I thought the Harvest Carnival was a huge success! We had a bunch of guests and gave away a ton of candy. More importantly, as I walked around, I saw and heard some wonderful conversations taking place. I trust the gospel was going forward.

I’ll try to post some pictures of the fun…

What was your favorite part of the Harvest Carnival?

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Don’t forget: Harvest Carnival Tonight! Prizes for best costumes. We’re going to have a lot of fun.

Please remember to show up 15 minutes early for your serving slot (5:45 for the first shift, 7:15 for the second shift).

See you tonight!

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In response to many patient requests, I’ve [finally] posted the five15 Calendar on the blog. Click the Calendar link above.

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How cool was that, seeing our new logo unveiled this morning? For your viewing enjoyment, here is the history of our logo:

And the winner:

Plus one that didn’t make the cut:

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We are away with all the caregroup leaders and wives.  Please pray that God would bless us as we seek to encourage and equip these fine leaders!

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Check it out! We’ve got a five15 not-so-big meeting Saturday night. This meeting is for all high school students and their parents.

We’re going to be talking about the five15 Challenge, and hearing from a family that is reaching out in some creative ways.

And, come ready to hear the new and improved five15 Playlist.

As always:

• Pizza & Ping-Pong starts at 5:15pm
• The not-so-big meeting starts at 6:30pm

See you Saturday night!

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Bob Kauflin shares his thoughts on the iPod’s 5th birthday.

Read it here.

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For all the football (soccer) fans reading, today is a significant anniversary: 149 years ago, the world’s first football club was founded.

Sheffield F.C., launched by Nathaniel Creswick and William Prest, also developed a unique set of rules that are closer to modern Australian Rules Football than modern soccer.

For all my soccerhead friends, you have these guys to thank.

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Dr. Al Mohler wished iPod a happy birthday this morning.

Read his thoughtfully eloquent birthday greeting here.

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Everybody now:

Happy Birthday to You!
Happy Birthday to You!
Happy Birthday, dear iPod!
Happy Birthday to You!

Five years ago today, Apple sold the first iPod and changed forever the way we buy, store, and listen to music. The first generation of iPods boasted 5 gigabytes of memory, giving the user “1000 songs in your pocket.”

Since then, the primary iPod has evolved into a 5th generation of functionality, with smaller spin-offs like the Mini, the Nano, and the Shuffle. The evolution:

Is there a spiritual significance here? Of course there is: there is spiritual significance in everything! Some would say that the net effect has been negative, noting a rise in materialism, turning music into idolatry, and anti-social isolationism. The sheer volume of time some spend in browsing music, building playlists, and listening to the music is alarming. Further, iPods and iTunes offer unprecedented access to media that defy God and mock godliness.

But there could be an upside. First, the iPod is an incredible technological acheivement. It’s an example of God’s common grace - humans shaping the materials available to them into very useful things. Furthermore, if we use and listen to our iPods with God in mind, we can please and glorify God without giving in to idolatrous cravings. This means seeing the iPod as an expression of God’s grace and kindness. Ecclesiastes 5:19:

“Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them… this is the gift of God.”

This is one way the Christian is different from an unbeliever. The unbeliever can’t enjoy an iPod in a meaningful sense, because they can’t recognize it as a gift from God. But the Christian sees all things as coming from the Lord, and thus can enjoy a gift like an iPod without coveting or complaining.

So dial up some music on your iPod, and enjoy it… to the glory of God.

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