tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51835426676088522982024-02-19T07:54:50.043-08:00New Wine Anglican Mission"Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.” - Matthew 9:17The Rev. Dave Kulcharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228558250743182710noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183542667608852298.post-42179542908928220592016-04-24T13:44:00.000-07:002016-04-24T13:44:12.686-07:00New Wine Report - Spring 2016<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnNbwrCEocJZftrj7fJlFxc0wOeEcpz7uFP_PhH1aQEzypQ8o9hHEL4fZyhCXsOTC26g39r7GqBoBQsl0oJh0kRSvL_hS5igz4QuAh4E8-En7ltdduCd1Qape7TfuuvtkogzJJb_Kwyyqt/s1600/Water+Tower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnNbwrCEocJZftrj7fJlFxc0wOeEcpz7uFP_PhH1aQEzypQ8o9hHEL4fZyhCXsOTC26g39r7GqBoBQsl0oJh0kRSvL_hS5igz4QuAh4E8-En7ltdduCd1Qape7TfuuvtkogzJJb_Kwyyqt/s320/Water+Tower.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">You might be wondering what is happening at New Wine in Flint. </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Flint made the national news again last night as 3 officials were indicted on charges of negligence of duty that has resulted in the lead contamination of our water supply. </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Several of our church members have been affected by the water crisis which requires them to use bottled water for consumption. Thankfully there are many “free bottled water” distribution cites in the city. (One at Riverside where we meet on Sundays.) Each of our families’ homes have had the house water tested and all show no signs of contamination. But until the whole system is made right (which may take several years) they may be needing to use bottled water to drink, while washing and bathing in city water is fine. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Pray that responsible people are held accountable, but that a “witch hunt” does not over reach true justice. Pray that financial help reaches the families that have been affected but that the worldly spirit of “blame” and “litigation” does not fill the pockets of the greedy, undeserving and the politically motivated. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">It does feel like just when good things seem to be happening in Flint (new business, growth in higher education, the ridding of blight and establishment of new growth) that this water contamination hit the city and will cause the community to take another bad hit to its reputation as a good place to live, work and grow a family. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">When asked the other day “How is Flint doing?” I replied, feeling like the poor soul who is being kicked after they had fallen down, “Well, I think we definitely have the potential for winning next year’s the ‘most improved city’ because it cannot get much worse.” So please pray for those who are discouraged, frightened and even desperate in our midst. Above all pray for “Spiritual Revival” that can give hope to a hopeless place.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">New Wine had a good but slow winter with several of our people heading south for the worst of winter weather. As of last week most had returned with reports of significant ministry opportunities while they were away. I love the fact that we are a people who are always looking for a place to serve whether as Bible Study leaders or chaperones at “Shine Prom” for special needs students. We are a community of disciples who make disciples. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Here in Flint we have continued to hold our small groups or house church meetings. One of which discovered a new study method which we are calling “Flashback Bible Study” where we all imagine ourselves as someone in the Bible event. It is a great learning tool as we imagine how we would have felt or what we would be thinking if we had been there and it all was happening before us or to us. This method lead to really creative and productive discussions. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The same group has now started a study based on John Ortburg’s book “Who is This Man?” They are examining how Jesus impacts our world today. Another group which meets in a bakery and coffee shop has started a study around images of food in the Bible. They started just this week with Jesus as “The Bread of Life”. (It really works well with the smell of baked goods in the air and on our table.)</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Dave+ and Deb just returned from a trip to the New Wineskins 2016 Missionary Conference. This triennial event is designed to encourage and promote world missions and featured mostly Anglican Mission agencies. Dave+ is pursuing joining a Mission Society called NAMS which stands for “New Anglican Mission Society”. It is an order of Church Planters both here and abroad that have committed themselves to planting Anglican disciple-making and multiplying churches. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">On the return trip they spent several days in Indianapolis continuing to help All Souls Anglican Fellowship develop a plan to call a church planter in the northwestern side of Indy, as well as help build a network of like-minded Anglicans who can develop Word & Sacrament congregations around the city. Currently this project is entering its fundraising stage. If enough pledged funds can be raised for a 2 to 3 year start up phase, Dave+ & Deb can see themselves serving in this new position.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Continue to pray for New Wine, All Souls and the other work we continue to do in Flint and beyond. Pray for us as we seek the Lord concerning future work and service.</span></div>
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The Rev. Dave Kulcharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228558250743182710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183542667608852298.post-32214656124528970312015-11-25T14:20:00.003-08:002015-11-25T14:20:43.389-08:00New Wine Report - Nov 2015<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal;">
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Life at New Wine and the Kulchar’s has been less than routine of late. Since we last communicated in this format, much has happened. Since this time last year, I stopped working at the Market and put my full effort in ministry both at New Wine and helping Holy Trinity South Haven in their search process for a new priest. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">With New Wine we focused on small group and outreach efforts. This took the form of reconnecting with Revive Flint Ministry, doing contact work and hosting a Bible Study outreach on Kettering Campus called “Project 52”. We continued to look for social outings to meet and invite non-members which included four of us participating in a “dancing club” for a couple of weeks this fall. Starting last Spring I began a mentoring relationship with the local Inter Varsity staff member and helping him with some intentional faculty outreach. This has been very rewarding though I can only give a few hours a week to this effort. Most recently I hosted our first Christian Faculty Lunch at UM Flint which included 5 professors. Though none have visited New Wine I see these relationships holding much potential. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Sundays and Cell groups have gone well though Tim our music leader has left to explore joining the Catholic church. He was such a blessing while with us and his absence is a great loss. Though a smaller number now at our times of worship, sharing and the breaking of bread continue to be rich. The cell groups at the Davison Senior apartments, a group that meets at the home of a family that is homebound, and our Monday evening cell which we have moved to Wednesday morning at a local coffee shop have continued to reach people beyond our core group and we are thankful. We now have a regular Monday morning prayer group which focuses on intercessory prayer for our adult children who are in great need. This support group has seen great progress in our work of prayer since we started. The men’s group that meets on Thursday night has been a steady blessing though now being lead by a non-churchmen yet who regularly contributes to our support. They are studying Brother Lawrence’s book “Practicing the Presence” and the conversations have been challenging and deep. So we can say thanks to the Lord for using us in various ways in the work of ministry. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Two significant shifts have happened in the Kulchar’s life since we last wrote. First, in October I completed my work with South Haven and they now have a new rector; Rick Turner (ordination picture above). This represented about $900 a month reduction in our support. Instead of taking on another part-time position I am now seriously considering other full-time ministry opportunities. Deb and I would prefer to stay in the midwest near family and in the Anglican communion. However, I am finding there are very few new opportunities that seem to meet our financial needs and make a good ministry match. The second event that arose this fall was that my name was placed in the process for consideration as Bishop of ADGL. I was not selected for consideration by the House of Bishops, but it was a great honor to be considered at all. Now that this process is done I have returned to looking for other ministry opportunities which is very time consuming. This past weekend I went down to Indianapolis (picture left of downtown vet memorial) . There is only one Anglican work in the city and it is under Nigeria and filled with Nigerian immigrants. A group has organized called the Indy Anglican Network and I am considering entering into a short term coaching relationship which could develop into a full-time Network Leader and Church Planter position in the Indy area. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Keep us in prayer both as we lead New Wine and search for where God may be calling us next. </span></div>
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The Rev. Dave Kulcharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228558250743182710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183542667608852298.post-42804992626303636822015-07-20T13:10:00.003-07:002015-07-20T13:18:29.222-07:00July 2015 - New Wine Report<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
New Wine Report -
July 2015</div>
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In July 2005 our
core team launched New Wine Anglican Mission. Our hopes and dreams
were centered around a vision of building a church around authentic
Christian community. Our motto has been “Love God and Love
People”. We have said it so often it is almost humorous now, but
it has been our foundational thought - “It is all about
relationship”.<br />
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After 10 years of
relationships, we can celebrate many lives being touched near and
far. Our hope was to build relationships around “house church”
gatherings we called “Cell Groups”. These small groups would be
incubators where we could grow spiritually and numerically. In these
groups, located in homes, coffee shops and senior apartment
complexes, we have studied, prayed, served and tried to reach out to
invited family, friends and neighbors. Some of our groups have
multiplied but some have served their purpose and folded.
Relationship building takes work and it takes time. Being Anglican
also required that we gather at the Lord's table. At one point we
were pushing 25-30 on a Sunday, but in recent times only about 12-15.
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I have shared with
the congregation and now with those who have supported New Wine, for
Deb and I specifically, our financial needs have grown as we try to
prepare for retirement. The current level of support has been a
blessing up to this point meeting our day to day expenses, but it has
not allowed us to save for the senior years. This year we are seeing
the church constantly falling short of our current budget demands.
This has resulted in our bi-monthly support having to be reduced at
the time of payment. For us, but not necessarily for New Wine, this
represents a closing of a door. I worked bi-vocationally beginning
last summer at the market selling cheese 2 days a week. I tried to
work part-time as a Hospice chaplain in January, but it was not a
good fit for me. Both did, however, remind me that my calling is to
pastor a church and to reach out to the lost and hurting world.<br />
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Hence, as of the
beginning of July, I have begun to search for new ministry positions
that meet our financial need and will allow me to serve full-time.
It could take a year or longer to find a new placement or it could
be by the end of the summer. We ask for your prayers as we seek the
Lord in these matters. If you know of opportunities first in the
Anglican world, but even in other churches, I am open to these
opportunities. We would prefer to stay in the midwest, even in Flint
if the door opened, but if we dreamt of a perfect location at this
moment in relationship to family members, Indianapolis area would be
ideal. I would like to be rector, but am open and capable of being
in a staff roll in a larger church focusing on discipleship,
leadership development, outreach and evangelism.<br />
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Currently we are
pressing on at New Wine. The kingdom work is never done. I have
re-connected with the Revive Flint ministry which prays over the city
and does contact evangelism 2 times a month. I am meeting Christian
faculty for Inter Varsity at U of M in Flint in order to support the
wider work of this campus wide ministry. We are still meeting in
House Church groups looking for ways to connect with and invite new
people to share in our life. I have also been blessed to be part of
a food distribution chapel where I preach once a month to over 200
people. My partnership with Holy Trinity Anglican will soon come to
an end with the calling of a new rector, hopefully before the end of
the year.</div>
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As you can see life
has been very much in flux as of late. The church, Deb and I, and
the wider church need your prayer support.
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The Rev. Dave Kulcharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228558250743182710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183542667608852298.post-84860489166509233592015-04-22T14:03:00.000-07:002015-04-22T14:26:58.890-07:00Listening Day Summary - April 2015<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Listening Day </b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>April 18, 2015</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Summary Statement: </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b> “A Call to action and perseverance resting in our identity as sons and daughters of the King. Pray boldly, Act with mercy, and Trust Him always.”</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Key passage: <b>Jude 1:17-25 </b>(Note: Judy, Rob and others were directed by Spirit to this passage)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i>17 </i></b></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. </i></span><span style="font-family: Arial; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i>18 </i></b></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” </i></span><span style="font-family: Arial; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i>19 </i></b></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. </i></span><span style="font-family: Arial; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i>20 </i></b></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, </i></span><span style="font-family: Arial; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i>21 </i></b></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. </i></span><span style="font-family: Arial; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i>22 </i></b></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Be merciful to those who doubt; </i></span><span style="font-family: Arial; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i>23 </i></b></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. </i></span><span style="font-family: Arial; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i>24 </i></b></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— </i></span><span style="font-family: Arial; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i>25 </i></b></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>WE ARE IN TIMES OF TESTING </b> </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">(The Daily Readings: Dan 3:19-30 “Furnace Test” Luke 4:1-13 “Jesus Testing by Satan”)</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We are in trying times at New Wine and testing times in our world.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We live among the pagans & scoffers - (Like Daniels friends) </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1 Peter 2:12 Live among the Pagans so “they may see your good deeds and glorify God.”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The church and individuals sense a time of spiritual warfare and testing.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>WE ARE TO KEEP OURSELVES IN GOD’S LOVE</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Isaiah 61:3b We will be the planting of the Lord, oaks of righteousness, for His display</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jude 1:20 “Build yourselves up” How? In love by caring for each other. But also </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>WE ARE TO PRAY BOLDY</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jude 1:20 We are to pray “in” the Spirit, informed by the mind of Christ, taught by Word</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> As Children of the King we can speak with authority against spiritual warfare. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Isaiah 61:1-2 In the Spirit we can bind up and proclaim release in the spiritual.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>WE ARE TO ACT MERCIFULLY</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Isaiah 58:6 “True fast” do justice, aid the oppressed, clothe the naked, feed the hungry</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>James1:22 Do not just be hearers of the Word but doers of the Word.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> example: Follow the Riverside brother who spent his life “sharing the Word”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jude 1:23 “Snatching them (the lost) from the fire”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Isaiah 61:1f Bind up the broken hearted, proclaim freedom, release captives, comfort </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>those who mourn, proclaim the good news </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">(Note June & Judy P were lead to James1:22 once again)</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>WE ARE TO PERSERVE</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jude 1:24 We are not to ‘stumble” but to persevere </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A word spoken: “Do not falter when we do not see fruit from what we plan, but seek </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>God’s plan and pursue after it!”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Matt 5:48 Be “perfect” in loving the hard to love. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Keep loving, O people my people, keep loving!”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourself and He will lift you up in His time. Worry not He cares for you!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>WE WILL HAVE THE VICTORY IN CHRIST</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Luke 4:1f Like Christ we are tested, but our victory is found in TRUSTING the Lord.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> Prophetic Word: “I will BE There” Again I say “I will BE There”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Psalm 20 our appointed psalm is a “Psalm of Victory” & reminds us in the end the Lord wins!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Jude 1:24 In the end He will present us “perfect” without fault and with great joy.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Despite the times of testing and hardship the victory is assured! PTL</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Follow Up Questions: </b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">What will we, New Wine Mission, do in the weeks and months ahead in response to this day?</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>How will we work at going deeper and resting in the Love of God? </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>How will our times of meeting with God change?</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>How will your language of prayer change as you battle the enemies of God?</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>How is God calling you to action? What new level of doing will you commit to?</span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size: 11px; letter-spacing: 0px;"> How will we encourage each other & remind each other of His promise to “be there”?</span>The Rev. Dave Kulcharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228558250743182710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183542667608852298.post-26588547390159021282015-02-10T17:44:00.000-08:002015-02-10T17:44:50.923-08:00New Wine Report - Feb 2015<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
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Several of our
fellowship have gone to more warmer climates this time of year.
Florida and Arizona seem to be the favored locations. Some may see
this as a flight from the snow and cold, but we prefer to see them as
missionaries to the South.</div>
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Seriously, it does a
pastor's heart good to hear reports of ministry happening from those
who travel afar. We do feel their absence. Unfortunately our
average Sunday attendance of 2015 is only around 16. But we are
also encouraged to hear reports of how our traveling folks are
constantly encountering “God-moments” on their journeys. One
person is involved in leading a Bible study while others find
witnessing opportunities while staying with friends and family on the
way. One of our folks even helped in a project to create a
“baptismal font” for a new Anglican church.
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For those left to
hold down the fort amid the cold and snow we still find many ministry
opportunities here in Genesee County. One of our cell groups has
changed its location this winter to accommodate a couple who due to
aging issues cannot get out much in the winter. They have now
brought a “house church” to them and all are blessed. Another
group has gained a new person who after being very active in their
church had recently been rather isolated and uninvolved. They now
have joined the group and report a freshness to their spiritual life.
Yet another our cell groups which has been lead by our church
members is being lead by non-members while they are away for the
winter. We will hold our Ash Wednesday Service with this group in
which over a dozen participants who are not from New Wine will be
joining us as we mark the beginning of Lent.</div>
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It has been a
difficult season for the work and me personally. Last year I
returned to bi-vocational work by working 2 days at the Flint Farmers
market selling cheese. Time away from direct ministry is hard for me
when I know so much more can be done for the Kingdom. (“The harvest
is plentiful...”) We have also seen several folks leave the
fellowship for various reasons which is sad and their absence is
deeply felt. At the beginning of the year I quit the cheese shop and
a unique opportunity presented itself in the form of a Hospice
Chaplain position. I applied and was accepted, but soon into the
training it was apparent that the demands of the work were just not
going to allow me to do Hospice, New Wine and my work with South
Haven. After much soul searching and prayer, I have chosen to focus
only on New Wine and Holy Trinity. The combined income from these
two churches will allow us to meet our living expenses. We are
grateful and I have found a renewed passion and energy towards
focusing only on parish ministry!</div>
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Just last week a
parishioner shared a sense of seeing some long awaited fruit about to
spring forth. A young couple has recently started attending and a
few other relationships are showing promise. The work with South
Haven is entering a new busy phase as they are accepting applications
for their new rector. I have already started the vetting process
while coaching them through the early interview stage. This is an
exciting time.
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Please keep New Wine
and Holy Trinity in your prayers. We need discernment concerning
what will be ahead once our ministry with South Haven is completed.
Pray for a season of growth and renewed health and wisdom to the
right things at the right time.
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The Rev. Dave Kulcharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228558250743182710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183542667608852298.post-21135971610425103632014-11-29T17:15:00.000-08:002014-11-29T17:15:00.994-08:00Listening Day Summary - Nov 2014<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>LISTENING DAY SUMMARY - NOV 22, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-decoration: underline;">THE TABLE</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> - by Calvin Miller</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">In this secluded place I meet a King</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">He comes alone to drink reality</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">With me. Sometimes we talk, sometimes we sit</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">And sip a life that passes by the crowd.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">As inwardness is born--a felt thing</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Of power--a commonality of grace--</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">A union where untended hopes are knit</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Where silence roars as quiet sings aloud.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Oh Christ, I love it here! It is our place.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Speak loud or not. Touch me or not. Show then</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Your will or bid me wait in patient grace.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Fill all my hungry need with joy again.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">With simple loaves of bread and chaliced wine</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Heaven, earth, and all of God are mine</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">As most of our New Wine fellowship gathered together on a late November Saturday at Mt. Zion Center for a quiet day retreat we gathered around the Lord’s Table to start the day.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">This was the third Listening Day of 2014. Each day carried its own theme as set by the Spirit. The first was a word to “walk” with the Lord as we engage the culture and attempt to be agents of healing and restoration. The second to “love deeper and work harder” as we keep our relationships with Him first. At Saturday’s gathering the Spirit seemed to be saying “be present” with the Lord. It seemed to be an invitation to “come to the table of presence” and just rest in Him.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">A prophetic word was shared in our debriefing time was:</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>“The time has come -Pray. Pray with Me. Seek My face. Hear My voice that you may do My bidding. You are My beloved children. I am with you and will not fail you. Go out now with My blessing” </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i>17 </i></b></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. </i></span><span style="font-family: Arial; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i>18 </i></b></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, </i></span><span style="font-family: Arial; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i>19 </i></b></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty stre</i></span><span style="font-size: 9px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>ngth </i></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><i>20 </i></b></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms. (Eph 1:17-20)</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">“Now is the time to pray” seemed to be the message of the day. Come to My table not just occasionally but regularly. This is not the time to get lax or to think just because your time seemed none productive to give up. The Father is calling us to the table. “Sometimes we talk, sometimes we sit.” </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">When Dave+ first sat down in quiet the words that came to mind in a very strong way was “Sit down we need to talk”. This was not just a one time imperative, this is a call to a season of intense and disciplined meeting, will we be obedient? Will we heed the call to come to the table? Not just literally each Sunday morning but regularly, daily, perhaps even more than our current habit. If we want to hear God we need to be listening? What does that mean for you?</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">We read several texted about gathering at the table. Exodus 25:23-30 which was a description of the Table of Presence located at the heart of the Tabernacle. Psalm 78:17-22 an account of Israel’s rebellion or resistance to meeting with the Father, doubting if God would be faithful to His promise to be near. Luke 14:12-23 reaffirmed the Father’s desire to invite not just Israel but all who believed to His table which includes us. Then a picture of our final destination in eternity of being at the Table of the Lord was read from Revelation 19:6-9.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Are we really serious about meeting with the Lord. “Sometimes we talk, sometimes we sit…Speak loud or not. Touch me or not. Show then Your will or bid me wait in patient grace.”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">There was a power demonstration of the significance of our gathering around the table together when we literally engaged in the Eucharistic Prayer around the altar at Mt. Zion. All pressed near, some even touch the altar and held tight. As we prayed our voices seem strong and united much more than our normal experience of worship. There seemed to be a very real sense of His presence and our presence together as His children.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">During our sharing time after our time of quiet retreat. There seemed to be consensus that we need to be particularly intentional about gathering together in the weeks and months ahead. (As Pat suggested: “To-Gather To-Gether”) Hence we will try to be intentional about increasing our opportunities to gather. Someone has since suggested we have “Prayer and Feasting” gatherings to pray and break bread together perhaps on Sundays or even at peoples homes. Also it was suggested when we gather that we try to “worship in the beauty of holiness” which may get work out in being intentional about what our worship space looks like. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Some felt like this time was a very sweet time. Others were distracted or unable to focus and felt like they “heard” very little. Perhaps the lesson or the invitations from our day is “I want you to just come”! Do not neglect the gathering of the brethren which is the habit of some, and make it a regular habit to come to His table in your quiet daily devotional time or on Sundays with the brethren of New Wine. Or even when you meet with brothers and sisters in your small groups. The word of the day was “Come”. If we are obedient we may be surprised to see what happens. </span></div>
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The Rev. Dave Kulcharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228558250743182710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183542667608852298.post-1507715347322749132014-08-20T13:00:00.001-07:002014-08-20T13:00:48.410-07:00New Wine Report - Aug 2014<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhzYQM7wyCw5zVPimbomSGMJwkPKsD7xyWS6Y0FY2EmH4SsRXVIE_Xp_r1kL2HM22Hp9WASQm3BCpAyVNARvt9n3q56TwWB5XR4_VTDRijhMbm3x8ja6x1zweju4pY6Tr9XoG0oZ9cI9l/s1600/IMG_1286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhzYQM7wyCw5zVPimbomSGMJwkPKsD7xyWS6Y0FY2EmH4SsRXVIE_Xp_r1kL2HM22Hp9WASQm3BCpAyVNARvt9n3q56TwWB5XR4_VTDRijhMbm3x8ja6x1zweju4pY6Tr9XoG0oZ9cI9l/s1600/IMG_1286.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a><span style="line-height: 100%;">The summer is flying
by at New Wine Mission. The work at the Farmer's Market is still
providing many new opportunities for connecting and reconnecting with
people I have met through the years. I work two 9 hour shifts on
Tuesday and Thursday. I have served local politicians and many long
lost friends from days as soccer-dad in the bleachers. Each
encounter allows me a chance to update them on family and ministry.
I have had several significant lunch break conversations with
unfamiliar guests at the market. All three of my co-workers have
been connected with New Wine in some way over the years. (Remember
it is all about RELATIONSHIPS!) This work is currently helping fill
the financial gap in our support in the church budget this spring,
but I can see its strategic value as well.</span></div>
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We had a wonderful
visit from Bishop Roger Ames this month. We had a dinner in which
we shared with him our joys and challenges at New Wine and heard his
excitement about new work being done around the diocese. A
highlight was to hear how moved he was in participating in the
selection of the Anglican Church in North America Archbishop.
Archbishop Foley Beach has already stepped into service and recently
called us to a season of prayer for the suffering in the Middle-East,
especially the persecuted Christians there, some of whom are dying
for their beliefs. Roger sees Foley as being the right person, at
right moment, for our new Province.
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This summer one of
our members and I have been led to put together a Sunday afternoon
chapel service at her senior apartment complex in Clio. We call it
“Roxbury Abbey” and we have been having between 6 and 12 people
in attendance. Our hope is to continue through the fall. Peggy will
lead an Evening Prayer on weeks that myself or Fr. Pat Self can not
administer the sacrament. One resident remarked “I am 93 and
people do not realize how hard it is for me to get out. This service
is such a blessing to me on Sunday afternoon.” Our emphasis is
engaging them in prayer and thanksgiving, and providing a chance for
anointing with oil and healing prayer.</div>
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Our Monday Cell
group has suspended our regular gathering for the Summer and have
been gathering for special activities like “Flushing Concerts In
the Park”. We are currently thinking about how to reconfigure for
the fall and ways we can connect with new people. One of our couples
is considering offering a 6 week gathering to talk with couples about
how to strengthen their marriages. Again our hopes are to connect
with people beyond our fellowship to help them grow closer to each
other and the Lord.
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Our Wednesday Cell
hosted a summer picnic at Taecken's Terrace Apartments where they
meet. They have since seen some new people involved in their study on
Paul's letter to the Romans. One gentleman lives in the area but not
the apartment. This is the kind of expansion we have been hoping and
praying for.</div>
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Our small music team
is very thrilled to add another musician to the mix. Elise, who has
come and visited several times over the year, has joined our team
adding both her voice and viola to the mix. She just finished her
associates degree at Mott Community College and is considering her
next move. We are grateful she is willing to contribute her beautiful
gifts to the worship experience of our Sunday Celebration.</div>
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This fall is a
critical period in our ability to continue the work here in Flint.
Please pray for significant numerical and spiritual growth this fall.
</div>
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The Rev. Dave Kulcharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228558250743182710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183542667608852298.post-6833376121743357532014-06-29T19:52:00.001-07:002014-06-30T10:46:12.923-07:00Green is for Growth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQaTL2S8khVNwtOhxQAmUzCwTX4mWGZjG56JKeV-M_CrhAECv4OVdtXGd0X6yOlShpVkRh7rOpAENOXG0AqQbde3WOV__QR8KCNBtiwj9uwk6U5zmA6xeey-A2yJEGR43LIgXHBXe-GTAZ/s1600/IMG_1231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQaTL2S8khVNwtOhxQAmUzCwTX4mWGZjG56JKeV-M_CrhAECv4OVdtXGd0X6yOlShpVkRh7rOpAENOXG0AqQbde3WOV__QR8KCNBtiwj9uwk6U5zmA6xeey-A2yJEGR43LIgXHBXe-GTAZ/s1600/IMG_1231.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></div>
Today we changed all the hangings in our simple worship space in the back room of Riverside Assembly of God to "Green". Thanks to the handy work of Judy Self we added to the hangings this year which helps make a stark room warm. This long Pentecost Season needs to be one of growth. Green is the color of growth. God is moving and leading us to new people. We are praying that we will see some come along side us and we them for more than just a visit or a short period of ministry. "Lord, please grow your church!"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxetheE4aCDYC70hd5sko1gzIe12vvlOAWHL30C3elYGjo6cP3Ic6Mr4bKQuda0BUb8hsM1-3MkVpCYFcVJd4zvy05M-fAVDYYcb1jQrOQpe4eH5cIvRPqTXvV7P1Gg276nBPl6fISZjav/s1600/photo-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxetheE4aCDYC70hd5sko1gzIe12vvlOAWHL30C3elYGjo6cP3Ic6Mr4bKQuda0BUb8hsM1-3MkVpCYFcVJd4zvy05M-fAVDYYcb1jQrOQpe4eH5cIvRPqTXvV7P1Gg276nBPl6fISZjav/s1600/photo-3.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a>I am seeing growth. Karen just returned from a short term mission trip to Jaurez. She shared today how God used her in unexpected ways. She thought she would spend most of her time "painting or light construction", but she was asked to help teach dozen of women sowing skills on donated machines. She was blessed more than words could express. The picture is the fruit of one of her days of labor. Don't focus on the "pillow cases" but the smiles on the women's faces. She said the team even had a chance to share the gospel and see several of the ladies asking Jesus into their hearts. They were growing but so was Karen and the short term mission team. "Lord, please help us serve so your church can grow."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxSMq1XuG6cwSW6hXaHEzPCQP6o9bpnpM2A5TL4cEfM7F1DI_RetbVI1_gl9bw-kDhrcx69z3Uao5kQar2XAnGacKzO6bXVBCuvf_EeSg83_aph_CiIBQecZVd07EJIsgI-hZH7-9Lcp2e/s1600/Nick+and+Dave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxSMq1XuG6cwSW6hXaHEzPCQP6o9bpnpM2A5TL4cEfM7F1DI_RetbVI1_gl9bw-kDhrcx69z3Uao5kQar2XAnGacKzO6bXVBCuvf_EeSg83_aph_CiIBQecZVd07EJIsgI-hZH7-9Lcp2e/s1600/Nick+and+Dave.jpg" height="200" width="149" /></a><br />
Nick and I had a chance to help out the Anglican ministry in Holland, Michigan one day last week with a rehab project in a older area of the town. They are working on starting a faith community, by living in a neighborhood and contributing to neighborhood revitalization projects like renovations, community gardens, and simple worship and study gatherings. As we serve we grow. As we grow we encourage those around us to grow as well. We helped install a ledger board for a new deck as a second crew was preparing to side the house. It is looking really good. "Lord, help us serve others with words and deeds as we grow and others may want to grow too."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN_K6UHi0AjpXUhesZUaAozga1GNP8DrI628QpRf1_ibcyi5dbFdX-YPPGaDsdTDCPK4U1X4rxpLBAohG2aIg8VEQh57p5NBTwhekqZfhN_Db6a84lGzFN2r4zXS0mYl_2PtNquw1uEoNW/s1600/IMG_1229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN_K6UHi0AjpXUhesZUaAozga1GNP8DrI628QpRf1_ibcyi5dbFdX-YPPGaDsdTDCPK4U1X4rxpLBAohG2aIg8VEQh57p5NBTwhekqZfhN_Db6a84lGzFN2r4zXS0mYl_2PtNquw1uEoNW/s1600/IMG_1229.jpg" height="200" width="149" /></a>We like to celebrate at New Wine. No better reason for a party but to celebrate with June Olson and her family a very significant birthday milestone. Good food, good drink and sitting out on the front porch of a grand old home in Owosso (June's niece's home) made for a great afternoon together. We have found that times of fellowship and food, lend themselves to conversations a about life and loves. For Jesus people, we often talk about faith. So we have had a good start to the summer celebration season. "Lord, help our conversations and celebration focus more on You and less on us. Help us grow relationally." <br />
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As we try to grow in our faith we are asking the Lord to bring into our circle people who want to walk with us. At the same time we have come to understand that more and more we need to go out looking for ways to meet people in their circle of friends and family. Let the celebration begin that the Kingdom may grow! Green is for growth. The Rev. Dave Kulcharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228558250743182710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183542667608852298.post-68591240720018316612014-06-19T04:48:00.000-07:002014-06-19T04:48:13.099-07:00March For Marriage<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9UH14c9QDhhwFhqTrVXtZEIlVd5LCoZY6auQvviNfVoWFPnn_oDHyZswv0i_QEVff1hk0XEw6KjXPY-oIEmjgBcj-qE9vDLV73tCUjmKVKjeIK4UlMVZ-t-WN0-I3mrh7CaOTbOHwaU6B/s1600/MFM+Logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9UH14c9QDhhwFhqTrVXtZEIlVd5LCoZY6auQvviNfVoWFPnn_oDHyZswv0i_QEVff1hk0XEw6KjXPY-oIEmjgBcj-qE9vDLV73tCUjmKVKjeIK4UlMVZ-t-WN0-I3mrh7CaOTbOHwaU6B/s1600/MFM+Logo.png" height="153" width="200" /></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Today, many will gather in Washington for the “March for Marriage” in support of upholding a traditional definition of marriage in our legal system. For those who understand that homosexual, bisexual and transexual behavior is morally wrong, it is offensive to redefine “marriage” to mean anything other than a legal commitment between a man and a woman. We believe it threatens a divinely inspired social order that is best for stable homes and healthy human relationships that inspires commitment, bodily health, and emotional stability of the family and society. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">In a post-Christian pluralistic culture, does there need to be some legal protection for those who embrace a different view? Perhaps our legislature needs to compromise with the establishment of “Civil Unions” but in doing so we recognize that we then lessen moral standards of our country and may inadvertently be promoting moral confusion. We have already lessoned our standards in other areas such are the sanctity of human life, pornography, gambling, etc. “Civil Unions” would at least maintain the distinction between a traditional understanding of marriage and a new liberal definition being pushed through our government at this time.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Pray for our legislators. Pray for a spiritual awakening and moral revival that would reestablish Christian moral values to our nation. Pray for people that they may find health and salvation in the ways of the Lord and not be deceived by the liberal ways of the world. </span></div>
The Rev. Dave Kulcharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228558250743182710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183542667608852298.post-40359351217947547372014-06-16T14:17:00.000-07:002014-06-16T14:17:05.839-07:00Listening Day Summary - June 2014<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; text-align: center;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>New Wine Listening Day</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>June 14, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Unlike previous Listening Days this one was not a stand alone event. It was the culmination of two weeks of Prayer and Fasting. We had been praying about the future of New Wine and for revival in our church, community and the wider Anglican work in Michigan and the USA.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">After Morning Prayer, we spent a little over an hour in quiet and listening prayer. We then gathered and shared what we felt the Lord was saying to us individually and to us as a church. Here is a summary of some of what was said.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>AFFIRMATION OF COMMUNITY</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Zephaniah 3:17 “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” </i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Like a beautiful bouquet of fresh picked daisies, the Lord has draw us together and delights over us. A visiter to our fellowship recently described us as “Concentrated Preciousness.” Sometimes when you are in the midst of it you cannot see it. It seems the Lord wanted us to hear that we are His delight, His beloved ones. This is a life changing thought that we are precious, a delight to God! </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>ADVICE</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Psalm 105:4 “Look to the Lord and his strength: seek his face always.”</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Keep the main thing the main thing. “God does not usually reveal a plan but God reveals Himself”. It is all about relationships, so as we “seek His face” the mission and direction of our fellowship will come out of our time spent daily in study, prayer, worship and listening. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Our mission is clear: <i>Jesus said “Go and make disciples of all nations”. (Matt. 28:19) </i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Our method is simple: By loving God & loving people (“All about relationships”)</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Start near, go far, be intentional. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">3 Key Texts: </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">1) </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-decoration: underline;"> Hebrews 10:18-25 </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> A Call to Persevere - Five exhortations: </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">v.22: “let us <b>draw near</b> to God with a sincere heart…..”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">v.23: “Let us <b>hold unswervingly</b> <b>to the</b> <b>faith…</b>..”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">v.24: “….spur one another on toward <b>love & good deeds</b>”.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">v.25: “Let us not give up <b>meeting together</b>….”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">v.25: “…let us <b>encourage one another </b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">2) </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-decoration: underline;">2 Timothy 4:5</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">: A Call to Endurance and Mission</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">“…<b>keep your head</b> in all situations…” </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">“…<b>endure hardship</b>…”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">“…<b>do the work</b> <b>of an evangelist</b>….”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">3) </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-decoration: underline;">Proverbs 16</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> A Call to Keep Our Relationship with God First</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">(vs 3) “<b>Commit to the Lord</b> whatever you do and your plans will succeed”.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">(vs 9) “In his heart a man plans his course, but t<b>he Lord determines his steps</b>”.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>REMINDER</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">“Fear not!” for fear is the work of the enemy. Trust in the Lord for He is near. He is with us.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Part of the His commission “to go” is the promise that He will be with us “even to the end of the age.” </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Do not go alone. We have each been given gifts and talents. We are called to sing a new song, but the song sounds better and stronger when done together. Like a bouquet that magnifies the beauty of a single flower, so we too strengthen and make each other more beautiful. Celebrate our gifts. Encourage all to offer their best efforts to the work. Support one another in mission and ministry so that our song rings out clearly to those whom the Father is trying to reach. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>REPENT</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Matthew 3:2 “<b>Repent</b>, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Often in times of revival, which are rooted in prayer, the call to repent is one of the first words that comes forth. This day the call was first to:</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">1) “Come out from the dark to shine the light of God’s love”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">We need to each keep our heart pure before the Lord. Inviting Him to purge us from all darkness. You know where the darkness lurks in your life. Call out to God and ask Him to work in you strength, courage and power to resist the darkness and to be set free from the power of sin, which you hate.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">2) Repent of what we have left undone. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">There have been times we have not stepped up and used our gifts for the work of the kingdom. We have turned our back on ministry opportunities. We have not asked for more gifts for the work of the Kingdom. For this we must repent! </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">3) Proclaim the work of God you see.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">This exhortation came in the following prophetic word given below in the form of a “Call” and “Response”:</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>CALL: Lord, you have gathered so many of us that have traveled long with you. Sometimes it seems that though we are filled with belief we still tend to ease back into a "been there-done that" approach. I perceive that we love you with our whole heart, but not each other. Too often we go our separate ways and our lives are too busy to give you our full attention. We are, all the same, expectant that you will act, perhaps in spite of us, and you will grow your Church at New Wine.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>RESPONSE: You wait on Me, but when I act you barely take notice. It is as if it is enough just to be expectant without ever acknowledging My movement about you. There is great need for you to reach out, speak out, and make Me known among the people, even those who already bear my name.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>I am doing a new thing, (I ALWAYS DO A NEW THING), but so few of you perceive it. Turn to Me and seek My face, worship Me only and know that I am God, the one who formed you and has led you to this place. Draw close and walk with Me, not as churchmen do, all stiff in their pews, but as My loving children. Hold My hand and take notice of the things I show you as we walk together. Love and care for those whom we meet. BE PERSISTENT!</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Spend time with Me and know that I will not fail you; that all will work for My glory.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>RELEASED FOR MISSION</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">It seems like New Wine has been stuck as of late. But something is already happening. Since our call to prayer there have been several new people coming across our path. Some visiting the church, others inquiring about our work and mission. A dream was shared by Pastor Dave+ of hauling a truck load of buffalo (not dainty little sheep) but majestic, powerful and yet non-threatening creatures. The truck gets stuck in the mud. The truck is freed only after the buffalo are released. Even though one was seen with a wound, in order to move forward they must all be released and sent out. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">We suspect this was more than a silly dream but a call for us to get off the truck! Each of us must step out in ministry, despite our wounds. Each must boldly exercise our gifts and minister in word and deed to those around us. We cannot hold back. Go deep with the Lord. Draw near to Him and out of that deepening relationship give and pour yourself out for the sake of others. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The Spirit was definitely saying be persistent, it is not time for New Wine to close its doors. We are called to repent for work left undone. We are invited, even called, to love deeper and work harder. That work starts and flows out of us each working on pursuing after the “face of God”, not half heartedly, but whole heartedly. Fruit has come since we have focused on prayer. Therefore, do not let up on your conversation with God on behalf of the church, the city, the wider church and our pastor and church leaders. Ask for and look for moments to demonstrate love to those who are near you and even those who are far off. Be intentional. Boldly share at church and in the world where you see God working.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">“My children, I am at work. I am always working, Join me in my work, at the market or in the church. Are your needs met? Switch your thinking. Mission is everywhere; your home, your neighborhood; your work, everywhere. I’m not done working yet.” </span></div>
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The Rev. Dave Kulcharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228558250743182710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183542667608852298.post-56757166448878406122014-06-15T12:09:00.000-07:002014-06-15T12:09:10.048-07:00Godly Advice for New WineOne of our member found 3 text full of advice for a church like NEW WINE:<br />
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<br />Passage in Hebrews 10: A Call to Persevere (18-25)<br />Five exhortations: </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;">v.22: “let us <b>draw near</b> to God with a sincere heart…..”</span><div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;">v.23: “Let us <b>hold</b> unswervingly <b>to the</b> <b>faith…</b>..”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;">v.24: “….spur one another on toward <b>love & good deeds</b>”.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;">v.25: “Let us not give up <b>meeting together</b>….”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;">v.25: “…let us <b>encourage one another</b>…</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpFGbS_55oB3fyF4SGAp79S1J9iBhAka3w-Jiy7j1a4mq0i_2Nd2Ae1ORd82Ypw2lC8d9S9eGaRKEZUy_migDYkUxUr7IW75ASgkJezlTi78sUfPZOwZrzsST7p2wq7dAOUWa7EMHfer_A/s1600/Bible+Open.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpFGbS_55oB3fyF4SGAp79S1J9iBhAka3w-Jiy7j1a4mq0i_2Nd2Ae1ORd82Ypw2lC8d9S9eGaRKEZUy_migDYkUxUr7IW75ASgkJezlTi78sUfPZOwZrzsST7p2wq7dAOUWa7EMHfer_A/s1600/Bible+Open.jpg" /></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;">2Timothy 4:5: (Actually, v.1-5, but I only picked upon the 5th verse this morning).</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;">“…<b>keep your head</b> in all situations…”</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;"> “…<b>endure hardship</b>…”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;">“…<b>do the work</b> of an evangelist….”</span><br style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;">“…discharge all the duties of your ministry…”</span><br style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;">Proverbs 16:3 </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;">“Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed”.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;">16:9 </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;">“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps”.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;">Another New Wine member reminded us that it is not about a PLAN but it is always about our relationship with the Father.</span></div>
The Rev. Dave Kulcharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228558250743182710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183542667608852298.post-59959522665470043312014-06-15T11:34:00.001-07:002014-06-15T11:34:57.127-07:00Call & Response - June 14thA prophetic encounter.<br />
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Rob shared this Word that is quite challenging. Please read through it at least 3 times. Test the Spirit. How is what is said Biblical? How does it speak to you? What is your response and what action step do you feel led to take? <br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Lord, you have gathered so many of us that have traveled long with you. Sometimes it seems that though we are filled with belief we still tend to ease back into a "been there-done that" approach. I perceive that we love you with our whole heart, but not each other. Too often we go our separate ways and our lives are too busy to give you our full attention. We are, all the same, expectant that you will act, perhaps in spite of us, and you will grow your Church at New Wine.</span><br />
<br style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;">RESPONSE:</span><br style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;">You wait on me, but when I act you barely take notice. It is as if it is enough just to be expectant without ever acknowledging my movement about you. There is great need for you to reach out, speak out, and make me known among the people, even those who already bear my name.</span><br style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;">I am doing a new thing, (I ALWAYS DO A NEW THING), but so few of you perceive it. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-nZj8BnARsW4QvCgm8lwFXqAr18Ha9yOpWmEZuho7aiVaWEarXSMKdkAYx6nhCdK3vLWcLsenVXfOnTJsMBI3PT70Dxjri6O-m3UutUtobvGPnr4-mZGt1-sDu7ewrkHH71MxrfK9WaN7/s1600/Logo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-nZj8BnARsW4QvCgm8lwFXqAr18Ha9yOpWmEZuho7aiVaWEarXSMKdkAYx6nhCdK3vLWcLsenVXfOnTJsMBI3PT70Dxjri6O-m3UutUtobvGPnr4-mZGt1-sDu7ewrkHH71MxrfK9WaN7/s1600/Logo.gif" height="172" width="200" /></a></div>
<br style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;">Turn to me and seek my face, worship me only and know that I am God, the one who formed you and has led you to this place. Draw close and walk with me, not as churchmen do, all stiff in their pews, but as my loving children. Hold my hand and take notice of the things I show you as we walk together. Love and care for those whom we meet. BE PERSISTENT! </span><br style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;">Spend time with me and know that I will not fail you; that all will work for my glory.</span>The Rev. Dave Kulcharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228558250743182710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183542667608852298.post-7216413699925205732014-06-09T14:35:00.000-07:002014-06-09T14:35:44.399-07:00Call to Prayer - Week #2<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9C6pQwUpibjmtw3NLRKE6gBGaDQUI06w6-rz1WA8vDKFp5-8bqDRqYeBuJVMil_mt6pVNnIT_zyrCOyej5HCbv0DpI3Ubb3ZqvGnWfveumCqLOJvchrc8f7DZz1AiMp7eAVRZoETP4hM9/s1600/IMG_1178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9C6pQwUpibjmtw3NLRKE6gBGaDQUI06w6-rz1WA8vDKFp5-8bqDRqYeBuJVMil_mt6pVNnIT_zyrCOyej5HCbv0DpI3Ubb3ZqvGnWfveumCqLOJvchrc8f7DZz1AiMp7eAVRZoETP4hM9/s1600/IMG_1178.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a>We have been fasting and praying in various ways for over a week. We have cried out. Guide New Wine as we move forward. Direct our path and our work. Send revival on our small church, our city and even the wider church. Bless other Anglican missions in Michigan and raise up Godly leaders.<br />
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If last week was intercession, let this week find us listening. "Speak, Lord, for you servants are listening!" As you sit quietly before the Lord, what Bible text does He bring to mind? What visions or dreams does He inspire? What words and phrases does He place in your mind for you and for the church?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQm2EYqpW3VSayqBmJ_2Cc7F-_BqjArtnpWiN6S3wc25QdbhB0mYlw1UmwHI-s7TQR0cOr80L9ow8A4NxDr_k0R7d2jSdlwxLS5DPbLzS6NXPHtJuJzPMS8SIsv4ayvhIW3mI5sgPrWPl/s1600/IMG_1179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQm2EYqpW3VSayqBmJ_2Cc7F-_BqjArtnpWiN6S3wc25QdbhB0mYlw1UmwHI-s7TQR0cOr80L9ow8A4NxDr_k0R7d2jSdlwxLS5DPbLzS6NXPHtJuJzPMS8SIsv4ayvhIW3mI5sgPrWPl/s1600/IMG_1179.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a>Today, I prayed for the sick in body and spirit as I delivered some frozen meals to one of our members who is in a state of recovery after a stint in the hospital. They were blessed and your pastor had a taste of what it feels like to be a "pizza delivery man". Blessed are the feet of him who brings good news (and bearer of the gifts of the saints)!<br />
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As you continue to walk and pray. As you intercede on behalf of your family, friends and neighbors. As you meet in cell groups for worship, study and prayer seek His face while He wills to be found. Call upon his name and the promise is He will draw near.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLYLDkoSlDD3OcjnoIVZ-4lGpONtgywmXE6y8X9EZKjWdvR3kkZCff_RA7otxDcxlr2vu6I-OvgXFJX4eqfQcqbFdEp5zs9CxFeUO798dqEQrfltuNBBsfm2CfZnVGVcp5ZG4w-1O3XnxM/s1600/IMG_1180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLYLDkoSlDD3OcjnoIVZ-4lGpONtgywmXE6y8X9EZKjWdvR3kkZCff_RA7otxDcxlr2vu6I-OvgXFJX4eqfQcqbFdEp5zs9CxFeUO798dqEQrfltuNBBsfm2CfZnVGVcp5ZG4w-1O3XnxM/s1600/IMG_1180.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>Join us next Saturday from 9am to 1pm at Mt. Zion Catholic Community Center in Flushing for a time of "listening prayer" and sharing as we seek the Lord together. <br />
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The Rev. Dave Kulcharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228558250743182710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183542667608852298.post-1246231296414906882014-06-05T11:10:00.001-07:002014-06-05T11:10:35.769-07:00New Wine Report - June 2014<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">At New Wine Anglican Mission this month we have entered into a Season of Prayer and Fasting. We are praying about our future, for an Awakening in our church and the people around us. We are praying for revival in our community and praying for growth in the wider church in Michigan. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Honestly one of the most critical issues that we are bringing before the Lord is the question of what lies ahead for this mission. We were birthed in the summer of 2005 and are coming up on 9 years of ministry as an Anglican Church plant. Our story has been a constant testimony of God’s provision. He has used us to impact one life at a time and I could list several dozen names of people we have impacted, two of which even went off to seminary. Our focus has been all about building relationships. We have been building relationships with each other and relationships with the Lord.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">As pastor I have seen us at our peak of numerical outreach impacting over 50 people at one time involved in several small groups while our maximum Sunday was only around 25. Presently we are only gathering around 18 or so on a Sunday and our groups around 25. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Practically this reduction has impacted our support. A few months ago I started part-time work selling cheese at the Flint Farmers Market. With the opening of a second counter in the area this will mean I will be working 2 days a week outside the ministry. We hope this is only a temporary stop-gap solution required to make up for a reduction of $460 a month in church pay.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">New Wine must grow numerically and financially in order for Deb and I to stay the course in this work. New Wine can continue without us, but as we have experienced, there are always changes in the comings and goings of our church community. More of our members are traveling away in winter months, reducing a sustainable level of involvement. Without a permanent pastoral presence, it may be difficult to maintain a sustainable mission community in Flint.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Please pray for the Mission and for us as we look at what is ahead for our life together. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Interestingly, since I announced our season of prayer, we have had several new people come to Sunday worship. I even had one long-time acquaintance express a desire to talk about meeting since he has recently been looking for a new church home. In this same period several friends of members have come to visit and I have been following up with one on one contacts. This rise in interest has encouraged me, suggesting to me that we are on the right track to be “on our knees” as we seek God’s favor and guidance. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I end with an encouraging note. A person joined our fellowship about a year ago. Seeking to reconnect spiritually, and hurting after the end of bad relationship, they found themselves connecting with New Wine. Over the year it has been our joy to see this person grow and develop in their faith as a result of worshiping with us and joining a cell group. They have sought mentoring type relationships and readily confess a new sense of peace and well being as they celebrate this first year at New Wine. God has been working and we rejoice in these relational victories. This seemed to be a reminder to me that “this is what disciple making is all about”. The Lord suggested at our last Listening Retreat that this would be a year of “Healing and Restoration”. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Keep us in your prayers as we work in the vineyard of the Lord at New Wine this summer.</span></div>
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The Rev. Dave Kulcharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228558250743182710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183542667608852298.post-60961995764269157322014-06-03T15:08:00.000-07:002014-06-03T15:08:10.675-07:00"Saving Station"?<span style="font-family: Arial;">Note from a church member:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Prior to the "official," time of prayer and fasting, I asked friend of mine to pray with us,( that would be New Wine) and for us, (again, N.W.) concerning our situation at our small church! I did not tell her much, only that we were having 2 weeks of fasting and prayer, seeking the Lord as to His direction for the church! I actually, did not even mention the church by name! Anyway, as I was getting ready to send you that web site last evening,my friend, Louise, who is about 80 yrs old, from Arizona, we have prayed for each other many times over several years! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiACkLYhbXerIBVqnFRDBDZ_8f6jwh6TO8-ZY_i0zIp4nkykWeo_jh_HYHdgUh64_kwx1IKNr868E4-gWQe2dXsV4YYd1WnqbsZP66vjiGa9nQmntwtMae7p26gqSiWdX-xVXVyfULDhEbn/s1600/$(KGrHqRHJDoE8fpPrTnqBPJf8vF5j!~~60_35.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiACkLYhbXerIBVqnFRDBDZ_8f6jwh6TO8-ZY_i0zIp4nkykWeo_jh_HYHdgUh64_kwx1IKNr868E4-gWQe2dXsV4YYd1WnqbsZP66vjiGa9nQmntwtMae7p26gqSiWdX-xVXVyfULDhEbn/s1600/$(KGrHqRHJDoE8fpPrTnqBPJf8vF5j!~~60_35.JPG" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">She </span>sent me an email, among some personal remarks about her health and things of that nature, things not really pertaining to the prayer request, she sent the following comments, as a"word of encouragement" (She knows nothing about how "It's all about relationships!" Our unofficial slogan for our church!) She said, "I will be praying with you to God to make His plans for your "little church," to become a "saving station," for the ones with wrecked lives that are just waiting for someone to care for them!" I started to sob at those words!<br />
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Anyway, she went on to say," Perhaps, there will be a little larger group, or church, that our church can join and pool all of our resources together? "There is sooo much work to be done and so little time to get the job done!" "We both know God is Very interested in "good relationships!" ( it' all about relationships) We are "His Church!" Anyway thought that I should send this along to you.. That one sentence," become a "saving station, for..other waiting for someone to care for them!" Hope this is encouraging? Anyway, sending it along!<br />
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<br />The Rev. Dave Kulcharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228558250743182710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183542667608852298.post-66197891683145393732014-06-02T10:26:00.000-07:002014-06-02T10:26:17.958-07:00Prayer Starts with Loving GodHere is an article that Jim Sartor found that spoke to him as he began his time of prayer this week. As he and I discussed it, the idea of "Delighting in the Lord" as a place to begin and even end got us really thinking. We think it might challenge you too!<br />
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<a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/loving-god-for-who-he-is-a-pastors-perspective">http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/loving-god-for-who-he-is-a-pastors-perspective</a><br />
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The article was written in 1995 by Rev. John Piper: "Loving God for Who He Is"The Rev. Dave Kulcharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228558250743182710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183542667608852298.post-10157897603387740172014-05-30T09:26:00.000-07:002014-05-30T09:27:15.280-07:00Season of Prayer - June 1-14<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Season Of Prayer and Fasting</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>New Wine Mission </b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>June 1-14, 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Please commit yourself to extra time of prayer and fasting during this 2 week period.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Pray specifically about the issues listed below.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Fast from a common activity, food or behavior whose absence will remind you to pray.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">It is suggested that you keep a prayer journal of things you pray for and things you hear.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Share insights, visions, dreams from your time of prayer with Dave+ to post on our blog.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Conclude your time of Special Prayer at our Listening Day, June 14 (9am-1pm)</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>4 Prayer Targets</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">OUR FUTURE</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Seek the Lord about the future of New Wine Mission (continue, close, part-time clergy?)</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Intercede for Dave+ & Deb for financial provision since their support has been cut $460/mo.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">What ministry are you to continue to do and what future work is He calling you to do?</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">NEW WINE AWAKENING</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Pray for a Season of Spiritual Awakening and a powerful move of God in our midst.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Ask for numerical growth as well as spiritual growth in our church.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Specifically we ask for new families with children.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> we ask for mature Christians who can plant new Cell groups</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> we ask for conversion of the nominal and seeking that will result in baptism.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Bless every effort we make in contact making & relationship building activities.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Bless new opportunities to serve and bless those in need arounds us.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Help us be agents to help plant new works in our surrounding area (Fenton, Bay City, etc.)</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">COMMUNITY AWAKENING</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Pray for a Spiritual Awakening in the Flint Area.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Ask for more cooperation between area churches</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Seek God’s blessing on Riverside Tabernacle our host church and their pastoral team.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Help us find ways for our Cell groups to bless and add value to our communities.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Pray against the powers of darkness that are at work in our community</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Ask for favor on Flint in the secular (more new jobs) and the spiritual (time of revival)</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Bless the mayor and other community leaders</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Protect those who serve this community (police, firemen, maintenance crews)</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">LARGER CHURCH FAVOR </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Ask For God’s blessings on other Anglican Churches in Michigan: Lapeer, DeWit, Livonia, Brighton, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, South Haven, Free Soil, and Petoskey. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Pray for our Bishop Roger and all others in the Anglican Church in North America as they select a new Archbishop (June 25-28) to lead the Province in the new phase of our mission.</span></div>
The Rev. Dave Kulcharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228558250743182710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183542667608852298.post-50237697509030560702014-02-13T12:23:00.001-08:002014-02-13T12:38:14.315-08:00Bishop, Cheese & Flims<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRKDBY5oF-nMkjIQMwJ5qheXaKk6zP3odx1lRkX6y91qwL0etOAWX0KItrWZ6NQFU1wIi9Rd0BayHZjPzUr7knzGjrbkpwF2OiZvzM_BY3QmvxC_N5PH-flKE3-kErafBCjxUPVHva8Eb/s1600/102E3376.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRKDBY5oF-nMkjIQMwJ5qheXaKk6zP3odx1lRkX6y91qwL0etOAWX0KItrWZ6NQFU1wIi9Rd0BayHZjPzUr7knzGjrbkpwF2OiZvzM_BY3QmvxC_N5PH-flKE3-kErafBCjxUPVHva8Eb/s1600/102E3376.jpeg" /></a>The Trustees and I asked our dear
Bishop to postpone his scheduled annual visit on March 9th to later
this year. Several key members of our fellowship will not be here
and we would prefer for him to come later this year to ordain Jim
Sartor our first Permanent Deacon. Jim is still in the process of
"reading for orders" but hopes to complete the work soon.
We have requested that he be ordained here in Flint, which is not the
practice at this point in our Diocese, but we see this as an outreach
event, since we anticipate a large number of Jim and Barbs friends to
attend. We hope to hold his ordination at Riverside the end of
Spring or early Summer. </div>
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After a season of prayer and searching,
a door has opened for me to work 2 days a week at the Flint City
Market. Paul Hills, who some may know, is owner of a small cheese
counter there. With the advent in May of a new location of the
market for both downtown and one out in Davison, Paul was looking for
additional help. If the trial period works for both of us, I will be
soon known as "The New Wine & Cheese Man". Hope to
see some of you soon at the cheese counter. I am looking forward to
this being a time of meeting many new people through new enterprise
on Tuesday and Thursdays each week.<br />
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Our Tuesday Night "Celtic Cell"
group has been really trying to put some feet on what they have been
studying the last few months. Currently they are looking for
creative ways of engaging pre-Christians by strategically finding
venues where it is easy to meet or invite folks to join us. Since
the start of the year the group has been going to the Flint Institute
of Art FOMA (Friends of Modern Art) Film series on Friday nights.
Most are Indy or Foreign Films, which prove to be great discussion
starters. Each week after the Film a group gathers at a home or
local eatery for food and discussion. It has been very good.
These are great opportunities to build relationships that may have
Kingdom implications. If you want to join the fun give Rob Robertson
a call. (810 919-5660)</div>
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The Rev. Dave Kulcharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228558250743182710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183542667608852298.post-30753838155959470812014-01-22T19:54:00.003-08:002014-01-22T19:54:59.772-08:00New Wine Listening Day - Jan 2014
The Biblical promise is "when two
or three are gathered together in Jesus name" Jesus is in the
midst of us. One way is He is more "visible". The Spirit
is working making us more like Jesus. So we think like Jesus. So we
speak like Jesus. So we act like Jesus. Therefore when Jesus'
followers gather together there is a very real sense that we have a
better chance to see Jesus manifest in our midst as we see Him in
each other.<br />
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Saturday January 18 we were gathering
in Jesus name. About a dozen of us set aside the morning to pray,
worship and listen. We started with using the Morning Prayer liturgy
and daily lessons assigned for the day. They were:<br />
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Genesis 6:9-22 (God's instructions to
Noah)<br />
Psalm 20 (Song of God the Victor)<br />
Hebrews 4:1-13 (God's Rest and God's
Word)<br />
John 2:13-22 (Account of Jesus
Cleansing the Temple)<br />
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We then retreated for quiet reflection
and meditation. Upon returning the following thoughts were shared.
This is simply one perspective of our time together:<br />
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One pervading theme was that we were
being reminded that "God was walking with us", just as He
walked with Noah and others whose hearts are bent towards God. The
image of a small child reaching out to hold the hand of a caring
adult reminded us that He loves us better than the best human effort.
We are to take comfort in God's hand extended to us.</div>
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Later we were reminded by one who
pointed us to 1 John 2: 6 which teaches that people will know we are
Jesus' disciples if we "walk in the same manner as He walked."
He walks with us as someone who knows what it means to be human.
Hebrews 4:14-16 says we do not have high priest "who does not
sympathize with our weakness". He knows our struggles and
challenges, yet He bids us, beckons us, to walk with him. It is a
partnership. We can do this by holding to the faith (study and
learning the Word) and by holding to each other in the community of
faith. Attend to each other.<br />
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A second theme seems to be related to a
follow up question: "Lord where are we to walk?" Very
often we are not given the advantage of seeing down the road, but
called to simply keep our eyes on Christ as he leads. We were
reminded to "keep in step with the Spirit" based on
Galatians 5:25. This means we cannot just sit still, but we must
keep moving, mimicing Jesus, which requires our utmost effort and
focus.<br />
<br />
This idea was reenforced when another
person put forth the image of a "blind man" running in a
road race. Here it takes a lead runner and the blind man holding on
to the elbow to make a functioning team. The toughest steps are the
first few when the two need to get in sync. But the team works
because of trust if they do not give up too early in the process
because it is hard at first. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv7zVgFz5F91JdW0-Cf0Wkpglx_V80lhIJ027iPn1BKsSS9BsnsUSlipU46knhGnAhoMXgtG_QZT9vNP9e5Bt0TVWo16iBdbbHmd-UuPasV7N32bGIjCWJC2414B_q0B3d_rlEAaK_Z0Yx/s1600/Blind+Runner.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv7zVgFz5F91JdW0-Cf0Wkpglx_V80lhIJ027iPn1BKsSS9BsnsUSlipU46knhGnAhoMXgtG_QZT9vNP9e5Bt0TVWo16iBdbbHmd-UuPasV7N32bGIjCWJC2414B_q0B3d_rlEAaK_Z0Yx/s1600/Blind+Runner.png" /></a></div>
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In a journal this was expressed in this
way: "Do not stumble, but run with Me. I will lead your life
like a runner who has no sight. The more you trust Me, the more we
run together, the freer you will be. Trust Me. Hold My arm. I will
lead"<br />
<br />
Yet in our listening time there came
forth a challenge from someone's meditation on Genesis 6 calling us
to "engage the culture". With the patience of Noah we are
to be obedient claiming, naming and celebrating art, song, beauty and
everything good. While we observe the world on its self-destructive
path we are to engage the world with light, a Christian worldview,
where we see the good coming from God. As we do we then point people
to the source of light. We are not to retreat from the world but to
advance out in the world to be like the "Temple", cleansed
by the Lord and lifted high as example to those around us. This
engagement cannot be primarily intellectual or mental. Our
engagement is relational. It is to be done one life at a time.
Whether at work, or family, or friends we are called to not just
speak of God but to demonstrate the love of God. Kindness,
compassion, active listening, all open the doors for us to share
about the love of the Father for His children.<br />
<br />
This is not an easy or natural process.
It is easier to retreat into to the safety of the ark. Engaging the
culture may not require a physical battle (though some have been
known to "lose their life" or "livelihood" for
standing for Kingdom values), but the battle is primarily spiritual.
One of our number was drawn to focus on Psalm 20 in which they saw a
prescription for spiritual warfare: First we are come before the
Lord with praise and prayer. Second we are to remember what He has
done to strengthen our faith. Next we are to confess our short
comings. Then we are called to exercise grace and forgiveness in the
world and to the world. We ask that all these be done in His Spirit,
In His character, In His name. Another member noted the Hebrews 4
begins with warnings like "remember your first love", "no
hard hearts", "don't be slow to learn", which is
complimented by James 1:19-22 "be quick to listen, slow to
speak", "be doers and not just hears of the Word."
Good counsel for us in 2014.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCTJYWi2REK2JhMwFcfi3gNR4gvXR5zZNpDR_eV7Yu4E9P3SaDmNfmY7eIewW9zwcPNEeiCB3duS12W1M22VCawr2xCKLHCvdeD6wXWyIFaKBX_ghSh4wV_jBq66XPEAa4h4kr6vQrlQZt/s1600/oil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCTJYWi2REK2JhMwFcfi3gNR4gvXR5zZNpDR_eV7Yu4E9P3SaDmNfmY7eIewW9zwcPNEeiCB3duS12W1M22VCawr2xCKLHCvdeD6wXWyIFaKBX_ghSh4wV_jBq66XPEAa4h4kr6vQrlQZt/s1600/oil.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a>One last image was shared on Saturday.
It was the image of large glass bottle of oil used for healing. It
was over flowing down the side and on the table spreading out in
every direction. Its smell was pungent, pleasing to the senses, and
it was in abundance. The words spoken over the oil were " A
Year of Healing and Restoration."</div>
<br />
May 2014 be know to us as a Season of
Healing and Restoration as we follow the Spirit's lead in our walk
individually and as a church. May we engage the culture with
boldness if not with words only but in intentional acts of kindness
and love. May we see God's healing power touch our lives, our church
and our community at a level we have not experienced as of late.
Amen.
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The Rev. Dave Kulcharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228558250743182710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183542667608852298.post-37361621297415716502014-01-02T14:35:00.000-08:002014-01-02T14:36:35.789-08:00New Wine Report - Jan 2014<b> </b><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
An update from the vineyard in Flint.
This mission of New Wine, like all churches, is to make disciples of
Christ. The vision is to do that in different way: not
programatically but relationally. This means that we are working
hard at building deep, authentic relationships where we care deeply
and spend time together growing and serving. What we have found is
this is a slow and sometimes difficult process. Here are ways we
have been thinking relationally the past month or two:</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Hope for America Parties</b> - We
hosted two dinner parties in the beginning of November to watch "My
Hope America", Billy Graham's final national Gospel
presentation. We had over 28 participants who all heard a clear call
to follow Christ. Several there had their faith encouraged and one
or two who are still seeking were really challenged.</div>
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<b>Roxbury Outreach </b>- We hosted 3
craft parties for the residents of Roxbury Senior Apartments where
Peggy from New Wine lives. Dave shared a brief explanation of
different Christmas symbols each week and then 3 different women from
our fellowship prepared a simple Christmas craft to make so we could
build relationships with Peggy's neighbors.
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<b>Taecken's Terrace Party </b>- We
hosted a party for over 40 residents of another Senior Apartment
where we hold our Wednesday cell group. Treats and carols was the
plan, but catching up with many of the residents who have come to the
group from time to time was delightful. Several of the residents
comment on how significant our work at Taecken's has been. We are
starting a new study next week.</div>
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<b>Implosion Sunday</b> - The last
Sunday of Advent we gathered before service offering coffee and
doughnut holes to people gathered outside Riverside Church where we
meet to watch a 19 story building 4 blocks away be imploded. We did
have one visitor join us afterward and has expressed interest in
returning. It was a ministry of blessing and a great way to start
the service off with a "bang"!</div>
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<b>Mt. Morris Prayer Team</b> - Sim
and Fran Boggs who have come alongside New Wine on several occasions
have purposed to make a spiritual difference in the community of Mt.
Morris. They are life-long residents and are being lead to organize
a group of people who are meeting regularly to pray over their town.
This may include prayer walks in 2014, but for now it has started as
a Facebook group.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQX1dCUy41RzoHHCOK-44v83hxSgI6uqhCTbS5z5n2dz0yhplQKM5-QXBOv6ybu34epIgX-3QOtX8sIFMfwFjZN7EXOgs77-PZ3rhiMW8H1oBdAP1mwomSGi_aWV9SiFHubw-M4XbpDj2/s1600/Mt+Morris+downtown.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQX1dCUy41RzoHHCOK-44v83hxSgI6uqhCTbS5z5n2dz0yhplQKM5-QXBOv6ybu34epIgX-3QOtX8sIFMfwFjZN7EXOgs77-PZ3rhiMW8H1oBdAP1mwomSGi_aWV9SiFHubw-M4XbpDj2/s400/Mt+Morris+downtown.png" width="400" /></a><b>Flushing Cell Outreach </b>- This
group plans in 2014 to designate one meeting a month to events or
activities that reach beyond our normal prayer and study time. We
are starting with inviting one of our group's foreign exchange
student to share about Macedonia, her home. We have invited several
people who know her from beyond our group to come and hear her story.
Then in February we hope to host a movie night, and eventually a
blessing party for a local frat house.
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<b>2014 Challenges </b>- Due to
anticipated revenue changes and expense increases (Healthcare
specifically) we are praying the Lord will provide for the estimated
$14,000 shortfall in our budget. Dave is exploring other part-time
ministry possibilities and Deb is hoping to see her part-time work
(which she really likes) grow in weekly hours. It is all about
relationships. Building relationships take time. But these
challenges could be met with the addition of 6 to 12 new people who
join us in this mission and embrace our vision. Join with us now in
praying that our work can continue in Flint in 2014.</div>
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Donations to help support our work can
be made online: <a href="http://www.newwinemission.com/" target="_blank"> www.NewWineMission.com</a> or by sending a donation to
: New Wine Mission, PO Box 13608, Flint, MI 48501</div>
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For the latest pictures and information
on the ministry try our Facebook page:
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/NewWineMission">www.facebook.com/#!/NewWineMission</a></div>
The Rev. Dave Kulcharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228558250743182710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183542667608852298.post-9007498709733766862013-11-14T12:54:00.002-08:002013-11-14T13:35:03.899-08:00Advent Outreach<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYv0oCw3f59HkJJ-MlmwLXgT3ZzNb-8JKfhNHBTU8eCE1MNnNMnYV7bK5Q4JyEIuT7mw06jPiXRem400oQb-N9C6-4E9VGzo08rq4aL5qETBJQ3DtdL9kIQwC1T3N9OSA-6EZoLxNfOHfm/s1600/Advent+Wreath+1.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYv0oCw3f59HkJJ-MlmwLXgT3ZzNb-8JKfhNHBTU8eCE1MNnNMnYV7bK5Q4JyEIuT7mw06jPiXRem400oQb-N9C6-4E9VGzo08rq4aL5qETBJQ3DtdL9kIQwC1T3N9OSA-6EZoLxNfOHfm/s200/Advent+Wreath+1.bmp" width="165" /></a>Peggy lives in Senior Apartments in Clio. She is a missionary. We see every member of New Wine as being a missionary to their neighborhood. Peggy's mission field is her apartment of 100 or so residents. This December she will be hosting a "Advent Outreach". We will meet once a week to work on a Christmas Craft to give away to other residents, family or friends. Amidst our project time we will share about the Advent Wreath and its spiritual significance this time of year. She hopes to hold this gathering in the community room near the lobby with a time of prayer at the end of the crafts party. How are you reaching out in the holiday season? We pray the Spirit will inspire you to reach out in creative ways in this holiday season. <br />
<br />The Rev. Dave Kulcharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228558250743182710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183542667608852298.post-68069040539519947362013-11-09T12:54:00.000-08:002013-11-09T12:54:14.743-08:00New Wine Report - Nov 2013
Jesus instructed his church to not put
"New Wine" into "Old Wineskins". When dreaming
about a new church start-up we chose the name "New Wine"
because authentic Christian community often looks very different from
the "program centered church" of America today. It seems
that the latest evolution of the church has produced a church full of
"spectators" more than "participants".
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Life giving churches today are
populated with people who are doing more than watching. I certainly
am not suggesting everything in the way church has been done is bad
or even ineffective. But this generation is tired of too much talk
and not enough action on the part of the followers of Christ.<br />
<br />
Even in choosing our name we are trying
to communicate that our intent is to change our ways. We want to be
a church where everyone understands themselves to be ministers. We
want to become a church where our expectation is that we all do the
ministry of serving, loving, forgiving, helping and sharing. <br />
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A light for me last month was walking
into the Flushing Outreach Center and seeing several of our Cell
Group members hard at work. This cooperative Christian outreach is
helping hundreds of needy families in our area. This is not people
miles away but these are our neighbors who those serving get to know.
Jim Sartor, Deacon in Training, is now serving in a chaplain's role
at the center, with his main role helping the volunteers connect with
those they serve by praying, sharing or connecting them with
Christian churches in our town. His gentle spirit of encouragement
and modeling will help these servant-hearted people be more
intentional in their Christian outreach.
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I had a good chance to pass on some
insights and share of our experience of trying to hear the Lord in
our regular "Listening Days" with our brothers and sisters
over in South Haven, Michigan. They asked me to lead them in a time
of "Listening" as they press ahead after the leaving of
their long time pastors, Andrew & Summer Gross. Andrew is now
serving in Pittsburgh as the communication officer for the ACNA.
Brian Wolthuis from Holland, Michigan is now serving in a part-time
roll and they have just made the move into a new worship space, an
old daycare center on the back of a local church in their community.
They were encouraged by our time together as it seems that the Spirit
was calling their whole fellowship to a time of "prayer and
fasting" as they begin this new season in the common life. I am
very excited to see what the Spirit is leading them to do and become.<br />
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I began last month by attending the
Diocesan Clergy retreat in Akron, Ohio. Pat Self and I stayed with
my family who live close by, but we also encouraged Rebecca from
central Ohio to join us. Rebecca has been a prayer partner with New
Wine for several years. In a very special set of circumstances,
which include a vision in a dream, we were connected. It seems that
the Lord is now leading her to come alongside Anglicans in her area
(she has been ministering in a Vineyard church for many years). She
has exercised a ministry of prayer and encouragement in our work in
Flint and I think the Lord has now connected Rebecca with the wider
Anglican community which is very exciting.<br />
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Finally, last month also proved to be a
great blessing to Deb and I as I took a week off to paint our home a
nice bright yellow. Now known as the "Happy House on Dale
Street", we had several happy and hard working members of the
church join us in this project. Weeks later I am still a little
sore, but we continue to pray we can be a bright spot in our corner
of Flushing.
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The Rev. Dave Kulcharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228558250743182710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183542667608852298.post-72397042028733190522013-10-31T17:17:00.000-07:002013-10-31T17:17:23.632-07:00All Saints at New Wine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4cdhVIwSxgITwz2wM3K_YjOVpKu_7yxhZWhUCJ3zd3tRKaYauGq4uZXgI1UfWICnxWcOmYc9EsWCPhxG3_H1Zs7G49Jx_dZXUQhM0V_FoaxtuTvVoovnEh-D_422mUGIZ8ijCHl-Yhp1c/s1600/Longing+for+God+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4cdhVIwSxgITwz2wM3K_YjOVpKu_7yxhZWhUCJ3zd3tRKaYauGq4uZXgI1UfWICnxWcOmYc9EsWCPhxG3_H1Zs7G49Jx_dZXUQhM0V_FoaxtuTvVoovnEh-D_422mUGIZ8ijCHl-Yhp1c/s320/Longing+for+God+2.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
"All Hallows Eve", the night before "All Saints Day", is my least favorite time of the year. So many of the Christian Feasts celebrate significant events in the life of Christ or the Church. It would be so typical of our fallen nature that a worldly way of thinking would begin to twist something good - "remembering the lives of faithful people who have gone before" - to something dark and even frightful and at times down right gruesome. This fall at New Wine we have chosen to sit at the feet of saints and ask "how did they draw near to the Lord?" Based on a book <u>Longing For God</u> we focused on 7 different saints. (check out the audio sermons page at <a href="http://www.newwinemission.com/">www.NewWineMission.com</a> ) This day we truly celebrate the saints that have gone before and still teach us today.<br />
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Now we turn our sights to mission outreach and deeds of kindness and service. Join us November 7 when we host 2 dinners at Taekens Terrace in Davison and Roxbury Court in Clio and then watch Billy Graham's last national sermon. Call (810) 659-0432 for more information. Our Flushing Cell group is collecting (till the end of the year) extra tubes of toothpaste for needy people in our community. But I was reminded of the hands on outreach of the food and clothes closet that we help support when I dropped in on the FCOC last week and found several of our cell group members hard at work serving the needy of our community. FCOC (Flushing Christian Outreach Center) served more than 149 families which is over 404 individuals in the last reported month. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWkeZm2nDnaQx9PHDgmW8j73XrerrfzGo6KROo-pSmdXr1IU_s0gpMjtDbPv3dbLExc2du7UIEbsB2ki7ThqxR-9MXcGMR1jDD3D94W-AOPXBda9NSqD15d2CJsuSQL3N6eJ1nHh9AQxIy/s1600/Oct+2013+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWkeZm2nDnaQx9PHDgmW8j73XrerrfzGo6KROo-pSmdXr1IU_s0gpMjtDbPv3dbLExc2du7UIEbsB2ki7ThqxR-9MXcGMR1jDD3D94W-AOPXBda9NSqD15d2CJsuSQL3N6eJ1nHh9AQxIy/s320/Oct+2013+002.JPG" width="320" /></a>So as we look ahead, we are thinking and praying for the Family, Friends and Neighbors (FFN's) the Lord is putting in our lives this holiday season. We are asking "For the sake of the kingdom, how will we <strong>love more</strong>, <strong>serve more</strong> and be in the <strong>Word more</strong>?" This was the challenge brought to us in our last listening day this Fall. Pray we do not just listen but do what the Lord is calling us to do as we end 2013.The Rev. Dave Kulcharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228558250743182710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183542667608852298.post-67093701910214298942013-09-04T07:10:00.000-07:002013-09-04T07:24:19.889-07:00New Wine Report - September 2013<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkB_9hdYeMKbtrLeeG2A2jWrxJfNoqktaxD_Q0uhUOlHBKJkQABxd0zU7lF3UbHhWtXqphExwDHz3otgJPvO0nmsYa4CUtAZznjfKbYUtc7OOMl2PqhwDprlSTpUf4q5ez9DWcS8Fj1mi/s1600/Cameron+&+Hannah+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkB_9hdYeMKbtrLeeG2A2jWrxJfNoqktaxD_Q0uhUOlHBKJkQABxd0zU7lF3UbHhWtXqphExwDHz3otgJPvO0nmsYa4CUtAZznjfKbYUtc7OOMl2PqhwDprlSTpUf4q5ez9DWcS8Fj1mi/s320/Cameron+&+Hannah+1.jpg" width="320" /></a>Life at New Wine has been good over the
summer. Our last Report was end of June. July and August seem like
a blur. People away on trips and the slow passing of summer included
two significant departures from New Wine Mission. First we said
good-bye to the Robinson Family as they moved to North Carolina for
Mike to take a new JR. ROTC position near New Bern. The plus is that
they are already involved in an Anglican Church - All Saints,
Morehead City. They have been part of a small group with some young
Marines at Camp Lejeune and just a week ago had their first cell
group in their new home. Our loss but the Kingdom's gain. We also
said farewell to Cameron and Hannah as they start their 3 year
seminary experience at Nashotah House in MN. We will see the
MacMillans later this month when they return to Michigan for a
family event. We hope periodic visits will be a regular occurrence
over their seminary experience. We are supporting them both in
prayer and financially as a church and individually. <br />
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We certainly feel the absence of these
two dear New Wine families, but we have added to our numbers with
several twenty something folks who have started regularly coming the
past two months. This fall we are seeing Tim Goodrich step up as our
new worship leader and he is doing a great job. Finding the balance
of contemporary songs that speak our praise and love to God and yet
remaining connected to the songs of the church in ages past is the
goal. Over the summer we have seen a new Thursday Evening -
Contemplative Cell group emerge. Meeting in downtown Flint at Tim's
Shoe Shop they transform the space into a simple worship space for
quiet evening prayer and reflection on the daily readings. Calm,
quiet and sacred this hour long gathering is often completed with
fellowship at a local pub. Laughter, conversation, tales true and
imagined, mixed with a little theology is creating a great relational
setting for a new way of doing church. <br />
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This fall we are continuing to look to
do ministry around the table. Several of our cells will participate
in the "My Hope America" event on November 7 hosted by the
Billy Graham Association, but it is designed to be around a dinner in
a home or other gathering places. We hope to host four "Matthew
Parties" modeled after St. Matthew throwing a party so his
friends could meet Jesus. We are also looking to go deeper with the
Lord as we embark on a 7 week sermon series based on a book by Robert
Foster called "Longing for God."
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Finances have been tight starting early
this summer. Once again we were surprised on two occasions when two
families beyond our immediate church family tithed unexpected money
to our work. Just when expenses exceeded income, the first check
came, then just a few weeks ago the second one came again just in the
time of greatest need. We can express what a blessing both these
gifts have been at a time we did not know how our needs would be met.
We can only receive these as a sign that we are to keep pursuing the
vision of establishing a self supporting Anglican ministry which
Loves People and Loves God, around the Communion Table and through
authentic house church communities in Genesee County.
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<br />
In the beginning of August we held
another listening day. We sensed the Spirit saying keep focused on
"More Word, More Love, More Service". Let me end with a
verse the Lord directed me to during my quiet time that confirmed to
me I was to stay the course here in Flint:
<br />
<br />
Judges 9:13 "But the vine said to
them 'Shall I leave my new wine, which cheers God and men, and go to
war over the trees?'" and the implied answer is "NO".
<br />
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When God is at work, and I believe He
is at New Wine, we are to stay the course though things are lean or
our numbers thin. God is at work and He has not said pull up the
stakes and move the tent. This gives me hope for the weeks and
months ahead. May we see a great harvest in His vineyard.<br />
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The Rev. Dave Kulcharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228558250743182710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183542667608852298.post-64858335712468304022013-08-26T13:55:00.000-07:002013-08-26T13:55:16.270-07:00Listening Day Summary
Started the day with Morning Prayer and
the assigned daily readings:<br />
<br />
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2 Samuel 16 (Account of King David's
fleeing Jerusalem after Absalom's revolt)
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Act 22:17-29 (Paul's suffering in
Jerusalem)</div>
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Psalm 107: 33-43 (Life changing God
lifts up the faithful)</div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Mark 1:1-11 (Jesus' triumphant entry
in Jerusalem)</div>
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From the readings we hear how the city
of God, Jerusalem, holds both times of hardship, adversity and
triumph. So New Wine is in a time when finances are getting tight,
our membership has declined due to the recent relocation of two
active families, and we seem to once again need to hear a word of
encouragement from the Lord.
<br />
<br />
After over 2 hours of listening prayer
time, we shared our sense of what the Spirit was speaking to us in
the quiet of listening prayer. Rob Robertson shared this prophetic
Word of encouragement that seemed to capture the tone of our morning
of listening time:
<br />
<br />
"You are my children. I am so very
fond of you. You seek me out, each in your own way, but often we do
not connect. I want <b>more</b> than this for you, a faith that is
<span style="font-weight: normal;">more</span> than form and
substance, but a place where we can deeply abide together; where we
can listen to each other's words, think each other's thoughts, a
place to go beyond the here and now that gives you just a glimpse of
eternity. My love is not dependent on your response, although even I
long for your embrace. Turn to me and lean into me, feel my
touch...gentle and affirming. Let me hold you and know that you are
safe in my embrace. Trust me and know this is all going to work out.
I have not led you to this point to abandon you, but to allow you to
know me in a new way. Know that I am your God and know that I am with
you...that you have nothing to fear, your provision comes through me.
I will make your path straight, every obstacle I will overcome. I
will show you what to do and each of you will take back a piece of
the Kingdom, belonging to you as heirs to the Kingdom."<br />
<br />
This word to go deep, to trust more, to
love more and fret less resounded through several other people's
reflections.
<br />
<br />
From Hebrews 4:16 we were reminded to
"draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may
receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need". The
invitation was to "come be used, come to listen, come to see
what the Lord has for us."<br />
<br />
From Psalm 107 we were challenged to
"Give Thanks", for the wayward, rebellious, evil and lost
will not prosper, the redeemed will see the hand of God and give
testimony in the "assembly of the elders". This reminded
us again of the high value we place on testimony giving at New Wine.<br />
<br />
From Hebrews again (10:32-35) we were
exhorted to "remember the former days" of God's presence
and action in our midst, particularly to give us hope in our current
times of struggle. We were called to not "loss the confidence"
which comes from the fact that we have seen God work in the past and
He will in the days to come, as lean and difficult as they may appear
at the present time.<br />
<br />
From one who was drawn to several
readings in Proverbs we were warned to be wary of enticements and
distractions that draw us from the things of God, particularly from
our relationship with the Father. We are to seek Wisdom which begins
with "the fear (reverence) of the Lord". A similar word
came to one of us even after our listening day: "Keep your eyes
on the prize" (which is Wisdom, Jesus, etc.) Don't be
distracted by side issues (congregation size, recruitment). The line
from the movie "Field of Dreams" comes to mind: "If
you build it, they will come". "It" being upholding
Godly Wisdom, the person of Jesus, Kingdom values of healing and
restoration. This is what will draw people into fellowship.<br />
<br />
A second warning came in the form of a
question: Have you heard a hard Word? Are you listening for or
willing to receive a Word of correction? We are not to just grab
hold of things that encourage but be willing to hear a Word for
correction.<br />
<br />
Romans 15:4 was shared: "...whatever
was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, that
through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might
have hope." Remembering God's action in the life of Israel, in
the early church, and even in our own experience, helps us get
through the hard or trying times we may currently be experiencing..
<br />
<br />
This call to to be people of the Word ,
was re-enforced in the image of Jesus being the Vine and we being the
branches (John 15). If we are to produce Kingdom fruit we must abide
in the vine. We abide in Jesus by being in the Word (his teaching)
and doing what He commands. More Word, more love and more serving
seemed to be the theme again and again.<br />
<br />
The Spirit also spoke to us about our
expectations. In 1 Kings 19 the Lord did not speak in outward big
and flashy ways but in the still small voice. God does not always
act in ways we expect. In this comes the warning to pray God's will
and not our expectations. The emphasis here was on "listening"
over "seeing". God's promise is that his Kingdom will
come. God's promise is that He will be with us and never forsake us.
The promises to those who abide, draw near, go deep with God are
many. But those who walk in their own ways, they do not receive the
grace of those promises. We are not to fret, but walk in faith that
if a door closes another will open, if the Kingdom is near it will be
clear by his blessing and provision.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span>Practically
this means we move forward trusting He will provide until He clearly
directs us otherwise.</span> Keep our eyes on Kingdom values and
goals. Kingdom people love, care and serve others, as we have been
loved and cared for by the Father. One among us was reminded us that
reaching others may be more about serving people rather than
preaching at them and certainly not helped by arguing with them. How
are we loving? How are we serving? How can we serve more?</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span>Word
More,</span> Love More, Serve More.<br /><br /><br />
</div>
The Rev. Dave Kulcharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228558250743182710noreply@blogger.com0