Next week, January 30th - 31st, we will gather church leaders from around the Puget Sound- from Vancouver, B.C. to Puyallup- for an annual two-day conference called The Advance. The conference is named The Advance, because we hope to see the Spirit at work, advancing the love of Christ for the cities in our region, among the leaders gathered (Matthew 18:20), in the spirit of unity for the Kingdom of Jesus (John 17). The conference is taking place at First Free Methodist in Lower Queen Anne. This year's theme will focus on being Rooted and Grounded in Love: Rooted in Christ, Rooted in Relationships, Rooted in Place and Rooted in the Church Body. We will have keynote speakers who will address
Next week, January 30th - 31st, we will gather church leaders from around the Puget Sound- from Vancouver, B.C. to Puyallup- for an annual two-day conference called The Advance. The conference is named The Advance, because we hope to see the Spirit at work, advancing the love of Christ for the cities in our region, among the leaders gathered (Matthew 18:20), in the spirit of unity for the Kingdom of Jesus (John 17). The conference is taking place at First Free Methodist in Lower Queen Anne. This year's theme will focus on being Rooted and Grounded in Love: Rooted in Christ, Rooted in Relationships, Rooted in Place and Rooted in the Church Body. We will have keynote speakers who will address
In Seattle, On January 15th, hundreds of church, school, business, and civic leaders gathered for a breakfast to remember and continue Martin Luther King Jr's work at the Westin Hotel in downtown Seattle . This was the sixth annual MLK prayer breakfast hosted by Urban Impact and organized by Allen Belton. The breakfast consisted of a similar meal Dr. King ate the morning he was assassinated: eggs, bacon, hash browns, and cheese grits. Father Stephen Sundborg, the president of Seattle University, was the keynote speaker and shared a message of ten commitments white people can make to help continue the work of Dr. Martin Luther King. He also shared several prayers from Dr. King and inspired e
In Seattle, On January 15th, hundreds of church, school, business, and civic leaders gathered for a breakfast to remember and continue Martin Luther King Jr's work at the Westin Hotel in downtown Seattle . This was the sixth annual MLK prayer breakfast hosted by Urban Impact and organized by Allen Belton. The breakfast consisted of a similar meal Dr. King ate the morning he was assassinated: eggs, bacon, hash browns, and cheese grits. Father Stephen Sundborg, the president of Seattle University, was the keynote speaker and shared a message of ten commitments white people can make to help continue the work of Dr. Martin Luther King. He also shared several prayers from Dr. King and inspired e
Well, we did it! We just spent the first ten days of 2018 praying together,"What is God's Heart For Your City?" We focused our prayers specifically for what Ralph Rowland called the "roots" of the city: Families, Health, Education, Government, Business, Media & Arts and the Church. Many thanks again to our contributors for the devotionals. We would like to invite you to participate in a short survey to assist us in discerning where God might be leading us to serve. We will be sharing the results of the survey at The Advance on January 30th-31st at First Free Methodist. We hope this time of prayer- whether is was every day or in midstream- was meaningful and that you are drawn closer to heari
Well, we did it! We just spent the first ten days of 2018 praying together,"What is God's Heart For Your City?" We focused our prayers specifically for what Ralph Rowland called the "roots" of the city: Families, Health, Education, Government, Business, Media & Arts and the Church. Many thanks again to our contributors for the devotionals. We would like to invite you to participate in a short survey to assist us in discerning where God might be leading us to serve. We will be sharing the results of the survey at The Advance on January 30th-31st at First Free Methodist. We hope this time of prayer- whether is was every day or in midstream- was meaningful and that you are drawn closer to heari
Today concludes our 10 Days of Prayer asking "What is God's Heart For Your City?". Pastor Alec Rowlands of Westgate Chapel in Edmonds leads our final devotional of praying for the Church "roots" of our communities. Thank you for all who participated in praying for our time together. If you would- please take time to fill out this short survey. What is God's Heart for the Church? There are many voices today, speaking into the hearts of pastors about what they perceive as the Church’s greatest need: How to increase your numbers. How to multiply campuses. How to turn the pastor into a CEO. How to lead for growth. How to recruit volunteers. How to market your brand. Seems to me it’s all like re-
Today concludes our 10 Days of Prayer asking "What is God's Heart For Your City?". Pastor Alec Rowlands of Westgate Chapel in Edmonds leads our final devotional of praying for the Church "roots" of our communities. Thank you for all who participated in praying for our time together. If you would- please take time to fill out this short survey. What is God's Heart for the Church? There are many voices today, speaking into the hearts of pastors about what they perceive as the Church’s greatest need: How to increase your numbers. How to multiply campuses. How to turn the pastor into a CEO. How to lead for growth. How to recruit volunteers. How to market your brand. Seems to me it’s all like re-
What is God’s Heart for the Media and Arts? In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. - Genesis 1:1 “Art never stops speaking, it never stops revealing. If it’s true, then like anything God has made in nature, we are constantly hearing his voice in things created.” – Jeffrey Overstreet Just as a sunrise can proclaim joy at the beginning of a new day, or the sound of water lapping the shores can soothe and quiet a troubled soul at the end of a day- the arts are another way God speaks to us and through us. Poetic prose, paint on canvas, or notes on a favorite instrument allow us to express the inexpressible depths of pain, sorrow, joy, hope and love. Art is a gift that is given
What is God’s Heart for the Media and Arts? In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. - Genesis 1:1 “Art never stops speaking, it never stops revealing. If it’s true, then like anything God has made in nature, we are constantly hearing his voice in things created.” – Jeffrey Overstreet Just as a sunrise can proclaim joy at the beginning of a new day, or the sound of water lapping the shores can soothe and quiet a troubled soul at the end of a day- the arts are another way God speaks to us and through us. Poetic prose, paint on canvas, or notes on a favorite instrument allow us to express the inexpressible depths of pain, sorrow, joy, hope and love. Art is a gift that is given
What is God’s Heart for Business in our City? “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” (Gen. 1:15) Are you in Full Time Ministry? What words would you use to describe work? What words would you use to describe worship? Work is the first “Commandment” given to man and was established by God before the fall. Our assignment to work was given before sin entered the equation. Adam was not awaiting a call to ministry while he worked the garden, he had already been given one. Solomon understood,“That every person find pleasure in his work — this is a gift of God.” (Eccl. 3:13) God expected us to enjoy our work! When we ignore being talented, for
What is God’s Heart for Business in our City? “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” (Gen. 1:15) Are you in Full Time Ministry? What words would you use to describe work? What words would you use to describe worship? Work is the first “Commandment” given to man and was established by God before the fall. Our assignment to work was given before sin entered the equation. Adam was not awaiting a call to ministry while he worked the garden, he had already been given one. Solomon understood,“That every person find pleasure in his work — this is a gift of God.” (Eccl. 3:13) God expected us to enjoy our work! When we ignore being talented, for
What is God’s Heart for Government? I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. (1 Timothy 2:1-2) This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. (Romans 13:6-7) For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders… Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.
What is God’s Heart for Government? I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. (1 Timothy 2:1-2) This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. (Romans 13:6-7) For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders… Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.
What is God’s Heart for Education in our City? Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2) Praying for Shalom in Our Schools When you think of the word “education”, what comes to your mind? Kids might think of recess, homework and friends. For parents, maybe success, jobs or opportunity. Opportunity. Education can play a significant role in one’s life and open doors to a wide range of opportunities. High school graduates have an avenue to pursue a college education, which can lead to further opportunities in their careers, while th
What is God’s Heart for Education in our City? Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2) Praying for Shalom in Our Schools When you think of the word “education”, what comes to your mind? Kids might think of recess, homework and friends. For parents, maybe success, jobs or opportunity. Opportunity. Education can play a significant role in one’s life and open doors to a wide range of opportunities. High school graduates have an avenue to pursue a college education, which can lead to further opportunities in their careers, while th
What is God’s Heart for Health in Our City? The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy; I have come that you may have life, and life to the full. - John 10:10 As a Christian pediatric primary care clinic serving a diverse community, we are confronted daily with the questions, what it means to be healthy physically, emotionally, and spiritually, and what we can do to help our communities become healthier? Our answers to these questions are not fully realized, but one important realization we have learned through experience: Health is complex. The habits, systems, environments, and relationships that impact health extend far beyond the clinic exam room. Along with a complex system to nav
What is God’s Heart for Health in Our City? The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy; I have come that you may have life, and life to the full. - John 10:10 As a Christian pediatric primary care clinic serving a diverse community, we are confronted daily with the questions, what it means to be healthy physically, emotionally, and spiritually, and what we can do to help our communities become healthier? Our answers to these questions are not fully realized, but one important realization we have learned through experience: Health is complex. The habits, systems, environments, and relationships that impact health extend far beyond the clinic exam room. Along with a complex system to nav
What is God’s Heart for Family? As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:15) Stephen has been struggling in school, he is often tired and many times tardy. He is made fun of for his hygiene and the fact that his clothes are not clean. At 14 years old, Stephen is expected to face some struggles as he navigates life; developing his identity and maturity. However, caring adults are now discovering the reason for Stephen’s struggles. He lives at home with his mom and four younger siblings. He doesn’t know who his dad is or where to find him and while his mom is in the home, she is rarely present. She struggles with mental health issues and recently substance abuse which causes
What is God’s Heart for Family? As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:15) Stephen has been struggling in school, he is often tired and many times tardy. He is made fun of for his hygiene and the fact that his clothes are not clean. At 14 years old, Stephen is expected to face some struggles as he navigates life; developing his identity and maturity. However, caring adults are now discovering the reason for Stephen’s struggles. He lives at home with his mom and four younger siblings. He doesn’t know who his dad is or where to find him and while his mom is in the home, she is rarely present. She struggles with mental health issues and recently substance abuse which causes
