Matter has mass and occupies volume. We are calling our new blog “Matter” because we want to promote the impact and the contribution, the mass and the volume, that our local parish church can and must have in the community.
Matter is also the name of our upcoming conference. Designed and presented for our own ministry leaders here at Church of the Nativity in Timonium Maryland, we’ve decided to open it up to our blog readers, too. So even if you’re from another parish or visiting us from out of state, we’d love for you to join us. This conference is not open to the public; neither will it be promoted to our own parish at large. Seats are definitely limited and will be given on a first come, first serve basis. It’s Saturday, November 5, from 9-3. There is no charge for our ministry leaders; for others, we’re just asking you to help cover our basic per person cost, which includes lunch.
What is the conference all about? It’s about getting focused on what we should be doing, which is what we will be doing as a church community. We’re also discussing how best to do it in the coming year. At the same time, it is a mini retreat, allowing our leaders to step back and get a handle on what’s ahead for them and their own ministry service.
It’s going to be a terrific event filled with inspiration, spirit, energy, worship, fellowship and fun. There will be two major presentations, which I am making along with Tom Corcoran, my associate. The conference will also include great music, video and breakout presentations and some crazy stuff too (Chris Wesley, our Youth Minister is involved, so what else would you expect). As I learn more about the event taking shape I keep telling people, you’ve never seen anything like it in church.
Be a part of Matter, click here to register today.
This weekend we kick off one of the major message series of the 2011-2012 year. We’re calling it “Counterfeit gods” and it’s all about putting something else where God is suppose to be in our life. Counterfeit gods are idols of the heart, things we love more than God. It is shaping up to be a challenging series (I know it’s going to challenge me) and you will not want to miss it. A new series means all new music too. If you have a friend or neighbor who doesn’t have a church family, this is the perfect weekend to invite them to give us a try. And don’t forget about Nativity LIVE!, this weekend @ 10:30am and 5:30pm.
My neighbor is contemplating on becoming a Catholic.I invited her to Nativity and she came to mass with me last Sunday.She enjoyed your sermon,the band and the high tech atmosphere.Tomorrow I am going with her to St.Ignatius in the city.She went to a Jesuit school (Marquette U)that is why she is interested in going there.I went to a Jesuit school ( U of Detroit Mercy) as well and will be my 1st time to visit St.Ignatius Church.I think at this stage she is exploring which one she likes.I’ll let you know what she thinks of that church.I always look forward to your sermon.They inspire me.Keep up the good work.