Another Crazy Couple - nccMilledgeville?

It is now official - Ryan and Lori Lyons are Crazy! Ryan and Lori have decided to leave a really good church and a really good church's financial support to move from KY to Middle Ga in order to plant a new New City Church campus in Milledgeville!

All of the details regarding the exact timing of the move are still being worked out, but it could be as soon as a May 1 move. While settling into a new city, Ryan will receive a crash course hands on time of New City training. Over the summer he will begin sharing New City's vision for a transformed Milledgeville with goal of building a core of 25 adults committed that vision. When Ryan and the core are ready, we'll officially launch New City Church Milledgeville. With God's favor and a lot of hard work, a Fall 2010 launch is possible.

Ready or Not...here we go!

More About Ryan...

Ryan is a graduate of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary where he is also working on his PhD. He is currently the teaching pastor of church outside of Louisville, KY. Ryan and Lori are both from Warner Robins, so the move will bring them a lot closer to family. Ryan and Lori will make the move along with little ones Michael and Kaitlyn.

It is Official - They Must Be Crazy

So - what does a church planter do when he is completely overwhelmed, treading water, and unsure of which way to turn because life is soooooo busy? Pray for help!

So - I have been - we have been - and God is answering. He has answered through a lot of great people in the church doing a lot of good stuff - AND he is answering by making some people CrAzY!

Like - The McConnells

A family of 9

Moving in January from Spokane WA (yes that is WASHINGTON - as in Washington STATE) - and YES - that is 9, NINE) The pic is Patrick and his sons, Caleb, Noah, and Josiah. I couldn't find the whole family - maybe they don't all fit in one picture? They are awesome! 3 Boys from Ethiopia, 2 Girls from Washington, 2 Girls natural and from GA - what a great mix.

Patrick will continue in Macon as the Executive Director of Grace Giving International and work for NCCd for FREE. He is already working - at least in his head - thinking about areas of need, priorities... Patrick will serve as the HOW Pastor - that is, he will work hard at figuring out all of the "how do we" questions. Patrick has served as a pastor in 2 different churches and in numerous capacities. Pray for Jennifer, Patrick and the crew! Pray that God keeps them a little crazy!

And then there are the CrAzY VerSteegs!

Tyler, Sarah, and little V on the way!

Tyler has served in a staff capacity at 2 churches here in Macon. He has been a youth pastor and has led worship and overseen multiple bands. Tyler has resigned from a paying church job so he could help with this NON-PAYING church job! Their last Sunday is this Sunday, and then they're here!

Pray that they stay crazy too!

Crazy.

Meet Russ Johnston

Russ & Miranda Johnston
Toby Johnston and Chase Johnston
Acts 29 Church Planters in Monmouth, OR
New City Church downtown will be a church planting church. We aren't ready to jump out there with a new plant (we are a new plant!), but that doesn't mean that we cannot be a church planting church! It is a great joy to partner with like-minded brothers (and their families) who love Jesus and His people and who are planting new churches. Russ is pastoring a growing congregation of 60+ adults who meet in a school gym. God is bringing in new families and that has led to a problem. They need some sound equipment! Russ said their small PA was great when there were only 20 people, but not so great now. So, we are going to help. God has blessed us these first months. Here's what I think:
6... he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; ... 10Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; (II Corinthians 9)

Now helping plant churches in Saskatoon, Canada and Monmouth, OR

Pray for Russ and his family as well as their new church. If you get a chance - and you should - send him an e-mail and let him know you are praying for him and pulling for them! westvalleyfellowship@gmail.com

Giving to NCCd Just Got Easier!

Great news today!
I have finally worked through some details and we are ready to receive tax deductible gifts.
We are an officially incorporated non-profit church in the great state of GA!
We have officially received our IRS TIN#!
We now have a New City Bank account.

What this means is...
Checks can now be written to New City Church!
Checks to New City Church are tax deductible (as well as documented cash)

Checks can be mailed to
NCCd
107 Kells Court
Macon, GA 31210
or given at a service.

We will be closing out the designated line item with the Macon baptist Association next month.

For accountability and oversight:
All checks issued FROM New City Church will require 2 signatures.
Signers are: Myself, Clint Strange, and Greg Wood
John Wood of Christ Chapel has also agreed to review our accounts with his elders monthly as a source of further protection and accountability.

For the sake of Clarity...

There has been some question and some misunderstanding recently about who is "supporting" New City Church downtown. So - let's make it clear!

Mabel White Support
My Salary:
As of the 2nd half of September it was reduced by 10% at Mabel White.
My Insurance is unchanged
October - Salary reduced by 20% - insurance unchanged
November - Salary decreases by 30% - insurance unchanged
December - Salary decreases by 40% - insurance unchanged
As of January 1 - No pay or benefits from Mabel White - off staff.

Other Mabel White Help:
Mabel White paid for the mail out sent before our 1st service.
We are borrowing one of the Mabel White trailers to store and haul our church set up stuff.
Our band practices at no cost at Mabel White and we have been able to print and copy at Mabel White.

The Following Needs Are Not Met by Mabel White, but Are Being Met Through the Gifts and Offerings of Others:
Children's ministry curriculum
Children's ministry needs like - craft supplies, flooring, room divider walls, television, dolls, toys, snacks, drinks, decorations...
Salary differential
Rent for the theater
Advertising (such as 11th hour)
Coffee (weekly)
Water (weekly)
Band expenses / Sound expenses (wireless mic)
and all other!

God has been faithful to provide for every need that has arisen and we are thankful! Thankful for faithful givers, and those who have supported us in so many ways.

A few needs for our kids...

It will not be long before our next service - I can't wait! We have a few more needs for the kids areas...
Wooden Puzzles
Magna Doodle or 2 or 3
Big Blocks - Duplo or Lego
Post here if you can help out or e-mail me pastorkeith@newcitydowntown.org.

WOW, AGAIN

Just thought I'd share a picture with you. Every day we receive a few more items. What you will not see in the picture are the other items stored in our garage! We have received abundantly for our New City Kids. Thanks to all who have donated! I am keeping the post on our needs updated. If you can help with one of the remaining items, great!
Hope to see you at First Friday tonight!

If You Like Roller Coasters...

If you like roller coasters, you might like church planting!
I'm not sure I have ever experienced so many ups and downs in a single day.
Here's the run down:
down - terrible night of not much sleeping, a lot of thinking about church stuff
down - tuesday is staff meeting day at mabel white
UP - STAFF MEETING ONLY LASTED 35 MINUTES
down - i spent an hour and a half talking with my pastor about how much my pay was about to be cut (that was like the biggest down hill of the biggest roller coaster in the world - i think i might have even screamed!)
down - i wasn't sure how to react to what i was told
UP - GOOD TO HAVE A FRIEND YOU CAN TALK TO WHEN YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. GOT SOME GOOD LOOK LIKE JESUS ADVICE.
down - had to go back to my pastor and tell him i submit to his authority and the elders authority - God will take care of me and the fam.
down - did i mention i have this really bad, feverish spider bite? going to see a doc tomorrow - i think the poison is flesh eating - really hurts
UP - GOT A CALL FROM A FRIEND, A $400 CHECK CAME IN FOR NEW CITY.
UP - CHECKED MY MAIL AT THE OFFICE - $500 CHECK FROM SOMEONE ELSE (THAT'S $900)
UP - $282 OF ALL SORTS OF GOODIES THAT SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THE REST OF OUR NURSERY AND KIDS NEEDS FOR NOW
UP - THE BAND SOUNDED UNREAL TONIGHT - BEST NIGHT YET

Whew! What a day. And it isn't quite over - but I hope the ride for tonight is!

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12)

With a battle like this going on, you know its fixin to get good! (Cletus)

God's Provision

I had lunch today with Pastor John Wood. John is the pastor of Christ Chapel here in Macon. John asked questions and heard my heart for New City Church downtown, and shared his heart for the kingdom of God. It was incredibly refreshing to talk with a pastor who shares in a passion for the gospel and who could care less about denominational lines. Rather than squabbling over secondary differences, he prefers to celebrate our union in Christ. It is true, the blood of Christ is far greater than denominational lines and boundaries.
John planted Christ Chapel 12 years ago (I think 12 years is right) and currently Christ Chapel has expanded to Zebulon Georgia, a Warner Robins campus, and they have very recently partnered with a church planter in Cochran, GA and another in Dublin, GA. John believes that it is true, "as you sow, so shall you reap." Christ Chapel is sowing!
John offered Christ Chapel as a sister church to New City. As a sister church, John said, "Whatever we have is yours. Come and get it, our doors are open." John said that he didn't know what all the future held for our relationship and their support, but without a doubt, New City Church is not alone. I look forward to seeing what God will develop here. I am thankful for all that he is doing around me - I am amazed! We also picked up a new family today - the Hunts. they are members at Christ Chapel and friends from the past. The Hunts will join us thru January as we strive together to see Gospel transformation!

Updated Needs List

UPDATED 09/07/07

So here we go - 18 days and counting!!!!
God is incredibly good and continues to provide in amazing ways. I am updating our list for the kids needs. If you can help, great! We need to collect items by Sept. 9. Let me know if you can help.

PROVIDED - pack n play (2) *(ease in setting up/taking down is important)
PROVIDED swing - suggestion: Evenflo Rock a Bye Swing (59.94 @ Walmart) or one similar that will fold up easily
PROVIDED exersaucer
PROVIDED first aid kit
PROVIDED security tags / information sheets
PROVIDED toys (musical & push)
PROVIDED books
PROVIDED Coloring Books and Crayons
PROVIDED Coloring Pencils
PROVIDED Clorox wipes & disinfectant spray
PROVIDED Kroger bags (for dirty diapers)
PROVIDED diapers: sizes 2, (SIZE 3 PROVIDED) and 4 PROVIDED (one pack of each)
PROVIDED wipes
PROVIDED bedding: 3 Fitted sheets to fit portable 24"x 38" playard mattress
PROVIDED 2-3 receiving blankets
travel high chair - suggestions: Safety 1st Deluxe Care Fold Up Booster or Bebepod Plus (@ Walmart $54.00)
Kolcraft portable crib mattress (24"x38") @Walmart around $18.00
Bumbo babysitter seat (40.00)
Fold n' Go or Four sided Changing Pad (@ walmart 16.00-19.00)
1 @ $50 PROVIDED WalMart / Target gift card

Some money has also been provided, as well as 2 60+ cup Coffee Brewers for our Coffee Bar.

God stuff...

I just wanted to share some amazing happenings this week as God does his thing with New City Church!
Last Weekend: The weekend had me worked up! The list of needs seemed to be growing and the cost of the needs is pretty high. I learned we might not be able to use the Capitol Theater's projector and screen - PANIC!
Ran into an old friend and former high school teammate at Robby's football practice. Our son's will be on the same team. We began to talk about the new church. He is a brother as well as a friend.
Monday: We get a check for just over $3,000 from a church supporter who said they knew there would be some last minute needs!
Thursday: My old teammate calls and we spend a couple of hours together riding to Perry and Warner Robins looking at tucks for his business.
We get back just in time for me to make my 2:00 appt with the folks at the Capitol theater to talk about screen and projector.
Turns out the screen and projector will be usable after all! (Whew!)
Shannon, the leader of our band really wanted me to ask about the band having a practice opportunity at the theater before our 1st Sunday. I told him a week ago that I would ask when I met with the Capitol crew, but I knew their schedule was crazy and just couldn't see them spending 1/2 a day with us for nothing - not mention that they would have to call in their sound guy for something like that. As we discussed the upcoming service one of the Capitol Theater guys said, "hey maybe we should do a run through with you guys, just to make sure we get everything right - like you want it." as if that wasn't amazing enough, they offered us the day before our service - nothing on the calendar for them that day so the band will have the whole afternoon - then all the sound will be set, and the instruments in place for Sunday! WHAT!?!?! Not only will we get a free practice - we'll have all afternoon and then we will not have the hassle and headache of Sunday morning set up! And I didn't even ask for it - they did!!! WOW.
Friday: Met Greg and Wendy Wood (and Asa) at Mercer University to set up a New City Church table to invite students to join us the 16th. Good time with Greg and Wendy, added several names to our mailing list, and handed out a good many fliers. Good stuff.
More Good stuff... My old teammate called me, he spent some time with his pastor and talked with him about New City Church, telling his Pastor he really thinks that they should help support us, his pastor said, I don't need to pray about this one, we're going to help. I meet with them Thursday for lunch to talk about how they might help us! WOW
Tonight we went to the theater to catch Surf's Up - the movie with the family. One of our NCCd families sent out an e-mail inviting anyone who wanted to to join us all there. We had close to 30 folks there as a result. Those 30 people purchased movie tickets and ate pizza and popcorn - positively impacting the theater's economy - awesome presence and positive impact.
What a week!

UPDATE: I e-mailed Leslie McNeil at the Capitol theater to let her know about how many were present Friday night at the movie. Here is her response:

Hi, Keith!

I saw the numbers for the weekend!! We had over 100 people here to see that movie, in LARGE part thanks to you and New City obviously!
We appreciate the support and look forward to offering New City the same.

Thanks,
Leslie

New City Kids Needs

Here's a list of some of our kids ministry needs.

We would like to have donated items by September 9 so that we can purchase un-donated items. Donated items can be sent/delivered to our home or even to me at Mabel White.

Let us know if you can help us get started!

• pack n play (2) *(ease in setting up/taking down is important)
• swing - suggestion: Evenflo Rock a Bye Swing (59.94 @ Walmart) or one similar that will fold up easily
• exersaucer
• first aid kit (2)
• security tags / information sheets
• toys (musical & push)
• books
• Coloring Books and Crayons
• Coloring Pencils
• Clorox wipes & disinfectant spray
• Kroger bags (for dirty diapers)
• diapers: sizes 2,3 and 4 (one pack of each)
• wipes
• bedding: 3 Fitted sheets to fit portable 24"x 38" playard mattress
• 2-3 receiving blankets
• travel high chair - suggestions: Safety 1st Deluxe Care Fold Up Booster or Bebepod Plus (@ Walmart $54.00)
• Kolcraft portable crib mattress (24"x38") @Walmart around $18.00
• Bumbo babysitter seat (40.00)
• Fold n' Go or Four sided Changing Pad (@ walmart 16.00-19.00)
• WalMart / Target gift card

Tuesday Prayer - Wednesday Answers

On Tuesday night we prayed for many, many things, and many people. I asked our group of committed to be in prayer for 2 specifics:
(1) Workers - we are expecting a BIG turnout for our 1st service and will need help. I asked our people to listen out for Sunday School classes and churches that may offer help. We prayed that God would raise up those groups.
Wednesday night before our service I was approached by someone from Mabel White who said that their Sunday School class had talked and wanted to help us for those first months, if we needed it! I later had 2 individuals offer the same. I am amazed.
(2) Partners - I am working on a 2 to 3 year plan for the church which anticipates expenses and giving. We will need some help! I am hoping that we can put together 10 partnerships with other churches and/or individuals who will buy into the visio and mission and commit to support our start. I asked our people to pray for those partners and we did Tuesday night.
Wednesday afternoon I received a check in the mail for $300 from a friend who hasa church home but believes in our vision! I also received a call from someone else who wanted to know where they should send a check.
I don't know how God's sovereignty and our prayers work together. But I am amazed, overwhelmed, and humbled by his provision and for answered prayer.
So New City - know that God is mighty, that he hears our prayers, and answers according to his will! Be encouraged in the place he is taking us!

Giving to New City Church

Yes, there are already expenses - and thankfully God is already providing for the new church. Some of the costs:
$1,000 per meeting at the Capitol Theater (Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec, - renegotiate in Jan)
Acts 29 Boot Camp $300 plus travel, meals, room
Business Cards, Signage at the Capitol theater, upcoming children/nursery needs...

So - How can you give to New City Church?

The Macon Baptist Association has designated a line in their account for New City Church. This means that while we work to get incorporation taken care of as well as non-profit status, tax deductible gifts can be sent to New City Church thru the Macon Baptist Association.
Simply make your check out to the Macon Baptist Association and in the remarks section write for New City Church.

Mail checks to:
Macon Baptist Association
1080 Second Street
Macon, GA 31201

Thanks MBA for making this available!

Six Degrees of Separation

Last night I get an e-mail - my first thought, is this a joke!? My second thought, I think I know who God used here! Six degrees of separation is the theory that anyone on the planet can be connected to any other person on the planet through a chain of acquaintances that has no more than five intermediaries.

So here's the e-mail:

Hi Keith,We are pleased to tell you that you have been chosen as a Macon Magazine 2007 Young Leader. If you are familiar with our magazine, you know that each August we choose "Five Under 40" young leaders who we feel are successful professionally and are giving back to the community in significant ways. They are people who we, and other leaders, feel will be leading our community over the next 10-15 years.Congratulations! We are so pleased that you have been chosen. We will need to schedule a photo session with you and the other young leaders and we will send you questions to begin the interview process very soon.Please call us or let us know you received this and we will get the process started.
Thank you for all you do for Macon, Jodi Palmer, co-owner and
publisher
Macon Magazine Inc.
2208 Ingleside Avenue
Macon, GA 31204

Here's another boast on God! Incredible, isn't He.

Boasting on God

Here are some things I want to give praise to God for today in regards to the plant:

1) We - the family - are on a short holiday. We are in North Ga for a few days away. Driving up after church yesterday I received our 1st call from someone who saw one of our fliers - cool because there haven't been many put out in stores or shops yet.

2) I checked e-mail today and had received a note from someone who had just heard about the church plant. In his e-mail he was very encouraging and supportive for the steps we have taken. He also added that he would be praying about how God might desire him to be involved in New City's start, but he would definitely like to help us financially.

3) A very good friend dropped a new lap top off at my office today. He ordered it, loaded, got ready to roll, then said we could settle up when things were up and running with the new church, no hurry.

4) Scott Park, the guy who designed our logo and built our web site, told me that he had spoken with someone at Georgia Public Radio. They would like to do an interview in the near future - not so much about the new church, but about the church planting movement under way all across the US.
Scott also said he thought we might be able to line up some other media interviews closer to our start date.

5) God has moved and continues to move the desire of my family's heart toward this plant. My wife and children have said they are ready for the new church to start.

6) A few days ago Amy and I were eating out with Elijah. Ivey and Robby were doing things with friends/camp. Amy had been having a couple of those "questioning" days - you know, how will we make ends meet? are we sure we really need to do this right now?... When we left the restaurant there was a short note on our car - 3 simple words and a signature - "Trust His Hand." Amazing.

It seems that with every step we take, God has made straight our path. He is providing for us in ways that only He can receive the glory for. That's what I want too - for this to be sooooooo crazy that only He could do it! Look for more bragging on God posts in the near future!

Continuously Amazed

I am continuously amazed with God's provision. I know on the one hand I shouldn't be - look at the stars on a clear night and know what you see is not even the tip of an unimaginably enormous universe of stars - and each one is named by him, was created by him, and hangs as it does by his amazing power. On the other hand that is exactly why I am so amazed - why would a God of such immense proportion bother with me?
Every day's provision is a testimony of his grace and mercy and of his lovingkindess, but these days leading up to the church plant are truly incredible. At every turn God is making straight the path; he is providing before I even know of a need. And he does so in ways that blow my mind - I met yesterday with a guy who knows everyone in Macon - today his wife called and is going to be promoting the new church and asked for additional information... I have no idea what God is doing there! Today Amy and I met 2 ladies - their families are looking for a place to plug in - a place like New City. We need someone with children's ministry experience - can you guess the area that their hearts beat for? Yeah - children's ministry.
Amazing, humbling
Why would a God of such immense proportion bother with me?
Maybe because its not really about me, but his immenseness.