Antioch Church Of Christ
Located Ten Miles East of Tampa Florida at Interstate Four / Exit Fourteen
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Report For October 2008
The North Terrace Congregation
We have had a lot of new growth in our numbers. We have averaged over 100 in most of our Sunday and Wednesday services since August. We have most recently counted 110 - 120 present in our assemblies. Some of this number is due to college students who have identified with us, but we continue to receive other visitors. Several of our most recent ones have been from Spanish-speaking backgrounds.
One challenge that comes with our growth is to provide sufficient Bible classes for all ages. We have a large number of young people and children. This is a tremendous blessing, but we are close to overflow in our classrooms. We are looking ahead for solutions that will provide the needed space without affecting the quality of instruction we want to offer.
We have had a lot of new growth in our numbers. We have averaged over 100 in most of our Sunday and Wednesday services since August. We have most recently counted 110 - 120 present in our assemblies. Some of this number is due to college students who have identified with us, but we continue to receive other visitors. Several of our most recent ones have been from Spanish-speaking backgrounds.
One challenge that comes with our growth is to provide sufficient Bible classes for all ages. We have a large number of young people and children. This is a tremendous blessing, but we are close to overflow in our classrooms. We are looking ahead for solutions that will provide the needed space without affecting the quality of instruction we want to offer.
Here is a recent panoramic shot. (Some were inadvertently cut off on the right, so I'll take another one soon.)
Teaching
I did not present any new Sunday sermons at North Terrace this month due to the special series mentioned in my previous report (and discussed below), and due to my Gospel Meeting with the Wilsonville, AL, congregation the week of October 19th.
Classes
I continued my Spanish-language Archaeology and the Bible class on Sunday mornings and the English-language James class on Wednesday evenings. I create the lesson & PowerPoint materials for each class.
Fully Integrating 2 Languages in One Congregation
We completed the four-lesson series on Unity described in my previous report. These lessons were part of an ongoing focus to more fully integrate ourselves as a congregation. North Terrace has English and Spanish speaking brethren from a total of 8 countries. We aim to exist as a congregation united in the culture of Christ, as the New Testament instructs Christians to do. Here are the lessons and speakers again.
Unity: Our Goal and Obligation (Luke Chandler)
Whenever New Testament Christians tried to partition themselves, it was always regarded as a problem. The apostles did not establish separate congregations for race, class or even language. Christians from every background were told to unite into one Body based on Gospel principles.
Getting Outside Our Comfort Zone (John Umber)
How does a Christian become "all things to all men" for the sake of the Gospel? How does a Christian build a relationship with another Christian who speaks a different language? This lesson provided scriptural principles and practical advice.
One Body in Christ (Daniel Mantilla)
Only in Christ can we find true unity amid the divisions and separations of the world. This lesson discussed cultural factors that should not affect our interaction with each other, as well as some cultural factors that should affect our interaction, because they affect our interaction with God.
All Things to All Men: Our Plan of Action as Individuals and as a Body (Royce Chandler)
Suggestions from the eldership on how we can further integrate both the English and Spanish languages into our worship assembly, and how we may more fully integrate with each other on a personal level.
At the conclusion of this series we are working to more fully and equally integrate both languages in our worship. We have always translated the sermons and the Lord's Supper, but will now also translate the announcements and nearly all of the public prayers. This adds time to our assembly (which especially stresses parents with young children), so we will compensate in various small ways to offset the difference.
We have projected English translations of Spanish songs for years. As a part of our new effort, we will be adding Spanish translations of English songs so that everyone can sing with understanding in every assembly. We put this job off in the past because it is a daunting task to translate the 1000+ songs in our English songbook. A few of us have figured out an approach that will eventually get the job done without stressing song leaders, translators or worshipers. It will be an ongoing project, but should get easier with time.
Our Third Child On the Way
I was happy to announce in my previous report that Melanie is expecting again. The pregnancy is going well, although she feels very sick most days. This is exactly what happened with our first two children, so it's a matter of waiting it out. The baby is due in June, but we must wait until February to know whether it's a boy or girl.
Upcoming Trip to Spain
I have made plans with my father, Royce Chandler, and John Umber for an evangelistic trip in January. The brethren in Barcelona and Seville were very positive when we inquired about a visit. There are faithful churches in Spain, but no full time evangelist in the entire country. We have arranged to leave the U.S. on January 8th and return on the 27th. Our travel will take us to at least three congregations. I was able to purchase our flights at some excellent fares. Traveling during the off-season helps to keep costs down.
My expenses will be around $3,000 for the entire 2-1/2 week trip. I have been pledged $500 in support at the time of this writing. Would the congregation where you are be able to assist with any portion of these costs? The birth of our third child will prevent me from traveling to Colombia in the summer, so this will be my only evangelistic trip in 2009. If you are in a position to support this trip, please know that your participation also gives you a share of any spiritual fruits that may result.
Thank you for your interest in this work and may the Lord bless and keep you.
In Him,
Luke Chandler
LukeChandler@verizon.net
I did not present any new Sunday sermons at North Terrace this month due to the special series mentioned in my previous report (and discussed below), and due to my Gospel Meeting with the Wilsonville, AL, congregation the week of October 19th.
Classes
I continued my Spanish-language Archaeology and the Bible class on Sunday mornings and the English-language James class on Wednesday evenings. I create the lesson & PowerPoint materials for each class.
Fully Integrating 2 Languages in One Congregation
We completed the four-lesson series on Unity described in my previous report. These lessons were part of an ongoing focus to more fully integrate ourselves as a congregation. North Terrace has English and Spanish speaking brethren from a total of 8 countries. We aim to exist as a congregation united in the culture of Christ, as the New Testament instructs Christians to do. Here are the lessons and speakers again.
Unity: Our Goal and Obligation (Luke Chandler)
Whenever New Testament Christians tried to partition themselves, it was always regarded as a problem. The apostles did not establish separate congregations for race, class or even language. Christians from every background were told to unite into one Body based on Gospel principles.
Getting Outside Our Comfort Zone (John Umber)
How does a Christian become "all things to all men" for the sake of the Gospel? How does a Christian build a relationship with another Christian who speaks a different language? This lesson provided scriptural principles and practical advice.
One Body in Christ (Daniel Mantilla)
Only in Christ can we find true unity amid the divisions and separations of the world. This lesson discussed cultural factors that should not affect our interaction with each other, as well as some cultural factors that should affect our interaction, because they affect our interaction with God.
All Things to All Men: Our Plan of Action as Individuals and as a Body (Royce Chandler)
Suggestions from the eldership on how we can further integrate both the English and Spanish languages into our worship assembly, and how we may more fully integrate with each other on a personal level.
At the conclusion of this series we are working to more fully and equally integrate both languages in our worship. We have always translated the sermons and the Lord's Supper, but will now also translate the announcements and nearly all of the public prayers. This adds time to our assembly (which especially stresses parents with young children), so we will compensate in various small ways to offset the difference.
We have projected English translations of Spanish songs for years. As a part of our new effort, we will be adding Spanish translations of English songs so that everyone can sing with understanding in every assembly. We put this job off in the past because it is a daunting task to translate the 1000+ songs in our English songbook. A few of us have figured out an approach that will eventually get the job done without stressing song leaders, translators or worshipers. It will be an ongoing project, but should get easier with time.
Our Third Child On the Way
I was happy to announce in my previous report that Melanie is expecting again. The pregnancy is going well, although she feels very sick most days. This is exactly what happened with our first two children, so it's a matter of waiting it out. The baby is due in June, but we must wait until February to know whether it's a boy or girl.
Upcoming Trip to Spain
I have made plans with my father, Royce Chandler, and John Umber for an evangelistic trip in January. The brethren in Barcelona and Seville were very positive when we inquired about a visit. There are faithful churches in Spain, but no full time evangelist in the entire country. We have arranged to leave the U.S. on January 8th and return on the 27th. Our travel will take us to at least three congregations. I was able to purchase our flights at some excellent fares. Traveling during the off-season helps to keep costs down.
My expenses will be around $3,000 for the entire 2-1/2 week trip. I have been pledged $500 in support at the time of this writing. Would the congregation where you are be able to assist with any portion of these costs? The birth of our third child will prevent me from traveling to Colombia in the summer, so this will be my only evangelistic trip in 2009. If you are in a position to support this trip, please know that your participation also gives you a share of any spiritual fruits that may result.
Thank you for your interest in this work and may the Lord bless and keep you.
In Him,
Luke Chandler
LukeChandler@verizon.net
Report From Luke Chandler - September 2008
The North Terrace Congregation
Our assembly continues to grow. We now average over 100 on Sundays, and close to that number on Wednesday evenings. Our auditorium is frequently full - we have had to bring in chairs from the classrooms more than once.
The entire church was encouraged by the arrival of Orlando Batista from the Dominican Republic on September 26th. His wife Ana and the three children came to the U.S. seven years ago, before 9/11, fully anticipating he would be able to join them quickly. To summarize a long, difficult story, the post-9/11 immigration rules resulted in the family being separated for most of the past seven years. All of the immigration paperwork was finally processed and he was allowed to come to the U.S. last month. This is an answer to years of prayer and patience.
(l to r) Amelka, Orlando, Andy, Ana
Anabel
Teaching
On September 28th we began a 4-Sunday series on Unity, focusing on our bilingual work. North Terrace has brethren from *8 countries who speak 2 different languages (English & Spanish), yet we have integrated to exist as One Body in Christ. This new lesson series is intended to unify us to an even greater degree. Our goal is to achieve what the original Christians achieved - to unify into one single culture, the culture of Christ.
September 28th - Unity: Our Goal and Obligation (Luke Chandler)
The apostles did not establish separate congregations for Jews, Samaritans, Gentiles, Slaves, Masters, etc. They established "churches" where everyone was taught to be one unified Body. When Christians tried to partition themselves, it was always considered a problem in the Scriptures. "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28)
October 5th - Getting Outside Our Comfort Zone (John Umber)
How does a Christian become "all things to all men" for the sake of the Gospel? How does a Christian build a relationship with another Christian who speaks a different language? This lesson provides scriptural principles and practical advice.
October 12th - One Body in Christ (Daniel Mantilla)
Only in Christ can we find true unity amid the divisions and separations of the world. This lesson will discuss some cultural factors that should not affect our interaction with each other, as well as some cultural factors that should affect our interaction, because they affect our interaction with God.
October 26th - All Things to All Men: Our plan of action as individuals and as a Body (Royce Chandler)
Suggestions from the eldership on how we can further integrate both the English and Spanish languages into our worship assembly, and how we may more fully integrate with each other on a personal level.
Classes
My Bible classes for this trimester are Archaeology and the Bible (Spanish) on Sunday mornings and The Book of James (English) on Wednesdays. I asked David Bermudez, a brother at North Terrace, to co-teach the Archaeology class. He graduated recently with a B.S. in History from USF and has good potential as a Bible teacher. I am translating my own material for the Archaeology class and am creating the lessons for James.
Super Saturday For College Students
I organized this series of classes for Saturday, September 13th. We offered six different class subjects, all taught by North Terrace brethren. Each student was able to choose the three sessions that interested him/her the most.
Local Evangelism for the Next Generation
Foreign Work for Young Adults
Sexual Purity (men only)
Leadership in Worship (men only)
Bible Class Teacher Workshop (women only)
Inner and Outer Beauty (women only)
I taught the "Local Evangelism" and "Leadership in Worship" classes and my wife Melanie taught the "Inner/Outer Beauty" class. Due in part to various student commitments at Florida College, fewer attended Super Saturday this year than did last year. A majority of the attendees this year were visitors from other congregations, and several made very positive comments about the classes.
We're Expecting Again!
We just learned that our third child will arrive next June, Lord willing. Our daughter Laura (3 years old) and our son Caleb (1) are, of course, thrilled. Melanie and I are thankful to the Lord and prayerful that everything will go smoothly over the term.
Possible Trip To Spain
The timing of the upcoming birth will prevent me from traveling to Colombia next June, but my father and I are investigating the possibility of visiting our brethren in Spain this January. My last visit with them was two years ago in January of 2007. There are several churches in Spain, but no full time evangelist in the entire country. We are thinking of visiting the two congregations in the Seville area and the church in Barcelona. (The congregation in Barcelona suffered a division a couple of years ago, but recently was able to re-unite.)
If you have any questions or comments over anything in this report, please feel free to get in touch with me. Thank you for your interest in this work, and may God keep you in His love and grace.
In Him,
Luke Chandler
LukeChandler@verizon.net
Report From Luke Chandler - July/August 2008
This report covers the second part of July and all of August.
Future reports should revert to the original one-month interval.
Teaching and Preaching:
I presented four bilingual Sunday morning lessons during this period. They covered the following subjects:
On July 20th, I spoke on The Unity of Isaiah. Many scholars routinely declare that two or more people penned Isaiah, and that the book was compiled centuries after Isaiah's time. One reason for this view is disbelief in a God who knows the future. Proponents of this view believe Isaiah's prophecies should be considered as history, not divinely inspired prophecy. My lesson presented evidence within Isaiah that contradicts these assumptions in order to 1) defend the integrity and divine authority of the book, and 2) strengthen our faith in the promises of the God who inspired Isaiah's message.
My lesson on August 3rd answered the question on What Makes a Nation Great? The key text was Proverbs 14:34, "Righteous exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people." In a time when we are weighing the direction of our country, what matters most? What should be our priorities and values? Before anything else we are citizens of Heaven and that can change our perspective.
On August 17th I presented a lesson on Unity. This sermon addressed the tendency of churches (from any era) to partition themselves for any number of reasons. The New Testament always regarded the partitioning of Christians as symptomatic of a problem (see Acts 6, 1 Corinthians 1 & James 2). Jews, Gentiles, Samaritans, Slaves, Masters, Rich, Poor, etc. all worshiped together in single congregations. In our day and time, when English and Spanish-speaking Christians increasingly live side by side, we must avoid the partitioning of ourselves by race and language and find ways to unite.
My lesson on August 31st studied how Libations (drink offerings) were a part of almost every kind sacrifice under the Law of Moses. Paul referred to drink offerings in Philippians 2:17 and 2 Timothy 4:6. What are the libations for our sacrifices today? How can we be 'poured out' as drink offerings in the Lord's service? This lesson addressed these questions.
Classes:
I concluded both my Sunday morning English class on Archaeology and the Bible and my Wednesday Spanish class on Miracles of Jesus (Milagros de Jesús). Both classes went well, though I particularly enjoyed the archaeology class. I received my B.A. in Ancient History and have maintained an interest in the field, especially as it relates to the scriptures.
My new classes beginning in September will be Archaeology and the Bible (in Spanish this time) and The Book of James (English). James is a practical book that speaks to established Christians. I last taught this book as a class when I preached in the Chicago area 8 years ago. I know I'll benefit from a fresh study of its teachings.
My Work:
One of my responsibilities as a Deacon is to encourage and work with the young people at North Terrace. This includes organizing biweekly devotionals for them in members' homes, but includes spending time with them on other occasions. We had a couple of get-togethers with them before school resumed in mid-August. Six of our young people were baptized over the summer, so it is especially important to give them attention.
Our college students returned in the latter half of August, signaling a return to 'normality'. Students make up roughly a fourth of our number, so we definitely feel their absence over the summer. Students and their parents helped us have a record attendance of 126 on Sunday, August 17th. This was ten more people than our previous high.
I am taking an undergraduate course titled "A Critical Introduction to the Old Testament" at Florida College this semester. This class surveys textual criticism of the biblical Hebrew text and involves writing a critical analysis paper on an Old Testament subject. The college permits evangelists to take one free course per semester. I have never taken advantage of this opportunity until now, but I look forward to the challenge and (hopeful) enrichment that comes from it.
After the usual schedule disruptions that come with summer, September will be a full month. I am organizing the new Fall devotions for our college students, and our annual Super Saturday for College Students will take place on the 13th. We had planned a weekend Gospel meeting at the end of September but decided instead to have a 4-Sunday series on Unity, with an emphasis on more fully integrating our bilingual work. I will present the first lesson in this series at the end of September, followed by three other North Terrace men in October.
My Bible, History and Travel Blog:
In the previous report I mentioned my blog at www.lukechandler.wordpress.com. Its content covers the title subjects, including archaeology, overseas Gospel work and bilingual worship. Comments are always welcome. I hope it is interesting and informative to those who visit. Hope to see you there!
Thank you for your interest in my work at North Terrace. Please do not hesitate to contact me for any reason. May God bless you.
In Him,
Luke Chandler
lukechandler@verizon.net
The North Terrace church of Christ: www.NorthTerraceChurch.com
Future reports should revert to the original one-month interval.
Teaching and Preaching:
I presented four bilingual Sunday morning lessons during this period. They covered the following subjects:
On July 20th, I spoke on The Unity of Isaiah. Many scholars routinely declare that two or more people penned Isaiah, and that the book was compiled centuries after Isaiah's time. One reason for this view is disbelief in a God who knows the future. Proponents of this view believe Isaiah's prophecies should be considered as history, not divinely inspired prophecy. My lesson presented evidence within Isaiah that contradicts these assumptions in order to 1) defend the integrity and divine authority of the book, and 2) strengthen our faith in the promises of the God who inspired Isaiah's message.
My lesson on August 3rd answered the question on What Makes a Nation Great? The key text was Proverbs 14:34, "Righteous exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people." In a time when we are weighing the direction of our country, what matters most? What should be our priorities and values? Before anything else we are citizens of Heaven and that can change our perspective.
On August 17th I presented a lesson on Unity. This sermon addressed the tendency of churches (from any era) to partition themselves for any number of reasons. The New Testament always regarded the partitioning of Christians as symptomatic of a problem (see Acts 6, 1 Corinthians 1 & James 2). Jews, Gentiles, Samaritans, Slaves, Masters, Rich, Poor, etc. all worshiped together in single congregations. In our day and time, when English and Spanish-speaking Christians increasingly live side by side, we must avoid the partitioning of ourselves by race and language and find ways to unite.
My lesson on August 31st studied how Libations (drink offerings) were a part of almost every kind sacrifice under the Law of Moses. Paul referred to drink offerings in Philippians 2:17 and 2 Timothy 4:6. What are the libations for our sacrifices today? How can we be 'poured out' as drink offerings in the Lord's service? This lesson addressed these questions.
Classes:
I concluded both my Sunday morning English class on Archaeology and the Bible and my Wednesday Spanish class on Miracles of Jesus (Milagros de Jesús). Both classes went well, though I particularly enjoyed the archaeology class. I received my B.A. in Ancient History and have maintained an interest in the field, especially as it relates to the scriptures.
My new classes beginning in September will be Archaeology and the Bible (in Spanish this time) and The Book of James (English). James is a practical book that speaks to established Christians. I last taught this book as a class when I preached in the Chicago area 8 years ago. I know I'll benefit from a fresh study of its teachings.
My Work:
One of my responsibilities as a Deacon is to encourage and work with the young people at North Terrace. This includes organizing biweekly devotionals for them in members' homes, but includes spending time with them on other occasions. We had a couple of get-togethers with them before school resumed in mid-August. Six of our young people were baptized over the summer, so it is especially important to give them attention.
Our college students returned in the latter half of August, signaling a return to 'normality'. Students make up roughly a fourth of our number, so we definitely feel their absence over the summer. Students and their parents helped us have a record attendance of 126 on Sunday, August 17th. This was ten more people than our previous high.
I am taking an undergraduate course titled "A Critical Introduction to the Old Testament" at Florida College this semester. This class surveys textual criticism of the biblical Hebrew text and involves writing a critical analysis paper on an Old Testament subject. The college permits evangelists to take one free course per semester. I have never taken advantage of this opportunity until now, but I look forward to the challenge and (hopeful) enrichment that comes from it.
After the usual schedule disruptions that come with summer, September will be a full month. I am organizing the new Fall devotions for our college students, and our annual Super Saturday for College Students will take place on the 13th. We had planned a weekend Gospel meeting at the end of September but decided instead to have a 4-Sunday series on Unity, with an emphasis on more fully integrating our bilingual work. I will present the first lesson in this series at the end of September, followed by three other North Terrace men in October.
My Bible, History and Travel Blog:
In the previous report I mentioned my blog at www.lukechandler.wordpress.com. Its content covers the title subjects, including archaeology, overseas Gospel work and bilingual worship. Comments are always welcome. I hope it is interesting and informative to those who visit. Hope to see you there!
Thank you for your interest in my work at North Terrace. Please do not hesitate to contact me for any reason. May God bless you.
In Him,
Luke Chandler
lukechandler@verizon.net
The North Terrace church of Christ: www.NorthTerraceChurch.com
