Spare Time

What do we do with our spare time? (Reuters - Americans use TV ...) For me I know I don't mind the time I veg in front of the TV. But how much is too much. What are we neglecting or feeding when we are spending hours in front of the tube. When is the last time you spent 30 minutes in prayer instead of watching Seinfeld. Or when was the last time you read your Bible for an hour instead of surfing the web for something interesting like my blog? Even better when is the last time you took a couple of hours and went out into your community (maybe just to your neighbors) and talked to them about the love of Christ?

We seem to be able to come up with all kinds of excuses for why we can't do certain things, but what do you think the Lord's response to us is? Can you even imagine a world where just the Christians used their spare time to grow in their relationship with God or to help disciple a new believer or even to go out and be bold in spreading the good news?

Come On Ring Those Bells

Paul Grabill - It seems to me that it is often the older congregations that often teach that faith is a very private affair that are the ones most likely to have church bells that ring throughout American communities.We evangelicals normally keep our loud music within the four walls.:)I've always wondered why there aren't more complaints than there are about unsolicited music from ancient boom boxes (bell towers).

Here's a New York Times article about them bells, Christmas and otherwise.
What do you think?

Where Have They All Gone

A couple of weeks ago I preached a message on Leaving a Lasting Legacy. In that message I made the observation that in our church and in the majority of main-line denominational churches there is a huge age gap. The 25 to 55 year olds seem to be missing in action. I gave a couple of personal and statistical reasons for this, such as:
1. I was forced to attend church (a church I didn't like), where they crammed a bunch of thou shalt nots down my throat.
2. I can't just be myself at church, I feel everyone is judging me.
3. Church, what's that? I've never been.
4. The messages aren't relevant to my life. How many times do I really have to be told that I'm a sinner and if I don't "repent" and become "born again" I'm going to burn in hell forever. I got that message the first time when I was 5 and had nightmares for weeks. Trust me, I was scared into heaven. Tell me what the bible says about keeping my marriage together, how to raise my kids, what is good financial planning, how do I deal with my inlaws, how do I balance a busy schedule, etc...
5. The church I attended seemed to draw all the grumpy people, no one ever smiled.
6. I feel I have a stronger walk with God on my own, than having to be quilted into my salvation and service for Him.
7. I was really hurt by some people at my church growing up.
8. There a bunch of hypocrites. Act like angels on Sunday and devils the rest of the week.
9. I'm not sure what to do when I go to church. When I go to a movie I know to go in sit down (with popcorn and soda) and watch the movie. At a sporting event I know to go and root for my favorite team (at church its like they are all on the loosing team, where is the excitement?). At the grocery store, I know to go in, get my items, pay and leave. I mean even at the Dr. I know to sign in at the desk, have a seat, pick up a magazine and it'll be at least 30 to 40 min. Before the Dr. gets to me. But what am I supposed to do at church? Do I sit on the right or the left, or maybe there is assigned seating (there is a Bible that's been left in that spot every week and a the same person seems to claim it every week but never takes it home)? Do I sit, stand, clap, raise my hands, sing loud, sing soft, bring my Bible, read off the screen, smile, look grumpy, compliment the musicians (or is it worship team, I'm so confused)? Should I complain when they sing a song I don't know or one that is too loud or to fast or God forbid to country for my taste. Should a shout amen when I agree with the pastor's message or keep it to myself because it was a personal moment. Do I go up for prayer when I need it, or will everyone else be making assumptions (He's sick, his wife is leaving him, he manages his money poorly, he has an addiction to something) of what I am requesting prayer for? Do I shake hands, hug a neck, or give a holy kiss? Should I come back on Sunday night and Wednesday night? What are these small groups I keep hearing about, but am never invited to?

On and on it goes. So why do you think people ages 25-55 are no longer interested in attending church? If your in that age group I would love to hear your response. And what needs to be done to attract them to church, with out compromising the Word of God.

Who said we had to wear a suit and tie to church. What about those ladies who cut off the circulation to their brain because their hair is pulled up so tight in a bun. Do we make the rules or do we live by the Word of God.?

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

Well I have waited three years for a big snow storm to hit East Alton, IL and it looks as if it will finally happen. I can only hope and pray. For once I hope my friends at AccuWeather (in the beautiful town of State College) are right. 6 to 12 inches of the fluffy white stuff. I love fresh fallen snow. It reminds me of the purity of my life when seen through the eyes of God. Thank you Jesus for your blood that makes me white as snow.

As an aside to this blog, let me direct you to a blog I read everyday. Pastor Paul Grabill of State College has a wonderful thought provoking blog www.scasssembly.blogspot.com, check it out. From time to time I may barrow his ideas or even use his posts on here. Thanks Paul for allowing me to do this.

Good Books

For those of you who enjoy reading I have some recommendations for you, but if you read them please drop me a post or email about what you think. In the past month I have completed The Barbarian Way & Chasing Daylight by Erwin McManus. I am currently reading Searching for God Knows What by Donald Miller. What unique and challenging books for the Christian. As with any book I don't know if I fully agree with all of there points, but they do cause you to search the Word of God. Another book that I have recently completed is Joseph by Charles Swindoll. I really enjoy the dramatic flair he has put into this Great Lives from God's Word series.

So how about you? Any recommendations? By the way, if you haven't checked out our churches website www.eaassembly.org what are you waiting for. There is basic info, as well as a resource page, and you can also listen to our Sunday Service online for free or download to your ipod.

Give Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving! We are blessed to live in this great land of liberty. To be able to worship Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. I am thankful for my salvation paid for on Calvary and for my freedom paid for on the battle line by my fellow Americans. Thank you Lord for my beautiful wife, my two great kids and a wonderful family. I pray that your day will be a blessed and happy one. Give thanks to the Lord!

My Space

What do you think about the My Space Craze? My son and wife both have one. Most of the youth of our church have one. They use it to witness to their friends (a lot of them anyway). What dangers do you see in it if you dont have a private page? For me blogging is a hard enough chore. So I don't know if I'll ever get a space. Then again you never know.

One of my favorite myspace friends to visit is www.myspace.com-prsspace Pastor Rich is one of the most creative (crazy) guys I know. While there be sure to visit Doug Sayers space.

Debt Free Christmas

This Sunday I challenged the congregation to have a debt free Christmas. To not only put away the plastic but to cut it up. We have become so enamored with living the overindulged American life, that we have actually put ourselves, our children and our churches on the endangered species list. By endangered I mean that we have become a slave to the companies that tell us to buy now, pay later.

Along with living credit card free for two months, I challenged them to cut back on gifts for each other, gifts that really aren't necessary and are soon (next day in many cases) forgotten, and to invest in missions. Take the $3.00 away from Starbucks or $1.00 from McyDs and invest it in the building of spiritual lives for the kingdom of heaven. For most of us, in just two months, we could invest $120.00 in reaching the lost if we just cut out that coffee or pop from the convenience store.

If your trying to live debt free, here is a great sight for you. www.daveramsey.com

To Tell the Truth...or Not

In a recent article by Nancy Ortberg on Christianitytoday.com, she asks this question: "Is It Ever OK to Fudge on the Facts?" Nancy gives some great biblical examples of people who lied and were actually honored for it by God (Rahab, Shiphrah and Puah, Lot). But what about the scriptures that say, "Do not lie" (Leviticus 19:11) and "The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful" (Proverbs 12:22).

Is it ok to tell a little white lie, such as, "You look nice today," when inside your thinking I can't believe you wore that outfit to church. But you don't want to hurt their feelings. Is honesty the best policy?

Survival: To media or not to media?

I know more and more every day why I hate to watch and listen to the news. It is so depressing! Not only that, but it's election season and all I hear is attack ad after attack ad, and the media being biased. I like to think of myself as someone who is up to date on what is happening in the world but sometimes I wonder if it is even necessary.

I know we have an obligation and the wonderful freedom to vote in this country but sometimes (ok most of the time lately) I find that when I vote I'm just picking the lesser of the two evils. Neither the Republican or Democratic parties truly offer a candidate with my moral and Biblical values. So what's a Christian to do? I have my personal ideas but what do you think?

On a lighter note, Suzanne and I just enjoyed our favorite restaurant in St. Louis. De Palm Tree on Olive off of 170. It is Jamaican dining at it's best. Everything is made fresh when you order. None of this pre-cooked food. The jerk pork chops are the best, that is unless of course you like chicken, then the jerk chicken. Today we tried something new, they had a Friday buffet just 5 items (it's made fresh), curry chicken, black peppered white fish, beans & rice, cabbage, and salad. Unbelievable taste and quality as usual.

Cards are up 3-1 in the World Series. I won't tell you who I'm rooting for, but I can tell you this, it's the team with a former Pittsburgh Pirate on it. Enjoy the series and lets go Steelers! Because football is what really matters.

Joe Corbi's Pizza

The long awaited day for the Schaffer family has arrived. Our Joe Corbi pizza kits have arrived. We have gone 3 years without a good pizza. The pizza in St. Louis is, well, I'll be kind, not to my liking. If you or your organization are looking for a good fund raiser this is the best around. It took a lot of convincing but we finally talked them into venturing out to the Mid-West. It was the best fundraiser our youth group has ever done. FYI if you want to know what their product is like before using them, just ask and they will send you some sample kits. www.joecorbi.com MMMMMM. Just had my first bite. And it hasn't changed since the last one I had 31/2 years ago.

God's Work vs. My Play

When it comes to the work of the kingdom are we a bunch of cheapskates? Do we often settle for the quick, easy and cheap solutions or do we put forth the highest quality in time, talent and technology and finances? Recently a pastor friend was discouraged because he had "pumped up", (shared the heart of God to win the lost) a special offering for a community outreach. When the offering was taken a measly $223 dollars came in, less than $2.00 per individual in church that day. The next day he had the opportunity to visit a parishoner. Upon arrival at his home he noticed a brand new car in the driveway. Inside was a new wide screen plasma tv, and what appeared to be new furniture. Now here is the kicker. When the pastor was leaving the person said, "Oh, pastor I wanted to give to the outreach but didn't have my check book yesterday, could you please put this with the special offering." The pastor was encouraged that here was some one who had caught the vision to win the lost as he had, that is until he was in the car and looked at the check. $10.00.

All that to say, why do we sow into the worlds economy rather than the Lords economy? Is it all about us? or All about Him? Why will we spen $30-$90 a ticket to just get in to a Cardinals game. Then spend another $40 on food (0ver $200 for a family of 4), because hay they're a playoff team. But we wont invest $200 into winning souls for the kingdom of heaven. Well tip the waitress 15-20% but we struggle with giving God 10%. We'll be sure to get our morning coffee ($ .70 at McyDs, $3.00 at starbuck) but we fail to help the homeless person we've passed every day for the past month.

What's your thoughts. Leave a reply.

Middle Ground

First Assembly East Alton has begun a new ministry aimed at those between 20 and 55. We are calling our group Middle Ground. We are kicking off the fall season with a bonfire. Just a time of fun and fellowship to get to know one another.

Kiosk Giving: Good or Bad Idea?

Here's the CNN video link.
Take a swipe at it.:)

Update: Here's a print version in the LA Times.

Blog idea from www.scassembly.blogspot.com

Help Name Ministry

At 1st A/G here in East Alton we have begun a new ministry for 20-55 year olds (young to middle aged adults), and we are looking for a name to call ourselves. Some suggestions have been: Middle of the Road, Up and Comers, Middle Ground, and Under the Influence (not my first choice). Any sugestions would be great.