Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Upcoming Events: The Maker's Series

Join us for an evening of creativity, conversation, and community.  As you've already heard if you are connected to me* in any way via Facebook, it will be a time to engage with three artists and each other on art, culture, calling, and what it means to be a Maker in the image of God.

Our next gathering:  March 28, 2014, 6pm, TPC’s Fellowship Hall
Our theme:  Story
Our guests:
·         Stacy Hawkins Adams, writer
·         Nathan Clarke, film producer
·         Ron Klipp, arranger and composer
Our format
Each guest will give a 20 minute talk/presentation/performance, followed by a break for snacks, then another almost-hour of conversation and Q&A. It's free, casual, and family/youth/angst-ridden artist-friendly, so bring a friend or several.

For more about the artists participating in our Makers evening contact Mark Sprinkle or 683-7383.  Let’s celebrate how God has blessed our body with creativity and craftsmanship.


Makers Poster
Where Jesus Walked
Third’s sojourners return from Israel

The promotional brochure for Third’s Israel tour promised to “make the Bible come alive.” After spending 11 days in the Holy Land, I can say that the trip unquestionably accomplished this pledge.

At Caesarea Philippi, I pondered what my own response would be to Christ’s question, “But who do you say I am?” At Joppa, I looked out at the Mediterranean Sea and put myself in Jonah’s shoes, as he attempted to flee from God’s purpose for him. And at the Sea of Galilee, I meditated on both the courage and the doubt of Peter, as he stepped out on the water.

Undoubtedly the most meaningful experience came on the last day of our trip. As we left the Church of the Holy Sepulcher (one of the proposed sites of the crucifixion of Christ),  I found myself unfulfilled and unmoved. But upon arriving at the second proposed site, the Garden Tomb, I truly experienced the work of the Spirit. Upon entering the tomb, I was struck by the bareness and austerity of the space. Gone were the ornaments and icons and burning incense of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Rather, it was just an empty tomb with a sign reading: “HE IS NOT HERE – FOR HE IS RISEN.”

It is entirely unsuitable to just call it an empty tomb, for the emptiness of the tomb changes everything. It most certainly changes our future, as we receive the promise of life after death. Because of this promise, our lives are changed in the present, as we are able to live confidently and obediently. Witnessing the empty tomb allowed me to personally experience the power and joy of the resurrection of Christ.  

Written by: Ben Behrendt



Brothers Will and Ben
Behrendt stop at the
Western (Wailing) Wall of
the temple in Jerusalem.

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Church-wide Survey Opportunity

The Survey Monkey is still roaming the halls of Third Church, looking to inspire those who have not yet participated in the Congregational Opinion Survey.  Will you please help us by taking 15 minutes to share your thoughts there?  The link to the digital version is here!.  This is no monkey business: We really do want to know want you think.  Thanks to all who have already joined in!

We really want the Young Adult Voice to be heard!


Monday, September 30, 2013

Mark Batterson Event




Do you have dreams that seem beyond impossible? Come hear New York Times best selling author and pastor, Mark Batterson, as he inspires you to take a 360 degree look at your life to discover your heart’s deepest desires and to face your greatest dreams. Mark will challenge you to begin praying bold prayers that God wants to answer.
Appetizers, networking, a cash bar, a free "CircleMaker" book, Q&A discussion with Mark, a book signing, and more! You won’t want to miss “360: An Evening with Mark Batterson.”
Check out the website for more information!

Monday, May 6, 2013

Charlotte Mission Trip

Did you know that Charlotte has the 3rd highest refugee population in the US? Join a team that will reach out to 4 international refugee people groups through sports, relationships, and fun.  Ben Behrendt (a YACer) and Tom Barila (not a YACer) are co-leading the trip, which is from July 20-26th.  Scholarships available.  Interested?  Want more information?  Check out the website for more info.  Hope you can join us!

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

May 5th Congregational Meeting

Calling all Young Adult Members,  please make it a priority to be there for the vote this Sunday after the 11 am service, and encourage all other members to do the same.  We want a strong presence there to support the dismissal process.

Young Professionals Group

A new Young Professional Group is kicking off next Tuesday, May 7th with Needle's Eye Ministry.  This is a great chance to get plugged in with other young professionals in the area through fellowship and a chance to be encouraged and uplifted in your career.  

For more information, please visit: http://needleseyeministries.com/2013/04/17/ypg-spring-workshop/