Thursday, April 30, 2009

Building With Bricks!

Last Sunday was our first opportunity to walk through the new building.  If you missed the tour, check out the video below for a taste of what several hundred of us experienced last Sunday.  It was awesome!  

During the tour, many of you heard about the opportunity to buy a brick for our patio on the back of the property.  Here's the scoop:  PCC is selling commemorative bricks that will be placed in a patio we will construct directly outside the back door in the Atrium. These bricks sell for $50 each. You can buy one (or more) in honor of someone you care about or in memory of someone special. These bricks will be engraved with up to 3 lines of text with about 15 characters per line available.   This is the only opportunity anywhere in the building we have to place an item in honor of, or in memory of someone.

Besides creating a functional patio, this is also a fundraiser for PCC. The monies raised with these bricks will go to help fund some of the capital needs we have – like chairs, tables, etc. Be sure and let your family and friends know that they can help too. Perhaps they would want to buy a brick in honor of you or a grandchild. Anyone can participate, whether or not they attend PCC.

In order to have this patio installed with your bricks by our grand opening date, we need to place the order in early June. Please have your orders into the office no later than June 1st; include the money for each brick and what you would like it to say.  You can also put this information in the offering basket or boxes on Sunday.

Call the office (804-598-1174) or email Lori Wheeler (lori.wheeler{at}powhatancc{dot}org) or Dennis Green (dennis{at}powhatancc{dot}org) with your orders and/or your questions.

One last thing- should you want to use a credit card to pay for these bricks, we hope to have that ability by May 10th. Keep an eye here for more details.

PCC Tour Sample from JB Media on Vimeo.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

My Question about Hell and Satan


We received a few questions about the last days, hell, satan, etc.  and I decided to do a video post for you to address them instead of writing about it.

In case it's easier, you can also see it on YouTube by clicking here.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Thoughts on Yesterday

I'll say something about this picture in a minute...

I've been thinking a lot today about yesterday.  I've heard from an unusual amount of folks who have shared all kinds of stories with me.  People who have struggled with depression for a long time.  Some who've been on medicine - for a little while or for years.  Some who were motivated to go get help through counseling and others who realize they need a doctor's help. Most expressed a need to reconnect with God.  

It's interesting because this series, "The Way Out" has brought a lot of response before the services.  I've been getting FB messages and emails from folks a week or two before we even talked about the subject.  Seems that people are looking for a way to get their stuff on the table - permission to tell the truth, and solutions for breaking free.

There was so much more to say yesterday.  I could have talked for a lot longer.  There are questions with the text I wanted to go after.   For example, I just brushed by the statement the angel made to Elijah "the journey is too much for you".  That could have been a sermon all by itself.  And then, God asks Elijah several times, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"  What a loaded question.  So much to say there.  I encourage you to go to your Small Group and find the time to spend studying 1 Kings 18-19.  The movement from 1 Kings 17 to the end of the book and see how Elijah's journey helps us on our own.  It's fascinating.  

It is obvious to me that we are helping some people here.  The secret sin of all secret sin hasn't been dealt with yet, though.  Pornography is probably the greatest case study in irony I've ever seen, because study after study indicates that a huge percentage of people look at it, but almost nobody ever talks about it.  We're going to.  We're not going to beat anyone up, but we are going to help people get it on the table so that they can begin to beat the demon that is hurting them and tearing their soul and their families apart - directly or indirectly.

Don't shy away from inviting people to church this week.  You have no idea who needs this message.  And even if they don't struggle with the subject, they'll still be blessed knowing that we aren't afraid to tackle it.  By the way, it applies to pre-teens and teenagers, too.

The building tours were awesome...It really was heartwarming to see so many people come.  We're getting close to moving in, and that facility will help us be more effective at reaching people and guiding them to become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.  

I finished the day with a wedding.  It was an unusual, family only wedding of some folks I've come to know and love.  It was a fantastic way to end the day.

Oh, the picture.  People have asked what adjustments I made in my life to change the pace at which I was living.  I confess that this is a struggle and I suspect it will be for the rest of my life.  The awareness that I have to do some things differently and (the experience of the consequences for not) is compelling.  So, I'm being much more deliberate about spending time with my family...and NOT working while I'm with them.  Last week, on Spring Sreak, we took a day and went to DC to the Smithsonian.  Today is a work day for me, but we'll pick the kids up from school a little later and take them out on the boat for the rest of the day.

Also, I'm being careful about what I do with all of my time.  I say this to you to help you think about your time.  Think about how you need to adjust.  For example, I am trying to only meet with people who I can really help.  People who are in situations where my knowledge or experience can really add value.  Some people want to meet with the 'pastor', but the truth is that he's nothing special.  What most people need is a good friend.  I can help you find one who will be far more effective than I would, because they will offer you the real support you need.  We only have room enough for a few close friends.  That applies to all of us.  I've decided that I don't help anybody by trying to please everybody.  I just wear myself out.  I'm going to do the things I'm best at, and leave the other stuff to people who are best at that (either because of their position, proximity, expertise, experience, skill, etc.).  For example, I'm not a good counselor.  If you need counseling, I can get you in touch with a great one.  Does this make sense?  I care deeply about people...and I'm learning to care enough to say, "I think that you need  ____________  instead of a meeting with me.  Why don't you let me help connect you with ________."

Anyway, sorry about the long post today.  I could write a book on the awesome day yesterday was! 

Sunday, April 26, 2009

10B4

Did you miss this week's 10B4? Lots of great stuff going on.

Take a look!

Friday, April 24, 2009

Response to last Sunday


It's been a pretty amazing week, hearing from people who have some kind of addiction responding to last week's topic.  Several folks have taken a pretty bold step.  As I said last Sunday, "in order to get clean, you have to come clean."  I talked about coming clean with yourself...admitting you are an addict.  Coming clean with your family.  Not that they don't already know (your addiction is not a secret, even if you think it is).  Coming clean with God.  Coming clean with some close friends who can love you, support you, and hold you accountable.

As I responded to one person, I spent some time thinking about the last part - the part about friends.  Why is it so important to come clean with friends?  Well, we tend to be a little too emotionally involved with our spouse.  If they try to hold us accountable to not drinking or not getting high, we tend to feel like they are nagging...it makes us mad...we argue and fight.  People in our immediate family are always going to do some accountability with us (try leaving your socks on the floor or not cleaning up your dishes and see what happens).  But, generally speaking, they make poor accountability partners.

You can't get strangers to do it.

Acquaintances aren't good either, because we don't tend to tell people who are not real friends our deepest darkest secrets.

Real friends are where it's at, in terms of accountability.  There is just the right balance there between closeness and distance.  They know enough about you to understand when to speak and when to listen, yet they don't have the baggage with our habits that our family has.

I’m not suggesting that there is some magic in telling other people, but that your closest friends are best positioned to make you better than you are. Were it not for my closest friends and my decision to confide in them, I think that, by now, I would have wrecked my marriage, ruined my ministry, and destroyed my life.  I'm not kidding.  

Your close friends are supposed to be people that God placed in your life to make you better than you are (and vice versa, by the way).   Once you confide in them that you have a problem, they are equipped to do their part…and give you the support help that you’ve always needed. I think this is critical. 

Note to all you friends:  If someone confides in you and comes clean, don't drop the ball.  Ask them for permission to help; ask them what kinds of questions you have permission to ask and how often.  And then do it.  You are the instrument God has placed in your friend's life.  Take a chance, stretch, and watch God work through you.

One last note:  If you don't have good friends that really care about you, we can help you find them.  

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Our new builidng is really cool...

Last night, most of our staff gathered with some energetic-type folks with projecting-type voices for the purpose of tour training.  We met at the site of our new building to walk them through the tours that they would be giving this coming Sunday (April 26).  

The building is coming along so fast...every time I go inside, something dramatic has changed.  When I went in there last night, it was so awesome to see that they had actually started painting.  It's not just a rough building anymore...it's actually starting to feel like a real facility where we can do real ministry!

You will not want to miss the tours we are doing on Sunday.  Here's how it will work:

  • Hot dogs and drinks will be ready at 12:30 and you can come anytime from that point on. 
  • The actual tour begins at 1:30.  
  • We're expecting at least a couple hundred people (maybe a lot more).  
  • There will be plenty of parking 
  • Lots of precautions have been taken, so your kids are welcome to come.  
  • Remember that this is still a construction site, with plenty of dust.  You are not going to get filthy, but you might not want to wear your nicest shoes, either.
  • The tours will begin with a 'shotgun start'.  This means that each tour group of 10-15 people will start in a different location, but we will all start at the same time
  • The tours will be over around 2:45.
  • There will be plenty of opportunity for you to ask your questions.
Don't miss it.  It will be a great day!!!

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

How's the Building Coming?

Note:  This post was written by Chauncey Starkey.  Chauncey is our Church Administrator and serves as the PCC's primary liaison with the builder.  This role has taken an increasing amount of Chauncey's time lately as he works on the final touches.


What would you see if you stopped by the building site? It’s actually pretty impressive, most of the brick is complete, windows installed, drywall up; it’s finished taking shape and time to start with the pretty parts. 

In the next few weeks the glass front will be here, gutters hung and the doors will be painted. It will really have a finished look then. Inside, thanks to our aesthetics team (Jeannie Ashman, Trish Nice, Corinne Campbell, Denise Ranallo, Jeanette Brannan and Anna Nice), we have all the paint and flooring picked out and on order; soon you’ll see paint on the walls! Plan to stop by after the second service on April 26 at 12:30 for the open house. We’ll have lunch together and show everyone around!  Guided tours begin at 1:30!

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Tomorrow will be History for Someone...

You have a chance to make history...but today is the day.  Did you know that 70% of people who don't go to church say they are either very likely or somewhat likely to go if invited by someone they know.  Some studies indicate that figure is much higher - maybe approaching 90%.  

And, of all the church services of an entire year, only Christmas Eve rivals Easter Sunday in people's willingness to 'give it ta shot'.  They just seem to know that Easter is the time to go to church, even for people who don't normally go.  They can easily remain at home, but a gentle invitation is often all that is required for Easter Sunday.

So, pray today - ask God to show you who to call, who to ask, who to encourage.  Tomorrow, God will make History in someone's life.  It could be the person YOU invite. 

While you are praying, don't forget to pray for our church.  Tomorrow is a huge day for PCC.  Pray that we 'deliver the goods' (as I like to say) so that those you invite and others who come a little apprehensive and threatened will leave saying, "I think I could do that again!  Let's come back next week!"

Friday, April 10, 2009

PCC Band at the County Seat

There are still some seats available for the dinner at the county seat tomorrow night when our band will be playing. Call 598-5000 to reserve your seats! I think it's going to fill up and they will have to turn people away - it's a great night out!

Thursday, April 9, 2009

An Update On PCC Finances

Dennis Green is husband to Brenda and dad to Leah and Denny - and Dennis serves as PCC's executive pastor.  Part of his role, along with his ever-present "I'll do whatever needs to be done" attitude, is to keep us on track and informed financially.  Dennis is our guest blogger today, with some important information about PCC's financial state.  

You can contact Dennis via email at powhatancc.org; you can also keep up with him on his Facebook page!


Wow! Can you believe that Easter is here already? Spring has “sprung” and exciting things continue to happen at PCC.

The economy is still anybody’s guess, unemployment is affecting many in our families - and yet hope mixed with realities drive us forward each day.

As a staff, we faced one of those realities in January. Based on 2008, (especially the last quarter) we looked at the most probable scenarios related to giving as we moved into 2009. We made painful adjustments to our staff and to our salaries. Also, we cut our travel, our conferences, our leadership development and other expenses in an effort to remain absolutely faithful in our commitment to you; to keep PCC financially sound and in a strong, healthy position. Through all this, we worked hard to communicate the financial realities to you.

I am extremely proud and grateful to report that through this first quarter, our giving at PCC is actually up slightly over the same period in 2008. We are not making our weekly budget for 2009, but let me reiterate that we are not spending our budget for 2009 either. We are keeping a close watch on what we spend, always mindful of our responsibility to be faithful stewards of what God, and you, have entrusted us with. 

You can see the financial summary from the first quarter of 2009 by clicking this link. Should you have any questions or concerns, please let me know.

It has been and continues to be an honor and privilege to serve beside you as together we press onward toward this mission God has called us to.

Dennis

Monday, April 6, 2009

A Tribute to Beth Brawley



Last night's unity service was a moment I will never forget for the rest of my life. It was one of the most God-present, Holy Spirit-anointed, life changing, fulfilling days I have ever had.  

But for all the work it was on me and others, the truth is that Beth Brawley carried more weight than anyone else.  As I reflect on how we pulled off such an event in four days, I am keenly aware that it literally could not have happened without her.

Think about it...if you don't know...Beth:  oversaw the logistical issues; ensured there would be various technicians in place; did the stage setup organization; worked with leaders like Jackie H. and John S. and Sandy S. John M, Gail L. and Chauncey S. to ensure all the teams were in place; worked with Marilyn to direct the choir; selected music; worked with me to plan the order; distributed sheets and charts; rehearsed before the rehearsal; made calls; got the video in place;  ran the frantic chaos that ensued from 4pm to 6pm; and then executed the final production like a precision guided instrument

Yes, God gets the credit for every good result.  I mean that.  But we can give God all of the credit and still recognize that you, Beth, were HIS agent of change last night. As much as any pastor who spoke and stood in the spotlight (me included), you deserve to be recognized and appreciated for your unbelievable commitment and incredibly hard work. I know very few people who would have risen to the occasion as you did last week.  Few will know the sacrifice you made and the other areas of your life that had to take a back seat for you to make it all happen.

Every one of us is truly blessed to count you as an irreplaceable member of our team and an invaluable leader of our church. On behalf of ever grateful member of PCC and every unaware member of the larger community, can I just say, "Way to Go, Beth!  We are so grateful for you!"

A Special Letter from Pastor Rick

Rick Stigile is one of the 5 organizing pastors for last night's event.  He wrote a letter and I got it in my inbox after midnight last night (meaning the he, like many of us, couldn't sleep!)  I thought you would want to see it, so I've copied it here in full:

April 6, 2009

Powhatan Community Church
P. O. Box 834
Powhatan, VA 23139


Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

I am writing to express my sincere appreciation to each individual and ministry team that worked so diligently and tirelessly to assist us with our Community Prayer Service on Sunday evening. As the host Church, you bore much more of the logistical responsibilities of the ministry for this meeting. No one, but you and our Lord, will know the number of hours that you put in prior, during, and after the service to ensure that everything went well.

I am extremely grateful for the Christian testimony that you exemplified by the giving of yourself and your talents! Although far too often the pastors receive the acknowledgement of a successful service, I truly realize that your ministry is just as essential in order to have a successful event.

As a result of your efforts, people left the auditorium Sunday evening with a new hope and an inspired vision of what the Church should be in our community. When we are able to move past our differences and build on our commonalities, we will then see Christ glorified and the Church edified. Thank you for helping us to make that happen!

I know that Pastor Brian is justifiably proud of you! Yet more significantly, I can’t help but believe that Jesus is sitting next to the Father and pointing down to our community and saying, “Now that’s my Church!”

May God continue to richly bless you and your great fellowship!

Your Brother in Christ,

Pastor Rick

Richard D. Stigile
Chairman, Powhatan Pastors’ Association
Senior Pastor, Bethesda Church of God


Unity in THE church


Can you imagine Jesus' perspective on last night?

People - people who were a good bit older than me - told me and other people like that told other pastors, that they had been in Powhatan their entire lives and had never seen anything like what they saw last night.  From what I could see, there was absolute authenticity in people's embraces and tears.  That room for those 90 minutes must have been as close to what it will be like in heaven as we've ever seen!

We had a great opportunity to allow he media to work in our favor, and they did.  Every report I saw on last night's news was positive.  As far as I could tell, there were no incidents at all from a security standpoint.  And I would estimate that roughly 900 people came.  

But those facts don't tell the story!

  • Every speaker's unique style and message followed by someone of a different color to pray was a powerful visual and audible statement - things are not the same anymore!
  • Every song that was sung exuded unity among a massive choir that was incredibly diverse.  The song selections ranged from heavy rock-style tunes to hymns to traditional gospel rounds.  Inside that choir were Pentecostals, Baptists, Mennonites, Methodists, Presbyterians, Charismatics, Episcopals, Lutherans, Non-denominatinalists.  They were white and black, multi-cultured and multi-racial.  They produced a sound that was unique and awesome.  It was a powerful visual an audible statement -  things are not the same anymore! 
  • The video "A Thousand Questions" was a powerful moment that posed a powerful question setting up a powerful answer:  Here am I, Send Me.  It was God's ultimate message to us as a church.  Send us, in the name of Love.  Send us, in the name of Forgiveness.  Send us, in the name of Wisdom and Comfort and Unity.  We are your church.  Send us.  Things are not the same anymore!
  • As the pastors, when we gathered on the stage and moved beyond racial boundaries to pray - it was clearly a powerful statement.  We are committed to lead our churches in a different way.  Things are not the same anymore!
  • I has dinner after it was all over with my new friends, Pastor Greg Beechaum, Pastor Rick Stigile and their families.  It was obvious:  Things are not the same anymore!
In all my life, I've never experienced something like that.  It was such an enormous honor to be involved with it, and for PCC to be the host church.

There will be many people that Beth and I will personally thank, but I really want to acknowledge here the team from PCC that made this happen.  On 4 days notice, you moved into action.  You stayed all day, ate on your own dime, were back at the auditorium at 4, worked tirelessly all the way up to 6pm, tried to control the media, dealt with rapid fire questions, monitored the service, and stayed to the middle of the night to take it down.

You all are the silent heroes.  While Beth and I and the other singers and pastors are on the stage and then I am talking to the media in front of their cameras, you were greeting and parking, hauling things to the trailer, tearing down equipment, and generally working yourselves to death.

Can I tell you that I think you are the backbone of Powhatan Community Church?  I never one time heard one complaint.  I never saw a sour look.  What I saw were people committed to doing whatever it takes if God is calling.

I need you to know that I'm aware you went WAY beyond the call. I won't ask it often.  But I am the proudest pastor in the world right now.  You are the best!

Finally, many have asked when we will do it again.  I have a meeting Tuesday to discuss that.   The bottom line is that you can trust your pastors - we will not let this moment, or the opportunity, slip through our hands.

DVD's of last night's service will be available to every pastor when the edits are finished...about 2 weeks.  

Thanks for being there last night.

Sunday, April 5, 2009

How Did The Unity Service Impact You?

We'd love to know how you were impacted by the Unity Service.

Take advantage of the interactive nature of blogging and leave a comment here. 

We really want to share in the excitement of what God is doing!  

Scroll down to "Post A Comment", click and share your story.  You can register with blogger, or you can sign in as 'annonymous' and just leave your name on the post....

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Press Release

Here is a copy of the press release we issued, with the latest endorsements.  I thought you might want to see it:


April 2, 2009
For Immediate Public Release

Recent events over the past few months have culminated in tension and anxiety over events of the past few days. This week, we came together to express our unity as pastors and community leaders, and to affirm our support for our common purpose. The latest events have attempted to drive further wedges between people of different races and nationalities in our community. Specifically, the news coverage of the verdicts in the Taliaferro murder trial has portrayed Powhatan and our surrounding communities as a predominately racist people. Regardless of how individuals may feel about the justice or lack of justice with the verdict itself, the truth is that most people in our community are not racists. Still, as Jesus said, a little yeast works its way through the entire batch. We desire to make a strong stand against racism and the growing perception about Powhatan.

Adding fuel to the fire, the KKK has been handing out flyers in our community during the past few days. We are appalled that anyone would embrace such hatred in the name of being a good American or a faithful Christian. Racism is neither American nor Christian. We do not deny that racism is a part of our community’s historical past, but we adamantly refuse to allow it to be a part of our present or future. The Bible is clear about this:

So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:26-28, TNIV)

While each of our churches is distinct in worship, we are all passionate about the fact that there is no room for racism in the leadership and body of Jesus Christ’s church today. As the song says, “The ground is level at the foot of the Cross”.

Further, we invite everyone, everywhere to attend a special service this Sunday, April 5, 2009, at 6pm at the Powhatan High School. Several local pastors will speak and pray. There will be exciting and excellent worship. The entire service will only last about an hour, but the statement it makes will last much longer.

This is our chance to take a strong stand in our community – a chance to speak with our feet and publicly take a stand on this issue. It is not about the trial or the verdict – it’s about how we believe God sees skin color. Together in that hour, we’ll have the chance to say that everyone is welcome in our community, and that, as Christ followers, we will not judge people by the color of their skin. We will have the chance to stand together – as black folks, white folks and every color in between – and declare our unity in Jesus Christ.

We urge every person in our community to make this event a priority. We believe that it’s going to be a Holy moment. We believe that God will move in an unusually powerful way. We believe that we will experience His presence in our midst.

Serving the One who created all people,



Pastor Thomas B. Alvis, Jr.
Mount Moriah Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Gregory L. Beechaum, Sr.
Senior Pastor, Little Zion Baptist Church

Russell Cress
Pastor, Powhatan Christian Fellowship

Dr. William B. Hardison, Jr.
Pastor, May Memorial Baptist Church

Dr. Brian C. Hughes
Senior Pastor, Powhatan Community Church

Pastor Tim Kennell
Powhatan Mennonite Church

Rev. David N. Peppler, Sr.
Pastor, Muddy Creek Baptist Church

Rev. Edward G. Powell, Jr.
Pastor, Bethel Baptist Church

Rev. Karen Powell
Chaplain, Central Va. Correctional Unit

Pastor Brad Russell
Old Powhatan Baptist Church

Rev. Kevin Salyer
Interim Pastor
New Beginnings Baptist Church

Rev. Rick Stigile
Pastor, Bethesda Church of God


Tomorrow Morning

Good things happen at our church every Sunday and I think that the entire service is important from start to finish every week.

But tomorrow it is especially true.  The way the flow of the service elements go, it will all tie together exceptionally well.  The beginning is important to understanding the end.  You won't want to be late!

See you in the morning!

Friday, April 3, 2009

Double Excitement


In my entire life, I’ve never felt like I was a part of a movement of God so powerful and sweeping as what is happening right now.  That's saying a lot, because PCC has been an incredible movement of God.  Still, I am overwhelmed with anticipation about what God is going to do Sunday evening. It’s like God has pushed a tidal wave and we are getting to ride it! I’ve been working with other pastors in the county since Wednesday and the momentum is building faster than anything I’ve ever seen!

You will absolutely not want to miss what happens in our midst on Sunday at 6pm at the High School!

But - and this is interesting - I am equally excited about what will happen at our church on Sunday morning.  Why is this interesting to me?  Well, I have so much to do, it's almost overwhelming.  Normally, I would be highly stressed right now...less than 48 hours to such a critical day.  But I am so confident that God is going to do unprecedented things in the lives of people and in the life of our community, that I just wish we'd hurry up and get there!


Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Special SERVICE that YOU need to attend!

Special Service 6PM Sunday Evening at Powhatan County High School

I met with a group of pastors of various churches in the county today to discuss the latest events that have driven further wedges between people of different races and nationalities. Specifically, the news coverage of the verdicts in the Taliaferro murder trial has portrayed Powhatan and our surrounding communities as a predominately racist people.

Regardless of how you may feel about the justice or lack of justice with the verdict itself, the truth is that most people in our community are not racists.

To make matters worse, I am looking right now at a copy of a publication that the local KuKluxKlan has been handing out over the past few days. It is basically a recruitment document, with a picture of a policeman in uniform on the front page, wearing the traditional white Klansman’s hood.

I am ashamed that anyone would spew such hatred in the name of being a good American or a faithful Christian. Racism is neither American nor Christian. The Bible is clear about this:

"So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

As pastors, we came together to talk about ways that we can express our unity as one people. While each of our churches is different, we are all passionate about the fact that there is no room for racism in the leadership of Christ’s church today. As the song says, “We all are equal in the light of the Cross”.

In light of all of these events, we want to make the strongest statement possible. We are issuing a press release and are inviting everyone in our community and in our churches to come to a special service this Sunday evening at 6PM at the High School. PCC is the host church for this event, and our band and music team will play a large role in shaping the service. I will speak, as will other pastors in our county. This service will only last about an hour, but the statement it makes will last much longer. 

This is our chance to take a strong stance in our community – a chance to speak with our feet and take a stand on this issue. It is not about the trial or the verdict – it’s about how we believe God sees skin color.

Together in that hour, we’ll have the chance to say that everyone is welcome in our community, and that, as Christ Followers, we will not judge people by the color of their skin. We will have the chance to stand together – as black folks, white folks and every color in between – and declare our unity in Jesus Christ.

I urge every person in our church to make this event a priority. Further, I’m asking every church leader to cancel any event or meeting you have this Sunday evening so that you and your folks can come. I believe that it’s going to be a Holy moment. I believe that God will move in an unusually powerful way and we will experience His presence in our midst.

Spread the word and I’m looking forward to seeing you there!