Allison Park Church Updates

Thank You For Praying For Pastor Bruce

Thank you to each and every one of you who have been praying for Bruce. Melodie and I are here in Philadelphia at the hospital with the family. Bruce is still in critical condition and the doctors continue to run more tests everyday.

Many have asked "What happened to Bruce?" He was with his family on vacation and was swimming in the ocean on Sunday afternoon and a wave knocked him down and he hit his head. He was found in the water after a few minutes and they did CPR - then he was life flighted to the hospital.

The Tuesday Update on Bruce: not much has changed. There have been small signs of brain activity. But still only small & inconclusive. Please pray with us for God to perform a large conclusive breakthrough. There are two areas where a miracle is needed: 1) fractures in neck which cause paralysis 2) healing in brain function.

Finally, I wanted to invite everyone to attend Wednesday Night at 7pm at APC -- we will bring everyone together for a Nite of Worship. I have a message to share. We will also pray together.

The entire family is so GRATEFUL for your prayers. Keep them coming. See you tomorrow night.

Don't Show Up Alone

Our next INVITATION MONTH is coming up in just a few weeks, and we have some exciting things planned for you and your family to enjoy during the month of October.  But these events are not just designed for our own enjoyment.  They are designed as TOOLS for you to use to invite a friend of family member to church with you.

#1 - START TO PRAY FOR PEOPLE TODAY

Think about who would be most likely to attend church with you and accept an invitation to join you during this upcoming month.  Start to pray for them every day.  Ask God to bless them with His presence.  Pray that God would meet their needs.  Ask God to prepare their hearts to receive your invitation and to understand the wonderful message about the transformatative love of Jesus Christ.

#2 - THINK STRATEGICALLY ABOUT YOUR INVITE

These weeks are designed with different people in mind.

• Season Pass Weekend (Sept 29-30)  - this is especially for families who might have kids who would want to join UPWARD BASKETABALL.  We are offering both discounted registration for those who attend and a chance to WIN a free season pass (no registration for Upward).  At the Deer Lakes Campus - this is our GRAND OPENING and those who attend their have an opportunity to win a TICKETS TO STEELERS GAMES FOR THE REST OF THE SEASON.

• Special Musical Guests Weekend (Oct 6-7)  - Anita Levels will be back again to sing and lead worship at the Hampton Campus with our own APC Frontline Choir & Aaron Schweinberg will be leading worship at the Deer Lakes Campus.

• Black & Gold Weekend (Oct 13-14) - Wear your jersey.  Fun kids games after the service in the Concourse (Hampton) and in the Parking Lot (Deer Lakes).  Former Steeler's Jeff Hartings and Steve Avery will be interviewd in service.

• CandyTown Weekend (Oct 20-21) - Kids will be able to win candy/prizes and go through our LIFE-SIZE CANDY GAME at both the Deer Lakes Campus and the Hampton Campus.

#3 - PLAN MORE THAN JUST AN INVITE TO CHURCH

Consider inviting them out to dinner with you after the service, or to come back to your home for lunch?  Make it more than just an invite to church - but rather an invite to have a good time with you and your family.

Let's believe God for an amazing month where many people experience Christ!

Start Drawing Prayer Circles

This past weekend there was a lot of enthusiasm around this NEW SERIES that we started on PRAYER.  Hundreds of 'prayer circles' were drawn during our services and now we can continue to pray specific, God-sized prayers throughout the summer months.

What's great about this series is that it is somewhat PORTABLE.

#1 - BUY THE BOOK

You can read CIRCLEMAKER on vacation.  It is a great companion to all that we are learning on the weekends.

#2 - LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

Every message is available for FREE on iTunes.  Just click here to connect with our link.

#3 - WATCH THE SERVICE ON VIMEO

If you are gone on vacation for a weekend, you can watch the message online on our vimeo page.  The Saturday night service is uploaded by 9:30 EST every weekend.

#4 - JOIN US IN PRAYER

Wherever you are in the world, you can still pray.  That's the point of the entire summer series.

Starting next Wednesday (this week is the July 4 holiday) we will have CIRCLEMAKER PRAYER nights where we will spend one hour in prayer and in worship in the Sanctuary.

Then on August 5th through 8th, we will host a special week of services with speaker Greg Hubbard and worship leader, Aaron Schweinberg.

Praying with you this summer!

 

CircleMaker Series

This coming weekend, I am very excited to launch a brand new message series on PRAYER.  My friend Mark Batterson has written a book, entitled CIRCLEMAKER - which describes the power of consistent specific prayer in your life. 

• Every weekend we will address a passage of scripture that teaches us about prayer. 
• The CIRCLEMAKER book will be available in the Resource Center as a companion to the weekend series.
• Wednesday Nights, beginning on July 11th, we will gather for ONE-HOUR prayer times to practice what we are learning on the weekends.
• On August 5-8, we will have a WEEK OF PRAYER with special guests Aaron Schweinberg (worship leader) and Greg Hubbard (speaker).

Our goal with this series is to equip you to learn how to pray more consistently and effectively.  As we learn this skill, I believe that we will see major breakhthroughs in answer to our prayers in our finances, our families, and in our every day life.

Don't Miss Wednesdays!

This week we begin a series of WEDNESDAY NIGHTS @ APC - where every Wednesday there is something you do not want to miss!  This week we kick it off with a BUILD YOUR OWN BURRITO event which launchs at 6pm in the Concourse. 

Then at 7pm in the Sanctuary, the APC Worship Team is recording a LIVE CD or original music that has been written by our team.  WE NEED YOUR VOICE to be heard in this recording.  So we invite you to join us for this great evening of worship.

1. JOHANNES AMRTIZER- is our speaker on Wednesday, May 30th.
2. SACRED ASSEMBLY - twice a year we gather together to CREATE A PARKING PROBLEM for a PRAYER MEETING as we stand in the presence of God together in prayer.
3. DENNY CRAMER - who is prophetic teacher will be with us on June 13th
4. DAVID HESS - will share an amazing healing story from his own life on June 20th.

More than anything we want you to experience and enjoy the life-changing power of the Holy Spirit during these moments together on Wednesday night.

It's Time To Celebrate!

This coming weekend at APC is a season of celebration.  First of all, we are going to have a WATER BAPTISM moment after each of the services.   Just like the Father spoke over the Jesus at his baptism, 'This is my beloved son in him I am so pleased,' we believe that God will demonstrate His pleasure over those taking this step of obedience.

Second, we are going continue in the UNSTOPPABLE series as we study 1 John 3.  The truth that we will discover together in this upcoming message is something that makes my blood pump a little faster when I think about it. 

DON'T MISS THIS MESSAGE!  What we will learn together has the capacity to change everything about the way you view your life and your future.

Finally, we have almost 80 people who are signed up and ready to go through the SPIRITUAL BREAKTHROUGH WEEKEND.  Pray for them that God will do an amazing work in their lives during these days.

New Message Series: Unstoppable

On Mother's Day weekened, we will begin a new series for the month of May, entitled UNSTOPPABLE.  The thought for this series came our of my devotional time as I was reading through the book of 1 John and in chapter three.  There are some radical things communicated there, and if they are true, they change everything!

So often we feel limited by things in life.  And yes, some situations in life create issues that we have to work through.  But a lot of times we are limited by personal stoppers that halt our progress. 

• Guilt
• Shame
• Fear
• Doubt
• Temptation

The Bible declares that these things should not stop us any longer.  It teaches us some very specific reasons why we legitimately are UNSTOPPABLE.  I can't wait to share this incredible news with you during this series in May.

When Life Seems Impossible?

This coming weekend will be a special one week theme for the message.  Often life feels hopeless because situations seem impossible.  What do we do then?  How are we supposed to respond?  There are often no easy solutions to very complicated problems.

One of the most important things we can do in these moments is take aggressive steps to avoid one of the major traps or pitfalls that can swallow us when everything feels hopeless. 

Don't show up alone this weekend.  Bring someone that needs this kind of encouragement.

Share Your Story

I have been so pleased with the response to the NEXT RIGHT THING series that we have been in over the last few weekends at Allison Park Church.  So many people have provided feedback at how God has worked in their life as they made this simple, life-defining choice to do the next right thing before God.

This coming weekend we will complete the series and I would love to be able to share several stories about how God has used this concept in people's lives.  Send a quick email or FB message to let us know how God has used this in your life.

It's Time To Offer Thanks!

I probably don't say it enough!  But I appreciate those who work so hard to make Allison Park Church at great place to be.  This past month, so many people have been actively involved in making things happen and I just want to shout it to the world:  THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO.

THOSE WHO SERVE - hundreds of people volunteer on the weekends:  Teaching kids; making people feel welcome; helping people park, find their seats, worship; those who volunteer in the Cafe or in the Resource Center; those who serve in the Nursery.  I could go on.  THANK YOU.

THOSE WHO INVITE - hundreds of people brought a friend to one of the weekend events this past month.  What an incredible thing to do to be able to introduce someone to the hope of Christ. 

THOSE WHO WERE WILLING TO SACRIFICE - many of you attended a different service to make room for guests during these few weeks.  Some were willing to park across the street.  Special thanks to the Choir, the Worship Team, and those who volunteered for the Easter Egg Hunt.

THOSE WHO PRAY - we cannot underestimate the value of the people who fill the 24/7 prayer room faithfully every week or those who show up 1/2 an hour before service to spend that time preparing the ground spiritually for the service to come.

THOSE ON OUR PASTORAL TEAM - what an amazing staff we have.  They work so hard on the weekends to make things excellent.  I appreciate you guys so much.

Looking forward to continuing the NEXT RIGHT THING series this coming weekend and celebrating communion in all three services.

Aaron Schweinberg & The Next Right Thing

We had an amazing Easter Weekend with 2195 people in attendance at one of our five services.  It was incredible to see so many hands raised at the end of the service expressing a desire to surrender to the person of Jesus Christ.  The video story from Jim Maxim was both powerful and encouraging.  View the video and the service here.

This coming weekend we will continue in our NEXT RIGHT THING series.  There are so many amazing passages in the Scripture that teach this concept. 

• Obedience opens the door for grace to flow freely in your direction. 
• There is always a NEXT RIGHT THING to do in every situation.

 

We are also totally excited to welcome back Aaron Schweinberg to Allison Park Church.  Aaron is a tremendous vocalist and an anointed worship leader.  He will be our guest for the weekend and will lead us in worship.

Thanks To All Who Volunteer!

Last week I watched as hundreds of people served to make the Easter Egg Hunt happen.  I was overwhelmed by the effort and attitude of all of these amazing people.

• Many who worked on Saturday to make the grounds like nice by mulching and planting.
• Those who blew up balloons and made the Easter Hunt Set.
• The Greeters and Service Host who welcomed guests.
• Kids volunteers and pre-school workers.
• Security personnell working to make us safe.
• Musicians and tech booth workers who make everything sound and look great.
• Parking lot volunteers and those helping to shuttle from across the street.
• Those working the prize tables and helping the kids crack open the eggs.
• Those who stuffed the bags in advance with all of the vouchers.
• Cafe and Resource Center Volunteers

I know I am probably forgetting someone.  But thanks to all who sacrificed to make this weekend possible and for those who faithfully serve all of the time.

Five Opportunities To Celebrate Easter

We have an amazing past few weeks at Allison Park Church.  The God Of Second Chances Series was packed full of hope, inspiration, and encouragement.  This past weekend we had almost 2200 people on our campus for the Easter Egg Hunt.

This coming weekend is the CELEBRATION of the RESURRECTION.

TWO GOOD FRIDAY Services - Noon & 7pm.  Communion celebrated at each.

FIVE EASTER SERVICES - All with the same message.  Three services (6pm, 9:30am, 11:15am) with special guest vocalists Anital Levels.  Two services (6:30am and 8am) in the Concourse with FREE continental Breakfast.

We start a brand new series this week on RELATIONSHIPS which is entitled THE NEXT RIGHT THINGS.  Sometimes life gets confusing and we don't know what to do with all of the complications in front of us.

That's when God leads us to take a step and do THE NEXT RIGHT THING.

Thanks For Your Help!

I just want to take a moment to thank everyone for their help this past weekend.  We had almost 1900 in church this past weekend to hear Sujo John.  There were 31 people baptized in water and over 50 people went through Breakthrough Weekend.

So many hands shot up in the air during the services to give their heart to Christ!

We appreciate those of you who have helped us.

#1 - SERVICE SHIFTS

Some of you have been willing to shift for these three weeks from the 11:15 service into one of the other services.  WE NEED YOUR HELP AGAIN THIS WEEK AND NEXT.

#2 - VOLUNTEER HELP

So many of you are stepping up and serving in some many ways.  We really appreciate you!

#3 - PARKING SENSITIVITY

Some have been asked to park across the street or in a special spot so that we can free up space for our guests.  Thank you so much for this as well.

WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO EASTER EGG HUNT WEEKEND!

Every Kids Gets Something!

In just two weeks, we will host the LARGEST INDOOR EASTER EGG HUNT in the Pittsburgh area.  After each of the services, the concourse will be packed with kids hunting eggs.  This event is designed for kids 5th grade and under.  Immediately after the Worship Experience, parents will take their children into the APC Concourse where we will have enough space for a huge INDOOR Easter Egg Hunt.

The process will be safe and managed well.   Parents will be able to help their little ones with the hunt, and families will be able to hunt together (which means you will only have to stand in line once - even if you have kids of varying ages).

In addition to 1000’s of Eggs and 25,000 pieces of candy, each kid that comes will be given the following:

• Free laser tag from Laser Storm
• Free game of bowling from Pine Plaza Bowling
• Free Open Play Pass from Jump Zone
• 2 Free bowling games from Fun Fest
• Free kids meal from Chick Fil A

Each child will also be registered to possibly win:

• Adventure Packs from Laser Storm
• a Romp N Roll pizza party
• Free day passes to the Pittsburgh Zoo
• General Admission tickets to the Carnegie Science Center
• TV’s, Video Games, Gift Cards, etc.

Don't show up alone!

The Sujo John Story

This coming weekend we are honored to have Sujo John at Allison Park Church to share his personal story about his experiences in the World Trade Center on the day the planes hit the towers.  Sujo was working on the very same floor where the first plane crashed.  His wife was working in the other Tower.

When I heard Sujo tell his story, I was with him at Ground Zero visiting that very site.  He and I met this past September and the details of that day were absolutely moving as he shared them.

THIS IS AN EVENT YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS!

Don't show up alone this coming weekend as we continue the GOD OF SECOND CHANCES series.

Need A Second Chance?

This coming weekend we will start into a new MESSAGE SERIES that will focus on how GOD IS A GOD OF SECOND CHANCES.  Every weekend and then again in small groups we will consider some amazing Biblical stories of people who received not just one second chance, but several.

We will combine these stories from the New Testatment with some examples from our current day about how God continues to be a God who redeems our past, gives us a fresh start, and a new chance to begin again.

EVERY WEEKEND HAS A SPECIAL FEATURE ATTACHED TO IT!

Someone asked me this past weekend, why do you guys go to all of this trouble to plan these big events like EASTER EGG HUNTS, etc?  Is all of that really necessary?  Do we really add that many new people that way?

I answered, 'we do all of these things to give YOU a TOOL to be able to make an easy INVITE to bring your friends to church.  If you are praying regularly for people in your family, in your neighborhood, in your school, or at work - to find the reality of Jesus in their lives?  Then we want to partner with you in sharing the gospel with them.

Here's the deal.  You invite them.  I'll do my best to give them a clear presentation of what it means that Jesus died for us and wants to have a relationship with us.  Together, we can make an enormous impact on eternity.

THE GOD OF SECOND CHANCES SERIES

March 17-18

Special Guest Vocalist David Rosenblum; In Crosstown Kids See Jump Rope Champion

March 24-25

Come hear the story of 9/11 Survivor - Sujo John!

March 31 - April 1st

Easter Egg Hunt Following all services.  Every kid receives free games, free meals to Chic-Fil-A, candy, prizes and so a lot of fun.

DON'T MISS THIS CHANCE TO INTRODUCE SOMEONE TO THE GOD OF SECOND CHANCES.

Why Get Water Baptized?

Last week I was teaching at the MCM Ministry School and we were studying the first chapter in the book of Mark when Jesus chose to be baptized in water by John the Baptist.    This step was enormously significant in the life of Jesus:

As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Holy Spirit descending on him  like a dove.  And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.”  The Spirit then compelled Jesus to go...  Mark 1

#1 - OBEDIENCE IN BAPTISM OPENS THE HEAVEN FOR US

When we obey God through baptism, we take the first step of obedience which aligns us with Heaven's will and purpose for our lives.  When the heaven's open for us, then good things are ready to be poured out upon us.

#2 - THE SPIRIT RESTS ON US

As soon as Jesus came up out of the water, the Holy Spirit's presence came upon Him in even greater meausre (if that is possible).

#3 - THE FATHER EXPRESSES HIS PLEASURE OVER US

'This is my son, in whom I am WELL PLEASED.'  When we take the step of baptism, we are publicly identifying ourselves as part of God's family.  We are recognizing that through Jesus, we have been adopted by the Father.  Your step of water baptism will make your Father in heaven WELL PLEASED.  It says that Jesus brought the Father GREAT JOY.  You can bring joy to the Father's heart.

#4 - AN END TO THE PAST IS DECLARED FOR US

Jesus' baptism was in many ways and end to the one season of his life and it marked the beginning of a new season of his life.  For us, we bury the past and all of our sins.  We declare that a new season has begun, we have new life, a fresh start.  We are a new creation.

#5 - A LIFE OF SPIRIT-LED PURPOSE BEGINS

As soon as Jesus came up out of the water, the Spirit led him on his first ministry assignment.  He was led by the Spirit out into the wildnerness for a season of prayer and fasting.  When we take the step of Baptism we make ourselves ready for the Spirit to lead us into our life's destiny and purpose.

If you have not yet been water baptized, since you trusted Jesus as your savior, we have an opportunity for you to take that step on the weekend of March 24-25.  For more information, click here.

When Our Faith & God's Power Mix

There is nothing that reinforces our confidence in what we believe quite like the demonstration of God's miraculous power on our behalf.  When God does a miracle, it is a story worth telling for generations to come.

When God does a miracle, He most often does not act upon us, He acts with us.

This was the principle that we studied together based on Acts 20.  During our SMALL GROUPS this week, we will not only be revisiting this principle - we will take the time to AGREE TOGETHER in faith for God to released His miraculous power on our behalf.

The weekend ahead will be the grand finale of our ACT NORMAL series.  Don't miss it.

Finding The Bread Crumb Trail

This week, we continue in the ACT NORMAL series.  During the week, our SMALL GROUPS will meet and discuss the fact that HEARING FROM GOD is normal.  The theme of the message this past week was this:

The more we respond to smaller GOD'S PROMPTINGS the more we are ready to step into God's larger PURPOSE.

Discerning those smaller promptings and obeying them one at a time is the only path to the fullest purpose of God for our lives.  But even that is not easy to do.  In fact, it truly helps when we are able to talk through what we are sensing with friends who are committed to our spiritual success.

Small groups can be tremendous environments to discuss and gain wsidom and confirmation about what God is saying in your life.  Remember that God will lead you out of whatever you are dealing with and into His greater purpose - as you pick up one bread crumb of revelation at a time and obey what God is telling you to do.

THIS COMING WEEKEND - we will tackle the next topic in the series:  DIVINE INTERVENTION IS NORMAL. 

Since we are in relationship with the God who created the universe, and since Jesus has already defeated death, and since He loves us and is concerned about our lives - WHAT IS NORMAL NOW?  Shouldn't we expect God to act on our behalf.

This is what we will investigate together.  Communion will be served in all services this coming weekend.