These words were echoing in my ears for the past few weeks as we approached the second birthday of Greenleaf Vineyard Church. I may not be a parent yet in the sense that our bun is still baking for another two months, but Angela and I have always said that Greenleaf is like our first child. I’m going to take the “like” out of that sentence, if I may. Our real son, and any future children, will certainly take priority over the church, but as I look back over these past two years I can’t help but feeling like a proud father.

I love this church. And by that I mean the people. The amazing things that God has done in us. The compassion that God has extended through us to our community. The excitement that comes with each little growth spurt.

So, as a proud father reflecting back over the past two years, here are a few memories, musings, and encouragements to my two-year-old:

You’ve grown…you’re not just a baby any more! What began as 3 committed people meeting on a weekly basis is now approaching 30. While the growth may seem slow at times, not evident on a day-to-day basis, looking back I am amazed–and more so with each new addition to our family. Every time I see one of you welcome a newcomer with a warm smile and an invitation to dinner I smile…whether you see me or not.

You’re starting to walk on your own. In ways that Angela and I used to have to do just about everything for you, you’re now starting to take care of yourself. You’re longing to connect with the world on your own–to experience God and to see him at work around you. You’re stepping out (even if nervously at times!) and believing that God really does have you here for a reason. And I believe that is true for each one of you: your being here was no accident! This church is growing in size and in purpose because of your involvement and partnership.

Your first words. I remember the days when the conversation was very one-sided. Angela and I felt like we had to be involved in almost every conversation or none would happen at all. Then I remember the night that I just stood back and watched you go: all kinds of conversation, relationship, and laughter happening naturally and with out me. You’ve truly loved and embraced one another. You used to be strangers, but now you’re forming life-long bonds and memories that will last well beyond today.

You’re good at sharing. You all give financially better than just about any small church I’ve ever heard of. And you do it even when it hurts. You sacrifice. And not only financially, but you also sacrifice your calendar and your sweat. You love and serve this community with all your heart! And you give generously and lovingly to each other. It’s beautiful. As I watch you grow I can see the heart of Jesus in you: You’re not here to be served, but to serve.

You’re developing your own personality. There is no one else like you! Not here in this city, nor anywhere else. You are special…quirks and all! And, as biased as I may be, I think you’re absolutely the best.

As Paul goes on to say to the Thessalonians, “For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.”

I say that to you, Greenleaf. You are our glory and joy. Happy Birthday.

~Rodger & Angela

So it is with us spiritually. If we’re not growing, we’re dying.

But individual growth is not the end of the nature metaphor. Even those of us, like me, who barely eeked by in 9th grade physical science know another thing that is true regarding a species: If it’s not multiplying, then it’s going extinct. The same cacti that I’ve managed to keep alive have not only grown in size, they have also produced little buds of their own. I could cut one off, root it, and replant it, beginning the whole process yet again. An on and on and on. And imagine for a moment that the cacti I have are the only ones left on the planet: Try as I may to keep them alive, they will in fact one day die. All things die eventually. And even worse, if I don’t facilitate their multiplication, no one one will ever have the joy of pricking themselves on a cactus ever again. Sadness.

Again, so it is with us spiritually. If we are not multiplying, then we’re going extinct.

That’s why our one big home group has just become two smaller home groups. That’s why eventually these two groups will become four. And on and on and on.

Growth is beautiful. Multiplication is miraculous. Come be a part of it!

-Rodger

Roots are vital. They make us who we are. They are much more than mere memories of the past; they give shape to our future.

We’re so proud to part of the Vineyard legacy!

The next What the Heck is Greenleaf? will be this Sunday, February 22nd from 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm at the Bank of America Center in downtown Chapel Hill.

The address is:
136 E. Rosemary Street
Chapel Hill, NC

If you want to check out our regular Sunday service as well, we meet at 5:00 pm every Sunday. What the Heck is Greenleaf? will follow immediately after our Sunday service.

We hope to see you there!

Sunday 9/21: Bring all of your donations to church with you so we can take inventory and make sure we have everything.

Tuesday 9/23: Volunteer Training (for those who can come on Thursday); 7:00-8:30pm at the Newman Center on UNC’s campus.

Wednesday 9/24: Set up! In lieu of meeting at Honza’s, we’ll all meet at the location from 6:30-8:30pm to help set up the Barbershop (in the pool house), as well as other stuff in the gym. Yay! Even those of you who can’t make it on Thursday can get your hands dirty! )

Thursday 9/25: Project Homeless Connect, 9:45am-5:00pm. For those interested, the day is broken up into either 2 or 2.5 hour shifts, depending on the position. Here’s the volunteer positions: photographers, drivers, haircutters/barbers, volunteer check-in, parking attendants, escorts/greeters, intake, runners, exit, shower/bathroom monitors, Spanish translators, family reunification, set up, cleanup/breakdown.

The location is Hargraves Community Center: 216 N. Roberson Street, Chapel Hill, 27514. The Barbershop is being held in the pool house.

If you’re visiting, we would love to have you come this week! It will be a really great time to get to know the church a little bit. And, don’t feel pressured to bring something for dinner–it’s on us!

Click the name of the sermon to go to it’s page where you can download it to your computer, at which point you can listen to it sans-Interweb, load it to your portable music player of choice, or use it in a mashup. The possibilities of the digital age are endless.

(Sorry, the podcast feature isn’t quite functional yet…)

Happy listening.