Through My Eyes: Student Life Camp with Bayshore

Hello everyone! This past week I was in Toccoa, Georgia for an amazing week with Bayshore and their youth group at Student Life Camp. Not only did we have fun on the way up, we also served the Lord, had a fantastic speaker and an amazing worship leader. 

We set out on our adventure at 7 o’ clock Sunday morning. Too early!!! We arrived in Atlanta that evening and visited World of Coke. I made sure to try Speitze (Mezzo Mix, which is the most popular drink in Germany and my dad's favorite.) Then we ate at The Varsity. It wasn’t anything to write home about, except I’m writing home about it. We stayed at the Courtyard Marriot hotel over night (nice!). On Monday, we drove on to Toccoa to begin camp.

So there we were, all 40 of us ready for Student Life’s Mission Camp. Tom, Bayshore’s youth minister, separated us into three groups for 3 different missions’ sites: 10 of us at the local YMCA cleaning and volunteering for the summer camps, 10 of us painting a fence at a low income housing place, and 20 of us working on mulching a trail at Henderson Falls. I was one of the lucky 20 that was working on the mulching. Five hours a day for the next 3 days, I mulched, I sprayed too much bug spray, and filled wheel barrels with dirt. After we finished the work for the day, we were lucky enough to have the best water fall to play in. It was right across the trail and we would all go down and have a blast playing in the water (well, I only went in once, on the last day). On the last work day, everybody from the 2 other mission sites from our group came and played in the water fall with us. Good times…

Jeremy Kingsley was our camp pastor (think Jon Acuff’s older brother - they look like they are related too…). Jeremy has a story for pretty much everything. What he does best is tell stories to illustrate what he is teaching. Whether it is he threw an oatmeal cream pie at his teacher, or he was telling us about secret guy school, Jeremy always had an amazing way to say the point through a story. He made it funny at times, and even once, he cried on stage. He taught me about God’s kingdom and ROTC. R is rely; O is obey; T is trust; C is cling. We can always rely, obey, trust and cling to God. Look this guy up! He is awesome.

Tom said “our group couldn’t help but be enamored with the worship leader” in his sermon Sunday (I was at Bayshore, cause I was sharing about the experience with their church.)  He couldn’t have said it better...

Our worship leader was Aaron Keyes. When I looked this guy up, I couldn’t help but think “He isn’t going to be as good as Chris Tomlin, or David Crowder Band…and I have worshipped with both of them!” On the second day, when I was still kinda iffy about Aaron, Tom said to me “Aaron radiates peace.” The very next time we had worship, I looked for what Tom was talking about. Five minutes into my search, I saw what Tom meant. Every single session, I would see different things. Peace. Love. Passion. Aaron just brought God into the room everywhere he went. That same week, his trailer got broken into and 20,000 dollars worth of stuff was stolen. And he still radiated Jesus.

He is also a walking Bible. Tom was telling a story about how in the Youth Group Leader Meeting one day, Aaron gets up and starts by saying “You know what this reminds me of? Exodus 17 when the Israelites are under attack….” And all the youth ministers are just like “Yeeaaahh….” as they flipped through their Bibles searching for the story. If you start a conversation with Aaron, I’m pretty sure he could just pull a verse out, no matter what you’re talking about. It’s insane how much he memorized. He would just say these long verses during worship, know it by heart, and we all would just be in awe. Well, I would be anyways.

One thing that I LOVED that this camp did was focus on the Compassion program (which I will tell you more about in my next blog)….what is really amazing, though, is that on the trip, our group started sponsoring 12 children from all over the world. ISN’T THAT AMAZING?!?!

Through my eyes….Student Life camp isn’t just a camp…it’s a way to change your life.
Abby 

Through my eyes: Bigstuf & Lake Aurora

Hey guys! I have had a FULL couple of weeks! This week is probably the first full week I have been home since my summer began. Today’s blog is going to be all about Bigstuf and camp at Lake Aurora!

So my first summer adventure I went on was Bigstuf! Bigstuf (if you don’t know and haven’t read any of my blogs before..) is a Christian  conference that is held in Daytona and Panama City for High School and Middle School students. Youth Groups from all over the country come to worship with the best of the best and listen to some of the most sought out speakers in America. This year was the 25^th Anniversary of Bigstuf!

This year’s theme for Bigstuf was Reality. We learned many things from various speakers. Jon Marc Comer was a preacher from Portland who talked about being followers of God and how to face reality with our faith. Jon Acuff, who is the blogger (like me!) of Stuff Christians Like, talked about our voice of fear. Bob Goff, the author of the book Love Does, talked about how your dreams can become a reality. He told a story about how he asked his kids a question. “What would you do if you had one minute with a world leader.” One of his kids says “Invite him to a slumber party!” I don’t know about you, but a slumber party sounds ridiculous. Bob goes on and he talks about how they mailed every single world leader on this earth and they end up getting 29 yeses to go to the slumber party. Bob and his kids travel around the world meeting all these world leaders and how his kids interviewed every single world leader. At the end of each interview, his kids would give the world leader the key to their house. The whole time I was thinking “This dude is nuts! He is craaaaaazy!” But Bob Goff had some pretty cool stories.                                      

Now the worship was pretty amazing. Phil Wickham was the worship leader again this year. We got to have Rend Collective lead worship, David Crowder was there (And I didn’t know he was as southern as he actually is…he is pretty southern.) and he was awesome!!

Ok, the Skit Guys were hilarious. Let me tell you, I haven’t laughed so hard in my life…they do half improv, half script. I would look them up if I were you. On YouTube. Right now. The two skits I recommend you watching is Little Billy: Zaccheaus and Hurting Help Line. Do not pass go, do not collect 200 dollars. I promise you will not be wasting your time.

One person is planning on giving their life to Christ, and I know I have said it a million times, but my good friend and fellow writer Bryce Buckland is doing that in a few months. So yay! Thank you Phil Wickham…your singing did the trick.  

Ok! So the Sunday after Bigstuf (So like 2 days..) I went to go Transform my self at Lake Aurora. I have gone for 7 years and every year, I always make new friends and learn new things. This year, we learned about sin, mercy, service, and sacrifice. It was a good week and even though I am not really a minimalist, I can survive. It’s a good camp, so if you don’t go, your missing out! That’s all for now!

And I am serious about the Skit Guys thing. You will be hooked.

Through My Eyes….Bigstuf and Lake Aurora are the places to be this summer and all the summers for the rest of my life (well….until I age out any ways..) 

Abby

VISITORS INFO: FOR THE KIDDOS

What can you expect for children?

Children’s programs are a considerable part of the life of NBCC and so we thought we would highlight a few items to help you if you are visiting:

*  The nursery is in the education building and has a check-in/check-out procedure with adult background-certified supervision.  There are also often preteen and teen helpers in the nursery.  The nursery begins at 9:30am for Sunday School and runs until the conclusion of the 10:30am service.

            > This means if you come to the 8:00am service, keep your kiddos with you.

            > This means if you come for Sunday School you can drop them off and pick them up after church.

            > This means if you come to the 10:30am service, they can be dropped off as soon as you arrive.

*  The PreK & K class is in the education building and has a check-in/check-out procedure with adult background-certified supervision.  There are also often preteen and teen helpers in the PreK & K.  The PreK & K class begins at 9:30am for Sunday School and runs until the conclusion of the 10:30am service.

            > This means if you come to the 8:00am service, keep your kiddos with you.

            > This means if you come for Sunday School you can drop them off and pick them up after church.

            > This means if you come to the 10:30am service, they can be dropped off as soon as you arrive.

*  The 10:30am service has an activity which dismisses right before the sermon for 1^st-5^th graders called UpGrade.  It is held in the Family Life Center until the conclusion of the service.  You can pick up your kids there at the conclusion of the service or we can keep them and sell them on E-Bay.  Either one. J  We are proud that the UpGrade Service is led by our teenagers with adult supervision who do a wonderful job of relating Biblical stories and fun during the sermon time.

Where do you go for all these things?

We have a map available for you as soon as you enter the main entrance, but more importantly than that, we have greeters and other volunteers who will show you where you need to go.  In addition, if you choose to keep your kids with you… that is just fine! 

There also happens to be a “crying room” very near to the sanctuary that has full audio and visual displays of the service.  So if you need to step out, you don’t have to miss anything!

Troy Borst

Christian Education Minister

VISITORS INFO: COMMUNION

What can you expect at communion during worship services?

Communion is a quiet time to remember Christ and His sacrifice for us on the cross.  Most churches do communion, but each church tends to do it a little bit different and that can be confusing!  We celebrate this time of communion each week as we meet together for worship services. This time is open to all who have begun a relationship with Christ; you do not have to be a member of NBCC to participate in communion.

If you are at our Drive-In Worship, you will be provided with the bread and juice when you arrive and pull into the drive-in lot.  You will be instructed when to participate during the service (it’s after the music and right before the sermon).  

For those at our Inside Worship services, the bread and juice will be passed to you at the appropriate time by servers. Please take the bread and cup and then partake when you are ready. When finished, you may place the empty cup in the seat back in front of you.

May we suggest that during this time you do the following…

… pray about the past week and think about your behavior and attitudes

… grab a Bible from the pew in front of you and read a passage or two from Jesus’ life

… reflect on the importance of Jesus Christ

At NBCC, there is no liturgy (church fancy word for “certain words we say at certain times”) during communion.  No one will talk to you and you need not confess your deepest darkest secrets or speak to anyone else.  It is a quiet time of reflection, prayer, and focus on Jesus Christ.  The communion time last about 5-10 minutes usually depending on the length of the communion meditation that is offered. 

If you are not a Christian, please feel free to watch and observe and reflect during this quiet time.  You do not have to participate… it is something that Christians do to remember Jesus’ death on the cross.

VISITORS INFO: 10:30 SERVICE

What can you expect at NBCC’s 10:30am service?

We have 3 services at NBCC.  We have the 8:00am and 10:30am which are both inside the church building.  We also have the Drive-In Service (the only one in Tampa by the way).  The 10:30am service is the last and largest of our worship services.

Before you ever get in the front door, you will be greeted by our Outside Greeters whose sole job is to help you get where you are going.  They also happen to have breath mints so blow into your hand and check them out if you need to! 

When you walk in the foyer (main entrance) to the church, you will be greeted and handed a bulletin.  The bulletin outlines the latest information about the church calendar, events, and announcements.  Also in the bulletin is a page for you to take notes on during the sermon as well as a communication card.  Please fill out the communication card that comes in your bulletin so we can know your name and address and we will drop a note of welcome to you.  You can put the communication card in the offering plate when it comes by. 

The bathrooms are immediately to your left (you will see a sign).

The church office is to the right.

The sanctuary (where worship service takes place) is straight ahead.

The library is to the left of the sanctuary which is where you can meet the ministers after the service if you wish.

Once in the sanctuary, pick a seat any seat, they aren’t assigned!  This is our largest service so we recommend getting to the church at around 10:20am (if you did not hit Sunday School first).  The service will begin with live music, move to communion and offering, and then conclude with a sermon. There might also be a smattering of special music and videos depending on the week.  The service begins at 10:30am and is finished around 11:40-11:45am.  It finishes around 11:45am so you can beat the other church folks to the restaurant!

During the service, kids 1^st-5^th grades are excused to their activity which takes place in the Family Life Center (gym) right next to the sanctuary.  Kids in the nursery-Kindergarten have classes that begin at the start of the service.  A greeter can show you the way to the nursery and the PreK & K class.

You will find:

Blended (old and new) music for worship with words projected on screens

Bible-based preaching and teaching

Folks from all walks of life

People dressed from shorts to suits (wear what you like)

Friendly faces that are glad you are worshipping with us

If you are a first time visitor, the ministers would love to meet you right after the service in the library (there will be an announcement and signs). 

Troy Borst 

Christian Education Minister  

VISITORS INFO: 8:00 SERVICE

What can you expect at NBCC’s 8:00am service?

We have 3 services at NBCC.  We have the 8:00am and 10:30am which are both inside the church building.  We also have the Drive-In Service (the only one in Tampa by the way).  The 8:00am service is the early morning option for worship that is low key and the smallest of all our services.

The 8:00am service is right for you if…

… you want a low-key relaxed service

… you don’t like crowds

… you are an early bird and want to get the say started off right

… you get off work Sunday morning and want to go to church before heading home

… you want to dress casual (actually, all our services are casual)

When you walk in the foyer (entrance) to the church, you will be greeted and handed a bulletin.  The bulletin outlines the latest information about the church calendar, events, and announcements.  Also in the bulletin is a page for you to take notes on during the sermon as well as a communication card.  Please fill out the communication card that comes in your bulletin so we can know your name and address and we will drop a note of welcome to you.  You can put the communication card in the offering plate when it comes by. 

The bathrooms are immediately to your left (you will see a sign).

The church office is to the right.

The sanctuary (where worship service takes place) is straight ahead.

Once in the sanctuary, pick a seat any seat, they aren’t assigned!  The service will begin with live music, move to the sermon, and conclude with communion and offering.  There might also be a smattering of special music and videos depending on the week.  The service begins at 8:00am and is finished around 9:15am.  It finishes around 9:15 so folks can head to Sunday School if they choose which begins at 9:30am.

After the service, you can head to the Family Life Center (its also a gym) which is down the same hallway as the bathrooms.  You want to go there… free coffee, juice, donuts, and fruit await.  From the FLC, you can exit to your car or you can stay for Sunday School.  There are two classes which meet in the FLC at 9:30am which are both designed for visitors and beginners.  Check them out!

Anyway, the 8:00am service is our earliest service, the smallest, and the most low-key of all our services.  If you want, come check us out.  We hope you will meet God in the service and we know He will change your life and lead you to a new beginning.

P.S. There is a not a nursery or children’s program at the 8:00am service.  Those programs start at 9:30am and runs during the 10:30am service.

Troy Borst

Christian Education Minister

VISTORS INFO: DRIVE-IN SERVICE

What can you expect at NBCC’s Drive-In Service?

We hope you would arrive at around 8:15am for the 8:30am service… but arriving late is ok too!  We just want you to come and worship and we want to get to know you.  Arriving at 8:15am lets you get a great parking spot and grab a free donut.  It just wouldn’t be church without coffee and donuts… would it?

You will be warmly greeted at the white gazebo where you will receive a bulletin and communion for everyone in your car.  The bulletin outlines the latest information about the church calendar, events, and announcements.  Also in the bulletin is a page for you to take notes on during the sermon as well as a communication card.  The communion is a small cup with the wafer with it (I guess you have to see it to understand).  Once you get past the greeters and pull up to a spot in the field (any ol’ place you like)… you have almost made it.

Turn your radio dial to 103.9FM and you will hear light music, an occasional announcement, and the service when it begins.

But wait, there’s more!  Up towards the boat (that’s what we call the building that looks like a boat) on the right, are the bathrooms (cleaned and ready for use) as well as free coffee and donuts.  You will also find an assorted group of folks talking, sharing, and willing to say hello.  You can stay and chat or take your goodies back to your car.

The service will include songs, singing (words provided in the bulletin), communion and offering, and a sermon.  Please fill out the communication card that comes in your bulletin so we can know your name and address and we will drop a note of welcome to you.  You can put the communication card in the offering plate when it comes by.  After the sermon, feel free to drive towards the boat to exit and you can speak with the minister as you leave.  We always like to say hello!

The service starts at 8:30am and is always done before 9:30am because that is when Sunday School starts inside.

By the way, during December of 2012, NBCC celebrated the 40th Anniversary of our Drive-In service, the only Drive-In service in Tampa.  In 1972, at the suggestion of senior minister, Rev. Dean Burton, the church bought the land and used it to create a drive-in ministry.  A neighbor donated a salvaged boat for use as the pulpit. Burton preached the first sermon from "Noah's Ark" December 3, 1972.  At that time, a pole and sound system, like those at drive-in movies, was used so that attendees in their cars could hear the service.  In 1988, worshipers began tuning into a radio frequency for the church service when a new underground broadcasting system was installed and the ark replaced with the current building designed to look like a boat.  This building was named the “DiscipleShip,” which is in use today.

And that’s what you can expect at the Drive-In Service!

Troy Borst

Christian Education Minister

The Story Chapter 5 / The Home God Wants for His Presence

It was perhaps the greatest opportunity ever.  God tells Moses that he wants to come to his people and dwell right in the middle of their camp.  Not on the outskirts.  Not in the ‘burbs.  But right in the middle of where they were living.  You might wonder, “What preparations would a people need to make for God to live in their midst?”  Would it be like getting ready for weekend guests or someone special coming to dinner? You feel compelled to make sure your home looks as good as possible. You want to make a good impression and you want your guest to feel welcome. 

God anticipated the question and told Moses what needed to be in place for his coming.  First, He wanted to be close to them but there was the problem of sin that created a breach between them.  So God provided Moses with instructions about the practice of sacrificing, offering a covering for the people’s indiscretions before a Holy God.  Sin is serious stuff, not to be taken lightly, and the sacrifice of unblemished animals was necessary to give the people a picture of sin.

Second, He wanted to stay close to them.  Moses was given the blueprints for the building of the Tabernacle.  It’s a big word for “tent.”  A portable place of worship.  Kind of a mobile Motel 6.  And he wanted to camp out right in the middle of where they were camping.  God wanted to be close to His people.

But He also wanted them to be close to each other.  So He declared a third thing to get ready.  He gave them Ten Commandments concerning relationships.  The first four commandments focus on how we are to demonstrate our love to God.  The second set of six have to do with how to show love to other people.  In seeing these relationships of love it was God’s desire that people would come to know Him too.

Jesus said the same in John 13:34: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. . . By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

God gave the Israelites guidelines so that, when they sought to live by them, other nations would see them as different and know that they were God’s people.  God gave us Jesus so that, when we live like Him, others will know that we are His people.  For those who know Him, God took care of our sin through the sacrifice of Jesus.  He tabernacles (or resides or lives or dwells) in the hearts of those who have drawn near to Him. 

Could it be then that the degree to which we are obedient to Him in this command to love each other is the degree of His presence we will find among us?

It could be our greatest opportunity ever.

The Story Chapter 3 / Trading in Your Dreams for Another’s

People nearing mid-life often crash into some startling and unexpected observations. For instance, we all dreamed big dreams when we were younger.  But as we move at a break-neck pace through our twenties, thirties, and forties, we eventually slam head on into the realization that some of our dreams will never be realized…which is a big fat sports car inducing tantrum which many fall victim to.

That observation throws some people into a mid-life crisis.  Some don’t make it that far with their aspirations, having already given them up somewhere along the way.  Some run into conflict that makes them weary and they settle for less.  Still others make bold decisions to trade one dream in for another… sometimes helpful and sometimes hurtful.

That’s what Joseph did.  Talk about dreams!  He had some big ones.  At seventeen he dreamed his ten older brothers would bow down to him.  It’s enough he dreamed that dream.  What makes it worse is that he told his brothers about it.  The older brothers already had issues with the younger son.  Their father favored Joseph.  He had even given him a valuable, multi-colored coat.  That’s the modern-day equivalent of a parent of four teenagers giving one an iPhone and the other three a stack of quarters each for a pay phone (assuming they could find one on their travels).  The brothers banded together and tossed the dreamer in a ditch, eventually selling him into slavery at the first opportunity.   The next thing Joseph knew he was waking up in Egypt.

From there his life was a roller-coaster thrill ride. 

One minute a slave. 

The next in charge of an Egyptian official’s house. 

The next in prison. 

The next in charge of the prison. 

Then he found himself in front of Pharaoh, called upon to interpret the leader’s dreams. 

With God’s help he was able to warn Pharaoh he would have seven years of abundant crops that he should be put in storehouses in anticipation of seven years of famine.  Recognizing his wisdom, Pharaoh put Joseph second in command of all of Egypt.

And because of God’s personal involvement in his life, he was able to save his family that God would one day build into a nation.  Joseph was in position to bring his family to Egypt and give them the most fertile land to work.  And it was definitely fertile.  In the time they were there they were “fruitful and increased greatly” (Exodus 1:7).  Joseph could have lost his life getting caught up in the details of his life, chasing his dreams and desires.  Instead, he chose a better story.  God’s story. 

You can do the same.  If your life’s dream has stalled, look to God. If your dream now realized is not all you thought it would be, look to God. He can give you another dream.  A better one, not according to the world’s standard but God’s criterion.  Just like Joseph’s.  Then you’ll have a story to tell.

The Story Chapter 2 / When the Last in Line Gets Chosen for the Team

The casting agent enters the room with their top picks for the show’s leading man and lady.  The new series will follow the spellbinding story of a clan that builds a powerful, world-impacting family tree.  This is the pilot, and it is crucial to make the right call on the individuals who will fall in love and launch this Kennedy-like family of influence and fame.  Producers and writers alike have waited breathlessly for this moment, the moment when who they have envisioned as the leading characters will be finally realized in an actor and actress.  But when they turn to see who has been tapped for these most special of roles, the thud of their collective jaws hitting the majestic mahogany conference table muffles their mutual groans.

There before their wide eyes, instead of the expected vibrant, young couple with gleaming white teeth and tanned and toned bodies, stand a 75-year-old man and a 65-year-old woman.  Not what they had pictured for their production.  And yet, this is what God has chosen.  His screenplay called for a couple to launch a new nation, one that would impact the entire world.  As he would say, a nation through whom “all the nations of the earth would be blessed” (Genesis 12:1-3).

Abram and Sarai stand there, adorned perhaps by dusty old robes and crowned with wispy white hair and loosely fitting skin and as befuddled as anyone else.  God chose them to begin a nation.  An unlikely pair, especially after factoring in the fact that Sarai was barren.  How could God expect to start a nation with a woman who could not bear children?  To complicate the story line, it will be 25 more years before they actually have their child of promise.  By that time Abram and Sarai will be 100 years old and 90 years old, respectively (and their names will be changed to Abraham and Sarah).  Perhaps Social Security checks will help this special couple decorate the baby’s tent and they’ll be able take naps when the baby does.  And the rest, as they say, is history.  His story.

God picks people you and I wouldn’t necessarily select to take part in his story. In fact sometimes we are shocked who plays the starring roles in his stories.  Unlike the way we do business, he taps people, not merely because of their abilities, but for their availability.  God searches for people who are open to be used by him.  Since he uses only those who are willing to be used for his purposes, there is no doubt that it is he who is doing the wonder-working.  Let there be no doubt, throughout history he is the one making things happen. 

That’s good news, isn't it?  In the business world, you may not have a great pedigree.  In academics, you may not be a Rhodes Scholar.  You may not have a lot of money and you may have average looks.  But you may be sitting in a pretty good position to be a top pick for God’s work.

IMPORTANCE OF BIBLE READING

Bible reading should be an important part of our daily lives. Pastor Rick Warren wrote, “The Bible teaches that we cannot be disciples of Jesus Christ if we do not have a regular intake of the Word of God.”

John Charles (or J.C.) Ryle (1816–1900) was born at Macclesfield and was educated at Eton and at Christ Church, Oxford. He was a fine athlete who rowed and played Cricket for Oxford, where he took a first class degree in Greats and was offered a college fellowship (teaching position) that he declined. The son of a wealthy banker, he was destined for a career in politics before answering a call to ordained ministry. He became the first Anglican bishop of Liverpool and was a prolific writer and speaker.

In an article titled “Bible Reading,” he wrote:

Next to praying there is nothing so important in practical religion as Bible-reading. God has mercifully given us a book which is ‘able to make [us] wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus’ (2 Timothy 3:15). By reading that book we may learn what to believe, what to be, and what to do; how to live with comfort, and how to die in peace. Happy is that man who possesses a Bible! Happier still is he who reads it! Happiest of all is he who not only reads it, but obeys it, and makes it the rule of his faith and practice!

If what J.C. Ryle wrote is true, then why do so many people find it hard to consistently read the Bible? Some say the language is too hard, some can’t find connection in reading random and short snippets. Some try hard, but can’t get past the lines of genealogies, lists of rules and duplicate stories and events.

            The Story provides a solution to all those objections. It is developed so any person can read the Bible as one seamless story from beginning to end. The Story is condensed into thirty-one accessible chapters and it sweeps the reader into the unfolding progression of Bible characters and events. It’s arranged chronologically from Genesis to Revelation. It uses clear, accurate and easy-to-understand language to communicate the Truth and revelation of God’s story.

The Story is excellent for personal reading, but it’s also available for church-wide use. The Story Church Campaign has all the resources necessary for everyone (from young children to seniors) to participate in a unifying and personally gratifying experience.

            The Story is coming to NBCC in 2013!

MAKE THE WALLS COME DOWN

The Story Church Campaign offers a number of ways for churches to make the walls fall down when it comes to their people’s understanding and knowledge of the Bible.

Mark Coughlin, Senior Pastor of Immanuel Church in Lake Forest, MN shared an example of this recently with us:

“Our Children’s ministry researched the dimensions and size of the wall of Jericho. They had the kids cut paper in one foot squares and taped them together. After worship service, our folks saw our children’s leader bring in a 30 foot extension ladder. The kids filed in carrying a train of paper “bricks.” With the ladder against the wall, our leader put the papers up. It was a stunning visual of the actual wall height (27 feet) in Jericho. It brought The Story (and God’s story) to life because little things like this stick in people’s minds.

Pastor Coughlin adds, “People are hungry to learn what the Bible is all about.”

The Story Church Campaign is a fully-resourced program that will help your people connect with the Bible and God’s story of redemption. Because of its flexible, yet all-encompassing program, you can be creative, like Immanuel church and others, in the way you help you people connect and experience God’s story.

The Story is coming to NBCC and will make the walls fall down!

“THE STORY”… COMING TO NBCC IN 2013

What Pastors and Church Leaders Say

"I have loved The Story series. It has been a great journey for me, for my preaching, and for our members. We have had visitors throughout the entire series and have given over 100 books away... Getting God's word into people hands is always a good thing!"
Tim Halstead, Senior Pastor

New Life Community Church

Odessa, TX

"Quite often I have been asked what The Story is. What I tell questioners is that The Story is a condensed chronological account of the Bible telling the story of creation, what went wrong, and how all will be made right again. Who God is, who we are, and the meaning and purpose of life."
Jim Barker, Adult Sunday School Teacher

Oak Hills Church

San Antonio, TX

SPARKING CONVERSATION

"We’re excited about The Story. It has our church talking about the Bible more than anything else. It offers an opportunity for the congregation to gel. It really becomes the watercolor conversation!"
Mark Whitlock, Pastor
Christ Our Redeemer, A.M.E. Church
Irvine, California

LOVING SCRIPTURE

“So many people simply did not have a grasp of the biblical narrative, let alone how it all fits together. Our groups also loved it as we followed the preaching track – giving them a year of growth together.”
Eric Camfield
Christ Church of Oak Brook
Oak Brook, IL

CONNECTING FAMILIES

“We have enjoyed walking through the Bible in a chronological manner. In addition, we have LOVED being on the same page as our parents.”
Julie Chors, Director of Children’s Ministry
Hosanna Church
Lakeville, MN

UNITING CONGREGATIONS

“The campaign resources have been an incredible plus. This has really given our church a united focus and we are becoming more united because of it.”
Derek Stemen, Senior Pastor
Ohio City United Methodist Church
Ohio City, OH

DRAWING SEEKERS

“People began literally parking illegally in the access roads to participate in the experience.”
Max Lucado, Minister of Preaching
Oak Hills Church
San Antonio, TX

OUTREACH

"We were told that Debbie’s parents (one of our members) visited our church on Week 1 of The Story, and were so thrilled with what they were seeing and hearing that morning that they went out and bought copies of The Story for their whole church."

Davida Lambert
Oak Hills Church

San Antonio, TX

"As a whole, The Story increased our church's biblical literacy. So many people simply did not have a grasp of the biblical narrative, let alone how it all fits together. It also brought awareness of the value of regularly reading Scripture as a spiritual discipline."

Eric Camfield
Christ Church

Oakbrook, IL

GROWTH

"We are already seeing almost a 20% increase in attendance. Not only are our members excited, we are seeing a lot of new faces all of a sudden. We are bracing for the fact that we have underestimated crowds. We're currently packing out our 1200 seat facility and we only have one service going now."
Travis Eades, Worship Pastor

Southwest Church of Christ

Jonesboro, AR

YOUTH AND CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

"We have LOVED being on the same page as our parents. That is a connection that cannot be beat."
Julie Cohrs, Director of Children's Ministry

Hosanna Church

Lakeville, MN

"The Story has had an amazing impact on the level of comprehension our students have of the Bible. They can now see the big picture so much easier in the Old Testament than they did before. They feel they have a better grasp on the Bible itself, and can now see ONE connected story."
Crysty Kimberlin, Youth Leader

Preston Rd. Church of Christ

Dallas, TX

"Many of our teens are reading the Bible for the first time. They are engaged in the learning process and are asking good questions. Several of them have started discussion groups outside the church (in their homes) for their school friends."
Youth Ministry Leader

Bay Harbour United Methodist Church

League City, TX

SMALL GROUPS

"Everything we've been using has been OUTSTANDING! The discussion questions for small groups are stimulating. We can spend an entire hour on three of the ten questions. Several of our members plan to use them for personal study. The Story may be one of the most important movements in the city and beyond."
Alana Ownby, Small Group Leader

Oak Hills Church

San Antonio, TX

"The Story provided an amazing synergy and common focus like nothing we have ever done here at Oak Hills. Someone in our small group mentioned that they now have a clear understanding of the terms Upper and Lower Story, and that has made a difference in how they understand the circumstances in their daily lives."
Pat Hile, Small Groups Pastor

Oak Hills Church

San Antonio, TX

The Wonder of Worship

                              “Worship” What does it mean?

Worship…I wish I had a great acrostic to help us understand what the word truly means. The first time the word worship is used in the Bible is in Genesis 22:5. Abraham said to his servants, "Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will “worship” and then we will come back to you."  Do you remember the story?

Abraham was told by God to go to Mount Moriah and sacrifice his only son, Isaac as a burnt offering. I am not sure if he told any one else, especially his wife Sarah, but Abraham was faithful in doing what God had expected.  Abraham took Isaac and the servants went on their way. They were not carrying any instruments for playing music. They brought a donkey, loaded with needed supplies. They were just being obedient and following God’s command, and bringing a sacrifice. If I chose a word for the “W” in worship it would represent WONDER.  When we worship we are in awe and WONDER of our heavenly Father. We don’t have to sing, although it is a great way to show God your innermost thoughts. All we truly need is to have ears to hear, and a willingness to bring our sacrifice of praise to Him.

The Psalmist writes, “Show the wonder of Your great love, You who save by Your right hand” (Ps 17:7)

Is there any WONDER why we WORSHIP?

In “His” love & service,

David