Renew Communities http://renewcommunities.com | Cleveland, OH Wed, 22 May 2013 21:44:09 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Renew Communities is a Missional Church in Cleveland, OH. We exist to see entire communities renewed with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. These are teachings from our Central Gathering - come along for the ride! Renew Communities no Renew Communities andy@renewcommunities.com andy@renewcommunities.com (Renew Communities) | Cleveland, OH Renew Communities, missional, cleveland, Sikora, Andy, Jesus, church Renew Communities http://renewcommunities.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/ReNewLogo-WHITE.jpg http://renewcommunities.com Mark [Series Starting June 2] http://renewcommunities.com/2013/05/22/mark-series-starting-june-2/ http://renewcommunities.com/2013/05/22/mark-series-starting-june-2/#comments Wed, 22 May 2013 21:36:43 +0000 Chris Solyntjes http://renewcommunities.com/?p=4791 You would expect that in reading the Bible you would learn about God. What if reading the Bible could not just give you an understanding about God but also about you and me and the world we live in? What if when you read it you could see the difference between what is and what God intended and even what God is doing? What if in reading the Bible you began to see God’s Kingdom come not just in the pages of the Bible but all around you?

Join us this summer as we immerse ourselves in the book of Mark, watching what Jesus does, listening to what Jesus says and learning to live lives devoted to Him & His Kingdom?

]]> http://renewcommunities.com/2013/05/22/mark-series-starting-june-2/feed/ 0 What Did Your Kids Do This Past Sunday? http://renewcommunities.com/2013/05/21/renew-fm-what-did-your-kids-do-this-sunday/ http://renewcommunities.com/2013/05/21/renew-fm-what-did-your-kids-do-this-sunday/#comments Tue, 21 May 2013 18:39:12 +0000 Josh Landis http://renewcommunities.com/?p=4789 Infant Room

Your teacher: Mrs. Stephanie and Ms. Alissa 

Bible Words for Baby: I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14

Have you noticed how wonderfully made your Baby is? From the top of their heads to the tips of their toes, your baby is absolutely amazing! This week as you get your baby ready sing the Bible verse to them. Start instilling a wonder in them now that will last a lifetime.

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Toddler Room

Your teachers: Mrs. Alisa and Mr. Jeremy

Bottom Line: I can help others. 

BIble Story: Nehemiah builds the Wall. Nehemiah 1-6

Bible Words for Preschoolers: Be kind and loving to each other. Ephesians 4:32

Today we used our two helping hands to build a wall. A big, strong wall! Just like Nehemiah did in our Bible story. All morning long we played with blocks, painted bricks and heard how the people of Jerusalem worked together to rebuild the wall around the city.

This week at home, build with your children and talk about Nehemiah’s story. As you build together with blocks, talk to your children how all of the people of Jerusalem helped each other to do an amazing thing.

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Preschool Room

Your teachers: Mrs. Laurie and Mr. Jason

Bottom Line: I can help others. 

BIble Story: Nehemiah builds the Wall. Nehemiah 1-6

Bible Words for Preschoolers: Be kind and loving to each other. Ephesians 4:32

Did you know that God gave you two helping hands? Today your kids were reminded that God gave them hands and the power to help others. We also learned about a man named Nehemiah. He was the BIble’s most famous construction worker! We saw how construction workers can use their hands to build things in our community.

Back in class, we worked together to build up a tall wall and used play dough to make fun things. This week build together with play dough and talk about Nehemiah and his story. Here is a fun recipe to make play dough at home!

http://www.bestrecipes.com.au/recipe/easy-playdough-L14090.html

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K-4 Room

Your teachers: Mr. John and Mrs. Sarah

Virtue for May: Patience–Waiting till later for what you want now.

Bottom Line: When you think you can’t wait, talk to God.

Bible Story: Hannah prays for a Baby. 1 Samuel 1 & 2

Bible Verse: Wait for the Lord. Be strong and don’t loose hope. Wait for the Lord. Psalms 27:14

It excites me when I get to tell a story that is so applicable to your kids lives. Today’s story shows us how we can talk to God no matter what. Hannah was without child and being ridiculed. Instead of going to a doctor or friend to complain, she goes right to God. What a powerful view into patience.

We want to share with your kids that God is ALWAYS accessible and ready to break into their lives. This week, pray together as a family about specific instances where you all need to patient. If you have any stories about your family and their quest for patience, we would love to hear them!

]]> http://renewcommunities.com/2013/05/21/renew-fm-what-did-your-kids-do-this-sunday/feed/ 0 Stress & Rest :: Resting In Christ http://renewcommunities.com/2013/05/20/stress-rest-resting-in-christ/ http://renewcommunities.com/2013/05/20/stress-rest-resting-in-christ/#comments Mon, 20 May 2013 20:55:04 +0000 Chris Solyntjes http://renewcommunities.com/?p=4788 In week 3 of our Stress & Rest series we talk about how bad theology keeps us from ever really stopping and we work to develop a good theology of rest based on the way God designed humanity to work and rest in Genesis 1. We also look at how Jesus offers a way back to the rest we were made to experience with God.

]]> http://renewcommunities.com/2013/05/20/stress-rest-resting-in-christ/feed/ 0 In week 3 of our Stress & Rest series we talk about how bad theology keeps us from ever really stopping and we work to develop a good theology of rest based on the way God designed humanity to work and rest in Genesis 1. In week 3 of our Stress & Rest series we talk about how bad theology keeps us from ever really stopping and we work to develop a good theology of rest based on the way God designed humanity to work and rest in Genesis 1. We also look at how Jesus offers a way back to the rest we were made to experience with God. Renew Communities no 29:27 Last Chance for Haiti Summer Trip http://renewcommunities.com/2013/05/15/last-chance-for-haiti-summer-trip/ http://renewcommunities.com/2013/05/15/last-chance-for-haiti-summer-trip/#comments Wed, 15 May 2013 13:20:32 +0000 andrewsikora http://renewcommunities.com/?p=4783 This summer Renew Communities will be taking a team of 10 to Jeremie, Haiti to work with Haiti Bible Mission. Renew has had a strong relationship with HBM and we’re excited to be heading back to Haiti to work and build deeper connections with the people that HBM works with every day. It will also be an incredible chance to see how God is working in the church we helped plant in Kolimo.

We have 5 spots left for this trip and we need commitments by this Sunday. This will be an incredible trip and an opportunity to hear from God, to see God at work and have God work through you.

If you are interested in going with us to Haiti August 18-26 please email andy@renewcommunities.com and plan on attending a meeting after our Central Gathering THIS SUNDAY to get all the info you  need to prepare for this trip.

]]> http://renewcommunities.com/2013/05/15/last-chance-for-haiti-summer-trip/feed/ 0 Stress & Rest :: Stress http://renewcommunities.com/2013/05/13/stress-rest-stress/ http://renewcommunities.com/2013/05/13/stress-rest-stress/#comments Mon, 13 May 2013 20:34:38 +0000 Chris Solyntjes http://renewcommunities.com/?p=4781 Stress is a normal part of the human experience and it seems with each passing day our stress levels increase. Most of us are looking for relief to the stress we are regularly experiencing but when we do we are only treating the symptoms and not the cause. In week two of our Stress & Rest series we try to get to the bottom of what’s causing us all this stress and look for Jesus in the midst of it all.

As part of week two Katie Hilbert, a huddle leader with Renew Communities shared part of an essay that she wrote on striving, stress, grace and rest. You can read the entire post Cease Striving and Rest in Grace at her blog.

]]> http://renewcommunities.com/2013/05/13/stress-rest-stress/feed/ 0 Stress is a normal part of the human experience and it seems with each passing day our stress levels increase. Most of us are looking for relief to the stress we are regularly experiencing but when we do we are only treating the symptoms and not the ca... Stress is a normal part of the human experience and it seems with each passing day our stress levels increase. Most of us are looking for relief to the stress we are regularly experiencing but when we do we are only treating the symptoms and not the cause. In week two of our Stress & Rest series we try to get to the bottom of what's causing us all this stress and look for Jesus in the midst of it all. As part of week two Katie Hilbert, a huddle leader with Renew Communities shared part of an essay that she wrote on striving, stress, grace and rest. You can read the entire post Cease Striving and Rest in Grace at her blog (http://aplacetodwell.wordpress.com/2013/05/07/cease-striving-rest-in-grace/). Renew Communities no 29:55 Stress & Rest :: Suffering http://renewcommunities.com/2013/05/06/stress-rest-suffering/ http://renewcommunities.com/2013/05/06/stress-rest-suffering/#comments Mon, 06 May 2013 15:28:30 +0000 Chris Solyntjes http://renewcommunities.com/?p=4758 What do we do with real suffering in our world and what is a true Christian response? Mike Medved talks about the brokenness of our world, the example we find in Jesus, the freedom we have to suffer, inviting others in and bearing each other’s burdens and how this way of suffering actually shines the light of Christ to a watching world. ]]> http://renewcommunities.com/2013/05/06/stress-rest-suffering/feed/ 0 What do we do with real suffering in our world and what is a true Christian response? Mike Medved talks about the brokenness of our world, the example we find in Jesus, the freedom we have to suffer, inviting others in and bearing each other's burdens ... What do we do with real suffering in our world and what is a true Christian response? Mike Medved talks about the brokenness of our world, the example we find in Jesus, the freedom we have to suffer, inviting others in and bearing each other's burdens and how this way of suffering actually shines the light of Christ to a watching world. Renew Communities no 29:05 Stress & Rest [Current Series] http://renewcommunities.com/2013/05/02/stress-rest-series/ http://renewcommunities.com/2013/05/02/stress-rest-series/#comments Thu, 02 May 2013 14:57:12 +0000 Chris Solyntjes http://renewcommunities.com/?p=4751 The world is moving at breakneck speed. There is so much to do and so little time to get it done and with each event and situation there are multiple voices trying to get your attention. Stress has become a constant and it impacts every part of our life. For many stresshas become so great that we don’t know what to do or how to deal with it – at best we hope for a momentary breathe of fresh air at worst we find whatever we can to deal with the chaos.

What if there was real rest available? What if there was a way to deal with stress that wasn’t just a quick breath but a new way to live?  What if all of that really is found in Jesus?
Join us in May as we talk about stress, suffering, rest and Jesus.
]]> http://renewcommunities.com/2013/05/02/stress-rest-series/feed/ 0 Missional Round Table :: May 18th http://renewcommunities.com/2013/05/01/missional-round-table-may-18th/ http://renewcommunities.com/2013/05/01/missional-round-table-may-18th/#comments Wed, 01 May 2013 18:36:05 +0000 andrewsikora http://renewcommunities.com/?p=4754 As a missional church we are constantly working to understand and live on mission together in our community.  On Saturday May 18th we will be part of hosting the first ever Missional Round Table and it will be held right here in Berea! Simply, it’s a chance for people implementing Missional Church ideas in their local context to come together and hear from others who are fighting the same fight and share with each other what we’ve learned along the way.

David Fitch (Northern Seminary & Life on the Vine) & Geoff Hosclaw (Life on the Vine) who have just written a book together (Prodigal Christianity) sharing and leading discussion and Andy Sikora from Renew Communities will be leading a session too!

This is for anyone and everyone involved in or interested in the kind of church Renew Communities is trying to be! If you are even the least bit curious about how or why we do what we do please join us!
Here are the details…
Date :: Saturday May 18th from 9a – 3p at
Cost :: It’s FREE ($5 if you want the lunch) and you get a free book for registering!

 

]]> http://renewcommunities.com/2013/05/01/missional-round-table-may-18th/feed/ 0 Rescue Me :: As I Walk From Earth Into Eternity http://renewcommunities.com/2013/04/29/rescue-me-as-i-walk-from-earth-into-eternity/ http://renewcommunities.com/2013/04/29/rescue-me-as-i-walk-from-earth-into-eternity/#comments Mon, 29 Apr 2013 19:42:27 +0000 Chris Solyntjes http://renewcommunities.com/?p=4749
For decades the key concept that defined every evangelistic conversation was eternity.    We have to ask ourselves in our modern age does eternity still matter?  Do people even care about what happens after this life and if so what are we supposed to tell them?  There’s an even bigger question that those of us who believe in an eternal God should be asking – What impact does eternity have on today?  In week 6 we finished our series by talking about the eternal implications and the implications of eterinty.

]]> http://renewcommunities.com/2013/04/29/rescue-me-as-i-walk-from-earth-into-eternity/feed/ 0 For decades the key concept that defined every evangelistic conversation was eternity.    We have to ask ourselves in our modern age does eternity still matter?  Do people even care about what happens after this life and if so what are we supposed to t... For decades the key concept that defined every evangelistic conversation was eternity.    We have to ask ourselves in our modern age does eternity still matter?  Do people even care about what happens after this life and if so what are we supposed to tell them?  There's an even bigger question that those of us who believe in an eternal God should be asking - What impact does eternity have on today?  In week 6 we finished our series by talking about the eternal implications and the implications of eterinty. Renew Communities no 36:29 Chris & Bethany Solyntjes – Still EP http://renewcommunities.com/2013/04/25/buy-chris-bethanys-album-today/ http://renewcommunities.com/2013/04/25/buy-chris-bethanys-album-today/#comments Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:00:04 +0000 andrewsikora http://renewcommunities.com/?p=4733 Today is a very special day for our church as our worship leaders, Chris & Bethany Solyntjes, debut album is being released on iTunes! This record is an incredible story of how God moves in order to make the desires He’s put in our hearts a reality! From song writing, to fund-raising via Kickstarter, to the recording process this record is evidence of how God is working through Chris and Bethany to connect people like you and me to the living God.

Here are a 5 reasons that YOU SHOULD BUY THIS RECORD!
1. The songs are honest, transparent and worshipful.
2. Many of these songs were written with our church in mind.
3. It will aid in connecting you to Christ.
4. Chris & Bethany have sacrificed significantly to be a part of Renew – this is one way you can support them
5. It’s REALLY good.

So, go to iTunes and buy the record today.  If you don’t buy mp3s we’ll have CDs available every Sunday at our Central Gatherings. Once you do go ahead and tell all your friends to do the same. Tweet, post or just have a conversation about how great this music really is!

We are VERY proud of Chris and Bethany and are so grateful God has connected us to pursue the vision he has given us to see whole communities renewed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

-Andy Sikora

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