caged bird...

(wplynn) flickr

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.

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.

Today we are the Loudoun County Human Trafficking Task Force (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.

Who will in turn spread awareness. But, more importantly they will start doing something about abolishing slavery in our lifetime.

It is a process, it takes patience. But the realization hits that one person can do so much. One voice, plus one voice swells into a multitude of voices.

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?

Here is your first step on how you can be that voice for the voiceless.

be a voice for the voiceless...

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:
Ask Congress to Support Crucial Anti-Trafficking Bills Today!

It's a very simple act, write for their rights. Something you are able to do today is to sign petitions and letters today that will be hand delivered to the President, Congressmen and Senators.
Two great non-governmental organizations are invovled with powerful legislative advocacy to end slavery and you can help.

TAKE ACTION: http://www.polarisproject.org/take-action/advocate/569-tell-congress-to-act-on-critical-anti-trafficking-legislation-now

STAND FOR FREEDOM: Sign your name

http://www.ijm.org/content/sign-your-name-stand-for-freedom#sotu-form

some "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.

So I have been thinking of in the beginning; of being in transition from hymnals to projections.

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.

Red Ferris Wheel

Motion Share

Worship Media

Igniter Media

Image Vine

Skit Guys

Muddy River Media

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.

Here are just a few basic Graphic and Font Guidelines for media

So from static graphics to loops and videos, there is a plethora of media available to you.

we are now a completely mobile church...

This is the way we load the truck, load the truck, load the truck...
This is the way we load the truck, load the truck, load the truck
After church on Sunday.

how to use a griff clip...

This seems rather simplistic, but we have been training a couple new people for our ENHANCE team and realized it might be helpful to include simple instructions on how to use a griff clip...



We have several griff clips pre-hung (that remain in the rafters each week). It is a simple inexpensive way to hang cloth. And adds a lot of flexibility. After the gaffers are tied onto the fishing line, the fishing line is then flung over the various light bars and curtain rods.














Pretty much if you see cloth hanging in one of our designs, that is how we do it...


XC purchased these griff clips several years ago. If I am able to find out where they purchased them, I will come back and edit.

Have you used griff clips before?

Will you consider using them now?