CHATTANOOGA - A GREAT CITY

A recent news story from Channel 12-CBS: Click here to view video.

A PRE-LABOR DAY PICNIC

Yesterday some of the launch team members and friends got together at Riverfront Park. Travis and Kristina organized the event around their youngest son's (Luke) second birthday. They invited us along - for which I am very grateful, because on my own the launch team would still be floundering around on their own wondering if this church they all signed up for was ever going to get together at some point! (That said, we do have our first launch meeting scheduled for next Sunday afternoon).

Our afternoon picnic was great. Good weather, great people, and delicious cake! God has blessed us with many wonderful cooks!!

BY FAITH WE FINISH STRONG!

I've been reading through the book of Hebrews. This morning I came to the very inspiring Chapter 11 in which the writer explores the faith of many of the Old Testament Heroes. One caught my eye more than the rest: verses 8-9 - "It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him... He went... and when he reached the land... he lived there by faith."

These words spoke to me. I am, like many of you, living them right now. Being called by God to a new place. And when doubt, struggle, or pain come into my life - without faith - my natural inclination is to retreat. But, I try not to live by my natural inclinations... I try to live by faith through the power of God's spirit living in me. And when I live by faith and keep my eyes focused on Jesus, on whom my faith depends, I can finish strong the journey for which He has created me (Hebrews 12:2).

Beginning next Sunday (September 7th), we will officially embark on this journey together. The Net Church will turn the page and begin moving full speed toward its Grand Opening in January 2009. We are blessed to have each one of you by our sides and look forward to the days and months to come! And so...

"Since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us." (Hebrews 12:1).

God Speed,

Ryan May

CHURCH HOPPING

What does a pastor, already living in the town he plans to plant in, do on Sunday mornings until the church officially starts? Church hops, of course! Selina and I will be visiting as many churches as we can during the next few months. We want to "broaden our horizons" and take in some denominational services with which we may be unfamiliar.

On previous visits to the city we had attended City Church (Church of God), Rock Point (a strategic partnership church affiliated with North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, GA), and Vineyard Church. All great churches to visit.

This weekend we are headed to Metropolitan Tabernacle. The church is self-proclaimed as "a Spirit-filled, non-denominational church, characterized by dynamic worship, supernatural miracles and relevant ministry for all ages...reaching people from all walks of life." We are looking forward to it! As for next week... who knows! Got any suggestions?

WE'VE GONE PUBLIC!

If you are in Chattanooga traveling East on I-24, you may notice a billboard in front of Rave Motion Pictures. It's a billboard that is quickly gaining some recognition. People who are logging on to take the IfYouHateChurch.com survey are now telling us that they are hearing about us not only from the billboard, but from friends (i.e. word of mouth - the best advertising you can ask for!). We are also seeing a bump in hits on our church website. Just under 400 hits in the past 5 days!!

As for the survey, we are getting some pretty interesting responses! And I'm happy to report, we are getting responses from Christians and non-Christians alike. Our hope is that in addition to providing people a place to voice their opinions, those who take the survey will check out the church when we launch January 18th, 2009.

If you haven't taken the survey, feel free: www.ifyouhatechurch.com

For more info on the church, please visit: www.netchurch.cc

HOOTER HIDERS

So the other day my wife is invited by another new mommy to join her at a weekly breastfeeding group. It's an event sponsored by Trident Hospital where moms can come for a couple of hours, get a free meal, and nurse their babies. There are even a couple lactation consultants on hand to offer assistance.

Now, my modest wife was a little leery about nursing in the presence of 25 other women, so her friend told her about a nifty little device known as the "Hooter Hider". Its basically an apron that straps around a mommy's neck and allows her to feed in public, while still remaining discrete. My wife was sold on it and rather enjoyed her 2-hour escape from the house.

I got to thinking about my wife's experience... When The Net gets going, it will exist primarily in the form of what we will affectionately call "Net Groups". A Net Group is simply a member-led group (comprised of people inside and outside the church) meeting together around a common interest, study, or service opportunity.

I gotta say, I'm hoping some young mother with a bit of ambition will step up one day to lead a Hooter Hider's group. A place where new mommy's, who feel their little bundle of joy has taken away any hope of a social life, can come together and experience the love of Christ in a fresh and relevant way. Perhaps our ambitious mother could even partner with a local business to provide Hooter Hiders to moms who may not be able to afford their own covering.

Groups like this only scratch the surface of possibility when people are empowered to minister in uniquely God-given ways!

2,000 MORE SOULS!

News came out today that Chattanooga has landed a deal with Volkswagen to house its first assembly plant in the United States. According to the Times Free Press its a deal that is expected to create 2,000 new jobs. That's good news for Chattanooga and it's good news for The Net... it means our potential "catch" just widened by 2,000 souls for the Kingdom!

Erich Merkle, vice president of forecasting for IRN Inc., said the new plant will also create jobs outside the plant, as suppliers, hotels, and restaurants rally around it. In his words, "It’s like casting a stone in the pond."

Or... in our case, like casting a Net in a pond! A pond that is continuing to grow!!

For Further Study:

Chattanooga Lands VW Plant

Luke 5:5-7; Luke 10:1-2; Revelation 14:14-16