Celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr

Thanks to the folks at Bible Gateway for this post today.  I hope you enjoy!

http://www.biblegateway.com/blog/?p=569

New Season Christian Center

New Season Christian Center

639 W International Airport Rd, Suite 24

www.newseasoncc.org

Service Time: Sun 10:30AM

New Season Christian Center is vibrant, life-filled and life-giving – an absolute blessing.  This is one of the friendliest churches I have ever had the honor of attending.  I felt so welcome at ‘at home’ that I forgot that it was my first time attending midway through the service.   What a beautiful reflection of our Father’s open welcoming arms, New Season family! 

The song service was fabulous.  New Season is blessed with a talented group of musicians and worship leaders who did a wonderful job leading.  I am still singing “No more shackles, no more chains, no more bondage, I am free…YEAH” to myself (I don’t sound quite as good, but that’s ok).  To quote Pastor Leonard “I’ve heard a great singer get up and sing a song and I didn’t feel a thing because there was no anointing.”  This was NOT the case here.  It was evident that this worship team was expressing a heart-felt love for the Lord.  (Sidenote: I double dog dare you to attend service and stand still.)

An elder lead a time of intercessory prayer toward the end of the song service.  His openness in sharing about the long years praying for his family struck a chord.  It was especially encouraging to hear that he has seen fruit in recent months and was a great segue to an alter call for a time of intercessory prayer for family members. 

Tithes and offerings are collected at the alter.  This makes giving seem more intentional: you have to get up, go forward and leave your offering.  It was also a great opportunity to greet even more people! 

(Very cool note: New Season is raising funds to purchase new chairs and equipment for their media department to begin broadcasting their services.)

The Bible Confession – Every person in the congregation stands and holds up their Bible and recites / repeats a confession declaring the power in the Word of God and the desire to be alert and receptive to what the Lord is about to do.  I kept my copy in my Bible – a practical way to preach to oneself before feasting on the Word.

Pastor’s message was on forgiveness – giving and receiving.  It was great – timely, applicable, solid.  It was challenging to say the very least…challenging in that, ‘Oh, that’s for me…’ kind of way. 

I cannot overstate the nearly palpable love in the air.  There was a great interaction between Pastor Leonard and his congregation.  He used several individual’s names in his hypothetical examples and kept everyone engaged.  Amens, laughter and expressions of agreement were heard throughout.  It felt like a family conversation.  I was bummed when service concluded…I didn’t want it to end! 

At one point, Pastor Leonard shared an analogy about preparing for a football game versus preparing for worship; we prepare food, wear our jerseys and lose our voices cheering…and we’re not even at the stadium for the game!  How do we prepare to come into the presence of the Lord?  How much preparation do we make?  Are we really entering His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise?  Great word picture and idea to consider!

I visit a lot of churches.  Many of you have said “I have always wanted to go there.  That sounds amazing.  I wish I could go, but I don’t like to miss Sunday with my church family…”  Well, wish no more –

YOU have an opportunity to join the New Season Christian Center family for a special night of worship.  Our brothers and sisters at New Season Christian are currently participating in a 21-day Daniel Fast.  This time of prayer and fasting will culminate in:

Night of Breakthru Worship

Monday, January 24

6:30PM

I’m attending, and I hope to see you there!  (You’re invited…I told Pastor Leonard that I was brining friends!)

Thank you, New Season Christian Center.  Worshiping with you was a blessing and I look forward to joining you again soon.

"Perception"

I received this story in an e-mail and it struck a chord.  I love looking for ways that God is "hiding in plain sight" in my little world.  My dear friend and I are convinced that God is 'flirting' with us, wooing us to fall even more in love with Him.  

Be encouraged to look more intentionally for His Presence in 'your world' today.  You never know where or how He will choose to bless you!
THE SITUATION
In Washington , D.C ., at a Metro Station, on a cold January morning in 2007, a man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes.  During that time, approximately 2,000 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.  After about 3 minutes, a middle-aged man noticed that there was a musician playing.  He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds, and then he hurried on to meet his schedule.
About 4 minutes later:  The violinist received his first dollar.  A woman threw money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.
At 6 minutes:
 A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.
 At 10 minutes:
A 3-year old boy stopped, but his mother tugged him along hurriedly.  The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head the whole time.  This action was repeated by several other children, but every parent - without exception - forced their children to move on quickly.
At 45 minutes:The musician played continuously.  Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while.  About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace.  The man collected a total of $32.
After 1 hour:
He finished playing and silence took over.  No one noticed and no one applauded.  There was no recognition at all.
No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world.  He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars.  Two days before, Joshua Bell sold-out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $200 each to sit and listen to him play the same music.

This is a true story.  Joshua Bell, playing incognito in the D.C. Metro Station, was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities. 

More information on the Washington Post article and hear Joshua Bell play HERE.

Salvation Army - Church

Sunday School: 9:45 am

Service Time: 11:00 am

Address:  Corner of Old Seward & DeArmoun

www.salvationarmy.org/alaska

What do you think of when you hear ‘Salvation Army’?  Charity?  Social Service?  Bells?  Bands?  Red kettles?  OK…how about blue suits with red badges? 

Good answers.

How about…church?

Not everyone knows that the Salvation Army, in addition to serving the city day in and day out with remarkable charity and social service, the Corps also loves and serves Anchorage by providing a church to call home.  Many of the things traditionally associated with the Corps do play a major role in their service, as well.  (No, no ringing bells or red kettles…)

I entered the beautiful chapel to hear “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” being played by a brass band – instant smile and warm fuzzy Christmas glow.  I appreciated the bulletin which included the order of service – complete with the names of all those involved in various elements of the service AND where to find each song in the songbooks provided in each aisle. 

There was a time of prayer when heartfelt thanks was expressed to God for His provision of food, supplies and many volunteers who delivered meals on Thanksgiving Day.  Petitions were offered and reference was made to the needs listed on the back of the program.  (You may submit requests using a card in the weekly program.  If desired, those needs are listed to guide others in prayer.)

The worship band took over for the second half of the song service and they did a great job, too.  It was wonderful to see that so many people were involved in the Sunday service.  A family from the congregation assisted in the lighting of the first Advent candle and several others were involved in readings, worship, etc.  The greeting time actually shocked me – people circulated (yes…as in they left the comfort of their seats…) to be sure not to miss anyone.  I felt very welcome!

This church family offers classes for children and dismissed kids to join them after the lighting of the Advent Candle and part of the song service. 

Lieutenants Ryan and Marjorie Miller pastor this church and share the teaching responsibilities.  Marjorie shared on this particular Sunday and did a fantastic job! 

I was challenged by a couple of questions she posed:  When does Christmas start for you? and Do you celebrate Christmas the same way every year and expect a different (more worshipful, deep, sentimental, etc) result?” 

The message centered around something that we all know, but probably still struggle with from time to time – we must allow the head knowledge that Christmas is all about Jesus sink down and become heart knowledge.  How?  Worship Jesus.

Don’t worship at the mall.

Don’t try to win the affections of family or friends with gifts.

Don’t stay so busy that you miss the opportunity to sit at His feet.

These were timely reminders the Sunday after “Black Friday” and preceding “Cyber Monday”.

Following the message, Lieutenant Ryan Miller and the band leading us in “O Little Town of Bethlehem.”  We stopped and read verse 3 aloud together before finishing the song:

How silently, how silently


The wondrous gift is given!


So God imparts to human hearts


The blessings of His heaven.


No ear may his His coming,


But in this world of sin,


Where meek souls will receive him still,


The dear Christ enters in.

“If Christ can enter a manger, wherever we are we know that He is with us.”  Beautiful. 

The service ended with announcements about the week’s activities – and there were a lot to list!  Officers prayed with those who requested it after the service.

I found much of what I expected at this church…and was blessed with some surprises.

Stay tuned…a future blog post will outline the services Salvation Army offers in Anchorage with information about how you, your family, small group, or entire church may partner with them.

In the meantime, take time to drop some money in the kettles…you know the ones I’m referring to! 

Would you consider helping out?  2 hours on your choice of day in a location of your choosing will go a LONG way in providing services to countless in our city.  Just click the link and get involved:

http://anchoragesa.volunteerfirst.org/public/search_pro_all.asp

Thank you for a wonderful joy and love-filled visit, Salvation Army!

Lutheran Social Services Alaska

1303 West 33rd Street



272-0643

LSSAa@gci.net

www.LSSAalaska.org

Happy Thanksgiving!  I thought it appropriate to highlight an agency that feeds many in our city year-round who would otherwise go hungry.  Thank you, Lutheran Social Services, for loving our city well for more than 40 years!

Practical needs are met here every day…people get rides to / from medical appointments, stranded rural Alaskans are moved from one location to another, bus vouchers are provided, provision is made for those transitioning from homelessness to permanent living situations, a home for those with mental and behavioral problems is operated and maintained, and 25,000 individuals are fed annually via the food pantry and related programs. 

Wrap your head around all of that…wonderful things are done here. 

This visit was different for me.  It changed something in my heart, raised awareness and brought some needed conviction.  I learned more than I will be able to convey in this blog in my short time with Alan Budahl, Executive Director for Lutheran Social Services (LSSAA).   

Mother Teresa said: “Each one of them is Jesus in disguise.”  LSSA is a place where people are treated that way. 

We have all heard staggering statistics about hunger and other needs in our community.  Alan shared many of those numbers with me, but each statistic was tied to a family’s story…including the names of each mother, father, child…and the circumstances that led them to their current state of need.  In other words – he, and the staff and volunteers at LSSA, know these people, they take time to get to know their stories. 

Alan taught me about the changing face of the hungry and homeless in our city – including the men who come to the pantry alone, after hours in their high end cars and very nice clothes…struggling to face the reality that they can’t afford to keep up, and can’t find a way out on their own.  He is very familiar with the statistics behind the stories.  He is currently teaching at a different Lutheran church each Sunday - sharing the results of the End Hunger Anchorage study (including information gathered last year).

I heard story after story about the lack of affordable housing in Anchorage – and the fact that MANY who visit food pantries around town are making a choice between paying rent or feeding their families.  This day was the first of many that I heard a statement that I have since repeated myself: “food provision is homeless prevention.”

This is not intended to be a 'downer'.  It is intended to shed a little light on the reality that many of our neighbors face every day, and to point out how easy it is for each of us to help and make a HUGE difference in someone’s life.

In the midst of the tough situations, there is great joy.  For every tough story, there was an even greater ‘God story’ where the provision for the need was nothing short of miraculous.  There is the story of the woman who came to LSSA for help and five years later became a monthly financial supporter of the ministry.  There are the ‘at just the right time’ stories that we all love to tell – and to hear. 

Here is a BRIEF overview of some of the programs / services offered through LSSA:

Food Pantry

I was able to spend a little time in the food pantry while guests were being served.  LSSA is one of few locations in Alaska where food from The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is provided.  I learned what the needs are – more donations, upgraded space, and freezer space.  The paperwork and tracking that is involved surprised me.  No one trip to a food pantry will sustain a family for a month.  Most food pantries are only open (at most) one day a week (LSSA is open 4 days a week).  This means that people make multiple trips through out the month to various locations.  LSSA has between 15-20 NEW, FIRST-TIME visitors to their pantry each day.  (Wow.)

Note:

Many who visit food pantries and other locations where food is provided have to take multiple busses.  Did you know that the Anchorage People Mover no longer has transfers?  Each bus is a separate fare…some pay $12 in bus fare round trip to/from a food pantry.  LSSA has the ability to provide some bus passes, but not enough to keep up with the need.

Association for Stranded Rural Alaskan Program

The Association for Stranded Rural Alaskans has been in existence for over 30 years.  ASRAA provides emergency assistance to rural Alaskans who are in Anchorage temporarily receiving medical treatment.  This program provides emergency transportation, housing, food, and orientation to city living.  The course provides information on the public transportation system, shopping, as well as basic safety precautions that many of us take for granted.

Direct Assistance Program

This program assists individuals in obtaining their state id, driver’s license, social security card, etc.  This program also provides assistance for those who need specialized training for a job (sanitation course, CPR, etc.)  They also provide bus and gas vouchers for the first month of employment to help people get ahead. 

Transitional Living Program

LSSA has provided transitional housing for homeless men for more than a decade.  Case managers help men establish new lives and develop plans that lead to self-sufficiency.  The goal of the program is to provide each resident with permanent, sustainable housing and employment.  Clients pay rent while they are in the program and work with a resident and case manager to who help each individual navigate through this time.

Roosevelt House

Roosevelt House is fro people with behavioral issues.  They receive care from outside mental health service providers while living in a safe, supportive environment.

Medical Transportation

LSSA contracts with a local cab company to provide rides to/from medical appointments.  They have offered a reduced rate for up to 110 rides per month.  LSSA limits the number of these allotted rides each guest may use in order to maximize the resource for all those in need.

Listening Post

The Listening Post, located downtown at the Bus Accommodation Center, provides individuals an opportunity to sit in a quiet location (Meditation Room), enjoy a light snack, and tell their story.  Volunteers (not counselors) listen to individuals share.  Forty volunteers took time to hear over 1,700 life stories last year.  

There is much to be done, and it is so easy to help:

• Volunteer at a Food Pantry
• Contact Alan Budahl at LSSA and invite him to present the “End Hunger Anchorage” study at your church, Elders meeting, staff meeting, or other venue
• Get training and spend an hour or two every month at the Listening Post
• Grab food & drop it off at the next food drive your church / grocery store, etc sponsors – or at LSSA any time
• Call LSSA (272-0643) and ask how you can pray specifically
• Sponsor a bus pass or gas voucher & pray for that person in his/her new job for that first month
• Mark your calendar!  September is Hunger Awareness Month – watch for events, get involved
• Visit www.LSSAalaska.org and LEARN MORE

Happy Thanksgiving, friends!  Wherever this finds you I pray you are inspired to give to a local ministry.  I encourage you to give of your time along with whatever physical provision (canned food, money, bus pass, etc) you may be able to provide.  I can’t put into words how much it has impacted my heart to see how much a smile can encourage someone in need. 

Be Jesus to someone...anyone...TODAY!  Imagine what would happen if we really did treat people as if “each one of them is Jesus in disguise."

NOTE: Read LSSA's full story online.

Lighthouse Christian Fellowship

www.lighthousealaska.org

Service Times: Sun 8:30 & 11 AM; Wed 7PM

629 Hollywood Drive

The church family at Lighthouse is joy-filled, outgoing and receptive.  From the very beginning of this visit, I felt welcome.  Once inside, two ushers directed us to two seats that seemed to miraculously appear in the midst of a full sanctuary. 

The song service was powerful.  As Dr. Ken Friendly explained, “…the song service is designed to clear the atmosphere…”  It certainly did that.  I had two words jotted in my notes for the song service: joy & move.  I couldn’t stand still...I wasn’t alone (which is a good thing).

This church family has a lot going on – something for everyone to receive from and to pour into.  Many of the ministry opportunities are listed in the bulletin, and several others were included in the pre-service slideshow and video announcement portion of the service. 

One particularly beautiful thing that this church family does is include reports from weekly outreaches, the names of those celebrating anniversaries as well as the names of those who are serving in the Armed Forces.  This adds to the atmosphere of celebration that is undeniable in that place.  Announcements and giving were both celebrated…I love it when an entire room full of people celebrate a great report back, as well as the opportunity to give back to God. 

I had two pages of notes from announcements – not about what is happening, but about WHY each of these things – prison ministry, worshiping in song, giving, etc. – is important and part of this church family’s life.  The reason behind the way this church family worships and serves were made crystal clear.  It was encouraging to see how, in practical daily living, the Word of God is put to work in the life and ministry of the Lighthouse family.

The teaching was great.  I’ve seen Dr. Friendly on tv, so I was a little surprised at just how animated he is.  I have never heard the story of David & Goliath told quite like that – I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was engaged the entire time and left feeling challenged and like I’d seen the story from a different perspective.  A great deal of the message centered around just how amazing, powerful, and life-altering it is to have a covenant with the Living God.  It is HIS covenant…He will not break it.  Amen.  Very encouraging teaching, encouragement, and reminder – when you know your covenant, you can run AT your problems….”God’s got ya.”

It was wonderful to be present as several people in attendance chose to accept Christ for the first time, or rededicate their lives to Him.  It is always an honor to pray with people, no matter how few or how many, in that moment.  Praise God for new brothers and sisters!

Lighthouse is a wonderful, vibrant church family!  Get there early, make some new friends (it won’t be hard in that place), and worship the Living God with them sometime soon.  You will be glad for the experience!

Anchorage Grace Church

www.anchoragegrace.org

Service Times: Sun 9 & 10:45 AM

12407 Pintail Street

Hospitality.  Community.  Laughter.  The church family at Anchorage Grace Church goes out of its way to create opportunities to enjoy all three.  (Homemade goodies, coffee, and an encouragement from Pastor Jeff Crotts to consider the sanctuary ‘…a big living room’ immediately after service made the room seem very homey as the sounds of conversation and laughter filled the air…and great (did I mention homemade) goodies were enjoyed.  That’s just a preview – this visit ended well! 

Back to the beginning:

Anchorage Grace Church (AGC) meets in the gymnasium at Grace Christian school.  I enjoyed a warm greeting and was provided a nametag before being directed to the sanctuary with a super-informative bulletin in hand.  (Side note: THANK YOU for nametags – I am a fan.) 

I was impressed with the variety of instruments represented on the worship team.  I’ve heard violins and flutes, but a clarinet and a trombone, too?  It’s wonderful to see so many different musicians enjoy an opportunity to use their talent to serve and glorify God.  Another highlight of the music service was that three of the worship leader’s children were in the band.  (He joked that he learned to play marbles rather than piano.  I’m glad his son stuck with the lessons!)  What a beautiful principle to model – serving as a family.   I also learned two new verses for “Above All” – how have I never heard those before?

AGC is very involved in their community.  They partner with Mountain View Baptist and help keep their food pantry stocked as well as to assist with their Coat and Blanket Drive.  In addition, AGC has a goal to provide 1,300 boxes of stuffing, volunteers, and $9,000 for the upcoming Thanksgiving Blessing.  Church partnerships are a beautiful thing…I think Jesus would smile (John 17).  The bulletin also outlines several weekly opportunities for everyone in the family to get involved and grow in this community. 

I appreciated the way that AGC lays out their missions commitments.  “And you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in Judea, in Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth.”  Acts 1:8  This scripture is broken down into “Our Jerusalem =Anchorage, Our Judea = Alaska, Our Samaria = Pacific Rim, and Our Uttermost Parts of the Earth” with a list of ministries supported in each of those areas. 

The teaching was great – God’s Wrath.  I know, it doesn’t sound like it, but it really was an encouragement!  (The sign of a great teacher…making God’s Wrath an enjoyable topic!)  It was a blessing to be reminded that God (not me – or you) will pay back every evil act, that there is a reason for suffering, and that my eternal outcome is secure.  What a relief to sit back and let God be…God!  The sermon was brought to a close with “Take Home Points.”  “Bottom Line” people (myself included) love that!  The main points of the sermon were available in print upon request, and sermons are available online.

I met several people and enjoyed the genuine warm welcome I received on the day of my visit.  I was further blessed to receive a phone call and offer for a visit – including homemade cookies – from one of the staff pastors.  (Note the running theme of homemade treats here…) J

If you are in south Anchorage and have the opportunity, make it a point to visit this church family.  The warm hospitality at Anchorage Grace will leave feeling embraced and offer you several opportunities to show Christ’s love to our city in practical ways.  (Did I mention the cookies?)

Thanks for a wonderful visit, Anchorage Grace Church!