tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52843901622277541782024-03-13T08:28:41.593-04:00designing for Philistines...church stage design, experiential elementsPerky Gramma Teacheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819400478284621215noreply@blogger.comBlogger543125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284390162227754178.post-65819106100677170022013-03-31T08:22:00.000-04:002013-03-31T08:26:07.252-04:00Art, Art I Love You...<embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2F111137859474017681492%2Falbumid%2F5861478868579576801%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26authkey%3DGv1sRgCIGn2oOs1IyOTQ%26hl%3Den_US" height="192" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="288"></embed><br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Who am I? I am a creative artist.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I worked with designing stages to
portray messages and experiential moments to draw people closer to
God. I loved soaring on the top of a ten foot ladder, creating and
designing in the air. It feels like flying to my heart.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Now, I am no longer implementing these
designs. It's a new season in my life.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
But basically, in my heart I am still
an artist. Waiting to see where the next step on this journey will
lead me.</div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/qpunQZ4cUyI" width="420"></iframe><br />Perky Gramma Teacheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819400478284621215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284390162227754178.post-79857487639575920652012-07-04T07:03:00.000-04:002012-07-04T07:03:14.356-04:00chosen...How do I explain this? I have no
earthly clue what is going to happen with the message each Sunday.
I pray and God's gives me ideas to
implement. I create them.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I've been playing with this “red
thread” idea/stage design for several weeks now.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Here is the design I created for June
24<sup>th</sup>, which didn't happen. So, I continued the idea for
this last week. July 1<sup>st</sup>. (read the notes on the drawing)
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J-yUqogzGKc/T_Qh_wQWfuI/AAAAAAAAIro/f_09yOq5adw/s1600/1.+idea.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J-yUqogzGKc/T_Qh_wQWfuI/AAAAAAAAIro/f_09yOq5adw/s320/1.+idea.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This was the main scripture for the
message.</div>
1 Peter 2: 4-9<br />
Specifically verse 9 “But you are a chosen people, a royal
priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may
declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His
wonderful light.”
<br />
This was the stage:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5ndumDu0cmA/T_QibBOKP4I/AAAAAAAAIrw/vXfO1eczgvY/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5ndumDu0cmA/T_QibBOKP4I/AAAAAAAAIrw/vXfO1eczgvY/s320/DSC_0012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
As long as this continues to happen...</div>
I just trust God.<span dir="LTR" id="_atssh" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: currentColor; height: 0.02in; padding: 0in; position: absolute; width: 0.02in;"><span class="sd-abs-pos" style="left: 0in; position: absolute; top: 0in; width: 2px;">
<img height="2" name="Object1" src="" width="2" /></span>
</span><br />
<br /><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Perky Gramma Teacheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819400478284621215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284390162227754178.post-27465397037365083492012-06-22T08:03:00.000-04:002012-06-22T08:30:57.512-04:00in God's time...Learned a powerful lesson over the last two
weeks.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y9e5-dZD50Y/T-RegcEyEeI/AAAAAAAAIrc/kuCASudPo5I/s1600/pink-neon-clock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y9e5-dZD50Y/T-RegcEyEeI/AAAAAAAAIrc/kuCASudPo5I/s320/pink-neon-clock.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
At our last Loudoun HTTF meeting, we shared reports
and began to talk about our next action step. During the discussion Amanda spoke
up and said we needed to be mindful of being good stewards of what God has given
to us.</div>
At that point, we stopped and spent the rest of
our time in prayer that the Holy Spirit led us to God's will, to be good
stewards of what He has given us.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
My personal impressions from that prayer session
were: be hands and feet, be good stewards, allow God to open doors.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Here were the immediate results:</div>
<br />
<div>
<b>Networking</b> </div>
In our time: we were asked to create a “Round
Table”. To bring together non-profits working with human trafficking, social
workers, law enforcement, shelters and others to a “round table” to discuss how
to approach the problem of human trafficking in our area. The planning was a
dismal failure. Why? Because in retrospect that idea wasn't in God's planning
& timing for US.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>In God's time</b>: His plan was for someone
else to create the network in our northern Virginia area. Someone who had more
clout and was paid to do the work. We were invited to attend a Northern Virginia
Human Trafficking Forum. When the forum plenary session started we all looked at
each other and went “Wow!”. It was almost exactly what was envisioned for the
“Round Table”. </div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong>Note to self:</strong> For me personally,
it was a defining moment. A reminder that we may even see the vision, but we
need to let God tell us when to move. We didn't need to do the work, we simply
needed to show up and be the...</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>...Hands and feet </b>Through out the day, there were several
conversations with various organizations that had needs for hands and feet
(people). Several requests were specifically for people of faith. Some of these
specific requests were:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
we need counselors</div>
we need hotline workers<br />
we need people to hold hands<br />
we need families to mentor survivors<br />
we need supplies to fill the houses and rooms of
the survivors<br />
we want to work together with others<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="misspelled"><span style="background-color: #fffd55;">Gee</span></span> whiz, guess
what? We have hands and feet (people) that want to serve. This is that
opportunity (open doors) to be good stewards of people that God has connected us
with other the last year.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Our perceived needs: </b>We have been needing
some simple cold, hard facts that human trafficking does exists in Northern
Virginia as ammunition for naysayers we are running into. When we entered the
forum, in our folders was a hand out from the U.S. District Attorneys office. It
was 6 pages of <b>convictions </b>over the last year of human trafficking cases:
domestic, labor and sex trafficking. </div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In conclusion, my recommendations for our team: we
are going to be spending a lot more time in prayer. Allowing God to led us and
only move when we are sure it's a door that God is opening.</div>Perky Gramma Teacheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819400478284621215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284390162227754178.post-9033299950879021642012-06-04T07:34:00.003-04:002012-06-04T07:34:56.162-04:00red thread...I actually have been toying with this
idea for a couple years.The idea first came to me when we were
in the designing stages of producing the book “Revealing the
Relevant Word” for our reading through the Bible in a year with
Cross Current...<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The background:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I like studying demographics in
relation to the church. One interesting tidbit I found was that the
fastest growing community in our zip code is the Asian community. I
have talked about it often.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I was also doing some research on the
concept of the legend of the “red thread”.</div>
<strong>“An invisible red thread connects
those who are destined to meet regardless of the time, place or
circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but it will never
break” - Chines Proverb</strong><br />
At that point I was seeing that God's
Word was the thread that connected us to Him. That this thread
connect us to Him and our true destination is to meet God.<br />
The final prompt was a family that is
about to receive their newest child into their family. She is a sweet
girl from China. I have since learned that the adoptive community
have picked up on this legend to represent linking the child to
their forever home.<br />
So mash-up all that with our current
series: love God, love others, serve the world...<br />
I decided to create a red thread to use
in the stage design. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t2_EPbkw8vw/T8yctU-XT1I/AAAAAAAAIrI/Zopu5MkZuNk/s1600/DSC_0007+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t2_EPbkw8vw/T8yctU-XT1I/AAAAAAAAIrI/Zopu5MkZuNk/s320/DSC_0007+a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
As if often true, there may be only a
few that will “get” what this stage design is all about; but it
will be worth it.<br />
This took HOURS...<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
364 yards of red yarn</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vJSlw4sjL-Q/T8ydPlgB0iI/AAAAAAAAIrQ/drHQf0V0JW8/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vJSlw4sjL-Q/T8ydPlgB0iI/AAAAAAAAIrQ/drHQf0V0JW8/s320/DSC_0001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
</div>Perky Gramma Teacheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819400478284621215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284390162227754178.post-37978342231409096042012-05-23T08:48:00.004-04:002012-05-23T08:51:24.400-04:00pinteresting<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LbuWU0OJZnA/T7zaSk5D_FI/AAAAAAAAIog/gKtQSNZcWSM/s1600/pinterest1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LbuWU0OJZnA/T7zaSk5D_FI/AAAAAAAAIog/gKtQSNZcWSM/s200/pinterest1.jpg" width="181" /></a><br />
Disclaimer: This isn't a post about "pinterest"; but an
idea to utilize the interest in the latest "hot" social
media application as an interactive tool for a relevant message at
church.<br />
<br />
I've watched the pinterest world from
afar. Creeping up all over facebook.
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Honestly, I not an overly girly, girl.
I wasn't “pinterested”. But, I am interested in the impact of
social media on our society at large. Obviously there is something
that appeals to people (mostly women) about pinterest.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="en"><b>According to
Wikipedia: “Pinterest</b></span><span lang="en"> is a
</span><a href="file:///wiki/Pinboard">pinboard</a><span lang="en">-style
</span><a href="file:///wiki/Social_networking_service">social</a><span lang="en">
</span><a href="file:///wiki/Photo_sharing">photo sharing</a><span lang="en">
website that allows users to create and manage theme-based image
collections such as events, interests, hobbies, and more. Users can
browse other pinboards for inspiration, 're-pin' images to their own
collections and/or 'like' photos. Pinterest's mission is to "connect
everyone in the world through the 'things' they find interesting"
via a global platform of inspiration and idea sharing. Pinterest
allows its users to share 'pins' on both </span><a href="file:///wiki/Twitter">Twitter</a><span lang="en">
and </span><a href="file:///wiki/Facebook">Facebook</a><span lang="en">.” </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So, I started thinking...</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This year we have been focusing on love
God, love others, serve the world...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rn2cOVpNo8k/T7zaeNs3LwI/AAAAAAAAIoo/eVsiTBsPg6Y/s1600/collectible%2520knife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rn2cOVpNo8k/T7zaeNs3LwI/AAAAAAAAIoo/eVsiTBsPg6Y/s200/collectible%2520knife.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This would really make an interesting
message for “serve the world”. But, obviously it would need to be
less girly. Maybe we could use knives. LOL.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
An interactive bulletin board, when
people would “pin” or “knife” what they are already doing to
serve the world and/or where their interest lies in serving the
world. Actually it would be a reflection of both what we are
currently doing and what we dream of doing.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
serving the world...</div>
<br />
What is interesting is that service is
really in our DNA at Cross Current Ministries. We are currently going
through a search process to find a new pastor. We have hired
consultants to come in to evaluate where we are as a church. I
remember during an interview with the consultants, the asked so what
does that mean? It's in our DNA.
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
What does it mean?</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It means that we announce a need in the
morning service for lots of backpacks that are are needed at the
middle school where we meet, and by 4:00 the cars start rolling up
and we have ALL the needed backpacks that day.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A school contacts us because they have
80 children that needs clothes (socks, underwear, sweat suits and
all). We create boards with cards of all the needs. Every single card
is taken and we have to scramble to find more needs...</div>
<br />
As long as I have been here, I have
never seen an announced need go unmet. It is just the way we roll. It has been very interesting to say the
least.<br />
<br />
The consultants concluded that Cross
Current ministries expressed an extreme passion for mission. They had
never seen a church that is as passionate about mission as we are.
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
About getting our focus beyond our
walls, into the world.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So, the idea is to create post-it like
signs: poverty, hunger, orphaned, foster care, justice, water...</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
and have people come up and “pin”
what they are doing and dream of doing.<br />
But, to take it a step beyond that.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Fvicarofvibe%2Falbumid%2F5745708425669924305%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26authkey%3DGv1sRgCMmFiNmpy9ea5AE%26hl%3Den_US" height="192" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="288"></embed><br />
Link these people together, create teams that would do service
together.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Now that would be “pinteresting”!</div>Perky Gramma Teacheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819400478284621215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284390162227754178.post-78701071923150014832012-05-04T07:42:00.001-04:002012-05-04T07:42:39.256-04:00precipice...in a place of wonderment...
standing on a precipice...
<br />
waiting...<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/n1bXG4WIesA" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
not knowing the next step...<br />
yet, knowing He is faithful...Perky Gramma Teacheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819400478284621215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284390162227754178.post-1062284918245575942012-04-10T07:47:00.002-04:002012-04-10T08:36:29.656-04:00100th day of the year...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ww92fhR09xE/T4QcURamumI/AAAAAAAAIoU/4b_1z9C4k1c/s1600/100th+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ww92fhR09xE/T4QcURamumI/AAAAAAAAIoU/4b_1z9C4k1c/s320/100th+day.jpg" width="320" /></a>How do you celebrate the 100<sup>th</sup> day of the year?</div>First you do a lot of counting and re-counting. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,6, 7, 8, 9,...<br />
<div align="left">Everyone brought 100 of their favorite things to the party.</div><div align="left">I put 100 safety pins on a shirt to wear and share.</div><div align="left">At the party, we started by reading “Miss Bindergarten Celebrates the 100<sup>th</sup> Day of Kindergarten”.</div><div align="left">Then everyone shared the 100 items they brought to the party. </div><div align="left">100...baseball trading cards, Pokemon Cards, beanie babies, hair ties, beads, stickers, Lego's, marbles, colorings pens & pencils, monkeys on an outfit.... Help me out mom's, what did I miss...</div><div align="left"><embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Fvicarofvibe%2Falbumid%2F5729726928723044321%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26authkey%3DGv1sRgCK3-8aG-iMHueA%26hl%3Den_US" height="192" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="288"></embed></div><div align="left">Hundreds of fingers counted and strung 100 Fruit Loops on a string and made necklaces. I would say it is safe to assume that 100's of Fruit Loops got eaten also while we were stringing!</div><div align="left">There were three jars of jelly beans and we guessed which one had 100 jelly beans in it. Only one person got it correct. Go Laurie and Jake!</div><div align="left">We listed 100 Things that we are thankful for on a poster board.</div><div align="left">Then we ate! There was 100 pretzels, 100 pieces of cheese, 100 cucumber slices, 100 grapes, 100 chicken nuggets...</div><div align="left">We shared 100 skittles and 100 jelly beans for dessert. Yum! Believe it or not 100 of these items was just the perfect amount.</div><div align="left">We had at least 100 minutes of playing and fun.</div><div align="left">Everyone got a fake Monopoly $100 bill, and we all shared what we would do with $100.</div><div align="left">Then we learned how 100 friends, who stick together can not be broken apart.</div><div align="left">There were way more than 100 laughs! </div><div align="left">What a fun, fun day! Old friends, new friends. We may have to do it again next year and maybe you could join us. Someone even wanted to have a 200<sup>th</sup> day of the year party. I think he had fun. </div><div align="left">So everyone start counting....</div><div align="left">1, 2, 3, 4, 5....</div><div align="left"></div>Perky Gramma Teacheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819400478284621215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284390162227754178.post-11726864439612424942012-03-31T08:11:00.001-04:002012-03-31T08:27:44.145-04:00caged bird...<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/warrenlynn/6884984520/" title="Acorn Woodpecker by wplynn, on Flickr"><img alt="Acorn Woodpecker" height="200" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7183/6884984520_ca7cc5e070.jpg" width="160" /></a> <br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(wplynn) flickr</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">It's early in the morning and I am listening to the birds outside my window chirping “I am free”; as I pray and reflect on this coming day.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">For us it started with one voice chirping, “we need to look outside our lavish northern Virginia lifestyles and really see the problem of human trafficking”, then others joined in the chorus.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Today we are the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/LoudounHTTF?ref=tn_tnmn" target="_blank">Loudoun County Human Trafficking Task Force</a> (VA). With great anticipation we are preparing for our first county wide first education & awareness movie event. A showing of “Not My Life”. People have joined hands & raised their voices, sharing what they know about trafficking and today 80-100 people are coming to start their education & awareness process.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Who will in turn spread awareness. But, more importantly they will start <b>doing</b> something about abolishing slavery in our lifetime.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">It is a process, it takes patience. But the realization hits that one person <span style="font-size: medium;"><b>can</b></span> do so much. One voice, plus one voice swells into a multitude of voices.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Somewhere in your home town, there is a person or a child who is caged in human trafficking, chirping “please release me, set me free”. Will you be that voice that responds? </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://designingforphilistines.blogspot.com/2012/03/be-voice-for-voiceless.html" target="_blank">Here is your first step on how you can be that voice for the voiceless</a>.</div>Perky Gramma Teacheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819400478284621215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284390162227754178.post-55293032551347399482012-03-31T08:10:00.000-04:002012-03-31T08:10:17.150-04:00be a voice for the voiceless...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3FYuDa3DNA/T3by5wUvjyI/AAAAAAAAIjI/JyHWWgkfAP8/s1600/One+person.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3FYuDa3DNA/T3by5wUvjyI/AAAAAAAAIjI/JyHWWgkfAP8/s200/One+person.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>We believe everyone has a voice to be heard. By lobbying your local politician, you can advocate for those without a voice. Often times adjusting laws and policies surrounding the issue of human trafficking can make it easier to identity and convict traffickers in the court of law. For more information on how to inform your elected officials, check it out: <br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Ask Congress to Support Crucial Anti-Trafficking Bills Today!</strong></span><br />
<strong> </strong><br />
It's a very simple act, write for their rights. Something you are able to do today is to sign petitions and letters <span style="color: red;"><b>today</b></span> that will be <span style="color: red;"><b>hand delivered</b></span> to the President, Congressmen and Senators. <br />
Two great non-governmental organizations are invovled with powerful legislative advocacy to end slavery and you can help.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">TAKE ACTION: <a href="http://www.polarisproject.org/take-action/advocate/569-tell-congress-to-act-on-critical-anti-trafficking-legislation-now">http://www.polarisproject.org/take-action/advocate/569-tell-congress-to-act-on-critical-anti-trafficking-legislation-now</a><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">STAND FOR FREEDOM: Sign your name</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://www.ijm.org/content/sign-your-name-stand-for-freedom#sotu-form">http://www.ijm.org/content/sign-your-name-stand-for-freedom#sotu-form</a></div>Perky Gramma Teacheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819400478284621215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284390162227754178.post-10120748116423782082012-03-19T09:03:00.000-04:002012-03-19T09:03:50.250-04:00little bitty rubber ducks...<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ry0SykbF4FI" width="420"></iframe><br />
One day I sat down and made this silly vid about how the stage design "really" occurs at Cross Current. In some ways I wish it were true. It would make it simpler.<br />
If you could see me on a Sunday...squeezing in between the various band members, crawling on top of wonky carts, rolling up 35' of material on the floor, cutting and stringing heavy duty fishing line and lots and lots of safety pins.Perky Gramma Teacheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819400478284621215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284390162227754178.post-31975692894714125922012-03-18T14:13:00.001-04:002012-04-04T09:00:09.168-04:00life as a mobile church...<embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Fvicarofvibe%2Falbumid%2F5721301366809913169%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26authkey%3DGv1sRgCM39u9mr_ur6bQ%26hl%3Den_US" height="192" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="288"></embed><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Since I have been dealing with the very same elements for about 3 months now, it's been tougher to simply design and make them look interesting from my POV. </span> <br />
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<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The posters have to go really high, so the logo's show, it gets to be a struggle. </span> </div><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Then add to that, the middle school we met in has been doing their spring musical production of “Annie”. So we have been contending with stage sets, extra flats, props (large props), furniture...</span></div><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Honestly I wasn't really “feeling” it.</span></div><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">But I woke up really early (thank you God) today, ready to roll out and do the stage.</span></div><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It was really tight on stage with the band moved forward. We lost about four feet of the rear of the stage. But, hey...we made it work.</span></div>Perky Gramma Teacheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819400478284621215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284390162227754178.post-76160019755235897872012-03-09T13:35:00.000-05:002012-03-09T13:35:57.671-05:00second verse, same as the first...We are now in week 9 or 10 utilizing the banners for this year's study.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IqR7dXQ6fUs/T1pLSCE7I4I/AAAAAAAAIiU/qcm817-svQM/s1600/DSC_0019+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IqR7dXQ6fUs/T1pLSCE7I4I/AAAAAAAAIiU/qcm817-svQM/s320/DSC_0019+a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">March 2, 2012</div><br />
It is somewhat a tough design element; since they have to hung very far up because of the location of the logos on the banners. Plus trying to get creative with the design & placement of the banners.<br />
BUT, it is getting the point across. Soon our people will hopefully know our mission statement is:<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Love God, love others, serve the world...</span></strong><br />
We have actually been working with this mission statement for over two years and it is beginning to sink in. Repetition is so important.<br />
Working on some thoughts on how to pull out some of the logo design elements to add to the stage designs. I will let you know how it is going soon.Perky Gramma Teacheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819400478284621215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284390162227754178.post-26803930527519742752012-01-31T11:36:00.000-05:002012-01-31T11:36:13.017-05:00put one foot in front of the other...I don't think I can even begin to explain what is happening in my heart right now. What I think I can explain is that for the last year, I have simply been following a series of “open doors” in my life. The biggest majority has to do with human trafficking.<br />
I have been saying for months; that when you actually see and understand the heinous issue of human trafficking, some of us are eternally changed. Knowing too much, to ever consider stepping back into the oblivion of not knowing.<br />
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For us (me) the heart's discontent is too great.<br />
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Over the last year; I have been transformed into a modern day abolitionist. <br />
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The past Sunday evening, at our churches Core Community, one of our lead pastors Chris Campbell shared that he will be changing courses in his life and following a call from God.<br />
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<span style="color: #ea9999;">I don’t fully have all the answers yet, but I believe it has to do with the “least of these”.(Matthew 25) One of the greatest pleasures in my life has been to serve in the ranks of CrossCurrent Ministries and have my mind truly opened to the “least of these”. I am blessed to partner with and shepherd a variety of people who are consumed with the mission of rescue and restoration. Their zeal has spread through this local church like a little bit of leaven in a loaf and over time we have become increasingly broken over the “least of these” who are waiting to be rescued and restored by a mighty Savior using simple people to do atypical things. I find myself surrounded by intentional folks who embrace the principles of true religion by caring for the most vulnerable in society (James 1:27). We are all learning how to act justly and love mercy and walk humbly. (Micah 6:8) We are recognizing the urgency of the times we live in and rather than merely join in on <em>socially hip</em> causes, we are learning to lead with the Gospel and give Jesus center stage as we move in His power to love unconditionally (God and people) and serve the world.</span><br />
<div dir="LTR" id="maincontent"><span style="color: #ea9999;">Maybe God recognizes that deep inside I wonder what it would be like to trade in my coach’s cap, clip board and whistle and actually get in the game? Maybe he’s recognized my longing glances as I watch the people who I love actively jumping into the some of the most broken places in order to rescue and restore the “least of these.” (from “</span><a href="http://campbellchris.tumblr.com/post/16772458626/about-last-night"><span style="color: #ea9999;">About Last Night</span></a><span style="color: #ea9999;">” Chris Campbell) </span></div><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I was in great turmoil when the announcement was made. Losing such a great shepard in our faith community. But the turmoil that was created wasn't about him leaving (though that is tough). I am starting to figure out that it has to do with the human trafficking part of the equation in my life.</div><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I don't know where this is all leading. I have been feeling like Moses, been reading and re-reading <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+3&version=NIV">Exodus 3</a>. I do know that I will continue to "put one foot in front of the other" and walk through the open doors.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/f9jeh4mA5us" width="420"></iframe></div>Perky Gramma Teacheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819400478284621215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284390162227754178.post-32433179719496079122012-01-30T07:30:00.001-05:002012-01-30T07:31:58.507-05:00anatomy of setting up a stage design...I use everything that I am able to find to create the stage design each week. I snag tech carts and items from the school (this week I used the conductors platform). These items get covered with cloth and VOILA! <br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">It may seem silly, but I am very excited. There is a large gray metal cart, that I use frequently to lift things up in stage designs. Well this week, the marvelous Emily Firestone made a custom cover (she calls it a tablecloth. LOL) that I just slip onto the cart now. Woot! Woot! I am doing a happy dance!<br />
I look forward to using it...</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Fvicarofvibe%2Falbumid%2F5703154882104973217%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26authkey%3DGv1sRgCLKxjuOZj9Og5gE%26hl%3Den_US" height="192" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="288"></embed><br />
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You can barely even see in the pictures, but we added a dark blue net material to the design. It looks nice and flow-ie...<br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">First, I have to say that I really like our banners. </div><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Nobody asked; BUT if someone HAD asked, I probably would have asked for matte finish on the banners (note the lights that reflect off of the shiny, slick fronts of the banners).</div><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I also would have staggered the designs. One towards to top, one towards the middle and one towards the bottom. </div><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">No biggie, it is something that we are able to work with. </div><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">That's what it looked like today; now it's about time to go back for Core Community, After which we will strike the stage set and band equipment. We will load it all up again in the trailer, drive it back to the office and in 7 days, we will do it all over again.</div><br />
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</div>Perky Gramma Teacheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819400478284621215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284390162227754178.post-28836578976892854012012-01-30T07:20:00.000-05:002012-01-30T07:20:55.055-05:00serve the world...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yMO5_UNSzA0/TyaJ_ELHKZI/AAAAAAAAIiA/SQhatk6jOKA/s1600/DSC_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yMO5_UNSzA0/TyaJ_ELHKZI/AAAAAAAAIiA/SQhatk6jOKA/s320/DSC_0017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Worship Set 1<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=got6Olg0J-E" target="_blank"><span style="color: yellow;">You Are Good</span></a><br />
This is our second week with this song. It is so fun and upbeat. Lyrics (Brian Johnson & Jeremy Riddle, BETHEL MUSIC 2011)<br />
<span style="color: yellow;">Freedom is Here</span><br />
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Worship Set 2<br />
<span style="color: yellow;">Here For You (Matt Redman)</span><br />
<span style="color: yellow;">Always (Kristian Stanfill)</span><br />
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Message: serve the world...<br />
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Worship Set 3<br />
<span style="color: yellow;">Tear Down the Walls</span><br />
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Two focuses on our “serve the world...” Sunday.<br />
One is our partnership with Windswept Academy. Gearing up for uur third trip to South Dakota<br />
This is what we did last year<br />
Building a fence <br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/vj1T5s-TOEo" width="560"></iframe> <br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Second, today we are partnering with another local church for a collection of food for a backpack buddy program here locally. This is one of the things I love about our people. A couple times a year, we hand out a list on Sunday morning and have people come back later in the day to drop off donations.</div>It's cool to see how people respond. We are a medium sized church with a big heart to help others.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">This is being submitted to <a href="http://www.theworshipcommunity.com/sunday-setlists-184/" target="_blank">Sunday Set Lists @ theworshipcommunity.com</a></div>Perky Gramma Teacheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819400478284621215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284390162227754178.post-52952134666100569532012-01-23T18:29:00.000-05:002012-01-23T18:29:16.898-05:00love God, love others...Our current series is "love God, love others, serve the world" We are trying to brand this purpose statement in people's minds. Last week we were focused on "love God"...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YSEQoIiVj4o/TxV4Eep4mnI/AAAAAAAAIeQ/3QHsmixVVko/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YSEQoIiVj4o/TxV4Eep4mnI/AAAAAAAAIeQ/3QHsmixVVko/s320/DSC_0002.JPG" width="320" /></a>An advantage to being mobile, is that you don't feel locked into a stage design once it is set up. Since the stage has to be struck each and every week, you feel more freedom in tweeking the design.</div>We want to keep the purpose statement in order, and each week bring to the forefront the portion being discussed.<br />
This week we are focused on "love others"...<br />
So that banner was rasied higher.<br />
And I utilize whatever I am able to find to work with. <br />
For example last week and this week, I used the tech carts to lift the banners higher. I also used the containers that the drums are stored in. LOL. Then I have to furiously take everything down so the techs and band are able to reach their carts.<br />
<embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Fvicarofvibe%2Falbumid%2F5700972452189652257%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26authkey%3DGv1sRgCI3Or_Dj8_y2nQE%26hl%3Den_US" height="192" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="288"></embed>Perky Gramma Teacheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819400478284621215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284390162227754178.post-61718028500016877902012-01-22T14:19:00.008-05:002012-01-23T18:15:44.403-05:00love others...Well, our worship and tech team were fired up this morning. We spent Saturday night listening to <a href="http://designingforphilistines.blogspot.com/2012/01/are-you-having-great-time-serving.html" target="_blank">Russell Fragar (of Hillsong fame).</a> This week we had two worship leaders on stage. Each worship leader sort of has a niche. I categorize them into mostly “current”. “retro” and “vintage”. This week is a some current songs & vintage (hymns). We also had our violinist playing. <br />
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Worship Set 1<br />
<span style="color: yellow;">One Thing</span><br />
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Worship Set 2<br />
<span style="color: yellow;"> You Are Good</span><br />
<span style="color: yellow;"> Beauty of the Lord</span><br />
<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="color: yellow;">Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow</span></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" guys="" height="315" skit="" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/YxKGGven9_U" width="560"></iframe><br />
Message: “love others...”<br />
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Worship Set 3<br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">In Christ Alone</span><br />
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<span style="color: red;">How would you define your worship set lists?</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">This week for the stage design we obviously wanted to highlight the "love others" banner.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zc5yD9lKgCw/Tx3gz2lgC7I/AAAAAAAAIeY/KPaEtF3VCT8/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zc5yD9lKgCw/Tx3gz2lgC7I/AAAAAAAAIeY/KPaEtF3VCT8/s320/DSC_0003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">All this and more being posted over at the <a href="http://www.theworshipcommunity.com/sunday-setlists-183/" target="_blank">Sunday Set List</a> @ worshipcommunity.com.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"></div>Perky Gramma Teacheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819400478284621215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284390162227754178.post-7701467172470960942012-01-22T05:46:00.001-05:002012-01-23T18:07:00.259-05:00are you having a great time serving...Saturday evening, we were so blessed to have <a href="http://www.russellfragar.com/" target="_blank">Russell Fragar</a> come and share with our worship(both adult and youth) and tech team. It was such a wonderful evening of food, friends, worship and encouragement.Russell served as Music Pastor for the Hillsong Church in Sydney, Australia from 1989-2001, back in the days of "Shout to the Lord" and Darlene Zschech. He now lives in Northern Virginia and is personal friends with one of our worship leaders.<br />
He shared a lot of stories and tips, then answered questions. <br />
Just one of his comments: “if you aren’t having a great time in the praise and worship ministry, you’re doing it wrong”.<br />
There were about 30 of us gathered and we were really glad we went out.<br />
Needless to say, those of us who attended woke up at our normal 5:00 a.m. to get ready for worship set up were fired up. It was such fun to be able to serve and it spread to those who hadn't attended.Perky Gramma Teacheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819400478284621215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284390162227754178.post-66935167717016857092012-01-20T08:55:00.000-05:002012-01-20T08:55:05.367-05:00redemption....Possible thought for Redemption Sunday 5 minute countdown...<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jyYFxp7apl4" width="560"></iframe>Perky Gramma Teacheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819400478284621215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284390162227754178.post-59060127794943418322012-01-19T08:57:00.006-05:002012-01-19T09:44:35.349-05:00some "free" stuff for worship media...For those of you who remember...PowerPoint in worship or are just getting started using projected media in worship: we need to remember that there are churches all along the spectrum. <div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">So I have been thinking of in the beginning; of being in transition from hymnals to projections. </div><br />
Here are just a few great resources for various types of media. Both free and for purchase. If you sign-up for e-mails, some of the paid sites will occasionally send "free" media to use. There is a lot out there that people are willing to share.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://zachfonville.com/" target="_blank">Red Ferris Wheel</a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://www.motionshare.com/" target="_blank">Motion Share</a> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://www.worshiphousemedia.com/?gclid=CKWi0tGW3K0CFYbe4AodzTXBkg" target="_blank">Worship Media</a> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://www.ignitermedia.com/" target="_blank">Igniter Media</a> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://www.imagevine.com/" target="_blank">Image Vine</a> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://skitguys.com/?gclid=CLXMgoCX3K0CFcZM4AodLzlENQ" target="_blank">Skit Guys</a> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
<a href="http://www.muddyrivermedia.org/" target="_blank">Muddy River Media</a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">We have had amazing results recently with simply asking creators/designers of various videos that are posted on You Tube and Vimeo, if we could use their work in our worship service. They have been very accommodating. Remember to always ask for permission, for it is their work.<br />
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Here are just a few basic <a href="http://designingforphilistines.blogspot.com/2008/12/graphics.html" target="_blank">Graphic and Font Guidelines for media</a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">So from static graphics to loops and videos, there is a plethora of media available to you.</div>Perky Gramma Teacheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819400478284621215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284390162227754178.post-87261359187777352272012-01-15T13:16:00.000-05:002012-01-15T13:16:00.037-05:00silent servers...It takes a lot of people to prepare for the Sunday morning worship experience. There are some who are creating during the week and then there are those who come in at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday to prepare the worship space.<embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Fvicarofvibe%2Falbumid%2F5697921381581870017%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26authkey%3DGv1sRgCIXmjO7vvY_MYw%26hl%3Den_US" height="192" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="288"></embed><br />
Here are just a few that helped serve for this week. This doesn't included the person who got the ladder, helped me climb the ladder and put up the banners, took it all down and much, much more.<br />
And that is just the beginning.<br />
Thank you for serving!Perky Gramma Teacheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819400478284621215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284390162227754178.post-59696478257519978332012-01-15T12:31:00.001-05:002012-01-15T12:33:15.285-05:00love God, not kidney stones...I love our worship leaders! This week was part 2 in our series of “love God, love others, serve the world”... The message today was “love God” and our worship sets really highlighted the message.<br />
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Worship Set 1<br />
<span style="color: yellow;">Our Love is Loud</span><br />
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Worship Set 2<br />
<span style="color: yellow;">Our God</span><br />
<span style="color: yellow;"> Revelation Song</span><br />
<span style="color: yellow;"> Only You</span><br />
Message: love God...<br />
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Worship Set 3<br />
<span style="color: yellow;">Awakening</span><br />
<span style="color: yellow;"> </span><br />
We will be focusing a lot on this series, which is also our purpose statement at XC. Our banners arrived this week. Printed on foam core. Looked really nice.<br />
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O.k. Got the love God; but kidney stones? Yup! I have been battling kidney stones for awhile. Got the stage all set up, but then I had to leave because of the stones. (sadness). <br />
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This is being posted as part of <a href="http://www.theworshipcommunity.com/sunday-setlists-182/" target="_blank">Sunday Set Lists</a> @ the Worship Community. See what people are singing today across the nation.Perky Gramma Teacheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819400478284621215noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284390162227754178.post-88501224543088548702012-01-14T08:38:00.000-05:002012-01-14T08:38:33.230-05:00worship wars...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_hZ93Rmingc/TxGFEUI760I/AAAAAAAAIdQ/EcF1xRfASY8/s1600/2020_vision_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_hZ93Rmingc/TxGFEUI760I/AAAAAAAAIdQ/EcF1xRfASY8/s320/2020_vision_logo.jpg" width="320" /></a> I believe there is an inherent struggle for people to want to remain the same. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The people say: “What “we did” in the day is still current and relevant. “We want new people to come, yet just fit in and become just like us.”</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The lines get drawn based on person's preferences.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">What I struggle with is I see people pushing the remain in the past; which for us means late 80's and early 90's. It is ironic that these 30-40 somethings are becoming a graying congregation and they don't see it. I read a book in 2002, entitled <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vision-Christian-Church-Disciples-Christ/dp/0827236379/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326544738&sr=1-6" target="_blank">“2020 Vision”, by Richard Hamm.</a> It was very enlightening. It talks about how congregations are able to appear to be surviving well (a lot of it is based on the tithing habits of the founding members). Then those members start to die off and all of the sudden they realize there is no one left. What has happened was they didn't have a forward thinking vision to stay relevant enough to remain healthy in the future.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I keep saying that is it is God's will to remain stuck in the past (for this body of Christ), then that is what we are supposed to do. But if it is simply based on what “we want” or “we like”, then we've got it wrong. If you are passionate about following God, I believe you have to constantly step out of your comfort zone to pursue the higher ideal of serving God's vision. It all boils down to what God wants. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">There is nothing inherently wrong with either traditional or modern worship styles.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">If we listen to Him, we will continue to impact the world. But if we don't listen to Him, based on human nature, this “worship style” battle will continue to rage through the Body of Christ. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div>Perky Gramma Teacheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819400478284621215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284390162227754178.post-64844440741538420572012-01-13T14:58:00.000-05:002012-01-13T14:58:15.605-05:00the video that went around the world (literally)....So, this is the story of how a vid literally went around to world to finally wind up back home...We have a missionary named Jessica, who is now serving in South Africa. She has been a member of our community for many, many years.<br />
She posted this video on fb a couple of weeks back. I clicked and loved it!<br />
Passed it on to our teaching pastor for that week. He loved it!<br />
Someone on our team got permission for the creators to use the video. They downloaded it and prepped our ProPresenter. Used it that very same Sunday.<br />
This all happened in less than a week.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Wgg2KYdMpqc" width="560"></iframe><br />
Later, I went to write a thank you note to Kelly and Niki Tshibaka, the people who created the video; <br />
and found out they they live here in Northen Virginia!<br />
How about that!Perky Gramma Teacheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819400478284621215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284390162227754178.post-80840191104697087152012-01-13T14:33:00.000-05:002012-01-13T14:33:15.673-05:00inventory in a truck...Resolved...to get a handle on what inventory, props, cloth, etc we have (for XC creative arts) and where it is located! Not so easy.First, some of the cloth. <embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Fvicarofvibe%2Falbumid%2F5697197376254327105%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26authkey%3DGv1sRgCM3LrZa3sMKSQw%26hl%3Den_US" height="192" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="288"></embed><br />
Need to update the newer cloth purchases; schedule a fun, exciting day to roll out, measure, mark and re-roll and document all the cloth. Yippee!<br />
Next, these are the random items that are in a truck at CFC's property.<br />
<embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Fvicarofvibe%2Falbumid%2F5697194470027079457%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26authkey%3DGv1sRgCNW-lYKG1-jGuAE%26hl%3Den_US" height="192" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="288"></embed><br />
Then, I need to get the the XC storage facility and document what is there...Perky Gramma Teacheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819400478284621215noreply@blogger.com0