Net2Church Meeting 12/19/09

Hinkley and Patty Tuller cooked up a great Christmas dinner in honor of Pastor Beverly Long and the folks at Church of the Redeemed in Winchendon who have opened up their church facilities to us and continue to lift us up during their intercessory prayer sessions. Many dishes were prepared by them and others. There were close to thirty people of all ages that were served.

Our fellowship time began with Kenny McNeil providing a detailed explanation of Chanukah from a Jewish perspective followed by a time for questions and answers. The time of blessing was extended to include a time of sharing prophetic words that people felt were relating to Net2Church.

We discussed the general theme of becoming aware of what each one of us brings to the table of Net2Church. This involved sharing what Christ is doing in each of us, and how that might relate to the rest of us, and how we might embrace the things that God has been revealing to each individual, as a group.

Life is like a box of chocolates...

David Dubois and Hinkley have been given design concepts for building designs, construction materials, and building methodologies. They also have been given ideas about generating power along with energy conservation techniques. That matched up with some inspired (interactive) bible reading that Bev was doing, and a prophetic word that I had received from Alan Ross (Scotland) in 2005. Kenny, Rhonda, myself, and others lend talents in sales, marketing, and business management.

Summary...

So, the meeting shifted completely from ministry to manufacturing as we simply discussed what God was doing in our lives, and the commonality that we shared along those lines from start to finish. We never know what God is doing until we share those things that He reveals with others, in love. I am thankful for all those that are coming and courageously sharing with complete vulnerability, what God has shown to them.

Will we do anything with this? Yes. We are all praying about it, and seeking God for advisement, clarity, and more revelation. Could these innovatory ideas be used to contribute funding for our ministry?... hmmmm.

God is speaking, we are listening, and we are eager to press in for more of Him.

Merry Christmas!

- Dave

Gabriel...

This may seem a bit strange, but this weather-vane on the Scofield Chapel speaks as much volume to my heart as anything does about Crestwood. From the moment I glanced up to take notice, I was realizing that if anything signifies the Net2Church spirit, this beautifully hand-crafted weather-vane does. Gary O'Neal and his co-workers really did create something of spiritual value in this artwork. Thanks, Gary.

RECENT MEETINGS:

Although our "numbers" have been few, much has been discussed, and a real sense of spiritual bonding has been taking place at Net2Church. We are typically running meetings with a core group that has been averaging less than 10 people. What is interesting is that not everyone comes every week, so the mix is constantly changing, and therefore, so is the dynamics of both the public message, and the ministry meeting.

Weekly message - Every week is different, but all messages center around a love topic. Sometimes it is serious and somewhat intense. Other times full of laughter and simplicity. Other times real hard-core tough love lessons (like this week, Romans 9, and 3rd John - on trust). The important part about all of this is that God has been in our midst, working in our hearts individually and corporately, and those that have needed to be there, were there and got blessed.

Ministry meetings - In two of our meetings we have discussed setting up N2C as a 501(c)3 corporation. Each of those meetings brought some real heartfelt discussions. Last month, some of us wanted to do that quickly, and this month some wanted not to this at all. Everyone wants what God wants. So, we continue to seek Him in this for clarity. The process, however, is remarkably fun to be a part of - to see such depth, and compassion come forward as people begin to take ownership of the vision.

I am truly blessed!

- Dave

Crestwood - Funding A Vision

1/2 OF A PROMISE...
Ideally, ministries should be pre-funded with gifts/donations or by payment pledges. To fund a ministry on the basis of a "business plan" to sell goods and services just seems a bit odd. Yet, we have a group of investors willing to pre-fund our ministry, and they want to get paid back... in other words, they are willing to part with their money for a season.

We asked for 3 million dollars, and we can have it if we can pay it back. We are looking to focus on the ministries of the new Crestwood Center that will provide an equivalent or greater "spiritual value" than the money might otherwise purchase, but how then would we add a financial return on investment (ROI) to the tasks at hand without diluting our energy and distracting us from our purpose?


To even consider such a thing could place us at odds with many conservative Christians. Crestwood's ministry vision could be expanded to include new business concepts. Should it be attempted? Many of us are entrepreneurial, after all.  ...hmmmmm!

POST YOUR THOUGHTS AND HAVE SOME FUN WITH THIS!!!