WAPT

Shout Out: Happy Birthday Ashlynn!!!!

2010-01-19T06:00:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday Ashlynn! Thank you for being you! You bring sunshine and strength to the team. Thank you for your heart to serve. We're believing that the favor and blessings of God will overtake you in this coming year! We love you!

Shout Out: Happy Belated Birthday Katia!!!

2010-01-18T10:20:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Katia! You are an incredible woman of beauty, strength and joy. It is such a pleasure to serve with you. We're believing that this coming year with be an Eph 3:20 kind of year.

We love you!

Shout Out: Happy Belated Birthday Hunter!!

2010-01-18T10:17:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Hunter! We're so glad that you were born. You are an incredible encouragement to us all and an amazing example of a servant. Thanks for doing life with us! We're believing that this coming year will be the best yet!

Recap: Worship Retreat

2010-01-11T18:51:00.000-05:00

The worship team had an amazing retreat this weekend. It was so awesome to hear from so many different members of the team. God really is doing something exciting in our midst. Can't wait to see what unfolds.

We'll be recapping the various sessions in the coming days. For today, here's the "Circle of Fifths" diagram that Steve spoke about. Just a teaser for the class he'll be teaching starting in March. Can't wait!

I have a whole new respect for the musicians :-)

Also, this Sunday's service was incredible. Wasn't the presence of God just amazing? Check out PDonna's message here.

Chime in and let us know what really stood out to you at the retreat!

Shout Out: Happy Birthday Bethany!!!

2010-01-10T21:11:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Bethany! We consider it such an honor to serve with you. You are an amazing women and we know that God has wonderful things in store for you this year!

We love you!

What I See... Simply the BEST!

2010-01-09T06:00:00.001-05:00

What I See...

A team determined to give God their BEST!!!

T Minus 0 days until the Retreat! See you there!

What I See...Lifesavers

2010-01-08T06:00:00.002-05:00

What I See...

A team that understands we exist to seek and save the lost.

T Minus 1 days until the Retreat!

What I See...Leadership

2010-01-07T06:00:00.002-05:00

What I See...

A team that recognizes it is leading, both on and off the platform.

T Minus 2 days until the Retreat!

What I See...Prayer

2010-01-06T06:00:00.003-05:00

What I See....

A team that prays like every service is our one chance to save the world.

T Minus 3 days until the Retreat!

Photo Credit

What I See...Preaching of the Word

2010-01-05T06:00:00.004-05:00

What I see...

A team that radically supportive of the preaching of the Word.

T Minus 4 days until the Retreat!

What I See...Creativity

2010-01-04T06:00:00.002-05:00

What I see...

A team pushing the boundaries of creativity.

T Minus 5 Days until the Retreat!

Photo Credit

What I See...Explosive Praise

2010-01-03T06:00:00.001-05:00

What I see...

a team storming the platform in explosive praise and expectation.

Shout Out: Happy Birthday Alanna!!!

2010-01-02T11:36:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Alanna!

You bring sunshine and joy wherever you go! We are believing God for His absolute best for you in this coming year. Thank you for being you!

We love you!!!!

It's beginning to look a lot like...

2009-12-14T19:08:00.000-05:00

CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!

It was quite the weekend! You all certainly know how to party :-)

There was intense Wii Competition...

There was even some serious flirting going on...

Oops.... BUSTED!!!!!!!!!

It is just such an incredible privilege to serve with you all.

You each bring something so totally unique and special to the team.

Looking forward to this next season with you all!

We're going to be taking a blogging break, but keep your eyes open for more posts and fun stuff in the new year!

In the meantime, let us know what you are most excited about this Christmas season!

Delirious? - The Writing Process

2009-12-08T07:36:00.001-05:00

My First Love

2009-12-07T22:34:00.006-05:00

I came to DC for college in 1999. Before moving up here, God had begun to work in my heart, and I spent a lot of time worshiping him through music and reading my Bible. My mind was constantly on God and the changes he was accomplishing in my heart and life. This period of my life lasted about 4-5 years. During that time, I was able to absorb scripture quickly and easily, and my life seemed one endless string of divine appointments, admonitions from spiritual mentors, and character-trying heartbreaks.

This emotionally intense period eventually transitioned into one of doubt and uncertainty. A few major events happened that shook the confidence I had previously had. I now questioned just how much about God and life I could predict based on reading the Bible. I concluded that while God is definitely good, I can never know what course of events in life will be for my ultimate benefit. Thus, life and God are mysterious, and the best one can do is to live out the principles that Christ taught without getting overly confident.

My skepticism bled into my reading of the Word. I began to read the Bible as an historical document rather than an inspired text. (“Paul was writing to the Thessalonians, and they had their own unique set of problems, and while we can draw parallels, it’s wrong to take random scriptures and apply them directly to our lives.”) Predictably, scripture became dry, difficult to memorize, and nearly intolerable. Christian music, too, seemed mostly trite and contrived.

Nevertheless, I was surviving, and I was happy. I ascribed my success to the fact that I had never veered from walking out the principles I had learned in my early Christian experience. Among those: be humble in relationships (still working on this one), make fast friends with people you admire, read a lot, be content with your possessions, prefer others, give generously, endure willingly, serve gladly, honor the love and wisdom of friends, mentors, pastors and parents. And yet, I felt guilty! Learning from those I looked up to, I knew that a steady diet of worship and the word was indispensible. But try as I might, I couldn't seem absorb them for myself.

After hearing Harrison’s message (http://capcitychurch.com/new-ccc/podcast/in-the-zone) a couple of weeks ago, I was sitting on my bed, pondering all this and asking God for revelation. I told God through tears, “I want to come back to my first love… to be in ‘the zone,’ but what the heck does that even mean? How do I get there?” God responded, “Where do you think you’ve been all these years?”

All at once, it hit me. My failing had not been my lackluster attention to outward devotions, but a failure to recognize God’s grace on my life. A blessed life, both now and in those early days, has never been a result of my performance. Rather, it is always unearned favor, owning solely to God’s goodness.

My error had been not recognizing the source. Pride prevented me from seeing that the very wisdom I accredited for a happy life was itself granted by God. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” When we comprehend this truth, we have no response open to us but humble gratitude. This heart of thanks leads us to seek him with a pure heart. This is the only sustaining motivation for service and worship. This initial epiphany of thankfulness is what leads to salvation. And every time it recurs, we come back to our first love.

Let's Forgive

2009-12-04T12:49:00.001-05:00

With Everything

2009-12-02T11:27:00.001-05:00

This song always takes me by surprise. Initially, its melody did not stand out to my ears. . I was about 20-listens into it before I could hum it without the song actually blaring through my iPhone. There can be a trade off between the lush and the hook-laden. Joel Houston is the master of flipping that coin; heads = amazing inspiring stadium anthem/tales = amazing intimate stadium anthem. Yet, for all of its musical subtlety, the lyrics blast a two-pronged attack on self. Consider the tag from which the song takes its name: With everything, with everything we will shout for Your glory. With everything, with everything, we will shout for Your praise.

The earth is the Lord’s and everything that is in it belongs to him. And so the song reminds us to lose our too-often-promoted sense of self and to join with everything in recognizing the One. Paradoxically, it is with everything in that denied self that we cry out as individuals, fearfully and wonderfully made to raise a unique voice to our Friend, our King, our God. It is in that paradox that our lives make sense. It is in that paradox that our lives make worship. It is in that paradox that I cannot stop listening to this song.

How do you see that paradox playing out in your own life?

Is there too much focus on one or the other in your personal, or our corporate worship?

-Caleb

Photo Credit

Shout Out: Newest Team Member!!!

2009-11-30T15:26:00.000-05:00

Jonathan, Alanna and Carolina welcomed the newest member of their family, Joia Elisabeth, early on the morning of Sunday, 11/22. Upon arrival, little Joia weighed 6lbs 15oz and was 20in long. She and Mommy are doing quite well.

We're so glad that you are finally here Joia! We've been long expecting your arrival and are absolutely thrilled to finally meet you.

Shout Out: Happy Birthday JJ!

2009-11-29T13:22:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday JJ! We're so glad that you are part of the team! We're praying that this coming year be filled with lots of joy and adventure as God unfolds more of His plan for your life. It's a privilege knowing you!

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T22:01:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hope you are all enjoying this special day with friends and family.

We're so thankful for each and every one of you. Love doing life with you!

Worship Wednesday: Give Thanks!

2009-11-25T06:00:00.003-05:00

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

his love endures forever.

Ps. 107:1

Recap: Extravagant Worship- Explosive Praise

2009-11-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

This week we talked about the amazing power of praise. Praise isn't just the appetizer or the "fast" songs. "Praise is a declaration, a victory cry, proclaiming faith to stand firm in the place that God has given you. Praise is a proclamation that the Enemy's intent to plunder you will not rock you" pg. 52

Praise isn't a passive thing. Praise is going on the offensive. We are declaring who our God is! We're taking ground for the Kingdom of God when we enter into true praise.

Darlene describes it this way, "high praise...is confronting; and you cannot stay in your comfort zone if you want to enter in. Praise is a powerful war cry declaring that you will stand strong and you will praise God at all times through all circumstances...." pg. 53

I have to say that when I think of the power of praise... I think of Braveheart and the mighty battle cry.

Much like ours, their shout had purpose. It spoke louder than words. It declared without a shadow of a doubt, the stance that they were taking on their current situation. There would be no surrender.

When we shout we are releasing our faith. We are declaring into the atmosphere that we will not be moved by what we see. We are setting our faces forward and fixing our eyes on the victorious one.

That's why we shout in praise and worship. It's not to make noise or even to get people psyched up. "...a shout calls things that are not as though they were... a shout changes the atmosphere"pg. 63

When we understand the power of our praise the effects will be tangible. When we declare the truth, that there is no one greater than our God, the atmosphere changes and situations come into line with the word of God.

Shout Out: Happy Birthday Joy!!!

2009-11-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Joy!!! We are so glad that you are part of the team. You bring so much JOY to our lives :-) Your faithfulness, vision and smile bless everyone you encounter. We are believing God that this coming year will be above and beyond your wildest expectations. We love you!

Shout Out: Happy Birthday Caleb!!!

2009-11-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Caleb!!! We're so glad that you're part of the team. You make even the longest practices fun :-) Thanks for bringing the team's coolness factor up times 5. We're believing that this coming year will be the BEST yet!

Shout Out: Our Newest WAPT Member!!!

2009-11-20T10:34:00.000-05:00

Christina and Dan welcomed their first baby boy, Daniel Reid, into the world on Sunday, November 8th. He was born at 9:31am and was a whopping 8lbs and 21". We're so excited for you guys!

If any of the WAPT team members are interested in helping out with meals, please contact Colleen.

photo credit: lepiaf.geo

New Song: Hillsong "With Everything"

2009-11-19T07:58:00.001-05:00

Shout Out: Happy Birthday Leticia!!

2009-11-18T06:00:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday Leticia! We are so thankful for you! Your life is a beautiful act of worship to God. It's a privilege to serve with you. We love you and are believing for God's very best for you in the coming year. The BEST is yet to come!

Recap: Extravagant Worship

2009-11-17T06:00:00.000-05:00

The choir has started reading this book and I have to be honest... it's already turning my understanding of worship upside down. This past week we looked at chapter one where it defines what our worship should look like...

Extravagant: exceeding the limits of reason : lacking in moderation, balance, and restraint (praise) : extremely or excessively elaborate : spending much more than necessary : profuse, lavish

She used the example of the woman who broke the perfume on Jesus' feet and washed them with her hair... the disciples response? "Why such waste?"

Our worship won't necessarily make sense to those around us. Darlene gave the example of a couple who worshiped God through the loss of a child and the young man paralyzed who abandoned himself to worship. That's a picture of true worship.

David asks in 1 Chronicles 21:24 why would I offer the Lord, that which costs me nothing.... Worship is often times a true sacrifice... but it's that step of faith to declare who God is, in spite of our circumstances, that takes it beyond lip service to true worship.

What do you think extravagant worship looks like?

Upcoming Event: Thanksgiving FoodFEST

2009-11-16T12:00:00.002-05:00

The annual Thanksgiving Foodfest is taking place this Saturday,

November 21st from 5:30 to 9:30pm at the Harrison and Eileen's house.

Bring food and friends to share. Don't miss it!

Shout Out: Happy Birthday Emily

2009-11-16T06:00:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday Emily! You are such an incredible blessing to the team.

Thanks for being you and bringing your best to share with the team.

We are so thankful to know you! You are loved!

Worship Wednesday: No Eye Has Seen

2009-11-11T06:00:00.003-05:00

I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?

My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber

Psalm 121: 1-3

Resource Highlight: Brooke Fraser Songwriting

2009-11-10T06:00:00.002-05:00

As many of you know, Brooke Fraser is an amazing musician, songstress and worshipper. She's written a number of songs that are sung around the world and have touched many lives. Several of us had the privilege of hearing from her at the Wave Conference this year. She carries an incredible anointing but is one of the most down to earth and humble people you will ever meet. She's written a series on her blog about her songwriting process. Check it out by clicking here.

iThink

2009-11-09T06:00:00.001-05:00

Fruit grows from a single seed. You plant the right seed. Develop it and it will grow into something great.

It's the same with our thoughts. What kinds of thoughts are you planting in your life right now? What kind of fruit will they produce?

Check out the rest of yesterday's message by checking out the podcast, here.

We're All in This Together - Defining Us

2009-11-05T17:40:00.004-05:00

We’re All in This Together is more than a statement of fact. Its cold reminder, a re-reading, if you will, from God’s dictionary:

The Church: (Greek kyriakon, "thing belonging to the Lord"; also ekklesia (Latinized as ecclesia), "assembly"): 1 - The instrument designed by the will of heaven to tell humanity that God wants them to know, “We’re all in this together.” 2 – The hands of Jesus, the feet of Jesus, the Heart of Jesus, et al.

God never ceases to amaze me. Convincing the church to be the church is the single most important task of our generation. Everything hinges on it. Yet, the clearest attempt to do just that, at least that I’ve seen in years, comes in the form of a feature length doc based on the collected musing of an un-kept, English slurring, guitar-slinging Ausie-band that was edited at pee-your-pants-speeds, and sent out via satellite to grace the popcorn halls of North America for one night only. Genius. What good can come out of Nazareth? Ask the boys in Sydney. They have an answer for you. You may want to take notes. Here’s a few scribblings from my mental trapper-keeper.

1. There is no poverty that Jesus cannot prosper. There is no sickness that Jesus cannot heal. There is no cycle that Jesus cannot break. There is no way that he cannot win.

2. Justice is worship. Worship is justice.

3. I don’t have to get it, to do it.

4. I have to do it if it is going to get done.

5. Rock’n’roll is God’s idea.

How do I turn inspiration into inspired action? I’m not exactly sure, yet. But one of us will have the revelation. That’s why we’re all in this together.

What did the film prompt you to write in your mental trapper-keeper (you know, the one with the A-team montage on the front…)?

What’s a practical way that WAPT can go beyond its own walls to effect and affect lives in our community?

Worship Wednesday: Undefiled Religion

2009-11-04T11:03:00.001-05:00

Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

James 1:27

See you there tonight! www.theiheartfilm.com

iThoughts

2009-11-03T21:59:00.001-05:00

Pastor Dennis preached on the power of our thought life this past Sunday and how we need to download God thoughts and at times reboot our system of thinking.

Check out the podcast, here.

Give Thanks Contest Winner

2009-11-02T13:45:00.000-05:00

Congrats Matt!*

You've won a ticket to Wednesday night's showing of "We're All In This Together".

Tickets are still available for those who haven't purchased theirs yet. We're getting a group to go and see it at the Ballston theater. Tickets are still available on www.fandango.com.

* winner selected via www.random.org

Article: Goodness Precedes Greatness

2009-10-29T06:00:00.004-04:00

Jon Foreman, the lead singer and guitarist for Switchfoot recently wrote this article, " Goodness Precedes Greatness: A Call for New Heroes In Troubled Times" in the Huffington Post.

He writes "...you can't outsource justice. You can't farm out goodness to someone else. Your life is yours alone. Those decisions are yours to make."

Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jon-foreman/goodness-precedes-greatne_b_322551.html

What do you think? Are there ways that we can be heroic in our every day lives?

Worship Wednesday: Sheer Beauty

2009-10-28T06:00:00.001-04:00

For God is sheer beauty,
all-generous in love,
loyal always and ever.
Psalms 100:4

Tuesday Tips: Journaling

2009-10-27T09:20:00.001-04:00

Contest: Give Thanks!

2009-10-26T22:22:00.004-04:00

Enter with the password: "Thank you!"
Make yourselves at home, talking praise.
Thank him. Worship him. ~Ps. 100:3(msg)

Thanksgiving is fast approaching. While it's not the only time of the year that we can be thankful, it is a great reminder of all the wonderful things we have to be thankful for. In light of the season, we are asking that you comment on this post and let us know what you are most thankful for. (besides us of course!)

The winner will be announced this Friday and will get a free ticket to the November 4th showing of "We're All In This Together". Even if you've already bought your ticket, leave a comment. You can bring your friend to what is sure to be a life-changing night!

Shout Out: Happy Birthday Colleen!

2009-10-23T06:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday Colleen!

We love you so much and are so glad

that you are part of the team.

You bring joy and sunshine wherever you go!

We're believing God for favor beyond

compare in this coming year!

Encounter: This Saturday 10/24

2009-10-22T16:41:00.002-04:00

You won't want to miss this awesome night!

Worship Wednesday: Ps. 98:8

2009-10-21T06:00:00.001-04:00

"Let the rivers clap their hands...

Let the mountains sing together for joy, let them sing before the LORD"

Ps. 98:8

What I See...Whatever It Takes

2009-10-20T06:00:00.000-04:00

What I See...

A team that shouts "we're not here to just do it, we are here to do it with whatever it takes"

Futile vs. Fertile Thinking

2009-10-19T06:00:00.000-04:00

"The thoughts you think today are shaping your future"

Man oh Man! Wasn't yesterday's service uh-ma-zing?!?!?! What a great word Pastor Steve Kelly shared? Check out the podcast here if you missed it... or even if you were there. I know I need to hear more than once.

Shout Out: Happy Birthday Aaron!!

2009-10-17T06:00:00.003-04:00

Happy Birthday Aaron! Hope your day is filled with such joy! Thanks for serving on the team. You are such a blessing. We're believing that this coming year will be one of amazing promises fulfilled!

Listen Listen Listen (Autotune Andy)

2009-10-16T09:33:00.001-04:00

Here's a funny video that came out of Catalyst this past week. Tripp and Tyler are comedians that go to Andy Stanley's church in Atlanta. www.trippandtyler.com

Happy Friday!

PARACHUTE BAND - LIVING RAIN (LIVE)

2009-10-15T07:42:00.001-04:00

Worship Wednesday: Here Am I

2009-10-14T08:53:00.003-04:00

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying,
"Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?"
And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"
Is. 6:8

Tuesday Tips: Paul Baloche - Performance vs worship leading

2009-10-13T08:38:00.001-04:00

Shout Out: Happy Birthday Jonathan!!!

2009-10-12T11:02:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday Jonathan!!! You are an incredible strength to the team. Thank you for making us all sound good :-) and more importantly going after God with all you've got! We're believing that this coming year will be above and beyond what you can even imagine! Can't wait to see what God has in store!

Vision Night: Change & Influence

2009-10-09T12:48:00.004-04:00

The first Wednesday of each month the entire WAPT team comes together to talk about where we are going and what God is doing in our group. It's always AWESOME! If you're a member of the team we highly recommend that you make every effort to be there each month.

Wasn't it so great to have Pastor Dennis with us at Vision Night this week? What a blessing he is to the house.

It was encouraging to hear again about why we do what we do every week. It keeps things in perspective. We embrace change in our lives, not because we're so different from 68% of Americans who don't particularly care for it, but because we see the greater purpose. We welcome change because we welcome those who are seeking God and His life-changing love. After all, remember the all-encompassing and wonderful change that God has brought in your life...

So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. - Rom. 12: 1-2 (msg)

When people start seeking God, they encounter us... we have influence... like it or not. Christians can either be a reason that people run to God and equally the reason that they run ... often times screaming...away. Do you take that into account when you speak, when you act, when you go about your everyday, ordinary life? You are an influencer and you play a key part of building a culture. A culture that welcomes, loves and is passionately sold out for God.

Your very lives are a letter that anyone can read by just looking at you. Christ himself wrote it—not with ink, but with God's living Spirit; not chiseled into stone, but carved into human lives—and we publish it. 2 Cor. 3:2

That's a pretty cool thought... no?

What do you think it means to be an influence? Does it mean just when you're on stage or does it apply on Saturday night too? What role does change play in becoming a great influence?

Join the discussion... we want to hear your thoughts

Worship Wednesday: In Spirit and Truth

2009-10-07T07:00:00.001-04:00

It's who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That's the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration.

The Message (John 4:(23 &)24)

Photo Credit

Member Spotlight: Ashlynn Welker

2009-10-06T06:00:00.002-04:00

Member Spotlight is a new feature on the CCC Worship and Production Team blog. Didn't you always want to know more about those awesome people that you serve with every Sunday? YES! I knew it! Your wish is our command...

What's your full name? Ashlynn Kristina Welker

What WAPT-ASTIC team are you a part of? Choir

When you were little what did you want to be when you grew up? (besides fabulous of course?) Omigoodness, I wanted to be everything all at once! I wanted to be a ballerina, a pastry chef, an archaeologist (but then I found out that you either spend your life out in the sweltering heat all day or in a lab all by yourself), a famous author (*note: not just an author, but a famous one), an actress on Broadway, and a florist. I almost became an actress, I started off in college as a Musical Theater major but quickly got distracted with the fascinating world of Political Science! That's how I ended up in DC.

If there was one place in the whole wide world that you could go tomorrow, where would it be? Why?
Hmmm. Probably Israel, my parents are over there now and I miss them. We went as a family when I was 15 and it changed my life.

Or Ireland, I've never been there and I'd love to research my family history. Or the south of France, its gorgeous over there. Or Kansas City, I'd love to check out the prayer room at IHOP. Oh the list goes on and on .
If you could choose one super power, what would it be? Why?
Probably the power to bring joy. I could have a wand that blew pink sparkly bubbles (and blue sparkly bubbles for the boys of course) that when the bubbles burst the people around them would be full of joy!

I would go to the Middle East first. Then Wall Street, they need some joy . . . and direction. Maybe Michigan next, they've had a hard year.

What does worship mean to you?
Worship to me is an act of love and sacrifice to the Lord. The feeling of total abandonment and submission to the King of all Kings. Worship is such a privilege, yet is also costs you something. Worship permeates every crevice of your life. Every thing that you do can be a way to worship God. That's why its so awesome.

We love you Ashlynn and are so glad you are part of our team!

Freedom Is Here!

2009-10-05T11:46:00.005-04:00

Freedom Is Here went great yesterday!!! The church LOVED it! :) Thank you to the band & team members who supported us in the congregation. Worship was awesome - God is faithful!

Love,
Alanna

Upcoming Event: 24:6 Retreat

2009-10-05T09:37:00.004-04:00

Don't forget to register! It closes today.

Hope to see you there!

And The Winner Is....

2009-10-02T17:10:00.007-04:00

Drum roll, please..................

#6 - Ms. Bethany Pisani!! Congratulations, Bethany!! You are the winner of a Starbucks card! Thanks to all who entered our Fall contest!!

Article: The Hillsong Machine

2009-10-01T06:00:00.000-04:00

Check out this great article in Christianity Today with Darlene Zschech and Joel Houston of Hillsong. It's an interview they did with them a few years back, but it's awesome to hear about how they started and how they developed a culture within their team.

"But when it comes to worship, it has nothing to do with performance. You have to leave your egos and all that stuff on the side. It's an indefinite journey of character development for all of us, continuing to have a deeper revelation and understanding of what is truly required. When it comes to worship, it's sovereign. It's holy. It's very different from music and the arts. It's not for the most talented or the most beautiful. It's inclusive. It's every man, woman, child, nation, tribe, and tongue. It includes all the ordinary people of the world. Sometimes it has very little to do with your gift and craft." ~Darlene Zschech

Click here to read the full article.

Register Today!

2009-09-30T09:44:00.002-04:00

MEN'S RETREAT: Iron Sharpens Iron
Date/Time: October 2-3
Registration: $55 here by September 30 (TODAY!)

This is it guys. We want to challenge you to put this retreat on your schedule and sign up for it today! We have an awesome team of guys that have been praying into the theme of "Iron Sharpens Iron" and have developed three amazing sessions around it that will bless and challenge you. They have also been in a secretive high level meeting designing a very special "man time" event as well. You won't want to miss this one!

(I Corinthians 16:13-14) "Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you've got, be resolute, and love without stopping."

Also, many of you have probably heard of the Catalyst Conference that happens each year. I know that we've even had groups go in the past. Well we have good news for you Catlyst One Day Conference is coming to our area. It's going to be taking place on November 16th in Baltimore, MD. If you register today you'll get the best rates available. Check out the website, here.

Contest: It's Fall!

2009-09-29T06:00:00.001-04:00

Can you believe that Fall has already arrived? Beach days and BBQs may be done for now, but we want to know what you are most looking forward to this season?

Is it the cooler weather, brilliantly colored leaves, apple picking, a special event or perhaps, Starbuck's Pumkin Spice Lattes?

Speaking of Starbucks... we'll be randomly selecting a winner from the comments we gather this week to receive a Starbucks gift card!

Contest ends Friday at noon and the winner's name and comment will be posted on Friday afternoon. Be sure to check back then and see if you won!

Life by Design: Flourishing

2009-09-28T16:45:00.002-04:00

Hey Team!

What an AMAZING weekend! The Leadership Breakfast was off the hook. What an exciting opportunity to hear the vision of CCC straight from our leaders. Reminding us again of what it's all about... " Leading people to become FULLY DEVOTED followers of Christ". That's why we get up early, listen to songs over and over again, lift speakers over our heads, don't go "office space" on equipment when it acts up, pursue harmony in our relationships and are committed to creating an irresistible atmosphere. We do it all because we believe that when people encounter Jesus their lives will be forever changed!

Sunday morning was another AWESOME service at CCC! PDonna really broke down what it means to be planted versus just a spectator in the house of God. There is HUGE blessing available to us when we put down roots. That's a challenge for each of us... are we sitting on top of the soil of our local church or are we pushing down deep into the soil of the house? If you missed it, check out the podcast, here!

Again, I was just reminded of what a privilege it is to do what we do! How amazing to be able to lead people into the presence of God. It really makes our small sacrifices so worth it.

Just like PDonna said ...

"The house is not built on the gifts and talents of a few, but on the sacrifice of many."

Can you share some stories of how your life has flourished when you allowed Him to plant you in the local church?

Light Up the World: Desperation Band

2009-09-25T07:14:00.001-04:00

Leadership Vision Breakfast - This Saturday!!

2009-09-24T09:50:00.001-04:00

Join Pastors Dennis and Donna and the CCC's whole leadership team for an amazing morning as they share some insightful thoughts from their hearts about leadership, purpose and vision that will both encourage and challenge you. Come out and be part of this great time together! You will also hear some exciting news for the very first time. A continental breakfast will be served.

Worship Wednesday: A Psalm

2009-09-23T08:49:00.004-04:00

So here I am in the place of worship, eyes open,
drinking in your strength and glory.
In your generous love I am really living at last!
My lips brim praises like fountains.
I bless you every time I take a breath;
My arms wave like banners of praise to you.

Psalm 63:2-4 (the message)

Photo Credit

What I See...Words

2009-09-22T22:49:00.005-04:00

A team that watches their words, because their words are shaping our team.

Photo Credit

Shout Out: Happy Birthday Chelsea!!!

2009-09-18T13:49:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday Chelsea!!! We're so happy that you are part of the team. We're going to miss you this next year, but we believe that the BEST is yet to come in your life! We love you!

We Will See Him

2009-09-18T10:23:00.001-04:00

Shout Out: Happy Birthday, Eileen!!!

2009-09-17T11:58:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday to our fearless leader, Eileen Wilder!!! A woman who leads not just through her words of grace but through her example of uncompromising faith and trust.

Thank you for following after God with your whole heart and leading us on this amazing journey. We love you Eileen! This is going to be the best year yet! "Eye has not seen nor ear heard all that God has in store for YOU!"

Shout Out: Happy Birthday, Kelvin!!!

2009-09-17T11:08:00.003-04:00

Happy Birthday, Kelvin!! We are so blessed you joined the WAPT Team!! Your incredible vocals, heart of worship and smile bring so much to our group. We pray God's abundant blessings on you this year!!!

Worship Wednesday: In Awe of You

2009-09-16T07:00:00.002-04:00

Because of your unfailing love, I can enter your house; with deepest awe I will worship at your Temple.
-Psalm 5:7

The I Heart Revolution: We're all in this Together!

2009-09-15T14:41:00.001-04:00

Tickets go on sale in the US today for Hillsong United's " We're All In This Together" film. Check out Joel Houston's blog post here (http://ow.ly/niB4) that talks about the "I Heart Revolution" (http://www.theiheartrevolution.com/) and how they hope to, "reflect the inseparable union that must exist in loving others, seeking justice and making a difference in our world."

He describes the film as "Part apologetic, part documentary, part call to action, the film is a story made up of many stories, told by many voices, no individual voice any more or any less important than any other, yet every voice working together to ultimately tell the ONE story - A story that involves everyONE; that seeks to capture our collective and idiosyncratic purpose in ONE."

It's showing in DC, one night only, November 4th, 2009. You can buy tickets by going to http://www.theiheartfilm.com/usa-advance-sales-now-open. Let's get a group together and take part in making history! This is only the beginning!

What I See... Soaring

2009-09-14T17:32:00.005-04:00

What I See....

A team that soars into the absolute fullness of God & our potential.

Hillsong Live - I Will Exalt You

2009-09-11T07:48:00.001-04:00

Worship Wednesday: Hope

2009-09-09T09:37:00.005-04:00

Oh for all the sons and daughters
Who are walking in the darkness
You are calling us to lead them back to You
We will see Your spirit rising
As the lost come out of hiding
Every heart will see this hope we have in You
(Bridge, Tear Down The Walls)

Photo Credit

Shout Out: The Villegas!

2009-09-08T22:06:00.005-04:00

Our very own Javiera and Andrew tied the knot on Saturday, September 5th.

Congrats to the new Mr. & Mrs. Villegas!

We're so excited for you guys as you embark on this new adventure! We love you!!!

Photo Credit: Monica Youngling Photography

Upcoming Events: September Leadership Meeting

2009-09-04T06:00:00.000-04:00

Hey Team!

We have an awesome opportunity coming up this month. Pastors are opening the monthly leadership meeting to the whole church. Mark your calendar to attend on the morning of Saturday, September 26th. It's going to be a great time of hearing straight from Pastors about where we're going as a church and opportunities for us to take ownership of the vision of the house. You don't want to miss it!

See you there!

Why We Do What We Do

2009-09-03T10:17:00.017-04:00

CCC Vision:
Leading people to become fully devoted followers of Christ.

Worship & Production Team Vision:
To create an irresistible atmosphere that inspires worship.

IR-RE-SIST-IBLE (adj.) so attractive, so powerful, so convincing that it can not be resisted.

Why do we do what we do?

'I'm sending you off to open the eyes of the outsiders so they can see the difference between dark and light, and choose light, see the difference between Satan and God, and choose God. I'm sending you off to present my offer of sins forgiven, and a place in the family, inviting them into the company of those who begin real living by believing in me." Acts 26:17-18

We need to understand the powerful impact we are having. Who you are and what you do on the team makes a difference. What we are doing is an all out assault on the kingdom of darkness. Never cease to be amazed at the privilege of what we get to do. In light of the big picture other things pale in comparison.

What can we do to create a more irresistible atmosphere?

Here are some of the things we talked about last night:

A team determined to give God their BEST

A team rebelling against mediocre worship & predictable moments

A team that recognizes it is leading, both on and off the platform

A team that wants to change the way the world sees God

A team that shouts " We're not here to just do it, we are here to do it with whatever it takes!"

Can you add to the list? We want to hear your thoughts!

Worship Wednesday: Thanksgiving!

2009-09-02T09:55:00.005-04:00

Psalm 100 (The Message)

A Thanksgiving Psalm
1-2 On your feet now—applaud God! Bring a gift of laughter,
sing yourselves into his presence.

3 Know this: God is God, and God, God.
He made us; we didn't make him.
We're his people, his well-tended sheep.

4 Enter with the password: "Thank you!"
Make yourselves at home, talking praise.
Thank him. Worship him.

5 For God is sheer beauty,
all-generous in love,
loyal always and ever.

Photo Credit

For Your Name

2009-09-01T08:30:00.001-04:00

Shout Out: Newest Team Member!

2009-08-31T11:37:00.003-04:00

Alfred, Sarah and Benjamin welcomed Nathaniel Jadon to their family on Saturday, August 29th at 6:07pm. Both mom and baby are doing well. Can't wait to have this little one rocking out with us on the team. Congrats! We're so excited for you guys!

Tear Down Your Walls

2009-08-28T16:44:00.002-04:00

Tear Down the Walls is a real masterpiece - a P&W song that manages to say something without giving up its singalongability. Plus its as catchy as the swine flu. More importantly, my gut knows that every word, emotion and chord of the song rings absolutely true. We're not meant for walls - it was for the wide open plains of freedom that Christ set us free. And its on those plains that we can actually see the lost that He came to both seek and save.

Of course, if you've been in the church long enough, you know that "tearing down walls" has a been a pretty popular pulpit-based-recommendation for sometime now. It's up there with, "live out-loud," "be the change," "let your light shine," "wash behind your ears," and "I brought you into this world, I can take you out." Stuff we've heard, agreed with, and then ignored for so long that I'm not sure any of us actually expect the words to change a thing. Our own familiarity becomes the "walls" that box us in. They don't box God in. That's just stupid. They box us in. They prevent us from seeing what God plans to surprise us with outside of the walls.

I think this is what Jesus was talking about in Matthew 8:10ff

"While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" came and ate with him and his disciples. 11When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?" 12On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.'[a] For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

The Pharisees were used to their idea of God - so, even when He was standing right in front of them, they could not see past the walls of their own familiar perceptions. And because they were walled in, they could not see the true need in front of them - a need that was as visible as a sick man who needs a doctor. Sick people need prescriptions, not perceptions.

Re-enter Joel Houston's advice: Tear Down the Walls - your own walls! Get un-familiar with God. If you think of Him as your friend, remember that he is also your Lord. If you're used to His holiness, remember His undying grace. If your own salvation is familiar to you, invest in someone else's. Because on the other side of those walls is a surprise as bold as the sun rise. Thank you, Joel, I needed that.

The sad thing is, the Pharisees are the only party in the story who are seriously missing out. I mean, think about it. Matthew was a tax-collecta'. That's, like, ancient Greek, for bazillionaire. So while everyone is sitting around eating those little tiny one-bite lamb-chops that are so tender and expensive, with real mint sauce (not safe-way green jelly), and grilled mushrooms the size of a man's fist, the Pharisees are standing on the sidelines, starving. That's messed up. I mean, you can talk about sinners with your mouth full, right?

What I love about our team is that we're all too hungry to stand on the sidelines. There's a reward that comes with getting over ourselves and reacting to God by reaching the lost. Little lamb-chops are worth knocking walls down for. And this song is the sledgehammer I needed to do just that.

What's your advice on tearing down the walls of familiarity? When you notice them in your life, what type of sledgehammer do you use to tear them down?

-Caleb

Photo Credit

Shout Out: Happy Birthday Katarlah!!!

2009-08-28T16:23:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was the ever beautiful Ms. Katarlah's Birthday! Since we are firm believers in celebrating birthday weeks (and months) and we didn't want this momentous occasion to pass without a shout out. Katarlah we love you and are praying that this coming year will be the best yet! Thanks for being part of the team!

Thought for the Day...

2009-08-27T10:01:00.002-04:00

"Worship is an act of obedience of the heart. It is a response that requires the very core of who you are to love the Lord for who He is, not just for what He does." - Darlene Zschech

Worship Wednesday: Fully Devoted

2009-08-26T06:00:00.002-04:00

I am not obligated.

I am at the foot of the cross.

Gazing on the sacrifice. Privileged now to serve.

I am FULLY DEVOTED.

Photo Credit

Shout out: Happy Birthday Gabby!!!

2009-08-24T15:55:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday Gabby! You bring so much sunshine and joy to the team. On top of that you are an incredibly anointed worshipper. Thanks for being YOU! We <3 you!

Debrief: To Know Him is to Love Him

2009-08-24T11:47:00.001-04:00

Hey Team!

Wasn't yesterday awesome. I'm still chewing on what PDennis preached about. Check out the podcast at www.capitalcitychurchdc.org/new-ccc/podcast. Our God truly is a miraculous, all-powerful God. Everytime we sing the song "This Is Our God" I'm struck by that again. Our God is the one who hung on a cross because He loved us. Our God is the one who desires relationship. Our God is the one full of Grace. Our God is the miracle working one. Each and every day our lives depict the kind of God that we serve. It's an awesome and sobering thought :-) Who do you say that He is?

Check out this amazing video introing the Hillsong song " Yahweh" and talking about who God is... so cool

Give Him Praise

2009-08-20T08:00:00.002-04:00

Check out this awesome video!!

Worship Wednesday: Doing Life Together

2009-08-19T13:55:00.002-04:00

Don't you just love doing life together?! :)

(Photo taken by Hannah Marsh at the WAPT Cookout!)

RECAP: CCC WAPT Potluck-a-palooza

2009-08-18T15:04:00.015-04:00

Hey Team!

Thanks so much for making it out on Saturday. It was so fun to see you all and hang out :-)

Here's some photos from the festivities. Enjoy!

For those of who missed it... there was a fierce competition on the volleyball court...

Katarlah pulled out her secret weapon serve.... it left the crowd in shock and awe...

A glimpse of our fearless leader's sporting prowess. You had no idea she had these skillz!

Don't tell anyone I told you, but I'm pretty sure I heard these two running bets on which team would win...

Who knows what these two were talking about? Don't let their innocent faces fool you...I'm pretty sure I heard something about new choreography for the choir... jazz hands anyone?

Then Joel and Kim broke it down old school on the bball court...

Then the ladies schooled the guys on how the sport is to be played ( in my account the girls won!)... and I can say that... because none of the guys will comment on this post :-)

I will leave you with this one last thought... beware of the nice white, plastic chairs... they have it in for you... Do not ask me how I know...but I have warned you!

Check out the CCC Shutterfly account ( link on the right) for more pics from Saturday!

What the Cross Offers

2009-08-18T10:33:00.002-04:00

We sang "At the Cross" on Sunday and I was struck by the line " I know you love me"... that's such a HUGE revelation and yet I think we can often shrug it off... like I know you love me, like I LOVE m&ms... or you "love" me because you're God and that means you have to... That's not it at all....

The creator of the universe, savior of the world says that He loves you and He loves me. Then He allowed His actions to speak even louder than His words and He died on a cross. Wow! He doesn't love us so that we will live perfect lives under the law. His love frees us from the law and religion. We can live knowing we are loved beyond measure. He placed infinite value on your life when He sent His only son to take your place.

If you didn't get a chance to hear Pastor's message yesterday, check out the podcast here.

Shout Out: Happy Birthday, David!!!

2009-08-17T09:21:00.003-04:00

Happy Birthday, David!!! You're the coolest fireman we know! :) We pray for God's BEST to come your way this year!!! You're an amazing gift to our team and we love you!

THE WAVE: RECAP: Part 4

2009-08-14T10:46:00.003-04:00

VISION NIGHT: Be a Team Player, Not a Team Playa'

2009-08-13T15:48:00.002-04:00

Ah, Vision Night. So much better than "Blindness Night," don't you think?

I'm learning to love the idea of team, and last night re-enforced my growing awareness of just how powerful the concept truly is. As Harry Truman said, "It's amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit." In my life, I want to accomplish something - something for my Father's kingdom. So, I fully devote myself to Christ and his team. I'm lucky that my little part of that team includes working with you guys.

As the title of this post points out, it's vital to be a player, not a playa'. The difference is in our motivation. A player is out for accomplishment, not credit. A playa', well... you get the idea. Teams can be just another way to highlight self. In fact, without allowing the finished work of the cross to have its way in our lives, that's the most likely result. I love what our fearless leaders shared last night, because they each gave sage advice on how to avoid doing just that. And of course, the clearest path to being a player, not a playa', is given to us by Jesus himself: Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me (Matthew 16:24)."

What have you been reading recently that speaks to being a team-player, not a playa'? How do people in your work place or social life respond when they see a real player or playa'?

- Caleb

THE WAVE: RECAP: Part 3

2009-08-12T16:55:00.004-04:00

This past week a number of us had the awesome opportunity to go down the VA Beach for the Wave conference. It was truly a life-changing couple of days. Each session was practical, convicting and inspiring. They seemed to build on each other and flow like only God could have arranged. I've asked a number of the team members who went to give us an update on their experience at the conference.

Here's what Bethany had to say about the conference last week.

The Wave conference was awesome. There was so much that I got out of it…but the 1 thing that keeps going through my mind (that I have been meditating on) is this: The first mark of the beast was the “?” when the serpent asked Eve “"Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?" His intention was to have her question what God had spoken/promised.

How many times does God promise us something, and we question what He has said (which connects to what Hunter said below by questioning and talking too much we can talk ourselves out of our victory). Anyway, there are so many times in my personal life, as well as in ministry that when I don’t see the immediate response of a promise fulfilled that I tend to question where God is in the situation or what is really going on or doubt that God really has made a promise in a certain situation. Jentezen Franklin continued on to say that a “?” is just a bent out of shape “!”. Instead of questioning what God is doing or what is going on, or doubting….it’s the time to declare God’s promises, God’s word and praise Him for what He IS doing, even though we can’t see it in our natural eyes. Plus it makes us happier (in my own opinion) because we are not looking at the natural which can be depressing, but we are looking at Jesus who gives us hope and JOY. :D

I would plan on going next year…it will change your life!!!

THE WAVE: RECAP: PART 2

2009-08-11T11:37:00.002-04:00

Here's what Daveisha said about last week's conference...

I was inspired and impacted by the culture created at Wave Church. It was evident that the volunteers and ministry leaders were committed to creating an environment that made it easy for the love and word of God to be shared and experienced by those in attendance. I appreciated Ed Young's teaching on the local church and the need for believers to be passionate, flexible and creative in sharing the gospel. As believers we should have a search and rescue mentality. We are saved to sow, serve and share. We exist to worship God, evangelize and make disciples. This requires us to go beyond our own personal salvation in order to rescue those that are "drowning and using poor floatation devices." The "Lifesaver Challenge" was relative and I haven't been able to look at my lifesaver without hearing "put a name to your lifesaver and don't eat it until that person bows to Jesus."

It was a memorable object lesson/ illustration. Are we eating the gift God has given us (salvation) to satisfy our own desires or are we using the gift of salvation to lead someone else to Christ? The same question can be used in relation to our talents and passions...are we making disciples or "lounging on a christian cruise" and feeding ourselves? It's important that we never loose sight of God's love for the lost and the great commission (Matthew 28:19-20).

I left the conference with a greater desire to live life on purpose for God. I'm excited about partnering with the church as we continue to lead people in becoming fully devoted followers of Christ. I'm excited about the future of our church and the opportunity we have to offer faith, hope and love to those that are searching for something real and true.

THE WAVE: RECAP

2009-08-11T08:00:00.002-04:00

First up is Hunter...

This is my second year going to the Wave Conference, and each time I have been impacted by the display of excellence that the people and the church exude. All of the volunteers were happy to be there and flowing together. The lights, the projectors, the sound, the pastors, the singers, the guitarist, the videos, the greeters, everyone and everything worked together to create a huge masterpiece. However, this masterpiece would mean nothing if it didn't bring anyone to know Christ, but every night there would be a hundred or so who would come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. The fruit of their labor was ripe and plenty.

I was inspired by a message from a pastor (Jentezen Franklin) on the last night who talked about being quiet. So many times, we talk ourselves out of God's blessings only because we are never quiet and receive it. We spend too much time talking or thinking about how impossible it would be for something to happen or basing our odds on achieving or receiving things under earthly mindsets, that we completely talk ourselves out of receiving the blessing. We also keep talking and asking for a new calling from God, when we haven't even finished the first calling He's already given us. Sometimes we just need to stop talking, stop being negative, and wait, expecting God to do great things and expecting God to fulfil all of His promises.

I'm excited to see our church grow and to see more people getting saved. I feel like we are right on the cusp of a boom in this church's growth. We have been diligent, worked hard and now it is time for us to reap what we have sowed. I am excited to walk through some of the challenges that we may face along the way, and can't wait to see the many victories that God has in store for this church and me. I have been inspired to work even harder and perform in excellence because I have seen the fruit of that labor, and I want that fruit for the community in Washington, DC

SHOUT OUT: Happy Birthday Tom Short!!!

2009-08-10T20:15:00.003-04:00

Happy Birthday Tom! We're so glad that you are part of the team. You bring laughter and life to the team. We're believing that this will be an Eph 3:20 year for you!

Who do you say that I am?

2009-08-10T16:55:00.006-04:00

"He said to them, 'But who do you say that I am?' Peter answered and said to Him, 'You are the Christ.' " Mark 8:29

I believe that we are each faced with the Mark 8:29 question on a daily basis. When circumstances seem overwhelming or the economy takes a nose dive. Perhaps your health isn't what it should be or you feel envoloped by the weight of sin... Jesus poses the same question, "Who do you say that I am?".

I think that every time we sing "This is Our God" I like the song even more. I was struck yesterday by the powerful picture that the song paints of who our God is. Not as a weak misunderstood man or even a good prophet, but as love personified. Freely giving His life so that we can live. He is our Savior, Deliverer, Provider, Healer, Redeemer!

When we choose to believe that God is all of these things and more and live our lives as forgiven sons and daughters, we are saying to the world, " THIS is Our God"! Our lives are painting the picture of a God that is LOVE. Not just a picture in a stained glass window but a powerful Savior!