Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Village Student Ministries

What is up,

I would like to thank everyone who came to the first Ignite. We had close to 120 in attendance for the first performance. How amazing would it be for God to double that number for next time. I hope that everyone had a great time watching their friends try to make homemade banana pudding, watch some great comedy, listen to some live music and sing along to songs about skittles. This is just the beginning and it only gets better from here, so please come out next time on Monday March 30 to the next Ignite. You will not want to miss out so please invite a friend. I also would like you to check out what we've got going on here at the VillageStudent Ministry, so take a second and scroll down to see what all you can be involved with at the Village. If you ever need anything I am on facebook and my e-mail is matthew@blythewoodvillage.com, so look me up. Also, join the ignite facebook group for all the information on ignite.

I'm outta here,

Matthew Phillips

March : Canned Goods Drive

March : Canned Goods Drive

This past Sunday our message focused on the church SHARING God's love. A practical way we want to do this in the month of March is by collecting canned goods for our local food bank to help those in need. The economic times have put a crunch on a large number of families and a simple way we can help is by providing some basic foods. Bring your canned goods to the school each Sunday during March.

"By this all men will know that you are My disciples, by the love you have for one another" (John 13: 35).

Notes from Our Pastor.

Greetings!
There are times when I wonder, "Are we really making a difference? Is this church making an impact in people's lives or are we just spinning our wheels?" God has affirmed me the past few weeks that what VillageChurch is doing makes a difference. Let me just share with you some different areas where God is moving. First, He's moving on our property! After months of wondering if anything was going to happen, we now have property that's been cleared! A trailer for the General Contractor will be set up in the next few days so they can begin construction of our new worship center. Next, our student pastor Matthew Phillips began a new youth service at Blythewood High School this past Monday. Numerous VillageChurch volunteers showed up to greet the students as they came to the service and to serve them dinner after the service ended. Finally, I've seen more affirmation that God's hand is on our church and mission as we've baptized 14 people in the past few weeks. Great things are happening. Pray that God will involve you in His work at VillageChurch!

Invite a friend to church with you Sunday!

Sincerely,

Erik Estep
VillageChurch

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Church Property Update....More to Come...


Notes from Our Pastor

Greetings!

If you haven't been by the church property in a few days, you'll want to drive by it before you come to church on Sunday! Lots of trees are coming down! Weather permitting, in the next 7 to 10 days, the cutting ought to be finished and then site work will begin: retention ponds and grading of property for starters. The change on our property is going to be rapid! We've been talking about this for so long it's amazing it's starting to happen. Just think...we will be worshiping in a new location in around 6 months!

Just as a reminder. Be praying that the building of our new facility will happen in a safe and timely fashion.

Sincerely,

Erik Estep
VillageChurch

Village Student Ministries

Greetings,

This coming week is a monumental week for our Church. We have the rare opportunity of putting on a program inside of a public high school. We are partnering with F.C.A. to put on a program called "Ignite." Our goal is for salvation to sweep through the northeast area schools. It begins Monday February 23 at 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm. I would love for all of those who are interested to come out and support our student ministry and church. Ignite will take place inside the Blythewood High School Auditorium. I am asking all our members to remember Ignite in prayer. You can pray in this way:

-That the Holy Spirit will move and salvation will fill the hearts of those in attendance.
- That the technicalities of a production would go smoothly
- That the Holy Spirit would communicate through me in a clear and applicable way to reach the students and those in attendance.

We will also be doing our service project on Saturday February 28 from 9:00 am-1:30 pm. If you drive an SUV or a Mini Van then we are going to need your help with transportation. Contact me at matthew@blythewoodvillage.com. We will have permission slips at church on Sunday for those coming. Continue to pray for Ignite and please do not miss ISO Groups this Sunday or your leader will hunt you down with a rabid fox. Have a great week!

Up and Out,

Matthew Phillips

Saturday, February 14, 2009

It's Official... Trees Are Coming Down!

Notes from Our Pastor

I celebrated my 40th birthday this week which is absolutely unbelievable to me! I still think of myself being 20 years old (Emily thinks I still act like it). But my latest birthday is a reminder to me that the clock of life is constantly ticking. And with that in mind I'm reminded that we need to be making the most of of our opportunities as individuals and as a church NOW! Psalm 90:12 says, "Teach us to number our days aright." In light of that I hope that my preaching and my life will have a sense of urgency to it. And I hope that sense of urgency will be contagious for us. People need good news and we have the best message that there is: God loves us and has the power to redeem us. Let's make a difference together!

I look forward to seeing you Sunday!

Sincerely,

Erik Estep
VillageChurch

Village Student Ministry...

Hello All,

We had a great time on Sunday. I personally enjoyed watching everyone try to say "Unique New York" while laying on someone's stomach without laughing. That's what I got out of Sunday, but all in all it was a great time. Ignite is just around the corner and if you have not invited a friend to come then bad things could happen. Please get on the Ignite Facebook group and invite all of your friends to come. If we have to get a bus for all your friends then we can do so, but do not let transportation keep you from inviting. The excitement begins Monday February 23 at 6:30 at the Blythewood High Auditorium. Camp sign up has begun and we want everyone to go. The cost is $275 for camp and if money is a problem then you need to contact me because we have fund raising opportunities for you. Also, do not forget that Small Groups start this week. We will have a time where you can hang out and meet your new leaders and yes we will have pizza! The fun will begin at 4:45 and end at 6:00. On Saturday February 28 we will be meeting at the Lake Carolina Town Center at 9:00 am to go down town to feed the homeless people. We will not return until 1:30, so bring a snack to hold you over until we get back. If you are interested in leading a small group then please contact me. We are looking for some people who have a heart to serve the students and do so by co-leading a small group on Sunday evenings from 4:45 - 6:00 pm. That's a lot to soak in, so have fun with it and I will see you all on Sunday.

Matthew Phillips

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Hey Moms! - - VillageChurch Playgroup

Playgroup schedule:

Thursday, 2/12 - - 10:30am
- - Valentine's Party @ Watts House - - we'll decorate sugar cookies as our craft/dessert and have playtime & lunch.

Thursday, 2/19 - - 10:45am - - Columbia Children's Theatre - - Bunnicula: A hare-raising musical comedy mystery based on the beloved books by James and Deborah Howe.

Thursday, 2/26 - - 10:30am - - Celebrate National Pancake Day @ the Watts House - - I'll supply the pancakes and y'all bring your favorite topping (i.e. fruit, chocolate chips, whipped cream, syrup, etc... more details & sign up sheet later). In return, they would love a donation to Children's Miracle Network. Last year they raised $875,000 and this year they are aiming at $1million.

RSVP to participate: Susie Watts, swatts@sc.rr.com

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Village Student Ministries

Hello Church Family,

I hope everyone enjoyed the super bowl. I will have to say that I enjoyed the Office episode that came on after the game more than the game. For those who watched, "Boom Roasted." We are in the process of finalizing youth camp and getting ready for ignite. Ignite will start on Feb. 23 from 6:30 - 8:00 at the Blythewood High School Auditorium. I encourage all church members to come and see what all the hype is about. If you want to get plugged in then I can definitely find a spot for you. I hope you have a great week and for more details on trips and events just scroll down and you can get all the information you need.

Up and Out,

Matthew Phillips