LIFEsync

New ALC Family Month Series: Generations

I am stoked about our the new message series for Family Month.  This new series launches October 5, 2008.  I really believe this will be a series of messages that will impact the families of ALC for eternity. 

There is a really great "October Surprise" in Week #2 that I can't wait to share.  This exciting month will include Baby Dedications on October 5th, the Community Water Baptism Experience on October 19th, and Friend's Day on October 26th.  If you are an ALC Lifer, make plans to be in a Worship Experience every weekend! 

We will wrap this series up on November 2nd at our "Mosaic" Worship Experience.  At Mosaic, we celebrate the numerous cultures that worship at ALC every week.  Jared Howell, our dear friend, will be the Guest Speaker on that Sunday.  Trust me, the next five weeks are going to be amazing!

You are invited to join us and experience the "God" story that this generation is declaring together.  We are believing God for his "mighty acts" to be manifest in our Worship Experiences!

The Weight On My Shoulders

Erma Bombeck wrote:  "Then God molded long legs and broad shoulders. The angel nearby said "Do You realize You just made a father without a lap? How will he pull a child close to him without the kid falling between his legs?" God smiled, "A mother needs a lap. A father needs strong shoulders to pull a sled, balance a boy on a bicycle or hold a sleepy head on the way home from the circus."  

My father has always had strong shoulders.  Recently I was visiting my hometown, the "Ground Zero" of his battle with cancer.  When I pulled into the driveway, I was greeted by my Queen Mother and led into the war zone where my father was engaged in the fight.  As I turned the corner, my attention was drawn to the man in the corner of the ring.  For just a moment, I could almost hear the bell ring and hear the announcer say..."And now in this corner, David Hennigan, ready...fight!" Upon reaching his side, I knelt down and gave my Dad, a hug.  

I wasn't prepared for that moment in my heart.  It wasn't something I had ever considered in the realm of possibility.  What is going on?  My Dad's shoulders are not supposed to change!  An enormous tide of emotions overwhelmed me.  That moment only lasted a few seconds, but it felt like an eternity.  My hero, my strength, my mentor, my friend, my Dad's shoulders were noticeably weakened by the heavy burden he has carried for years.  During this battle against cancer, I am often asked about my Dad.  When asked how my father is doing, my immediate response now is..."weaker frame, stronger heart!"  

For years, my father's broad shoulders have carried me, Mom, Miquell, Eva, Gibson, a great church, and anything else he could get his big hands around.  There is a "legacy" on his shoulders and in that moment...I sensed it's weight.  I felt my shoulders grow.  Something happened in my spirit that is beyond explanation.  

I don't know too many people who could give cancer the fight that my parents are giving. The discipline, valor, and courage that my parents are displaying is truly inspiring. Every hour of the day seems filled with another treatment, organic meal, IV session, or nutraceutical concoction.  It is a mind-numbing regimen.  I have watched my mother and father handle it all with confidence and class.  I give honor to my Parents!  

Today, I took a moment to look out the rear and side-view mirrors of my life. Where have I come from?  Where am I going?  How am I doing on the journey? There are a few facts... I am a 36 year old, husband, father, son, and Pastor.  I often feel the "weight" that each role adds to my shoulders.  Many days I wonder if I can carry the load.  Miquell, Eva, and Gib must find strength and resolve in my spirit.  My wife needs a shoulder to lean on and my kids need a shoulder to hold tight when other things seem fleeting.  

The church I Pastor is filled with amazing people.  God has blown our minds the last few years.  There is a paradox of being a "Pastor" that is often overwhelming. The moment you find yourself thinking..."were on track", "everything is coming together", "that family is rock-solid", "God just sent us help"... and then life happens, the people that you worked tirelessly to show the love of Christ to just walks away from the church (Yes, I know its not personal, but it still feels personal!), and within weeks you can experience an array of emotions that can leave even the most prayerful Pastor discouraged.  There are just times when the "weight" seems overwhelming.  However, I am feeling my shoulders getting stronger.  

Dad - I'm certain there is no one any stronger in the world than you.  We can win this fight!

Mom - You're strength is a showcase for the God you faithfully serve.

Miquell - I think I have my Dad's shoulders.  You can lean on me!

Eva - I'll carry you on one side.

Gib - I'll carry you on the other.

ALC - God put us all together to reach this city.  Let's stand shoulder to shoulder!

Scott Wesley Brown wrote a song many years ago that has been on my mind lately.  I hope you hear these lyrics speak to weight you are carrying also…

There is no problem too big

God cannot solve

There is no mountain too tall

He cannot move

There is no storm too dark

God cannot calm

There is no sorrow too deep 

He cannot soothe

If He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders

I know, my brother that He will carry you

If He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders

I know, my sister that He will carry you

God is molding strong shoulders on me.  The weight is often heavy but we trust God through it all. My earthly Father is strongest man I have ever known.  If my Dad's shoulders are that strong, I can only imagine how strong my Heavenly Father's shoulders must be.  I pray that you feel the weight that is on your shoulders being shifted from you to your Father.  I must confess...the shoulders seem stronger and the burden seems lighter.  

What are Pirates doing at ALC?

Check out the pic for clues to what I will be preaching about this Sunday!  We are kicking off our new Summer Blockbuster Series.  Don't miss a Worship Experience or... we'll send the Pirates to get you!

Master Shipbuilder  a.k.a. Set Designer James Huff is creating an ALC masterpiece.  

Click the compass pic and follow a link to see more pictures of the production set.

Are you Twittering?

If you have not started "Twittering" yet, you should check out the link: www.twitter.com

Twitter is a unique approach to communication and networking based on the simple concept of status. What are you doing? What are your friends doing—right now? With Twitter, you may answer this question over SMS, IM, or the Web and the responses are shared between contacts.

There are also a number of desktop applications that make the whole experience seamless and easy to track the friends you are following. This is an addicting type of communication. I love the small insight into what is going on in the world of my friends and family. There is a growing network of ALC Lifer's that are connected. So, come on...let's have some fun!

Tweet, tweet!

New Church Plant In Chicago!

A good friend of mine, Dan Myer, contacted me recently about being on the Board of Advisors for a new church plant in Chicago. I am not sure what kind of "advising" I can do. Ha. Ha. However, I am passionate about seeing the Kingdom of God expand. It is evident that HPC and ALC have similar visions so it makes sense to be "connected" to what God is doing in Chicago through HPC. We are trying to brainstorm on how we can strategically align and connect in meaningful ways. Dan, Gayla, and the HPC Team - we are praying for you!

Great stuff! Check out their site: www.thehealingplacechurch.net

If you are an ALC Lifer, I'll see you tomorrow morning at a Worship Experience. 9:00 AM or 11:15 AM.
We continue our Supernatural Series!