Discouragement or Opportunity?

I encourage you to check out the following article, which prompted the following thoughts...

Orlando in the Pits of Volunteer Survey

Looks like our state of Florida ranks 49th in volunteerism, and hitting closer to home, Orlando ranks 46th out of 50 major cities.  Part of me can get discouraged knowing that this may have some effect on church planting, which is heavily dependent upon a strong volunteer base.  However, I am more gripped by the opportunity that lies ahead of us.  What these stats show me is that for us to mobilize a group of people as the church, on mission, is truly counter-cultural.  People don't just give of themselves.  People don't naturally seek the welfare of their city and their neighbors.  What great opportunity we have to love our area well.  How cool would it be if the statistics 10 years from now were radically different because of a church planting movement throughout our area?  I am reminded that this is only possible through the Gospel.  Sure an Orlando Sentinel article may highlight the need, but the message of the Cross is the only thing that can change the very fabric and contours of our city.  

Mackinley Goes Swimming

Saturday Shot

Latest Vision Night Recap & Video

Can't believe it's Thursday evening already.  Been meaning to post some reflections on our 2nd Vision Meeting for CrossPointe Winter Park...just been busy.  Anyway, it was another great night, not because of any great word or preparation on my part, but because Jesus was serious when he said I will build my church.  God brought people.  He has generated interest.  He is doing this for His glory.  We just get to be along for the ride.  We are extremely grateful to all who have participated in the past 2 vision meetings, and we look forward with great anticipation to the 3rd installment on August 24!  Mark your calendars.  This will be the best one yet.  

Below is video footage from the meeting, with the emphasis being on COMMUNITY.  The video should serve to give you a good idea of our approach to cultivating community and how we can live it out.  How do we work towards community when so much of the world we inhabit encourages individualism, isolation and consumerism?  What would it be like to be the church and not just go to church.  How do groups stay missional and not turn in on themselves?  How is the GOSPEL the only means by which true community can be fostered?  These were some of the topics we discussed and addressed, knowing full well that it's one thing to talk about it and another thing to live it out.  Through the gospel, we are a people trying to live this out.  Peace.

CrossPointe Winter Park | Vision Night II | July 20, 2008 from Jamie Hart on Vimeo.

Church Plant Vision Meeting | Sunday night

Excited about our next church plant vision night.  If you are in the Orlando area, come join us tomorrow from 6-8 pm.  Get all the details by clicking here.  Hope to see you there!

Dad date

It's good to be home and resuming our weekly rhythms.

Breakfast with Ed Stetzer

Had the great privilege of sitting around a table with a bunch of church planters this morning asking Ed Stetzer questions. He lived up to his billing as "spooky" smart. So much wisdom. You can check him out at http://edstetzer.com

Vision360 article | Orlando Sentimel

Disney leader uses worldwide reach for a higher purpose -- OrlandoSentinel.com.

New Eagle River Pics Posted

Lots of new pics posted here.

As an unrelated aside...the guy at the table next to me at the coffee shop just leaned to the side of his chair and let his flatulence rip...he just did it again...what in the world.  When did this became socially acceptable? Guess it's time to pack up and head out.  

Today is much nicer

Cold and rainy

We've gone from warm and in the lake to 55 degrees, drizzling and overcast. Guess it's a movie kind of day. Girls don't seem to mind. Question is...can dad take one more viewing of "12 Dancing Princesses"?

Lake photo of the day

Having a great time and testing out the typepad app

Today was fantastic. Lots of sunshine. Higher temps. Time in the lake. Got some good pics to post tomorrow. Hit up the dollar store with the girls. Peace.

iPhone 2.0

Thank goodness for wifi in the great Northwoods, as I'm currently updating my iPhone to the new software. How big a nerd am I?  Please don't answer.  I promised Heather I would only be here for 30 minutes and my time is about up.  Today has been beautiful and the weather is in the low 80's, which means we've been in the lake and are planning on more when the kids awaken from their naps.  Peace.

Eagle River Pics

Pics from our trip are being posted in the album "Eagle River | July 08" --check them out.  We are having a great time, though the weather has been a bit cold.  No swimming yesterday or today.  Supposed to warm up considerably tomorrow, which should bring some fun lake time.  In the meantime we have been enjoying playing outside with the girls, seeing deer and reading.  Speaking of reading, I finished "Sway" which was quite enjoyable.  Quick, easy read, but pretty insightful.  Peace.

We have arrived

Where we are heading to | Eagle River , WI

Our Next Church Plant Vision Night

Soul Cleansing | Psalm 51

Here is the sermon I preached at CrossPointe on Sunday, June 15.  We are working through a series entitled "Summer of Psalms", and I was assigned Psalm 51.  I have included the slides below.

Download soul_cleansing___psalm_51.mp3

Congratulations Ethan & Amy!

Ethan, Amy and Baby Emelyn