JUST THE NEWS 01-08-06

VERGE LIFE VISION/STRATEGY MEETING 010806

1 Tim. 5:17
The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.

Let me begin by first expressing great appreciation toward those who have labored so diligently to launch the Verge Life and Verge 68 while at the same time helping to maintain momentum in the Verge Youth.

There are those among us who live and breath ministry along with carrying a full-time secular career. These are they that have expressed a call and a desire to one day enter full-time ministry. In our Verge world we refer to them as co-pastors and I ask you to hold them in great honor for the love they demonstrate to you each week. Here they are in alphabetical order lest I incite a fight over who gets to be last:

John & Sarah Bundy- John functions as our head usher and staff comedian. Sarah works with Verge Kidz and co-leads the Crave Life Cafe’

Jason & Myra Hess have recently relocated to our church after youth pastoring full-time in Madison, NC and Mesa, AZ. They will be engaging in a variety of ministries after settling in.

Joe Little leads Verge 68, drums for LWC’s main band and the Verge Life band. He also leads the Verge media and does whatever else I ask him to.

Daniel & Jannifer McKee have been designated as our New People pastors. They assist in hospitality, altar work and follow-up on guests.

Eddie & Angela Romero-Eddie is the leader of AUDIO Impact- youth and young adult worship teams. Angela co-leads the Crave Life Cafe’.

Billy Wayne & Sheila Simmons- Billy is in charge of hospitality at Verge Life. Sheila co-leads the Crave Life Cafe’. Sheila is a Redskin fan. Billy is a Cowboy fan. Sheila is a Christian. Billy...well...you do the math.

SUPPORT STAFF:

Anthony Forrest has recently come on as part-time intern. He is exploring his call and working along side Joe Little with the Verge media ministry and Verge 68.

Kendall Mason is co-leading AUDIO Impact for youth along side Eddie Romero.

Sam & Laura Lussier are still honorary members of our leadership. Believe it or not Sam stills serves as tech support and even pulled off a last minute countdown video for Freakfest along with his brother Matt. Laura still serves as a long distance member of our creative team.

MAJOR ITEMS FROM THE MEETING:

VERGE LIFE PROMO DVD
The first edition is complete and we will be duplicating this week!

VERGE ONE SERVICE & VERGE LIFE SUNDAY-
January 28 & 29th. Let's make this weekend a blowout!

FINE ARTS FESTIVAL- ULTIMATE ICON
After meeting with key students and discussing the matter with our leaders we have decided to take this year off from the district Fine Arts Festival. We have maximized this trip for the past four years and interest seems almost non-existent.

After discussing how our energies may be better spent this year we have begun the planning of a contest to be hosted by the Verge in mid-May.

The ULTIMATE ICON will be a localized fine arts opportunity involving the categories of band, solo artist, photography and perhaps video. Other categories may be added as we develop this concept.

Our two most recent Battle of the Bands have been very effective at impacting our local art scene and bringing new people out to the Verge. The ULTIMATE ICON will be an opportunity to do the same while also encouraging students to develop their God-given talents. Pray for us as we undertake this mammoth endeavor!

VERGE KIDZ-CHILDCARE
It has been rumored that we only have teenagers watching the kids in a very unorganized environment on Saturday nights. This was indeed the case early on. Currently, however, my wife oversees Verge Kidz. Every week she brings a well planned kids service designed to amplify the lesson in the main Verge Life service. This is a tremendous opportunity to help out----to sacrifice a little more of you to gain a little more of Christ. I dare you to move!

Pastor Mark’s Comments:

MOMENTUM:
We discussed the need for leadership to all be moving in the same direction as our senior pastor and his staff in order to maintain momentum. Pastor's goal this year is MULTIPLICATION in every ministry!

GOALS:
Leaders were challenged to SEE THE DIFFERENCE, BE THE DIFFERENCE by evaluating their own ministry and asking these two questions:
1. How can my ministry be done better?
2. How have I grown my ministry thus far?


VERGE YOUTH-
Jannifer brought out the need to train and equip youth to take bigger roles spiritually on Wednesday nights. Look forward to discipleship opportunities aimed at meeting that need.



THE VERGE LIFE I SEE: (from the heart of Pastor Mark)

I see the Verge as an echo of our Senior Pastor’s vision.

I see the Verge as a place where multitudes of un-churched and de-churched can find or rediscover their walk with Jesus.

I see the Verge as a place where the atmosphere is charged with belonging, where people are the priority.

I see the Verge as a place where attention is given to every detail, where mediocrity is not tolerated and excellence is our constant aim.

I see a Verge that’s always growing, always changing it’s methods but never comprising in its message.

I see the Verge as a place of ultimate unity and accountability where gossip is never acceptable and judgment belongs to God alone.

I see the Verge as a ministry of action- meeting the needs of others
at home and abroad.

I see the Verge being led by radical New Testament risk-takers, empowered by prayer and equipped with wisdom to seize the day!

I see the Verge as a place where the multitudes are saved, where Jesus Christ is the center of all we do, and the miraculous is expected.

I see a Verge that looks like anything but church as usual.

I see the Verge reaching into every college campus in our region and every corner of our community.

I see a Verge that trusts the power of the Holy Spirit to sanctify believers.

I see a Verge that still believes God inhabits the praises of His people.

I see the Verge as a place of multiplication-where preachers and ministries are born, empowered and given opportunity to flex.

I see a Verge where the truth of God’s Word is constantly pursued.

I see the Verge as a culturally relevant miracle in the making.


Prayer Requests:
Jannifer McKee -healing
Curtis Kinser-grandmother-healing
Redskins-playoff game aganist the Seahawks