What kind of car do you travel in?  Maybe your car is a sweet ride.  Or maybe it’s a junk heap.  I know I’ve certainly owned some junk in my day!

If your current car is a junk heap, it probably didn’t start out that way.  Sure, I know that no automobile is designed to last forever.  But sometimes we unintentionally speed up the demise of our cars by one of the following habits:

• Avoid routine maintenance
• Ignore the check engine light
• Exceed the limits

If you do any or all of those, it won’t be long until your sweet ride is not so sweet.  The good news is that with a little bit of care and attention, you can help your car avoid junk heap status for many years.

Turns out the same principle holds true for life.  You can have a “sweet ride” kind of life.  Or you can have a pile of junk.  And often, the difference comes down to some basic care and attention.  Let’s start with routine maintenance.  Too often I listen to people whose lives are anything BUT a sweet ride, and I discover they haven’t done any maintenance for a very long time.

Routine maintenance for life is not glamorous.  It’s just basic stuff like:

• Taking time to reflect on where you’re going.
• Having honest conversations with your family (and friends) about how you’re getting along.
• Putting God’s truth (Scripture) into your life on a regular basis.
• Practicing things like serving, giving, gratitude, worship, forgiving, etc.

If you practice routine maintenance, then you’re far less likely to end up broken down on the side of the highway of life at some point.  You’re far less likely to get blindsided by something that’s been going wrong for years.  And your life is more likely to resemble a sweet ride rather than a junk heap.

How’s your maintenance routine?  Do you need to put your life on a maintenance schedule?

In my next blog we’ll take a look at the second way to keep your life from becoming a junk heap.

-Pastor Mark

P.S. We have two people who are being nominated for positions on our Leadership Council starting in July: Mary Lethbridge and Joe Devlin.  If you have questions or comments about these nominations, please contact our office before June 1st.

These are important, often provocative questions.  Some of these are the stuff of headlines and talk shows.

I’m referring to the questions embedded in the new series we launched last weekend.  There are some strongly held beliefs and opinions when it comes to world religions, faith and science, sexuality, and so on.  The church has historically wrestled with, and drawn some conclusions about these important areas.  My hope and prayer is that we can avoid shouting, boasting, or simply seeking to win an argument.  In the words of Peter the apostle,

Always be prepared to give an answer…for the hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect.  (1 Peter 3:15)

Too often the “gentleness and respect” have been in short supply.  It’s easy to resort to sound bites or finely honed arguments.  I’ve come to realize that no one wants to be “argued” into someone else’s beliefs.  The facts, or logic, or experience that seems so compelling to you or me may not convince someone else.  Arguments are best suited for those who already agree.  For everyone else, conversation is a better approach.  That means listening, and offering thoughtful replies.  It takes more time.  It creates more messy conversations.  But it’s the only way to gently and respectfully engage with those around us.

Be sure to join us this weekend as Pastor Jeannette offers a thoughtful reply to the question, “How is Jesus like other gods?”

-Pastor Mark

P.S. Click here for additional resources related to last week’s conversation about the trustworthiness of the Bible.

DISCLAIMER: This is not an attempt to brag on my preaching skills.

A typical conversation in the lobby on Saturday/Sunday goes like this.  “Pastor, that message was exactly what I needed to hear.  It’s almost like you’ve been listening in on my conversation/thoughts.”  I really don’t have anything to do with the NSA!

My typical response goes like this.  “Thank you.  I’m glad it’s helpful.  Honestly, I start by preaching to myself.”  That’s the truth.

The problem with preaching to myself is that there’s an expectation that I’m listening to myself.  Some weeks I pay better attention.  Like last week.  I shared that Jesus’ “rescue operation” (to save us) includes some unique aspects:

• To rescue us from the tyranny of little gods
• To rescue us from twisted ideas of humanity
• To rescue us from the taskmaster of fear

(If you missed last week, check out the podcast.)

I’ve been wrestling with the second one this week.  Our culture, actually most of our world, tells us that people have value based on how they perform, or how they look.  But Jesus says we have value because we’re created in the image of God.  I have to keep reminding myself of this.  “That person is created in the image of God, Mark.  And THAT person is created in the image of God.  And THAT one, too.”

Sometimes the hardest part of preaching is applying my own messages.

What is it that you need to keep being reminded of?  I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below.

-Pastor Mark

Why is it that so many of the stories about Jesus changing someone’s life begin with how bad their life was to start with?  Is Jesus just for losers?  What if that’s NOT the storyline…

• What about the person who doesn’t have a broken marriage, or a destructive addiction?
• What about the person who actually loves their job and their spouse?
• What about the person who has financial success and is even generous toward others?

What does Jesus have to do with that person?  Does Easter have any significance for the person who does NOT feel like a loser?  Or is Easter just about bunnies, eggs, and a curious story about a guy coming back from the dead?

This might be the most important question to ask this Easter.  And it’s the question we’re answering this weekend at Seneca Creek.  So invite a friend, even if their life seems all put together.  And join us on Saturday at 6:00 pm, or Sunday at 8:30, 10:00, or 11:30 am.  And find out why the risen Savior matters for everyone.  You’ll be glad you did!

-Pastor Mark

Last Saturday at 6:00 pm we celebrated a special first birthday.  In April 2013 we gave “birth” to a new church plant.  We call it our Saturday Gathering.  Even though it’s still Seneca Creek, in many ways Saturday is something very new indeed.

So…

• To those of you who intentionally SWITCHED from Sunday to Saturday in order to free up seats for others, thank you!  You’re living out the servant-heart of Jesus, who didn’t come to be served, but to serve.  Because of you, we DO have seats available for guests on Sunday mornings!
• To those of you who SERVE on Saturdays, and then return on Sunday so you can attend a worship gathering, a HUGE thank you!  It takes a big chunk of your weekend, and we owe you a debt of gratitude.
• To those of you who attend Saturdays when your SCHEDULE prohibits you from attending on Sunday, thank you!  We’re glad you can join us.
• And to those of you who INTEND to try Saturday, come on out!  Spring is a great time to check it out with the longer days.  And you can even go grab dinner with a friend after we’re done.

So Happy Birthday, Saturday Gathering!  We’re one year old, and 120-150 strong!  I hope each of you will have a chance this year to check out the unique environment that happens each Saturday at 6:00 pm.

And speaking of unique environments, Easter is approaching.  I know many of you have already invited friends and/or family to join you at Seneca Creek.  This is the perfect opportunity to introduce them to Seneca Creek, and ultimately to Jesus.  Be sure to take advantage of the pocket-sized invitation cards available at Connection Point.

As usual, we’re expecting large crowds that weekend.  Here are some tips to make it a great experience for everyone:

• Arrive early.  If you’re dropping off kids in PowerHouse, arrive at least 15 minutes prior to start time (see below).  The check-in lines can slow down with first time guests.
• Park in our “satellite” lot across Firstfield, especially if you don’t have small children or difficulty walking.  Our parking team can direct you to the gigantic lot across the street.  It helps open spots for guests and those who need close parking.
• Sit together.  If you like to sit on the end of an aisle, choose a short aisle, or the front row.  Whenever possible avoid leaving one or two empty seats between your party and the next one.  We’ll likely need all those seats anyway, so just go ahead and introduce yourself to the person next to you and do the “Seneca Creek Skootch.”

Thanks for helping make this a powerful and positive Easter experience for everyone!

-Pastor Mark

P.S. Our Easter weekend service times are different.  Good Friday – 7:00 pm; Saturday – 6:00 pm; Sunday – 8:30, 10:00, and 11:30 am.

(the following is a guest article written by Audrey Lupisella)

Before any of us become believers of Christ, we all follow our own path.  We follow whatever path we think will let us be free, or fulfilled, or pleased.  I know in my own life, living in this fashion brought nothing but hard consequences, shame, and deep discontent that left me searching for peace, true happiness and joy. However, God leads each one of us to a moment of understanding, of believing, of innate knowing the truth that is Jesus Christ. It was in my deepest valley that God found me and brought me into the light and love that changed my life and filled my cup to overflowing.;  I have followed Christ as a believer ever since.

However, we are not just called to be believers; we are called into relationship with our Creator.  After the Holy Spirit calls us into an abiding and intimate relationship with Christ, we then have a responsibility to follow his example.  Ephesians 4:22-24 says to

Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

In other words, we are to walk as Jesus walked (1 John 2:6). I know from experience, that this is impossible to do without some godly intervention. Thankfully, God has promised us that He has begun a GOOD work in us and will continue it until we are perfected on the day of Christ (Phil 1:6). He is constantly renewing us and has sent the Helper (Holy Spirit) to teach, convict, and reform us into the likeness of our Lord and Savior.

One of the most encouraging characteristics about God is that not only does He transform us, but He is doing it for a glorious purpose! Jeremiah 29:11 says,

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

I don’t know about you, but I absolutely revel in the idea that God designed every single one of us with specific and amazing purpose. In order to fulfill our purpose in this life, however, we have to be listening to God and willing to go and do exactly as He leads. We are each our own color and God wants to paint us into His elaborate masterpiece, but we have to be willing to let Him use our colors.

Have no doubt, living the life to which God calls us will be rife with troubles, but we can rest upon the Rock of Salvation who is a Mighty Fortress and approach each battle knowing that God has delivered it into our hands and we are already victorious!

Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Cor 15:57).

Now the question is… will you only be a believer of Christ? Or are you going to allow the Divine Artist to paint you into the masterpiece?

-Audrey Lupisella

[Audrey is a wife and mother of three who moved to the DC area 3 years ago from Tennessee. She is currently attending seminary at Regent University with hopes to graduate with a Theological degree in Biblical Studies in May 2015 and has plans to use it to teach and write about God’s Word through any opportunity He presents.]

I was actually quite surprised by the response that I got from what seemed like such an insignificant action.  And it made me realize that there is a lot of darkness these days.

Diane and I stopped at Trader Joe’s last weekend to pick up a few items.  As I reached for a cart in the outside corral, another guy approached from the opposite direction.  I took the cart in my hand, and nudged it toward him, offering something that cost me nothing.  Then I grabbed the next cart in the line and started to head into the store.

The stranger thanked me repeatedly, and then added, “most people would not have done that, you know.”  Really?  It took about three seconds of my time.  I mean, I would have had to push my cart PAST him to get to the store, forcing both of us to navigate around one another.  It seemed like a simple gesture.  And yet in his experience, most people would not have done even that.  Wow.

Now before you think I’m some kinda super-saint, I should point out that I probably miss the majority of opportunities to act like that.  Usually because I’m in a rush to get somewhere.  Just like many of you.  The result is a society that lacks kindness.  And when you live for a while in that environment, you grow cynical.  There’s a darkness that starts to set in.  We begin to complain about all the things that are wrong with society, and with people in general.  I call this “cursing the darkness.”  It’s become somewhat of a national pastime.

But I love the challenge I once heard, “You can either curse the darkness, or light a candle.”  So in little ways like I experienced at Trader Joe’s, we can light candles.  Which is pretty much what Jesus was talking about when he said,

You are the light of the world…let your light shine before others…  (Matthew 5:14,16)

Lighting candles is our birthright as followers of Christ.  He said as much.

I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.  (John 8:12)

So following Jesus gives us every reason to stop cursing the darkness, and start lighting candles.  Have fun chasing out the darkness today!

-Pastor Mark

Have you ever had one of those awkward conversations where you had to tell a friend that the word or phrase they were using had kinda changed its meaning, and they probably needed to STOP using that word immediately? 

You didn’t HAVE to tell them, but you sorta did.  You knew it was the only good choice.  And yes, it’s hard to tell someone they’ve been inadvertently sounding coarse, or promiscuous, or something worse.  But sometimes the best thing you can do for a friend is to share a little truth with them.  The awkwardness will be more than overcome by the benefits.  (I’m thankful for the people, including my daughters, who’ve courageously had those conversations with ME over the years!)

Which brings me to Easter.  In about four weeks, we’ll celebrate the most important event in human history.  And like me, you have friends or family who need to know what Easter really is.  They need you to share a little truth with them.  Yes, it may be awkward, but the awkwardness will be more than overcome by the benefits.  I can’t tell you how many people have shared how their life was forever changed because someone invited them to Seneca Creek (or a similar church), and they finally understood the message of Jesus.  They became a follower of Christ, and nothing will ever be the same.

So between now and Easter, let me challenge you with this.  Who is your friend?  Who is the person that needs an invitation to hear a little truth about Jesus?  Who is the person with whom you may need to have an awkward conversation…one that goes something like this:

“Would you be interested in coming to church with me on Easter weekend?”

We’ll provide you with printed resources in the coming weeks.  But for now, would you please start praying for that conversation, a conversation that you, and you alone are divinely positioned to have.  Your friend will thank you for all eternity.

-Pastor Mark

It started as a challenge on Christmas Eve 2011.  Now, here are the results of what you did. 

We challenged our church to participate in our Christmas Eve project in 2011.  The focus was an organization (Charity Water) committed to providing fresh water wells in places around the world that lack clean, safe drinking water.  Our goal was $5,000, the amount needed for one well.  Your response was amazing.  As a church, Seneca Creek gave not $5,000, but $10,000 to meet needs half way around the world.

These types of projects take time.  Charity Water works with trusted local organizations to maximize their impact.  And there are the typical concerns of permits, contracts, weather, etc.  But now, the two projects are completed.  We received word last week of the results.  And here’s the proof:

Click on the pictures to see a larger version.  If you’d like to see these places on a map, click here for more details.

Thank you for being a generous church that is making a difference in the lives of people all around the world.  The gospel is being proclaimed through your actions.  You did this!

Join us this weekend for the ongoing series, “Follow.”  What does it actually mean to follow Jesus in the 21^st century?

-Pastor Mark  

Why bother?  I know that’s a frequent thought.  Maybe it’s your thought.  Allow me to answer that with three great reasons. 

1. Lent will build a genuine anticipation of, and excitement about Easter.  Like everything else that comes around annually, Easter can too easily become just a tradition.  But if someone coming back from the dead doesn’t generate anticipation, it’s time for a reality check, right?
2. Lent will create conversations about faith and following Jesus.  Not because you have ashes on your forehead for one day, but because you’re intentionally changing your habits, and those closest to you WILL figure that out, and WILL want to know why.  It’s a natural way to open up conversations about something that truly matters.
3. Lent will give you an added capacity to listen to God’s voice in your life.  Amidst all the noise and demands, it’s sometimes REALLY hard to hear God.  The daily reminders and practices of Lent help us tune into God, even if it’s just for a season.

For more info about Lent, including suggestions on how to make it work for you, check out my comments from last year here.  Then join me in making this a season of anticipation, of conversation, and of communication with our heavenly Father.

-Pastor Mark

P.S. I’m going to give up TV watching as well as phone/music/radio when traveling in my truck. Additionally, I’m trying a YouVersion reading plan called, “Lent for Everyone.”  You can find details about it here.

P.P.S. Yes, I know Lent started yesterday (March 5^th), but I don’t think anyone (including God) will mind if you start a day late.