tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231364432024-03-13T16:45:08.772-05:00On Second thought.....News and notes about life at First Christian Church of OwassoCharlie Curranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334573814882658997noreply@blogger.comBlogger259125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23136443.post-63249333167979572482011-08-26T12:24:00.003-05:002011-08-26T12:32:52.264-05:00Pray for Providence Rhode Island churches Over a year ago, I became acquainted with the Restoration House Ministries in Manchester NH. It is a church planting organization that is doing amazing things in the Northeast. I love Restoration House because they refused give up on the possibilities of reaching the Northeast for Christ. They have well over a dozen church plants going on, and many of them are doing incredibly well. Their leaders helped us with our Stone Canyon Campus plant as well. <div>
<br /></div><div>Two of those Northeast church plants are located in Providence Rhode Island. Northpointe Christian Church is just a year and a half old and has blown away the community with their love and care for Providence. Additionally, they are ready to launch a new church in the southern part of the city called Southpointe. Launch date is October 30th. I am a part of the Partnership Team for Southpointe. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>I am asking you to pray for both of these churches as Irene approaches this weekend. They are in the bulls-eye of this storm. Pray for their protection. Pray for the opportunities that will present themselves to both of these churches after the storm passes. These churches are all about helping the community and there are going to be some amazing opportunities for them. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>I know that Jerry Dusenberry and Tanner Green would appreciate your prayers as well. They are the lead church planters for the these two churches. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Thanks for your prayers. We are invested in these churches and care very much for them. I will give you any updates that I receive as time goes on. </div>Charlie Curranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334573814882658997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23136443.post-9286003340618954682011-08-12T13:36:00.003-05:002011-08-12T13:54:14.412-05:00NOW IS THE TIME....We are at a critical juncture in the history of our church. Does that sound too dramatic for you? Well, there are times when God calls a church to take risks and huge steps of faith, often without all the details filled in, so that He can accomplish His will in a community and in the world. <div>
<br /></div><div>NOW IS THE TIME FOR FCC OWASSO. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Our church has always answered the call. Whether it was way back in the beginning in 1907 when a small band of believers started the church, to decisions made in good times and bad, to moving from one building to another, or building on to facilities, we have been a church on the move. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>In 2008 we moved from 86th Street to North Garnett. It might have been the time to relax and say,<i> "Well, that is all over, now we can take a break. "</i> But our church did not. In the three plus years since we moved in we have grown nearly 60%. Our fall of 2011 looks like we will be in record territory on so many levels. We have added a second campus at Stone Canyon. We have helped plant two churches in Chicago and New York City. We are heavily invested in missions teams in Honduras, Thailand and India and China. We have sent dozens of people to those mission stations to share the gospel with people. I could go on and on. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>One thing about the church you attend is that it is not a status quo church. The vast majority of members and attenders want to fulfill the mission before us.... "To help others to know, love, serve and share Christ." </div><div>
<br /></div><div>If you attend services in a beautiful Worship Center, or have your kids in one of the best Next Generation Ministries in the country, or are part of a thriving Senior Adult Ministry, or have been impacted by missionaries, teachers, preachers, worship leaders, small groups, or ministry teams, or are part of a growing campus church at Stone Canyon, then you need to know about the next challenging initiative before us as a Church. It is called "THE RIPPLE EFFECT PROJECT."</div><div>
<br /></div><div><b>THIS SUNDAY</b>- August 14th, We will launch <b>THE RIPPLE EFFECT</b> at all three services. We will celebrate the past, and embrace the future. We will hear about how God has been impacting families in Owasso and the surrounding areas. We will hear about plans for a fantastic and fun journey, bathed in prayer and hope, culminating in a celebration and commitment event in October. You will hear how you can help, and how important that it is that every family or person who calls FCC OWASSO home is involved in some way. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>It's not a Sunday you want to miss. There will only be one of these days in our church. Plan to be at FCC OWASSO at North Garnett ( 8;30 0r 11:00 AM) and Stone Canyon ( 10 AM) this Sunday. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>We are going to create some ripples which we believe God can turn into waves that change the world. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Charlie</div>Charlie Curranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334573814882658997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23136443.post-6242466811878036972011-08-10T22:14:00.002-05:002011-08-10T22:23:52.781-05:00A day in the life....What does a Senior Minister do on a Beautiful August Wednesday? Well, he puts on his swim suit and jumps in a van to head to the Illinois river to float with 45 of my closest friends ( all of them 6-8 graders). The day was perfect. Rain over night got the water up. Clouds in the sky kept the temperatures in check. <div>
<br /></div><div>Alex Hickman and I did the first 1/3 of the race together... fun stuff. then I kyacked the middle third. And then the last third, I rode with a 9th grade girl, who wanted me to be her partner. That was a little rough, because we flipped three times.... hit my head on a log, and got our canoe stuck. But we figured it out after a while and it was all good. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>I was really impressed with the kids... They did what they were told, were helpful to others, and in general, had great attitudes. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Sometimes we stereo-type young people... But I will tell you that I will put our kids up against any others out there in terms of respect, caring for one another and honoring Christ. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Great Job JAMES SUMMERS- you are a great leader and it shows in how you communicate with those kids. They respect you and that is 2/3rds of the battle.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Great Fun... probably be sore tomorrow, but it is worth it.</div>Charlie Curranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334573814882658997noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23136443.post-23301749837763670232011-08-08T20:02:00.004-05:002011-08-08T20:14:49.562-05:00Application, not just informationToday, I got a note from someone who attends our church on a regular basis.He is a leader. He appreciated the "Aaron and Hur" message yesterday. But more than appreciation he applied it. He sent me an email this morning stating that he has reorganized his daily routine to include a time of prayer for me, our church leaders and staff. He acknowledged our influence on him and his life. And then he said something profound in my book. He stated that it was his "responsibility" as a believer to pray for His leaders. He gets it. He is understanding that leaders desperately need someone around them to hold their arms up in the tough times of leadership. <div>
<br /></div><div>He probably never know what his short note meant to me. Not just the fact that he will pray for us, but that he sees prayer for his leaders as a responsibility. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>I also got a note from a mother who shared that she had a sweet time of prayer with her children last night, praying for the leaders in their lives. Once again, she did more than just process information. She put it into action. I was so blessed by her words AND actions, and the fact that she passed it on to her kids. That changes lives! </div><div>
<br /></div><div>By the way, the message hit home with me to. As I was walking this morning, I realized that I did not pray for our leaders as much as I should. I also do not pray for our city leader as much as I should as well. So I made a commitment today to use some of that walking time to pray for those people that God has put in my life as leaders. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>You see, everyone needs a leader in their life. Everyone needs to follow. It is good for the soul and reminds us that we have a place in the bigger scheme of things. We are to be followers of Christ first. Sometimes I get to leading in arena's of my life and I find myself trying to lead God, rather than follow Him. It also reminds us that we can contribute to other people's leadership by praying for them. I like to contribute in that way, and it is pretty simple to do. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Application of Biblical principles can change your life. It does mine. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Blessings</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Charlie </div>Charlie Curranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334573814882658997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23136443.post-3673954164235212142011-08-04T21:03:00.002-05:002011-08-04T21:35:31.584-05:00Leaders are developed in relationshipsOne of the core values we have as a church is "raising up leaders." We don't have an organized plan that someone can travel to "become a leader." Rather, we believe that leaders are developed in relationships. Relationships become a laboratory where men and women can develop spiritually. The Holy Spirit operates in relationships. Think about Jesus. He moved about this earth in relationships. We are quick to site the 12 disciples as the main example. But as I have read through the gospels I see Jesus entering into relationship with people of all walks of life, genders, and spiritual depth.<div><br /></div><div>One example of this relationship is Lazarus. Jesus and Lazarus are friends. He raises him from the dead in John 11. Pretty cool story. But I caught something in John 12. Jesus heads to Bethany and has dinner with some friends... including Lazarus. It's no big deal on the surface, but I like the idea that Jesus had friends and he liked to hang out with them. That is relationship. I like the idea that he just spends time with them. It was kind of costly for Lazarus. John writes that the chief priests put a contract out on Lazarus, because he was a friend of Jesus, who pointed people to Him. That is relationship.<div><br /></div><div>So as a church, we are working hard to raise up leaders in a more organic way. We have leaders at every turn. We have small group leaders, ministry leaders, youth leaders, church leaders, worship leaders and staff leaders and many others. We have leaders in homes, in businesses, and in the community. We have sports leaders, political leaders and personal leaders who influence others. </div><div><br /></div><div>This Sunday we ordain three men into our Eldership. Some people may think that Bob Buss, Jack Davis and Mark Alred have finally become leaders. But the truth is that they have been leaders for along time. They are moving into a new arena of leadership, but men do not become elders at FCC if they have not been leading for quite some time. All of them have a stake in many relationships as well at FCC, along with a growing relationship with Christ. It is the perfect combination for leadership development. </div><div><br /></div><div>As I look around, I see a ton of other leaders. I see people who lead without titles. I see leaders who are awesome at serving, making them servant leaders. And I see leaders who have figured out that the best leaders are great followers. I am excited about our leadership "pool" and believe that the future is so bright for FCC OWASSO. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's awesome to be a part of a church that takes leadership on all levels seriously. We will continue to heat up this value in the coming years. The task before us to reach the community with the gospel is great and it will take great leadership. </div></div>Charlie Curranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334573814882658997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23136443.post-10822807007887049282011-07-25T22:10:00.004-05:002011-07-25T22:29:07.740-05:00Sacrificial ForgivenessI was back in the pulpit Sunday with the story of Hosea. I prayed alot over this message, in part because I knew that it would be a hard story for some to take. The whole idea of sacrificing as a way to show forgiveness is radical. Hosea did it for Gomer, God did it for us, but should we be expected to do it for those who have wounded us so badly? <div><br /></div><div>I think the answer is yes... but I want to say that arriving at that conclusion does not come easy. </div><div>It does not come without alot of wrestling. And I believe it takes alot of time. No one arrives at the point of sacrificial forgiveness overnight. </div><div><br /></div><div>As I preached the message, I looked out over the congregation in both services, knowing that some people have been so hurt by others that it seems impossible that they could take the step of sacrificing for that very person. At one point, I almost broke down and cried right there, because I could see the hurt on a person's face. It is a person that I love and care for deeply. I wanted to call a time out, and just freeze the audience and tell that person, "Listen, you may never see yourself getting to that point, and I understand. But if there is ever a glimpse of you being willing to do that, seize it. Don't let it pass. Take the biggest risk and just see what God does with it." </div><div><br /></div><div>Well, I could not freeze the audience and I know I needed to move on. But the experience reminded me that I preach to real people, and that I am a real person with real feelings. I read once that if you preach to the pain in the pew, you will always have something to say. That is what happened yesterday. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you missed it, I would invite you to listen the 7.24 message on Hosea. I think it will challenge you. It is challenging me to think about forgiveness to the depth of God's love for us. What a message to the world we would have if we would forgive as the Lord forgave you. It's not really an option. Colossians 3:13 lays that out. It can be hard, it can take time, and it may be quite awkward. But isn't the same true of what God did for us? </div><div><br /></div><div>It's a journey....a journey we all travel</div><div><br /></div><div>Charlie </div><div><br /></div><div>PS. Thanks for being the kind of church that is willing to tackle the hard subjects. There are probably more to come....</div>Charlie Curranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334573814882658997noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23136443.post-18337532229312296352011-07-18T17:46:00.003-05:002011-07-18T18:04:32.005-05:00Can She do that?Our Governor recently called for people to pray for rain. Most Oklahoman's thought that was a good thing. A few people, apparently spooked by the word, "pray", protested that the elected governor of a state should not have done that. <div><br /></div><div>Here is my perspective on this....</div><div><br /></div><div>- IT IS HOT, REALLY HOT</div><div><br /></div><div>- IT IS DRY, REALLY DRY</div><div><br /></div><div>- WE NEED ALL THE HELP WE CAN GET</div><div><br /></div><div>Mother nature is not in charge of the weather. I believe in Mother Nature as much as I believe in Mother Goose, The Easter Bunny or Santa Claus ( Sorry Kids). </div><div><br /></div><div>So , it makes sense to pray to God about the drought and heat wave which right now is causing some real hardship on our farmers, families, children's and some senior adults. I can stay reasonably cool. I can water my lawn, ( at least for now). But there are alot of people who are struggling with this. So why wouldn't we pray to God for a break in the weather? </div><div><br /></div><div>The Bible says,<i> "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, present your requests to God.</i>" ( Phil. 4)</div><div><br /></div><div>It seems to me that God invites prayers like this. So I think I will pray for rain... and then trust Him for the results. </div><div><br /></div><div>The heartburn about the Governor... well, she is a Christian, so she has the right to ask for prayer. She also has the right to be concerned about the hardship this is putting on the state she leads. I kind of like the idea of a Governor who prays. WE NEED ALL THE HELP WE CAN GET</div><div><br /></div><div>It's just like the Devil to get us talking about church and state. That way we might not pray to God, just talk to ourselves. That does no one any good. </div><div><br /></div><div>Just a thought.... off to pray for rain...</div>Charlie Curranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334573814882658997noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23136443.post-3715219086039287842011-07-16T14:59:00.000-05:002011-07-16T15:17:32.705-05:00Spirit Led Churches....In "church world" summer time is often known as a "slump" time. But not at FCC OWASSO. I have been thinking about our summer 2011 . It has been amazing. Just a few highlights...<div><br /><div>* Sunday AM Attendance has not slumped at either campus....</div><div>* Offerings have held firm...</div></div><div>* Decisions for Christ are happening all over the place...</div><div>* We have had a huge increase in church camp participation at all ages</div><div>* Our High School ministry just sent off 120 people to the mountains in Colorado</div><div>* We have had 2 missions trips. One group went to Thailand and we have 18 in China today. </div><div>* Teams are working hard on the Fall RIPPLE EFFECT PROJECT....</div><div>* Worship Services have been Awesome, the Hero's series that Matt has led out in has been strong!</div><div><br /></div><div>I believe that is a result of God's favor being poured out this church. God blesses when His people obey Him. God blesses when His people step out in Boldness, attempting things that are really beyond them, but not beyond God. </div><div><br /></div><div>A year ago we stepped out in faith and launched our Stone Canyon Campus. 75 or so people went to Stone Canyon. 1 year later 150 people call the Stone Canyon Campus their church. Several have been baptized. The #'s of hours given in service in the community have been incredible. The Spirit is great. The Leadership Core is solid. We celebrate the first year anniversary in August! </div><div><br /></div><div>This was a huge step for our church. B<b>ut God always empowers the people who hear and obey His calling</b>. After al,l look at the 11 guys that Jesus had to build the church with. On the surface, they were nobodies. On the surface, they had so much to learn. On the surface , no one would have picked those guys to launch the church. But they had one thing in their life that made all the difference. <b>THEY HAD THE HOLY SPIRIT. </b> Read the first few chapters of Acts... It was all Holy Spirit. It was not them.</div><div><br /></div><div>I believe that churches who are Spirit Led go places and do things. They are never content with the status quo. They never accept the idea that they have arrived. Spirit led churches step out on faith. They live in boldness. They fight through obstacles. They overcome the enemy. They try new things, all the while keeping their eyes on what is foundational... Jesus and His Word. </div><div><br /></div><div>I was approached by a man visiting our church last week. He shook my hand and then asked me if I was the Pastor. ( Matt was preaching that day.) I said I was... and he looked at me and said, "The Spirit of God is here." </div><div><br /></div><div>He could not have said a better thing about our church. We have lots of great things going, great people, great worship, great teaching, and a great caring and loving community. But none of that matters if God's Spirit is not there. </div><div><br /></div><div>The same goes for your live ( and mine). We are to be Spirit filled and Spirit led. It's the best life to live. And it is the best way to "do" church...no matter what season of the year it is. </div>Charlie Curranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334573814882658997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23136443.post-11231326080465857842011-06-14T13:16:00.000-05:002011-06-14T13:23:23.758-05:00Sumertime!Summertime! Summertime! I am a big fan! <div><br /></div><div>This summer is off to a great start at FCC... FX was awesome, big crowds of kids going to camp and the prep work for THE RIPPLE EFFECT is in full swing. </div><div><br /></div><div>Every year we take the summer to study Old Testament scripture. This year's series is HERO'S. We are looking at some of the more obscure OT Hero's in the story of scripture. If you are in town, come to church at NG ( 8:30 and 11:00 ) or at Stone Canyon (10 AM) . If not go to fccowasso.com and listen. Matt Thomason will be preaching most of the series, and he is really good! You will get alot of out them. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am on a break for a while. I will be in and out of town alot over the next several weeks. Some of it involves travel with Pam, North American Christian Convention, and some Leadership development opportunities in the Northeast. I appreciate the opportunity to refocus, rest, and do some different things than I do the rest of the year. </div><div><br /></div><div>No matter where I am, or who I am with, I will be thinking of my FCC family , praying for you, and looking for the opportunities to influence people for Christ. </div>Charlie Curranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334573814882658997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23136443.post-83029890804042855742011-02-02T10:25:00.000-06:002011-02-02T10:29:11.936-06:0021 inches of snow21 inches of snow... makes me thankful for the following...<div><br /></div><div>- A warm house...</div><div>- online banking....</div><div>- wireless internet...</div><div>- books and hot chocolate</div><div>- a wife that I like and that likes me (insert "love" there too)</div><div>-the ability to work from home, with no meetings scheduled</div><div>- the beauty of white snow so deep that you can not figure out where the driveway ends and the street begins</div><div>- a very quiet evening with no traffic on the roads. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am sure in another couple days I will get stir crazy... and it know it is a challenge for those of you with 3-4 kids...but enjoy the moments... a snow storm like this only comes around once in a 100 years...</div><div><br /></div><div>And we got to experience it! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Charlie Curranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334573814882658997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23136443.post-55281166020264641862011-01-22T17:45:00.000-06:002011-01-22T18:16:46.545-06:00OPEN DOORSThis afternoon I went up to the church to check out a couple things. As I drove up to the property I saw a full parking lot. I remembered that today was the Pinewood Derby for the Boy Scouts. <div><br /></div><div>I recall participating in the Pinewood Derby as a kid. My Dad and I worked on our cars together and we went to the races. I don't think I won... but I do remember spending time with my dad. Those are always good memories.</div><div><br /></div><div>So as I watched dads, moms, grandpa's and grandma's helping with cars and cheering on the races, I sure felt good about a couple things. </div><div><br /></div><div>One, it is good for our culture whenever there are opportunities for parents, grandparents and kids do things together. We believe in this as a church. Our Elementary and Youth Ministries are being built with this in mind. The most effective ways to raise children is with parental involvement. Children are chosen by God to be led by their parents. Parents are chosen by God to lead their children. That is the best way to do it. Organizations like the Scouts, sports teams and academic teams all provide great opportunities for involvement between parents, grandparents and their kids. They are not perfect, but I love seeing parents and kids doing life together. I am proud of our church and our leaders and staff who believe this and work to make it happen.</div><div><br /></div><div>It comes in small packages too. It's not always big programs. Today I saw a dad and his two sons working on the stage set for church. I know the boys were glad to be with their dad and the dad was genuinely glad to be with the kids... and they were working for God. It's the best way to do it. </div><div><br /></div><div>Two, I am very proud of a church who opens it's building to groups who facilitate such involvement. Our building is used every single day of the week. There are people coming and going every day. Beside the Pinewood Derby, we have special needs groups that use the building on a monthly basis, a Homeschool group that uses it regularly, moms groups that meet weekly, sports teams, Homeowners Associations, Health Challenge groups, the Local Tri-athalon clubs, and many more that use the building. Our community votes in our building. We have groups that use it for music recitals and much more. </div><div><br /></div><div>The building we have is a tool to reach people. So imagine my joy last week when I met a woman who had started coming to church because she had been introduced to our facility and our people through the Winter Health Challenge. She had several kids and told me that she like what we were doing through the Health Challenge, and wanted to see what we were about on Sundays. </div><div><br /></div><div>Why do we do this? Simply put, we just want an opportunity to share the gospel with people. We see the beautiful building as a tool for introducing people to Jesus. It's happening. Will we see everyone who comes through the door come to Christ? Probably not. However, we have a reputation of being a church with Open Doors. People talk in our community in a very positive way because we open our doors. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here is the result... When people talk about needing a church, even some of our community leaders who do not attend FCC, recommend us to those who are coming to Owasso. I have been told that realtors, doctors, teachers and others have said, "you need to check out FCC." It's because of the reputation we have been able to build by being a church with open doors. </div><div><br /></div><div>A building is not a monument to any person. It is a message. A message that there is hope and grace for people who live in our community. It is a message that there are people who are willing to go the extra mile to help them connect with their kids, or to find help in a crisis. And most of all it is a message that says, "You are worth the price to me... my Son died for you." It is the message that counts and changes lives. </div><div><br /></div><div>By the way... you don't even have to have a building to build a reputation of being a church with open doors. Our Stone Canyon Campus has done a great job of getting out to serve people and they are only building on that reputation. I am so proud of them. </div><div><br /></div><div>I love our church because we believe in OPEN DOORS... and that will make a difference for alot of people. </div>Charlie Curranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334573814882658997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23136443.post-23269688762199739902010-12-31T22:14:00.001-06:002010-12-31T22:29:51.954-06:002011 Journey- Follow MeIt's 2 hours till 2011. 2010 wasn't a bad year for me personally, just complicated. So I look forward to a new year... I am looking forward to new opportunities, new friends, new ideas and new ways to celebrate life with my wife, kids and grandkids. Even more so I am looking forward to a renewed committment to get to know Jesus better and to imitate him.<br /><br />One way that I am going to do that is to read through Gospels this year. I am looking for the way that Jesus treated people, because I think I can do better at that. I am looking for the way that Jesus lifted people up, paid attention to people no one else would, even reached out and welcomed people into his life, because I think I can be better at that. <br /><br />I am going to look more for how Jesus related to His Father, because I think I can do better at that too.... I want to find the little things Jesus did and see how those framed his ministry, because I think that it is the little things that make the difference.<br /><br />So why don't you join me on this journey in 2011? Read the Gospels. There are 89 chapters... so that means if you and I read 1 chapter a day, we will go through the books 4 times next year.<br /><br />Why should we do this? Well, Jesus said, "Follow Me." If we are going to "follow Jesus" we ought to know more about what He did , where He did it, and who He did it with. We find that in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.<br /><br />Call it a resolution if you want... I call it a plan. And if I miss a day, its not the end of the world. I will just pick up where I left off... As one writer said, <strong><em>" The goal is not for getting me through the Word of God, it is for getting the Word of God through me."</em></strong> Its a journey... one that God directs. I figure He will reveal what I need to see, when I need to see it.<br /><br />There are alot of other things I hope to accomplish in the coming year ( now 91 minutes away). But this one is something we can do together...<br /><br />I like doing things together... I hope you will join me.<br /><br />CharlieCharlie Curranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334573814882658997noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23136443.post-64701095702707420282010-12-31T12:12:00.000-06:002010-12-31T12:31:57.809-06:00Where do I start?Recently I watched a piece on ESPN by Rick Reilly. It was a commentary about the last year of Tiger Woods' life. Reilly chronicled the story of hs fame and power and how it was all brought down by self-destructive behavior in his moral life. In the end, his immorality and impurity cost him millions and millions of dollars, prestige, and worst of all, his relationship with his wife. His relationship with his children has been changed forever.<br /><br />Within a few weeks of that ill-fated 2009 Thanksgiving run in with a fire hydrant in Flordia, Tiger was busy with image rehabilitation. His handlers had a stratgey to get him back in front of the public, say the right things at the right time and then start working on the next 5 majors which would break Nicklaus's record. Over the past year we have witnessed this effort. He has talked about working on the person he is, and occassionally he would show flashes of the new nicer, kinder and gentler Tiger. But there would be flashes of the old Tiger too. Either way the changes did not translate into wins on the golf course. For the first time in his career he was winless for the year.<br /><br />It should be no surprise to those of us who follow sports. Truth is that to win at any professional level, it takes the best that you have. Distractions, personal or professional are certain to doom almost anyone who plays sports at that level.<br /><br />We are a "spiritually minded" people in America. Because of that, for Tiger, there were more than a few questions about his inner life. Almost all his answers were focused on his childhood religion of Buddhism. It may be something he truly believes in...but there is one problem... and it is the problem that Tiger has had all his life. It is self-centered. And therein lies the problem with our country in general. Faith has become self-centered rather than Jesus centered.<br /><br />Reilly finished his piece with this insightful statement.<br /><br /><strong>"What good does it to gain back everything on the outside, if so much is missing on the inside?"</strong><br /><br />Tht is a statement that sounds alot like what Jesus said. <strong>"What does it profit a man if he gainst the whole world but loses his soul?" </strong><br /><br />The two statements have the same answer. Starting on the outside and working inward is a dead end. Instead God says "start on the inside and let that be the catalyst for the changes on the outside."<br /><br />I suspect that Tiger Woods will win more golf tournaments. I suspect that he will continue the rebuilding project that is before him. But if he does not figure out that rebuilding his soul begins and ends with God and Jesus Christ, there will be a day when he will have lots of records, trophies and the accolades of people, but still be empty inside. His life will always be defined by the events of 2009-10. On the surface it may all turn out well, but it will never be what it could have been if God had been at the center of His heart... not hmself.<br /><br />There is a lesson there for all of us as well. As you contemplate new goals, new dreams and new hopes, start with your heart. Look inside first and make sure that God is at the center of what you are doing. We will be tempted to focus on the circumstances of 2010 and work hard to change things that did not turn out well. But we might take our cue from Jesus who set out to change hearts first, knowing that the rest would fall into line.<br /><br />Happy New Year!Charlie Curranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334573814882658997noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23136443.post-84603896905638486372010-12-20T12:05:00.000-06:002010-12-20T12:15:50.832-06:00CHRISTMAS WEEK...Christmas week is always a balance for me. It is lots of fun with kids and grandkids coming in. Yes, this year there will be two grandkids... and Lord willing there will be three next year! Pam bakes alot, there is tons of laughter and conversation. Joel wont be able to make it this year, but we will have all three of the girls and their husbands, so it will be a house full. It is always fun.<br /><br />Tucked in all of that this year are two Christmas Eve Services and a Sunday Morning Christmas Service. Each of these services are special times for our church family and for those who visit or are checking out the church. I know lots of people are working on all the details to make it a meaningful time of worship and celebration.<br /><br />This year we are talking about Christmas Stories... So Christmas Eve will be focused on the greatest story of all... the coming of Christ as a baby... Sunday morning we will have <strong>ONE</strong> <strong>SERVICE</strong> at 10 AM and we will talk about a "NEW DAY" for all of us because of the coming of Christ.<br /><br />These are great services to invite people to... so I encourage you to get the word out any way you can... Invite friends, families, neighbors, or co-workers to celebrate Christmas WITH CHRIST at the center of everything.<br /><br /><strong>CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES</strong> are at <strong>5PM</strong> and <strong>7 PM.</strong><br /><br /><strong>DEC. 26th SERVICES</strong> are at <strong>10 AM</strong> ( North Garnett) and <strong>11 AM</strong> ( Stone Canyon).<br /><br />By the way... so far the weather looks good for Christmas Eve... no blizzard this year!<br /><br />Hope to see you there!<br /><br />CharlieCharlie Curranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334573814882658997noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23136443.post-67128649820129722972010-12-17T13:15:00.001-06:002010-12-17T13:33:55.415-06:00A "sort of vacation"It is December. I am on a "sort of vacation." A "sort of vacation" means I have the time off, but am still preaching each Sunday and Christmas Eve . <br /><br />There are two kinds of vacations for me. One is the real deal where you go away, far away, can't really be reached, get to be relatively anonymous, and unwind and relax. We did that this summer in Florida. I always look forward to those. I probably need two of those a year...but I am thankful for anything I get there.<br /><br />The second one is this <strong><em>"sort of vacation"...</em></strong> which means we stay home, family comes to us, I get up when I want to, work when I want to, quit when I want to... in general, it is about me setting the schedule and doing what I want to.<br /><br />So what will I do during this <strong>"sort of vacation?"</strong><br /><br />Well, I will visit Brynlee... and play with Gracie. I will talk to my daughters and their hubands. I will text Joel about games and life. I may go to the lake. I will read some books, and work on my study of James ( coming on Sundays and Wednesday in January). I will finish off some Bible reading for the year. I want to re-arrange my home office. I will putter around town some, workout, sleep in some, stay up, watch football, read some more and hang out. I will watch some basketball, high school, maybe some college. I will sit and talk with Pam. We will watch some movies. But I also will kind of stay out of her way. She has two weeks off and she doesn't need me hanging all over her. I will preach a couple Sundays, preach Christmas Eve services, and continue thoughts about what 2011 will hold. I will reflect on 2010 as well.<br /><br /><strong>AND I WILL SAY THANK YOU LORD....</strong> 2010 was a crazy year on so many levels. 2010 has forced me to depend on him more, praise him more, cry out to him more and to reach out to others more. It has been the most demanding year of my life. This was a surprise. I knew 2010 would have its challenges, but I really had no idea of the depth of those demands. We have launched a new campus, Pam and I began leading a new life group, our church has hired a couple new people, and moved some others around and I have established some new relationhips with church leaders at the North American, and in the Northeast. Pam and I celebrated 29 years of marriage, added a new son-in-law and a new granddaughter. We also have confronted some issues at church and in our own lives which have helped us to depend on Him more than ever before. We talk about "digging deep wells." so that when challenges come, you have something to draw from. 2010 was a year which really tested the depth of my wells.<br /><br />Along the way I have witnessed lots of stories of how God works everything for His purpose, in my life and others.<br /><br />So my <strong><em>"sort of vacation"</em></strong> is really a good thing... I will slow down and kind of mosey through the last two weeks of the year... hopefully on Jan 3rd, I will be rejuvenated to the point that I can hit the ground running on a new and exciting year ahead.<br /><br />I also hope that this <strong><em>"sort of vacation"</em></strong> will renew a passion to write more in this blog. ( I know it has been sporadic.) So look for more random thoughts about God, life, and this crazy world that we live in...Charlie Curranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334573814882658997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23136443.post-68680916373595957392010-11-20T12:40:00.001-06:002010-11-20T12:55:58.558-06:00FRIENDS...This week I had the great experience of playing golf at THE PATRIOT. THE PATRIOT is a brand new course in Owasso that is amazing. It is a course that is cut into several canyons in the southwest part of Owasso. I had walked the course before it was open, and even flew over it in a a helicopter...but there is nothing like playing it.<br /><br />At first when I was asked to join a couple guys out there to play, I was intimidated. They are good golfers and everything I had heard about the course made me think that I would just "tear it up" ( not in a good way.) So I was very surprised when I started playing and realized that I could hit the ball in the fairway ( they are pretty wide). The greens are mostly huge, although they are super fast and have lots of undulations. The course takes imagination. It takes some risk. But it really does not just shut down crummy golfers like me. I mentioned to the guys I was playing with that this was a very very nice course that was playable even for a guy like me.<br /><br />So I loved it! Actually had a couple pars! I hit just enough shots to think maybe I could play some more golf and do okay at it. <br /><br />But what makes golf fun for me is the guys I played with. A couple weeks ago I played another course in Owasso. The course was nice. I had not played on it in a long time. It was also a very nice day. But the best part was the guy I was playing with. He is very good... but he kept me loose.. It was fun for him and it was alot of fun for me.<br /><br />The same was true yesterday. The course is great, but the two guys I played with were the best.<br /><br />I think there is a reminder there for me. I need good guys in my life to spend time with. Relationships matter. Whether it is golf, basketball, working out, or meetings with staff and elders, I need to slow down a little bit and enjoy the relational part of it all. I get going too fast and even in the middle of all the activity, I feel alone at times. I want to bury myself in my work. I like what I do... but it can be lonley. But I think alot of that is my fault. I may seem extroverted to alot of people, but I am really not. I am an introvert in alot of ways. Pam has told me that for years. I can't change how I am wired, but I do think I am going to work on that...working harder to sharing life with others I am close to. I need to make the effort. I have plenty of people who want to be friends... but it is up to me to let them in.<br /><br />I hope I get to play THE PATRIOT again. But it was not the golf course that made yesterday good. It was the friends. I need more of that kind of interaction. It might make me more bearable to live with and to work with.Charlie Curranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334573814882658997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23136443.post-52233835438738897062010-11-09T11:40:00.000-06:002010-11-09T13:50:53.529-06:00The loving hand of disciplineWHAT DOES LOVE LOOK LIKE? I have been pondering that statement for a few days. I don't have a corner on love at all. Sometimes I am not as loving as I should be...other times I am more loving than I think I am. Either way, there is a sweet spot where love is both redemptive and corrective. God lives in that sweet spot... sometimes I show up there too, but more often than not, it is one or the other.<br /><br />When your younger kids do things they should not do, you correct them. Sometimes you discipline them. Why do we go to the trouble of doing that? I think for most parents it is not because we want to be right...it is not a power trip. It is more that you want to save your child the grief and sorrow of making those mistakes that you made ( or that others have made). So you try to get your point across. Rarely did I ever have one of our kids say,"You know dad, I am glad you spanked me... I needed that... It really corrected my behavior." They didn't like being disciplined, but they knew that we did it because we love them.<br /><br />In "church world" discipline has taken a back seat to grace, mercy, and forgiveness. That is not all bad at times...but we can not escape the fact that God disciplined his children (his people) because he loved them.<br /><br />The writer of Hebrews says, <em>"Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on however, it produces a harvest of righteousness ad peace for those who have been trained by it."</em> <strong>Hebrews 12: 10-11</strong><br /><br />The point of disicipline is clear... it produces <em>"righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."</em><br /><br />And that is the problem... none of us wakes up in the morning and tells God, "discipline me today so that I can have peace and more righteousness." There has to be other ways to get peace and righteousness, or so we think. But if the truth be known, I learn more through discipline. I learn more through times of sorrow. I learn more through the struggles of life.<br /><br />As I get older I don't go looking for discipline from God, but as it comes, I am learning to go with it and sometimes embrace it. I want more righteousness in my life. I want more peace. If that means God has to be involved in some corrective work in my life, then so be it. He knows best. He is my Father. He also answers the first question I asked... What does love look like? It looks like a Heavenly Father who is willing to do whatever it takes to help me see that His ways are the best ways for me to live.<br /><br />I will put my life in His loving hands trusting that His plan is the best for me.Charlie Curranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334573814882658997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23136443.post-90082577473000785892010-10-15T16:48:00.001-05:002010-10-15T17:12:58.069-05:00CURVE BALLS IN LIFECurve Balls... man they are tricky. I was watching a baseball game the other night ( a rare thing for me). The pitcher for the Texas Rangers, Cliff Lee, threw fast ball after fastball. He was on. The Tampa Bay Rays could not hit him. But over some time, they began to figure him out a bit. So what did he do? Change up.... then curve ball. Strike out after strike out... They never did figure him out. And now the Rangers are in the ALCS.<br /><br />Life is alot like that. You go along and you get used to a certain cadence or a certain rythym. You think that you have life figured out. And if you are like me, you kind of like it that way most of the time. The problem is that when you live that way for a long time, you begin to depend more on yourself to control your circumstances and you depend less on the Lord. Then it happens... A curve ball. You lose your job, someone gets sick, you have a big bill come due, someone turns their back on you, an unplanned pregnancy... the list goes on and on.<br /><br />Pam and I had a curve ball this last August.( Not an unplanned pregnancy !) Pam lost her job at the Mid-High. Ten years of working with 9th and 10th graders, down the drain in one phone call. It was district wide budget cuts that got her. No one was happy for this...and We were not really ready for it. ( at least I wasn't). But we took a look at it and almost immediately Pam said, "Well God must have a different plan." He did not ask us ahead of time. We did not "steal his signs." He did not ask permission. It just happened. But all along God was working.<br /><br />Its about 10 weeks later, and not Pam is working with Kindergarteners. ( BIG CHANGE from 9-10th graders!) And I have to say that while it is exhausting for her in some ways, she has not been happier in her job than she is now. She mentioned this week that she was so glad that God threw this change at her at this time in her life. It has invigorated her and she sees so many ministry opportunities. And nothing against many of the great people that she worked with at the Mid-High, but she loves working with her new team at Stone Canyon. It is such a postive and uplifting environment.<br /><br />Well all of that to say, " When you get a curve ball in your life remember that God is control." HE may throw it himself, or HE may have just allowed it, but either way HE is in control of it. YOU are in control of something too... you are in control of how you respond to it. You can just stand there and strike out. Or you can take a swing. But another option is to pay attention to it, and look for the opportunity that curve ball brings... you never know how it might work out 10 weeks later.Charlie Curranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334573814882658997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23136443.post-67894196794761892652010-09-18T20:20:00.000-05:002010-09-18T20:39:02.486-05:00The Best gift...It is no secret that I am not mechanically inclinded. I have a tool box, but I never know what is in it. I have a hammer, a saw, and a couple other tools. But I am not a tool guy. My dad and Pam's dad are those kinds of guys... but I am not. I am glad that Pam has never held that against me.<br /><br />I have had in my mind for about 3-4 years that I wanted to finish off the privacy fence on my property. My neighbors have provided me 3/4's of the fence, which has been nice. But none of them offered to tie the fence into my house. <strong>WHAT'S UP WITH THAT?! </strong><br /><br />So I figured it was time. I called a fence company and their quote for about 50 feet of privacy fence was obscene. So I thought, <em>"I bet I could figure this out and do it myself."</em><br /><br />Well..... after today, let's just say, <em>" I am really glad that common sense took over and I got some help."</em> I actually asked a friend of mine to help me. He had some fence to do and I did. He is busy as can be, and I am pretty occupied most of the time myself. But we set today as the day. <br /><br />Here is the big deal. <strong>HE KNEW WHAT HE WAS DOING AND I DID NOT.</strong><br /><br />So we started about 10 AM.. and by 4 PM we were whupped! Got the 7 holes dug ( auger) and got the posts set at my house. We got the 6 holes dug ( auger) at his house. We did not get the posts set at his house. It was 92 degrees and a heat index around 100. It's Owasso land, which means lots of clay, some rock and even a little hard ground. We were wasted.<br /><br />But it was a great time. There is something great about spending a day with a brother in Christ who loves his family, loves his church, loves me, and loves his life! <strong>AND HE KNEW WHAT HE WAS DOING.</strong><br /><br />He tells me the hard part is done... but even if it is not, I just loved the work and the time with him. It was encouraging and uplifting. He never looked at me as if I was not really pulling my weight. I tried... I ran the auger... and it only took me for a ride one time! I learned how to set posts... and how important a string is. And I had fun.<br /><br />Although I am sore as can be... and pretty tired... I have to say, <em>"All in all, it was a pretty good day."</em> We will finish the job soon.<br /><br />There are all kinds of gifts that we can give to people. But I am learning that sometimes the very best gift is the gift of yourself. I felt like that is gift I got today... and a gift I hope I gave in some small way to him.<br /><br />So that's what I did today.Charlie Curranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334573814882658997noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23136443.post-27284100031256798932010-08-28T18:14:00.001-05:002010-08-28T20:39:26.994-05:00IT'S NO SURPRISE....It never surpises me that when I plan and prepare messages on the family that there will be a torrent of issues that are unleashed. Our Homewreckers series has certainly done that, and we are only in week 2! I pray more in the lead up and during a family series than at any other time. I have learned to expect that there will be more phone calls, more emails, more sorrow and tragedy during the weeks I preach about what God wants for the family, than at any other time of the year.<br /><br />This year, I started planning for this series early last spring. And I started praying more than ever. I prayed for my family, my marriage and the marriages and family life of our staff, elders and church.<br /><br />Satan knows that the family was God's second best idea. ( The first was sending Jesus as our Redeemer.) He lost the first battle at Calvary, so his strategy is to divide families. It is to weaken their spiritual and moral resolve, so that there will be little left to fight off when he comes swooping into the homes of people in our community and in our church. I think when he sees preachers talking about the family, he licks his chops... He knows that under the facade of "Hi, how are you doing...fine" kind of talk in the church, there are simmering issues that He would love to bring to the surface. And this is double true when it comes to a series exposing the sin in our relationships and in the church when it comes to immorality, adultery, our thought life and so much more. It's like Satan says, " Open the door and you are really going to see... are you ready for that?" There are alot of happy homes, great marriages and strong relationships in the church. But there are also alot of hurting people, brokenness, sorrow and even hopelessness in our chuch as well , ( as well as our community.)<br /><br />I knew HOMEWRECKERS would be that kind of series. But I went ahead anyway, because I knew in my heart that God wants these messages preached and shared. I knew that it would be hard, not just for me, but for our leaders...our staff... our elders... and for many who care so deeply about their families and the kingdom. It would be hard for wives whose husbands care about anything but them. It would be hard for husbands whose hearts are broken because of sin. It would be hard for families whose calendars are dominated with activity, but not with real life. It would be hard for people have made bad choices. It would be hard for people whose have been hurt deeply by others. I knew it would be hard.<br /><br />My prayer has not changed. <em>"Lord, heal broken families. Bring things to the surface so that moms and dads can know what you really intended behind closed doors in the home. Be the Lord of each home within the church. Help men to step up and lead. Help wives to love and support. Help kids to respect and honor. Help those who are single parents to persevere. And somehow Lord, restore the hope of Jesus within their home."</em><br /><br />Satan is coming after me. He is coming after our church. But I will stand on the Word of God... and so will our church... and we will be stronger for it.<br /><br />I call on all of you who are part of the Kingdom of God to stand with me in praying for our families..and standing against the enemy of God who wants nothing more than to shatter the hope, peace and joy that only a home built on God's Word can bring.<br /><br />CharlieCharlie Curranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334573814882658997noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23136443.post-13715503945807701962010-08-22T18:04:00.001-05:002010-08-22T18:40:16.468-05:00A New Chapter20 months ago, when I began to think and pray about "double impact", I did not know what to expect. I just knew that God wanted us to do something different. We had just relocated to North Garnett and were cruising along... But I knew that God wanted us to step out in faith...do something bold... even crazy.<br /><br />I wasnt the only one. Fellow staff members, elders and members of our great church knew it too. As God began to reveal the vision for the Stone Canyon campus... I alternated between fear and fearlessness. We talked, prayed, sought God and as He opened doors and began to crystalize the vision. The last couple nights I have not slept well, but I think it was the anticipation...not a fear of what might or might not happen. I just wanted to see what would happen after all the reading, traveling, questions, praying, attending meetings and more meetings and dreaming about what it might be that God was up to. <br /><br />Stone Canyon is about "<em>helping others to know, love, serve and share Him."</em> It is the same vision we have had as a church for years..on main street, 86th street, North Garnett and now Stone Canyon.<br /><br /><strong>Today was launch day. 280 people came to Stone Canyon today</strong>. <strong>And another 1100 + came to North Garnett.</strong> There were so many new people who are looking for something. They came, worshipped , connected to God and heard a message about how important it is that we listen to the right voice in our world. I did not realize how appropriate the message would be for the launch of Stone Canyon until this afternoon... God knew exactly what needed to be said.<br /><br />This is just the beginning. Over the next few weeks we will continue to "settle in" to the Multi-site strategy. We will continue to invite, reach out, connect to and pray for God's will to be done. This is a work of God that we have JOINED HIM in... and now we are off and going. There are greater things ahead for us...<br /><br />Thanks to all who have participated in this for the last 20 months. Preparation, prayers, planning and then participation today... all of it has been worth it.<br /><br />I can not wait to see how it all plays out... We are in the beginning "sentences" of a new chapter in the life of our church. Its for God's glory!<br /><br />More about all this later.Charlie Curranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334573814882658997noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23136443.post-13697818523494245702010-08-15T21:49:00.000-05:002010-08-15T22:19:50.498-05:0015 yearsMy track record did not suggest that I would be anywhere 15 years. I grew up in a home on the move....It was a good home, and a good life, but we were on the move alot.<br /><br />My first 13 years of ministry included 5 moves. We had great experiences in Oklahoma and Iowa. But sinking down roots was not my pattern....<br /><br />Then in 1994 I came to First Christian Church of Owasso. I was brought in to do children's ministry... and although I did not know much about cutting edge children's ministry, I figured I could build teams and organize things. God did the rest. There were amazing people who were passionate about kids and families. Many are still with us, and although we all have gray hair now...we loved what we did.<br /><br />Now it is 2010... I was in Kentucky one year...but for nearly the last 11 years I have had the privildge of preaching, teaching and being part of a leadership team at a great church.<br /><br />I could not be more thankful for the church and the wonderful people who have loved me and allowed me to grow through the years. FCC has been willing to take risks, to attempt some pretty big things and to stretch to please God. It truly is a <strong>"JOIN HIM"</strong> kind of church.<br /><br />What am I a most proud of? Well there are lots of things....<br />* I am proud of the fact that FCC has been through some tough leadership struggles over those years... and come out of them healthy, loving and focused on His mission.<br />* I am super proud of the team that God has put together. There was a time when it was just 5 of us on staff ( Matt, Bob, Helen, Darla and me.) But as time has gone by we have added some amazing passionate people who love God and love this church.<br />* I am proud of the blessing of the Elders I have served with through the years.In tough times and good times they have stood by me. They have guided and directed me. They have protected me. And at times they have corrected me. Nobody has it better.<br />* I am so proud of the many people at FCC who took God up on His offer through Christ... for those who stuck in there during terribly difficult times and those who took a leap of faith and trusted God even though they could only see the next step... not the final step.<br />* I am most proud of my family. I take no credit for how they have turned out. The truth is that for many years, my priorities were more with the church than with them. That makes Pam even more amazing in my book... she held things together at times and always projected a love for Jesus in everything. Her influence in my life, my ministry and in our children and grandchildren can not be measured. Our kids are all super young adults... who love God, love their mom and dad and love the church. Again, I do not take credit for that... It was God. And it was our church for the last 15 years. FCC OWASSO is an unusual place because it does not put pastor's kids under a microscope. This church has let our kids grow at their own pace and in thier own way. I know the stories about how it goes in other places... so for this I will always be thanful.<br /><br />The future??? Well, at this point, I would love to spend another 15 years serving here. But if the truth be known... I have always made one committment when it came to length of ministry. I will serve at FCC OWASSO for as long as God wants me to. Not a day longer... and I hope not a day shorter... I see great possibilities for kindgom work through FCC OWASSO....for me. I am excited about those dreams...I am enthused about our teams....<br /><br />This morning I said, <strong>"The best journey's are shared journey's."</strong> That certainly is true for ministry. So thanks to a great church, a great staff team, great elders and a super great family.... But most of all thanks to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit... the best team of all when it comes to making dreams that really matter come true.Charlie Curranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334573814882658997noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23136443.post-33164051639167401222010-08-12T21:09:00.000-05:002010-08-12T21:17:28.053-05:00Launch Time....<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_V-Oy6e9vkn4/TGSqvA_H_RI/AAAAAAAAAFU/iR7-wpjsBxc/s1600/Stone+Canyon.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 290px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504712369248926994" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_V-Oy6e9vkn4/TGSqvA_H_RI/AAAAAAAAAFU/iR7-wpjsBxc/s320/Stone+Canyon.jpg" /></a><br /><div>It's just 9 days away... the launch of the Stone Canyon Campus. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Somebody asked me if I was nervous. I said, "No... It is God's mission, not mine." </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I trust Him... and all the people who are working on this. The Core Team, the Launch Team, and so many more... </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I know that everyone has put the work into this... I especially appreciate ALL our staff... they have worked hard and long...I am so proud of them.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We have people with a vested interest... people who will serve. People in the school. People in our partner, NOEA... </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>AND, there are alot of people in Owasso who need a church and need a Savior. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>It will be different than our North Garnett campus... but it will still have the same mission... To connect people to God... to help others know, love, serve and share Him. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>COME CHECK IT OUT: AUG 22nd.... 11:00 AM at Stone Canyon Elementary School. ( 177th and 76th Street North.) </div><br /><br />It's launch time... I like the sound of that... just 9 days away...<br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Charlie Curranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334573814882658997noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23136443.post-65781481369803490412010-08-09T21:58:00.000-05:002010-08-09T22:09:55.587-05:00NEXTWhat should we do on a Monday Night? Well, we decided to go out to a ball park and watch our Co-ED softball team play. What fun. the team has so much fun.. they tease each other, have some light banter with umpire and some interesting conversation with opponents. There were a few dropped balls, but some nice plays in the field to make up for it. There were some really big hits... and some not so big along the way.<br /><br /><br /><br />But the best thing was that these people were playing NEXT to someone. The fellowship is sweet and fun. They encouraged each other and watch out for each other. They really like each other... and they share life together.<br /><br /><br /><br />To get NEXT to somone does not mean you only do it in classes or groups. Those are the big ways we do it....but there are lots of others... like Summer Health Challenge, Softball, Basketball, exercise groups and many more.<br /><br /><br /><br />It was fun to see this group of people having lots of fun. I know their hearts and they were there to represent christ and his church and to have fun....<br /><br /><br /><br />Sounds like it is the way it should be.<br /><br /><br /><br />CharlieCharlie Curranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334573814882658997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23136443.post-91375294624483077402010-07-29T20:13:00.000-05:002010-07-29T20:36:43.921-05:00HE TAUGHT ME.....Today, I had the opportunity to speak to a group of special people. Aboout 30 people (young and older) are part of a group called NETT. They are so awesome. Some people might sell them short, thinking that they do not have alot to contribute to a church, a school or even a family. They are the most loving and accepting group I have ever been around. No agenda's or demands... just love. Over the past few years, they have come to our church for special nights every month and a week long camp during the summer.<br /><br />There are several adults and teenagers who work with them year around...I just love those adults and sponsors... they have such a love for what some might call "the least of these." <br /><br />Anyway, our theme was "born to be wild." I know this may be a surprise, but I am not exactly a "wild and crazy" guy. But we did some funky and fun things... and then talked about the "wildest" guy in the Bible. John the Baptist had a weird wardrobe, ate some really strange food, and lived in a place no one wanted to live in. But the wildest thing about John was that he always pointed people to Jesus. That was a wild message! It was all about Jesus.<br /><br />My friends loved the story. They listened so well, laughed hard and they got it! We did motions, told stories and reminded ourselves that everyone needs to talk about Jesus more than they talk about themselves. In the middle of my talk one of the guys burst into tears. I kept going, but one of the sponsors took him out and talked with him. Then following my talk, she came to me and said that he wanted to talk with me. So we went into a side room and talked about his life. It is a tough life. Not alot pretty about it all. Except for one thing. He said to me, "<em>I saw Jesus and He told me that He would be with me. I don't need to be afraid." </em><br /><br />WOW! I had tears in my eyes. So much to to deal with, and yet it all boiled down to what Jesus had told him. That was what was getting him through the day.<br /><br />We prayed, talked some more and he seemed better.<br /><br />And so was I. I was not the teacher today... I was the student. I needed to hear Jesus what Jesus said to my new friend. "I will be with you. You don't need to be afraid."<br /><br />Alot of you have <strong>HUGE</strong> things on your plate... and I know that you sometimes wonder...really wonder... <em>"Is Jesus there?"</em> I have been there. Self doubt, hurtful friends and family, disappointment, goals not met, and sometimes just the junk of life overwhelm us all. And we wonder...<br /><br />There are some big things on my plate right now... but alot of people have <strong>ALOT</strong> bigger things on thier plates. The great thing is that there is no plate too big for Jesus. He keeps everyone of his promises...all the time.<br /><br /><em>"And I will be with you always...even to the end of the age."</em> He said that to some disciples right before He went back to heaven. But he meant it for me... for my friend... <strong>AND FOR YOU</strong>.<br /><br />Special thanks to my new friend was my teacher today....:)Charlie Curranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09334573814882658997noreply@blogger.com2