by emma | Aug 16, 2006 | Exodus
So time for some pictures and feedback…
At Orchard, the church mission is that they exist to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ, but they have recognised that you need to define what it actually looks like.
At Orchard, a growing relationship is characterised by:
- Intimacy with God
- Community with insiders, and
- Influence with outsiders
They are a ‘Glocal‘ chuch… mission is not a department. Small groups are encouraged to adopt a missionary to support, and do local outreaches together. It is about thinking globally AND being involved locally.
“My job as a pastor is to consistently make people uncomfortable.” Scott Hodge.
Common Grounds coffee bar area.
Wahabu Land kids ministry area. (Wahabu means God’s love in some African language, I’ve forgot which one, Scott help me out here??)
More kids ministry stuff
Scott and I.
by emma | Aug 15, 2006 | Words
Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate,
but that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us.
We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant,
gorgeous, handsome, talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
[Marianne Williamson]
by emma | Aug 14, 2006 | Africa, Exodus
Something is happening in me here.
Back at Sycamore now after the conference at Willow, not even going to touch on that until I’m home, so much to process. My passion for Africa has not diminished. God is doing something with it. I don’t know what, and I don’t know how it will play out, but God is so stirring up my heart it’s undeniable.
We leave to fly home today… kinda nervous because of the terror alerts, but we should be fine. Spent last night hanging out with the guys here at Sycamore, gonna miss them so much!
Off for breakfast… see ya when I’m back on Irish soil…
by emma | Aug 11, 2006 | Everything Else
Second store in 3 days!!
by emma | Aug 8, 2006 | Exodus
Heehee.
Climbed Sears Tower this morning… incredible views from up that high!
Spent yesterday and this morning with some people at JPUSA… Scott and Dave, great guys.
Currently on Michigan Avenue… blogging from the Apple Store!! My first time in an Apple store… I love it!!
by emma | Aug 7, 2006 | Exodus
Yesterday we went out for pizza with a couple of guys from Harvest Bible Chapel, Brian and Kirk… awesome guys. Went to a place called Ginos East, had proper deep dish Chicago pizza! Think, Northern Ireland deep dish pizza, well, Chicago deep dish is twice that depth, it’s like pie. Soo good.
Today we spent the day at churches… traditional service at Sycamore, a service at Orchard, an AMAZING BBQ (and swimming in the pool!) at Bill’s house, and the youth service (extreme connecctions) at Sycamore this evening. Meeting some incredible people. Meet a new friend at Orchard this morning who has just started reading my blog… Becky (Becca? I’m not sure, sorry!) it is great to have you reading!
My new friend Marty introduced me to this amazing story today… check it out here.
I am tired… 4 church services in 27 hours… woohoo!
by emma | Aug 5, 2006 | Exodus
This place is amazing. Do I have to go home??
We spent yesterday at Willow Creek Community Church… the place is huge. Like, I joked that you could fit all of my local village (Ahoghill) into their buildings! The people so far have been to most incredible thing. Such hospitality, such generosity. Dave, Joe, Pete… everyone has their own individual stories, each one amazing. It’s infectious! I reckon I will post more when I get home, along with some pics… haven’t really processed much yet!
Today however… man today has been SOOO special to me… actually meeting Scott (check the links!). The man is an inspiration… we spent all afternoon and into the evening talking with him, headed over to Starbucks part way through… I think we spent maybe 7 hours with him, and it felt like we’d only had an hour, but equally like we were all old friends. His passion is so incredible, and the story of their church… unbelievable. I just feel so very privillaged to have spent time with him. I do have a pic of us together, but again I’ll post that laters!
Riteyo I should head towards bed… sleep well my friends.
by emma | Aug 2, 2006 | Exodus
Chicago baby!! Yea!!
Knackered… think it is about 3.20am at home, and I’ve been up since 6.30am the day before… it’s 9.20pm local time here in Chicago. Very tired. Wee Angus bless him is fast asleep. Which is where I should be right now!! Love you all… James, are ya jealous yet??
by emma | Jul 31, 2006 | Exodus
One last post before we head off… getting a train at 7.35am to kick off the journey! Posted our itinerary below so you can track with us. I should have plenty of net access Stateside anyway so will most likely blog a few times when we are away. Off we go!!
Tues 1st Aug: Travel out
Wed 2nd Aug: 1st Baptist Church Sycamore
Thurs 3rd Aug: Willow Creek Community Church
Fri 4th Aug: Orchard Valley Community Church
Sat 5ht Aug: Harvest Bible Chapel (& Evening service)
Sun 6th Aug: 1st Baptist Church Sycamore (& Extreme Connections)
Mon 7th Aug: Jesus People USA
Tues 8th Aug: Rest Day
Wed 9th Aug: Move to Willow’s Global Hospitality
Thurs 10th Aug: Leadership Summit
Fri 11th Aug: Leadership Summit
Sat 12th Aug: Leadership Summit
Sun 13th Aug: Service at Willow & travel back to Sycamore
Mon 14th Aug: Leave for home
Tues 15th Aug: Arrive home
by emma | Jul 31, 2006 | Everything Else, Words
“You are dizzyingly busy, yet continually find yourself looking over your shoulder. There isn’t a moment that you completely relax, every moment fighting a war inside, simultaneously wanting to bump into him and wanting to avoid him at all costs.”
This is how I feel.
Recent Comments