These are things that matter to me. Events, people places and things that shape who I am and where I am going in ministry, and life in general.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
If you had one chance to give...
Hey everyone! I want to thank you all for being such generous givers over the last two weeks. With God’s help we have managed to raise nearly $700 in addition to our regular tithes and offerings to bless ministries in the DR and Gettysburg. Thank you for giving. Its your generosity that makes The Intersection generous.
This weekend will be our last opportunity to give to a cause outside ourselves before Christmas. I’d like to ask each of you to pray about what your family can do to bless the mission work that will be highlighted this week.
Jacque Merine, of “Source of Life”, will be with us this weekend to share the vision and upcoming challenges faced by his ministry on the island of Haiti. An island that has been in the news recently because of earthquakes and disease outbreak. You can be apart of the rebuilding of the orphanage that was lost in the earthquake and you can help give the kids a new home.
Please pray generously and remember a life lived for others has the kiss of God. Love you all and see you Sunday at 10am!
jeremiah
P.S. If you would like more info on “Source of Life” go to www.source-of-life-ministries.org
Monday, December 6, 2010
It's a Wonderful Life!!
Giving isn't just for Christmas anymore!
Over the past couple of weeks at The Intersection, we have been working on what it means to have a "lifestyle of giving". Living with an open hand and saying goodbye to lack in our everyday lives. "It's a Wonderful Life" is becoming a message series with impact, redeeming the "Scrooge" that lives in all of us. There is a better way to live...
"A life lived for others has the kiss of God..."
This phrase is becoming our rally cry for the Christmas season and beyond at the Intersection. My prayer is that we will be more audacious givers on December 26th and 27th, than we ever were on Christmas day. Check out what we are doing by going to the "Media Online" section of our website at www.theintersectionchurch.net
Much love to all of you! Please comment back if you have been challenged!
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Upcoming Leadership Events!!
Also, mark your calendars for March 17th as we will be having a one day, training and enrichment event with a person who has influenced me deeply. His name is Matt Keller and his passion for Jesus is only matched by his passion for church planting teams. That day will lead into a weekend with Johannes that will revolutionize your life! If you want to grow as a minister and leader you will want to set aside that week in March!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
The Tale of Two Houses (An allegorical thought...)
The first house was on a hill at the edge of town. Everyone in town “knew” about the house, or rather the one who lived there. Old Man Gray had been there as long as any of the townsfolk could remember even though no one could ever remember seeing the old man. The house was even older than it's owner and its age, and years of neglect could be clearly seen...
...in the broken shutters
...in the paint that peeled over every inch
...in the broken and damaged windows.
Rumor had it that the place had been “haunted” by the ghost of it's previous owner. In fact, it had become a topic of daily discussion at the local taverns and diners. Kids walking home from school quickly ran past it because of it's reputation and frightening lack of appeal.
Everyone in town knew the stories that swirled around the old Gray place. They all assumed that they knew what was in there. In fact, townsfolk called it “The Ghost House” because they were so sure of who lived in the house now. This old house had become defined by the “ghosts” that had taken up residence
The second house was on a hill on the other side of town. Everyone in town “knew” about this house as well, or rather the one who lived there. He was a kind person called White, who took meticulous care of his property. The fence and shutters had a perpetually crisp coat of white paint. The yard was clipped and welcoming to people who passed by. It had not always been that way, though.
The story about town was that White paid entirely too much for the old house when he bought it. Although that may have been true, the old man continued to pour thousands of hours and dollars into the remodeling. Townsfolk watched the transformation with curiosity for years, wondering what White was up to.
It was clear that he was a good man. They could see it in the way he took care of the place He lived. They could see it in the way he invited people into his house. Even when his house was “a mess” from remodeling, he would go out of his way to live his life openly, and humbly ask his guests to "excuse the mess." Truth was, the townsfolk began to say “that house would have crumbled down to the ground if White hadn't of purchased it.”
The moral of the story:
1. Both houses had a reputation in town
2. Both houses were defined by the ones who “lived” there
3. Both houses were a reflection of the one who “lived” there
Who lives in you?
“Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit,
who lives in you and was given to you by God?”
1 Corinthians 6:19
Listen to the sermon at www.theintersectionchurch.net/listen-online
Thursday, November 4, 2010
The Spirit of Power
Wow. Can you imagine the confusion and doubt that must have surrounded this group of fisherman, and otherwise "everyday people" when they heard this statement? Granted, most of them had already traveled to places that they never would have dreamed because they said yes to following Christ in His earthly ministry, but the ends of the earth?
Christ wasn't just changing the rules, He was changing the game! Not only does he tell them that they are expected to impact the entire world in a very literal sense, but he also explains that a "ghost" will now lead them. Can you see them all standing there with their gaping jaws and their confused glances?
The cool part is that this slack-jawed group of people standing on a hillside did just what Christ commanded! In fact, they became known for their ability to "turn the world upside down." But it cost them everything to follow Christ...
Here's the thing...The game hasn't changed since that time. Christianity was never meant to be a noun. Christ expects us to change the world in a quite literal sense and He has given us the promise of His Spirit to accomplish this task.
This week at the Intersection, I am going to introduce a whole new group of people to the Holy Spirit and we are going to line ourselves up with Christ's mandate to change the world. Will you join us at 10am? Whether you need a refilling to change your life or you need power to change the world, I believe that God's Spirit will be present to baptize His people once again...
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Interpreting your dreams...
I mean, REALLY messed you up! I have had dreams that have left me saying "what was that all about?" We're talking dreams that would make Jim Morrison proud, complete with congressmen in tutus (don't ask)! The thing is, dreams in the night can be attributed to eating the wrong thing before bedtime.
The dreams that God gives us cannot be dismissed so easily. Whether you have a dream to become an artist, carpenter or a congressman (without the tutu), there are just times when your dream does not make sense. So what do YOU do when a dream doesn't make sense? How do you interpret the dreams you have when things just don't seem kosher?
Too often we interpret the obstacles in our lives as roadblocks to our God-given dreams in life, but nothing could be further from the truth! God's word teaches us that bad circumstances are the incubator of God's promises in your life. God-dreams are meant to be interpreted in the midst of adversity and it is adversity that will bring a God-dream to maturity. This is why James could say "...when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy." (James 1) He realized that God-dreams require faith which only grow as it is tested. A friend of mine always used to say, "You'll never know that you have faith, until you are in a good fight." He was right.
How does this post help you look at your current circumstances?
Are there places you have been misinterpreting the dreams God has given you?
For the full sermon, go to www.theintersectionchurch.net
Monday, October 4, 2010
Got Nightmares?
All of us have had a nightmare or two that had us rattled...These scary dreams are based in our most primal fears and they can stop us cold. In time, however, we can usually shake off the fear and get back into the swing of things knowing that the nightmare is not our reality.
But what happens when our nightmares ARE our reality? Many of us live in nightmarish fear that our mistakes will catch up to us. Whether it was a bad decision, a broken relationship or abuse that stunted our development in life, these nightmares can kill us slowly with no hope of recovery.
The word of God teaches us how to deal with debilitating fear in our lives. This past weekend, we took a look at what happens when nightmares become reality. There is a remedy found in God's word that can set us free from fear as we give control of our lives over to the Dream Giver.
II Timothy 1:7 says "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind."
I John 4:18 says "Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear."
God is love, and so the bottom line is that fear cannot control you when God does...
Check out the sermon at theintersectionchurch.net
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Healed to Dream Again!!
I thank God for the numerous reports that I am hearing about the healing that is taking place every Sunday at the Intersection. We have been asking God for the ability to "Dream Again" and we have found that most of us need to be healed before we can dream God's dreams for our lives!
I have seen tears of joy and laughter as well as families coming together for the first time in years. I have seen people connecting with the real Jesus, rejecting religion for a revelation of a God who lives where we do.
This week we are looking at how nightmares can hinder us from the destiny God has planned when we give into fear. Will you join us?
jeremiah
The Intersection meets every Sunday at 10am @ the Gettysburg Area Middle School on Lefever Street.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Grand Opening this Sunday!!
We are a relational church where you will be safe to explore your own perceptions of faith, life and creativity in the light of God's Word.
All the work has been done for you and this is the week that we have been praying toward for months. I believe that many people will have their lives completely revolutionized this Sunday! You could be one of them! It's time to "Dream Again..."
Please join us this Sunday (Sept. 19th @ 10am at the Gettysburg Middle School) for a life-transforming experience with God! You don't have to stay where you are, but it's your choice.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
The Final Countdown!
The Intersection is one of 7 churches that Freedom Valley has helped to plant in the last 4 years and the legacy of faith that comes from our supporting pastor and church is rich and full, leading me to believe that we will be able to do tremendous things in the community we love so much.
Look out, Gettysburg!! There's a crazy group of people filled with the love of Christ, heading straight to your front door! :)
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Launch Team Meets This Sunday morning!! So excited!!
Hey everyone!
I really would love to have everyone pray for our leadership team at the Intersection this week as we begin implementing two very strategic steps in our launch plan. Starting this Sunday morning (August 22nd) at 7:45am, we will begin meeting at the Gettysburg Area Middle School to pray, worship and retrofit the facility for our purposes leading to our Sept. 19th launch celebration. The Intersection's 6pm Sunday evening services at York Road will also continue through the end of August, but if you are interested in helping us launch this new site of Freedom Valley, this is the crucial time we need you most. Please join us at 7:45am this Sunday am in the rear parking lot (near the cafeteria entrance) on Lefever St.
Also, beginning this week we will be meeting at 7pm on Wednesday (8/18) at the Keller-Herbert home to begin organizing our discipleship ministry called "Momentum". If you have a heart to teach and train others in faith or you just want to grow in your relationship with God and others, please join us!! The address is 900 Bulk Plant Road in Littlestown. Most of all, pray that we accomplish all that God the Father has called us to do and that He is at the core of all we do!!
Blessings,
jeremiah
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
T-minus "not long now..."
It's mid-July now and our launch for the new church is right around the corner! We have September 19th, 2010 set aside as a day to celebrate the start of a new work of God in Gettysburg at the Middle School on LeFever St. (across from the Farnsworth House) and I can't wait to see what God does! Leading up to that time we have 2 rehearsal services planned for 10am on Sunday morning August 22nd and 28th and we will begin meeting exclusively on Sunday mornings starting on Sept. 5th leading to our Super Launch Celebration on Sept. 15th! Phew!
The Intersection's Roll-Out Calendar
- Preview Services: August 22nd & 28th (launch team reports to school at 7:45am) Regular Sunday night services held at 6pm until the end of August
- Sunday Morning Services Begin: September 5th (launch team reports to school at 7:45am)
- Super Launch Celebration: September 19th (launch team reports to school at 7:45am)
My Father is faithful and will not let me down as I continue to seek Him with all my heart!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Just when you thought it couldn't get any crazier...
I have been so blessed! I am starting a new church, caring for my beautiful family and playing a lead role in the Wizard of Oz. Everyone of these endeavors makes me smile, but they also have another effect...they have wrecked my calendar in the best of ways!!!
With Harvest Cry last month and all of the stuff that comes along with church ministry, I sometimes lose track of what is really important. My family has been so patient during this time as I have stretched myself in ways I couldn't have even imagined a year ago. As a part of the Wizard of Oz, I have been able to gain 150 new friends in one, fell swoop and things are really cruising on that end.
The church plant is running on all cylinders and sometimes I can't even believe how faithful God has been to us as we step out in faith! He has helped us raise over $32,000 that we will need to be eligible for ARC funding as well as an additional $29,000 in tithes and offerings to meet our monthly expenses! Thank you, Father!!
With all my talk about time management and frugality/sensible ministry commitments, I gotta say that I have loved the "mess" that has been a result of this time of stretching. I have gained new friends and challenged my old ideas of what ministry is like, all at the same time! Granted, I won't be able to keep this pace up forever, but August is comin' baby! Let's go vacation time!!!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Back in the Saddle
I haven't blogged in a long time...mostly because the pace of life has been blistering but also because of a lack of scheduled time to do so. I am sitting here typing this and yet, my mind is screaming at me to think about the next thing I have to do...
So I will stop my mental to do list for the next few moments so that I can share some good stuff that is worth celebrating! First, our family celebrated two birthdays since the last time wrote. Sam turned 6 on the 20th of June and I turned "mmmfrrfmmrr" the day after his birthday. I can't say that I feel any different. It's pretty much "my life BEFORE thirty" and everything after...
It's everything after that I am pretty excited about! My wife, Cori has lost so much weight in the last year and I am SOOO proud of her for that. She seems like she is really starting to catch her stride and take off in new ways. The kids are growing like weeds and full of opinions and ideas that make me laugh and cringe all at the same time!
The Intersection got an open door to begin services in the Gettysburg Middle School starting in August which will be a fantastic step in the life of our young church plant. I am thrilled and anxious all at the same time, but I have a great team around me and I am turning ALL of that anxiety over to my Father. He is in control and I have nothing to worry about!
Finally, Harvest Cry 2010 took place last week and it was a powerful time of faith and restoration! We saw over 150 people give their lives over to Christ (50 of which were baptised) and there was a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our midst which is just the start of some really BIG things to come. Anyways, I have to celebrate and thank God for those things because He alone can bring this kind of change and restoration! Thank you, my Father!!
Monday, May 17, 2010
In case you missed the Marriage Ref
Meet the Krunkenheimers...
Meet the Skynards...
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
The Marriage Ref @ The Intersection
This is what's happening @ the Intersection this week! There will be some hilarious surprises...Join us at 6pm on Sunday night at Freedom Valley!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZj9Q0bFo3k
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Special stuff for moms this Sunday!
...or click on the link below to find out more!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqviby88WEA
See ya Sunday!!
jeremiah
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Up and down and back again!!
Hey everyone!
It's a wild time at the Intersection right now!! My wife, Cori, and I just returned from our ARC assessment in GA where we were challenged and built up in so many ways. We can't thank God enough for the time we spend with the men and women that make up this powerful group of Kingdom thinkers and church planting enthusiasts!! You are a blessing to us!
The days following our return to the "burg o' Gettys" have been filled with extreme ups and downs, but God is still in control and I am learning to follow Him more closely every day. Our friend, Kevin came into town for a few days to visit with us and work through his own call to plant a church which was a great time filled with laughter and great discussions.
While he was here, we got a call from Michael Smith at the ARC telling us that we had been received as an official ARC church plant and have begun the process that will follow our time in GA as a result! That is all wonderful news, but I did say we had some downs, too...
Within an hour of my call with Michael from ARC we paid a visit to the man that owns the Dubb's Karate building (the building we had greatest interest in) to see if we could move forward on getting a lease agreement. In short, he found someone else to rent the space we were looking at with better terms, which means we need to start asking God to show us another location...and I KNOW He will.
Although it felt like a set back at the time, I am convinced that God has something greater in store for us and the city of Gettysburg! The ups and downs of church planting are getting more extreme, but I sense such a peace in the midst of it! I don't know what I would do without God in my life at times like these!! Let's keep focused on our God and His mission for us!
jeremiah
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Heading to GA this weekend!!
Dear Friends,
Cori and I will be on our way to Buford, Georgia for our Church Planter’s Assessment with the Association of Related Churches this Sunday night. The Intersection will be happening as usual with a meal at 5:30 and a service starting at 6pm. We ask you to be praying for us over the next few days. We believe that the partnership we are beginning with the ARC will be a powerful tool in our hands to reach many more people with the love and creativity of the Father God.
In three weeks, we’ve raised nearly $8,000 with many of our people making faith commitments in addition to that amount to help us reach our first goal of $15,000. We are so close!!! Would you consider stretching your faith along with those who have already given at the Intersection so that we can reach our initial goal?
I know that there are so many good causes to give to during this time so thank you all for being so willing to stretch yourself (and your families) as we grow! With your help, The Intersection could be able to make the move to a building of our own by the end of May! If you are interested in helping us financially, checks may be made payable to Freedom Valley with “Intersection Start-up” in the memo and of course, we always desire your prayers!Thanks!
jeremiah
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Introducing the Power of One!!!
Email me at adamsrescue1@gmail.com if you can help us reach our goal of $63,000 for start-up costs at the Intersection...
Palm Sunday @ the Brethren Home
On Palm Sunday, The Intersection took the "show on the road" so to speak and shared a creative presentation of singing and dance with the residents of the Cross Keys Village, aka. The Brethren Home. So many smiles and moments were shared, but Kelly Miller managed to capture some of them with her camera! Thank you to everyone who made the night a tremendous success!!
Monday, March 22, 2010
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Dub's Karate (The location saga continues!!)
After some negotiation and discussion, I finally got word from the man who owns the former Dub's Karate place at the intersection of 116 and 30 east of the square (the old fire house). Basically, he is willing to let us sign an 18 month lease with a reasonable lease and the ability to move in as early as April and May (at half the cost of our official lease rate)
This is a miracle to me and I must admit that my spirit is drawn to that building like no other. It's prominence in the community and the accessible parking and centrality to so many homes within walking distance is just exciting!!
Will you pray with me about this possibility? It will take a real miracle from God for us to be able to act when the time comes to sign on and move in, but I don't plan on doing anything in the life of this church that is not a challenge. Please ask God for continued financial miracles, leadership clarity and decision making that follows after God's heart for the borough of Gettysburg.
We can make a difference in Gettysburg, but we MUST be bold!!
Monday, March 8, 2010
The Big Race!
The starting gun has crackled…
We are off and running…Many of you were at Freedom Valley York Road last night as people rushed the altars, looking to God for another chance at life. You may have seen the baptism pool and the tears we all shared over the deep spiritual healing that takes place in a life surrendered to Christ. This is why the Intersection exists! We are believing God for great things in our city! We run this race knowing that today could be somebody’s THAT day!!
Today, someone could find freedom from addiction through the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Today, someone could be restored to their family after the deepest of hurts have been inflicted!
Today, someone with no purpose will decide to give God one more chance because of what they see in us!
29 baptisms is a great start, and I am thankful for each life that was turned around in an instant last night. However, I also don’t want us to forget that this is JUST a start and the work continues.
We are calling the month of March “the BIG RACE” at the Intersection. One month to impact 100 guests.
Your family…your friend… your community!
Would you pray with me that through the month of March, The Intersection would exceed it’s goal of reaching 100 new guests before April 1st? God is doing miraculous things and we cannot relent!!
Thanks for praying over this new and vibrant work of Freedom Valley! I am thrilled to be teamed up with all of you!
jeremiah
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
A week in Ft. Myers
Mostly, I feel like I have been absorbing in an intangible element of this church in regards to their heart for hurting people and the creativity it takes to reach them. Cori and I are more engaged in this dream than we ever have been and we can't wait to share what we have been learning and experiencing down here!
Love you all!!
jeremiah
Monday, February 15, 2010
The smell of success!!!
The "iHeart Haiti" Dance raised over $4,000 for Haitian Orphanage!
Thank you to all of you who helped us raise funds for our little children in Haiti! The "iHeart Haiti" dance was a huge success and I am humbled to pastor such a passionate group of people who pour out their finances and energy for those who are less fortunate! Let's continue to build our reputation as the church that is always giving stuff away!!jeremiah
Friday, February 5, 2010
The Main Thing
24 But Jesus didn't trust them, because he knew human nature.25 No one needed to tell him what mankind is really like.
Hmmm...that's a head scratcher.
Sounds a little paranoid or pessimistic at first, but here's the thing...It took root in my spirit and I just couldn't let it go. For two weeks, I have been going back to that verse, asking God to reveal more of what He was trying to say because I knew I just wasn't getting it.
A fellow church planter and I have been talking about how there is such an unspoken pressure to perform as you step into new vision. I've been feeling that thing crowd in on my relationship with God over the last two weeks, but it is so subtle because planting a church is a good thing.
But here's the deal. Church planting is a good thing, but it's not the main thing. My relationship with the one who called me to these good things is the main thing. Jesus was aware of man's tendency to get swept away with new vision, miracles and hype and He guarded his heart against that fleshly reflex again and again throughout His earthly ministry. I have been guilty of following that reflex, but grace has saved me yet again through the obedience of a good friend and I am recommitting myself to the main thing again.
Make sure your ministry flows out of a passionate relationship with the Savior and do not let your vision or ministry replace the main thing which is your relationship with Jesus. Otherwise, you could start believing the hype that surrounds you...and believe me, it ain't true!!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Announcing the "iHeart" Haiti Benefit Dance Party!!!
Hey guys!
The Intersection (as well as several other ministries) is hosting a Benefit Dance Party at Freedom Valley York Road on February 14th (Valentine's Day) @ from 2-6pm. We are doing this to raise money with a personal connection we have for the hurting children in Haiti. Their orphanage was destroyed by the earthquake and we can help them rebuild it! Would you consider raising up sponsors to donate their money for your time on the dance floor?
All you need to do is get the word out and raise pledges! If you can't dance, maybe you can sponsor someone else...just give!! You can pick up your sponsor forms this weekend at Guest Central and make sure to bring the pledges you raise with you that night so that we can celebrate!!!
Please respond back to me at adamsrescue1@gmail.com if you are interested in helping us with the food, fun, music and dancing for a good cause!!
Thanks!jeremiah
Monday, January 18, 2010
A Great Beginning!!!
We have only begun this journey to the great things God has planned for us to do, but it sure does feel like home! I can't wait to take the power of Christ to our friends, families and neighborhoods in innovative ways as creativity and faith connect at the Intersection!!
Thanks to all!! Our next meeting is scheduled for February 28, 2010! Check out our website for more details... www.theintersectionchurch.net
Be Blessed!!
jeremiah
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Introducing the Intersection!!!
It's 2010 and this is the year God has chosen to begin a new work in, and through me. I am so thrilled (and humbled) by the vision that God has dropped in my lap over the past year that I can barely contain my excitement! That's why I am pleased to introduce the Intersection to all of you! It's a dream that has been brewing in my Spirit for a while, but in the year of the Wild Goose Chase it is time to let the thing fly and see where the Holy Spirit takes it!
I see this new site as an extension of the work God has been doing over the past two decades through Gerry Stoltzfoos, our lead pastor at Freedom Valley. We will not be a carbon copy of the body at Freedom Valley York Road, but we WILL be an expression of God's love wherever our influence goes!
Let me explain our concept a bit more.
An intersection creates a choice...a choice to stay on the road you have been on, or a chance to turn in a different direction. Sometimes you need a different direction to get a new lease on life. This is where we come in!
I believe God has given us the challenge of creating moments of intersection, where faith and creativity come together in one defining moment to change lives for the good. A chance to take a different direction in life. One that helps transform broken, hurting people into loving and positive power players in their communities. A chance to connect with others and be moved, challenged and encouraged that there is hope for their life. The Intersection is just that kind of place. In fact, our desire is to help you reach the God-given potential that is yet to be found. We are a group of believers, living in relationship with God and each other for the mutual benefit of the communites that we live in.
I invite you to join us at our next Growth Group meeting to see what we are experiencing first-hand. It is scheduled for this Sunday, January 17th @ Freedom Valley York Road, starting at 5:30pm. This is a vision of church like you've never seen before and we are certain that you will experience God in a new way if you come. Blessings and peace to you!
jeremiah
Would you agree with me to pray about the upcoming special offering at the Intersection. With your help, we can launch strong and make a real difference in Adams County! Would you fast and pray with Cori and I on Good Friday (April 2)? We are asking God for a miracle in the area of finances that will position us to make the next step to our own location in the borough of Gettysburg.
There are people who will come to Christ because of the sacrifice we give to God at this intersection of time. We can release freedom in the borough as we seek God’s face and mercy for the people around us! Please don’t forget to bring your special offering on Easter Sunday night as we learn about the power of one! One life, One word, one action can change EVERYTHING!! That is the power of one!!!
jeremiah