Today Life Church Miami met for the first time in the Regal Theatre in Cutler Bay. The experience brought a picture to my mind...You have a dream of visiting another country...you look at the films, research it on the Internet..look at the travel brochures. Then one day, you get off the plane and find yourself in the country you dreamed about seeing.
Two years ago a group of us, led by Pastor David, began studying, praying, talking and sharing about the Big Step of locating in a community where we could serve in a meaningful way. It's been a long road, with detours, redirections, and even some rocks in the road. But the concept of our destination never left us.
Today, we got off the airplane and looked around. There is much to do and, thank God, people are signing up to be part of the "launch" of this new entity. After our gathering concluded, I dropped by a cosmetics shop in the Southland Mall, where a woman works that I met a few days ago in the nearby McDonald's. In our introductory chat, I told her about Life Church and described the wonderful children's program that would be part of it. (She has a 5-year-old daughter.) At the conclusion of that first chat, she gave permission for me to pick up her daughter and the child's great-grandmother on Sunday mornings to bring them to Life Church.
My follow-up with my new friend is to check in with her in a couple of days about getting school supplies for the 5-year-old. I want to continue a friendship with her because she is so open and receptive.
Tomorrow I will participate in the closing of the sale of the former church building, another "destination" that has seemed a long time in coming. But God is faithful and He keeps His promises. Pastor David quoted from God's words to Joshua, just before Joshua led a large group of people into Canaan. God said four times to Joshua: "Be strong and of good courage. I am with you."
Our part in this new undertaking: strength, courage, faithfulness, obedience to His directions. His part: direction, empowerment, supply of what is needed to do His work. He has a perfect record of reliability. Sometimes ours is not so perfect, but this morning I saw His sending in of people with smiles on their faces and excitement in their attitudes.
Cutler Bay, we're here. And best of all, God is here.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Good-bye and Hello
Today we had our last meeting in the "old building" on Bird Road and next Sunday we will gather in a movie theatre in Cutler Bay. For two years, we have talked, prayed, watched for God's leading...and at times...we have wondered if this day would ever come. Well, it has. He is an On-Time God. This morning He brought in people I had never seen before--some of them due to the efforts of a teen-aged boy who text-messaged 98 of his friends with an invitation.
The "new people" were God's sign to me that "I am working. I am working. Trust Me." We have so much to learn, not only about set-up and break-down of equipment but about the people of Cutler Bay we want to serve. Six of our group did heavy-duty yard work at the Pine Villas retirement community the other day. And that's just for starters.
One chapter closes and another chapter opens. It's a wonderful day.
The "new people" were God's sign to me that "I am working. I am working. Trust Me." We have so much to learn, not only about set-up and break-down of equipment but about the people of Cutler Bay we want to serve. Six of our group did heavy-duty yard work at the Pine Villas retirement community the other day. And that's just for starters.
One chapter closes and another chapter opens. It's a wonderful day.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Double Hot Dog!
Some of us attended the barbecue today (Saturday June 28) sponsored by the Thinking of You group that supports military people, their families and veterans. As requested, we took along items for care packages to be sent to our military in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The first hot dog was the one on the menu, along with beans, ribs, and soft drinks. But the second Hot Dog was even better--The contacts made that will help us in serving Cutler Bay.
The first person I met was the mom of a musician named Ted Miller. She introduced me to her son, a man who heads a group called America's Life Line Foundation. This group also supports the American military. Ted gave me a couple of his professionally produced CDs (adult contemporary music) and I promptly introduced him to Jake. (Jake will chat with him about our recording studio that's in the works.)
Then I met Barbara Condon, who with her husband and son, produces the cutlerbay.net web site and newsletter. We have corresponded by email several times; she is a goldmine of information. She in turn introduced me to two Cutler Bay council members: Ernest Sochin from District 2 and Peggy Bell from District 3. Both of them said they wanted to talk with me further about projects we could help them with. In fact Councilwoman Bell offered to take me on a car tour of Cutler Bay to show me how the 2-year-old town is coming along. (You can bet I will take that car ride!)
Two youthful groups of musicians performed at the barbecue; so I got their business cards, too and passed them along to Jake for further contact.
In terms of the networking that we all accomplished, this barbecue was pure sirloin steak. God is good.
The first hot dog was the one on the menu, along with beans, ribs, and soft drinks. But the second Hot Dog was even better--The contacts made that will help us in serving Cutler Bay.
The first person I met was the mom of a musician named Ted Miller. She introduced me to her son, a man who heads a group called America's Life Line Foundation. This group also supports the American military. Ted gave me a couple of his professionally produced CDs (adult contemporary music) and I promptly introduced him to Jake. (Jake will chat with him about our recording studio that's in the works.)
Then I met Barbara Condon, who with her husband and son, produces the cutlerbay.net web site and newsletter. We have corresponded by email several times; she is a goldmine of information. She in turn introduced me to two Cutler Bay council members: Ernest Sochin from District 2 and Peggy Bell from District 3. Both of them said they wanted to talk with me further about projects we could help them with. In fact Councilwoman Bell offered to take me on a car tour of Cutler Bay to show me how the 2-year-old town is coming along. (You can bet I will take that car ride!)
Two youthful groups of musicians performed at the barbecue; so I got their business cards, too and passed them along to Jake for further contact.
In terms of the networking that we all accomplished, this barbecue was pure sirloin steak. God is good.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
More Opportunities!
As our Operation Get-Acquainted continues, there is more good news. Dan and Jake will provide a musical tribute to our American veterans at the July 4 celebration at Whispering Pines.
Miriam, Silvia, Helen and Pat participated in a focus group held at Cutler Ridge Park on what the some of the community's needs are: after-school youth programs, job training and placement, child care programs, places where people can phone or visit to get information on what services are available in the community. The focus group was sponsored and led by the Children's Resource Network, a Miami-Dade organization that partners with clubs, churches, and other interested groups to provide services to citizens in need.
A visiting mission group from Orlando will pitch in to do some community needs surveys, all of which will add to our knowledge databank on Cutler Bay.
Miriam, Silvia, Helen and Pat participated in a focus group held at Cutler Ridge Park on what the some of the community's needs are: after-school youth programs, job training and placement, child care programs, places where people can phone or visit to get information on what services are available in the community. The focus group was sponsored and led by the Children's Resource Network, a Miami-Dade organization that partners with clubs, churches, and other interested groups to provide services to citizens in need.
A visiting mission group from Orlando will pitch in to do some community needs surveys, all of which will add to our knowledge databank on Cutler Bay.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Nothing Under the Banyan Tree
Today I picked up a copy (with appropriate payment) of a book by Ted Engstrom and Paul Cedar, called "Compassionate Leadership". As I turned to the Foreword by Leighton Ford, I found words that are too good to keep:
Here goes: "An old Indian proverb says that 'nothing grows under the banyan tree.' That huge tree towers so high and spreads its branches so wide with such thick foliage that the sun cannot filter through to nurture the tiny seedlings below. The same thing, unfortunately, can be said of many visible and strong human leaders. Their reach goes high. Their influence goes wide. They are seen by many as leaders. And yet they do not create space within their circle of influence to permit younger leaders to put down their roots and spread their branches."
We in the Launch Group have been encouraged to mentor other people---listening to them, talking with them, sharing with them, praying with them, encouraging them. Banyan Trees Need Not Apply.
Here goes: "An old Indian proverb says that 'nothing grows under the banyan tree.' That huge tree towers so high and spreads its branches so wide with such thick foliage that the sun cannot filter through to nurture the tiny seedlings below. The same thing, unfortunately, can be said of many visible and strong human leaders. Their reach goes high. Their influence goes wide. They are seen by many as leaders. And yet they do not create space within their circle of influence to permit younger leaders to put down their roots and spread their branches."
We in the Launch Group have been encouraged to mentor other people---listening to them, talking with them, sharing with them, praying with them, encouraging them. Banyan Trees Need Not Apply.
A Meaningful Moment at the Bookstore
I was minding my own business at the Family Christian Bookstore, waiting to check out, when a young woman looked straight at me and said, "God loves you!"
She caught me by surprise, but I responded, "Yes, I know. That means a lot to me. How long have you known the Lord?" That led to a lengthy dialogue in which I learned that she was 20 years old; she had accepted Christ at age 12 but in her own words, "I backslid but God brought me back when I was 17".
She plays the guitar, used to have her own Christian rock band, and writes music. And would you believe her first name is "Harmony"? I told her about our musicians and how they are always looking for new talent. I asked her permission to get in touch with Jake so he could tell her more details.
And when I mentioned to her that we were going to set up a recording study, her eyes lit up like a Christmas tree.
I don't know where this will all lead, but for today, it was a "God thing", right in the middle of a bookstore.
She caught me by surprise, but I responded, "Yes, I know. That means a lot to me. How long have you known the Lord?" That led to a lengthy dialogue in which I learned that she was 20 years old; she had accepted Christ at age 12 but in her own words, "I backslid but God brought me back when I was 17".
She plays the guitar, used to have her own Christian rock band, and writes music. And would you believe her first name is "Harmony"? I told her about our musicians and how they are always looking for new talent. I asked her permission to get in touch with Jake so he could tell her more details.
And when I mentioned to her that we were going to set up a recording study, her eyes lit up like a Christmas tree.
I don't know where this will all lead, but for today, it was a "God thing", right in the middle of a bookstore.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
How Much Do We Want It?
We got word today (June 11) that our Zoning Board agenda item has been deferred until July. Whatever the reason for the delay, it's time for some industrial-strength prayer.
I don't know what God has in mind on laying out the future for us, but He has led us this far, and He didn't do it only to slam a door in our faces.
The delay affects the immediate financial picture, but God's bank account is limitless. We're looking at a Red Sea of government bureaucracy right now; God is able to open a path for us. Let's have some serious conversations with Him on the topic.
I don't know what God has in mind on laying out the future for us, but He has led us this far, and He didn't do it only to slam a door in our faces.
The delay affects the immediate financial picture, but God's bank account is limitless. We're looking at a Red Sea of government bureaucracy right now; God is able to open a path for us. Let's have some serious conversations with Him on the topic.
FYI: Town Manager and Cultural Arts Center
Just to let you know that I'm scheduled to see the Town Manager of Cutler Bay (Steven Alexander) at 11 am on Thursday, July 10. It's part of the get-acquainted process. If you have questions you would like me to ask, let me know.
About the Cultural Arts Center under construction: I called the Miami-Dade County Office of Cultural Affairs today and learned that the center should be a finished construction by the end of 2008. A director has not been hired yet, but I was told that if I called back in two or three weeks, there might be someone I could talk to.
This facility will probably give us the opportunity to participate in some way (music, concerts, etc.) Stay tuned.
About the Cultural Arts Center under construction: I called the Miami-Dade County Office of Cultural Affairs today and learned that the center should be a finished construction by the end of 2008. A director has not been hired yet, but I was told that if I called back in two or three weeks, there might be someone I could talk to.
This facility will probably give us the opportunity to participate in some way (music, concerts, etc.) Stay tuned.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
He Set an Example
When we attended the Concerned Citizens of Cutler Bay meeting last week in a local park building, I noticed an older gentleman, seated one row ahead of me, who had a lot to say. He asked probing questions of the Town Councilman who was the speaker. The man seemed to be up-to-date on his information, wanting to know what progress the town was making on certain issues.
In today's Miami Herald, I not only learned the man's name---Jim Shiver---but the fact that he died last Sunday. This man was a pioneer in the Cutler Bay community when it came to making things better by citizen action. I want to share some of the details of his life because he set an example for involvement.
He was a native of Miami, graduating from Coral Gables Senior High, serving a term in the Navy in the Korean War. After his military discharge, he returned to Miami, where he met and married and settled into a house in what was known then as Cutler Ridge. In his work he was an aircraft mechanic and later became a U.S. postal carrier.
Here's where his involvement began: In 1976, rust in the water pipes in some parts of Cutler Ridge turned the drinking water orange and damaged water heaters and toilets. Jim Shiver took time off from work and attended 34 hearings to get money from the county and the Florida Water and Utilities company for repairs. (This ultimately shut down the utility.)
When Jim's daughter Jennifer came home from Cutler Ridge Elementary School, sweaty and bitten by sand flies that came through open windows, Jim became PTA president and helped raise $500,000 to install an AC system in the school. When Jennifer attended Southwood Middle School, belonging to a photography class that wanted to take pictures in California, Jim Shiver organized bake sales and spaghetti dinners. Result: Jim and his wife and 40 students flew to California, visiting LA and San Francisco.
And there's more: He raised money and pushed the county to build a footbridge over the Bel-Aire Canal so that school kids would not have to walk beside the heavy traffic on Caribbean Blvd. When he joined the Concerned Citizens group (then known as the Cutler Ridge Civic Association), he helped get a traffic circle built on Caribbean Blvd, putting in a left turn at Marlin Road and US 1, and helping pass a $2 million bond issue that included building a community room for Cutler Ridge Park.
He once told the Miami Herald, "I think we were the government for the people before we incorporated." He gave that quote in December 2007. He was a vocal member of the town parks
committee, which was evident in the questions we heard him ask at last week's meeting.
He was a man who saw things that needed to be done in Cutler Ridge (Cutler Bay) and went to work to find solutions. He paved a road for us.
In today's Miami Herald, I not only learned the man's name---Jim Shiver---but the fact that he died last Sunday. This man was a pioneer in the Cutler Bay community when it came to making things better by citizen action. I want to share some of the details of his life because he set an example for involvement.
He was a native of Miami, graduating from Coral Gables Senior High, serving a term in the Navy in the Korean War. After his military discharge, he returned to Miami, where he met and married and settled into a house in what was known then as Cutler Ridge. In his work he was an aircraft mechanic and later became a U.S. postal carrier.
Here's where his involvement began: In 1976, rust in the water pipes in some parts of Cutler Ridge turned the drinking water orange and damaged water heaters and toilets. Jim Shiver took time off from work and attended 34 hearings to get money from the county and the Florida Water and Utilities company for repairs. (This ultimately shut down the utility.)
When Jim's daughter Jennifer came home from Cutler Ridge Elementary School, sweaty and bitten by sand flies that came through open windows, Jim became PTA president and helped raise $500,000 to install an AC system in the school. When Jennifer attended Southwood Middle School, belonging to a photography class that wanted to take pictures in California, Jim Shiver organized bake sales and spaghetti dinners. Result: Jim and his wife and 40 students flew to California, visiting LA and San Francisco.
And there's more: He raised money and pushed the county to build a footbridge over the Bel-Aire Canal so that school kids would not have to walk beside the heavy traffic on Caribbean Blvd. When he joined the Concerned Citizens group (then known as the Cutler Ridge Civic Association), he helped get a traffic circle built on Caribbean Blvd, putting in a left turn at Marlin Road and US 1, and helping pass a $2 million bond issue that included building a community room for Cutler Ridge Park.
He once told the Miami Herald, "I think we were the government for the people before we incorporated." He gave that quote in December 2007. He was a vocal member of the town parks
committee, which was evident in the questions we heard him ask at last week's meeting.
He was a man who saw things that needed to be done in Cutler Ridge (Cutler Bay) and went to work to find solutions. He paved a road for us.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Getting to Know Cutler Bay
A group of us spent some time on Saturday morning (June 7), surveying residents in Cutler Bay on what they thought about their community. Jeff Sullivan created block maps for us and distributed survey forms; he had been our pioneer a few days earlier at the Southland Mall by talking with people informally there.
Here are some things we found out (so far): When we asked "where do you go for fun in Cutler Bay", a number of people gave us puzzled looks and then said they tend to go "north", such as to Kendall or maybe the City of Miami. They told us that they would describe Cutler Bay as "quiet", a "mixture of new and old".
Some attend churches in the area; others don't. Several of them gave us their email addresses to get more information about Life Church services.
This is a start for us. Our goal is to complete 500 surveys by the end of June 2008.
Here are some things we found out (so far): When we asked "where do you go for fun in Cutler Bay", a number of people gave us puzzled looks and then said they tend to go "north", such as to Kendall or maybe the City of Miami. They told us that they would describe Cutler Bay as "quiet", a "mixture of new and old".
Some attend churches in the area; others don't. Several of them gave us their email addresses to get more information about Life Church services.
This is a start for us. Our goal is to complete 500 surveys by the end of June 2008.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Sharing Some Book Notes
I'm in the middle of reading Thom Rainer's book The Unchurched Next Door. The material in his book is based on 300+ surveys with people in the "unchurched" category.
I thought you might be interested in some of the observations. (You can get more details on each item by reading the book.
1. The unchurched are not antichurch.
2. Over 17 million people will accept Christ if presented with the gospel. Another 43 million are close. (You have to read the book to get the math on these figures.)
3. Most unchurched persons believe in the existence of both heaven and hell.
4. Unchurched persons are nervous but willing to talk about matters of faith.
5. Most of the unchurched have a fairly high view of the Bible.
6. Most of the unchurched would rather talk to a layperson than a minister about religious matters.
7. Easter is still a key time to invite the unchurched.
8. Many of the unchurched wonder why their Christian neighbors and coworkers do not invite them to church.
9. Most of the unchurched have a spiritual view of life.
I thought you might be interested in some of the observations. (You can get more details on each item by reading the book.
1. The unchurched are not antichurch.
2. Over 17 million people will accept Christ if presented with the gospel. Another 43 million are close. (You have to read the book to get the math on these figures.)
3. Most unchurched persons believe in the existence of both heaven and hell.
4. Unchurched persons are nervous but willing to talk about matters of faith.
5. Most of the unchurched have a fairly high view of the Bible.
6. Most of the unchurched would rather talk to a layperson than a minister about religious matters.
7. Easter is still a key time to invite the unchurched.
8. Many of the unchurched wonder why their Christian neighbors and coworkers do not invite them to church.
9. Most of the unchurched have a spiritual view of life.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
What's Important in Cutler Bay
We're just beginning our research, but last night's meeting of Concerned Citizens of Cutler Bay gave some opening clues.
Parks are very important to the citizens of the town. Relief from traffic congestion on certain streets is also important. So is keeping property taxes under control.
Support of the U.S. military is another interest. "Thinking of You" is a Cutler Bay grass roots organization headed by Freddy Ambrose (Defi@msn.com; phone 786-252-2798). This group collects care packages about four times a year to send to GIs in places such as Afghanistan and Iraq. Among the items requested are beef jerky, diaper wipes (useful in the Mideastern scorching heat), chap stick, deodorant, coffee in 8 oz or 16 oz bags, and energy bars.
This group is sponsoring a barbecue from noon to 5 pm on Saturday, June 28 at the Coast Guard Station, 16001 SW 117th Ave. They ask that people who attend bring contributions for the care boxes. The barbecue is intended to show appreciation to the volunteers who have supported the program throughout the year.
Those interested in attending the barbecue should RSVP (see the email or phone number above) by June 7.
Parks are very important to the citizens of the town. Relief from traffic congestion on certain streets is also important. So is keeping property taxes under control.
Support of the U.S. military is another interest. "Thinking of You" is a Cutler Bay grass roots organization headed by Freddy Ambrose (Defi@msn.com; phone 786-252-2798). This group collects care packages about four times a year to send to GIs in places such as Afghanistan and Iraq. Among the items requested are beef jerky, diaper wipes (useful in the Mideastern scorching heat), chap stick, deodorant, coffee in 8 oz or 16 oz bags, and energy bars.
This group is sponsoring a barbecue from noon to 5 pm on Saturday, June 28 at the Coast Guard Station, 16001 SW 117th Ave. They ask that people who attend bring contributions for the care boxes. The barbecue is intended to show appreciation to the volunteers who have supported the program throughout the year.
Those interested in attending the barbecue should RSVP (see the email or phone number above) by June 7.
Town Hall for Cutler Bay
Today I discovered and paid a visit to the Town Hall of Cutler Bay. The 3-story building is located in a back corner of the Southland Mall property. The town's office (for the City Clerk, Mayor and Councilmen) is located in 105 on the first floor. The first 105 you come to when you enter the building is not what you're looking for...instead there is a nearby hall with the Town Clerk's office at the end of the short hall.
The staff there are very friendly and helpful. You can pick up brochures, ask questions, and make appointments to see city officials.
Other offices in the building, related to Cutler Bay, are for code enforcement, building permits, and maybe some other divisions that I didn't pick up on . Other organizations also have offices in the same building.
The staff there are very friendly and helpful. You can pick up brochures, ask questions, and make appointments to see city officials.
Other offices in the building, related to Cutler Bay, are for code enforcement, building permits, and maybe some other divisions that I didn't pick up on . Other organizations also have offices in the same building.
Here We Go!
After two years of studying together, of sharing with each other, of learning to know each other better, we are on the doorstep of Cutler Bay.
All along, we have said that our goal, in whatever community God led us, will be to serve, to give. And now we're getting acquainted with Cutler Bay because we need to know our community so we can serve in ways that are helpful to them, not just in ways that we think are helpful.
Some of us attended the Concerned Citizens of Cutler Bay meeting, where we listened and took notes on the issues the people talked about. Although the main speaker was a town councilman, the audience didn't stay silent. They asked questions, gave their opinions on everything from proposed lighting for a park area to suggested use for some large tracts of land.
Our get-acquainted process will continue with surveys of residents we meet, to find out what they think are the key issues in the newly created town (about two years old) and what topics are important to them.
It's an adventure because we can't predict what the next day will bring, but it's a serious adventure with meaningful consequences.
Here are two people we met at the meeting and the contact information for them:
Vice Mayor Edward P. MacDouglall--Phone 305-234-4262. Email: emacdougall@cutlerbay-fl.gov
Councilmember Timothy J. Meerbott--Phone 305-234-4262. Email: tmeerbott@cutlerbay-fl.gov
All along, we have said that our goal, in whatever community God led us, will be to serve, to give. And now we're getting acquainted with Cutler Bay because we need to know our community so we can serve in ways that are helpful to them, not just in ways that we think are helpful.
Some of us attended the Concerned Citizens of Cutler Bay meeting, where we listened and took notes on the issues the people talked about. Although the main speaker was a town councilman, the audience didn't stay silent. They asked questions, gave their opinions on everything from proposed lighting for a park area to suggested use for some large tracts of land.
Our get-acquainted process will continue with surveys of residents we meet, to find out what they think are the key issues in the newly created town (about two years old) and what topics are important to them.
It's an adventure because we can't predict what the next day will bring, but it's a serious adventure with meaningful consequences.
Here are two people we met at the meeting and the contact information for them:
Vice Mayor Edward P. MacDouglall--Phone 305-234-4262. Email: emacdougall@cutlerbay-fl.gov
Councilmember Timothy J. Meerbott--Phone 305-234-4262. Email: tmeerbott@cutlerbay-fl.gov
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