We are coming up on completing our fist year as Church Planters. We moved to Chico on January 17th 2009 with a plan and a vision. Now a year later the vision remains but the plan has been reworked many, many times. the words of James ring clearly in my ears. James 4:13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— 14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For t you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. 15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”
We have remained flexible and now preface all of our plans with if God is willing. As we come into the new year we see things falling into place and we are really excited. So we will be taking the month of January to hold prayer meetings dedicating our work and the work of Fusion Church to God. We are inviting Pastor's and intercessors from other Churches in town to join us for prayer. I want to make sure that we are truly following after God every step of the way as well as working together with other congregations and believers in town.
I would like to invite all of you to prayer with us in the next month as we follow after God in the new year.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
in need of prayer
We have made it through all four of our preview gatherings. The next step is some prayer meetings and a launch. Please pray for us as we look at what it will mean for us to meet every Sunday morning.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
November 2009 Rhodes Family Church Planting Update
Dear Family and Friends,
Here we are again. The end of the year is fast approaching and we can’t believe how quickly it has flown by!! As we come close to Thanksgiving we are realizing how much we have to be thankful for. We are also reminded that we should be thankful to our Savior everyday, not just once a year!
First off we are very thankful for all of you. We are thankful for those that have committed to us financially and have faithfully given every month. We are thankful to those that have committed to pray for us and are doing so regularly. We feel those prayers covering us and are very comforted by them.
We are also thankful for the work God has done in Chico. Our last preview service had a great turn out. We had a wonderful intimate time of worship and heard a powerful testimony and message. The relationships we have built here are growing stronger daily. Jeremy continues to serve regularly at the Jesus Center and making a positive impact in the community. Fusion Church is getting known and building a solid reputation in the community.
Jeremy is in talks with the Chico Fire Department about becoming their Chaplin. This is an amazing opportunity for him to give back to a group of men who are constantly giving to the community and keeping us safe. A lot of these men do not know the Lord and it is a great opportunity to minister to them. We should know more about this in the coming weeks and will keep you posted
As you well know we are in the thick of fundraising an additional $1,000 a month. Well God has proven faithful once again and we are already half way there!! We ask that you pray with us as we continue to work towards our goal. If you are already giving to us and find yourself in a place where you can increase your giving you may do so by contacting the Converge office at (209) 830-6222 or going online at www.sunergeo.org. Just indicate the additional amount you are able to give and you are all set! You may also do this if you would like to commit for the first time.
As always we thank you and praise God for you!! We hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Blessings!
Jeremy and Elizabeth Rhodes
Email: pastor.jdr@gmail.com
Church Website: www.fusionchico.com
Here we are again. The end of the year is fast approaching and we can’t believe how quickly it has flown by!! As we come close to Thanksgiving we are realizing how much we have to be thankful for. We are also reminded that we should be thankful to our Savior everyday, not just once a year!
First off we are very thankful for all of you. We are thankful for those that have committed to us financially and have faithfully given every month. We are thankful to those that have committed to pray for us and are doing so regularly. We feel those prayers covering us and are very comforted by them.
We are also thankful for the work God has done in Chico. Our last preview service had a great turn out. We had a wonderful intimate time of worship and heard a powerful testimony and message. The relationships we have built here are growing stronger daily. Jeremy continues to serve regularly at the Jesus Center and making a positive impact in the community. Fusion Church is getting known and building a solid reputation in the community.
Jeremy is in talks with the Chico Fire Department about becoming their Chaplin. This is an amazing opportunity for him to give back to a group of men who are constantly giving to the community and keeping us safe. A lot of these men do not know the Lord and it is a great opportunity to minister to them. We should know more about this in the coming weeks and will keep you posted
As you well know we are in the thick of fundraising an additional $1,000 a month. Well God has proven faithful once again and we are already half way there!! We ask that you pray with us as we continue to work towards our goal. If you are already giving to us and find yourself in a place where you can increase your giving you may do so by contacting the Converge office at (209) 830-6222 or going online at www.sunergeo.org. Just indicate the additional amount you are able to give and you are all set! You may also do this if you would like to commit for the first time.
As always we thank you and praise God for you!! We hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Blessings!
Jeremy and Elizabeth Rhodes
Email: pastor.jdr@gmail.com
Church Website: www.fusionchico.com
Monday, October 12, 2009
October 2009 Rhodes Family Church Planting Update
Dear Family and Friends,
This month we held our second preview gathering! This time around the gathering reflected our vision and what we want to do here in Chico. We are very excited for the way that God touched the people who came. We once again saw people find us through different avenues and it was great meeting them for the first time. We are praying that these people with connect with us and come back again.
After the gathering on Sunday night we invited people to come to a Thursday Night Bible Study. We have been encouraged by the people who have came to our Bible Study and more people who seem to be interested. We are going to be going through the book of Romans. Please pray for us as we struggle through the hard concepts in this book.
It has been an adventure coming to the community with a few contacts and seeing God make great connections. We are humbled by the way that God has brought healing to some and friendship to others. We stand amazed by his grace to us through the fulfilling work that he has allowed us to do. We are truly blessed by the support that we have received through prayer and financial gifts.
God is doing great things in Chico and he is using all of you as his vessels to make that happen. Thank you for your continued support financially and prayerfully. We have 3 months to raise $1,000 more a month so if you find yourself in place where you can increase your support we would be very appreciative. We ask that you pray with us that we will reach this goal and also that God would continue to grow his church in Chico.
Also if you are not currently supporting us, but now find yourself in a position to do so, now is the time. You may increase your giving or make a first time commitment at http://www.sunergeo.org/donate.html. If you have not yet sent in your support for October please do so at this time. Thank you again for your support. We are also always praying for each of you and thanking God for you!
Blessings!
Jeremy and Elizabeth Rhodes
Email: pastor.jdr@gmail.com
Church Website: www.fusionchico.com
This month we held our second preview gathering! This time around the gathering reflected our vision and what we want to do here in Chico. We are very excited for the way that God touched the people who came. We once again saw people find us through different avenues and it was great meeting them for the first time. We are praying that these people with connect with us and come back again.
After the gathering on Sunday night we invited people to come to a Thursday Night Bible Study. We have been encouraged by the people who have came to our Bible Study and more people who seem to be interested. We are going to be going through the book of Romans. Please pray for us as we struggle through the hard concepts in this book.
It has been an adventure coming to the community with a few contacts and seeing God make great connections. We are humbled by the way that God has brought healing to some and friendship to others. We stand amazed by his grace to us through the fulfilling work that he has allowed us to do. We are truly blessed by the support that we have received through prayer and financial gifts.
God is doing great things in Chico and he is using all of you as his vessels to make that happen. Thank you for your continued support financially and prayerfully. We have 3 months to raise $1,000 more a month so if you find yourself in place where you can increase your support we would be very appreciative. We ask that you pray with us that we will reach this goal and also that God would continue to grow his church in Chico.
Also if you are not currently supporting us, but now find yourself in a position to do so, now is the time. You may increase your giving or make a first time commitment at http://www.sunergeo.org/donate.html. If you have not yet sent in your support for October please do so at this time. Thank you again for your support. We are also always praying for each of you and thanking God for you!
Blessings!
Jeremy and Elizabeth Rhodes
Email: pastor.jdr@gmail.com
Church Website: www.fusionchico.com
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
virtue of maintenance
So many time the small things of life are overlooked. Installing a toilet is viewed as lower than gaining education. Changing spark plugs is lower than teaching a class. Why have we come to believe these things? Why do we prize paying someone to talk at us more than physical work? Why is it that I prefer a plumber to a student or a mechanic to a professor?
The world has become and interesting dualism. Where the world of the mind is viewed higher than the world of the hands. This is never more apparent than the Church in the world today. When has knowing the greek mattered to a woman who has lost a child? When has eschatology mattered to a family struggling to make ends meet?
My mind has wandered to this point because I sit here typing while my hands hurt from working on my car. Why do they hurt? Because I use my mind to avoid the labor of my hands. My hands can serve a meal, my hands car rake a yard but my mind can only think grand thoughts. Which matters more to you?
I propose that the seminarian spend time as a janitor.
To learn the virtue of maintenance.
I propose that I spend less time thinking and more time doing.
feedback please...
this is an incomplete thought...
The world has become and interesting dualism. Where the world of the mind is viewed higher than the world of the hands. This is never more apparent than the Church in the world today. When has knowing the greek mattered to a woman who has lost a child? When has eschatology mattered to a family struggling to make ends meet?
My mind has wandered to this point because I sit here typing while my hands hurt from working on my car. Why do they hurt? Because I use my mind to avoid the labor of my hands. My hands can serve a meal, my hands car rake a yard but my mind can only think grand thoughts. Which matters more to you?
I propose that the seminarian spend time as a janitor.
To learn the virtue of maintenance.
I propose that I spend less time thinking and more time doing.
feedback please...
this is an incomplete thought...
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
September 2009 Rhodes Family Church Planting Update
Dear Family and Friends,
This month marked our first preview service for Fusion! It was very exciting planning and anticipating the evening. We were very pleased with the way that it went and are very excited about what God is going to do. We had 20 adults and 5 kids at the first service. We had great worship and message. And we learned of things that we will do different next time to be more inline with our vision. We also invited all in attendance to have fellowship in our home as well as serve with us in the community. We are continuing to serve at the Jesus Center and will also be participating in a Walk for Gold, which is a fundraiser for the Special Olympics.
As well as the service went we still have a ways to go. We ask that you pray for us as we continue to nail down the way we decide to have the services. We want Fusion to reach a group of people that are currently not being met in a church and in order to do that we need to do church differently. We are still trying to define what exactly that will look like. We also ask that you pray for the people who were there that they would come back and that we would have people get excited about the vision and grow to have a close personal relationship with Christ, because after all that is the whole purpose of what we are doing here!
God is doing amazing things and we wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for all of you and your support. We are overwhelmed with the knowledge that so many people are praying for us! Thank you so much for all of your encouragement, prayers, and financial support. We have 4 months to raise $1,000 more a month so if you find yourself in place where you can increase your support we would be very appreciative. Also if you are not currently supporting us, but now find yourself in a position to do so, now is the time. You may increase your giving or make a first time commitment at www.sunergeo.org/donate. If you have not yet sent in your support for September please do so at this time. Thank you again for your support. We are also always praying for each of you and thanking God for you!
Blessings!
Jeremy and Elizabeth Rhodes
This month marked our first preview service for Fusion! It was very exciting planning and anticipating the evening. We were very pleased with the way that it went and are very excited about what God is going to do. We had 20 adults and 5 kids at the first service. We had great worship and message. And we learned of things that we will do different next time to be more inline with our vision. We also invited all in attendance to have fellowship in our home as well as serve with us in the community. We are continuing to serve at the Jesus Center and will also be participating in a Walk for Gold, which is a fundraiser for the Special Olympics.
As well as the service went we still have a ways to go. We ask that you pray for us as we continue to nail down the way we decide to have the services. We want Fusion to reach a group of people that are currently not being met in a church and in order to do that we need to do church differently. We are still trying to define what exactly that will look like. We also ask that you pray for the people who were there that they would come back and that we would have people get excited about the vision and grow to have a close personal relationship with Christ, because after all that is the whole purpose of what we are doing here!
God is doing amazing things and we wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for all of you and your support. We are overwhelmed with the knowledge that so many people are praying for us! Thank you so much for all of your encouragement, prayers, and financial support. We have 4 months to raise $1,000 more a month so if you find yourself in place where you can increase your support we would be very appreciative. Also if you are not currently supporting us, but now find yourself in a position to do so, now is the time. You may increase your giving or make a first time commitment at www.sunergeo.org/donate. If you have not yet sent in your support for September please do so at this time. Thank you again for your support. We are also always praying for each of you and thanking God for you!
Blessings!
Jeremy and Elizabeth Rhodes
Sunday, August 30, 2009
concerning the Caesar and the Pax Romana
I found myself watching a program on PBS, suffering through the pledge breaks, called Handel's Messiah Rocks. I know that is the worst title but it was a great rendition of the classic piece. Actually listening to the words I sat on the couch with my wife and was struck by some lyrics encasing a concept I had never considered. They were asking which President or King has God ever chosen to save the world... the point being the supremacy of Jesus.
Caesars had a bad habit of claiming divinity and ruling through that right. Claiming themselves to be the Son of God, through which they oppressed people and committed atrocities. They also enforced the Pax Romana which was peace throughout the empire. Those who resisted their idea of peace was executed through military action. Actually throughout history most rulers claimed divinity Caesar was not the first or the last.
As I contemplated the thoughts in my head I was driven to this idea. Jesus was the only one God called the Son of God and He was the only one to bring peace.
We live in a time when people are looking for a leader to guide them to peace and security. Not an outright rejection of God but a "God and" situation. Like Israel clambering for a king so many centuries ago. The problem remains that entrance into the Kingdom of God requires a rejection of everything else. It offers faith, hope and love at the sacrifice of wealth, security and comfort. Jesus offers peace in his Kingdom but a peace that is foreign to us. A peace that requires a surrender of pride and an offer of humility.
Caesar was not divine... the Pax Romana never brought peace.
No ruler is divine and no package can bring peace.
Jesus was the only true Son of God who was crucified and rose from the dead three days later. Which is the number one qualification to bring peace.
Caesars had a bad habit of claiming divinity and ruling through that right. Claiming themselves to be the Son of God, through which they oppressed people and committed atrocities. They also enforced the Pax Romana which was peace throughout the empire. Those who resisted their idea of peace was executed through military action. Actually throughout history most rulers claimed divinity Caesar was not the first or the last.
As I contemplated the thoughts in my head I was driven to this idea. Jesus was the only one God called the Son of God and He was the only one to bring peace.
We live in a time when people are looking for a leader to guide them to peace and security. Not an outright rejection of God but a "God and" situation. Like Israel clambering for a king so many centuries ago. The problem remains that entrance into the Kingdom of God requires a rejection of everything else. It offers faith, hope and love at the sacrifice of wealth, security and comfort. Jesus offers peace in his Kingdom but a peace that is foreign to us. A peace that requires a surrender of pride and an offer of humility.
Caesar was not divine... the Pax Romana never brought peace.
No ruler is divine and no package can bring peace.
Jesus was the only true Son of God who was crucified and rose from the dead three days later. Which is the number one qualification to bring peace.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
August 2009 Rhodes Family Church Planting Update
Dear Family and Friends,
As the year flies by things seem to be moving forward at a steady pace. On September 6th we will have our first preview gathering. We have found a location called the Chico Grange Hall that has everything we need. Jeremy worked very hard to find this place and we praise God that we are finally able to plan and get the word out for the meetings. We will have one meeting a month through the end of the year and then look at launching a service to meet every Sunday.
We have been blessed with a Video Projection Unit to use during our meetings, given to us by New Harbor Community Church. There are also some other things that we need as well and we are asking for some help from all of you. If you are able to provide any of the following or donate to allow us to purchase the following we would greatly appreciate it. We need a light bulb for the VPU (mentioned above), a lapel microphone, and some café tables. Please pray that we will get these things in time for our first meeting. Our biggest need at this point is the light bulb. We also ask that you would pray for the meetings to be successful and that we can begin the building of our core group through this.
We are very excited about what God is doing here. We know he has big plans and we can’t wait to see what is going to happen. We have met some great people and Jeremy continues to find more ways to serve in our community. He will be a mentor for students at high schools here in town and also be working with the staff at the local Christian high school as well.
Again we thank you all for your very faithful support! It is very encouraging and humbling knowing there are people praying for us. If you have not yet sent in your support for August please do so at this time. Don’t forget that you can also sign up for automatic debits at www.sunergeo.org/donate. As you know December is getting closer as is our deadline for our next fundraising goal. Please pray that we will reach this goal. If you have not yet committed support to us and would still like to you may do so at anytime on the above listed website.
Blessings!
Jeremy and Elizabeth Rhodes
As the year flies by things seem to be moving forward at a steady pace. On September 6th we will have our first preview gathering. We have found a location called the Chico Grange Hall that has everything we need. Jeremy worked very hard to find this place and we praise God that we are finally able to plan and get the word out for the meetings. We will have one meeting a month through the end of the year and then look at launching a service to meet every Sunday.
We have been blessed with a Video Projection Unit to use during our meetings, given to us by New Harbor Community Church. There are also some other things that we need as well and we are asking for some help from all of you. If you are able to provide any of the following or donate to allow us to purchase the following we would greatly appreciate it. We need a light bulb for the VPU (mentioned above), a lapel microphone, and some café tables. Please pray that we will get these things in time for our first meeting. Our biggest need at this point is the light bulb. We also ask that you would pray for the meetings to be successful and that we can begin the building of our core group through this.
We are very excited about what God is doing here. We know he has big plans and we can’t wait to see what is going to happen. We have met some great people and Jeremy continues to find more ways to serve in our community. He will be a mentor for students at high schools here in town and also be working with the staff at the local Christian high school as well.
Again we thank you all for your very faithful support! It is very encouraging and humbling knowing there are people praying for us. If you have not yet sent in your support for August please do so at this time. Don’t forget that you can also sign up for automatic debits at www.sunergeo.org/donate. As you know December is getting closer as is our deadline for our next fundraising goal. Please pray that we will reach this goal. If you have not yet committed support to us and would still like to you may do so at anytime on the above listed website.
Blessings!
Jeremy and Elizabeth Rhodes
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
light and dark
Two things can be attributed to the composition of this blog, one I am reading the unabridged edition of Les Miserables all 1500 pages and two Romans 13:11 Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. 12 The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.
There is great deal of darkness and light comparisons that take place in LM. The strange thing is that Victor Hugo wrote this book when he was in exile and anti-church. I found however a deep understanding of Jesus in his portrayal of the Bishop of Dinge. He writes that this man of God has a radiance because of his imitation of Christ. He has put on the armor of light to borrow, from Romans.
So why do we wander spiritually naked?
So may times we live life praising Jesus for what he saved us from but not what he has saved us for...
So many complain that Christianity is a list of do not's and therefore if they ever experience the grace of God they do not know that there is a mission at hand. Much writing has taken place of late reviewing what Jesus has called us to and I am not going to rehash the entirety of this but I want to look at the idea of light and dark.
We live in a world that awaits the glorious appearing of Jesus Christ and the redemption of our bodies. But as those who have the first fruits of his Spirit we have a responsibility to bring light where we go. Jesus coming is the dawn of the new day and we now live in that light and we should reflect that light to diminish the the darkness around us. Bits of light bringing hope living for a future hope. I feel however that this is not the case. I feel the light has become dim as we have chased after things that have nothing to do with the Kingdom of God and our glorious king Jesus. We have sought power through governments and riches and so dimmed the light that it is hard to recognize. We have accepted suffering in the lives of others as we pursue comfort. We have lost the mission in midst of our desire for gain. I suffer from this as well. As we try to stem the tide of the "evil" of society, evil has taken root in us.
May I suggest a course forward... Put on the Armor of light because salvation is ever more near. Let's live as people who are obsessed with becoming more like Jesus Christ. May we pray, may we live and embody faith, hope and love. May the Jesus that we love become the Jesus who we obey.
There is great deal of darkness and light comparisons that take place in LM. The strange thing is that Victor Hugo wrote this book when he was in exile and anti-church. I found however a deep understanding of Jesus in his portrayal of the Bishop of Dinge. He writes that this man of God has a radiance because of his imitation of Christ. He has put on the armor of light to borrow, from Romans.
So why do we wander spiritually naked?
So may times we live life praising Jesus for what he saved us from but not what he has saved us for...
So many complain that Christianity is a list of do not's and therefore if they ever experience the grace of God they do not know that there is a mission at hand. Much writing has taken place of late reviewing what Jesus has called us to and I am not going to rehash the entirety of this but I want to look at the idea of light and dark.
We live in a world that awaits the glorious appearing of Jesus Christ and the redemption of our bodies. But as those who have the first fruits of his Spirit we have a responsibility to bring light where we go. Jesus coming is the dawn of the new day and we now live in that light and we should reflect that light to diminish the the darkness around us. Bits of light bringing hope living for a future hope. I feel however that this is not the case. I feel the light has become dim as we have chased after things that have nothing to do with the Kingdom of God and our glorious king Jesus. We have sought power through governments and riches and so dimmed the light that it is hard to recognize. We have accepted suffering in the lives of others as we pursue comfort. We have lost the mission in midst of our desire for gain. I suffer from this as well. As we try to stem the tide of the "evil" of society, evil has taken root in us.
May I suggest a course forward... Put on the Armor of light because salvation is ever more near. Let's live as people who are obsessed with becoming more like Jesus Christ. May we pray, may we live and embody faith, hope and love. May the Jesus that we love become the Jesus who we obey.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
July 2009 Rhodes Family Church Planting Update
Dear Family and Friends,
Starting out from scratch has been a very exciting experience for us. We have learned so much these past few months and have grown in the process. We feel confidant in the vision of Fusion Church and pray daily that God will bring the right people to be a part of it.
This month has been a busy one. We are looking for a place to hold our monthly vision meetings that will start in September. It has been a little difficult to find a place that can accommodate our needs and our budget. Please pray that we find a place soon so that we can move forward planning these meetings.
We have also been meeting some new families that we are hopeful will get onboard with our vision and be involved in our church. It has been very encouraging to meet people who get excited about what we want to do here. Please pray that we will continue to meet these people and that God will build His church here in Chico.
We are also still consistently serving at the Jesus Center and it is going great! It is a wonderful experience to help those who really need it. We are looking into other ways that we can serve together with our families as well. We also ask for prayer that we will find areas to serve that can help teach our children the value of this very important act.
Again we thank you all for your very faithful support! It is very encouraging and humbling knowing there are people praying for us. If you have not yet sent in your support for July please do so at this time. Don’t forget that you can also sign up for automatic debits at www.sunergeo.org/donate. As you know December is getting closer as is our deadline for our next fundraising goal. Please pray that we will reach this goal. If you have not yet committed support to us and would still like to you may do so at anytime on the above listed website.
Blessings!
Jeremy and Elizabeth Rhodes
Starting out from scratch has been a very exciting experience for us. We have learned so much these past few months and have grown in the process. We feel confidant in the vision of Fusion Church and pray daily that God will bring the right people to be a part of it.
This month has been a busy one. We are looking for a place to hold our monthly vision meetings that will start in September. It has been a little difficult to find a place that can accommodate our needs and our budget. Please pray that we find a place soon so that we can move forward planning these meetings.
We have also been meeting some new families that we are hopeful will get onboard with our vision and be involved in our church. It has been very encouraging to meet people who get excited about what we want to do here. Please pray that we will continue to meet these people and that God will build His church here in Chico.
We are also still consistently serving at the Jesus Center and it is going great! It is a wonderful experience to help those who really need it. We are looking into other ways that we can serve together with our families as well. We also ask for prayer that we will find areas to serve that can help teach our children the value of this very important act.
Again we thank you all for your very faithful support! It is very encouraging and humbling knowing there are people praying for us. If you have not yet sent in your support for July please do so at this time. Don’t forget that you can also sign up for automatic debits at www.sunergeo.org/donate. As you know December is getting closer as is our deadline for our next fundraising goal. Please pray that we will reach this goal. If you have not yet committed support to us and would still like to you may do so at anytime on the above listed website.
Blessings!
Jeremy and Elizabeth Rhodes
Sunday, June 14, 2009
June 2009 Rhodes Family Church Planting Update
Dear Family and Friends,
It has been six months since we moved to Chico and it has flown by very quickly! These last few weeks have been very encouraging ones and we are so excited about where our ministry here is going.
Jeremy has been making some God ordained contacts here these last few weeks. He is building relationships with many people that we believe will be an integral part in our church planting process as well as continuing to foster the relationships he has built with several unchurched people. He has also been taking groups of people over to the Jesus Center to serve meals to the homeless. As well as being a volunteer coach for a summer flag football team. We have begun planning our nights of vision, which will take place once a month starting in September. These evenings will include some worship, a testimony given by one of the individuals we have been connecting with and a time to talk about our vision for Chico. We are very excited about these meetings, which will eventually turn into our launch team for the church! Please be praying for these evenings as we prepare for them and find a place to meet in.
Elizabeth has been very busy as well. She got cast in the musical “The Spitfire Grill,” which she auditioned for last month. She has rehearsals three nights a week and the show will open on July 17th. We would love to have anyone who is interested to come and see this great show. The kids are doing great! They go to the gym with Elizabeth every morning and participate in the kids’ center there, which is very much like preschool. They look forward to it every day and are making a lot of good friends.
Please pray for us as we find a place to meet. Also pray that God will bring the people into our lives that will be involved in His church with us. If you have not yet sent in your monthly support for June please do so at this time. Don’t forget that you can also sign up for automatic debits at www.sunergeo.org/donate. We are getting closer and closer to December, which is when we need to be at our next fundraising goal. Please pray that we will reach this goal. If you have not yet committed support to us and would still like to you may do so at anytime on the above listed website.
Blessings!
Jeremy and Elizabeth Rhodes
It has been six months since we moved to Chico and it has flown by very quickly! These last few weeks have been very encouraging ones and we are so excited about where our ministry here is going.
Jeremy has been making some God ordained contacts here these last few weeks. He is building relationships with many people that we believe will be an integral part in our church planting process as well as continuing to foster the relationships he has built with several unchurched people. He has also been taking groups of people over to the Jesus Center to serve meals to the homeless. As well as being a volunteer coach for a summer flag football team. We have begun planning our nights of vision, which will take place once a month starting in September. These evenings will include some worship, a testimony given by one of the individuals we have been connecting with and a time to talk about our vision for Chico. We are very excited about these meetings, which will eventually turn into our launch team for the church! Please be praying for these evenings as we prepare for them and find a place to meet in.
Elizabeth has been very busy as well. She got cast in the musical “The Spitfire Grill,” which she auditioned for last month. She has rehearsals three nights a week and the show will open on July 17th. We would love to have anyone who is interested to come and see this great show. The kids are doing great! They go to the gym with Elizabeth every morning and participate in the kids’ center there, which is very much like preschool. They look forward to it every day and are making a lot of good friends.
Please pray for us as we find a place to meet. Also pray that God will bring the people into our lives that will be involved in His church with us. If you have not yet sent in your monthly support for June please do so at this time. Don’t forget that you can also sign up for automatic debits at www.sunergeo.org/donate. We are getting closer and closer to December, which is when we need to be at our next fundraising goal. Please pray that we will reach this goal. If you have not yet committed support to us and would still like to you may do so at anytime on the above listed website.
Blessings!
Jeremy and Elizabeth Rhodes
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
lesson from the past
Last night putting my children to sleep I learned a valuable lesson or more was reminded of a valuable truth. Occasionally I will read a passage from the Bible to my kids and last night I chose to read from a Bible that I got in 1986 from my parents when I became a Christian. I picked the passage to read based on what was book marked, underlined and highlighted (I no longer underline and highlight). The passage that I shared with them was Matthew 6:25-34 and more specifically the verse that hit me was:
Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
As I read this out loud a smile crept onto my face.
The truth of the verse hit me square in the heart. Planting a Church can be stressful at times and you feel a lot of pressure to do everything yourself. This verse helped me understand once again my role. My job is to be obedient, seek God and let him draw people to himself. God is the only one who can build the Church anything done under our power is a social club.
Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
As I read this out loud a smile crept onto my face.
The truth of the verse hit me square in the heart. Planting a Church can be stressful at times and you feel a lot of pressure to do everything yourself. This verse helped me understand once again my role. My job is to be obedient, seek God and let him draw people to himself. God is the only one who can build the Church anything done under our power is a social club.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
two tragedies
All or nothing. That is the way you are forced to church plant. You have to go all in or walk away from the table. That often means living in a new place with little or no support. So you find yourself in much prayer and study to stay sane through the pain of life and ministry. The reality is that when you do all the right things pain still comes and for me yesterday it came in twos.
First... doing the right thing. There was a nice lady in my brother's church who asked me to visit her mom in a care center up here in Chico CA. I shared the good news with her about Jesus and how much God loves us. When I asked if she would like to pray, she said no, just no, no followed by silence.
Second... pain still comes. In the afternoon my mom called me to let me know that my younger cousin had taken her own life. She was 26 and obviously hurting. She also did not know about Jesus and the love of God.
Twice in one day I experienced lives opposed to Jesus and everything that is important to me.
This is not about me but rather about lives lost never knowing LOVE.
This is about the senselessness of not sharing our faith.
This is about wanting to see a new world but feeling it slip away.
This is about FAITH, HOPE and LOVE!
First... doing the right thing. There was a nice lady in my brother's church who asked me to visit her mom in a care center up here in Chico CA. I shared the good news with her about Jesus and how much God loves us. When I asked if she would like to pray, she said no, just no, no followed by silence.
Second... pain still comes. In the afternoon my mom called me to let me know that my younger cousin had taken her own life. She was 26 and obviously hurting. She also did not know about Jesus and the love of God.
Twice in one day I experienced lives opposed to Jesus and everything that is important to me.
This is not about me but rather about lives lost never knowing LOVE.
This is about the senselessness of not sharing our faith.
This is about wanting to see a new world but feeling it slip away.
This is about FAITH, HOPE and LOVE!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
May 2009 Rhodes Family Church Planting Update
Dear Family and Friends,
We are sorry that we did not get an April Newsletter out to everyone. The month just flew by!
We would like to do something a little different in this newsletter. We would like to give you a glimpse into the life of a church planter. This was Monday May 4th!
Jeremy’s day started at 7:30am meeting with the Chaplain of Champion Christian School. We shared our stories and talked about ways to partner to reach Chico with the gospel. While I was waiting for my meeting to start I ran into a local girl that I have been building a relationship with and she shared some current struggles. Afterward I headed to my local coffee shop/ office where I scheduled a time to serve at a local shelter that feeds the homeless in the community. Then I invited one of my unchurched friends to serve with us and he agreed. Then it was off to check my mail, while on the way I ran into another guy who I had not seen in a while and we caught up on what he is doing, he shared his current struggles. Then lunch. In the afternoon I was able to go to the gym and meet new exciting people. When I was finished there I went to get my haircut and continued the relationship that I have started with the nice young lady who cuts my hair. I invited her to serve with us and she agreed. Then I went home and chased my kids around growling like a lion.
Elizabeth’s Day started at 7:30am with the kids asking for breakfast. After a morning of food and straightening up the house we headed to the gym. The kids had fun at the child care while I worked out at a gym for the first time in a whole lot of years! After the gym we came home for lunch and nap time/quiet time. Then we played for awhile. After dinner I went to audition for the Chico Community Theatre’s production of “Spitfire Grill.” A musical I have never heard of, but I watched the move and it was good. This was the first musical I had auditioned for in almost 8 years so it was kind of scary. I did my best and it went well. I also met a lot of interesting people that I hope to get to know better. So we will see if I get a part. It was all in all a good day!
Thank you so much for all your prayers and financial support. We are constantly being blessed by your faithfulness and your partnership with us. As we have said so many times we could not be here doing this if it weren’t for your faithfulness in God and in us. If you have not yet sent in your monthly support for May please do so at this time. Don’t forget that you can also sign up for automatic debits at www.sunergeo.org/donate. We have reached our first fundraising goal, but we still have another goal to meet by the end of December so if you haven’t committed support to us yet and would like to you may also go to the above website to do that as well.
Blessings!
Jeremy and Elizabeth Rhodes
We are sorry that we did not get an April Newsletter out to everyone. The month just flew by!
We would like to do something a little different in this newsletter. We would like to give you a glimpse into the life of a church planter. This was Monday May 4th!
Jeremy’s day started at 7:30am meeting with the Chaplain of Champion Christian School. We shared our stories and talked about ways to partner to reach Chico with the gospel. While I was waiting for my meeting to start I ran into a local girl that I have been building a relationship with and she shared some current struggles. Afterward I headed to my local coffee shop/ office where I scheduled a time to serve at a local shelter that feeds the homeless in the community. Then I invited one of my unchurched friends to serve with us and he agreed. Then it was off to check my mail, while on the way I ran into another guy who I had not seen in a while and we caught up on what he is doing, he shared his current struggles. Then lunch. In the afternoon I was able to go to the gym and meet new exciting people. When I was finished there I went to get my haircut and continued the relationship that I have started with the nice young lady who cuts my hair. I invited her to serve with us and she agreed. Then I went home and chased my kids around growling like a lion.
Elizabeth’s Day started at 7:30am with the kids asking for breakfast. After a morning of food and straightening up the house we headed to the gym. The kids had fun at the child care while I worked out at a gym for the first time in a whole lot of years! After the gym we came home for lunch and nap time/quiet time. Then we played for awhile. After dinner I went to audition for the Chico Community Theatre’s production of “Spitfire Grill.” A musical I have never heard of, but I watched the move and it was good. This was the first musical I had auditioned for in almost 8 years so it was kind of scary. I did my best and it went well. I also met a lot of interesting people that I hope to get to know better. So we will see if I get a part. It was all in all a good day!
Thank you so much for all your prayers and financial support. We are constantly being blessed by your faithfulness and your partnership with us. As we have said so many times we could not be here doing this if it weren’t for your faithfulness in God and in us. If you have not yet sent in your monthly support for May please do so at this time. Don’t forget that you can also sign up for automatic debits at www.sunergeo.org/donate. We have reached our first fundraising goal, but we still have another goal to meet by the end of December so if you haven’t committed support to us yet and would like to you may also go to the above website to do that as well.
Blessings!
Jeremy and Elizabeth Rhodes
Monday, May 4, 2009
oops!
I have not blogged for a while and I missed sending out a newsletter for April. That is simply because April was busy. That is a good thing, right?
Here is an April run down... well since my last post so the second half of April...
We had a quick run down to Hollister CA for the Annual Business Meeting where we affirmed a new District Executive Minister and heard from many different planters and pastors about what God is doing. I was able to share about the generosity that we have experienced from churches and individuals. We were there for the weekend and Tuesday for a lead team meeting. We barely had time to get ready for the Bible Study Thursday. So I feel as if we finally have our bearings and we are back at loving the people that God brings to us with a renewed zest. God is fantastic!
Here is an April run down... well since my last post so the second half of April...
We had a quick run down to Hollister CA for the Annual Business Meeting where we affirmed a new District Executive Minister and heard from many different planters and pastors about what God is doing. I was able to share about the generosity that we have experienced from churches and individuals. We were there for the weekend and Tuesday for a lead team meeting. We barely had time to get ready for the Bible Study Thursday. So I feel as if we finally have our bearings and we are back at loving the people that God brings to us with a renewed zest. God is fantastic!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
stuck in the middle
Yesterday I was having a conversation about the vision God has given us for a Church. At the end of the conversation the individual said " I really want to come to your church, when you get started?
Ahhh!
That is where we are in the middle. The Bible study does not appeal to the unchurched yet based on relationship they would be willing to come to a worship gathering. But I will hold that moment in my heart for a while, God confirms the vision along the way.
Pray for us!
Ahhh!
That is where we are in the middle. The Bible study does not appeal to the unchurched yet based on relationship they would be willing to come to a worship gathering. But I will hold that moment in my heart for a while, God confirms the vision along the way.
Pray for us!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Good Friday, Fun Saturday, Rocking Sunday
We had a busy weekend! Well not in the terms of most pastors this time of year.
We had Elizabeth's parents come up for the weekend. So my non-traditional Easter weekend was as follows.
On Good Friday we went up to a place called R Wild Horses Ranch. Gabriella and Josiah enjoyed their first horse rides. We lead the horses around while they chilled on their back. They had a great time... well Gabriella had a great time... Josiah's horse ride lasted a good five minutes by himself and another ten sitting on his Mom's lap on the horse. Afterwards they had lunch with Nana while Elizabeth, Rick and I went for a trail ride. I rode a horse called Thor. The biggest horse they had, it wanted to kill me. After the riding we headed home and had a quiet evening at home.
On Fun Saturday we explored all of Chico with the grandparents and colored Easter Eggs.
On Rocking Sunday (Easter) Elizabeth, a young man from our Bible study and I served at the Jesus Center. The Jesus Center provides meals to the homeless in Chico. We spent our morning serving food to the homeless. Afterwards we came home and I hid the Easter Eggs for the kids and they had a great time. After a nice lunch our visitors left.
Now we are back to normal, back to loving people in the Starbucks that is closing in the near future. Hoping for big things and thankful for a outstanding weekend!
We had Elizabeth's parents come up for the weekend. So my non-traditional Easter weekend was as follows.
On Good Friday we went up to a place called R Wild Horses Ranch. Gabriella and Josiah enjoyed their first horse rides. We lead the horses around while they chilled on their back. They had a great time... well Gabriella had a great time... Josiah's horse ride lasted a good five minutes by himself and another ten sitting on his Mom's lap on the horse. Afterwards they had lunch with Nana while Elizabeth, Rick and I went for a trail ride. I rode a horse called Thor. The biggest horse they had, it wanted to kill me. After the riding we headed home and had a quiet evening at home.
On Fun Saturday we explored all of Chico with the grandparents and colored Easter Eggs.
On Rocking Sunday (Easter) Elizabeth, a young man from our Bible study and I served at the Jesus Center. The Jesus Center provides meals to the homeless in Chico. We spent our morning serving food to the homeless. Afterwards we came home and I hid the Easter Eggs for the kids and they had a great time. After a nice lunch our visitors left.
Now we are back to normal, back to loving people in the Starbucks that is closing in the near future. Hoping for big things and thankful for a outstanding weekend!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
interview with a local
I recently had a conversation with a local fellow...
We talked about his perception of Church. I assured him that he could be honest... so he was.
He believes that Church folks are judgmental and unloving!
We do not have the best PR department... or maybe we just are not loving
please tell me what you think...
We talked about his perception of Church. I assured him that he could be honest... so he was.
He believes that Church folks are judgmental and unloving!
We do not have the best PR department... or maybe we just are not loving
please tell me what you think...
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Acts 4:42-47
Is our text tonight!
I am excited about getting into it!
Hey read the following and give me your thoughts...
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Luke 22:20
2 Corinthians 3:6
Acts 4:42-47
More from the discussion to come...
I am excited about getting into it!
Hey read the following and give me your thoughts...
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Luke 22:20
2 Corinthians 3:6
Acts 4:42-47
More from the discussion to come...
Monday, March 30, 2009
a big study and yummy brownies
Elizabeth made these awesome peppermint brownies! I can't stop thinking about them.
We had our Bible study explode this last Thursday. We had eight including Elizabeth and four new folks. It was a huge blessings to have those great people in our home. The strange thing was that it is all college students from CSU Chico. I haven't done any outreach on campus but they are showing up on Thursday nights. The students we knew when we moved here have come to bible study and brought friends.
This obviously left me depressed. We are not trying to reach college students, but they keep coming. You know it is interesting... the picture in your head never matches what God actually does in your life. I thought that we would have people our age and older showing up and it is the youngsters that God is calling to his church. God and I had a conversation about this and we have decided to let him build his church and well I just need to be faithful. Praise God for the opportunity to serve him.
We had our Bible study explode this last Thursday. We had eight including Elizabeth and four new folks. It was a huge blessings to have those great people in our home. The strange thing was that it is all college students from CSU Chico. I haven't done any outreach on campus but they are showing up on Thursday nights. The students we knew when we moved here have come to bible study and brought friends.
This obviously left me depressed. We are not trying to reach college students, but they keep coming. You know it is interesting... the picture in your head never matches what God actually does in your life. I thought that we would have people our age and older showing up and it is the youngsters that God is calling to his church. God and I had a conversation about this and we have decided to let him build his church and well I just need to be faithful. Praise God for the opportunity to serve him.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
March 2009 Rhodes Family Church Planting Update
Dear Family and Friends,
Another month has come and gone here in Chico. We have been settling well and really like it here. It is a beautiful place full of many great people. We started a Bible Study this month that we are excited about. We have a couple of college students that consistently come and are a joy to have. We are excited to see the study grow as we learn together what it means to be God’s church in Chico.
We are going to be getting involved in some service projects in the area. We will be serving the Easter Meal at the local homeless ministry, called the Jesus Center. We are also looking into to some partnership with the United Way and possibly Habitat for Humanity.
Our prayer requests for this month are that we would meet people who are excited about our vision and eager to get involved. We pray that God would walk before us as we move forward with reaching out to the needs of the community and reaching out to those to who do not know Him. We are also asking for prayer that we would be able to start another Bible Study on a different evening out of another family’s home. We think we may have a family for this and they are prayerfully considering it.
We also have many praises. We praise God that through this time of economic crisis He is still providing for us. Whenever we think we aren’t going to make it, we do and that is only because of him. We praise God for all of you who have continued to faithfully give in spite of this current economy. We also praise God that we are meeting people and developing relationships, with both Christians and Non Christians alike.
Thank you so much for all your prayers and financial support. We are constantly being blessed by your faithfulness and your partnership with us. As we have said so many times we could not be here doing this if it weren’t for your faithfulness in God and in us. If you have not yet sent in your monthly support for March please do so at this time. Don’t forget that you can also sign up for automatic debits at www.sunergeo.org/donate. We have reached our first fundraising goal, but we still have another goal to meet by the end of December so if you haven’t committed support to us yet and would like to you may also go to the above website to do that as well.
Blessings!
Jeremy and Elizabeth Rhodes
Email: pastor.jdr@gmail.com
Another month has come and gone here in Chico. We have been settling well and really like it here. It is a beautiful place full of many great people. We started a Bible Study this month that we are excited about. We have a couple of college students that consistently come and are a joy to have. We are excited to see the study grow as we learn together what it means to be God’s church in Chico.
We are going to be getting involved in some service projects in the area. We will be serving the Easter Meal at the local homeless ministry, called the Jesus Center. We are also looking into to some partnership with the United Way and possibly Habitat for Humanity.
Our prayer requests for this month are that we would meet people who are excited about our vision and eager to get involved. We pray that God would walk before us as we move forward with reaching out to the needs of the community and reaching out to those to who do not know Him. We are also asking for prayer that we would be able to start another Bible Study on a different evening out of another family’s home. We think we may have a family for this and they are prayerfully considering it.
We also have many praises. We praise God that through this time of economic crisis He is still providing for us. Whenever we think we aren’t going to make it, we do and that is only because of him. We praise God for all of you who have continued to faithfully give in spite of this current economy. We also praise God that we are meeting people and developing relationships, with both Christians and Non Christians alike.
Thank you so much for all your prayers and financial support. We are constantly being blessed by your faithfulness and your partnership with us. As we have said so many times we could not be here doing this if it weren’t for your faithfulness in God and in us. If you have not yet sent in your monthly support for March please do so at this time. Don’t forget that you can also sign up for automatic debits at www.sunergeo.org/donate. We have reached our first fundraising goal, but we still have another goal to meet by the end of December so if you haven’t committed support to us yet and would like to you may also go to the above website to do that as well.
Blessings!
Jeremy and Elizabeth Rhodes
Email: pastor.jdr@gmail.com
Friday, March 13, 2009
backwards
I set out to do things differently! Strange how it is so easy to fall into an easy pattern.
My intent in setting out to church plant was to serve first then do the Bible Study. I did not exactly do what I wanted to do in favor of my comfort zone.
You see most pastors, myself included are insecure. We will rely on our strengths because we are afraid that people will find out that we do not have all the answers. If our secret gets out we will not be able to control our circumstances and that is frightening thought.
Psychoanalyzing aside I now find myself going back to do this the right way.
I am inviting people to join us in serving while still having our Bible Study because it is a very groovy thing. Hopefully the two groups will meet down the road in the form of a church. Until then, this is a grand adventure.
My intent in setting out to church plant was to serve first then do the Bible Study. I did not exactly do what I wanted to do in favor of my comfort zone.
You see most pastors, myself included are insecure. We will rely on our strengths because we are afraid that people will find out that we do not have all the answers. If our secret gets out we will not be able to control our circumstances and that is frightening thought.
Psychoanalyzing aside I now find myself going back to do this the right way.
I am inviting people to join us in serving while still having our Bible Study because it is a very groovy thing. Hopefully the two groups will meet down the road in the form of a church. Until then, this is a grand adventure.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Thursday is the best night of the week... sorry Friday deal with it!
This past Thursday we had our fists Bible Study. It was awesome! There was Bible and Study flying everywhere!
We gathered for the first time with the beginnings of our launch team on Thursday night. We are going to take some time going through the book of Acts and talking about our vision. We are looking forward to what God is going to be doing in our midst. I valued our time together as a community we had some good discussion about what Jesus is calling us to do as the church and specifically in Chico and then in our lives. I am excited to get started and look forward to the future. Also how do my readers feel about Fusion Church...
We gathered for the first time with the beginnings of our launch team on Thursday night. We are going to take some time going through the book of Acts and talking about our vision. We are looking forward to what God is going to be doing in our midst. I valued our time together as a community we had some good discussion about what Jesus is calling us to do as the church and specifically in Chico and then in our lives. I am excited to get started and look forward to the future. Also how do my readers feel about Fusion Church...
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
counting down
Thursday is fast approaching and with it our first Bible Study in Chico. If all goes to plan we will have a pretty good sized group. I must admit I am pretty excited! If it all goes to plan... huh... but... who wants it all to go to plan?!
I mean really what is so exciting about a plan. a+b=c HOW BORING!
Lets be honest here... Forget the plan! I want to see God show up in a big way. I want to see God sized things happen in the lives of the people coming and in the community life of our group. I want God to take a hammer to the plan and plant the church he desires. He will anyway I just want to go on record as being on board with that from the beginning.
My favorite Biblical character is Jonathan. You know besides my Savior Jesus Christ. Jonathan was such a great guy, he surrendered his place as king because it was God's will and he was risky. My favorite passage about Jonathan comes from 1 Samuel 14. This is the passage where Jonathan picks a fight with the Philistines and says it may be that the LORD will work for us. No certainty just risk. I wish more Christians would live this way. Lets try it maybe it will work. If the church would risk big everyday, lives would be changed and the gates of hell would be stormed and the captives set free. We have God on our side, it may be that the LORD will work for us. Oh by the way the LORD handed the battle to Jonathan.
So here I sit in Bidwell Perk with a smile on my face. What if God's spirit fell on this place right now...
I mean really what is so exciting about a plan. a+b=c HOW BORING!
Lets be honest here... Forget the plan! I want to see God show up in a big way. I want to see God sized things happen in the lives of the people coming and in the community life of our group. I want God to take a hammer to the plan and plant the church he desires. He will anyway I just want to go on record as being on board with that from the beginning.
My favorite Biblical character is Jonathan. You know besides my Savior Jesus Christ. Jonathan was such a great guy, he surrendered his place as king because it was God's will and he was risky. My favorite passage about Jonathan comes from 1 Samuel 14. This is the passage where Jonathan picks a fight with the Philistines and says it may be that the LORD will work for us. No certainty just risk. I wish more Christians would live this way. Lets try it maybe it will work. If the church would risk big everyday, lives would be changed and the gates of hell would be stormed and the captives set free. We have God on our side, it may be that the LORD will work for us. Oh by the way the LORD handed the battle to Jonathan.
So here I sit in Bidwell Perk with a smile on my face. What if God's spirit fell on this place right now...
Monday, March 2, 2009
for local info
If you would like to check our google web page that has information about the Church Plant for people living in Chico CA go to:
http://sites.google.com/site/plantchico/
http://sites.google.com/site/plantchico/
Friday, February 20, 2009
careful they will break you heart
I have been up here in Chico for about a month and I have experienced my first heartache. Now do not worry it does not involve my family, in fact they are incredibly awesome and understanding. No this is something that I have asked God for and did not realize how much it would hurt. I have prayed that God would give me his heart for the unchurched and now that all of this has happened pain has become apart of it. I want to clarify I am not feeling rejection but rather concern for the people that I am coming into contact with.
We are starting our Bible Study next month and so I have invited many people that I have met in the community. Two of them I had very high hopes because their openness to conversation. As you have guessed both of them have passed on coming. No big deal right, only it is really bothering me. Not out of concern for the launch team that we are building but our of concern for them. In the process of building relationships compassion has come walking in. I really worry about them and genuinely feel happy when I see them.
So in pastoral tone I lean back take a drink of my coffee and ponder what is God showing me? Well I would have to say... They matter! They matter to God so they matter to me, us, the church. What if we could care for everyone like this, not trying to get them into church but trying to get them to God.Try to get others to the person of Jesus because of what he has meant to us. This is not the cry of the evangelist it is the cry of the broken hearted. Jesus save us all.
We are starting our Bible Study next month and so I have invited many people that I have met in the community. Two of them I had very high hopes because their openness to conversation. As you have guessed both of them have passed on coming. No big deal right, only it is really bothering me. Not out of concern for the launch team that we are building but our of concern for them. In the process of building relationships compassion has come walking in. I really worry about them and genuinely feel happy when I see them.
So in pastoral tone I lean back take a drink of my coffee and ponder what is God showing me? Well I would have to say... They matter! They matter to God so they matter to me, us, the church. What if we could care for everyone like this, not trying to get them into church but trying to get them to God.Try to get others to the person of Jesus because of what he has meant to us. This is not the cry of the evangelist it is the cry of the broken hearted. Jesus save us all.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Rhodes Family February 2009 Update
Dear Family and Friends,
We have been in Chico for a month now and we love it. It is so beautiful here! We have been getting out and about and making a lot of great contacts.
Jeremy spends most of his time out in coffee shops striking up conversations and getting to know people in the community. He has made a lot of very interesting contacts and beginning to develop some good relationships. He has also gotten involved in the Pastors network here in Chico and met some great men who are very supportive of what we want to do here.
As a family we have been getting together with a few other families that we have come in to contact with during this process. We have been invited into their homes and they have been very welcoming to us. We have had a chance to meet all of our neighbors. It is so nice to know whom you are living next to.
Elizabeth and the kids have been going to storytime at the library and are looking to join a Moms group here pretty soon. Elizabeth has already met some other moms at the library and hoping to meet more people with kids the same ages as ours there. As soon as the weather clears we also plan to get out and explore the parks here.
We are planning on starting our in home Bible Study the first Thursday in March. Please pray that God will bring the right people to the study and that it will be fruitful. We also ask that you pray that God builds His church here. We are merely the vessels and we know that He will work in amazing ways.
Again we thank you all for being a part of this journey with us. There are still some of you who haven’t sent in your commitments yet and we please ask that you begin doing so now. We cannot do this without your faithful support. And as always, if you have not yet committed to support us and would like to you may do so at www.sunergeo.org/donate. If you have already pledged support to us and would like to sign up for automated debits you may also do so at www.sunergeo.org/donate. We encourage you to do this so that you don’t have to have the pressure of remembering to send a check every month.
We will keep you posted on what is going on up here. We always welcome visitors so let us know if you would like to come up for a visit. For more frequent updates and Jeremy’s thoughts you can check out our blog, listed below. God bless you!
Blessings!
Jeremy and Elizabeth Rhodes
We have been in Chico for a month now and we love it. It is so beautiful here! We have been getting out and about and making a lot of great contacts.
Jeremy spends most of his time out in coffee shops striking up conversations and getting to know people in the community. He has made a lot of very interesting contacts and beginning to develop some good relationships. He has also gotten involved in the Pastors network here in Chico and met some great men who are very supportive of what we want to do here.
As a family we have been getting together with a few other families that we have come in to contact with during this process. We have been invited into their homes and they have been very welcoming to us. We have had a chance to meet all of our neighbors. It is so nice to know whom you are living next to.
Elizabeth and the kids have been going to storytime at the library and are looking to join a Moms group here pretty soon. Elizabeth has already met some other moms at the library and hoping to meet more people with kids the same ages as ours there. As soon as the weather clears we also plan to get out and explore the parks here.
We are planning on starting our in home Bible Study the first Thursday in March. Please pray that God will bring the right people to the study and that it will be fruitful. We also ask that you pray that God builds His church here. We are merely the vessels and we know that He will work in amazing ways.
Again we thank you all for being a part of this journey with us. There are still some of you who haven’t sent in your commitments yet and we please ask that you begin doing so now. We cannot do this without your faithful support. And as always, if you have not yet committed to support us and would like to you may do so at www.sunergeo.org/donate. If you have already pledged support to us and would like to sign up for automated debits you may also do so at www.sunergeo.org/donate. We encourage you to do this so that you don’t have to have the pressure of remembering to send a check every month.
We will keep you posted on what is going on up here. We always welcome visitors so let us know if you would like to come up for a visit. For more frequent updates and Jeremy’s thoughts you can check out our blog, listed below. God bless you!
Blessings!
Jeremy and Elizabeth Rhodes
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
two for the price of one
I am back in Chico reflecting on Sunday and my time with Bridge Community Church. I had a great time with those great people!
As I mentioned in the previous blog I had not preached in many months so in my insecurity I prepared enough information for two sermons. That is right Bridge got a twofer.
Now I want to assure you that I did not preach for an hour but I passed my personal time limit that I have been so disciplined in keeping. I had a clear point but in the words of my beautiful wife she said it was good but too long I think it should have been two sermons. So there you go! The results! Other than my monologue the day was wonderful. My kids really enjoyed the children's program and we were blessed by connecting with one of the churches that support us.
As I mentioned in the previous blog I had not preached in many months so in my insecurity I prepared enough information for two sermons. That is right Bridge got a twofer.
Now I want to assure you that I did not preach for an hour but I passed my personal time limit that I have been so disciplined in keeping. I had a clear point but in the words of my beautiful wife she said it was good but too long I think it should have been two sermons. So there you go! The results! Other than my monologue the day was wonderful. My kids really enjoyed the children's program and we were blessed by connecting with one of the churches that support us.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
it has been a while
Once again I find myself in a coffee shop with little sleep and a hope in my heart. Elizabeth and I have resembled zombies for the past week because our kids are sick and so they wake up every few hours crying throughout the night. They slept through the night when they were babies so this is a new experience for us to enjoy.
However I did not start this blog for pity's sake no it has a purpose... and it will be revealed... right now!
I will be preaching at Bridge Community Church this Sunday in Redding. I am very excited to be there. I have not been there since they have committed support to us. Their Pastor, Joel asked me to fill in for him because he is going out of town and I was very happy to do so because I love getting a chance to guest speak at different places. Then something occurred to me... it has been five months since I have even lead a bible study. This should not be a problem writing sermons is like riding a bicycle, it is fun, you need to wear a helmet and you never forget how.
So back to why I am in a coffee shop with hope in my heart. I still have noy written the sermon for Sunday and I am hopful that God will let me know what I am preaching because I do not have a clue. Now Joel if you are reading this do not worry because it will spoil your trip.
I know what some of you are thinking, it is valentines day talk about love. Well valentines day was invented by people who sell cards, candy and flowers besides it has been Gabriella's Birthday for the past four years. So you see I now sit... wait... an idea... no... no... it is gone!
However I did not start this blog for pity's sake no it has a purpose... and it will be revealed... right now!
I will be preaching at Bridge Community Church this Sunday in Redding. I am very excited to be there. I have not been there since they have committed support to us. Their Pastor, Joel asked me to fill in for him because he is going out of town and I was very happy to do so because I love getting a chance to guest speak at different places. Then something occurred to me... it has been five months since I have even lead a bible study. This should not be a problem writing sermons is like riding a bicycle, it is fun, you need to wear a helmet and you never forget how.
So back to why I am in a coffee shop with hope in my heart. I still have noy written the sermon for Sunday and I am hopful that God will let me know what I am preaching because I do not have a clue. Now Joel if you are reading this do not worry because it will spoil your trip.
I know what some of you are thinking, it is valentines day talk about love. Well valentines day was invented by people who sell cards, candy and flowers besides it has been Gabriella's Birthday for the past four years. So you see I now sit... wait... an idea... no... no... it is gone!
Friday, February 6, 2009
family affair
Today was another great day in beautiful Chico CA.
I was at my usual hangout Starbucks. I know, I know, I am not supposed to like it there but I do! I have met some great people there and had some good conversations.
I had a chance to follow up with a guy that I met a few days ago. He is not churched but he seems interested in checking us out. However this blog is not about me, not hardly this is about the family. I get a lot of people checking in with me and asking how it is going, the answer to that question changes every few moments. The person that is my hero today is Elizabeth.
Today, Elizabeth and the kids went to the library for story time. This happens twice a week and many moms in the community bring their kids. During story time today Elizabeth had a chance to meet another mom with children the same ages as our kids. Through the conversation she found out what we do and she said that she and her husband might be interested in helping. You can trust me it is hard to have any exchange of words with the kids around but just like that she made a connection, she is better at this that I am. You see my hero.
Please pray for us as the good work continues...
I was at my usual hangout Starbucks. I know, I know, I am not supposed to like it there but I do! I have met some great people there and had some good conversations.
I had a chance to follow up with a guy that I met a few days ago. He is not churched but he seems interested in checking us out. However this blog is not about me, not hardly this is about the family. I get a lot of people checking in with me and asking how it is going, the answer to that question changes every few moments. The person that is my hero today is Elizabeth.
Today, Elizabeth and the kids went to the library for story time. This happens twice a week and many moms in the community bring their kids. During story time today Elizabeth had a chance to meet another mom with children the same ages as our kids. Through the conversation she found out what we do and she said that she and her husband might be interested in helping. You can trust me it is hard to have any exchange of words with the kids around but just like that she made a connection, she is better at this that I am. You see my hero.
Please pray for us as the good work continues...
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
rocking the shema
For those who are not hip to the Jewish tradition the Shema is their call to worship from Deuteronomy 6:4 "Hear O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one. It is said in the Shabbat which is their service and that is where I was on Friday night.
On Friday morning I was out in Starbucks (I know I should be in local coffee shops but that is where I am now) and I met a Jewish gentleman. I was asking him about church names and he informed me that he was Jewish and invited me to synagogue. I am currently field testing names Encounter Church, InterActive Church, Tapestry Church (please leave your name preference in the comments on this post, please do not be sad if you preference is not chosen). At the Shabbat service I had a great time we sang some Old Testament passages in Hebrew. I must admit my voice does not sound on key in Hebrew either.
I had the privileged of having some dialogue with the Rabbi and she invited me to the inter-faith meetings and I will definitely blog about those. Before I spoke with her I had a very interesting conversation with a man who was once on a launch team for a church plant that did not get off the ground in Chico and now he converted to Judaism. I stood perplexed as he relayed the story and I was wondering were Jesus went in this guy's life. To know Jesus and then decided he is no long the Messiah and continue to wait for one was new to me. I have met people who walked away from the church but they left religion all together. Never have I found anyone to go from Christianity to Judaism. Our hope is that he may come back.
Hope is a funny thing. It is term thrown around recently, but what is hope? Hope speaks to a world and says that while it may look dark now, God is in control. Though the storms may wage, God is in control. While people are killing one another, God is in control. And while we want to be, God is in control. It is hope that sent us to Chico and it is hope that God gives to all of us. Hope that eternal life waits for all of us.
Please pray for us as we meet these great people. We already love them before we know their name.
On Friday morning I was out in Starbucks (I know I should be in local coffee shops but that is where I am now) and I met a Jewish gentleman. I was asking him about church names and he informed me that he was Jewish and invited me to synagogue. I am currently field testing names Encounter Church, InterActive Church, Tapestry Church (please leave your name preference in the comments on this post, please do not be sad if you preference is not chosen). At the Shabbat service I had a great time we sang some Old Testament passages in Hebrew. I must admit my voice does not sound on key in Hebrew either.
I had the privileged of having some dialogue with the Rabbi and she invited me to the inter-faith meetings and I will definitely blog about those. Before I spoke with her I had a very interesting conversation with a man who was once on a launch team for a church plant that did not get off the ground in Chico and now he converted to Judaism. I stood perplexed as he relayed the story and I was wondering were Jesus went in this guy's life. To know Jesus and then decided he is no long the Messiah and continue to wait for one was new to me. I have met people who walked away from the church but they left religion all together. Never have I found anyone to go from Christianity to Judaism. Our hope is that he may come back.
Hope is a funny thing. It is term thrown around recently, but what is hope? Hope speaks to a world and says that while it may look dark now, God is in control. Though the storms may wage, God is in control. While people are killing one another, God is in control. And while we want to be, God is in control. It is hope that sent us to Chico and it is hope that God gives to all of us. Hope that eternal life waits for all of us.
Please pray for us as we meet these great people. We already love them before we know their name.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
internet ready!
Well it has finally happened we have internet. It turns our that At&t internet was down for the entire area but now I feel like I can breath again. Hello internet friends!
Now that we are officially on the field I will more more forthcoming with information because it does not pertain to further fund raising.
Well last night we finally met all of our neighbors and we are the only ones on our street with small children but of all ten of them we have only met one Christian family. So please pray that we can continue to grow the relationships that we have started and see them all come to know Jesus or at least begin that journey.
Today was a great day. I got up and an extremely early hour to go and pray at the offices of a church here in town. The church is six years old and was planted by the current pastor who also showed up in town with a couple names and a young family. At the prayer meeting was a group of people that are involved in homeless ministry. I sat and listened, praying with them and was struck by their heart for the broken. Afterward I had coffee with the pastor and he shared their journey and the process he used for gathering people. He was very kind and encouraging and if interested in allowing us to team up with them in some of the homeless outreach that they do. I am so thankful that God has placed so many interesting people in our path.
Pray that we are able to reach people for Christ and start building our launch team!
Now that we are officially on the field I will more more forthcoming with information because it does not pertain to further fund raising.
Well last night we finally met all of our neighbors and we are the only ones on our street with small children but of all ten of them we have only met one Christian family. So please pray that we can continue to grow the relationships that we have started and see them all come to know Jesus or at least begin that journey.
Today was a great day. I got up and an extremely early hour to go and pray at the offices of a church here in town. The church is six years old and was planted by the current pastor who also showed up in town with a couple names and a young family. At the prayer meeting was a group of people that are involved in homeless ministry. I sat and listened, praying with them and was struck by their heart for the broken. Afterward I had coffee with the pastor and he shared their journey and the process he used for gathering people. He was very kind and encouraging and if interested in allowing us to team up with them in some of the homeless outreach that they do. I am so thankful that God has placed so many interesting people in our path.
Pray that we are able to reach people for Christ and start building our launch team!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
January 2009 Rhodes Family Church Planting Update
Dear Family and Friends,
GOD DID IT! We have reached our first fundraising goal and moved to
We came up for a day with a list of properties to view and a battle plan. After viewing all the properties and not feeling they would work for us, we stopped and prayed. We not only prayed for a house, but also for the people in
We have been here for a week now and are settled and starting to make connections in the community. We have met a few of our neighbors and are planning to introduce ourselves to everyone on our street. The people two doors down are a wonderful Christian couple who invited us in and have already offered to help us in any way they can. They even have a pool that they have offered to the kids during summer!! They have a church home and we don’t want to take them from that, but it is so nice to have people so close who love God!
Now that we are on the field we really need your prayers! We have a tremendous task ahead of us that we can only do with God’s guidance. We also need you to continue to be faithful in sending in your support. Our financial stability is dependent upon those that have supported us to be faithful in sending in that check every month. If you have not yet started sending us the support you have pledged please start now!
Even though we have reached our first goal the fundraising is not over. After the first year the support we get from Sunergeo decreases by half so we will continue to need the support of those around us. If you have not yet committed to support us and would like to you may do so at www.sunergeo.org/donate. If you have already pledged support to us and would like to sign up for automated debits you may also do so at www.sunergeo.org/donate. We encourage you to do this so that you don’t have to have the pressure of remembering to send a check every month.
We love you all and are so thankful for your faithful prayer and support. We would never have made it to
Blessings!
Jeremy and Elizabeth Rhodes
Monday, January 26, 2009
in Chico
We are in Chico officially church planting. There are more specifics to come.
I write this from a Starbucks hoping that my Internet at home will work soon so that we can get the newsletter out. Sorry for the lack of updates.
We moved here on January 17th and spent all last week unpacking.
We are now ready to rock and roll.
I write this from a Starbucks hoping that my Internet at home will work soon so that we can get the newsletter out. Sorry for the lack of updates.
We moved here on January 17th and spent all last week unpacking.
We are now ready to rock and roll.
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