All Good Things...

We are discontinuing this blog. We will no longer be adding new posts so that we can focus on other efforts. Be sure to join us on our website and on Facebook.

Adam Prather's Baptism

We rejoice with Adam Prather and his family! Adam chose to put on Christ in baptism on Sunday, February 15, 2009. We are grateful for Adam and for what God is doing and will do in his life. The video of Adam's confession and baptism are below. Be sure to leave a note of encouragement to Adam by using the comment function.

"Taking Ground" - WHY Loft Expansion

Are you wondering where the "loft" is? Wondering what the WHY Expansion is all about? Watch this short video as Brandon walks us through the dream.

Taking Ground!

What a Sunday!...if you missed it Brandon Baker, our Student Minister, presented a vision for what God can do in the lives of students in our area. Not only did Brandon present a vision from God he also articulated what I describe as a call from God. He challenged us to be a church that "prepares a place" for students. Not just any place but a place to worship! So with the vision and call before us we as a community of faith are responding. The challenge is to remodel existing storage space and transform it into worship space. I love this idea...not only are we taking back spiritual ground in the lives of students we are also "taking ground" in our own building. We are trading storage space for sacred space!

If you missed Brandon's message on Sunday you can watch here.

The need is $75,000 dollars, the day we will collect the funds is Feb. 8. We will not borrow money for this effort. We build and remodel as the money comes. So be in prayer about how you and your family can participate in this effort to Take Ground!

Grace & Peace...
Scott

Unwrapping Christmas Around the World!

For the past 3 weeks Western Hills has been in an experience to see what it means for us individually and collectively to "get over" all of the trappings of Christmas and place Jesus at the center of our celebration. First we examined what it means to "unwrap Christmas" in our families. Then we explored what Christmas means for our city. And today we explore what it means globally.

To put our good intentions into action here is a list of organizations that focus on aiding and equipping the poor in developing countries. We challenge you to partner with one of these groups and make it part of your Christmas tradition.

Heifer International - http://www.heifer.org/

You will browse many gift catalogs this holiday season, but Heifer's gives you the opportunity to delight your friends and family while giving a life-changing gift that multiplies to struggling families around the world.

Mission Lazarus - http://www.missionlazarus.org/

Mission Lazarus is a holistic ministry that focuses on basic primary education, skill development, health education and treatment, agricultural development, and preaching and teaching the Word of God.

Food for the Poor - http://www.foodforthepoor.org/

Food For The Poor raises funds and provides direct relief assistance to the poor, usually by purchasing specifically requested materials and distributing them through the churches and charity organizations already operating in areas of need. In this way, the organization serves the poor with dignity and ensures the most appropriate use of donors’ funds.

World Vision Gifts - http://www.worldvisiongifts.org/

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice.

Samaritan's Purse - http://www.samaritanspurse.org/

Our emergency relief programs provide desperately needed assistance to victims of natural disaster, war, disease, and famine. As we offer food, water, and temporary shelter, we meet critical needs and give people a chance to rebuild their lives.

Compassion International - http://www.compassion.com/

Compassion International exists as a Christian child advocacy ministry that releases children from spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enables them to become responsible, fulfilled Christian adults.

Unwrapping Christmas: Jesus Birthday Party

Meridith-Dunbar Elementary, Sunday afternoon, December 7: Friends were made, fun was had and kids were loved! As part of our Unwrapping Christmas series, we gathered in the cafeteria of a local elementary school to celebrate the JOY of Jesus' birth with the kids and families in the neighborhood. Thank you to the Home Groups who helped made the Jesus Birthday Party take place. The love and message of Jesus was shared through your words and actions. Below are some pictures from the afternoon. Enjoy and God Bless!

Unwrapping Christmas

Christmas is coming soon! That is why we are planning a three week sermon series beginning November 30 on how you can unwrap the commercial hype, annual stress, and budget demands to find something worth celebrating. During the first sermon our youth minister, Brandon Baker will present practical ways to center Jesus birth in your family traditions. The following week our children's minister, Scott Seela , will invite you to participate in our community Jesus Party. Then Scott Meyer will close the series with the Hope for Honduras project that is designed to engage every family in advancing justice around the world.

Video and audio of sermons are posted here.

We hope you will join us this holiday season for Unwrapping Christmas!