Great song...very powerful, moving, and inspiring. Enjoy!
Friday, June 29, 2007
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Yippee-ki-yay
I'm not sure if it's just been too long since I've seen an action movie but I went to see Die Hard yesterday and it was awesome. I started thinking that it's been a long time since I've seen an action movie without mythical creatures or based on a comic book or toy. So, this was a nice change of pace. After all I grew up watching Arnold, Jean-Claude, Steven Segal, Sly, Sigourney Weaver and Bruce Willis save the world several times over from every possible bad guy imaginable.
A good friend of ours gave me a gift certificate to the movies for my birthday. So, I went out to this theater that I have not been very impressed with in the past. However, yesterday changed my impression. I walked in to a theater with the biggest screen I have ever seen besides IMAX. But then when the previews started it got even bigger. Within the first ten minutes of the movie the action started and never let up. It was really a fun movie (IMHO). I told Karin that I might have to take Tayler to see it and now she wants us to all go as a family. It can be Taylers first "adult" action movie. I guess this is kind of a review so I would say that if you like pure action with a viable story then go see this movie. Justin Long (the "Mac" in apples commercials) did a nice job as Willis' co-star.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Happy Birthday to me...
Yes, today is my birthday. I turned 33. NBD- Just wanted to share. We saw "Evan Almighty" yesterday and went shopping with a gift certificate. I got a really cool "Inspi(red)" shirt. Today I went to lunch with some friends. They gave me a great idea to use for my research proposal to finish my Masters program. Yes, I am in my last class and have a 3.9 GPA. In seven short weeks I will be done and a lot will change in the next seven weeks-including my ordination and our first service. Tayler starts football camp and seventh grade. Karin celebrates being at Bethany Christian Services for a year. We have a lot to be thankful for in our lives.
Anyway, it was a good day- they hydroseeded our backyard- which they were supposed to do in the spring. I'll post pics tomorrow. I went out and got straw to put down which who even knows if I'm supposed to but it was cathartic. We have done nothing with our yard and very little with the interior of our house (if you remember some of our grandiose plans from waaaay back in the beginning of this blog http://indyhumes.blogspot.com/2006/11/shutters-and-designer.html). We have slowly begun this process but it is taking much longer than we had hoped.
That's all for now. I'm gonna go party like it's my birthday...not really, but you know.
Anyway, it was a good day- they hydroseeded our backyard- which they were supposed to do in the spring. I'll post pics tomorrow. I went out and got straw to put down which who even knows if I'm supposed to but it was cathartic. We have done nothing with our yard and very little with the interior of our house (if you remember some of our grandiose plans from waaaay back in the beginning of this blog http://indyhumes.blogspot.com/2006/11/shutters-and-designer.html). We have slowly begun this process but it is taking much longer than we had hoped.
That's all for now. I'm gonna go party like it's my birthday...not really, but you know.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Thank you and more updates
We are so grateful for everyone's encouragement and support. There are times when we start questioning the sanity of what we are doing but then someone will come along and say or do something exactly that we needed. We have only been working on the church now for a couple of months and have seen God's hand in this clearly. People are joining our launch team, offering prayers and signing on as financial partners.
Some people have asked about making a one-time donation for the church and wondered if there was anything specific we needed for start-up costs. I will list a couple of things and if you would like to help with any of them please contact us. The first thing that we need to do is become a legal entity. We want to work with a company that helps church planters get their churches running. The cost to become incorporated, get a Federal Employee Identification Number, 501c3 and a constitution drafted is $850. There are a couple of extra fees that we pay separate: $30 to the state of Indiana and $750 to the IRS. We can become incorporated and have a FEIN within a couple of weeks but the 501c3 could take up to six months but will be retroactive to the date of our incorporation. Once we are incorporated we will be a legitimate entity and can start accepting tax-deductible donations for the church.
The second item is the cost of our website. It is $40/ month to operate or $400 for the year. This has already been visited over 500 times in a little over two weeks with over 6,000 hits on it. It will be an effective ministry tool for reaching out beyond Sunday mornings.
I also wanted to address some questions people have about sending us monthly support. First, you will make the checks out to myself (Brian) and/or Karin. These are not tax-exempt and will be used for personal expenses (groceries, bills, etc...) Once we become incorporated the church will have an account and donations will be accepted separately for it. Those donations made out to "Restoration Church" will be tax-deductible and will be used to meet the church budget.
There are lots of things going on right now and we are praying for God's spirit to start preparing hearts for what he wants to do in these communities through Restoration.
Some people have asked about making a one-time donation for the church and wondered if there was anything specific we needed for start-up costs. I will list a couple of things and if you would like to help with any of them please contact us. The first thing that we need to do is become a legal entity. We want to work with a company that helps church planters get their churches running. The cost to become incorporated, get a Federal Employee Identification Number, 501c3 and a constitution drafted is $850. There are a couple of extra fees that we pay separate: $30 to the state of Indiana and $750 to the IRS. We can become incorporated and have a FEIN within a couple of weeks but the 501c3 could take up to six months but will be retroactive to the date of our incorporation. Once we are incorporated we will be a legitimate entity and can start accepting tax-deductible donations for the church.
The second item is the cost of our website. It is $40/ month to operate or $400 for the year. This has already been visited over 500 times in a little over two weeks with over 6,000 hits on it. It will be an effective ministry tool for reaching out beyond Sunday mornings.
I also wanted to address some questions people have about sending us monthly support. First, you will make the checks out to myself (Brian) and/or Karin. These are not tax-exempt and will be used for personal expenses (groceries, bills, etc...) Once we become incorporated the church will have an account and donations will be accepted separately for it. Those donations made out to "Restoration Church" will be tax-deductible and will be used to meet the church budget.
There are lots of things going on right now and we are praying for God's spirit to start preparing hearts for what he wants to do in these communities through Restoration.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Restoration Church Update
We have opened our website. It is www.restorationchurch1.org We want to keep the forum active and the newsite up to date with interesting news stories and devotional thoughts. You will see that we have tentative dates for our preview services, themes that will be developed and meeting dates for the launch team. See our blog on this website if you would like to be a part of the launch team.
Log onto the website and register as a user. You can leave prayers, answer the polls, engage in the forum discussions and let us know you were there. We are excited about this new tool for ministry.
Log onto the website and register as a user. You can leave prayers, answer the polls, engage in the forum discussions and let us know you were there. We are excited about this new tool for ministry.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Happy Father's Day!
I just have to make a shout out to one of the best dads I know....my husband, Brian. Brian is a wonderful father who lives his life as an example to many but today I want to acknowledge his leadership in the life of his son, Tayler. On a daily basis, Brian leads with gentleness, mercy, humility, humor, forgivness, sacrifice... the list could go on and on. (within sacrifice includes the fact that he does most of the cleaning and ALL of the cooking!)...can I get an Amen from Tayler's future wife?:) Most of all he leads with the example of Christ. I couldn't ask for a better father for my son.
I think back on the memories we have had with Brian and they amaze me. He taught Tayler how to tie his shoes (when his mother didn't have the patience), how to ride his bike, how to swim, has done countless school projects with Tayler, is in a father/son bowling league, has been an assistant coach for sports teams since Tayler began playing in kindergarten, collects Star Wars and goes on mad hunts for characters, been on the news a few times with Tayler (for the aforementioned statement:), took Tayler to see his first Star Wars movie at the theatre when Tayler was just four years old (gotta train the Jedi's young:), gone sledding, played flashlight tag, been at camp with Tayler, gone on spiritual retreats with Tayler, had the "talk" among many other talks.....the list could go on and on.
Although the above things are wonderful, the most important thing he has taught our son are spiritual truths through the venue of discipleship at church and at home. Again this has come through example not just words. That is one thing I love about Brian....he does what he says he believes. Since Tayler was six years old, he has sat on the sidelines watching his dad lead others, reach out in mercy, start a hip hop club in the inner city (what kid can say that about their very white dad?:) pray over and cry with hurting teens and adults, house over a dozen hopeless and homeless children, all of this in obedience to God's call on his life. I can't think of a better way for Tayler to learn about faith and what it means to be a man than from his own father.
Happy Father's Day, Brian!! Really, it would take many posts to say everything we would want to say to you, but I hope this is sufficient. WE love you!
Happy Father's Day, Brian!!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
A New Direction and An Explanation
Restoration Church will be interdenominational and not a Wesleyan church. Karin and I started this process with the intent of being church planters within the Wesleyan denomination. However, we became more and more uncomfortable with this direction. There are many things that we like about the denomination but there are many things we like about several denominations. We felt that as we communicate to people who we are that it would be important for us to be as inclusive as possible while remaining orthodox in our beliefs.
While in the short-term it would have been far more beneficial (from a human standpoint) to remain in the Wesleyan denomination I believe that in the long-run this is the best direction for us. It will require more work, more people, more money and ultimately more faith. Karin and I believe that if God does not show up in this thing then I will be looking for a new job by the end of the year. But, we do believe God is in this and "where God guides, God provides".
I talked with one of the leaders in the Wesleyan church and explained what was going on with us. I explained that I did not want to commit to the Wesleyan process and then a couple of years down the road become interdenominational. I did not feel that was showing much integrity- even though I know many people take advantage of denominations that way.
I will be honest and say that this whole endeavor is exhilirating, scary and humbling. We continue to see God's hand leading us and people joining us weekly. It is our desire that people will consider Restoration as one of their church families.
We are in the process of putting together a launch team. The requirements will be:
1. An active faith life in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior
2. A heart to minister in the Church and community
3. A commitment to participating in the monthly preview services beginning in August
4. Participation in Launch Team Meetings beginning in July to pray and help plan the worship gatherings
5. A commitment to Restoration church for six to twelve months after the weekly services begin in January
If you would be interested in being a part of the launch team then you can contact either myself or Karin (who will be one of the launch team leaders).
Our launch date is set for January 13th, 2008 with five monthly preview services beginning in August. We will have our website up and fully functioning in the next week or so. There will be launch team meetings beginning in July and finish in January. Once we launch our weekly gatherings the launch team will disban and can go on to serve in other areas of the church.
We are looking to associate with other churches perhaps through Willowcreek Association or some other network. We believe this will be important for accountability, training, encouragement and friendships.
Thank you for your continued prayers and encouragement.
While in the short-term it would have been far more beneficial (from a human standpoint) to remain in the Wesleyan denomination I believe that in the long-run this is the best direction for us. It will require more work, more people, more money and ultimately more faith. Karin and I believe that if God does not show up in this thing then I will be looking for a new job by the end of the year. But, we do believe God is in this and "where God guides, God provides".
I talked with one of the leaders in the Wesleyan church and explained what was going on with us. I explained that I did not want to commit to the Wesleyan process and then a couple of years down the road become interdenominational. I did not feel that was showing much integrity- even though I know many people take advantage of denominations that way.
I will be honest and say that this whole endeavor is exhilirating, scary and humbling. We continue to see God's hand leading us and people joining us weekly. It is our desire that people will consider Restoration as one of their church families.
We are in the process of putting together a launch team. The requirements will be:
1. An active faith life in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior
2. A heart to minister in the Church and community
3. A commitment to participating in the monthly preview services beginning in August
4. Participation in Launch Team Meetings beginning in July to pray and help plan the worship gatherings
5. A commitment to Restoration church for six to twelve months after the weekly services begin in January
If you would be interested in being a part of the launch team then you can contact either myself or Karin (who will be one of the launch team leaders).
Our launch date is set for January 13th, 2008 with five monthly preview services beginning in August. We will have our website up and fully functioning in the next week or so. There will be launch team meetings beginning in July and finish in January. Once we launch our weekly gatherings the launch team will disban and can go on to serve in other areas of the church.
We are looking to associate with other churches perhaps through Willowcreek Association or some other network. We believe this will be important for accountability, training, encouragement and friendships.
Thank you for your continued prayers and encouragement.
Saturday, June 09, 2007
Unspoken prayer request
If you are reading this, you may very well know what this prayer request is. If not, please pray all the same. Monday is a BIG day for us. Please pray for God's hand to be with us and HIS will to be accomplished. Also pray that He keeps our hearts in perfect peace. Thank you so much blogger friends!
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
One Chapter Ends...
I have been wanting to write this blog for a while but there are some very strong emotions behind it. I think I have gone through all the stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. The truth is that I could write a book about all my experiences and I have a fear that everything I have to say will be taken the wrong way or feel detatched. My hope is that this post will be both cathartic and celebratory.
I began serving in youth ministry when I was eighteen and a freshman in college. I first felt a call to ministry when I became a Christian and soon believed I was going to be a youth pastor. My youth pastor (and personal hero) took me under his wings and gave me a lot of wisdom and strength.
I entered college pursuing a degree in youth ministry and quickly got involved in a large youth ministry in town. I served there for a year doing whatever I could to help. I learned a lot and stepped out to become a youth minister in the fall of my sophomore year.
I remember that first church and some of the kids that attended. As a matter of fact I still have a follow-up post-it in my Bible of a kid that attended. While I was at that church I got my first taste of what it could be like to lead a youth group and I liked it. I loved seeing students go from being apathetic or hostile towards Christianity to becoming curious to eventually growing Christians.
Through fifteen years I have served in various capacities in youth ministry from leading breakfast Bible clubs,volunteer, internships, co-youth leader and full-time ministry. My ministry has spanned from west Tennessee to east Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky and Indiana. I have served in rural, inner-city and suburban churches. They have all had their unique ups and downs. The experiences I have had have shaped me into a better person and minister.
I have been on innumerable overnight trips, have heard the same fart jokes over and over, been to dozens of concerts, stayed up at all-nighters, created a night club, organized a rap festival, gone on ski-trips, lead small groups, worn make up and dresses, licked peanut butter off of a friends foot, swallowed goldfish (live), introduced "Ramone" to hundreds of kids, served on mission trips,lead fifth quarters,brought students to summer camps, disciple nows, have lived on pizza and mountain dews, dove off of bridges, gone through muddy caves, rapelled off of cliffs, snow skied, water skied, camped, hiked, lead worship, played paintball and laser tag. I have been with students and families in their darkest hours, have heard students talk about suicide, cutting, running away, problems with parents and friends, drugs and sex. I have seen students at the point of desperation and turn to God. I have seen God grab hold of a student that everyone else had written off and change their life. Youth ministry is heart-wrenching, usually thankless and often times a labyrinth of politics. But, it can also be rewarding, fun, and life changing.
My time serving as a youth pastor ended without much fanfare. As a matter of fact it ended on a night when not many students were present. There were times throughout that last night when the enormity of the moment would overwhelm me as I thought of the lives I have been a part of over the years. The joys, laughter, stories that will be told for years to come, tears, silence, prayers and friendships. Even as I write this I think of the impact student ministry has had on me.
I did not leave this calling lightly. I did not leave it because I was tired of it or had lost my passion for it. I left because I feel a burden from God for the lost and unchurched in the Northwest Hendricks County area. I believe God is leading me in a new and exciting direction and has a wonderful plan for our lives. Karin asked me on my first Sunday night without youth group if I was happy to not have it. I responded by saying that I loved youth group and being with the students. The question was not the right one. Am I happy to be following God's will and am I excited about the road ahead? Yes. But, I am sad to be leaving students and families that I have poured my life into for almost four years. Outside of college I have never been a part of a community for so long.
To everyone that has served with me, allowed me to be their youth pastor or their student's youth pastor, or has supported my ministry over the years in any number of ways (from being chaperones, volunteers, cheerleaders, providing meals, scholarships and general encouragement)- thank you. It is humbling to think of how God has used me and has used youth ministry to grow me up. I know God is going to continue to do amazing things and I am looking forward to what this next chapter will include.
Finally, and this is a shameless plug for comments, if you have ever been involved in a ministry that I have lead or been a part of could you leave a comment of a memory or something you have gotten out of it. Thanks.
I began serving in youth ministry when I was eighteen and a freshman in college. I first felt a call to ministry when I became a Christian and soon believed I was going to be a youth pastor. My youth pastor (and personal hero) took me under his wings and gave me a lot of wisdom and strength.
I entered college pursuing a degree in youth ministry and quickly got involved in a large youth ministry in town. I served there for a year doing whatever I could to help. I learned a lot and stepped out to become a youth minister in the fall of my sophomore year.
I remember that first church and some of the kids that attended. As a matter of fact I still have a follow-up post-it in my Bible of a kid that attended. While I was at that church I got my first taste of what it could be like to lead a youth group and I liked it. I loved seeing students go from being apathetic or hostile towards Christianity to becoming curious to eventually growing Christians.
Through fifteen years I have served in various capacities in youth ministry from leading breakfast Bible clubs,volunteer, internships, co-youth leader and full-time ministry. My ministry has spanned from west Tennessee to east Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky and Indiana. I have served in rural, inner-city and suburban churches. They have all had their unique ups and downs. The experiences I have had have shaped me into a better person and minister.
I have been on innumerable overnight trips, have heard the same fart jokes over and over, been to dozens of concerts, stayed up at all-nighters, created a night club, organized a rap festival, gone on ski-trips, lead small groups, worn make up and dresses, licked peanut butter off of a friends foot, swallowed goldfish (live), introduced "Ramone" to hundreds of kids, served on mission trips,lead fifth quarters,brought students to summer camps, disciple nows, have lived on pizza and mountain dews, dove off of bridges, gone through muddy caves, rapelled off of cliffs, snow skied, water skied, camped, hiked, lead worship, played paintball and laser tag. I have been with students and families in their darkest hours, have heard students talk about suicide, cutting, running away, problems with parents and friends, drugs and sex. I have seen students at the point of desperation and turn to God. I have seen God grab hold of a student that everyone else had written off and change their life. Youth ministry is heart-wrenching, usually thankless and often times a labyrinth of politics. But, it can also be rewarding, fun, and life changing.
My time serving as a youth pastor ended without much fanfare. As a matter of fact it ended on a night when not many students were present. There were times throughout that last night when the enormity of the moment would overwhelm me as I thought of the lives I have been a part of over the years. The joys, laughter, stories that will be told for years to come, tears, silence, prayers and friendships. Even as I write this I think of the impact student ministry has had on me.
I did not leave this calling lightly. I did not leave it because I was tired of it or had lost my passion for it. I left because I feel a burden from God for the lost and unchurched in the Northwest Hendricks County area. I believe God is leading me in a new and exciting direction and has a wonderful plan for our lives. Karin asked me on my first Sunday night without youth group if I was happy to not have it. I responded by saying that I loved youth group and being with the students. The question was not the right one. Am I happy to be following God's will and am I excited about the road ahead? Yes. But, I am sad to be leaving students and families that I have poured my life into for almost four years. Outside of college I have never been a part of a community for so long.
To everyone that has served with me, allowed me to be their youth pastor or their student's youth pastor, or has supported my ministry over the years in any number of ways (from being chaperones, volunteers, cheerleaders, providing meals, scholarships and general encouragement)- thank you. It is humbling to think of how God has used me and has used youth ministry to grow me up. I know God is going to continue to do amazing things and I am looking forward to what this next chapter will include.
Finally, and this is a shameless plug for comments, if you have ever been involved in a ministry that I have lead or been a part of could you leave a comment of a memory or something you have gotten out of it. Thanks.
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Surprise Party!!
30 never felt so GOOD!! Just when I thought it couldn't get better than the post below....Brian threw me a surprise party! I was completely surprised! We had soccer tournaments all day, so today was the last day I would've suspected. I went to Starbucks with one of my bestest, Christy and she totally had me convinced. After spending some time together, her hubby called to say her son was sick. She was so convincing, we left in a dash to get home.
She even had me thinking I might catch the bug!! We got home and after a few minutes talking in the car, she pulled out of the driveway to rush home to her little one. I walked in only to find a room full of my lovely friends. Christy, of course, pulled back in and came inside. I came in to find not only a room full of people, but lots of food prepared by these very friends. Each person brought an appetizer and my friend Shirley made lots of vegetarian friendly cuisine and a cake. My friend Christy also prepared a cake with pink icing and mocha filling.....doesn't get much better than pink and mocha!
The house was decorated and I even had a tiera, a sash, and barbie napkins (Thanks Rich!) It was so nice seeing all of my close friends in one room. There were several other friends who couldn't make it and some not pictured that came late....(Griblers, Rutherfords, Weese's, Holly) don't worry I know you love me:) All joking aside, I felt very loved and valued. I have the bestest friends ever (Thanks guys)I have received affirmation from Brian and from my friends, and there is not a better feeling than that!
And Brian, your not too bad either!..and really...your beginning to make other husbands look bad:)
Friday, June 01, 2007
Happy Birthday to my wife...
In honor of Karin's 30th birthday- here are thirty things I LOVE about her:
1. Her passion for God and desire to follow His plans
2. Her focus and determination
3. She makes people comfortable
4. She supports me with words and actions
5. She is encouraging
6. She inspires lots of people
7. She has a strong prayer life
8. She allows me to have a Star Wars room and doesn't get embarrassed when I talk about Star Wars endlessly
9. She loves to learn
10. She speaks her mind (see the post two down from this one!)
11. She loves all different cultures
12. She has a passion for mission work
13. She has overcome a lot of hardships
14. She embraces people from all backgrounds
15. She is willing to step out on faith
16. She likes being fashionable
17. She loves her children
18. She is high maintenance but thinks she's low maintenance
19. She loves her family
20. She has a lot of wisdom
21. She pushes me to grow in my faith
22. She supports my education endeavors
23. She's always willing to meet new people
24. She loves the Church
25. She is a great listener
26. She's my smokin' hot wife
27. She tries to be interested in sports
28. She trusts me and believes in my leadership
29. She is not satisfied with mediocrity
30. She said "i do".
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Restoration Church...An Open Letter To Family and Friends
Dear Family and Friends:
Since I was in college I desired to start churches that would be innovative and intentional in reaching those who would not typically go to a traditional church. For the past eleven years I have served in various capacities at several churches that were started with this goal in mind. I have received much training and mentoring from people who are successful in the area of starting churches.
For the past year God has been stirring in mine and Karin's heart a desire to start a church in the Northwest Hendricks County area in Indiana. Karin and I moved here almost four years ago when I accepted a position at Pittsboro United Methodist Church. We love the people in this area and have a burden to see them be restored in their relationship with God and to live out their faith in the context of authentic relationships.
Northwest Hendricks County is approximately fifteen miles northwest of Indianapolis off of I-74. It has been named as one of the fastest growing areas in Indiana. This is evidenced in the numerous subdivisions and businesses moving into the area. As the community grows the number of those without a church home will continue to grow. We believe that there is a great opportunity to see many people come to faith and experience authentic relationships with others and with God.
We are answering a call on our life to start churches. Once the church is open I will be the lead pastor. Karin and I are spending the next couple of months in preparation, developing a team, hiring a staff and training. We hope to begin monthly services in August and weekly services in January 2008.
We will have partial financial support from the Central Indiana District of the Wesleyan Church. However, in order to provide my salary in full I am doing a few things. First, I am going to be working part-time. Second, there will be money provided by the District. Third, we will receive tithes and offerings beginning in August. Finally, I am asking family, friends and churches to consider partnering with us over the next six months beginning in July.
So, how can you partner with us? There are several ways. First, you can pray for us. This is a huge, exciting and scary undertaking. We are humbled that God would call us to this task and allow us to be His ambassadors in this community. Please pray that we will be faithful to follow God's leading and to stay humble, open and teachable.
Second, you can send us either a monthly financial support or a one-time gift. We are praying for a total monthly partnership of $1500. If just thirty people committed to $50/ month then we would meet our goal. Would you pray about how you can support us financially as we step out in faith to follow God's leading?
We are excited about what lies ahead for us. The church is named Restoration Church as we hope to see people restored to God, to each other and the Church restored to what God desires it to be. We will keep things updated on this website. Thank you, in advance, for your time, prayers and financial support. May God bless you richly.
In His Grip-
Brian and Karin Hume
Since I was in college I desired to start churches that would be innovative and intentional in reaching those who would not typically go to a traditional church. For the past eleven years I have served in various capacities at several churches that were started with this goal in mind. I have received much training and mentoring from people who are successful in the area of starting churches.
For the past year God has been stirring in mine and Karin's heart a desire to start a church in the Northwest Hendricks County area in Indiana. Karin and I moved here almost four years ago when I accepted a position at Pittsboro United Methodist Church. We love the people in this area and have a burden to see them be restored in their relationship with God and to live out their faith in the context of authentic relationships.
Northwest Hendricks County is approximately fifteen miles northwest of Indianapolis off of I-74. It has been named as one of the fastest growing areas in Indiana. This is evidenced in the numerous subdivisions and businesses moving into the area. As the community grows the number of those without a church home will continue to grow. We believe that there is a great opportunity to see many people come to faith and experience authentic relationships with others and with God.
We are answering a call on our life to start churches. Once the church is open I will be the lead pastor. Karin and I are spending the next couple of months in preparation, developing a team, hiring a staff and training. We hope to begin monthly services in August and weekly services in January 2008.
We will have partial financial support from the Central Indiana District of the Wesleyan Church. However, in order to provide my salary in full I am doing a few things. First, I am going to be working part-time. Second, there will be money provided by the District. Third, we will receive tithes and offerings beginning in August. Finally, I am asking family, friends and churches to consider partnering with us over the next six months beginning in July.
So, how can you partner with us? There are several ways. First, you can pray for us. This is a huge, exciting and scary undertaking. We are humbled that God would call us to this task and allow us to be His ambassadors in this community. Please pray that we will be faithful to follow God's leading and to stay humble, open and teachable.
Second, you can send us either a monthly financial support or a one-time gift. We are praying for a total monthly partnership of $1500. If just thirty people committed to $50/ month then we would meet our goal. Would you pray about how you can support us financially as we step out in faith to follow God's leading?
We are excited about what lies ahead for us. The church is named Restoration Church as we hope to see people restored to God, to each other and the Church restored to what God desires it to be. We will keep things updated on this website. Thank you, in advance, for your time, prayers and financial support. May God bless you richly.
In His Grip-
Brian and Karin Hume
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Contemplations (Karin)
Do you ever wonder what we as Christians are doing? What games we are playing in the name of Christ? We center our lives around a Sunday service all the while ignoring the real issues and demands of life. We sit next to one another not knowing what the person next to us is going through or has been through recently. Lack of connection leaves us thinking of where we'll go for lunch or how good it will feel for this one hour (Lord knows we can't go over that.... We Christians have an order to things and Holy Spirit-you need to move on our time table!)to get over with so we can get home to rest on the couch! Most of us are hurting inside wanting to scream for help while singing "Open the eyes of my heart, Lord" (all the while thinking MY EYES ARE WIDE OPEN, LORD and someone needs to tell me how to deal with this issue in my life!) There are many dangers in this.... one of them being that each of us feels like we are the ONLY ones feeling this way...are we weird? why can't we get it together? what is wrong with us? (and it doesn't help when the Pastor uses "you" statements instead of "we" or "us" statements)
What would Jesus see if He walked into our services? The reality is that He is already there; yet, we don't worship this way. Instead we have "praise" bands singing unto themselves! I believe that the majority of Christians want to get past this superficial existence; yet, it is this "entity" the church that stifles us. Pride, ego, and politics of the church (the entity-not the body of Christ) get in the way of true ministry. We are content with hearing pre-packaged sermons about reaching out, growing in our relationship with God, becoming like Christ...but in reality, we aren't ACTUALLY doing these things.....they are just nice things to say. We sit in bible study and debate what an author means in a particular sentence so that we don't have to actually LIVE OUT what the author is stating.
What is this about? We had this discussion last week at bible study and the majority of the class agreed that church today in America is more about money and power players than anything else. Think that sounds harsh? We also know that we can't point fingers either b/c you and I are also part of "we"
I want to resolve to not center my life around this entity but rather the body of Christ truly functioning as the Body. I want to live out the gospel....living in love, having compassion for the hurting, giving the lost hope, restoring the broken to God. Shouting to the world that my God has redeemed my life! He has turned my ashes into beauty. He has taken me from the pit of despair and given me a hope and a future! Isn't this a more meaningful existence? (not easier, but more meaningful?)And regardless if it is meaningful or not, isn't it what we as Christians are called to....commanded of?
I hesitate to write b/c again I believe the majority of the Church (the Body) long to reach out, live REAL, minister the TRUE gospel (not the fake gospel we in America have created as our own god), bear one anothers burdens, pray for one another, and live in community. But, I also believe church as the entity needs to be exposed if Christ is really to be exalted.
I think of the verse that says "If the world hated me, it will hate you also." Don't be surprised when you try to live this out, if you experience this. When you read the NT, you see that Jesus was rejected by everyone....most of all by the religious leaders. So, if you are attaining to live out His "burning heart" in this world, be forewarned... that kind of living will not be received very well by all....But, consider it joy to share in the sufferings with Christ b/c then and only then can we see Him in His fullness.....and be made into His image.
Live your life to glorify Him in all you do! Ask God everyday to give you the blessing of HIMSELF! That is where true joy, peace, and contentment come from...entering into His presence and living by His Spirit. And by the way, you can't do any of this on your own, lest any one of us should boast, but rather in complete dependence on Christ everyday. Pray for His burning heart, to walk in REAL love (love that can be ugly to those around you).......for pure motives, and for the "eyes of your heart" to be opened to the world around you....and maybe even the person next to you in the pew.....singing with you..... and sometimes- even screaming on the inside with you.
What would Jesus see if He walked into our services? The reality is that He is already there; yet, we don't worship this way. Instead we have "praise" bands singing unto themselves! I believe that the majority of Christians want to get past this superficial existence; yet, it is this "entity" the church that stifles us. Pride, ego, and politics of the church (the entity-not the body of Christ) get in the way of true ministry. We are content with hearing pre-packaged sermons about reaching out, growing in our relationship with God, becoming like Christ...but in reality, we aren't ACTUALLY doing these things.....they are just nice things to say. We sit in bible study and debate what an author means in a particular sentence so that we don't have to actually LIVE OUT what the author is stating.
What is this about? We had this discussion last week at bible study and the majority of the class agreed that church today in America is more about money and power players than anything else. Think that sounds harsh? We also know that we can't point fingers either b/c you and I are also part of "we"
I want to resolve to not center my life around this entity but rather the body of Christ truly functioning as the Body. I want to live out the gospel....living in love, having compassion for the hurting, giving the lost hope, restoring the broken to God. Shouting to the world that my God has redeemed my life! He has turned my ashes into beauty. He has taken me from the pit of despair and given me a hope and a future! Isn't this a more meaningful existence? (not easier, but more meaningful?)And regardless if it is meaningful or not, isn't it what we as Christians are called to....commanded of?
I hesitate to write b/c again I believe the majority of the Church (the Body) long to reach out, live REAL, minister the TRUE gospel (not the fake gospel we in America have created as our own god), bear one anothers burdens, pray for one another, and live in community. But, I also believe church as the entity needs to be exposed if Christ is really to be exalted.
I think of the verse that says "If the world hated me, it will hate you also." Don't be surprised when you try to live this out, if you experience this. When you read the NT, you see that Jesus was rejected by everyone....most of all by the religious leaders. So, if you are attaining to live out His "burning heart" in this world, be forewarned... that kind of living will not be received very well by all....But, consider it joy to share in the sufferings with Christ b/c then and only then can we see Him in His fullness.....and be made into His image.
Live your life to glorify Him in all you do! Ask God everyday to give you the blessing of HIMSELF! That is where true joy, peace, and contentment come from...entering into His presence and living by His Spirit. And by the way, you can't do any of this on your own, lest any one of us should boast, but rather in complete dependence on Christ everyday. Pray for His burning heart, to walk in REAL love (love that can be ugly to those around you).......for pure motives, and for the "eyes of your heart" to be opened to the world around you....and maybe even the person next to you in the pew.....singing with you..... and sometimes- even screaming on the inside with you.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Funny story!
You just gotta love those husbands!:) (and a post that starts off with that sentence, right?) Last week, I sent Brian to the store to get a few things. I have to give Brian props that he typically is a great shopper and he does do ALL of the grocery shopping. He truly has an expertise when it comes to Walmart/Target. People even joke with him b/c they see him at these places sometimes several times a day. So, in knowing this about Brian, I felt confident that he had learned terms of items for purchase....even those not involving Star Wars characters:)
So, I sent him out to get Oil of Olay face lotion/moisturizer. Well, much to my surprise, Brian came home with a big bottle of baby oil and a big bottle of lotion.:) When I looked at him with a smirk, he said "what? isn't that what you wanted?" Well, lets see, yes I do use lotion, but I have a brand new bottle on our dresser (they aren't the best with details are they?) and unless I was still 13 and using baby oil as tanning solution-(Yikes!)or ACTUALLY had a baby, from what I can tell, I don't really need the baby oil. That's okay babe-I still love ya! Can't blame the guy for trying!
So, I sent him out to get Oil of Olay face lotion/moisturizer. Well, much to my surprise, Brian came home with a big bottle of baby oil and a big bottle of lotion.:) When I looked at him with a smirk, he said "what? isn't that what you wanted?" Well, lets see, yes I do use lotion, but I have a brand new bottle on our dresser (they aren't the best with details are they?) and unless I was still 13 and using baby oil as tanning solution-(Yikes!)or ACTUALLY had a baby, from what I can tell, I don't really need the baby oil. That's okay babe-I still love ya! Can't blame the guy for trying!
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Two weeks and no longer in the 20's
So sad to say goodbye to the wonderful world of 29! Although, I must say I never felt like I was still in my 20's this entire year. 29 was just too close to 30! But, now if only I could go back one year and really enjoy my last year of being in my 20's. I set many goals that I wanted to accomplish before I was 30 and for the last month I have been fervishly trying to attain them:)....like working out at least three times a week, drinking eight glasses of water a day, cooking for my family (j/k gave up on that one a few years ago:)
So, yes I will officially be 30 soon! I can't believe it. Although I have a 12 year old, it is now that I feel grown up....scary! We own a home now and think about such grown up things like watering the yard and planting flowers! I am a big kid now:) I think I will say I am 20/10 for the next year.....I want to be in denial for a while! If I say this, can I also put my goals off?:)
So, yes I will officially be 30 soon! I can't believe it. Although I have a 12 year old, it is now that I feel grown up....scary! We own a home now and think about such grown up things like watering the yard and planting flowers! I am a big kid now:) I think I will say I am 20/10 for the next year.....I want to be in denial for a while! If I say this, can I also put my goals off?:)
Sunday, May 06, 2007
The old man is gone, the New man is here!
Tayler had his confirmation today along with his best friend, Jake, and a few others. Brian had the privileage of teaching the confirmation class for the last ten weeks. Tayler decided he would like to be baptized. He and Jake were able to be baptized together. My mom and Salome' were able to be here for the event. Several of his friends were also able to make it to his baptism service.
During the confirmation service, there was a slide show of each student growing up until present. That was nice. After the baptism, we went to eat with some friends, then went out to those same friends house and Tayler and Salome' rode go-karts and drove tractors. (after all he is a Mississippi boy:) They loved it!!
Thank you God for your faithfulness in our lives!
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Rock N Roller Skate Fundraiser
We had a great time tonight at our Rock N Roller Skate for the Student Ministry. We rented out the rink to raise funds for Icthus (outdoor Christian festival this summer) We had around 175 people there as it was open to all ages and families. It was a lot of fun. My favorite part was when we were doing the Hokey Pokey! It was so cool to see our church family all out there together having fun, relaxed, and just being silly! Lots of pics, so enjoy!! It was a blast!
On another note, we also took out the graduating seniors today for lunch. It was such a delight to chat with them about their future hopes and dreams. We are so blessed to be a part of their lives:)
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