Travis Spencer

Boys learning Spanish

Travis.S.Spencer@gmail.com (travis spencer) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:39:00 +0000

learning spanish from firstassembly on Vimeo.

Thanks Keren!

Trick or Treat @ Common Grounds

Travis.S.Spencer@gmail.com (travis spencer) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:35:00 +0000

Weekend Highlights in pictures

Travis.S.Spencer@gmail.com (travis spencer) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:54:00 +0000

Friday at Common Grounds we had two students from Bubai share about their culture and themselves. This is a pic of Mo sharing about his artwork.

Saturday Night we had our Family Fall Fest. Our team did an amazing job giving the kids and families an incredible night of fun.

Sunday we had Paul Walker from OneHope International share at The Fields. We also had live video Skype from a missionary family who serves is Africa and a live audio Skype from a missionary in Cambodia.

LINKS

You can see Family Fall Fest pics at http://www.facebook.com/TheFieldsChurch

You can watch the 30-min high impact from Family Fall Fest here: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/2410812

If you live near Mattoon...

Travis.S.Spencer@gmail.com (travis spencer) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 02:43:00 +0000

(Sneak Peek look at practice)

If you live near Mattoon, then your family needs to come to Family Fall Fest.

Get all the info HERE

I'll see you Friday night at 6:30 p.m.

Ramblings, and more ramblings...

Travis.S.Spencer@gmail.com (travis spencer) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 04:38:00 +0000

Yep, I've sucked at blogging lately. Blame it on a busy month at church, blame it on twitter, blame it on Facebook, or blame it on online TV capabilities... i just haven't had it in me to write on my blog.

So here are some random thoughts swimming around in my noggin:

- I'm excited about our Halloween family activities this year for our families. We'll host our Family Fall Fest this Friday, and then be at Common Grounds on Halloween passing out candy and offering some kids activities.

- Local band Muddy Grove will be playing at The Fields at Common Grounds THIS SATURDAY. Very cool!! See you at 707. Come early for some of their music.

- Our basement walls are now red. Yep, I came home after a long day of work last Saturday and found red walls in the basement. Looks good. (I know you didn't really need to hear about that one. like i said..ramblings)

- I've lost more than eight pounds in two weeks watching my calories and exercising. Pretty PUMPED about the strong start to this "getting healthier" thing. I use www.livestrong.com for online help.

- Lots of new families at The Fields. If you're new... We want to have lunch or dinner with you! Let's schedule something!!

- My dog ran out of the backyard today and down the block. I was trying to get all the boys in the van. I was ticked. I'll be honest, I was getting ready to introduce the dog to Jesus. Does Jesus have pets in heaven? Do they obey Him? Did dogs start disobeying at the fall of man in the garden? (More random stuff flying out of my head.)

- I'm going to Story in Chicago next week. Really excited about that.

- We have INCREDIBLE guest speakers, interviews, videos, and chats lined up over the next two weekends at The Fields as we talk about God's heart and our mission for people all around the world.

- I need a haircut.

OK.... that's all for now.

The Creation Book

Travis.S.Spencer@gmail.com (travis spencer) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 19:03:00 +0000

Arrr... family fall fest

Travis.S.Spencer@gmail.com (travis spencer) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 20:51:00 +0000

The Family Fall Fest postcards came in today.

Gonna be a great night at The Fields Church on Oct 23.

Check out all the info HERE

A beautiful day

Travis.S.Spencer@gmail.com (travis spencer) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:57:00 +0000

These are ALWAYS amazing moments!

September 20, 2009

A beautiful day.

Choose Wisely

Travis.S.Spencer@gmail.com (travis spencer) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 20:16:00 +0000

Telling the Story

Travis.S.Spencer@gmail.com (travis spencer) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:00:00 +0000

I can't tell you how excited I am to take my team to Story in Aurora.

Every week we tell a portion of the greatest story ever told. We need to be excellent at what we do. We need to communicate the amazing story of Jesus in most culturally effective way possible.

I can't wait to see what our team experiences at STORY.

We'll be there. You need to consider it, too.

http://www.storychicago.com/

Did you hear me say this?

Travis.S.Spencer@gmail.com (travis spencer) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 18:53:00 +0000

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THIS SATURDAY

Travis.S.Spencer@gmail.com (travis spencer) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 22:05:00 +0000

Don't miss The Fields Church THIS Saturday Night at Common Grounds

Elgin Combs of Good Morning Midnight will be our musical guest.

Come early Around 6:45 PM to hear some of his music.

He'll also be leading worship during our 7:07 service.

Time: 6:45 PM pre-service music

7:07PM The Fields Service

Location: Common Grounds, 1612 Charleston Ave in Mattoon, IL 61938

The Fields Church

Why I liked Labor Day weekend

Travis.S.Spencer@gmail.com (travis spencer) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 19:28:00 +0000

1. A lot of people chose to worship God at The Fields Church, even though it was a holiday weekend. That is always encouraging. One family was camping, and STILL came in from the campground to be at church. Awesome! (Not sure I would have done that!)

2. As soon as church and lunch were over, we left civilization to get away for 24 hours. We have access to lake house where all the stress leaves, and family time seems to magnify.

3. I fished with my boys. I love watching my boys catch a fish. That is so fun.

4. The grill was hot and the food was plentiful!

Video Update 9/3/09

Travis.S.Spencer@gmail.com (travis spencer) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:13:00 +0000

Another exciting week at the Fields!

Weekend highlights

Travis.S.Spencer@gmail.com (travis spencer) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:29:00 +0000

We had an incredible weekend at The Fields Church.

- We lunched our Saturday night service at Common Grounds. The team did great. Several new people came to check it out. We were packed. And best of all, some people let us know they are interested in following Jesus. That. Is. Awesome.

- SEVERAL people brought friends to our Sunday service. Always exciting to meet new people.

-Some of our college students are back. Great to see them after their summer off.

- People are letting us know each week they are re-connecting to God and making Him an important part of their lives. This never gets old!

Here's some pics from Saturday night:

Sounds so comfortable

Travis.S.Spencer@gmail.com (travis spencer) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:45:00 +0000

See You Saturday!

707PM@CommonGrounds

Video Blog 8.19.09

Travis.S.Spencer@gmail.com (travis spencer) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 16:10:00 +0000

Callmetravis.com 8-19 from The Fields Church on Vimeo.

Sunday Reflections

Travis.S.Spencer@gmail.com (travis spencer) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:42:00 +0000

Our "silent" opening Sunday in the renovated auditorium at The Fields was incredible. A buzz of excitement and expectation filled the place. (Pics to come later. Come see in in person to get the full effect.)
Watching people respond to Jesus to be the leader of their life is SO exciting. Several people responded to make Jesus their "top influence" of their life. That's what it's all about.
The new Influence teaching series is hitting hard. (1) We gotta follow Jesus with everything and make sure he is #1 Influence in our life. (2) We need to be an influence on other people's lives.
Our new modern worship environment brings such a comfortable and intimate atmosphere that allows the craziness of the world to disappear and places God at the center focus.
I loved seeing people sitting in the "Upper Deck" of The Fields drinking coffee and laptops open.
OK...I gotta admit this: that video screen is simply amazing. So excited about the potential we have with this.
Two guys from the local homeless shelter came for Sunday service. That's awesome. We fed them lasagna Saturday night, then we "fed" them gain Sunday morning.
We had SEVERAL new families Sunday. Keep 'em coming!
Pre-service prayer was powerful. serious. If you want to experience an incredible prayer time, you gotta try 8:30AM prayer.

two days of shaping

Travis.S.Spencer@gmail.com (travis spencer) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 14:43:00 +0000

The Next two days for me:

Willowcreek Leadership Summit: Satellite location in STL
I'm asking God to keep shaping me into a better leader.

If we're going to live out His mission, then I need to lead the way.

Some speakers this year include:
Bono
Tony Blair
Tim Keller
Davis Gergen
Craig Groeschel
and many more...

downsized_0716091147.jpg

Travis.S.Spencer@gmail.com (travis spencer) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:51:00 +0000

downsized_0716091147.jpg
Originally uploaded by travis spencer

Heading on the road for a 22 Hour drive to south florida. Our home made trail mix is a road tradition.

Commitment

Travis.S.Spencer@gmail.com (travis spencer) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 21:14:00 +0000

People at The Fields Church continue to blow me away by their commitment.

I sat in my home earlier this month with all of my core leadership team and was amazed at the committed team God has surrounded me with. They row the boat HARD each week. We will accomplish Jesus' mission because of this amazing group of dedicated and passionate people.
I sat in my monthly board meeting last night and was surrounded by guys who believe in the vision of The Fields. They are willing to make decisions to see His Kingdom flourish around us, and around the word.
I am humbled and amazed at the few guys who get up in the church attic at 4 AM each morning this week to work on auditorium renovations. (They do this, and then go to their work!) This screams commitment. This sets the example for going above and beyond to serve.
I'm inspired by hard-working individuals who after a long work week still have energy to invest in people. They lead Life Groups in their homes, they volunteer at a homeless shelter, they teach a Sunday School class, they practice for a worship band, and they step in and help out when needed.

I just want to brag on people at The Fields Church.

I just want to publicly thank them for their investment.

I just want to let it be known I'm humbled and inspired to serve along such incredible people.

Advancing Forward

Travis.S.Spencer@gmail.com (travis spencer) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:54:00 +0000

Think about the story of Jericho. Joshua heard from God and was instructed to lead his people around Jericho seven times so the walls would come down. This is an odd military strategy to take down one of the most fortified cities in the ancient world. No catapults. No ramming the gates. No tunnel digging. Just marching.

Imagine the crowd with Joshua.

If his people were anything like ordinary people of today, then I'm sure there were the following categories:

The Grumblers. Their words were full of negative talk. They had nothing good to say about the the plan, the leadership, or proposed outcome.

The Skeptics. They guys just didn't believe in the plan. They may have liked the leadership, but they didn't believe in how the leadership was leading. They didn't have faith in God's plan. Or they didn't have faith that their leaders were even hearing from God to receive a plan.

Foot Draggers. These people literally wouldn't move with the plan. They were at the end of the marching unit shuffling their feet not wanting to take part in the strategy. They didn't get involved because they didn't believe in the leadership or the plan.

The excited. These guys heard the unusual plan and were filled with excitement to see how it would all play out. They eagerly did what they were told because they expected a miraculous outcome.

The Influencers. These people were not only excited, but they were the catalyst for leading people in the march. They were the encouragers, the motivators, and the one who set the example by taking the lead. They influenced people to align with the mission and to eagerly carry it out.

Who are you at work, at home, at church?

We choose how we will live life. We choose who we will affect others.

Instead of being the foot dragger or the grumbler, become the excited...become the positive influencer.

Let's intentionally make a positive difference. We've been created to do that!

The Cast is Off

Travis.S.Spencer@gmail.com (travis spencer) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 18:00:00 +0000

Cooper got to enjoy the Fourth of July (actually 5th) in the water!

He's so happy to have his cast off. He still needs some time to relearn the walking thing. He walks as if the cast is still on.

But, we're thankful his leg is healed, and he's going to have a great summer.

(Yes, the inflatable pool needs some help. No comments needed on that!)

Bradley Hathaway Concert Tonight

Travis.S.Spencer@gmail.com (travis spencer) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:07:00 +0000

He's got his full band tonight. It's gonna be good!

And I can't wait to hear Good Morning Midnight.

road trip @ The Fields

Travis.S.Spencer@gmail.com (travis spencer) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:32:00 +0000

The Fields Church will be taking a six-week road trip through Hebrews 11.