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