Shane Ash

• Yesterday we started a new series called “Changed.” -And wow, the evil obviously doesn’t want us to explore true life-change…because yesterday, nothing was easy. All our plans went out the window…our technology failed us…and I struggled a ton to speak…but somehow in the mess, I believe God is going to break through in an awesome way in this series. I am praying to see a Acts-like movement at nbc in the next few weeks.
• Next week we are baptizing a dozen people or so…I am stoked about celebrating what God is doing among us. There are a couple of truly amazing stories of transformation…God is still in the business of life-change.
• My week is super busy…
• Perhaps the highlight of my ping-pong career happened last night…when after 15 or more games, I finally squeaked out a win against the Roger Federer of ping-pong…Mr. Jeff. And it was on his home table…yep, now who’s the champ??
• Our church lay leadership elections were yesterday…I’m really looking forward to serving with the team.
• In my daily reading this week…I’ve picked up my worn copy of My Utmost for His Highest by Chambers. Today I read this line; “Beware of going back to what you were once when God wants you to be something you have never been.” —THAT’s life change!

Whoa…it’s been over a couple of weeks now since posting…the unintentional break has been good…busy, but good. I guess it means I have a lot more to talk about today. Here is an unorganized list of thoughts flowing through my mind…some church stuff, some life stuff, and some random stuff too.

• I am now a Cavs fan…I am a witness. Which builds my current fan-ship to the Bengals, Cavs, and KU. I really don’t care about the rest…however, my boy Sam now loves the Royals (he calls them the Royal-tee’s).
• We are almost done with the ‘remodel’ of the office/teen area…paint is amazing.
• It’s been four weeks since we transitioned our Sunday morning schedule…I am loving the conversation time together and the involvement of tons of new people. We are continuing to pay attention and make adjustments as they are needed…
• I am becoming more convinced of the value of simple conversation…it’s in the opening of ourselves that we are changed…and the Spirit of God dwelling in us is given the chance to work. God often speaks audibly and it sounds a lot like the sound of your voice.
• I am nearing the one year mark of being a ”new” pastor…but I think I am going to hang on to the “new” title for a little longer. Occasionally it comes in handy.
• One thing I don’t want to hang on to any more is a certain house in Cincinnati…
• We have been working on two series for this summer that I am completely stoked about…the first one is just flat out amazing…I can’t wait for June 7th to get here. Here is a teaser for ya…”_____ happens”
• I have been learning a lot about myself and my leadership persona the last few weeks. If we listen in the midst of complements and criticism we can hear truth. Sometimes the truth hurts…but always the truth helps.
• One thing (of many) I was not prepared for in leadership was how to handle myself when others disappoint. I have determined to not grow hardened by the pain…instead to allow the bruises to be reminders of my own ability to disappoint.
• And one last thought…Cavs will sweep. 

This Sunday we will begin our “Witnesses” series out of the book of Acts. The book of Acts is often referred to as the ”acts of the apostles” but I am finding it is a lot more about the ”acts of the Holy Spirit.”

This series will provide a ton of conversations for us as a community. It gets directly to the heart of the mission and message of what the local church (you and me) should be. And it challenges my understanding of what God wants to do in this world.

Together we will be witnesses of what God did, is doing, and wants to accomplish right here, right now…

This Sunday we will begin our Easter series. And I should warn you…Easter Sunday is going to bring the house down. So invite, beg, insist, bribe, and convince your friends to be at New Beginnings this Easter…

I absolutely love the vision God has planted into our church…to be about the life-change Jesus offers, the conversation with others and God, and to live out the ways of Jesus.

(BTW…we didn’t make this up ourselves…Jesus gave it to us in the form of the two GC’s, the Great Commandment (Matthew 22) and the Great Commission (Matthew 28).

Anyway, here is a glimpse of what we will be talking about tomorrow as we begin to shape everything we do around the vision of life-change, conversation, and living it out.

This is going to be awesome…

Our Sunday mornings are about to change here at New Beginnings Church, we are starting something new the week after Easter (April 19^th). It is going to look a little different and perhaps change your routine. But we’re “kicking it up a notch” because it’s time to take it to another level.

We are changing our service starting time to 10:00AM. Here’s why: We all need to grow in our faith, and everyone needs an equal chance to grow.

Sunday mornings will continue to offer us a great opportunity to sing, to celebrate, and to listen to life-changing truths from the Bible. And now, we will also enjoy a time to gather together. Beginning April 19th, we will include two environments following our normal Sunday morning hour:

Gathering for Conversation – the purpose is simple…to talk, share, hear and be heard. The topic of Sunday morning’s message can serve as a conversation starter and we hope you will continue to talk about it with your friends, or even make a new friend. Pull up to a table in the gym, or stay where you are in the sanctuary, enjoy your coffee, and join in the conversation. Then at 11:30 we will gather together in the gym and share 15 minutes together as a large group, sharing stories or questions with one another.

Grow Classes – a place where the conversation gets a little deeper. These classes will include gifted teachers and real-life, practical application truths from the Bible. No matter which class you choose, you’ll be challenged. The path is open: there’s no formula…no sequence of steps. Choose the class that interests you. You’ll get to know God and others more personally. Classes begin at 11:05 and last about 45 minutes. If you’re nervous, relax…each class is only a few weeks. It might involve a little effort on your part…but, hey, growing isn’t easy, is it?

We know it will take awhile for all of us to adjust….but together, we’ll begin to experience relationships (with each other) and relationship (with God) in a fresh, new way.