Deception is not passive. It doesn’t just sit there, all obvious and sinister-looking, waiting for only the most gullible or unintelligent to stumble by and fall in. Deception is a noxious weed that seeks to infiltrate and blind with definite intention, choking out the light required for all things to flourish.  The most dangerous counterfeit, the lie with the greatest potential to destroy, is the one most closely resembling the truth—the chaff that looks like the wheat to the undiscerning. Its agency comes from none other than the one most skilled at taking the truth and bending it into something less than; it is the very art of the enemy himself, the father of all lies (John 8:44). It shrouds the mind of the unbeliever, and it has persistently threatened the church since her very inception.

This has been on my mind and heart quite a bit as of late. I used to often discuss the concept of falsehood and its impact on doctrine with a particular friend of mine—what does it look like? What is it? What’s the difference between that and the imperfect attempts of fallen human beings to understand and teach one another about Him who is, ultimately, ineffable?

Last month, we at The Venue had an in-depth conversation on the subject of false teaching, largely incited by the controversy surrounding the recent release of a book claiming to shed “fresh light” on the Christian doctrine of heaven and hell—this may ring a bell for some of you. The following week, the topic of discussion was the debate (or lack thereof) that occurred between Dr. Erwin Lutzer, senior pastor here at Moody, and one Mr. Rob Sherman, an atheist-activist that has dedicated his life to scrubbing all vestiges of anything even vaguely Christian from the public sphere. The workings of deception manifest in the false teaching plaguing the church make me angry and jealous for the body of Christ. Hearing the lies at work in the heart of a man intent on denying the inescapable reality of God, no matter how foolish the arguments he must maintain in order to do so, just filled me with a deep, aching sadness for him and his family.

As far as doctrine is concerned, I think a major clue is that sincere, Spirit-led teaching doesn’t seek to go beyond that which is written (Proverbs 30:5,6; Revelation 22:18,19). Where the Bible is silent, so it remains, as well. It doesn’t try to add or take away from the gospel as recorded in the word of God. It trusts in an ultimate Arbiter of justice and love that handles all things in His way, in His time, with all righteousness and complete perfection. And what we need to know about the ways in which He’s done that in the past (and what’s He’s promised to do in the future) is written down for us to study. If we all spent more time actually consuming the Word, allowing its truth to take root deep down inside, and less time talking about what someone said the Bible may have said or didn’t exactly, necessarily say but really, actually meant…we’d be better off. We’d certainly be more able to defend that which we claim to believe, as Pastor Lutzer did so well during his debate with Mr. Sherman. It was amazing to hear how hollow Sherman’s objections to the existence of God rang out when thrown against the truth of the gospel displayed with grace, strength and simplicity. I hope those in the audience that may not have known Christ heard the clanging, too…

We must know the Bible for ourselves to gird our minds against the whispers of, “Did God really say…?” and, “Surely a loving God wouldn’t…” and all the subtle (and often very pretty) distortions designed to diminish the power of Christ’s sacrifice in the eyes of man, leaving him bound and suffocating in the dark. I pray that the Holy Spirit, Whom Christ promised would lead us into all truth (John 16:13), would continue to actively protect and do so for those earnestly seeking to walk in the light.  Feel free to share your thoughts below.

My love,

Marisa J

                For you linguists, money is defined as “the representation of wealth, a means of exchange, and confidence” and comes from the word “mamonus,” per the Old Webster’s Dictionary. Money can get you want you want (like yogurt). Money can also give you a sense of prestige and may explain why so many people put confidence in their monetary wealth.  However, Apostle Paul instructs Timothy to command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.  Jesus taught, “No one can seek two masters, either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money (mammon).” Scripture warns against the dangers inherent to wanting “more money,” for Paul says to Timothy, that “those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.” If we put our trust in getting rich (Lord Money) instead of Lord God, down we fall. 

No really, show me the money!

Why don’t we have enough money? The book of Proverbs responds saying “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.” So the God-given ball is in our court to work hard. Also it says “He who gathers crops in the summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.” This speaks of a proper time to save or invest money in order to reap the rewards.  Book of Ecclesiastes lovers may philosophize saying what is enough money? Is it not true that human desires are never satisfied? (True enough).  Sociologists may say society determines what the standard of “enough money” is which would allow for our tendency to rationalize spending beyond our means. 

What if there is an ever increasing hole in my wallet?!

                God’s Word offers clear direction to quell our unease of what we should do with our money.  Paul tells “the church of God in Corinth and all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, don’t you know that those who serve in the temple get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar?” This indicates we should invest money into God’s servants, those giving of themselves to further God’s kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven.  Second, providing for our families is money’s other purpose. Paul instructs Timothy, young church leaders, and believers everywhere, concerning the widows that “anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”  This indicates strongly that family obligations should not be neglected.  Third, our money should be used to help the poor. The book of Proverbs reminds us that “those who are kind to the poor lend to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.” (So, I don’t know about you but I want to lend God stuff so He can give me rewards. Think about what interest rates I can charge and He can pay!!).  I jest.

 Oh! When will you say “Eat drink and be merry”?!!

                And finally we should enjoy our money because the book of Proverbs tells us that “the righteous eat to their hearts content, but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry.”  Investments in stocks, mutual funds and 401ks are important, as well as wise budget management, so that we can free up excess to generously give and enjoy. Saints, we must place our trust and confidence in God alone. He has faithfully given us His wisdom concerning earning, saving and giving our money- all for His Glory.

-U-Dawg (edited by S-dawg and J-dawg)

As I pray over Moody Church and the city of Chicago, I keep thinking how much God wants to change it, and how much He desires for us to want to change it. So as I go to Him in prayer, asking for a city filled with awe and wonder at what He has done, I begin with myself. “Create in me a clean heart!” 

Realizing that it’s only by the blood of Christ that pleads for me and intercedes for me that I may come, I realize my own helpless state. He is so magnificent and majestic, who could stand in His presence? Only Jesus can stand in that place, so I come, my life bound to Christ, and so God hears my prayers.

If the Venue was created to reach out to the thousands of people in their 20s and 30s in the neighborhoods around the church, then we begin with prayer. “God, as you change us, so send us, and reach them!” We want to see bars and clubs emptied because the masses have found the Pearl of great price, and all their livelihood is cast with Christ. We want to see the Gold Coast come in droves, not to the Moody Church, but to Christ. We want pews full of penitent sinners, not of self-righteous do-gooders. Oh, God, may it be so! We are far too powerless, too small for such a great thing to be done. But our Savior is bigger, more loving, more tender than we, and He must do this thing.

As the neighborhoods turn to God in contrition and repentance, we pray that our leaders would as well. May our mayor and his advisors “throw off [their] old sinful nature and [their] former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.” We pray with the psalmist: “May he judge your people in righteousness,your afflicted ones with justice.” We want to see this city filled with people who love justice, who love mercy, who walk humbly with the Lord our God. May Rahm Emanuel turn to Jesus and cast himself on Your mercy, we pray. And may he lead rightly.

As Chicago turns to God, we pray that the rest of the state would follow. May Chicago’s “cup” overflow, so that the goodness of God cannot be contained. Then the rest of Illinois and the Midwest will taste and see that He is good. May Governor Quinn and his cabinet and all the state legislators be tender-hearted towards the poor, caring for the weak and the down-trodden. May the farms and factories be filled with followers of the Lord Jesus. We ask for this sweeping change, this wide-reaching revival, to come even now. And again, it is too big a thing for us to do, but God, in Your mercy, may it be so.

As the Midwest turns to God, we ask, Holy Spirit, that You would blow the winds of revival north and south, east and west. We pray that, at a national level, You would meet people where they are, and they would welcome You. As Billy Graham quipped: “To get nations back on their feet, we must first get down on our knees.” Lord, we fall on our knees and ask for You to call this entire nation to You. May President Obama love Your law, and cherish Your heart above the tide of popular opinion. Give him strength to lead justly, to act rightly, to walk in the way of truth. Lord, may the thousands and millions seek You, putting off the old ways of life and learning the ways of humility. May we follow the example of Christ,

“Who, being in very nature God did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage, rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to deatheven death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,to the glory of God the Father.

We commit these things to you, Father, knowing that You care far more for the salvation of this people and this country than we ever could. We ask that this and more would be done. Even so, Come, Lord Jesus!

As you pray, feel free to add your comments with what God is saying to you, and what He has laid on your heart to pray for this city. As prayers are answered we will see glory given to God!

Injera is the name for the leavened flatbread that serves as the main component of the Ethiopian diet. Its texture is what you’d expect if a crepe and a tortilla met, flirted, dated, sought accountability, married, and after a sufficient amount of time exploring the world just the two of them, had a child.

And then that child, wandering wildly from the path its parents had hoped for, hooked up randomly with a sponge somewhere—thus would be born injera. Its taste is reminiscent of sourdough, and its ability to soak up delicious juices from perfectly cooked meats and stewed vegetables, sublime.

The Venue-ites all flew the coop this past weekend and visited the Ethiopian Diamond restaurant in Edgewater, a longish journey but one well worth the trek. We had good times and even better conversation, all the while stuffing our faces with the aforementioned bread and stews. You haven’t really bonded with someone until you’ve laughed and talked to them about the afterlife through a gullet full of spicy lamb. Trust me. Traditionally, the injera is torn into pieces and used to scoop up the other dishes, also served atop more injera, with the right hand only (Southpaws, you have been warned), and the meal isn’t over until the injera is gone. There’s another food-related tradition called goorsha, an act of friendship. It involves a person tearing off a strip of injera (with the right hand), rolling it in the stew, and placing it in the mouth of a friend.

I like y’all…but, um…it’s gonna take me a while to get there. I’m just sayin’. I have boundary issues.

At any rate, even without goorsha happening, the evening was a blast. I was reminded of Acts 2 where it says:

⁴⁴ All the believers were together and had everything in common. ⁴⁵ They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. ⁴⁶ Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, ⁴⁷ praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

The early believers lived together, ate together, spent most of their time together—all of their resources were in common. While that may not exactly be the case for everyone today, we, at the very least, have the Spirit of Christ in common. And He is everything. He’s certainly all that matters. It was a blessing to be able to literally break bread with those that came out last Saturday, so thank you very much for that privilege. May the Lord continue to keep us and add to our number…

Sincerely,

Marisa J.

Welcome back to a new semester at the Venue (I’m a student, so I think in quarters and semesters; for all of you who have real jobs and have grown up into adulthood, … a new year!).

This year we at the Venue began what we call a Conversation Series. This is where we sit down in a big group and discuss topics which impinge on our lives continually. Two weeks ago, we discussed the will of God. What does this mean? What is it for us particularly, and for our group and church generally? How do we KNOW it? It’s always good when you can sit with fellow believers (eating a free meal, I might add) and dig into reality.

Last week, we discussed the perception of Christians in the media. How are we portrayed? What are the positive examples? Do we contribute to the stereotype? Would someone be able to recognize us as a Christian by the mostly-untrue representatives they see of us on TV?

Personally for me, what got to me the most (besides the free meal - I’m a student, don’t judge me) was “Do I contribute to the stereotype?” Christians in the media are generally portrayed as crazies (re: Wife Swap) or as sell-outs. Jesus was neither. He knew who He was and what He was here to do. He wasn’t crazy, and He never sold out, and He blew a hole through everyone’s lives. Do we do this? Do I do this?

This week we are taking a break from the series to eat. With friends. Informal. Relaxed. Food. You can’t go wrong with this. If you are interested in eating with us this weekend (we won’t be meeting at Moody), send an e-mail to tmcvenue@gmail.com and one of us will get back to you with time and date.

Be well, fellow travelers.

A Winter Sonnet

Through busy streets and slippery roads we came

To join the noble Morse’s in their home.

All journeyed forth despite the thick’ning rain,

Determined, though it was, to turn to snow.

Reward was ours in form of soup and bread

And cider passed among our eager hands—

As if that weren’t enough we, too, were met

With chili, unmatched throughout Chicagoland.

Oh, how the games conspired to cure and cheer

The cruel intent of winter’s hastening pace

Propelling us into the ripening year:

Apples-to-Apples…and even some Catchphrase!

We left contented, satisfied to part

With warmth and laughter ringing in our hearts.

(For the anti-poets among us: Game night =’d teh Fun. The end.)

Marisa J.

I walked out of the Venue this week feeling extremely full. But it wasn’t (just) because of the fantastic potluck dinner we had together.

 It was the deep satisfaction of having been spiritually nourished almost to the point of bursting, the fire of the Spirit inside burning and dancing with the joy of having seen the Master at work. Of revealing insight into His nature and the unfathomable concern He has for His children. Of tasting yet another aspect of His goodness.

If you weren’t there, I really, really wish you had been. We missed you. No joke.

If you had been, you would have heard several testimonies from the class, each of which came together to make one of the most tremendous meals I’ve experienced in quite some time. Eric, Simon, Uduak and I all stood before the class and shared what the Lord has done and continues to do in our lives. Huge shout-out to Uduak—it was her very first time to TV, and lady did not hold back! I’d urge you to ask Simon in particular about his story; I won’t get into details here, because this medium cannot do it justice. I will say that there is no individual, no situation, no depth, nor any distance that is out of the grasp of the Lord God Almighty. His pursuit is inexorable, and to see His power so clearly and so determinedly at work in Simon’s life is in every sense of the word, awesome. I’m excited for him. Talk to the man about it.

I had mentioned to the class that I’m always a bit hesitant when it’s “testimony sharing” time, because my own conversion story isn’t spectacular (I was young and don’t really remember it). Eric, too, was saved at an early age and, by the grace of God, was spared from years of wandering in abject sin and hardness of heart. Nevertheless, his testimony is every bit as compelling and necessary as anyone else’s, not because it’s characterized by drama and hardship, but because therein is displayed God’s blessing, providence and protection—yet another flavor of the perfection of His love and sovereignty. Remember: God don’t do bland.

This is an event that I hope we do again in the future. It’s our desire at The Venue that this year sees “community” become more than just the buzzword du jour, and that we all would actually grow toward Christ together; sharing our stories is to that aim. I pray that you would consider how God has been at work in your life (because I know He has been), and should He burden you, the next time around you’d be at liberty to bring something to the table. Because we’d like to have it. Feeeeeeeed us.

My love,

Marisa J.

p.s. Yes; the food itself was off. The hook. (Do the kids still say that?…)

(No?…Okay.)

Ministry Focus:  Bread of Life

                The Venue would love to share an exciting new service opportunity with you!  Last weekend The Venue paired up with members of Salt, a fellow TMC community, to serve and minister to homeless people in Chicago. We joined Bread of Life Homeless Outreach, which is a partnering of several area churches that meet every Saturday evening at the Thompson Center to provide a warm meal and basic necessities to homeless men and women who visit the outreach.

If you’ve lived in Chicago for very long, you’ve likely encountered or have been approached by people who are homeless, and probably have never been certain how to serve them.  Many of our members were also unsure of what to expect and didn’t have a lot of experience with homeless outreach, but we bundled up and headed ou,t walking from the church to the loop, inviting persons in need on our way.  At the outreach, we handed out socks, soap, toothpaste, razors, food items and Bibles, and had the opportunity to chat with and offer prayer for the men and women we met.   

 Needless to say, in our short evening at the Thompson Center, we did not solve all of the problems affecting homeless persons in Chicago; however, we were able to minister and connect in a practical way, and hopefully show the love of Christ while doing so.  I believe we are called to serve others, regardless of the outcome, and as I consider what I might do to serve this city, I am reminded of  1 John 3:17:  “But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?”

If you have every wondered, “What can I do to serve the homeless in Chicago?” and feel led to be more involved, this would be a great ministry for you to check out!  It is our prayer that this might be another service project in the near future. Please contact Venue leadership for more information or to make us aware of your interest in this ministry.

-Stephanie B.

As a currently single, Christian woman who has not, I don’t believe, been blessed with the “gift of singleness”, I find myself from time to time struggling to keep from falling into what I like to call “The Crazy”. “Why, Marisa—what is The Crazy?” you may be asking. Well, I’ll tell you: The Crazy is what makes single Christians Flip. Out. over the slightest bit of attention from any seemingly normal, single Christian of the opposite sex whom they find attractive within a 50 foot radius. The Crazy is that sucky feeling of really, really liking someone (that, uh, you may not even, uh, actually know all that well?), and grasping like mad at any clues that your feelings might be reciprocated (you know, like a really meaningful “Hello.”). The Crazy is what turns you into a goofy 12 year old and makes you want to find some way to let that person know that you like them, but only—only—if they like you back, but if they don’t, then nevermind. Like, whatever and stuff. ‘Cause, like, you know, you weren’t really, like, all that interested in them, anyway. Except that you were. And still are. It’s what causes you to cry out melodramatically on a dateless Friday night, “LORD IN HEAVEN, WHY AM I NOT MARRIED BY NOW???” and then collapse in a blotchy heap, leaning on the everlasting arms of Ben and Jerry and muttering to yourself about “intentionality”.  Etcetera, etcetera, ad nauseum, ad infinitum.

Stop. Breathe.

Enter the patience and clarity that come from trusting God wholeheartedly. Enter the comfort in knowing He is righteous in all His ways, loving towards all He has made (Psalm 145:17-19. Read it.), and has not forgotten you. Enter the wonderful story of Pastor Bill Bertsche and his lovely wife, Carme. Last Saturday night, we were blessed to hear how the Lord brought the Bertsche’s paths together, despite their differing backgrounds, as well as some Godly wisdom on the topic of dating and relationships they’ve gathered along the journey.

The presence of God was obvious in orchestrating their courtship and marriage. He was working out the details long before either of them was really even aware of it, placing heart-desires and people in the right place and at the right time. Carmen actually said she enjoyed the “does he/doesn’t he?” time of uncertainty, because her faith was resting squarely in the hands of a competent and compassionate Father who she knew had everything under control. Read: She didn’t succumb to The Crazy. They both emphasized the necessity of relationships being built in the open, in the context of Christian community. What’s done in the dark will come to light…so it’s probably wise to just start in the light to begin with. Within community we find accountability, solid examples after which to pattern ourselves, and the council needed along the road that could lead to one of the most significant decisions we can make in life. 

We should want no other story than the one God is writing for us—whether that involves a special someone or not. Ask Him to put His desires in your heart, rejoice and believe that what He then promises will come to fruition. Even though you can’t see it now. Even though you may not feel it. His love is unfailing and infinitely more than we can imagine. That is fact, and we must cling to it even when circumstance conspires to make us believe otherwise. Thanks for reading. Fight The Crazy, brethren. 

*fist bump*

Marisa J.

This past weekend, The Venue was blessed to be a stop on the tour of singer-songwriter Staci Frenes. Staci is a popular Christian artist with a soulful voice and a true gift for communication, who writes songs filled with poetic lyrics. Staci was joined by producer and songwriter, Nate Sabin, to wow us with their folksy-pop guitar skills and be encouraged by the many ways they are using their talents to bring glory to God. As they shared songs and stories from their lives, both Staci and Nate challenged us in our view of worship: What is worship? Is it merely something we do at church by singing songs about God with other believers? Or can worshiping God be expressed on a daily basis as we use our gifts and talents to glorify Him?

Worship can also be reflected in our lives of service, which is something else that impressed me about Staci’s ministry. She has partnered with World Vision and works to advocate for children in some of the poorest parts of the world, and serves as a wonderful example of living out a life of service. In addition to her career as a Christian recording artist, Staci has found success as a commercial artist, and many of her songs have found their way onto movie soundtracks and popular television shows, such as “The Young and the Restless” and “American Pie 6” (hey, sometimes 4 sequels just doesn’t cut it!) Staci pondered what kind of plan God has for her songs as they are played in the very secular world, but was encouraged that people who might not ordinarily listen to her music could hear one of her songs on television or at a movie and be blessed by it.

Overall, it was a great concert and good time! If you didn’t get to hear it, maybe you should consider coming to The Venue more often. If you are looking for new music to edify and challenge you, I encourage you to listen to the work of these talented artists!

-Steph B.

My all-time favorite hymn begins,

Oh LORD, My God,

When I in awesome wonder

Consider all The worlds

Thy hands hath made,

I see the stars,

I hear the rolling thunder,

Thy power throughout

The universe displayed

Reduces me to tears Every. Single. Time. If you weren’t at The Venue this past Saturday, you missed an absolute treat. Leadership Team member Chris, pulling from the realms of science and medicine, walked us through several examples showcasing the mind-blowing complexity that makes up our physical world. Chris, a physiology instructor and med student, shared with us some of the information that he himself had researched in his own ideological journey from staunch believer in evolution to believer in Christ and the impeccable truth of God’s written word.

On the one hand is the belief that all of physical existence came about by chance—by some strange alchemy of primordial ooze and time. On the other, there is faith in a God that placed all things into being with and for a specific purpose. How does one make the transition between the two? Can we see the evidence of a Designer’s hand in the world around us? According to our gifted presenter, a truly objective examination of the data is needed. After all, isn’t that what science is really about? (Answer: Unfortunately, not all of the time.)

Out of all the provocative material shared, ranging from the relatively “simple” biochemistry of histamine synthesis to the crazy complicated blood clotting cascade, several themes emerged. There is not nearly enough room here for me to get into all that was discussed, and I would urge you to come to The Venue as I know Chris would love the chance to address any questions you may have (Ask him about the odds against the spontaneous generation of enzymes. Use those exact words. Your mind will be blown.) One main theme brought to mind the old “chicken or the egg” dilemma. How do you get a product when the components required in making that product… come from the product itself? Biological information is transmitted via the DNA that is contained in every cell of every living thing. The proteins required to make that DNA come from—yes—the DNA itself. So which came first? You see this playing out in nature time and time again in many, many different contexts.

Evolution argues that the ridiculous intricacy (and well-ordered beauty) we observe today is the accumulation of eons upon eons of mistakes that just worked out well—that there was no moment in time when fully-formed and highly complex systems and organisms suddenly sprang into existence. Yet, last Saturday we looked at several examples where it would seem to be the case that that’s exactly what must happen if these systems are to function at all.

I echo Chris’s challenge that you examine the facts for yourself. And I pray that the Spirit of Truth would lead as you do so. Know that we serve a ferociously creative God, One of great order and precision. May our eyes be open to that power made manifest in the laws and properties of the natural world around us.

Then sings my soul, indeed… Marisa J.

Last week we were honored to have Ted Koch, a speaker and explorer who came to Venue to share with us about the first 11 chapters of the Bible. So much revolves around these 11 chapters. The entire Bible is built on them; is it any wonder the controversy that revolves around them?

Ted gave us a presentation on what geology and the fossil record say about what has actually happened in the past. The past, he said, seems to be filled with severe catastrophic events. Areas of the world demonstrate that at one time in the past, a severe water event, probably a flood, etched its marks on the surface of the earth and encased millions of animals in ‘concrete’, fossilizing them almost instantly. One of the fossils he showed us was of a fish in the middle of meal, eating another fish. For this to be fossilized, he reasoned, a very quick event must have occurred. Simple observing seems to bear this out. The earth is full of scavengers, and things don’t remain for long. For something to remain, it had to have been covered up quickly.

Ted challenged us to critically examine what we hear about the claims science makes, especially when they seem to contradict what the Bible says. He did a question and answer session afterward. Ted further explained that science does have a role, but very often the claims that science makes go beyond its scope. It was thought-provoking.

We encourage you to come to the Venue this upcoming week. One of the members of our leadership team will be giving ‘part deux’ of this message, giving some examples from nature on incredibly complex mechanisms which seem to defy the slow and gradual change which evolution requires. Bring your questions, and bring a friend!

We look forward to meeting you. We want to partner with you to change our immediate world, and bring God into this amazing city!

CM

Welcome back! We hope that everyone had an amazing summer. Chicago is such an exciting place to be, but wherever you may have been, we hope you reconnected with old friends, made new ones, and grew deeper in the Lord.

We kicked off Venue on the 18th with another visit from the amazing Christian band, 1000 Generations (1000generations.com). It was, in a word, fantastic. Such great music, lots of new visitors, and a time when we could rock out with a band that brought us closer to God and into great fellowship with one another.

We have an exciting semester planned. We hit the ground running with two weeks on Creation/Evolution. Testimonies from two new members of the Leadership Team. A series on dating(!). We invite you to come to the Venue and experience a great place to experience fellowship with other young professionals in the Chicago area. Hope to see you soon!

What do you get when you combine chicken powder, dehydrated vegetables, soy protein and rice? A lot more than just food, it turns out. Last Saturday, a team of Venuites piled into a Moody Church van and headed to Aurora, Ill. for an evening of service at Feed My Starving Children, a non-profit organization that provides food to people who need it in 68 countries around the world. We were rolling 11 deep when we arrived, and after a thorough hand-washing and a hair net fashion show, we were ready to pack some food.

The folks at FMSC were incredibly organized. They brought us into the food packing room with another group volunteering that night and broke the process down step by step. Once we split into stations, we got to work. No sooner did we start packing, weighing, sealing and boxing food, then the FMSC sound system started pumping out some serious jams. Let me tell you, any task you are working on will go faster if you are trying to moonwalk to “Beat It” or singing along to “Sweet Caroline” while you do it. I might have to start carrying a boom box around at work.

Each bag or “Manna Pack” contained enough food for six people and has a host of vitamins. After an hour or so, we and the other volunteer team had packed 42 boxes, which my crack multiplication skills (shout out to Mr. Bruskotter in 5th grade math!) tell me amounts to 1,512 bags of food, enough to feed 9,072 people. Not bad for an hour’s work!

Before we left, they invited us to pray over the pallet of food we had just packed. After more than 20 years in operation, FMSC has only lost two shipments, and they attribute this success in large part to the prayers that go out with each pallet. We also got to try some of the cooked rice dish we had been packing, and after hustling for an hour it definitely hit the spot.

I was encouraged by the tangible difference we were making and by the thought that one hour of our time could turn into a blessing for so many people. It was also a great opportunity to get to know my fellow Venueans a little better, not to mention to experience the high-powered Arctic force of the Moody van’s AC system on a hot day.

All in all, this was a chance to live out Tim Keller’s call for Christians not to be an insulated group, but to take action in serving and bettering our local and global communities. Thanks to all those who made it out. I’m looking forward to taking part in the next volunteer opportunity (as long as I can dance to “Single Ladies” while doing it).

-Adam A.