Monday, August 31, 2009

The Others... tell me what you think

So, if you were at Hub City's worship Gathering yesterday then you know what to do, but I wanted to give a little reminder anyway... just in case you forgot.

We looked at this passage and I left you hanging by giving you some homework.

Here it is: How would you live out Peter's command to be holy in all that you do? What does holiness look like for you? Or, if you were to come up with a list of how to be holy, what would you put on the list?

I've gotten a few responses so far, but I want to hear from you. Shoot me a comment.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

I love that Hub City Church meets in a movie theater for our Sunday worship gathering. There's something to being portable that is healthy for us right now. It helps us remember that church is more than Sunday, it's more than a building, it's more than one hour a week. Church is a family. We have the amazing privilege of getting to use a movie theater once a week as we gather for worship.

Well, a friend sent me this blog yesterday about having a portable gathering. I thought it was really good. Let me know what you think.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Help a bro out


My good friend and co-worker, Frankie Creel, needs your help.

Frankie is a creative guru. He does graphic design, photography, videos, websites and is working to put together South Carolina's first MMA League thingy (I don't really do the fighting stuff, but some of you out there are into that, so I wanted to put it on your radar). I am so thankful to have him in charge of all of Hub City's creative stuff. I have complete trust in his work.

Here's where Frankie needs your help. He needs some work sent his way. He's cheap, but he's good. Honestly, he should charge way more than he does, but he won't listen to me. He photographs weddings, he can design you a killer website, he can create a bodacious graphic... just don't ask him to sing. It's really, really bad.

If you need some work done, make sure Frankie is the first person you contact. I need to say, he didn't ask me to post this. I believe in him so much that I wanted to post it on his behalf. You can email him at frankiecreel@gmail.com.

Garage Unsale... the details

Here are the basic details:

What: The Garage Unsale is going to be just like a Garage Sale, except we’re going to give stuff away. We’re putting a limit on how many items people can take to make sure that everyone gets what they need.

When: Saturday, October 10, 8-12

Where: Beacon parking lot

Why: We want to serve people with no strings attached. Many of us have too much stuff, stuff we don’t use or stuff we’ve replaced and it’s just taking up space in our attics or closets. Why not give that stuff away to families that need it? In light of our countries tough economic times this seems like the perfect time to give stuff away. The goal isn’t to get people into our churches. The goal is to serve people so that God is glorified. The goal is to build a reputation of being for people.

What we need: Stuff… lots of stuff. Not broken stuff, not junk, but good stuff. We need clothes, furniture, electronics, toys, baby items, appliances and school supplies. We need people to serve. We need people to help collect stuff and to separate/organize it. We need people to serve on that Saturday as guides, helpers, runners (we want trucks available to deliver furniture to people’s houses).

Pods has donated a container so that we can begin storing items. We’ll have some drop off dates available in the near future. We want to go ahead and start collecting stuff so that it will be easy to put it out on the Saturday of the Unsale.

That's all I've got for now. Are you excited?

Thursday, August 27, 2009

I love it when a plan comes together

Don't you miss The A-Team? I know I do, but that's beside the point.

Some great plans have been coming together lately. First, let me tell you about a call I got the other day from Hendrix Elementary School. They want to do a movie night for their school and community and were wondering if they could use our equipment. Well, today we finalized the details and we're going help them pull of the best dog-gone movie night any school has ever done! Mark you calendars, Sept. 18 and Oct. 16 are the big days. Hub City Slickers: Mark your calendars. We get to help!

Here's what's so cool about this. We're not looking for recognition. We're looking to serve. We didn't go looking for a place to serve. They called us because of how we've served in the past. I love it when a plan comes together! It's just another way for Hub City to make Spartanburg a better place to live.

Second, this past Sunday, Frankie announced our plans for Spartanburg's first ever Garage Unsale. I just realized that I haven't posted about the details, but in one sentence, it's a Garage sale where we're giving everything away. Pretty cool, huh?

Well, one of our desires for this event is that it not be a "Hub City" thing, but a Kingdom thing where a bunch of different churches come together to serve with no strings attached. Let's just say that we're seeing our desire become a reality. We met with an African-American pastor today who's church is going to be on board and he's going to put us into contact with a bunch of his pastor friends who may be interested as well. It's going to be sweet!

See, I love it when a plan comes together... making Spartanburg a better place to live.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Three challenging questions from Francis Chan

  1. Are you willing to say to God that He can have whatever He wants?
  2. Do you believe that wholehearted commitment to Him is more important than any other thing or person in your life?
  3. Do you know that nothing you do in this life will ever matter, unless it is about loving God and loving the people He has made?
Francis Chan got me thinking with these questions. May they get you thinking too.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Tell me a story

I was watching 60 Minutes this past Sunday after Hub Group. I love 60 Minutes. I never really new why until Sunday. Don Huitt, the founder/creator/producer of 60 Minutes died last week and the entire broadcast was dedicated to him. In one of the scenes he is walking down a hallway when a young reporter asks him what it takes to be a successful reporter. Don Huitt replied, "It's four simple words that every four year old knows how to say: Tell me a story."

60 Minutes is all about stories. That's why I like it. I love stories.

Hub City Church values stories. That's why we want yours. We want you to send us the story of how Hub City has influenced your life or how God has worked in your life through Hub City Church. Then we're going to put those stories into a book titled Year One. It'll be a collection of stories to celebrate our First Birthday. You can email them to me.

So, tell me a story....

Friday, August 21, 2009

Grad school time... for Liz

I am super excited. It looks like Liz is going to be starting grad school on Monday. This is an incredible opportunity (and one of the perks of her job). She'll be getting her Master's in Nursing Administration.

Here's why I'm excited about this opportunity. I think that Liz is just starting to tap into her potential. She is gifted in so many ways and her current job has brought out many new abilities that were hidden. Getting a graduate degree will open up more doors for her to be who God wants her to be and do what God created her to do.

Throughout this process it's become more clear to both of us how much we value education. Having graduate and post-graduate education opens doors and creates opportunities. I see this over and over again. It's why I tell high schoolers to go to college even if they don't know what they want to do. Just having the degree will give you more options.

I also don't think that it's ever too late to go to college. There are so many online programs out there today, some of which are very reasonable. So what are you waiting for. Do some research and sign up. The financial investment now could lead to greater opportunities in the future.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Coming soon...

I wish I could tell you now, but I can't.

You'll just have to come on Sunday to find out more.

Aren't you at least a little curious?

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

A reminder

This video is a great reminder: You are where you are on purpose for a purpose.

In case of rapture

This is one of the funniest things I've seen in a while. Yes, I'm totally serious. Check it out for yourself. (Thanks to Tim Stevens for passing along this amazing news.)

You've committed your life to Jesus. You know you're saved. But when the Rapture comes what's to become of your loving pets who are left behind? Eternal Earth-Bound Pets takes that burden off your mind.

We are a group of dedicated animal lovers, and atheists. Each Eternal Earth-Bound Pet representative is a confirmed atheist, and as such will still be here on Earth after you've received your reward. Our network of animal activists are committed to step in when you step up to Jesus.

We are currently active in 20 states and growing. Our representatives have been screened to ensure that they are atheists, animal lovers, are moral / ethical with no criminal background, have the ability and desire to rescue your pet and the means to retrieve them and ensure their care for your pet's natural life.

Our service is plain and simple; our fee structure is reasonable. For $110.00 we will guarantee that should the Rapture occur within ten (10) years of receipt of payment, one pet per residence will be saved. Each additional pet at your residence will be saved for an additional $15.00 fee. A small price to pay for your peace of mind and the health and safety of your four legged friends.

Hand in hand

I was reading 1 Corinthians 16 this morning and came across these verses: 8But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, 9because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.

Does anything jump out to you in those verses?

Paul is going to stay in Ephesus because a great door for effective work has opened to him. I love that. I want a great door for effective work to be opened to me, to Hub City.

But the verse doesn't end there. Notice the last part of verse 9. There's an "and" there... and there are many who oppose me. It's like the great door for effective work and opposition go hand in hand.

I want the great door, but not the opposition. But it looks like they go together. Just thought I'd share that today.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Must read... seriously, a must read


I finally finished Leonard Sweet's book So Beautiful. I say finally, not because it was boring or bad, but because it was so profound. What Sweet does is paint a simple, beautiful, doable picture of church. Much of what he wrote resonated deep within me. I would tell you more but I think it would be better for you to read it yourself. Warning: Don't read it if you're comfortable with the status quo, church-as-usual. Actually, I take that back. Do read it, but be warned. It will mess you up... in a good way. There are very few books that I need to read again (not want to read again, but need to read again). But this is one of them. Big thanks to my friend Jaimee for letting me borrow her copy.

Pics from first day of school




Thursday, August 13, 2009

I'm just the messenger


Saw this today and had to post it. It's a picture of a world-first, women-only parking lot.

Just spreading the love. :)

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Marriage advice

So I'm thinking of doing a series on Marriage sometime in the near future at Hub City. I've got a lot of ideas. There's so much to say, but I learned a few things way back in the day (and had it modeled by my parents) that I think lay the foundation of having a marraige that goes the distance.

First, marriage isn't a 50/50 relationship. You know what I'm talking about... where one person gives 50% and waits for the other person to meet them halfway. Marriage is 100/100. Each person should give 100%. There are days when you can only give 65%. Other days your spouse might only be able to give 5%. What happens if the spouse is in one of those down times and you've got the attitude that "I'm only going 50%." It's not going to be good, that's for sure. I could say more about this but you'll have to wait for the series. Just know that both partners need to give 100%. Are you giving 100%?

Second, this flows from the first, but selfishness and self-centeredness kill marriages. Need I say more? We need to think first of the other person, the others' needs, the others' desires. To quote Veggietales, "Being selfish doesn't pay." Included in this is submitting to one another. When's the last time you submitted to your spouse? And don't give me that "wives are supposed to submit to their husband" crap, either. Read the whole passage. The first thing it says is that we are to submit to one another. Do you submit? Are you selfish? How would your spouse answer that question?

Third, here's the biggie. This is the number one thing I see missing when I look at married couples. Respect one another. Seriously, respect your spouse. In the way you talk with them, in the way you talk about them, in the way you treat them when they're around, in the way you treat them when they're not around... respect your spouse.

And here's the deal, it needs to start with the husband. Dude, man up. Give 100% to and for your wife. Be selfless. Respect your wife.

Hey, I may have found a series outline just by typing this out! And singles, this is so, so, so, so important for you because you need to know this stuff before you get married, then you won't have to play catch-up. You'll be a better husband/wife... because the more you know....

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Thoughts on Carowinds

I know, you probably don't care, but after taking the boys to Carowinds yesterday I had some thoughts I thought I'd share (that kind of rhymes...).

Carowinds has such potential. It's the only real amusement park anywhere around us. Sure, you could drive to Atlanta for Six Flags, but who wants to do that? Carowinds has some great roller coasters. The water park is a really good water park. There are great kids areas.

But I think I know how they could improve (and since I'm such a business genius I think they should listen to me). First, do a better job with cleaning the park. Things looked dirty. The bathrooms smelled really bad. It didn't look like people took pride in taking care of Carowinds. My experience would have been better had it been cleaner.

Second, customer service isn't optional. There were some great, energetic employees. There were some employees that were jerks. That shouldn't happen... especially when you pay out the wazzoo to get into the park. Employees should smile and be nice. They should like people. They should like their jobs. If they don't then it's the job of the supervisors, managers and owners to change the culture. Some things need to be changed. Nathan got yelled at by a middle-aged life-guard who seemed to have some control issues about a green line on the ground. I know you need to stand behind the green line, but you can be nice in how you talk to people. I could go on with this, but I'll stop before I get worked up.

Third, if you're going to charge $10 for lunch then it better be out of this world. Seriously, I know this is nothing new, but food is outragious. Tons of people, including my family, were picnicing. It would have been a great idea for them to have picnic tables available for the families that were trying to save a little after having to take out a second mortgage just to buy entrance tickets.

All this gets me thinking about the church too. There are some paralels. A clean, appealing context are important. That's not hard or expensive to do. It just takes some attention to detail. People are important and we need to treat them with respect, period. And I know we don't charge for food, or at least most churches don't have food courts, but if we are going to have food, coffee, etc. it needs to be good.

It's about doing the best you can with what you have. I'd like to go back to Carowinds, but I just don't know. You think they'd hire me to manage the park?

Thursday, August 06, 2009

Orientation

Really enjoyed orientation for Leadership Spartanburg this evening. I love being in a room with poeple who all want to make Spartanburg a better place to live. Tomorrow is the retreat. Should be fun.

Hacked

Twitter was hacked this morning. What am I going to do? If feel so... twitterless.

To those people who are waiting on the edge of their seat for my next tweet... oh wait, I thought I was Ashton Kutcher for a second.

Back to the real world.

Wednesday, August 05, 2009

Your story

I need stories.

Let me be more specific. If you've been involved in Hub City Church in any way, shape or form over the past year then I need your story. I need the story of how God has used Hub City to make a difference in your life. I need to know what Hub City means to you.

Why, you might ask? Well, the third Sunday in September is our first birthday and one of the things we want to do to celebrate is to put together a book of stories celebrating how God has worked through Hub City in Year One.

I'd like all stories in hand by the first Sunday in September (Sept. 6). You can email them to me. You can comment on this blog with your story. You can handwrite it out and give it to me (just make sure I can read your handwriting).

We want to celebrate what God has done. I know he's done some great stuff in you. I've watched it happen. I look forward to getting your stories.

Monday, August 03, 2009

A few reflections

Did you know it's hard to type and look at a computer screen when your eye is twitching like crazy? Don't know what's going on, but it looks like the church-planter's twitch is back.

Here are a few reflections on yesterday. First, I was blown away by the response to yesterday's sermon. I'm thankful that God used it to speak to some people. Remember, you are where you are on purpose for a purpose. If you want to listen to it just go to our website.

Second, by far, over the past month, the most fun and rewarding part of what I do hasn't been our Sunday morning Gathering. It's summer, so our numbers have been a little lower. So, what's been the best part? It's been Immersion. I love talking about our Discipleship Process. Last night we wrapped up our time by walking through the four stages of the process. I love to see people get it. I love that we have a process. I love that we're seeing people move through the process.

For all of you who were a part of Immersion, thanks. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the experience. I'd love to hear what phase you think you're in and where you need to go next and what you need to do to get there.

We'll do another Immersion in a few months for those who missed out. I promise, you don't want to miss out next time. This is something that everyone who's a part of Hub City needs to go through (some of you need to go through it twice). You won't regret it.