Advent is Here!

Lat weekend we began as a church to walk through the season of Advent! I have been so excited to get to this time of year, to be intentional to slow down and focus on the things that actually matter. It is a struggle to slow down, to be present, to invite hope, peace, and love into this super busy time and season. Join us this holiday season to press the pause button and look into the bible to find the story of a baby being born that turned this whole world upside down. These things, HOPE, PEACE, JOY, LOVE are here, right now, to be found in our lives through the coming and dying of a this baby king.

Servants of All

Tonight at EVVC we talked about being servants of all, and I was surprised to really find this truth revealed as we talked; when we serve we are freed. I know, I know, we serve to bless others, but the secret of the Kingdom of God is that when we serve, we are the ones who are blessed. AMAZING!! It's an upside down Kingdom, and it's what we're called to participate in! Check out the website to listen in on the service. :)

A Pastor

I am a pastor. :) I have been called in my heart to shepherd a flock and am attempting to respond. What does this mean to a 32 year old new comer to this field? This week I have found my heart strings being pulled in this discussion and train of thought, much to my joy. So far I have been operating from the thought process of pastoring as equating to: being prepared, being ready to give a word to the body, getting our music ready, setting out form and function of processes, but mostly being prepared for a gathering has been my focus, time and energy. This week God lovingly chastised me, "What kind of a Pastor do you want to be?" And I can feel the call of that ring deep in my heart. I want to be a pastor who is connected with his church and his community. One that feels the weight of his congregations burdens and takes that weight before the Only One who can truly understand and respond. I want to be the type of pastor that has enough time to sit down for coffee and listen to someones dreams, then encourage them on in love and good works. I want to be a passionate pursuer of Him, and from His life in me impact and bless the people around me. I know that God is shaping me, and our fellowship. We might be small, but we have a real and authentic community, called to reach out and influence for His Kingdom. We are broken and hurting, redeemed and sanctified, we are a group that is in passionate pursuit of Him. I loved this week. Getting a chance to visit the hospital, pray for our members, hear their struggles and successes. I am incredibly blessed, humbled, and grateful by what God is doing in our midst.

Rhythm

So I'm still learning how to crawl. :) We're a new church and this rhythm is new to me. The last few weeks have been nothing short of amazing as I've personally pressed into God and found depth revealed in my heart to share with our church and bless our community. But this week was a blur for me, tough week at work, and I shifted (then lost) some of my study time. I am learning the immense importance of putting my heart where my mouth is, and really digging into the word, so that I can rely on Him to breath on a talk. Tonight was a pretty good night at EVVC, we had a small group, and it was great hanging out together. I am already excited though for next week, to spend time with Him this week, and teach from a place that has been cultivated. Rhythm.

Deep Roots

This community has deep roots. People and families around here proudly trace back their lines to generations of linage in Silverton. Some people really want to be identified by their heritage. We have a heritage too. It doesn't matter if you just met Jesus, or if you've been walking with Him your whole life, you have a heritage. There's a heritage for you in Him. Come explore these deep roots this weekend with us.

Undeniable Love

Tonight was great! We had a few friends from Salem Vineyard come out and help out with worship, that was cool. We had a few new faces in the crowd, and that was exciting. But best of all, God was in the House! :) Seemed like several people had God speaking to their hearts, either through the music or the word, and that's what it's all about, drawing closer to Him. Good stuff. Listen, if you're in the neighborhood next week, please come and check us out, it's going to be good! We've been talking the last couple of weeks about being filled up with Gods love and loving Him in return, this next week we're going to dream a little and challenge the status quo. What's it look like to move out of the boat?

Oh How He Loves Us

I love listening in to Cincinnati Vineyards podcasts. The pastor there had a blog called "Things I wish I would have said on Sunday" or something like that. I need a space like that also. Not that Saturday Night wasn't great, it was awesome! BUT I really wanted to quote A.W. Tozer, and I forgot to... So here's the quote “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”

― A.W. Tozer

Now check out the message when it posts to our website this week, and hopefully you'll see the application. :) http://www.eastvalleyvineyard.com

Hope to see you this Saturday night.

Blessings,

Benson

Our First Gathering

Last night we had our first gathering for East Valley Vineyard. God was so good! The worship was excellent, there was a really sweet spirit in the place. Feed back on the children's ministry was great too, ALL the kids had a good time! Next week we'll be back at it, and I am excited to talk about the prodigal son. Saturday, 6:00 pm, at Oak Street. :) Hope to see you there

Todays THE Day!!!!!

6:00 pm at Oak street Church in Silverton Oregon, come and hang out with us!

Saturday is Coming!! :)

We are so excited for Saturday to get here! Joanie and I and the whole Core team have been working like mad to get ready for opening up services to the public. Let's see... Kids area, done. Nursery, done. Media, working on it. Worship team, I think we're ready. Bulletins, welcome packets, signs, working working working. :) Big breath. God, grant us the wisdom to do what must be done, and the peace to leave it all in your hands. The really good news is that we have been constantly encouraged in Him by our community. There are so many people praying and serving, it is very humbling. You can check us out on Saturday, September 10th at 6:00, and if you get a chance take a look at our website; www.eastvalleyvineyard.com

Hope to see you there!

Soft Launch

Last Saturday night we had a "soft Launch" for all of our key workers and leaders for East Valley Vineyard Church. It was so good to worship together, pray, and share a vision of what we hope this community will be all about. God really pricked my heart over the importance of being a welcoming community right where we're at. So often people get tired of dis-genuine people, that's not who we're called to be! We're called to be salt and light! Wanna hear more? Come and join our launch Sept. 10th at 6oo pm!

WooHoo!!

Oh man, things are moving quickly! So this week we've got a lot going on. We received the official release from Vineyard Corporate! WooHoo!! What that means is that we are on the national data base, have completed all the requirements for the plant, received signatures from all of our overseers, Joanie and I passed our background check, and now we have a 3000 dollar budget. (Big Sigh) So this week and next is about digging in and getting more prepared. (Deep Breath) We will be prepping Oak Streets upstairs for kids ministry, getting a website up and running, opening a bank account, finishing details on what a service looks like; lots of meetings, lots of lists, and on and on and on. All great stuff, but lots to do. :) If you're tracking with us, please be praying for us, peace, patience, wisdom, and strength. If you're plugged in with us, get ready, here comes the ride!

Benson

A Dependent

This morning my kids have kept coming up to me asking questions. If I don't immediately answer them I hear this, "But Dad, I NEED your help!" So they're tugging on my leg, and I'm trying to get stuff done, then I realize they can not accomplish this task without my help. This leads me to another thought. Remember what Jesus said "Let the little children come to me, and stop keeping them away, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to people like these." There's a dependency. A need. And it's simple trust that Dad is enough to solve the problem, to help in the time of need. A simple dependency. God, let us have that kind of faith and trust and hope, that you are enough, that we can depend on you. Help us to have a child like faith.

And we have a building!!

Well, I feel as though things are moving very quickly now. Last night our Core team got together and looked at what will be our first building and meeting place! We'll start off using another building here in Silverton for our Saturday Night services. 502 Oak Street Silverton, OR at Oak Street Church. This is a great location, it's right down town. AND we've been given the green light to make the upstairs what we want to for children's ministry! It is so exciting!! We'll be meeting Saturday nights, likely from 6:00 - 7:30pm, starting September 10th. :) The evening spent over there was really good; we toured the facility, worshiped, and prayed and then discussed. The worship time was really sweet and from that many in the group felt like God was speaking to their hearts and shared their excitement as well. One of the things we talked about was the picture of an infant learning to walk, which at first it is clumsy and stumbling (just like we will be). But the Father is the one helping us up, and before you know it they're off and running (just like we will be)

Neighborhood night out success!!

This last Tuesday we threw a block party for National Neighborhood Night Out! And it ROCKED! We saw tons of local people come out of their homes for some free food, music and children's games! The feed back was fantastic and we all had some much fun doing it! Thank you thank you thank you to all of those who donated time, energy and resources to this. So many people said, "Why haven't we done this before?" and "When can we do this again?" I love this type of thing. I believe that being genuine and loving and serving our communities comes in may forms. Sometimes it's knocking doors, sometimes it's prayer, sometimes its feeding and clothing those in need, sometimes it's a Sunday morning service, and sometimes it's a huge block party that starts the conversations!

Update!

So Jason and Liana Stone are going to come out and play music for us on Neighborhood Night Out!! I am SO stoked!

Neighborhood Night Out

Just one week! August 2nd is fast approaching! We are hosting a neighborhood night out in the field across the street from 6-8pm. If you're following this blog and want to come out, than come on out!! Hot dogs, popcorn, kids games, face painting, bouncy house; it's going to be a ton of fun! This is just to get to know your neighbor, we're not selling anything, we're just loving the city!

Time to Go

So this week was the last week I'll be leading worship at Salem Vineyard Church. Deep Sigh. It has been a very internally emotional experience for me. Joanie and I are so excited to start East Valley Vineyard, but at the same time we have a deep love for our community in Salem. During worship on Sunday I found myself more than once getting choked up as I thought about leaving this place, and as I saw people connecting during worship. SVC has been an oasis for my family, for the last 8 years we have served and poured our time and lives into that fellowship, and have found God in new and deeper ways. We have been privileged to serve there. We have seen so many people step out and into His calling on their lives. I am amazed and humbled. On the drive home I just completely broke down. It was so good to just cry before God. At first I tried to hold it in, and felt God speaking to my heart, "I made you to be soft, I know what you are feeling, it's alright." So healthy, a good cry once in a while. I was broken thinking about how much I love that place and people, how much God loves them. Aaahhhhh, another deep sigh. :)

We love you Salem Vineyard!

Things to come

Here are some things coming up, these are all on the calendar too; I’m speaking at SVC on Sunday July 10^th about the plant (so invite interested people), and try to make it, I’d like to introduce the Core Group. We have our full day retreat/planning meeting July 16^th at Marc’s house, directions to follow. And we will start planning this week for a neighborhood outreach on August 2^nd (neighborhood night out). Some of our friends have already got some big blowup play things, and we’ve reserved the field across the street from our house. I will also talk to Breck Wilson (Pastor of Oak Street Church) to see if we can help out at Homer Davenport Days selling corndogs for missions. Also, Cheryl made up some business cards to hand out, so I will get everyone a few on Sunday. Oh yeah, and Joanie and I will be out of town June 22^nd through the 30^th in Hawaii!

Out in Utah

What a great time I had this weekend visiting my Dad and the family out in Utah! Elayne, Elisha and I drove 16 hours behind my brother in laws troubled GTI (it was having difficulty with the traction control system), which was going from 75 down hill, to 50 up... But once we got there it was awesome to hang out. Not everyone of the siblings made it, which was a bummer, but it costs a lot to travel, and we all live in separate locations. The great news is that we were there for my baby brothers wedding, he's the last one to tie the knot. :) I got to perform the ceremony, co-lead worship on Sunday. and I got to preach at my dads church for the 10 o'clock service. What an honor on all accounts. I will say this, if you're ever looking for some great worship, head to Utah and Light the Way, it was amazing the way this passionate group worshiped with everything they have.

Vision Statement

Vision Statement

To be loved by God, to love him in turn, and to give His love away.

Driving Home

I was driving home the other day and felt like I suddenly noticed the presence of God in the car. I felt like God began to speak this to my heart, "This is not a passive love that is coming to Silverton, it is aggressive. It is in pursuit of the lost, the broken, and the hungry." And I was just floored in the car, tears started streaming down my face as I felt Gods love, passion, and desire for the people of the city of Silverton. I was reminded of the time Abraham pleaded with God over the city of Sodom and Gomorrah going from 50 to finally 10, if there are ten righteous He will save the city. I believe this is a part of the calling of this church plant, to begin to pray that Gods love would come, that He would save the souls of this city. If you're tracking with us on this journey, please begin to pray this in, that Gods passionate love would come and rest on this community for the sake of the lost, the broken and the hungry.

A Great Resource

http://vineyardnorthphoenix.com/section/Church_Planting_Articles

Check it out

Spoke at Salem Vineyard on 3/20, give a listen :) http://www.salemvineyard.com/_AUDIO/_CURRENT%20SERIES/_Rooted%20and%20Grounded%202/Rooted%20and%20Grounded%202.html

2nd Meeting, and it just gets better!!

Sunday 03/27/2011

We just had our second CORE meeting for the plant, and I gotta tell you, it was SO good. Once again we ate together and worshipped, and then we got a picture of God’s heart for us. Those of you supporting us with prayer, thank you, thank you, thank you. The group spent much of the night praying for each other and speaking into each other’s lives. We were reminded of the weight that comes with looking to do something like this, but also the immense freedom found in Him. He doesn’t long for programs, although He can use them, what God longs for is our hearts in real authentic relationship with Him. Our calling in this community is to point to Him. And we were all reminded again that He’s still doing a work in all of us, preparing us as it were, for His plans and purposes. Along with that was a word for Joanie and I, that God loves our obedience better than sacrifice. It was personally a very deep word, and I cannot help but think that it was for the whole group as well. Yes there is and will be sacrifices as we step into this, but the thing that pleases the heart of God is our obedience in following where He’s called us to go, and what He’s called us to do.

Next time we meet we’ll still eat, worship, and open the floor up (so to speak J) but we might also start talking about some dates and line out some intentional plans. Please be in prayer for us, that we are lead by the Spirit and in His will.

First Meeting!!

On Sunday 3/13/2011 we had our first CORE meeting for the Silverton Church plant. I have to admit, it was better than I had even expected. We started out by eating together and then went into a sweet time of worship. It seemed like God was in the house. J So many people that were there shared. It seemed like there were some clear things being spoken. One person had a picture of the prodigal coming home, and felt like that was for this church plant. Several people echoed that.  I felt very clear that God wants to do a work in us, in the group, and that work in our hearts would spread over into the community.  One person shared that they felt like they were called to help support the leadership, like Mose and the battle where he had to have his hands held up. Another theme of the night was the call of this new body to work with children in a way that prepares them for life in Christ.

There were other words spoken, but these seemed to be the theme of the night to me. I am so excited to continue to go deeper, personally, as a group, and as a community. Things seem to be stirring all around, it’s amazing to see God on the move. He is touching people, restoring the broken and his children, calling the lost, and we get the blessing of joining with Him on this journey.

Scriptures:

Psalm 40 1-3 with the focus on, “He establishes our steps.”

Revelation 3:20 “Behold I stand at the door and knock.” We often read this as for the unbeliever, but this was said for the church. He wants us to open up and give Him all the places of our hearts.

First Leadership Meeting coming up!!

Please be in prayer for our first leadership meeting. It's on March 13th, in the evening. I'll let you know what happens with it. :)

Todays Information Session

Today we had an informational session with Salem Vineyard. We had some great soup, and hopefully God stirred some things inside of us. I was reminded of the need that's here in our community. There's difficult economic situations, destroyed lives, hurt relationships, and God longs to mend the brokenness. I pray that that is reason why we are doing this, to unite with Him and His Kingdom.

Benson

And AWAY WE GO!!

Hey All,
This is a blog to post about our church plant in Silverton Oregon that is coming up on September 11th, 2011! I will be posting updates and thoughts for anyone interested to track as we begin this journey.

Blessings,

Benson