Church History: Not Just for Historians

Back again with "Thoughts on a Blog Thursday". This time we've got a post from a week or two ago saved in my RSS reader that I stumbled upon.

It's an encouraging post from Tim Challies regarding church history. Challies lists seven reasons why its important that we study church history:

1. God Tells Us To
2. To Understand Today
3. To Understand Tomorrow
4. To Understand Providence
5. To Understand Error
6. To Understand People
7. To Understand Endurance

It's very interesting to me how little we know about the church throughout history sometimes. I certainly don't know very much after Acts, aside from the Reformation and some stuff about the Puritans. Maybe its because history is branded as such a boring subject, but Challies makes some excellent points regarding how applicable, useful and relevant church history can be. This is definitely an area that I want to inject into my reading at points (I'd written a bit more about this here).

Let's expand our reading to take in more church history. I know none of us will probably be curling up in our favorite chair to break open some huge academic tome, but there are plenty of more managable resources available today (The Reformation: How a Monk and a Mallet Changed the World by Stephen Nichols is a great example of a book that is informative while remaining engaging). Ask around, check in the bookstore or check out good publishers like Crossway. Find some way to learn a bit more about the church (even reading on the web). It will help you to analyze current issues in our culture today as well as encouraging you with God's faithfulness to his people throughout the ages.

HT: Tim Challies

A Lot to Be Grateful For

It's Thursday and Christopher asked me to post some thoughts on a blog post from somewhere on the vastness of the internet. It was a bit tempting to pick a post from my own blog and save a bit of work, but I figured it would be better to point you to another blog that has served my soul well since I've been reading it.

Last Friday there was a post on The Blazing Center (Mark & Stephen Altrogge's blog) dealing with being grateful. I thought this was particularly good considering that we took some time during the last community group meeting to thank God for his provision in our lives. In the post, Stephen took the opportunity to list some things he is grateful to God for. It's a helpful reminder to set time aside to thank God for all he has done for us, both the big and the small things he has blessed us with.

Here's a short sampling from me. I'm thankful that...

- God saved me from a life of self-reliance and independence and caused me to see my need for him

- I have friends and family who love me and who encourage me to grow in my obedience and pursuit of God

- God didn't leave us to figure everything out on our own, but provided his Word and the Holy Spirit to help and guide us

- I can see God's goodness not only in my own life, but in the Bible and in the lives of the saints and the church throughout history

- I am a part of a great local church that challenges me to love the Savior more and to never lose sight of the cross

- God meets my basic needs and has blessed me with a job

- I can access the knowledge of great pastors and preachers that has been preserved in books

- We live in a world with Turkey Hill Raspberry Iced Tea, mp3 players and volleyball

- I've got a great community group that spurs me on in godliness as well as providing friendship and laughter

How about you? What are you grateful to God for?

HT: The Blazing Center

Thoughts on a blog.....

I learned a new term a few days ago when I read a blog post my Tim Challies....the term "planned neglect". The full article can be found here and is entitled "The Priority of Practicing". The basic premise of Tim's article is that God calls us to "neglect" the things of the world or things that are genuinely good and we enjoy for things God has called us too and he wants us to walk in. And this neglect is not hap-hazard...no it is planned and pursued with a diligent vigor. Through this "planned neglect" we gain that which is supremely valuable, Christ and an increased love for the Savior.

So I have begun to ask myself this question.....Christopher, what things in your life is God calling you to purposefully neglect? I found this to be a difficult question for me to answer....because I don't want to "give up" anything! But for me in this season, I think God is calling me to planned neglect of working late hours at work so I can make sufficient time to have my devotions in the morning. Also as I thought about it, I realized how easily I can come home from a long day and just want to "veg" out on the sofa....either doing nothing or watching a movie. I think here to God would call me to a planned neglect of my ease to read....just 15 minutes when I arrive home.

I would encourage you to ask yourself the same questions....what things are currently doing that God would call you to "neglect" for the sake of gaining Christ? Maybe it is watching less TV so you can read his word more. Maybe it is spending less time in the office so you can fellowship or serve in the church. Maybe it is stepping out of a few responsibilities so your life isn't so crazy that you be quiet before the Lord in prayer. Whatever it is, ask the Lord what would you call me to "neglect" to gain Christ.

So add this phrase to your dictionary....Planned Neglect....it may prove to a powerful force of grace.

Weekly CG Annoucments

Here are the announcements from Community Group last night.....

• 6/14 (Sat) - Second Saturday, 9:30am @ CFC....it's a great way to apply the Proclaim series
  
• 6/18 (Wed) - FPU starts....Go to this site and get more info.
  
• 6/19 (Thur) - CG Social (sponsored by Christopher's FG).
  
• Where: Rose Tree Park (here is link to website)
  
• What time: CG picnic starts around 6pm and the concert starts at 7:30pm
• What is the concert: The band is called Fiddlekicks...check out the website
• Who is invited: Anyone...so bring out friends
• What to bring: Yourself, your picnic dinner and maybe a lawn chair or blanket
• 6/20 (Fri) - Thrive (i.e. the singles meeting, here is a link)
• 7/12 (Sat) - Rick and Traci's Wedding!
• Where: CFC building
• What time: Ceremony starts at 2:00 pm
• What needs to be done: Help with tear down after the ceremony
• Who is heading this up: Julian
  
• Who is helping: The entire CG unless you tell Julian a really good excuse why you are not going to be there
• 7/13 (Sun) - Chicken BBQ
• What do we need to do: We are assigned to the photo and activity slot from 11:30 to 12:30
• Who is heading this up: Kristen
• How many poeple do we need: Min. of four...but this job isn't trash duty so I more the merrier :)

I think I got everything but let me know if I missed something.

A quote from Flavel

I am continuing to read and meditate on The Mystery of Providence by Puritan John Flavel in my devotions and I recently read the following quote that I found particularity helpful in thinking through how God's providences moves in my life....here it is

"He [God] consults my good rather than my ease"

How often I can think and have a functional theological perspective that my ease in life (i.e. no trials or difficulties) equates to God's goodness but how often I have experienced that not to be the case. The very things that I would say have been the most trying and difficult in my life have proved to have produced the most fruit! This gives me hope as I think about current trials and seasons of testings....I know there is God's goodness behind the frown of God's providence.

And the first part of Flavel's quote should also bring hope to our souls....God consults our good. Think about that...the God of the universe, who sustains all things....consults (thinks about and plans)....our (sinners saved by grace)....good (not just okay or getting by but goodness). That is amazing to me. And for those that have been redeemed by the Blood of the lamb....God will work all things together for good....what a great promise.

So what trials or difficulties to you currently face? Lets us be of good courage because God may not be consulting your ease but he is most certainly consulting your good.

The resurrection of the blog

Some of you may have wondered....whatever happened to the idea of a Community Group Blog? Did the blog sever have a crash that prevented any postings since March? Was there another wave of technology that you are completely unaware so now blogs are outdated? Did Christopher leave and decided to set-up shop in Alaska?

Well all of those ideas sound like great stories (especially going to Alaska) but none of them are true...I just have neglected to post anything for about....yes 2-3 months (rounding is acceptable when we are talking these time frames). But I am here to see if the Blog can be Resurrected...so here is the plan to get this thing back into the air....

1. Get some other people to post besides me....so look to hear from a few others
2. Post on other issues than meeting reminds (I know that they are so exciting!)
3. Try to generate discussions in our CG from the blog

So here is my idea for what to blog on....let me know if you ideas that could be included....

• Monday - Thoughts the Sunday Sermon
  
• Tuesday - Thoughts on a book
  
• Wednesday - CG Weekly Announcements
  
• Thursday - Thoughts on someone else blog
  
• Friday - A fun fact, picture or story about someone in the CG
• Saturday - Useful facts for life
• Sunday - A day of rest
  

So can this Blog be resurrected (a question for all you two people that are reading this :) Only time will tell.....

Reminder: CG Tomorrow !

Hey folks, just a reminder that we have Community Group tomorrow at 7:30. We will be watching the second Proclaim DVD so make sure you bring your proclaim manuals….

I look forward to seeing everyone there!

CG trip to hear Tim Keller!

Hey folks, as was announced at the last CG meeting, we are going on a Community Group trip to hear Tim Keller speak at UPENN! So Community Group this Tuesday (3/11) is NOT going to be at Kathy's house but we are going to all meet downtown to hear Tim Keller. Below are the details... please post a comment, send me an email (cac360@gmail.com) or give me a call (610.999.1776) if you have any questions

Date: 3/11/08 (Tuesday)
Time: 7:30-9:00
Location: The Penn Museum of the University of Penn - Harrison Auditorium (2nd Floor)
Street: 3260 South Street, Philadelphia
Topic: Tim Keller is going to be speaking about his new book The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism

Carpool: If anyone would like to carpool from Media let me know and we can organize something....

I look forward to seeing everyone!

Lunch this Sunday

Hey folks just a reminder we have together as a CG after the second service on Sunday! We will be hanging out to fellowship and discuss chapter 3 & 4 from The Fruitful Life. So I hope everyone can make it....the details are below (and if you don't know about our book study check out this link)....

When: 1:30pm-3:30 pm (after the second service)
Where: El Grande Rodeo (the Mexican joint in Painter's crossing next to TGI Friday's)
What to do: Read chapter 3 & 4 (and even you don't get a chance to read it come anyway)

Also just as a FYI...I won't be able to make it on Sunday because I will be out of town with my family so I have asked Steve Praz to lead the meeting....go easy on him :)

I look forward to seeing everyone on Tuesday!

Thrive Canceled!

Hey folks...all meetings at the building tonight have been canceled due to the weather. So no Thrive tonight so again my suggestion is to grab a book, get a bowl of soup and sit by a fire :)

Carpool to New Attitude

Here is a reminder from Jason Gomes on a Carpool to NA...

*****************

Hey folks!

I hope you are well today.

If you have not figured out your transportation means to New Attitude or want to save on costs in going to New Attitude, I wanted to send you a friendly reminder that I am organizing a carpool to this year's conference.

Already we have 6 people signed up for this carpool! We would love to have more! Below is some additional information about the carpool.

Let me know if you are interested in participating in the venture. Also, feel free to contact me if you have any questions, comments or concerns.

In Christ,

Jason Gomes
E-mail: jasongomes@gmail.com
Mobile: (215) 718-7644

Make-up CG Meeting Tomorrow (2/19)

Hey folks, just a reminder....we are going to be having a make-up care group meeting tomorrow (Tuesday, 2/19), 7:30 pm at Kathy's house. We will be watching the first DVD in the Proclaim material...so bring your Proclaim manuals, some popcorn, and a pillow (well maybe not the pillow) :)

I look forward to hanging out with everyone!

CG Social This Sunday!

Hey Everyone,

Happy Valentine’s Day! Just a quick reminder that we are having a social this Sunday at my house at 5pm. Dress is nice, no jeans but no dresses either. Since it is Valentine’s Day we thought focusing on God and his Love would be a great theme for the evening so if you have thoughts or Scripture to encourage the rest of the group, I would encourage you to do so. Also, if you could bring between $3-$5 to help cover the cost of food and if you could let me know if you think you’re going to be coming we’d appreciate it. Thanks and I’ll look forward to see you all on Sunday J

Kathy Breslin
KBreslin@covfel.org

CG Canceled!!!

Hey folks, I have been watching the weather reports and while I would be okay with having CG if there was only going to be snow but unfortunately the weather report is also calling for ice and sleet. So I think it will be wisdom for us to cancel CG for this evening so everyone doesn't have to try to drive in the ice and sleet :( I know it's a bummer, but grab a good book (like the Fruitful Life), get a cup of soup and enjoy a nice fire...at least that is what I am going to do :)

On the bright side, I would like to reschedule CG for next Tuesday (2/19) @ 7:30 pm. Please let me know if that date would work for folks.

Thanks and enjoy the winter weather!

CG Tonight

Hey folks just a reminder that we have Community Group tonight. So bring your Proclaim booklets. I look forward to seeing everyone!

Reminder: CG Lunch on Sunday (2/10)

Hey folks, just a reminder...we are planning to do lunch together as a Community Group this Sunday (2/10) after the second service. We will also be discussing Chapter 1 & 2 of Jerry Bridges book The Fruitful Life (see the post on 2/4 regarding the book study). I am looking forward to hanging out with everyone!

I thought this time for lunch we might try Bennigan's on Rt. 202. Here is a map. Basically go North on 202 until you hit the Dillworthstown shopping center...it right in there. If you have any questions...post it a comment (maybe someone has the same Q) or send me an email cac360@gmail.com or call me 610.999.1776

See you all then!

Swing Dancing Invitation

Hey everyone, here is an invitation from Jason Gomes....

Hey folks!!!

I hope you are doing well today.

That's right....it's time to Swing Dance this Saturday night (2/9) at the Commodore Barry Club in Philadelphia (Germantown/Northwest Phila. area).

Cost to dance is $15.00. Mention 'Covenant Fellowship Church' at the door and you will get the group rate of $15.00. The dance starts at 8:45 and runs until midnight. However, you can arrive early and participate in the dance lessons (price included with admission) which begin at 7:45.

The Marketing Pitch:

Whether you are experienced, never done it before, curious to learn, want to have fun, etc..... this event is for you!(Between you and me....I am not great at swing dancing at all and it is my 3rd time. However, I still have a lot of fun anyways....) I will be at the dancing lessons at 7:45. :=)

This is a popular event amongst the Singles' in our church. Already there are about 4 men and 4 ladies that I can think of who will be attending. And that number is expected to increase!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Address:
Commodore Barry Club
Emlen & Carpenter Streets, Philadelphia, PA

Want to carpool? Contact me and we can make it happen!

If you have any questions, comments or concerns feel free to e-mail/call me.

For more information about the event, visit www.swingdance.org.

Jason F. Gomes
E-mail: jasongomes@gmail.com
Mobile: (215) 718-7644

CG Social (Kathy's FG)

Hey folks mark your calendar's for a CG Social....details below,

When: Feb. 17th (Sunday), 6pm until whenever
Where: TBA
Why: To socialize :)
Other: This will be a dinner and we’re asking people to dress nicely; like you're going to a nice restaurant so no jeans but dresses aren’t necessary. We’ll send out more details and will fill people in at the next CG.

~ Kathy's FG

Winter Camping

Well I followed Steve's detailed steps on how to set-up a web picture album....lets see how it goes!

Here is a link to pictures from my recent Winter Camping trip up in Northen PA...http://picasaweb.google.com/cac360/WinterCampingTrip

Book Study

I am very excited that we have the opprotunity to go through a book together and I wanted to pass along the information about our CG Book Study as a reminder to pick up the book and mark your calendar. Please let me know if you have any questions (i.e. post a comment or send me an email).

Again the motivation behind this study is to help us all grow in holiness in our daily lives and grow in our understanding of doctrine. It is voluntary so please come out to lunch with everyone even if you haven't read the chapters from the book but I think it could be a real opportunity for us all to grow in our faith together. Details are below with the schedule (the schedule is also updated on our Google Calendar)

• What Book: The Fruitful Life (Jerry Bridges). It was in the book Shoppe at church but I think they sold out on Sunday but they will be re-ordering. Also here is a link to Amazon....http://www.amazon.com/Fruitful-Life-Overflow-Gods-Through/dp/1600060277/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1202175466&sr=8-1


• When: About every other Sunday after the second service….we will eat lunch together, fellowship and discuss what we learned from our reading and how we are going to apply it to our lives


• Who: We are designing this primarily to serve our CG but please free to invite along friends


• What to read when:
• 2/10 – Chapter 1 & 2
• 2/24 - Chapter 3 & 4
• 3/9 – Chapter 5 & 6
• 3/30 – Chapter 7 & 8
• 4/13 – Chapter 9 & 10
• 4/27 – Chapter 11 & 12
• More books to come…..

I look forward to growing together through this study and serving each other in fellowship as we all “press on” toward the goal!

Welcome to our Blog!

Hey Community Group, welcome to our new Blog! I am very excited that we got this off the ground. And before I go any further, lots of thanks to Steve Praz for putting this together because if it was left up to me, I would still be trying to send you guys dozens of emails all in the same night :) So thanks Steve for all the hard work you put into the website.

So why did we put together a Blog for our CG? Well for many different reasons (one of which I just think it is neat) but mainly for the reasons listed below....

• Better way of communication for the CG. Instead of me or Kathy sending out tons of emails (cluttering up your inboxes), we are going to start posting announcements and CG related things right on this website so that you can check out what is going on any time from any place


• Better way to keep track of CG events. With the Google calendar built right into the website it should be easy to check out what is going on and answer the revolving question (is CG this Tuesday?)


• Better way to build together as a community. I hope this blog will provide a great context for us to share our lives with each other. So whether it is a CG event or something going on at church or just stuff we all do in our lives, we can post pictures or videos right here for folks to see.


• Better way for new folks to get connected. As new folks start coming out, it will be easier for them to get connected with the CG through the Blog.


• Just have fun together...

All that to say, I pray that God can use this blog to accomplish those goals but ultimately I pray that as we experience fellowship together we may grow and deepen our love for the Savior and our passion to pursue Christ.

So check out the Blog regularly (i.e. a few times a week), send me pics /videos and let me know what you think of the Blog!

Picasa Web Album Tutorial

Hi All,

As part of this community group website/blog, we wanted to make it somewhat simple to post pictures. The easiest way is to create a web album which we will link to. I'd recommend using Picasa Web Albums. You'll either need to sign in using your Google or GMail account or create a free account. After you've created your account, you can create a gallery, upload some photos and email me the link to your gallery. Once I get the link, we will post it to the blog so that others can check it out.

I've created a web album that has a screenshot walkthrough of creating a new album and how to get the address of your album to send to us. You can view the gallery by clicking here. If you view the gallery as a slideshow and read the comments, it explains the process. You can email me if you have any questions. Also, remember the most important part is that you have to send me the link to your gallery.

Also, if you host your pictures on some other service like Flickr, you can still send a link and we will post it. Just email me at stevepraz@gmail.com.