Bringing Life

"In him was life, and the life was the light of men." John 1:4

I couldn't even believe what I read. It was a screen shot of a text message that my good friend Todd had received about the Christmas Tree in downtown Byron. It read:

"I've been meaning to tell you how fabulously beautiful the tree looks. I also want to tell you thank you for bringing life to the town. Have a Merry Christmas."

Man, I'm glad people like that tree! Who knew? But did you catch what was said? Let me break it down a little bit, "Thank you...for bringing life..." 

That's exactly it! The author of the text message could not have more perfectly described why we have planted a church in this community--to bring life! Jesus is life! He came to give life abundantly. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He is the Resurrection and the Life. He has authority to give eternal life!

I am praying that the author of that message comes to our Christmas Eve gathering. I'm asking God to allow me the honor of proclaiming the Name of the One who is bringing life to the town. There are souls out there fertile for the seed of the Gospel! I don't know how many other opportunities the Lord will give us to share the Good News of Jesus with this community, but He sure as given us this opportunity! Let's use it to point to Jesus!

We're halfway through 30 Days of Prayer for Christmas Eve. Join me and let's continue praying that they might be saved!

Grace & Peace,
John

(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)

Let Your Light Shine!

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:16

Man do I love Christmas! I love watching my kids open presents. I love food and parties and music! I love decorations. I love the lights! Shining, flashing, attractive, different colors and shapes and sizes. I think Christmas has to be the most illuminated time of the year. You get your house all decorated, and if your house is like ours, you don't need that table lamp from the week before Thanksgiving until the 3rd week of January! Streets full of houses that are dim and dark all year suddenly pop with row upon row of brilliant lights. We bought like 600' of lights for the tree we set up in downtown Byron! I love the lights!

Then I got to thinking, read that, the Spirit started talking. This is precisely what we are supposed to be! Lights in the world. Jesus says it here in Matthew. Paul says it in Philippians. John talks about light shining in the darkness and walking in the light. We are supposed to be that house covered in lights that all of a sudden, in a dark and evil world, causes someone to stop and think, "There must still be something good out there."

We didn't put that tree up so we could say we did something cool or draw attention to ourselves, which did both happen, but that's not why. We did it so that I could stand on that corner talking to a guy, who needs the Lord. A guy who, if we hadn't let our light shine before men, might not have been interested in talking at all. There was no profession of faith or prayer over life's difficult circumstances. Just two guys talking about there still being good in the world as we looked at a Christmas Tree. A Christmas Tree covered in lights and giving a sense of, "Yeah, there's still something good out there."

This is why we put so much effort into this season of the year. This is precisely why we are involved in the things we are involved in this month! To let our light shine so that our friends and neighbors will see it and may give glory to God because of it! I'm praying for that guy. that he sees The Light, and that he understands it and responds to it. I'm praying for your "guy" too. That whoever they are, they may see your good deeds as you live out your life following Christ and give glory to our Father who is in heaven.

Grace & Peace,
John

(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)

You are doing well!

"My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory." James 2:1

We're a pretty close, fun group of people at The Village Church. I love the fellowship and the time we have been spending getting to know one another. I truly feel that God has not just planted a church, but a family of people that truly care for one another, love the Lord, and a burden for the lost around them.

Many of us came out from The Rock Church in September, and to this point, most of us know pretty much everyone around us each weekend. however, over the next several weeks, that dynamic is slowly going to begin changing as we actively start pursuing the community to come in and hear of the wonderful love of the our Savior and Lord.

Our doors have not been closed to anyone, but they are about to be opened to everyone. Soon, new faces with new names from new families with new dynamics and circumstances will start coming into our midst.

We must make every effort to never lose the bond of peace that the Spirit has given us, but we must never allow that bond and peace with one another to cause us to show partiality as new people start to come in. Visitors and guests among us should be welcomed with as warm of a greeting and with as genuine a care as our brothers and sisters get now.

I want to challenge us as a church, as new people start to enter the doors each week, that we take time to catch their name. Maybe an occupation. Find out where someone lives and take a genuine interest in their life. Let's never be known as a church that shows partiality but one that as James 2:8 says, "If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, 'You shall Love your neighbor as yourself,' you are doing well."

Grace & Peace,
John

(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)

30 Days of Prayer for Christmas Eve

"If my people, who are called by my name,will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

This is one of the very first memory verses that my father ever had me learn. Over the years it has become very profound to me. It is a complex verse as far as how many words and the order they go in, but the simplicity of it is the Gospel itself! Realize your need for God, turn to God and repent, be forgiven and be made new.

This is precisely the message that we are praying for and working so hard to deliver to people throughout December and especially on Christmas Eve. I was inspired by our friends at Flint City Church this past week, when I learned that they were entering into a 40 day season of prayer.I felt a little nudge from the Holy Spirit to stir the same thing among us here at The Village. We talk often about being a church of prayer and a church in prayer and I could think of no greater season to commit to pray through than the one directly infront of us, where we are seeking to proclaim the Gospel to as many as would gather.

So beginning Friday, November 24th, I am calling the people of The Village Church to join me in 30 Days of Prayer for Christmas Eve. No special place, no set time, just a focused effort to pray daily for the work ahead of us.

Here is what we are praying for:

• Salvation. For Salvation to come to the homes of many who attend our Christmas Eve gathering. Maybe you have a specific family member or friend that you will be inviting, pray for them! Maybe you meet someone through community interaction, pray for them! Pray that God rescues many to His Kingdom.
   
• Resources. That God would supply, as He has been very faithful to do, the necessary resources for our Christmas Eve gathering. Your church leadership believes strongly in being wise stewards of our finances and resources. That said, we do hope to provide a nice, festive atmosphere for people who gather on Christmas Eve. There will be necessary equipment and decor.
   
• Health and Protection. Several weeks ago I wrote about going down to the sea in ships and doing business on great waters. That is precisely what we are doing right now for Christmas Eve. And you can be sure that the kingdom of darkness does not like it, does not want it, and will try to stop it. But our Warrior God tells us to stand firm! Pray for the spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical protection of the body as attack is sure to come.

I hope you will join me for 30 Days of Prayer for Christmas Eve! I would love to pray for you specifically if I can, so please let me know! Keep your eyes open in this email for details and look for ways to be involved. It's going to take a Village trusting in the Lord with all of their might to make this Christmas Eve happen! Let's be diligent and devoted to prayer!

Grace & Peace,
John

(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)

The Move!

"The heart of a man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." -Proverbs 16:9

Todd shared this verse a couple of weeks ago during our Sunday prayer time and I've been pondering it a lot lately.

Through months of prayer, many conversations, planning, shifting plans, scrapping plans and coming up with new plans, we have held fast that our planning is inconsequential to what the Lord wants us to do. No, there isn't anything wrong with planning and preparation, to say so is unbiblical. But, to think that our plans alone are going to allow us to do anything, is also unbiblical. We plan and prepare and seek the Lord, and if it is in line with God's will, He allows us to step forward for His kingdom.

Doors haven't flung wide open for us in any of the buildings or locations we desired to meet in. God did open the doors of a building through local, humble, Christian business owners. The sign shop has been a great place to get things off the ground, but it's been getting pretty tight in there. And that was before a massively successful trunk-or-treat where people didn't really know us yet.

The last week of October we started talking with the school more about meeting there on a weekly, recurring basis. We were told that was a possibility, but arranging everything would take some time, maybe a month! So we started planning, at least through November, to be at the sign shop.

Then the day after trunk-or-treat, November 1st, the school contacted us and said that everything was all set for us to start meeting there as early as this Sunday, November 5th.

Before any confusion sets in, we will be at the sign shop this Sunday, November 5th!

Starting next Sunday, November 12th at 10am, we will begin meeting at Byron High School, in the cafeteria. We don't know how long we will meet there. There is a price involved. There is labor involved. There are needed resources involved. There is a lot involved. So we will pray, have many conversations, plan, shift plans, scrap plans and come up with new plans, all while holding fast that if our plans are in line with the will of God, He will allow us to take another step for His kingdom in our community.

Church, you cannot know how beyond excited this pastor is to be on this unbelievable journey with you! Watch for a special email Sunday afternoon regarding further details about how you can be involved in this new chapter of The Village Church!

Grace & Peace,
John

(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)

Trust in the Lord

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your path." -Proverbs 3:5-6

Don't think I haven't realized that there is less daylight everyday, that the temps are colder, and that many more 65-70 degree Sunday mornings are unlikely. As I write this, November is one week away. This past week 102 people joined in worship at the sign shop, spilling into the driveway with the garage doors open and the sun shining. The question among many is, "What are you going to do when the snow flies?!" My answer is the same now as it was before we knew that the sign shop is where we would be gathering this fall.

• We are going to continue trusting the Lord who has graciously provided all that we have needed to this point.
• We are not going to try and figure out by human understanding that which God has already planned out for us.
• We are going to acknowledge Him in everything that we do, making His Great Name known every step of the way!

As we keep taking steps forward and asking God to open doors, the leading opportunity that we can see is the Byron High School. Byron High School presents some great opportunities! An easily recognizable location. Plenty of space. Plenty of parking. Opportunity to figure out logistics and plan for Christmas Eve. Opportunity to grow. Without serious effort on our part, we have had visitors come through our doors the last two weeks, the first of many I believe.

We are going to walk down the straight path that He will make as we rely on Him. I hope you are as excited by all of this as I am! Join with me in prayer for God's direction!

Grace & Peace,
John

(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)

Thank You!

The past couple of weeks I have written what I suppose have been semi-lengthy pieces for this part of the email. I'll keep it short this week.

THANK YOU!

Thank you for your spirit of enthusiasm when we gather. Thank you for your generosity in giving to the work God has called us to. Thank you for praying over the church, the leadership, and the community. Thank you for listening to the Lord, taking a step of faith, and committing to this work. Thank you for your kindness and friendship. Thank you for allowing me the honor of opening the Bible with you and caring for you. I absolutely love it.

I love gathering with you! I love the small personal interaction, as well as the collective of us being together. I love watching people grow and be motivated by the Word of the Lord. I'm very thankful in my heart of hearts that the Lord has brought us together and I cannot wait to see what He will do in and through us as we follow Him!

Grace & Peace,
John

(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)

Devoted to Prayer

"And they devoted themselves to...prayer." - Acts 2:42

When I think about the church throughout the book of Acts, and when I consider the Apostles' writings to the early churches there is one glaring thing that stands out. Prayer. The saints and believers in the early church were always praying! About everything! And God is doing some crazy things because of it! Prison chains fell off and doors flung open. Dead people came back to life. Sick were healed. Even the Holy Spirit coming to mankind was preceded by believers in prayer.

From the very beginning, it has been a desire to see The Village Church be a church of prayer before the Lord. This is why we have time devoted to prayer each week when we gather.

I'm excited to tell you about the start of weekly, Sunday morning prayer; 8:30am-9ish, every Sunday. The Bible tells us that, through Christ, we can approach the throne of grace boldly and with confidence. I desire for us to be church that is bold and confident before God in prayer. I want to see the hand of God do what only the hand of God can do when His people are fervent in prayer before Him. 

Join me for prayer, 8:30 Sunday morning, at the sign shop.

Grace & Peace,
John

(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)

How We Must Go

Paul writes, in Philippians 1:27, "Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, striving side by side for the faith of the gospel..."

Standing Firm. the Bible calls us to stand firm in several places. But, every time it calls us to stand firm, it calls us to stand firm and trust in God.

One spirit. That there would be no division among the body. the Bible is crystal clear that the body of Christ is to be a unified body. I pray for unity among us.

One mind. That our thoughts and goals, all unique as individuals, would blend together into one focused effort to reach the lost and build each other up as.

Striving side by side for the faith of the gospel. This is what our life in Christ is all about. Be it from the beginning of salvation in someones life, to the last breath of a believer, we live for the glory of God through our faith in the hope of Jesus Christ!

I'm excited to worship with you this Sunday! I'm excited to see what God will do among us and in our community. I'm excited to see souls saved, to see Christians grow and trained and to see disciples and missionaries and pastors and teachers sent out into the world to do all over again what we are praying to see and seeing right here in Byron.

Grace & Peace,
John

(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)

No Satisfaction!

"I can't get no satisfaction." That line just keeps resounding in my head...along with that jammin' guitar.

We had a beautiful time of worship and fellowship on Sunday and I was thoroughly satisfied in the unity of the body in Christ and the opportunity to share the precious Good News of Jesus to those that had gathered. But, as the calendar turned to Monday, I can't help but think, "Am I looking for satisfaction somewhere other than in my Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ?" 

I am the man who found the treasure. I am the merchant who found the one pearl of great value. But have I sold all that is dear for the sake of what I have found? I want my life to be thoroughly sold out to the Lord and King, Jesus Christ.

I pray for you, as you begin your week, that you would sell your life out for the name of Jesus Christ - the King, and His Kingdom.

Grace & Peace,
John

(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)

The First Step!

"Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves." -Luke 10:3.

I've often wondered what in the world must have been going through the disciple's minds when Jesus told them this. And now that we are within a week of our first gathering among the community, I think I understand in the smallest of ways. It is a terrifying thing to step out and do what God has called you to do. We have no idea how the community will react to us. We have no idea what the thoughts of people may be about the Lord, church, or people in the church. But even as the disciples responded to the Lord and went out from among Him to proclaim that the Kingdom of God has come near, we will do the same thing. 

So this week, as you go about whatever business you have from day to day, be in prayer for this Sunday. Be in prayer for the people who will gather and worship with us. Be in prayer for the stranger who may walk up and become our guest. Be in prayer for people in the community to see families loving one another and friends supporting one another as evidence of Christ's reality.

After submitting to the King's command and proclaiming His Kingdom, the disciples returned to tell of the wondrous things they had seen. When next Sunday is over and we are all exhausted for the glory of God and Christ's Kingdom, I long for us to to gather and tell of the wondrous things that we saw!

Grace & Peace,
John

(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)

Out on Great Waters

"Some went down to the sea in ships, doing business on the great waters; they saw the deeds of the Lord, his wondrous works in the deep. For he commanded and raised the stormy wind, which lifted up the waves of the sea. They mounted up to heaven; they went down to the depths; their courage melted away in their evil plight; they reeled and staggered like drunken men and were at their wits' end. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven." Psalm 107:23-30

My pastor, mentor, and great friend, Wes Morris, shared this passage once at a staff meeting and then preached a sermon on it. It has never left my mind and it has never been more relevant in my life than it is right now.

On September 17th, at 10am, just outside of the town of Byron, Michigan, more than 100 people went down to the sea, boarded a ship and shoved off from the docks to do business on great waters. The "some" is you and I. The "ship" is The Village Church. The "sea" is our life in Christ Jesus, and "the great waters" is the work we have been called to and entrusted with. We are setting off on a journey to see God save the souls of man from eternal death to eternal life. To see people freed from the burden and bondage of sin and set free to a meaningful, abundant life with Christ.

I remember so clearly when Wes said, "Some people never untie from the docks, ya know? They just think it's great to be on the ship." Well we won't see anyone saved from the wages of their sin if we're just on the ship. We won't see anyone set free if we don't untie the dock line, put out to sea, and get out on the rough, stormy waters of peoples lives, where only God can calm the storm. I don't just want to be on the ship. I want to get out on great waters and see the deeds of the Lord and his wondrous works! 

Grace & Peace,
John

(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)

Let's Get to Work!

I cannot even believe that the info meeting has come and gone! It was a moment that we had spent many months in prayer over. However, the reality is that now, it's time to get to work! It is time to meet our neighbors. It is time to be in prayer, as a church, for the community. It is time to dig into the Word of God and prepare our minds for action. At the info meeting, we talked about the importance of relationship development over the next several months. We are not simply inviting people to a new church so the church can be full. We are working to build relationships with people so that through us God might save their soul! It's fun to have friends and fun to be neighbors, but remember that the heartbeat of what God has called us to is to make disciples! In the Great Commission, Jesus tells us to preach, baptize and disciple. Preach. It's the first thing. "Tell them about me," Jesus says. But we must realize that the first step in proclaiming Jesus is this, "Hi, my name is... What do you do? Where do you live? Hey I have kids too!" Over and over, throughout the Gospel accounts of Jesus, we see Him being relational with people. People matter to Jesus. People must matter to us too. It's not about the amount of them in the church. It's about the amount that we care for them and display the love of the Savior. After all, it was Jesus who said that the second most important commandment is to "love your neighbor as yourself." (Mark 12:31)

I can't wait to see what God will do through us, in this community and beyond, as we begin gathering together! I can't wait to serve Jesus together with you!

Grace & Peace,
John

(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)