New Wine Report July 2012

Life in the vineyard has been good. The month of June started with several of us helping in a Habitat for Humanity Project. This was a Blitz Build which meant that professional teams worked on it for free and it was done in less than a week! The day we volunteered we spent most of the day as the clean up crew, making sure the work site was clear of debris. It was still fun working with a team and observing the house go up before us in very little time. The house is near downtown and about 1 1/2 miles from where we meet on Sunday morning. A great lesson in how cooperation and volunteerism can do wonderful things.
I wonder if sometimes we think too small when it comes to changing our community. It reminds me of an admonition I once heard: "Dream Big, Think Big, Do Great things for God." This is not about building mega churches, but it is about us, not limiting our thinking, when God is really in charge. Pray that New Wine people not limit what we might expect we or the Lord could do.
   

Last month one of our church members lost a younger brother to suicide. Though the funeral was several hours away, several of us went to the funeral to stand along side our brother and his family in this time of tragic loss. I over heard one of our church members explaining to the family when asked why we came saying: "This is what we do." This is what we do when the Lord puts His love for the family of God in our hearts. I do not wish this kind of tragedy on anyone, but God often uses these hard times in our life to bring out the best in the people of God. Our God is a God of redemption.

Our Wednesday Cell group hosted a summer picnic featuring Flint's famous Koegel Hot Dogs. Nearly 40 people were served at the Davison senior apartment complex. Deb even played old favorites on her flute for entertainment. If it is all about relationships, this gathering that blessed our neighbors goes a long way in making inviting people to the cell groups a lot easier. These pre-cell gatherings soften the ground for relationship based invitations. This Cell group is studying the book of "Samuel" this summer and it has proved to be very interesting for those who attend. At the same time our Tuesday Griefshare group finished up at Roxbury in Clio. We have decided to try another gathering as we study the topic of the nature of heaven. This new session will start up the end of August/beginning of September after we throw an introduction picnic like they did in Davison.

There is nothing like sharing your story of God's work in your life. It is powerful and often invigorates you when you share. One Thursday night last month three of us travelled about an hour southeast from Flint to Clarkston and met with a pastor and leaders from a new work that began in January. They are building their Lutheran Church called "The Gathering Place" around a similar model to ours. We could see how our story encouraged and challenged them. We look forward to future times of contact and sharing as we proclaim the goodness of God.

A final noteworthy event from June was the ordination of Michael Cupp, the new church planter in Grand Rapids. New Wine sponsored Mike and Amy in their discernment process. The ordination in the world's eyes may have been small, but for the Kingdom we believe this was a big event. Mike makes several trips a month to GR and he and his family are looking to relocate if the Lord opens up the doors. Pray with us for Mike, Amy and their three small boys as they follow the Lord in this new venture.