Church in a Box

I have been reading many of my fellow church planter blogs to pick up ideas that I can use. I have been thrilled at the offers of help and guidance that has come my way from many people across the U.S. I must admit I read many of the posts with a bit of jealousy thinking how cool it would be to have a 12 foot trailer packed ful o' goodies but then I remember how blessed I am for the many families I get to serve at the beach. One of the cool things that I have for my Sunday service is, my Church in a Box. As I read of all the expense that goes into making Sunday services work and all of the set up and tear down time that is involved with many of my planter friends I count myself lucky not to have that problem quite yet.

I look forward to the day when my Church in the Box takes hours to assemble and dismantle, but for now my little rubbermaid rolling cathedral is like the Vatican to me.

Thanks to all of you for your ideas and support

Uncle Tone

Luke and the rest of the Disciples liked to eat, I think he is a man after my own heart! They so often describes Jesus’ coming and goings around a meal or sharing in a meal, or coming home from a meal. Meals in the early writings always take an important place in the lives of the followers of Christ. It seems that at meals Jesus said so many important things.

I am sure it was around a meal (Luke 19 1:5) that Jesus spoke about the mercy of the Father for the likes of sinners like me. Zacchauus received him into his home and there I am sure they enjoyed a meal and great conversation. Vs 7 How cool it would be to share the table with Christ.

How about the prodigal son (Luke 15:23) the son was welcomed home with a big feast. Jesus used the image of a great feast to put in plain words the kingdom of heaven, and in Luke 14:15-24. Christ uses his time, while reclined at the table to dispense another parable around and about a meal.

How about the feeding the multitudes that Jesus explained himself to be the 'Living Bread from Heaven' John 6:51” I am the living bread that came down from heaven”

OK, How about after the resurrection, it was at a meal at Emmaus two of his followers recognized the risen Jesus, and at that moment all was changed for them. (Luke 24:30)

It was so much more than food or a meal, Jesus poured over the true message of the scripture, and then he unleashed himself as the risen Messiah, broke bread and blessed them.

When we come to the communion table we are honored guests of the King, We receive not only the bread of the baker, but also the Bread of Life.
The Gospels unleash the story of the Last Supper by telling us what Jesus said he earnestly desired to eat this Passover with his disciples. (Luke 22:15). He loved his friends he wanted to enjoy his last meal with them before his agonizing death on the cross. A meal that was very special and one of the most celebrated meal of the Jewish calendar, the Passover. Jesus so longs to be present with us, with the same power that was present as at the last supper. So when we want to rush through the next communion service, remembers Jesus is never bored by our presence or in a rush for us to leave, even if we become antsy! We are nourished by the presence of Christ, our Bread of Life.

Don’t become passive spectators just looking for entertainment, but become an empowered participant in the meal fit for a King. We are given the opportunity to share in an unbelievable event; we can sit at the table of the Messiah Jesus and enjoy His company with the same intensity as those, whom we read about in the Gospels sharing meals with him in person,

Enjoy

Tone

Just a day at the beach

Hi All
I am trying to nail down the calendar for the summer, Some of you have offered to help me with singing and I have most of the Sundays covered now. I do have a few spots still open so if you could take a look at this calendar link and let me know if I either have you plugged into a wrong Sunday or if you see an open Sunday that you can help let me know.
The first Sunday went well, I had a few bugs I had to work out like the posters that were going to be put up never got put up , the power at the location was locked down but I was able to figure it out on Saturday. My first visitor was a Jewish gentleman that wanted to engage me in a theological "discussion" on the merits of homosexuality,televangelists and why I hated gays. :) Rest assured I finally convinced him I was neither a hater of Jews or Homosexuals but I did not defend the televangelists, those knuckleheads can defend themselves.
Any way, it was a good time, I had a few great discussions with some very nice people and my prayer is we can make a difference in the lives of someone this summer.
Thanks Greg and family for helping me June 4 and 11.
Your Pal
Mike O

http://dohenyfellowship.com/default.aspx