v21 cGroup Information Table

So starting soon, at both the Durham and Raleigh campus, there will be cGroup information tables in the lobbies after each service.
We are searching for people who are involved in their cGroup (like you!) that can man the station every once in a while and help others out who are looking for a group too. Information will be given to you about other groups of course and you are there mainly to welcome and encourage others to try out some cGroups.
We really need help with this, so please email me if you are interested ( jera.hawn@gmail.com ). This is a great way to volunteer at Vintage if you are not already or just looking for a little more to take on!

Jera

Secret Christmas Prayer Partner

So just some clarifications on the Christmas Buddy:

- dont' spend more than $5 in total.

- you may do it as small gifts over the course of the month in their stocking

- you may do it as one larger gift at the end

-the gifts can be anything (candy, candles, gift bucks/cards, food, etc.)

-REMEMBER to continue to pray specifically for your partner throughout the month!

Moos, Boos, and Udders from 12-3-08

~Billy's exam this week
-Patrick's Grandmother
+Hannah enjoyed cG
+Posts on cG blog
-Jack's Grandfather
-Mitch R. and family
-Josh and Mandy miss party
-Pray for Daniel and School
+Lisa worked efficiently this week

Moos, Boos, and Udders from 11-19-08

+ Leigh Ann has much needed time off
~ Audrey's friend to visit church
~ Patrick's knee
- Credit Suisse lay-offs
- economy

Here's something I've been chewing on...chew on it with me...(that's gross...but follow along)

Most of the time when the Bible says something different than what life experience has shown me it’s hard to determine how to make a decision about which path to take. I know that the “Bible should read me” as we’ve heard Tyler say from time to time, but many times the issue isn’t with me disagreeing with the Bible, as much as me not trusting my understanding of what the words in front of me are telling me.

One such idea that has been hard to wrap my mind around lately has been asking for things from God through prayer, and how to interpret (and respond to) the outcome afterward. For starters in the New Testament the Bible says, “And Jesus answered saying to them, “Have faith in God. Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,‘ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted him. Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted to you.” Mark 11:24. This is also repeated in a few other gospels.

What’s been hard for me to swallow is that none of this receiving what I’m asking for seems to be contingent upon whether or not God really wants what I’m asking for as well (according to this verse at least). I’m not talking about these extreme cases where I ask for outlandish wealth, but what if I ask for something that seems reasonable, but it isn’t what God wants for be right now. For example say I ask for a closer group of friends, but God is wanting me to go through a trial of loneliness. What seems logical to me, is that His will would triumph mine in this case, that no amount of believing would overpower what God wants. (If you disagree with this point, please let me know with ample verses/examples.)

So if you and I are in agreement, here’s what I find tough, I’ve asked for this "something" that seems like a good thing, some gift that He has given to others, however it seems I’ve not received it. What’s tough is I’m stuck between not understanding whether my denial of this gift is because of my lack in faith or belief, or if this is a gift that God rather not give me. And further more if he’s not wanting to give it, I have to wonder if it’s a gift that I just need to be patient about receiving in the future, or if it’s something that I won’t receive at all. What’s tough about this, is that taking the outlook of needing more faith, and understanding that I won’t be receiving something at all are two very different things, and totally affect how I handle the future.

For example say it’s my life’s dream to star in High School Musical 4, (don’t worry, it’s not) being told that I just need to work harder at the part and being told that there’s not chance in *beep* that I have the part will decide whether I practice my vocals from morning to night, or move on to a different occupation. Similarly, if I thought that my lack of belief is what‘s causing me to not receive what I‘ve been praying for, I‘d take a much different direction than if I were told that the gift I‘ve asked for isn‘t for me. And the hard part about it is that these two actions are very polar; and while doing the right action for the right circumstance will provide pleasure, choosing the wrong action in both cases will be painful. If more faith/belief would have gain the prize I was seeking, but I took the path of accepting that I was never meant to receive the gift, then that stinks cause I could have had what I wanted. However if I put a lot of belief into what I’m asking for and I’m not meant to have it, then I increase my hope and it causes all the more pain when I don’t receive what I want in the end.

Please comment as openly and as freely as you’d like on this topic, but what I’d really like to see responses to are the following:

-are there some logical missteps that I took? What are they?
-are there circumstances that you’re in right now or have been through where there was something you prayed for and you didn’t seems to get an answer (or at least not a yes) and you were at this, or some crossroad where you didn’t know where to go from there?

Have a great Thanksgiving!!!

Raking Leaves

Thanksgiving Potluck

This week's potluck is Thanksgiving style:

Jera- corn on the cob
Mitchell- sweet tea and drinks
Lisa- macaroni and cheese
Leigh Ann- sausage dip and chips
Patrick- turkey/entree
Nia- cranberry sauce and pumpkin bars
Jessica- sweet potatoes

Moos, Boos, and Udders from 11-12-08

+ Jack's a Park Ranger!
+ Mr. Ivey, new care receiver
~ Hannah's trip to Indiana
~ Beth's job situation
~ Patrick's pre-qualification
- Jack's friend, Ryan
- Patrick's work friend

Moos, Boos, Udders from 11-5-08

- Hannah's student
- Jack's bad day
- Josiah
~ New president to unite country
~Matt's girlfriend's parent's adoption
+ Hannah's vacation
+ Billy's uncle trip
+ Camping trip
+ Mandy's Mom Cancer free for 2 years
+ new care receiver

Hey guys!

Tomorrow night will be our election night bash!!  WOOT!!  We will be meeting at my house at 7:00 pm: 125 Pineland Circle Raleigh,NC.  It will last until everyone trickles out.  As most of you know, the candidates actually aren't decided until late in the night/early next morning so people can stay as long or as little as they like.

E-mail me and let me know if you are coming and what dish you are bringing (patrick.i.marshall@gmail.com).  Your dish should have a fun political name...no bashing candidates though!  We are going to be welcoming to everyone.  I will be supplying drinks and one dish.  Below is what everyone is bringing so far:

Patrick - "Campaign Trail" Mix

Jera and Mitchell - "Left Wings" and "Right Wings"

Jessica - "Elephant Ears and Donkey Tails"

Matt - "Republichips and Dipocrats"

Lisa - "McBama's Mama's Mash"

Fun games like pin the tail on the donkey (or trunk on the elephant) will also ensue.  Can't wait to see everyone there! :)

Operation Christmas Child Shoebox

Hannah suggested last week that we all pitch in and put together a shoe box for operation Christmas Child. Please bring items that can be put in (no liquids) to our next home group or the following one. We will put this altogether and Hannah will get it delivered for us.

Check out this website if you need details on what is appropriate to donate (suggestions are at the bottom): http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/Pack_A_Shoe_Box/

Thank you!

Halloween Cgroup

This week Patrick will be hosting community group and will have Halloween festivities. He would appreciate you joining in the fun by dressing up too!

Moos, Boos, and Udders from 10-22-08

~ need cG leaders
~ find our own volunteering fit at v21
~ our nation's upcoming decisions
~ Jera to be open with prayer requests
~ Billy to visit uncle soon
~ Jack's park update
- LA's mother's father
+ Wendy, things looking up

Matt's Attempt to move Car

So apparently, the moving the car in the U-haul didn't work so well. I don't know exactly what happened, but he said "I kind of got in some trouble for that." So I can't wait to see what that was. He said he had some pictures to show too!

Potluck Night: 10-22-08

The who is bringing what:

Patrick: Chicken Entree
Lisa: Macaroni and Cheese
Billy: Buttermilk Biscuits
Nia: Pumpkin Cupcakes
Woosewoo: Twice baked potatoes
Matt: Bacon wrapped BBQ Shrimp
Josh: Pigs in a Blanket
Mitchell: Drinks

Moos, Boos, & Udders from 10.15.08

+ hannaH's safe journey to Raleigh
~ Billy's paper and school work
~ Daniel's stress with school and work
~ Jack's boss moving stores
~ Elizabeth's reasearch at the fair
- Jessica's brother in hospital

Moos, Boos, & Udders from 10.08.08

+ Hannah's students new found involvement
+ hannaH visits
+ Beth's brother buys a home
+ Nia's week one on job good
~ Wendy
~ traveling safety
~ Hollar's grandmother back home and grandfather in same home
- Mandy very busy next 2 weeks

Ecclesiastes 4:13-16

This is what we did not get to discussing on Wednesday, but I would like you all to just think about and respond if you want to!

Ecclesiastes 4:13-16
13 Better a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to take warning. 14 The youth may have come from prison to the kingship, or he may have been born in poverty within his kingdom. 15 I saw that all who lived and walked under the sun followed the youth, the king's successor. 16 There was no end to all the people who were before them. But those who came later were not pleased with the successor. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.

What is the advantage of being the “poor but wise youth”? Is there an advantage, or is it all, in the end, meaningless? Or is it both, with an advantage in some scale, but not in the long term? I feel like a lot of Solomon's thoughts have conclusions like the latter question. What do you think?

In America, the land of rags-to-riches, Solomon’s take on the poor but wise young man is hardly big news (although it probably was quite strange for his listeners to hear). What is the take-home message for us in this? Are we to model this man and go for huge life aspirations or is there another message? If so, how does that play out in our lives and work?

Ladies' Night Rescheduled

It seems a lot of you ladies will be busy this Friday night. So I think we will just reschedule the big event for later in November. Start thinking of days that would be convenient for you!

Moos, Boos, & Udders from 10.01.08

+ Leigh Ann's friends interest
+ Hannah's good work days
+ Jack's father's upcoming marriage
~ Leigh Ann's mom's job hunt
~ Patrick's mom's job hunt
- Hollar's grandmother
- Audrey's grandfather
- Patrick's friend's father
- Matt's last week and safe moving

Potluck Night: 9-30-08

The who is bringing what:

Jera: dessert (chocolate)
Mitchell: Corn
Lisa: macaroni and cheese
Patrick: Halloween cupcakes
Audrey: Alfredo
Stephanie: Hashbrown Casserole
Hollar and Mandy: baked chicken
Nia: pineapple casserole
Beth & Jack: drinks

Ecclesiastes 2:12-26 Wisdom and Folly

"Wisdom and folly crop up repeatedly throughout the Old Testament, although folly appears in its root form, not the participle form as it appears in Ecclesiastes. This allows us to better understand what the words mean through the best possible means – looking them up in context. Wisdom, (chokmah) appears 148 times. In addition to being used where it clearly means something equivalent to the English word for wisdom it is also used for “skill”. For instance, in Exodus we are told that God grants people skill/wisdom to make things for the tabernacle or priests. Exodus 35:35, for instance, tells us that God has “filled them with skill to perform every work of an engraver and of a designer and of an embroiderer”, while 36:1 instructs the people saying, “Now Bezalel and Oholiab, and every skillful person in whom the LORD has put skill and understanding to know how to perform all the work in the construction of the sanctuary, shall perform in accordance with all that the LORD has commanded.”

Wisdom is also urged on the virtuous. Proverbs repeatedly draws on the theme of the wise (who live well and please God) and the foolish (who live poorly and suffer God’s displeasure).

Folly, in its verb form (“to be foolish/to make to be foolish/to have been made to be foolish”) appears less frequently – only ten times. However, these times follow a pattern. Laban complains, in Genesis 31:8, that Jacob has acted foolishly in running away. This involves normal foolishness – Laban points out that he could have harmed Jacob for this - but also wrongdoing. Laban is complaining that Jacob has wronged him. Similarly, three of the four uses in first and second Samuel involve wrongdoing. In one Samuel informs Saul that he has acted foolishly by doing something God had commanded him not to, and in the second two instances someone (Saul and David, respectively) plead with someone else (David and God, respectively) and say, “I have been foolish,” to acknowledge that they have done wrong. While two instances of the word do appear to mean simple foolishness eight of the ten carry this connotation of moral wrongdoing."

So this week, we discussed these ideas and many others. I hope that as you continue to think about this passage this week you will consider our final "point to ponder"? How does this passage change how you love others as Jesus love you?

Moos, Boos, & Udders from 9.24.08

- Leigh Ann's bf (Daniel's) grandfather's accident
- Hollar's grandfather
~ Wendy, Leigh Ann's sister
~ Hannah's 7th grade class
~ Hannah: to find mentors
~ Patrick: work and coworkers stress level
+ Fall is here
+ State fair
+ Jessica's brother's test went well!

Moos, Boos, & Udders from 9.17.08

Prayers from our last community group (the boos and moos):

~ Wendy, Leigh Ann's sister
+ Nia's, job response
- Jerry, Nia and Jera's Dad's knee to heal
~ Jack, park ranger position
~ Beth, travelling and others too!
- Mandy, hard test Friday

Sing for your Supper

Patrick is having a fun party this coming Saturday:

Check this out: Sing for your supper Evite!

Moos, Boos, & Udders: 9.10.08

Prayers from our last community group (the boos and moos):

+ Lisa brother visits
+ hannaH and her new job
+ Billy's brother is engaged
+ Patrick's parents moving
+ seekers at deBunking Biblical Criticism
- Lisa and Billy's friends, the Brewer family
- fellow church attender with leukemia
- Elizabeth's grandmother
- Jack's grandparents
- family of Matthew Ryanwolf
- Ruth Winsel

May Potluck

Wednesday, May 28th our group will have a potluck dinner together. We will meet at 7pm at Jera's townhouse.
Email with what you would like to bring, if you can (jera.mendenhall@gmail.com)! Here is what we have so far:

Lisa: Macaroni & Cheese
Matt: drinks
Jera: Chicken Alfredo
Jessica: Real Hot Dogs

Moos, Boos, and Udders 5.7.08

Prayers from our last modest cattle home group (the boos and moos):

+ hannaH to Mississippi
+ Kevin G.
+ Modest Cattle new homecare receiver
+ Ms. Tyson
- hannaH's knee
- Daniel's sister appendix ruptured
- Lisa's grandfather

V21 Spiritual Gifts Assessment

Vintage21 is hosting a spiritual gift, personality trait and leadership style assessment next Tuesday, April 22 (Owners Night) at 7pm -- Vintage21 Church. This will be a great chance for you to discover the spiritual gifts that Jesus has given each Follower of Christ and help you determine how to use them at Vintage21. These assessments are completely electronic and are actually pretty fun to take! So, if you haven't registered yet and you’re an owner, regular attender or just beginning to come to Vintage21, we would love for you to join us!
Already found your place to serve at Vintage21? Use these assessments as a tool to help you grow and develop within your ministry. And who knows, you may even find out that Jesus has given you gifts that you didn’t realize!
PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED, so email courtney@vintage21.com by April 21 to reserve your spot at the assessment. Vintage21 will pay for anyone who attends Owners Night to take this powerful assessment. Following this event, there will be a fee of $10/person to take the assessment.
If you plan to attend and have a laptop or two that you can bring with you, let us know when you register so we can make sure we have plenty of laptops for the evening.

Homegroup 4/9 and Baseball

Here are the Moos, Boos, and newly added Udders from this week's homegroup:

Moos:

Hannah's framing inspection passed first try

Hannah's camp is contacting references

Patrick's new job starting Monday

Boos:

Skybus went under

Udders:

Leigh Ann's Interview

Jera's trip to Salt Lake City

Lisa's offer on a town home

Elizabeth's studying

And here's a post of what everyone is bringing to my house after the 11:30 service for a cookout before the Bulls game:

Patrick - Hot Dogs and Buns

e-mail me with what you're bringing at patrick.i.marshall@gmail.com

Birthday Extravaganza for Elizabeth, hannaH, and Matt B

You're Invited!

who: anyone who reads this and anyone you want to join us
what: dance the night away in honor of the birthdays of Elizabeth, hannaH, and Matt B (and Armando I think)
when: Thursday 3/27 @ 9:30 - till you can't dance no more
where: TJ's (4801 Leigh Dr, 27616)
how much: $12.00 as guest (or $23 if you pay for $15 membership and $8 admission)
why: because it will be super duper fun!

hope you can come!

Prayers from 3/5/08

Prayers from our last modest cattle home group (the boos and moos):

+ to understand God's glory in our lives
+ Patrick's second interview at Embrex
+ Leigh Ann's aunt Bertha turns 94
- Lisa: to fight off getting sick

The Weight of Glory Book Group

In about two weeks I will begin reading the book The Weight of Glory by C.S. Lewis. Anyone who would like to join by reading it simultaneously is welcome too. This is just one way we can motivate and encourage one another to consider the theology of our faith. Hopefully we could meet for dinner or Sunday lunch together at least once or twice to talk about the book together.

Let me know at jera.mendenhall@gmail.com

February Potluck

Wednesday, February 27th our group will have a potluck dinner together. We will meet at 7pm at Jera's townhouse.

Email with what you would like to bring, if you can (modestcattle@gmail.com)! Here is what we have so far:

• Lisa: Macaroni & Cheese
• hannaH: White Chicken Chili
• Matt: drinks
• Leigh Ann: cornbread and cheese
• Patrick: apple jack treats
• Jera: another chocolate dessert and pasta
  

CVC Ms. T update

Ms. T will be making a trip to VA soon and thus, will be out of town and not need any trips. The next time she will need a grocery trip will be around March 12. If anyone is interested in taking the lead on this just let me know!

I think she liked the Valentine's and really just appreciates being thought about. Please keep her in your prayers as she will be having a doctor's trip this week.

CVC Trip #1

This Sunday (February 10th) at 3:30pm, I would like a small group to join me in taking Mrs. Tyson to Super Walmart. I will probably set up another time soon within a week to make a shorter grocery store run on a week night likely a Monday (2/18). You can let me know which you are interested in helping out with at home group this week!

Hurricanes Game

"Rock you like a Hurricane"

Who like Hurricanes Hockey? Who likes to be loud and cheer? Who wants to do both on February 19th?

That is right. On Tuesday, February 19th there is another 'Canes College night where the tickets are sold at a discount price to students. All you have to do is present your college id with your ticket when entering and you can have yourself a great seat for the game. You can even use your old college ID's for those of you not technically in college anymore. The Canes will take on the Boston Bruins that night to hopefully receive a W.

Would anyone be interested in going to a hockey game for a fun night out or am I the only crazy hockey fan here?

Here is the website if you would like to check it out for yourself.
http://hurricanes.nhl.com/tickets/college.htm

Jessica

January Potluck

Wednesday, January 30th our group will have another fun night enjoying a potluck together. We will meet at 7pm at Jera's townhouse

Email with what you would like to bring, if you can (modestcattle@gmail.com)! Here is what we have so far:

• Jera: Entree and Caesar Salad
  
• Lisa: Macaroni & Cheese
• Leigh Ann: Hamburger Helper
  
• Matt Barry: delicious green vegetables
• Mitchell:
  
• hannaH: rolls or corn bread
  
• 
  

Hoops for Hope

Hey guys,  I announced this in home group and I will be attending this annual event as both of my grandmothers were affected by breast cancer.  Just e-mail me at patrick.i.marshall@gmail.com if you wanna come with me!

Did you know this year in America, more than 211,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 43,300 will die from the disease?

Did you know that one in seven women either has or will develop breast cancer in her lifetime - that woman could be your mother, sister, daughter, wife, dear friend, or Hall of Fame Coach. Chances are you know at least one person who has battled breast cancer.

Hoops for Hope is a basketball game centered around hope. Hope for early detection, hope for increased survival, hope for a cure.

NC State Wolfpack Women vs. Boston College
Sunday, February 10
4:30 pm
Reynolds Coliseum

Adults $10 and youth $5
($5 of each ticket price to benefit the NC Triangle Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen For the Cure.)

Hoops for Hope will be a basketball game to remember! Breast cancer survivors will be recognized at half-time and fans will be given a FREE t-shirt (while supplies last) to show their support for the survivors and Coach Yow.

Hoops for Hope will also feature a commemorative game program wrap and commemorative ticket, allowing fans to remember the day for years to come. There will also be a silent auction and concourse displays featuring free giveaways... this is a game you don't want to miss. Please join us in making this a basketball game to remember!

CVC Bowling Ball

We can talk at our next home group to see if any of us are interested in going to the CVC's fundraiser. It does look like fun and we get a deal if we go!

http://www.volunteercaregiving.org/BowlingBall2008.html

_______________________________________________

There’ll be tons of fun at this year’s Bowling Ball, The Center’s annual fundraising event! A silent auction, lots of contests, with Thrills from the Grill catering. Don’t be a square…be there!

WHEN: Saturday, February 23, 2008, 6pm – 10pm

WHERE: Pleasant Valley AMF, 5501 Commercial Ave., Raleigh

TICKETS: For CVC Volunteers and 1 guest, $25 each. Regular price $40 in advance, $50 at the door. Your ticket includes dinner, beverage, unlimited bowling plus great entertainment.

Please join us as we “rock around the clock” for a good cause! And don’t forget to wear your cool fifties threads!
There is a matching grant from The Steward’s Fund for all money raised. If you can’t attend, consider a donation – any amount will be doubled!

Prayers from 1/23/08

Prayers from our last modest cattle home group (the boos and moos):

+ Finding Mrs. Tyson
+ Jera's new job decision
+ hannaH's last day as in Vista & the start as a full time construction for Habitat
- hannaH's sister

February Schedule

2.6 >>> 7:00pm Bible Study / 1116 Garnet Ridge Way, Raleigh
2.13 >>> 6:30pm VCG Visit/ 1116 Garnet Ridge Way, Raleigh
2.20 >>> 7:00pm Bible Study / 1116 Garnet Ridge Way, Raleigh
2.26 >>> 7:00pm Owner's Night @ V21 Building, 117 S West St.
2.27 >>> 7:00pm Potluck / 1116 Garnet Ridge Way, Raleigh

Reverse Engineering your life

Last Sunday, Tyler gave his annual talk on Reverse Engineering your life. I want to encourage you all to listen to the talk if you haven't done so already and then really take time to go through it. I know for a lot of us we are unsure of what our lives will look like in the next few years, but it is still good to consider our priorities and where God wants us to take them even if ever detail does not come to fruition.

The talk: http://vintage21.com/study/129/

For the handout email: jera.mendenhall@gmail.com