Alissa Wilcox reflects on City Kids Evening Camp

Guest blogger here, Alissa!

This past week my evenings were filled with games, singing, crafts and learning about the Bible! We had City Kids Evening Camp and it was a blast! Our nights went something like this:

1. Kids entered and caught each other up on their first days of summer.

2. We did a minute-to-win-it game normally involving two volunteers and a crazy game of bouncing, throwing, sticking or catching an item within a minute!

3. We sat down and watched "Phil and friends" from What’s in the Bible.

4. We danced and learned a worship song.

5. We went outside, or stayed in depending on weather, and played games.

6. We came back all sweaty and tired for a snack.

7. We did an awesome craft.

8. We played a review game to answer questions about what we learned.

9. We said our “See ya laters” and went home.

Phew, that may not seem like too crazy of a week. It might even sound like some of your day-to-day schedules with children. But when you take 12 kids and three or four leaders and put them in a room all together, it can get a little wild. Keeping up with all of these kids was not easy, but at the end of the night we all looked at each other and said, “Great job, team. See you again tomorrow!” We knew that the role we played in the lives of these kids was way more than just teaching some silly songs, leading a crazy game and showing them a new craft; we were pouring into their lives with the words we used, the love we showed and the Bible lessons we taught each night.

The videos from What’s in the Bible taught the kids and the leaders a lot about the Bible itself. We learned about the Old Testament and New Testament. We learned about how sin entered the world and messed everything up, but how God made a rescue plan and sent his son Jesus so that we could be free from sin. We also learned how we can be forgiven because of Jesus and that we need to go tell others they are forgiven too. Each day the kids learned more as they enjoyed the puppets and the songs from the video. At the end of the week the kids were given a journal to complete with their families throughout the summer. This helped make what they learned last even longer, as they can now have conversations together with their families.

We also had a service project on the last day of camp. There is an organization we are partnering with this summer called the Christian Community Center. On the last day of camp we made backpacks for the kids that go to the center. Our kids loved picking what notebook and folder they thought the child would want to receive. They also decorated bookmarks with pictures and notes to put in the backpacks. The love that they showed for kids they didn’t even know amazed me! They may never meet the children who will receive the backpacks, but that didn’t matter to them; they just wanted to serve.

My favorite memory was from Wednesday. The kids started to become just a little too comfortable with each other, and were a little crazier than we’d seen earlier that week. Nonetheless, I had a job to do and they had songs they needed to learn. The one we learned the previous day was “One Way Jesus” by Hillsong Kids. We went over it again on Wednesday and I was taken aback as I watched them sing and dance. I was in awe as all of these kids were jumping up and down shouting/singing, “One way, Jesus! You’re the only one that I could live for.” They may be a crazy bunch, but in that moment they were crazy for Jesus.

What more can we ask as we pray for this generation, but that they would see God as the only way, and the only one they want to live for! At the end of the week, no matter how tired we were, we knew that God was with us there at camp. He was with every child and every volunteer that week, and that’s all we need. Thank you for your prayers for us and for the children! I hope the kids had just as much fun, and probably more, as I did last week!

What a great start to summer!

-Alissa Wilcox

Get to know Life Counseling Center!

We are so excited that Life Counseling Center is opening a satellite office in Roland Park to serve the neighborhoods of North Baltimore. The center will provide Biblical Counseling at City Church’s new office space and become an integral part of our ministry to our congregation and the surrounding community.

Life Counseling Center offers biblical counseling that is grounded in the foundational truth that because of the Gospel, lasting change is possible. Life Counseling Center holds to the principle that hope is never lost, no matter how difficult the situations in which we find ourselves may be. Many people travel long distances to meet with counselors at Life Counseling Center, and this new partnership will make it easier for Baltimore residents to benefit from their solid Biblical counseling.

Get to know the counselors!

Rich Starsoneck

Director of Counseling

Rich is Director of Life Counseling Center. As a counselor, his areas of interest are marriage and family counseling, grief, loss and men’s issues. He enjoys understanding people and seeing their lives and hearts change. He sees the importance of entering into a person’s world and helping individuals or couples think biblically about their situation instead of having their thinking controlled by experience, emotion and cultural norms. Rich has studied at both Chesapeake and Westminster Seminary, is certified in Marriage and Family Counseling through CCEF and is a mediator with the MCRC with an emphasis in restorative dialogue. Rich was married in 1985 to his wife Kathy, has a grown daughter Laura, and two whippets. He enjoys playing and listening to music, reading and road cycling.

Diana Bauer

Counselor

Diana received her BA in History from UBC and earned her teaching certificate in history grades K-12. After homeschooling two of her four children, Diana ran one of the busiest crisis pregnancy centers in Baltimore City for five years. She has completed three levels of certificate training from the Christian Counseling Educational Foundation (CCEF). Diana has been counseling for 10 years. Her primary area of interest is in identifying how our hearts interact with life’s issues and how believing God provides true healing. This process applies to all people of any age, gender or heart issue. She is married and has four grown children and four grandchildren. Interests include traveling, cooking and running Square Halo Books publishing company.

Jason Robbins

Counselor

Jason holds a M.A. in Biblical Counseling from Luther Rice University in Atlanta, GA and a B.A. in Christian Education from Maryland Bible College in Baltimore, MD. Along with his wife, he is also a Prepare-Enrich certified Pre-Marriage and Marriage Counselor. He is currently serving on staff at Long Green Baptist Church, as well as teaching English as a Second Language for Community College of Baltimore County. He and his wife, Olga, are raising three beautiful children – Nina, Evelyn and Alek – in Baltimore, MD. He enjoys reading, walking through the woods and spending as much time with his family as possible. Even though he has lived more than half of his life in Maryland, his New England roots go deep, so he is proud to still be a Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots.

Esther Smith

Counselor

Esther has her M.A. in Professional Counseling through Liberty University and has begun taking classes through the Christian Counseling Educational Foundation. Since she can remember, Esther has been drawn to the stories of people around her. Her counseling has been shaped by a desire to walk alongside individuals as they discern how their stories can be redeemed and changed through the truth of the Gospel. Esther lives in Baltimore with her husband, Ian, and enjoys good books and movies, creating new recipes in the kitchen and sharing them with family and friends. Areas of interest and experience include teens and young adults, women’s issues and working with individuals touched by anxiety, trauma, chronic illness and suffering.

Alison Spiegel

Intern Counselor

After twenty-five years as a wife, mother and software engineer, Alison asked the Lord to give her a vision for life after homeschooling. He answered her by introducing her to the world of biblical counseling. She enrolled in the Christian Counseling Education Foundation’s (CCEF) biblical counseling certificate program and anticipates full completion of the program this year. Her passion is to help people know God more personally, engage with Him more intimately and find help and hope in His living word. Alison is very involved in her local church where she has led Bible studies, counseled and discipled women and participated in jail ministry. She is married to Pete and they have four young-adult children. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, watching British crime dramas and making jewelry. Areas of interest and experience in counseling include marriage, family and women’s issues.

Janet Crow

Counselor

Janet Crow has completed certificate training from the Christian Counseling Educational Foundation (CCEF) affiliated with Westminster Theological Seminary. She has served on the counseling team at her church for over a decade. Much of her spare time is spent practicing piano, hiking or gardening with her husband. She also enjoys doing needlework projects as gifts. Areas of interest / experience are women’s issues and marriage counseling.

When self-sufficiency destroys our passion

“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.”

— Revelation 3:15-17

Christ’s words to the Church in Laodicea speak directly to our cultural moment. We live in one of the wealthiest, busiest places in the entire world. It is often our self-sufficiency and security, not suffering or poverty, that prevents us from fully experiencing God’s blessings.

It’s easy to see ourselves in this church. Laodicea as a city was known for its self-sufficiency, productivity and wealth. Citizens of Laodicea had everything they needed – everything except for a source of water. Christ uses this paradox, something all people in Laodicea would understand, to illustrate their faith.

Because it had no source of water, Laodicea built two large aqueduct systems to move hot water and cold water into the city. These aqueducts connected to two other cities, both of which were ten miles away. By the time the hot and cold water reached Laodicea, both were lukewarm. Laodicea was known for its horrible water quality. Christ tells them that their faith had become the same way – lukewarm and detestable. 

Christ’s desire for His Church is that we are full of passion. We are intended to model, in word and in deed, His passion for a lost world to be reached by the Gospel, exemplified in His sacrifice on the cross. Like the Church in Laodicea, He extends an invitation to us to turn away from a lukewarm life and begin walking with Him on a daily basis.

In verses 19-20 He says, “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” 

Listen to Sunday’s sermon HERE.

Young Life Capernaum: Reaching kids & families affected by disability

Kate Goehringer works for Young Life Capernaum, Young Life’s ministry to teens with disabilities. She has agreed to share about this ministry and some ways we can pray and get involved.

I grew up in Hershey, PA – the Sweetest Place on Earth! It didn’t take long after getting involved with Young Life in my high school before I realized that Young Life would be a part of my life forever. I volunteered as a Young Life Leader during my time at Messiah College and I accepted a teaching job in Carlisle, PA so that I could continue volunteering at the high school. However, as time went on, I had a growing desire to take a position in full-time ministry.

After considering a number of options, I felt called to accept a position with Young Life Capernaum. Having never worked with students with disabilities, this seemed daunting to say the least; however, God’s calling for me to step out in faith was clear. In fall 2013 I moved to Baltimore and began working for Young Life Capernaum.

For those that don’t know, Young Life is a non-profit outreach organization that seeks to introduce adolescents to Jesus Christ and help them grow in their faith. We present the Gospel to high school students through outreach meetings (club), bible studies (campaigners) and most importantly, relationships. The most valuable asset is our volunteer leaders, who have committed themselves to Jesus and to spreading his Gospel to high school students. Young Life Capernaum’s mission is the same, but the approach to relationships with kids and the structure of club meetings is slightly different given the disability factor.

We believe that just like every other high school student, those with disabilities are thirsty to discover their identity (who am I?), autonomy (does my life matter?) and belonging (where do I fit in?). Just like thousands of other high school students, our friends with disabilities are running to all the wrong places to find the answers to these questions. Our prayer is to provide hope and truth to our friends by sharing the message that they are created by a God who desires and deeply loves them.

While we do spend the majority of our ministerial efforts pouring into kids with disabilities, Young Life Capernaum is also a ministry to families. We live in a broken world where the divorce rate of parents of kids with disabilities is over 80 percent. The magnitude of that number should make us all shudder. The families of most of our friends are broken and hurting just as much, if not more, than they are. Our Capernaum leaders not only build relationships with our kids but with their parents and siblings as well. Many of our parents hear and experience the Gospel more clearly than ever through the relationships they have formed with our volunteer leaders.

Not long after moving to Baltimore, I met my husband, Ty. We got married in March of this year, and currently God is teaching us the joys and hardships of doing life and ministry alongside each other. These past two years have certainly not been easy, but the Lord has blessed them immensely. I am so grateful to be a part of what God is doing through the ministry of Capernaum here in Baltimore.

We would love prayer for several big things.

1. Praise God with us that the number of families we are impacting has almost doubled since last year.
2. Pray for financial stability. Currently, our monthly revenue is less than half of our monthly expenses.
3. Pray that God lifts up and provides new leaders for our team who are excited about the vision of reaching kids with disabilities!
4. Pray for our summer camp trip to Rockbridge, VA (Aug 9-13). Pray that we will have enough volunteers attend our trip and enough financial resources to assist our families who are in need of support. Pray that the Gospel will be communicated clearly and effectively and that many of our friends might walk away having started a relationship with Jesus for the first time!

If you’re interested in getting involved with Young Life Capernaum, consider one of the following:

1. Committee: We are in need of adults who would be willing to join our committee. This would include attending a committee meeting once a month and assisting with big events, such as the annual fundraising banquet.
2. Volunteer Buddy: At each of our clubs we need between 10 and 20 volunteer helpers who will attend, help set up and tear down and help our friends with simple tasks.
3. Financial Support: Our greatest need right now is to bridge the gap between our monthly revenue and expenses. Currently we have approximately $2,000 in revenue coming in each month, while our monthly expenses are around $4,000. We are in great need of new donors who feel called to support our mission by giving monthly to help us account for this gap.

We’re also hosting our annual fundraiser, Capernaum’s Got Talent, on Friday, May 22. Cost of attendance is $10 and directly pays for kids’ camp fees. If you’d like to volunteer, fill out this form.

To learn more or get involved, feel free to email me at Kaitlyngoehringer@gmail.com.

Reaching students with the Gospel through Fellowship of Christian Athletes

Matt Emerson Baltimore FCA

Several weeks ago we got the great opportunity to hear from Matt Emerson, Lacrosse Ministry Representative with Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). He wrote the following blog article so that we might have a better picture of how this organization reaches students with the Gospel and how we can get involved.

About FCA

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is a sports ministry with the vision of "seeing the world impacted for Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes.” The FCA Lacrosse ministry focuses specifically on those in the lacrosse community through teams, camps, clinics and discipleship. Through these mediums, FCA Lacrosse seeks to build relationships with coaches, athletes and families while leading them in to a relationship with Jesus Christ.

In Baltimore, FCA runs a club lacrosse program that impacts over 250 families in the community. This club currently hosts 12 teams that compete year round. Throughout the season, FCA players are engaged in regular Bible study, service opportunities and even a winter retreat. FCA coaches are engaged in regular Bible study and training that equips them to lead in a godly manner. Parents are also engaged in devotionals so that they may soberly lead their child through the craziness of youth sports.

What I Do

My official title with FCA is "Lacrosse Ministry Representative," but within that I balance two different roles. My first role is the "Maryland Club Ministry Coordinator," where I am responsible for the ministry development on our Maryland Club teams. Some of my responsibilities include developing curriculum for our team Bible studies, recruiting and training Huddle Leaders to lead these Bible studies and equipping coaches to Biblically lead their teams. My other role focuses on our national ministry that reaches families all over the country. I help lead an internship for college lacrosse players, develop teams to compete at various "destination" tournaments throughout the summer, and oversee the Huddle Leader program at our Gettysburg Lacrosse Camp.

How to Pray

Running a "competitive teams" ministry gets complicated when winning is on the line. While our goal is to use these teams and events as opportunities for families to hear the Gospel, the flesh and desire to be victorious can cloud our true "win" of impacting lives for Christ. Prayers for that vision and focus to be clear would be greatly appreciated!

Get Involved

FCA Lacrosse provides opportunities for families and players of any age and talent level to be involved. To learn more about FCA Lacrosse and opportunities to get connected, visit fcalax.com. FCA also has a local ministry in the Baltimore area. If you are a family of athletes but not lacrosse players, let me know and I would be happy to connect you with our Northern MD FCA staff. Also, as a non-profit para-church ministry, FCA staff are responsible for raising their entire salary and budget through financial partners and supporters. If you'd be interested and willing to financial support the Emerson family, contact me at memerson@fca.org.

Five ways to pray for Baltimore

(Photo by Vladimir Badikov is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA)

Ephesians 6:18 tells us that we are to pray on all occasions. James 5:16 tells us that, as believers made righteous through Christ, our prayers are powerful and effective. We are often quick to voice opinions and interpretations of the painful, complex situations going on in our world and our communities, but do we consistently approach the throne of God in the same manner? These past few days have been some of Baltimore’s darkest. Here are five ways to lift up our City to the one who gave His own life to reconcile man’s relationship with God and with one another.

1. Pray for the family ofFreddie Gray. God’s Word commands us to “Rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15). A young man tragically lost his life on April 19, 2015. In the midst of the chaos this past week, we do not forget him or his grieving family.

2. Pray for theBaltimore Police Department. Baltimore police officers consistently put themselves in harm’s way to protect the citizens of our city. In the past week, as many as 100 police officers were injured, one of whom is in critical condition. Pray for the dissolution of layers and years of distrust between the Police Department and various neighborhoods in the city. We know this distrust and anger has fueled the events of the past few days.

3. Pray for the leaders of Baltimore. 1 Timothy2:1-2 tells us we are to lift up in prayer those who have been given governing authority. Pray for Baltimore City Mayor Stephanie Rawlings Blake, Baltimore Police Commissioner Anthony Batts, Baltimore City Council President Jack Young and Maryland Governor Larry Hogan. Pray for wisdom, the ability to direct an effective response and wade through the aftermath.

4. Pray for the physical restoration of our city’s infrastructure. In the midst of riots earlier this week, businesses were looted and 144 cars and 15 buildings were burned to the ground. Pray for those who were impacted by these acts of violence against our city, including business owners and employees.

5. Pray that any subsequent protests would remain peaceful. The initial conclusions of the investigation surrounding Freddie Gray’s death are due on Friday. Whether or not they will be made public is unclear, but this escalates the potential for a weekend of unrest. Several groups have already scheduled protest rallies for this weekend. Pray that these protests would remain peaceful.

PRAY WITH US. We will be meeting to pray for our city this Friday morning from 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. at the North Baltimore Mennonite Church (4615 Roland Ave, Baltimore, Maryland 21210). Come for as much or as little of that time as you can to join us in a time of guided prayer and quiet reflection for the sake of Baltimore City.

How persecution grows us as Christians

We face all kinds of suffering. We suffer on a daily basis due to the nature of our fallen world. We are affected by disease, poverty, natural disaster. We also suffer as a result of our own sin and foolishness. But there is one kind of suffering that is a distinctive mark of what it really means to be a church, and that is suffering due to persecution of our faith. John’s letter, and Jesus’ words, to the Church of Smyrna in Revelation 2:8-11 shows us what this kind of suffering is like. Jesus says that when this church holds to the Gospel and refuses to bow down to false gods, they will be slandered (Rev. 2:2), imprisoned and even put to death (2:19). This kind of suffering, unlike other kinds, is a direct result of our faith in action.

What does this mean for us in our cultural context as Americans? While we painfully stand with those around the world who are being tortured, killed and driven out of their homes as a result of their Christian faith, we must recognize that the level of persecution we face pales in comparison. We, by no merit of our own, are a part of a unique cultural moment that demands our humility and gratefulness.

But, in the absence of this kind of persecution and suffering, we must also ask ourselves some tough questions. Does our lack of persecution show that we’ve compromised our convictions in some way? Are we pursuing comfort and stability in this lifetime more than the fearless proclamation of the Gospel?

The truth is, we miss out on the irreplaceable by-products of persecution when we go out of our way to avoid suffering for our faith. After all, suffering strengthens our faith in much different way from prosperity. In the first portion of Revelation 2:9, Jesus says, “I know your afflictions and your poverty – yet you are rich!” In his book, The Screwtape Letters, C.S Lewis writes, “Prosperity knits a man to this world. He thinks he is ‘finding his place in it,’ while really it is finding its place in him.”

Suffering also leads to a unique opportunity for growth. Throughout history, times and places of intense persecution have often been accompanied by intense Church growth and movement.

For those who are suffering for their faith, Christ makes it clear that two things await them: a victor’s crown and an eternity of bliss, stability and peace that cannot be achieved in this lifetime. The early Christians of Smyrna seemed to have this perspective while we often give into the temptation to make our lives as comfortable and safe as possible.

There is nothing Christ asks us to do that He was not willing to do himself.  No amount of persecution, no matter how terrifying, can come close to the physical and spiritual persecution Christ experienced on the cross. He confronted the unjust wrath of man, but also the just wrath of a loving God so that we would not have to pay the price of our sin. He gives us the most assuring promise in Matthew 5:10 when He says, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Listen to Sunday’s sermon on persecution HERE.

The other side of the lake

“Lonely Boat” by Sean J. Connolly is licensed under CC BY 2.0

On Sunday we heard about Jesus leading His disciples to a region called the Gerasenes and restoring a demon-possessed man (Luke 8:26-39). It’s a story that can startle us, especially if we tend to gravitate towards stories that display Jesus’ power over nature.  This miracle, however, reminds us of Jesus’ power over death, sin and the enemy. It’s a story that points directly to what He would later do on the cross.

Here are three things of which this passage reminds us:

1. We have an enemy.

Many of us cautiously ascribe the sin and brokenness of our world to the ambiguous concept of “evil.” The Scriptures, however, are quite clear that we have an enemy who is set on stealing, killing and destroying (John 10:10), and who seeks to attack us as a lion devours its prey (1 Peter 5:8).

We may become over-preoccupied with Satan’s schemes or dismissive of the unseen reality in which we live. But when we look at the demon-possessed man’s life, we cannot deny that the patterns of isolation, pain, self-degradation and anger still plague our society today.

2. Christ is infinitely more powerful.

In this story, Jesus is not the demons’ opponent. There is no competition. They are not pegged against one another. The demon-possessed man falls at Jesus’ feet and the spirits that have been tormenting him beg for mercy because they are subject to the incomparable power of Christ.

We know this because Jesus defeated the power of sin and death on the cross. Just as He loved this man and drove out the demons at the expense of a nearby herd of pigs, He willingly took on our spiritual darkness at the expense of His own life. He was nailed to a cross and buried in a tomb and rose again three days later, all so we could be freed from our sin.

3. He calls us to the other side of the lake.

The healed man was completely transformed. The account in Mark 5 tells us that after the miracle occurred, he was sitting there, dressed and in his right mind and that he went on to share about Jesus in his entire region. All of this was possible because Jesus led the disciples to a place “on the other side of the lake” where they would otherwise never have gone.

To what place is Christ calling you to follow Him? Our faithfulness might only benefit one person, like the demon-possessed man. It might be met with confusion and disapproval, as the surrounding crowd displayed. But as followers of Christ, this invitation is the opportunity to see people move from death to life, isolation to community, shame to restored dignity.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

-John 10:10

Making Christ known in Baltimore’s independent schools

Last Sunday we got the opportunity to hear from Tim Foster, Area Director of FOCUS in Baltimore. This is a Christian ministry committed to exploring "with independent school students a life of faith that is real, adventurous, intellectually sound, and eminently practical.”

FOCUS has been in Baltimore for over 35 years, providing independent school students a way to address important questions about life with mentors and peers. FOCUS sponsors activities and events for independent school students in the area with the intention of sharing the Gospel in a way that is relevant and exciting. Staff and volunteers also meet regularly with students on their campuses.

With over 20 independent schools in Baltimore, the need for relational ministries like FOCUS is huge, especially within City Church’s surrounding neighborhoods. Will you join us as we support Tim and his wife, Jessica, as they follow God’s calling to this ministry?

As Tim shared on Sunday, we can be praying that the Lord would continue to open doors for them as they reach students in the Baltimore area. We are reminded of Paul’s words in Colossians 4:3-4 when he writes from prison,

"And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should."

Let’s also be praying that the Lord provides volunteers to this ministry. If anyone is interested in getting involved, they can contact Tim at tfoster@infocus.org.

He is not just the Bread Giver. He is the Bread.

"Living in a consumer society fueled by sophisticated advertising and relative affluence, we have been given the means and the motivation to pursue countless forms of what we conclude is our own so-called Bread for Life."

–C.J. Jackson

When Jesus fed the five thousand (John  6:1-15), His intent was not only to display the miraculous power of God in turning a meager lunch into a tumultuous feast. He was also revealing to us, as He does throughout Scripture, that He alone is the Bread of Life.

It is no coincidence that this miracle takes place during Passover, reminding us that the deliverance God offers us today is much like His deliverance of the Israelites from bondage and slavery. It reminds us that God provides for us as He did for the Israelites. It also reminds us that God desires for us to worship Him, and not merely the benefits and blessings He bestows upon us.

In Exodus 16, just after God’s people are freed from enslavement, they move out into the desert. They begin complaining because of their hunger, arguing that it would have been better to remain slaves in Egypt than to starve in the place the Lord had brought them (Exodus 16:3). God miraculously provides for their physical needs by raining down bread from heaven every day.

In John, we see that Jesus’ feeding of the five thousand is another story of bread coming down from heaven. After the miracle has taken place, He alludes to the Exodus miracle when He says, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world” (John 6:32-33).

Ultimately, Jesus refers not to the loaves of bread, but to Himself. He demands that our worship be of Him and not merely the blessings He bestows upon us. For it is only through His life, death and resurrection that we gain access to the only eternal and all-satisfying source of life – a relationship with God the Father, bread that never spoils or runs out.

When the Lord meets your needs, do you find yourself worshipping Him, or the things with which He has blessed you?

Listen to “Feeding 5,000” from March 8, 2015.

New Year, New Location, New Time

Beginning Sunday, January 4, City Church will be gathering for worship at 9:00 AM in the Knott Auditorium on the campus of the Notre Dame of Maryland University. The Knott Auditorium is located on the first floor of the Knott Science Center. This will be our new time and location for the foreseeable future. It is a great space that allows for growth in our worship offerings, kid's program offerings, and adult education offerings. So, join us on Sunday, January 4 as we break in our new space. Allow some extra time to find us on your first visit.

New Map

Cutting Room Floor - Easter Weekend

Often there a lot of footnotes, quotes, links, and illustrations that go into worship and a message on Sunday mornings. Some of those items make it, other's don't. The cutting room floor includes a little bit of everything. Here is a sampling from Easter Weekend: Good Friday: "The Forsaken God" from Psalm 22

You can download the sermon here: City Church iTunes Podcast.

Here is a link to Trent Bell's photo gallery entitled REFLECT: Trent Bell Reflect. It shows the images of 12 convicts superimposed on letters they wrote to their younger selves. Here is link to a video produced about his art: REFLECT Video. Here is a piece the Huffington Post did on the project: Convicts Pose With Heartbreaking Letters to Their Younger Selves.

CNN posted a photo documentary on the execution of an Iranian man named Balal. You can see the powerful photos of his forgiveness here: Iranian Execution Halted

Easter Sunday: "God Raised Him Up" from Acts 2:14-41

You can download the sermon here: City Church iTunes Podcast.

Here is a link to the Lincoln Memorial Interactive.

"The good news, the great news, of Jesus is that with his resurrection it becomes clear not only that he is Messiah and Lord, but that in death he has dealt evil itself a blow from which, though it still retains some power, will never overcome." - NT Wright

"Join this movement, allow the death and resurrection of Jesus to become the badge you wear, the sign of your identity, with you and your children sharing in the new life of the baptized community..." - NT Wright

Expanding Our Team

One of the core values of City Church is a passion to care for family and children. We believe church should be the highlight of every kid's weekend, not just because it is fun, but because it connects them with the Good News of Jesus Christ. Our hope is that every child who attends City Church feels valued and loved by our church community and ultimately, by Jesus. Do you share our passion for family and children? If so, consider joining our team. City Church is searching for a part-time City Kid's Director.  It is our hope to develop this position into a full time position down the road. Check out the attached description: City Kids Director.

A Lenten Journey

 

In its simplest form, Lent is a season of reflection and preparation. It has been a practice of the church for centuries across many denominational backgrounds. This forty day season begins with Ash Wednesday and concludes with the celebration of Easter Sunday.

We invite you to journey with us during this season of preparation and reflection as we commit to reflect on the Gospel of Christ. The attached guide is designed to help you walk through this season of reflection and it is designed to be used in community. Consider joining one of our community groups throughout the season of Lent.

Throughout history, Christians have recognized Lent by “giving up” something. We are not asking you to give something up, simply to make the time to pray, read, gather, and worship. The catch is that it will require time, which may inadvertently require giving something up. Time is a precious commodity. We understand that. But we also know time spent journeying through prayer and reflection will be time well spent with the Father.

Lenten Guide 2014

A favorite in our City Kid's program is the "Jesus Storybook Bible" by Sally Lloyd Jones. Here is a Lenten Guide for you and your family to use that walks you through the "Jesus Storybook Bible" from Creation to Resurrection. Your kids will love it and you will find yourself caught up in the story, too. You can find digital copies of the "Jesus Storybook Bible" online for your iPad or Kindle.

Lenten Kid's Guide 2014

The Cutting Room Floor - 2.16.14

Often there are lots of footnotes, quotes, links, and illustrations that go into worship and a message on Sunday mornings. Some of those items make it and others don't. The cutting room floor includes a little bit of everything. Here is a sampling from this week's message entitled: "The Substance of the Mission" from Acts 1:6-12.

You can download the sermon here: City Church iTunes PodCast.

Summary: God gives His people a substantial mission. Acts 1 tells us of the nature of the mission, the extent of the mission, the carriers of the mission, and the object of the mission. Ultimately, the mission is not about what you do, but about who you know.

Extent of the Mission

Check out "The Blog Post That Exploded: Baltimore and Broken Hearts" for an account of the recently viral Baltimore blogs. Make sure to read "Baltimore, You're Breaking My Car."

We referenced Antero Pietila's comments on the neighborhood divisions that exist in Baltimore. His book "Not in My Neighborhood" is an excellent resource on understanding the real estate practices that led to the current make-up of Baltimore City neighborhoods.

Carriers of the Mission

Here's a quote written in the 2nd century by church father Athenagorus about the carriers of the mission:

“Among us you will find uneducated persons and artisans and old women, who, if they are unable to prove the benefits of doctrine, yet by their deeds they exhibit the benefits arising from their persuasion of its truth. They do not practice great speeches, but they exhibit good works. When struck, they do not strike back. When robbed, they do not go to law. They give to those who ask of them. And they love their neighbors as themselves." 

Object of the Mission

Here are photos from the Baltimore Sun's Darkroom on the Great Fire of Baltimore, 1904.