Building Update

Brian took a walk through the building today and we followed along...this is the first in what we hope will be consistent video updates of this project.

We also hope the quality will improve, but - hey, we're just learning how to do this!


Powhatan Community Church Building Update November 2008 from Beth Brawley on Vimeo.

Message Series Idea - Need Input

For a while, I've been chewing on an idea of doing a series of services based around common misconceptions about God (or about Christian stereotypes). I can't seem to let it go, which is often an indication that God is trying to get my attention. I'd love some input. Here are a few of the ideas rattling around. (The titles are just starters)

• Is God Green? This is where I would talk about the environmental responsibility of Christ followers. The Bible does give some direction on this. The earth was given to humans to use. It's here for our benefit. it's here to serve us. But God didn't intend for us to tear the place up, needlessly wreck its beauty, etc. I'm not advocating that we stop progress or that people be homeless so that we can save a tree. But Christians have long been known as anti-environmentalists and I think this is contrary to what Scripture teaches.


• Is God Homophobic? The passage of California's proposition 8 (constitutionally banning gay marriage in the state) has sparked new levels of tension between the church, Christians, and more socially liberally minded people, gay people, etc. Can someone believe a lifestyle is wrong and still love the person. We give lip service to 'hate the sin but love the sinner.' the question is, can it really be done? And more importantly, how does God see the homosexual? This is a question that is always around us, even when it's not being talked about publicly.


• Is God Racist? I know that this is a settled matter for many people. But with the election of Barak Obama, there is a fresh conversation regarding stereotypes, upbringings, experiences, etc. regarding people of other races. Does God see any differences in people based on the color of their skin? Should we?

There is more and I would really like to hear from you. What are the stereotypes? What would be meaningful to discuss and helpful for people? What questions do people really have about God regarding social issues?

Thanks for your help.

PCC Ski Trip!!

Hold the date! We are working now on the details for a red-eye on January 24th. We will leave early in the morning and come back very late. We'll be going to West Virginia. More details to follow...but if your parents or grandparents are wondering what to get you for Christmas, helping you go can be a nice gift. Snow tubing is also available for non-skiers.

And Now For Something Completely Different

Mercy Me has definitely left their mark on contemporary culture; in fact, most Americans have heard "I Can Only Imagine" and been moved by its message of hope in heaven.

Their songs have been used in worship all over the world, including services at PCC.  "Word of God Speak"..."Bring the Rain"..."Here With Me"...

But these boys have fun, too.  And sometimes they film it.

Take a look.

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How's Your Prayer Life?

Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make them well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (James 5:13-16, TNIV)

I don't know about you, but my prayer life is a bit like my experience fishing. Some days, I set the world on fire. Other days don't hit on much at all. Actually, the fluctuation is not really daily...it's more seasonal. I have seasons where I feel like my prayers can move mountains and other seasons where it feels like I'm talking to myself. 'Feels like' is the operative phrase, though. James doesn't address feelings. God is listening whether we feel His presence or not. When we are seeking to be 'right' with Him (that's what James means by 'righteous person' in v.16), our prayer is powerful and effective, even when we don't feel like our prayer has any 'umph' at all.

The key is a steady, consistent, disciplined time with God. Do whatever it takes. Get up earlier. Go to bed later. Give up watching your favorite show. Pour out your heart to God and your spiritual life will experience more ups than downs.

Let me offer a couple of resources to you. Bill Hybels wrote an excellent book titled Too Busy Not To Pray. I read through it again as part of my preparation for today's message. I also recommend James Emery White's You Can Experience a Spiritual Life.

Why not give daily time with God a try? Try it for 30 days. What have you got to lose?

Praying For Children

Angie Smith has a wonderful blog where she shares stories about her family and her faith. I came across this excellent post today, and knew that it would be valuable to other parents who are striving to do the best they can with their kids. For those who do not have children, perhaps this guide who help you pray specifically for kids that you love and care about in your immediate family or your church community.

Since most of our PCC family has studied what James says about prayer this week, and since Brian will be teaching on prayer this upcoming Sunday, I though this might be a great resource.

Let me know if this has meaning for you. Will this help you focus your prayers for children?

It struck me that I need reminders during the day to be praying over my girls, and I decided to choose 7 events in a day that would remind me to do so. Then, I chose verses that had to do with that time of the day (for example: as my kids are getting dressed in the morning) and then I put them on notecards.

Here are the events and verses I chose:

1. When they wake up: "Let the morning bring (child's name) word of your unfailing love, for she has put her trust in You. Show (her/him) the way (she/he) should go, for to you (he/she) lifts up her soul." (Adapted from Psalm 143:8)

2. When they are getting dressed: "Therefore, as God's chosen child, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Lord, help (him/her) bear with others and forgive whatever grievances (he/she) has against others. Help (him/her) forgive as the Lord forgave (him/her). And over all these virtues, help (him/her) put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." (Adapted from Colossians 3:12-14)

3. While they are eating: "Teach (child's name) the secret of being content in any and every situation whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Teach (him/her) that (he/she) can do everything through him who gives (him/her) strength." (Adapted from Philippians 4:12-13)

4. When they go out of the house: "(Name of child), do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-His good, pleasing and perfect will." (Adapted from Romans 12:2)

5. While they are taking a bath: Lord, give (name of child) clean hands and a pure heart, and let (him/her) not lift (his/her) soul to an idol or swear by what is false. Let (him/her) receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God (his/her) Savior. Let (him/her) be part of the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob. (Adapted from Psalm 24:4-6)

6. When they are going to bed: "The Lord Your God is with you; he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, be will rejoice over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17)

7. While they are sleeping: "I pray that (name of child) will do everything without complaining or arguing, so that he/she may become blameless and pure, a child of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which he/she shines like a star in the universe as he/she holds out the word of life-in order that he/she may boast on the day of Christ that he/she did not run or labor for nothing." (Adapted from Philippians 2:14-16)

You can read Angie's blog here; check it out!

President Obama, by Dr. Brian C. Hughes

As I sit here tonight, listening to President-elect Obama address the nation, I am a combination of hope and anxiety. Moving into the unknown is always a little frightening. There has been much speculation, much commerce in fear, much ill talk from all sides about who is worse than who and status quos verses new direction; experience verses youth; democrats verses Republicans; liberals verses conservatives; pro-life, pro-Israel, pro-choice, pro-NAFTA, pro-energy independence; anti-Cuba, anti-war, anti-free trade. On and on the rhetoric goes. We're tired. Our financial situation is serious, the war is serious, the future is tentative. We're all a little worried.

Hopefully you voted. Hopefully you sought God's direction before you did.

And now we know. Barak Obama will be the President of the United States. You can like it or not. You can gripe about it or not. But you have no choice but to accept it.

In our church, there is a diverse population. Some voted for Obama. Some voted for McCain. But what we believe together is that Jesus Christ is above the political fray and beyond the political realm. As Christ Followers, we claim a God that exists more powerful than any country or government. As Americans, we must do what we do best - we must come together. Bitterness won't get us anywhere. Aren't you tired of the division and bickering and fighting? I am.

So, I want you to know I will be praying for Barak Obama. I prayed for him tonight and I plan to pray for him every day as he transitions to the most powerful post in the world. I pray that he will use his influence for good, that his decisions will honor God, and that he can and will accomplish the unity that he so eloquently espouses.

With all my heart, I believe that praying for our President is the Christ-honoring thing to do. Let's do it cheerfully, passionately, and as those who love our God and love our Country.

Congratulations, President-elect Obama! The people of Powhatan Community Church are praying for you!