Last Sunday in our Worship @ 11 coracle, we announced the expansion of ‘The Center’ to a second site in Wood Dale. It’s an exciting time. Our model for mission has been recognized as a way the kingdom expands. The second site is more than just another facility to manage. It’s a missional laboratory from which more coracles (small ministries) will be launched to grow the Kingdom. 

 The Wood Dale facility is familiar to many in the area. It’s located on Wood Dale road just south of Irving Park. It's a church we share a lot of history with. On Sunday June 6th, the Wood Dale Community UMC will hold its final worship. 

 We would like to invite you to partner with us. New Christian community movements, like ‘The Center’, need expansion partners willing to pray daily and contribute regularly to encourage the ministry. Would you consider becoming a partner and sponsoring this new team by making a one time gift or beginning a monthly commitment for the next two years?  We believe our model, your support and God’s providence will help the Wood Dale facility be fully self-sufficient in two years. We are confident our God will provide leaders, partners and unseen opportunities. 

 Please continue to pray for us, the mission and our coracles as we take this next step in faith. If you’d like to support the mission, please complete the attached form and return it to us by July 1, 2021. 

 Thank You for your prayers.

 The Center Leadership

 Name: ________________________________________ Phone:______________________________

Email: ___________________________Partnership: $20___ $50_____ $100____ Other___________

Address: ___________________________________________________________________________

I will pray daily for God’s provision for the further expansion of His Kingdom through the work of ‘The Center’ (Initials):________

To give electronically go to our website https://communitycenter.life/give-volunteer (bottom of page)

It was Jesus who said when questioned by the experts of His day, 

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

For the Christian, loving one’s neighbor is not optional, it is commanded as a regular practice of those claiming to be Christian. 

So how do we love our neighbor in practical ways that doesn’t make us seem like weirdos? As I contemplated this idea, I remembered a book that I have couples read and discuss when getting married. It’s by Gary Chapman and it's called, “The Five Love Languages.” If you’re not familiar with the book, its basic premise is we all have five ways we long to be loved and there is one that is primary. When our primary love language is not met, we get a little cranky. When we are deprived of any of the languages for a long time, it rises in importance and it becomes a primary catalyst in our life. 

Gary lists the five love languages as:

• Words of Affirmation - Saying supportive things

• Acts of Service - Doing helpful things

• Receiving Gifts - Giving gifts that tell them you were thinking about them

• Quality Time - Spending meaningful time

• Physical Touch - a physical expressions of love (both intimate and non-intimate touches)

Each of us differs in the ways that we receive love. Now, Gary focuses on partners in His book, I’d like to expand its reach to our other relationships and/or our neighbors. By learning to give love in the ways that those around us can best receive it, AND setting boundaries with those in our sphere of influence to give us love in the ways that we can receive it, we create stronger relationships and in turn a better neighborhood in which to live and thrive. 

According to Chapman, words of affirmation are the most common primary love language by a small margin. The results of his study show:

• Words of affirmation: 23 percent.

• Quality time: 20 percent.

• Acts of service: 20 percent.

• Physical touch: 19 percent.

• Receiving gifts: 18 percent.

Typically, people have one main love language and one secondary one. It is important to know these so you can ask for what you need as well as so show your partners, friends, and neighbors love in a way they can receive it. After all, love not received, benefits no one.

Now let’s be clear, love languages were written to help those in or about to enter into a marriage or other serious relationship. But they can be applied in many other relationships as well. However, there are others in the relationship counseling community who don’t fully agree in Gary’s hypothesis.

Julie Gottman—who co-founded the Gottman Institute for marriage and relationship research and therapy with her husband, researcher John Gottman, in 1996 said, 

“I’m not so sure about the idea that everyone has one primary language of affection; rather, she says, expressions of affection can vary in significance according to context.”

In some situations, an act of service or a word of affirmation will be especially meaningful to people even if they don’t believe their love language to be either of those things, for example, and “gifts” folks can encounter moments in which a well-intentioned gesture feels inadequate. Identifying a primary love language can also have a pigeonholing effect, she noted: “Partners may begin to express affection in only one way, regardless of context, or recognize only one kind of act as an act of love.” Plus, Gottman shared that, some elements of a relationship that are framed as “love languages” in Chapman’s theory should be considered necessary ingredients in any healthy relationship—like quality time.

So in loving our neighbor, we must be cognizant of their love language BUT realize we shouldn’t focus on one way to be a good neighbor/friend/co-worker without acknowledging all the others ways to love. 

Considering the needs and wants of the other person first and then adjusting your own behavior—and not expecting it to work the other way around—is what makes the whole world turn a little easier.

If you would like to learn more, consider joining us at RENEW (renew-relationships.org). It’s a community meal and discussion held every Monday night at 6:30pm in the venue room at THE CENTER (400 North Walnut, Itasca, IL 60143).

Permalink

]]>Whose your neighbor?Robert ButlerMon, 11 Jan 2021 01:24:42 +0000https://communitycenter.life/blog/5967b56d6b8f5b16951bea35:597fe8f06a4963a134198991:5ffba666ebaf65085b14a89a“Chicago is a city of neighborhoods.” It’s a phrase that has been used over and over again. It’s meant to relay the stark changes from one block to the next. The city is made up of all kinds of people. It is truly a melting pot. The suburbs are not so different. Many have neighborhoods with “reputations” based on economics as well as racial distinctions. The homogeneous principle, like attracts like, can be seen throughout the five counties that make up Chicagoland. However, occasionally the Holy Spirit inspires the breaking down of the walls.

Larry, a close friend and fellow Forge Chicago supporter, were on mission one Saturday morning. I was hoping to apprentice him into sharing the duties to greet and pray with our clients. He and I were having a laugh while sharing the gospel when it was time to clean up. The morning distribution was over so the whole team gathers up whatever perishables are left and walks them to the dumpster. Larry was flabbergasted. “All this goes in the dumpster?” He asked. The director told him they had no way to keep it fresh so it needed to be discarded. He couldn't believe it. He kept asking “why” and coming up with some interesting solutions on how we could distribute it. The pantry leader’s answer was always the same. “If you want to take it and start a giveaway program, go right ahead.”

The words took a week to sink in. Larry arranged to come every Saturday at 11 to pick up the remnants. At first, He took the load to an apartment complex for single moms. The next week they weren’t as interested so he brought a van load home. He couldn’t allow himself to put the good food in the trash so He set up a couple of tables on the driveway with all the fresh produce and “free sign.” His wife joined in and knocked on all the neighbors doors. Even though she really didn’t know any of them nor spoke a foriegn language, She did her best to share the good news of free food. Slowly the food disappeared. The next week Larry took the excess food straight to his driveway. Again, his wife went around the neighborhood. This time more people came. Conversations began to develop. Names were remembered. Stories were shared. The multi-ethnic working class community was beginning to come together.

Invariably, neighbors will ask where he gets the food and why is he giving it away. Larry’s answer has led to many shared testimonies of Jesus and God’s provision. My favorite story is of the mail woman who wandered through the mele of people. She was minding her own business when Larry begged her to take some food. She was polite in her refusal but Larry was not going to let her leave. The ensuing conversation became a pastoral moment on the driveway. The mail person shared the recent losses of loved ones and the emotional toll of a parent in ICU. She was reeling from the troubles of life and for some reason, she felt comfortable enough to share the burden. As she was about to leave, Larry asked if he could pray for his sister in Christ. She agreed. The words brought the walls down. The tears signaled the Holy Spirit’s presence. The goodbye salutations made it clear the chains were loosened.

None of us are sure what will happen next. The Holy Spirit is surely out in front. Giving to those once bound by fear. The driveway worship service has been born.

Permalink

]]>FOOD FOR THE SOULRobert ButlerTue, 29 Sep 2020 21:19:01 +0000https://communitycenter.life/blog/2020/9/29/and-then-the-pandemic-hit5967b56d6b8f5b16951bea35:597fe8f06a4963a134198991:5f73a403b709a62db1d0c0d8The phrase is destined to become part of American history. The unprecedented event will forever be marked by those that have passed. However, what the devil has intended for evil, God re-purposes. It has been said, 

• “The pandemic has reinforced what we all really knew: Wealth cannot protect you from death and being healthy has richness all its own.”

• “Covid has moved the entire world 15 years into the future with our use of technology”

• “When we look back on the Covid shutdown, we will see it was the birth pain of thousands of new ideas”

• “The pandemic while horrendous, has brought the power of family and community to the forefront of what is most important.”

Along these lines, I would like to share all the positive happenings around our missional community over the last six months. 

• Created the Stained Glass Window Project (Over 250 kits given out in three communities)

• Created the Spring Flower Kits (Over 100 distributed)

• Sponsored an outdoor concert with Kellen and O’Connell

• Added daily recovery meetings

• Held a Serve Sunday in multiple locations (Villa Park, Wood Dale, Bensenville, Itasca)

• Sent Volunteer groups to serve at The Itasca food pantry weekly

• Held Two Work Days at The Center

• Lit the Center in purple to create Overdose Awareness

• Hosted School Of Rock Recitals

• Added two more partnerships (MJL Ballet, Gathering Homeschool)

• Offered six months of combined worship services

• Added weekly online streaming  

• Held 20 Weeks of Zoom Prayer

• Offered an entire summer of Outdoor worship in various locales (Itasca Country Club, Metra Parking Lot, Songbird Slough, Rotary Park and the church grassy areas)

• Provided resources to pastor’s families in South Asia  

• Offered two free community barbeques 

• Hosted and resourced a seminary level missionary training class for eight weeks for 12 individuals from multiple churches

We live the vision: “Connect everyone, everyday and in every way to Jesus.” However, there has been a decline in support due to the pandemic. As a result, while we have been faithful in our stewardship, there is now a need to strengthen our financial position. If you have been blessed by the Center and want to assist us in transforming lives or if any of our programs have blessed you, we humbly ask you consider a one time gratitude gift. To support the vision, you can give either:

online:  https://communitycenter.life/give-volunteer

or

by a check sent to: The Center, 400 North Walnut, Itasca, IL 60143

Thank you for your generosity and prayers,

Pastor Bob Butler

The APEST Vision Board is currently considering when would be best to gather inside. While we have been hosting smaller groups (Forge training, Meditation, AA/SMART Recovery), our Sunday gatherings require more planning. We will be continuing outdoors for a little while longer (weather permitting).  However, it is important to inform you of all the steps we have already been taking to ensure safety to ALL to protect those coming and going the Center::

• Requires face coverings and social distancing for anyone entering the facility

• Provide gloves,masks, hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies at the entrances and exits

• Provide cleaning materials and hand sanitizers in every room

• Posting of signs for visual reminders as well as COVID 19 education and awareness

• Strategically spaces the tables and chairs to follow guidelines for social distancing

• Request the disinfecting of tables and chairs after every use (signage and supplies provided)

• Cleans the entire facility on Monday and Friday

• Fumigates/disinfects the entire facility on Sunday and Thursday evenings as well as after special inside events (Weddings and Funerals)

As we consider moving inside, I’d like to introduce you to the plan and encourage your support. You will receive more detailed explanations in our next correspondence.

First, our plan is based on a solid biblical principal, “Love does no harm to a neighbor.” (Romans 13:1)  We’re seeking to protect the physical and mental health and meet the spiritual needs of our group which is very diverse in both age and stage of family life. I have no doubt some will find this plan ‘too cautious’, some ‘not cautious enough’, and others ‘just about right’. As you consider your own reaction to the plan, please keep in mind it is guided by a deep concern for the well-being of the whole body of Christ.

Second, our plan is based on three constants from public health experts for people sharing space together: wash your hands, wear a mask, and maintain social distance. We will be adhering to all three. I can assure you that many have put a great deal of prayer, thought, consideration, research, and resources into this process of continuing ‘mission’.  This includes use of: UMC/Wheaton ‘Preparing your Church for COVID 19, CDC guidelines, Restore IL guidelines,and input from APEST leadership and Health Team. 

Finally, our plan has been phased based on the advice of health experts and those working directly on the challenge of regathering churches during the Covid-19 pandemic. I want to thank the health team for their diligence in researching, drafting and initiating a comprehensive plan. I, along with many others have been praying for wisdom, discernment and direction with each step we take.  I invite you to  join me in prayer for The CENTER, as well as, our town/city/state/country/world. Lastly, I am asking for grace for one another as we navigate through this ‘new normal’. We will get through this together.

Great to be on mission with you!

Bob

Permalink

]]>GROWING IN A PANDEMICForge ChicagoRobert ButlerThu, 23 Apr 2020 18:25:52 +0000https://communitycenter.life5967b56d6b8f5b16951bea35:597fe8f06a4963a134198991:5ea1db97e1d4b434415aeaf3“Covid killed the Sunday church?” It’s a question plenty of Sunday Church people might be asking in the days and months to come. The Sunday centered Church has been ailing for some time. It has been failing to heed the warnings from ministry doctors and resisted taking its prescribed medicine for years. Its resistance stems from a flawed understanding of what Jesus meant by “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” An understanding that the current form need never change. A thought process that has led it to regularly over-indulge. It has become bloated on the fattening government cheese of its tax exempt status while eating the desert of a cultural status and influence gained through historical acts of compassion. The autopsy will be clear. While CoVid contributed to the death, the patient’s pre-existing conditions were its ultimate demise. 

So what are we to do now?

We are to brace for impact and collaborate. The best prophecy of the future of the ‘Church’ may come from retail. Like the Sunday ‘Church’, the mall stores have continued to see declining attendance, building issues and dwindling resources. The very same questions every major brick and mortar retail establishment are wrestling with are now at the doorstep of the Sunday centered ‘Church.’ The CoVid pandemic is forcing the leaders of the ‘Church” to assess what was and begin to accept the truth that only those willing to exercise a missional mindset have dared to utter:

The western Sunday centric ‘Church’ must radically transform to meet the social and technological changes taking place.

Technology has been ushering in a new era in our society for some time. The post CoVid Church that seeks to survive must be more willing than ever before to embrace change. 

The post CoVid Church will be need to be more:

1. Centered - in the overarching metanarrative of Jesus. All those who claim the King as Lord and Savior will need to know His story, be able to articulate it and understand why it is the only one that makes sense.

2. Flexible - delivering the message anywhere on demand in culturally acceptable ways. Geography, language and resources will soon cease to be barriers in an internet connected world. 

3. Relational - connecting more authentically and in more meaningful ways. This will be the largest challenge. The first wave of connection will be the home and the neighborhood. The second will come in mobilization of the ‘Church’ to be more than an experience but a lifestyle.

4. Focused - on transformation of individuals, the community and the world. Technology will allow access to multitudes of information so that the Church can provide:

   1. An abundance of information specifically directed to a person’s interest or maturity

   2. Better communication to more regularly inspire people

   3. Better data regarding personal preferences and areas of interest

5. Efficient - in reaching and engaging humanity with the highest quality teaching for the lowest investment. Networks of like-minded groups will share the best content so those called to lead will be able to do more than ever before.

6. Lean - the ‘Church’ will eliminate redundancy of employees, buildings, ministries and bureaucracies in favor of funding development of tools that facilitate growth of the kingdom. 

7. Visible - the ‘Church’ will need to not only recognize the new front door but act in ways inwhich its voice rises above the deluge of media. Practically this means embedded HTML linking of web pages, search engine optimization, backlinks from other sources, collaborative partners as well as creative uses of other social media platforms.

Imagine the ‘Church’ 

1. Agreeing on the ‘core’ idea of the faith (The ecclessial minimum) and accepting any differences on the areas outside those boundaries as blossoms on the Christian tree.

2. Not bound by geography or walls or stringent demands. Imagine the ‘Church” leaving the building and never physically returning. Imagine the change the world would experience if the ‘Church’ went to where the people are.

3. authentically connecting everyone, everyday and in every way to Jesus. How many different ways could the Kingdom grow?

4. Providing solid answers to the doubters, skeptics and seekers. Imagine sharing the greatest answers to the most asked questions. 

5. Offering the greatest teachers on a regular basis to all those connected so all gatherings will be given the most inspiring and thought provoking content.

6. Never having to do a capital campaign for an outdated building, court a giver for a community needs program or be cajoled to donate to programs your heart is not called to.

7. Being seen as the people who love more than most, offer hope to downtrodden, share joy with hurting and free the imprisoned. 

The transformation has begun. It’s an exciting time to be a part of the body of the Christ we call, ‘The Church.’ Come and see the new the new thing He is doing. 

Permalink

]]>Covid Killed The Sunday Church? What????Robert ButlerWed, 18 Dec 2019 18:57:48 +0000https://communitycenter.life/blog/2019/12/18/news-flash-a-church-gives-away-the-christmas-offering5967b56d6b8f5b16951bea35:597fe8f06a4963a134198991:5dfa7568b2c1564071c32d2bHave you ever thought about the gift of being born in America versus some other part of the world? None of us had a choice about what kind of family we are born into, the physical characteristics we would possess or even the country we would be born in. We have been blessed to be born in the richest nation in the world, with access to the greatest amount of technical resources and the largest religious freedoms ever known to humankind.

Now imagine, being born in a society, or lower echelon of a country, where just having enough to eat and drink is considered being rich. Envision a life where from birth you were considered a liability to your family. Visualize being cast out because you were going to be a burden to others. How would you respond? Every day our missionaries are confronted with poverty as well as injustice and asked to offer hope to people who in biblical terms would be considered the greatest in need.

This is where our anticipation of the Messiah comes in. We believe God is calling us to bring a foretaste of heaven to places without hope. He has called us to answer the cries for help. Just like the Magi coming across the desert to bring gifts to the King of Kings, we are partnering with you to bring joy and hope to places that rarely have either. This year 100% percent of The Center’s Christmas offering will go to help the widowed, addicted, abandoned, struggling, their families, their children, child slaves and those who have never heard the words of Jesus. Any Christmas gift will offer hope for people who are often considered expendable by society.

The Center’s Christmas Eve offering will be deployed to:

• Hope for Today Ministries (India) – Peter and Ester Pereira – Global

• Positive Intentions - Jim Hamill - Local

• Itasca Cares – The Team - Local

The idea behind our tradition is a pretty simple idea. Instead of trading gift cards or buying a “friend” another travel mug, we been asking everyone to review how much they would normally spend on themselves and those closest to them for Christmas gifts. We then suggest everyone redirect 20% of that amount to this special Christmas Eve celebration.

For those who like the details: We will have three giving baskets representing the three incredible organizations and during the service, everyone will be given a chance to bring their gift(s) forward. The offerings are tax deductible. The checks should be written to The Center with the name of the organization in the memo line. We also will be taking online donations for this as well athttps://communitycenter.life/give-volunteer .

Please consider joining us as we strive to connect the awe of Christ’s first coming with the anticipation of His second by sharing our blessings in His name.

Shopping local has a lot of benefits to the community in addition to the economic and environmental positives. Local businesses:

• are more interested in your individual situation

• give more to local charities

• add character to the community

• invest more into unique community projects

When I came home, I thought about walking over to the neighbor to tell him about the 50% off going out of business sale. But I knew his reaction would be a shrugging of his shoulders and a rhetorical statement like, “what are you gonna do? The ‘big box’ store idea will always overrun the small store.”

I wondered for a few days if the ‘big box’ theory had credibility. It did offer an explanation to the other shuttered business in the neighborhood and even the decline in the local church. In my community most of the neighborhood churches are experiencing a decline in attendance except the latest and greatest ‘big box’. They have a new auditorium, a fog machine, laser lights, an incredible band, huge kids playland, multiple pastors and excellent programs to teach everyone their anthem to take the neighborhood for Jesus (and covertly get them to come to Sunday service). After all, bigger is better and coming to church on Sunday is the benchmark for being a good Christian, right? Isn’t this a biblical truth? “Not necessarily” would be my answer.

Having been a ministry leader for a few years, I’m grateful for the latest and greatest. They provide a great service to the Kingdom of God. They attract people and provide an excellence many small organizations can’t. However, as incarnational missionary (read “living to be a bridge to the neighborhood for Jesus”), I believe the benefits of shopping local also apply in the spreading of the Good News of Jesus.

“Going local does not mean walling off the outside world. It means nurturing locally owned businesses which use local resources sustainably, employ local workers at decent wages and serve primarily local consumers. It means becoming more self-sufficient and less dependant on imports. Control moves from the boardrooms of distant corporations and back into the community where it belongs.”  – Michael H. Shuman, author of the book Going Local.

The local church is more sustainable because they are efficient utilizing resources for the facilitating of ministry. Local churches:

• are more aware of the individuals within the community and the public/private services being offered.

• are often debt free and their buildings have been environmentally minimalized due to age

• Operate with lower overhead costs due to faithful stewardship.

• add character to the community through unique designs which border on landmark status

• generate positive impact through established local ministries woven into the fabric of the community life.

• are generally more generous to residents because they are helping neighbors they know.

• are positive forces for other community interests as well as issues affecting the quality of life.

The local expression I belong to is called, The Center. We understand our mission to be the ‘sent ones’ appointed to share the Good News of Jesus in our neighborhood and community.  We accomplish our mission by training domestic missionaries to establish multiple missional expressions that operate in concert to reach those in need of redemption, transformation and restoration. We assist people in becoming connected to God as well as each other by learning from one another, supporting one another, growing relationally and most importantly, spiritually.

If your interested in changing the world, start locally. Come on over for a cup of coffee anytime.

Bob

While the pessimists bemoaned the future, the optimists exclaimed there was never a greater time to be a commissioned Christian. After all, every great awakening was preceded by a time desperation which bred innovation. The general consensus is the ‘Church’ will be different in the future. The pessimists and the optimists both used the term ‘missional’ to explain a program or a future possibility. One presenter went so far as to suggest we are post-missional because the missional program has proven it will never fill our churches (read buildings).

Let me be clear: Missional is not a program. It is an idea born out of an increasing sense that the American church is not a representation of what’s described in scripture. Professor and Author David Fitch was one of the first to write in The Great Giveaway that the Church (big ‘C’) gave away its mission, and maybe its soul, when it stopped focusing on those activities that demonstrate the grace and love of Christ. I believe the current crisis is directly related to that moment in history. It was the beginning of the excommunication of the apostolic, prophetic and evangelistic leadership of the church. It was the point in which the building caged the shepherd and a bible wielding Christian Pharisee in a battle royal for control. Neither realizing the evil one had already sealed their fate because of their own arrogance. Believing the Church could ever outsource any of the five fold aspects described by Paul in Ephesians 4:1-12 was unrestrained pride. Missional is the understanding we are all the sent ones of God and for the ‘church’  to be its best it needs all five leadership perspectives held in tension. 

Missional is a call to individuals and groups be Christ and embrace rhythms with the hope of partnering with the triune God to advance the Kingdom. It's call to recognize Christ’s coming and presence of the Holy Spirit through efforts that create a foretaste of heaven as we await Jesus final return. Michael Frost in his book, Surprise the World, offers a few simple rhythms to help the average person begin their journey. He highlights these beginning rhythms with a simple acronym: B.E.L.L.S. The acronym stands for:

• Blessing - Be Generous

• Eat - Be Hospitable 

• Listen - Be Holy Spirit Led

• Learn - Know Christ and His Word

• Sent - Be Motivated to reach the ‘none, done and undone’ all around us

These simple rhythms create a foundation to unleash the core missional values of engaging our context, connecting our neighbors, experiencing God’s leading, understanding His teachings and crystalizing the framework for being a domestic missionary sent to the places we live, work and play. Please note these missional habits are not benchmarks for what is missional. They only provide a framework for living an alternative lifestyle to the average American. They drive us outward, beyond ourselves, into the lives of others providing opportunities to bring Christ’s love, hope, joy and peace to the forefront of everything we are involved with.

Let me repeat: Missional is not a program. It’s a lifestyle change of those willing to forsake all other idols and live as emissaries for Christ. Come join the movement. 

There are addicts, alcoholics and individuals with mental illness in this community. There are also families dealing with the impact. I know this fact because I see it everyday. Addiction is a terrorist. It thrives on fear and misinformation. It takes hostages and creates division. It kills the individual, the family and the community. It is evil.

The last several days have been emotionally and spiritually draining. Everywhere I go people share their feelings, ranging from anger to heartbreak, about the neighborhood ‘No Haymarket’ signs. These are the people who have been touched by the epidemic, either directly or indirectly. They are housewives, mothers, executives, fathers and even young people. All have been to the pit of hell and have recovered to help others in our community. They are today’s good Samaritans. 

A “Good Samaritan” is a term I believe our culture has forgotten. The phrase comes from the Bible. Jesus was answering a question from a group of upper-class religious leaders, “Who is my neighbor?” and to make a point he shared a parable. A traveler was mugged and left for dead on the side of the road. The priest sees the man, crosses to the other side of the road and continues on his way. Another person with high status in the community sees the man beaten and crosses as well. Finally, a Samaritan, considered the under-class of society, came upon the beaten man. He immediately took pity on him and took care of him until he was completely restored. He freely gave of his time, resources and his own agenda to care for his neighbor. To get the full extent of the parable, you have to understand the prejudice, fear and hatred the public felt towards the Samaritans. For generations, even walking on land controlled by the half-breed Samaritans made a person dirty. Jesus was answering the question very clearly. “Who is my neighbor? Everyone.”  

I believe loving God and our neighbor means thinking and acting in ways that do no harm as well as bringing a little bit of heaven to earth. 

“...as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” “Go and do likewise.” 

Yes Jesus.

Permalink

]]>Yes. JesusRobert ButlerThu, 31 Jan 2019 17:42:18 +0000https://communitycenter.life/blog/2019/1/31/love-shack-record-setting-temps5967b56d6b8f5b16951bea35:597fe8f06a4963a134198991:5c53324bfa0d606e8774d2c0Have you ever been so overcome you spent the day on the verge of tears and shouting praises? This is the only way I can explain yesterday as I witnessed the best of humanity. People helping people with no hidden agendas. Just love. There was no judgement. Just Love. No ‘should have.’ Just Love. No ‘if only.’ Just love. No Politics. Just love. No social media. Just love for one another.

It started Monday night at RENEW. Our community meal and discussion about topics that help people find a life worth living. I was eating dinner when a good friend came over to express concern about the homeless on what might be the coldest day in decades. I listened to the concern knowing the question was coming and the answer was already answered years before. “What would you think of hosting a warming shelter for those in need?” she asked. “I think God would be honored. That’s why we exist. It’s why the saints of old provided this building.” I answered.

It was a blur of activity after that. People stepping up to arrange snacks, lunch, volunteers and rides for those without transportation. The day started at 6:30am making sure the basics were ready. The guests arrived at 7:30 which began the haze of introductions, conversations, laughter and serving. As the last guest and volunteer left around 4:30pm, I sat quietly reviewing the day in awe of God’s provision.

The Itasca community is amazing. Secular and non-secular organizations working together: the police, Churches, social service agencies, restaurants, nonprofits and even a few concerned individuals. Every person from every group sharing a unique talent to offer a little heaven here on earth. The words from my favorite guy came to mind...

I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. John 17:22-23

God revealed himself in Itasca. He inspired, encouraged and directed a single tribe of willing individuals to work as one. ONE working in complete unity will forever be forged in my mind. Grateful to have been a small part of His love for those in the community.

Permalink

]]>Love Shack: Record Setting TempsRobert ButlerMon, 17 Dec 2018 16:26:11 +0000https://communitycenter.life/blog/2018/12/17/giving-away-the-christmas-eve-offering5967b56d6b8f5b16951bea35:597fe8f06a4963a134198991:5c17cd246d2a733821a865e9Have you ever thought about the gift of being born in America versus some other part of the world? None of us had a choice about what kind of family we are born into, the physical characteristics we would possess or even the country we would land in. We have been blessed to be born in the richest nation in the world, with access to the greatest amount of technical resources and the largest religious freedoms ever known to humankind.

Now imagine, being born in society where just having enough to eat and drink is considered being rich. Envision a life where from birth you were considered a liability to your family and burden to the survival of the family or even the village. Visualize being part of a society where to believe in a faith other than your parents or your husbands could jeopardize the few rights you have and possibly bring you death, imprisonment or enslavement.  This is where three out of the four of our “sent” friends live and work. Every day they are confronted with poverty as well as injustice and asked to offer hope to people who in biblical terms would be considered the greatest in need. 

This is where our advent conspiracy begins. We believe God is calling us to bring hope to places without hope. He has called us to answer the cries for help. Just like the Magi coming across the desert to bring gifts to the King of Kings, we will be partnering to bring joy and hope to places that rarely have either. This year’s Advent Conspiracy offering will go to help the widowed, abandoned, families in crises, their children, child slaves and those who have never heard the words of Jesus. Any Advent Conspiracy Christmas gift will help begin lifestyles for people who are often considered expendable by society. These organizations offer opportunity for those who need it most.

 The Christmas gifts will be deployed to:

Ø  Overland Missions – Laura Staszewski – Zambia

Ø  Hope for Today Ministries – Peter and Ester Pereira – India

Ø  Respire – Meghan and Josh Anderson – Haiti

Ø  Itasca Cares – The Team - Local

The advent Conspiracy is a pretty simple idea. Instead of trading gift cards or buying a “friend” another travel mug, we been asking everyone to review how much they would normally spend on themselves and those closest to them for Christmas gifts. We then suggest everyone redirect 20% of that amount to this special Christmas Eve celebration. The Christmas Eve collection will take place at 4:15pm. For those who a like the details: We will have four giving baskets representing the four incredible organizations and during the service, everyone will be given a chance to bring their gift(s) forward. The offerings are tax deductible. The can be written to the organization or to The Center with the name of the organization in the memo line. The Center will then forward to the organizations.

 Please consider joining us as we strive to connect the awe of Christ’s first coming with the anticipation of His second by sharing our blessings in His name.

Permalink

]]>Giving away the Christmas Eve Offering?Robert ButlerSun, 25 Nov 2018 21:44:26 +0000https://communitycenter.life/blog/2018/11/25/why-why-offer-blues-concert-at-the-center5967b56d6b8f5b16951bea35:597fe8f06a4963a134198991:5bfb0f94aa4a997b55efbd89The Thanksgiving Eve Blues Concert offered a couple of unique situations because it was hosted in a traditional facility. We understand this stream of thinking. Our knowledge and experience of places with a cross hoisted high do not often lend themselves to people dancing in the aisles. However, The Center’s people and mission are different. We exist to promote two primary relationships (Christ and others) as well as foster authentic community. The concert achieved both.

“Why put on a concert the day before Thanksgiving?” We responded with a little known fact that the biggest drinking night of the year is not New Years. It’s the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Its been given the nickname ‘black-out Wednesday’. We would go on to explain instead of just shrugging our shoulders, we’ve decided to offer an alternative. After all, the best way to to serve the community would be to offer a free all ages show and allow those of us who don’t stay up late to experience the very cool genre of music called the ‘Blues’.

The Blues  is an African-American  music form that transverses  a wide range of emotions and  musical styles. Ever since the blues  first developed, feeling has been the  most essential ingredient. “Feeling blue”  is expressed in songs whose verses lament injustices  or express longing for a better life and lost loves,  jobs,and money. The blues originate from what some have  termed the Negro spirituals, dating back to the middle of  the 18th century, when the slaves became Christians and began  to sing and play Christian hymns. Depending on the religious community  a musician belonged to, it could have been considered a sin to play  this low-down music: blues was the devil's music because it did not mention  God. Musicians were therefore segregated into two categories: gospel and blues singers,  guitar preachers and songsters. However this all changed at the time rural Black music began  to get recorded in the 1920’s. Both categories of musicians used very similar techniques: call-and-response  patterns, blue notes, and slide guitars. Today, the music has evolved to include Christian ideas and scripture  alongside life’s troubles. Central to the idea of a blues performance is the concept that, by performing or listening  to the blues, one is able to overcome sadness and lose the blues. Or become grateful.

The  blues often uses a  the call and response  pattern between with lead  musician and others in the band. This pattern is often used in other forms of music as well as in the reading of scriptures. Have you repeated said ‘Amen’ when prompted. On Thanksgiving eve, we expanded the pattern of response to include the sharing of a light meal and dessert after the music ended. Those who stayed were given an informal time of getting to know one another as well as share life (both the good and bad).

The blues is life shared with others who understand all  its ups and downs.

Permalink

]]>Why? Why offer Blues Concert at The Center?Robert ButlerWed, 25 Jul 2018 16:28:12 +0000https://communitycenter.life/blog/2018/7/25/the-center-has-become-a-missionary-hub-for-the-neighborhood-the-community-and-the-world5967b56d6b8f5b16951bea35:597fe8f06a4963a134198991:5b58a4250e2e723fea1514b6There has been much said and written lately about the United Methodist Church. Unfortunately most of the national press has not been uplifting. However, the national conversation doesn’t reflect my context or personal experience. Christ continues to be on the move at “The Center” in Itasca.

We have been hard at work for almost a year. Begining with little fanfare and even less money. The rumors in the community were the United Methodist had closed and sold the building. Many people wondered if a new set of ‘McMansions’ were going to replace the old gothic building on the corner. Those first few weeks were hectic as we were introduced to the neighborhood via a microburst. We questioned our decision to re-launch a new community of faith. However, God works through all situations and this “disaster” was actually a great opportunity to begin having an impact in the community.

Fast forward a year, we have added unique Christian ministries, secular partnerships, become a training hub for domestic missionaries and began a regular Sunday gathering. The God sightings have been too numerous address in this short article. However, God deserves the praise for the partnership of Hope For Today and Bethany Center.

Who would have thought a number of years ago when Peter Pereira (Northern Illinois Conference Elder and General Conference Evangelist) came to our Naperville church to speak about his mission South Asia we would partner in 2018? I knew God spoke through this man. His presence on that Sunday and his call to come join him on the mission field had my wife and I praying about going on mission. His message profoundly affected us. We could no longer be Sunday morning attendees, we had to move. Since then we have been to Paraguay, Tanzania and Haiti. It was not Christ’s idea for us. We were to be the ‘sent’ people of Christ to proclaim and alert the world to the rule and reign of Jesus.

Ever since, Peter’s ministry has grown in South Asia. Hundreds of churches planted and missionaries sent. He has cared for orphans and taken care of ‘the least of these’ for almost three decades while we have gone from pew sitters, to short term missionaries, to church planters. So it seemed almost like a dream when we were divinely re-connected at a leadership seminar a few months ago. One short conversation led to invitation to preach to the Indi-Paki fellowship in Itasca. In turn, we would meet to discuss evangelism, mission and discipling. The idea of partnering seemed natural. We had extra space, needed insight in reaching our Indian neighbors and his ministry needed a convenient base of operations in the United States.

So as of August 1st, 2018, ‘Hope For Today’ ministries will be headquartered at ‘The Center’ in Itasca. We will support one another in leading and training both domestic and international missionaries to reach the world in Christ's name. If you are interested in hearing more, contact Bob at info@communitycenter.life or Peter at info@hopeteam.org

The scene reminded me of Jesus sending his disciples in the surrounding communities. He knew what He was asking was unconventional and maybe even radical. However, He knew they would receive far more than they would ever give. I have been blessed to do mission in Africa and Haiti. I’ve worship with the Masai in Tanzania and tried to sing so loud the Voodoo drumbeat would fade. I have also gone door to door in rural neighborhoods as well as in the suburbs. The initial fear is the same but so is the elation afterward.

The account in Luke 10 details a similar pattern. Jesus sends out seventy-two souls in teams of two. He gives them basic instructions on what to take and how to act. We don’t know all they did but we do know they were changed.  The scriptures say, “The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” Their excitement could not be contained so he reminded them of the power within and warned them to remain humble, recognize where their power comes from and keep focus on where they are headed.

As our tribe went out into the community, our reservations were quickly overcome. Through faith, obedience and prayer our fears were overcome. Excitement replaced trepidation. Relationships were formed in love. Peace was extended into the neighborhood. Hope returned as those with less were provided for. Hearts exploded in joy as people began a relationship with our neighbors and everyone was were alerted to the rule and reign of God.

Time is beginning to be one of the most valuable commodities we have. To invest your time in someone or something is a very precious thing. Time is something you can never get back, once you've given it away, it's gone. As I have realized this more deeply, it's lead me to towards two realizations that have much to do with the missional conversation and what it means to engage those in your context. 

Investing Time in People is Imperative to Missional Engagement

Amidst this rapid pace that our world operates at, among this swirl of humans passing each other on sidewalks and freeways and supermarkets, it's rare to find someone who is willing to spend their time on you. Just you. Because they find value in who you are as a person. It's so rare in fact, that it often causes people to stop in their tracks, it incites curiosity and questions. Why did they take time to look me in the eyes? Why did they ask about my life and sit and listen, like they really cared? Why are they willing to stop the motion of their own schedule, their own plans, attending to their own needs and just be in this moment with me? It's often the first step in showing people a different kind of love, the love of God. 

People are so used to others being "too busy". We've all become accustomed to being surrounded by a society drugged by the effects of being on this speeding train that is life. So when someone dares to step off for just a moment, to be still while the world whizzes past in a blur, it is a meaningful and powerful occurrence. I believe that investing the commodity of your time is even more valuable than your money. When you chose to spend time with someone - unhurried, quality time - it changes everything. You will find honest connection. You will see people willing to share their story, willing to go past that surface level, willing to contemplate the deeper questions of life and meaning. 

Don't Wait for Free Time

I have learned that in order to say yes to something, you also have to say no to something else. If you feel a pulling inside as you read this, a tugging desire to invest more of your time in your context, you're going to have to say no. In this world, free time never spontaneously shows up. You have to make it, you have to fight for it. If you feel that prodding in your soul to start investing more time in your context, it's time to take a hard look at what you're spending your time on currently and it's time to set some boundaries and say no to a few things. For some people, that's simply reducing all the tiny, needless time wasters like mindless social media, television, and constantly keeping up with the current events of the world when you don't even know the current events of your neighborhood. For others, it means stepping back from being involved in things that are good, even worthy, time investments - but simply not where you are supposed to give your time. 

As we lead up to the "great week" as its been called, I'd like to ask you to take a little time and listen to another's heart. 

Hope to see you soon!

Permalink

]]>Let's Rename Monday....