This past weekend was our second block party of the summer at the playground of Chegwin Elementary School. Our first one was a big hit, with around 100 people attending. For this one we expected even more so we purchased more hot dogs, chips, and watermelon. The night started off pretty well, but about an hour into it, there was a very large, ominous looking cloud movng in our direction. I would say it sprinkled for about 10 seconds before there was an absolute downpour. People were running everywhere trying to pick up papers, food, and children as they searched for a dry place to camp out. There really was no covering to go under, but if you stood flat against the wall of the school, you could stay somewhat dry. So although we did not have the numbers we were hoping for, we definitly had some good bonding time with the small group of people who were there as we huddled against the wall.
A few prayer requests:
Praise for a lady and her daughter who came to church this past Sunday. They stopped by our booth at the fair. They seemed to enjoy their time with us and we hope to see them again.
We are still looking for a new location. Our current location is not large enough to hold a Grand Opening crowd, so we have been looking for a bit larger spaces to move into.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Saturday, July 18, 2009
The world is lacking in Dutch people...
This week is the Fond du Lac County Fair. We decided as a church to set up a booth in the Expo building and have a drawing for free prizes. We went to Menards and bought a bunch of garden related items such as a hose, sprinkler, plants, and flower pots to give away as free prizes. Our grand prize is a one night stay at the Holiday Inn with a gift certificate for dinner. In all, I believe we had over 30 prizes to give away. Well, Becca and I had to man the booth on Thursday from 1:00-10:30. We had put up signs saying what our prizes were and expected people to flock in trying to win these free prizes. Well when we asked people if they wanted to sign-up, so many of them said, "no thanks" and kept walking past. No thanks! Why would you pass up a chance to win a free night at the holiday inn and free dinner! Being the good Dutchman that I am, whenever I go to events such as this, I sign my name up at every single booth. I don't care if my prize is a bottle of lotion or a cute picture frame! If its free I'll sign up! Becca and I were utterly confused as to why people would just pass by. The world really is lacking in Dutch people.
I believe that part of the reason is that "free" doesn't really mean free anymore. There is always a catch or something in the fine print. You can have this free gift, once you spend $50 at our store. Or, you can have this free gift if you let us set up an appointment with you and 5 of your friends. Is this why people have a hard time accepting Christ? God's grace is freely given to us. In Ephesians Paul tells us that we are saved by grace through faith. We did nothing to earn this, it was freely given to us. But as Christians sharing the good news, how are we telling people about this free gift? Do we tell them its a free gift but there are a few strings attached? Yes, you can be saved, but first you have to move out of your girl/boyfriend's house. Yes, you can be saved, but first you have dress up nice and come to church every Sunday. Or, you can be saved but first you have to quit using drugs or doing other addictive behaviors. Why don't we share with others the good news about God's grace being freely given to everyone and let their lives be transformed by the new relationship they have with Jesus Christ? The Christian life is not about following rules and regulations but about letting God take over and completely living for him.
Anyway, despite the many non-Dutch people who passed by, there were still a good number of people who stopped to talk. We had a few good conversations and hopefully when the winners come in to pick up their prizes, we will be able to share with them a little more about The Garden.
I believe that part of the reason is that "free" doesn't really mean free anymore. There is always a catch or something in the fine print. You can have this free gift, once you spend $50 at our store. Or, you can have this free gift if you let us set up an appointment with you and 5 of your friends. Is this why people have a hard time accepting Christ? God's grace is freely given to us. In Ephesians Paul tells us that we are saved by grace through faith. We did nothing to earn this, it was freely given to us. But as Christians sharing the good news, how are we telling people about this free gift? Do we tell them its a free gift but there are a few strings attached? Yes, you can be saved, but first you have to move out of your girl/boyfriend's house. Yes, you can be saved, but first you have dress up nice and come to church every Sunday. Or, you can be saved but first you have to quit using drugs or doing other addictive behaviors. Why don't we share with others the good news about God's grace being freely given to everyone and let their lives be transformed by the new relationship they have with Jesus Christ? The Christian life is not about following rules and regulations but about letting God take over and completely living for him.
Anyway, despite the many non-Dutch people who passed by, there were still a good number of people who stopped to talk. We had a few good conversations and hopefully when the winners come in to pick up their prizes, we will be able to share with them a little more about The Garden.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Good food and good answers
This past Saturday was our first neighborhood block party and it was a huge success! We had just about 100 people show up. It was a great time of brats, hot dogs, games and good conversations. It truly was an awesome night of answered prayers. The forecast for the day was rain. We planned on starting the party at 5:00 and it quit raining at about 4:50. We finished up the party at 7:30 and it began raining again at about 8:00...good timing God!
We also had a few people who we met at the party show up to worship with us the next morning. Hopefully as we make more contacts with people and share our vision, more and more people check us out and grow in their relationship with God.
On Sunday I led the children's message in church. We were talking about how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. We watched a School House Rock video on adjectives and then I had them think of an adjective for each letter of the alphabet that described God. Here were some of the more comical answers...
d- Duck! (It was said by a 3 year girl with much enthusiasm)
o-Orange
q- Cute
v- Vantastic
We also had a few people who we met at the party show up to worship with us the next morning. Hopefully as we make more contacts with people and share our vision, more and more people check us out and grow in their relationship with God.
On Sunday I led the children's message in church. We were talking about how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. We watched a School House Rock video on adjectives and then I had them think of an adjective for each letter of the alphabet that described God. Here were some of the more comical answers...
d- Duck! (It was said by a 3 year girl with much enthusiasm)
o-Orange
q- Cute
v- Vantastic
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Playing in the Park
I just realized today that I hadn't posted in quite awhile. I knew I wasn't going to be good at this whole blog thing.
Anyway, things here in Fond du Lac having been going pretty well yet. One of the things I have been working on is getting started is a weekly recreation time for youth at a park here in town. There is an area of town called the Hamilton Neighborhood which is considered the rougher part of town. There is a fair amount of drug activity and violence. Hamilton Park is located near this neighborhood so we chose this park for our weekly rec time, trying to positively influence the neighborhood. Well, a week before we started our rec time, there was a drive-by shooting. There were 8 shots fired, but nobody was hurt. Our first rec time at Hamilton Park was the week after this, and nobody showed up. I have a feeling that parents don't want to let their kids go out and play knowing that it is a dangerous area.
Last night was our second week of doing the rec time in the park. Becca and I went door-to-door throughout the neighborhood inviting kids to come and play. We waited in the park and prayed that God would send some kids and pretty soon 7 kids came! We had a great time playing soccer, basketball and frisbee. Hopefully throughout the summer, more and more kids will come and they will trust that this is a safe place to come and have fun.
A couple prayer requests:
This Saturday is our first neighborhood block party. We are grilling brats and hot dogs at a local elementary school playground and we hope that many people in the community will come out to it.
Our church is looking for a new building to worship in. Currently, The Garden is renting a place just on Sunday mornings, but would like to be in their own building for their grand opening in September.
Anyway, things here in Fond du Lac having been going pretty well yet. One of the things I have been working on is getting started is a weekly recreation time for youth at a park here in town. There is an area of town called the Hamilton Neighborhood which is considered the rougher part of town. There is a fair amount of drug activity and violence. Hamilton Park is located near this neighborhood so we chose this park for our weekly rec time, trying to positively influence the neighborhood. Well, a week before we started our rec time, there was a drive-by shooting. There were 8 shots fired, but nobody was hurt. Our first rec time at Hamilton Park was the week after this, and nobody showed up. I have a feeling that parents don't want to let their kids go out and play knowing that it is a dangerous area.
Last night was our second week of doing the rec time in the park. Becca and I went door-to-door throughout the neighborhood inviting kids to come and play. We waited in the park and prayed that God would send some kids and pretty soon 7 kids came! We had a great time playing soccer, basketball and frisbee. Hopefully throughout the summer, more and more kids will come and they will trust that this is a safe place to come and have fun.
A couple prayer requests:
This Saturday is our first neighborhood block party. We are grilling brats and hot dogs at a local elementary school playground and we hope that many people in the community will come out to it.
Our church is looking for a new building to worship in. Currently, The Garden is renting a place just on Sunday mornings, but would like to be in their own building for their grand opening in September.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Seeing the Need
Well, Becca typed out the first two posts so I figure I better write something as well. Things have been going pretty good so far. I'm starting to get a little better feel for what I am supposed to be doing.
One activity that Pastor Kevin and I will be doing is going door-to-door in the downtown neighborhoods. We are basically introducing ourselves and letting them know about the new church that is starting. We also ask them what the needs are of the neighborhood and how a new church could help out. It was a very interesting experience as we got a wide variety of reactions. The very first house we went to resulted in a quick dismissal. As soon as we mentioned the word church he told us to get out because he didn't want anything to do with religion. On the other hand, we met some people that seemed to want to talk to us forever. For the most part, it seems that people are somewhat religious, but do not attend church. Before Becca and I came, Pastor Kevin did over 40 surveys and only 6 or 7 of them actually attended church. Pastor Kevin also told me that the percentage of people who go to church between the ages of 18-30 is less than 10% in Fond du Lac. So we are definitely seeing the need here and The Garden has a very strong vision to reach the unchurched population.
Pictures to come soon! (hopefully)
Brent
One activity that Pastor Kevin and I will be doing is going door-to-door in the downtown neighborhoods. We are basically introducing ourselves and letting them know about the new church that is starting. We also ask them what the needs are of the neighborhood and how a new church could help out. It was a very interesting experience as we got a wide variety of reactions. The very first house we went to resulted in a quick dismissal. As soon as we mentioned the word church he told us to get out because he didn't want anything to do with religion. On the other hand, we met some people that seemed to want to talk to us forever. For the most part, it seems that people are somewhat religious, but do not attend church. Before Becca and I came, Pastor Kevin did over 40 surveys and only 6 or 7 of them actually attended church. Pastor Kevin also told me that the percentage of people who go to church between the ages of 18-30 is less than 10% in Fond du Lac. So we are definitely seeing the need here and The Garden has a very strong vision to reach the unchurched population.
Pictures to come soon! (hopefully)
Brent
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
The Apartment
So we've had quite an adventure when it comes to our apartment. :)
Pastor Kevin had looked for an apartment for us (called the El Dorado Apartments)before we got to FDL, so we were expecting to move into that apartment shortly after arriving here. When we got here, we found out that the El Dorado manager had not returned Kevin's phone calls, and our apartment search was a little up in the air. So we stayed at Dan and Kathy's house (members of the launch team), and were treated so well!
Thursday, we looked through the ads in the paper to try and find a different apartment. We got ahold of an upstairs apartment in a house that was willing to do a 3 month lease and could meet us that morning, so we jumped on that. As we were walking over to see this apartment, the El Dorado lady called back and said we could have the original apartment. So at this point we had two options.
After seeing both apartments, we were leaning more toward the El Dorado and then went for lunch. During lunch, we met a lady from the church and she asked what we were doing. We told her we were looking at apartments, and she said, "I hope not the El Dorado Apartments!" out of the blue. We told her that we actually were looking at those, and asked what she knew about them. She told us she lived there and would advise against moving in, so we decided on the upstairs apartment.
The landlord told us that the other guy had to move some stuff out yet and clean it up, so we could get in on Sunday. On Sunday, we met the landlord after church to sign the papers, but the man had not come back yet to move out his things...it was a disaster!
Finally we got a call Monday morning that the man was out, but the landlord hadn't seen it yet. So we decided to go over there anyway and started moving in. When we walked up the stairs, we were disgusted! The man had moved most of his big things out, but left half his fridge and freezer full, about 20 empty Vodka bottles, plates, dishes, and drawers/closets full of his things. So Brent and I got to work! We've been cleaning absolutely everything with Lysol for the past 3 days, and we're getting there! We were a bit discouraged, but now things are coming together, and we see it as our project and gift to the landlord. Maybe he'll wonder why we're putting so much effort into a clean house. Anyway, we have quite a housing story to tell and will load the pictures as soon as we have more time!
Pastor Kevin had looked for an apartment for us (called the El Dorado Apartments)before we got to FDL, so we were expecting to move into that apartment shortly after arriving here. When we got here, we found out that the El Dorado manager had not returned Kevin's phone calls, and our apartment search was a little up in the air. So we stayed at Dan and Kathy's house (members of the launch team), and were treated so well!
Thursday, we looked through the ads in the paper to try and find a different apartment. We got ahold of an upstairs apartment in a house that was willing to do a 3 month lease and could meet us that morning, so we jumped on that. As we were walking over to see this apartment, the El Dorado lady called back and said we could have the original apartment. So at this point we had two options.
After seeing both apartments, we were leaning more toward the El Dorado and then went for lunch. During lunch, we met a lady from the church and she asked what we were doing. We told her we were looking at apartments, and she said, "I hope not the El Dorado Apartments!" out of the blue. We told her that we actually were looking at those, and asked what she knew about them. She told us she lived there and would advise against moving in, so we decided on the upstairs apartment.
The landlord told us that the other guy had to move some stuff out yet and clean it up, so we could get in on Sunday. On Sunday, we met the landlord after church to sign the papers, but the man had not come back yet to move out his things...it was a disaster!
Finally we got a call Monday morning that the man was out, but the landlord hadn't seen it yet. So we decided to go over there anyway and started moving in. When we walked up the stairs, we were disgusted! The man had moved most of his big things out, but left half his fridge and freezer full, about 20 empty Vodka bottles, plates, dishes, and drawers/closets full of his things. So Brent and I got to work! We've been cleaning absolutely everything with Lysol for the past 3 days, and we're getting there! We were a bit discouraged, but now things are coming together, and we see it as our project and gift to the landlord. Maybe he'll wonder why we're putting so much effort into a clean house. Anyway, we have quite a housing story to tell and will load the pictures as soon as we have more time!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Our first days...
We got to FDL on Wednesday evening, and have been busy ever since! Wednesday evening, we met Pastor Kevin and his family...they are wonderful! Amy, his wife is a fantastic cook and really outgoing lady. Then they have 3 fun and energetic kids - Emily is 7, Owen is 6, and Anna is 3. it took them about 2 minutes to come out from hiding shyly behind their mom and dad! Then Pastor Kevin took us around FDL, showing us key places. We sat in on the Mission Outreach meeting that evening, and really learned what The Garden is all about and what they're doing this summer to reach people and get their name and vision throughout FDL. This was such an inspiring night for us and got us really excited (and a little overwhelmed :) ) about what God is doing here and how we will be involved.
Thursday was a lot more meeting people and exploring FDL. We did most of this with Pastor Kevin, and then we also had some time to explore on our own. Friday, Brent went with Pastor Kevin to get together with two men that meet with Pastor Kevin every Friday morning. Meanwhile, I did a little job hunting and got to hang out with Amy and Anna. Friday evening we spent with Dan and Kathy, our temporary hosts and new friends. They are the ones that started the divorce care ministry 5 years ago that turned into The Garden church plant. We enjoyed a delicious grilled meal (including real pineapple!), good fellowship, bocce ball, and witnessing our first dog bath/spray from their huge golden retriever, Zak.
Today we helped Amy and Owen plant their garden. After we finally got the mud scrubbed off our feet and shoes, Brent and I had a picnic, played catch in the park, and are working on our weekend assignment: to spend time in FDL, exploring and getting to know what the culture of FDL is all about. What makes people tick in FDL? Where do people spend their time?
Thursday was a lot more meeting people and exploring FDL. We did most of this with Pastor Kevin, and then we also had some time to explore on our own. Friday, Brent went with Pastor Kevin to get together with two men that meet with Pastor Kevin every Friday morning. Meanwhile, I did a little job hunting and got to hang out with Amy and Anna. Friday evening we spent with Dan and Kathy, our temporary hosts and new friends. They are the ones that started the divorce care ministry 5 years ago that turned into The Garden church plant. We enjoyed a delicious grilled meal (including real pineapple!), good fellowship, bocce ball, and witnessing our first dog bath/spray from their huge golden retriever, Zak.
Today we helped Amy and Owen plant their garden. After we finally got the mud scrubbed off our feet and shoes, Brent and I had a picnic, played catch in the park, and are working on our weekend assignment: to spend time in FDL, exploring and getting to know what the culture of FDL is all about. What makes people tick in FDL? Where do people spend their time?
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