Matthew's Cafe

Art of Marriage Revisited!

2011-11-29T16:24:00.000-08:00

This weekend the incredible workshop mentioned in the last post will be offered again! Join us Friday night and all day Saturday, December 2 & 3 for an event that will change your marriage forever.

Check out the video teaser here

The Art of Marriage

2011-01-07T10:13:00.000-08:00

FamilyLife presents the Art of Marriage. A new video-based marriage conference, built on the same biblically based content as the "Weekend to Remember Getaway". The Art of Marriage brings together some of the most respected and influential pastors on marriage and family to share with you and your spouse. It also brings a fresh approach to a video conference by weaving together the following elements to help couples fully experience God's design for marriage.

expert teachings
engaging stories
real-life testimonies
man-on-the-street interviews
humorous vignettes

On February 11th, 2011Familylife will launch The Art of Marriage nation wide. We will be hosting the AOM here at Matthew's Cafe.

The conference is Feb 11th and 12th and the cost is $55 per couple for all the materials ($50 if you register before Jan. 31st) We have limited space available (only 30 couples).

Have more questions? Ask the Hobbs', Books or Nashes. You can also go online at http://www.2-11-11.com

Christmas Eve Worship Service

2010-12-20T19:58:00.000-08:00

Christmas is a time for family, traditions and worship. Since we are a family it seems fitting to get together and share traditions and worship together. Join us Christmas Eve Friday the 24th from 6:00 - 7:00 pm. Come and worship the New Born King!

Soul Food - A Community Meal

2010-11-06T20:30:00.000-07:00

For six weeks this Fall we are going to be celebrating being a community of believers by sharing a weekly meal together. Sometimes you come for dinner cos you need to be ministered to…by being fed a meal…having someone listen to you…or someone to pray for you. Sometimes you come so you can minister to others…by feeding them, listening to them…or praying for them.

Each week a different team will host, providing a variety of soups and breads. Desserts may show up...who knows!!

So....Soul Food...Thursdays at 5:30 at the Cafe...except for the week of Thanksgiving when we'll do Weds instead!

Current and Upcoming Events at the Cafe`

2010-10-12T10:40:00.000-07:00

National Pastor Appreciation Month
The month of October is National Pastor Appreciation Month. Let's show our love, support and appreciation for not only our Pastor, but for our Teachers, Youth Teachers and church Leaders as well, throughout the remaining month. They all serve and encourage us year round, so now is the time to serve and encourage them! Be as creative as you'd like.

Some ideas: Pray for them, write out a thank you card to them individually, talk with them personally to thank them in your own words, put together a gift basket, a meal, a surprise. Maybe offer to do a chore, or errand for them? Do whatever is in your heart to do, and have fun with it! They are fun people and would enjoy any kind thought from you.

5th Sunday
The fifth Sunday of the month is rapidly approaching us. On Sunday October 31st we will be having a pie tasting contest, and social, right after service. Please bring your specialty pie for the judges to taste. Once the entries are judged (righteously, of course), they will be shared with the congregation and guests.

Do not hesitate to bring a store bought pie to share for the pie social. We know that everyone has been gifted differently to represent the body of Christ, and if your gift doesn't happen to be baking... we won't hold it against you. You can still love your neighbor by feeding them well.

See you there!

5th Sunday at the Book Family Farm

2010-05-24T12:37:00.000-07:00

Join us for 5Th Sunday service at the Book Family Farm This Sunday May 30Th. Following the service we will enjoy picnicking together. Please bring your own picnic lunch. We will provide the drinks. if you'd like you can also bring a dessert to share. Plan B in the event of rain we will picnic inside at the cafe. Plan to bring to the farm: Lawn chair, picnic lunch, and a dessert to share if you'd like.

Directions: Go South on the 99 and take the Durham exit. Turn right or go west about 1/4 a mile until you see Book Family Farm road. Turn left and go to the end. Park on the road and walk up the dirt road. If someone is handicapped or has trouble walking they may come all the way in and park.

Hope to see you there!

2010-04-15T21:33:00.000-07:00

Country Stomp: A Family Fun Event

When: Saturday April 17th

6:00-9:00 PM

Where: Matthew's Cafe

What: Line Dancing, Square Dancing, Chili and Cornbread Dinner

Bring a sample of your favorite cookies recipe and see if you've got the best!!

Classes coming up at the cafe

2010-02-15T10:54:00.000-08:00

Discovery Class -

The Leadership has put together a series of events to help us grow in our relationship with God and those at Matthew's cafe. In two weeks we will be beginning our third in the series of events. This class is called Discovery: What it means to grow and live as a Christian. Essentially this will be a study in the book of 1 John. The class will take place after service for about an hour, beginning Sunday February 28th, and will go for four weeks. This class is for anybody in the cafe weather you are new or have been around for a while. Please mark it on your calendar and join us.

Divorced? Separated? Know someone going through it?...

These can be some very painful and lonely times. You (they) don't have to go through it alone. On Monday nights, beginning March 1st at 6:30, at the cafe, there will be a thirteen week seminar/support group for those who have been divorced or separated. Come or invite a friend and find others with whom you can share their journey and find health and healing through Jesus Christ. For more information about DivorceCare call Michael or Vicky Golden at 343-7357. Brochures are in the back at the cafe.

Things coming up at the Cafe

2010-01-13T20:43:00.000-08:00

U R NU Cafe -

If you are new to Matthew's cafe or have never been to a U R NU Cafe, you are invited to join us for lunch. U R NU is an opportunity to get to know more about the cafe and meet some of our people. We will meet on Sunday Jan. 24th right after 2nd service (roughly 11:45) If you are interested in coming please drop a note with your name and number in the offering box at church or leave a message on here.

Welcome Class -

February 7th and 14th. Welcome is the first in a series of short classes designed to help you navigate your "Spiritual Journey" with God and how it fits in with the cafe. Welcome is a two week class that answers "What does it mean to 'belong' at Matthew's cafe?" We will meet right after service. If you are interested please drop a note with you name and number in the offering box at church or leave a message on here.

Merry Christmas at the Cafe!!

2009-12-16T09:21:00.000-08:00

Ladies Christmas Brunch

Ladies join us for food , fellowship and fun. The Brunch will be from 9-11 THIS SATURDAY DECEMBER 9TH. Invite friends and family. Please email sherimnash@yahoo.com so we can get a number of those coming. Please bring a wrapped Christmas ornament for an exchange and a dish to share if you can.

Christmas Card Distribution

We will be visiting two nursing homes to hand out Christmas cards and to share God's love. THIS SUNDAY DECEMBER 20TH. Meet at the cafe at 1:00. Please join us in helping bring a little cheer to those who need it.

Love Chico

2009-10-15T09:26:00.000-07:00

We will not be having service this Sunday at the cafe. But We will be joining 18 other Churches to serve in our community. We will be living out "Loving thy neighbor" as well as "living out what we believe" The projects include schools, parks,non-profits, retirement homes,etc. This is a great opportunity to come together as the body of Christ to serve others and to meet some new friends. If you have not signed up please email sherimnash@yahoo.com and we will get you signed up for a project. If you have already signed up as a volunteer thank you very much!!

Mid Week Opportunities at the Cafe

2009-09-11T12:54:00.000-07:00

Divorced? Separated? Know someone going through it?...
These can be some lonely and painful times. You (They) do not have to go through it alone. On Monday nights, beginning Sept 14th at 6:30 pm at the cafe, there will be a thirteen-week seminar/support group for those who have been divorced or separated. Come or invite a friend and find others with whom they can share their journey and find help and healing through Jesus Christ. For more information on DivorceCare call Larry or Betsy Hobbs at 894-6511

Serendipity style Bible study
Wednesday nights at 6:30pm at the cafe. The purpose is to study God's word with friends and to hopefully make new friends. for more information contact Ralph Wind at 892-2041 or Chris Gardner at 891-8267

Precept Inductive Bible Study - Go deeper in your walk with God
"Sermon on the Mount" study Part I - Thursdays, Sept. 17 - Oct. 22
Part II - Thursdays, Jan 21 - Feb 25
Meeting at the cafe 7-9 pm
For more information contact Jodi George 894-5987 or www.jodigeorge@shocking.com

Service Change this Sunday 8/30!!!

2009-08-28T13:17:00.000-07:00

We are having our worship service and all church picnic at Wildwood Park, 10am Come for worship, sharing, lunch and games. Matthew's will provide hot dogs, drinks, and paper goods.... Just bring along a side dish to share. The youth group will have a dessert fundraiser to help defer the cost of their Winter Yosemite trip.

Update and Congregational Meeting

2009-08-17T18:50:00.001-07:00

Congregational meeting/update on Saturday, Aug 22nd from 1-3 pm. Join the leadership team for a time of discussion as we continue to implement God's vision for Matthew's Cafe. Babysitting will be provided.

CONCERT THIS SATURDAY!!

2009-08-14T13:48:00.000-07:00

JC Muzk Productions Presents...

Armor Under Fire

Fresh from their BIG Spirit West Coast debut!...

Saturday, Aug 15th., 7pm

at Matthew's Cafe

Admission - $3

for more info call 893-4901

Facebook

2009-07-30T10:14:00.000-07:00

We now have a group on facebook. If you are on there just look up Matthews cafe and join. We will be posting events, classes, small groups and other info on there. Also posting pictures and discussions. We hope to keep everyone informed about what is going on at the Cafe.

Youth Group Activity

2009-07-30T10:07:00.000-07:00

Jr High and High Schoolers

1 Mile o' Fun

Food Games Swimming

Where - Meet at "1 Mile Dam

When - August 8th

Time - 11-3

What to Bring - Swimming gear, suntan lotion, drinks, friends!!

Questions? Call Caitlyn or leave message here!!

Matthew's Craft Corner

2009-07-20T12:46:00.000-07:00

This July, crafters will have an opportunity to get together to do crafts and have fellowship. Bring a craft you are working on and come down to the cafe. We will share ideas, friendship and food.

Where: Matthew's cafe

Date: Monday July 27th

Time: Between 4:30 pm and 9:00 pm

Some snacks will be provided, feel free to bring more.
Question? Call Lisa @ 343-0121 or email LmariaW8ts@yahoo.com

Aren't working on a craft? Just come and visit and get ideas!

Feather Falls Hike!!

2009-07-14T14:28:00.000-07:00

Saturday July 18th.

7:00 am-4:00 pm.

Agenda

7:00 am - meet at Matthew's Cafe and carpool to Feather Falls.

8:00 am - Start the hike!!

Lunch Break at the beautiful falls

3:00 pm - Carpool back to Matthew's Cafe

we will be back to the cafe about 4:00 pm

This hike is listed as Moderate difficulty

Please bring: light backpack, hiking shoes, sack lunch, sunscreen, camera and plenty of water.

Ice Cream Social

2009-06-30T08:38:00.000-07:00

Friday July 10th at 6:30. Come and cool down with a delicious ice cream sundae at Matthew's. We will provide the ice cream and you provide your favorite topping (cherries, whipped cream chocolate, ???). Stick around (quite literally!) for games afterwards.

Baptism and Pool Party

2009-06-22T22:48:00.000-07:00

Baptism is a public proclamation of our decision to surrender and follow Jesus Christ. That is something to celebrate! Join is Sunday June 28th from 5-8 pm at the PV pool (which is at Bidwell Jr. High). If you have never been baptized and would like more info please talk to Jayson Nash or leave a message on the blog and he will get back to you.

Each family is to bring a main dish and a side dish or dessert. Singles can choose to bring anything they want. We will provide the paper goods and drinks. Also bring your swim suit and a towel and enjoy the pool after the baptism service.

5th Sunday May 31st

2009-05-29T14:12:00.000-07:00

ONE SERVICE AND POTLUCK: 10 AM

On May 31st we will be having a special service as we wrap up the school year. Directly following the service will be a "Kids Choice" potluck in honor of our younger ones. Please bring your kids' favorite main dish (pizza, chicken nuggets, mac and cheese, PB&J, etc...you get the picture) If you don't have kids or they're all grown up bring you favorite dish from childhood. In addition, families please bring a side and/or dessert. Let's celebrate children together! And don't forget: 10am!

National Day of Prayer May 7th

2009-04-28T11:18:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, May 7th, the 58th Annual National Day of Prayer is being observed. The theme for this year is "Prayer... America's Hope" and is based on the verse from Psalm 33:22 which states: "May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you."

This year the Prayer Team and the Leadership Team are organizing a 12-hour prayer watch from 6am to 6pm. We encourage you to participate individually, as a family, as a group from your work, as a couple of friends instead of your weekly coffee time. There is a sign up sheet in the back marked off in half hour time blocks but you can sign up for more time than the half hour. Our goal is to have 12 hours of continuous prayer at the café.

We will have a Praise Service that evening from 6:30–8pm to thank the Lord for His goodness and unfailing love toward us.

Good Friday and Easter Services

2009-04-10T16:31:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

Just a reminder that we are having a special Good Friday service this evening at 7:00pm. We will be reflecting on Christ's journey to the cross. Join us for worship through song, readings and personal reflection. Our time together will be enhanced if you are there.
:00
For Easter Sunday, we will be having our regular two services at 9:00am and 10:45am, with a coffee fellowship time between the services. This Sunday only, we will have children's church (pre-school to 5th grade) during both services. The youth group will meet at 9am only.

Next week we return to children's church being only during the 9:00 service.

God bless you as you celebrate Jesus' victory over sin and death,

Jayson

Ash Wednesday

2009-02-24T18:41:00.000-08:00

Ash Wednesday

If you are not familiar with the term "Ash Wednesday" what would you think it would mean? Does it mean that you clean the ashes out of the fireplace on Wednesday, or that Wednesday is the day it’s ok to burn the leaves? What is the connection between ashes and Wednesday?
Ash Wednesday is the 7th Wednesday before Easter Sunday and the first day of the Lenten Season. The early practice of placing ashes on a worshipper’s head or forehead gives this day its name. This was done as a symbol of mourning and sorrow at the death sin brings. In the early church ashes were not placed on everybody’s head but those who had made public confession of sin and sought to be restored to the community fellowship at the Easter celebration. Later on it came to be seen as a mark of humility that the whole community of believers participated in to identify their own lives with the consequences of sin had it not been for the sacrificial death of Jesus, the Christ.

In many church traditions Lent is a season of self-denial, penance and great solemnity. Most of all Lent, beginning with Ash Wednesday, is a deliberate placing of ourselves before God to once again remember and respond to His presence in our lives. It is saying with Job "I know that my Redeemer liveth…" because we have placed our hurts, fears, anxieties, failures, and hopes in His nail scarred hands.

This year at Matthew’s Café we want to use this Lenten season to "turn our … back to God. It may be that you need to turn your heart back to God, or turn your fears over to God; perhaps turn your life over to God, or turn control of your life over to God. This time of reflection is meant to be a journey for you to place your life in God’s hands and allow His transforming grace to work in and through you so that Easter is a celebration of victory and new hope for us all.

On Ash Wednesday, February 25, from 7-9 the café will be open for a time of Prayer and Praise. It will be a time for you to come and use the time as you need. It may be that you need to sit quietly in a corner even if everybody else is singing. It may be that you need to ask somebody to hear your confession or just have individual prayer for something in your life. The intention is to use music and prayer to begin whatever God has planned for you.

The Prayer Team

Transition

2009-02-14T11:26:00.000-08:00

As most of you know, Terry Walling recently release his new book "Stuck." He shared his insights on how to recognize and navigate through the transitions of life and how they are part of the work God is doing through us. Not only does Terry teach and write about transitions, he is going through one himself right now. And so is Matthew's Café.

Over the past few years Terry has taken on the lead pastor role at Matthew's Café. He has used his apostolic gifting as a visionary to get our church to the place it is at today. He has been instrumental in creating a place where we can participate in genuine worship of God, have real authentic relationships with each other and be challenge to engage our community with the hope of Jesus Christ.

As God continues to move and lead in Terry's life, He is taking him in a different direction. Terry's role and level of involvement at Matthew's Café has greatly changed in order to be faithful to God's calling and give it the attention it needs. Terry has already transitioned out of the lead pastoral role and, just recently, has step off of the Leadership Team. He will continue to call Matthew's Café his home and provide us with leadership development and teaching from time to time.

This Sunday we will spend some time talking more about this transition, what Terry is doing now and how this impacts the Café. We hope to see you there.

Blessings,

Jayson

2009-01-26T09:25:00.001-08:00

Work Day at the Café’

Thanks to all of you who were able to come help out this weekend. For those of you were not able to make it, we missed you. But don’t feel left out. Check out the photos of the fun we had together.

We were able to paint the Children’s Ministry Classrooms, organize the storage unit behind the stage, set ups books shelves and clean up around the Café’. Of coarse, when we get together, it’s not just work. We had a great time being together, talking and learning about one another.

When Jesus said “Where two or three have come together in my name, I am there among them” (Matt18:20), he wasn’t just talking about meeting for a Bible study or prayer. We were together to serve Him and he was there with us.

I hope you can join us next time.

Jayson

Robert directed the clean up back stage.

Mellisa telling Mom how to get it done.

Marlia and Larry

Jadon & Johnny, part of the painting crew.

Sheri and Larry

Jayson does the 2nd coat.

Joanne, Andrea and Betsy were painting than walls.

Scott, Brian and Jayson cleaning the Cafe'

Valor trys his painting skills.

Omar and Marlia working hard.

2008-12-10T08:41:00.000-08:00

Matthew’s Café Special Day of Prayer and Fasting
Join with us today as we seek the Lord as one body.

A reminder that today is a day that we, at Matthew’s Café, have set aside to pray and fast together. Life is filled with challenges and questions. As Christians, we follow a true and loving God who wants to guide and speak to us during those times. God told us that you will seek me and find me if you seek me with all your heart (Jer. 29:13). I see fasting as a time to seek God with all your heart. Being willing to give up food, a most basic need, as a way to say “God, I am sincere in my heart to seek you and will give up eating as an act of sacrifice and worship to you.

You might be saying, “I get praying together, but why fasting?” Our desire is that all of us would go deeper in our relationship with the Lord. Fasting is way in which to do that.

Fasting was an expected “discipline” in both the Old and New Testament. Jesus expected it from us. He said in Matthew 6:16 “When you fast” not if you fast.

Fasting is a way to truly humble ourselves before God. David said “I humble myself through fasting” (Ps 35:13).

It is also a way to see how God wants to provide for and direct us. Ezra 8:21 says Then I proclaimed there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possession.

I believe fasting allows the Holy Spirit to do a greater work in our hearts and bring about greater transformation in our lives.

In your time of prayer:

Worship the Lord for He is worthy to be praised.

Ask that He show you anything specific that he wants to do in your life.

Pray for your brothers and sisters at Matthew’s Café. Ask that He would strengthen and protect us and cause us all to grow deeper in Him.

Pray for God to provide for the Café financially and ask if He has anything specific to show you regarding that.

Pray for wisdom and direction for the Leadership Team for some key decisions that are before us.

LISTEN. Don’t do all the talking. God wants to speak to you.

Thank you for loving the body of Christ and praying with us.

Join us tonight for a time of Corporate Prayer
We are meeting tonight at the Café from 6:30 to 8:30 to join the Prayer Team in a time of corporate pray. Hope to see you there!

- Jayson

Christmas at the CAFE!

2008-11-23T15:06:00.000-08:00

Christmas at the Cafe is always a special time.
This year the four Sundays (beginning Nov. 30th) becomes a special time of reflecting what it meant to wait for Christ first coming... culminating on Dec. 21st... with our Christmas service and what it means to wait for His second coming.

Advent (from the Latin word adventus, meaning "coming") is a season of the Christian church, the period of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus, in other words, the period immediately before Christmas.

We kick-off ADVENT on Sunday, November 30th with our FIFTH SUNDAY Fellowship celebration. Service times... Coffee on at 10am... and worship begining at 10:15am.

Beginning January 4... 2009... a new contemplative service being added. Stay tuned for more... and may this Christmas involve the giving of our lives to Christ, and others, in greaer ways!

Thoughts about My Last Post!

2008-09-30T13:36:00.000-07:00

In my last blog entry, I (Terry) recommended a book, "Blue Like Jazz" by Donald Miller. It is one of the few blogs that people have commented on. The recommendation of the book was out of my own personal journey.

While I take another view than the comments shared, I think it is key for us to be in conversation. This blog is for our church body (Matthew's Cafe) and its activities. But because I recommended the book, I thought it would be helpful to follow-up on the Aug. 28th post (see below) and share a response.

Up front...especially to those who were concerned... Fernando, Anonymous and Traci... NO... I have not deserted the faith, or drifted into some false movement in recommending a read of Blue Like Jazz... I too have been studying where we are at as the Church.

I do know there is much dialog out there about authors like Miller being one of the many writers that are being lumped together into what is called the "emergent movement." YES... I still fully embrace the Gospel which includes a belief in the presentation of sin, judgment and a clear presentation of truth... NO... I have not wavered in any way terms of my commitment to Jesus Christ, trust in him alone, and the authority of Scripture.

And YES... salvation is by faith alone... coming through a confession of sin, and belief in Jesus as Lord and Savior that sets a person free. And that alone.

So what was the point of the blog entry?
I feel that we who have surrendered our lives to Christ, and who trust is Jesus Christ, need to come to terms with the isolation that most of us have from the world Jesus called us to reach. We are for the most part sealed off from interacting with the very people Jesus came to seek and to save. It is time for us to go to them.

We need to engage in discussion and dialog with this growing wave of unbelief in the way that Christ did. Rather than turning in... Jesus left the Father, entered their world, lived and proclaimed the truth, and presented/translated the Gospel to them (Matthew 9), on their turf, even when the religious would not have it.

I do believe that taking the Gospel to the non-believing world is a call for us to become missionaries to our neighborhoods, like those who now serve around the world. These servants in foreign lands invest time and relationship into understanding where people are, and then build bridges required to take people from where they are, to where need to be... that is what it means to surrender and follow Christ in our day. Even if it risks being misunderstood.

NO... not so far so as to compromise truth... and NO not to forsake the preaching of the Word... But YES... far enough to make sure that what we are holding to actual truth alone, and not our preferences as Christians. It is being willing to (like Paul) to become all things, to all men, so that some might believe. Holding fast to truth, yet willing to lay down our preferred approach and style.

An observation: There have been things that have been said by the likes of John MacArthur, Chuck Swindoll, Chuck Smith and other leaders that I have not agreed with down through the years in my growth as a Christian. In the 80s I watched as John MacArthur has wrote off the whole of the charismatic movement, and assigned tongues to something not being not from God, but of the flesh and enemy. Thought I do not always agree, these same men have sharpened my faith and practice, and challenged me to grow.

I know some who feel Miller does not even fit in that same camp as the leaders above. But at the risk of being misunderstood, (and I could be wrong) much of the fears I hear often have more to do with the methods, than error in teaching. There is no doubt that Miller's upbringing and hurt from the church has made his unorthodox approach and methods to the non-Christian world not the norm.

Please do NOT in ANYWAY hear that as I am not committed to truth, and or have fallen prey to a movement that is not according to truth. Any of us can be wrong in our assessment of things. If we ever lose that reality, we will fall prey to false teaching. Rather, I have chosen to allow the practice of my faith (not the faith itself) be challenged and sharpened by those I still do consider a brother in Christ, though I might not always agree.

I read Blue Like Jazz last year, was impacted by it, and did not evaluate it to offer any a truth other than that which is according to Scripture. Oh... I was challenged, and yes I did not agree with all his methods, but my read landed it within the confines of Scripture. I voluntarily take on the challenge to read and review Blue Like Jazz, again, and will offer a review on my personal blog on Leader Breakthru blog in the next 30-days (www.leaderbreakthru.com).

My commitment: If I find that which is in the book, is not according to the Gospel, I will offer correction to where I think Miller is off, and not recommend it in the future, In terms of Miller's new book, and the posture that was ascribed to him, I will wait until it comes out.

I am glad several felt strong enough to dialog with me.
Let me be so bold to ask us each to not assign to each other a belief either may hold before dialog. Wholesale lumping of any of us in a group is not helpful, especially when comes to believing we are leaving the truth. We need the chance to truly hear where each other is coming from, regardless of what the other critics may say.

I have been hurt in the past (and I am sure I have hurt others) by doing that. We may not always agree with each other, but love for each other and brothers and sisters in Christ should be our trademark. Let us reason together, talk things through, and let iron sharpens iron.

I welcome your thoughts.
Blessings.
Terry

This Sunday - 5th Sunday @ Wildwood Park!

2008-08-28T15:29:00.000-07:00

Hey this Sunday we are at Wildwood Park! See Map.

(NOTE ... NO meeting this week at Mangrove).
All starts at 10am - regular time.
Worship and Sharing ... and BBQ afterwards for lunch!
Fun time... and it ends when it ends!
Softball... water games... tug-o-war... etc.

Cafe will provide hot dogs, drinks, silverware, everything.
Bring chair or blanket for those who come with you!
We also need you to just bring the following:

A-L bring desert
M-Z bring side dish

Last fling of summer!
See u there.

ReThoughts about Blue Like Jazz!

2008-08-28T15:04:00.000-07:00

I recently gave a recommendation to Donald Miller and his book Blue Like Jazz (featured in the picture).

It was featured under the blog I entitled: "7 out of 13." It caused a stir from several because of my recommending a book that gave references to recommending a writer who some beleive is abandoning Christianity as we know it today, and trying to more closely align with the actual teaching and life of Christ.

I am re-tracting that recommendation and blog post for two reasons:

1. While I do not fully agree with those who agrue that Miller is preaching a different Gospel, there is enough within the book that can be misuderstood, that it is not worth the risk of those who look to me, being led astray toward a gospel message different that the Truth of God's Word. For those who challenged me, I appreciate your efforts to check what I am recommending according to the Word of God. It is the same as the Berans of the new Testament, and as my brothers and sisters in Christ, I respect your calling me to account.

2. I also broke with a rule that I have held to when I suggest or recommend reading and resources that are more edgy and challenging. I did give to the reader some "pre-conditions" and state that I did not go along with all that is said. In the past, I have offered disclaimers when I know that things could be misuderstood and even more the opnion of the author, as opposed to truth.

I will read more widely than maybe most. The reason is not to embrace that which is not the truth, but to listen to what is being said, and how God wants us to take the Gospel into the discussions of the culture. My 40+ years as a Christian hase given me a fairly good filtering system.... in that I can embrace what I see to be the truth, while letting that which borders the truth, go.

But I do realize, and now re-enforce that truth that not all have that desire, or years of experience. So on both counts, I apologize if in anyway I have caused you to be misled by Miller's writings, and it the days ahead will work to hold to the two safeguards that I shared above.

Blessings.
Terry

GREEN LIGHTS!

2008-06-15T08:21:00.000-07:00

Can we begin this new outreach?
Can we start this new ministry venture?
Can I use the Café for ______?

YES!
GREEN LIGHTS!

Here are FOUR questions. Answer them and you have
GREEN lights to launch a new ministry and become a sent-one of
Matthew’s Café:

1. Is your ministry/vision in-line with the mission and vision of the Café?
2. Is there more than one of you… a team… who believe and will be part?
3. Is it self-supporting financially, so it does not become a financial drain on the body?
4. Are you linked and connected to the Leadership team?

If the answers are yes to all four, you are good to go!
Seriously. The Leadership Team blesses you as being a
sent one form Café to Chico and beyond.

What about a tougher question:
Are we going to start up the COFFEEHOUSE again?
Answer. YES.
When?

When the body and its need for the Cafe mandates it!
What does that mean? When there are so many ministries wanting to use the Cafe, that it merits us hiring a team to keep it open full time... WE WILL GO FOR IT!
Green Lights!

How do we get going?

Pick up a GREEN LIGHTS form at the Cafe!
Fill this out. TURN into PAT LILLIE!
She will get you on the Coffeehouse Use Calendar.
She will then let you know your start date.

It's time again... to move out!

Back in Action... Cafe Concert with Katie Drake!

2008-05-05T12:27:00.000-07:00

The Cafe Open House this past weekend featured the music of Katie Drake. It was good to have Katie as our first concert.
Katie sang songs from the heart. Seeing the Cafe up and running again reminds us of the call to see that Matthew's Cafe always be a safe-place for people to experience the authentic love of Christ.

Other great news...
Certificate of Occupancy
In case you did not hear on Sunday, we received our “official” Occupancy Permit from the City, which allows us to commence use of the facility all during the week. Way to go Bob Keller for helping to insure that we are up to code.

So...
Let the next chapter begin!

So What's Really Different?

2008-04-15T09:58:00.001-07:00

It May seem Subtle, but it is Actually Big Change!

Our former logo put the emphasis on the Coffeehouse and Coffee-cup. Our new logo is focused on the TABLE... the dialogue... the transformation of people.

Churches are organic... they are designed to grow and mature. They go through chapters as their story unfolds!

Our FIRST chapter was about developing the idea of a place like the Cafe! Our NEXT chapter is to build on this place, to now build the people of the place! More than transforming church into a safe-place, now the focus is on developing a relationship with Christ that causes us to be people who are transformed by the love and grace of God.

Now, everything that God has done to make this place known throughout the City is now what we build upon and move our focus on developing deeper walks with God. Practically, this means we enter this next season with a clean the slate and re-focus how we organize ourselves, how we are led, what we prioritize our activities, and how we expend our resources.

It is too easy for Church to become locked in and an organizational. When it does, it typically loses its life. It is harder to allow the church to be moldable and open to change and growth! Yet, it is the very thing that keeps the Church---Church... a growing, organic expession of the heart of God. Stay tuned.

This Sunday=5th Sunday!

2008-03-26T11:33:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile, but this Sunday we will have a Fifth Sunday Fellowship! What is it?

Whenever a FIFTH Sunday is in a month, we worship and spend time hearing what God is doing in each of our lives. Then, we do lunch on-site... right after worship!

The schedule this Sunday:
10am-Coffee
10:15-11:30am Worship and Sharing
11:30-1:00 Lunch.

What to bring with you to worship?

Last name A-M = Main Dish + Salad
Last Name N-Z = Main Dish + Dessert
Church will take care of drinks and silverware.
See You There!

New Life! New Home!

2008-03-21T11:53:00.000-07:00

EASTER... Resurrection Celebration!
There is no greater day for a Christ-follower than Easter and the celebration of the resurrection of Christ.

And there is no better time than for a Church family than to be brought back from the ashes of fire to celebrate Christ's conquering of death and destruction in a new home that God has provided.

We began with an Easter service, we now celebrate our next chapter in our new Mangrove home this Easter Sunday.

Easter Sunday at the Cafe!
Two Worship times... 9am and 10:45am!
10:15-10:45am... Coffee and Rolls on the Patio!
Come... bring your family... invite back Cafe friends... bring your neighbor.

And NEXT Sunday, March 30th ...
Don't Miss The Fifth Sunday Fellowship

Worship... sharing and Potluck lunch together.
10am Worship - 11:30 Lunch
A-M > Main Dish + Salad
N-Z > Main Dish + Desert

It's Friday... Resurection Celebration is Coming!

2008-03-13T19:55:00.000-07:00

We're getting ready for a special Easter Celebration in our new home!

EASTER Sunday, MARCH 23rd
9am - WORSHIP [10:15 - coffee] 10:45am - WORSHIP

To get ready... We need your help!
TWO WORK DAYS
This Sat. - March 15 - 9am to Noon / Heavy labor day.
Removing kitchen hoods. Men bring your sawsall!

Next Sat. - March 22 - 9am to Noon / Clean-up and Readiness!
Everyone needed. Bring cleaning supplies, and your gloves.

Home! Sweet! Home!

2008-03-06T14:27:00.000-08:00

WE ARE IN!
Mangrove is finally our home-sweet-home.
Sunday Worship, began again on MARCH 9th at 10AM!
We are now based at our NEW location:
1600 Mangrove Ave in the 5th and Mangrove Shopping Center.

The City has given us official approval to both meet on Sunday's and complete the build-out. So come on back... and see the new digs!

ONE MORE WEEK!

2008-02-29T15:33:00.000-08:00

We are so close...
but the paperwork is not ready. It will take ONE MORE Week before we can occupy our new Mangrove location.

So... Sunday, MARCH 2nd - 10am Worship will again be at East Ave. Community Church... 1184 East Ave., near the corner of East Ave and Ceres Ave.

The City has looked at all our plans, and approved them. In order to meet in the location on Sunday, we will need to complete safety requirements, as well as complete the permit process.

We should be able to complete the process and be able to resume meeting on Sunday, March 9th. Thanks for your patience and for being flexible during this journey.
The Leadership Team

EAST AVENUE Again on SUNDAY - Feb. 24th

2008-02-22T14:00:00.000-08:00

As hard as it is to announce...

Worship this next Sunday will once again be at East Avenue Community Church!

The City Plan Check continues to be delayed, and until it has received final approval, we cannot obtain a temporary use permit for the building.

So... Worship is at 10am at East Avenue Community Church...
1184 East Ave, near the corner of East Avenue and Ceres Ave.

Jodi George has some good perspective on all this...
"My prayer since Monday has been that God would use us to accomplish His purposes, and that the Body would see opportunities where we have felt delay. If God has called us to see the city as our mission field (and He has certainly confirmed it!), then we need to take advantage of our continued contact with inspectors and those in the permit office.

It is entirely possible that "what is meant for evil, God will use for His good" (okay, loose translation, but you know the story). I have been praying for Bob, that with his sensitivity to the Spirit and his integrity this man will be drawn to Christ. Pat keeps reminding us not only to stand, but to respond in the opposite spirit (which I have experienced over and over as key in warfare). I pray for our body that rather than discouragement, they, too, will watch for God to redeem the moment to honor His name in Chico."

So hang in there... who knows how God will use even this!

Sunday ALERT!

2008-02-16T18:31:00.000-08:00

Dear Matthew's Cafe' Family,

We will not be meeting in our new home at 5th and Mangrove this Sunday (Feb. 17). This is per a request from the city and will hopefully be for this week only.

Our friends at East Avenue Community Church have once again opened their arms, and there doors to us. So here is some information you need to know

WHERE ARE WE GOING TO BE?

East Avenue Community Church (Where we met right after the fire happened) East Avenue between Ceres and Floral. We will be meeting in the Gym behind the sanctuary. There will be people directing parking to make sure we have room for both churches.

Services will still be at 10:00am.

Thanks for the patience. We will still have a great time of worship and fellowship together tomorrow.

Jayson

Spiritual Warfare?

2008-02-10T21:06:00.000-08:00

We are quick to think things through rationally and approach circumstances using our logic.

And while logic and the ability to think is one of our great gifts from God, we are warned that our struggle is not really with people or logic, but with powers unseen (Eph. 6:10-18).

Re-establishing the Cafe... a place committed to help people move into a genuine walk with Christ, and a place committed to developing authentic "Christ-followers" is not going unnoticed by the enemy. Can the enemy be part of a man falling off a roof? Could he work circumstances to see a place of ministry and safety burn down? Does he see to hinder this new beginning?

You bet. We are at war.

Should we be afraid? No... just prayerful, and aware.
We should use our ability to think and reason to spiritually appraise this step we are taking.
As the building continues... let's double the prayer.

The NEW Cafe!

2008-02-05T14:04:00.000-08:00

A new ministry home! Over 150 attended on Sunday, Feb. 3rd, at the new Cafe location on 5th and Mangrove. Worship will now be at our new Mangrove location... every Sunday at 10am.

Some pics of the new Mangrove site. We have obtained the former site of Rico's Pizza along with an adjacent smaller suite to use as additional space for the Children's ministry and ministry during the week.

We have gained more use-able space in this new location. There will be space for two meetings room behind where the kitchen to be used for meetings during the week and space for Jr. High and kids on Sunday!

But there is still much to be done. Over the next few weeks we will see incremental change. Some weeks a lot of outward progress, other weeks more behind the scenes progress.

Our GOAL: Site ready by Easter Sunday - March 23rd!

WORK DAY - This Sat., FEB. 9th - 9am.
Come and help make the New Cafe a reality.
See you next Sunday for Worship!

Don't Forget >> Worship Change!

2008-02-01T11:05:00.001-08:00

Two Things to remember:
Worship moves from Saturday to SUNDAY!
Beginning this Sunday, Feb. 3rd...
10am at our New Location
5th and Mangrove Shopping Center!

Also...
WORKDAY this Saturday, Feb. 2nd to help clean and get ready for Sunday. 9am to whenever it's done! Bring yourself, cleaning items, and help ready the site. Let the next chapter begin!

We're MOVING!

2008-01-27T09:34:00.000-08:00

WORSHIP BEGINS
Next SUNDAY at Our New Site
SUNDAY, February 3rd
10:00am!

Welcome Home! Well... almost.
We have taken occupancy of our new home, 1600 Mangrove Ave. in the 5th and Mangrove Shopping Center. Work began this week to begin to turn what was left of Rico's Pizza into a new home for worship and mission-ministry.

Now the fun begins... dust, half-painted walls, things don't work yet, and working through that period of time when a building transforms into a new home. Different from our move to Almond Orchard, we decided to get home, and then take the next few months and build it as we go.

Extreme Makeover – Work at the Mangrove Site
Every Morning - 8am
Cranky Ron and Bob’s Coffee and Prayer. Stay if You Can!
Saturday - 1/26 > Work day from 9am to Noon
Saturday – 2/2 > Workday from 9am to finish.

It has been a journey... April 13th fire > FCC on Saturday Nights >> and then a place... and finally being able to actually say to each other ...Welcome Home!

APPROVED!

2008-01-22T15:30:00.000-08:00

LET THE BUILDING BEGIN!

The Planning Dept. approved our USE Permit today at their 3pm meeting. Hallelujah! Thanks to each of you for your prayers and intercession. We now move into the construction phase.

Extreme Makeover now begins at the Mangrove Site! Work will launch tomorrow, Wednesday, Jan. 23rd. Work will happen everyday. Check out the dates below for ALL CHURCH work days. Ron Minor and Bob Keller are presiding over the day-to-day work as it progresses.

Daily Schedule: 8am – Every morning - Cranky Ron and Bob’s Coffee and Prayer. Come by for prayer, and stay if you canwork.

Two Special, BIG Workdays:

Saturday- 1/26 > Work day from 9am to Noon
Saturday – 2/9 > Workday from 9am to finish

>> NOTE: Worship Schedule
THIS Sat., Jan. 26 - First Christian @ 6pm
THE FOLLOWING SUNDAY, Feb. 3 @ the New Location @ 10am

FInal Hour!

2008-01-13T11:46:00.000-08:00

Our permit application comes up for approval by The City Planning Commission on Tues. night –
January 22nd!

Could they really
turn us down?

It is more likely that they would approve the Use Permit, but restrict our use... limited meetings... no concerts... no amplified music because of residents near by... etc. In the end, restricted use could make the use of the site too limiting?

So what can we do? The final step is a call to prayer and intercession for the meeting by the Planning Commission on Tuesday. The final obstacles for us to move into Mangrove site can only be moved through prayer. Pray.

Extreme Makeover at the Mangrove Site!
We are ready!

Work is officially set to launch Wednesday, Jan. 23rd (pending our use permit approval). Work will happen everyday. Set aside the dates below for all church work days.

8am – Every morning - Cranky Ron and Bob’s Coffee and Prayer. Come for prayer, and those who can, stay for work.

Two Workdays now planned:
Saturday- 1/26 > Work day from 9am to Noon
Saturday – 2/9 > Workday from 9am to finish

NOTE: Worship Schedule/Location from this point forward:
Sat., Jan. 19 - First Christian @ 6pm
Sat., Jan. 26 - First Christian @ 6pm
Sun., Feb. 3 - New Location @ 10am (tentative)

Extreme Makeover!

2008-01-09T10:01:00.000-08:00

This Saturday (January 12th at 6pm at FCC) will be a special night!

EXTREME MAKEOVER?
What is that?
It's special FELLOWSHIP night.

Everyone together for some fun, some being together, and getting in on of our plans for readying the new location! But it is also about how 2008 needs to be about strengthening and going deeper our personal walks with Christ.

We all could use an Extreme Makeover of our lives, as well as out new building.

Speaking of the new building...

Ron Minor and Bob Keller are now working on the new site. They meet everyday for Coffee and "Cranky Ron and Bob's" time at 8am! Come for coffee and fellowship, and go off to work, or stay and help out!

NOTE: Since we are waiting on final approval of our Use Permit, we are NOT investing much big-bucks ($) into a place where there is an outside chance they may turn us down in terms of use! But we can invest labor, and there are projects that can be done behind the scenes, that once approval is given, will save us time. That's the focus of our work right now at the site.

STATUS: Our Use Permit continues through the process of approval with the City. Final word from the Planning Commission is slated for Jan. 22nd. This still requires our prayers! Although it appears right now that we will be approved, there still remains the chance that they could put severe restrictions on our use, or even deny our use. So continue to PRAY.

MONDAY MORNING MINUTE... Are you get the emails that go out each Monday morning from Terry and Jayson? It is always posted on this site (on the right... scroll down until you see it). But you can get it emailed to you each Monday. Just email Jayson, and tell him that you want on the list.

See you next Saturday - 6pm at FCC!
This BLOG will let you know the latest!

NOTE: Worship Schedule/Location from this point forward:

Sat., Jan. 12 - First Christian @ 6pm
Sat., Jan. 19 - First Christian @ 6pm
Sat., Jan. 26 - First Christian @ 6pm
Sun., Feb. 3 - New Location @ 10am (tentative)

NO SERVICE - TONIGHT - JANUARY 5TH!

2008-01-05T12:59:00.000-08:00

We will NOT be meeting for our Worship gathering tonight, January 5th, at FCC. The weather, power outages and our concern for safety tonight for families traveling back and forth led us to a "better to be safe than sorry" decision.

So think of it as our equivalent of a "snow night." If the eastern USA can have them. so can we.

We will resume next Saturday, January 12th at 6pm at FCC with a special night! It will be EXTREME MAKEOVER Sunday!

We will highlight our plan to get into our new location, and strengthen our personal walks with Christ.

Speaking of the new building... our Use Permit continues through the process of approval with the City. Final word from the Planning Commission is slated for Jan. 22nd. This still requires our prayers! Although it appears right now that we will be approved, there still remains the chance that they could put severe restrictions on our use, or even deny our use. So continue to PRAY.

See you next Saturday - 6pm at FCC!

This BLOG will let you know the latest!

Permits Filed!

2007-12-29T20:50:00.000-08:00

Building Permits were filed with the City of Chico Building Dept. for the re-model of the Mangrove location on Friday, Dec. 28th!

It was important for us to get plans filed before January 1st. Codes change in 2008! We are now grand-fathered in under the current codes which all translates to lower costs in our build-out! Thanks to Bob Keller who help facilitate the filing of our plans.

Planning Dept. is working on our USE Permit which allows us to meet as a church at the new location. We probably will not have final word on use approval until 1/22 when the Planning Commission acts on our submission.

What this Means for all of us?
(1) Pray for this paperwork phase and for God's cotinured guidance.
(2) NEXT Saturday Night, 6pm at (FCC) First Christian Church as we celebrate the New Year with the "It's Not Too Late New Year's Party" with the theme: EXTREME MAKEOVER. Come for fun... and out launch to involve everyone in completing the makeover of the new location.

Reminder: Our Meeting Schedule in the weeks Ahead

Sat., Jan. 5 - First Christian @ 6pm (New Year's Party)
Sat., Jan. 12 - First Christian @ 6pm
Sat., Jan. 19 - First Christian @ 6pm
Sat., Jan. 26 - First Christian @ 6pm
Sun., Feb. 3 - New Location @ 10am (tentative)

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-24T07:05:00.000-08:00

Sunday, December 23rd
Home for Christmas!

An incredible morning to be back together as a family, at our new Mangrove location.

Coffee around the tables... welcoming each other back...

Thanking Builder Daniel for a job well done...

The final Christmas present...

The kids singing...snow on the floor... and warm inside... you had to be there!

It was one of those special mornings to know again that God has a purpose, that we exist because of his Amazing Grace, and that God continues to have a plan for us as his people.

And now the transformation begins as we turn a building into a new home.

It all KICKS-OFF January 5th - Saturday Night at FCC with our "It's Not Too Late New Year's Party called "Extreme Makeover: Matthew's Edition" Fun for the whole family!

And we move ahead... some key prayer requests: (1) Floor Plan submitted to the city by Dec. 31st (2) Final approval by city of our use permit to meet on Sunday's as a church (3) Final monies from the Insurance settlement from the Almond Orchard fire.

NOTE: Worship Schedule/Location from this point forward:

Sat., Dec. 29 - First Christian @ 6pm
Sat., Jan. 5 - First Christian @ 6pm (New Year's Party)
Sat., Jan. 12 - First Christian @ 6pm
Sat., Jan. 19 - First Christian @ 6pm
Sat., Jan. 26 - First Christian @ 6pm
Sun., Feb. 3 - New Location @ 10am (tentative)

Christmas at the Cafe!

2007-12-22T13:53:00.000-08:00

Christmas Service is this SUNDAY, Dec. 23rd... 10AM.
Location: Our new Fifth and Mangrove Shopping Center Location (formerly Rico's Pizza).

It will be a family service with Christmas Carols, coffee, breads and hot apple cider, Advent Candle lighting and a couple of surprises.

Don't miss... dress warm, bring your family and friends, and come celebrate the birth of the King and Savior of the world.

NOTE: Worship Schedule/Location from this point forward:

Sat., Dec. 29 - First Christian @ 6pm
Sat., Jan. 5 - First Christian @ 6pm (New Year's Party)
Sat., Jan. 12 - First Christian @ 6pm
Sat., Jan. 19 - First Christian @ 6pm
Sat., Jan. 26 - First Christian @ 6pm
Sun., Feb. 3 - New Location @ 10am (tentative)

HOME for Christmas Service - Sunday DEC 23rd!

2007-12-16T10:22:00.001-08:00

Time to CELEBRATE!

This NEXT Sunday (no Saturday worship) at our new site in the Fifth and Mangrove Shopping Center (formerly Ricco's Pizza).

10am - Family Worship Time!

Come for a great morning together beginning at 10am with Coffee and Hot-Apple Cider. Singing the Carols. Lighting of the final Advent Candle. Time to re-connect and celebrate the birth of the KING and his provsion of our new home.

Also a great time to invite Matthew's Cafe people you know that have not seen the new site, and help them re-conenct back to the Cafe.

Saturday, Dec. 22nd - 8am to Noon - Clean-up and Set-up at the new location

See You There!

NOTE:
Worship Schedule/Location from this point forward:

Sun., Dec. 23 - New Location @ 10am
Sat., Dec. 29 - First Christian @ 6pm
Sat., Jan. 5 - First Christian @ 6pm
Sat., Jan. 12 - First Christian @ 6pm
Sat., Jan. 19 - First Christian @ 6pm
Sat., Jan. 26 - First Christian @ 6pm
Sun., Feb. 3 - New Location @ 10am

Home for Christmas!

2007-12-11T11:53:00.001-08:00

We have a lease!
We signed the lease and have received the keys. The lease has been written so that we have time to get our USE PERMIT from the City of Chico approved, and do some initial construction. We "officially" begin paying rent on Feb. 1st.

What's the Plan? We have set a target date of Sunday, FEBRUARY 3rd as our first worship service in the new location

To celebrate... we are going to have a CHRISTMAS SERVICE on SUNDAY, DEC. 23rd at the NEW LOCATION (5th and Mangrove). Note: NO Saturday service on Dec. 22 at FCC!

It will be a FAMILY SERVICE as together we will celebrate the birth of our King, and his provision of a new home. Everything will be there... you just bring yourself, family and friends of the Cafe with you.

>> CLEAN-UP MORNING at the Ricco's Location - Dec. 22 from 8am to Noon. Everyone needed... plenty of tasks to get ready for Sunday Christmas Celebration

Worship Schedule/Location from this point forward:

Sat., Dec. 15 - First Christian @ 6pm
Sun., Dec. 23 - New Location @ 10am
Sat., Dec. 29 - First Christian @ 6pm
Sat., Jan. 5 - First Christian @ 6pm
Sat., Jan. 12 - First Christian @ 6pm
Sat., Jan. 19 - First Christian @ 6pm
Sat., Jan. 26 - First Christian @ 6pm
Sun., Feb. 3 - New Location @ 10am

The Counter Offer!

2007-12-07T14:47:00.000-08:00

How often do you get a counter offer that is better than the first offer? Not often. It is a praise, because that is what has happened.

We are working through the final negotiation issues surrounding the lease of the former Ricco's Pizza location with the Anderson family. Their counter offer to our original proposal actually was better than what we were offering. In it they proposed a way for us to secure the property, while also obtaining a Use Permit from the city.

We will report the progress on Saturday Dec. 8th our Worship Gathering. We are hoping we might have an announcement at that time.

Don't forget we meet - 6pm at First Christian Church.

Thanks for all who are praying.
Keep it up!

The Leadership Team

A Pause in the Process

2007-12-05T08:51:00.000-08:00

There is a pause in the action...

We have made a decision to move forward with the lease of the Rico's location on Fifth and Mangrove. (see last entry below for details)

We are now waiting for the Anderson's to get back to us about the offer we have made.

The Anderson's, as a family, are meeting to make final decision. We are expecting a possible counter to our offer. We will wait to file for the Use Permit with the City until we have final agreements on the terms. This is part of the process is not all that uncommon as parties seek to finalize terms of a lease.

This is actually good, in that it also gives room and time for God to continue to lead us... either to continue to open this door, or close this option. So let's continue to pray for God's clear leading, and pray for the Anderson's as they make their final decision.

As soon as we know, we will let you know.
Check back here to this blog for the latest.

Terry for the The Leadership Team

Pursuing the Rico's Location!

2007-12-02T16:03:00.000-08:00

The Leadership Team met for five hours today, spending time in prayer and reflection on the input that was received on Saturday night worship (Dec. 1st).

The decision was made to continue to pursue the former Rico's Pizza location (5th and Mangrove) as the new home for Matthew's Cafe.

Next Steps include...

1. The Leadership Team notified the agent on Monday and will file for a USE PERMIT with the City of Chico as soon as we have received a signed Letter of Intent from the Landlord. The Use Permit process could take 30-60 days for final approval.

2. A letter to the body will go out soon that will provide an overall plan for the build-out and for next steps to connect/develop the spiritual journey of those attending the Cafe. Ways you can help and teams in which you can become involved in will be available soon.

So... WHY did we decide to go with this new location?

We believe, as a team, that our first priority right now is to get home... to once again be a body... to get re-connected to Christ and each other... to begin equipping and deepening our spiritual walks, and then be open to whatever ministry (including a coffeehouse) that helps us best live out our mission.

We also believe Rico's offers us the greatest potential (as a location) to live out our mission: To equip Christ-followers to uniquely engage the community through authentic relationships. While at the same time, keeps open all of our possible options for the future.

Over the past few months God has been very clear to us as a Leadership Team on one central issue:

The people of the Cafe... their spiritual growth and walks with Christ, and becoming more connected as a body has to be re-established as our first priority. The Leadership team is in 100% agreement.

In our past, the vision of launching and sustaining a coffeehouse caused us to forsake the mission of developing people and their spiritual growth. For that reason we invested time and effort to help bring clarity to our mission and purpose as a body.

The purpose of our Matthew's Cafe is not to have a coffeehouse.
The purpose is to build the walks of those who attend into genuine, Christ-followers.

Having a Coffeehouse (strategy) is determined when all of us see it as the best way to be equipped, and to equip/develop as Christ-followers.

You may feel that we are not answering the question of the coffeehouse right now, and you are right. We continue to try to communicate that we have not ruled out the potential of a coffeehouse ministry in the future.

The re-starting of a coffeehouse must not be the reason for our existence. Being committed to being authentic Christ-followers should. The Coffeehouse should only be a tool we all use to help us be that kind of people.

So... did we hear the concerns that you expressed, or were our minds already made up?

We did hear you.

We heard the frustration and concerns regarding the challenges with parking, build-out costs, the overall efforts required to get into the place, costs of the lease, and questions whether we have the expertise as the team to pull this off.

We also heard the concerns that the build-out of this location could cause us to repeat the same struggles we had in the past... the building becoming the focus, and not the people and their walks with Christ.

As we reviewed the advantages and the concerns, tried to hear God's voice and be faithful to what He has said, it became clear that getting the body home, to live out the mission, was the key next step.

We are at peace.
We know that many are trusting us.
We also know that many of you are concerned.
We just ask that each of us give this a chance to unfold.

Try not to let the past cloud the future, and continue to believe that: "He who began the good work in you (us) will carry it onto completion, until the day of Christ Jesus." (Phil 1:6)

Continue to pray. Now more than ever.
Check back to this blog for regular updates.
We will be faithful to keep it current!

Terry

New Site? PRAYER and OPEN HOUSE

2007-11-24T07:25:00.000-08:00

Okay... We now have a decision to make: is Rico's Pizza, Fifth and Mangrove Shopping Center, our next home? The landlord, Ken Anderson who attends EV Free, has scaled back the rent, and is making every effort on his part to help us make this our new home. The next move is our.

In terms of visibility... closer to the hub of the city... easier to find... it has sq. footage for our needs and kids... already has kitchen area and could be used as Cafe and worship, it's all there. It also means that we would go back to a SUNDAY Worship format. None of the stores in the Center are open on Sunday.

Critical Issue: Because of the fire and Saturday night so many have stopped coming, this is a stretch financially for us.

So... We are calling for a week of prayer and fasting beginning Saturday Nov. 24th and ending Saturday, Dec. 1st. The leadership Team will take in all that we hear God and each other say as a result of prayer, and make the final call on Sunday, Dec. 2nd.

What do we sense? It feels like God is leading us to this new place, and wants us to get home. What we need right now is for you to join with us in Prayer!

Here is what the next week looks like as we make the decision:

Saturday - Nov. 24th >> meet us at First Christian at 6pm for time of Communion and laying out of the option.

Wednesday - Nov. 28th >> OPEN HOUSE at Rico's for anyone to comes, see the building, ask questions of Leadership Team, give input.

Saturday - Nov. 31st >> meet at First Christian for regular 6pm worship, teaching and time of feedback and input.

Check back here for the latest... and Pray!

Love ya, Terry

Owners Offer us the Rico Site!

2007-11-17T13:41:00.000-08:00

Here is the latest!
We have been offically offered the old Rico's Pizza site on 5th and Mangrove.

The owners who are believers have presented us a proposal that has scaled back the lease into our price range, and built a five-year plan that would incremimentally raise the lease, putting the property back into the monthly lease price range that Ricos was paying, in five years time.

So, praise God for giving us a site to consider, and for the Anderson's vision to be able t see us in the site. Now we must pray and discern if this is the right place for us.

Our concession to make this work is to take the site "as is."
All in-fill costs will be ours. The place has been gutted and cleared. The ceilng is a concern because of it needing repaired or replaced when the salad bar once was.

Two weeks back we did receive our first check from the Insurance Company covering the replacement of the items we lost for $120,000. We are also owed monies for our build-out of the Almond Orchard location, and loss of income. At this point, we do not have an exact figure of what these amounts will be.

As a leadership team, our next step is to gather up estimated costs to get into the site itself. We will gather estimates on what it will take to get us into the building. At some point, we will be bringing it to the body.

So... Here we go. Time for much prayer and wisdom.
Please pray as we now seek to discern if this is the new home of the Café.

UPDATE... Considering a New Site!

2007-11-15T21:53:00.000-08:00

We are now in a process to give consideration to the old Rico's Pizza location in the 5th and Mangrove Shopping center.

Many of you were praying for a meeting that occurred on Tuesday involving the owner and realtor.

Talked to Eric Martin (realtor) today and after their meeting, they are interested in going further in exploring us leasing the site. So good news... We are still in the game.

Eric submitted a proposal to the owner based upon our max. $5000/monthly lease figure.

Our next step will be to review this initial proposal, and decide if we want to move forward by signing a non-binding letter of intent.

This would freeze the property while we get estimates on the build out and other costs in order to see what other costs it would take for us to get into the property.

They are willing to sign-low if we are willing to cover most of the in-fill costs. Exacts on this is yet to be decided.

Once the final details are worked through, we would then would have a final decision on the lease; a go-no go signing the actual lease.

Please pray as the Leadership Team now looks at the proposal, and seeks to determine additional costs and if this is what God wants for the body.

Prayerfully,

Terry

November UPDATE

2007-11-11T06:35:00.001-08:00

Hey There!

The Cafe continues to meet on Saturday Nights, 6pm at First Christian Church located one-block north of Oleander, on Washington Ave. Adjacent Chico Junior High.

WE HAVE a SITE to consider for future location!
It is the old Rico's Pizza location on 5th and Mangrove.
We have just begun the talks, exploring if its even possible for us to afford that as a new ministry location. We need your prayers. Exploratory meeting with realtor occuring on 11/12 at 1pm.

This OPTION found by the Future's Team is worthy of a good-look because of its visibility, higher-traffic location, right amount of square footage, and it offers the potential of multiple use and possibilities. The really big question is $ and afford-ability. We know we need a home! But we need wisdom because we do not want to jump at something, that in the end, will become a financial burden for the group that remains. Check back after 11/13 for update on progress.

MISSION and VALUES clarified.
We have spent the last two weeks going back over why we exist, and what makes us unique in our Saturday teaching/discussion times.

[ our mission ]
“To equip Christ-followers to uniquely engage the community through authentic relationships.”

[ our values ]
Acceptance, People, Authenticity,Pursuit by God/Of God, Journey,Discipling others

We loved your feedback!

Up Coming Meetings and Events
11/17 – Congregational Forum – 4pm
Come find out the latest and give your input.
Pizza provided.

11/24 – Bea Book Celebration – 11am at
EvFree Church, Filbert Ave.

12/8 – Ministry Leader’s Potluck
at 4pm

Pastoral Note... It is easy to get discouraged when everything has changed. But chose to stay en-couraged... God is at work. Change is never fun, but change in God's economy takes us to new places. --- Terry

What's Going On? Sept. 1 >> Update

2007-09-01T10:45:00.000-07:00

New Roles!
Do you know this guy?

Or this guy?

One of the key updates this month is the new roles that Terry and Jayson will now play at the Cafe.

Terry and Jayson are now both supported by the Cafe to assist the Leadership Team with giving direction and care to the body at Matthew's Cafe.

Jayson's role... He and Terry will now split the teaching on Saturday nights. Jayson will also give help to the day-to-day needs of the Cafe, rebuilding the infra-structure, caring for the various ministries and the needs of the leaders, helping to re-deploy people to the various ministries.

Terry's role... along with his Teaching on Saturday which he now shares with Jayson... Terry still will continue to give input to the big-picture vision and direction to the Cafe, and help cast that vision to the body.
Something NEW: He will now spend time mentoring and coaching the development of our leaders, along with helping identify emerging leaders and help them find their fit in the body... he will lead a mentoring group that will teach our body what he teaches to others around the world.

MISSION Clarified!
The Leadership Team has recognized the need to rebuild the foundation of the Cafe.
Without a solid base, it is difficult to truly rebuild. It is a longer route, but a necessary step. Statements of Mission help clarify WHY WE EXIST as a church. A clarified a statement of MISSION will be presented to the Ministry Leaders at the Potluck on Sept. 8th at 4:00pm.

Yeah... but what About a New Home?

We recognize that this remains THE NO. 1 question for most... what will be the future of the Cafe? It's not that this question is not important, or does need to be addressed. But God has spoken deeply to the Leadership Team that vision drove us before, to the point of becoming confused or blurred about our MISSION.

The Future's Team is right now looking at New Venue Options!
The team consists of the Herzoffs, Grahams, Frosts, & Kovacs. They are assigned the task of scouting out the new home for the Cafe. Their first round assessment has been given to the Leadership Team. Sept. 10th is their next meeting. Got ideas? Call Rick - 877-5702

Thought.... I heard that someone commented to a friend that "the Cafe is in disarray, and "I wished they would talk to us about what's going on!" If I was sitting as an attender on a weekly basis, I can actually see how both of those opinions might be held.

Is the Cafe in disarray? No... but as a Leadership Team we have come to the conclusion that two things are occurring as a result of the fire. (1) God is pruning us right now for a new work. (2) We are starting over, and what the future will look like needs to be built upon a clean-slate.

In terms of "why won't they tell us what is going on?" ... we are trying to communicate. It is hard when attendance fluctuates to know if you are talking to the same crowd. Sept. 8th we will solicit input from the Ministry Leaders, and after that date we will be communicating more directly to the Congregation.

We know this is not an easy time for all of us.
I can't help continue to see the similarities with the Israelites in the Wilderness.
Here one thing I know for sure... God's is still at work, and Matthew's Cafe is still very much in His plans. Hang in there. We will make it.

-- Terry

What's Going On? >> August 1

2007-07-27T18:51:00.000-07:00

WHAT'S GOING ON WITH US?

Future's Team Selected!
Herzoffs, Grahams, Frosts, & Kovacs comprise the team assigned the task of scouting out the new home for the Cafe. Their first assignment: Find out what's out there. They will be trying to identify all potential sites. Their next meeting: Saturday, Aug. 25 Got ideas? Call Rick - 877-5702

Insurance UPDATE - The Insurance companies has had their meetings and settled the score. We have submitted our Inventory List (thanks Larry). They are checking for new reimbursement prices for each of the items. When it is all calcutated, they will give us a settlement check.

Leadership Team Changes - Larry Hobbs and Rick Herzoff have rotated off the Team in order to focus more on ministry. Joining the team is Pat Lillie, Jodi George and Marc Wallace. They join Terry and Jayson. Thanks to Larry and Rick for your ministry to the body in the Leadership Team role.

Children - Sheri Nash has completed her ministry of heading up our Children's ministry. She will still serve as one of the teachers. Thanks Sheri for all your love for our kids. Pray for new leadership in this area. Ideas? Call Jayson - 345-6121.

WHAT'S GOING ON WITH YOU?

A PRAYER FROM MY JOURNAL... FOR ME AND FOR US.
Lord, So much of this life is lived in between; between the now and the not yet, between arriving and departing, between growing up and growing old, between questions and answers.

Lord, help me... help us not to live for the distant day when the in-between will be no more, but help us have the courage to step into that sacred space of the in between --- knowing that this is a place where life is transformed.

Psalm 46 is a good one!
Well all the Psalms are good. They are songs that come from the heart.

This Psalm talks about a tool that God uses to shape busy people like you and I: God speaks in a still small voice - He challenges us to turn down the roar of our lives in order to recognize His voice.

"Be Still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord Almighty is with us." Being still is not doing nothing. Being still is about quieting ourselves and letting the character of God be where we place our trust. People who are willing to "be still" are better able to hear His "still small voice." Are you slowing down each day enough to hear his voice.

---Terry

WHAT'S GOING ON WITH THE CAFE MINISTRIES?

August is TEAMWORK Month - As the fall approaches it's time to rebuild the ministry teams. Abby Jones is heading up our new volunteer recruitment strategy. There are needs in all ministry areas. Contact Abby - 520-4905.

Many of the Cafe ministries will be resuming in August and September.
Celebrate Recovery is meeting now at CityLife Church (Eaton and Esplanade) Divorce Care is securing meeting place. Women's Bible Sturies and Precepts will be launching soon.

Road Trip Update

2007-05-17T23:11:00.000-07:00

We've found a home...at least for awhile! The congregation of First Christian Church have offered us the use of their facilities; on Saturday nites for our Journey worship gathering and throughout the week for our ministries. They have been incredibly generous and we are looking forward to this season of sharing.

So...we meet at East Ave at 1pm for 2 more weeks...thru May. We will be distributing T-Shirts, Sunday, May 27th

Then,,,we have this awesome Benefit concert in the City Plaza on June 3. Sign up to help throughout the day. Baked goods...individually wrapped brownies, rice krispy treats, packs of 2-3 cookies etc, can be brought that Sunday to sell in our Cafe booths. Worship at 10am...music all day! Shawn Wordiss, 342-5546, is organizing some classic cars to show off as well; contact him if you'd like to join him.

We'll begin Saturday nights on June 9th at FCC, 295 E. Washington Avenue, at 6pm. Children's church for Preschool thru Jr High will be offerred.

July's Sundays in the Park have been filed in the "great idea" file. We will only be doing our Fifth Sunday Picnic on July 29th, which will be a "Fiesta" hosted by the Hispanic Congregation.

Also coming up...Dinner Connection signups - We're reshuffling and adding new folks. Sign up thru May for Summertime fun
Line Dancing - Thursday evenings thru June at FCC at 6pm - Karen Cresswell will be giving lessons; always a lot of fun...just $3.

Update - April 27

2007-04-28T10:49:00.000-07:00

Here are some interim updates:
Prayer Gathering - Tuesday, May 1, at 7pm we will be gathering here at EAC (East Ave Community) for a time of prayer related to the Almond Orchard decision. Call Leo Frost, 893-2420 or Jayson Nash, 345-6121 for more info.

Monday night Women's Group will continue to visit different homes through May. Summer they'll enjoy a monthly speaker.

Benefit Concert is scheduled for Sunday, June 3 in the Downtown plaza from 10am-8pm. Wow!! Want to be involved in the planning or set-up? Contact Cathy Frost at 893-2420

Playgroup - Tuesday mornings Sheri Nash leads a preschool playgroup with moms & grandmas. They’re currently meeting at Hooker Oak Park at 10am. Join them for some fun!

Small Groups – Several new groups are forming; singles, couples, young & “mature”. Contact Richard, 894-4437, to stay connected through a life changing small group.

Stay connected!!

ROAD TRIP!

2007-04-27T08:48:00.000-07:00

One of the best things about being young and having few commitments is the freedom to throw the few things you own into the car, and just take off! Although I never did it in my youth, I always wanted to head out on a Road Trip!

Well, thanks for a few flames, and God's greater plans, we can! And we are! Our theme this summer at Matthew's Cafe fits just where we are... Folks we are headed out on a ROAD TRIP!

It begins Sunday, June 3rd with a big, Benefit Worship/Concert in the City PLAZA for US... the Cafe, performed by bands, worship teams and lots of people in the Community who love the Cafe. Wow. What a blessing.

Then, it's Summer Sundays for the Month of JULY - Worship in the Park!

Followed by CAFE Fiesta - Sunday, July 29th in the Park hosted by our Hispanic Congregation and packed with worship, mexican food and games!

We will have a complete schedule out soon that will include the worship schedule for the Summer and all the activities.

So... pack it up... throw in the lawn chairs in the car, grab the blankets and the kids... and let's head out for the summer!

Who said we need to sit at home and veg all summer?
We are hitting the road.

ROAD TRIP!

Love ya.
Terry

Where's My Group...Pt 2

2007-04-23T07:51:00.000-07:00

More location updates...
Monday's Women's Small group is going to be rotating locations...call Danielle Darbro for more info.
Preschool Playgroup is meeting this week at Hooker Oak Park's front playground at 10am. Sheri Nash 345-6121.
Worship Team is rehearsing Tuesday nights at East Avenue Community Church.
Prayer Team has relocated to First Christiabn Church in the Library at 6:30pm on Tuesdays.
Celebrate Recovery will resume on May 2 out at City Light Church...15 W. Eaton Rd...Wednesdays at 7pm.
Friday's Sons of Thunder are going to meet at the Market Cafe, 1387 E 8th St.
Sat nite ballroom dancing has moved to Studio One's Dance Studio on Mangrove.

Benefit concert tentatively scheduled for June 3 downtown,,,save the date!!!

Updates

2007-04-21T22:51:00.000-07:00

Celebrate Recovery
Will be meeting at City Light Church, 15 W. Eaton Road, on Wednesdays at 7pm beginning May 2. NO meeting this week!

Work Day Postponed
The Almond Orchard site has not been released to us by the fire investigators (several) and insurance adjusters (several more!) We will need all the help you can offer when we are cleared to begin clean up, but for now…we wait!

Benefit Concert Planned
The plans for a Benefit Concert continue. Tentative date is Sunday, June 3. An amazing outpouring of community support! Check back for details.

Celebrate Recovery

2007-04-17T22:14:00.000-07:00

Celebrate Recovery will meet for at least the next few weeks at the Music Express Inn on the corner of Hwy 32 and El Monte Ave
(across from Marsh Jr. High) at 7pm. See you there!

Ch..ch.ch..changes!

2007-04-17T07:22:00.000-07:00

OK...changes already! The Annex is NOT available to use for ministries so...
we're moving them again...most are gathering at the Cafe and then moving to their alternate location. Some are still looking. Celebrate Recovery location is holding...check back later today.

Discovery Classes on Sunday will be held at the 2801 Godman (the corner of E Lassen & Godman. Parking in Our Divine Saviour's parking lot is allowed in the row closest to the Learning Center.

Continue to pray for our neighbors in the Almond Orchard. String Bead is still without power and concerned about how extensive the demolition will need to be and how that will impact them.

Exciting things are still happening in regards to a festival organized for us by the young people and bands touched by the outreach at the Cafe. Mark the date - May 20th and check back for more info.

Cathy

Where's My Group?

2007-04-16T00:47:00.000-07:00

Okay...we'll take this a week at a time for now! Here's the arrangements for ministries the week of April 16-22:

Monday - Womens...(Contact Donna) Precepts - wrapping up with one more meeting OFFSITE - Contact Jodi for location
Tuesday - Preschool Playgroup - ON!! in the annex at 10am Prayer Team - 6:30pm Annex
Wednesday - Celebrate Recovery 7pm in the annex (know any one with a bunch of folding chairs we can borrow?)
Thursday - Mocha Team Mtg - Annex @4pm Worship Team Reahearsal 7pm - Annex
Friday - Sons of Thunder 6:30am where? IN THE ANNEX!! Bring your own coffee!
Sat/Sun - Discovery classes will be held offsite with the location still to be determined. We will contact all participants who signed up and post the info here. Want to attend but didn't sign up? Email me at cdfnchico@aol.com.

I'll be "doing business" in the annex afterschool tomorrow...today! making calls, etc..if you need to stop by with questions of concerns...

Want to comment here but don't know how? Click on comments and create a "Google Account" if you don't have one. You can get one free using your own email address and it allows you to do lots of cool Googley stuff...like leave comments on this blog!

Blessings...Cathy

Let the Re-Modeling Begin!

2007-04-14T15:46:00.000-07:00

The voicemail message was short and to the point:
"Terry, the Cafe is on fire, give me a Call!" The problem was that I was in Houston.

Right after that message, my cell phone started ringing.
As I sat, 1000+ miles away, I was both stunned (like I am sure you were when you heard the news) and I wept. How could the Coffeehouse be gone?

As my plane pulled into Sacramento at 1:30am, and my cell phone came back to life, I had another cell message, as equally impactful to my heart.

"Hey there Terry, I am sure you have had a quiet, lonely plane ride home, and that this will be hard for you to see the Cafe. So I am praying for you. But I also wanted to tell you how proud you would have been of the people in this body, and the way they responded to this disaster. The response almost to a person has been "it's just a building.. it's not what Matthew's Cafe is! Matthew's Cafe is the people."

As I walked around inside the Coffeehouse this morning, and talked to many who came by, only one day after the fire, I heard people in a good/strange way say they were excited. I kept hearing works like: "Somehow God is in this doing a new work." and "I wonder what's next, and how God is going to use this?"

Wow. I have always wanted to be part of a people who would believe with their lives. But to sit back and watch followers that I have the priviledge to do church with, love Christ with their lives! To see people I love reflect what they believe with their actions and attitudes, you realize that there is something far greater happening than the loss of a building.

And you know, who knows what God is at work doing! Honestly!
Maybe he is doing some re-modeling, maybe re-furbishing, maybe re-newing us, may be re-visioning us.

Whatever the reasons, and whatever the end-outcomes, we do know that somehow, and someway, "God causes all things (even some of the most devastating moments of life) to work together for good, to those who love Him and are called according to His purposes (Romans 8:28)."

How am I? Saddened... a little, and yet in a strange way hopeful, also wondering what's next.

How are you? It's okay if you feel the loss. It is not unspiritual if you feel the hurt of losing something that you know is important. Sounds pretty normal to me.

But remember... we all belong to something and someone far greater, far more important, and far different than what we have known church to be in the past... we all belong to God, and to the new work He is doing in our hearts. We all belong to each other, to our Lord, and to a place called Matthew's Cafe, that still remains.

We meet will meet Sunday, April 15th at 9:00 and 10:45am for prayer at the Coffeehouse and some coffee. And then at 1:00pm at East Avenue Community Church for a combined service of all our congregations. Address: 1184 East Avenue.

And stay tuned... let the re-modeling of our lives begin.
Love ya.

Terry Walling

Update on the Coffee House

2007-04-14T14:05:00.000-07:00

As you are aware the Coffee House is toast. Realistically, it will take months to rebuild.
The good news is that neither God nor the church is limited to a building. He is always with us and we are the church!!!

Here are some of the recent happenings:

At a meeting of leadership Friday night we decided that:
1. We will meet for prayer on Sunday (15th) at 9:00 and 10:45 in front of the cafe.
2. Then we will have a worship service at 1:00 as East Avenue Community Church on East Avenue. This will include Journey, The Hispanic Congregation, Celebration and Reaction
3. A phone tree is being set up to call everyone with the above information.

We are working with our insurance company about what to do next. Utilities and site services are being contacted.
Cathy is contacting ministries about space for their upcoming meetings.
She is also contacting people would rent/use the coffee house.

We would like no one to try to get into the burned out area until the Cause and Origin inspectors do their search through the rubble. They need to determine specific cause and responsibility for the fire. So please help them help us be not being in the burned out place. Cathy has some great pictures for you to view the damage (without having to smell the smoke!).

In a couple of week we will need help sorting through the rubble and cleaning up what can be salvaged. We will let everyone know when we can use help on the building.

Right now the biggest help you can offer is to one another. There are a number in our congregation who need personal touch. We have many who are struggling who need our loving arms around them. Now is the time to minister to one another. The building will take care of itself.

What a privilege it is to be part of this great body of followers of Jesus!

Keep loving and praying!

Larry Hobbs

2007-04-13T23:43:00.000-07:00

More Than Just A Coffeehouse...More Than Just A Building!

2007-04-13T23:05:00.000-07:00

Wow...pretty intense day...this afternoon the building that housed the Cafe caught fire...no one was hurt, but the facility was a total loss. We'll try to keep everyone posted with current information via this blog.

Sunday, April 15, we will meet in front of the Cafe for prayer and fellowship...and coffee! at 9am & 10:45. Then we'll head to East Avenue Community Church at 1184 East Avenue for a worship service at 1:00pm that will include all congregations; Journey, Celebration and Hispanic.

In the midst of the smoke, it was awesome to experience our body responding with less of a sense of loss and more of the certainty that the building was just a building and His work will continue. In fact, there was a real feeling of anticipation of the plans He has in store for us.