What kind of Christian are you? The back of my new Grace/Warren business card says: I AM THAT DISCIPLE: Producing Plumbline, Platinum Level Saints. What are Plumbline, Platinum Level Saints? I'm glad you asked. Plumb Lines are what contractors use to make certain that buildings are verticle i.e., straight. God says in Amos 7:7 that He was "putting a plumb line in the midst of Israel." You are some of God's Plumb Lines. This was our sermon topic on July 11, 2010. Platinum is considered to be a material of high quality (this applies to you. People of high quality). The word Level, indicates a degree of excellence (this applies to the quality of our Christian work). The term Saint, relates to being Christians - people who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. It is about you. It has always been about you, the reason Jesus went to the Cross in the first place was because of you. 
 
Therefore, Plumbline Platinum Level Saints are the most faithful of Christians, who carry out the excellent Will of God with joy, passion and enthusiam. I am energetic and enthusiastic about Matthew 28:19 "Go and Make Disciples." We used to call this Saving Souls. I need your help, with meeting, greeting, sharing and inviting people, friends, relatives, students, young families and co-workers to Warren and Grace so that our churches are FULL every Sunday. My number one priority right now is to Grow our 2 Churches. Is it necessary to have Plumbline, Platinum Level Saints who practice contagious, super friendly Radical Hospitality that draws people to our Churches and to Christ? Yes, if we want to grow our Churches and see them flourish. Remember, friendly people, good music, relevant programs and solid preaching grows churches. And the people said, Amen!
 
A SPECIAL THANK YOU FROM THE PASTOR!
Warren! Thank you for the Dinner Reception given to welcome me to Warren July 18, 2010. I feel so blessed and privileged to be a part of the people of God whose passion for Jesus Christ is expressed and evident in the extraordinary care of your place of worship. Praise the Lord! You are to be commended and recognized for this bright and heart-felt witness. It has been said, a person's relationship with Christ and a church's passion for the Lord can be measured by how well they care for their building. Let the Church say AMEN! Also, my words can not fully express my thanks for the kindness of your hearts in working with me to get off to a good start and for receiving a Minister, who is very much different from past Pastors. God Bless You all. This kindness puts a giant smile upon God's holy face, and mine too. Again, thank you and let the church say AMEN! 
 
NEBRASKA ANNUAL CONFERENCE NEW COLLEGE CAMPUS MINISTRY:
The Nebraska Annual Conference has chartered a new campus ministry at UNL called "TIME OUT- The United Methodist Church on Campus."  Our Conference sold the Cornerstone facility prompting a new campus ministry approach. The participating churches providing and supporting the above are St. Paul, Lakeview, Newman, Faith, Warren and Grace. With no on-campus worship facility, students will be attending the aforementioned churches. The first organizational meeting with the Pastors was held at the Conference Office 7/15/10 at 1pm consisting of Sharese Bogguess Campus Ministry Coordinator, Dr. Jesse Foster Conference Director of Leadership Development, Pastor Steve Griffith of St. Paul, Rev. Joseph Rafique and myself. At a location and scheduling to be determined, the pastors will rotate teaching a weekly Bible Study Class, with topics chosen by the students - somewhere "on campus." The students also designed a new campus ministry logo. Please spread the word about this new and exciting ministry.
 
Important Campus Ministry dates for August:
19th UNL Campus Ministry Student Reception
20th BIG RED WELCOME 5pm
21st BIG RED WELCOME
22nd BIG RED WELCOME
27th UNL Student Campus Ministry Meet & Greet Game Night