J17 Ministries
in Collaboration with 4Tucson and
Tucson Ministries
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IN THIS ISSUE
Who is J17 Ministries?
How to use this newsletter
Harmony Hub
Collaboration Corner
Connections for Everyone
LAST CHANCE
Love Talk Conference
LAST CHANCE
Missions Festival
LAST CHANCE
Chaplaincy Training
Connections for Pastors
LAST CHANCE
Pastors' Edge
John 17 Weekends
Church of the Week
Holy Land and Oberammergau
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Greetings!
What a night!
Matthew, Mark, and Luke devote the better part of a whole (long) chapter to it. John devotes 5 whole chapters to it, plus a good portion of a 6th.
The Thursday before Good Friday is the evening I'm talking about. When my bride and I were in the Holy Land this summer on the Mount of Olives, the person giving the devotion pointed out that the battle was won on Thursday, when Jesus agonized the prayer, "Not my will, but Yours be done."
Here's a short summary of things that changed forever as a result of that one night:
- Jesus redefined leadership as service by washing the disciples' feet.
- Passover was redefined, giving Christ-followers an opportunity forever to remember/experience His sacrifice and love through Holy Communion.
- A strategy for evangelism in every generation was first taught (John 13:33-34) and then prayed (John 17).
- Love for enemies was exhibited remarkably in Jesus washing Judas' feet, serving him Communion, and calling him "friend" as Judas came to betray Him.
- Jesus taught more about the Holy Spirit than at any other time (John 14-16), and much more...
As He was dependent on the Father in Gethsamane, He illustrated our utter dependence on Him likely while walking through a vineyard (apart from Him we can do not just a few things, but
nada
, John 15:5).
The evening that changed the world!
Dave Drum, Founder
J17 Ministries
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New
News about
J17 MINISTRIES
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As the name implies, J17 Ministries is all about aligning hearts with Jesus’ heart as expressed in John 17. J17 Ministries is a big idea, but with practical implications in every city.
- We hit 91% of our initial funding goal, which is close enough for Pastor Drum to commit full time attention to this developing ministry. You can invest HERE if you'd like to help.
- We held our first official board meeting last week. Here's our new board of directors:
- President Glen Elliott, Lead Pastor, Pantano Christian.
- Treasurer/Secretary Darcy McNaughton.
- Elisa Medina, Executive Director, Hands of Hope
- Fernando Medina, John 17 Weekends steering team
- Tony Moss, lead pastor Agape Christian Church International.
- Andy Ross, lead pastor Northminster Presbyterian.
- Deb Waterbury, international author/speaker.
Check out the
website
for more info.
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New
News about
THIS NEWSLETTER
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Your feedback is always welcome simply by replying to this email!
One of the additional ways we monitor feedback is by the open rate of our newsletters. We've been rocking it at over 45% each week... until last week's subject heading of beetles.
No more icky bug subject headings
!
As weeks progress, you'll discover more and more new initiatives here. One of those is the biblical theology seminar below on March 9, a brand new initiative made possible by five different ministries bringing their strengths to the table - some of those strengths being presentation, some being infrastructure, and some being support. Come if you can - it's probably the only time we'll offer it for free just to build greater awareness and appreciation for the value!
Also be on the lookout for new unity initiatives - several are forming around the concept of Jew/Gentile unity! How cool is that - that we get to pay attention to the
first barrier Jesus was probably praying about in John 17!
Who are additional people and ministries who ought to know about this? Encourage them to
subscribe
!
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Visible unity - Part 2 of a series
Jesus taught in John 13 that by our love for one another, the world would know that we are His disciples. Then, because He knew how challenging and impactful that would be, He went to His knees over the same topic in John 17, praying that by our love for the rest of the Christ-followers, the world would come to know who Jesus is and how much God loves them.
Last week's column explored how this unity Jesus prayed for has to break so many boundaries that observers would rightfully conclude that such love must come from a divine source. No human attempts at kindness and civility could ever explain it.
But how will the world ever even know about our unity? If all the Jesus-loving congregations in Tucson sold their buildings and worshiped together every Sunday: a) that would be a really bad idea, I believe; b) we could fit in the UA football stadium, and c) after the novelty wore off, less than 10% of the city would even know about it, because less than 10% of Tucson is in worship on a given Sunday.
That would be a bad idea because Jesus wants His body to have incredibly diverse parts. The pancreas and the eyeball have very little in common except that they both answer to the same head. Everyone in the football stadium would be giving up their most meaningful heart languages and expressions so that we could all sing the same songs, listen to the same message, and be challenged in the same ways. Bad idea. Diversity isn't a sin problem - it's God's design.
The world will come to know only if our unity is
visible
, meaning outside the four walls of the institutional church. We don't
go to church,
we're called to
be the church, going to the world.
Visible unity starts the same way that amazing evening started, by finding ways to wash the world's feet in service. The impact Christian unity has had in Tucson is largely due to the two points of the spear that have developed in unified Christian service - to the public schools (over 80% have a church that has adopted them) and to the foster care system (the entire trajectory of child welfare in Tucson and Arizona has shifted as a result of Christian service.)
The best way to preach an unconditionally gospel is unconditionally - through visible unity that serves the communities around us.
Harmony Hub Contributor:
Dave Drum, Founder J17 Ministries
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Collaboration without Compromise
It all started about 15 years ago when God started to teach me about His way of collaborating. This came at about the same time that God began to unfold His plan for my life and collaboration was part of that plan. I was reluctant at first because we all know it’s EASIER to do things ourselves (or so I thought), but it’s much more effective and lasting if we do things together.
God began to take me on a journey of collaborating with government, business, community and faith. How does this make sense? We, the Church, collaborating with secular entities? Would we be unequally yoked? Would my faith be compromised?
This journey unfolded organically, without much of a plan on my part. As God brought opportunity again and again to partner with these other entities to accomplish His plan, I marched forward with peace but not much understanding. I began to search the scriptures for understanding. I found many scriptures on working together (Ecclesiastes 4:9; Hebrews 10:24; 1 Corinthians 1:10; and others), but the story of Nehemiah rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem spoke to me the loudest in navigating what I was experiencing. You know the story: Nehemiah was working as a cup-bearer to the King of Persia and God provided an opportunity for Nehemiah to ask the King to send him to Jerusalem to help rebuild the walls and gates that had been destroyed. Nehemiah found favor with the King and he granted Nehemiah’s request. But, it’s the way Nehemiah orchestrated rebuilding the walls that gave me a roadmap to collaboration. First, he had favor and a calling. Second, he used all the resources within the community to do their part. The story is very descriptive of who helped, from community leaders to goldsmiths and manufacturers of perfumes, all working together for a common goal … to rebuild the walls of the city. I have found that when you are united together for a common purpose and in love, the differences that we have with each other fade into the background. Nehemiah also worked side-by-side helping to build the walls; he didn’t just build walls, he built relationships which led him to freeing the people in other ways they were vulnerable. He was an example of God’s love to all that were part of this common purpose.
Instead of thinking that we shouldn’t work together with unbelievers, we should understand that if God has called us to be Ambassadors and Standard Bearers, then we, the Church can be an influence to all those who we collaborate together with because you build relationships along with way.
At first when I stated that I was reluctant to work together with others; now I can’t imagine doing it any other way. WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER!
Harmony Hub Contributor:
Lisa Chastain, Associate Executive Director of Gospel Rescue Mission
Editor's note: This is the second article in a two-part series. Missed the first installment? You can find it
HERE
.
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Here are the latest opportunities to strengthen
your faith and connect with the community.
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If you are part of an area event promoting unity and collaboration among the citywide
Body of Christ and beyond and would like it included in an upcoming newsletter,
please click
HERE
to submit your request.
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LOVE TALK CONFERENCE
Saturday,
February 9 | 9 am
- 12 pm
Hope Church
3353 N. Houghton Rd.
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Map
This conference is for everyone, for husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, and even siblings! Join Pastor's Marc and Cheryl Cargill as they speak about communication and what 30 years of marriage, raising 5 children and what walking in Love Talk is really all about!
This is a free event but we do ask you to RSVP. Childcare is available for small children.
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MISSIONS FESTIVAL SUNDAY
Sunday,
February 10
Christ Community Church
Join us for a special Missions Sunday and Missions Festival with international potluck in the evening. Morning services are at 9 am and 10:45 am, and the potluck will begin at 5:30 pm. We will be joined by special speaker, Christ Community Church's very own, Gilmer Paden of SEND Philippines.
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IFOC CHAPLAIN TRAINING
Monday-Friday,
February 11-15
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Pantano Christian Church
1755 S. Houghton Rd.|
Map
Become a Chaplain to serve our city! Training will be provided in offering support to schools, to pastors/churches, in hospitals, as a first responder, and more. The training includes stress management; depression/ suicidology; domestic violence; grief and loss; Critical Incident Stress management; Post Traumatic Stress injury; human trafficking; death notifications; and disaster preparedness. You can choose to use the training informally, or, you can become a licensed/ordained Chaplain.
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THE VERITAS FORUM @UA
Tuesday,
February 12 | 7
pm
University of Arizona, Crowder Hall
RACISM:
Is Christianity a Solution or
Part of the Problem?
The Veritas Forum invites students and faculty to ask life's hardest questions. With a commitment to courageous discourse we put the historic Christian faith in dialogue with other beliefs and invite participants from all backgrounds to pursue Truth together. Join us as we explore the topic of
Racism: Is Christianity A Solution or Part of the Problem?
with Dr. George Yancey, PhD, from the University of North Texas.
FREE EVENT
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TUCSON MINISTRY ALLIANCE
Thursday,
February 14
11:30 am - 1 pm
Fountain of Life Lutheran Church
Kingdom Grit:
Center of Opportunity
Join us for TMA's second meeting of the year! This month we will learn more about the
Center of Opportunity
, and how this collaborative effort is helping to lift men and women out of poverty. Roy Tullgren, Executive Director of Gospel Rescue Mission shares that, "the Center of Opportunity will provide one location where people can access all the resources they need to become self-sufficient. Housing programs, job skills training, employment services; there will be everything they need to move on in life with a second chance." Each month at TMA we meet together, eat together, learn together, and pray together, asking God to use us – together – to change our city, one issue at a time. Don't miss it!
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W.H.E.A.T. (Women Helping, Encouraging, and Transforming)
Saturday,
February 16 | 3 - 6
pm
Hope City Church
The theme of this kick off event is "Healthy Relationships" with speaker Dr. Franki Appleby. WHEAT is a sister ministry to MEAT and Greet. We plan to gather for quarterly events that address issues that affect the Tucson community. For more information, contact Katie.
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Is theology relevant to one’s daily walk in Christ or is “theology” just another word for abstract, religious philosophy? In this seminar, we will consider these questions and begin an exploration of how the Bible presents us with the answers. Dana Yentzer, Director of Ministry Resources Institute, and Dave Drum, Founder of J17 Ministries, will lead the conversation, helping apply the theological principles found in the Old and New Testaments to real life issues. In addition, each participant will receive a resource package designed to help them apply biblical theology in their own life. Join us for this exciting opportunity to understand the shape of biblical thought and how to apply it in the world today!
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PASTORS' EDGE
Thursday,
February 7 | 11 am - 1 pm
The Journey Church
Join us this month as we explore the topic of "Getting and Keeping Great Volunteers", with guest speaker Robin Blumenthal.
Every church is totally dependent on faithful volunteers, but too few leaders are great at both obtaining and supporting these servants. When volunteers are supported well, we’ll not only find that we can keep these volunteers, but it is easier to recruit even more people.
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PASTOR PARTNERS
Normally 3rd Tuesday of month
Tuesday, February 19
11:30 am - 12:45 pm
Pastors from a variety of backgrounds meet together to pursue racial reconciliation as brothers and sisters in Christ. If you would like to be part of this group and to
confirm the meeting location
, please contact Apostle Warren Anderson or Pastor Dan Johnson.
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All pastors are invited to this three-day retreat, Tucson's 11th annual three-day pastor prayer summit. No “famous” speakers. No ministry fair booths. No sermons. No advertisements. The main attraction is God Himself. Join us for three days in seeking God in unity, praying for revival and spiritual awakening in our city, and having our tanks filled as we worship and pray.
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Click
HERE
for more upcoming events.
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Team and Participant applications are currently being accepted!
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Men's weekend: July 18-21
Women's weekend: July 25-28
Submit your application now and be a part this year's Tucson area Christian discipleship weekend that emphasizes the essentials of the Christian life and walk.
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Trinity Missionary Baptist Church
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Holy Land & Oberammergau
June 1 - 13, 2020
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Weather
In general, the weather in the Holy Land is said to resemble the weather in Phoenix! If that holds true, then our JUNE week there should be warm.
The weather in the Germany area will be in the mid 60's. We will most likely want to layer in the evenings and early mornings as temps may drop to mid 40's.
You can watch your favorite weather site the last 2 weeks of June in 2019 to get an idea; or, you can check
www.weather.com
and see what they have to say.
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