Core Community Church of Omaha

As you know, we recently announced a historic change and transition for our church: this Sunday our church will be merging with Coram Deo Church Community.  After months of prayer and years of God’s providence, our elder team affirms that this is God’s work and we give praise to God for this.  With the coming together of two churches, there will be some difference in Children’s Ministry, as you might expect.  Here is some important information for you to keep and remember:

#1 // We need your help! If your child participates in Children’s Ministry, we need you to jump in and help.  Please read the rest of this with the mindset of, “How can I help?”  Then please get in touch with me so that I can get a background authorization form to you and connect you with Coram Deo Kids’ leaders.  Thanks!

#2 // This Sunday, September 25, will be a very unique Sunday. We will only have 1 gathering, at 10am at Westside Middle School.  For this Sunday only, childcare will ONLY be provided for ages 0-3.  If your children are older than 3, please bring them into the worship gathering with you.  This will be a powerful time of unity together and praise to God, and we want your children to be a part of that!  This is something you will be telling your kids about for years to come, something only God can bring about.

#3 // Beginning Sunday, October 2, the full Coram Deo Kids should be in effect. The age and class breakdowns are different from what you experience now, so please take careful note:

• Nursery (0-16 Months) // will be divided into mobile and non-mobile infants within the room; Please note that previous Core’s nursery did not provide care until your child was 6 months; this has changed, and you can now place your child in care as early as newborn.
• Little Toddlers (16-24 Months)
• Big Toddlers (2 year olds)
• 3 Year Olds
• 4 Year Olds
• 5-6 Year Olds; Please note this is slightly different from the original FAQ Packet you received.
• 7-8 Year Olds; Please note this is slightly different from the original FAQ Packet you received.

When you arrive at Westside Middle School on Sundays you will see signs directing you to the appropriate classroom.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.  I would be glad to help.  Before September 30, you can reach me best at doug @ corecommunity . org.  After September 30, you can reach me best at doug @ cdomaha . com.

On Sunday September 25th, something historic is happening in the city of Omaha. Coram Deo Church & Core Community Church, which have been pacesetters in the work of urban, missional church planting in the Midwest, will join forces as one church. To commemorate this momentous merger, we’re throwing a party.

ONE PLACE. ONE TIME. ONE PEOPLE.

THAT SUNDAY (SEPTEMBER 25) ONLY, we’re going to come together at 10AM for one worship gathering at Westside Middle School. Then immediately following we will move down to the football field just south of our worship space for a family picnic from 11:30AM – 1:30PM. Food and drink will be provided so bring your appetites. Formal seating will not be provided so grab your lawn chair, picnic blanket, and/or umbrella for shade. Mark your calenders now and plan on arriving early so that you have adequate time to find parking and get inside.

**PLEASE NOTE: Coram Deo Kids will only be providing children’s ministry for ages 0-3 years during the worship gathering.

As God makes you ready, the first step for all of us in this merger with Coram Deo is to get in a Missional Community.  For some, you are ready to get going now.  For others, it might take a few weeks before you are ready to step in.  Either way, it is the first priority, first prayer item, first action step for connecting with Coram Deo as we unify with them.

What is a Missional Community?

A Missional Community is a group of people committed to Jesus, to being shaped by His gospel, and to living on His mission together.  These people believe they have been given a new identity in Christ because of the gospel.  They are no a part of God’s family on mission, sent to serve our world and continually learn to walk in His ways.  In other words, a Missional Community is a counter-cultural group of people who are on mission together, devoted to glorifying God in all of life.  Check out this video for a real life picture of a Missional Community.

Who makes up a Missional Community?

Missional Communities consist of committed Christians who are living as missionaries, newer Christians who are learning to live as missionaries, and sojourners (non-Christians) who are not yet convinced of the gospel of Jesus.

What do Missional Communities exist for?

Missional Communities exist to make disciples of Jesus.  As this happens, each MC should multiply through the drawing in of sojourners and the sending out of missionally-minded Christians.  We aim to see every MC multiply once per year, by God’s grace.  We want to birth new MCs that grow up to have kids of their own.  The ultimate vision is to see every Christian who is part of Coram Deo leading a Missional Community made up of their peers, friends, and acquaintances.

How do I get in a Missional Community?

1. Log on to TheCity, an online networking tool used by Coram Deo.  Get an account and profile set up.
2. Join the “Coram Deo Connect” group once you are on TheCity.  (Can be found by searching for groups.)
3. Browse around the Missional Communities that are viewable on TheCity.  As you browse pray especially about the mission God is calling you on.  Most MCs have a shared mission that is based on neighborhood or area of our region.  Some MCs have a shared mission based on a particular people group (such as Med School students or college students).  Which MC can you join on mission with?
4. Someone will contact you and help you connect with a Missional Community leader.

Any questions?  Post in the comments, and we will get back with you.

This past Sunday we announced a historic change and transition for our church: on September 25, 2011, our church will be merging with Coram Deo Church Community.  After months of prayer and years of God’s providence, our elder team affirms that this is God’s work and we give praise to God for this.

So what happens next?  Here is a brief calendar look at the next month as we prepare for this historic marriage of two churches becoming one.

• Sunday, August 28: We publicly shared the announcement.  Beginning this week, those committed to Core and Coram Deo can log on to The City, learn more about Missional Communities, and begin exploring Coram Deo’s social networking tool.  Furthermore, Core HCs will be spending time together this week and the coming few weeks to thank God for all he has done and prepare to make the transition into Coram Deo Missional Communities.
• Sunday, September 4: Pastor Ethan will teach out of Nehemiah, giving further direction and preparation for being a part of the movement of the gospel in our city with Coram Deo.  During the week, keep pursuing a Missional Community!
• Sunday, September 11: Core turns 11 years old!  This is the perfect time to praise God for all He has done.  We will gather as a church to sing, give thanks, tell stories, and glorify God for his faithfulness.  During the week, keep pursuing a Missional Community!
• Sunday, September 18: Pastor Ethan will be preaching at Coram Deo’s morning gatherings, while Pastor Bob Thune will be preaching at Core’s morning gathering.  Make sure you DO NOT go to Coram Deo’s gathering; come to the Playhouse and listen as Bob Thune shares with us before the official merging.  Oh, and keep pursuing a Missional Community!
• Sunday, September 25: We worship Jesus together, 2 churches becoming 1! There will be 2 gathering times: 9 and 11am.  And we will be meeting at Westside Middle School.  Come, bring your friends, and be a part of this historic time.  Just make sure you are radically pursuing getting in a Missional Community!

This past Sunday we announced (video) a historic change and transition for our church: on September 25, 2011, our church will be merging with Coram Deo Church Community.  Two churches becoming one.  In other words, Core is getting married.  After months of prayer and years of God’s providence, our elder team affirms that this is God’s work and we give praise to God for this.  From the very beginning of our church, we have sought to renew all of Omaha through a movement of the gospel.  Many times we have said that we aren’t about becoming just one great church, but we want to be a part of a movement.  Many times we have said that no one church could bring this about, but it would take the unity of many churches coming together to glorify Jesus in our city.  This merger with Coram Deo Church Community is a good step towards that direction.

The vision is moving forward.  The mission is making progress.  And we want to call all of you to join us in this movement of the gospel.  We challenge you to begin preparing now for the coming changes, the new emerging missional communities, and the expansion of the gospel through this unification.  How can you step into this?

If you are a regular part of Core, we challenge you in these ways:

1. Thank and praise God for all He has done in your life and your friends’ lives through the ministry of Core.  We will be doing this together as a church on Sunday, September 11, as well.  We give glory and honor to God for all of his goodness.
2. Read through the frequently asked questions, find out more details, and learn all the story of God’s work in bringing this about.  You can easily download it online or read it on our website.
3. Prepare to radically pursue a Missional Community in Coram Deo.  There are many opportunities for you.  You can learn about them by logging in and creating a profile on The City, an online social networking tool for Coram Deo.
4. Grow as a disciple of Jesus on mission with his people in your Missional Community.  Then, when the time is right, consider a one-time DNA Class to learn more about growing in commitment and membership with Coram Deo.  There will be a unique DNA Class on Sunday, November 13, where you can learn more and ask questions.
5. Serve and give sacrificially.  For this marriage of two churches to thrive, your service and financial giving is absolutely crucial.  We can’t do it without you.  We call you to give above and beyond your normal giving.  We call you to serve in ministry with this new church.  Don’t be passive; be active in God’s kingdom for God’s glory.

If you are a friend of Core who keeps us with us from afar, we welcome your prayers and encouragement during this time.  This is a movement of God, and He loves to be glorified in our praying.  Thank you!

“The God of heaven will make us prosper, and we his servants will arise and build the wall together…” Nehemiah 2:20.

Core Community has always wanted to renew the city of Omaha through a movement of the Gospel.  This Fall we begin the most significant season in the history of our church and take a big step forward in that direction.  We will look back at our history, consider all that God is doing in us presently, and take a big step into the future.

Starting this Sunday, August 21.  You don’t want to miss all that God is doing in this season.  Join us at the Omaha Community Playhouse at 9:45am.

This past Sunday, our church blessed and celebrated and sent out Rich and Amy Zakrajsek and their boys as they follow God’s call to join up with Sacred City Church in Davenport, IA.  This time last year, I wrote a thank you post for Amy when she transitioned off of staff, but I wanted to take some time to purposefully thank Rich for his influence in my life.  So here goes.

1. Rich is a loyal friend. Anyone who spends time with Rich knows he states things as he sees them.  He is a truth-teller.  The longer I knew Rich, the more I cherished this about him because I also knew his loyalty.  He might speak hard things, and he always called out what he saw, but he was also very loyal as a friend.  Rich always made me feel like he was in my corner, and sometimes even in the ring with me taking blows for me.  In being a loyal friend, Rich reminded me of the Friend who endures all suffering for me: Jesus.

2. Rich is a hard worker. When we brought Rich on staff eight months ago, we never had to have the conversation about how many hours he should work.  We all knew he would work hard from the very beginning.  Rich is a laborer.  Much like Paul referred to fellow laborers in the Gospel, Rich is a laborer, a worker for the Gospel.  In being a hard worker, Rich reminded me of the Worker of my conversion: Jesus.

3. Rich is a man of integrity. There are many conversations Rich and I have had behind the scenes about things going on in his life and things going on in my life.  In each situation, Rich wanted to walk through it in a way that honored God.  His concern wasn’t comfort or convenience (which are both so appealing to me!); his concern was the honor of God.  This speaks to me of his integrity.  And in being a man of integrity, Rich pointed me to the purity and passion of Jesus for one thing: the Father’s glory.

4. Rich loves his family. It has been amazing and deeply challenging to see Rich’s passion for his family over the past couple of years.  As I have got to watch his boys grow up, it brings me joy to see them believing the gospel, living life on mission, and taking early steps of boldness in the gospel.  Beyond that, Rich has helped me understand – through his words and his life – how to love my wife from the heart.

5. Rich loves Jesus’ family. One of the most profound statements Rich shared with me was late one night at Ethan’s house.  He said (after a few hours of them praying for me and pressing in to me) that I need to embrace the sisters in Jesus’ family.  And I did, by God’s grace.  Rich’s love for Jesus’ family has spilled out on to me, and I hope it continue for a long, long time.

I look forward to being a part of the larger movement of the gospel with Rich and Amy in the years to come.  Their call to Davenport only deepens the connection between our churches.  It will be exciting to see how God uses them and us in the future to make disciples among the nations through missional communities.

This past Sunday, we began a series of message on Philemon by considering what happened to Philemon and Onesimus to prompt the letter: they were both converted to Christ!  My goal in the message was the bring clarity to what happens in our conversion to Christ and plead with people to be converted to Christ.  The thrust of the message was less chronological and more theological.  Or, in other words, we didn’t focus on how conversion is experienced over the course of time.  We approached conversion from a 30,000-foot view instead of a street-level view.

But the Bible does give clarity on the street-level experience of conversion over time.  How do most people experience conversion over time?  And how do we know if that is indeed true conversion?  Stephen Smallman, an assistant pastor for New Life Presbyterian Church has written an excellent short booklet on this very topic.

Smallman lets human experience collide with God’s sovereignty.  It is clear in his writing that God is the initiater, the worker, the achiever in the process of conversion to Christ, but it is also clear that we are involved.  In short, Smallman outlines the process of conversion this way:

1. We are called by the Holy Spirit (John 3:5-8; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14; 1 Peter 1:1-2).  God, through His Spirit, begins to woo us.  This might include meeting friends who are Christians or actually being willing to listen to friends who are Christians.  It might include a growing interest in the person and work of Christ – something you had never considered relevant, even if you had been in the church for years.  However it might happen, when God calls and woos those he has chosen to save, that call is effective (Romans 1:6-7; Romans 8:30; 1 Corinthians 1:23-24, 26; 1 Corinthians 6:11; Galatians 1:6, 15-16; Ephesians 2:4-6), which leads to the next step.
2. We are regenerated (Ephesians 2:1-6).  Regeneration is unseen and can easily go unnoticed if we do not pause to consider the Scriptures.  In a person’s experience it is hard to nail down when it happened.  But it happened.  It certainly happened.  It was God’s working to change the person’s heart from death to life, from darkness to light, from blindness to sight, from being interested in Christ (due to the Spirit’s call) to actually seeing Christ for all He is.
3. Faith in Christ and repentance of sin (Ephesians 2:8-10; Acts 2:38-39).  These two are complementary, as Smallman points out.  Faith is a gift from God, independent of works.  But the faith God gives produces the work of repentance.  Repentance is turning from sin to Christ.  For many people’s experience, this can be a very powerful moment.  For my friend Andy it was triggered through the loving embrace of a friend; for me it happened on the top bunk in a campground cabin back in Texas.  The realization that I am a sinner who cannot save myself (in fact, I now hate those sins which I once loved!), is a life-changing experience.  Nothing is quite the same after this.  For most people, it is this moment where they would say they were “converted to Christ.”  And, indeed, they were!
4. Loved by God the Father (Romans 8:15-17; John 1:10-14).  Now, based upon the work of God through the Spirit and the Son (i.e,. calling and conversion), we live life as adopted sons of God.  He is our loving, faithful, delightful, strong, tender Father.  And in being adopted by God the Father through the calling of the Spirit and the converting of the Son, we are also welcomed into the family of God.

All of this is signified and expressed in baptism. In conversion we come into the waters (think: calling), we are immersed and brought back out (think: conversion), and we are forever welcomed into the family of God, His church (think: loved by the Father).

I would strongly suggest Stephen Smallman’s booklet to any Christian.  And even more so, any Christian should pick up a couple copies to share with their friends who are becoming interested in Christ or wondering if they have been converted to Christ.  May God inspire gratitude and awe and worship in light of the wonderful work of conversion He has done for us!

We are in the middle of a short, 3-week look at a little letter in the back of the Bible called Philemon.  Though little, it packs a punch.  By looking at Philemon we want to answer some questions:

* What happens when we live out these fundamentals of the gospel we have rediscovered the past couple of months?

* What happens when gospel DNA gets into our smaller communities and changes us?

* What does it look like to be in a community living together as disciples, family, and missionaries?

According to Philemon, three things are sure: conversions, conflict, and the cause of Christ.

We invite you to join us this Sunday at 9:45am at the Omaha Community Playhouse as we gather to worship the Christ who saves us and sends us.

This past Sunday we distributed a Daily Workbook to accompany our 8 week series on the fundamentals of the gospel.  The workbook is an attempt to build in the DNA, identities, and rhythms of the gospel into our daily lives.  We challenged everyone to set aside 20 minutes each day for this workbook.

Our generation (myself included) is easily skeptical of ploys like this. We tend toward things that are easy, quick, and painless.  If something is difficult, slow, or painful then we can easily assume it isn’t genuine.  This is why I was challenged and encouraged by Paul Miller in A Praying Life as he writes,

“Deep within the American psyche is the 1960′s Romantic idea, originally from Emerson and Rousseau, that if something doesn’t feel natural, it isn’t real.  We think spiritual things – if done right – should just flow.  But if you have a disability (which we all do because of the Fall!), nothing flows, especially in the beginning.”

Miller is writing about the difficulty of simply praying on a regular basis, but the insight proves fruitful for something like committing 20 minutes per day to a workbook loaded with Scripture reading and prayer and questions and community interaction.  What about you?  Do you believe it should “just flow?”  Do you believe that “if something doesn’t feel natural, it isn’t real?”

I am asking God to strike down this lie in my own mind and heart.  You are welcome to join me.