Here’s another group that we at Westbrook are thrilled to be a part of: Mosaic Global Network. Mosaix Global Network. (MGN) represents a growing movement of believers and congregations seeking to know God and to make Him known through the establishment of multi-ethnic churches throughout America and beyond. MGN exists to catalyze this movement and to enlist, equip and establish emerging leaders with a passion to develop diverse communities of faith in the 21st century. Check out their site today!

Are you really serious about wanting to develop and build a Multi-Cultural Church? Are you serious about developing your competency in Multi-Cultural ministry? If you answered yes to either or both of those questions then you need to make sure that you are a part of one of the greatest and most exciting conferences this year. The 2008 National New Church Conference: Exponential 08 will be held in Orlando, FL. April 21-24. The part that I am the most keyed up about is the Planting Ethnic Churches track. Be sure to follow the above link to the Exponential 08 website, learn more about this awesome conference and sign up today!

Tomorrow is a big day for us at Westbrook and I’m sitting up kind of walking down memory lane. Westbrook celebrates our 11th anniversary tomorrow. We’ve come a long way from one service in an elementary school to where we are today. God has been so good. What’s even more exciting is that our future is even brighter. Some of you may know that we purchased a little over 14 acres earlier this year. We are praying every day that God leads us to more and more people who need Him. Knowing Christ fully and making Him known is our vision. Thank You God for an amazing 11 years! May You lead us each day as we draw people who are far from You to You!

Saw this little article on our trip to Europe in USA Today International . I thought this was a good one. I’m not so sure what to think about it, but it sure makes you think. Here it is:

Two lifetime front row seats to services at a Miami synagogue are being auctioned off on eBay. The bidding starts at $1.8 million, but the rabbi says he won’t be surprised if there are no takers. Besides getting to schmooze up front with the rabbi, the buyer’s family name will be engraved on Seats 1 and 2 of Row 1, Section DD, at Temple Emanu-El. The winner will also receive free parking, two custom-made prayer shawls and yarmulkes, and a hefty tax write off. Plus the winning bidder can pass the seats to his or her children.

Rabbi Kliel Rose said he wasn’t surprised that the auction, which ends today, had drawn no bids. He said it was more about gaining the attention of Jews who are disconnected from their faith. “Hypothetically, if the money comes, it would be great, but the idea is really just to be edgy,” he said.

What do you with something like that?

Westbrook Church is committed to being a racially - diverse, multi-cultural church. To help that God driven, Biblically mandated dream become a reality we are committed to having open and honest dialogue about these issues. This past Friday night and Saturday morning we were blessed to host Dr. George Yancey in a seminar entitled The Multi-Cultural Church and Kingdom Citizenship.
Dr. Yancey is an Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of North Texas. From a church perspective his works that deal with racial reconciliation and multi-cultural churches are invaluable. If you are interested in deepening your understanding of these aspects of Christ’s call be sure that you include Dr. Yancey’s writings on your book shelf. One book that clarified my understanding of our reality and what we should do about racism in the church is this book this is listed and pictured on this blog: United by Faith. My little brian is trying to wrap around all of the good stuff that we picked up this weekend but be sure to check out some of Dr. Yancey’s other works: One Body, One Spirit and his newest book entitled Beyond Racial Gridlock.