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In a Technorati™ search for church planting blogs, I come up number three... rock on! Only need about 420 or so more blogs to link to me to overtake the Tall Skinny.
C'mon people, help a brother out :)
In a Technorati™ search for church planting blogs, I come up number three... rock on! Only need about 420 or so more blogs to link to me to overtake the Tall Skinny.
C'mon people, help a brother out :)
2) what do you see as the four (because three is too traditional) differences between the community of faith you are serving, and those churches in your area?
Well… we meet in a pub, which at least on the surface would be a huge one. That means we exist in a public space. One effect this has on our community is that we very much feel the "strangers" part of our Christian identity. We are perpetual guests, existing in someone else's context, attempting always to bless our hosts and yet to be countercultural and proclaim the Gospel clearly. It's a challenge. I think that churches who exist in their own spaces, particularly the ones who build up their own campuses that act as small towns, often lose this sense of aliens and guests…
We tend mostly to be within the range of 25-35, with the next biggest group being under 25. That's a pretty big difference from the average evangelical church who's really struggling to connect with 25-35's.
Much of Evergreen falls into the category of "formerly churched." These are people that at one point or another stopped going to church- whether for two years or for twenty.
We have smaller number of people who never really went to church much. Recently, we've been seeing more just flat-out churched people coming, whether because they move into the area and look for a church (something we're happy with) or because they come to us after leaving a church. This is something we used to wring our hands about, not wanting to build a church out of people from other places, but rather of and for the unchurched and the formerly churched. We're still not completely comfortable with the idea of people coming to us from other places, but…
I guess if people are leaving large churches to come to evergreen in a quest for real community (a story I've been hearing a lot lately), I don't want to deny them that. And since our goal is to grow steadily but to remain small through church planting, I look at it as helping those large churches to plant new communities, even if they don't quite realize it.
Though there's not a ton of racial diversity at evergreen, there's a bit more economic diversity and a ton of political diversity. I think that churches tend to be pretty homogenous politically, and even though I'd love to see us become more diverse in other ways, the fact that so many viewpoints exist side by side at evergreen is something I'm pretty happy with.
I've been sitting on John O'Keefe's Seven Questions for weeks now, waiting for some time to open up to take a crack at them. Today's as good a day as any. I'll be working on these and will post 'em throughout the week. I'll send in the completed doc to John and it should show up sometime at Ginkworld.
1) Planting a church in an emerging/postmodern culture, what do you think are the key elements of a community of faith in an emerging/postmodern culture?
Good question. I think that in this issue, as in most, there's a ditch on either side of the road. The ditch on one side is to see the early church as a model, disconnected from the culture in which they existed, and attempt to craft a "1st century church." I think what God wants is a Church that, like the Old Testament sons of Issachar, understands the times and knows what to do because of their present context.
Of course, the ditch on the other side of the road is becoming so relevant that we forget to be counter cultural.
At its heart, the Gospel is a message with something to offend everyone. For the postmoderns, the Gospel proclaims an authority and a truth- a King. For the moderns, the Gospel proclaims a God who can be experienced, not just theorized about propositionally- a Friend. For the liberals, the Gospel and God's Kingdom give us a system of morality that will undoubtedly seem "regressive." For the conservatives, the place of the poor in the Kingdom and in God's heart is a huge challenge.
It seems to me that a key to planting a church in this postmodern context is not only navigating but using the tension… embracing it. Know to whom you are speaking, connect them with the parts of the Gospel they will resonate with and challenge them with the parts of the Gospel they would rather forget.
Unfortunately, that takes a skill that they don't teach you in seminary: Listening before speaking. This is something I'm still struggling to learn.
So, from my past experience these last two years, and even already a bit in the last week or so, I can tell you we're heading into Resume Season. A lot of people looking for ministry positions will be sending out resumes, hoping to find the right place/a better place/any place but where they are at.
I totally sympathize. Been there, done that.
To simplify the process, I'm going to post what evergreen is looking for so I can just point people here...
First the bad news.
We don't have any paid jobs for anyone.
We're a brand new church, just trying to get up to speed with the people we have now.
But now the good news.
I seriously doubt you'll find a church at which it is easier to work into leadership and perhaps even something more. My dream is planting more churches out of evergreen. To do that, we need people to help make that a reality. So yeah- there's a place for you if you can come be a part of what's happening.
Here's what I tell people:
Come, be a part of evergreen, love people, build trust, work into leadership/elders and as we plant churches, you'll have the opportunity to lead them...
I realize that scenario doesn't work for everyone, and I'm sorry for that.
Here's specifically some people I'd love to see come to evergreen-
Women leaders- If you are interested in pastoring, in mentoring/shepherding/teaching in general church ministry (not just women's ministry) we need you. I'd love to talk to some people who are at Western or Multnomah about being a part of evergreen and perhaps getting practicum/student ministry credit etc.
Worship Leaders- come work into leadership in our worship ministries, work with our worship pastor Rich, put together and lead a house band, get sent out as a worship pastor with a church plant...
Those interested in Church Planting- Feel called to plant churches? Not sure but maybe? Come hang out with us, be part of a plant, explore the possibilities, and see where things go.
I got an email awhile back from an old friend in response to an article I had done in our weekly email about desiring multiplication (planting other missional communities) for evergreen rather than just addition (getting bigger and bigger ourselves). His email said:
Bob, I always enjoy your writing and work.
However, in reading your most recent newsletter about missional = multiplication.... it kind of smells funny. What you are really saying is that a missional church really sets up a program and a value of planting churches...which is a PROGRAM no matter how you spell it or call it. Isn't it. What I find interesting about this movement is that it is really much of the same thing but trying so hard not to use old words. Believe me, to plant a church, whether you call it missional or whatever, is following a certain "way" of doing things which then is really a program.... right?
Well, not quite... but if so, okay :)
Here's what I mean-
When we say we are pursuing organic, non-progammatic ministry, it doesn't mean we are anti-structure or that there will never be anything at evergreen that resembles a "program." One of the things we mean by "organic" is this: Programs we have will be the result of ministry, not the means. In other words... structure is a result of needing to help and encourage and systematize something that's already happening, and just needs to have help to happen better. What we don't want to do is to become programmatic in the sense that we start with nothing happening and assume that if we draw up a plan, get a cool logo and name, put something on the calendar and buy the handbook from the megachurch that did it and saw thousands increase their giving... well, then we've got ministry!
We'll have programs at evergreen (someday!), but they'll be started by people who just want to expand what they are doing in ministry to allow others to participate with them... not by staff who see starting programs as their raison d'etre (that's an unfair characterization, I know... but there's some truth there).
In terms of church planting... we don't have a program, we have a strategy (or at least some hopes and dreams... does that count as "strategy?"). Saying that we want to multiply rather than simply add isn't programmatic in the least- it's a philosophical commitment to growing constantly, but remaining at a manageable, sane size for our community.
Programmatic church planting exists, believe me... and we're trying to stay away from that. There's no "package" plan for church plants out of evergeen (Do it this way and get results! Or even "Do it OUR way and get to put our logo on your website!"). I think it's just us saying "It seems right to us and (we hope and pray) to the Holy Spirit to send some of us out to start something new." And those new things will have an amazing amount of freedom to organically be and become whatever it is they need to be and become as they, as a community, listen to God and follow His leading. That's why we started (and are still trying to start) nextChurch- to encourage church planting by encouraging church planters... and one of the most discouraging things for church planters is to tell them how it must be done.
Okay- I'm not sure if I really answered your question. I think I need more coffee before really clear thinking/writing becomes a possiblity, but there you have it. Feel free to ask for clarification or tell me how off base I am :)
Geoff asked:
"4. Why is church planting superior to opening campuses? At Seacoast we do both. If a we have a leader who has a unique vision and a call to preach we help him plant an autonomous church. (We've helped plant almost 25 new churches in the past few years) If a leader resonates with the vision God has given Seacoast and does not feel a call to preach we help him plant a new Seacoast campus."
First. Very cool. I appreciate churches that plant churches and really, seriously desire for us to be that kind of church and plant that kind of church. I can't wait to see our first "grand-daughter" church... the first church planted by a church we plant out of evergreen.
However, where I find myself feeling some friction here is "If a leader resonates with the vision God has given Seacoast and does not feel a call to preach we help him plant a new Seacoast campus."
I think in general I have a problem with one body, one local church, being overly connected to another. It seems two seperate buildings on one campus is one church. One building on one side of the street and another on the other... maybe that's one church.
But when you start talking about across town or two hours away? Regardless of common branding and similar vision, it's different people and a different church community.
And to me, that means some things.
I've already told you why I think a church should have it's own teacher(s). While I believe in the unity of the Church as whole, I also believe churches should have their own elders... and vision... and mission... and control over their own community.
The main reason I believe planting churches is superior to planting campuses is that what you are really doing (if I am understanding the model correctly) when you plant a campus is planting a church that has had it's leadership outsourced to somehwere else. It's not just that the teaching is done remotely, but also (it seems) the leadership is done so as well.
Now, I'm sure that a "campus" church can still, as a body, listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and develop as their own unique body... the problem is that they can only take that so far. Their vision/mission, etc is determined by a group of people relationally and geographically distant. Thus, it seems that long term, there is some leadership development that cannot take place in this local church.
My contention is this: This makes for good short term, church planting results but probably for not-as-good long term body maturity results. Not only do I see this model having a problem developing competent preachers and teachers, but elders and leaders as well... It seems as though part of the maturity process for a church body is going through the steps of re-inventing certain wheels for themselves, learning certain leadership lessons over and developing their own unique community, people growing to maturity and into real leadership in a body, and that body as a whole, listening to what God is saying to them and having the freedom to work that out as a local, organic entity.
My big fear is that with the proliferation of churches with no control over their destiny as a body is not a healthy thing in the long run, for the church in America.
I'll wrap this up tomorrow with some more thoughts along this line...
Geoff asked:
3. Would Paul have used video if it had been available? I'm not sure I understand the difference between watching a video and listening to a letter being read at a church service. (Obviously Paul's video would have divinely inspired, we don't have that advantage at Seacoast. :)
Would Paul have used video? Sure. But that's a different question than whether Paul would have been in favor of setting up a congregation in Ephesus that was taught primarily by a video feed from Corinth. :)
It seems as though Paul not only had a heart for seeing leadership and gifts developed within the local church, but saw teaching by the local elders as being an integral part of the local church gathering. When he wrote letters to them, and asked them to be read aloud, I'm fairly sure that he did not mean for that to completely replace teaching by the elders of the church, otherwise, he would not have made teaching a requirement to be an elder. His encouragement to Timothy was to "preach the Word." He said "Elders who do their work well should be paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching." This is part of the job of the elders of a local church community. In 1 Cor 14, one of the things we do when we come together is that "When you meet, one will sing, another will teach... etc."
So even though he could have commanded that when they met, the early Christians would have nothing but letters from Apostles read to them, he seemed to steer them in a different direction.
But... the question is, "Couldn't a local church teacher just do it from another building by video?"
I think that the answer (for me) is a qualified maybe. :)
Sure, overflow rooms are one thing. Differently themed Video Venues start walking down an odd road (to me), but at least they are all in the same place being taught by someone they know and could meet after coffee in the central area, etc.
It's when we begin talking about placing venues miles and miles (and even hours) away that it begins to fall apart for me, and in large part because of what I have talked about here (and in the last entry on this) in terms of leadership being developed from within, people being allowed and encouraged to teach, a body being able to interact with those teaching them, the teachers knowing those they are teaching, etc...
I'll say more about the importance of local leadership and control and teaching in the next couple of entries...
Geoff asked:
2. Are there people called to lead congregations who don't have the gift of teaching? One of our most effective campus pastors at Seacoast is a former farmer who has no formal theological training, can't spell expository, but is incredible at helping people to grow in their faith. If he planted a church on his own he would be able to minister to very few people; because he doesn't have to preach he is able to pastor a congregation of over 600 people.
Are there people called to lead congregations who don't have the gift of teaching?
Well... no.
There are no people called to lead congregations who don't have the gift of teaching.
Now, before everyone spits out their morning coffee and writes me an angry comment, let's remember: One of the qualifications of an elder/overseer (a word used interchangeably in Scripture with "pastor") is that that person "be able to teach." (1 Tim 3)
I know what you mean when you say "gift of teaching", though. At least, I can infer (maybe wrongly) that you mean someone who is good at it... good enough to draw a crowd.
And here again is where our models may differ. I certainly don't want people who teach poorly to lead our discussions on Sunday... but biblically, I can't allow people who can't teach to lead our community as elders/pastors. My duty then is to make sure that those who are called to lead are given the opportunity to develop in this area.
Make sense?
I'm not advocating that one person be the only teacher in a community, though I can definitely see a role for one person being the one who ends up teaching a good chunk of the time (In our community, this is me... Statistically I have spoken at just over 75% of our gatherings since we started. But my strong desire is that this number decrease to somewhere around 60%... I want when we are able to get Chris, our associate pastor on board half-time- and eventually full-time- that he begin to share more of this load with me and bring more of his unique self/perspective/gifts to the community. This is something I haven't put on him too much since he's been working full time and to do this well it takes preparation... Rich (our worship pastor) as well and whoever plants out of evergreen and people who are elders and potential elders and so on...) I think it's possible that in a group of elders one person becomes more of the shepherd, one more of the teacher, one more the administrator, etc.
But it's a biblical qualification- can't teach? Shouldn't be a pastor.
We could go into a lot of the reasons why that might be... But suffice it to say that if someone feels called to lead, but can't captivate a thousand people with his or her speaking gifts, rather than sending them out with a video tape of someone who can I'd like to think we could re-work a couple of our expectations and do some things which make it a workable scenario without resorting to video feeds.
1. Rework our definition of numbers success. I have no idea if my speaking could captivate thousands. The most I have ever spoken to was four services of about 700 a piece. I did okay. :) But at evergreen, I don't have to worry about it. We've set an upper limit on our growth (somewhere under 200). We grow, and then we plant. We grow more- we plant more. I don't need to find people who can preach like Spurgeon! I just need to find men and women who love God, love people, can teach in a somewhat larger than home-group setting and set them loose. That's makes it a whole lot easier because for every person who can speak to thousands, there are literally multitudes who can lead a dialogical teaching time with between 30 and 150 people. I'll bet with some experience and some coaching, Goeff's former farmer would do just fine!
2. Rework our method of training. "Pastoring" has always been on the job training. We (should) send people to seminary for formal theological education- not to learn how to shepherd and teach people. Rather than in the classroom learning to shepherd and teach people should be done in the context of... shepherding and teaching people! I know the pressure that exists as a community gets larger... as we grow, it's harder and harder to turn the "pulpit" over to those who might not teach as well. But it's a necessity. So the solution? This seems easy to me- Through planting other communities, keep your community from growing to a size where you can't let a college-aged student or seminary aged man or woman teach, where you can't let someone who feels they may be called to be an elder someday (or now) not only lead and love people, but teach them as well.
(I knew this would be a temptation for me... to not do this... so right off the bat, shortly after we planted, we did about a month and a half of people other than me speaking. We did it again last Jan/Feb... We're now re-tooling that a bit. Rather than a block of time where others speak (say for a month or more) I'm trying to schedule others in once a month or so to speak.)
3. Rework our planting model... pair those who teach well with those who can teach, but don't want to do it all the time or who don't feel it is their main gift.
I know that there is more to "teaching" than taking the pulpit on Sunday mornings. But, one of my main concerns about Video Venues is this:
If we plant a community led by a person who can't preach, and taught by a video feed from elsewhere, aren't we making it nearly impossible for that community itself to equip, train and develop people who can preach? How would they do that? And even if they can and do, why make it harder?
Geoff asked: ". Does an effective preacher always make an effective pastor? I've seen excellent preachers who IMHO do a very poor job of shepherding their flock and lousy speakers who are great pastors."
I totally agree. My beef with Video Venues is not that they disconnect one aspect of pastoring from another, but rather that they disconnect the one teaching the people from the people being teached...err... taught.
But this is my beef not just with Video Venues, but with large church in general. When, because of the size of a community, those taking the lead in teaching the community become inaccesible to that community, I think we've moved into an unhealthy place. I'm coming from a paradigm that says it's best if we keep things at a size where we can all know each other, particularly where those leading can know those being led and vice versa.
I know the model of getting "smaller as we get bigger." And though I understand it, I just don't like it. What I see happen, practically speaking, is a huge disconnect between those making decisions and teaching and those affected. I may know the leader of my small group, which is cool... but at a certain point if most of the church is completely unaware of who their elder board is, and unable to get on the calendar of the person/people leading and teaching them, I think something is wrong.
So, again, I feel like Video Venues take us in the opposite direction of what's intended. I know that one of the reasons stated for doing Video Venues is so that as a church grows, it can remain "small" and people can know each other. It probably works fairly well on that count. Where it seems to fall down is the second part of the equation... Allowing leadership and the led to know and access and interact with each other. The best leadership comes from a place of intimate knowledge of those being led- what is needed now, what are our people wondering, struggling with, etc. And the best "being led" comes from a place of knowing and trusting those doing the leading.
So I guess what I'm saying is that while one pastor can primarily shepherd while others primarily teach, disconnecting those functions from one another may be fine, but disconnecting those functions geographically or organizationally from the people seems a move in the wrong direction to me. And it seems as though this is what Video Venues do, by locating the "vision", "mission" and leadership decisions of the church in a place geographically and organizationally removed from the people.
(ed note:I "unpublished" and then reworked this for tone...)
Dave asked:
what if church plants had pastors but used videos of other preachers because:
3. they decided that there are very gifted preachers in the body of Christ and they wanted to learn from those diverse voices as well.
Ahh.. see, now, now you are getting tricky! Using all kinds of good "emergent" sounding words like "diverse"! :)
But again, I think Video Venues actually work in the exact opposite direction of what you are saying here.
It seems as though the Video Venue you have in mind is one where there's a rotation- a community hearing the best taped/broadcast messages from all over, rotating different communicators.
While I'm sure it exists, I've never seen/heard of it. The model we seem to be processing here is one where a single communicator is the one who is (mainly) speaking to the people via the video. (Other pastors may speak, just as in any church, but there's a main teacher).
If I thought videos were a viable long-term solution, your model would be the best. But I have a feeling it's not even on the table. What we're talking about in these satellite campuses, which started as overflow rooms, morphed to overflow buildings and are now complete overflow capuses, sometimes hours away from the main campus, is, in a very real sense, (please excuse the term) franchising.
So, a little thought experiment.
Let's say YourTown Community Church decided to set up a satellite campus an hour and a half from their main campus, showing video of their main guy every week. Now let's say that because of the top quality music and kids programs, YourTown West™ really grew... but it's in a different town, with different kinds of people, people who have heard of YourTown's Teaching Dude, who may even have driven the hour and a half to hear him on special occasions, but don't really have a relationship to him as pastor. And now let's say that YourTown West™ decides that they would like to do a rotation. They are fine with the Dude's teaching and want to keep including him, say every few months, but since there are so many good preaching resources available on video, why not have Bill Hybels speak at YourTown West™ one Sunday, Rick Warren the next, Erwin McManus the next and so forth.
How well would that go over? With the mother church, I mean.
But that thought experiment is more of a tangent than anything...
Here's what I want to see from the church- more pastors/teachers and not less. Video Venues get us less because more and more local churches will be feeding on steady diet of communication from elsewhere rather than developing the teachers among them. Where does a man or woman who feels called to preach get practical experience if their local church is a video venue?
Your question, "they decided that there are very gifted preachers in the body of Christ and they wanted to learn from those diverse voices as well" is the exact reason why Video Venues are a bad idea, I think.
Comments/follow up/pushback?
Dave asked:
what if church plants had pastors but used videos of other preachers because:
1. they decided the sermon is just one element of their time together and not the premier thing.
To be honest, I think this is the right reason and the wrong answer. That is, it's good for us to become less sermo-centric (critics: please don't read as less bibliocentric). I tend to think that Video Venues push us in exactly the opposite direction.
Now, I'm not saying that with using Video Venues, you couldn't allow everything in your gathering to preach, but you are by definition adding more focus to the sermon event monologue, not less.
I think the way to do what you are talking about, Dave, is not to watch the sermon on the screen, but rather to cease allowing it to be the climax of the morning. Cease the monological style of communication that doesn't make room for dialogue or hearing God's voice through other speakers or even follow up and clarification questions.
What we've tried to do (and we need to try harder...) is to diffuse the teaching and experiencing and hearing from God throughout the whole morning. You can read about Sunday mornings at evergreen here, but what we've done, in short, is try to do away with the "worship" time and the "sermon" time, diffusing the "point" of the morning rather than distilling it into three points delivered monologically.
Now, I could see the use of something like a Rob Bell Nooma video, where it's short, to the point, and allows plenty of room after for discussion by the people (in fact, I think we need to use one of those occasionally, now that I think about it). But when we are by definition locking our communities into passively watching a 30-40 monologue with someone they can never, ever speak back to...
I know that much of what is shown on Video Venues is top quality, very creative and inspiring preaching. It has to be! :) But if we want to make preaching not the "main point" of what we do, perhaps this is a step in the wrong direction.
But I may have a flawed understanding of this. My experience has been a Video Venue at North Coast and some stabs at it at the mega church I worked at for awhile. Tell me how they can be used, positively, to make preaching not the main event. And tell me if I'm making any sense here at all... been up since 3:30 again, dangit. :)
Comments/follow up/pushback?
I was driving to the Horse Brass last night with our associate pastor, Chris and he thanked me for bringing him along on our little church planting adventure and giving him, via our conversations, a window into when I'm doing well and when I'm doing not so well and the ups and downs of the pastoral thing. (My pleasure, man!)
What I told him, and what I tell you now, is that I'm doing my best to live transparently, to put myself out there (which is a scary thing for an introvert). And I do it on purpose and with reasons.
In no particular order, my reasons are something like this...
The era of the pastor on the pedestal is over. Not that we shouldn't respect our pastors, but too many of us grew up being allowed to think that the pastor was a cut above, on a super-spiritual plane that we should aspire to, but probably would never reach short of becoming pastors ourselves (or missionaries... missionaries were even better in some cases). The problem is that pastors are only human and the first time they show that, those who enjoy the pastor-on-the-pedestal are left feeling hurt and betrayed. Better to let people know up front- I'm just like you. I struggle with self-doubt, with identity and motivation issues just like everyone. I struggle with sin. I get angry. I'm selfish too much of the time. Sometimes I don't want to spend time with God. I hate the fact that my hair is deserting me, but my stomach seems to be hitting a growth period.
But in the midst of all that God shows me grace and forgiveness, God is my center and my ground. It's possible to live this life and not be swept away, not be pulled under. And it doesn't happen because you reach a level of spiritual perfection where the waters calm and the clouds part. It happens because through those very things you struggle with you are driven time and time again to God Himself.
And if I didn't live that process openly with people, what right would I have to try to tell them that's how it works?
Also, I want to share. I'm the kind of guy that when he finds a band he likes, he's likely to make you a disc of their stuff (copyrights be darned!). I feel the same way with my experience in life, in pastoring and in church planting. I hope that what I share of our journey will help in some way for those who are on the same trip, or thinking about it. I don't have much to offer, but what I lack in quality, I try to make up for in quantity :)
Blogging for me is like journaling, keeping a diary. I just don't want to have to die before anyone gets to read it.
But more than that, it's my way of making a contribution to the conversation.
A couple of years ago I was doing a guys group in my home, and we were going through Wild at Heart (Oh c'mon... you know you've done it too.) We were talking about "why are we here?" Aside from our main goal in life being to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, what specifically was our piece of the puzzle- what did God put us here for?
The image that came to my mind, as blustery as it sounds, was this: to help change the church.
I'm thankful for the couple hundred people who stop by here daily, reading my thoughts on organic church, on non-programatic ministry, on walking away from the consumer-church mentality. If they pick up something while they're here, great... that's another tiny, tiny piece I've contributed to that which is a life goal for me- to change the church to be more focused on God and the Gospel/Kingdom of God and more healthy for people.
But lastly, it's valuable for me. I'm a verbal processor who often doesn't know what I think until I'm saying it. This discipline, this little blog is worth it for me because it helps solidify my thoughts, helps me form my thinking and refine my ideas. It helps me express myself, what I'm feeling and exercise my demons. It just plain helps
So thanks blog, for being here for me. Even when I should be in bed...
Okay... some very good push-back on the ideas of Video Venues (planting churches where the teaching is done strictly through a video feed from another location).
I wanted to quote some of the good questions that were asked in response to what I said here and on Steve McCoy's blog, and then later, after working over a sermon I'm not completely happy with :) I'll do my best to answer...
Dave asked:
what if church plants had pastors but used videos of other preachers because:
1. they decided the sermon is just one element of their time together and not the premier thing.
2. they decided that allowing their pastor time to shepherd was more imporant than having him prepare to preach every week
3. they decided that there are very gifted preachers in the body of Christ and they wanted to learn from those diverse voices as well.
such a model might include using many different videos from different churches...
And Geoff, pastor of one of the innovating churches in this area asked:
1. Does an effective preacher always make an effective pastor? I've seen excellent preachers who IMHO do a very poor job of shepherding their flock and lousy speakers who are great pastors.
2. Are there people called to lead congregations who don't have the gift of teaching? One of our most effective campus pastors at Seacoast is a former farmer who has no formal theological training, can't spell expository, but is incredible at helping people to grow in their faith. If he planted a church on his own he would be able to minister to very few people; because he doesn't have to preach he is able to pastor a congregation of over 600 people.
3. Would Paul have used video if it had been available? I'm not sure I understand the difference between watching a video and listening to a letter being read at a church service. (Obviously Paul's video would have divinely inspired, we don't have that advantage at Seacoast. :)
4. Why is church planting superior to opening campuses? At Seacoast we do both. If a we have a leader who has a unique vision and a call to preach we help him plant an autonomous church. (We've helped plant almost 25 new churches in the past few years) If a leader resonates with the vision God has given Seacoast and does not feel a call to preach we help him plant a new Seacoast campus.
5. If people are committing their lives to Christ and growing in their faith, what difference does it make who preaches, who controls the purse strings, what the name is over the door? I'm not sure God is overly concerned with the forms that we invent for how church is done (house church, mega-church, multi-site, community church) as long as we are obeying the Great Commission.
Last week I commented on SteveMcCoy's blog about the latest sermon to be podcast by the Cussing Pastor. CP's church has grown and grown big. So... they are launching Video Venues as a solution to this problem.
Now... I want to be careful here. The CP serves God, not Bob. CP's community is different than mine, and its choices are its own.
But like Steve is now doing, I want to raise some questions. I'll try to do it carefully, tactfully, but still... some questions.
First, this is a great problem to have. When your community is healthy, growing and pushing out the walls, that's something to celebrate.
The obvious question is "what's next?"
I've written a lot about the role of pastor and how I believe that the larger a community gets, the harder it is to be an actual pastor as opposed to a manager, a CEO, an administrator... and eventually (both figuratively and now literally) a talking head.
It seems like the clear choice to me is to plant churches.
If you have the resources to plant a video venue, you have the resources to plant a church. If you have the need to do a video venue, I believe you have the need to plant a church...
I can think of very few reasons to choose a video venue over a church plant... and I don't like any of them. All I can say is that to me:
1. Video Venues seem to perpetuate the celebrity pastor model we (well... at least I am ) are trying to move away from. As Rick McKinley here in Portland is prone to say, "The celebrity-driven church must die." Now, while I'm sure that the CP would agree with that statement in principle, what good is your principle if your structures don't concur?
By setting up video venues, we not only perpetuate the structure that feeds the celebrity-driven church model... we plant it, water it and build a wall around it. We literally splice it into the DNA of our communities by going to great length, expense and trouble to ensure that everyone who wants to hear one single individual speak on a Sunday morning, can.
2. Video Venues seem to place an unbridgable distance between a pastor and his or her people, which I believe is unhealthy for a community. I've talked a lot about shepherds knowing those they are trying to shepherd, whether as a pastor or an elder. This is nigh unto impossible in the 1000+ person mega church... adding a Video Venue that meets 20 miles distant from the "main campus" does absolutely nothing to alleviate this. In fact, it says it is normal and good. I disagree.
3. In fact, Video Venues are unhealthy in the long run to the soul of both pastor and people. Doug Pagitt says something to the effect that with the way most do preaching, it's possible over the course of a couple of years for a person to hear literally hundreds of messages from a preacher and have that preacher hear not a single word from that person. At this point, pastors of large churches are literally firewalling themselves off from the people they are trying to love, shepherd and teach. How is this positive in any way, shape or form? The addition of Video Venues magnifies this problem 100 fold. Now, I not only am teaching people I have never and will never meet, I must place even more protections around myself to keep any one of them from ever feeling entitled to offer me feedback or even ask me a follow-up question.
I know that there are reasons why people want to do this- "We're growing! More people want to be part of our church than we can accomodate!" Fine. Time to set up a podcast so whoever wants to hear your sermon can, no matter how many seats you have in your space. Time to tell some of the Christians to grow up, step out in faith to something new and make room for someone not quite as far along the journey as them. Time to get off the celebrity train, say goodbye to the influence, power and resources (money) that having that many people "under" you brings. Time to invest heavily in other pastors, other/new communities. Time to plant churches.
Caveat: I know I come off sounding like I know it all. I know I don't. I realize that as the pastor of a church with just over a hundred people, I'm talking about institutions with multimillion dollar campuses and thousands of people that are headed by famous, well-known and respected pastors. Ok. I'm batting way out of my league... I don't feel like these churches are "apostate" or "shipwrecking their faith" or any of that kind of stuff. These are choices communities make, sometimes with spiritual motives, sometimes with financial ones, usually with a mixture of both. These choices are (on balance) either positive or negative for the Church here in America. I feel as though they will end up being negative... and I'm just saying so.
Yes... time for yet another in a series of "pastoral angst" posts. I should probably create a category just for these since they seem to crop up regularly and persistently.
I'm just glad to
a. have a place to express it (you, oh blog of mine)
b. have a community that can handle having a pastor who struggles to handle it.
At any rate, Sunday nights, post-gatherings, are when my psyche seems to hit overdrive. All my insecurities and dreck rise to the surface and... weird dreams and trouble sleeping.
I dreamed that I planned a week where we don't do much, you know- just casual. "What if we all just showed up?"
And of course, on that week- all the regulars I lean on (you know who you are) were missing and the place was packed out with people I had never seen before...
I had to get up on a stage so everyone could see/hear me. The band hadn't really put anything together. I started with "I hope you guys aren't expecting a whole lot today..." We weren't at the Lab- not sure what the venue was.
Someone led in the kids for an Advent thing, and they were all in costumes. "Someone has been working hard with these kids" I thought. It was the one comforting thing in amidst a frightening dream.
Well... you non-pastors out there probably won't get that, but it's akin to the "get to school and find out there's a test you haven't studied for... oh and you are naked" dream.
I think my brain is telling me that I
-love the fact that more and more people are doing evergreen things without me- just making stuff happen. I love that, especially with the kids.
-worry. I worry about connecting with new/newer people.
There were so many new faces AGAIN this week. Many that I don't get the chance to personally meet. I think I may have to give up the dream/hope that I will be able to connect with everyone, every week. That could happen when there were 30 of us... but not now.
I guess I just need to trust that the same dynamic of "people doing things" is working itself out in this area too- that people are meeting others, asking them their names, their stories, helping them feel safe, welcome... home.
I know that Sundays aren't the center of our community- at least they aren't supposed to be. But they are the entry point for many.
Sometimes, the new faces can feel like a weight. 5-10 new faces a week x 52 weeks means a lot of people I have shaken hands with, spoken with a bit, that our community has (I hoped) welcomed and made to feel at home... and we have never seen again. That's what I mean by weight... it adds up.
Okay- totally time to turn this post around.
The good news is that every week lately, it seems, I do see someone for the 2nd or 3rd or 4th time... and that's incredibly cool. My goal isn't to build a sunday service, but rather a community. A group of people who share life together, seek and worship God together, love the poor and each other.
And by God's amazing grace, that appears to be what's happening.
If you are looking for an emerging church in the Portland, Oregon area, check out The Evergreen Community
Kevin Cawley and I were chatting a bit about church planting and demographics/neighborhoods and such...
It all started with some comments by the Cussing Pastor (as Don Miller calls him...)
I made some observations and Kevin asked me:
"Are people in our current culture bound by geography within larger urban centers? If no-- which is what Mark seems to suggest-- is this something that you believe the Gospel seeks to correct and reform?
And, at Evergreen, if you have folks driving 30 min, do you suggest/require them to go elsewhere?"
More dialogue and my answers found here".
And there by the Ahava Canal, I gave orders for all of us to fast and humble ourselves before our God. We prayed that he would give us a safe journey and protect us, our children, and our goods as we traveled. For I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to accompany us and protect us from enemies along the way. After all, we had told the king, "Our God protects all those who worship him, but his fierce anger rages against those who abandon him." So we fasted and earnestly prayed that our God would take care of us, and he heard our prayer.
"Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground."
I'm a husband, father, pastor and church planter


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Not all music apps have to be all-singing, all-dancing, feature-filled smorgasbords. Sometimes, they can just do one job in a no nonsense fashion. GuitarTuna is a case in pint, although the 'no nonsense' comment perhaps only applies to the practical side of the app – it helps you tune a guitar – but not so obviously to the folks at Ovelin who clearly like a little bit of nonsense given the apps graphic styling and wonderfully corny name :-)
The iTunes App Store has a good number of both dedicated guitar tuner apps and other apps that include a guitar tuner within their feature set (the excellent Guitar Toolkit for example). However, there is no excuse for not having a look at GuitarTune because, at present at least, it is free. And, as it works happily with the iPad's or iPhone's built-in microphone (including a little bit of noise cancelation within the software), there is now absolutely no excuse for iDevice owning guitar players to play with an instrument that it out of tune (well, unless the instrument is so bad it is untunable).
There is very little to say about using GuitarTuna – you pluck a string and the app's rather nice 'seismic' needle display gives you a very accurate indication of how close it is to the correct pitch. By default, the app uses an 'auto' mode to detect which string you are trying to tune but there is also a manual mode if you need it. Equally, you can switch to a lefty guitar display if your musical orientation swings in that direction. In use, despite to somewhat cartoony nature of the graphics, I found GuitarTune to be pretty accurate and very easy to get things to their correct pitch.
Perhaps the only downside of the app is that, in the current release at least, it only caters for six string guitars in standard tuning. Here's hoping that Ovelin at the option for some alternate tuning or even a 'free' mode. All that said, GuitarTuna – and other similar apps – must be busting a pretty big hole in the market for dedicated hand-held tuners.
Whatever your take on the rather quirky looks, GuitarTuna does a good job and it's free so, if you are looking for a tool for basic standard tuning, you have nothing to loose by giving it a try.
GuitarTuna by Ovelin is available from the iTunes App Store.

subset: commoncrawl


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Changed Homemade Swing
Old1964 replied to Always an 80's topic in Instruction and Playing TipsWow...sounds like you have been "converted", "saved", given "new life" by the good news of The Sandtrap. It is amazing, though, the quality of instruction available here. Just paid for 2 hours of lessons - $$$ - and everything he said, I found here. Sigh. Of course, the slo-motion camera analysis was worth the $$$ because what we feel is not real. And, what I thought I needed to work on, was not the issue. Enjoy! Tell your friends!
What would you do with your wedges?
Old1964 replied to Pinseeker81's topic in Clubs, Grips, Shafts, FittingJust get the 54 and have it bent to a 53 - will take about 4 minutes at any golf store or pro shop. Mizzunos are forged so they are soft and easy to bend. Others are cast - can be bent, but one never knows if they will crack. Seriously, this is an easy call. Get the one you want, have it adjusted, and enjoy it! Then, your wife will know that you are not one club short...hope you have enough balls.
Are expensive golf balls worth it?
Old1964 replied to Hotrodjrd's topic in Balls, Carts/Bags, Apparel, Gear, Etc.No. No. No. Premium balls spin more...which, if not hit correctly will hurt your game - cause you to go right and left - when you aren't trying to. A great mid-range ball is the Top-Flite Gamer. Seriously...I shot a one under par with one as the club pro tossed me a sleeve on the way out and asked me to tell him what I thought of them! However, the Mojos are in the same category. The Hex Chrome + are for a 100 mph swing, right? And are pretty pricey? Let us know how that turns out for you. It would be interesting to hear your story.
New Callaway Mack Daddy Wedges for Me!
Old1964 posted a topic in Clubs, Grips, Shafts, FittingIt has been way too long since I replaced my wedges. Was playing Cleveland cg14's for years and years...with the groove change, I figured they still had more bite than what is now "conforming". Boy, was I wrong! I was unable to find a 52, 56, and 60, but got the latter two and have had the joy of hitting these wedges. Talk about bounce and stop! Too be clear, I have only spun a few balls back in my life - when the green was tilted toward me and dry and short! However, these wedges are freakin' amazing. I suspect that they don't play much different than the Rotex wedges, or many other new wedges, but they have reinvigorated my desire to pull off very difficult shots. And, after just a couple rounds, they have saved me several strokes. So, the 52 is shipping from Amazon as no pro shop or big box store in the Mid-Michigan area had one - ? - which seems strange to me. My question to you guys is simply this, "Have you noticed a similar change in your shot-making ability when you replaced your wedges?"
In How Many States Have You Played Golf?
Old1964 replied to bkuehn1952's topic in Golf TalkMichigan, Ohio, Virginia, North Carolina, Minnesota, Florida, Illinois
Objections to Derek Ernst thanking God after his win?
Old1964 replied to mp33 man's topic in Tour TalkYep! Pretty sure that goes back to my comment about whiners. Why do you think it is anyone's job to be the person you want them to be?
Whats the one shot that you hate most when you blow it ...
Old1964 replied to inthehole's topic in Golf TalkDeciding to play a "smarter" safer shot to stay out of the trouble...only to hit it into the trouble anyhow. Like teeing up a 3 wood instead of the driver so that you can hit it more accurately...only difference was, now, I'm in the trees and my drop is 40 yard further away from the pin!
When novice golfers "man up," and how it kills their game...
Old1964 replied to WalkTheCourse's topic in Instruction and Playing TipsThe ultimate man-up...never get instruction or lessons or educate oneself about the golf swing and then assume you can play well if you just try harder!
2013 Players at TPC Sawgrass, Tiger and Sergio Feud Discussion Thread
Old1964 replied to mvmac's topic in Tour TalkWouldn't it be great to have a little blast from the past. Tiger and Phil walking up the 18th fairway on Sunday afternoon tied for the lead...probably just wishful thinking. Wait a minute. Could we throw Fred Couples in there too?
Objections to Derek Ernst thanking God after his win?
Old1964 replied to mp33 man's topic in Tour TalkMany Christians believe in expressing thanks for every good thing they experience in life - food, health, graduating, getting married, promoted on the job, etc... Some even are thankful in difficult situations, painful times, that they are not going through them alone. They believe that God is a personal being who is connected with each and every one of those who rely on him in the good times and the bad. The expression of gratitude is meant to be an expression of humility - the opposite of arrogance. Many non-Christians hear a statement like this golfer made (and other sports and music celebrities at awards shows) and assume that what the person means is that God favored him above the others and that's the reason he won or succeeded. Shouldn't we be more tolerant of people with different beliefs than just jumping on them if they express beliefs that are just like ours? Isn't that tolerance? I don't care one way or another, but I think it is a simple matter of preference. Some people think they shouldn't have to listen to someone express anything religious. At the same time, I don't know if they take issue with others who use "freedom of speech" to express non-religious ideas or notions. I wish people weren't whiners who complained about stuff they didn't like and act like the world owes them a stress-free existence. But, then again, I thank Zeus that we don't live in a world like that :)
I keep breaking shafts...
Old1964 replied to Skyhawk's topic in Golf TalkI broke two shafts in my life. The first happened when I was attempting to hit a driver off the deck - hit the dirt firmly behind the ball - swung through and ended up holding the grip and about 4 inches of shaft. The second was very different. Teed the ball up. Hit a good drive - or so I thought, but the flight was all wrong. Looked down and the head was dangling from a thread right where it was glued into the head. Opposite ends. Hitting the dirt broke the first one - and will break if it is done hard enough...they are designed to hit the little ball not the Big Ball (Earth). The second one was broken as a result of sliding around in the trunk of a town car - and at times the head of the driver would hold the one end of the bag up...and all the weight of the bag would hang on it. Fractures developed... I'm guessing if you never hit the ground with a driver - that would be a good thing and you would never break another shaft.
My Orange Whip Blessing and Curse :)
Old1964 replied to River Hill's topic in Golf TalkI would encourage you to focus an inch ahead of the ball on your iron shots...that usually cures the whole fat shot thing if you have a decent swing. Or, if that's too dramatic...just focus on the front of the golf ball (the edge closest to your target).
The Pros and their Pre shot Routine - swinging outside in and across their body
Old1964 replied to Old1964's topic in Instruction and Playing TipsThanks for your responses.
The Pros and their Pre shot Routine - swinging outside in and across their body
Old1964 posted a topic in Instruction and Playing TipsForgive me if this has been addressed elsewhere - I did a quick search and couldn't find it. As I was watching the RBC Heritage I noticed a few players in their preshot routine doing that very outside-in swing that goes across their bodies. What are they trying to promote or accomplish by doing this?
Hank Haney Project: Michael Phelps Thread
Old1964 replied to Old1964's topic in Golf TalkSure. I just think that the game of golf has that unique ability to cause you to "doubt" --


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You read it here folks!
Juan is leaving the building! These are my final days (weeks, months?) here on SG. I'm letting my membership expire and go the way of the Dodo.
I've had a pretty long run here on SG. Longer than most I think. When I first "joined" back in 2001 or so, I was doing the $2 or $3 a...
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Good times. I don't use Facebook, but it's a small world. Maybe we'll run into each other in Antarctica or something.


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MyArticle » Home-and-family » Entertaining
Entertaining Articles
1: Discussions about kids' birthday party ideas
kids birthday party ideas are those ideas which are initiated by close family members of the kids. Kids' birthday ideas indicates something fun and frolic is going to take place soon which will be a result of proper planning among close family members of kids. Budgetary exercise pertaining to kids' birth party ideas should be made in such a manner that overall fun and mirth becomes successful and a total one.
2: Have The Heavens In Your Homes
It is easy to earn money and of course, for earning an income everybody needs only one route and they have to make a choice of selecting a profession or one business activity for their livelihood; however, safekeeping the money by keeping in appropriate investments really needs a lot of investment techniques.
3: A ornamental WPC Wall Panel Mostly when a dwelling
these wall panels really are congratulated using the water-proof upper limit solar cells in order to let them have supplemental polished off hint. Versus general art lavatory ceramic tiles, that showering wall panels provides you with various added benefits for example.
4: Home Theatre - Right Set Up For Cinema Like Experience
It is possible to get cinema like experince with your home theatre. Here, you will find how to get cinema like experience at your own home.
5: 2011 oscar review:spring fashion trends
Spring has come, it is a back-to-school season, prom season and nice time to get married.
6: Make Your Own Wedding Website
A marriage Wedding site and Wedding Blog is an efficient way of sharing all your wedding information with your guests anywhere in the world. Make suggestions and have a role in planning your wedding. A tasteful and professionally designed marriage website truly reflects your personal style and sets the mood of your wedding.
7: You're Planning a Party! This Basic Party Planning Information Will Get You Started
As a party host you want to insure that you and your guests have a fun and memorable time. Start with solid party planning information and you start strong.
8: Haseen Baaten
This article is written for a girl who is very beautiful,middle in age.
9: Super Mario World Slots – Best Free Online Games For Girls Who Love Hot Games For Girls
Mario Games are a game category of free games for girls which we all know and most of people have played them in the past or have now been playing. Through playing this kind of very fun free online games for girls
10: Own all of the celebrity hairstyle from the dress up games for girls
Many celebrity stars have the instyle hairstyles that makes them to be the most fashion ones in the world,or you can see that they have the most expecially hairstyle that makes them to be the very star,but we could not have a look of all the stars' hairstyles,but now you have the chance to collect all the hairstyles,and have a try each of them.Suprise,isn't it?!
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Great Collaborations: Science + Art
Deep Sea Adventure!
During the 2013 spring semester, Politi Elementary students took on the theme of great collaborations between science and art. Students virtually joined William Beebe (scientist) and Else Bostelmann (artist) in 1930s Bermuda to explore deep sea habitat. We learned how the bathysphere worked to help humans explore habitat over 3000 feet below the ocean's surface, and we studied the adaptations that deep sea animals have to survive in their environment (bioluminescence, reliance on their sense of touch, bodies able to withstand great pressure).


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Life Skills Trainer
Primary Location: NC-NCRaleigh-3601 Windemere Pl
Function:Direct Support Professional (Care Givers)
NeuroRestorative North Carolina
NeuroRestorative NC provides a continuum of care, clinical treatment and behavior management services for adults with brain injury or other neurological challenges. NeuroRestorative NC provides a variety of community-based, inpatient treatment programs located in Raleigh, NC.
NeuroRestorative NC is a partner of The MENTOR Network, a national network of local health and human services providers offering quality, community-based services to adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain and spinal cord injuries and other catastrophic injuries and illnesses, and to youth with emotional, behavioral and medically complex challenges as well as their families. With opportunities from coast to coast, when you join NeuroRestorative North Carolina and The MENTOR Network, you'll make a difference every day and help to provide quality of life enhancing services to individuals across the country.
- High school diploma or GED
- Six months to one year of experience in the human services industry preferred
- Valid driver's license from state of residence


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This week has brought a lot of good records to our stock (just as we aim for every week), and might be of extra interest for collectors of Jazz EP's and Lord Finesse material. The Soul/Funk/Disco, Jazz, Rock and Hip-Hop sections are all filled up with great stuff.
Do have a look at some of our recommended records like the previously unissued Young Souls 7" and Superfly Records great reissues of Full Moon Ensemble and Fabiano Orchestra.
And while you're at it, why not catch up with us on Facebook? We post even more pictures of records, and occasionally report on what's going on in the store which could be fun for all of you who don't live nearby!
See all records added this week with our New in stock-feature:
Or in our newsletter, if you don't already subscribe to it. If you miss out on something you really wanted, remember to add it to your automated want-list. That way you'll get a heads-up the next time we have it in stock.
And take a look at a couple of the more exclusive records below:
Barbara's second album, highly recommended sweet soul classic.
One of his more seldom seen albums, with a cover that I hope doesn't violate any blogger-regulations.
Norwegian indie jazz with the great, funky "Murrayburn goes Chicago" (how about that for a song title?)
Funky and soulful reggae with the massive "Melting pot", "Ain't no sunshine" and more.
1960 piano trio 7", one of many other jazz EP's added today.
Very rare Swedish EP recorded in 1956 with Tommy Potter and Joe Harris.
Limited 2011 release from one of the UK's finest.
Something for the Lord Finesse fan and 5" Hip Hop collectors! Several other collectible Lord Finesse records added today as well.
Die cut picture disc produced by Large Professor, made for his 2012 European tour. Check out the one for his Japanese 2013 tour also.
One of the best Swedish psych records I've heard, musically strong and experimental.
Mono original of this classic set with Horace Silver, Jay Jay Johnson, Kenny Clarke a o.
1957 trio recording with Lars Holmgren and Anders Burman.
Brazilian garage rock with some funk and a psychedelic feel.
Very strong Norwegian jazz LP with such beautiful cover art.
Highly sought after modern soul with a unique groove!
Stanko playing trumpet in the Taj Mahal and the Karla caves, definitely a spectacular soundtrip.
1956 EP featuring Hacke Björksten, Freddie Redd, Åke Persson and others.
Quite rare free jazz LP from 1987, in top condition.


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direct telephone number: 212-716-3214
download vcard
Boston University School of Law, LL.B. 1966; Editor, Law Review (1965-1966)
Brown University, A.B. 1963
1967, New York
AV Preeminent® Rated
David Katsky is a founding member of the firm and has headed the firm's litigation department since 1975.
David has tried commercial cases in federal and state courts in New York and throughout the country, as well as tried domestic and international arbitrations in various states and Europe. He has also handled appeals in federal and state courts in New York and other states. His practice centers on business disputes involving corporate, securities, partnership, and real estate litigation, as well as employment discrimination and intellectual property cases.
additional information >>


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Thomas Edison High School Thomas Edison High School
Here's a sample of our volunteer opportunities:VIEW AS
Mission Statement
Thomas Edison High School empowers students with learning differences to experience academic success and personal growth, while preparing them for the future.
We are the only private high school in Oregon specifically designed to meet the needs of students with complex learning disabilities and attention deficit disorder issues. Though it's rare that one of our students' only learning challenge is ADD, we have found ADD to be a significant component in a diagnosis that could also include Dyslexia, Auditory Processing Disorders, Nonverbal Learning Disorders or Visual Perception Disorders. No two students are exactly alike, so customized approaches to learning is our normal mode of operation.
Thomas Edison does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, religion, color, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin in the hiring of staff, administration of educational policies, student admissions, financial aid or other school-related programs. Thomas A. Edison High School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
On March 3, 2007 we will be holding our annual auction.
The purpose of our annual auction is to raise money for financial aid, allowing us to accept students who otherwise would not be able to attend.
Proceeds also help to fund professional development for our teachers and other programs for the students that Edison cannot provide through traditional revenue sources.
The school has awarded $150,000 in financial aid for the '05-'06 school year. The school will award over $190,000 for the '06-'07 school year.
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Request administrator status and update its information!


text: I am looking for the superhuman samurai deluxe figures of zenon and drago and also the original red servo figure, not the colored versions just the red one. Anyone willing to sell any ofthese please notify me ASAP, and do not give me obsurd prices such as anything over $100, I mean let's be realistic these toys are not worth that much, and anyone who has these toys please tell me where you got themfromand how much you had to pay. Sorry if I sound really bossy but I have been tracking these toys my whole life with no luck. Like I said please notify me if you think anything would be useful in finding them


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Tax treatment of doctors: pre-registration house officers: living accommodation
Doctors in training grades may be considered to be in a different type of employment from doctors employed in career grades. In particular, although hospital doctors may be employed in one of three training grades – pre-registration house officer (PRHO), senior house officer and specialist registrar – employment as a PRHO is clearly distinguishable because a PRHO is still a student. Although a PRHO uses the title of Doctor, this title is provisional on the satisfactory completion of a year of clinical training.
Position before 1 August 2008Before 1 August 2008, HMRC accepted that it was customary for employers to provide living accommodation for PRHOs for the better performance of the duties. Consequently, PRHOs satisfied the conditions in section 99(2) ITEPA 2003 (see
EIM11346) and were exempt from charge to tax under Part 3 Chapter 5 ITEPA 2003 in respect of the provision of living accommodation.
Position from 1 August 2008It has ceased to be a contractual requirement applying across the United Kingdom for all PRHOs to be provided with living accommodation during clinical training. This means that, with effect from 1 August 2008, HMRC no longer accepts that it is customary to provide living accommodation in these circumstances. Therefore, PRHOs are not entitled to the exception from the living accommodation benefit charge in section 99(2) ITEPA 2003.
Where, from 1 August 2008, an NHS employer continues to provide free living accommodation to PRHOs, a taxable benefit will arise in the normal way.


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Yuriko Muromachi
From Steamlands Wiki
One of the first settlers of Caledon, I am a tailor by profession with some past medical experience. I have a shop and help manage a clinic with my fiancee. I enjoy life and all it's pleasures and pains, beauty and ugliness. Do not undersestimate me, I am more than what I seem.
Owner and designer of Silver Roses located in Caledon. Yuriko also manages a parcel in Caledon On Sea.


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|Oracle FAQ
|Your Portal to the Oracle Knowledge Grid
Home -> Community -> Usenet -> c.d.o.misc -> Re: dynamically query mutiple tables
Peter Parker wrote:
> Is it possible to use pl/sql script to dynamically query all the tables
> owned by a user with a select statement and flag the query that yield
> result? For example, I like to apply the following statement:
> select * from [table_name] where id = 'some_id'
> to all tables and out put the table_name(s) that satisfies the query. Please
> help. Thanks
Yes, it's possible. Start with "select table_name from user_tables", loop through the result set, build up a dynamic SQL query for each table and run it. Be sure to handle exceptions, because the chance of every table having a field called "id" is rather small.
Not really recomended, but it's possible.
//Walt Received on Tue Feb 13 2007 - 09:56:15 CST
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I have been trying to change a post processor to suit an old heian router that has a fanuc M51 controller on it. I have looked at the other post processors and they support tool change, my problem is i the heian has four heads in a row no tool change and i want to use two or more heads in the program with there own d and h code...any ides.
Also can you write code in incremental you can change the code to say in incremental but thats all that changes the rest of the code is still in absolute.


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duplo tiger enclosure
Good morning, Lego fans!
For my Lego duplo zoo [ which I'm finishing today] I decided to make a tiger enclosure. It was fun making it as with an animal like a tiger you need to fill its cage with toys, so it never gets bored. I made a stand, a tap, a den with trees and rocks, a swing AND a rope bridge! Have a great time making your own enclosures,


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Board of Directors
The Brandywine Valley SPCA is governed by our Board of Directors who are elected and serve on the board for a two-year term. The board provides fundamental insight into the communities we are a part of, as well as utilize their resources to help fundraise on behalf of the organization.
Crystal Crawford, President
Founding Partner, Catalyst Outdoor
Francesca Rudin, Vice President
Interior Designer
Bud Haly, Secretary
Owner, Haly Oil & Great Valley Propane
Jessica Straghan, Treasurer
VP, Global Banking & Markets, Bank of America Merrill Lynch
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Conrad Muhly
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Michael Wilson
Associate Broker BHHS, Fox & Roach Realtors
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CEO, Gobel Group
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Owner, Studio-882
Pat Elliott
Controller, The Kenney Family ShopRites of Delaware
Cheryl Crowe
Realtor – Settlement Coordinator, Jack Lingo Inc


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AikiWeb Aikido Forums
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Teaching Children
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What do people think about teaching aikido to children? Although I've seen many people supporting children's classes, I have also heard arguments that children do not have the discpline to properly learn aikido or any other budo in a very serious manner.
What do you think?
-- Jun
Hi Jun,
From my experience, I have dealt with children who are serious and those who aren't. I guess it really depends on the child's discipline and interest in the art. But what I've noticed is that majority of the disciplined children are girls? Not to sound sexist, but I guess that's one proof that girls are more mature than boys.
- Adrian
My son and I began taking aikido about six weeks ago. At six years old, I feel that he has held an exceptional amount of interest in aikido.
I directed his interest toward aikido after he asked if he could take karate lessons. Other children at his (then new) school had been taking karate for some time and he wanted to be included in this way.
I must say that I agree with Adrian. I'm not sure that my son would have held his interest so had he been taking lessons on his own. That I am part of it has helped him to regard the teaching with more respect. Toward that end, this experience has been exceedingly rewarding for us both, and has brought us closer as father and son.
akiy wrote:
What do people think about teaching aikido to children? Although I've seen many people supporting children's classes, I have also heard arguments that children do not have the discpline to properly learn aikido or any other budo in a very serious manner.
What do you think?
-- Jun
You know, I have been asked to help several times in the children's class in our dojo.
It has been a long time since I have felt that helpless! I discovered something new, which is that children intimidate me. I try to talk to them like I would another rational adult... and they are neither. I haven't learned yet how to talk with them and understand their needs.
The instructor for the class happens to be a junior high teacher, with three sons of his own, and HE has it entirely figured out. He has their attention, senses when it starts to wander, knows when to discipline and when to overlook misbehaviours.
I wanted to mention this because I have come to think that the ability to teach children is special. While I think everyone likely can learn how to teach children, I think it IS something you need to learn, it is not automatic.
Second, Adrian is so right about the boy versus girl issue. It is not in your head -- it is all too real! The boys, especially between 7 and 12, can be highly erratic.
All that said, last night I was in new found awe of the children's class instructor. He has been teaching them of all things a jo kata... and they are exceptionally attentive -- no wiggles or wanderings, but solidly fixed attention. When I first heard he was going to do this, I thought it was nuts... they would end up bonking each other. Not the case at all. It reminded me of Kensho Furuya pointing out that training with a live blade heightens your awareness of life/death, and provided a better training. Maybe even in the 8 year old, the fact that you could really bonk yourself or someone else makes a big difference.
Time for me to pull out my jo...
Yes, I have 4 boys. Ages 9,7,5, and soon to be 4years old. When I called up Sensei he said that he would teach 5years old and up. This surprised me. Thier very first class had them all hooked. By the 3rd class, I was hooked too. I asked if I could start in the next class myself. Now we are a very small dojo, and sometimes, though not often, we are the only 4 students in a class. Because I am a single parent, my soon to be 4 year old comes along too. He usually sits patiently and watches during class. I have even witnessed him doing some of the motions at home when he thought no one was watching. No of us had a gi and I didn't want to sink money into 4 gies(sp) if it was only going to be a short term fad, so I came up with the idea of the boys paying for 1/2 the price. They were always asking for extra jobs around the house and farm, so that they could buy thier gi. They were all able to buy thier gi within two months. I got one too, and we have been in classes for a little over 4 months. Not only are they in an activity that they love, but I got a lot of help that continued even after they were able to raise half the cost.
The sesei is wonderful with each of them, and though I know they are not comprehending the essence of aikido beyond the physical, it has all been introduced. We always have a partner to practice with at home, and most of our dinner conversation is on aikido. (It beets being Pokemoned to death.) And instead of settling for being mom on the side lines, I am involved too. I have found it fasinating, though I would never have tried it without seeing a few classes first. I never had an itch for any martial arts.
Sorry so long, but I really wanted you to know, at least in our case with a fantastic sesei, that children, even young boys, can start to grasp the fundamentals of Aikido.
Hi Everyone,
Since I am only a teenager, I think the most important thing is that parents don't force children, or teens, to train. I am only 14 and I train 3 days a week and a least a min. of 2 hours a training day. My parents don't force me to train 2 hours a training day. I actually decided to do that. Don't force it. If children don't want to learn, don't force them.
I would also like to respond to Ron's reply about weapons work. I think that weapon work is great for kids. Don't think that children and weapon work are bad. Before a child can set his hands on a jo or bokken, there are rules he\her has to know. Usually things like these weapons can actually hurt someone, or if you goof around you and your partner will have to sit at the side and watch everyone else train. These rules are here so that no one will get hurt and usually everyone follows them. At one point in my training with the children classes, we would start with the bokken at warm up. The whole class would do different types of cuts and stuff. The dojo would also put weapons work on children tests. Stuff like cutting and position of the bokken. I even remember my 5th kyu test. I had to the "Kata" which was a 25 step jo kata. On my yonkyu test, I had to do the kumitachi 1-5, and possibly on my sankyu test I might have to do the Kumijo 1-6.
I've been teaching children for 3 yrs. now, specially on summer classes. Maybe i can share u guys some of the methods that we r using . Hope u can use it too.
We have included games in every session, right after the Randori and if they wont behave during the class ,no games as punishment.Here r some of the games we use , they r all related to AIKIDO in some way.
1.DODGE BALL - This one is their favorite. Where u divide the class into 2 groups . One group stays off the mat staying on both sides and the other group stays inside .The group outside uses a soft rubber ball and try to hit the guys inside the mat . I think u know the rest.
2. CATCH ME IF U CAN - This one is a bit difficult coz u will all be doing samurai walk while on the mat instead of standing and running.U can have some variations like u can roll towards another student or away from the it.
Those r just some , hope it can help.
I helped teaching a kids' class for a while, and we used to play a game we called ukemi-catch. It's simply regular catch except that you cannot be caught if you are performing some sort of ukemi. A lot of fun and VERY good at building stamina.
I also used to help teaching a beginners class in Karate and since we had far to few showers we used to end practice with small contests - each contest resulting in the winner being send to the showers. The contest could be the first person to touch the wall in one end of the dojo, the first one to do 20 push-up's, the first person get down on the back or the first person to stand on his head. I guess you've got the picture by now. It's a great way to end practice because everybody has fun and it exercises the students alertness.
Have fun! :)
I have been teaching children for some time now. I think that it is nearly imposible to expect a child to fully comprehend any martial art he/she studies and take it as serious as would an adult. However, this is no reason to keep them out. In my experience, the children are always looked upon as the future of the art and so alot of effort is put into teaching them.
The most important thing to remember is that they are not adult, so you cannot treat them as you would adult, nor can you hold them to the same expectations as you would an adult.
When I teach kid classes I manage to be stern enough to keep them under control and yet fun and encouraging enough that they, well...they have FUN doing their best. A good balance of these two qualities will make a chidrens class work.
The focus of a childrens class shouldn't be to produce tiny masters. It is to give children coordination, confidence, and a feeling for the basic movements of the art. They may not be that great as kids, but when they start hitting puberty, they will be alot better than someone who started training as an adult.It will be second nature for them. Think about it, how many great baseball players would there be if little league baseball was dismantled because children were not serious enough, and could not comprehend baseball as well as an adult?
Back to the point... I think childrens classes are a good thing and children should be encouraged as much as possible. They are our future.
Kevin wrote:
Hi Everyone,
Since I am only a teenager, I think the most important thing is that parents don't force children, or teens, to train. I am only 14 and I train 3 days a week and a least a min. of 2 hours a training day. My parents don't force me to train 2 hours a training day. I actually decided to do that. Don't force it. If children don't want to learn, don't force them.
I am likewise a teenager(16), and cannot agree more with what Kevin said. NEVER, EVER force your kids into doing an activity that they don't enjoy at all. If your young child wants to do ballet instead of little league(or vise versa), let them! Aikido is especially nice because its not traditionally or practically gender specific.
This said, I think that children can be very self motivated to do martial arts.I don't have any experience of late with other children taking martial arts, but ten I was six, I was pretty interested in them, possibly due to the Ninja Turtles, or some other influence that would get to a six year old. Well, my mom found that at the YMCA, they were teaching some sort of karate(no idea which style...it was japanese, though, and stricking, not grappling). I took it for maybe six months, earning one belt, and becoming rather good before I moved. I don't remember, and neither does my mother, any time when I lost interest in it, or requested to quit. In fact, when we got to our new house several states away, I started taking a sort of tae kwon do at a local dojo chain. At no time was my mom telling me, "YOU HAVE TO DO THIS OR ELSE", or even implying it. It was entirely self motivated, and I think that had my mom tried to get me to play baseball, I would have hated it and quit almost immediately, whereas she couldn't tear me away from martial arts.
So, in my opinion, you should let children be trained, though having a good sensei really helps. Don't try to train them if they'd rather do something else...I've said that about seven times in this message, and its still just as important. And also, when kids are happy, they can be a lot less figety than you'd expect. My other suggestion would be, as has been noted elsewhere in this thread, to play high energy games with the students at the end(preferably) of class as a sort of reward. When I did TKD, the instructor used to let us do a lot of flying kicks before we went home.
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We went to one of our favorite stores and they have the coolest bathroom.
One More of Downtown
My last day downtown so it only seemed fitting to snap a photo of the riverwalk.
Tulip Opening Up
Today I was in class all day but when I got home I noticed that some of the tulips are open. It's something I would like to draw but probably won't have time until the weekend, so the flower becomes the photo of a day and a reference photo later.
Majestic Box Office
This week I've been spending some time downtown which makes starting this photo a day project easier for sure.
Photo-a-day: Hotel
This week I am downtown for training. I love this hotel La Mansion. Just beautiful.
Photo-a-day: Tulips
Reference Photos for Leaves
This past week I took some photos of leaves to use as reference photos for my drawing exercises. I thought I would share them here in case anyone is interested in having some leaf photos for their own reference.
Most of the leaves I do not know what type they are. Enjoy!
This is a Begonia. I know that much.
Elephant Ears
I believe this to be some type of Ivy.
Oak Leaf.
Highland Games
The Highland Games are taking place this weekend. Last year we went and had a good time. This year I actually took my camera and got a few pictures.
The day was overcast, so I didn't take that many photos. Here are my favorites.
This is a Highland cattle which is a Scottish cattle breed.
I stopped and watched a spinning demonstration. I love this picture as one generation shows another one something special.
This border collie stole our hearts. He was at one booth and was just so friendly.
He would bring his toy, drop it between your feet, and then stare intently at it until you threw it for him. Then he would – more often than not – catch it in mid-air.
I should have taken more photos, but there was quite a crowd making if difficult to have moments to take pictures. I am glad I brought it as I want to get into the habit of bringing my camera with me more places. Also I picked up this tip by people watching which might be common sense to some but maybe not everyone. I always wear my camera around my neck which can get quite uncomfortable. I saw a gentleman wearing his camera over his shoulder much like how you would wear a purse. I tried this technique, and my camera was so much more comfortable and not annoying at all.
It was a fun day. Not sure what photo taking adventures will happen tomorrow, but looking forward to it.
Hays Street Bridge
In an effort to improve my photography skills, I joined a photography group. Our first outing was to a local pedestrian bridge that overlooks the city. It was really neat. Here are some of my favorite photos.
Daughter didn't much care for the wooden planks but did take her own photos with her tablet.
Overall we had a lovely time and plan on going back soon since we've heard sunset is a beautiful photo opportunity.


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- Author or Editor: Darja Reuschke x
Darja Reuschke and Colin Mason
Edited by Colin Mason, Darja Reuschke, Stephen Syrett and Maarten van Ham
Darja Reuschke, Colin Mason, Stephen Syrett and Maarten van Ham
Darja Reuschke, Colin Mason, Stephen Syrett and Maarten van Ham
Entrepreneurship in Cities
Neighbourhoods, Households and Homes
Edited by Colin Mason, Darja Reuschke, Stephen Syrett and Maarten van Ham
Reinout Kleinhans, Darja Reuschke, Maarten van Ham, Colin Mason and Stephen Syrett
Until recently, entrepreneurship and neighbourhood studies were academic disciplines which rarely interacted with each other. However, recent macroeconomic and societal trends have pointed the spotlight on the nexus between entrepreneurship, neighbourhoods and communities, highlighting not only the importance of 'the local' in entrepreneurship, but also the huge gaps in our knowledge base regarding this tripartite relationship. In much of the literature, a distinction is drawn between entrepreneurship taking place in neighbourhoods or communities, and entrepreneurship taking place for neighbourhoods and communities. This chapter starts out from the international call for interdisciplinary approaches to entrepreneurship and firm formation to overcome entrepreneurship research and neighbourhood and community studies' mutual neglect for one another's fields of research. This introduction to a volume of chapters aims to shed light on the multiple relationships between entrepreneurship, neighbourhoods and communities across several countries. It asks how neighbourhoods and communities can shape entrepreneurship, a question for which the relevance stems from radical changes of (inter)national and regional labour markets and growing evidence that neighbourhood contexts impact on entrepreneurship and self-employment in various ways. It also asks the 'reverse' question: how does entrepreneurship influence neighbourhoods and communities? In doing so, the chapter (and many other chapters in the book) treat 'community' as a local, spatially embedded concept. Particular attention is devoted to community-based forms of enterprise and their potential for contemporary bottom-up neighbourhood regeneration.
Darja Reuschke, Reinout Kleinhans, Stephen Syrett, Maarten van Ham and Colin Mason
This chapter provides conclusions regarding all contributions to this volume, which has explored the under-researched interconnections between entrepreneurship, neighbourhoods and communities of place. The key concern has been to contribute to knowledge about how residential areas where people live (neighbourhoods) and interact with co-residents and other actors (communities) are simultaneously shaping entrepreneurship and are being shaped by entrepreneurial activity. It turns out that neighbourhood and community are not contrary but rather complementary concepts for understanding local entrepreneurship. For 'residentially embedded entrepreneurs', entrepreneurial activity tends to be related to local market conditions, needs and communities, while 'residentially disembedded entrepreneurs' have little or no connection with the local economy, neighbourhood and local place-based community. This volume has also extensively studied community enterprises. The view from entrepreneurship studies on how this type of enterprise can positively impact on neighbourhood development seems more optimistic than in neighbourhood studies where CEs were identified that do not (or cannot) act entrepreneurially in terms of profit seeking and innovation. In fact, 'successful' CEs have to balance the (often competing) priorities of innovation, financial stability, accountability to a wider public and long-term sustainability. Several directions for further research have been identified. First, impact and success of CEs are very difficult to assess because they operate in differing fields and timescales and deliver various social, economic and environmental benefits. Secondly, social capital is relevant for entrepreneurship and community enterprises (alongside other capital forms). Further research is required on the nature of and balance among different forms of social capital related to location, size and specific character of the community and to effectiveness and sustainability. Finally, the relationship with active citizenship and local governance merits further study, in particular collaborative arrangements which lead to the organisation, delivery and management of innovative projects by CEs.


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I'm loving braids right now, especially ones that wrap all the way around the head! Pretty it up with a little bow or even a flower crown for an elegant-hippie look. Perfect for hot summer days, music festivals,parties and formal events. Even better, when you take the braids out, hello effortless beachy waves!
Small Hair Bow: $10 AUD. Get It Here!
Libby Floral Head Crown: $23 AUD. Get It Here!
Backyar Festival Headband: $19 AUD. Get It Here!


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Covite brings Big Bird to Central Texas children
Tue, 2014-03-11 05:00 News Staff
Cove resident handles the behind the scenes action for KNCT.
By CORRISA PETERSON
Copperas Cove residents who enjoy PBS and 91.3 FM can say "thank you" to a fellow Covite for his work on keeping the commercial-free station running smoothly. Chuck McManus, has lived in Copperas Cove since 2007. After he retired from his five and a half years in the army he found a place to live and he began takingbusiness classes at Central Texas College. At the time he was still the owner of Battlefield Games in Killeen. He later sold the store to a 1st Sgt. who was about to retire, he said.


text: Share: Comments Print July 27, 2014 at 10:50 AM Mariners pregame notes and lineup vs. Orioles Posted by Adam Jude With rookie left-hander Roenis Elias taking the mound today, and recently re-acquired designated hitter Kendrys Morales batting cleanup, the Mariners have two Cuban-born players in the starting lineup for the first time in club history. Manager Lloyd McClendon said he isn't concerned about Elias today after the rookie left-hander exited his last start on Monday with cramping in his left hand/forearm. "Everything checked out fine," McClendon said this morning. Elias had allowed only one run in 5.1 innings against the Mets on Monday before the cramping came up. "His last start he was pretty good," McClendon said. "He had command of his fastball, which helps his secondary stuff. I think the 10 or 11 days off (for the All-Star break) really helped kind of clean him up a little bit. He was probably fatiguing a little bit. … "I've said all year that his stuff was pretty good. His biggest challenge is just commanding the strike zone, and we just want to continue to cut down on walks and attack hitters. If he does that, he should have a chance to be pretty successful (the rest of the season)." Elias enters today's start with an 8-8 record and a 4.41 ERA in 118.1 innings, with 104 strikeouts, 42 walks, 14 homers allowed, a .245 batting average against and a demeanor that, McClendon agreed, belies his age. "He really doesn't act like a rookie in that respect. He's pretty mature for his years," McClendon said. "Obviously from where he's come from and what he had to do to get here probably had a lot to do with that. I think he's just enjoying the journey." **** Endy Chavez (jammed finger), not in today's lineup, remains day to day, McClendon said. **** McClendon believes Dustin Ackley can sustain his recent surge at the plate. Ackley is batting .358 in 20 games in July and again hitting second in the lineup today. That's what we've been looking for all year. He's aggressive; he's attacking the baseball, and he's using the entire field to hit. If he does that, he's a dangerous guy. I think he can sustain that." McClendon agreed that batting Ackley second is an "ideal" spot for him. "He runs well. You can do a lot of things with him. He's got some power. He certainly can hit a lot of doubles, and he hits left-handers," McClendon said. "So I think it's an ideal spot. It didn't work out earlier in the year. I think he's a lot more comfortable now with where he is as a hitter." Batting second for two games in April, Ackley went 0 for 8 with six strikeouts against the Astros. He quickly found himself back in the bottom third of the order. Saturday, he had two doubles and scored two runs back at the No. 2 spot. And he's back there again today. "I think I'm more comfortable with it because he's more comfortable with it," McClendon said. "I'm not sure he was ready to handle that the first time. "I think he probably put a little too much pressure on himself the first time. I can't speak for him, but maybe he thought my expectations for him in that spot were higher than what they were, but I think he's feeling comfortable in his own skin now and he's feeling good about what he's doing and he's more (prepared) to handle it." **** On bullpen usage: "I think our numbers are great," McClendon said. "We've made a conscious effort to really take care of those guys down there and as a result it's paying off. I don't think we're in the top 10 of any of our guys in relief appearances, and that's what we wanted. And we'll try keep it that way." OF Julio Morban has been promoted to AAA @RainiersLand and OF Jordy Lara has been added to Jackson's roster from @HDMavs — Chris Harris (@CHarris731) July 27, 2014 [do action="document_cloud" doccloudid="1236356-07-27-14-game-notes"/] Comments


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In the jungle, everyone can hear your monster truck.Collect gems in an inaccessible jungle. Load them on the truck and drive towards the goal. Your efforts can save the inhabitants of the country.NO pay to win. NO Ads. All features included, NO accidental "in-app purchases".
How to play:Press the gas or brake to run forward or reverse. Rotate your phone or pad to get the car reared.


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DasReviews writes: "It seems that this much anticipated mod will finally get released this or next Friday. Now this is mere speculation, although there are some evidents that lead to this day. So take this with a grain of salt..."
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