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

The Main Thing

A spiritual mentor of mine handed me a piece of paper at church a couple of weeks ago. The paper had only a short scripture reference written on it. It said John 2:24,25...

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!!

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

A Great Beginning!!!

The Intersection had it's first official service last night, January 17th, 2010 and what a great way to start! There were 91 people in attendance for a powerful time of Spirit-filled worship, powerful prayer times and food that would make you break a fast ;)

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

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

Here comes Christmas!!

Hey everyone! Just a reminder that Christmas is not about everything you have to get done in the next few days.

Take some time to worship at the manger of the little baby that would one day die for your sins.

Take time to be quiet and let Him speak to you.

Take time to sing a Christmas carol...REALLY sing it!!!

Take time to help someone out.

Take time to be with your family. And then...

...repeat, as often as you can. It'll help you stay focused on the important stuff.

Have a Merry Christmas everyone!

How to tick someone off... Luke 19:5-7

So I was reading the story of Zacchaeus today and the last portion of the story really struck a chord with me. Maybe it will with you, too...

Luke 19:5-7
5 When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.”

6 Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. 7 But the people were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled.

What stuck out to me is the fact that what caused Zacchaeus great joy caused a lot of other people to complain. The reason it grabs me is that I realized today that I have a hard time doing anything that could tick someone off because I don't want people to dislike me.

The second thing that stuck out to me goes a little deeper with that vein of thought. You see, it is important to realize that if you're gonna tick people off, you wanna make sure that you are messing with the right people. Jesus went out of His way to bring joy to people who were hurting, like Zacchaeus. He also didn't mince words with people that used religion to control others or gain clout.

God help me to be the kind of person who brings great joy to the Zacchaeus's of the world. Help me to not be afraid of the crowd of complainers that will never be happy anyway. You are my source and the reason I exist. I want to please You!

Thanks!
jeremiah