9/15/2007

It's been busy week at the Power House in Baltimore, Maryland.

It started out with a smaller group at Morning Worship. Even so, we did have a visitor during the service who was especially interested in being a part of the exercise group once it resumes this fall.

We learned the story of Jonah at Kids' Church. During the craft time Michelle, who is usually with Angelea but came alone today, said, "Angelea is sure missing out." She told her that again at Pizza Church on Friday, too, so I guess she must have really enjoyed herself.

That afternoon we decided to go forward with our idea on a new young adult ministry. We decided to get a big plasma TV and cable so that the 18-25 year olds could watch the Ravens football games together at the church. As football season progresses we hope to start additional programming for this age group as they haven't had a place where they felt comfortable fitting in.

We had a broad age range of people at Evening Worship. There were a couple middle school aged kids, one in high school, a few young adults, and a fairly evenly distributed group from age 37-78. It was good to see the broad age group worshipping together, sharing their stories, and praying for one another.

On Monday I headed out to Best Buy to shop for a plasma TV. I was able to find a 50 inch model at an acceptable price and get it scheduled for delivery. When I got home I got in touch with Comcast to get the cable installed.

I met with Dave, our Mission Center President, for lunch on Tuesday. We hadn't been able to do this over the summer with the chaotic schedules. Tuesday was also primary election day for city government.

We had nearly 70 kids participate in Wednesday's SonRisers activities. That night after the NA meeting the Adult Disciples group continued their study of the book of Hebrews. Several people who normally come to that group weren't there this week because there was a concert in Carroll Park which they went to instead. Gloria was one of the organizers of that activity and worked at it all evening.

After class a few of us met to discuss procedures for the young adult football activities. We decided to do a "trial run" this Sunday then fully market it for the following week. We hashed out many details and listed concerns that need to be addressed. As we were finishing up, Gloria (with help) returned the tables they'd borrowed from the church for the concert. They had leftover packets of hot dogs, buns, and chips that they gave to the church for us to use with the football game this Sunday.

Thursday was delivery and installation day. In the morning the cable company sent out its installers. later in the afternoon the TV was delivered. That evening the Men's Group unpacked everything and mounted the TV on the wall.

On Friday Violet, Patricia, Charlene, Gloria, and Vonceil headed off to Deer Park Campgrounds in New Hope, Pennsylvania, for a women's retreat. They had unusually good traffic and actually got there in time for the start of the opening service. They'll come home on Sunday.

Before leaving for the retreat Charlene updated me about some people in her family that want to get baptized. Charlene was baptized back in July and ever since has been telling her family about what a blessing she received in that sacrament. She told me that as of Friday she has 10 family members ready to be baptized at Evening Worship this coming Sunday.

Friday night brought Pizza Church. We had good-sized groups throughout the evening and were able to cover all of our lesson material. We had several kids we hadn't seen in a very long time and some kids who were there for the first time, too. Afterward, a couple of kids who live outside the neighborhood asked for a ride home because of the rain. Edna and Shawna watched after my kids at home during these activities.

Also, just as Pizza Church had ended one of our young adults stopped by. He said that there were too many police on his street and that they were harassing people. He stayed at the church until he got a phone call from a neighbor saying that things had settled down.

On Saturday afternoon Danny and I met at the church. We took the font outside and scrubbed it down. We'll set it up right after Morning Worship for the baptisms at tomorrow's Evening Worship.

Looking ahead to next week we have our full schedule of activities. In addition, we'll have a baptism service during Evening Worship. The women will return from the retreat on Sunday afternoon. We'll also have a trial run of the young adult activity during the Ravens game. I have a breakfast meeting at St. Mary's Seminary on Thursday.

Along with the individuals and activities mentioned, please keep the following individuals in the forefront of your prayers:

James
William
David
Joshua
Hannah
Cherin
Pere
Mike

Thank you for your continued prayer support.

Jeff and everyone at
The Power House
"Building the Kingdom of God Here and Now"
PowerHouseMD@Juno.com
www.pigtownchurch.org