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tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31466747638247123582014-10-04T21:54:21.297-06:00Wildesign Group Architects1095 Pingree Road, Suite 216 Crystal Lake, IL 60014Wildesign Grouphttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3146674763824712358.post-82239212534305154222007-03-23T10:57:00.000-06:002008-12-10T00:43:28.727-06:00Cornerstone Conference
We're looking forward to this one:

Chicago
September 25
Wildesign Grouphttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3146674763824712358.post-68312192158747951062007-04-25T08:11:00.000-06:002008-12-10T00:43:28.470-06:00green buildings

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and its Committee on the Environment (COTE) have selected the top ten examples of sustainable architecture and green design solutions that protect and enhance the environment. The projects will be honored on May 3rd at the AIA 2007 National Convention and Design Exposition in San Antonio.

"What few people realize is that buildings have the greatest impact on climate change — more than transportation and industry — because they consume so much electricity and natural gas, and they're all powered by power plants that themselves produce carbon emissions," said AIA spokesman Scott Frank.

In alphabetical order, the winners are:

EpiCenter, Artists for Humanity in Boston, MA
Global Ecology Research Center in Stanford, CA
Government Canyon Visitor Center in Helotes, TX
Hawaii Gateway Energy Center in Kailua-Kona, HI
Heifer International in Little Rock, AR (pictured above)
Sidwel Friends Middle School in Washington, DC
Wayne L. Morse U.S. Courthouse in Eugene, OR
Whitney Water Purification Facility in New Haven, CT
Willingboro Master Plan & Public Library in Willingboro, NJ
Z6 House in Santa Monica, CAWildesign Grouphttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3146674763824712358.post-31272558365822697792007-05-01T08:58:00.000-06:002008-12-10T00:43:28.300-06:00facts on growthFaith Communities Today and the Cooperative Congregational Studies Partnership (CCSP) has released Facts on Growth - a study of over 14,000 local churches, synagogues, parishes, temples and mosques to see what makes congregations grow (or not). Here are some interesting tidbits:

Tidbit #1: Congregations located in newer suburbs are more likely to experience growth than congregations in any other type of location. (If you're not in a new suburb, we do not recommend moving your church to one just to grow the congregation.)

Tidbit #2: Congregations that are composed of 2+ racial/ethnic groups are more likely to have experienced strong growth in worship attendance.

Tidbit #3: How old are your congregants? Congregations where older adults (60+) compromise 20% or less of active adult participation are most likely to grow. Similarly, larger proportions of younger adults lead to growth opportunities. Read: Your church needs to reach young adults and families.

Tidbit #4: A higher proportion of women is associated with decline. "As was the case for younger adults, the congregation that is able to attract larger proportions of men, who also tend to be less religiously active, is the exceptional congregation - and is more likely to grow."

Tidbit #5: Conservative or liberal? Growth is least likely among congregations that say they are "right in the middle." Only 27% of centrist congregations are growing at the highest level.

Tidbit #6: "More important that theological orientation is the religious character of the congregation and clarity of mission and purpose. Growing churches are clear about why they exist and about what they are to be doing."

Tidbit #7: Congregations that have experienced major conflict are quite likely to have declined in attendance (42% did). The interesting thing here is that minor conflicts didn't seem to have much affect. That's how important it is to not let a little problem get out of hand - 24% important.

Tidbit #8: Make a joyful noise. 86% of the congregations who described their worship as "joyful" are experiencing strong growth, whereas almost 60% of congregations who described their worship as "reverent" are declining in attendance.

Tidbit #9: Congregations that involve children in worship were more likely to experience significant growth.

Tidbit #10: The programmatic activity that is most strongly related to growth is establishing or maintaining a web site for the congregation.

Tidbit #11: Have a party. 44% of congregations that sponsor an event to attract non-members experience significant growth.Wildesign Grouphttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3146674763824712358.post-59364198992899040472007-07-05T07:29:00.000-06:002008-12-10T00:43:27.756-06:00breakout churchesI recently enjoyed reading through Breakout Churches by Thom Rainer and his research team. The research was designed to test the principals of Jim Collins' Good to Great in a ministry setting. It's a very interesting read, and generally congruent with Collins' results.

What Collins calls "Technology Accelerators," Rainer calls "Innovation Accelerators." One such accelerator is a building project.

Rainer's research confirms again that a building project is only effective when it is used to further the vision and goals of the ministry. Breakout Churches also suggests, however, that timing is a key issue as well - that building a facility that enhances the work of your ministry a year before you really need it (or a year after) can be damaging to the health of the congregation.

Also interesting is the role of a building project observed in "comparison churches." Just as the Good to Great team compared their highlighted companies with others who did not make the leap to greatness, the Breakout Churches team studied three mediocre churches compared to each breakout church. In almost every case, the comparison churches either ignored their need for expanded/improved facilities (thus sentencing their ministry to death by erosion), or jumped into a building project as the magic formula for growth (thus sentencing their ministry to death by bankruptcy).

Just as important as knowing what to do when considering a building project (align vision, remember goals, assess the health and support level of the congregation, etc.), may be knowing what not to do: don't ignore your need for an improved facility (hint: if your worship space is consistently full, you need more space), and don't assume that "if you build it, they will come."Lexhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3146674763824712358.post-83191545842318515412007-08-30T08:12:00.000-06:002008-12-10T00:43:27.548-06:00what's wrong with this picture?

LifeWay Research put this piece together and while I appreciate the valuable information in a user-friendly, aesthetic format, I can't help but cringe at the subtle message being communicated by the models.

The "Regular Attender" is an attractive young lady who has apparently been practicing her Vanna White moves. She's dressed casually, but nicely: jeans and a nice top. Her makeup has been carefully applied and she looks happy.

The "Not Regular Attender" looks less put-together. His body language is apathetic. His baggy, black t-shirt isn't working so well with whatever kind of brown pants he's wearing, and his hair and facial expression scream, "I got out of bed for this?"

One belongs and one does not. Of course I'm sure whoever set up this shot did not intend to paint a picture of who belongs in a church body and who does not, and that decisions were made regarding wardrobe and makeup based on past experiences and influences without a second thought as to their implications.

The stereotype remains, however. The fact that is was probably done unintentionally, and that you may not have noticed when you first saw the image, confirms this is what we blindly believe "Regular Attenders" and "Not Regular Attenders" look like.

So what? So how does this affect your student and young adult ministries? Who do we blindly accept as those that "belong," and who do we assume will never get it because they don't look happy to be at church?

How does this affect the design for spaces for these ministries? Are you making space for those who "belong" (i.e. who will come anyway)? Or are you making space for the "Not Regular Attenders," who really need the extra effort to feel comfortable? Is your student/young adult ministry reaching out, into the unknown, or in, to the comfortable?
Lexhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3146674763824712358.post-71698532694428464762007-08-31T08:58:00.000-06:002008-12-10T00:43:27.320-06:00DIY wallsDo your walls need more fun? Don can help, but if you want a DIY ("do it yourself") project Rust-Oleum comes in second:

They have products that will make the walls of your children's, youth, or admin space magnetic, glow in the dark, dry erase, or chalk board.

Lexhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3146674763824712358.post-81788507638625695182007-09-06T08:23:00.000-06:002008-12-10T00:43:27.112-06:00branding and teen ministry 1 (of 3)Open Mind Research and OTX joined forces to survey 1000 teenagers this summer on branding. Not something a youth ministry may be interested in initially, but when Brandweek highlighted the study, they titled their article, "How to Reach Teens? It's All About the Brand." What youth ministry isn't always looking for better ways to "reach teens?"

Some interesting observations:

>> Of the 47 brands tested, the iPod came out on top as the brand "absolutely essential to teens."

Why? Irma Zandl, principal of The Zandl Group, mused, "They respond to brands that reflect their lifestyle and offer innovation, creativity and a high degree of style." Similarly, the study found that,

>> Nineteen percent will swap brands due to boredom.

The implications herein for youth ministry are endless, and one facet of those implications speaks to youth ministry space.

First of all, this should drive home the idea (if you're not already convinced) that a youth ministry needs a unique space. It's not enough to take over your church's main worship space when the adults are not around.

Zandl's insight is ... insightful. That the iPod is "absolutely essential" tells us three things about what is important to teenagers:

1. Reflect their culture

Youth ministry space should look, feel, and sound (maybe not "smell") like their favorite hang-out. Where do teenagers and young adults in your community hang out? Starbucks? Build out a third place space. Skatepark? Get some ramps, helmets and permission slips. Bedrooms? Make it comfortable, malleable, and accessible.

2. Be innovative/creative

Keep the space simple. There was a time when youth ministry spaces were themed, but it may be time to leave that for the children's ministry. Your space should be flexible: from hang out to open mic night to movie screening to Summer Kick-Off party.

3. Be stylish

Your space can be simple and stylish at the same time. Look at the iPod commericals that have catapulted their product to "absolutely essential:" simple and stylish. All it takes is good color, clever lighting, and some hip furniture.

Lexhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3146674763824712358.post-48390189302020631152007-09-07T07:14:00.000-06:002008-12-10T00:43:26.395-06:00branding and teen ministry 2 (of 3)Another interesting observation from the research highlighted by Brandweek earlier this summer:

>> Despite being wired 24/7 with mobile devices and online communities, they feel the word "chill" best describes them (according to 40% of those surveyed).

Reporter Kenneth Hein reveals his age as he alludes to an interesting note about teenage/young adult culture. Hein begins with "despite" as though being wired and being relaxed were contradictory ideas, but teenagers don't seem to think so.

(Pause for a moment for those of you who may be scratching your heads at "chill." Adj. "cool, calm, relaxed, etc." V. "hang out, relax, slow down, etc.")

So what about your youth ministry space?

First of all, you need a place where students can "chill" before or after your worship service. Again, this should be a place set aside for them. Props if your church facility already has a third place space, but your youth ministry needs one of its own. See the three insights from yesterday.

Secondly, it needs to be chill according to their standards, not yours. They can be innundated with electronics and noise and still be chill, but they probably don't want you to organize mandatory group games for them. Go ahead and play loud music with the TVs on and the video game/internet station running all at the same time. You might feel over-stimulated, but they're used to it - more than that: they're comfortable in it.

Lexhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3146674763824712358.post-65834363333416767792007-09-10T09:06:00.000-06:002008-12-10T00:43:26.379-06:00branding and teen ministry 3 (of 3)One more thing I want to point out about Brandweek's article on some summer research:

>> Music most defines them, according to 44% of teens, followed by family (39%) and moral values (38%).

How's the sound system in your youth ministry space? Is it the left-over, or old equipment from the main church facility; or is it new, designed specifically for your space? What about the lighting and visual equipment that enhance the worship experience? What about their fellowship/social space? Do you have a CD player in the corner, or a central sound system?

These are numbers that a youth ministry can embrace, rather than fight. If music most defines teenagers, music should perhaps most define the space you create for them.Lexhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3146674763824712358.post-88607294806872492902007-09-18T07:57:00.001-06:002008-12-10T00:43:26.207-06:00a visitor's perspectiveGuest blogger David Zimmerman is doing a series on church from the visitor's point of view over at Church Marketing Sucks. Number three, yesterday, was titled "The Welcoming Paradox."

He talks about the delicate balance between not embarrassing new visitors (which was the subject of installment #2), and not leaving them to fend for themselves. The part that I nervously laughed at yesterday was when he and his wife, "eventually found a table in the lobby with a sign declaring it to be the 'Welcome Table,' but no one ever showed up."

He goes on to talk about empowering your congregation to be nice to people, but I couldn't get past the welcome center. Can visitors to your church get past the welcome center? Is it visible? Obvious, even? Are there people there on Sunday mornings? If not, is there a floor plan on display? Signage? Directions? Anything that is at all helpful?

Lexhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3146674763824712358.post-19210115991933057612007-09-20T07:22:00.000-06:002008-12-10T00:43:26.054-06:00reason #117Guest blogger Abbi Zeliff had a nice talk with his grandfather that he wants to tell you all about over at the Swerve blog. It's a good reminder, and yet another compelling reason to get on the Third Place bandwagon. People need some place they can go, why not your place?

He goes on to talk about how the burden is "compounded" for those in ministry, "because there are lives at stake." He encourages you to slow down too. So once you have your third place space, either staff it during regular business hours or learn to use the espresso machine.

Pastor Brian Zahnd of Word of Life Church in St. Joseph, Missouri is one guy I really like to listen to, and I think he would agree. (He's even more fun to watch, because he's very animated - the audio podcasts don't really do him justice.) Their third place space is called Solomon's Porch, and he mentioned once in passing that, "In my church I am never more than 160 steps from a cappuccino. It's great."
Lexhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3146674763824712358.post-84019714951124952862007-09-25T10:52:00.001-06:002008-12-10T00:43:25.920-06:00what good is a ball pit?

We're hanging out at the Cornerstone (CKN) Conference in Bolingbrook today. I got a picture of Lynn - mua ha ha - and our mugs rule.

Notes will be posted over the next few days, but first: story time.

As Rose, Rashmi and I gave ourselves a tour of Living Water, we paused to consider breaking into the play place (McDonald's has nothing on this church). A man who volunteers at the church told us a story about a two-and-a-half year old boy that came a few months ago with his parents as new visitors. The pastor was greeting people and showed the parents their children's wing. The parents cited several recent church visits, and insisted the boy would not leave their side. One look at that play place, though, and he was gone. They've been attending Living Water for a few months and have never had a problem leaving their son in class. Cool.Lexhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3146674763824712358.post-41327859753012396822007-09-25T14:42:00.000-06:002008-12-10T00:43:25.569-06:00conference updates

Don's having fun.Lexhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3146674763824712358.post-76747435740409116242007-10-10T07:10:00.000-06:002008-12-10T00:43:25.303-06:00Mark Beeson at Innovate 07

Granger Community Church recently hosted their annual Innovate conference in Indiana. You can watch each of the sessions online, and I highly recommend doing so. You can get to the list here.

I watched three yesterday. The second session was Pastor Mark Beeson on That's Going to Leave a Mark. He talked about how churches can make the greatest impact on visitors and spent some time talking about ... you guessed it ... the church facility.

Some quotes I caught:

"Every person matters, so we try to create space. ... We designed this space (their church building) for the simple reason that we're trying to reach people who don't understand how much they matter, and they don't go to church. We built this facility that looks like safe territory for normal people."

(Talking about their children's ministry space downstairs:) "The architecture communicates a message. You don't need a guide. ... The architecture screams, when you go downstairs, 'These people must love kids!'"

He talked about how the excellece of your ministry space communicates value to visitors. The design and the maintenance of your building tell people who haven't yet met your greeters or passed the peace, that you value them and you want them to be there.

He goes on to talk about the importance of women's restrooms. Because as young couples become young families it is usually the woman who decides its time to take the kids to church and sets out to find a good one. I think a lot of this was Mark being funny, but I can say there are places that I avoid (or would if I could) because of the state of the women's restroom.

Lexhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3146674763824712358.post-77618696073431532922007-10-11T09:44:00.000-06:002008-12-10T00:43:25.182-06:00eat your heart out, without walls internationalNeed more ministry space? Scared to death at the idea of a building project? Worried about the finances? You could do what Cornerstone Community Church in California has decided to do and just ... not build.

Enter the Tierra Rejada Building Project.

Yup. Cornerstone has purchased almost 140 acres that will feature a 5000-seat, outdoor, garden-style amphitheater that will be used for weekend services instead of a traditional, indoor auditorium.

Other site features include:

> Eternity Bible College. 1000-seat (indoor) multi-purpose auditorium, classroom buildings, a maintenance building, restrooms, admin/library, and a 300-seat chapel.
> Community Athletic Fields. About five acres for two community fields.
> Children's Hunger Fund (CHF). Ten acres would house about 100,000 sq ft of (indoor) space for the CHF international headquarters.
> Finally, 80 acres (nearly 60% of the site) will remain undeveloped.

Why? Well, for one, it's California and you can do that kind of thing in California. Cornerstone has a short list of reasons, elaborated upon on the website, but it comes down to vision.

The heart of Cornerstone Community Church is to care for some of the material needs of the poor. Their leadership did not feel that the cost involved in a building project (not to mention there wasn't a lot of room in town for a building of the size they would need) was congruent with the mission and vision of their ministry.

We talk a lot about how your church facility should reflect and support your vision and your calling. If your vision is to care for children, you need a good children's wing. If your vision is to foster families, you need space for family-oriented activities. If your vision is to shelter and care for the homeless in the midwest, you need a big kitchen and room for cots. If your vision is to feed and clothe the poor on the west coast ... maybe you don't need a building at all.
Lexhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3146674763824712358.post-4851181397167500562007-10-31T07:44:00.000-06:002008-12-10T00:43:25.036-06:00its timeWILLOW Magazine (a service of the Willow Creek Association) published an article recently titled 15 Innovations the Church Should Embrace Now! Item #5 is "Multi-Purpose Church Buildings - Doing ministry in the marketplace." And I quote,

Jesus didn't hang out at synagogues. He hung out at wells. Wells were natural gathering places in ancient culture. Coffeehouses are postmodern wells. That's why National Community Church, in Washington, DC, built a coffeehouse on Capitol Hill instead of a church building - to create a marketplace environment where the church and community could cross paths. Less than a year after it opened, "Ebenezers" [see pic below] was rated the #2 coffeehouse in the metro DC area by AOL CityGuide 2007. They serve 600+ customers seven days a week. Instead of asking people to come to them, the church is going to the people.

"Coffeehouses are postmodern wells." How I wish I could say I penned that one.

I'm assuming by now you have a well-established third place space in your church building. Good for you. You've probably seen your congregation grow in both size and relationships. You may even be asking, "What now?" How about adding a third place on the other side of town? Third place space is supposed to be accessible, and yours just is not accessible across town. Silence the little voice that immediately screams, "We could never do that!" and just consider it for a few moments.

(If your church is growing and you're considering a satellite campus, consider it for a few extra moments.)

On paper it could be a not-for-profit outreach ministry of your church; you don't have to start a new business. That said, in brick-and-mortar it should look like a new business: a hip coffee shop, not an outreach mission ... except on Sunday mornings. National Community Church uses Ebenezer's ("the #2 coffeehouse in the metro DC area") as a satellite campus on Sunday mornings. Imagine! Broadcasting the gospel into the unchurched's favorite café.

But if it worked for Jesus ...Lexhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3146674763824712358.post-74673297533699246962007-11-23T18:54:00.000-06:002008-12-10T00:43:24.887-06:00Thorncrown ChapelMy husband and I are spending Thanksgiving in Arkansas, so we decided to swing by Eureka Springs and visit Thorncrown Chapel. I have no great advice or revelation to share. I just wanted to brag.

Lexhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3146674763824712358.post-42371571623644612072007-11-30T09:12:00.000-06:002008-12-10T00:43:23.580-06:00please remain alone and isolated at all times

I took this picture as my husband and I prepared to leave Arkansas last week. Anyone who can identify the restaurant by the "Enter" sign wins a Wildesign mug. I'll give you a clue: they're more prolific than McDonald's the further south you drive, and they seem to be based on the old 1950's drive-up diners (although, regrettably, the servers don't wear roller skates).

It was that last bit that made me want the picture.

Here we were, in small-town America, at a fast-food joint that spends hundreds of thousands of dollars every year marketing itself as a modern rendition of a hip, retro diner. When you think about said diners, what comes to mind?

I imagine teenagers parked next to their friends, yelling and throwing things at each other's cars. I imagine that the four plastic picnic tables out front are swarming with high school students. I imagine somewhere, some couple is making out in someone's back seat, someone is waiting for a friend to show up, someone is getting in a fight, someone is on a first date, someone is fleeing a mid-life crisis, and someone has given in to the kids' request to eat here tonight because - what the hey - it's Saturday night.

I do not imagine a sign that says, "No Cruising or Loitering."

What if McDonald's started posting signs in their Play Places that said, "No laughing?"

The crisis of Third Place Space re-emerged in my mind, and as we drove past the sign again to leave my husband reminded me that we were still, technically, on vacation and he doesn't have the resources to create such a space so please stop trying to sell him one.

The lack of Third Place Spaces in our society is a problem. Sooner or later someone will answer the call to start recreating real community space again. Someone will lead the charge, inspire passion in our hearts, and probably make a lot of money or a name for himself in the process. Or the Church can jump the curve and do it first in Jesus' name and for the glory of the kingdom of God.
Lexhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3146674763824712358.post-87399452040165847132007-12-04T09:02:00.000-06:002008-12-10T00:43:23.457-06:00new from BarnaPastor Rick Warren from Saddleback Church is sharing 12 Convictions about Worship with his email list. (Or you can read it here.) He sent out the first six last week. Two that caught my attention:

2. You don't need a building to worship God.
"Worship isn't a place; it's a verb."

And all God's people said ... ("Amen.") We talk a lot about church buildings because what you do with your church building is important. Still, I don't know how many times I've heard/said/typed the phrase, "Your church facility is a tool for your ministry." Jesus is the Big Idea, worship is the key, and the building is a very helpful ... tool.

6. God expects us to be sensitive to the fears, hang-ups, and the needs of unbelievers when they are present in our worship services.
"Colossians 4:5 (NIV): 'Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.' It's called being polite. Whenever you hear people talk about being sensitive to unbelievers, that is not watering down the gospel. It's called love."

And the way to many suburban-American hearts is through their java.

Maybe not, but when I feel like I don't belong some place, I'm comforted by something familiar. On the way to India this past summer we had a layover in a German airport. I don't speak German. I don't know how to convert dollars to Euros. I'm clearly not European, and was dressed a little like a missionary anticipating 23 hours of travel. I felt out of place ... until I found the airport McDonald's. I never eat McDonald's, but I did that day because that's where I was comfortable. I knew McDonald's.

A lot of "unchurched" people in your community don't know God. They don't know what a tithe is, they don't know how to worship, they don't know if they should take communion ... but they all know how to order a cup of coffee.Lexhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3146674763824712358.post-70685095236455074312007-12-10T10:26:00.000-06:002008-12-10T00:43:23.275-06:00is your building secure?It's not a question anyone likes to consider. It's not something anyone wants to talk about in much detail. It's something everyone hopes will just never be a problem, but it was a problem twice in Colorado Springs yesterday.

And if we're building for the future it may be a necessarily evil: how secure is your building?

We've talked about securing children's space - one entrance, video surveillance, secure check-in systems, etc. What about the rest of your building?

Do you have a security team/staff? How many entrances are there to your building? Are there cameras anywhere at all? How many exits are there from your parking lot? What areas are accessible from the front entrance, but largely unsupervised during a worship service?

Our hearts and prayers go out to the families at New Life and the vicitms of the YWAM attack.
Lexhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3146674763824712358.post-21226912820442104942008-01-15T09:16:00.000-06:002008-12-10T00:43:23.086-06:00is your building selfish?An article on The Christian Post this morning quotes Pastor Erwin McManus on why the Church in America is in a state of decline:

My primary assessment would be because American Christians tend to be incredibly self-indulgent so they see the church as a place there for them to meet their needs and to express faith in a way that is meaningful for them. There is almost no genuine compassion or urgency about serving and reaching people who don't know Christ.
*Nervous laughter* Ouch.

But you also have to consider that while the United Methodist Church is at its lowest membership rate since 1930, and the Lutheran World Federation reported a slip in western membership, McManus has led his church from 300 to over 3000 members in his 10 years as lead pastor. Maybe he's on to something.

Is there compassion - even urgency - for service and outreach in your church? I could probably walk around your building and tell you. Not because I take to judging books by their covers, but because - as Kevin Ford discusses in Transforming Church - your building is a natural extension of the core of your ministry. Whether you've ever thought about it or not.

For example, when my husband and I visited West Side Christian in Springfield over Christmas the first thing I noticed was how uncomfortable I felt in their lobby. But the second thing I noticed was that their welcome center had been transformed into an African village. It didn't take long to figure out that they had made a commitment to bring Christmas 07 to a small, poor community in Africa. That was cool, and that they took the time and resources to put that together demonstrated that they're serious about it.

If your building is in a community, it's part of that community. Is your facility serving your community, or sucking the life out of it? Is there room in your building for your Church body to serve the community? When a visitor walks into your lobby, what does she learn about your ministry?

If you don't have a third place space, you can't offer an escape for students or parents who work at home. If you don't have a kitchen, you can't feed the homeless. If everything in your lobby talks about you, you won't have anything to talk to a globally-minded, anti-Christian millennial about.

McManus continued,

I think the bottom line really is our own spiritual narcissism. There are methods and you can talk about style, structure and music, but in the end it really comes down to your heart and what you care about.
Lexhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3146674763824712358.post-46658712201148645512008-01-23T08:17:00.000-06:002008-12-10T00:43:22.804-06:00Wildesign's construction projectWildesign's got our own building project going on. That's right, we're not only hearers of the word, but doers also. They're talking about work space and war rooms and conference tables. I think we should put in a social/third place space. Full coffee bar - the works. (I'll have a petition out later this week if you want to take sides.)

Don's happy with the hole in the wall. I think it looks kind of like ET's hospital quarters.

That's right, the coffee pot is still running. The chocolate buffet has been moved for safety reasons.

Pretty.

Lexhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3146674763824712358.post-59483601459176650572008-02-07T08:51:00.000-06:002008-12-10T00:43:21.926-06:00bricks, mortar and learning (about Jesus)USA Today published an article yesterday about how a building can recreate an environment. The story is one of an English teacher, and the change that occurred in his school when they decided to go all the way with a new building.

A church building is primarily a place of worship, but it is also a place of teaching. Right now many church buildings are filled with middle-aged conservatives who grew up in church. They are far from the rebellious, unruly crowds that fill public high schools, but probably not for long. The mission field that is beginning to overtake the western church is made up of "free-thinking" young people who don't know who Moses is. They are used to making their own rules, used to hating Christianity, and used to avoiding church.

So maybe this is more applicable than we'd like it to be.

Space. The school in question doubled the width of the hallways and made classrooms bigger. Adolescent behavior improves when they're not crammed into tight spaces. Imagine how much more comfortable new visitors will feel.

Lighting. We think natural lighting looks pretty, but it can increase learning rates by about 20%.

Improved security. Especially in your children's space.

Collegian cafeteria. The school added a better cafeteria, and stopped allowing students to leave campus for lunch. "To my amazement, few kids have complained, and the cafeteria has created a sense of unity in the student body." People come together over food. Your third place space should be immaculate.

High-tech teaching. "Even the most distracted students perk up when the LCD lights up." When ministering in a foreign mission field, you use the native language. The native language of the emerging generation is interactive, multi-media, and usually 140 characters or less. Don't make it a show, and don't compromise your message, just use their language.Lexhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3146674763824712358.post-52659765476262087512008-02-08T08:43:00.001-06:002008-12-10T00:43:21.744-06:00Multi-Site ExposedWhy become a multi-site church?

The purpose of becoming a multi-site church is to make more and better disciples by bringing the church closer to where people are. The motivation is to do a better job of loving people, including different types of people, with an outcome of making significant advances in obeying Jesus' Great Commandment (Matt. 22:37-40) and Great Commission (Matt. 28:19-20). Churches report that conversion growth is greater on their extension campuses than at the original campus.
It seems like multi-site churches may be the mega-churches for an emerging generation. The Multi-Site Exposed Conference is coming to Chicago in September, but early-bird registration is only available through February.

Speakers in Chicago this year are going to be Dave Ferguson from Community Christian Church, Mark Jobe from New Life Community Church, and Jim Downing of First UMC in Sedalia, Missouri.

If your church is looking for a fresh way to reach deeper into your community, you might be ready to go multi-site. Contrary to first impressions, most churches do not go to a multi-site model because they are growing, but because they want to grow. Kind of a "if you build it, they will come" strategy ... and it's working.Lexhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3146674763824712358.post-87035404060001961502008-02-11T08:29:00.000-06:002008-12-10T00:43:21.491-06:00most innovative gets more innovativeLifeChurch.tv is holding fast to it's #1 position on Outreach Magazine's list of the "Most Innovative" churches in the U.S. LifeChurch.tv is a multi-site campus, so much of their ministry depends on live video feed. Recently, the church upgraded to HD (high definition) equipment. There are details on the Swerve blog, but I thought the pictures Bobby posted said it all.

(before)

(after)

Lexhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
American Snowmobile Council of Snowmobile Association E-News (Christine Jourdain)
We Need Your Input
ACSA has entered into a Cooperative Agreement with the Federal Highway Administration to develop and operate a Snowmobile Safety and Access Resource Information Center.
One part of this project includes identifying:
(1) New snowmobile safety and access products which should be considered for development
(2) Existing products needing revision or updating. (All existing products be viewed at www.snowmobilers.org
Depending upon priorities and available funding, these products could be developed over the next one to three years through this Cooperative Agreement. Please help us identify needs and priorities for future product development or revision. Click here to take a short survey.
Your input is vital to the success of this project. Tell us what is needed. Your participation in the survey is appreciated!
ACSA Grand Raffle
Odds are better than ever this year… ticket sales are way down. Less than 300 tickets have been sold at this point.
Four top of the line snowmobiles. $100 per ticket. Drawing Date: June 1, 2012 Call the ACSA office or your State Snowmobile Association to buy your tickets today! Remember – ACSA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, all contributions to ACSA are tax deductible.
VIP Reception
All individual Grand Raffle Ticket holders are invited to participate in the VIP Presidents Reception. This Reception will take place on Friday evening, June 8th at the International Snowmobile Congress.
Friends of Snowmobiling
As you know, 2012 is a huge political year at the national level. Friends of Snowmobiling is "THE" Political Action Committee that represents the interests of you, the snowmobiler. There is only one fundraiser held annually – at the International Snowmobile Congress. However, contributions can be made to FOSPAC anytime throughout the year with personal checks.
If you are planning to attend the ISC in Massachusetts in June, please plan to join in the fun and support FOSPAC. The event will be held on Tuesday, June 5th in the afternoon.
For details and the registration form, click here.
Corporate contributions can be made payable to Friends of Snowmobiling and can be sent to: FOS, 1640 Haslett Road, Suite 170, Haslett, MI 48840.
November will be here before we know it. Many fundraisers will be held for candidates across the country and it's important that they know snowmobilers are involved.
RTP Update
As you may recall, the Senate passed a 2-year transportation bill out of the Chamber. The House passed a four-year transportation bill out of committee. We are currently operating under an extension through June, although the House has passed an extension through September. Confusing? Yes. A House-Senate Conference Committee has been named. This Committee has met and will continue to meet. They have many issues to work out and a very short time frame. We will keep you updated as they move forward.
The American Council of Snowmobile Associations is your voice for snowmobiling on national issues. Please contact the ACSA office with any comments, suggestions or questions. Phone: 517-351-4362 www.snowmobilers.org
Leave a Reply
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
Star clobbers Ginebra in Game 5, nears Finals
February 17, 2017
The Star Hotshots whipped up a storm in the third quarter and clobbered the Barangay Ginebra Kings, 89-80, to move a win shy of wrapping up their PBA Philippine Cup Final Four face-off at the MOA Arena in Pasay City Friday night. The two teams engaged in close duel through the first half before the Hotshots really got their act together in the third, making the first major run in the game and holding on to gain the pivotal 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven semis series. The Hotshots pummeled the Kings, 22-10, to make a crucial separation in the third, 71-55, and refused to slow down to get into the doorstep of a first finals for the franchise since its grand slam run in the 2013-14 PBA season. Coach Chito Victolero and his troops take their first of two cracks at the titular playoff in Game Six Sundayover at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Rafi Reavis, with 17 points and 13 rebounds, upstaged Japeth Aguilar with his best game in the season and the entire Star team seemed to be always a step ahead of Ginebra in this game -- a big key in stopping the Kings' two-game charge in the series. In the fateful third quarter, only three players – LA Tenorio, Jervy Cruz and Scottie Thompson – scored for the Kings. With the Hotshots keeping their domination of the Kings in the fourth quarter, coach Tim Cone rested Tenorio, Thompson, Sol Mercado, Joe Devance and Aguilar with still long minutes left to play. From 17 points down, the Kings managed to come within seven in the last two minutes on the energy and firepower provided by Jayjay Helterbrand, Mark Caguioa, Paolo Taha, Chris Ellis and Dave Marcelo. But the Hotshots just won't be denied despite the flat start of Marc Pingris, Allein Maliksi and Paul Lee. Pingris picked up three early fouls while Maliksi fired blanks but the Star reserves picked up the slack as the Hotshots led 49-45 at the turn. Right upon substituting Pingris, Rodney Brondial rattled in eight points then PJ Simon, Jio Jalalon, Justin Melton, Ian Sangalang, Aldrech Ramos and Rome dela Rosa also made buckets as the Star bench outscored its Ginebra counterpart, 29-14, in the first two quarters of play. Pingris incurred two fouls in the first four minutes of the game then drew a third one just 14 seconds after he checked back in the second quarter. Reavis helped hold the fort for Star in the first half with nine points and seven rebounds as against Aguilar's 13 markers and three boards.


text:
Welcome to Copier Liquidation Center
Our large selection of digital copiers include big brands such as Ricoh, Lanier, Savin and Gestetner, all at unbeatable liquidation pricing and exceptional customer service have been the foundation for our success in San Diego California and now nationwide.
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All our digital copiers are being sold at LIQUIDATION prices offering substantial savings direct to the public!


text:
Synonyms: Salicylic acid, sodium salt; Sodium o-hydroxybenzoate; Diuretin
CAS No.: 54-21-7
Molecular Weight: 160.09
Chemical Formula: NaC7H5O3
Product Codes: J.T. Baker: 3872 Mallinckrodt: 2094
Ingredient CAS No Percent Hazardous --------------------------------------- ------------ ------- --------- Sodium Salicylate 54-21-7 99 - 100% Yes
Emergency Overview
J.T. Baker SAF-T-DATA(tm) Ratings (Provided here for your convenience)
Health Rating: 1 - Slight
Flammability Rating: 1 - Slight
Reactivity Rating: 1 - Slight
Contact Rating: 1 - Slight
Lab Protective Equip: GOGGLES & SHIELD; LAB COAT & APRON; VENT HOOD; PROPER GLOVES
Storage Color Code: Orange (General Storage)
Potential Health Effects
May cause irritation to the respiratory tract. Symptoms may include coughing, sore throat, labored breathing, and chest pain.
Ingestion of sizable amounts can cause "salicylism", as evidenced by abdominal pain, vomiting, increased respiration, and mental disturbances. Fatalities resulting from respiratory or cardiovascular failure are known. Mean lethal adult dose of salicylates is between 20 and 30 grams.
Skin Contact:
May cause irritation with redness and pain.
Eye Contact:
May cause irritation, redness and pain.
Chronic Exposure:
No information found.
Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions:
No information found.
Remove to fresh air. Get medical attention for any breathing difficulty.
Induce vomiting immediately as directed by medical personnel. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical attention.
Skin Contact:
Immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse. Thoroughly clean shoes before reuse. Get medical attention if irritation develops.
Eye Contact:
Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting upper and lower eyelids occasionally. Get medical attention if irritation persists.
Note to Physician:
Gastric lavage with 3 - 5% sodium bicarb to decrease absorption of salicylate ion.
As with most organic solids, fire is possible at elevated temperatures or by contact with an ignition source.
Fine dust dispersed in air in sufficient concentrations, and in the presence of an ignition source is a potential dust explosion hazard.
Fire Extinguishing Media:
Water spray, dry chemical, alcohol foam, or carbon dioxide.
Special Information:
In the event of a fire, wear full protective clothing and NIOSH-approved self-contained breathing apparatus with full facepiece operated in the pressure demand or other positive pressure mode.
Ventilate area of leak or spill. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment as specified in Section 8. Spills: Sweep up and containerize for reclamation or disposal. Vacuuming or wet sweeping may be used to avoid dust dispersal. Small amounts of residue may be flushed to sewer with plenty of water.
Keep in a tightly closed container. Protect from physical damage. Store in a cool, dry, ventilated area away from sources of heat, moisture and incompatibilities. Store in the dark. Containers of this material may be hazardous when empty since they retain product residues (dust, solids); observe all warnings and precautions listed for the product.
Airborne Exposure Limits:
None established.
Ventilation System:
A system of local and/or general exhaust is recommended to keep employee exposures as low as possible. Local exhaust ventilation is generally preferred because it can control the emissions of the contaminant at its source, preventing dispersion of it into the general work area. Please refer to the ACGIH document, Industrial Ventilation, A Manual of Recommended Practices, most recent edition, for details.
Personal Respirators (NIOSH Approved):
For conditions of use where exposure to the dust or mist is apparent, a half-face dust/mist respirator may be worn. For emergencies or instances where the exposure levels are not known, use a full-face positive-pressure, air-supplied respirator. WARNING: Air-purifying respirators do not protect workers in oxygen-deficient atmospheres.
Skin Protection:
Wear protective gloves and clean body-covering clothing.
Eye Protection:
Use chemical safety goggles. Maintain eye wash fountain and quick-drench facilities in work area.
Colorless to white crystals; turns pink on exposure to light.
Characteristic odor.
111 g/100 g water @ 15C (59F)
Specific Gravity:
No information found.
5 - 6
% Volatiles by volume @ 21C (70F):
Boiling Point:
No information found.
Melting Point:
No information found.
Vapor Density (Air=1):
No information found.
Vapor Pressure (mm Hg):
No information found.
Evaporation Rate (BuAc=1):
No information found.
Stable under ordinary conditions of use and storage.
Hazardous Decomposition Products:
May produce oxides of carbon and the contained metal.
Hazardous Polymerization:
Will not occur.
Ferric salts, lime water, iodine, strong oxidizing agents, silver nitrate, spirit nitrous ether, mineral acids, lead acetate, sodium phosphate powder.
Conditions to Avoid:
Light and incompatibles.
Oral rat LD50: 930 mg/kg. Investigated as a mutagen, reproductive effector.
--------\Cancer Lists\------------------------------------------------------ ---NTP Carcinogen--- Ingredient Known Anticipated IARC Category ------------------------------------ ----- ----------- ------------- Sodium Salicylate (54-21-7) No No None
Environmental Fate:
No information found.
Environmental Toxicity:
No information found.
Whatever cannot be saved for recovery or recycling should be managed in an appropriate and approved waste disposal facility. Processing, use or contamination of this product may change the waste management options. State and local disposal regulations may differ from federal disposal regulations. Dispose of container and unused contents in accordance with federal, state and local requirements.
Not regulated.
--------\Chemical Inventory Status - Part 1\--------------------------------- Ingredient TSCA EC Japan Australia ----------------------------------------------- ---- --- ----- --------- Sodium Salicylate (54-21-7) Yes Yes Yes Yes --------\Chemical Inventory Status - Part 2\--------------------------------- --Canada-- Ingredient Korea DSL NDSL Phil. ----------------------------------------------- ----- --- ---- ----- Sodium Salicylate (54-21-7) Yes Yes No Yes --------\Federal, State & International Regulations - Part 1\---------------- -SARA 302- ------SARA 313------ Ingredient RQ TPQ List Chemical Catg. ----------------------------------------- --- ----- ---- -------------- Sodium Salicylate (54-21-7) No No No No --------\Federal, State & International Regulations - Part 2\---------------- -RCRA- -TSCA- Ingredient CERCLA 261.33 8(d) ----------------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ Sodium Salicylate (54-21-7) No No No Chemical Weapons Convention: No TSCA 12(b): No CDTA: No SARA 311/312: Acute: Yes Chronic: No Fire: No Pressure: No Reactivity: No (Pure / Solid)
Australian Hazchem Code: No information found.
Poison Schedule: No information found.
This MSDS has been prepared according to the hazard criteria of the Controlled Products Regulations (CPR) and the MSDS contains all of the information required by the CPR.
NFPA Ratings: Health: 1 Flammability: 1 Reactivity: 0
Label Hazard Warning:
Label Precautions:
Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothing. Wash thoroughly after handling. Avoid breathing dust. Keep container closed. Use with adequate ventilation.
Label First Aid:
If swallowed, induce vomiting immediately as directed by medical personnel. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical attention. In case of contact, immediately flush eyes or skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Get medical attention if irritation develops or persists.
Product Use:
Laboratory Reagent.
Revision Information:
Pure. New 16 section MSDS format, all sections have been revised.
************************************************************************************************ Mallinckrodt Baker, Inc. provides the information contained herein in good faith but makes no representation as to its comprehensiveness or accuracy. This document is intended only as a guide to the appropriate precautionary handling of the material by a properly trained person using this product. Individuals receiving the information must exercise their independent judgment in determining its appropriateness for a particular purpose. MALLINCKRODT BAKER, INC. MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH RESPECT TO THE INFORMATION SET FORTH HEREIN OR THE PRODUCT TO WHICH THE INFORMATION REFERS. ACCORDINGLY, MALLINCKRODT BAKER, INC. WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM USE OF OR RELIANCE UPON THIS INFORMATION.
************************************************************************************************ Prepared by: Strategic Services Division
Phone Number: (314) 539-1600 (U.S.A.)


text:
- Internships /
- Hospitality /
- Boutique Hotel Internships (Sales & Marketing and Operations) - for Sacred Heart University Students
Similar Internships
Office Party Houston is looking for Interns (Culinary, Event Planning, Administrative)Office Party Houston
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Line cook. All areasPoor Thom's Tavern
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Boutique Hotel Internships (Sales & Marketing and Operations) - for Sacred Heart University StudentsBookmark This
Workforce Partners
417 Post Rd
Fairfield, CT
Posted: September 27 2016
Always be on the alert for potentially fraudulent job postings online - never send money to a potential employer.
DescriptionROLES: Two Internships for Sacred Heart University Students: (i) Sales & Marketing Intern (Hotel), and (ii) Operations Intern (Hotel)
POSITION TYPE: Paid Internships or Internships for Credit—Fall 2016, Spring 2017 and/or Summer 2017 (one or more, also with long-term growth potential)
HOURS: Part-Time, Full-Time or Flex-Time in accordance with students' schedules
ORGANIZATION: We own and operate two of the leading boutique hotels in Fairfield County, Connecticut. We seek to optimize hotel assets that are well located, attractively positioned from a product and market perspective, and that can benefit from well capitalized improvements and well supported hotel management. Our collaborative, team-oriented management structure combines institutional quality operating discipline with a very localized, hands-on approach to deliver an unparalleled guest experience and to overall create a lot of excitement in the local hotel market.
DESCRIPTION: These interns will work closely with our local Sales & Marketing and Operations hotel teams, respectively, to help drive additional sales growth and operational excellence of both hotels—Fairfield Circle Inn and the Hotel HiHo. We have re-modeled and re-branded both hotels and our focus is on maximizing asset performance through a unique guest experience and deep community involvement as well as consistent, efficiency-focused operations. These roles will offer hands-on training and valuable experience across a variety of projects designed to optimize the occupancy, guest performance and consistency of these special properties. These internship positions represent unique opportunities to gain practical experience in various aspects of the hotel business and to learn from innovative industry veterans.
ResponsibilitiesCORE RESPONSIBILITIES—Hotel Sales & Marketing Internship:
Perform market research and other projects to assist performance of local sales and marketing initiatives
Assist with the dynamic maintenance and execution of an overall marketing strategy
Collect, monitor and evaluate relevant market trends and competitive offerings
Assist with the traction and performance of new technologies
Assist management with the analysis and evaluation of steps to further increase occupancy levels and enhance the experience of our hotel guests
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES—Hotel Operations Internship:
Assist with all functional operating areas including reception, concierge, events, pool and recreation, scheduling, supplies, maintenance, etc.
Help develop policies and procedures and assist with the planning, scheduling and coordinating of various hotel projects
Assist with projects that seek to manage operating costs, including supplies, utilities, and labor
Perform periodic or scheduled site surveys and inspections
Warmly greet and acknowledge every guest encountered (in person and over telephone); help maintain a warm and hospitable atmosphere at the property
RequirementsESSENTIAL SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS
Naturally and always guest oriented
Keen interest in hospitality and hotel management
Great communication skills
Good organization skills and eye for detail with ability to work to a deadline
Ability to work well independently while also being a team-based contributor
Ability to multi-task; must be a self-starter and a great problem solver
Strong computer skills including Word, Excel and PowerPoint
A very analytical mindset
Must be a proud member of the Sacred Heart University community!
Please email email@example.com with resume together with a cover letter that summarizes your interest and highlights your unique candidacy. No calls, please.


text:
From The Atlantic
A comprehensive new report takes a critical look at our oversupply of museums, performing arts centers, and theaters.
Images tell the story of the country's struggle to get its economy back in order.
A photographic survey of the world's metro gateways.
In this interview excerpt the famed architect touches on his field's role in making great cities
You might have missed these new buildings, but they're definitely worth checking out in 2012


text:
The leading light in the Samal gastronomy
An enchanting near sea-side setting… elegant surroundings, with a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere… effortless, yet impeccable, service… and of course, exquisite cuisine. Welcome to the Bahay Kubo… and to a world-class culinary experience.
Nestling just outside Penaplata, in the charming Samal Island this delightful restaurant has been serving inspirational European cuisine since 2011. Its welcoming, informal ambience belies its formidable reputation: owned by Swiss Chef Alphonso Laurent and his wife Jacqueline.
After his long Culinary career Chef Alphonso and Jacqueline lost their heart at Samal Island. They settled down. Alphonso couldn't find it on the bench in front of the porch. He felt he needed to do something. He became a teacher in iChef culinary school of Davao. This still didn't satisfy Chef Alphonso. He opened his "Bahay Kubo" at his house in Penaplata, Samal Island. Alphonso is doing again what he does best.
Every weekend different dishes and desserts on the menu. Ask Alphonso what wine fits the best with your food. Text Alphonso and he will include you in his menu updates. Every Thursday Alphonso updates his regular customers with the menu of the week.
Jacqueline & Alphonse Laurent
Penaplata, Samal Island
PH-9119 Davao Del Norte
+63 999 663 4703
Senior Consultant
The Bahay Kubo Restaurant & Bar
Opening hours: Friday, Saturday and Sunday open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Bahay Kubo is located in Penaplata. from Babak this is a 20 or 30 minute motorcycle ride.


text:
Beginning Sounds Coloring: Sounds Like Umbrella
Up, under, uncle—all these words start with the short u sound. Help your child learn this important vowel sound by coloring all the pictures that begin like umbrella.
Click here to see all of our beginning sounds coloring pages.
Click to find similar content by grade or subject.


text:
Chances are if you're a civic minded person in Killeen, you know Brockley Moore.
Moore, 46, serves on the board of the Exchange Club of Killeen, the Killeen Housing Authority Board, is the founder of the Parent Teacher Organization at Shoemaker High School, helped found the PTO at Willow Springs Elementary School, works with the Killeen Area Alliance of Black School Educators, Communities in Schools, students at Timber Ridge Elementary and is a member of the League of United Latin American Citizens and the NAACP.
And recently he has been active with the Killeen Civilian Personnel Hearing Board, having his picture splayed across the pages of the Herald multiple times as the city and its fired finance director continue to joust over her termination.
"They keep me pretty busy," Moore said when interviewed in a rocking chair on the front porch of his southwest Killeen home.
Moore is a retired U.S. Army staff sergeant who worked in human resources for more than 20 years. The youngest of 12, he comes from a family with a steeped military background, with nine of them all serving in the armed forces.
His early life was already similar to that of a soldier's. Living with his sister, he went with her as she deployed to Germany and Fort Hood for a brief spell.
When Moore joined the Army, he ended up spending the majority of his service in Killeen. He learned to love the community and has since made it his home.
"It's a very friendly place and very diverse," Moore said.
Moore grew up in a family that might have been considered poor, but his parents made sure they never knew. They taught patriotism and a sense of civic duty that definitely took hold in Moore.
Moore considers Charles Patterson, the former Killeen Independent School District superintendent, an "inspiration" and an "icon" that have led him to focus most of his volunteer work on children's education.
"I like to see the joy," Moore said. "I live to see the kids smile and be happy."
An avid reader and researcher into educational issues, Moore said he doesn't believe in words like "at risk" and prefers the more positive "at reach."
"I believe everyone is at reach if you can drive them and get them there," he said.
He is also a devout member of the Simmonsville Missionary Baptist Church. Anyone leaving a message on Moore's cellphone is treated to a quick reading of John 3:16, and he is fond of the wisdom of Mother Teresa.
His faith pushed him toward community service, and it has also helped him remain active with the hundreds of people he has met through his activities.
"God made people," Moore said. "No man is a stranger."


text:
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text:
MSNBC political commentator and host Rachel Maddow is coming to Tucson.
The Emmy-winning and wildly popular host of "The Rachel Maddow Show" will make a rare appearance with UApresents on April 6 at Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Blvd. on the University of Arizona campus. Tickets ($30 to $55, with student and UA discounts available) go on sale next Friday at the Centennial Hall Box Office.
The show is part of UApresents "An Evening With ..." series, which last weekend hosted Carol Burnett. Next up in that series is legendary Broadway star Barbara Cook on Feb. 22 at Fox Tucson Theatre.
See the full story in Friday's Arizona Daily Star.


text:
Dear Members,
Keep in mind that Character Bashing is now prohibited. Making fun of certain characters/character pairings leads to a pointless thread filled with insults and general rule breaking.
Also, remember that Versus threads are allowed only in the Versus section.
Thank you, NarutoBase Staff
Biwako Sarutobi was Hiruzen's wife
Can someone tell me when she died?
Forum Rules


text:
Interpretation of data is of utmost importance when looking at the latest Guttmacher report. To understand the enormity of how many babies are aborted each year, read today's commentary. We must work to protect all human beings—born and preborn. This tragedy—these killings—must be stopped.
Judie Brown is president and co-founder of American Life League, the nation's largest grassroots pro-life educational organization. She is a member of the Pontifical Academy for Life in Rome, and has appeared in numerous media, including: 20/20, 60 Minutes, Mother Angelica Live, The O'Reilly Factor, Good Morning America, Today, Oprah, and Larry King Live, The Washington Post and USA Today.
My Articles
February 12, 2014, 2:31 PM EST
January 24, 2014, 2:55 PM EST
On the eve of the tragic anniversary of Supreme Court decriminalized slaughter—Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton—the opportunity arises to examine what is involved if we are to turn the tide.
January 15, 2014, 3:40 PM EST
Every life—born and preborn—has value and must be treated with dignity and respect. Abortion is the direct taking of a precious life—and an act that often destroys other lives as well. But abortion is not something to be silent about. We must talk. We must teach. We must listen, and most of all, we must forgive.
January 3, 2014, 1:53 PM EST
A young child's life is threatened. Her family is devastated and suffering. Imagine the possibility of losing a child—something no family should ever go through. And then imagine having to fight in court for her life. Today's commentary explains what happened next.
November 19, 2013, 3:55 PM EST
We all have reason to fear for the future—for our families and for children not yet conceived. Insurance is supposed to protect people, to proffer health and well-being. Yet with the installation of Obamacare, the opposite will occur. Countless lives will be lost and destroyed, and we will watch our country sink further into an abyss of immorality.
November 14, 2013, 12:32 PM EST
A beautifully made video illustrates the beginnings and development of human life. This kind of tool is important in the education and enlightenment of others about the humanity of God's children at all stages.
October 22, 2013, 3:47 PM EDT
More than 10 years ago, American Life League began focusing attention on the abuses brought toward the body and blood of Christ in the sacrament of Holy Communion—a sacrament defined by the Church as the source and summit of Christian life.
September 5, 2013, 10:12 AM EDT
In a profound analysis of the inherent problems with "advance directives" and other such statements of how one wishes to be cared for at the end of life, Brother John Luth writes in an e-mail:
August 6, 2013, 11:56 AM EDT
In our society, an entire group of people are dismissed and denied the most basic right—the right to life. And, day after day, laws are continually formed and twisted so that preborn babies are thought of as nothing and discarded as trash. A society cannot function when so many members are thrown away. A society cannot function when so many members are looked upon as burdens and as objects of disgust. Today's commentary addresses this mentality and cautions us about its repercussions.
July 26, 2013, 4:24 PM EDT
Instead of being cherished and revered, motherhood has, to some, become something to abhor and criticize. With an administration telling women that babies can be a "punishment" and with commercials touting the benefits of birth control, it's no wonder young women are growing up confused and uncertain about what it means to be a mother. If we are to change this mindset, we must teach our children to think for themselves, and we must show them how truly amazing new life is.
July 24, 2013, 11:04 AM EDT
The growing trend today is for people to focus a great deal of time and effort on strengthening their bodies. While this is an important thing, we cannot focus only on our shells to the detriment of our souls. Spending time strengthening our inner person, our true selves, is much more important, because all eternity depends upon it. Today's commentary examines the importance of being grounded in virtue.
July 18, 2013, 11:29 AM EDT
The word "physician" has historically connoted a feeling of trust, of comfort, and of reassurance. A doctor must care for his patients, must do his best to heal them, and must never put them in harm's way. But is this the case today?
July 11, 2013, 4:32 PM EDT
A Catholic organization must be exactly that. It must stand for Catholic values and teachings and never waiver one iota from them. Today's commentary addresses one such Catholic organization that does not follow Church teachings. Therefore, we must ask ourselves how it can rightfully call itself Catholic.
July 10, 2013, 1:30 PM EDT
The country founded on religious beliefs and that adopted a motto saying that we trust in God has become weak and lost. No longer do we trust in God. We trust in money, in pleasure, in politics, but not in what really matters and not in what will save our souls. We cannot continue to live like this. Today's commentary addresses the tragic state of a Godless country.
June 28, 2013, 4:07 PM EDT
As an increasing number of staff members are turning in the late-term abortionists they work for, growing numbers of people are exposed to the horrors of abortion and infanticide. And as we look to where most of these centers are located, we find that they are in minority neighborhoods.
June 19, 2013, 11:09 AM EDT
We currently live in a nation where morality is routinely discarded and pleasure is sought and revered at all times. If anyone dares to speak out against this type of thinking, he is branded narrow-minded or intolerant. What happened to our beloved country that was founded on Christian principles? How has our nation's behavior become so appalling?
May 30, 2013, 4:24 PM EDT
Frozen eggs, babies created by science, money dictating whether or not a couple can have a baby. All things that go against the natural law. Whatever happened to babies created out of love and in the context of marriage? Gone are those days, as is seen in today's commentary.
May 21, 2013, 5:04 PM EDT
In Pope Francis, we have seen an excellent example of the kind of leader our church needs. This is not always the case with other members of the clergy, especially here in the United States.
May 10, 2013, 2:57 PM EDT
Mother's Day is Sunday. Traditionally, it is a day to honor and respect all that mothers do and sacrifice for the sake of their children. And while this day is important, special, and necessary, we can't help but wonder what our country would be like if we celebrated mothers every day.
May 8, 2013, 4:57 PM EDT
When a society teaches its children to value things above people and to value personal pleasure above all else, what is the result? A society of people who no longer care about their own health, well-being, or future, or about the well-being of others. This misguided notion of what is important leads them into a dangerous lifestyle, and this is where a seemingly innocuous little pill enters.


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Conference Outreach Partners
The following organizations have partnered with the Pew Center to promote Pew's corporate energy efficiency conference:
In partnership with:
The following organizations have partnered with the Pew Center to promote Pew's corporate energy efficiency conference:
The Business Council for Sustainable Energy is an organization dedicated to implementing market-based approaches to reducing pollution and providing a diverse, secure mix of energy resources.
The California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE) is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation that helps residents, businesses and public agencies save energy, reduce grid demand and generate their own power through a variety of rebate, technical assistance and education programs. CCSE also provides the community with objective information, research, analysis and long-term planning on energy issues and technologies.
The Centre for Sustainability is an international advisory, coaching and training organization with offices in Chicago, Athens, Brussels, and Cyprus, specializing in Sustainable Development solutions. It works with private and public sector clients for the advancement of Sustainability within their operations and organizational framework.
Ceres (pronounced "series") is a national network of investors, environmental organizations and other public interest groups working with companies and investors to address sustainability challenges such as global climate change. Its mission is integrating sustainability into capital markets for the health of the planet and its people.
|Over the next five years, The °Climate Group's goal is to help government and business set the world economy on the path to a low-carbon, prosperous future. To reach this goal, it has created a coalition of governments and the world's most influential businesses all committed to tackling climate change. Through this coalition, it is helping to set the targets, create the policies, build the confidence, and generate the political willpower needed to make the changes the world requires by 2050. The °Climate Group is an international, non-profit organization. It acts independently, with no political agenda or vested interests.
|The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) unites 2,000 companies within the consumer technology industry. Members tap into valuable and innovative members-only resources: unparalleled market research, networking opportunities with business advocates and leaders, up-to-date educational programs and technical training, exposure in extensive promotional programs, and representation from the voice of the industry, CEA, promoting and advancing member needs and interests.
The Council on Competitiveness is a non-partisan and non-governmental organization. It works to convene top private and public sector leaders to address America's long-term competitiveness challenges; generate innovative public policy solutions, galvanizing its unique coalition to translate ideas in action; and measure U.S. performance in the global marketplace to identify key obstacles and opportunities.
|Launched in 2007, EE Global is the only international event that focuses solely on energy efficiency from the perspective of all energy end-use sectors (buildings, industrial and transportation) and with coverage of all cross-cutting issues – finance, policy, technology and market transformation. Hosted by the Alliance to Save Energy, EE Global attracts executive-level leaders from all end-use sectors who are committed to putting energy efficiency to work in their businesses, communities and markets.
ICF International (NASDAQ:ICFI) partners with government and commercial clients to deliver professional services and technology solutions in the energy and climate change; environment and infrastructure; health, human services, and social programs; and homeland security and defense markets.
|Initiative for Global Environmental Leadership (IGEL) brings together business leaders with professors at Wharton and other Schools at Penn (Arts and Sciences, Design, Engineering, Law, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine) with a network of leading experts in relevant fields from around the world to discuss and research selected topics concerning business and the natural environment.
The National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) provides knowledge to trusted professionals who, with their credibility, amplify messages to national audiences to solve everyday environmental problems.
|Point Carbon is a world-leading provider of independent news, analysis and consulting services for European and global power, gas and carbon markets. Point Carbon's comprehensive services provide professionals with market-moving information through monitoring fundamental information, key market players and business and policy developments.
|For more than 45 years, WWF has been protecting the future of nature. The world's leading conservation organization, WWF works in 100 countries and is supported by 1.2 million members in the United States and close to 5 million globally. WWF's unique way of working combines global reach with a foundation in science, involves action at every level from local to global, and ensures the delivery of innovative solutions that meet the needs of both people and nature.
In partnership with:


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Feb 23, 2014
|Of all of my Privates with Qwara, and that is a lot. This is my favorite. Because she is not only sexy, but treats me like her love. And she knows how to be a lover better than anyone I have ever met.
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