tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238376432024-03-07T13:28:07.964-05:00PeaJay's PlaceJim Bolichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915442356698792112noreply@blogger.comBlogger733125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23837643.post-81007235839715222662013-01-07T08:39:00.000-05:002013-01-07T08:39:11.279-05:00Using Ministry to Build PeopleIn my last post, I shared the best ministry advice I've ever received: "Ministry is all about people." An implication of that statement concerns how the ministries of the church are used.<br />
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One approach begins with the ministries that a church believes it needs to build the church. The challenge is then to find the people necessary to fill ministry positions. The problem with this approach is that it uses people to build ministry.<br />
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I prefer a different process. I prefer to start with people, finding ministries to enable them to develop their talents, gifts and passions. Simply put, I prefer to use ministry to build people.<br />
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Your thoughts?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16230822625475847315noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23837643.post-83283294748225134822013-01-03T08:04:00.000-05:002013-01-03T08:04:13.425-05:00Best Ministry Advice Ever ReceivedFor the first 10 years of my life in ministry, I had the opportunity to serve on the staff of 4 very different churches in 4 very different settings. I learned many things from each church and from each Senior Pastor I was privileged to partner with. But there is one lesson that stands out above the rest...<div>
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"Ministry is all about people."</div>
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That sounds like a simple statement. But it's a statement that radically impacts pretty much every aspect of ministry. Ministry isn't all about strategies... or programs... or buildings... or structures... or worship style... or curriculum... or any of the myriad of other things we spend so much time on.</div>
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"Ministry is all about people."</div>
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Over the next several posts, we'll explore some of the implication of that statement. I invite your comments.</div>
Jim Bolichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915442356698792112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23837643.post-42110931136741857872013-01-02T08:53:00.002-05:002013-01-02T08:53:39.473-05:00Back to Blogging...Again<br />
On August 22, 2012 I put my blog on hiatus...again. At the time, I thought I'd take the time to maintain both this blog and a Facebook, profile. But I didn't. F/B consumed all my attention. But those days are over.<br />
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I've decided to transition back to blogging. Why? For the same reasons I began in the first place... including these:<br />
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<li><strong>It makes me translucent.</strong> I want share my life, but total transparency may be a bit more than any of us really wants.</li>
<li><strong>It makes me accountable.</strong> The weekly post about my devotional life helps keep me going, even when I don't feel like it.</li>
<li><strong>It makes me think.</strong> If you're not learning, you're not growing, and I want to keep growing.</li>
<li><strong>It gives us opportunity to interact.</strong> As you post your comments, we're sharing life.</li>
</ul>
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So, for those who've missed me...I'm back. And, for those who still want to follow along on F/B, I'll post links of these posts on my timeline.<ul>
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Jim Bolichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915442356698792112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23837643.post-64015288390019199962011-08-22T13:53:00.000-04:002011-08-22T13:53:18.752-04:00I Love Family Day!Family Day at Rhodes Grove is one of my favorite Sundays of the year! Yesterday, we enjoyed a combined worship service in the Meadows Conference Center followed by a delicious meal in the dining hall. Then from 1-3, we had run of the grounds. Here's a list of some of my favorite things from yesterday's event:<div><ul><li>Gathering as a single body for worship. Don't get me wrong...I am not opposed to multiple worship services. I also enjoy having the opportunity to put everyone together from time to time.</li>
<li>Enjoying a whole-church meal with no prep or cleanup. The staff at Rhodes Grove puts on a delicious meal for very reasonable prices.</li>
<li>Spending time together. When it comes to building relationships and enjoying each other, there's just no substitute for time.</li>
<li>Watching people interact. It's always neat to see a few new friendships emerge out of this event.</li>
<li>Baptism. There's just nothing like celebrating what God has done in people's lives through Baptism!</li>
<li>FUN, FUN, FUN!!! I'm always surprised to see how fast the day goes by. Can't wait for next year already!</li>
</ul></div>Jim Bolichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915442356698792112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23837643.post-75584787283299235252011-08-18T11:20:00.000-04:002011-08-18T11:20:29.481-04:0021 YearsOn this date, 21 years ago, Janet Sarah Menger and James Oliver Bolich, Jr. stood before God, their families and friends and covenanted together in marriage. I'm still amazed at the blessing Janet has been, and continues to be to my life. In some ways, it seems like just yesterday. And yet, I find it difficult to remember life without her by my side. And I wouldn't have it any other way!Jim Bolichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915442356698792112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23837643.post-8485743811455888792011-08-17T13:43:00.000-04:002011-08-17T13:43:18.135-04:00The Inward JourneyRecently, I've been focusing my devotional reading on the books of 1 &2 Timothy and Titus. The impetus for these choices was the US National Conference of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ. Our speaker referenced several passages that really gripped my heart. So, I decided to immerse myself in these books for the next several months. For July and August, I've been focusing on Timothy. Here's the passage that struck me today:<br />
<blockquote>"This is the only race worth running" (2 Timothy 4:7; MSG)</blockquote>Amen!Jim Bolichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915442356698792112noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23837643.post-89845331547449922011-08-16T11:19:00.000-04:002011-08-16T11:19:51.656-04:00Fitness ReportIt's been quite some time since I've updated you on my fitness progress. Here's the latest:<br />
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<ul><li>By the end of 2010, I made it to my goal of getting under 265 lbs. Actually, I made it to 255, coming to an overall total of 70 lbs lost. But the question was whether or not I could maintain it.</li>
<li>I began 2011 with the goal of staying in the 255-260 range without counting calories. After 3 months, I needed another challenge.</li>
<li>The next goal was to complete a 5K. That's something I never thought I'd do. In fact, I could not imagine why anyone would WANT to do it. But on March 23rd, I met my goal...walking the race in just under 43 minutes (thanks to a little help from some friends...thanks Derek and Chris)!</li>
<li>I started wondering if I could ever run a 5K. I came across the "Couch to 5K Plan" and started working little by little. After about 15 weeks, I am now able to run 3 miles in 30 minutes!</li>
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So what's next on list?<br />
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<ul><li>On Saturday, September 24, 2011, I plan to run my first official 5K race. It's scheduled for the "Rails to Trails" in Shippensburg...one of my favorite courses. My goal is to finish, but I wouldn't mind doing it in around 30 minutes.</li>
<li>I'm also going back to intentional calorie counting. When I turned 40, I weighed 326 lbs. By the time I turn 45 (in July 2012), I would like to have lost a total of 100 lbs. That would get me to 225 and propel me towards another future possible goal.</li>
<li>A month or so ago, I learned that a friend had completed his first "Sprint Triathlon". I never heard of one of those, so I did some research, and am starting to seriously consider the possibility.</li>
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That's the latest on my fitness journey. I'll let you know how things go as I move forward.Jim Bolichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915442356698792112noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23837643.post-7442838404618102332011-08-15T12:03:00.000-04:002011-08-15T12:03:04.697-04:00Back to Blogging...AgainLast July, I moved my blog to Wordpress. Then I went on vacation. When I returned, the blog died. But I happen to be a person who believes in resurrection. So, here we go again.<br />
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I've changed the layout, and I haven't decided on exactly what I'll be posting. But I went back to a previous post and was reminded that my reasons for writing this blog haven't changed:<br />
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<ul><li>It makes me <b>translucent.</b> I want share my life, but total transparency may be a bit more than any of us really wants.</li>
<li>It makes me <b>accountable</b>. The discipline of writing posts helps keep me going, even when I don't feel like it.</li>
<li>It makes me <b>think</b>. If you're not learning, you're not growing, and I want to keep growing.</li>
<li>It gives us opportunity to <b>interact</b>. As you post your comments, we're sharing life.</li>
</ul><br />
So, for those who missed me, and those who never realized I left, PeaJay's Place is back.Jim Bolichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915442356698792112noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23837643.post-56178378809062521592010-04-22T07:48:00.000-04:002010-04-22T07:48:03.985-04:00Sneak Peek 4.25.10For the last 3 weeks, we've been talking about "How To Be Rich". This week, we'll wrap up the series by learning the key to having God give you more. On top of that, we'll be baptizing about 6 people during the 11:00 worship celebration. It's going to be a great day!Jim Bolichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915442356698792112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23837643.post-13871711976564175242010-04-20T08:09:00.000-04:002010-04-20T08:09:16.609-04:00The Remodeling Saga ContinuesI have a free night tonight. Actually, there's no such thing as a FREE night right now. I'm still in the process of painting. The ceiling in the kitchen and dining area is done. The walls in the dining area are finished. The new lighting fixture has been installed. And one coat of paint is on the trim in the dining area.<br />
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So, tonight, I'll tackle the 2nd coat on the trim and, hopefully, get the switches and receptacles changed so that I can get the wall plates back on. At least that's the planJim Bolichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915442356698792112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23837643.post-24954353033865913152010-04-18T20:36:00.000-04:002010-04-18T20:36:32.537-04:00Sunday Rewind 4.18.10This was week three of our "How to be Rich" series. So far, we've seen that if we have more than we need, we are rich. And we've talked about how easy it is for our trust to shift away from God and onto money. But have you ever wondered why God made you rich? The answer is simple. God mad us rich so that we could give more away (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%209:11&version=NIV">2 Corinthians 9:11</a>). So how do you learn to give more?<br />
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Most of us are intentional consumers. If we are going to learn to give more, <strong>we have to learn to be intentional givers</strong> (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%209:7&version=NIV">2 Corinthians 9:7</a>). And the starting point for us is the tithe. The first 10% of all our income belongs to God (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus%2027:30&version=NIV">Leviticus 27:30</a>). It's holy. It's His. And He instructs us to give it to our local church so that spiritual nourishment can happen through the ministries of the local church (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Malachi%203:10&version=NIV">Malachi 3:10</a>). But the power of the tithe isn't really about increasing the church budget. It teaches us to put God first. And it increases our faith. As we give to God first, we learn to trust Him.<br />
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If you've already learned to blessing that comes along with giving God His tithe, you're not done yet. The Tithe isn't the ultimate goal...just the starting point. God didn't make you rich so that you can give the minimum...He wants you to excel in giving (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%208:7&version=NIV">2 Corinthians 8:7</a>). So start being creative. Use the skills you've learned to plan your consuming into planning your giving. Pray about it. Talk with your family about it. Investigate. Find the most effective place for you to make a real difference in the world.<br />
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God has blessed us with more than we need. We’re rich. We will not trust in our riches, but in Him who richly provides. Because we have more, we’ll give more! That's how to be rich in a way that honors God.Jim Bolichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915442356698792112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23837643.post-55224753724695016382010-04-16T08:35:00.000-04:002010-04-16T08:35:25.472-04:00Sneak Peek 4.18.10The average Shippensburg household is among the top 1% of wage earners in the world. We may not feel rich. But we are rich.<br />
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Have you ever wondered why God has given you so much? That's the question we'll answer as our "How to Be Rich" series continues.Jim Bolichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915442356698792112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23837643.post-25390541677033684322010-04-14T08:01:00.000-04:002010-04-14T08:01:58.262-04:00My Journey 4.14.10As I was reading the Bible today, I came across a passage that I've read before, but that hadn't struck me quite like it did today.<br />
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To set the context a bit, Saul had been commanded by God to completely destroy the Amalekites and all their possessions. Saul did most of that. He preserved the King's life and his men preserved the best livestock and loot. Then, he tried to tell Samuel that the reason they did that was so that they could sacrifice them to the Lord.<br />
<blockquote>Samuel replied: "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD ? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. (1 Samuel 15:22)</blockquote>It's so easy to make excuses with God... to allow ourselves to believe that if we just do enough good things, then it will make up for our sins. Thanks, God, for the reminder that what you really want is for me to listen to your voice!Jim Bolichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915442356698792112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23837643.post-70128540097377818992010-04-12T07:41:00.000-04:002010-04-12T07:41:44.376-04:00Sunday Rewind 04.11.10This week, we continued our series, "How to Be Rich", by talking about the deceitfulness of riches. Money promises us happiness, security and peace. But it can't deliver those things. Only God can give those things. And yet, it's so easy for our trust to shift away from God onto the riches He provides.<br />
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It starts slowly. We tell ourselves that we need the new toy… the new clothes… the new car… the new house. Don't have the case? No problem, use the credit card. Card maxed out? Use a new card to pay the minimum balance on the other. Or get a second job. And before long, money becomes the central focus of your life.<br />
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Here's the simple truth...<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%206:24&version=NIV">Matthew 6:24</a>. It’s one or the other. The central focus of your life is either going to be God or money. Neither will share. For many of us, money will be the #1 competitor for our heart. So, how do you know if you love money? Here are a few thoughts to consider.<br />
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<strong>People who love and trust money never have enough </strong>(<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes%205:10&version=NIV">Ecclesiastes 5:10</a>)<strong>.</strong> We tell ourselves that if our stack was just a little bigger, that we'd be secure. And as soon as we do that, we're hooked. Our trust has just shifted away from God to our stack. And the stack is never big enough. Wealth is deceitful. you'll never have enough.<br />
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<strong>People who love and trust money have money in the bank but no peace in their hearts</strong> (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2015:16&version=NIV">Proverbs 15:16</a>)<strong>.</strong> Many of us are making more than our parents did. We have more than we ever imagined. We have way more than we need. But the financial pressure that we’ve created for ourselves is making us miserable. We keep telling ourselves that if we have that one more thing, then we’ll be happy. But instead of being happy… instead of finding peace… we find ourselves more stressed out than ever before. Wealth is deceitful It cannot provide the happiness and peace we crave.<br />
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<strong>People who love and trust money find it difficult to give big.</strong> We think that if we had more money, that would solve our problems. But more money isn’t going to keep your kids off drugs… heal your friend from cancer… make your marriage better… it’s not going to solve your problems. In fact, it will create some problems. When we could give generously, we don’t b/c we’re worried that our stack won’t be big enough. But look what happens when our trust is in God instead of our stack...<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians.%208:2-3&version=NIV">2 Corinthians. 8:2-3</a>.<br />
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We must not allow ourselves to be deceived by riches…thinking more money means happiness, security and peace. It can’t deliver those this. Happiness, security and peace will never be found in the things of this world. They are only found in the One who gives life… abundant, eternal, and free. That’s how to be rich.Jim Bolichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915442356698792112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23837643.post-6856989161644433392010-04-07T08:13:00.000-04:002010-04-07T08:13:42.929-04:00The Journey ContinuesOn Sunday, I received an iPod Touch as a gift. Since then, I've been enjoying discovering a variety of very useful apps...like Whack-a-Mole and Paper Toss. But I've also found a free Bible Reader app that I've found helpful as well. It allowed me to download the translation of my choice for use when offline, and provides multiple locations when I have wi-fi access.<br />
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But the best part (so far) is that it gave me the ability to connect with the Bible Reading Plan of my choice. Now, all I have to do is open the app and start reading. The device does all the remembering for me. And, as long as I have my Touch and a wi-fi connection, I can spend that time with God wherever I am. That sounds lazy. But yesterday, it proved helpful.<br />
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On the way to the office, I discovered I had a tire going flat. That took me to Shetron's Tire at 7:30 am. Unfortunately, they don't open until 8. Was I stuck? No! Across the street there is a laundry mat...with wi-fi access. And since I had my Touch, I could spend that half hour talking with God instead of mumbling to myself. I call that a win.Jim Bolichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915442356698792112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23837643.post-5702542893129274972010-04-06T08:54:00.000-04:002010-04-06T08:54:43.442-04:00I'm not happy!Each year, my family and a good friend have a lot of fun with our March Madness brackets. We compete to see who has the last team left and who has the most total wins. Although I enjoyed watching this year's tournament, I discovered something last night that is unacceptable.<br />
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Only one of us (not me) had a team in the championship game. And when the final counting was done, not only did I not have the most total wins, I didn't even make 2nd place. On top of that, I only escaped last place by 1 win! AAARRRGGGHHH!!!<br />
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Still...it was a great tournament!Jim Bolichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915442356698792112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23837643.post-73113407860225425932010-04-05T09:18:00.000-04:002010-04-05T09:18:53.528-04:00Sunday Rewind 4.4.10Many of us want to be rich. We dream of the big house, new cars, retiring early to travel in luxury, able to buy whatever we want, whenever we want it. This week we began a new series called, "How to Be Rich". It's not about learning how to GET rich. It's about learning how to BE rich in a way that honors God. We started with some good news and some bad news.<br />
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The good news is...you are rich. And that's great news! It means you have all kinds of rich people opportunities. You can afford to have your kids in so many activities that you don't know how to get to them all. You can afford to have stuff you don't need. You can afford to have somebody else cook your food (even if it is fast food). On top of that, you can use the resources God has given you to make a difference. If God has blessed you with more than you need, you are rich! And the Bible encourages us to enjoy those blessings (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes%205:19&version=NIV">Ecclesiastes 5:19</a>).<br />
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The bad news is...you are rich. And that's very bad news. One day, Jesus was having a conversation with a rich guy. It soon became obvious that the rich guy trusted in his stuff more than he trusted in God. Look at Jesus’ response...<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2018:24-25&version=NIV">Luke 18:24-25</a>. There are some significant problems that come along with being rich. It’s harder to depend on God. It distracts us from true priorities. It give us greater responsibility.<br />
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So, over the next three weeks, we are going to learn to trust God instead of the things we’re working so hard to pursue. We are going to learn to prioritize our lives in a way that honors God. We are going to learn how to be truly rich.Jim Bolichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915442356698792112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23837643.post-87894736557753285072010-04-01T08:14:00.000-04:002010-04-01T08:14:09.648-04:00Sneak Peek 4.4.10This Sunday is Easter Day. And we're doing something a little different. Since last Sunday was Friend Day, I wanted to begin a series this week that would pique the curiosity of our friends. In these uncertain financial times, I couldn't think of any better subject to address than money. So, this Sunday, we're starting a series called, "How to Be Rich".<br />
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This week, we'll talk about some good news and bad news about being rich. I'm looking forward to celebrating the resurrection with you all!Jim Bolichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915442356698792112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23837643.post-71858445215069751392010-03-31T08:11:00.000-04:002010-03-31T08:11:16.577-04:00AnticipationIt's the last week of Lent, and the anticipation is building. Anticipation for what? For the celebration of the resurrection! But first, there are some difficult last steps to take.<br />
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On Holy Thursday, we gather to remember the Passover meal that Jesus celebrated with his disciples in that "upper room". We're reminded that Jesus is the final sacrifice. We're reminded to serve each other in love. We're reminded that every time we eat the bread and drink the cup, we proclaim the Lord's death until he comes again. And we're reminded that Jesus' betrayal was sealed by the kiss of a friend.<br />
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On Good Friday, we gather to remember Jesus' crucifixion and death. We're reminded of the high price Jesus paid for our sin. We're reminded that our bondage to sin has been broken. We're reminded that the work of salvation is finished. And we're reminded that we, too, are called to carry our cross.<br />
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On Holy Saturday, we wait. It's probably my least favorite day of this journey. I don't like waiting. I want to do something. But that's the point. This isn't about me. It isn't about what I want or what I can do. It's about waiting on God's timing. So we wait.<br />
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The season of Lent is almost over. Are you anticipating the celebration?Jim Bolichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915442356698792112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23837643.post-24566320433888889462010-03-30T09:24:00.001-04:002010-03-30T09:26:32.529-04:00Changing Seasons<object height="285" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/EKHstR6ndus&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/EKHstR6ndus&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="380" height="285"></embed></object><br />
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Basketball season finished on Saturday. Little Leage baseball tryouts were held on Sunday afternoon. we received a call last night. David was drafted by the Braves (wonder if there's a signing bonus). Practice begins on Friday. And the beat goes on...Jim Bolichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915442356698792112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23837643.post-7851193044656375532010-03-29T08:31:00.000-04:002010-03-29T08:31:27.325-04:00Sunday Rewind 3.28.10<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yesterday was Friend Day at Prince Street Church, and it was great!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I enjoyed seeing the smile in people's faces as they introduced me to the friends they brought. I enjoyed reminding people of the great friend we have in Jesus. But mostly, I enjoyed gathering again with God's people to celebrate Him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The central feature of the message yesterday was a video called, "You Can Lean On Me". The poem, written and recited by Jackie Perdas (a PSC member), was shot and produced by Jared Risser (Pastor of Youth and Worship Ministries).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Thanks, Jackie and Jared. You did a GREAT job!</span>Jim Bolichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915442356698792112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23837643.post-68103409315212524952010-03-25T08:13:00.000-04:002010-03-25T08:13:09.356-04:00Sneak Peek 3.28.10<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been looking forward to this Sunday for a long time. This Sunday is "Friend Day", and over the past several weeks many of us have taken the risk of inviting people to come with them to church. It's been fun hearing the blend of nervousness and excitement that has been building.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The wait is almost over. Sunday is almost here. So let's keep praying, asking God to draw our friends to himself. And let's remain open to what He wants to do in our lives, as well.</span>Jim Bolichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915442356698792112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23837643.post-9152490153499727472010-03-24T08:41:00.000-04:002010-03-24T08:41:35.997-04:00Facebook Fast<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">For the second consecutive year, I'm fasting from Facebook during the season of Lent. Every time I feel the tug to log on, it reminds me that my priority relationship is with the God who created me, who loves me, and who has a great purpose for my life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Last year, I missed my time on Facebook a lot, and couldn't wait until Easter Day. But this year, I'm having a different experience. I don't miss it nearly as much. And as Easter Day approaches, I'm thinking through the role Facebook plays in my life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">On one hand, it gives me opportunity to connect with people I might otherwise not. But, on the other hand, I've noticed a disturbing pattern develop in my life. I have become far more a servant to Facebook than it is to me. And that has to change.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I know I want to remain connected to the online community and available to those who use this social media tool. I'm just not sure of the boundaries I will set to keep myself from sliding back into the role of servant.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Easter Day is coming. I guess I better figure those boundaries out soon!</span>Jim Bolichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915442356698792112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23837643.post-11919791583453276192010-03-22T08:34:00.003-04:002010-03-22T08:37:39.571-04:00Sunday Rewind<object width="380" height="285"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Zfs3BJZxKkc&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Zfs3BJZxKkc&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="380" height="285"></embed></object><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This week we wrapped up our "Just Walk Across the Room" series by looking at how Jesus used an amazing catch to call three commercial fishermen to "Grander Vision Living". You can read the story </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%205:1-11&version=NIV"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It made no sense to go back out. It made no sense to do again what they had done all night doing. There’s only one reason Simon agreed: Jesus said to do it. They let down the net, and Jesus created such a miraculous harvest that it left these experienced commercial fishermen in awe. It was so amazign that </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Simon felt unworthy to even be around Jesus. But Jesus knew there was something special about Simon, James and John. He saw the potential in their lives to do something greater than any of them had imagined.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And that takes us to the decision all of us have to make. From the moment Jesus came to earth, right up to today, he’s been asking the same question: Are you going to throw your one and only life into pursuing small fish, or will you risk tossing your net out in anticipation of catching the human sized ones?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Many people spend their entire life pursuing small fish... things that seem like a big deal at the moment, but that are really only temporary. I'd love to have a </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">big house… with a wrap-around porch… with oversized rocking chairs… on 50 acres… with a pond... and a putting green… multiple garages… filled with new cars, motorcycles, coffee roasting equipment and a boat… and enough money and free time to use them. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">None of those are bad things. But they are all temporary. They’re all small fish. When I die, they’d all belong to someone else. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Many people spend their one and only life chasing things that end up being small fish. But God invites us to something bigger than ourselves. He invites us to "</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Grander Vision Living". What’s that? Grander Vision Living is allowing other pursuits to fall away in order to focus on the priority that is nearest to the heart of God: people. God invites us to partner with Him </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">in the most incredible mission imaginable: finding what is lost, restoring what is broken, and reclaiming what is his.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">For Simon, James and John, Grander Vision Living meant leaving their boats and nets to follow Jesus. But it doesn’t always mean that. It only requires reflecting God’s heart by leaning toward people. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Jesus has thrown the door to God’s Kingdom wide open for everyone. And he says, "You are welcome here. Come on in and join us. Love and acceptance await.” This is the profound message we get to carry to people who are on the other side of the room.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Imagine if every carpenter, bank teller, teacher, homemaker, business person, student, every person among us saw themselves in the people business. Yes, our paycheck comes from our employer, and it’s important for us to give our employers our best effort. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">But our mission comes from Christ. So we throw our arms wide open, l</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">ooking for every opportunity to give away the single greatest gift, an introduction to the God who created them, who loves them, and who has a purpose for their lives.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">What are you spending your life pursuing? Maybe you've been fishing for paltry perch your entire life. Today you can switch gears. You can head toward landing the biggest fish of all... a person's soul. </span>Jim Bolichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915442356698792112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23837643.post-86748445475625875812010-03-08T08:44:00.000-05:002010-03-08T08:44:31.791-05:00Sunday Rewind 3.7.10<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What we see on the surface often does not tell the whole story. It’s true of pictures, and it’s true of people. So, if we're going to live the kind of life that naturally and intentionally points people toward Jesus, we've got be truly engaged in people's lives. We've got to go beyond the smile and a handshake to genuinely know people. Want to know how? Try living in 3D.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Develop Friendships.</strong> Better than anyone in history, Jesus acted on the possibility in people. He looked at people from God's perspective, and often began with a simple conversation. Take, for example, the Samaritan woman at the well (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%204:4-26&version=NIV">John 4: 4-26</a>). Jesus went to the town watering hole at noon on a hot day, and when a woman came, he simply asked for a drink of water. Often, all it takes to begin pointing people to Jesus is opening our eyes to see people from God's perspective...</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the neighbor you’ve never met… the coworker that’s always grouchy… the mom at the ballgame who’s unmerciful on the ref, the coach, her kid, and everyone around her… the person sitting all alone at church. All of them are real people. And if somebody would just take the time to develop a genuine friendship, there's no telling what could happen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Discover Stories.</strong> There was good reason why the Samaritan woman was coming for water at the hottest part of the day. She was ashamed. She knew that she was the one mothers used as an illustration when talking to their daughters about purity. Jesus didn't let knowing all about this woman get in the way of genuinely engaging in her life. I wonder...i</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">f you knew that the neighbor you’ve never met lived in isolation because she has medical complications, or that the coworker that’s always grouchy lived with an abusive spouse, or that the over-the-top mom had parents that rode her unmercifullyor that the person sitting alone at church decided to come one more time to see if anybody cared before attempting suicide, would that make a difference in your perspective? Of course it would. But we'll only know those things if we take the time to discover stories.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Discern Next Steps.</strong> Jesus used the common ground of water and the Samaritan woman's anticipation of the coming Messiah to take the next step. He offered her living water… a relationship with God not based on location or lineage, but on faith. What's the next step? It's the one that follows the step that took you across the room in the first place. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maybe it will be offering a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on. Maybe it will be celebrating a special day. Maybe it will be offering to pray, or a phone call, or an email, or a text. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don’t know what it will be. But I do know that with a little patience, a little perseverance, and a big dose of being tuned into the ever present Spirit of God, and next steps occur.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Want to get started? Here's a simple step all of us can take: <strong>Look around you.</strong> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On your way home today, before you park the car, look around you. Ask God to help you see your neighbors as He sees them. At school or at work tomorrow, look around you. Ask God to help you see your classmates, coworkers, teachers and bosses as God sees them. Everywhere you go this week, look around you. Is there someone there that God wants you to develop a friendship with? Is there a story He wants you do discover. Is there a next step He wants you to take?</span>Jim Bolichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915442356698792112noreply@blogger.com0