So, the Sabbath and painting can coexist if it is done out of the heart to worship. If you are similarly convicted, please pick up your paint brush and join me on Sunday.

Scott Vermillion
Lead Pastor for Aspen Grove Community Church

This Week in Worship: Practice - Give (Ps. 37)

2011-05-18T11:03:00.005-06:00

Don't you hate it when bad people get their way?

Recently the news has been captivated by the killing of Osama Bin Laden, the mastermind behind the 911 terrorist attacks. No one has eluded the US for so long after doing such a dastardly deed to America. All Americans wanted him removed from the face of the planet, but still he was an expert at hiding from us.

After the news broke of his death, flash mobs broke out all over cities across America. As I watched news footage of the spontaneous celebrations over his death, I couldn't help but feel sad. I couldn't bring myself to rejoice in Bin Laden's death, because my heart felt compassion for all those who had been held captive by his mere existence on the planet post 911. In watching our celebrations, it was as clear as ever that this one man has held the US hostage ever since his successful terrorist plot was unleashed on us. Before his death, Americans had gone without justice for the victims of 911. We have engaged in a war on terror in two countries. On top of that, we have lost a considerable amount of freedom because we, ourselves, are terrified of another 911 occurring. Plain and simple evil makes us less than who we were created to be.

The Scriptures teach us to have a different response to evil: "Do not fret!" (Ps. 37:1). Instead of taking a defensive posture toward the immoral who seem to have their way with God followers, King David teaches us to give. We are not to live in fear of those who are immoral or godless. We are not to be jealous of their success. We are not to take vengeance into our own hands. We are to be generous. We are to practice giving. Instead of letting evil shrink our hearts, our hearts are supposed to grow with generosity - even in spite of evil's apparent victory laps.

In order to prepare for this week's practice, read Psalm 37, and meditate on David's instruction to those who follow God.

Youthgroup Back To Summer Cookout

2011-05-17T07:12:00.000-06:00

YOUTHGROUP
BACK TO SUMMER COOKOUT
SUNDAY MAY 22nd
6-7:30pm
MARTIN HOUSE
329 W. JAMISON CIRCLE #26
LITTLETON, CO 80120
COST: $3 + SNACK TO SHARE

QUESTIONS? EMAIL CHRIS

From the Building Site

2011-05-11T18:14:00.000-06:00

Construction Update and Needs

Things are getting exciting at our new building. Thanks everyone who has come out and helped us get to this point in the project! We have finished up all the rough construction and are now into the finish stage. During this stage you will see the building really take shape with colors and textures.

Drywall has been hung and signed off. The drywall finishers will be finishing up the beginning of next week. That means we can start painting. Dig out your brushes and rollers! We will plan on painting starting next week (possibly some this Saturday 14th). For sure we are planning on a painting and tiling weekend May 21 & 22. That Sunday will be an abbreviated service and then we are inviting everyone over to the building to pray and paint. Other things that will begin soon after are: Cabinets, Counters, Doors, Hardware, Data and A/V wiring, Shelving, Build Stage and lots of small details. Call or email Jon Holm when you can work: jonh@aspengrovechurch.org or 720-341-0396.

Youth Summer Schedule

2011-05-11T13:26:00.001-06:00

NLP Family Day

2011-05-11T10:36:00.005-06:00

May-June 5x5 Challenge Service Opportunity...

North Littleton Promise Family Day is coming soon. We're excited to be putting on this fun-filled event for NLP families on Saturday, June 11th from 10:00-1:00. NLP desires to grow its ministry to not only children but also their families. These family day events are an important first step in establishing relationships with caregivers and providing a great opportunity for families to have fun together.

AGCC will be serving NLP by planning and leading games for the morning and cooking lunch for the whole gang. You don't have to be a young family to participate, either! If you like having fun and investing in the lives of others, this will be a great way for you to serve. Put this event on your calendar and email Samantha Vermillion to find out how you can help.

This Week in Worship: Practice: Stop

2011-05-11T08:13:00.003-06:00

At the end of my street is a stop sign. While I slow down before I turn onto the next street, only if there is a car, do I come to a full and complete stop—the type that my driver’s ed instructor would have gone crazy. When I am driving and barely miss a green light it frustrates me that I have to stop. In fact, stopping drives me nuts…so crazy that I altered a route of somewhere I go every week. While the distance would be shorter, to shoot straight up Wadsworth, I found the stop and go to be annoying. So now instead I loop around C-470 and cut across Hampden because I can avoid so many of the stoplights that force me to stop.

While stopping in driving can be annoying, this same behavior can and does carry over into a lot of my areas of life. Slowing down and even stopping in life doesn’t always come easy. It usually requires saying, “No.” It means something sometimes has to be left undone. Frequently it seems easier to go and go and go and yet one of God’s 10 commandments is the Sabbath, to stop. Frequently, I have looked at this command as a burden, but this week will see how God intends stopping to not be a hindrance but a blessing in our spiritual lives.

This Week in Worship: Practice - Listen (Ps. 81)

2011-05-04T13:17:00.003-06:00

"Practice makes perfect." That's what my teachers and coaches always told me, but I didn't always believe them.

Growing up, I learned to do all sorts of things that only required me to practice. As I practiced, I made plenty of mistakes. In fact, skills I now come to enjoy as essential to my livelihood, I once thought I could never master.

In the 9th grade, I took typing. I don't even know if they teach typing in schools anymore. There are so many electronic keyboards available to kids today, that I think they come out of the womb intuitively knowing how to type. Yet, I had to learn the old fashion way...on a typewriter.

I quickly found out that my issues with perfectionism and my teachers unwavering devotion to correction was a combination I couldn't overcome. I was bad at typing, so I used the backspace a lot! My teacher was furious with me as this was not allowed. I found it difficult to stare at a typed written page with spelling mistakes (especially since I had a backspace key begging for my pinky to press it). I was so good at typing mistakes, as well as using the backspace key, that I ended up having to drop typing or risk failing the class. I thought I would never type again.

Yet with the personal computer being developed in Steve Job's garage just around the corner, I was forced to type because college papers still needed to be written (and I was too poor to have that task farmed out). So it was in college that I finally began to listen to my 9th grade typing teacher. I remembered what she told me in the first three weeks of typing class:

1. Keep your fingers moving.
2. Stop looking at the keyboard.
3. Keep your fingers on the home keys.
4. Don't use backspace.

After much practice, I eventually got my ring fingers and pinkies to reach up and down independently of the other four fingers. And most importantly, I didn't stop to correct my mistakes as I went.

I still made major mistakes. In fact, there weren't too many sentences that were spell perfect. However, the beauty of computer writing programs was that I was able to go back through my document with spell check to fix all my mistakes. The more I practiced typing, the fewer mistakes I made. By the end of my freshman year in college, I learned to type...something I never thought possible by the end of my freshman year in high school.

I learned to type because I did two things: 1) I practiced, and 2) I listened to my 9th grade typing teacher. Each time I had a paper due in college, I remembered the orders she gave about typing essentials. Those typing instructions that I fought against ended up teaching me to type.

This week, we are going to be talking about the practice of listening. Like learning to type, it doesn't come naturally. In fact, we think that it is so easy to do, we don't spend too much time practicing it. To ignore the practice of listening is folly, so the psalmist instructs us to practice our listening. In order to prepare for this week's conversation, read Psalm 81.

This Week in Worship - Practice: Read

2011-04-27T18:24:00.003-06:00

As Christians we all know that we should read the Bible. That's nothing new. We've been told that since we were little children.

But why? Why should we take the time in our busy lives to read the Bible?

Do you read so that God will be pleased with you? Or do you read so that you will be pleased with yourself--so you don't have to feel guilty about skipping another quiet time? Do you read so that you can show off in Bible study by quoting the most verses? Or is it just something you do because that's what we do in the Christian culture, so you follow along?

What's the point? If you've been in the church for a while, you've probably heard most of the stories before. So why should you take the time to read the Bible?

That's what we'll explore this Sunday.

Family Ministries Leader Search: Mission Accomplished!

2011-04-27T13:00:00.003-06:00

The Search Team has done an amazing job honing their skills to bring before the Leadership Council Tara Walling for the Family Ministries Leader position. After reading her application and interviewing her, she impressed all of us. Allow me to introduce her to you briefly here by email, and then in person on Sunday.

Tara has demonstrated that she has the character, competency and passion for the job. Tara has been active in her faith since becoming a Christian as an adult. Tara is involved in a variety of ministries that encourage both individual and corporate spiritual growth and external ministry to others who need to see the love of Christ. She is involved in a church community, a small group, and parachurch organizations such as Imago Christi (which works to bring spiritual renewal to the church) and Laundry of Love (which organizes laundry services for the homeless). Tara also has great respect from Christians and those outside the faith.

Tara has had extensive experience working with parents and children. She has been an elementary teacher, instructional coach, school administrator, children’s minister, and currently an owner of a small business providing after school and summer camp experiences for children. She has been successful in each venture, demonstrating a strong work ethic and commitment to children and families.

Tara is also passionate about joining the mission of AGCC. She is excited about being involved with a church that is involved in bringing Jesus to their community. Tara is very excited about the 5x5 Challenge, as well as involvement with North Littleton Promise and the prospect of launching other ways to involve families in bring Christ to their communities.

We think Tara is going to do an outstanding job of serving the kids and parents in our church. She will start May 1, so please giver her a warm Aspen Grove welcome!

All Church Movie Night

2011-04-26T20:40:00.003-06:00

Join us for the All Church Movie Night

Come one, come all! This Saturday at 6:30, we'll gather in the seminary chapel with popcorn and pillows, maybe even sleeping bags.

Cars has delighted audiences of all ages. Don't miss a great evening of fun for our church family as well as friends, neighbors and extended family. We'd love for you to invite others to join us. We'll see you there!

NEW MUSIC - The Brilliance

2011-04-25T14:35:00.000-06:00

Hello church,

I've been meaning to tell you all about a new find in worship music. The Brilliance.

The Brilliance is the creation of David Gungor and John Arndt. The story is that these two guys got together and while talking about contemporary worship music made the observation that most of it consists of the same instrumentation (guitars, bass, drums, keyboards, vocals). So they set to write an album which consisted mostly of strings and piano.

This album has a classical sound in its music with contemporary and deep lyrics.

Listen to "Breathe" here:
Breathe (mp3 link)

Their album is available on iTunes.
You can "like" them on Facebook here.

This Week in Worship: Virtuous Journey-Fearless Hope (Matt. 28:1-10)

2011-04-20T09:32:00.004-06:00

Hope is a difficult word to hold on to these days. Everything in our world seems to be pointing to fear, not hope.

Our fears on the global scale center around economic disaster, political crises, civil wars, and environmental disasters. Yet, these fears just accentuate our fears on a personal level because nothing seems safe. We know there are no securities when it comes to our job, relationships, or kids. Now, everything seems up for grabs. All of these terrible things (or potential terrible things) train our minds to respond to life out of fear, not hope. As a result, it is difficult for us to live with hope. It is much easier to live a pessimistic life given that all of the hardships, disasters and wars in our world speak out against hope.

Yet the journey to the cross ends in hope.

Three days after Jesus was crucified, two women come to the tomb to grieve the loss of the one who transformed them only to see it guarded by soldiers. They are forced to look at Jesus' tomb from a distance for fear that the soldiers might harm them for being at his tomb. Then something happens that changes their lives forever. They are given hope.

This Easter week, we are going to be talking about fearless hope. In order to prepare for our conversation, please read Matt. 28:1-10.

I am looking forward to celebrating the hope of Easter with all of you!

5x5 Challenge - Give

2011-04-13T13:44:00.003-06:00

40 Days of Water: Special Offering for Blood:Water Mission

This Sunday we'll be taking a special offering to give to Blood:Water Mission. If you have been participating in the 40 Days of Water by giving up all beverages other than water and saving the money you would have spent on other drinks, we invite you to drop the money you've saved in one of the special water collection jugs at church. (Officially, the 40 Days of Water does continue through Saturday, April 23, so you may want to project your savings for this final week to include in your offering.)

Even if you haven't participated in the 40 Days of Water, we invite you to contribute to this special offering that will help our neighbors in Uganda to have access to clean water and more abundant, healthier lives.

If you are not at church this Sunday, but would still like to give to Blood:Water Mission, you can donate online at www.bloodwatermission.com or mail your check to Blood:Water Mission, P.O. Box 60381, Nashville, TN 37206.

Good Friday - April 22

2011-04-13T12:44:00.001-06:00

Every year at Aspen Grove we gather to remember the final hours of Jesus' life.

We pray.
We read scripture.
We worship.

We try to feel what it felt like to see the Messiah die on the cross. Remember, the followers of Jesus had forgotten or didn't understand that he would come back to life.

Would you please join us in this experience?

Sunday is coming...but there was Friday. Good Friday.

April 22, 6-7pm @ Denver Seminary Chapel. Children's programming will be available.

Water Walk for Preschool and Elementary

2011-04-13T12:40:00.004-06:00

This Sunday during our combined VBS-Style Sunday class, the preschool and elementary aged kids will go on a Water Walk to grow our hearts for those in need. Through the 5x5 Challenge, AGCC is pursuing the least of these whom God loves so dearly and inviting everyone in our church to join in. Our focus ministry for March and April has been Blood:Water Mission, which helps to meet the needs of those who live life each day without clean water.

This Sunday during Sunday class time, we will go on a water walk to the Platte River just a short distance behind the Seminary. We will fill our water bottles and tote them back to the seminary, experiencing the way so many children must get their water each day.

Things to know for parents:

Bring a water bottle or jug for each child.
Wear closed toe shoes, or rain boots.
Be sure to sign a permission form when you drop off your child.

If you have any questions about this mini-outing, please contact Samantha Vermillion samantha@aspengrovechurch.org.

This Week in Worship: Virtuous Journey-Extravagant Worship (Matt. 21:1-11)

2011-04-13T11:13:00.004-06:00

Extravagant is a word that can describe a lot of things: luxury cars, vacations, beauty, weddings, and even homes. But does it describe your worship?

This Sunday is Palm Sunday, and its the time when Jesus receives extravagant worship from the pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem for the passover. What makes this scene extravagant is their unrestrained compulsion to cry out in worship. The crowd goes all out to honor Jesus to the point of laying down their coats on the ground for Jesus so his feet won't touch the ground. It is a beautiful scene in the journey of Jesus, and through it we learn the virtue of extravagant worship.

This week, we are going to spend our time learning to worship Jesus extravagantly. In preparation for this week's conversation, please read Matt. 21:1-11.

This exact moment

2011-04-13T10:02:00.000-06:00

Sometimes life seems overwhelming, sometimes the days fly by before I feel like I have done anything productive. Where does time go? When did my girls get so big? Lately I have been reminded over and over to enjoy each day for what the day brings. To enjoy this exact stage of life whatever stage it might be, because before I know it, it will be a new stage of life, with new joys and different hardships. I should not waste my time wishing for something in the future and wanting to change something of the past, but to be thankful for what I have in today, in this moment. Then I try to ask God to give me His eyes and a heart full of joy and thanks. I pray that you too enjoy exactly where God has you today; whatever ups and downs you may be experiencing, that you would “grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:18-19.

Once again, thank you for the opportunity to share a bit of my heart with you.

Joyfully His,

amanda

Of Doors, Brick Walls, Prison Bars, and Opportunities

2011-04-06T15:20:00.007-06:00

There are times when it seems that God closes a door only to open another one in His time. In December, Aspen Grove’s prison ministry team was informed that the opportunity to be involved with the young women at the Mount View Correctional facility was coming to an end. Tearful goodbyes were said right before Christmas, and then we had to leave rather abruptly, wondering what God had in mind. As the New Year unfolded, we prayed about it, and then we began making some contacts. Nate Jones introduced us to a prison chaplain. Jim Greenberg introduced us to a delightful lady who leads bible studies in a Federal prison. Soon it became apparent that we would need to choose which opportunity to pursue first. So, without closing any doors, we are moving forward first with a partnership with Denver Youth for Christ. YFC has invited us to join with their organization to once again minister to young people at the Mount View correctional facility. Chaplain Gareth Unruh met with us this past Sunday and told us a little about the mission and vision of YFC’s prison ministry.

Our next step is YFC orientation which will happen Thursday April 28^th. This will be followed by background checks, fingerprinting, and lots of red tape. That part is never easy, and takes time. But for some of us, it’s worth it. In case you are interested, there are still opportunities to be a part of Aspen Grove’s prison ministry team. We are especially in need of people who have a gift of teaching and a heart for troubled youth. We would greatly appreciate prayer partners and worship leaders as well. If you would like to know more, drop us a line at prisonoutreach@aspengrovechurch.org.

This Week in Worship: Virtuous Journey-Compassionate Kindness (20:29-34)

2011-04-06T11:15:00.005-06:00

The recession has revealed a lot about American culture. One thing it has highlighted is that there is not a lot of compassion to spare these days.

After the taxpayers bailed out the financial sector on Wall St., we found them making record profits and handing out huge bonuses to company executives while those on main street were handed pink slips. It left a sour taste in many American's lives, and so there wasn't much compassion for those who made their living off other people's investments.

Yet, companies are trying to re-brand themselves in what I call a "compassion advertising campaign." Liberty Mutual, Toyota, and Coca-Cola are among many companies who are trying to brand themselves as compassionate organizations seeking the welfare of others. Their advertisements don't speak of the merits of their products. Their advertisements sell the virtue of compassion hoping that customers will choose their products simply because of their virtue. (For an example, check out Coke's recent commercial highlighting the cast of the Simpsons TV show here, and how Coke leads the cast to demonstrate compassion on the notoriously greedy Mr. Burns.)

I find this recent emphasis for companies who re-brand themselves on the basis of the virtue of compassion to be incredibly astute. We consumers distrust the virtues of big companies (or, we know the virtue and it's spelled: g-r-e-e-d). By appealing to a higher virtue, compassion toward others, they retrain our thinking about their product. They make us feel good about buying their product because of the new virtue they espouse while their bottom line is comfortably padded.

Yet, as I read about Jesus on his journey, I find a man who lived out compassionate kindness. There were no ulterior motives. Jesus knew the world in which he lived, and the brutal realities for those who were the have nots in his time.

This week, we will read a story where Jesus teaches us about the virtue of compassionate kindness, while he makes his way to Jerusalem only to receive humanity's brutality. In order to prepare, please read Matt. 20:29-34.

Mark Your Calendar...

2011-04-06T09:28:00.004-06:00

As Easter approaches we hope you'll put a couple of special events on your calendar...

This year we want to provide the opportunity for parents of young children to attend AGCC's Good Friday service. The service will be held at 6:00 and last about 45 minutes. We will be providing childcare for infants, younger and older toddlers. Preschoolers and K-2nd grade children will have a special program as well. Third graders and older students will attend the Good Friday service with their parents. We will have r.s.v.p sign-up sheets at check-in tables in each classroom in the coming weeks in order to help in our planning for this special event. We hope you'll come and join us.

Another new event that we're looking forward to is an all-church movie night the Saturday after Easter, April 30th. Our children and young families ministry is hosting this outreach event, and we want you to be a part of it. We usually see a significant increase in visitors to our church on Easter, and we're hoping this event will provide another easy connection point for those who may want to consider engaging in the church community. We'll be showing Cars in the seminary Chapel and inviting all ages to join us. So put it on the calendar, and we'll see you there!

AGCC's Goals for 2011

2011-03-30T11:11:00.007-06:00

As we seek to be a community that realizes our vision to come as we are, be transformed and go change the world, the Leadership Council has developed three goals that will help us move closer to attaining our vision.

Come As You Are...
We want to deepen our community connection.
We endeavor to do this on several fronts:
• Create a comprehensive Sunday morning welcome for guests, & regulars to connect with one another.
• Create mid-sized groups that will provide people who are not yet ready to connect to a home group with an opportunity to connect to the community in a more significant way.
• Invite the broader Littleton community to join us in our mission this year.
• Move into the new facility, and use it as a venue to connect with one another.

Be Transformed...
We want to invigorate our discipleship process.
We want to do this in two ways:
• We want to teach, train & equip people by providing specific help in how to read the Scriptures, pray, share one's faith.
• We want to further define the purpose of our Home Groups ministry.

Go Change the World...
We want to define our outreach focus both locally and abroad.
We want to do this by:
• Inviting the church to participate in the 5x5 Challenge to partner, pray, fast, give, & serve in all of our mission partnerships.
• Define our long term goals with our India partnership.
• Provide opportunities for AGCC to demonstrate God's love for the shoppers and business in the South Park Shopping Center.

These goals are a tall order for us especially in light of a year where we are moving ministry locations; however, we feel led to take on all three goals this year. If you find yourself drawn to any of these please let me know. We are always looking for people to lead out of their giftedness and passion.

Please pray with me that God would indeed deepen our community's connection, invigorate our discipleship process, and define our outreach focus this year.

For the Leadership Council,

Scott Vermillion
Lead Pastor of Aspen Grove Community Church

This Week in Worship: Virtuous Journey (Matt. 20:17-28)

2011-03-30T11:03:00.005-06:00

We are all on a journey in life. Some seek adventure. Some search for newfound treasure. Others look for companionship. Still others just hope they won’t get lost! What is astounding about the life of Jesus is that all we know about him comes from his journey. From the time he was born to the time of his death, Jesus was on a journey, and his journey was one of virtue. Virtue is a word that can describe both what is morally good as well as what is of absolute quality. Jesus demonstrates both uses of the word virtue during the last week of his life. As we prepare for Easter, we are going to retrace Jesus’ last steps, so that we, too, can walk a virtuous journey.

This week, read Matthew 20:17-28 to prepare for our conversation on Sunday.

Construction Update - 3/19/2011

2011-03-23T10:30:00.000-06:00

If you missed the video on Sunday morning here it is:

This Week in Worship: Get Your House in Order: Spirituality-Share (Luke 4:14-30)

2011-03-23T09:19:00.004-06:00

One of NBC's best shows has been The Office. No doubt you have seen it or heard about it by now. It's a show that captures our attention like a traffic accident. We don't really want to see anyone injured, but when we drive by we can't help but look. Michael Scott, Dunder Mifflin's self-proclaimed "world's best boss," has made us all a bit queasy inside with is wildly inappropriate office behavior. We know there is an emotional wreck coming, but we can't look away.

The humor in the show lends its content to our experience in daily life and the conflict we face in relationships with each other. We desperately want to live lives free of conflict. We do all we can to avoid those awkward moments with each other, but in the end we somehow find ourselves trapped with no method of escape. The same can be said for following Jesus.

When we first begin following Jesus, everything is great! The air smells better! Our food tastes better! It is like being in love where everything just feels great all the time. Then, we get introduced to a word that snaps us back into reality: Evangelism. All of a sudden those awkward moment fears rise up and get stuck in our throat. We start to sweat thinking about what we are going to tell someone about Jesus. We start to feel queasy inside thinking about the conflict we are inviting into our world. We then imagine ourselves in conversations where our friends and family view us as the Michael Scott of Christianity - self-proclaimed world's best Christian! Then, we rethink the word evangelism hoping desperately to get ourselves out of these awkward, conflict filled conversations. We fool ourselves into thinking, "I can avoid speaking of Jesus if I just live an exemplary life."

This week, we are finishing off our series on Getting Your House in Order by focusing on the discipline of sharing our faith with others. It's awkward. It's filled with conflict. Yet, it is our commission as followers of Christ to share. In order to prepare for our conversation, read Luke 4:14-30.

A simple truth

2011-03-22T14:12:00.003-06:00

As I have read through, edited, and modified this next month's lesson plans, God has edited me too. Sometimes I need to be reminded of the simplicity of our faith. I wanted to share this with you not only so you can know what your kids will be learning during the month of April, but my hope for you is that you too are reminded of this simple truth...Jesus is my friend!

The theme for this next month is as follows:

Basic Truth: Jesus wants to be my friend forever.
Key Question: Who wants to be your friend forever?
Bottom Line: Jesus is my friend.
Memory Verse: “I am with you always.” Matthew 28:20, NIV

After reading the third lesson plan and example from the Bible I sat and smiled, because I simply felt loved. I realized once again that Jesus really IS my friend; He knows I need him, he wants to be everyone's friend, He alone makes me happy, and He really does want to be my friend forever. I am so thankful for my Jesus! I want to encourage you to live out of that love and friendship He has for you, and as you do, invite your kids to talk about it too. Ask them what they are learning, what the Bible story was about that Sunday, and remind them that Jesus is their friend.

Thanks for the opportunity to share a bit of my heart with you.
~amanda

This Week in Worship: Get Your House in Order: Spirituality-Give (Phil. 3:1-14)

2011-03-16T11:34:00.001-06:00

In our effort to get our house in order, we are now taking on the topic of our spirituality. We have talked about our primary role in spirituality is to receive. Last week, we talked about how our conversations with God must begin in humility with a confession of our need. This week, you may be tempted to believe there is nothing you can do in the spiritual realm. Well, that's not exactly true. We can give, but the gift we give may be different than you think. In order to prepare for this week's conversation, read Philippians 3:1-14.

I'm thinking of a super special gift...

2011-03-15T20:05:00.006-06:00

I'm thinking of a super special gift... It comes once every eight weeks. It comes in two's. It's all different shapes, sizes and colors. And it has different noises it can make. Enormous stress is relieved. Loads of fun ensues. Any guesses?

An AGCC children's ministry substitute!!! Here's how it would work. You sign up to be a substitute. We create a schedule, so you know in advance when we need you to be available. Notice the italics there. You just have to check in Sunday morning of your assigned day and see if we need you. Teachers and assistants usually switch around on their own when they know they can't be there on a given Sunday. So the only time we'll need you is in the case of a last-minute sickness or some other unforeseen event.

Did I mention that you'll only be assigned a Sunday ONCE every EIGHT weeks? ONCE in two months. Gather your home group and your neighbor's home group or your 15 closest friends. Once we have 16 of you, we're ready to roll.

What? The impacted lives? Oh, yes, of course. Nearly 50 children come to Aspen Grove to learn who God is, to experience His love, and to begin to follow after Him. As many as 35 adults are committed to serving those kids as teachers and assistants. Two people are tasked with leading the whole endeavor.

Occasionally, these adults we depend on can't all be there. We need 16 people to commit to being available to support our work. Just once every eight weeks. Will you join us?

If you're interested in hearing more and prayerfully considering if you might be a super special gift to our children and volunteers, contact Amanda Sivess or Samantha Vermillion.

Help AGCC Develop Community! Serve as an Usher, Greeter or in Hospitality

2011-03-14T16:20:00.005-06:00

On 3.27.11 after church there will be a 45 min. meeting for all current and prospective ushers, greeters and hospitality folk. In an effort to organize our welcome on Sundays and prepare for our new facility, we are asking you to consider serving as an usher, greeter or in hospitality. Contact Ken Serdy (kjsunderpar@comcast.net) or Susie Holt (Wonderfulgrace@comcast.net) for more info, or just come to the meeting after church on 3.27.11.

5x5 Challenge: Why Should Christians Fast?

2011-03-14T15:40:00.006-06:00

This Lenten season, we are asking you to consider stepping up to the 5x5 Challege. The challenge consists of:

1. Partnering with 5 people (we want to do this together, not a solo experience)
2. Praying 5 minutes a day (for this season, we are praying for those in Africa who don't have clean water to drink)
3. Serving 5x's a year (for the focus ministry)
4. Giving $5 a month to the focus ministry (for this season, we will be giving toward Blood Water Mission; you can also choose to give more if you like)
5. Fasting 5 hours a week

What? Fasting! Why fast?

We fast in order to further our worship. When we intentionally go without for the sake of God, we tell God that we desire him above all - even food and drink that provides nourishment for our bodies. In taking the 5x5 Challenge these next two months, we are intentionally going without other drinks besides tap water and to serve by giving the money we saved on those drinks to Blood Water Mission. When we, who have the freedom and access to other drinks besides tap water, intentionally say, "no," to drinking diet pepsi, chocolate milk, coffee, OJ, etc., we remind ourselves that we crave something better than these earthly things that satisfy our physical thirst. We crave God's kingdom come to satisfy our spiritual thirst. So, when we feel thirsty for some other drink besides water, our thirst serves as a mnemonic for us to pray and ask God to satisfy our thirst for him.

Secondly, we fast as a way of developing community. As we fast for Blood Water Mission, we join a larger community that suffers in our world. Every time we choose tap water over another drink that is at our disposal, we tell God that we hear the cries of those who suffer in Africa without clean drinking water. Our thirst for other drinks besides tap water reminds us to pray to ask God to give clean water to those living under the plagues that develop out of drinking unclean water. In this way, we learn to suffer with those who suffer.

So if you are new to fasting, try it out this Lenten season. Consider fasting from all drinks except tap water until Easter. When you crave another drink besides tap water, pray for God's kingdom to satisfy your soul and for God's mercy for those who suffer without clean water.

PS - You can officially take a break from your water fast on Sundays. The 40 days of Lent does not include the six Sundays in Lent. So if you see people enjoying a cup of joe at church, it is a reminder that Jesus has risen and he is coming again to make the whole world right! It's amazing what a drink can communicate;-).

This Week in Worship: Get Your House in Order: Spirituality-Prayer (Luke 18:9-14)

2011-03-10T09:58:00.002-07:00

If you’ve spent any time in church at all you know that you should pray. Any Christian knows that. But most Christians will also tell you—if they are honest—that they aren’t entirely satisfied with their prayer lives.

So why is this?

If we really have a direct line of communication to the creator of the universe, why is it that we don’t pray more? If God really does answer prayer, then why wouldn’t we ask him for what we need? If prayer is so central to being a Christian, then why aren’t we more diligent in our prayers?

We know we should pray, but often we don’t.

I asked some friends these questions, and here are some of the answers I heard.

· It’s hard to keep praying when it seems like God isn’t answering my prayers
· Prayer doesn’t make sense to me. Why does God answer some prayers and not others?
· There is too much noise, and there are too many distractions in our world to pray
· I guess I’m not sure if praying really makes any difference
· If I believe God is in control, do I really think he will change the events of the universe just because I prayed?
· If God is just going to do what he planned to do, then what is the point in me praying?

Prayer is hard to understand. This week we are going to wrestle with the subject of prayer. No easy answers. But maybe we can learn something about what it means to pray, and take a step closer to getting our house in order. To prepare for this week, please read Luke 18:9-14.

Who do I talk to Now?

2011-03-09T06:49:00.007-07:00

As you have probably heard, this is my last official Sunday on staff at Aspen Grove. It is a bittersweet time for me as I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the kids and families of AGCC. As I have look back over the past three years on staff (and two years of volunteering in the children's ministry prior to that), I have literally watched many of your children grow up before my eyes. Some going from infants to talking, others from preschoolers to being in elementary school, and some have transitioned from the children's ministry into the youth ministry. It has been a pleasure to watch and be a part of your children's and families lives, however, Nathan and I are confident of our decision to focus on our expanding family especially during a busy time of life for us. While we will still be in attendance at AGCC, I will no longer be overseeing the children's ministry. So whether you are a parent or a volunteer, you might be asking, "Who should I talk to?"

If it pertains to the nursery, younger toddler, older toddler, or preschool classes, please talk with Amanda Sivess. Amanda has a background in education, ministry experience with Young Life, and first-hand experience with with this age group as a mom to a 3 year old and 1 year old. Amanda has volunteered in the nursery and younger toddlers, and is currently a co-teacher with her husband, Matt, in the older toddler class. Feel free to talk to her on Sunday morning, and during the week the best way to reach Amanda will be via e-mail: amandas[at]aspengrovechurch[dot]org.

If what you want to talk about pertains to the elementary classes, please contact Samantha Vermillion. Samantha's education focused on education, has spent time teaching in the classroom, and has been passionate about teaching her own daughters (ages 6 and 4). She has been an active part of the children's ministry since coming to AGCC serving first as a teacher in the preschool class and now as a teacher in the younger elementary class. Samantha will be more than willing to talk on a Sunday morning, but if you need to get a hold of her during the week, please feel free to e-mail her at samantha[at]aspengrovechurch[dot]org.

Take the Challenge!

2011-03-08T14:32:00.006-07:00

5X5 CHALLENGE
Our focus ministry for March and April is Blood:Water Mission. The mission of Blood:Water is to empower communities to work together against the HIV/AIDS and water crises in Africa. We've posted a few videos on the 5x5 Challenge website that explain how they accomplish this goal. You can also visit www.bloodwatermission.com/how-we-work to read more about their process in creatively partnering with communities to fight the HIV/AIDS and water crises.

PRAYER GUIDE
Download the Blood:Water Mission Prayer Guide to help you pray more effectively for our focus ministry.
(http://www.aspengrovechurch.org/5x5/wp-content/uploads/downloads/2011/02/5x5-Challenge-Prayer-Guide-1.pdf)

FORTY DAYS OF WATER (March 9 – April 23)

This Lenten season we’re inviting you to choose to make tap water your only beverage for 40 Days. Ditch the morning coffee and o.j., leave out the lunchtime soda, cancel the evening beverage, and especially cut out all the bottled water, drinking only clean water from the tap. By sacrificing your everyday routine, you will make a lasting difference in the life of a person in Africa.

By giving up what you’d normally drink in exchange for the water from your tap you can save that money to help build clean water projects for communities in Uganda. Imagine it this way, because $1 can provide a year of water for 1 person in Africa, with each drink you give up each day, you’ll be providing years of water for someone in need.

Visit 40days.bloodwatermission.com to get more information, order your 40 Days water bottle, and get your friends and family involved.

All funds raised this year will benefit water projects in northern Uganda. Drink from the tap, so they can go to the well. We would like to give together as a church. We will collect all donations for Blood Water Mission on Palm Sunday. Our goal is to raise $4,000 for Blood Water Mission.

San Diego Mission Trip Prayer

2011-03-08T09:31:00.000-07:00

We had our first team meeting this past Sunday for the 2011 San Diego Mission Trip.

21 students (not all shown).

6 adults.

3 vans.

1 mission.

Would you all please being praying for our trip. We need to raise almost $14,000.00 for this trip, so please pray for generous partners both monetarily and prayerfully.

Construction Update - 3/6/2011

2011-03-08T09:27:00.002-07:00

If you missed the video on Sunday morning here it is:

This Week in Worship: Get Your House in Order: Spirituality-Receive (Gen. 12-22:19)

2011-03-02T13:58:00.004-07:00

In this life, we are asked to give a lot. In every sphere of life, there are people asking that you give them something. At home, your family wants you to give up your agenda for theirs. In your jobs, your boss wants you to give him/her 110% of your effort. In your friendships, you are asked to give a listening ear. In April, the IRS will ask you for your money. All this focus on giving can take its toll on our souls. In fact, a life filled with giving can actually corrupt our souls.

To be sure, giving is a great thing. We are called to be givers and to do so cheerfully (2Cor. 9:7). Yet, many times we give our time, talent and treasure to others begrudgingly. Then, when we don't have someone asking us to give something of ourselves, we react by taking. We say to ourselves, "This is my opportunity! I've worked hard. I deserve something for myself." As a result, our soul is trained into two modes of operation: 1) giving & 2) taking. The more we learn to operate out of these two modes, the more our spirituality stagnates.

Our souls were meant to receive. Receiving involves giving, but we are not the primary giver. Receiving is different than taking, because it doesn't involve the force of exclusion. To receive is to understand the basic building block of our spiritual life.

If we are going to get our house in order, we are going to have to learn that the core of our spirituality involves learning to receive. In order to prepare for this week, read the story of Abraham (Gen. 12-22:19). Don't get caught in all the details, but read the story as a whole. Read and watch this father of the faith grow as he learns to receive from God.

Hallelujah! Facility Update!

2011-03-02T10:15:00.000-07:00

The Hallelujah Chorus has been sung, and we are now under construction!

So, to all my new best friends, I want to invite you to join the team of putting our new building together. Let me know if you, your homegroup, or your friends are available, days, nights, or Saturdays.

Here are some ways you can get involved over the next few weeks:

Framing the walls (we will teach you).
Helping remove concrete for the underground plumbing and replace it later on.
Clean up.
Provide snacks, drinks, food for volunteers when working.
Pray for Gods protection as subcontractors and volunteers work, Pray for wisdom and favor as we hire subs and look for materials.

Email me at jonh@aspengrovechurch.org or call 720-341-0396. We will also have signups at church this Sunday.

I also want to thank everyone who has already been in and helped with the demolition work. We were able to get all the equipment sold and remove walls, ceilings, duct, and wires that needed to be taken out. This now allows us to move right into rebuilding the space. We also were able to do some preliminary prep work for framing the new walls. This has been a HUGE blessing to the church and the construction schedule!

~Jon Holm

Making the 5 x 5 Challege Accessible to Children

2011-03-01T11:43:00.004-07:00

This past Sunday, Matt Rhodes introduced the 5 x 5 challenge in the adult service as well as to our preschool and elementary children. We spent a good portion of the morning focusing on Colossians 3:12, "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion." We talked through what it means to show compassion: showing God's love to those who have a need.

We then talked through the five practices of the 5 x 5 challenge:

1) Partner: We encouraged the kids to think through who they could partner with and draw pictures/write their names. We also talked about how kids can partner with their parents as well as other friends. Know that your kids are open to partnering with you and this is a great teachable moment as parents to model compassion.

2) Pray: We encouraged the kids to think about times and places that they could pray. Many suggested at meal times and bedtime. As parents, these are two great times to join your child in praying for the ministries we are partnering with and the people the ministries are touching.

3) Fast: While fasting normally implies a meal, for younger children this can be particularly difficult. As a result, we talked about other things we could fast: certain foods (pop, dessert), special toys, TV, computers, movies.

4) Give: While the $5/month would be a lot for kids, we challenged them to think of ways they could earn some money to give away. You might want to talk to your children and find ways you could help them earn money (chores around the house, offering services to neighbors, lemonade stand, garage sales, etc) and learn the value of giving.

5) Serve: There will be five opportunities throughout the year for AGCC attenders to serve in the 5 x 5 challenge. We would encourage you to bring your children to these events and get them involved.

Youthgroup Bowling

2011-02-28T13:52:00.005-07:00

AGSM BOWLING!

SATURDAY, MAR. 5TH
10:30AM-1:30PM
DROP-OFF/PICK-UP @ NEW FACILITY
181 W. COUNTY LINE ROAD
LITTLETON, CO 80120
COST: $10 + $$ FOR LUNCH

NO YOUTHGROUP SUNDAY MARCH 6TH

Compassion Offering...What's this again?

2011-02-28T10:08:00.006-07:00

The author of Hebrews knew the value of community. He wrote: "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching" (Heb. 10:24-25). He knew that we needed one another if we were going to persevere in faith.

One of Aspen Grove Community Church's core values is community, and one of the ways we demonstrate this value is through our monthly compassion offering. We desire to be a church that helps spur others on toward love and good deeds who are facing difficult financial challenges. All of us know that when we face financial difficulty hope is the first thing to disappear. As a result, we tend to make poor choices. Choices that work against what the Spirit is doing in our lives. The compassion offering is designed to remind others that they are not alone. We are part of a community that encourages one another to continue to live a life of love and good deeds

The last Sunday of the month, we take our compassion offering. This offering goes to provide financial assistance to people inside AGCC who need help. I want to encourage you to give to this offering. At the end of the service on the last Sunday of each month, ushers will be at the exit doors to receive your donations.

If you or someone you know needs help, please contact Cynthia Walker (sdwalkerva@aol.com) who administers our compassion needs in the church.

What are you applauding?

2011-02-23T09:53:00.003-07:00

What do you want from your kid? Who do you want them to be in 20 years? Will you still play in your highlight reel, the moment they scored the winning goal at the soccer game? Will your greatest pride and joy of their life be their winning a spelling bee contest? What about how they mastered a musical instrument? While none of these are inherently bad and some might even make figuring out how to pay for college a whole lot easier, in the end do the really matter?

I think in the end, you and I want kids who love and follow after Jesus. Who have character that resembles and heart that reaches out to the world like him. I want my son (and my future child) to live life wisely following after God. I hope as they leave the house, they have a confident understanding that loving God and loving people is what truly matters to me and what truly matters in life, but what am I applauding? What I am praising my child for? No I don't have a prodigy child who at not quite a year and a half has amazing soccer skills, spells words, or plays a musical instrument (unless you count banging his spoon on his yogurt bowl in the morning), but I do want him to know he is loved by me regardless of what he is doing. And i want to applaud the baby steps (yes literally and figuratively at this point), of him coming to know and understand God and living a life that fleshes out the gospel of grace. In the end, I want him to believe, that his spiritual and character development is more important than performing well on a game or in school. My actions and my words will speak volumes into my child's life about what matters. And in the end, who my son is...the core of his soul...does matter.

So this week what am I applauding? What are you applauding in your child's life?

This Week in Worship: Get Your House in Order: Relationships-Sex (Gen. 1 & 2; Eph. 5:1-3)

2011-02-22T09:47:00.003-07:00

Ever since the first couple saw each other naked, humanity has been captivated by the gift of sex. It was God's physical gift to Adam and Eve that revealed a spiritual connection - God can make two people one flesh. Yet in every age since Adam and Eve, sex has been most improperly understood. As such, sex has wreaked havoc on human relationships.

What was given to men and women as a divine blessing, is now experienced as a curse in our relationships. We find out quickly in our "sex education" that our sexuality is broken to the core. We are captivated not with the beauty of humanity's oneness, but with the shame of our perversion of God's good gift.

This week, we are going to be having a frank conversation about sex, and how it has destroyed relationships as well as how it builds relationships. In preparation for our conversation please read Gen. 1 & 2, and Eph. 5:1-3.

This Week in Worship: Get Your House in Order: Relationships-Conflict (James 4)

2011-02-16T12:28:00.001-07:00

No one likes conflict, but inevitably we find ourselves there often in our relationships. The tendency is to avoid conflict hoping it will go away, or to expose it hoping others will capitulate. In these two cases, what happens is our hearts end up breaking. Yet, James teaches us that there is another way...submit yourself to God. This week in order to prepare for our conversation in relationships on conflict, read James 4.

Scissors + TV down Time = Blessing the kids of AGCC

2011-02-16T08:04:00.005-07:00

Have a pair of fabric scissors? Do you have a few TV programs you watch, but could also do something with your hands during? Want to help the kids at AGCC understand the bible more clearly? If you answered, yes you could help out the children's ministry while watching TV at home! We have purchased a set of flannelgraph bible characters/props/scenes to use in our older toddler class.

Kids at this age learn a lot through visual and tactile senses and these pieces will give them an opportunity to not only hear the bible story, but to be able to see and touch parts of it as well. However, the set came in large pieces of felt that need to be cut apart into the indivdual pieces. So if you would be willing to take on doing some cutting in your down time, let me know!

NEW MUSIC - Hillsong United

2011-02-14T11:41:00.007-07:00

Hey church,

I'm going to start posting regularly about new worship music I find. I hope that you will be able to find some new artists and songs that help with your expression and response to God.

This week I wanted to post about some new worship music that came out this Tuesday from Hillsong United. Hillsong United is a worship band that originated as a part of Hillsong Church in Australia. Since the late 90s they have been releasing some of the most contemporary worship music available. This week they released their second studio album, Aftermath (the other albums are live recordings).

I love finding new worship music that can be used in our church, and Hillsong United has been a source for me for a long time. Some of their songs we currently sing at AGCC are From The Inside Out, Lead Me To The Cross, Mighty To Save, Till I See You, and The Stand.

I'll be listening to Aftermath looking for new songs for us to sing. If you get a chance get a copy and listen to it. Let me know which songs are your favorite. You can buy the album online (amazon.com & iTunes) and in most music stores.

Check out the video below about the new album, Aftermath.

If you are familiar with Hillsong United, what are some of your favorite songs by them?

Subs

2011-02-09T15:13:00.003-07:00

We are at a great place with every single regular volunteer position being filled. Way to go church on taking the charge to care for the children of our church and pass on our faith to our next generation.

Here is the challenge: frequently on any given Sunday a volunter, or a volunteer's child ends up sick and unable to make church, leaving a gap to be filled in order to have adequate classroom coverage. So we are in process of creating a team of 16 people, who would be substitutes on a rotation basis of once every 8 weeks (i.e. 2 subs/week). On those Sunday mornings when scheduled, these individuals would check in with the children's ministry leader(s) and make sure everything was covered and if not step into a classroom and help out. That means you would be on the schedule only about 6 times a year and not necessarily even needed all of those times and yet you would be providing a huge service to the children's ministry leaders so they wouldn't be frantic on Saturday night/Sunday morning trying to find subs to fill in the gaps AND you would get a chance to bless the lives of some of the greatest kids I have ever met. If you would be interested in becoming a sub in the children's ministry, please contact Ann.

Youth Museum Trip Pictures

2011-02-09T09:51:00.004-07:00

We had a BLAST at the museum! Check out some of the crazy pictures we took below.

This Week in Worship: Get Your House in Order: Relationships-Marriage (Eph. 5:21)

2011-02-07T14:15:00.008-07:00

When it comes to marriage, most sermons revolve around the question of authority. Mine will be no different. This week, I will tell you just who has the authority in marriage.

In case you want to know the answer now, it is Jesus who has the authority in marriage. In fact, all of our problems in marriage occur when we wrestle that authority away from him. It is his role as the bridegroom of the church that sets the stage for developing a healthy relationship in marriage.

Marriage, whether you are in one or not, is important to talk about as a community because it is the first community that was created by God. Last week, we talked about how Jesus' sacrifice leads us into community with God and with each other. This week, we will explore how that sacrifice builds upon one of the most basic forms of communities we experience - marriage.

In order to prepare for this week's conversation, read Ephesians 5.

Do You Love Me?

2011-02-01T15:56:00.004-07:00

Valentine’s Day is around the corner and according to projections, the average amount each person will spend is $116.21. On average, men end up spending more: $158.71, and women a little less: $75.79. Somehow we have created a national holiday that has equated love to spending. While thoughtful gestures and the occasional gift can speak love to people, having a holiday that hypes up one day to express your love might be a bit over the top. The reality is that most of us want to know we are loved more than just one day a year…especially your kids.

Something that has been ingrained into my head from Chris Miller’s Raising Great Kids Seminar that we hosted last year, were the two questions that every kid is constantly asking (although not verbally):

1) Am I loved?

2) What can I get away with?

I see Beck asking these questions all the time even at 16 months. He is testing his limits and trying to see if Nathan and I really mean what we say when certain things are off limits. His latest testing is if we are really serious about not throwing food from his high chair and has learned that yes we are (he has been experiencing a fair number of time outs, frequently more than one in a single meal). But each time we take him out of time out, we talk to him about why he was in there, but we reassure him that we still love him, which he wants to know. It’s not just then, but throughout the day, he’ll come over at different points during the day to give/get hugs and kisses. He wants to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I love him NO MATTER WHAT. He asks if he is loved, when he brings a book over to me (usually while working on something else) and wants me to read it (most of the time I do, sometimes I explain it has to wait).

So whether as a parent or another person involved with kids, there is a day when kids will be taking Valentine’s to school and having a Valentine’s Day party, and while not bad, let’s not contain expressing our love to one day. Will you be intentional about finding ways…whether through notes, drawings, words, and your time to tell kids you love them. Know that in the process you are incarnating the unconditional love that God has for us, this sacrificial love that loved when we didn’t love him, so that as kids learn and experience God, they get it. They have a tangible expression of the type of love that God has for them. 1 John 4:12: No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

This Week in Worship: Get Your House in Order: Relationships (Heb. 10:19-25)

2011-02-01T12:18:00.005-07:00

I have never done an official academic study on this, but I have come to a conclusion that I believe is universal (so don't prove me wrong now;-). It is a conclusion that is a bit perplexing because it involves two opposites that make a whole. It's like someone figured out that indeed two similarly poled magnets can snap together with ease. On one hand, it makes no sense. On the other, it makes all the sense in the world. My belief is that people love relationships, and they hate them at the same time.

For some reason, the concept of relationships is a good thing; however, the practice of relating...well, let's just say it is the source of much of the pain in our lives. When I take time to think about it, I wonder how both of these things can be true at the same time. It just doesn't make sense, but then it does.

So, this month we are going to engage in that delightfully frightful topic of relationships. If we are going to get our house in order, we can't view relationships as a good thing in concept only. We are going to have to learn to relate to each other. This week, we are going to look at the subject of community. In order to prepare for our conversation, please read Hebrews 10:19-25.

2011-02-01T10:05:00.001-07:00

Let's Talk

AGCC's newest ministry. Periodic seminars that will address contemporary and challenging issues that we face in life.

Our first Let's Talk will focus on Communication.

It's for anyone and everyone -- singles, married or dating couples, friends, co-workers, parents, teens, and young or older adults -- who is interested in understanding how your current communication style is impacting key relationships in your life and learning how to communicate more effectively.

This event is also open to the public. The teaching will be Biblically-based, but suitable for non-Christians. It's a good way to introduce friends, neighbors and extended family to church/AGCC.

With Dr. Chris Miller
(Chris Miller's full BIO here)

Saturday morning , February 26
8:15am to 12:30pm
1501 W. Mineral Avenue, Littleton, CO 80120
WorldVenture Building

You will learn communication basics, do a self-assessment on your strengths and weaknesses, and gain and practice new techniques in this affordable half-day seminar.

Cost is only $10 per person.

Limited childcare is also available for AGCC families at an additional affordable rate -$5 per child with a $15 maximum for families with 3 or more children.

Download a brochure and registration forms at www.aspengrovechurch.org.

Registration deadline for the seminar and childcare is February 19.

Space is limited so reserve your spot today.

Questions? Contact Jeanne@aspengrovechurch.org or 303-991-4999.

Are You a Pew Potato?

2011-02-01T10:00:00.002-07:00

This Sunday, over 80,000 people will pack the Dallas Cowboys Stadium to watch two teams vie for the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Millions will huddle around TVs in homes, bars, or restaurants to watch the same small group of highly trained, exceptionally skilled, professional athletes actually play the game.

Football is a spectator sport - lots of fans in need of exercise and a small group of players in need of a season of rest.

Kinda like church...

So many people mistakenly think that church is something only professional clergy or church staff can be involved in. So they become church spectators, on the sidelines of ministry, watching from a distance from a pew on Sunday mornings. "Pew Potatoes" if you will - the modern-day euphemism for the nominal Christian whose professed love of God does not result in any action.

Have you heard of the 20/80 Rule - the notion that typically only 20% of the people in a church do 80% of the work? In most churches, there's a small, faithful group of folks who seem really committed to helping the church function, and then there's the majority who, for whatever reason, aren't involved beyond attending church on Sunday mornings.

It's understandable that some people may need to take a weekly break from ministry and not get involved on Sunday mornings. It's also true that we all go through seasons when it's necessary to take a prolonged break from church ministry. And it's also important to consider how well Christians incorporate worship, leadership, volunteering, discipleship, etc. into their everyday lives so that we don't make the distinction in our minds between "church work" and what it means to be a daily Christian witness at work and in personal times in our communities and families. In other words, we don't want to judge those who come to church to get their empty tanks filled up!

Perhaps you grew up in a church culture like I did that taught that real ministry was something reserved only for the pastor and his staff. Further study of Scripture taught me that as a Christian, no matter what my education or training was or whether I had an official title on a church staff or not, I am called to be involved in ministry.

I appreciate AGCC philosophy of ministry that every believer is a minister. In other words, the Holy Spirit gifts each one of us believers and thus, all AGCC attenders (not just staff or clergy) are expected to be involved in ministry. I appreciate that I sit under the teaching of people like Chris Miller who had lots to say in his sermon last Sunday about every one of us having a "calling" on our lives. He also offered some great advice about how to appropriately temper our ministry involvement by knowing our calling and when it's the right time to say yes and when it's OK to say no to ministry involvement that is outside of our calling.

If you watch the Super Bowl this Sunday -- or if you find yourself being a spectator at any event in the coming weeks -- I invite you to consider if you view church the same way.

Church is not supposed to be a spectator sport. Sure, some are called to full-time vocational ministry just like those professional athletes who will be playing in this weekend's Super Bowl. But unlike football, the rest of us Christians aren't meant to be observers and simply cheer for our favorite church or be a Monday-morning quarterback. The church needs all of us to be suited up and in the battle according to each of our unique gifting and calling. Sure there are times when we need to take a break from church and ministry involvement, but we shouldn't always be found on the sidelines.

Here's a link to a series of questions to help you determine if you are nominal Christian.

See also Part I - You Gotta Be You, and Part II - What Shape Are You? on this blog series on ministry involvement.

Come as you are...Be transformed...Go change the world!

Youthgroup Museum Day

2011-02-01T09:55:00.002-07:00

We're going to the museum!

Mummies, dinosaurs, rocks, space stuff...could anything be more amazing?

Drop-off/pick-up @ the new AGCC Facility (Old County Line Liquors - Next to Goodwill & Dollar Tree).

10am-2pm

Cost: $5 + money for lunch!

BRING SOME FRIENDS!!

NOTE: No youthgroup on Sunper Bowl Sunday.

The Year of the Doctor

2011-01-26T10:29:00.002-07:00

I have joked that if January is any indicator, this will be the year of the doctor for us. With my pregnancy, I’ll have plenty of doctor visits throughout the year, but thus far Beck is taking the cake on number of visits to the doctor. In the first four weeks of the year, I have sat in doctor’s waiting rooms five times. We have seen his pediatrician a few times and been to a specialist. We lucked out of one co-pay, by talking to a nurse who called in a prescription for us. I have three prescriptions filled for him: the oral medicine has been the easiest to administer, the eye drops next to impossible to give, and have been thankful we haven’t yet had to use the epi-pen. Nathan and I have wiped numerous snotty noses, removed goop from eyes, changed some pretty rancid diapers, and cleaned-up throw-up from his crib and carpet. It has not exactly been a glamorous month as a parent. It’s not like my Beck tells me over and over again how grateful he is for me (although it does melt my heart now that he can say “mama”). He probably will never now what his dad and I have done for him this past month, until maybe he becomes a parent and experiences a month like this.

However, I have found myself asking what is God teaching me in the school of parenthood? My biggest takeaway has been to be reminded of just how much God takes care of things for me—a lot of them that I am probably unaware of. While I have started getting a glimpse into his heart of love as a parent, I am scratching the surface. Yes we have taken care of a variety of things for Beck that he is unaware that need to be done. We have taken him to doctor’s appointments, done laundry, cooked, cleaned, and bathed him, things that never would have gotten done if left up to Beck to take care of them. Likewise, I am confident that God takes care of many things for me that I am not even aware of. Many of his care and provision for my life probably go unnoticed. So I have tried to stop a bit more and notice what I can and say, “thank you” both for what I do see and know and for that which I don’t.

This Week in Worship: Get Your House in Order: Boundaries (Luke 4)

2011-01-24T15:58:00.003-07:00

Rubber bands are one of the greatest inventions of all time. I mean it. Think about what we couldn't do without them:

1. make pony tails a snap
2. throw newspapers onto the front porch without them being strewn all over front lawns (back when people subscribed to newspapers)
3. bring guns to school (rubber band guns that is;-)
4. make tie dye easy
5. contain pencils in bundles
6. curtail your pants from getting caught in the spokes of your bike when riding
7. make a reminder wristband
8. straighten teeth
9. trade silly bands
10. work out

The list is endless! But there is a unique flaw that rubber bands possess...they have a limit to their elasticity. You can only stretch them so far before they break.

Come to think of it, people are a lot like rubber bands. We, too, have our breaking point. When the demands from others stack too high, we tend to snap just like a rubber band that has reached its breaking point.

Jesus was no stranger to the high demands of others, and this week we are going to continue to explore boundaries by looking at the topic of discernment. Believe it or not, our "calling" sets us free, but most people in the church believe it is just those in professional ministry that are called; however, we are all called. Calling drives the setting of boundaries. To prepare for this week's conversation, read Luke 4.

What Shape Are You?

2011-01-24T13:26:00.007-07:00

Part II in a series on Ministry Discovery

Ephesians 2:10 notes that we are God's masterpieces and that He has created us anew in Christ Jesus so that we can do the things that He planned long ago for us to do.

I like to reflect on the fact that I am God's unique creation and that He knew the plan for my life long before I was even born. However, none of us arrives on this scene with a blueprint for life in hand, so I think it's fair to say that we also have a role to play in discovering what God has in mind for us to do.

So how do we discover this plan? Last week I noted that a first step for me was to develop a healthy self-image. In addition to understanding and believing what the Bible says about who we are in Christ, I have found the study, Search for Significance, to be a helpful tool in my personal journey.

While developing that healthy self-image, it's also important to understand how God has uniquely designed each one of us. Rick Warren, in his book The Purpose Driven Life, introduced the concept that we each have a ministry "S.H.A.P.E." This book helped millions of people around the world understand who they are in Christ and the plan God has for them.

Do you know your S.H.A.P.E.? It involves understanding your:

Spiritual Gifts - a set of special gifts that God has given you to share his love and serve others.
Heart - the passions God has given you.
Abilities - the set of talents God gave you.
Personality - the way God has wired you to navigate life and fulfill His plan.
Experiences - those parts of your past, both positive and negative, which God intends to use to minister to others.

Want to learn more?

One of the things I've learned about my ministry S.H.A.P.E. is that I really enjoy helping others discover their "shapes" and seeing people get involved in ministry. Let me know if you are ready to embark on your personal journey to ministry discovery and are in need of a companion.

Next week, we'll look at taking those next steps to getting involved in ministry.

AGCC Annual Business Meeting

2011-01-24T11:48:00.004-07:00

The Leadership Council encourages you to attend the Annual Business Meeting right after church on Sunday, February 13.

Lunch and childcare will be provided but reservations are needed for both. Please reserve your place by emailing Sammie Taylor at office@aspengrovechurch.org and indicate 1) number for lunch and 2) number and ages of children for childcare.

We ask that you consider contributing $5 per adult to help offset the cost of your lunch.

The agenda will include:

A review of 2010 budget and major accomplishments
The 2011 proposed budget and major goals and objectives
Facility update

It is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions about the church that you may have.

Please make it a priority to attend this important meeting in the life of the church.

This Week in Worship: Get Your House in Order: Boundaries (1Pet. 1)

2011-01-19T11:14:00.005-07:00

Have you ever given up on something? I have had my fair share of computer problems over the years, and when I have stumped all the geniuses at Apple there is only one place left to go - call the software support help line.

Futility is a word that doesn't describe the endless hours I have spent on hold waiting for someone to pick up the other line. When someone does answer, I must go through a long list of numbers, codes, identifications and then finally I get to talk about what is wrong with my software. At the end of the day (literally!), I am told that it is not a software issue, but rather a hardware issue and there is nothing they can do about it. At that point, so much time has been wasted that I feel like just giving up.

I think this feeling of futility occurs in our spiritual life, too. We have problems and we talk about them to God; however, there seems to be no end to the wait for an answer on the other end. When we do get answers, they aren't what we wanted to hear. We are tempted to give up thinking that the whole pursuit of holiness is a grand waste of time - especially when you see others who aren't following Christ doing just fine (at least on the outside anyway).

This week, we are going to explore another boundary that will help us get our house in order. The boundary is perseverance. The story of many Christians begins well, but not all end well. This is tragic, because the Scriptures place more emphasis on one's ending than they do on one's beginning. So if we are going to get our house in order, we can't just have good beginnings. We need to learn to persevere through the many trials we will face in life.

This week, read 1Peter 1 as a way to prepare for our conversation on Sunday.

You Gotta Be You

2011-01-19T07:40:00.016-07:00

Part I in a series about Ministry Discovery

Physicists, crystallographers, and meteorologists (read that as "really smart people") can explain why no two snow flakes are alike among the septillion that fall from the sky annually. Each flake is unique, one-of-a-kind.

God's word tells us that each one of us is unique - a wonderfully, and fearfully custom-made masterpiece, designed exclusively by God's own incomparable creative genius. Evidence of this truth can be seen by the fact that no two of us have the same fingerprint.

So let's forget the "you're one-in-a-million" flattery we've been told, read in a greeting card, or heard in a song. You are not just one-in-a-million, or even one-in-a-septillion. Just like a snowflake, you are unique, the only you there ever was, is, or ever will be!

But how many of us spend time comparing ourselves to others? Perhaps even wishing we were someone else?

There was a time when I was dissatisfied with many things about myself. I longed to be more like others whom I admired and considered smarter, healthier, wealthier, wittier or even more fashionable. One day I realized I was not only wasting my time, I was also allowing my dissatisfaction with myself to discourage me from getting involved in things God was calling me to. I believe that this flawed pattern of thinking was so destructive that it also clouded my ability to even hear God's call.

I embarked on a journey of self-discovery to forge an identity that is Christ-centered. The four major things I learned were:

My life has value and meaning not because of how smart I am, my appearance, or the things I can do. It has value because the One who created me has great value.
Comparing myself to others was not just a waste of time, it was a sin against God and I needed to repent. (i.e. God does not make mistakes and He didn't commit a foul when He made me!)
God designed me to be someone no one else can be and to do what no one else can do.
Realizing who I am in Christ and what I am capable of doing in His name is to be realized the context of the here and now -- not tomorrow or someday!

As with any aspect of our faith, knowing these things was not enough. I needed to truly believe them so that this new way of thinking would inform my decisions and actions.

For me, the journey began quite privately and quietly in the negative whispers of my mind. And for me, the journey continues. Developing a Christ-centered identity is a constant process and something that needs tending almost daily. But as I reflect back on where I've been and where I am today, I know that developing a Christ-centered self-identity was the first step I needed to take to get involved in ministry.

If you are interested in transforming the way you think about yourself and discovering how you are uniquely designed for ministry, I and other AGCC leaders are available to walk this road with you. We can do a Bible study or read a book together or just talk. Let us know how we can help.

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will. ~Romans 12:2 NIV

More next week.

Help the Kids, Earn Some Money

2011-01-12T11:28:00.002-07:00

From time to time, Aspen Grove provides childcare for all church events or events targeted for parents. For these times only, AGCC pays individuals willing to watch children during the meetings and events ($10/hour). We have several of these events coming up in the next month or two (dates 1/23 for 1.5-2 hours after church, 2/13 for 1-1.5 hours, and 2/26 for 4 hours in the morning). If you you would be interested in earning a little extra cash as you play and hang out with kids of all ages, let Ann know. All individuals must be willing to undergo a background check.

This Week in Worship: Get Your House in Order: Boundaries (Mark 4)

2011-01-12T08:40:00.003-07:00

Sias asion clutter asulk hides yomd things lonevean we knoae need aus to forena pay renmat attention hormow to. Imagine if everything we wrote included such extraneous letters and nonsensical words as in the previous sentence? It would be very difficult to read. Most would give up reading altogether because the symbols of letters in their proper order mean something to us. Jumbled letters in any order is just clutter. Yet, many people live their whole life cluttered with extraneous things that don't give one meaning.

This week in worship, we are going to continue our series on Getting Your House in Order by looking at another boundary that gets crossed in our lives with clutter. As a result of all the clutter, we lose sight of the real meaning of our lives. Good thing for us, Jesus addressed this issue of clutter. Come out and join the conversation this Sunday, and in preparation read Mark 4.

All You Need is Love

2011-01-10T11:05:00.016-07:00

"...But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt." ~Lucy Van Pelt via Charles Schultz

The movie, Chocolat, earned a "Very Offensive" rating from Christian Spotlight on Entertainment for its inclusion of New Age ideology, Christian-bashing, suggestions of sensuality, some violence, and a PG-13 rating. The film's cinematography was "sinful" too. There were scenes with lots of decadent truffles, piping hot drinking chocolate, and other assorted goodies to entice even those with only a modest interest in chocolate to indulge.

DO NOT see this film if you are easily offended or if you've sworn off dessert for the New Year. You have been warned, friends.

I am fond of this movie and enjoyed a repeat viewing recently. It is a powerful parable about the graceless and unappealing way some people live out their faith. It invites consideration of how the church is often better at turning people away rather than inviting them in. It begs the question, how can we be most effective in reaching the world for Christ?

The setting is a little French village where everything is neat and tidy. The most fastidious of all is the mayor, the guardian of the town's morals. Depicted as devout and ruled by self-discipline and denial, the mere thought of someone having a bit of fun rocks this mayor's world.

Enter the free-spirited woman with Pagan roots and her out-of-wedlock daughter. She opens a chocolate shop in the town at the beginning of Lent. Not only are the townspeople outraged at this affront to their annual ritual of self-denial during Lent, their general posture toward this newcomer is one of fear and loathing. She is shunned.

It isn't long before you see that this neat and tidy town has flaws. Its brand of Christianity has produced nothing but hypocrisy, a battered wife, family discord, and the stifling of any sense of joy. Even the sanctimonious mayor has issues. But the rules of this town are the only common ground its inhabitants have, appearances are everything, and there is zero tolerance for anyone who cannot obey all the rules. A fun-loving pack of river-rat gypsies arrives on the scene to further complicate matters. They too, are deemed outcasts/outsiders and are condemned and shunned.

There is great tension in the movie. Tradition, self-denial, and judgment are on one hand. On the other are grace, forgiveness, and inclusion. What bothered the Christian movie reviewers is that the Christians fell into the former camp. It was the Pagan candy shop owner who extolled the virtues in this movie. If you can get over that, there are some powerful lessens to be gained from the movie.

Chocolat is a great illustration that a church that shuns and condemns those who don't look or act like it will not garner much interest or favor with the outsider. On the flip side, living in true community with humility and love towards each other and the outsider is very attractive.

And a little chocolate now and again doesn't hurt either!

"Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers..." ~Hebrews 13:1-2

In One Year and Out the Other

2011-01-05T10:00:00.004-07:00

If you are like most Americans, you've probably resolved to make some changes in the coming year. The number one resolution most people make is to diet or otherwise pursue a healthier lifestyle. Another large segment of our population will vow to manage their finances better. Other popular personal improvement goals include getting organized, seeking more education, or having a better life in general. Christians tend to make commitments to read the Bible or pray every day or attend church more regularly. These are all good goals.

I, on the other hand, resolved a former love-hate relationship I had with New Year's resolutions by vowing not to make any. Previously, I'd acknowledge some past failure or inadequacy annually. On New Year's Eve, I'd pledge to correct it and then feverishly pursue changing my old ways at the start of the new year with single-minded focus and dedication. Then around March, I'd acknowledge failure and resort back to old patterns and habits. So a few years back, I resolved not to make any more New Year's resolutions. Since that year, I've achieved a 100% success rate! I no longer make resolutions that go in one year and out the next.

Aside from the fear-of-failure factor, there were a couple of other things that led me to stop making New Year's resolutions. First, all my resolutions tended to be self-centered. I found that, at least for me, lasting change came more easily when I considered others by incorporating more service or sacrifice into my lifestyle. Second, I rarely put an accountability or support system in place to help me stick to any of my resolutions. It's too easy to slip when I try to go it alone. Third, I found that waiting until a new year arrived to make changes in my life fed my tendency toward procrastination. Ultimately, I realized that there was no real power in any of my resolutions other than me and my will trying to make those changes in my life. And like a muscle, the strength of my own will can only exert itself for so long before it fails.

So while the beginning of a New Year does give me a sense of a fresh start, I conclude that there's nothing mystical that happens at the stroke of midnight on December 31. Resolving to start or stop doing something on January 1 is no different than doing so at the start of any other day of the year.

The day-to-day challenges in my life and the need for change are countless. Daily, I am challenged and reminded to pursue my relationship with God more passionately, to become a better spouse, parent, co-worker, or friend, or to know what's best to do and how to do it. God can also draw my attention to a sinful thought, word or deed in my life at any given time, and if I wait for a new year to address any of these things, I'd be a right mess by year's end! And so I vow daily to be open to God to change my old ways and for Him to help me incorporate new thinking and patterns of behavior.

Speaking of incorporating new things into my life, I've decided this very morning that I am going to include a pointer I got from Jon Holm the other day. You may want to consider this too. Jon has encouraged his family to adopt a verse or verses to guide them in the coming year. And so I set out this morning to select mine. Here it is:

Commit your way to the Lord;

trust in him and he will do this:
He will make your righteousness reward shine like the dawn,
your vindication like the noonday sun.
Psalm 37:5-6 NIV

What about you?

How do you approach a new year?
Have you made any resolutions?
Is there a Bible verse would you like to adopt to guide you in the coming year?
Any plans to serve others or volunteer more in 2011?

This Week in Worship: Get Your House in Order: Boundaries (Matt. 6)

2011-01-05T09:57:00.004-07:00

I find it interesting that we live in a world consumed with setting up borders, yet not too many people are good at setting healthy boundaries in life. We live in houses marked off by fences. We live in communities that are gated. We shop at stores that have locks on their doors even when they are open 24/7. We live in a country that is diligent in securing its borders. However, when it comes to our lives, we rarely take the time to set healthy boundaries. This month in our "Get Your House In Order" series, we will be taking a look at boundaries. First up: Priorities. Come out and join the discussion. In order to prepare for this week, read Matt 6.

Christmas Eve Offering

2011-01-04T17:09:00.003-07:00

Bibles for India

Thanks to God's provision and the generosity of AGCC folks, the Christmas Eve offering totaled $3000. All funds will be given to OM-India (Operation Mobilisation) to purchase Bibles for the Good Shepherd Church in Dharmapuri, India.

OM-India is committed is to ending oppression on all levels in India by emphasizing education, economic and human development, social justice and spiritual transformation. AGCC helped fund the construction of an AIDS Clinic in Dharmapuri in 2009. In 2010, we sent funds to build the Good Shepherd Community Church adjacent to it. OM-India's work has inspired a rapidly growing church movement in India committed to partnering and working within the society. OM India Ministries are dedicated to training and equipping national Indian Christian workers as instruments of culturally sensitive, innovative methods of transformation.

AGCC is grateful for the opportunity to partner with OM-India to help bring spiritual renewal and justice for all people in India. We pray that the availability of Bibles in the Dharmapuri Good Shepherd Church will help them share the knowledge and love of Jesus.

For more information about AGCC's India Initiative, contact Michael and Emily Ballard at agccindia@gmail.com.

Want to Serve? Consider the Nursery

2011-01-04T11:23:00.004-07:00

If you are looking for a way to serve the AGCC body this year, consider the nursery! We are lookig for at least three more individuals who would love to serve the littlest members of AGCC by holding, rocking, playing, and consoling them while moms and dads worship or serve in other areas of AGCC's children's ministry. This position is on a rotational basis (two weeks on and four weeks off) so that volunteers may still attend worship the majority of the time. If you are interested in learing more, please contact Ann.

Youth Movie Party

2011-01-03T13:27:00.002-07:00

With a new year upon us it's time to get back into the swing of things Youthgroup style!

We're starting off with a BANG. Movie Night.

Come Sunday, January 9th from 6-8pm to the basement for popcorn, soda, and of course a fantastic feature length film!

This event is for all students grades 6-12.

A Prayer for the New Year

2010-12-28T09:33:00.007-07:00

Heavenly Father,
God of yesterday, today, and tomorrow,
We praise you and only you, for you have no equal.
Thank you for 2010 and for all the years that have gone before.
Thank you for lavishing your forgiveness on us for all our sins, despite our shortcomings.
We leave the irreparable past in your hands.

We step into the unknown of the future
With the knowledge that you are with us,
With the confidence that you will never forsake us,
And with the trust that you know all and especially what is best for us.
We find rest in your sovereignty.

Help us in the days ahead.
Help us to know your will and to be yielded to it.
You are the God of new beginnings,
Second chances.
May the coming year be filled with your grace,
A time for us to grow in wisdom, knowledge, faith, patience, and love,
A time for renewal.

Come, Lord Jesus.
Our Lord
King
Savior!

Come, Holy Spirit.
Our Comforter
Guide
Teacher
Breath of the Almighty!

Be with us today and always.

Give us a new year filled with
Spiritual growth
Grace
Love
Forgiveness

Help us to love and forgive others as you love and forgive us.

Give us a boldness of spirit
to proclaim the Good News of your salvation in our every word and action.

We commit our lives to You, O Lord.

Amen

This Week in Worship: What Next? (1Cor. 13)

2010-12-28T08:48:00.005-07:00

Jesus has come. We have celebrated Christmas as a reminder that God has become human in order to re-make our humanity. So, what next?

Life, that's what's next! Now that Jesus has come and lived as humanity was designed to live, we now have a chance to be remade.

For far too many, the broken pieces of our humanity have overshadowed the life giving humanity of Jesus. We end up spending too much time making excuses in our life about how we "can't" change because our humanity has been shattered both by our own lack of trust in God as well as others who have acted on their own instincts and sinned against us.

Yet, transformation awaits! What we find out about Jesus, because he became human, is that he intercedes for us. Therefore, we find that all of the broken pieces of our lives matter to him. In fact, it is through those broken pieces of our lives that we will regain our humanity.

Come this Sunday for our discussion on "What's Next?" Read 1Cor. 13 in preparation.

What's in a decade?

2010-12-27T10:33:00.005-07:00

Its almost 2011...can you believe the Y2K scare was already 11 years ago? If you would mentione Y2K to any of the kids at AGCC, they would probably have a confused look on their face. While technology has been around them since they have been born, most have no idea that many were fretting a technological meltdown 11 years ago. If you think about some of the major significanct events over the past decade, 9/11, the tsunami, and the financial collapse that began 2008, most of our kids would be completely unaware. While these have been major events on our horizon as adults, for our kids they probably have had little to no first hand knowledge of these events.

However, we cannot forget that the first decade of a child's life is HUGE for their development. George Barna, a man behind a group who does extensive research on the church, has found that the moral framework of a child is pretty much set by age 9. That means their sense of truth, justice, ethics, right and wrong, and value framework is largely in placed. While it will be refined with age, more than likely there will not be major shifts. Furthermore, most who have made a profession of faith do so before the age of 12.

As a church, we cannot ignore these statistics. We must be proactive about doing our part to shape the kids that God has entrusted to us. So as you look toward 2011, what are you going to do to help shape their hearts and minds? Will you pray for them? Will you welcome and greet them at church? Will you enter into a classroom and serve them?

Talking to Strangers

2010-12-27T08:12:00.029-07:00

On December 18 & 19 , AGCC presented its first annual It's a Wrap at Southpark Centre. We offered free gift wrapping, hot cocoa and cider, lots of smiles, listening ears, words of encouragement, warm holiday greetings, and invitations to our Christmas Eve service.

This outreach project could not have come at a better time. The warm weather was great for being outdoors. The shopping center was bustling with holiday shoppers at the Dollar Tree and Goodwill Store. We were also in good cheer as it was just a few days after hearing that the parking issue that was stalling our building permit was resolved by the Centre's owners.

AGCC's response was tremendous. We had lots of volunteers helping with set-up, wrapping, and providing homemade cookies and breads. The Prayer Team had our backs. We learned lots about our new neighborhood and those who shop there. We also learned a lot about ourselves and what it's like to talk to strangers.

The people who shop at Southpark Center are diverse. We were face-to-face with young and old, all seasons and walks of life, and a variety of ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.

One of the first batch of gifts we wrapped was for an affluent-looking man who had obviously been shopping at a different mall. We admired the jewelry from an expensive department store and somewhat anxiously awaited seeing what he'd pull out from the bag from a popular lingerie store! Like him, several people went to their cars to retrieve gifts to be wrapped. Some even went home to get theirs.

Then there was the homeless man who looks like Father Time. Perhaps you've seen him as he frequently walks along County Line Road between Santa Fe and University. I've passed him so many times in my car and I've asked God each time to provide an opportunity to intersect with him when I wasn't traveling solo. On his way into the Dollar Tree, we exchanged a few words. It's a start...

So many people were open to telling us about their lives. One fellow told of having no family or friends. It's just him and his dog at home watching Bonanza re-runs most nights. He must have eaten 2 dozen Christmas cookies while we chatted.

Another fellow, when asked if he had his Christmas shopping done lamented with teary eyes, "It's a tough year." His mom just died at Thanksgiving and he spends a lot of time at the dialysis center in the strip mall with his dad whose health had recently failed.

We made a number of friends with the Dollar Tree employees. They stopped by for a snack on their breaks and asked a lot of questions about our church. One young fellow just moved to Denver and is looking for a church home. A manager was so thrilled about what we were doing, he checked in with us several times to inquire about how it was going. He snapped several photos to send to Dollar Tree headquarters to brag about his store and what we did.

We also had some really humorous encounters. A young woman encouraged her husband to bring her gifts to us. Evidently last year for their first Christmas, he used duct tape on her presents. He defended himself by telling us that after all, her favorite color is silver!

Many people offered donations which we promptly declined. It was our day to give.

Several let us know that they had been praying for us. Others promised to visit when we move in. A really friendly woman tried to sell me insurance for the church!

Talking to strangers can be fun and interesting. People are often open to having a conversation with you. Some have agendas of their own. Some are lonely and long for an encounter with another person. The things strangers are willing to tell you about themselves are often very surprising, too. And you have to be flexible to take the time to roll with the flow of the conversations. Your agenda may not be even be appropriate to interject into the conversation. You may just be there to listen.

Standing on a street corner and initiating conversations with people you don't know can be intimidating, too. You must be prepared to be ignored and even brushed off with negative gestures or comments. Talking to strangers means leaving your ego behind and getting over the rejections. With practice, you'll learn to brush it off, build confidence and resilience, and move on to the next person. Those rejections are really just opportunities to learn something about yourself and/or others.

I look forward to doing this again next year and I hope more AGCC folks will be interested in talking to more strangers at Southpark Centre throughout the coming years. Let's all be thinking about creative ways to reach out to our new neighbors at Southpark Centre.

The Immanuel Baby

2010-12-22T12:29:00.002-07:00

If you think about God being all-powerful, capable of doing ANYTHING, he could have easily come up with a grander entry into the world. He could have entered the planet with a flash in the sky, riding a horse in the sky, and coming down in a spectacular way. In my ways of thinking, if God wanted to show greatness and power, he wouldn’t have ever come as a baby. It doesn’t seem showy enough. It doesn’t seem to match his might. It doesn’t seem to naturally elicit worship and majesty. Yet, he chose to take on the form of a tiny baby, completely dependent upon another for sustenance and life. His little cries let out asking for warmth, food, love, and a diaper change. Yet, God choose to become fully human…not entering the world as an adult, but entering the world as a tiny babe as does everyone else on this planet. It speaks as a reminder that God values the babies and children (as often he would say as he grew up and older). God seemed to validate the time of childhood as well as the role of parents in becoming a baby. As a children’s pastor and mom, I am grateful that God saw fit to empty Himself and take on the form of a baby. It reminds me that the work we do caring for children both at home and at church, has been deemed holy, honorable, and human precisely because Christ became a child. God didn't pass up childhood, but choose that to be his starting point of showing the world what it truly means to be human.

Youthgroup Christmas Party Pics

2010-12-21T13:02:00.003-07:00

The youthgroup had an INCREDIBLE Christmas party this past weekend.

We wanted to share some sweet pictures with you all!

ENJOY!

Memory is a Complicated Thing

2010-12-21T06:30:00.001-07:00

Memory is a complicated thing, a relative of truth, but not it's twin. ~Barbara Kingsolver, Animal Dreams

"Nothing's changed. Good job. Keep brushing and flossing." I could finally exhale upon hearing these words from my dentist earlier this month. You see, when I visit the dentist, I recall childhood experiences that grip me with anxiety.

Back in the day growing up in rural Pennsylvania, poor families like mine only went to the dentist when you had a toothache. The one dentist in town was not kid-friendly. Actually, he wasn't friendly at all. He also didn't believe in administering Novocain to those who could not afford it. His chair-side manner left lots to be desired - would you believe he'd smoke a pipe will working on you? I kicked that old pipe right out of that man's mouth on one occasion in my attempt to escape him. Quite literally, I can say that I've been "burned" by my childhood dental experiences.

On the drive home from that recent appointment, I wondered once again if I'll ever be able to shake those old memories and relax at a dentist appointment. Soon my mind drifted, and I began to recall other childhood memories. I am prone to pensive moods all year long, but the Christmas season prompts lots of nostalgia.

My childhood Christmases were simple. That's a nice way of saying there never was much under our tree. I had a sense of wonder about Christmas like all kids but I also found it a confusing time. Our Christmas was not like the ones I read about or saw on TV or in Christmas card photos. Santa never loaded lots to toys and goodies on his sleigh for me. Was it because we had an old gas stove that we huddled around to keep warm instead of a beautiful fireplace with stockings hung with care?

I sure do have fond memories of the food, however. My mom would cook up a storm turning out all sorts of homemade savory and sweet goodies. My favorite was the nut roll, a sweet yeast dough rolled out pretty thin, spread with a delicious ground walnut paste, rolled up into a log like a jelly roll, and baked to golden culinary perfection.

I never mastered the art of making nut rolls. Store bought ones are just so disappointing that I'd rather do without.

Much to my surprise at Ken and Cherril Serdy's house for dinner last week, my eyes zeroed in on the homemade nut roll on the dessert platter. At the first bite, all my senses were screaming "CHRISTMAS!" It was the real deal. My taste buds exploded and memories flooded my already overflowing vault of yuletide nostalgia.

If you are like most people, you find your mind wandering back in time at Christmas, too. There may be good memories like a favorite food or toy. The nostalgia can also be problematic if past Christmases didn't stack up to expectations or if memories conjure up old hurts and wounds. Losing a loved one and recalling better times with them can also make us sad and left longing for better times.

Like our old friend, Charlie Brown, you may find yourself saying, "I don't feel the way I'm supposed to feel. I just don't understand Christmas. I always end up feeling depressed."

Charlie's friend, Lucy, offers some sound advice, "You need involvement. You'll need to get involved in some real Christmas project." I find that Lucy is wise beyond her years -- there's nothing quite like helping others to get our minds off ourselves!

Along his way in doing good, Charlie discovers the true meaning of Christmas from another friend, Linus, who reads Luke 2:8-14 (KJV):

"And there were in the same country, shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: behold I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

I really enjoy watching A Charlie Brown's Christmas and other Christmas movie classics. They always warm my heart and offer hope. Year-after-year, I never tire of seeing that Charlie's pitiful little tree ends up looking pretty great, Scrooge is transformed, the Grinch's heart grows and he returns all the presents, George Bailey's savings-and-loan is saved, and Clark Griswold gets his bonus.

No matter where my trail of memories take me at Christmas, I always end up on the uplifting theme of redemption. I hope you will, too! Remembering what God has done for us is the very best stop sign along any one's Memory Lane. Take time to linger there this Christmas.

Merry Christmas!
Rejoice. God is with us.

What about you?

What are your fondest Christmas memories?
Do you have a favorite food that screams, "Christmas!"
Have you ever felt like Charlie Brown?

Christmas Shub Kamenaen and Shub Naya Baras

2010-12-21T06:00:00.002-07:00

These greetings from the people of Dharmapuri, India are for "Best Wishes for Christmas" and "Best Wishes for the New Year." They also thank Aspen Grove Community Church for sending financial aid to help build their AIDS clinic two years ago, their church this year, and also for the funds we sent this month to help them celebrate Christmas. Here are some photos of the celebrations.

AGCC has a history of giving a portion of the funds we receive away. It's one way for us to bless others outside the walls of our church. We also participate in the Advent Conspiracy each Christmas to worship fully, spend less, give more, and love all.

In addition to the financial gift to OM-India to help the people of Dharmapuri celebrate Christmas, AGCC also gave year-end gifts to the following organizations:

AGCC Prison Outreach

Alternatives Pregnancy Center
IDEAS
Joy House - Jason & Mandy Musso
Mile High Ministries
North Littleton Promise
World Venture - Sheryl O'Bryan & Bruce Swanson

Individuals from AGCC also donated food baskets for 20 North Littleton Promise families as well as other gifts for the ministry.

We also provided free Christmas present wrapping, cookies, hot cocoa and cider for the shoppers at Southpark Centre at our It's a Wrap project.

AGCC's Christmas Eve offering will be given to OM-India to bless our friends in Dharmapuri, India to enable them to purchase items such as Bibles that are needed for their church.

All thanks to God's provision and the generosity of the people of
Aspen Grove Community Church!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

www.adventconspiracy.org

Christmas Eve Service: Friday, 4pm @ Den. Seminary Chapel

2010-12-20T15:30:00.005-07:00

On Friday, we will be holding a special Christmas Eve service celebrating the birth of Jesus. This will be a family friendly service in order to re-tell the greatest story ever told - God becoming human.

Please join us and bring your friends who don’t have a church home with you!

This Week in Worship: Thank the Lord! (Luke 1:26-56)

2010-12-20T13:39:00.002-07:00

This Sunday we are going to be celebrating Christmas by giving thanks. It will be a non-typical, highly engaging, and family friendly service. As we learn to trust Jesus, we find that he transforms our brokenness and re-creates us in his image. One of the first things we learn to do as re-created humanity is to give thanks. Therefore, the best response to the gift of God’s son given to us at Christmas, is to thank the Lord. We will spend our time detailing the ways God has been at work re-creating us, our family and our church. We will be guided to give our thanks through the instruments the word, song and creative arts. We want to make sure that God knows we are thankful for Jesus, who became human in order to make us human again. In preparation for the service, please take note of where God has been at work in your life, in your family and our church. Also, please read Luke 1:26-56.

This Week in Worship: Comfort! God is at Work (Is. 40 & Lk. 1:67-80)

2010-12-15T09:56:00.007-07:00

In our journey to become human again after the fall, we have tried, and tried, and tried to recapture what was lost in the garden of Eden. Yet, all our efforts to recapture our humanity have only added to the state of our brokenness. Should we despair, or is there any reason to hope?

Many people despair. On this week's finale of Biggest Loser, I watched as people who had lost their humanity confessed that they also lost hope. They lost their dignity, desire, and discipline in life. They confessed that they felt unloved by their friends and family. Some lost their jobs. Overall, they described themselves as entirely useless as a man or woman. Unwanted. Uninspired. Un-human. As a result of losing their internal shape of humanity, they also lost their external shape through excessive weight gain. Their stories were a witness to the frailty of our humanity post-fall. Yet, Ann described in detail last week, that our hope doesn't come from our efforts to re-make ourselves. So what hope do we have?

As we venture further into the grand story of Christmas, we see that it is a much bigger story than a baby being born in humble circumstances. It is the story of regaining our humanity again as it was intended - a humanity crafted in God's image! A story of being wanted, inspired, and human again. Some may say, "But how can this happen? I have tried everything and nothing works!" That's because many people only know half the story. Our works lead to despair to be sure, but God's work leads to everlasting hope!

This week, we will counter humanity's actions to re-make ourselves in our own image which leads only to despair, by taking a long look at God's actions to re-make us after the fall. And God's actions will lead us to hope!

In preparation for this week, read Is. 40 and Luke 1:67-80.

A Sunday You and Children Won't Want to Miss

2010-12-14T16:10:00.003-07:00

Back by popular demand...the AGCC kids bell choir.! You won't want to miss as AGCC preschoolers and elementary kids help to lead us in worship through handbells. They have been working on performing, "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear!"

After wards those kids will have a fun time as we celebrate Jesus birthday' with a real Birthday party! Sunday should be all around fun for kids and adults alike, so we hope to see you there. (And if you are a parent of a child in preschool or elementary, make sure you get there no later than 9:30 so your child can participate!)

San Diego Mission Trip 2011

2010-12-14T08:59:00.005-07:00

It's that time of year again. We're getting the word out for the High School summer mission trip to San Diego.

Here are some general specifics:

Dates: June 18-26, 2011
Cost: $500 (approx.)
Ages: Completed 8th graders - completed 12th graders

We will be partnering again with Horizon Urban Ministries. Check out the embedded video below to get a feel for what we'll be doing.

If you know of any students (whether they are a part of AGCC or not) who might be interested in going please have them contact Chris with any questions or fill out this RSVP. Spots are filling quickly, so RSVP ASAP, OK?

Church Attendance: The Good, the Mad, and the Snuggly

2010-12-10T10:57:00.047-07:00

When someone tells you they've attended Bedside Baptist or the Church of the Divine Comforter, it's a euphemism to let you know that they slept in and skipped church.

Even though I work for a church, I admit that there are those Sundays when I also feel like rolling over, pulling up the covers, and attending the church of my dreams.

Church attendance trends - while certainly not the most exhilarating topic - tell us a lot about the state of the Church. Did you know that the percentage of church goers is highest in the country of Nigeria? The U.S. ranks 44th in that survey. American's self-reported church attendance percentage inched up in 2010, but another study notes that we Americans often exaggerate how often we attend church in the surveys we take. Colorado ranks 43rd in our nation's church attendance rate. I wonder if our state's scenic and recreational wonderland has anything to do with that. (Sources include: Barna, NationMaster, and the Pew Forum)

Most non-attenders say they don't go to church because it's boring, full of hypocrites, or irrelevant. So some sleep in or find other options for spending their time, while others vow to never set foot through a church's doors again because they've had a bad church experience and they are angry.

I have my reasons for attending church regularly. However, my reasons for sometimes not wanting to attend church may be of greater interest.

I was convicted when I heard Ann Johnson's outstanding sermon last week, I Think I Can. I was reminded that, like the Israelites, I have a history of trying to do things on my own. Church really isn't relevant if I decide I don't need God or anyone else, is it? I also have those "what-about-me" Sundays when I wake up feeling like I could use more rest or some entertaining diversion. And then there are those dreaded "woe-is-me" times, when I am feeling unworthy of being in God's presence or in the company of others because I've had a miserable week or I blew it with my husband, my kids, a friend, my co-workers, or even a stranger. And I've also had a season of doubt about church based on a my own experience with its dysfunction that had me considering packing it in altogether at one point.

My reasons for not wanting to attend church are pretty me-centered, aren't they? Notice how many "I's, me's and my's" there are in that last paragraph?

Somewhere in the course of our spiritual journeys, we all reach a conclusion about church attendance and we establish our pattern. We opt out and don't go at all...or we only go when it's convenient or at Christmas or Easter...or for some of us, there isn't an on-going, weekly discussion or debate - we go.

What about you?

Is church essential or optional?
Why do you go to church if you do? Why do you not go if/when you don't?
What advice would you offer someone who is struggling with the issue of whether or not to attend church?

This Week in Worship: A History of Trying

2010-12-08T12:29:00.001-07:00

This morning Beck decided he was going to feed himself breakfast. He would have nothing to do with me holding the spoon and would only take a bite of oatmeal if the spoon was in his hand. So he awkwardly tried to get food onto the spoon and then maneuver the spoon into his mouth. Sometimes, he would flip the spoon over in the process and oatmeal would fall onto tray, seat, or his clothes. Sometimes he missed his mouth and ended with oatmeal throughout his hair and covering face. Occasionally, he decided his hands were a better option all together so we had oatmeal in every crevice of his fingers and smeared everywhere he touched. While our normal bath time is in the evenings, after breakfast it was time for a bath to clean up the mess that was everywhere.

This is not much different than us and what we have been talking about over the past few weeks. Just as Beck wants to be independent from my care and it led to a giant mess, our own selves want independence from the care of God and it leads to big messes. Last week, Scott discussed how our failing to trust God led into the world of sin. We’re going to continue this week looking into how this story of not trusting in the care of God but attempting to take care of things ourselves leads into all sorts of messes. We’ll see how it played itself throughout much of the Old Testament and how it continues in our lives today.