NewWineskins

Summer Picnic Highlights

2010-09-12T16:19:00.012-05:00

Thank you to everyone who came and participated!! We had great community picnics this summer!!

Parktacular 2010

2010-07-04T13:35:00.001-05:00

going to the zoo zoo zoo

2010-05-18T10:09:00.002-05:00

how about you you you. you can come too too too. we're going to the zoo zoo zoo.

Nothing like a little raffi to start out the day!

FAMILY FUN DAY at the Como Zoo!!

Meet at church at 9:15 this Saturday (the 22nd) to catch the bus

Please bring a picnic lunch.

The bus will return back at church around 2 pm.

Invite your friends and neighbors!!

prayer stations

2010-05-11T08:38:00.007-05:00

National Day of Prayer was a great success! Thanks to all who helped put it on. Here are some pictures of the prayer stations that were set up around the sanctuary. Aren't they beautiful?

The prayer stations will be set up until Thursday, so if you have an opportunity, I encourage you to go in and pray. If not, Larry Trester has created little prayer books with a picture of each station and instructions so you can be praying at home. They will be available this Sunday.

And don't forget to sign up on the SLP map for small groups starting soon!

Family Fun Night - Skating

2010-03-04T09:01:00.007-06:00

It was a beautiful night for skating/sledding at Oak Hill Park. It would have been nice to have the warming house open for the little ones though. Don't they realize it's still winter??

Everyone still had a fun time zooming around the ice.

Please join us for the next Family Fun Night on March 27th! CRAFT NIGHT!

Treasure Chest (Rubies)

2010-01-23T12:17:00.003-06:00

Family Activities and Saturday Play Group

2010-01-21T15:03:00.002-06:00

There are all kinds of opportunities in the next few months to build community, both with each other and with the community of St. Louis Park!

Here's a list of family activities to put on your calendar:

Saturday, January 30th - Movie Night
Saturday, February 27th - sledding/skating (weather permitting)
Saturday, March 27th - family craft night
Saturday, April 24th - family game night

More details to follow.

Also - Saturday mornings in the winter, the church gym is open for kids to come and get their wiggles out! Please invite friends and neighbors to come and run around.

Play Group from 10:00-12:00 on the following dates:

Saturday, February 6th
Saturday, February 20th
Saturday, March 6th
Saturday, March 20th

Come and join in!

Christmas Day

2009-12-25T16:26:00.003-06:00

Christmas 2009

Thanksgiving

2009-12-02T08:59:00.010-06:00

Do you want to know something? God answers prayer! We prayed for very specific things going into our Thanksgiving meal for the homeless and God was faithful like He always is! There were attitudes and hearts changed that morning as we fellowshipped with our new friends.

Didn't the gym look wonderful and festive? Thanks to those that came early to set everything up!

Thanks also to those that cooked, prepared, and served the meal!

God saw to it that just the right people were in attendance that morning.

This was our first attempt at a dinner like this, and I think it was a great success! A few of the guys who came even gave us suggestions on how to make it better next time.

Thank you God for your never ending faithfulness!

Calling all bloggers

2009-11-19T16:18:00.003-06:00

This blog has been a bit neglected recently, so I thought I'd try to revive it.

It would be wonderful to use this blog as a way to communicate what God is talking to us about.

And since I brought it up, I might as well start:

One area that God has been talking to me about is prayer and how to do it more intentionally and continuously. Pastor Bob has mentioned the 24/7 prayer of the church in Herrnhut, Germany and I am very interested in exploring that some more. If God's presence is what we want, we need to get serious about it, perhaps start our own 24/7 prayer.

I'm excited t0 see what God is going to do with this...

Picnic and Pyrotechnics

2009-07-05T15:31:00.000-05:00

4th of July picnic!

2009-07-03T11:47:00.002-05:00

It looks like there will be a casual picnic at Oak Hill somewhere around 6:00 or 6:30 (or after). Bring your own food and maybe something to share. After that, those who want to can go over to Aquila to watch fireworks. Remember to bring chairs and/or blanket incase of no available tables.
See y'all there!!

The Big Day!

2009-05-31T20:01:00.003-05:00

A very successful sale on a most beautiful day! Thank yous to all who donated, set-up, sold, purchased, and cleaned up! Over $1300 was raised and will be given to the Saint Louis Park Emergency Program.

STEP Benefit Garage Sale

2009-05-29T19:46:00.001-05:00

Keeping it light on church work night!

Conflicted

2009-05-26T01:42:00.002-05:00

I have been quite conflicted by the sermon I heard on Sunday and have been trying to put my thoughts into words, but have come to a bad case of writers block. Fortunately I found this article, which pretty well describes my thoughts. Here is a link to the article: http://www.kevindhendricks.com/2002/09/01/christianity-and-patriotism/
Any thoughts?

Garage Sale for STEP

2009-05-11T16:19:00.003-05:00

A church garage sale will be held on Saturday May 30th, 8 am to 4 pm. All proceeds will go to the St. Louis Park Emergency Program. If you have donations, please make arrangements with Becky Martin or Laurie Amos for drop-off.

Work Night, May 26, 3-9 pm

2009-05-11T16:16:00.002-05:00

There is a long list of items to work on and many wiulling hands are needed! There are jobs that can be done independently from the work day, as well (window washing, flowerbed cleaning, etc.) Please let me know your availability. Karlene Keuning 952-920-4991. Food will be offered during the dinner hour.

Opportunity for Service

2009-05-11T16:13:00.003-05:00

We would like to have a volunteer who would like to help us with graphic design and Power Point to do fliers, advertisements, etc. on a weekly/project basis according to our needs. Please contact Pat in the office at 952-929-3815.

Ice Cream Social--Sunday, May 18th

2009-05-06T10:30:00.002-05:00

Please visit the Children First Blog for details about the 15th Annual Ice Cream Social...lots of family fun!

http://childrenfirst-slp.blogspot.com/2008/05/children-first-ice-cream-social.html

God Talking

2009-04-27T16:00:00.003-05:00

I can't remember which pastor I heard say that when he heard the Holy Spirit speak, it usually sounded like his wife's voice... Well, the Holy Spirit sounds a lot like Mark in my experience. Recently, the Holy Spirit was nudging me not-so-gently to develop a little discipline and open his word. I meet with two accountability groups and in neither one are we good at asking one another, "Are you in the Word? What is God saying to you in your devotions?"

So, Mark suggested that he and I pick a book of the Bible to work through and just plan to have a little conversation once a week or so to talk about it. We chose Isaiah. We aren't too far in yet, but just knowing that he was going to be asking me about it made me read. I wish I were more devout, like Mary. But I'm Martha. My faith is something I like TO DO. I'm not trying to earn my salvation or anything, but I guess I like to worship in deed. It is a temperament thing. You know...

Anyway, when Bob asked last night what God was speaking about to us, it was the first time in weeks that I could have shared something. He is talking to me about Mary by way of Isaiah. I'm reading The Message and my paraphrase of the paraphrase is, "Meetings, meetings, meetings, you wear me out with all your meetings!" This is God speaking. The original text talks about "feasts" and "appointed days" and the like. So, God is sick of my meetings and events. But I like meetings. (There, I said it!) I like something that I can plug into the iTouch and it will beep to remind me about. It just isn't the same to type in, "sit at Jesus' feet," but I might have to try it. Anyway, that was one small thing that God talked about with me this week. I was also reminded that he is perfectly happy to invert the society we live in to accomplish his goals...flip it over, mix it up. Why am I always surprised, then, when he does just that?

I want to encourage, exhort even, all of us to be prepared to share something in the next weeks. It seems obvious, but we have to be with God regularly in order to hear him. I want you to keep me accountable for my time with him and I'll bet it would help others, too.

Thinking about visiting?

2009-03-29T08:42:00.003-05:00

Sometimes it is difficult to go somewhere new for the first time. You've been hearing a lot about New Wineskins, your interest is piqued...but will you feel comfortable?

Hopefully, this little view into a typical gathering will reassure you. (You may think, "O.K., this is the potluck portion, but then what?" Well, the view doesn't change! We sit together and pray, share, discuss, vote, learn...and keep going back to the potluck table!)

The Next Contract

2009-03-19T15:24:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, the children's ministry leader from Emmaus Road Church, Danya Venjohn, met with me at Park to get the ball rolling on VBS. (Save the date: August 3-7) She encouraged Park to be ready to provide VBS families with "WHAT'S NEXT." She explained that her husband is in marketing and, while each contract secured is wonderful, the first thought upon achieving that one is "What can we provide the customer that will secure the NEXT contract?"

I could tell that I hadn't been thinking strategically for the kingdom, because this came to me as a surprise. I throw out this thought for prayer and consideration by our ministry team. Of course, we don't need job security, but neighbors need OUR SOURCE OF SECURITY. Pray that we might form and "leverage" relationships through the Vacation Bible School experience.

Remind Mark

2009-03-12T20:48:00.002-05:00

Someone might want to remind Mark to bring the babysitting money on Sunday since I'll be gone ;)

Weis Baby Shower...Photos!

2009-03-11T13:51:00.001-05:00

Check the bottom sidebar for photos from the March 1 baby shower. Thanks goes to Karin (AGAIN) for being our photographer =)

Park Play March 7

2009-03-11T13:46:00.002-05:00

There was a great turnout again this week! Thanks to all our volunteers and families who just come out to support the ministry. (Bill...fantastic cookies, again!)

A Silly Sidenote to 10:02

2009-03-03T10:10:00.002-06:00

Mark spent a little extra time at home yesterday morning as the workcrews (three of them in and around our little house!) prepared for some demolition at the house. (We were clearing out the rooms that had to have holes cut in the walls to fish new electrical wires on the burnt circuit and the rooms that needed the ceilings taken down.) The 10:02 alarm on my phone went off and I noticed that Mark gave me a funny look. Later when we talked about it, turns out we both had the same thought..."Please God, NO MORE WORKERS!"

2009-03-02T21:50:00.000-06:00

Mark remembered what I had forgotten! Did you catch my omission??

Our Assignments

2009-02-26T09:47:00.005-06:00

The New Wineskins group will wrap up our teaching/training on conversation this Sunday. We were given an assignment/challenge to have conversations with two strangers. Be prepared to report!

Remember to be praying about our format discussion that will follow. (To soothe the pain, expect many leftover chocolate treats from Claudia's Shower!)

This Week, 2/23-3/1

2009-02-23T15:43:00.006-06:00

Park Attenders, Friends, and Newcomers are always welcome to join in on our scheduled gatherings!

+++Monday, 2/23
4:30 Prayer at Christiansen's
+++Tuesday, 2/24
6:30 Prayer at Hospitality Room
+++Saturday, 2/28
8:00 a.m. All Church Work Day
+++Sunday, 3/1
10:00 Worship Service
2:00 Shower for Claudia in Alfors
5:00 New Wineskins Potluck and Gathering

This Week, 2/16-2/22

2009-02-15T22:45:00.003-06:00

+++Monday, 2/16
4:30 Prayer at Christiansen's CANCELLED
7:00 Afterschool Program Brainstorming
(NW Corner Room at Church)
+++Tuesday, 2/17
6:30 Prayer at Hospitality Room
+++Thursday, 2/19
6:00 Celebrate Recovery Meeting
(Hospitality Room)
+++Saturday, 2/21
10:00-12:00 Park Play Open Gym
+++Sunday, 2/22
10:00 Worship Service with Teen Challenge
Special Speaker from New Hope Celebrate Recovery
(followed by pot-luck luncheon for choir)
5:00 New Wineskins Potluck and Meeting

Vacation Bible School

2009-02-11T10:36:00.003-06:00

Nothing challenges a person to examine his or her identity quite like an adventure in God's great outdoors. Campers will learn that who they are doesn't depend on where they are or what they do, but who Christ is and how He loves them!

Park Free and our Hopkins neighbor, Emmaus Road Church, will invite children to a VBS “mountaintop experience” this summer here in our building. Would you like to be a part of the adventure? We are recruiting our VBS staff and volunteers starting now! Please pray about your involvement as we do our preliminary review of VBS materials and cement a date on the church calendars. Watch for more information in the upcoming weeks. It is such an amazing opportunity to come together in the kingdom of God to embrace children. Park Free has a neat history of teamwork in this area and we look forward to building community here and to sharing Christ's love with our neighbors!

If you have questions, please contact Kris Christiansen at 465-8382 or krischristiansen@comcast.net.
If you would like to look at the publishers website for a preview of the week's themes, check out:
http://gospellightvbs.com/2009/sonrock/

Thank You, Karin!

2009-02-09T16:12:00.001-06:00

A big thanks for taking photos the day of Open Gym and sharing them so quickly! Enjoy, everyone! You'll notice we had a great turn-out.

This Week, 2/9-2/15

2009-02-09T16:08:00.001-06:00

+++Monday, 2/9
4:30 Prayer at Christiansen's
+++Tuesday, 2/10
6:30 Prayer at Hospitality Room
+++Sunday, 2/8
10:00 Worship Service
5:00 New Wineskins Potluck and Meeting

This Week 2/2-2/8

2009-02-02T11:25:00.004-06:00

+++Monday, 2/2
4:30 Prayer at Christiansen's
+++Tuesday, 2/3
6:30 Prayer at Hospitality Room
+++Wednesday, 2/4
7:00 Celebrate Recovery Discussion in Hospitality Room
+++Friday, 2/6
7:00 Cardmaking Reprise in Alfors
(Bring adhesive, sharp scissors & personal trimmer.)
+++Saturday, 2/7
10:00-noon, Park Play in Gym and Balcony Level
(Volunteers please arrive 15 minutes early...thank you!)
+++Sunday, 2/8
3:00 Guys report for mess duty!
4:00 Ladies report for serving prep
5:00 Open Forum regarding Music at Park Free
6:00 Worship Celebration

Super Bowl Sunday

2009-01-29T12:56:00.005-06:00

Come to the Lubbers's house on Sunday February 1st for the Super Bowl. Game starts at 5pm, so feel free to start showing up after 4pm. Bring game food and feel free to bring friends. The house isn't huge, but we can squeeze together in fellowship. :-)

Potluck dinner as usual.

1609 Alabama Ave S
St. Louis Park, MN 55416

View Larger Map

This Week, 1/26-2/2

2009-01-26T16:26:00.003-06:00

+++Monday, 1/26
4:30 Prayer at Christiansen's
+++Tuesday, 1/27
6:00 Prayer at Hospitality Room
+++Sunday, 2/1
5:00 Potluck in Alfors followed
by New Wineskins/Launch Team

Announcements:
+Wed., February 4 at 7 pm Celebrate Recovery Discussion in Hospitality Room
+Sat., February 7 from 10 am to noon in the gym and balcony

Celebration in the Making!

2009-01-20T11:02:00.002-06:00

Mark your calendars:

On Sunday, March 1 from 2:00-4:00, we will be throwing a baby shower for our own Claudia and Baby Weis in Alfors Hall!

Ministry Leaders Meeting

2009-01-17T12:11:00.002-06:00

A communication meeting was held this morning for checking in with various ministries around Park Free. Bob couldn't attend, but he wrote a really nice summary of the New Wineskins ministry. (Maybe he could post it here?) Travis and I were there representing youth and children's ministry, so we fielded a few questions on behalf of the launch team. It seems that the traditional ministry at Park might benefit from getting to know us a little better. It was suggested to me after the meeting that maybe we use one of the available bulletin boards to introduce the members of the team and post updates on the work and vision. Does a little bit of cut-and-paste sound fun to anyone else? (Perhaps we can also issue a general invitation to visit on a Sunday evening and to read the blog for regular updates?)

This Week, Jan. 1/11-1/18

2009-01-12T13:18:00.004-06:00

+++Monday 11
4:30 pm Prayer at Christiansens
5:30 pm Open Gym Planning

+++Tuesday 12
6:00 am Prayer in Hospitality Rm

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

+Get your Marriage Weekend tickets from Bob and Laurie if you have not already done so.
+Park Free Quarterly Business Meeting on Monday, Jan.19 at 7 pm in Alfors Hall.
+Night of worship, Sunday, Feb. 8 at Park.
+Follow this link for more info on the Chris Tomlin concert in St. Paul at 7 pm on March 29.
http://www.xcelenergycenter.com/events/detail.jspmonth=3&year=2009&day=29&event_id=659

Are you trying to post?

2009-01-12T13:12:00.002-06:00

If you are trying to post an article, look to the upper right hand corner of your screen. If you have or have just created a Google account, you can click on "Sign In" and use that information to get to this blog's "dashboard." It asks you what you want to do and you click on "New Post." Then an interface opens in which you enter your text. Hit "post" when you are finished. Once you've tackled that, we'll move on to posting pictures =)

Josh in Japan

2009-01-01T21:35:00.003-06:00

The following is a letter I received after Josh Singleton returned from his trip to Japan. If you recall, he grew up at Park Free and we prayed for him while he was serving. I thought you might enjoy the update. -k

As most of you know I went on a Jesus Film Distribution missions trip to Japan in early December. This trip was an amazing experience for me, as well as very fruitful. I was a part of a team of 12 people from all over the States and one from England. The youngest member of our team was 6 months old (was our team leader's kid) and the oldest being in their 60's.
Our primary goal for the trip was to distribute Christmas CDs. We did this just outside the Tachikawa train station. We all wore Christmas hats and handed the CD to people coming and going from the station. In the course of 6 days we passed out over 16,500 CDs, which is a huge number for the time we had. God really work though us there allowing us to hand out so many CDs. We also partnered with the local church to hand out fliers for an elementary school Christmas party. Three members of our group attended and helped with the actual party. One other thing we did was attend a Campus Crusade meeting at one of the local universities. I had a great time there and also got to talk with the current STINT team now serving there. This really helped me fully realize that this is where God is calling me to right now. I am now applying to go on a STINT (a year long missions trip).
We didn't have much time to see the sites or take in the culture but we did manage to find a little bit of free time. The first thing we did was we got to visit a Buddhist temple. When inside we watched people come and go to offer prayers. They could either get this paper that had a prayer on it or just toss money into a big metal grate which was raised off the ground. This reminded me of a wishing well and they did not know our God. We were able to do was visit a Japanese bath house. This was a big culture shock at first. But in the end was well worth the visit.
I would just like to thank you all so much for your prayers and would like to ask for your continued prayers as I am in the process of applying to go on STINT.

Thank you,

Josh Singleton

Marriage is a "Holy Mystery"

2008-12-30T08:59:00.002-06:00

When I first read this term (penned by the Apostle Paul) I thought it might be tongue-in-cheek. As you read further, it is supposed to be a picture of Christ and His Church.

As Mark and I were reflecting on our holiday, we started to talk about what it is that is GOOD about being married. (The topic came up when my youngest sister recalled the day when she asked the married women in our family, "Why get married, anyway? The responses are a whole different post, though!) Back to the subject at hand. Mark and I both came up with similar responses that involved security, family and "being a part of something important." When you strip the romantic image of married life down, it makes so much more sense that marriage is a metaphor for Christ and the church. He is our security. We are each other's family. Although this family has its rough spots, we stay put because being a part of something important in the kingdom is always better than standing alone.

Some reflections this morning.
Blessings on your day,
Kris

Welcome to Our New Wineskins Community

2008-12-22T20:50:00.000-06:00

All it took was a whisper, "Our new ministry needs a blog..."

We had just returned from a fabulous, in-the-spirit outing to see Christmas light displays in Plymouth, Hopkins and Edina and were discussing how to share the evenings' photographs.
Voila.

You found us at WWW.SLPNEWWINESKINS.BLOGSPOT.COM
Come back often to visit and check for updates. If you have articles or photographs you would like included on the blog, please email them to: krischristiansen@comcast.net