Bill Berger.org

What's holding you back?

I'm ready for the New Year. I'm always ready for change. I think I am odd that way, but change is what keeps things interesting and fresh. 2011 was a year for change for me and All Saints. It has been fun and difficult; exciting and mundane; personal and corporate; some gains and some losses. I am excited about how change will affect the future and what new stories will be created from it.

I am grateful that God's love doesn't change inspite of circumstances, pain, good news and loss. Here are a few reminders:

"Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations" Deuteronomy 7:9

"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God." I John 4:7

"The steadfast love of God endures all the day." Psalm 52:1

As much as change has occured in 2011, you can count on change in 2012. However, the love of Jesus will remain something that you can depend on, lean into and embrace. Don't be afraid or worried, Jesus will hold you steady through the storms.

A few reminders:

1. We will be having one gathering on Sunday, (New Years' Day) at 11 am. We look forward to seeing you.

2. We are excited to send a team to El Salvador, January 13-21. Please be in prayer for them as they travel and work with children in San Salvador.

3. Life Groups are about to start! On January 22, we will have a Life Group Fair for you to join one of our many groups that will be offered in a neighborhood near you.

4. Starting on the Mission and Journey classes will start February 1, 2012. We are excited about this spiritual growth class. This  will be a class where you learn spiritual practices and habits as a Christ Follower. Starting on the Mission is where you learn everything about being on mission with All Saints; history, philosophy, beliefs, and your part on the mission.

5. We being a new series on January 8th called, "Living a Generous Life: Generosity happens in the margin." We are really excited about this 6 week series where we will learn about putting margin into our life so we can serve, give and love lavishly and freely. Bring a friend!

Happy New Year!

See you Sunday,

Bill

No Regrets!

I came across this post, I want to share it before 2011 comes to a close. It is something that will make you think as you come into the New Year. 

 

Hey All Saints, What's up?

#1 I am grateful and excited for what Jesus is doing at All Saints.

• I hear amazing stories of transformed lives.
• I meet new people every Sunday.
• I am absolutely amazed with all the buzz around Life Groups! I am grateful for the leadership team that is making Life Groups happen.

#2 The Christmas Eve gathering this Saturday is going to be excellent. Watch this video clip

Everlasting Light - Christmas Eve 2011 from All Saints on Vimeo.

Be sure to invite friends and family, we will begin at 5pm and wrap up around 6:10. It will be a great way to begin the celebration of Christ's birth.

#3 Reminder, we will NOT have Christmas day gatherings. A few may be wondering why so I will take just a second to explain. Our staff and volunteers have been preparing to make this time period the best it can possibly be, a lot of hours have been invested in what we are all sure is going to be an amazing experience. After an incredible ministry run such as that the leaders in our church decided that it would best serve our church, our volunteers and our staff to encourage them to spend Christmas Day with their families.  I can assure you that Jesus will not be offended. :)

#4 A GIGANTIC THANK YOU to all of our volunteers who tirelessly serve All Saints in many ways. The incredible creativity and excellence by which you serve is inspiring. We are a very blessed church to have volunteer teams that serve the way they do. A HUGE THANK YOU to the staff. They do so much and believe in the mission of All Saints. I am so grateful to work with all of you. A MASSIVE THANK YOU to the Board. You guys are wise and generous. What a blessing to have you serve All Saints the way you do.

#5 Reminder #2 - We will have ONE gathering on New Year's Day at 11 am. We can be grateful for 2011 and look forward with joyful anticipation for 2012. 

#6 I am excited to begin a new series on January 8th that I am calling Living a Generous Life. The idea here is that we can't be generous without margin in our life. I am really looking forward to it.

Well, I think you should be caught up with "what's up?" I look forward to joining with you on Christmas Eve. I am so proud to be your pastor!

Merry Christmas,

Bill

Hi, All Saints Church!

Hey All Saints'ers, I would like to share a few things:

-This past Sunday was truly special. I was so inspired by several conversations, one in particular. Our series The Living God, has been inspiring people to truly seek and experience the reality of Jesus Christ. I listened to a story of a person who could not resist the reality of Jesus in their life and the transformation is incredible. What a gift during this Advent season.

-The Christmas Eve gathering is going to be one that you won't want to miss. We mentioned that we have some invitation cards for you to hand out to your friends and family. Please pray about who you are going to invite and give them an invitation. The majority of people who come to church do so because they were invited by someone. A few things about inviting people:

Please know that this is not about church attendance , it's about eternity. We are more concerned about a soul than a seat.

Every conversation you have with someone counts. Think of it this way, those appointments are divine.

Keep asking. I am sure you have asked before, but keep asking. See above comment.

-Prayer. This is so important. If you are reading this please pray for our gatherings every Sunday. In particular, pray for our Christmas Eve gathering. I believe God is going to do some amazing things. If you would, let me know that you are praying! Send me an email, simply say "praying" in the subject line. That's all you have to do. (life@believedoubtseek.org)

-I finished our new series that I will begin on January 8 called, "Living a Generous Life." I am really excited to share it with you.

-Thank you All Saints, I am blessed and humbled to serve with you as we serve Seattle for the glory of Jesus Christ!

 

 

 

I've been thinkin'

When we planted All Saints Church in 2001 I was 33, my kids were 12, 10, 7 and 2. I thought I knew a little about a lot of stuff. Today, I am 44, my kids are 22 (married), 20, 17 and 12. I know even less about a few things. 

I do, however, know this, the gospel changed me then and it continues to do so today. I am convinced the gospel is relevant, transformational and good news for everybody. It has been said, the gospel is an "open secret." It is meant to be shared, leaked, served and talked about over coffee. I have seen the gospel change and transform many people in my 10+ years at All Saints Church.

I have invited many people to "check out" All Saints and take in the culture of changed lives. I know many people at All Saints who have invited friends, family and "strangers" off the street to "check out" All Saints. The effect is too vast to measure!

During this Advent season, we all have an opportunity to invite someone to experience the gospel in its various forms. We can invite people to listen, serve, be a guest, watch, taste and sense the power of the gospel in Jesus Christ.

All Saints is preparing for our Christmas Eve gathering at 5 pm. We will be listening to Kris who was invited to hear and experience the gospel, it transformed him! His story is inspiring. Kris experienced the purpose of why Jesus came into the world as light, peace, hope and joy.

Who are you going to invite this Christmas Eve?