AC3 VB106 Elder Selection

Check out this weeks VB as Rick and Dan talk about the Elder selection process that is going on right now. Enjoy! :)

Church Without Walls

If you've ever been in the position to teach, then you know that preparing to teach is the best way to learn yourself. Even material that I have taught many times before speaks to me afresh as a student when I engage with it honestly and diligently. This is true right now as I lead a group through our "Just Walk Across the Room" class on Tuesday nights. It's speaking to me again about being a "church without walls" - and it brought to mind this quote, where I first heard that idea:

"Don't build walls for the non-Christian to climb over. 

This conversion business becomes a higher and higher wall that they must climb over - Christians, in reinforcing their argument, have unconsciously built it so high that their non-Christian friends question if they have the strength or desire to get over it to the other side. Yet it is the Christian who can reach through the wall and be with their friends, if they dare. 

A lot of good sharing of experience just doesn't happen simply because Christians develop an attitude of "oh, but you wouldn't understand that."

Non Christians are not creatures of some lesser or different species, but are people with one sense not yet developed, their Spirit's dormant like a balloon waiting to be filled with the Breath of God. Their other senses may well be utilized more fully and properly than the Christian's; they may be more diligent and earnest in their pursuit of truth or more compassionate and self-sacrificing. 

Don't have ulterior motives. 

We must be prepared to love someone as they are, not in the hopes that eventually they will become a Christian. The choice is ours to come out from behind the walls and make friends with those around us. If the life in us is genuine, it will affect those about us, not in any self-conscious way, but as salt flavors everything. We must care, not with any ulterior evangelistic motive, but as an expression of our identity in God if indeed it is genuine. If the church walls come down we will be known for who we are, and if that is not the presence of Christ to all around, then it is time we got sorted out so it can be." 

-Andy Raine, The Northumbria Commuity

AC3 VB105 Part Two

Here's Part Two to this weeks video blog! Enjoy :)

AC3 VB105 Part One

Check out this weeks two-part video blog! Part one coming at you now. Enjoy :)

AC3 VB104 The Real Jesus

Check out this edition of AC3's Video Blog #104. Rick and Dan discuss our current series The Real Jesus. Enjoy! :)

AC3 March Announcements

Check out this months announcement video! Enjoy :)

Who's Your Legacy PAL Connection?

There has been a growing desire at AC3 to partner with and encourage families to grow and walk out their faith in Biblical community. But how?

Wendy Fahrney, a fellow AC3'r, has felt the nudge to be part of the answer. She's been wanting to do something that can help connect, encourage and grow AC3 families; young and old. Something that requires a minimal time commitment, is easy and focused. Something with a 'Secret Pal' element in it to keep it engaging and fun. Something like Legacy P.A.L. Connections 2016!

Legacy PAL Connections was born out of a desire to help nurture a  growing culture of PRAYER for the next generation in an ALLIANCE of adults, parents and youth who want to LIVE OUT their legacy of faith together.

There are a couple different ways to get plugged into Legacy PAL Connections 2016:

1. Become a Legacy PAL. (PAL Info Flyer) Legacy PALs are individuals who care about the next generation and come in many different shapes and sizes.  Some PALs may be young adults, while others are older. They may be single, while others are married. Even high school students who want to pray for, encourage and surprise a younger child at AC3 may be a Legacy PAL.

2. Nominate your child to have a Legacy PAL. (PAL Info Flyer) At the following link, you will find an easy and fun application form to fill out with the child. It will help your Legacy PAL to get to know your child and your family better so they can personalize their letters.  Please complete and turn applications in at the Kreek Kids Check-In Desk promptly and no later than March 31st. PALs will be assigned on a first come, first serve basis starting in March.

Imagine the impact a Legacy PAL might have on each child by praying for them regularly.

Imagine the curiosity and wonder a child might feel as they envision who their Legacy PAL might be.

Imagine warming the hearts of AC3 families and creating rich soil where the seeds of friendship can grow in biblical community at AC3.

Imagine you,  yes YOU, being an agent of change by saying yes to the nudge God may be giving you:)

If you would like to join us in this venture, be sure to download your application. The plan is to launch our Legacy PAL by April 1st, 2016.

Legacy PAL Coordinator: Wendy Fahrney 425-761-1021
Kreek Kids Director: Twila Crain 360-659-7335 EXT. 202
Youth Directors: B&B Crain 425-231-2364
Graphics used by Permission Kellie Ade: http://jumpseatpixie.blogspot.com/

AC3 VB103 SuperB Bowl Youth Fundraiser

Did you hear that Rick and Dan got a pie in the face, an ice bucket dumped on their head, hair dyed and legs waxed? Why all this? Check out this weeks video blog to find out! Enjoy :)

Meet Kathy!

Meet Kathy.

She is not just the smiling face behind the counter at Creek Espresso, she manages the whole operation, trains and leads the baristas, buys ingredients, manages the till AND she represents a milestone in AC3’s long running Community Center plan…

How you ask?

Lemme ‘splain.

When the Community Center vision first emerged almost 8 years ago, central to the concept was that it be a self-supporting ministry. In other words the cost of the activities undertaken by the Community Center should be paid for with money earned by the Community Center. We imagined rental income from various community groups which used our buildings, we talked about a furniture manufacturing company that would double as a job training program, and other ideas were floated and tried.

We call this concept: B.A.M. (Business As Mission) and the purpose is to create a revenue stream while serving the community and that revenue stream is invested in other Community Center Programs. As of today – under the B.A.M. banner we have:

The Marysville Farmer’s Market (beginning it’s second season on June 4^th!).  The first year of the market was great. But being a brand new endeavor – we’re still investing money from last year’s market into making this year even better.

Creek Espresso. Every weekend, (and some weekdays!) Kathy and her other volunteers man the steam wand and the bean grinder turning out lattes and Italian sodas for AC3’rs and visitors. Quietly, at the rate of a couple of bucks / drink, Creek Espresso has put almost $1,300.00 into the Community Center bank!

Here’s the milestone: There is enough “profit” from Creek Espresso that we can, for the first time, use that money to help fund a Community Center project!

A portion of those Creek Espresso “profits” will be used to support the Market Mentor’s Program this summer! Last year, Market Mentors was funded almost entirely by funds from Seeds of Grace (AC3’s benevolence ministry). But this year we see the first step toward a Community Center Program being funded by a Community Center Program!

BAM!!

Thanks Kathy for you and your team!

Thanks B.A.M. Board for overseeing this loooong process!

Thanks Farmer's Market Team...GO GET 'EM this summer!

Thanks coffee drinkers at AC3! Keep it up J

Does this stuff get you excited? (then you’re what we call a ministry nerd) but ALSO you can get involved!          

Creek Espresso is always looking for more help!

Contact Kathy: kathha@hotmail.com

Marysville Farmer’s Market WANTS YOU! Lots of cool stuff to do!

Contact Tina: Tina_Sunflower2000@yahoo.com

Market Mentors could your expertise in sales, management, customer service and more!

Contact Twila: twila@ac3.org

B.A.M. Board / Community Center – interested in finding out more about ANY of this?

Contact Dan: danxp.ac3@gmail.com