Awaken City Church

Awaken City Update 3.11.10

2010-03-13T17:30:00.001-05:00

Awaken City Church….. “Awakened Hearts Loving Our City”

Did you know that over 3000 churches close each year? Have you ever wondered why? In fact, I was just reading about a church that at one point drew as many as 9,000 people on Sunday mornings and now are down to just 100 people on Sunday’s, most of whom are beyond retirement age. What does it really take to be an effective church in the millennium? This week we will be to explore these questions with a new series entitled “Do Something!” If you want to better prepare for this Sunday’s message you should read John 5:1-13 and come ready to be challenged to “Do Something!”

Time Change – Don’t forget to move your clock forward before you go to bed this Saturday night.

Small Group Leaders Training – Next Saturday morning, March 20th, we will provide anyone training to anyone interested in leading a small group here at Awaken City Church. Please contact Ray McKinnon for details. Ray@awakencitychurch.com

Homeless Ministry Update

"This is the best day of my life!" spoken with tears by our dear friend Father Time when a group of us arrived at Jules antique Store where he works. When he entered the store we sang to the best of our ability the wonderful happy birthday song. We then took him to the Mellow Mushroom and treated him to a lunch out that he has not had in a long time. He said that he felt like someone. We reassured him that he was, and that he also was very special and we loved him. After we finished lunch we went back to the store and had birthday cake. He was very touched that we thought him so special that people would actually take off work and come spend time with him. I believe this ministry is more than meeting needs, it's actually connecting and developing relationships with those people in need. This is where the real gift is. After this wonderful adventure, we went to the library to find a few more of our friends, and there we spent the rest of the afternoon outside laughing and having a great time with James and Pop. I would say that this day was a gift to all of us.

More homeless news….

Hey Everybody,

I just wanted to give you an update about our needs list. I would like to thank those of you who were part of getting Mr. Simpson's lights and heat turned back on. He came to me Sunday with tears of joy in his eyes and also with a few dollars in his pocket. He came with the intention of paying back at least a few dollars to show his gratitude. That brought tears to my eyes. He hugged me 3 times very tight during our conversation. I could feel the gratitude in those hugs! He is also interested in attending Awaken. I believe there a lot of our friends who would love to as well, so let's pray hard about getting downtown ASAP. We had just enough money donated to cover the cost of his bill. Steve Still, from the Salvation Army was able to provide many of the items on our needs list, and our thanks goes out to him for helping meet our needs. There was a gentleman who received a cane that he had put on the list, and when I gave it to him, you would have thought I just gave him a house! He too gave me a hug, and was so thankful for this need being filled. He said to me, "I'm tired of falling down all the time." God continues to bless this ministry, and meet needs in so many ways, and I am looking so forward to what He will do in the future!

I am sending out the most recent needs list, and if you can provide any of these items please reply all so we know what has been covered. Thank you for your efforts in serving these friends of ours downtown!

God Bless you.

Mary

Bus passes, Large tee-shirts, medium navy and white tee-shirts, jeans size 32x32- there are 2 men in need of this size, work boots waterproof if possible- size 10.5, jeans size 36x30- there are 2 brothers in need of this size, men's sneakers size 8, work boots size 9.5, Size 8 ladies clothing for a new woman who came on Sunday. She is getting into an apartment this week, and came out of an abusive relationship from another state and is starting over.

See you Sunday,

Frank Bishoff

Church Update 01/20

2010-01-20T13:27:00.001-05:00

Awaken City Church….. “Awakened Hearts Loving Our City”

I wanted to write a quick update and let those of you who have been praying know Michelle and Corwin our home! Both are doing fine and adjusting to life out of the hospital.

As we move forward we are trying to only send one church update a week. If you would like to know more about what is happening at Awaken City or with me you can log onto our website and check out the different blogs that are available. I am trying to post about three blog entries a week. One of those entries will be entitled “Sunday Afterthoughts” where I will highlight some thoughts regarding our Sunday Service.

As of right now we are in the process of merging my current distribution list with that new and growing list in our church database so of you may receive two e-mails a week. Hopefully, we will be fully converted in the coming week. As always, if you want to be removed from our e-mails please just let us know. If you are receiving this e-mail and would like to continue receiving any updates in the future, even if you do not attend Awaken City the only thing we ask is that you continue to pray for us as a church. The first year of any church plant is always the most critical. Most church plants fail within the first year! Here at Awaken City Church we have been blessed and are off to a very strong start, however, only a strong prayer base will enable us to continue to run after all that God has put in our hearts. Already, the stories continue to come in from people who are being impacted by our church. I wanted to include a few updates along with some powerful stories here:

This week we had several families back from our launch and some who actually signed up for small group and to serve (The good news is already our church is growing)! This past week we were able to give half our offering to the relief efforts in Haiti. We also are planning our first baptism on Super Bowl Sunday with a growing list of those desiring to be baptized. As you know, we are in the midst of a 21 day fast and already we are hearing some incredible stories. I had some phone calls from patients at Moses Cone Hospital this week. One lady, who called me at home, said she wanted to tell me of here encounter with three little angels. This woman is in the hospital because her boyfriend broke her arm. She has had a rough past that includes drug and alcohol abuse along with prostitution. She has been in the hospital for six weeks due to infection. She told me that she was in her room crying out to God because she knew He was here only hope. She said moments later “three ladies from your church came in and told me that they were there to pray for me!” We ended up talking for 45 minutes as she told me how overwhelmed she was by their prayers and by the grace of God! A second man called me to tell me of his friend who had fallen through a ceiling and onto a concrete floor! His friend who is a 50 yr. old female was 95% brain dead on life support. The doctors were one day away from pulling the life support and told the family that if she did live she would be a vegetable! He called to say that two of our teenage boys had found their way to her room and prayed for this woman’s healing. He went on to say that she was making a miraculous recovery! Sunday morning, right before our service started he called me again to say that she was up and talking and the doctors are expecting here to start eating on her own this week and expect her to make a full recovery! He was overwhelmed and told me that the first thing she wanted to do when she was released from the Hospital was come to our church and share here story! We also have a family in our church whose daughter was having tremendous headaches. They finally took her to a neurologist who ended up putting here on medication in hopes it would relieve the pain as they ran more tests to see what was going on. This girl told her parents that she wanted to go on our recent youth retreat because she wanted the youth to pray because she believed God would heal her. Well, I spoke with her parents last week and she end up going on the retreat and that the youth did pray for her. She went on to tell me that she had not had a headache since the retreat and is off all medications! God is truly at work as we are continuing to be a church committed to “loving our city!”

Thanks again to all who are praying, giving and offering your words of encouragement! May every life giving church in our city have a greater impact this year!

Until All Have Heard!

Church Update 01/15

2010-01-19T12:00:00.000-05:00

Awaken City Church….. “Awakened Hearts Loving Our City”

What a week! We started the week by celebrating the birth of a brand new church here in the city of Greensboro and yesterday we celebrated the birth of our son Corwin Ezekiel Bishoff! He weighed in at 6 pounds and two ounces and he is 19 1/4 inches long! He is absolutely beautiful! Michelle did great and she is now recovering and enjoying this brand new life! I have to confess sitting here in this room with Corwin right by my side, it’s very hard to take my eyes of him! I can’t help but think about all the potential that this little life holds! What will he become? What will his personality be like? What will be the things in life that he loves to do? So much potential!

You know, I’m convinced God sees us the same way! He sees all the potential in us! He not only sees who we are, but He sees all that we are becoming…all that we will be! I have spent a lot time this week having some of the same thoughts in regards to Awaken City. Sunday was truly amazing and yet, I have found myself daydreaming about who we will become! There truly is so much potential! Can you see it! I think God stands ready to move on behalf of people a people who are gripped by the potential of the church who He still calls His bride!

This week we will start a brand new series called “Jesus Culture.” In this series we will discover all that we were created for and how to respond to that which turns deeper in our hearts! Our prayer is that we would find courage to seize this moment! That we would be a church and a people that rightly re-presents Jesus to our culture and to our world!

See You Sunday!

Church update 01/09

2010-01-09T23:30:00.002-05:00

Awaken City Church….. “Awakened Hearts Loving Our City”

We only have one more day to reach out to our friends and invite them to our public launch tomorrow morning. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you think about who to invite. In light of the current condition of our economy and all the uncertainty in our country, this could be the best time to invite the unchurched. You see, unchurched people are most likely to come to church when they are in trouble, under tension, or in transition. And we have the awesome privilege to be part of God’s redemptive purposes unfolding in their lives! I am reminded of what Jesus said in Matthew’s Gospel.

"When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Matt. 9:36-39

People are looking for answers and searching hard for hope! If that is true then the responsibility is ours, the workers! May God empower each of us with all that we need to be effective as those who have been called to re-present Jesus to the world!

Fasting News

Why Fast? While Jesus was here on the earth he devoted much of his time to teaching the disciples the principles of the Kingdom of God. Three of these principles are found in the Matthew 6. Jesus said, “When you give,” and “When you pray,” and “When you fast.” He made it clear that fasting, like giving and praying, was a normal part of the Christian life. Remember, Jesus set the example for us when he fasted for 40 days before he started his public ministry. There is something about fasting that empowers us as believers, just like it empowered Jesus, to release supernatural ministry. Again, our goal is not to put our best foot forward to see what we can do. Our goal is to fully surrender to see all that God can do through a people that are fully devoted! If we will stop long enough and just listen to the deeper cry of our hearts, we become aware of the deep desire within all of us to see the impossibilities of men bow to the matchless name of Jesus!

As I have mentioned in recent updates, our desire is that everyone participate at some level. Obviously, that decision is between you and God, but again, we want full participation! To get the most out of this fast you should do something that would be considered a sacrifice. Remember, fasting is not to mistaken for spiritual dieting! Fasting is refraining from something for a spiritual purpose. Fasting brings us into a deeper, more intimate and powerful relationship with God. One last thought about fasting: Fasting could be the one most overlooked secret resource that we as believers have. There are some things that only fasting can release (see Matt. 17:14-21). As we launch Awaken City Church I want the full release of ALL that God has for us.

I have chosen to do the Daniel Fast, however there are a number of options to choose from. Please look over some of former updates if you need some ideas about what you should fast.

I can’t wait until tomorrow! Remember, doors open at 10:00 and our service starts at 10:30!

Until All Have Heard!

Church Update 1/07

2010-01-07T18:45:00.001-05:00

Awaken City Church….. “Awakened Hearts Loving Our City”

Four days and counting…are you exited yet? If not, you may want to check your pulse! Remember, we’re talking about the church! When I think about our city I am overjoyed knowing that God is raising up another life giving church to join the 400+ churches that already exist! Did you know as the church…

·We are the only ones with the message that guarantees eternal life

·We are the only ones with unlimited access to God the Father

·We are the only ones with the power of the Holy Spirit and the authority to negate the influence of demonic strategies

·We are the only ones able to overcome “the gates of Hell”

·We are the only ones in our city that can do his job

·We are the only ones who are exclusively responsible because we are His body, His co-workers, His ambassadors, His friends

As we draw closer to our launch and begin our 21 day fast I am well aware of all of those who have gone before us! I am thankful for the men and woman who have labored in our city for years. During our fast we are praying for the “Church.” We are fasting and believing God that…

·every Sunday as the word is proclaimed it would Awaken the hearts of God’s people

·every Sunday as the word is proclaim those far from God would be rescued and transported from the Kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of light

·every Sunday as we worship the true and living God His presence would bring forth healing and deliverance for all

·God would strengthen and encourage every pastor who is losing hope

·every life-giving church would have an abundance of resources even in the midst of our current economy

·there would be a supernatural unity between all the churches here in Greensboro

·that crime will go down

·grades in schools will go up

·unemployment will decrease and prosperity would increase

·homelessness would decrease

·that the demonstration of the Gospel would increase and have a powerful affect of our local government

·that every para-church organization in our city would have more than enough and would have a greater influence

·that our hospitals would be more vacant this year than any other time in history

·that it would be hard for anyone in our city to be outside the influence of the Kingdom of God

Are you ready? This is our city …..it’s time to fight back!!

Make plans now to join the hundreds of other churches who are participating in this 21 day fast!

I want to point you guys to a recent blog entry that may encourage some you who might have questions about what to fast. Fasting and Breakfast In Bed

To see more blog posts you can visit my blog.

Until All Have Heard!

Church Update 01/06

2010-01-06T15:32:00.002-05:00

Awaken City Church….. “Awakened Hearts Loving Our City”

Well, we are just days away from launching Awaken City Church! As I have mentioned in some of the past updates, we will also begin a 21 day fast this Sunday. Below is an article about some different fasting options to help you pick a fast that best fits you. Our goal is not trying to get everyone doing the same fast, but rather, that everyone would participate. I believe this year could be a year of Awakening for us as a church and for thousands in our city! Let’s contend for all that God has for us. I have also attached the day 21 day fasting devotional. I will have hard copies of this devotional available for everyone this Sunday morning!

Choosing your fasting plan is a very personal decision. We are all at different places in our walk with God and our spirituality should never be a cause for comparison or competition. There is nothing more “inherently spiritual” about one type of fast as opposed to another. Your personal fast should present a level of challenge to it, but know your body, know your options, and most importantly, seek God in prayer about this and follow what the Holy Spirit leads you to do. It’s also important to not let what you eat or do not eat become the focus of your fast. This is a time to disconnect enough with your regular patterns and habits in order to connect closer to God.

Listed below, are some options and variations of different types of fasts you can choose to engage in. As you read over the information provided here, please consider how it applies to your circumstances and convictions. Fasting does require reasonable precautions. If you have any health concerns, please consult your physician prior to beginning your fast – especially if you are taking medication, have a chronic condition, or if you are pregnant or nursing.

Specific Food or Activity Fast

This type of fast refers to omitting a specific item(s), activity or habit from your time of prayer and fasting. For example, you may choose to eliminate red meat, processed or fast food, or sweets. It could also involve fasting from an activity or habit, such as television watching, or social media.

Daniel Fast

The Daniel fast is a great model to follow that proves to be extremely effective for spiritual focus, bodily discipline and purification in the body and soul. It is probably one of the most commonly referred to types of fasts, however within the term “Daniel Fast”, there is room for broad interpretation. In the book of Daniel, we find two different times where Daniel fasted, once in Daniel 1 and again in Daniel 10. Daniel 1 states that he ate vegetables and water, and in Daniel 10, while the passage does not give a specific list of foods that Daniel ate, it does state that Daniel ate no rich (or choice) foods as well as no meat or wine. So based on these two verses, we can see that either of these, or any variations in between constitutes a fast. Again, there is nothing “inherently spiritual” about one type of fast as opposed to another. It is important to seek God in prayer and follow what the Holy Spirit leads you to do.

Juice Fast

A juice fast is when no solid food is consumed and instead involves the intake of vegetable juices, fruit juices and water.

Water Fast

A water fast is eating no foods and drinking no liquids except water for a period of time. Extreme precautions should be taken with a water fast and should be done under the direction supervision and monitoring of your physician.

Total Fast

A total fast is where nothing – neither liquid, solid food or even water is consumed for a period of time. We do not recommend total fasting as this can be very dangerous to your health. Attempting to go without water especially, for any period of time can be extremely harmful to the body.

Duration and Extent of Your Fast

Awakening is intentionally designed to be flexible. As with choosing what type of fast you will be undertaking, it is important to also decide ahead of time how long you will be fasting and to what extent you will be fasting. Some people may choose to fast at one level all 21 days or culminate with a special 3 day fast at the end. Others choose to fast one week out of the 21 days, or even fast once or twice a week throughout the 21 day period. This is a personal decision and one that should be prayerfully considered.

Expecting great things!

Church Update 01/03

2010-01-03T22:33:00.001-05:00

Awaken City Church….. “Awakened Hearts Loving Our City”

Wow! What an awesome weekend! For those who may have missed last night you missed a powerful time as we gathered for a night of worship, prayer, and powerful testimonies of what God has already done! It was also our last meeting in our pre-launch stage! Next Sunday we go “live” and I can hardly wait! Thanks again for all of your support! So many of you have stood with us over the last few months and for that I am forever grateful! Your prayers, words of encouragement, and financial support has positioned us to give birth to Awaken City Church on January 10 …NEXT SUNDAY MORNING!!!!!!! Thank You!

This morning we were able to serve our homeless friends even with the temperature hovering at a frigid 17 degrees! I am blown away by the commitment of so many that week after week display what radical love really looks like! You guys are awesome!

Here are some of the items that I want to make you aware of.

Next Sunday is our launch and again, I want to extend a invitation to you to join us as we celebrate this historic event! Doors open at 10:00AM and our service starts at 10:30.

We will have our first baptism on February 3 (Super Bowl Sunday) If you would like to be baptized please let us know.

February – We will re-launch OFY at Awaken City Church in February so stay tuned for all the epic details!

Awaken City in the news- if you did not see it we were featured on the front page of the Guilford Record in this morning’s newspaper.

21 Day Fast – starts next Sunday – more details forthcoming this week so stay tuned!

Finally, please continue to cover our family in prayer. As you know we give birth to a new church next Sunday and just four days later we give birth to Corwin Ezekiel Bishoff! Please pray for peace and joy as we anticipate this great event! Michelle is scheduled to have a Caesarean section on January 14. This is certainly a most joyful occasion, but one that doesn’t come without memories of the last time were at Woman’s hospital with our son Caden who was born without kidneys and passed away two days after he was born. Please pray for protection over Michelle and that she would be overwhelmed by the grace of God!.

One week and counting…to God be the glory!

Extra, Extra Read all about it!

2010-01-03T12:32:00.003-05:00

Last night we had an incredible worship night to usher in the near year. We had great songs, prayer, some videos to show us what the future could look like, altogether it was a great great night, and we know all that were there would agree!

However, I believe the single thing that made the evening the most powerful for me was when people got up and told their story of how Awaken City Church has impacted and radically changed their lives. Their are few things that are more inspiring than to hear someone's personal story. I believe this is because it reminds us that God is still working in our lives as well but also that God has more planned for us as a church. "God wants to take church outside our four walls" as Frank always says.

And because these stories are so powerful we want to hear everyone's story. I know that there are more stories in our church than what was able to be shared last night, and that is an awesome thought. So we want to give you a way to share with us and the rest of the church in order to spur one another on, what God is doing in your life. Please take a moment and send us how God has been moving in your life. This can be through Awaken City Church or directly from your relationship with God, or any other way, we just want to hear your story. Email your story to stories@awakencitychurch.com

We are desperate to read your stories as a staff as there are few things more encouraging to us than to hear how God is moving in your life. With your permission we would also love to share your story with the rest of the church, but in your email you can let us know if this is just for the staff or if you would be willing to share your story with all of us.

So remember, please share your story with us, we believe that this is a powerful tool God uses to remind us all that we are and always will be in progress and look forward to the future he has in store for us!

Church Update 12/31

2009-12-31T14:33:00.001-05:00

Awaken City Church….. “Awakened Hearts Loving Our City”

Here are a few quick announcements:

Last Meeting Before Launch: This SATUTRDAY night will be our last meeting before we go public on January 10! Can you believe it? We are getting ready to give birth to another life giving church in the city of Greensboro. Saturday night will be a time of worship and prayer as we come together to cry out to God on behalf of our church and our city. We will also give away t-shirts and invite cards to all of those who have not yet received them!

Public Launch: Will you consider joining us on this historic day? I know many of you who receive our update go to other life giving churches here in Greensboro and we are certainly glad for that. We are not trying to pull anyone away from their church, but rather asking you to stand with us as celebrate this historic event! So many of you have prayed, given and encouraged us all along the way and we would love for you to be our honored guests as we officially launch Awaken City church. Doors will open at 10:00 and our service will start promptly at 10:30.

Happy New Year!

Church Update 12/29

2009-12-29T11:49:00.002-05:00

Awaken City Church….. “Awakened Hearts Loving Our City”

As we are closing in on the end of this year and decade I am already in the process of preparation for 2010. For me it means doing an honest assessment of my life and sorting through the clutter. Before I can seriously look at the new places I want to go, I have to be willing to leave the places that I have been. As we prepare for 2010 I believe the first step is to ask yourself what things need to be left behind? Are their habits or sin patterns that need to be broken? is there forgiveness that needs to be extended? Are their mindsets and perspectives that need adjustment? We have to be courageous enough to let go of anything that will keep us from all that God has for us in 2010. Jonah 2:8 says, “Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.”

Secondly, as we close in on 2010 we have to be willing to prepare, to get ready, to position ourselves for all that is coming! In light of this, I wanted to give you more info and some options to think through regarding our coming 21 day fast! Before you look over the different options I think it might be important to answer the following questions:

· When is the last time your faith cost you something?

· What does radical love really look like?

· Are you really satisfied with just attending church?

· Is there an unshakable resolve that marks your life as you commit yourself to the destiny of Awaken City Church that includes, your time, your commitment and your finances?

We must embrace the same attitude as King David!

But King David replied to Araunah, "No, I insist on paying the full price. I will not take for the LORD what is yours, or sacrifice a burnt offering that costs me nothing." 1 Chronicles 21:24

With that, please look over the different options and start making plans now on how you will participate in our upcoming fast.

Types of Fasts

While preparing for your fast, it is important to choose ahead of time what type of fast you will participate in. Not only will this help with making the necessary preparations to implement your plan, but as you commit to a specific fast ahead of time, and know how you’re going to do it, you will position yourself to finish strong.

Specific Food or Activity Fast

Daniel Fast

Here are some links that provide some suggestions of what a Daniel fast can look like as well as some recipe options.

Juice Fast

A juice fast is when no solid food is consumed and instead involves the intake of vegetable juices, fruit juices and water.

Water Fast

Total Fast

Excited about our future!

Weekly Update 12/28

2009-12-28T21:33:00.002-05:00

Awaken City Church….. “Awakened Hearts Loving Our City”

As most of you know, we began a 40 day fast some time ago in preparation for our January launch. The beauty of this fast is that we have left it up to everyone to decide how they wanted to fast. This certainly has been of time of spiritual preparation along with all the other practical preparation we are in the process of as we approach January 10.

A few days ago I was made aware of another fast that will begin on January 10 that will include hundreds of churches all across the globe. The name of this fast is “Awakening” and it is simply a 21 day fast to seek God as we prepare to enter into, not just a new year, but a new decade! As I began to learn more about this event my heart was overwhelmed with excitement! I don’t believe this is a coincidence! I think this is an appointed time for the Church as a whole, but more specifically for us as we launch a brand new work in our city. Because I feel so strongly about this, in that I truly believe God is calling us at Awaken to this, I am challenging us ALL to participate as a church. I think God is setting us up to do more than we can even ask or imagine (Eph. 3:20). Right now, all over the globe, thousands are being swept into the Kingdom. For example, it is estimated that right now one million people come to Christ in just one week all over the world! I’m convinced more than ever that this church was God’s idea and over the past few months we have certainly seen the evidence of that! As we approach the new year I want to encourage you to begin to prepare yourself for this corporate fast as we look forward to all that God is getting ready to do. As you know Jesus himself set 40 days aside to pray and fast before he started his public ministry! As the Lead Pastor of Awaken City Church I don’t believe there is anything greater that we can do as God’s people to release all that He has for us, therefore I am calling all of you who call Awaken City home to participate in this great event! I will be sending out more info in the coming days and we will certainly be talking more about this in our Sunday morning gatherings in January, but I wanted to go ahead and let you know so we are all on the same page.

Tell the leaders and people to come together at the temple.

Order them to go without eating and to pray sincerely.

Joel 1:14

Expecting Great Things!

Year End Contributions

2009-12-28T20:19:00.001-05:00

All,

For those who would like to give a year end contribution you can mail them to 6510 Highland oak Dr. Greensboro, NC 27410. As long as the envelope is post marked December 31st or earlier it will count for 2009.

No Weekend Experience

2009-12-28T20:17:00.000-05:00

Awaken City Church….. “Awakened Hearts Loving Our City”

Just a quick reminder that we will not be meeting this weekend. However, we will still meet in the morning for our homeless ministry at 8:15 at Center City Park.

Homeless Ministry Update

2009-12-28T20:09:00.003-05:00

Awaken City Church….. “Awakened Hearts Loving Our City”

Here are two e-mails from Kay and Mary. I have also attached a picture from this outreach.

WHAT A BLESSING TODAY.

ACC,

We gave out 55 gift boxes. The breakfast buffet was amazing. I think everyone was full, and there was plenty of food. Many of our friends hugged me and said thank you so much for the food and for the gift. Several were really surprised about the gift boxes. One guy that I had given bus fare to a few weeks ago told me because I gave him money for a bus pass he was able to get to his job the fist week and he wanted me to know that he was still working. He gave me a big bear hug and said thank you. Thank you to all who came out. The roads were not to bad and it actually was pretty comfortable in the park. I think we showed our friends that they can count on us. I was really surprised at how many of our friends came today. We could not have done this without everyone's time, contributions and prayers. This church is loving the city, the people and each other. You guys are amazing. I pray that each of you will be totally blessed this Christmas. For those who are traveling may the traveling angels be with you for those who are staying home may you enjoy your time with your family's.

Merry Christmas and God Bless

Stan and Kay

--------------------------------------------------

ACC Family,

Wow! That's all I can say about our Christmas party today. I would like to share a few encouraging thoughts to go along with what Kay shared.

Christmas is a season that most of us look forward to with our families, friends and celebrating the birth of our Savior. However, this can also be a season of sadness for many. I could feel the power of God today as He is making His presence known to our friends. This celebration today was so much like that of a family celebrating Christmas with the gifts and the food and fellowship. I was so blessed by it. There were several who came with tears because of their situation, and the thought of not being able to share this season with biological family for various reasons. There was a young lady who came, and it was her first visit. her name was Celeste, and she shared with me that as she was walking she heard laughter. she said she needed that more than anything and so she followed it to us.

She was crying almost the whole time I talked with her. She was getting ready to share what was going on, but there were several of our friends who were concerned and came to introduce themselves. She wasn't able to share this time, but I know there will be another opportunity. I do know she was blessed by all of the love and fellowship she experienced though. Isn't it just like God to take care of her needs, just as He promises. Today was a day that I saw many walls taken down. Our friends are beginning to trust us, and share their stories. There are opportunities for prayer opening up all around us. I had the opportunity to pray with two people who were in despair because of their circumstances. I could feel God's presence as we prayed. I am so excited about the doors that are opening up. I was able to hear some more stories, and encourage them.

Our friends are so thirsty for people to love and accept them, just like the rest of us. Some are looking in all the wrong places, but what a wonderful opportunity we have to teach them there is only one well to drink from, and that is from Jesus.

I received so many words of encouragement for our group about what a blessing it has been for them to have us come and serve every Sunday. Thank you to all of you who make this happen every week. I looked around today at all the different gifts each one of you bring to the table, and I just thank God for your serving hearts. You really are a blessing. I pray that God will rain down many blessings for you in the upcoming year, and that you have a very Merry Christmas!

Our church is salt and light. In the book of Matthew Jesus said, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden"

Matthew 5:14.

Love,

Mary

Special Update

2009-12-28T20:00:00.001-05:00

Awaken City Church….. “Awakened Hearts Loving Our City”

All,

In light of the weather and our desire to be as safe as possible we are going to move our corporate meeting from 6:30PM to 2:00PM in the afternoon tomorrow. We will still have our Christmas Party and Karaoke fun. We also give away t-shirts to all who come along with invite cards. Don’t forget to come with a heavy horderve to share and any money raised for our Karaoke fundraiser.

We are still on go for our normal time for the homeless in the morning. Be at Center City Park at 8:15.

Also, the Parade of Homes has been rescheduled for Monday night starting at the Burks at 6:30.

Weekly Update 12/19

2009-12-28T19:46:00.001-05:00

Awaken City Church….. “Awakened Hearts Loving Our City”

Here are just a few quick updates.

First, after kicking around our “A is for Apple” campaign, we decided that it was taking too much of our time and resources to pull it off like we wanted to at this time. Instead, we have created invite cards and t-shirts for our upcoming launch. Along with our web site, this should give us two great tools for us to get the word out about Awaken City Church. The web site is now live and you can go to www.awakencitychurch.com to check it out for yourself! Obviously, we will be adding new stuff in the coming days and weeks, but it’s done in terms of being ready for people to use as a resource to learn more about ACC.

Parade of Homes – We are going to re-schedule this event because of the snow. I will let you know the new date as soon as I know.

Homeless – We WILL still do all we have planned tomorrow morning. Remember, the homeless are still in great need no matter the weather. We need to be there at 8:15 so make sure you leave extra early to allow yourself enough time for travel. I believe it will be a powerful statement to all our homeless friends to see us there in spite of the weather. Look at it like this: Our homeless friends will have a “White Christmas!”

Tomorrow Night – I will send out another e-mail to let everyone know if we are still having our Christmas Party and Karaoke celebration tomorrow night so stay tuned.

I hope everyone is enjoying the snow and this special opportunity to slow down and enjoy your family!

I love you all!!