Mosaic Update, Christmas Wish Angel Tree News

Greetings, This week, at least for right now I am reminded of an old Larry Norman song that stated, ‘Christmastime is coming and the kids are getting greedy; It’s Christmastime. I know it stands for Santa Claus cause I seen it on the TV. It’s Christmastime. It used to be the birthday of the man who saved our necks, now it stands for Santa Claus you spell it with an X. It’s Christmastime.’ While I always enjoyed the song, I also understand Norman’s intent with satire and that the song was not meant to be a theological reflection. That said; it does seem that Christmas is more about commercialism than the celebration of Jesus’ birthday. Let me ask a question, if you could give Jesus a gift, what would you give him? What would he want? Let me challenge, much of what Mosaic is doing are the very things that would please Jesus on his birthday.

Mosaic is at a place where real ministry is taking place and others are noticing it. Last week, we had 35 at our Jesus Discussion on Sunday morning, most all, homeless. We had approximately 75 by the time it was said and done at church. We had women each night as we operated the Wichita Women’s Overflow Shelter. We served approximately 300 meals through the week to the homeless and much more took place at this place, through this little church with little money. People are starting to take notice, there are people who come through our doors every night to see what is going on, the word is getting out on the street, and Mosaic is doing God’s work! Yet if truth be told, we barely meet our basic financial obligations from month to month.

I was talking to a dear sister in Christ tonight from another church who told me of how her heart is in what Mosaic is doing. ‘Now is the right time Pastor Mike, we have to find a way to let others know. There needs to be people from other churches who support what is going on here.’ As we develop a new worship team, including 3 members who are currently homeless, and others take on and consider roles in teaching, we truly are representing the potential for the Kingdom of God, but we need your help to keep this ministry going. Some have been critical of a church like this in the past; we should according to them, ‘be self sufficient’ and on and on. Their emphasis is on finance as opposed to the work of God. Let me be clear, we are a part of the Body of Christ that consists of people from various denominations and faith systems, and we are all, as we support this ministry, a part of God’s work. I am not embarrassed that many call us a ‘Missional Church.’ I just happen to believe that all churches are called to carry out the mission of Christ.

The newsletter this week is a little different. I am asking those receiving it to consider supporting and contributing to help out Mosaic with our financial needs, if possible on a regular basis. There are possibilities to do more, and provide an ongoing service at a prime location in our city, but it won’t happen without help from those in other congregations and in other places. Let me ask again, what could you give Jesus this Christmas Season in recognition of his Birth? I challenge, few places provide the potential to have the impact, and please the savior as much as the work going on at Mosaic. I challenge you, if you don’t believe me, call me at 316-807-8034, let me show you first hand the work we are doing and introduce you to some of the people who have been touched by this ministry. I challenge, it will equal any foreign mission experience you will go through, and you will quickly see, God is at work in downtown Wichita through a little church called, Mosaic!

Now to the basic things regarding our weekly newsletter; a contribution form is included on our web site www.mosaicwichita.com. There is also a donation link at the bottom of the page of this newsletter. You can also contribute to Mosaic by sending your contribution to: P.O. Box 47261, Wichita, KS 67201. But there is more going on. For those receiving this newsletter via email, you will also have the bulletin attached that you can look over prior to this Sunday’s service.

Now there is one other thing I want to make mention of and we need you to help with this. We have put together an Angel Tree to provide Christmas gifts to the homeless who are a part of our women’s shelter as well as the active homeless individuals who are a part of our church. We have numerous names and items on their lists as to some of the wants they have requested for Christmas. While there are plenty of places to eat, plenty of clothes and more essentials and needs available in the community, there are few that are providing wants and blessings, especially on Christmas Day. We told our ladies and church participants to write down a few things they wanted for Christmas and have those items on individual cards. Would you consider adopting an individual and buying them something for Christmas? The items actually vary from towels, to bus passes, and from gifts for a father’s child, to a pair of boots for an elderly lady who recently had a stroke. You can contact us, get the name of an individual, or pick out the individual to buy gifts for. We will place the gifts under our tree where on Christmas Day we are going to have a family celebration at church where we provide the homeless a Merry Christmas to celebrate the birth of our Savior. My wife and I have already adopted a couple of individuals, won’t you do the same?

In the meantime, thanks for reading, and God bless you this Christmas season.

Praying for you and appreciating your prayers for us.

Blessings,

Pastor Mike

Lastly, we now have a way folks can contribute to Mosaic online. If interested in sharing with Mosaic online you can visit the following link and do so. Just designate what your gift is for when you donate, you can designate gifts for ‘general funds,’ ‘capitol campaign,’ or ‘homeless program.’

If the button doesn’t appear, you can give at the following link - https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=G6KQJMMUS72CA

All contributions to Mosaic are tax-deductible. If mailing contributions to Mosaic, you can send them to the following address:

Mosaic Wichita
216 S. Market St.
Wichita, KS 67202

Blessings to you and have a great week.

Mike

The Keystone Kid

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Happy Thanksgiving and Touching The Least of These

Greetings on this Thanksgiving Day,

You know today is one of those days where many will sit back and reflect on the goodness of God in their lives. It is one of those days that as I sit here working the women’s homeless shelter we are now doing that I also realize there are those that while it may seem there is no reason to be thankful, in reality find ways to be thankful for the little things. Even the women staying at the shelter have found reason to be thankful, when I see that I can’t help but wonder, if a homeless woman, having no place to go on Thanksgiving Day can still be thankful, why can’t the rest of us?

At Mosaic there are reasons to be thankful, if we but look for them. An illustration of recent events indicate that to me, among those was the opportunity last week to share at Hope Community Church. I had 7 individuals with me last week, 6 of which were from the ministry outreach we are doing, 6 of whom have become active in the church. While some may see these individuals as a part of the ministry, I challenge, there comes a point in time, we must see them as a part of the church, as our new brothers and sisters who are in fact, Mosaic. To hear some of them speaking with members of Hope about Mosaic certainly lifted my spirits. As always the time at Hope proved rewarding and we joy in sharing in the ministry we are involved in, we continue to be open to share in that ministry with other churches and organizations in the community.

This Sunday we will have a different kind of service, we will have a brief teaching time on, The Family of God, and then as a family we are going to decorate the church together. It is pot-luck Sunday so come prepared to share a meal and good time with each other as we get ready for the Holiday season. This Christmas we are undertaking a project as well that will provide ministry to the homeless of our city. We are doing a sort of angel tree where we will gather a few wants from the homeless women at the shelter we are operating as well as the active participants at church. We are then asking others in the community to adopt at least one person, and buy the few things on that persons list, or at least some of the things on that persons list. We will then as a family celebrate the goodness of God and the birth of our Savior on Christmas day. There are always the needs that are provided, clothing, food and so forth. But to approach the season for people in need and to provide them a few wants is something unique and something we want to do. If you, your church, or some other organization you are associated with would like to adopt a homeless individual to provide gifts to, please contact me and I will provide you the name of someone with some of the items on their gift list.

Another blessing this week will be the first time of worship with a new worship team at Mosaic. While we are still working out some of the kinks, we have been practicing at night and with a number of guests looking in on us the response so far has been surprisingly positive. I will only say, I think a lot of folks are going to be in for a real treat. I also want to let everyone know we are pushing back the William Fosterr concerts and service to the third weekend of December. That gives us more time to promote as well as the time to take care of some other needed things.

This coming Sunday during our time of discussion we will be continuing our series on getting to know Jesus as we discuss, Why does Jesus allow people to fake or misinterpret Christianity? The discussion times over the last few weeks have been wonderful times of discussion with upwards of 20 or more people attending at times. The discussions at times have been lively and they are set up in such a way, that little preparation, if any is needed and one can come and start up on any given week.

On a side note, and in closing, one of the things that has suffered to some extent with the start up of the evening shelter hours for women, is the day program. If you or anyone you know would be interested in helping with the day program, please contact me. Our desire is to have steady and regular volunteers who can operate a program which provides opportunities to work and serve the homeless. The program based on the Fountain House Model of Rehabilitation has set methods and procedures and training can be provided to help with this model. Many of the homeless as I have spoken to them have expressed the value of such a program which is unique for homeless persons, it is not per say a come and eat, just hang out program. It is instead a program that encourages people to participate in the needed work of the facility and with each other, in the meantime developing attitudes of self-worth and purpose. It is as people begin to believe in themselves again that ultimate rehabilitation for many can take place, and for others, a since of value can take place. If we can’t and don’t love ourselves, it makes it difficult to love others in the ways God desires for each of his children. You can learn more about this program model, originally designed for persons with mental illness, but much of which can be adapted for all homeless persons by viewing the following video:

To view the video, just click on the following link, if the video does not appear as it should, click the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X27zKvbrZkQ


I especially would like to thank several groups who have been blessing us as of recent. Among those include the fine folks associated with 24/7 Life Ministries who has raised funds for our shelter program plus the purchase of 15 new cots which will better serve the ladies participating in the program. I would also like to publicly thank Kansasland Tires, located at 2904 S Spruce St. here in Wichita which also recently made a sizable donation to Mosaic. We are grateful for those who support the work we are engaged in.

Blessings to you, and hope to see you this weekend, and as always, for those receiving this via email the bulletin is attached.

Pastor Mike

Lastly, we now have a way folks can contribute to Mosaic online. If interested in sharing with Mosaic online you can visit the following link and do so. Just designate what your gift is for when you donate, you can designate gifts for ‘general funds,’ ‘capitol campaign,’ or ‘homeless program.’

If the button doesn’t appear, you can give at the following link - https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=G6KQJMMUS72CA

All contributions to Mosaic are tax-deductible. If mailing contributions to Mosaic, you can send them to the following address:

Mosaic Wichita
216 S. Market St.
Wichita, KS 67202

Blessings to you and have a great week.

Mike

The Keystone Kid

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Weekly Update for November 13, Hurt

Tonight, as last night, I listen to the cries of women at a shelter
Some sleep for the first time in a long time
Others can’t; there are nightmares
Whimpers
Tossing
And turning

To understand the pain is to understand the call
It is easy to turn away, ignore the pain
Pretending to care, but caring for self,
Pretending to love, but loving self
Is it they who are lost
Have we given our all?

To love is
To sacrifice
Care
Bare
Share one another’s pain
As we walk together

There it is again
Tossing and turning
Crying
Whimpers
They Dream of the pain they experience
Tomorrow

This week as I prepared for my sermon I couldn’t help but think of my surroundings as I worked at the homeless shelter we are operating each night. I normally enjoy the time alone after everyone is asleep. I get to work with no distractions late at night, but tonight I couldn’t help but think of the words I wrote above. The pain individuals endure as a result of their environment. I realized how blessed I am, to understand in part and to be there and be a part of a church that is making a difference in the lives of others.

Tonight I also heard complaints about the homeless. There are always those who will complain, tonight they came from an unlikely source, a few employees at the Department of Corrections next door who don’t like the homeless and have made their opinions clear to others. There are those at the DOC who do like what we do though, they like it because they have seen us go out of our way to show concern by giving bottled water on a hot day when they can’t get into their offices. They have appreciated the fruit baskets we have delivered. Some have made referrals to the shelter or day program and have seen positive results. Yes there are the complaints, but they are always from those who don’t know.

There is another benefit of working and observing; the discovery of the amazing way God works. This week as I prepared for the sermon for the week, following the series, Finding Jesus in Contemporary Culture, I use as a point of reference the scripture Psalm 23, and Psalm 9:9. God cares for the hurting soul and as we are called to be imitators of God, we need to find that place where we care. There is the hope of eternal life that awaits each of those who are followers of Jesus, there is more than that though, there are ways to find joy, despite our pain, ways to find security in the arms of God, despite our circumstance. To reflect on that for me tonight, was a blessing as I realized; I also need the message of the Good Shepherd and a God who provides not only protection from the enemy, but the seclusion and fortitude that comes from being within the fortress of God.

Yeah, there are lessons to learn, things to experience, I only hope I can become the lover of souls that God has called me to. I pray God uses me to model the behavior to a congregation of people that comes from all walks of life. I pray that not just for me though, I pray that for us all.

As always, the bulletin is attached, and for those receiving this email via some other means other than email, feel free to contact us with your email address so we can include you in our email list. Visit our website at www.mosaicwichita.com and share the link with others as the site changes weekly.

There is so much happening at Mosaic and God is at work, be in prayer as He continues to move for the development of our worship team, youth ministry, and other things He would have us do.

Blessings to you, and hope to see you this weekend,

Pastor Mike

Check out the video for this week, think about the Biblical concepts we could come up with.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp4UI_FxGLE



Lastly, we now have a way folks can contribute to Mosaic online. If interested in sharing with Mosaic online you can visit the following link and do so. Just designate what your gift is for when you donate, you can designate gifts for ‘general funds,’ ‘capitol campaign,’ or ‘homeless program.’

If the button doesn’t appear, you can give at the following link - https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=G6KQJMMUS72CA

All contributions to Mosaic are tax-deductible. If mailing contributions to Mosaic, you can send them to the following address:

Mosaic Wichita
216 S. Market St.
Wichita, KS 67202

Blessings to you and have a great week.

Mike

The Keystone Kid

Facebook

The Virtual Pew

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Mosaic Wichita Facebook Page

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Weekly Update November 4

Greetings and blessings on this wonderful day, a friend who I went to college with and I still keep up with used to always take off on a local television show routine, “It’s a beautiful morning in KAKE Land!” Fen would say as they say each day from the television network KAKE here in Wichita. He would often remind me, no matter how tough the day, or the circumstance may seem to be, it was still a beautiful day if we looked for the beauty in the day.

As many know we are now doing the women’s homeless shelter and as a result have picked up some press and seen some beautiful things start to happen already. We have also seen some tough times and tough situations happen, but often times those people going through those tough times still find a way to see beauty. We have a lady who stayed at the program last night who is in town from Missouri where she lost everything in the Joplin Tornado from possessions, her home, and even her two best friends. She is trying to get to Colorado to take a job working with horses. Despite her difficulties, I have had a wonderful time speaking to her about the good things in life she sees and has experienced. I needed that last night as it was a tough night and there were also some issues that we had to deal with which was not the most enjoyable. I am grateful for the reminders and the places of which God has me to hear those reminders.

As many may or may not know, we now have the website up and going. The url for the site is www.mosaicwichita.com I am trying to make sure the web site is updated and information added each week. Check out the front page as there is some information posted there.

This week at Mosaic, for those on the Vision Team, please remember we are meeting at 12 Noon. We have some things to speak about and if possible to be there and you are on the team please try to make the meeting.

I also want to remind everyone of this week’s sermon, Discovering Jesus through Contemporary Culture, The Music of The Electric Light Orchestra. Some have to wonder, how or what ‘in the world?” I tell you at times, I love the complaints and criticism, especially when not hearing the message, last week we saw clear examples of how we can point to Jesus through Horror, this week we will see about the damage of our judgment and the reality of how you can see Biblical truths and Important Historical Stories of Scripture.

At Mosaic we want to grow, to grow, we need our members to invite others; we also need those who are involved in other churches to pray for us. We are a mission minded and oriented church because we believe God has called every church to mission. We are blessed to see fruit, for those praying, contributing, and supporting this ministry, thank you, the fruit we see and experience is your fruit, remember in that, for those who aren’t involved in missional ministry, God calls us to produce fruit.

Anyway, that is the update for the week, God is good, all the time, and all the time God is good.

Blessings and hope to see you on Sunday, and for those on the Vision Team, see you on Saturday.

Don’t forget the teaching time and discussion this Sunday at 9:30 on Why Jesus and Not Another. Also attached for those receiving this via email is this week’s bulletin.

Blessings to you, and hope to see you this weekend,

Pastor Mike

Check out the video for this week, think about the Biblical concepts we could come up with.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TLmpL2AzLs



Lastly, we now have a way folks can contribute to Mosaic online. If interested in sharing with Mosaic online you can visit the following link and do so. Just designate what your gift is for when you donate, you can designate gifts for ‘general funds,’ ‘capitol campaign,’ or ‘homeless program.’

If the button doesn’t appear, you can give at the following link - https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=G6KQJMMUS72CA

All contributions to Mosaic are tax-deductible. If mailing contributions to Mosaic, you can send them to the following address:

Mosaic Wichita
216 S. Market St.
Wichita, KS 67202

Blessings to you and have a great week.

Mike

The Keystone Kid

Facebook

The Virtual Pew

Movie Reviews

Twitter

Mosaic Wichita Facebook Page

Personal Web Site