So this weekend we checked out Catalyst Church in Greenville, SC. Jake Miller, their Financial Pastor - I think that is his title...anyways he does the budgets and stuff), had invited me via facebook and this blog so we went down (and we ate at P.F. Chang's). I emailed Casey (the Lead Pastor) and found that Louie Giglio would be bringing the message for the day (via video).
It was cold, very cold. It got colder as we got further down there. Brooklyn had on shorts and flip flops (I felt like a bad mother, but she begged to wear them).
It's about an hour drive. Not too bad. They meet at Greenville's Little Theatre. They have a greater as you drive in and they have banners at the road (the Garmin had us doing a dance around the place, but the banners took us right in). Their signage is great. We knew exactly where to take Brooklyn.
I didn't think about this Sunday being the weekend after spring break and I would think their crowd was probably off due to that. They are doing a great job in a portable space and I think the move to the school will probably be even better for them.
I enjoyed the music. The leader was very charismatic. I enjoyed the message; although I prefer a live speaker. I wish Brooklyn could have been with us to hear the message as it is so relevant for kids in school to know that God created our world versus what they hear in science. He is ginormous and we make Him big versions of us (put Him in our box) when that's not what He is at all.
After the music the host team came forward and they gave the head of each row a basket. I had to get up and walk mine over to the people on the other end of our isle. That was a little awkward as they didn't reach out and take the basket, but put money in it while I held it. I really wasn't sure what to do with it. Other than that it went smoothly.
Brooklyn said if we lived in Greenville that wouldn't be her pick for a church. (She loves New Spring and she would want to drive there - she asks to go there all the time).
We had a wonderful lunch expect P.F. Changs has taken their dessert Lucky eights off the menu (boo).
Then we drove home after stopping for some Duncan Donuts. I wanted to do a little shopping, but Brooklyn was freezing. We'll go back down sometime this summer and do a little shopping.
So Mike has informed me that we need to be more realistic in our church hunting and look locally. I have found a few options (maybe this one, and possibly this one) for us to try the next couple of weeks and I will be posting reviews. I'm not doing this to be critical, but for others in Asheville (and Greenville) that might be looking to get some insight before they visit.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Spring Break
Brooklyn has been on spring break this week. Normally she would spend most of her days at church with me when I had to work, but this week with my new job I've had to work so she spent Monday with her dad, Tuesday & Thursday with Granny (my mom) and Wednesday & Friday with her Nana (Jeff's mom).
She saw Horton Hears a Who and yesterday I took her to see National Treasure 2 (half way through the movie she told me she didn't think she would like the movie, but she did)
She's had a manicure this week, been shopping, eaten out and spent time with family. She really isn't excited about going back to school next week.
I took her shopping today. She bought some cute clothes and we ate in the food court at the mall. After 5 hours of shopping we were beat. She saw webkinz were 2/1 at Limited Too! so we had to go in there and get her a Webkinz. And bonus, I found shoes that fit me.
What I can't figure out is why a 10 year old needs so many shoes and hoodies? She's addicted.
Heels going to Final Four
Thursday night we had a small gathering to watch the Carolina Game. They won and we had some great food. Tracy Moneyhun-Lowther made this delicious Carolina blue cake (it was checkerboard inside). Stephanie Harris made sugar cookies (I forgot to get a picture before they were all devoured - my husband thinks she is the bomb at making dessert)Tonight Carolina beat Louisville and next weekend they will play in the final four in San Antonio...
GO HEELS!
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Skyland United Methodist Church - my thoughts
So this morning we ventured out early (for us) to Skyland United Methodist Church. My friend, Glenda had told me that Keith Turman is the new pastor there. If you are familiar with Covenant Community Church then you will remember that Keith was the interim after Buzz left. They have an 8:30 am "Contemporary Service" that we wanted to check out.
Keith has been there for about six months filling in for the pastor that got sick. The pastor had to go on disability and Keith's district job was going to end this July, so he was appointed to Skyland full time.
I felt a little under dressed as most women did have on dresses (maybe because of Easter). I did shy away from jeans and wore my dress pants and a jacket. Mike wore his usual polo with khaki's. Most men did have on ties and jackets. It was more formal than I thought it would be for a contemporary service. The worship leader did have on jeans.
The greeters were very friendly and welcomed everyone with a "Happy Easter". We were made to feel very welcome. It was awkward during the greet your neighbor time as no one had sat in the row in front of us or directly behind us. Since Jeff, Ben, Andy & Ed joined us for the service we took up a whole row. They passed out bulletins, Honorarium & Memorial booklet, a newsletter and a song sheet.
The worship leader started with the song "Thief" by Third Day. He did an awesome job. A few people (including me) clapped during Lord, I Life Your Name on High. The other two songs were out of the Methodist Hymnal and were not quite as contemporary.
Keith's Sermon, "When Hope Appears" was really good. He did a great job of making an old story relevant. He used history, quotes, stories, scripture, humor and humanity to make his point. I only looked at my watch right at the very end which means he didn't lose my attention (that is rare for me as I have a short attention span - which is probably why I like Children's Ministry since nothing lasts more than about 5 minutes)
The last song was my favorite song. I love "It is Well with My Soul" I did not know the history behind this song, but Keith shared it during the sermon. I like the song now even more than before.
We had an opportunity to chat with Keith a little after the service. He seems genuinely passionate about the way the church is headed and about adding some traditional and some very contemporary aspects. He mentioned the possibility for a 5:00 pm Contemporary Service (versus the basically blended service that we attended).
I see the church growing under his leadership. Having worked for Keith for a few weeks before Claude came to Covenant I know that he is a dynamic leader. That church is blessed to have Keith and I hope they will be open to using his knowledge to grow.
We probably will visit some more. It's a little too traditional for me, but could be a good place for us to grow for a while and heal. We don't have any other places that have been recommended for us to check out. We've been invited to Biltmore Baptist and we might visit there (Brooklyn was also invited by one of her girlfriends that she takes swimming with - isn't that awesome that they were discussing God in the locker room at the Y?)
We will keep praying as a family and God will lead us!
Keith has been there for about six months filling in for the pastor that got sick. The pastor had to go on disability and Keith's district job was going to end this July, so he was appointed to Skyland full time.
I felt a little under dressed as most women did have on dresses (maybe because of Easter). I did shy away from jeans and wore my dress pants and a jacket. Mike wore his usual polo with khaki's. Most men did have on ties and jackets. It was more formal than I thought it would be for a contemporary service. The worship leader did have on jeans.
The greeters were very friendly and welcomed everyone with a "Happy Easter". We were made to feel very welcome. It was awkward during the greet your neighbor time as no one had sat in the row in front of us or directly behind us. Since Jeff, Ben, Andy & Ed joined us for the service we took up a whole row. They passed out bulletins, Honorarium & Memorial booklet, a newsletter and a song sheet.
The worship leader started with the song "Thief" by Third Day. He did an awesome job. A few people (including me) clapped during Lord, I Life Your Name on High. The other two songs were out of the Methodist Hymnal and were not quite as contemporary.
Keith's Sermon, "When Hope Appears" was really good. He did a great job of making an old story relevant. He used history, quotes, stories, scripture, humor and humanity to make his point. I only looked at my watch right at the very end which means he didn't lose my attention (that is rare for me as I have a short attention span - which is probably why I like Children's Ministry since nothing lasts more than about 5 minutes)
The last song was my favorite song. I love "It is Well with My Soul" I did not know the history behind this song, but Keith shared it during the sermon. I like the song now even more than before.
We had an opportunity to chat with Keith a little after the service. He seems genuinely passionate about the way the church is headed and about adding some traditional and some very contemporary aspects. He mentioned the possibility for a 5:00 pm Contemporary Service (versus the basically blended service that we attended).
I see the church growing under his leadership. Having worked for Keith for a few weeks before Claude came to Covenant I know that he is a dynamic leader. That church is blessed to have Keith and I hope they will be open to using his knowledge to grow.
We probably will visit some more. It's a little too traditional for me, but could be a good place for us to grow for a while and heal. We don't have any other places that have been recommended for us to check out. We've been invited to Biltmore Baptist and we might visit there (Brooklyn was also invited by one of her girlfriends that she takes swimming with - isn't that awesome that they were discussing God in the locker room at the Y?)
We will keep praying as a family and God will lead us!
Friday, March 21, 2008
Anyone Game
Mike & I were discussing the possibility of starting a small group. This group would meet one night a week for 6-8 weeks. We would have a meal together, do a small group study and pray for one another.
I'd like to do this study and do it with a group of friends.
Is anyone game?
I'd like to do this study and do it with a group of friends.
Is anyone game?
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Today's Find
A few years ago we built a house. We needed to be quick about it and had a budget, so we built a modular home on a full basement and put a 1200 sq ft. apartment in the basement. I promise the apartment is build much better than the upstairs.
Today I was changing the bed and noticed there was like wood debris on my pillow and then it spread towards Mike's side of the bed. I couldn't figure out where it was coming from until Mike walked in there and said take the cover off the vent. The inside of the air vent was full of wood debris from our floor. I had never thought of vacuuming it out.
We've both had issues with stuffy noses all winter. No wonder as they are probably full of wood!
So, if you have never looked inside your vents, it might be time.
And Mike is vacuuming them out right now...bonus!
Today I was changing the bed and noticed there was like wood debris on my pillow and then it spread towards Mike's side of the bed. I couldn't figure out where it was coming from until Mike walked in there and said take the cover off the vent. The inside of the air vent was full of wood debris from our floor. I had never thought of vacuuming it out.
We've both had issues with stuffy noses all winter. No wonder as they are probably full of wood!
So, if you have never looked inside your vents, it might be time.
And Mike is vacuuming them out right now...bonus!
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Review Christian City Church AVL
This week Christian City Church or C3 AVL moved to the YMI Cultural Center. What a intimate place for a church to meet. The building has hard wood floors and the architectural features are divine. You could do so much in a building like that for ambiance. I think one service with just lots of candle light (if the building owners allowed) could be quite the worship experience.
The experience starts as you are walking down the street. Men are posted at the crosswalks with neon vests on to assist with crossing the street. (Note: We arrived early and parked on College Street near Diana Wortham Theatre and walked down to find the location and then walked up Eagle Street and ate at Barley's before going to worship)
There are signs that direct you to the building. The building is multi-levels and in a beautiful location. The pastor introduced himself as Dean (but didn't reference that he was the pastor) as we were walking into the building. There were many levels of people introducing themselves and making everyone feel welcome. There were treats in the back (the teens were going for the m & m cookies) including cheese, apple slices, etc. We didn't grab a bite since we had just eaten, but what a nice thought especially for those arriving from work.
They didn't start on time but the music started about 7:05 and worship began about 7:08 (sorry, having been on a church staff and this being one of the things we worked on that is a pet peeve of mine to value peoples time and start when you say you will start). The worship was edgy. It was very well done. They use all original music (or they did last night). And it's free to download.
I knew it was a spirit filled church because the person that told us about it told me. I was raised Pentecostal so I did go in with some preconceived notions that I tried to not think about. That is a post for another day.
The worship was great. People felt free to express themselves; however, no one was running up and down the aisles or drawing attention to themselves. Personally, I think it would have been more intimate if the lights were dimmed; however, I'm not sure that building would allow for light dimming. Worship lasted 30 or 40 minutes (I didn't time it) and you stand the whole time. Someone behind us was praying in the spirit rather loudly for the whole worship time and it was distracting.
Then they went into a time of communion. The pastor said he wanted their first time in their new gathering place to have communion and share the meal together. It was a nice experience. Again, lighting would have carried the mood much more. Now I realize why John Adair, Youth Director at Covenant Community Church is such a stickler for lighting. It matters.
At 8:00 the pastor started his sermon. For me, the service could have ended after communion and been done right. Since the worship leader spoke for a few minutes about Moses and the men going up to see God on a mountain and related it to worship. And the pastor had told of his recent trip to Spain, Rome and London and explained about the experience he had in the Sistine Chapel the word had been given already.
However, the sermon was for us. His sermon was about what they want C3 to be. What kind of church they want. He spoke from Acts. He said the church can be a great place of healing or a great place of hurt. That many people walking through their doors will have been hurt by a past experience with a church. And he cannot promise that they won't have an experience at C3 that will be hurtful. But he talked about taking a season to get over the hurt and then finding another group of believers to journey with. It was a message I needed.
I won't restate his whole sermon (and did I mention he's Australian) but the other thing that was refreshing was him talking about being People of the Table. He referenced the times of Christ and how Jesus was always up for a party. Jesus went to the Wedding in Cana, he told Zaccheus he was going to his house, etc. He said we will gather on Friday nights and then people will have each other over on Saturday night. Yes, each others homes. That is why you have a home is to share it with others.
The sermon lasted about 40 minutes then they replayed a song from the worship time. He prayed for needs from people raising their hands while all eyes were closed and heads bowed. Then he dismissed.
People again were friendly.
Mike said it isn't fair to blog about a church from your first experience. But I think the first experience makes an impression and it is important to work through the question is this the church for our family.
Will we go back? Yes. We decided to check it out again. Next time we'll take Brooklyn.
Addendum: sermon and look for the file asheville 5.mp3
The experience starts as you are walking down the street. Men are posted at the crosswalks with neon vests on to assist with crossing the street. (Note: We arrived early and parked on College Street near Diana Wortham Theatre and walked down to find the location and then walked up Eagle Street and ate at Barley's before going to worship)
There are signs that direct you to the building. The building is multi-levels and in a beautiful location. The pastor introduced himself as Dean (but didn't reference that he was the pastor) as we were walking into the building. There were many levels of people introducing themselves and making everyone feel welcome. There were treats in the back (the teens were going for the m & m cookies) including cheese, apple slices, etc. We didn't grab a bite since we had just eaten, but what a nice thought especially for those arriving from work.
They didn't start on time but the music started about 7:05 and worship began about 7:08 (sorry, having been on a church staff and this being one of the things we worked on that is a pet peeve of mine to value peoples time and start when you say you will start). The worship was edgy. It was very well done. They use all original music (or they did last night). And it's free to download.
I knew it was a spirit filled church because the person that told us about it told me. I was raised Pentecostal so I did go in with some preconceived notions that I tried to not think about. That is a post for another day.
The worship was great. People felt free to express themselves; however, no one was running up and down the aisles or drawing attention to themselves. Personally, I think it would have been more intimate if the lights were dimmed; however, I'm not sure that building would allow for light dimming. Worship lasted 30 or 40 minutes (I didn't time it) and you stand the whole time. Someone behind us was praying in the spirit rather loudly for the whole worship time and it was distracting.
Then they went into a time of communion. The pastor said he wanted their first time in their new gathering place to have communion and share the meal together. It was a nice experience. Again, lighting would have carried the mood much more. Now I realize why John Adair, Youth Director at Covenant Community Church is such a stickler for lighting. It matters.
At 8:00 the pastor started his sermon. For me, the service could have ended after communion and been done right. Since the worship leader spoke for a few minutes about Moses and the men going up to see God on a mountain and related it to worship. And the pastor had told of his recent trip to Spain, Rome and London and explained about the experience he had in the Sistine Chapel the word had been given already.
However, the sermon was for us. His sermon was about what they want C3 to be. What kind of church they want. He spoke from Acts. He said the church can be a great place of healing or a great place of hurt. That many people walking through their doors will have been hurt by a past experience with a church. And he cannot promise that they won't have an experience at C3 that will be hurtful. But he talked about taking a season to get over the hurt and then finding another group of believers to journey with. It was a message I needed.
I won't restate his whole sermon (and did I mention he's Australian) but the other thing that was refreshing was him talking about being People of the Table. He referenced the times of Christ and how Jesus was always up for a party. Jesus went to the Wedding in Cana, he told Zaccheus he was going to his house, etc. He said we will gather on Friday nights and then people will have each other over on Saturday night. Yes, each others homes. That is why you have a home is to share it with others.
The sermon lasted about 40 minutes then they replayed a song from the worship time. He prayed for needs from people raising their hands while all eyes were closed and heads bowed. Then he dismissed.
People again were friendly.
Mike said it isn't fair to blog about a church from your first experience. But I think the first experience makes an impression and it is important to work through the question is this the church for our family.
Will we go back? Yes. We decided to check it out again. Next time we'll take Brooklyn.
Addendum: sermon and look for the file asheville 5.mp3
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Pete Update
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Important
Each night Brooklyn and I read together and pray together. A couple of years ago we read Island of the Blue Dolphin by Scott O'Dell. We are now reading his book, My Name is not Angelica.
Island of the Blue Dolphin was one of my favorite books growing up (along with the Box Car Children books). I couldn't wait to share it with her. Alas, she doesn't like to read as much as I do, but she tolerates me reading to her. She does share a passion of historical fiction with me. Hopefully as she grows we can share more books.
Last night when we prayed she said, "Thank you God that there is no more slavery." I haven't told her that there is still slavery, just not legalized in America. We will have that discussion, but I would like to protect her innocence as long as possible.
But it gave me a window into her heart. My Name is not Angelica is about slavery on St. John. It is very detailed about slave punishment, runaways, and slave feelings. It leaves nothing to the imagination. I asked her if she would like to discontinue the book and move on. She said that while it wasn't a great book, she was interested in seeing how it ends. We should be able to finish it by next week by reading a few chapters each night.
Do you have any suggestions of books we could read together after we finish this one?
Island of the Blue Dolphin was one of my favorite books growing up (along with the Box Car Children books). I couldn't wait to share it with her. Alas, she doesn't like to read as much as I do, but she tolerates me reading to her. She does share a passion of historical fiction with me. Hopefully as she grows we can share more books.
Last night when we prayed she said, "Thank you God that there is no more slavery." I haven't told her that there is still slavery, just not legalized in America. We will have that discussion, but I would like to protect her innocence as long as possible.
But it gave me a window into her heart. My Name is not Angelica is about slavery on St. John. It is very detailed about slave punishment, runaways, and slave feelings. It leaves nothing to the imagination. I asked her if she would like to discontinue the book and move on. She said that while it wasn't a great book, she was interested in seeing how it ends. We should be able to finish it by next week by reading a few chapters each night.
Do you have any suggestions of books we could read together after we finish this one?
Movie Review
Last night while perusing the channel listings I found that Secondhand Lion was going to come on Network TV. We have some movie channels, but there wasn't anything on. I thought it would be a great movie to watch with Brooklyn and I was so right.
It's hard to believe that this was a 2003 movie. I really thought it was from last year. With the language I probably wouldn't have watched it with Brooklyn in 2003 when she was five or six. And some of the content probably would have scared her then. But last night was magical as we watched the movie. She figured out some of what was going on before me and said, "Look he's _______." (I don't want to give it away if you haven't seen it.)
The story within a story was brilliant. Great foreshadowing, great suspense, a great look at the fact that boys do need men in their lives - but not just any men - men of character. The plot was well developed as were the characters. I wish I had read this book before watching the movie as I can imagine the book to be even better.
Haley Joel Osment did a great job as Walter a main character. At 13-14 year old, he looked more like 10-12 in this movie. He is a phenomenal actor for his age.
Robert Duvall and Michael Caine also brought such depth to the movie. Their grumpy old men facades melting as the movie progressed. I longed to see more after the great return.
If you don't mind a little fighting and some raw 4-letter-word language then check out this movie. It's a great way to spend 109 minutes watching a PG movie.
It's hard to believe that this was a 2003 movie. I really thought it was from last year. With the language I probably wouldn't have watched it with Brooklyn in 2003 when she was five or six. And some of the content probably would have scared her then. But last night was magical as we watched the movie. She figured out some of what was going on before me and said, "Look he's _______." (I don't want to give it away if you haven't seen it.)
The story within a story was brilliant. Great foreshadowing, great suspense, a great look at the fact that boys do need men in their lives - but not just any men - men of character. The plot was well developed as were the characters. I wish I had read this book before watching the movie as I can imagine the book to be even better.
Haley Joel Osment did a great job as Walter a main character. At 13-14 year old, he looked more like 10-12 in this movie. He is a phenomenal actor for his age.
Robert Duvall and Michael Caine also brought such depth to the movie. Their grumpy old men facades melting as the movie progressed. I longed to see more after the great return.
If you don't mind a little fighting and some raw 4-letter-word language then check out this movie. It's a great way to spend 109 minutes watching a PG movie.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
New Church to Check Out
One of the guys that Mike works with is helping plant this church in Asheville. According to him they will meet next week at the YMI downtown. Going to church on Friday night versus Sunday morning has appeal to me. Their website and what is says about people appeals to me. I'm going to go check it out Friday night and see if it still appeals to me. I'll blog about it next weekend.
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