Monday, April 04, 2005

Much love to The Life Christian Church

What a great weekend! The Life Christian Church hosted my family and me across the river in West Orange, where I had the privilege of preaching at their first ever youth emphasis weekend (and my first opportunity to preach the same general message three times. I have a newfound respect for all you multi-service pastors out there!) A teen rock band ("iWitness") led worship (including original songs Jesus, Just You and Meaningless), an R&B group sang Lovely Day, and a rap group (2 brothers and a Jewish point guard) caused the pastor to shout, "Woop, woop," even though he "hates this kind of music." While the weekend was sure to frighten off a few religious folk, it was a great example of a "new wineskin" approach to enaging unchurched teens on their terms, without compromising the integrity of the message. Further, it was a wonderful opportunity for youth to experience the joy and confidence that comes from living up to the Apostle Paul's charge: "Let no one look down on you because you're young, but be an example to the believer." The message title: "Streams in the Wasteland." Scripture texts: Luke 10:25-28, Romans 12:1-3, and Isaiah 43:1-2, 18-19. If any members of TLCC happen to find this, please accept my gratitude.

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To Pastor and Mrs. Smith and the TLCC family: Thank you again for your graciousness and hospitality this weekend. My family and I received your kindness with much love and appreciation and look forward to nurturing our newfound friendships with you. Thanks also to your young people who embraced the challenge of hosting a youth emphasis weekend with such vigor. Despite torrential downpours, power surges, and daylight savings time, they ushered the congregation into the presence of God and prepared the table for His Word to come forth. It was a privilege to be there to support (and hopefully challenge) them. In His Service, Jeremy and Diana

posted by Jeremy Del Rio @ 4/04/2005 05:39:00 PM

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