I Woke Up In Chicago, but I'm not exactly sure how I got here...

I woke up a little before 6 am today in a hotel in Chicago...but how I got here is somewhat of a blur.

A few months ago, we booked a trip to attend a creative arts conference here called story. You can see more at storychicago.com.

First, let me tell you why we decided to come to this. Creative energy is just like any other kind of limited resource. If you do physical labor as your skill or gift (think: electrician, framer, welder, landscaper, etc.), you go through a regular cycle of work - rest. Your physical rest refreshes you physically for more physical work. Well, creative work is much the same, except the way we 'rest' or get 'refilled' is not physical, it's creative. What I've found is that people who are responsible for envisioning, planning and executing highly potent, highly creative events (services) have a steady drain in their creative tank. It must be replenished regularly (just like you would physically rest for replishment) or the ideas get tired, old, and stale.

So, that's why we're here with Beth Stoddard, Jackie Heberle, Lindsay Harris, Susan Hughes, Elijah Schiarelli, Sarah Brawley, Katie Rusch and John Ivins. These are some of the folks directly responsible for keeping PCC's services exciting, fresh and alive with promise. Creativity is one of our primary, God-given tools.

BUT, the summer was hard at PCC, financially. We just didn't have the money to fly. Driving was our only option. So, we left Powhatan at 9:15 and arrived in Chicago 15 hours later. It's a new record for me for the longest road trip of my life. Most of it was fun. Being in the car for that long is hard, though, especially the last third or so. After a while, it all starts to blur together, the next road, the next state, the next rest area/bathroom break, the voice on the GPS, the songs on the iPad. And you are so tired, you are in and out of coherent conversation. I'm not exactly sure how I got in my room. I don't remember much of the last couple of hours of the trip!

We'll come home Friday, after the conference ends at 5:30 (chicago time). Not sure if we'll drive all night or find a hotel along the way. Either way, it'll be a long day. But I really believe that God is going to do great things in us and that it will be worth it!

Thanks for praying for us - that today and tomorrow would be refreshing and a time of renewal of our creative juices. And thanks for praying for our trip home, too.

Everything At PCC

Here is video from the skit our dance team lead on Sunday at Powhatan Community Church. Major thanks to Christine Slate, who leads this team. If you're interested in getting involved in this area, contact the PCC office or email beth {at} powhatancc {dot} org.

More News From Chicago

After a full day of break out sessions, brainstorming and learning, our team gathered tonight to dream just a bit. We are participating in a conference at a church that has harnessed the energy of creativity and excellence to provide amazing worship experiences, all with the goal of true transformation. People have found new life, forgiveness and grace through Jesus Christ, and everything at Willow Creek points towards Him.

Willow is a church that places a high value on creativity, effective leadership and imagination. Our team members spent time today learning about choirs, Christmas productions, leadership, digital audio, lighting, vocal exercises, leadership, family worship, soul care, discipleship and a host of other subjects. We networked and connected with folks who are serving God all around the world through creativity, often taking risks and challenges themselves and others to think outside the box in order to reach a hurting world with the love of Jesus.

We brought home bits and pieces of what we'd learned, sharing specific ideas with one another. And then I encouraged everyone to dream just a bit.

I asked them to describe PCC in the year 2013 - just five years from now. What did they see? What did they hope for?

I thought I'd share some of those ideas with you.

I see a multi-cultural music team...and a multi-cultural staff.

I see five Christmas Eve services that are completely full.

I see an educational arm of the church designed to train and educate others in our region, from basic bible principles to college-level theology classes.

I see large scale creative productions for major events.

I see a tithing church that truly understands the personal and corporate impact of tithing.

I see us making a difference in the community by feeding people in need.

I see a Sunday morning cafe for social gatherings and fellowship.

I see opportunities for foreign missions for families.

I see a choir that is open to everyone.

I see a Christian comedy club.

I see streaming video from the Christian Comedy Network.

I see a church that is known for creative variety in its worship experiences.

I see a thriving church in Amelia county with strong children's, student and worship ministry teams in place.

We dream, wondering what God will lead us to do. We know that obedience is key, and that our primary task is to stay in Him and hear His voice.

What do YOU dream?

Dads Deserve Equal Time

We know that many of you enjoyed Anita Renfro's Momsense. In response to several requests, we tracked down an appropriate tribute to fathers that the very creative Ms. Renfro put together. Interested? Take a look...