Need a Shower?

I spent my week meditating on this text:

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. (Ephesians 5:17-19, NIV)

What does it mean to make the most of every opportunity? I'm talking about that today at PCC. Really looking forward to sharing what God spoke into my life through the Bible.

But there is a practical application. We have an opportunity to make an offer, and we're going to do just that. With tens of thousands of people around us without power, we are opening the doors of the Powhatan Campus today. We have a men's shower and a women's shower. We have electricity, running water and hot water. We will be here, at the Powhatan Campus today from now through 7pm. Anyone is welcome to come and clean up, take a shower, even lounge around and enjoy some A/C.

If you'd like to come or let someone else know about it, you don't need to call. Just come. I don't suspect many will come, but you do need to know that we only have one shower for me and one for women, so it's possible that there may be a wait.

Spread the word. Make the most of every opportunity.

An Answer to Prayer

Last week, we had that big meeting at PCC (which you can learn about by clicking here) and just before it started, Mandy James shared something urgent and asked that we pray. There had been a mixup with the travel agent and Natasha, Caroline and Gareth Stewart had not received their visas. After months and months of work and preparation and fundraising, they were hours from departing, but they could not go without a visa.

Getting the visa at that point seemed impossible for a number of reasons. And no one ever gets a visa as fast as they needed one, through multiple bureaucracies and 6-hour differences in time zones, basically starting from scratch a process that normally takes weeks.

So, we prayed. On behalf of everyone in the room, my words were something like this, "God, when the Stewart family gets their Visa's, we're going to give you the credit for it, count it as a miracle, and be thankful for your intervention."

Well, check out this picture...

After they traveled to DC and spoke directly to the US Ambassador from Macedonia, God orchestrated the miracle we asked for, and the Stewards got their paperwork in literally record time! And now they are in Macedonia with the rest of the team.

Thanks, God, for your work in this situation. We trusted that you were Good either way, but we're very grateful that you made a miracle happen.

THIS WEEKEND

THREE Opportunities for you to have some fun with us this weekend:

1) SATURDAY Evening from 6-10pm, the Valentine's Sock Hop & Dinner. This even is to raise money for the Belize Mission Team. Cost is $15/person, $20/couple, $30/family and includes spaghetti, salad, bread, dessert and drink. Trophies awarded for Best Dancer, Best Dressed and Longest Hula Hooper! 50's/60's Theme & Music. Grab your guy/girl, bring your family and let's dance!!! I'm looking forward to seeing you there!

2) SUNDAY AFTERNOON...we will have a celebration after church to say goodbye to Chuck and Sandra Moore. A job transfer is moving them out of state. Chuck and Sandy have been extremely valuable members of PCC from our earliest days. You might know Sandy as the killer singer and worship leader who frequents the Powhatan Campus stage. We will miss both of them and will enjoy a few minutes to tell them so Sunday right after the second service.

3) SUNDAY EVENING...Teenagers enjoy one of the coolest student events ever: the McFormal! I bought my tacky outfit today and I can't WAIT to wear it Sunday night! A McFormal is a semi-formal occassion that combines Homecoming with McDonalds. So, any weird, tacky, ugly, or outdated semi-formal to formal clothing will be appropriate attire for the evening. We'll snack on some McDonald's food. We'll dance to appropriate music. We'll crown a king and queen. (I hope I'm eligible, because I'm SURE to win if I am!).

The Focus of a Church

One thing about PCC is that we're a church who knows why we exist. At PCC101 last Sunday, I heard several people say that one thing that they noticed was our sense of purpose.

However, I DO get some flack occasionally by well meaning folks who say we're too narrow in our focus. They say we don't look at important ministries equally. To that point, I confess. They're right. At PCC, there is one thing that's at the top of the list, and we consider it more important not because of it's inherent value, but because God called us to do this above all else:

The Mission of PCC is to reach those who've been untouched or unaffected by traditional churches and guide them to become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.

Yes, efforts to help the homeless are important. Yes, we should feed the poor. Yes, we need to care about people all over the world. Yes, we should build bridges with other churches, support freedom, be a voice for fair wages in developing countries, champion environmental responsibility...yes, yes, yes. And we do these things. We spend lots of energy and money in missions and other areas of helping people.

But at PCC, the last thing to go would be this cause: We Reach People Who Wouldn't Go To Other Churches. It IS why we exist. It IS our primary calling.

What made me think about this today was an article I read that you might find interesting. Especially if you are a pastor or leader in a church that's been around for a while, you know that over time we tend to accumulate more and more ministries. They might all be good, but if we're not careful, they can also dilute the unique focus God wants for each church. If you have 90 seconds, you might want to read this article about Why Your Organization is Struggling.

Christmas Help

If you are interested in helping some families in need this Christmas, Mary Ellen Freeman is coordinating the effort. We have more families to help than we have resources at this point, so if God has been nudging you about this, now is a great time. Contact Mary Ellen at mejjfree@msn.com.

Thanks for what you can do this Christmas.

Brian

An Unbelievable Opportunity!

An UNBELIEVABLE opportunity: I got this email today from a pastor friend at another church:

"We’ve got 2 free airline tickets available for a mission trip to South Africa (each worth $2,175). We’re stuck paying for the tickets, but hate to see them go to waste. The team leaves June 23 and returns July 7 (yes, in 2 1\2 weeks). Also, each person would be required to pay in-country costs of around $1,000 – but the airfare would be free. $1,000 for a mission trip to Africa is an amazing opportunity, thus the reason for this email. I’m wondering if there’s someone in your congregation or staff who would be interested. In fact, we’re praying God will bring this info to just the right people in His timing. Today is June 5th – our deadline for changing the names on the tickets is June 16th."

Is God nudging you about this? Let me know if you are interested!

Brian C. Hughes

Help is on the way in Haiti

You can give to Haiti through PCC if you would like. We are partnering with our good and faithful friends at the Virginia Baptist Mission Board, who will ensure that 100% of the donations get to Haiti. You can see them at http://www.vbmb.org/glocalmissions/Disaster-Relief/100112_Haiti-Earthquake/default.cfm

Or, if you would rather, you are welcome to give to PCC. Simply designate on your check or in an envelope 'Haiti' and we'll get it there for you and ensure that the donation is on your tax statement for 2010.

Tomorrow, at church, we will have a chance to step up and give there, too. If you read this before then, I encourage you to think about how you can help....how God is calling you to help.

Youth Center Donations for Belize

I mentioned the youth center in Belize on Sunday for which we are raising money. We are committed to funding this project, which will cost $35,000. It may take some time, but I'm grateful that many have already asked about how they can make a donation to the cause. I'm so proud of the PCC family for putting feet to their faith and taking care of others first.

This coming Sunday, and for the next few weeks, we'll have envelopes on the 2 tables at the back of the auditorium. These tables have an offering box on them. These envelopes will be specially labeled for the Belize Youth Center. You can grab one and put a donation in there, or simply write on the memo line of a check "Belize Youth Center".

Of course, you can also mail a check with the same notation to PCC, P. O. Box 834, Powhatan, Va 23139. Our website has online donation options, too.

Just to be sure I'm clear on this: Every dollar given to this project will go to this project. Not a penny will stay in our church.

Thanks for your help. Together, we can change the world.

First Steps Food Drive

PCC's First Steps team is led by Kim Meza and an incredible team of servants. Each Sunday they provide not only outstanding, safe child care for PCC kids, but also great learning opportunities for infants and pre-school aged children.

Keeping with the overall PCC commitment to impact our community through service, the First Steps team is taking steps designed to aid and assist Powhatan county in a way that truly matters.

We hope you'll participate in the First Steps Food Drive by bringing in non-perishable food items to the First Steps check-in table on Sunday morning! Items will be collected through December 20th.

Another Chance To IMPACT Powhatan!

PCC IMPACT, led by Andy Heberle, is a group of people committed to investing in the people of Powhatan county in a very tangible way. IMPACT projects focus on necessary home improvements in an effort to share the love of Christ in a very real way. IMPACT projects offer opportunities to invest in hard work and real relationships.

IMPACT projects are ongoing, but a few times each year we gather for a community blitz, taking on several homes at once and sending a large team of folks out into the community to work.

On October 25th, PCC made a big IMPACT on Powhatan county - literally! Andy and his leadership team set up projects at seven different homes throughout the county. Folks signed up for specific tasks and locations and headed out after morning church services.

If you missed out on Sunday's work day - or you're just ready to go again - read on for more details!!!

Seven different Powhatan county families saw literal proof that God loves them and that we love them too! Because of your willingness to serve, we were able to make a tangible difference in the lives of these families. We'd like to say a big "thank you" to all who went out to work on Sunday!

People were stretched, people are sore, but attitudes are soaring- from our folks and the families we served.
It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon - the rains of Saturday completely disappeared and we had excellent weather to work on each project!

We made incredible progress on Sunday; however, we still have some work to complete. If you were unable to participate last weekend, we're happy to let you know that there is another opportunity!

Maybe you missed out because of illness. Maybe a prior commitment made it impossible for you to attend. Maybe you want to go back. Maybe you just didn't realize what was happening, but now you're ready to join in!

Here's your opportunity - and WE NEED YOU! On Saturday November 7th, we will meet at the church office to receive our work assignments and go back into the community to put the final touches on these IMPACT projects. Bring your carpentry tools, saws, levels, tape measures, hammers, paint brushes and bucketS, electric screwdrivers, drills, extension ladders, step ladders - and come expecting a great return on your investment of time and energy!

Meet us at 9:00 AM on November 7th at 4480 Anderson Highway for our work assignments. Bring a bag lunch and a cooler with some drinks. It's going to be a GREAT day!

See you there!

My experience from last Sunday

The church we worshiped in last Sunday was so awesome. Very African, lively music. The drummer was a teenager who kept PERFECT time and was incredible. They had electricity, but it was their only amenity. We were in a room about the size of the living room at my home with about 40 people. Very crowded. The music lasted about an hour. It was all in Afrikans (one of the two prominent languages), so I couldn't understand it...but worship is universal, so it was cool to be with kindred hearts. One of our team preached, so that was cool. There were little kids up front singing, too. They were extremely poor, but, they had a dignity about them.

Speaking of poverty, there are both extremes here. The family we stayed with on Saturday night was quite comfortable. The

Boggess' stayed with a family that was downright wealthy! But then there are people begging everywhere. They stand in the street - NOT THE MEDIAN, BUT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD and you either have to stop or run them over. There are parents with their kids - the whole family begging. Very sad.

I think about the Bible speaking about Paul going around the world. It says that 'He went around strengthening the churches'. I feel like I'm doing that here.

I'm so grateful for PCC and for our country and that God is the God of the whole world, not just the United States. Tomorrow I'll share about a cool wildlife experience we had.

News from South Africa

I honestly cannot believe it’s Thursday already. This is the first time we’ve had internet access since Saturday.

For the past 3 days (Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday), we have been meeting with about a dozen pastors and leaders from some of the most influential churches in South Africa. They were intrigued about our Innovative Church Network. So, we led and trained them on our experience, what we’ve learned, and also had a chance to dialogue about leadership and the future of the church.

It was truly a remarkable experience. They flew in from as far as 800 miles away to be here with Hank, Jeff, Mike, Mark and me. Most were senior pastors of churches. All of them are passionate about reaching unchurched, non-christian people. Their churches are that way because these guys have that heart and passion. Most were educated, well read, and relatively well resourced (for South Africa). They were the sharpest minds and most passionate about The Church.

We talked about ICN a lot, but it only took a few minutes for the S.A. pastors to see the value of coming together, and why it would make them more effective. So, after half a day of introductions, I told the story of ICN, Jeff shared about a typical monthly meeting format, etc. And then, on Tuesday morning, I led a case study I had developed that was pretty effective, and received a good bit of affirmation at the end of our 3 days when each person shared about their take-aways.

Some of these pastors are people with whom I could be good friends. They told stories that broke my heart. ‘Apartheid’ is basically South Africa’s version of ‘separate but equal’. Of course, both are simply racism with a thin veil over them. But Apartheid only ended in the 90’s here. So, they are still trying to figure out what it means to have racial and cultural equality.

And cultural is a key word. There are 11 different languages spoken here, and it is much more culturally diverse than where we live (at least in Virginia, but I think in the States altogether). So, figuring out what it means to be culturally equal is as important as working through issues of color. Some of the pastors said things like, “White people (they call them ‘whities’ and it’s not a derogatory term) are used to being in charge. We don’t know how to be a minority.” There were black and white men at the table, and there was a genuine spirit of love and mutual respect. There was a huge chasm in terms of economics, too. But there was also a great passion for unity. God is working here in South Africa.

At the end, one of the pastors said, “I feel the freedom for the first time in my life to take my church and just go for it! You have inspired me to do that.”

Another said, “These three days have been a blessing for me – not because of what I take away, but because of what I’ve been able to leave: my struggle and my pain.” Wow.

Another one sends you a message: “You can go back to your churches and say that you’ve been a great blessing to us!”

I’m missing PCC and my family. Susan and I are so grateful to Mary Ashleigh and our parents and some of you, our friends, who have cared for our family while we’ve been gone. It’s been the trip of a lifetime!

Looking forward to coming home. Thanks for continuing to pray for us. I’ll blog again when I can.
Love to all of you.

A message from South Africa

Well, we made it to South Africa. From the time I left my driveway to the time we got to the retreat center where we would stay took a whopping 30 hours. Frankly, I had no idea! It was the most grueling day of travel I’ve ever experienced.

Often, when we go on mission, we have a project that we’re working on – building a church or doing a Bible School in a village or repairing homes. Other trips have a more nebulous intent. I spent 3 weeks in Cuba a few years ago and the purpose of that mission was to make some important networking connections in what we called a ‘mission immersion experience’, or MIE. It sounds boring or relaxed, but it was actually a packed schedule meeting with church leaders, touring facilities, talking to locals, and interviewing government officials.

Susan and I came to South Africa because I had a distinct sense that God was calling us to come. And while I had a loose idea of what I would be doing, I really wasn’t sure. In Acts 16, Paul has a vision of this guy in Macedonia calling to him asking Paul to come and help them. Well, that’s a little how I felt.

This morning, we had our first debriefing meeting, and it’s becoming increasingly clear why we’ve traveled half way around the world. There are pastors here who are really struggling. They’re out of steam, out of ideas, and out of the will and energy to keep going. So, after hearing about the Innovative Church Network that we formed with three other churches a few years ago, some of their leaders invited us to come and help them dream about how an ICN might come to be here in South Africa.

Riaan Niemand talked this morning about his own journey from traditional church to an innovative church model that is focused on reaching people who don’t go to church. He spoke about the times he wanted to give up, the frustrations along the way with the established denominational bureaucracies, and some of the moments along the way when God reminded Riaan of His purpose. He spoke about his longing for other pastors who are trying to make a difference here to form the kind of support that we’ve been able to find in Virginia. I can relate to all of that – to the difficult seasons, the discouraging moments, the times when I wanted to quit, and the huge blessing that our ICN has been to me. Some of the other guys in the ICN have become some of my closest friends, and our families do things together. I never have to wonder about them leaving the church if I say something that offends them. I never have to ask them for money. I never have to evaluate them for leadership. It’s not just that we can be real – I do that all the time. I’m the same Monday through Saturday as I am on Sunday. It’s that being the Senior Pastor of a large, growing church has a unique set of challenges, requiring a unique set of learned skills. Very few people really understand. These guys do.

Riaan is asking us to help about a dozen high capacity, highly visionary pastors here in South Africa develop the same thing among themselves that we have found for ourselves. And while the context and culture is a little different, the idea is the same. Now I have a greater understanding of what kind of work God has in mind for me and the rest of us here on the team.
Tomorrow, we’ll preach in a couple of churches and then prepare for the inaugural “ICN South Africa” which will happen Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. After that we have some other things to do. For example, we’ll visit an orphanage and learn more about the problem of children raising children because of the AIDS pandemic. On another day, we’ll go to the site of the 2010 Soccer World Cup and talk about the millions of people who will be here and the ministry opportunities and possibilities.

I’ll give you some specific prayer requests on Monday. But for now, thanks for praying that God would show us continued clarity for our reason and purpose on this trip.

Kiva - No Small Thing

Guest post by Beth Brawley

Those of us at the Leadership Summit last week had the privilege of hearing Jessica Jackley share an incredible and inspiring story. When Jessica learned that Jesus said, "What you do for the least of these, you do for me", she took it seriously.

Five years ago, she quit her job and went to Africa to learn about micro-finance. The result is Kiva, which has raised over $61 million in just three years - all going to assist entrepenuers in the developing world. Investors with as little as $25 are able to connect with across the globe, giving sacrifically in order to change lives all around the world.

On a personal note, my family has been involved with Kiva since last year. As we gathered at Thanksgiving, my mom gave everyone in the family a $20 bill and a mission: "Use this to help somebody else - and report back at Christmas." The Brawley family pooled some of our funds together and created a $50 loan to a group of mothers in Bolivia who are creating small retail businesses to provide a better life for their children. That loan has already been repaid, and our $50 has been re-invested into two businesses in the Dominican Republic.

Kiva is a way for anyone with internet access to invest as little as $25 to better the lives of people who have far less access to financial stability than any of us here. Brian often says that even the poorest American is considered rich in the eyes of the developing world - and it's true. One look at some of the photos of these hard-working entrepenuers in third-world countries show that although our resources are different, we are the same in our desire to work hard and provide a better life for our families.

Several folks who were at the Leadership Summit have already set up Kiva accounts and started a new journey of giving. In fact, we've created a 'Powhatan Community Church' lending team that will allow us to track how we, as a small community of believers, are able to pool our resources to assist those in other countries. Through our lending team, it's possible to focus our giving on one group, country or region.

Please take the time to investigate Kiva and consider participating. Seriously - what we do for the least of these, we do for Jesus.

And that's no small thing.

To learn more about Kiva, click here.

To see the Powhatan Community Church lending team, click here.

To create a Kiva account, click here.

For overview notes on Jessica Jackley's Summit presentation, click here.

Maceodonia!

Our World Changers have arrived in Macedonia.

They are blogging here.

Check it out and leave them a comment!

Joseph Freeman And The Knoxville World Changers Team

Check out the first post from the Knoxville World Changers team! Click here to read Joseph Freeman's God story!

World Changers Team In Knoxville!

Want to encourage the Knoxville World Changers missions team? It's easy to do via email. Simply click here and scroll down to 'E-couragrams' and follow the instructions! Getting an e-couragram is often the highlight of the day for these folks, who are working hard on construction projects, coming back to worship and encountering God through service in powerful ways. Encourage them!

It only takes a minute! Click here, follow the instructions for 'E-couragrams' for the Knoxville, TN World Changers project - and be part of changing the world!

Here are the people who are serving in Knoxville - pick a few and send them an encouraging note!

Andy Heberle
Angie Sposa
Joe Sposa
Lance Broughman
Becky Edwards
Craig Pace
Sarah Wingo
Tanner Iglio
Katie Rusch
John Rusch
Marshall Broughman
Jen Hall
Kelsey Hall
Amber Scott
Andrew Basic
Joseph Freeman
Nikkie Oliver
Paul Meyers
Hayley Engles
Travis Wagner
Elijah Schiarelli
Jared Schiarelli
Kayla Riser
Joe Lachance
Morgan Salyer
Kasey Ogle
Matt Turner
Matt Jones
Marc Chewning
Will Kottmann
Zaida Kitami
Sydni Brawley
Shannon Brawley
Ben Wolf
Myra Fillben
Jarrett Henderson
Holden Ramsey
Jackie Heberle
Erik Edwards

Watching God Connect The Dots

Guest blogger Jeanette Brannan has a few encouraging words about the mission work going on in Tanzania. Be sure to attend the Tanzania HHF concert on Saturday, June 20th at Powhatan High School, featuring the John Ivins Band, Offering and PCC Band members!

It’s so fun to watch God work His plan and for me to be just a spectator! After all, that is the BEST plan of all, and it seems so easy for Him. That is exactly what is happening with the beginning stage of the 2010 Tanzania Mission Trip! Already 12 people have expressed a serious interest in going, and 8 of them were, I’m convinced, sent directly from God to me without my doing a thing or knowing anything about them!! (I like that kind of leadership!) So far we have two doctors, five nurses, two contractors, and three of us who don’t have any claim to fame but outright passion for serving Him. What He has planned next, I have no idea, but I’m leaving it up to Him since He is doing such a great job!

It’s fascinating to see God connect the dots! Months ago – long before the mission team started forming – we planned the benefit concert on June 20 for the purpose of raising money for the UHAI Medical Clinic. Even before we began to sell tickets to the concert, people came simultaneously from “nowhere” expressing an interest in going on the next mission trip. Most of these people had not, at that time, even heard about the concert! He plants the seed for the concert to benefit the medical clinic and then brings doctors and nurses to go to the clinic!!! Of course, he knows we will need people with other backgrounds and interests, so He brings them too! How awesome is God!

Not everyone is called to go on a mission trip, and if you think that’s you, perhaps you can support the medical aspect of our mission by attending the concert on June 20, at Powhatan High School at 7:00. (If you feel you are called to go on the mission trip, you can also attend the concert!) The money we raise will help to purchase medicine, medical supplies and equipment for the UHAI Medical Clinic.

See you at the concert! And/or see you on the mission field!

For more info, check out this post by Jeanette about her recent trip. Check out the Tanzania HHF website here!

A Pastor is Born from PCC

Bob Roberts & Northwood Community Church

One of the most compelling teachings I ever heard came from the journey of Bob Roberts.  Bob is the Senior Pastor of Northwood Community Church in Texas.  Early in the life of Northwood, Bob had a conversation with God that was defining for him.  Northwood was growing and Bob had grand plans for the church.  He says that God asked him this question:  'Bob, do you care about my Kingdom...or do you care about your empire?'  As Bob wrestled with that question, he decided that he would be focused on God's Kingdom.  Northwood averaged a couple thousand people each weekend at church as of a couple of years ago, but the real story is in the number of churches they have planted.  Over 80 churches have come out of that ministry. In fact, Northwood has one of the best church planting organizations in the country, with a very high success rate and tens of thousands of people now coming to church throughout the network.

I'll bet that along the way, Bob has had to answer one recurring question again and again: 'Why would we let that gifted person go to plant another church?  Shouldn't we do what we can to keep them here?'  Bob's answer is predictable and it's implications are profound:  'Because we care more about God's Kingdom than we do about our empire.'

I hope we can make that same claim at Powhatan Community Church.  If the Kingdom benefits, we all can celebrate.  If the Kingdom wins, we all win.  If the Kingdom grows, God is honored.  PCC is a church that cares about God's Kingdom, not just about our church.  

Kevin Salyer

Many years ago, Kevin came to our church.  When he came, it was obvious right away that he was a gifted singer.  I got him into that role as quickly as I could.  He and I met on the front porch at my house and he planted his feet here, dug in, and made a great contribution.I'll never forget the moment when I asked him if he had any questions for me and he said, "Yes. I have one question: Are you a Christian?" I have never had anyone ask me that question before or since, but Kevin was sharp enough to know that just because you are a pastor does not make you a Christ follower. I gained a huge amount of respect for him that day.

Then we had a need for a worship leader and Kevin came on staff here.  As his gifts became more clear, we knew God had led a gifted pastor to our team, and we partnered with Kevin to nurture that pastoral gift.  He became a great pastor, did some teaching, got ordained, and then wrestled with his calling.  

Now that calling is clear for him.   God has prepared Kevin for the moment when he would become the pastor of a church.  That moment is here.  This past Sunday, New Beginnings  Church called Kevin to be their full-time pastor, and he accepted the invitation.

On a personal note, Kevin remains one of my close friends.  I respect him as a man of integrity, as a husband and father, as a fellow Christ follower and as a pastor.  In fact, I believe that Kevin is one of the most gifted pastors I know.  It is personally hard to see him move on, but it is also with a much anticipation that we celebrate this move for him.  God is going to continue to use him to do incredible things for the Kingdom!  

I know you will join me in congratulating Kevin and wishing him well.  He will always be a part of our family, and I hope you will pray for him in the coming days as he lives out a new adventure.

Here's a short message from Kevin to his PCC family, written this past Sunday:

“It’s a Pastor!”

Congratulations PCC family! At noon today, you helped give birth to a brand new, bouncing baby Pastor!

Friends and family, it is with both excitement and sadness I tell you that New Beginnings Church made the leap of faith today to call me as their full-time Pastor. I’m excited for the opportunity it brings…the doors God has been opening up…and the chance to grow in new directions. I’m also sad…because this move does not come without sacrifice. Even though I’ve been apart from you on Sundays for the last three months, I have still been connected to the life of PCC. The reality is, with this move, I will not be part of the daily life of the Powhatan Community Church family that I so dearly love. This is painful, and will take time to make the adjustment.

Here’s the good news…we’re still neighbors! I’m just around the corner and only a phone call away. I will be serving the community of Powhatan just the same as PCC, but in a different way – with folks who have a unique calling from God to serve a unique segment of the population in their own unique way. In every way, we’ll continue to be partners in ministry…worshipping God and making a positive difference in the lives of people around us who need hope, help, and Jesus in their life.

Thank you, my dear friends and family, for investing in me for the past six years. It is by God’s grace that He chose to grow me out of you…through you…and with your help…from a casual Christian who could sing a song, to an ordained Pastor who is committed to loving God and neighbor and changing the world one life at a time. I truly believe that without you, I would not be here today.

Celebrate, PCC! You have been there to witness hundreds of people come to know Jesus and have their lives irrevocably changed…you have helped raise up scores of volunteers who give their time, talents, and resources to touch people through dozens of ministries…you have encouraged the development of countless leaders who never thought they could do what they are now doing for the Kingdom of Christ.

Now you’ve given birth to a Pastor.

Who’s next? Maybe God’s tugging at… you.

Blessed to be your friend,

Kevin Salyer
Pastor
New Beginnings Church

And The Winner Is.....

The Macedonia Team Talent Show was a HUGE success!  A great time was had by all in attendance, as we marveled at an amazing display of skill, creativity and talent. 

In terms of helping students raise funds for their upcoming World Changers trip, the show was a tremendous success.  With food and ticket sales and donations, the team raised almost $3000!  

We'd like to say a big "thank you" to all who participated, either by putting together an act, helping organize the show or showing up for the entertainment.  A special shout-out goes to John Starkey, Don Grubb and Cathy Rusch for assisting with audio and food.

Although every act was outstanding, we did announce that the winner would be determined by audience votes.  Each performer had a bucket, in which fans could put tickets (representing $1 each) or cash.  Based on audience reaction, here are the winners:

Third Place - Holly Cook

Holly is a tremendous young vocalist.  She's been at PCC for several months now and is looking forward to getting involved with student ministry and more music activities.

Second Place - Eli Tiller
Eli's rendition of a Junior Asparagus song from Veggie Tales brought down the house!  An active participant in Power Jam, Eli also serves in the worship choir at every opportunity.

First Place - Amanda Meadows
Amanda is a talented musician, committed to Power Jam and Rise Above the Reflection.  Her original medley of piano pieces demonstrated her musical ability and dedication to practice.

Congratulations to all who gave us a great night of entertainment and fun!

To see more photos, check out Beth Brawley's Facebook page!