New Wine Report - January 2012

This past month has been busy in the vineyard. We started off the month with a special visit from our Bishop who was in the area for an ordination in Lansing. I was up north to perform a wedding and Doc stepped up to help with the preaching through Philippians. As always, Doc excels as a preacher and challenged us to live a life of love and service.

Our Advent Series, "Warning: Christians Under Construction", helped us to think about ways we can grow and serve as we anticipate the Lord's return. We are hopeful He will finish the good work He has begun in us. If you would like to listen to the series again or for the first time, audio sermons are online at www.NewWineMission.com.

December has always been a great month for outreach for the New Wine community. As Rob Robertson, President of our Trustees, likes to point out "Jesus likes a good party!". So we threw several parties giving us chances to invite people who do not regularly come in contact with our community of believers. The Smith's started us off with their annual Christmas Party in the beginning of the month. Then we had parties at both Taecken's Terrace and Elmcrest Senior Apartments. Our Monday Cell and Men's group went caroling and delivered treats and presents to a single mom and child we adopted this year. One of our Cell groups packed up holiday goodie boxes for troops to do their part to brighten some of our military personnel overseas.

Some sad news is that the Anglican Mission in America's leadership has had a falling out with our Rwandan leadership. The church and I are still under the Archbishop of Rwanda's oversight, but our relationship is confused at best at this moment in time. We are praying for direction and reconciliation to happen in the leadership of our Mission. I do not understand all the dynamics, but it is very clear that spiritual powers of darkness are at play here, probably because so much good has happened through AMIA in recent years. I have heard we have started over 200 new congregations since 2001. No wonder Satan is at work stirring the pot.

Our Katie has completed the preparation portion of her mission school and now is in the field in the middle east for the next 3 months. She had some problems getting away from New Zealand but has caught up with her team. After only a day or so in the field, the team was robbed while they were away from the shelter and Kate's Apple laptop was one of several items stolen. She seemed to take it in stride, but again I see these things as having spiritual causes that challenges me to pray for her as she is on the front line. The enemy does not like it when we find success and is looking at all times to undermine things in the spiritual as well as real life.

Please join us in prayer as this new year begins. Deb still has no really good leads on a job. It is critical she get one soon for us to continue in our work here in Michigan. Those who are prayer warriors, I ask you might double your efforts in praying for us. Your prayers and financial support have been a great encouragement as the church finished the year a little bit ahead once again. He knows exactly what we need when we need it.

Christmas In the Mission

When we felt led to start New Wine Anglican Mission in 2005,  I knew we were not to do church as usual.  We wanted to be "New Wine" that did not go in the old structures and forms that were not producing much fruit for the Kingdom.  We have not been perfect.  We still fight against the strong pull to return to life in the church as we knew it, but by God's grace we are trying to be different.

Last week was a great example of doing both the "old or ancient things" in a new way.   Our Monday Cell group adopted a young mom and her 2 year old son.  They have had a very rough go of things, but with the help of  a strong Christian recovery ministry they are making a new start of things.  Monday night we set aside our regular gathering and we took over presents we bought for her and her son.  We brought hot chocolate and cookies and prayed over this family in her second floor apartment on the North side of Flint.  This was not a one time encounter.  We will be following up with them in the weeks and months ahead.   We are now part of her support team.   This felt so much more like "relational ministry" rather than "arms-length" outreach which has been our habit in the past.

The Wednesday Cell group hosted their 3rd annual "Christmas Party".  Over 40 people from the senior apartment in Davison came to visit, eat and sing Christmas carols.   This was  a ministry of blessing and this cell group has been a major influence in the community life at Taecken's Terrance.  The weekly fellowship engages 15-20 people in God's Word.  We just finished our study of Matthew and will begin a book study called "Too Busy Not to Pray" by Bill Hybel.

Thursday night we then did a special Anglican "Lessons & Carols" Service at Elmcrest Senior Apartments in Flushing.  We set up our power point projector and keyboard and in their commons room made an instant church setting.   Here about 30 people gathered for a reading of the Christmas story and the singing of half a dozen appropriate carols.  The Good News is proclaimed in such a simple way in this  great service that we took to the people rather than expecting them to come to us.   Perhaps next year we could take this to an even more public gathering space.  

Finally we had over 40 people gather at the Community Room on East Street in Flint for Christmas Eve.  We broke out the silver chalice and vestments as we remembered the birth of Jesus.  He was the Light that broke into darkness 2000 years ago and can still bring light to the darkness of suffering, fear and pain in our lives today.     (This years music was once again beautiful as we have come to expect from Anne and Deb.)

Outreach and Celebrations made this one great Christmas in the Mission.


Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!!!!

Looking Like Jesus

Sunday December 18th was the last Sunday of Advent and the last of the four part preaching series:  "Warning: Christians Under Construction".   (Check out our audio sermons posted at www.NewWineMission.com)  We lit the last purple candle on the Advent Wreath.  We have taken down the Yellow Warning Tape and put away the Tool Box and Hard Hat, but hopefully we have come away from our times of worship this Advent encouraged. 


Yesterday we read through the last chapter (chapter 4) of Paul's letter to the Philippians.  We were encouraged to stand firm joyfully in the midst of troubles believing that God will complete the good work He has begun in us.   When times are hard and things are falling apart, personally or even in the church, we are reminded that God is not worried.  God is not frustrated and giving up on us.  God is hard at work, as we yield ourselves to Him, with the goal of helping each of us and us together to look more like Jesus. 

This is our hope that as we press near in worship, study and by faith, God will make us more like Jesus.  We confess that individually and at times corporately we do not look much like Jesus.  Yet we hold fast to the promise that He will keep growing us more into the image of the Son.  

My challenge to those gathered Sunday was for each of us to submit to the Lord inviting Him to work on one area of needed change in our lives.  I also asked the fellowship to enter into the Ministry of Encouragement by lifting up those we see who are acting and doing things like Jesus would.   After the service I actually heard people saying to each other:  "My you are looking more like Jesus today!"   What a great way to head into the holiday season.  May our family and friends see Jesus in us more and more.

Saturday night New Wine Trustees and wives joined Deb and I for our monthly dinner gathering.  We take time to laugh and eat together before reflecting on the needs and fruit of the ministry.  We usually end with a time of intercessory prayer.  This past year has been a blessed one with many opportunities for ministry in our cell groups and on Sunday morning and through our missionary outreach.   We rejoice in what has been accomplished and that our financial needs for 2011 have been met,  including a special donation to meet pension obligations for the rector and reimbursing half of the Kulchar medical expenses for the year (this came to $3,800).  We are so grateful for the faithful support of this ministry!

We concluded our night together praying for 2012.  We are praying for numerical growth this year and conversion growth.  Pray with us as we seek ways of shaping the ministry this year to be more intentional in reaching unchurched people.

Remember:  Christmas Eve Service starts at 7pm and there is no Sunday morning service Christmas Day.  

Weddings & Backyard Brawls

A week ago Saturday, December 3rd, Deb and I headed up north so I could perform a wedding for a young couple we met through our seminarian Micah Chisholm. The bride was Stephanie Chisholm's identical twin sister. It was a privilege for Deb and I to counsel with Emily and Tyler Gotowka the last few months. I am confident they desire to live out their vows before each other and the Lord. Their heart felt conviction made for a beautiful Christian wedding.

The Gotowka wedding had been planned for some time. It was a destination wedding in that it took place at Castle Farms, an event center in Charlevoix, Michigan. The facility looked like an old stone castle. The chapel was lovely and the meal and dancing  was great!  (Despite my facial expression in the picture I really did have a good time.)  This was the 41st marriage I had been asked to officiate. Each one reminds me of the vows I made to Deb over 31 years ago as it does for all married persons who attend such services.

Marriage has the potential of being the highest expression of human love. I know I would give my life for Deb and that she would do the same for me. I know she is committed to standing at my side in good and bad times. We are told that marriage is a picture of the way Jesus and the Father are committed to loving each one of us. Jesus is the groom and we are His bride. He is terribly fond of us and is constantly pursuing after us. But just like our experience of marriage on earth, our relationship with Him takes work.

On Sunday mornings in Advent we have been looking at our life as Christians. In a series entitled "Warning: Christian Under Construction" we are considering the fact that we still have room to grow in our relationship with God and with those around us. This past Sunday we considered how in our lives, the world and even in the church we still have conflict. We can do only a little to affect conflict in the world, but most of us can affect the conflicts in our own backyards.

The church is filled will people whom the Lord is still working on. People who do not love as they ought. People who do not serve as they ought and thus sometimes fight even though we ought not. My admonition, like Paul's advice to the church in Philippi, was to forget what lies behind and press towards being more like Christ. (Phil. 3:13) We are called to keep working at our relationships. We are to work at listening to each other, sharing with each other and forgiving each another, just like we must do in marriage. If you were not present you can hear the sermon in full online at:

http://www.newwinemission.com/Audio_Sermons/

I am so glad the Lord has not given up on me, His church, even the World. I am glad He is committed to working at our "marriage" and He wants me to keep working on my relationships with those around me. May we be patient with one another and the church as He continues to build us up and work on His church.

New Wine Report - Dec 2011

This afternoon I broke out our Advent Calendar and we started counting down the days to Christmas. I put up the lights and last Sunday we lit the first Advent Candle. It is the season of anticipation!

We anticipate the joys of Christmas and the remembrance of Jesus coming among us in bodily form. We anticipate His return when this age as we know it comes to an end. We anticipate the end of the battle between the powers of darkness and light. We anticipate the end of the falleness and brokenness of this current age often filled with suffering, death, and tears. We, with Paul, believe that to be with Christ is our gain and at times I wake up thinking I am ready for the end: "Come Lord Jesus, Come". Yet the Father is patient. He is waiting for the perfect time and until then there is more work to do. There are more who are in darkness who need to come into the light.

At New Wine we are so aware of people in need everyday. Yesterday, I learned of a family who needs to seek bankruptcy protection because they have no jobs. Our local Outreach food closet is serving over 200 families a month when only a few years ago it was 60. At the YMCA the other day I overheard a man share how he was facing cancer yet had no faith to help him cope. The physical and spiritual needs around us are so great.

We are people on mission. If you have not been to our website and new blog:

http://www.newwinemission.blospot.com/

Please check it out. There you can read about how the Lord spoke to us through His Spirit on our last Listening Retreat. In our time we reflected on the nature of our spiritual battle and our need to always be listening and connected to the Lord in these end times. Our theme seemed to be "Word of God Speak". I rejoice that the Lord is creating in us a community of people eager to hear from the Lord.

One way we are trying to expand the teaching aspect of our work is that we have a link on our blog to our updated website where we are now posting a recording of the Sunday Sermon. People who miss a Sunday or those who are far away can listen to this week's teaching, as long as you have internet access wherever you are around the world. (Even our Kate in New Zealand or Joy in China).

This month we will be doing several outreach efforts through our different cell groups that are seasonally appropriate. We plan a special 7pm Christmas Eve Service but will not gather on Christmas Day which is a Sunday so we can gather with our own families. We ask your prayers that the Lord would help Deb find a job. It is critical that we soon find a means to make up the $600 a month short fall that her previous job provided.

Thank you to all who continue to pray and support us in our mission. May the Lord fill your Advent and Christmas with His glorious light and a renewed sense of His return!

Dave+ & Deb

Under Construction

We are all "Christians Under Construction" or as some prefer to say it: "In Formation". I am so thankful God is not done with me yet. He is still working on me even in areas that I thought were "finished". For example I know the Gospel. The Good News has changed my life. Yet I am still surprised from time to time with new insights around this foundational concept. Praise the Lord that He is new every morning and we can never run out of places to grow.

This Advent at New Wine Mission we are looking at ways the Lord continues to work on us. Yesterday I spoke about the foundation of our faith: The Gospel. We are looking at this topic through Paul's letter to the Philippians. Paul reminded the church of Philippi that he was convinced that God would complete the good work He had begun in them. (vs. 1:6)

I see God working in the people of New Wine. He has given us a hunger for His Word and we are committed to studying the Bible regularly. I also see in us a desire to be used of God to both proclaim and contend for the truth of the Gospel. As we do, our knowledge and insight grows and we become stronger followers of Christ. As pastor, I am so excited to see God at work in the lives of our church. In the midst of trials and celebrations we have been able to see God moving through answered prayer. For example Deb and I recently saw Him provide the finances needed for Katie to complete her mission outreach with YWAM and provide roommates for our daughter in Nashville. In both cases He did this just in the nick-of-time.

Last Friday I was visiting family in Ohio and took time to swing by Trinity School for Ministry and visit our seminarians Micah and Stephanie Chisholm. They are doing well as he finishes up his last year of seminary. Their lives are full. Stephanie is a nanny for a local family in Pittsburgh and Micah works part-time at Starbucks and attends full-time classes at the seminary. They are expecting their first child in March and they will be looking to re-enter full-time ministry this Spring just after the baby is born. We had a brief but good visit as we caught up on what God was doing in all of us. We pray for them regularly and are looking at the possibility of them joining us for a season back in Flint after they complete their studies. It was good to hear how God is working in their lives. Lets pray that the Chisholms and all the people of New Wine grow in their knowledge and love of the Lord in the Advent season.

Kingly Worship

Sunday November 20th was "Christ the King Sunday" which is the last Sunday of the Church Calendar year.  All the text and hymns and songs lead us in high praise of the King of King.  This year we reflected on what it meant to "bow" before our King.   If you would like to hear a recording of the sermon, you can listen online if you go the our church website (www.NewWineMission.com).

The Spirit has blessed us of late with good worship as we sing and speak forth our praise to King Jesus.  Have you ever attended a service and just thought:  "Wow, the Lord is here!"  This is how I felt Sunday.   Jesus taught us that He is with us when "two or three are gathered together".   I thank the Lord for the faithful who gather our small meeting room built behind a old house near downtown Flint.  It may not be where many people would expect to feel the Lord's presence.  There are no stained glass windows.   There are no golden chalices or high vaulted ceilings  (not that in and of themselves these things are bad or do not point people towards worshiping the Lord).  But what I sense is what we lack in "surroundings" the Lord has blessed our small gathering with people who truely worship Him because He has touched our lives.  The phrase "Authentic Kingly Worship" comes to my mind.  Thus together and individually we bow our heart before the Lord in humility, submission and awe and it is good.

We are praying that more people will find their way to our fellowship and join us as we worship the King!  Next week we begin our preparation for celebrating the anniversary of Lord's birth and think on our preparations for His return.  Come join us for the First Sunday of Advent  at 10:30 a.m.  at 727 East Street, Flint.

Advent Preaching Series

Sermon Series: "Warning Christians Under Construction" (Hard Hat Zone)

Study of Paul's Letter to the Philippians

November 27, 2011  Advent 1

Title “Construction On Your Faith – The Foundation”

Reading: Phillipians 1

Dec 4, 2011 Advent 2      Guest Preacher: Bishop Doc

Title   “Construction On Your Character – The House”

Reading: Phillipians 2

Dec 11, 2011 Advent 3B
Title: "Construction On Your Relationships – The Yard"

Reading: Phillipians 3

Dec 18, 2011 Advent 4B

Title: "Construction Complete – Our Hope"

Reading: Philippians 4

Word of God Speak

At our church Listening Day at St. Francis Prayer Center on November 12th we began our day with Morning Prayer using the Daily Office. The readings for the day were: Rev. 20:1-6, Psalm 87 and Matt. 16:21-28. They reminded us that there is spiritual battle all around us even when we set aside time to pray. The Revelation passage reveals that Satan's end is sure, yet he is not going down without a fight. Like the City of Zion in Psalm 87 we are precious to the Lord. Yet like Peter, we are never very far from falling under the enemy's sway as Peter who one minute proclaimed Jesus the Christ and the next was used of Satan to try to dissuade the Lord from the work ahead of Him. I reminded the 16 of us gathered who were asking the Lord to speak to us that this may engage the enemy as he tries to distract us from this most laudable endeavor.

After retreating to different areas of St. Francis Center for an hour and a half of quiet, we gathered in the warm and homey greatroom to share our reflections of our time in quiet. From God's Word (Psalm 81:10) we were encouraged to draw near to the Lord. "Open wide your mouth and I will fill it". Similarly in Psalm 131:2 someone else felt the the Lord saying to be still and quiet "like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me". We recognized the Spirit's working as these texts were given by two separate people. We sensed the Spirit asking us "Do you love me?". We were challenged to focus on Him, to envision looking into His eyes, and speaking to Him our words of love that come from our heart.

It is a privilege to be silent before the Lord someone reflected. It takes work being silent before the Lord, but it is on our knees, seeking his face, when intercessors "pull down walls in the spiritual". Someone else in our midst found herself contemplating Daniel 9 & 10 when even the prophet sought the Lord in prayer and fasting. We learn that the messenger of God was delayed in the spiritual realm when he first began to pray. Again the theme of doing spiritual battle in times of prayer was sounded.

Then an exhortation in Ecclesiastes 5:1 was shared. People of prayer are to "guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong. Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart..."

Someone else shared from Proverbs 4: 5 "Get wisdom, get understanding, do not forget my words or swerve from them." I noticed in 4:20 it says "pay attention to what I say, listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight keep them with your heart". Then in verse 23 it says: "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life". In times of prayer and battle we are to cry out "Word of God Speak" to our heart.

Two of our members were unable to join on site but joined us in prayer at their home. The Spirit had them focus on the word "wellspring" as they meditated on the assigned readings for the day. The Lord gave them this poem that came from writing a summary of the text they were led to read. They did not realize it was a poem until they had finished writing a summary of each verse!

All my springs of joy are in you, (Ps. 87:7)

For with Thee is the foundation of life; (Ps. 36:92)
    the foundation of living waters, (Jere. 2:13)

    the foundation of living water, even the Lord. (Jere. 17:13)

    a well of water springing up to eternal life. (John 4:14)

It appears the Lord is inviting New Wine to a deeper level of intimacy with Him. To dig deep into His Word allowing it to speak to our souls. He is inviting us to listen and be quiet. He is calling us to do battle in the spiritual alongside Him. Then to allow the Word to bear the fruit of good works which flows forth like living water into the world.

As it said in Canticle 10 (Isaiah 55:6-11) which we read in Morning Prayer: "Seek the Lord while he wills to be found, call upon him when he draws near." We want to be caught up in Him. We do not want to just be on "stand-by" until His return. But as one of our number confessed on Saturday "We want to be on Stand-With"!

Saints I Met This Week

After a great "All Saints Celebration" last Sunday I started off on a busy week.  But along the way I met a number of goodly saints.  Monday night our cell group met at our house but we had a few folks missing.  My wife Deb, for example, had headed down to Nashville earlier in the day to be with our daughter Jenny for the week.  We prayed her in safely as she sent me a text in the middle of our fellowship letting us know she had completed the 11 hour trek safely. 

We are working our way through the Gospel of Mark.   We discussed the first half of Chapter 5 about Jesus freeing the man who filled with demons.  It is good to mine the golden nuggets of the Word with others who seek to understand what it means to follow one who commands earth and the spiritual powers of dark and light.

But was even more a blessing is that the next day a pan of pasta was left on my front door, and a day later some bean soup (which I never get because my dear wife does not like beans!) was dropped off.  I would have survived on cereal, eggs and left-overs, but the gifts of the saints have blessed Anjelo and I all week long.

Then Wednesday I spent the day in Livonia with fellow church planters.  We shared about our common work and life in the mission,  rejoiced in the work  being done and even talked of our newest mission in Brighton which is called "Crossroads Anglican Church"!   I was reminded of how blessed I am to be numbered among such Godly pastors whose heart is to follow the Spirit's leading and serve the people Jesus calls us to love.

Yesterday I was asked to do a mid-week service for a group of ladies at Elmcrest Sr. Apartments in Flushing.  This small but faithful group celebrated with me a belated "All Saints".  We once again recounted the lives of Christians who have touch our lives through their words and deeds.  I am so glad to know that we too continue to  be his light in this generation. 


Then today, Veteran's Day is my mothers "Re-birthday" when back in 1976 she gave her life to the Lord.  She has been a wonderful example of  a Jesus follower,  a really saint of the Lord,  Thus, I have many reasons to thank the Lord for all the saints I met this week!

For All The Saints!

Sunday November 6th we celebrated "All Saints" day at New Wine Mission.  We had a great day of worship and perhaps most notable no sermon.   That may sound funny coming from the preacher, but we had others speaking to us with the testimony of their lives.  During the course of the Liturgy of the Word and the Prayers we paused to give thanks for over a dozen saints that had touch many of our lives.  Members of our community stood prayed remembrance prayers as we celebrated the lives of the saints who has touch our own lives.  Some were Bible heroes like  Father Abraham.  Here is the prayer we prayed:

"We begin our All Saints Day remembrance today by giving thanks for the life of our Spiritual forefather, Abraham. By faith he stepped out and left the comfort of what was familiar and known, to sojourn in an unknown land, simply because he heard the Lord's call. By faith he turned from his own plans to produce an heir and trusted in God. By faith he acted in obedience to God and offered his one true son Isaac as an altar sacrifice believing God would still provide. Not perfect, but faithful, Abraham was used of God and from his family line the Savior was born."

Here is our prayer for an Anglican Hero, Thomas Cranmer:

" We give thanks for the life of Archbishop Thomas Cranmer, who in the midst of great political drama helped established The Church of England. Protestant in theology, he was partly responsible for the dissemination of the Bible into the vernacular of the people. He developed the first Book of Common Prayer which allowed the people of England to worship the Lord in their own language. Under Mary Tudor's pressure (better known as Bloody Mary) he was charged to return the church back to Rome. He refused and was tried for heresy. Under the threat of death he recanted his protestant teaching, but would later publicly renounce this lapse. Bishop Cranmer died among the protestant martyrs during Mary's reign in 1556. He was burned at the sake courageously placing his hand that he signed his recantation in the flames first. For his leadership, legacy and courage we give thanks."  

In place of the sermon we prayed this prayer of thanks:

"We give thanks for faithful priests, pastors and preachers who have faithfully "handled the word of God". We thank you for those who have labored in study and prayer as they prepared to share the Good News of Jesus in pulpits, classrooms and even stadiums. We think of Anglican priests and bishops like Phil Zampino, Niles Blatz, Michael Schulenberg and our own bishop, Doc Loomis. But, we also give thanks for powerful communicators like Ravi Zacharia and Billy Graham and other faithful teachers of Your Word. The truths they proclaimed have moved and transformed our hearts and minds. We know we are a different and better people because of their faithful service to your word. We pray for the next generation of preachers. We pray for men like Micah Chisholm and Mike Cupp who you are allowing us to help raise up. Give people everywhere ears to hear and hearts to receive the truth of the Gospel especially in this community where we live."

But perhaps one of the most inspiring was our prayer for George Muller who died in 1898:

" We are grateful for the life of George Muller who was a Christian evangelist, director of the Asley Down orphanage in Bristol, England, and who cared for over 10,000 orphans in his life. He was well-known for providing an education to the children under his care, to the point where he was accused of raising the poor above their natural station in life. He also established 117 schools which offered Christian education to over 120,000 children, many of them orphans. George and his wife remind us that work in your Kingdom is never done. At the age of 70 George left the work of the orphanage in his daughter's hands and went off on a preaching mission to Europe, America, India, Australia and China extending over a period of 17 years! Let us never think our work for you is done and be open to your leading even in the twilight years of our earthly pilgrimage."

With these, and several others we entered into a rich time of worship with good liturgy and inspirational songs and hymns.  We give thanks today for such a special time in the Lord and "For ALL The Saints"!

Five Receptions

No, I am not talking about Detroit Lions Football (though they are making many of their fans ROAR this season).   New Wine had five of our people officially received into the work of the Anglican Mission in America.  Pat & Judy Self, Jim & Barb Sartor, and Peggy Hott all were welcomed into the Mission by our Bishop Doc Loomis Sunday, October 5th at a regional service in Livonia, MI. 

The Bishop suggested that we not see this action as some sort of time to extend the "handshake of fellowship" to these persons, but that its another opportunity to pray for them as Spirit-filled missionaries who have been called by name and loved by our Father.   Doc took time to pray with and over each of the 8 people who came forward Sunday night.  Three AMIA churches had people being recieved and being sent out to join us in mission.

I know each of our members are already strong, Spirit-filled believers.   I was recently reminded how special our church is.  Though not large in numbers yet we have people who are ministering in our community and abroad.  Here are just a few of the ministries the people of New Wine are involved in:  A 2 year missionary in China,  A Board Member of Open Arms Orphanage in Columbia,  Member of Christ Enrichment Center Finance Committee, an ESL tutor for immigrants in Flint,  Team Leader at Flushing Outreach Center,  Blood Drive Coordinator, several Cell Group Facilitators,  Mentor to a fatherless man who had been in legal trouble.  

To be a mission-minded church it takes fully-devoted followers of Christ who are committed to going in His power into the World.  We are thankful for the opportunity to sacramentally celebrate this reality with our Bishop last night. 

Bishops & Angels

BISHOPS

Bishop Doc Loomis will lead a Confirmation/Reception Service for the Lighthouse Network Sunday, October 30th at 5pm. in Livonia (Madonna Univ. Kresge Hall).   It will be a great time of worship and teaching as we gather together from several congregations in mid-Michigan.   Five members of New Wine will be offically "Received" in the Anglican Mission in America.  As a missionary branch of the Anglican Church of Rwanda, we are all encouraged to see ourselves as missionaries to our family, friends and neighbors.  We have endeavored to keep the mission emphasis before us even in our official name "New Wine Anglican Mission".    Let us never lose our missionary edge!

ANGELS

Last Sunday we heard a precious testimony from one of our members about an "angel".    Though we believe in the reality of heavenly messengers, this story was about a statue of an angel.  Our member shared that she and her late husband had an angel statue that was a special keepsake, but that it had broken since his death.  She ran into the artist Jim Shore recently in Frankenmuth and shared about the statue's current condition.  To her delight this past week she got a special package sent to her home from Mr. Shore.  It was a replacement angel for her broken one called the "watcher of villages and valleys".  Our member saw in this gesture of kindness the Father in heaven reminding her that He cares even about the small things.   God is watching over her in her valley.

Empty Chair

The Empty Chair

The "Empty Chair" is often pulled into our cell groups.  It can have various purposes. 

First and foremost we hope someone will fill it.  We pray that new people will be invited and join us in our times of study, caring and laughing together.   The joys of authentic Christian community are not meant to be kept to a chosen few.  We need to remember to pull the empty chair into our circle on occasion because it reminds us of the people not present.  The chair reminds us to pray for those who are absent that night and for those who are yet to come.

The Chair also reminds us of Jesus who promises to be with us whenever 2 or 3 gather in His Name.  Much like at the Jewish Passover meal, where a empty place is set for the prophet who was to come before the Messiah, we look to Jesus joining us in the circle.   We look forward to Christ being present with us in His Word, in our time of prayer and even as we speak of His mighty deeds in our church and in our lives.

Next time you see the "Empty" Chair in your Cell Group, pray that it might be filled.

A Word: Be Ready!

One of our New Wine members has the gift of encouragement and it is often expressed in prophetic words.  Two weeks ago in prayer they sensed the Lord speaking to to His people:

"My dear ones - Look not unto yourselves -  Here I am.  Here is my living Holy Spirit which I so gladly give.  Let Go.

Here I am with all the gifts you need.  Reach down within your soul and find My Spirit there.  Use it!

Make way - for I will and am coming -  Be Ready!"   9-23-11

October Newsletter

NEW WINE REPORT by  Dave & Deb Kulchar

Our daughter Katie has made it safely to the YWAM Base in Christ Church, New Zealand. She has made several posts to her blog:

http://kkulchar.blogspot.com/

You can follow her on mission the next 6 months as she makes regular posts about what the Lord is doing in her and through her.

September has blown by at New Wine Mission. We are just finishing a 4 week preaching series on Christian Love called "What's Love Got To Do With It?" We all know it has everything to do with it. We are praying that the Lord would broaden our ability and desire to love as He has loved us.

In this ever increasing "Network Culture", where people can connect in a click of a button, we are challenged to love and care for each other as a healthy family cares for each other. Who are the people we are connected with? Do we see everyone as a person who is loved by God and has a unique story to tell and a unique story to live. Erwin McManus, author of one of my favorite books, "The Barbarian Way", recently reminded me not to try to inject God into the nonbeliever's "story", He is already there! We are called to walk alongside them and help them see where God is working and how being open to His presence will help them fullfill the story that could be! This shift in perspective helps evangelism to be more about a treasure to discover than a set of facts to preach. It is less oppositional and more cooperative.

Last month, one of our Cell Groups hosted a luncheon for a clean up crew at our local food pantry. These were a group of special needs adults who with the help of a coach work together to do special clean up and community service work. It was a blessing to get to know them over lunch and to be a blessing to those who serve. There is something good about serving together that builds our lives in faith.

Several people in our community are in need of work. Deb is still looking. Also Angelo, a Sudanese student at UM Flint, who is without housing is staying at our home as he goes to school and looks for work to meet his living expenses. Others are under employed and the funds are not enough to meet expenses. Pray for gainful work and open doors.

Last Saturday several of our Cell group leaders and potenial leaders met for a time of training. It is always good to step back from the regular routine of meeting and look at the big picture. We are hoping to start one or two new cells this Fall and praying existing ones grow in number, depth and mission.

At New Wine this month pray that we may see where God is at work in our network of family, friends, neighbors and aquaintances.

Praying for Flint

Saturday October 8th -  Pastor Kulchar and Pastor Kim went out with some 30 other Flint Area Christians knocking on doors.  We were simply asking how we could pray for their neighborhood as we were part of an effort to pray over every house and street in Flint.  This approach has literally opened up hundreds of doors.  We have met many faithful people and been a great encouragement to them, but we have also had many good conversations with pre-Christians.  There has even been opportunity to share the Gospel and some have asked Jesus into their hearts.

We have knocked on over 11,000 doors since last spring. This effort is called "Revive Flint".  Any Christian near or far can join us in this effort.  For more information  you can explore:   www.ReviveFlint.com

Last Saturday also included another special prayer event called the "Flint Prayer Chain Day".  This event reported nearly 90 churches organizing people to form a massive prayer chain down Saginaw Street in Flint, to pray for the city on this day.  Our door-knocking teams joined a kick-off rally on the front lawn of City Hall for a noon prayer rally.   It appears the Holy Spirit is stirring the hearts of His people, hopefully preparing us for a great spiritual awakening in our community. 

Join us at New Wine Anglican Mission on Sunday October 16 at 10:30am  as we pray for each other, our city and the nation.  www.NewWineMission.com

"What's Love Got to Do With It?" - New Sermon series begins September 18

A new sermon series,  a four-week preaching on Christian Love, begins at New Wine Anglican Mission on Sept. 18th.

Be sure to join us for the complete series:

"What's Love Got to Do With It?"

No. 1: (Sept 18th)  "I Called to Say I Love You"
No. 2 (Sept 25th)   "Love Lets It Go"
No. 3 (Oct 2nd)  "Stop In the Name of Love"
No. 4 (Oct 9th)   "I'll Be Loving You – Forever"

New Wine Anglican Mission - September Report

Greetings from the Flint Vineyard!

It is hard to believe that Summer is gone and Fall has begun. The days are getting shorter and the leaves have begun to fall (more from heat and dryness than the chill). At New Wine we had more people on the move this summer than previous years, but attendance on Sundays hovered around 20. Our average is between 20 and 25 which is a blessing, yet as a missioner I am hoping for more. We have had 30-40 a week involved in our cell groups, but even these have struggled as of late.

God has been so good to us. Our small congregation has had one of our members go to Columbia to help out with a children' ministry. Another has arrived in China where she will spend the next two years with ELIC (English Language Institute China). For such a small group we certainly are mission minded at the international level.

Join us in prayer this Fall as we focus on cell group multiplication and outreach. Those who lead healthy cell church congregations teach that the average life-cycle for a small group is about 3 years. If the cell has not naturally multiplied in that period because of growing larger than the 12-14 maximum members, they have found the group begins to disintegrate for waning interest, relational conflict or other natural factors such as schedule changes. We have several groups at this stage this fall. I am hoping to see the groups reconfigure into 4 small seed groups.

This vision is to create growing multiplying fellowships who worship together, study and disciple each other. They meet for study but also socially and for times of outreach. They minister to one another in prayer and caring fellowship as they journey together on mission.

We are finding that this model of ministry is relationship intensive, but can reap great rewards. But as Jon Schuler, my early mentor told me: “It will take a long time to do”. Pray for Deb and I as we keep our eyes on the Lord and labor persistently in the Flint & Genesee County mission field.

I am excited about several mentoring relationships that I am in. Two younger men are pursuing Anglican orders, through their relationship with me and New Wine. Micah is just starting his last year of seminary this fall and Mike has nearly completed his transition into AMIA and is looking at starting a new work in Grand Rapids. Pray for both of these men as we work with them and they become new ordained laborers in the vineyard!

On the the home front it is official. We are “empty-nesters”! Kyle moved out to an apartment near Mott Community College where he will begin classes next week. He is working 20 hours a week as a cook and is now learning what independent living is like. We ask your prayers for success in his studies and direction as he considers vocational opportunities. The house is now very quiet and Deb has started to look for employment in earnest. As she steps back into the work force at a very difficult time in our area, we need the Lord to lead her to a position where she feels challenged and fulfilled and one that meets our financial need. We are fine at this time but within the next few months, things will become very tight without her income. Please pray.

Thanks for your interest and prayer support,

Dave+ & Deb Kulchar