A great way of closing out 09: Christmas Village Toy Store

I received an email from Scott Miller this week giving our staff an update on the success of the Christmas Village Toy Store. If you've been a part of Watershed for any length of time, you've heard us talk about this justice initiative the past two years. It continues to expand in both size and momentum. I'm so proud that our community is able to participate in something of this nature. God has invited us to pursue and explore loving mercy and doing justice. Our hope is that as the future unfolds for our community justice will become, more and more, a foundational part of our DNA, in both word and deed. Check this out.

Hey Matt and Scott,

Not sure if you want to give a mention to the success of The Christmas Village Toy Store but if so if you do here are the details:

• The toy store opened on Thursday of last week at 11 a.m. however at 6:15 a.m. our first customer arrived to get in line. When the doors opened hundreds were already in line. People were super grateful and one of my favorite things was watching shoppers express their gratitude by hugging my sister. It was of course extra cool because it was my sister. Below are some pics.

• Watershed ended up donating over 200 toys to the store (2009 goal: was 150) (2008 goal: was 100)

• The Toy store served 632 Charlotte families this year.

• The Toy Store ended up raising $36,700 towards a local scholarship fund for at-risk youth & will fund scholarships for local homeless kids to attend a summer camp.

If you have not had a chance to take part in the store then you MUST get involved next year...I guarantee you will be blow away by the combination of joy & dignity that is expressed and experienced through this initiative. Let me know if you need anything else on this front.

Scott

Christmas may never be the same.

We may be less than two weeks away from Christmas but for the 6 people baptized at the Johnston YMCA, it's conceivable that Christmas's from here on out, will always carry more weight than they have in the past.

I think that could certainly be said for Kristopher Harris. In the past two months, not only was he baptized, but he also was married. It was awesome to see his new bride Corey and a ton of his family and friends stop by to experience this yesterday.

I first sat down with Kristopher less than a year ago during which time he was still wrestling with and processing faith. I wish I could say that our friendship together was foundational in him coming to some life changing conclusions. But that wasn't the case. In fact, he sort of went of the grid, so to speak, dealing with all the details and distractions of getting married. Yet... when you hear his story, you get the sense that God was relentless in his pursuit of Kristopher's life. I think He'd agree, while relationships were important in his coming to some sort of resolve, moments of deep introspection and reflection about his life and the reality of God in Christ, were turning points for his paradigmatic shift. I've included, (with his permission) the story he shared yesterday just before getting baptized. Check out this incredibly raw yet honest description of how this played out in Kristopher's life.

When I was in high school, my family, for one reason or another, simply stopped attending church. At that point in my life, a relationship with God and Christ didn't appear important to me. As I left high school and began college, skepticism crept into my spiritual arguments. I thought, "Man isn't supposed to understand God" and "How can humankind even rationalize that which is divine?" I viewed Christians as self righteous, egotistical, and having all the answers when there weren't even questions. This negative rationalization of my faith brought anger, frustration, even desperation. After college, like many other eager graduates, I quickly felt the world knocking me down. All my efforts were futile and hopeless. In viewing God, I felt that the brighter his light would shine, the longer my shadow would cast, I felt hidden, obscured, and misunderstood.

After years of struggling with this immature view, I began to listen to my heart more and more. The constant tugging that I felt is what I now realize to be God's pursuit of me; even though in a way I left His doorstep, he continued to always pursue me. I now know that there is no light and darkness, that He is all. In my quest to rationalize, I learned that man cannot truly understand God; that is why he created Christ. Christ embodies all He is, which is a flesh translation of God. Only by studying the ways of Christ, can I walk the path to God. Christ is the beacon and the way, and by understanding his teachings and following his example and ways can I begin to understand and connect with God.

I choose Baptism because I want to publicly claim my purpose to walk with Christ. I want my family, friends, and the church community to all know of my decision. I no longer want to carry the burdens of life that have piled on my shoulders, weighing me down and keeping me from something greater; a life with Christ and God. I want to share my life with those I love as memorable and worthwhile as possible. I can never be the husband to Corey that I want to be unless I am able to ask God to share my burdens; to journey with Christ and seek the Lord Almighty. I want to share this Baptismal experience with Watershed, the place where I feel spiritually at home.

Kristopher Harris

Is perception reality?

This weekend we begin our "Deck My Heart" christmas series at Watershed. I love Christmas and am looking forward to this Sunday's conversation. On that note, I am in need of some assistance from anyone that would oblige me for a minute or two. We've all probably seen or taken part in the Rorschack Test. (Otherwise known as an inkblot test.) I was hoping you could help me out by giving me your first impression of this image? I'm conducting a bit of an experiment for Sunday morning. Merry Christmas.

Baptism ... "I think I'll need to hold you under a little longer than the others!"

I had the privilege of speaking at Crosspoint in South Charlotte this morning. Hence, why I was invisible at Watershed. I would have mentioned this during our announcements this morning had I been on site, but since I wasn't, I thought it would be worth shooting out a reminder to everyone about our next baptism.

December 13th Watershed will hold it's 5th baptism. (Our first since moving into the NoDa area of Charlotte.) I don't think there's a more significant marker for a person's spiritual trajectory, than baptism. Watershed is filled with all sorts of people who are wrestling through new considerations as it relates to faith in Jesus Christ.

In the final hours of Jesus' life, he instructed his disciples to baptize anyone that was willing to become apprentices to the "Jesus Way" of seeing the world, their life and God's invitation to join him in bringing healing and hope to the world.

Baptism then serves as a symbolic moment for a person who has embraced the fulness of the latter. It's symbolic of letting go of a life that was once dead without Christ but is now being raised in a new life WITH Christ. It's symbolic of taking a bath. Getting a clean start because of God's work on the Cross. The Cross says, "In Jesus, I'm forgiven and can start a new." It's symbolic of a new allegiance. It's so easy to get wrapped up in loyalty and faith to all sorts of pursuits or ideals to the point that your allegiance is pledged to so many other things other than God. Baptism is a declaration that this is no longer true. That your allegiance is now with Jesus and the kingdom he introduced to the world.

One thing baptism is NOT. Baptism is NOT the pinnacle of faith. It's not the finish line to spirituality or religious status. In fact, it's the opposite. It's the beginning. The starting blocs of a life in pursuit of connecting one's life to God through his Son. Baptism says..."Let it be known from this day forward, that my life is now on a new trajectory towards Jesus. From this day forward, let the world know, 'To whom I belong!' And from this day forward the remainder of my days will be spent walking, as best I can, in sync with a Jesus, who knows what it means to walk in sync with the God that created me."

I know this synopsis doesn't address every question associated with Baptism. But I do hope it creates a burrowing curiosity as to whether or not this may be an appropriate, NEXT STEP, for you in your life. If you are wanting to dialogue more about this, feel free to email me at matt@watershedcharlotte.com. Or you can continue to learn more by clicking here.

Either way, I hope you'll make it a point to at come and witness our next baptism on the 13th.

When:
December 13th, 2009

Where:
The Johnston YMCA
(Less than a mile from Center Stage towards NoDa on the left)
3025 N Davidson St

Waiting for my real life to begin.

I can remember growing up in the 70's and my dad being obsessed with music from the 1950's and early 60's. I never really jived with Bill Haley and the Comet's or Franki Valli. However, Elvis, Johnny Cash and Buddy Holly totally rocked! The point being that at 43, I think I understand my dad's sentimentalism towards the music from his early years. These days, I find myself drawn to some of the acoustic versions of music from my generation, dating back to the late 70's and 80's. They have a fondness and warmth that I find soothing to my soul.

Jackson Brown, Bruce Springsteen, Cyndi Lauper and more recently Colin Hay, formerly the lead singer from Men at Work, all grace my playlist in acoustic fashion. In fact, I ran across this more recent song from Hay that was a part of a past episode of Scrubs. It's lyrics reminded me of the struggle of so many in our community and world, who seem frozen in some of the most uncertain and challenging times of their life. It also reminded me that life as a student and follower of Jesus, can begin answering the question, "What does it mean to truly be alive when so much of your life feels fraudulent or dead?"

Check out the lyrics and scroll down if you'd like to listen. See if this doesn't stir your soul.

Waiting for my real life to begin. Colin Hay

Any minute now my ship is coming in
I'll keep checking the horizon
And I'll stand on the bow
And feel the waves come crashing
Come crashing down, down, down on me

And you said,"Be still, my love
Open up your heart
Let the light shine in"
Don't you understand?
I already have a plan
I'm waiting for my real life to begin

When I awoke today suddenly nothing happened
But in my dreams I slew the dragon
And down this beaten path
And up this cobbled lane
I'm walking in my own footsteps once again

And you say,"Just be here now
Forget about the past
Your mask is wearing thin"
Let me throw one more dice
I know that I can win
I'm waiting for my real life to begin

Any minute now my ship is coming in
I'll keep checking the horizon
And I'll check my machine
There's sure to be that call
It's gonna happen soon, soon, oh so very soon
It's just that times are lean

And you say,"Be still, my love
Open up your heart
Let the light shine in"
Don't you understand?
I already have a plan
I'm waiting for my real life to begin

On a clear day
I can see, see for a long way

On Ramp: Three Week Mini-Bloc begins in December!

Beginning December 6, Scott Hofert and I will be leading a 3 week bloc experience called On Ramp. We believe there is a significant number of new people who attend Transit but have been unable or apprehensive to jump into a bloc for it's full duration. We want to help bridge the gap for this type person. During these three weeks, you can expect to meet new friends, discover a little more about who we are and what we value as a community and hopefully, walk way with a greater sense of how you see yourself finding traction within the community of Watershed.

Dates: December 6, 13, 22.

Time: 9:00 am to 10:00 am

Where: Amelie's French Bakery across the street from Center Stage.

2424 N. Davidson St.

If you have children and need child care, please notify us by November 26th.

Four Years of Remembering

During week two of the current Talk to Me series, we took a weekend out to Remember two specific areas that seem to have been developing, expanding and maturing since Watershed's inception four years ago. Specifically the areas of Justice/Mercy and Relationships. If you missed this particular weekend, it would be well worth your while to check out the Watershed podcast online. At the very least, you should check out the video testimony Heidi Snyderburn's presented in the area of Justice. (Scroll down.)

Week two was also special in that there was an interactive at the end of Transit. Essentially, we invited everyone present to take a moment and reflect on the past weeks, months and years of their journey with God since connecting to our community. On a 6 x 6 piece of origami paper, we asked those in attendance to write down the one or two events, circumstances or epiphanies where their relationship with God made a difference or specific area or a circumstance or situation in which they desired God to become actively involved in. We then had them bring come forward and attach them to a display that stood in front of the stage.

The display was an mile marker of sorts, telling the story of our struggles, callings, victories, dreams, and longings for so much more in our lives. It was a symbol of our deep-seated desire for more of God's work in our lives. As you enter the lobby this Sunday at Center Stage, if you missed week two, you are invited to add to what we as a community have been building on for the past two weekends. Simply take a moment and write down something within your life connected to God that is noteworthy from the past year. Or, take a moment and pen an anonymous prayer to God about something in your life or future that you sense would be important for Him to have influence or sway. Hope you can make it to Transit this Sunday.

FC Watershed wins championship!

A big high five to our Soccer Bloc. They recently became league champs by SPANKING their opponent 7-1! I'm not sure that's what Jesus would have done? But WAY TO GO nonetheless!

(Brian Buchanan,.. digging those socks!)

What has happened?

To say we've been running to beat the band since moving into Center Stage this past August is a gross understatement. So much has happened that has created incredible momentum in some really key areas for us as a community. Greenhouse for our kids is healthier and more vibrant. Our bloc community is thriving like never before. Roughly 75% of our regular attenders are connecting into blocs these days. Transformation continues to happen and people continue to experience forward motion towards a life with Christ. I told one of our bloc leaders just this past week that we are hoping to start 2 to 3 new blocs in January. If we started them tomorrow, I think we'd fill them up in a flash.

All this to say, in the frenzy of it all, we have yet to really stop and bask in what's happened and how God has really infused and blessed this community in some unique ways. So this Sunday... we want to attempt to do this at some level. In order to know who you are, in order to know who you are becoming, it's important to be clear on where you've been and what has happened. How often, in our own lives, do we fail to slow down long enough to consider the past? How stronger would our self awareness be, how stronger would our decisions regarding the present...and ultimately our future become if we were to make this a consistent rhythm in our lives. And how would this fare if we began including God in the mix of it all as well.

I'm really looking forward to this Sunday! Hope you can join me.

P.S. Don't forget. This Sunday at 2 a.m. there is a time change. Falling back is the drill I believe. Enjoy your extra hour of Z's.

Communion...Community

I will continue my thoughts on those things that perplex me next week. Sorry for the brief intermission in my blogging. The demands of Watershed and my family, forced me to step away for a couple of weeks.

To wrap up the Playlist series this Sunday, in Transit, we will be observing communion as part of the Transit experience. We do this in Transit once a quarter. For so many, whether they are casual observers or active participants, it has the potential to become a powerful moment. In terms of how we view communion, the eucharist or the partaking of the sacraments, allow me to offer some perspective in regards to how we see this playing out in our community. I hope this enriches and help prepare you for this weekend.

Each time the elements are served, for the person who has identified their life with Jesus, it's a reminder of what has happened on our behalf and what is possible in our life with him. Just as the body of Jesus was broken and his blood spilled on our behalf, just as he was resurrected, we too, in our brokenness and sin, by identifying ourselves with him, we too can now experience a life that is resurrected/resurrecting. Hence, for someone struggling, for someone at the end of their rope, for someone disoriented by the weight of a life gone haywire, entering into this age old practice has the potential to be transforming and healing.

It's also serves as a symbol of how, in our brokenness and in Christ...we are united as a community. There's so much that divides us in this world. As a Jesus community, those things that inherently divide the rest of the world,... those things need not divide us. Instead we are to be united as brothers and sisters in Christ's life, death and resurrection. We are reminded, in partaking of the Eucharist, that our flaws create a common point of connection and that in spite of this flaw, we are united by the potential and possibility of a new life in Jesus.

One last thing, the supper, sitting at the table... partaking... is in it's essence, is an invitation to let go of bitterness, anger, and the unwillingness to forgive. It's the opportunity, and really, it's our calling and mandate as followers of Jesus, to repent of any sin or indiscretion in our personal lives. To seek forgiveness from someone we've offended. To ask God's forgiveness. And to once again, accept the grace that's been offered by his work in Jesus.

So much more could be said about communion. I will apologize in advance for being incomplete at one level. But I wanted to at least get your wheels turning in a way that may cause you to move towards this weekend with a greater measure of reflection, a deeper sense of appreciation, an expanded perspective of connectedness and finally, a reason to experience celebration.

Grace and Peace,

Matt