tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-108798592024-03-07T15:18:49.627-08:00Thinking Outloud...about Cedarbrook...updates and ideas about our growing church.Remy Diederichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299915805847158877noreply@blogger.comBlogger371125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10879859.post-48740973054576240092014-04-02T03:48:00.003-07:002014-04-02T03:48:52.722-07:00No Church is Better Than a Mean Church
I appreciate this article by Rachel Evans. I believe God has raised her up to speak to the church in these days. She addresses the recent fiasco with World Vision that I mentioned last week in a Facebook post (see March 27).
Along with Rachel, I'm really concerned about the mean-spirited portion of the evangelical church. I know they are only a portion, but because they often speak so Remy Diederichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299915805847158877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10879859.post-43234886490042287562014-02-17T08:30:00.002-08:002014-02-17T08:53:50.692-08:00Why We Don't Say the Lord's Prayer on Sunday
I taught on Jesus' Sermon on the Mount on Sunday. I gave a sweeping overview of his Sermon to help us see that Jesus was calling us to a kingdom lifestyle NOW to start the process of bringing heaven to earth, as Jesus will do fully when he comes again.
I touched briefly on the Lord's Prayer. I had written the following comments as a part of my message but then realized that they weren't Remy Diederichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299915805847158877noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10879859.post-36938187656247647252014-01-14T11:34:00.001-08:002014-01-14T11:34:18.407-08:00Six Weeks in Chile
You may have heard that our LEAD team has granted me a three month sabbatical. Sabbaticals are often offered to pastors after seven years of serving a church. Sabbaticals are a time of refreshing and rejuvenation to help refill the emotional and spiritual tank of pastors.
Why do pastors get a sabbatical when most people don't? Professors also are granted sabbaticals. It has Remy Diederichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299915805847158877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10879859.post-68686393316602965802013-11-29T16:37:00.001-08:002013-11-29T16:39:36.174-08:00God Meets People on the Cedarbrook Prayer Trail
I love our prayer trail. So many people have stopped to thank me for the crosses and what the trail means to them. Just this week I got an email from someone that was touched by God on the trail so I want to share it with your here.
Remy
One day in June, I was driving by the church and something pulled at me to stop by and check out the prayer trail. I had never Remy Diederichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299915805847158877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10879859.post-40624200660505584102013-11-19T03:54:00.000-08:002013-11-19T03:54:01.221-08:00Update from Grace Outreach Church
On Sunday we got an update from Touger Tao, one of two church planters we are supporting in the Twin Cities. Paul Robinson sent me this update about his church that will be launching in early January:
Worship is going really well; the praise team is rocking and the experience itself is uplifting and engaging based on what members and visitors are saying. We are getting a steady flow Remy Diederichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299915805847158877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10879859.post-28726996842386973142013-11-01T21:01:00.003-07:002013-11-01T21:02:28.111-07:00Bring Jesus With You Into Old Testament Stories
I just wrapped up my four week series on Samson. I got more feedback on Samson than I've gotten in some time. I think people came to know his story AND God better through this series. I closed by talking about how God enabled Samson to make a comeback in the last moments of his life.
One thing I never got to was the issue of how to interpret a story like this from the Old Remy Diederichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299915805847158877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10879859.post-59582697941789635222013-10-26T15:51:00.001-07:002013-10-26T15:54:44.324-07:00Reflections on THE FIGHT
I just got back from THE FIGHT event, featuring Craig Groeschel, at Cedarbrook. It was a special event for men promoting his new book about Samson. I thought it was good and a lot of guys were challenged in very positive ways.
But I need to be honest, I had a cringe factor listening to Craig. Craig is a "mans man" kind of guy. I think he plays that card a lot to relate to men. That's Remy Diederichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299915805847158877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10879859.post-67532777745511590682013-06-02T13:17:00.000-07:002013-06-02T15:59:03.057-07:00My Unity Manifesto
I'm taking the church through the book of Ephesians and asking the question: what is a Christian...really?
To fully understand Paul's letter you need to understand God's mystery, that is, his desire to bring everyone and everything together in the person of Jesus. You can read or listen to my message on this today. It's a cry for unity in the church.
I closed the message with what I Remy Diederichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299915805847158877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10879859.post-49341805171182389932013-05-06T08:58:00.000-07:002013-05-06T08:58:03.818-07:00Facing the Fear of Death
I gave my final message in the series on Facing Your Fear yesterday and addressed the fear of death. I've often thought at funerals, "I should share this stuff on Sunday! This is too good just to keep for funerals!"
I took the message a little deeper than the typical nice thoughts about heaven. In fact, I challenged the thoughts a bit and then showed the theology behind why Remy Diederichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299915805847158877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10879859.post-34972807155053766602013-03-04T11:29:00.002-08:002013-03-04T12:33:26.468-08:00Let's Pray for Trouble
Yesterday's message was out of the ordinary. It was a one shot message straight from my heart after about six weeks of God messing with me about the purpose of Cedarbrook. I hope you'll listen or read it.
Here are some bonus thoughts that I didn't have time to share yesterday:
We’re in the middle of a 40 Day Prayer Challenge right now. Someone pointed out to me the prayers of Remy Diederichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299915805847158877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10879859.post-43854762124454423842013-02-24T11:44:00.000-08:002013-02-24T11:44:13.578-08:00Youth/ Worship Staff Position Update
If you are wondering whatever happened to our search for a worship/youth staff person...it's still in process! We are looking for a very specific fit for our staff. It's not as easy as you might expect.
Finding a person that is gifted both with youth AND music is not easy to come by. Add to that someone who is a good fit culturally to our style of church (casual, upbeat, outreach Remy Diederichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299915805847158877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10879859.post-14306514548095517802013-02-05T07:44:00.000-08:002013-02-05T07:44:00.043-08:00Top Ten Problems With Living Together Outside of Marriage
I started a new sermon series yesterday yesterday looking at exposing Marriage Myths. The first myth I tackled is the myth that living together will help reduce the odds of divorce.
But I didn't approach the topic with a Bible teaching. I figured that some people wouldn't believe the Bible but they might believe science. So my points were all gathered from recent research and testimony Remy Diederichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299915805847158877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10879859.post-43506107069472065892012-12-25T21:42:00.002-08:002012-12-25T22:23:01.885-08:00Review: Love is an Orientation
Andrew Marin is a bold young man. Raised in a conservative evangelical church, he was shocked to have three of his best friends come out to him in college as gay, all in a matter of months. He was stunned.
His first reaction was to run. He was offended. He was confused. So he prayed and the answer he heard was to move toward his friends, not away. He moved, literally, into Boystown in Remy Diederichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299915805847158877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10879859.post-21026625487635559372012-12-17T06:49:00.003-08:002012-12-17T06:49:51.126-08:00The weakness of God in Newtown, CT
I'm sure some pastors threw out their planned sermon on Sunday so they could talk about the tragedy in Connecticut. I didn't have to. My sermon happened to be about the question that many are asking right now: Where was God? If God is all-loving and all-powerful, then why doesn't he prevent tragedy from happening?
People asked the apostle Paul the same thing. My message takes an Remy Diederichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299915805847158877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10879859.post-21691807942835384492012-12-10T07:41:00.001-08:002012-12-31T10:05:11.517-08:00Announcing Winter CBYOU Classes
Updated on 12/31/12.
Seventy people completed our survey for Cedarbrook YOUniversity, which REALLY helped know which classes to offer. Here are the top eight categories of classes that people want offered:
New Testament
Marriage Enrichment
Prayer and Devotional Practices
How to Share Your Faith
Discovering Your Gifts and Strengths
God and Science
Financial Advice
Leadership DevelopmentRemy Diederichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299915805847158877noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10879859.post-33493740946567837842012-12-03T11:42:00.002-08:002012-12-03T11:42:48.670-08:00Don't be part of the 98%
Every business needs to advertise. But what about churches. Should Cedarbrook advertise?
I read some research once that was shocking. They compared print, radio, television, and personal invitations to the cost invested. There was no comparison.
The most effective way, BY FAR, was personal invitation...like 90% effective. And it's free! The other methods were very poor in Remy Diederichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299915805847158877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10879859.post-56077053929957044332012-11-28T09:55:00.004-08:002012-11-28T09:55:31.652-08:00Free Advent Calendar
Some families like to use an Advent Calendar to keep their mind on the coming of Jesus throughout the month of December.
I came across a calendar that you can download for free and print off on your computer. Or you can take it to a print shop and have it made as well.
You can even purchase it if you don't want to do the work, but of course, you'll have to wait few days for it.
Remy Diederichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299915805847158877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10879859.post-12039071052176507742012-11-26T14:11:00.001-08:002012-11-26T14:11:31.078-08:00New Books for December
Our Cedarbooks Department is always bringing in new books to keep us updated with the latest books to help build your faith. Here is what's new this month:
Anticipate, An Advent Experience ~ $8:00
NIV, The Quest Study Bible ~ $25.00 Adult, hardcover
Multiply by Francis Chan ~ $10.00
What on Earth Am I Here For? by Rick Warren ~ $15.00
Greater by Steven Furtick ~ $12.00
The featured Remy Diederichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299915805847158877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10879859.post-57500015216927917692012-11-19T19:28:00.001-08:002012-11-19T19:28:05.834-08:00Getting Into the Bible
I've really dropped the ball on this blog. Sorry about that. The best way to keep up on Cedarbrook happenings is through our weekly newsletter but not everyone gets that. I'd like to use this space to expand on some thoughts about Cedarbrook. I just need to get back into the habit.
Today I want to talk about a new Bible study I just started on Monday nights. It came about in response toRemy Diederichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299915805847158877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10879859.post-91927413972177959692012-09-11T13:48:00.001-07:002012-09-11T13:48:48.222-07:00New Job Postings at Cedarbrook
This is just a quick note to let you know that Cedarbrook has three job postings right now.
Interim Worship Leader (part time)
Worship and Youth Director (full time)
Office Manager (.7 time)
We will also have a custodial position coming up in the near future. You can download the job descriptions from our recent newsletter.
Let us know if you have any questions. We all look Remy Diederichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299915805847158877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10879859.post-73900853836893013962012-08-21T19:24:00.002-07:002012-08-28T17:54:13.358-07:00Introducing Cedarbrook YOUniversity...
I'm excited to announce Cedarbrook YOUniversity. It will launch on Tuesday, October 2nd.
Cedarbrook YOUniversity is a new intimate "school" to help Cedarbrookers grow spiritually in four areas:
Growth - cultivates personal and spiritual strengths.
Bible - builds biblical understanding and relevance.
Community - provides support while addressing life’s ups and
downs.
Stages - &Remy Diederichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299915805847158877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10879859.post-60367021071791951232012-07-18T09:09:00.000-07:002012-07-18T09:41:24.497-07:00Celebrating Family
My mom, sister and brother-in-law
getting in to the RV to head west.
In case you haven't been around, neither have I! I was gone for two whole weeks, longer than I've ever been away from Cedarbrook. I have always worked to only miss one Sunday at a time but I had a special situation. My mom held one last reunion (she's 93 and aging rapidly) the week of July 4th. Following that I Remy Diederichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299915805847158877noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10879859.post-23093447387948047152012-05-15T09:28:00.002-07:002012-05-15T09:28:51.653-07:00The Prayer Trail is Up and Running (or maybe walking)
I walked our new prayer trail before the first service on Sunday. It was a beautiful morning to get alone with God. The view from the ridge is great...surprising how far you can see.
Jayne Rechtzigel gets a lesson from Dave Johnson
But it got me thinking about the genesis of the idea for a trail. Some people might wonder what all the interest is about in a prayer trail. You might Remy Diederichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299915805847158877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10879859.post-68552816205063622532012-05-02T09:31:00.002-07:002012-05-02T09:31:42.704-07:00An Open Mind is a Wonderful Thing
Note; this post is a repost from my personal blog at readingremy.com. I called it "Delete, Discredit or Diaglogue: What do you do? After posting it I thought it was a good refection of the kind of culture that I have worked at creating at Cedarbrook. I want us to be dialoguers!
I got an interesting reply back from a Facebook Page that I posted on. It was for a site that promotes mental Remy Diederichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299915805847158877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10879859.post-31284306299616846522012-03-26T22:18:00.000-07:002012-03-26T22:18:57.045-07:00We Did It! - One Million Dollars!
If you missed Sunday's announcement we raised
$1,029,930
for our Free to Reach More Campaign with 161 households pledging. We added about 50 households the past few weeks and that really makes me happy...30 more than our first campaign.
This means so much to me. It means that the majority of people that attend Cedarbrook understand and embrace our vision...with passion! Remy Diederichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04299915805847158877noreply@blogger.com0