NID Refocus

The Importance of Family

Earlier in June, there was a family wedding at Trinity, Lisle.  Relatives came in from Greenville, SC; Williamsburg, VA; Phoenix, AZ; Ely, MN; and points in between.  The father of the groom gave a toast and dinner prayer at the reception.  He reminded us that children do not grow up in isolation, but are influenced by peers and adults especially family members.  Family weddings help to remind us that we all help shape future generations.

Happy Fourth of July!!

America the Beautiful
Words by Katharine Lee Bates,
Melody by Samuel Ward

O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America! God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

Please have a safe and happy Fourth!!

New Starts Award

So that even more people will come to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, the Northern Illinois District is committed to “new starts” launched by existing congregations as they plant new churches, develop multi-sites, or initiate a different venue at the same site targeting new people. Earlier today I had the privilege of presenting the “New Starts Award” at Christ Our Savior, Winfield. I attended both services and also played guitar for the late service.  Christ Our Savior is a participant in the Refocus process and launched a new service at the same site targeting a younger demographic.  They were one of four congregations in that Refocus network who launched a new start.  Congratulations to Dr. Aubey and all the members of Christ Our Savior.

Unique Ministry in Third Places

Dr. David Balla, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church, West Chicago, IL, forward to me this unique ministry in third places.

What’s a Theology Pub Crawl?
Over the course of the summer we will travel to different pubs for a casual place to gather and discuss theology. We will meet every other week and will go to a different pub and have a different topic.

Why at a pub?
A pub is a less intimidating atmosphere than a private home, or even a church might be for a visitor or a non-Lutheran/non-Christian. A newcomer is more likely to feel like dropping in at a public place rather than a private home. Pubs will be selected based on the atmosphere they provide so that it is conducive to small group discussions.

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Faith Sharing Tools for Individuals

A 10-minute personal evangelism "training" provided by Rev. Scott Snow, the director for national outreach. Rev. Snow walks you through the process of sharing your faith using a colorful witnessing bracelet and the Gospel of John, as well as providing encouragement for every believer to share their faith with their family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and community.

 

President's Mission Convocation

Still Time to Register!!

President's Mission Convocation
Improving Leadership Skills
for Mission Outreach ...
Your's and Your Team's

Wednesday, June 24, 2009
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Trinity Lutheran Church
1101 Kimberly Way
Lisle, IL 60532

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Introductory Workshop

Earlier today St. Pater Lutheran Church in Pingree Grove had their Refocus Introductory Workshop.  Fifteen people gathered (not bad since there were only 19 people in church!) on a beautiful Sunday afternoon to begin writing a more missional outreach chapter in St. Peter’s history. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please pray St. Peter as they begin the Refocus process.

Community!

Here’s an interesting video that was shared at the recent NID Convection.

Pictures from the Launch Retreat

The Refocus Phase I Launch Retreat is being held at University of St. Mary’s of Lake Conference Center June 1-3, 2009.  Below are a few pictures from the retreat.

Reaching the Younger Generation

If we are going to take the Great Commission seriously we have to figure out how to best communicate the gospel to and connect with the younger generations - especially the unchurched.  This video clip provides an interesting “snapshot” of the younger generation.

• Do you agree with the assertions?
• What does this clip say to your small group, if anything?
• Was there anything that especially “struck you?”
• Who from that generation can you “check out” some of the ideas"?
• What would a video clip say about you and your generation??

(Not an endorsement, just a resource.)