The Connection Taylorville Christian Church Spring 2017

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Spring 2017

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In This Issue: Gather. Grow. Go. Upcoming Sermon Series Easter at TCC Your Next Steps of Bible Reading Baptisms and New Members “I’m Not Going to Church Because” Thanks, House and Grounds Team Groups Discussing Sermons Upcoming Events Opportunities to Serve and much more

Love God. Love others.

Sunday Worship Services: 9:00 a.m. (Blended) 10:30 a.m. (Contemporary)

Gather. Grow. Go.

by James C. Jones

Love God. Love others. Those four words have been our guiding force over the past couple of years. After much study and prayer, the elders chose this phrase to describe the mission of Taylorville Christian Church, but if that’s our mission, what’s our strategy? If we want to express love for God and for others, how do we go about that?

We have developed a three-pronged strategy to help us move forward in fulfilling our mission: Gather. We need time to come together as a church for worship and teaching. Our Sunday morning worship services provide the best opportunity for gathering.

We come together to share in communion, to sing praises, and to open Scripture and allow it to speak into our lives. Sunday mornings are opportunities to be part of something larger than ourselves and express our thanks for what God has been doing in our lives.

Grow. Sunday mornings, however, cannot be the end of our commitment. We also need time to grow in our connection with God and with others. Small groups are an excellent venue for sharing with others, finding encouragement, studying Scripture, and developing friendships. If we are going to deepen our faith, we need these opportunities to talk about what it means to be a follower of Jesus in our culture.

We also have a personal responsibility to pursue spiritual development. We need time in God’s Word and in prayer. That may be something completely new for you, and it can feel a bit daunting at first, but the good news is that you’re not alone in this.

In our bulletin each Sunday and on Facebook, we publish a reading guide to follow so that you can dig into Scripture on your own. And while lots of people are not sure how to pray, it’s relatively simple to get started. You can thank God for what he has done for you and share with him the things that are concerning you and the needs that you know of in the lives of others.

Go. If we’re growing in our faith and seeing that God is at work and forming us into a better person, we could hardly keep that message to ourselves. We want to share with others. We want to get outside what is comfortable and sometimes outside our building to encounter people in other settings. We’re going to introduce some new ways to serve over the next few months, but you can begin anywhere. You may serve in one of the ministries of Taylorville Christian Church, or you may choose to serve in the community. Either way, as we serve in the name of Jesus, we’re letting people know that we love them.

We also “go” by investing in people and inviting them to worship services or other events in the life of the church. As we spend time with people and develop real friendships, we earn the right to speak into their lives because we’ve shown that we care.

Sometimes when we don’t know the right words to talk about Jesus, we can invite someone to an event that will be meaningful.

In the month of February, we’re going to lay this out in more detail in both our worship services and our small groups. It’s a perfect time to get involved in a small group. To sign up, contact the church office or Small Groups Coordinator Susan Lawrence (susan.lawrence@taylorvillechristian.com).

Current Sermon Series: When you miss a Sunday, if you want to listen to a sermon that challenged you, or want to share with a friend, you can listen to past sermons at taylorvillechristian.com or through the free Taylorville Chrsitian app.

Upcoming Sermon Series:

Coming in March, includes: Purpose Excellence Justice Diligencc

Begins Easter Sunday, includes: What Are We Doing Here?

What Happens When We Die? Where Is God When I Need Him? What About Other Religions?

Easter at Taylorville Christian Church:

Your Next Steps of Bible Reading For the past several months, TCC has encouraged you to get into your Bible on a more regular basis. We provide a daily reading plan in the weekly bulletin and on taylorvillechristian.com. Plus, every morning on Facebook and Instagram, we give you that day’s entire reading.

It’s important to come together and hear God’s Word taught each Sunday morning. It’s important to regularly get together with others to dig in and discuss God’s Word. And it is also important for you to take responsibility for knowing God’s Word and becoming disciplined as you read, explore, and apply it.

You’ll miss some days. You’ll get discouraged. You’ll think you’re the only one who struggles. You’ll wonder how others know the Bible so well. You’ll feel insecure. You might even want to quit. Perhaps you don’t even get started.

Regardless of where you are - if you’ve developed a good habit of daily reading, you’re struggling with discipline, or you simply can’t get motivated to start - you can take one step.

Just one step.

Considering how far you need to go can be overwhelming, but one step? That’s doable for all of us.

That step might involve journaling. Some people say, “Journaling isn’t my thing,” but consider this: • There’s not one approach. You don’t have to be able to fill a page each day. You don’t have to write in complete sentences. You can jot single words or basic questions. You can even express yourself through doodles and sketches.

• You don’t have to spend a lot of time. Any amount of time with God is worthwhile. Remember, one step at a time. Begin with what is manageable. Keep your goals simple as you develop a habit.

• You have support. You’re not the only one trying to become more disciplined! Reach out to someone for encouragement. If you don’t yet have many friends at TCC, let a ministry staff person know you’re trying to read and journal more, and we’ll regularly touch base and encourage you.

We’re making TCC journals available for you to help you take the next step. It’s a simple tool, and it won’t create the discipline for you, but it might be just the reminder and motivation you need to take the next step.

Love God.

Let’s Celebrate Baptisms and New Members!

Baptisms: Julia England, Marietta Anderson, Darryl Burnett, Paris Dees, Jacob Franklin, Heather Gordon, Alex Horath, Andrea Horath, Drew Mickey, Jude Niemann, Finn Niemann, Jocelyn Williams, Destiny Wilson

New Members: Shelby Smith and Kevin O’Malley

In 2016, TCC had 24 baptism and 11 transfer/new members!

I’m Not Going to Church Because... #ImNotGoingToChurchBecause It was one of the top trending hashtags a couple Sundays ago. That means a lot of people were posting about not going to church. The reasons varied but included: #ImNotGoingToChurchBecause I’m an adult and don’t need weekly reminders to be a kind person. #ImNotGoingToChurchBecause I was raised a so called Christian and view religion as inherently controlling, dishonest and manipulative. #ImNotGoingToChurchBecause I don’t need the threat of ‘Hell’ to scare me into being a good person; I am by my own choice.

Some of the posts were offensive. Others named offenses someone in church had made against people. And others were using the hashtag to represent another perspective - one of someone who is committed to church and faith.

The specific church or religion wasn’t mentioned, but it was clear the target was the Christian Church as a whole.

Whether or not we agree with the use of a hashtag to call attention to a perspective, position, or opinion, we need to pause before responding, whether it’s public or among our friends. Our response matters, because our voice matters. As Christians, we represent Jesus Christ. If we’re insensitive, quick to judge, angry, or retaliatory, we hold people at arm’s length. We confirm what they might already believe about us, that we’re unwilling or unable to live by the very qualities that we claim should characterize us: patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control.

We don’t have to agree with people in order to extend grace. We don’t have to agree with people in order to listen to and respect them as people, who God created, just like us. If someone isn’t living by God’s standards, we should consider how unrealistic it might be to expect them to live according to standards they don’t even recognize or elevate. It is our responsibility to live by those standards. It is our responsibility to reach out to others, build relationships with them, become examples for them.

Until we are willing to listen to and learn others’ perspectives, whether we agree or not, we will not be able to reach, help, and engage them. And isn’t that part of “go and make disciples” (Matthew 28:19)? “Going” takes effect. It involves sacrifice of time and comfort. It requires us to set aside our own schedules and preferences to take a step toward others. It doesn’t mean we give up our perspective and beliefs. We take those with us as we step forward. But as we meet people where they are, we invite them to share and process. We allow them to be themselves, and we show grace. We engage in the give and take of respectful interaction. We refrain from filling in every gap of time and conversation, because we trust God to fill in the details.

Be attentive to people who have a different voice than yours. Begin a conversation today. Refuse to see people as your project in which the ends justifies the means. Instead, take the next steps God is leading you to take with humility.

Love others.

Thanks, House and Grounds Team!

For many years, a core group of men have diligently fixed, built, painted, and patched in and around the Taylorville Christian Church property. They’ve mowed the lawn in intense heat and cleared sidewalks in extreme cold. They’ve helped troubleshoot a variety of issues and could tell countless stories about the quirks of a building that has grown in stages, creating some challenging issues.

Some of the team members have come and gone, but Larry Underwood and Ron Sheley have led and served for years. They’ve invited others to get involved, organized many work days, answered calls with questions from the church and the school, and spent hundreds of hours on ladders, in cramped spaces, and out and about running errands to pick up the necessary equipment. They’ve carefully stewarded the church’s money and have given hundreds of hours of their time.

Many weeks, you can also see Jim Gibson, Jim Jacobs, Dick Marshall, Jim Blakley, Roscoe Nation, Jim Nuelle, Bob Henson, and Arnie Hilliard. And there are many women who have helped, too. They’ve painted and planted, cleaned and created. To everyone who has helped through the years, we say THANK YOU. If you come early enough on one of their work days, you’ll find the House and Grounds team hanging out and drinking coffee, planning their to do lists. They don’t just work together. They share life together. Friendships form as we serve together. They’ve been a blessing to each other and to all of us involved at TCC or VCS. It’s been a huge responsibility, so moving forward, our House and Grounds ministry will be two areas of ministry: Inside Maintenance and Outside Maintenance. Maybe it’s time for you to get involved!

Inside/Outside Maintenance: Opportunities for You to Serve

With some transitions in our House & Grounds Ministry Team comes an opportunity to better organize for the future.

The responsibility of maintaining the property and buildings used by both Taylorville Christian Church and VisionWay Christian School is a daunting one, and it is difficult for any one team to handle on its own. With this in mind, the elders have divided these responsibilities between two new ministry areas: Inside Maintenance and Outside Maintenance. This change will allow one group to focus on lawn care, shrubbery maintenance, and snow removal while a separate group handles the various needs on the interior of the building which includes basic repairs and occasional remodeling.

Volunteers are needed for both groups! If you have ability in some area of property maintenance and an interest in helping out, please let James Jones or Steve Basham know. One of the ways that TCC has been able to devote resources to ministry areas is by saving money through the work of volunteers in maintenance and repair. Give James or Steve a call at 217824-6621 if you would like to help out.

My One Life

by Jen Johnson

I have been a Christian for 28 years, and I have not led anyone to Christ.

It is painful to admit that. There were no “prodigal years” in my youth when I got off track with my faith. I never left the church, and my good friends who aren’t Christians know that I am. But I have never brought anyone into a relationship with Jesus. I don’t like that, but it’s true.

When I talked to Jeff Vines about OneLife, an initiative that challenges every person to bring someone to Christ every 12 months, he quoted Andy Stanley: “Do for one what you wish you could do for everyone.” I agree completely. I just haven’t been able, even after three decades of following Christ and four decades in church, to even do for one. I don’t like that, but it’s true.

I’m in good company. According to a study by LifeWay Research, 80 percent of people who attend church at least once a month “believe they have a personal responsibility to share their faith” but only 39 percent had told someone else in the previous six months about how to become a Christian.

A 2013 Barna report found that while 100 percent (wow!) of Evangelicals agreed with the statement “I, personally, have a responsibility to tell other people my religious beliefs,” only half of them reported sharing the gospel in the last year.

I can’t speak for 100 percent of Evangelicals (although how I wish I could), but I wonder if our total absorption in faith is actually part of the problem. I’m a pastor’s kid and a pastor’s wife. I write Bible study curriculum for a Christian company and branding narratives for Christian nonprofits and books for Christian leaders and articles for Christian magazines. I can’t introduce unbelievers to Jesus if I don’t know any unbelievers, and it’s possible for me to go days and not interact with anyone who doesn’t share my faith. I don’t like that, but it’s true.

But I can change some of these things. Instead of one more church activity, maybe I need to join a service group or a book club without any connection to a faith community. Perhaps I need to seek out new work projects with “secular” organizations, and be open to the conversations that follow. Most of all, I definitely need to pray about the relationships I already have with not-yet-believers, ask God to bring other people across my path who might be ready to hear about him, and request his wisdom for those moments.

I’m sure that through my work, my writing, and my relationships over the years I have planted seeds of faith in other people’s lives, and, to paraphrase 1 Corinthians 3:6, it’s OK if others have done the watering and harvesting. The goal is God’s glory, not checking something off my Christian bucket list, and God loves me even if I never get to have “the” conversation with someone or dunk her under water. But that’s also not an excuse for apathy.

Thanks, Jeff, for the reminder that it’s time to get more serious about sharing the good news. After all, when it comes to making a difference for the kingdom, I only have one life.

Reprinted from SeeJenWrite.com

Looking Forward To The Best Facilities

by Gary McNeely

The mission of Taylorville Christian Church is to Love God and Love Others. That includes discipleship and shepherding, which involves providing effective staffing and facilities. The Elders believe it’s important to steward, continually evaluate, and set goals for these areas. As part of that ongoing process, we began meeting with Chris Davenport from Church Development Fund (CDF) two years ago. CDF has provided opportunities for churches to invest and borrow funds for over 50 years and also provides Facilities Consulting.

Almost two years ago, with God’s direction and Chris’ help, we identified some important changes we could make to improve the use of our building and grounds. A few of these have been worked on slowly over time, including • Moving elementary children’s programming to the gym area • Opening up our Welcome Center by adding a food and beverage counter • Improving the Worship Center sound system (in process) • Adding additional concrete parking (in process) The next step to accomplishing identified improvements will require additional square footage. The most efficient and economical way to do that appears to be by adding a structure to the north of us. We’re looking at this space to address the following • A dedicated useable space for our Student Ministries • A Fellowship Area to replace the current Fellowship Hall • Garage space to get both vehicles under a roof • and possibly more.

This will also let us remodel some areas in the current building and use it more efficiently.

We’ll be forming a facilities task force to study this potential project. We ask for your prayers and support as TCC, under God’s direction, takes this next step to Love God and love others.

Helping Others: Midwest Food Bank and TCC Backpack Ministry 30% of the food supply in America is wasted. Several families in Bloomington decided to make a difference. They began distributing food out of the machine shed on a farm. “It soon became a community endeavor, not a family endeavor,” says founder David Kieser. As the need grew and facilities grew, they wondered how they’d take care of all the agencies. David says, “God said, ‘Keep trusting me.’” So, they did.

Today, Midwest Food Bank’s Bloomington location supplies food to over 275 agencies. Their goal is simple. They gather food and give it away.

They partner with donors who have excess food and distributed it to those who don’t have enough. They give it away. Agencies drive in and go shopping for what they need to help people they serve. In 2015, they distributed 50 million pounds of food.That’s $116 million of food that was given away to help people at no cost.

People from TCC financially support Midwest Food Bank, and each month, people from TCC drive to Midwest Food Bank to pick up food.

They bring it back and organize it. Then, every Thursday morning, a group gets together in the Fellowship Hall to pack backpacks with food.

Those backpacks are taken to local schools, and students in need take the backpacks home, ensuring food for them over the weekend. During school days, they get meals at school, but their weekends are often filled with hunger.

Jim and Karen Nuelle lead the Backpack Program at TCC, and they would welcome you to get involved. (Contact the Church Office at 8246621.) They can let you know how to help pack the backpacks or how to financially support Midwest Food Bank. They also gather additional food items, so watch the bulletin for areas of need. Add those items to your shopping list and drop them off in the TCC kitchen to be used for the Backpack Program.

Let’s continue to feed people. We live with excess. We can help.

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me...Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:35-36,40)

Groups Discussing Sermons

by Susan Lawrence

Ongoing and new small groups will soon begin discussing the teachings they hear on Sunday mornings. Each Friday, small group leaders receive a discussion guide to help them with the following week. Would you like a sample of what goes on in small groups each week? Here’s a shortened discussion guide for the February 5th message, Follow.

Get Started: Share with each other: • What’s one goal you had sometime in life that you’ve reached?

• What’s something you’d still like to accomplish?

James reminded us of TCC’s mission: Love God and love others.

• What do you believe that means for the church?

• What does it mean for you?

Dig In: James introduced us to the strategy that helps us love God and love others: Gather. Grow. Go. Share with each other: • Why do you believe a strategy to get people involved in the church and to continue to grow spiritually is important?

• Do you have an example of when you’ve seen Gather, Grow, and Go work well?

• How can a strategy, such as Gather Grow Go, help make sense of the spiritual smorgasbord James referred to and we all experience in the world?

Read Acts 2:32-41.

Discuss: • How might some people think these verses are confusing or unsettling?

• How might you address questions and doubts about these verses?

• How are our questions and responses important as part of the Gather. Grow. Go. process?

Go. As we opened discussion, we shared a goal we’re working on, something we’d like to accomplish. As we wrap up, let’s consider a “next step” toward the goal. Share your next steps with each other.

As a group, pray about your goals, asking God to help you take the next steps. Commit the Gather. Grow. Go. process to God, relying on him to give us - as a church and as individuals - the guidance, courage, and insight to take the next step.

Gather a few people to connect and take Sunday morning teachings to the next level.

Take a step toward better understanding and application.

Contact Small Groups Coordinator Susan Lawrence at susan.lawrence@taylorvillechristian.com, and she’ll help you get started.

Can We Talk?

by James C. Jones

For the ten minutes it takes me to iron clothes and get dressed each morning, I usually turn on the television and watch a few minutes of a morning news program. I choose a particular program because it is a panel discussion, and the panelists are both knowledgeable and opinionated, many of them experts in their fields. But what I especially like about this program is that the host is usually reasonable and allows each person to comment on the day’s topics. But this morning was different. The host was yelling at a panelist with whom he had a disagreement, basically shouting down a dissenting opinion. What was the topic that brought out such emotion? The events leading up to the recent inauguration.

This election season has brought out emotions on all sides; we can’t seem to have a civil discussion about any of this because our feelings are so strong. I know some people even dreaded holiday gatherings because of the fear that they would degenerate into a political debate that would result in hurt feelings. Even worse, I know that some Christians have struggled with their Christian sisters and brothers who had a different opinion. Sometimes, I have really wondered about other Christians who approached all of this from a different perspective than me.

But when Paul talked about how Christians should relate to one another in Philippians 2, he said that we should have the same attitude (v.5), the same mindset. And what mindset should we take on? Paul says we should have the attitude of Jesus, and then he goes on to describe all that Jesus has done for us in powerful poetry (vv.6-11). Those verses are worth examining in detail, but for today, what I want us to hear is that the way we think about one another should be the way that Jesus thinks about us. If that’s true, our politics could hardly keep us from one another. Christians are always Christians before they are members of a political party. Christians have allegiance to Jesus before they have allegiance to any politician.

So, even if some Christians have royally offended you during this election cycle (and they probably have), be sure to have the attitude Jesus would have: love them. It doesn’t mean you have to agree or support their candidate. It means that you (and I) need to treat them with the love that Jesus has for us.

Taylorville Christian Church 1124 N. Webster Taylorville IL 62568 217.824.6621 TaylorvilleChristian.com office@taylorvillechristian.com Ministry Staff: James C. Jones Lead Minister james.jones @taylorvillechristian.com

Why Should You Attend Intentional Church Conference?

Each Spring, a group from Taylorville Christian Church attends the Intentional Church Conference in Decatur. It’s a one-day conference that equips ministry leaders and volunteers with tools and resources to help them reach their communities for Jesus. This year’s speakers include Gene Appel and Caleb Kaltenbach. As an event sponsor, we get limited complimentary registrations.

Why should you attend?

It’s close. It’s rare you’ll get the opportunity to hear excellent speakers and interact with people from many churches without having to drive, fly, or stay overnight.

It’s something you can do with others from TCC. It’s great for us to spend the day together. Our lives are busy, and we try to get together to share ideas and make plans, but this allows a day to relax, listen, and explore, so we’re better able to serve together.

It’s free. Who can argue with that?

You’ll have options of what you learn. You’ll get to choose which breakout sessions you’ll attend.

Ken Manning Worship/Seniors Minister ken.manning @taylorvillechristian.com Zach Crowley Youth Minister zach.crowley @taylorvillechristian.com

Support Staff: Steve Basham Ministry Assistant steve.basham @taylorvillechristian.com Debbie Frye Administrative Assistant deb.frye@taylorvillechristian.com Susan Lawrence Small Groups/Communications susan.lawrence @taylorvillechristian.com Mike Profeta Jr. High Youth mike.profeta @taylorvillechristian.com

“But I’m not in a leadership position at TCC.” You might be in one of the best positions to attend ICC, because you’ll be able to explore where God might be leading you to serve. Let him lead and encourage you alongside others.

Beth Piatt Early Childhood beth.piatt @taylorvillechristian.com

You’ll be encouraged, challenged, and nourished. We all need to grow. This is one step you can take toward growing. Let’s commit to asking questions and considering how we can change to be a more vibrant community of believers who love God and love others in intentional and effective ways.

Shelby Smith Contemporary Worship Coordinator shelby.smith @taylorvillechrisitan.com

For more information, visit intentionalchurchconference.com

Susan Boyd Custodian