Another Year

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!

First, I want to say that the Thursday night crew has blessed my life so much this past year. It has been a joy to share life with everyone who has either stopped by or come more frequently. I can’t say thank you enough for allowing me to share in your life as well as that’d you’d be down to share in my life.

We started this group unsure of where it would go, if people would come, and with out any idea how it should really look. We just knew we wanted more of God, and wanted to journey with people in a search to reconcile Christ into all things in our life. It’s amazing to see where God has taken us as a community, a tribe, a family. How God has challenged some of us to seek Christ deeper and love others more selflessly. And for others God has encouraged us and spoken even deeper into being who he has made us to be. God has broke down walls for others and brought a deeper sense of peace and freedom to many of us.

My prayer for this next year is that we as individuals as well as a community would go deeper with God. That God would teach us how to lay down our wants for the needs of others. I pray that our lives would be a representation of our Awesome God. As we go deeper, I hope that the Holy Spirit would fill our lives more then we even thought possible, and that just maybe, the Holy Spirit would rub off on those around us, our friends, our family, people on septa with us, people dancing next to us, people passing us on the streets and even the people we don’t really like to much. I pray this year is better then the last, and I don’t mean with “cooler” events, and better jobs, more pay, nicer bikes, easier workload or more comfort, but what I mean is that in this new year we would have a deeper love for our brothers and sisters, the poor, the oppressed, and God. I pray that we will not tire of doing good but will be there for one another when we stumble, when we are tired, and when we come to the end of ourselves with nothing left to give. I thank God for all of you guys, and his grace and peace, and eagerly look forward to partnering with you and the Creator of the Universe in what he is doing in the city of Brotherly love, and the world in this new year.

Who knows what God will do this New Year. He did so much in 08, I’m Stoked! Who knows maybe some of will go to Africa, or Japan, maybe a crew of us will take a trip to South America. Who knows, some of us could start partnering with other churches or starting ministries of reconciliation and peace. God could also be opening doors for us to help and serve already existing organizations. Some of us might move else where in our journey with God. Who knows, God could be inviting us to join Him, in quietly loving those around us, by sitting with them and letting them know we are there for them. It is so exciting what God could do through in and in this group, with God leading anything could happen. So EPIC! But no matter what we do I think Mother Theresa said it best when she said,

“Many people mistake our work for our vocation. Our vocation is the love of Jesus.”

Looking forward to the New Year.

Until then
Grace and Peace,

Chris

We're Back

So... We haven't blogged in ages (no excuses). But hey now we are back on track. Over the last few weeks after eating and sharing together, we have been dividing up portions of Luke 6 and digging into it, sharing our different perspectives. I think that has been really good, and really refreshing hearing from each other what God has been speaking to us through the scriptures. As we go forward, my hope is that we can continue to grow as a crew that knows God, builds each other up and loves the people around us in real tangible ways. See you guys next week. More to come, As always -Josh

Winter put Your Coat

There is no more denying it, Fall is officially here and Winter is coming up close behind. This last week after stuffing ourselves with too many taco's and catching up around the table, we brewed up a pot of Coffee, shared joys and also shared some of the things that God is doing in our lives. We've been walking through the gospel of Luke for the last couple months, and as we have gone through it we've come to realize that we serve an amazing God, who is full of grace and mercy, and who walks in humility. We've been wrestling with this stuff and what it looks like for us as a community to be followers of Jesus. So let's continue as a crew to move forward with God and to go deeper with each other, so that with can be that small chunk of leaven that ends up rising things up and bringing transformation. Thanks for joining us on our journey to turn the world upside down. See you guys soon.

This last week was tight. We gathered together and after having breakfast for dinner and sharing joys, we spent time seeking God and came away with a greater sense of what He is doing in this city. I feel like this is real exciting time for our crew.

This week we will be looking at the Story, and trying to better understand who God is through Luke Chapter 5. Go ahead and read it if you get the chance, so that we can come prepared and encourage each other through what we see in the scripture.

So I know that this was rather a short post, but I am looking Forward to seeing you guys soon. Bring a an empty stomach.

Peace and Love
Josh

Here We Go

This last week was epic. Once again we came from the four corners of our city for food and fellowship, and man was it good. After an amazing dinner brought to us by Greta, we talked about Luke Chapter four, and afterwards did some brainstorming about what the future could look like.

Man I am so encouraged and I think that God is really moving in our midst. I feel like over the last few months we've been getting formed into a tighter crew and that has been really cool. I also think that God has been preparing us for great things. I am really excited that we are starting to dream big and beginning to take steps to walking out in all this stuff that we are learning.

So this week we are going on our first ever Thursday night road trip. We are going out to Jersey for one of "The Legend's" (aka the old man, aka Jon Narr) photo shows. Afterwards we are going to be putting on our dancing shoes and going to the Barbary in Fishtown. As far as transportation goes, I am not sure what the plans are yet, but get in touch with either Chris or I. See you guys then.

Long Overdue

So... it has been over a month since we put up a new post here, and for that we do apologize. If you have been holding a secret grudge, consider this your official sorry. Life has been crazy busy, but in reality there is no decent excuse (except that we are lazy).

Anyway these last few months have been real exciting. Besides the food and good times, I feel like God is really building us into a community that hungers for more of him. I feel like he is taking us on a journey, and showing us that we need him in order to bring any real change to this city. I was praying the other day, and got a picture of a crew of people building a house, and i got the sense that God is doing that with us. He is building us into a place where he can come and live.

So I guess I want us to ask ourselves: "How can we help in the building? What are the practical steps that we need to take? How can we join our lives together in such a way, that will help us continue to encourage and challenge each other?"

See you guys this Thursday.

Perfect Love

Last week was pretty refreshing and amazing. We spent time in worship and prayer. We focused on of course praising God, but also seeking him to reveal to us what's stopping us from loving people. Is it fear, selfishness, confusions, or anything else. Life is beautiful when we are seeking to love others and we are loving God. It is hard, very hard, but the most fulfilling thing ever.

As we continue to move forward as a tribe as a group, lets seek to Love each other. Love each other in such a way that it casts out all fear. Lets create a safe place on thursday nights, and when ever else we gather together. Lets take that love outside of our group. I am truly excited about the things God is doing in this group, and the way in which God wants to use this group in the city we live as well as the churches we attend. As we move forward lets take risks and step out in ridiculous faith.

Well everyone, I will miss you this Thursday, but know that you all are in my prayers! Wish you guys could check out what's going on out in England. Looking forward to hear what God does the two Thursdays I'm gone.

Grace and peace from England,
Chris