Mike Tremblay's Weblog

On July 13th, I was contacted by a group who were gathering Sunday mornings (for just a few weeks) to see if I might be available to speak at their times of worship. A number of circumstances and my seeking God made clear I should accept and I began July 27th. After a few more weeks, the decision was made to name this new church plant and after a process of accepting suggestions, the choice was made to call the church "AMAZING GRACE FELLOWSHIP". The worship gatherings have all been at participants homes and good weather has allowed for us to be outdoors. We've been to Ashland, Rumney and Bristol so far and on this coming Sunday, we plan to be at a local state park on Newfound Lake. See the website for info: www.geocities.com/agfnh@ymail.com (this is a temporary site until we get our domain name). See the Amazing Grace blog called "Being the Church" at this address: http://agfnh.blogspot.com/ . I've posted the 2 previous posts on this blog but will be updati...

Ekklesia , as I stated in the last post, is the Greek word translated in English as 'church'. Often, here in America, church is defined as a place we go (usually on Sunday mornings). At times it is even in buildings dedicated for that purpose with names on them like 'City Bible CHURCH' or ' Tri -Community CHURCH'. So when we read in Scripture about the Church at Cenchreae (Romans 16:1), it is natural to think of a building or meeting place in that city. At times one may refer to a person connected with a church group ... for example, "do you know Jane, who goes to the Cenchreae Church?" As a pastor, I was often asked, "how many people go to your church?" Ekklesia is not used in this way. Since I used Romans 16 to illustrate above, let me quote it further here beginning in verse 3, ( ESV ) "Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, (v4) who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the...

The NT Greek word for church is EKKLESIA. So what? I have been verbal about the state of the American Church in the last few years. Possibly I should have been more verbal over 20 years ago! As I read the Scriptures, the words challenge me more and more. Even more intriguing is my reading the Bible challenges my Theology. Let me explain: In 1967, at age 14 I became a Christ follower (the term we used then was born-again believer). By the time 1969 rolled around, I was involved with a large Christ-focused youth and adult camp in upstate NY. I heard for the first time about the Doctrine of the Holy Spirit. I hadn't been challenged in Scriptural studies about specifics until now. I had a lot of questions. This began a life of seeking the Scriptures BUT not so much seeking the mind of the Almighty. Instead, my study took me to a support of certain doctrinal theories of others (my teachers, my profs, my pastors even my discipler). Very little of my study explored alternative thinking bu...

We have had offers for the Reunion BBQ and now all we need is the date. An email and posting here will be forthcoming. Watch for a note on this blog about EKKLESIA. That is the greek word for "church"! I hope it will stir your thinking. Another thing: We have reopened the original SNC website with some major variations. The site is a work in progress -- some of the pages are being worked on still, but take a look anyway. The address is www.geocities.com/sundaynightconnection . Finally, Kathy's progress is amazing. Some great news was relayed during a recent therapy session at HealthSouth. We'll be sharing that info very soon. Kat.Blog (her updated site) is http://katykleen.blogspot.com . We hope to see you soon.

An SNC Reunion BBQ and Praise Fest Gathering is being tossed around. We've spoken to a few of the SNC Gang who seem quite excited about this. We'll have a BBQ Pot Luck at a local home and at another time and location enjoy a time of Praise, Worship, Sharing and Fellowshipping together (even with a meal ... just like always). If you have any ideas let me know asap as we get the word out and dates settled. THE MISSION IS STILL BEFORE US In early April 2007, on our yearly anniversary trip to Maine, Kathy and I viewed a new video series on being missionaries to introduce non-Christ followers to Jesus. The 4-Lesson series is based on the book and life of a Chicago pastor who has branched out from the comforts of his church community and has embraced others outside that community to see the staggering results of others giving their lives to Jesus. The title of the series is "Just Walk Across the Room" and is a fantastic home neighborhood connection to aid in our mission. Fu...

Finally, I've posted a new site for those who want to connect via the web and possibly together as Missional Christ Followers in northern New England -- whether it be a local church, a home gathering or just individuals desireous to "return to the Root of the Cross" >>> the Love of God through Jesus Christ (John 3:16)! Check it out >>> http://www.northpointnetwork.blogspot.com .

In keeping with the Incarnational Church theme, allow me to encouage some good books that may help in becoming missional Christ followers. I have come to appreciate Chip Ingram, who for many years was a pastor in Santa Cruz, CA. He saw great benefit in a young man who was working with youth and allowed him to begin a church within the church called “Graceland”. That young man is Dan Kimball, who has since started Vintage Faith Church . One of the books that excites me is ... “The Emerging Church: Vintage Christianity for New Generations” by Dan Kimball Forewords by Rick Warren and Brian McLaren ... Running commentary throughout the book by:Rick Warren, Brian McLaren, Howard Hendricks, Mark Oestreicher, Sally Morgenthaler, Chip Ingram The following is found on the website explaining the book: While many contemporary church leaders have been busy in our church offices preparing sermons, running church programs and making church more professional, a new world is emerging all around us. W...