Wow. What an exciting month in Ft. Worth! Congrats on a successful "Art-n-the Park 2008", and the first ever "Ending Homelessness One Life at a Time" on May 3rd. Remember, our purpose for these two events was to create a sense of community among the different ministries and organizations who serve in the near east side area of Ft. Worth. Praise Christ that our goal was achieved with great success. If you didn't get a chance to read one of the reviews written about "AITP" then click this link and check it out! (includes pics, and a short write-up)
http://www.rhchurch.org/index.cfm?pg=news&id=110
May 3rd event was a great success. Neale told me that there is a lot of momentum right now, and that we've got to make sure that we take the necessary steps to ensure that May 3rd wasn't just a meaningless pep rally; fruit should begin to be produced as a result. (My interpretation of our conversation= ) We must move forward with the next steps...
Here is how we keep momentum guys: Keep serving together. Continue to build those relationships that were begun as you served together over the past two months. Don't miss the UITC network meetings...
***Join everyone for a May 3rd FOLLOW-UP meeting on Saturday, May 24th from 2:30 - 4:00pm. This will be an important time to begin putting things into place, and creating categories of empowerment for those on the streets. So far we have these categories: communication/transportation, discipleship, jobs/employment. There will be other categories/committees as well. We need you guys to be a part of the planning, etc. of these things. To see what we've been working on go check out the UITC website that Michael has been working on.
www.unitynthecommunity.com
The following weekend will be our regularly scheduled UITC network meeting to follow-up, and continue organizing this process of empowerment for those one the streets. We realize that this is two Saturdays in a row that you will be sacrificing, but truly believe that some AMAZING kingdom things are "brewin" on E. Lancaster. We're inviting you to be a part of what God is doing, and going to do. Please mark your calendar for May 24th, and May 31st. Details are at the above calendar....
www.unitynthecommunity.com
unityinthecommunity-ftworth.blogspot.com
-Aaron Snow-
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Friday, April 11, 2008
Unity...Whut?
I believe that people all over the world are beginning to realize the need for Unity. For years we thought we could do it on our own. We thought ministry and the growth of the kingdom was some sort of a competition. We thought that the Lord gave US a vision, and that we were to move forward like a fright train pummeling anything in front of us in order to accomplish that vision.
Of course, we rarely see that in scripture. Instead, I see Jesus stooping down to wash the feet of his disciples. I see Him commanding us to put the interests of others before our own, and humbly serve everyone around...yes everyone...(Philippians 2) "you mean even the church planter down the road!? But what if our members go to HIS church and not mine!?" (How a thought like that can even enter any of our minds blows me away)
I have come to the conclusion that a main reason we haven't seen Biblical unity among the body here in the states is because if it happened God would get the Glory. We don't like that. We want the glory, and we rob God of the glory He deserves because our flesh wants recognition, and approval. We SAY we want God to get glory, but our actions prove otherwise. We say we want to grow the kingdom no matter what, but it usually translates into growing OUR kingdom. When true unity begins to happen is when pastors, leaders, planters, missionaries, etc. begin to humbly serve those around them EVEN if it does not directly benefit THEIR thing, but the others.
Unity happens when we count the interests of others as equally important as our own. Once again, this will be difficult because for this to happen ONLY God can take credit, and receive glory for it. I beg, and pray that we would desire His glory more than our own. "Father, set us free from our fleshly desires...our desires that rob you of the glory you deserve."
Unity in the Community has a desire to see Unity among the Body of Christ take place in Ft. Worth, and all over the world. We've started among the different ministries and organizations who serve the poor and homeless population in the near east side area of Ft. Worth. By the grace of God, and us humbly serving those around us we will watch God fuse us together in ways we've never seen before. "Thank you Jesus for your grace."
Of course, we rarely see that in scripture. Instead, I see Jesus stooping down to wash the feet of his disciples. I see Him commanding us to put the interests of others before our own, and humbly serve everyone around...yes everyone...(Philippians 2) "you mean even the church planter down the road!? But what if our members go to HIS church and not mine!?" (How a thought like that can even enter any of our minds blows me away)
I have come to the conclusion that a main reason we haven't seen Biblical unity among the body here in the states is because if it happened God would get the Glory. We don't like that. We want the glory, and we rob God of the glory He deserves because our flesh wants recognition, and approval. We SAY we want God to get glory, but our actions prove otherwise. We say we want to grow the kingdom no matter what, but it usually translates into growing OUR kingdom. When true unity begins to happen is when pastors, leaders, planters, missionaries, etc. begin to humbly serve those around them EVEN if it does not directly benefit THEIR thing, but the others.
Unity happens when we count the interests of others as equally important as our own. Once again, this will be difficult because for this to happen ONLY God can take credit, and receive glory for it. I beg, and pray that we would desire His glory more than our own. "Father, set us free from our fleshly desires...our desires that rob you of the glory you deserve."
Unity in the Community has a desire to see Unity among the Body of Christ take place in Ft. Worth, and all over the world. We've started among the different ministries and organizations who serve the poor and homeless population in the near east side area of Ft. Worth. By the grace of God, and us humbly serving those around us we will watch God fuse us together in ways we've never seen before. "Thank you Jesus for your grace."
Sunday, March 30, 2008
April Network Meeting!
Make sure you attend this meeting. We will be nailing down details for Art-n-the-park and the May 3rd event. Don't miss it!
Monday, March 3, 2008
UITC Network Meeting!
Make sure you join us for the UITC network meeting this weekend. We'll be planning and discussing details for our two big events coming up in April & May. "Art-n-the Park" & "Ending Homelessness One Life at a Time".
Please RSVP to Aaron @ unityinthecommunity@gmail.com
Please RSVP to Aaron @ unityinthecommunity@gmail.com
Monday, February 11, 2008
Art-n-the Park!
Details for the first Art-n-the Park planning meeting:
What: Organizational meeting to find people who want to lead each station
When: Saturday, February 23 @ 1:00pm
Where: Tom and Marsha's House: 3012 Meadow Brook Drive Fort Worth, Texas 76103
Why: To get everybody on the same page and see where/how our talents and gifts can make this event happen
Who: Anybody who can commit to the pre-event planning
**Please bring a sack lunch or eat prior to the meeting. Drinks will be provided!
I'm looking forward to seeing all of you there! Please start praying now and ask the Lord how he wants to use you during this opportunity to be His hands and feet!
Also, you are welcome to forward this to anybody who might want to help with the planning of Art-In-The-Park.
Thank you so much for your interest and prayers! I can't wait for all of us to be out there with the people we love from the community!
Just so you know:
Art-In-The-Park is: Saturday, April 26 from 10:00am- 3:00pm
Let me know if you need any more information
Love,
Meghan Rinestine
What: Organizational meeting to find people who want to lead each station
When: Saturday, February 23 @ 1:00pm
Where: Tom and Marsha's House: 3012 Meadow Brook Drive Fort Worth, Texas 76103
Why: To get everybody on the same page and see where/how our talents and gifts can make this event happen
Who: Anybody who can commit to the pre-event planning
**Please bring a sack lunch or eat prior to the meeting. Drinks will be provided!
I'm looking forward to seeing all of you there! Please start praying now and ask the Lord how he wants to use you during this opportunity to be His hands and feet!
Also, you are welcome to forward this to anybody who might want to help with the planning of Art-In-The-Park.
Thank you so much for your interest and prayers! I can't wait for all of us to be out there with the people we love from the community!
Just so you know:
Art-In-The-Park is: Saturday, April 26 from 10:00am- 3:00pm
Let me know if you need any more information
Love,
Meghan Rinestine
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Update...
May 3rd - "Ending Homelessness, One Life at a Time". Neale is meeting with Marvin Olasky in Austin tomorrow. The ball is rolling, and we need you guys to continue to spread the word among ministry leaders about this event. They, AND YOU will not want to miss this. At the next UITC meeting we will have BROCHURES ready for you to take. You can give these to the leaders who you are thinking about inviting.
April 26th: "Art-in-the Park". Meghan Rhinestine with Intentional Gatherings is the contact person for this event. (817.937.6201) (mer05b@acu.edu) There will a lot you can do to help prep for this, as well as the day of. We hope you will all consider spending that day with us as we serve the community. Go check out last year's AITP: www.artnthepark.homestead.com AND www.myspace.com/artnthepark
**At the next meeting we will have specific areas you can sign up for to help with this event.
I was reading this morning, and the Lord gave this to me for Unity in the Community...
Ephesians 4:1-16
"I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you[a] all.
7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore He says:
“ When He ascended on high,
He led captivity captive,
And gave gifts to men.”[b]
9 (Now this, “He ascended”—what does it mean but that He also first[c] descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)
11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love."
April 26th: "Art-in-the Park". Meghan Rhinestine with Intentional Gatherings is the contact person for this event. (817.937.6201) (mer05b@acu.edu) There will a lot you can do to help prep for this, as well as the day of. We hope you will all consider spending that day with us as we serve the community. Go check out last year's AITP: www.artnthepark.homestead.com AND www.myspace.com/artnthepark
**At the next meeting we will have specific areas you can sign up for to help with this event.
I was reading this morning, and the Lord gave this to me for Unity in the Community...
Ephesians 4:1-16
"I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you[a] all.
7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore He says:
“ When He ascended on high,
He led captivity captive,
And gave gifts to men.”[b]
9 (Now this, “He ascended”—what does it mean but that He also first[c] descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)
11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love."
Monday, February 4, 2008
An Opportunity to Serve
One of the ongoing needs in the East Lancaster community is real opportunities for some of our friends to find a comprehensive that provides encouragement for life, counseling to face life challenges and help as they pursue work that will lead towards a more stable future.
Neal Mansfield's Jobs for Life program (based out of Unity Park) is one of those programs we've talked about before. Neal recently shared a particular need for trustworthy men to manage Saturday work sessions of the Jobs for Life program. Ideally, a person would commit to serve three hours every Saturday for eight weeks from 11-2pm or 2-5pm alongside a few guys from the neighborhood.
For more details about getting involved, contact Neal at (817) 300-0918 or feedbygrace.org
Neal Mansfield's Jobs for Life program (based out of Unity Park) is one of those programs we've talked about before. Neal recently shared a particular need for trustworthy men to manage Saturday work sessions of the Jobs for Life program. Ideally, a person would commit to serve three hours every Saturday for eight weeks from 11-2pm or 2-5pm alongside a few guys from the neighborhood.
For more details about getting involved, contact Neal at (817) 300-0918 or feedbygrace.org
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
UITC meeting follow-up...
Hey guys,
I wanted to thank you all again for stepping outside of “your thing” and what “your ministry” does to see what’s going on with others in the city. We hope that you are catching the vision for UITC, which is that none of us, on our own, can meet every need on the streets in Ft. Worth. We need each other. We need Unity. We need the body of Christ. We need Unity among that body. So, thank you for being willing to be a part of that Unity…
At the meeting we discussed two events that we would all participate with together. Those two events were “Art-n-the Park” (April 26th), and “Ending Homelessness - 1 Life at a Time” (May3rd). I hope you feel like you had some say is this decision. Please feel free to inform us if there are other options that you feel would be beneficial for the UITC network to participate in. For now we feel that these events will accomplish two purposes:
1) Unifying us as we serve together (“Art-n-the Park”). We will all be “in the loop”, and a part of planning/putting on this event. We hope you will provide any resources your ministry/organization has to see this event made possible in 2008.
(See www.artnthepark.homestead.com for more information on the event)
2) Raise awareness and challenge us to “do things differently/in a new and fresh way” (“Ending Homelessness - 1 Life at a Time”). As you heard at the meeting, this event has HUGE potential to create much change in the homeless community of Ft. Worth. I believe that each of us have the desire, and see the need for one on one discipleship on the streets. However, many of us have resorted to other outlets of ministry because we simply did not have a way to know who was ready for, and needed that one-on-one discipleship. This event will open the doors for this type of discipleship to take place, and will invite YOU, and YOUR ministry to be a part.
May we embrace these things as our own as we seek to serve together as the body of Christ. I beg you to take some time this week to set aside your agenda, and serve some other ministry. (Just like Michael shared he has been doing at the meeting) Once again, please do not discontinue the things that you are currently doing, but also commit to being a part of these two events. As you do the ministry you are involved with constantly seek new, and more effective ways to do it. From this point forward we will be focusing on the planning and execution of these two events. Please stay tuned for details about how you can be involved. Thanks again for you time.
In the power and purpose of Jesus Christ,
Aaron Snow - Unity in the Community
I wanted to thank you all again for stepping outside of “your thing” and what “your ministry” does to see what’s going on with others in the city. We hope that you are catching the vision for UITC, which is that none of us, on our own, can meet every need on the streets in Ft. Worth. We need each other. We need Unity. We need the body of Christ. We need Unity among that body. So, thank you for being willing to be a part of that Unity…
At the meeting we discussed two events that we would all participate with together. Those two events were “Art-n-the Park” (April 26th), and “Ending Homelessness - 1 Life at a Time” (May3rd). I hope you feel like you had some say is this decision. Please feel free to inform us if there are other options that you feel would be beneficial for the UITC network to participate in. For now we feel that these events will accomplish two purposes:
1) Unifying us as we serve together (“Art-n-the Park”). We will all be “in the loop”, and a part of planning/putting on this event. We hope you will provide any resources your ministry/organization has to see this event made possible in 2008.
(See www.artnthepark.homestead.com for more information on the event)
2) Raise awareness and challenge us to “do things differently/in a new and fresh way” (“Ending Homelessness - 1 Life at a Time”). As you heard at the meeting, this event has HUGE potential to create much change in the homeless community of Ft. Worth. I believe that each of us have the desire, and see the need for one on one discipleship on the streets. However, many of us have resorted to other outlets of ministry because we simply did not have a way to know who was ready for, and needed that one-on-one discipleship. This event will open the doors for this type of discipleship to take place, and will invite YOU, and YOUR ministry to be a part.
May we embrace these things as our own as we seek to serve together as the body of Christ. I beg you to take some time this week to set aside your agenda, and serve some other ministry. (Just like Michael shared he has been doing at the meeting) Once again, please do not discontinue the things that you are currently doing, but also commit to being a part of these two events. As you do the ministry you are involved with constantly seek new, and more effective ways to do it. From this point forward we will be focusing on the planning and execution of these two events. Please stay tuned for details about how you can be involved. Thanks again for you time.
In the power and purpose of Jesus Christ,
Aaron Snow - Unity in the Community
Friday, January 11, 2008
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Check the Calendar!
Everyone,
The above calendar is a great tool for you to use for your ministry, or to stay involved with ways to serve in the community. Please check it weekly for new events that have been posted. Also, we have scheduled UITC network meetings for the entire year of 2008. Make sure to mark your calendars and be there! We hope all is well, and don't forget to go and serve someone else outside of your ministry this month!
The above calendar is a great tool for you to use for your ministry, or to stay involved with ways to serve in the community. Please check it weekly for new events that have been posted. Also, we have scheduled UITC network meetings for the entire year of 2008. Make sure to mark your calendars and be there! We hope all is well, and don't forget to go and serve someone else outside of your ministry this month!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
