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 & Logic Parenting Course
LAST CHANCE
International Kids Kamp Info Huddle
Connections for Pastors
John 17 Weekends
Church of the Week
Holy Land and Oberammergau
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Greetings!
Google "How many types of beetles are there?"
You'll find several different articles and numbers, and interestingly enough, the first one in my search is used as evidence for evolution.
While I'm not here today to argue theories of creation, I will absolutely argue for evidence of a Creator. And to me, the variety within
beetles,
of all things, just points out the infinite creativity of our Creator.
Check out Harmony Hub this week for info on "unity, not uniformity." One of the reasons many resist an appeal for greater unity is that they mistakenly think unity means uniformity, rubbing off all the differences until we all look alike. Nothing could be further from the truth. God isn't threatened or disappointed by our incredible diversity in His Church - that's His design for His body!
And it's one of the great joys of being a unity evangelist, which is why I invite you to join me in that adventure! No two parts of the body of Christ are identical, and the variety is as breath-taking and inspiring as creation itself!
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've hit 80% of our initial funding goal! Help us hit the target by clicking HERE. Only two days are left to hit the goal by January 31.
- We went statewide and maybe national! Pastor Drum was the keynote presenter at the Spiritual Life Conference in Fountain Hills, AZ, and received multiple inquiries to work in two additional Arizona cities, two additional states, and future conferences.
- Jesus has a strategy for evangelism - his John 17 prayer! This was the theme of the Spiritual Life Conference.
Check out the
website
for more info.
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New
News about
THIS NEWSLETTER
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Thanks so much for your feedback! We're always interested in improving, so reply with any suggestions.
Some suggestions for you:
- Watch for the Last Chance items!
- Know of an event that promotes John 17 harmony and collaboration? Let us know about it.
- While a majority of readers are from the Tucson area, nearly 100 readers are from elsewhere in our state, our nation and around the world ... and that number is growing rapidly!
- What do you find challenging with building greater unity? Let us know so that it may possibly be addressed it in a future column.
Who are additional people and ministries who ought to know about this? Encourage them to
subscribe
!
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Unity, not Uniformity - Part 1 of a series
In John 17, Jesus prays four times (in one form or another) that we might be one as He is one with his heavenly Father. Where was Jesus when he prayed that prayer? At a specific, identifiable time and place within history, probably about 30 A.D in the spring time, either in the Garden of Gethsemane, the Upper Room, or somewhere in between (all of which I just visited this last summer with my bride, in preparation for inviting
you
to join us again in 2020 - see below!). Where was the Father when Jesus prayed this prayer? Well, everywhere? In heaven? That's a much harder question to answer since God the Father is spirit, not limited by space and time.
If we're supposed to be one like Jesus is one with His Father, it obviously can't mean uniformity or identical, since it would be hard to imagine more diversity than between Someone who's fully divine and yet fully human (with all the limitations that come with humanity - see Philippians 2), and a "Spirit being" that's part of what we call the Trinity, a theological term coined out of tri (3) + unity (1), to bear witness in a single word to all that the Scriptures proclaim about our God.
Jesus is praying that we might be unified, not uniform; fully aligned not fully identical. Like different instruments in an orchestra, or different experts on a team sport, Jesus wants each of us refining our craft, operating out of our strengths, and living out the Creator's infinite creativity in the way He designed us. John 17 Unity is the farthest thing imaginable from dull or boring! It will take all of eternity to explore its depths.
Be your part! Whether that's an individual or congregational part, excel at your individuality! Even networks or denominations tend to have built-in strengths and priorities. No amount of training or sanctification will allow an individual, congregation, or denomination to replace the whole Body, since God Himself will resist that effort. Don't burn yourself out trying to be all things to all people! Find and hone your strength, then commit to learning more about the body parts around you, all for the glory of God.
Harmony Hub Contributor:
Dave Drum, Founder J17 Ministries
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2019 – The Year of Opportunity!
Individuals experiencing homelessness travel an average of 10 miles per day seeking services to survive. Most of those 10 miles are spent on foot, bicycle or public transportation.
You can imagine the frustration and hopelessness that comes with seeking place after place looking for help. After years, even decades, of hoping, praying and believing for a location that would provide shelter and support services under one roof, the time has come.
Gospel Rescue Mission has been blessed to relocate our Men’s Center to the new H.S. Lopez Family Foundation’s Center of Opportunity. With an extravagant contribution from local entrepreneur and philanthropist Humberto Lopez, the former Holiday Inn Holidome Hotel on South Palo Verde, the Center of Opportunity will be that place of help and hope with a “one-stop shop” concept. GRM will manage 350 shelter beds and the 30 other organizations that will be on site providing support services, such as free medical and dental; DES food stamps, ACCCHS health, and job training programs; veterans services; mental health services; re-entry services and academic education. Mr. Lopez also wanted our “faith” component to remain an active ingredient to bring people from homelessness to self-sufficiency.
Remodeling is underway and we are on track for an opening date of late April or May THIS year! This Center is groundbreaking for Tucson and we are excited to be a model that we truly can collaborate without compromise!
We still need a couple million dollars in funds to complete the renovation and remodeling. Please join us in prayer as we thank God in advance for providing those funds.
WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER!
Harmony Hub Contributor:
Lisa Chastain, Associate Executive Director of Gospel Rescue Mission
Editor's note: The Center of Opportunity is the theme of February's TMA event, February 14 (see below). Next week Lisa will share some of the lessons she's learned as a world class collaborator!
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Here are the latest opportunities to strengthen
your faith and connect with the community.
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PARENTING THE LOVE & LOGIC WAY, 6-WEEK COURSE
Begins Wednesday,
January 30
6:30 - 8 pm
Pantano Christian Church
1755 S. Houghton Rd.
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Map
All parents of children birth thru teen are invited to join us for a 6-week parenting class, taught by Robin Blumenthal. Through video, workbooks and discussion, you will learn to take the stress out of parenting! No more lectures, threats or fights – learn to let the consequences do the teaching – and have fun at the same time! The cost is $50 per person/couple and includes materials. KidZone Groups, PCC's children’s midweek programming, for 3 years old – 5th grade and childcare for 2 years old and younger is available.
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INTERNATIONAL KIDS KAMP GENERAL INTEREST HUDDLE
Thursday,
January 31 | 6 - 8 pm
Northminster Presbyterian Church
2450 E. Fort Lowell Rd.
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Map
1 city. 5 days. 2 faiths. 300+ kids from all over the world. This year's International Kids Kamp will take place July 8-12 and is a fun-filled summer adventure!
In order to serve our children and neighbors in this way, many volunteers are needed! A general interest huddle is being held for those who are interested in volunteering at Kids Kamp July 2019. Come hear from a few campers themselves!
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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 topics 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
Join us for TMA's second meeting of the year! Next 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. Each month 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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PASTORS' WIVES BRUNCH
Saturday,
March 9 | 9 - 11:30 am
GAP Ministries
All wives of area pastors are invited to attend a special brunch in your honor. You, too, play a very important role in the church and we wish to take this opportunity to celebrate yo
u! Join us and hear from
Carolyn Anderson, from Living Water Ministries, as she speaks on the topic of "Lioness Arising". Cost is $10 at the door; dress is business casual.
Editor's note: We recognize that many churches have female pastors as well as male. No one event serves everyone!
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Click
HERE
for more upcoming events.
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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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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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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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Holy Land & Oberammergau
June 1 - 13, 2020
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Travel FAQs:
May we choose the airline with which we travel?
Due to the volume of passengers traveling on various itineraries from many departure cities, we cannot select the airline for our travel.
When is the final payment due?
December 4, 2019
How many suitcases may we take?
One large check-in, one small carry-on, and one personal carry-on per person are included. Additional fees, set by the airlines, will be charged for additional luggage.
How much money should we take with us?
You will need money for souvenirs and lunches daily.
Do we need to get foreign currency?
You may use credit/debit cards at the larger stores and restaurants. You will need Euro for the second week. In the Holy Land area, you may use U.S. dollars (however, you may receive change in Israeli new shekels).
Will we be able to purchase souvenirs?
You may bring souvenirs home in your luggage. If it's too large, some stores will ship for a fee.
Do we need immunizations?
No
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