The Church on Tap

Men's Bible Study

2012-02-16T11:21:00.000-08:00

This is for all the men out there! Church on Tap has a men's small group meeting the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month through April. No need to read anything ahead of time, just show up, enjoy some food, get to know guys in the church community, share and learn from each other, and grow as men of God. Here are the details:

Where: Dave C's House 4270 Oakwood Drive Williamsville, NY 14221

When: 7pm-9pm (1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month)

Contact: dcarswell242@gmail.com with any questions.

French Street House

2012-02-16T11:04:00.000-08:00

We have truly been blessed this winter with extremely mild weather! The "beautiful" weather has made it even easier for volunteers to make it down to the French Street house to help restore the beautiful house so that soon, a deserving family can call it their home.

These burly men came out to help install drywall!

(Photos compliments of Meredith's phone)

And these burly men helped out too...

If you have a couple hours to spare, these chipper gents would love some help!

You don't have to be "handy" to come, just willing to have some fun working alongside friends!

Thank-you to everyone who came to help...we all truly appreciate your efforts for such a great cause!

If you would like more information on the French Street house or how to help, please contact us at churchontapbuffalo@gmail.com.

New Year, New Events

2012-01-14T23:51:00.000-08:00

It felt like coming home to family this past Sunday, as Church on Tap gathered for their first service of the new year. There was plenty of smiling faces and good conversation to go around.

Of course, it would only be appropriate to have some new announcements for the new year! So, here we go...

~ The ladies of the church will be reading the book Captivating as a bible study. They will be meeting in a different home every other tuesday night at 7:30pm. Please contact Sarah Carson if you are interested.

~Church on Tap may soon be meeting in a different location...Okay, basically in the same building, but next door. Stay tuned for updates!

~ The men are going to be starting a bible study on the tuesdays nights opposite of when the ladies are meeting. Please contact Dave Carswell with inquiries.

~Mom's Hang, Kid's Play will be meeting at Sky Zone on Tuesday January 24th from 10-11am. Cost is $6 for 30 minutes and $8 for 60 minutes. They will be going during toddler hour so children must be walking-4 years.

Thank-you to all who joined us for the first Church on Tap service of the new year. We look forward to seeing you next week!

Happy New Year!!

2011-12-31T22:19:00.000-08:00

We hope that everyone has been enjoying the holidays with family. Remember that Church on Tap will Not be meeting January 1st but will be back at Pearl Street Grill starting January 8th. Happy New Year from Church on Tap!

Church on Tap's Annual Christmas Brunch

2011-12-23T23:41:00.000-08:00

The setting was perfect...Snow flurries outside, little one's singing about Jesus, hot breakfast, good friends, and live Christmas music. What more could you seriously want out of a Christmas Brunch? Needless to say, Church on Tap's 2011 brunch at Pearl Street Grill and Brewery, was a success in every way! Thank you to all who helped coordinate that special day when we gathered to celebrate the birth of Christ! Of course there is documentation that this amazing event did actually take place...

Merry Christmas to all of you!! We will see you all when we are back January 8th!

"For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us, and the government will rest on his shoulders; and his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace."~ Isaiah 9:6

Jumping for Joy

2011-12-16T00:38:00.000-08:00

Last week Mom's Hang, Kid's Play took over Leap's and Bounce in Williamsville. Let's just say that place is probably every mother's dream. It is made up of a series of intricate bounce houses that serve as a fabulous outlet for toddler energy. I am pretty sure that everyone got a good nap that day...mom's included. And that, is why we were all jumping for joy.

Everyone had a great time and we made out without one injury (okay, at least no major injuries).

"The Joy of the Lord is my Strength." ~ Nehemiah 8:10

Don't forget about Church on Tap's Christmas brunch this Sunday December 18th at 10am!

Missions in Burma

2011-12-10T19:08:00.000-08:00

This past weekend Church on Tap had the privilege of having missionaries Morris and Sonja Liani visit from Burma. Morris and Sonja are heavily involved in their ministries which include an orphanage and a Biblical Seminary. They have 4 children of their own and joke that they have 33 others (the children in the orphanage)!

The Liani's were able to connect to Church on Tap through Phil Fenwick when he was overseas for business.

Morris spoke on Sunday about the many rewards and challenges he and his family face while serving in their ministries. Everyone was captivated by his stories and devastated by the tribulations many of the children in Burma endure. The Liani's are truly an amazing family, they joyfully sacrifice so much of their lives to serve his kingdom.

Please keep the Liani's, the orphanage and Biblical Seminary in your prayers.

If you are interested in learning more about Morris, Sonja and their ministries in Burma please email churchontapbuffalo@gmail.com

Church on Tap Christmas Brunch

2011-12-03T22:58:00.000-08:00

Oh, it really is just the most wonderful time of the year! The holidays are always filled with family, food and celebrations. So, come celebrate the real reason for the season at Church on Tap's annual Christmas Brunch at Pearl Street Grill and Brewery! Here are the details:

When: Sunday, December 18th, 2011 at 10am

Where: Pearl Street Grill and Brewery (Pearl Street will be catering brunch)

Cost: FREE...just let us know how many are coming!

We will have some amazing live music and of course an adorable performance from children's church! See you there!

Attitude of Gratitude

2011-11-17T23:23:00.000-08:00

Sometimes we forget what is important.....the little people in our lives tend not to.

The theme for children's church this month is gratitude. This past Sunday, the "big kids" made a thankful wreath.

This wreath consisted of hand print cut outs with things that they were thankful for written on each hand. Almost immediately after the project began, it became evident that they were all so excited and visibly happy about each thing they were grateful for.

You could say they were "jumping out of their seats"...literally! Some wreaths had sibling's names on them, various items in their backyards, or fun events that took place over the past year.

Are you grateful for the little things around you? The things in your backyard? The memories you made on a trip last year? The truth is... probably not. While as adults we acknowledge that we are probably thankful for all of these things, we don't "jump out of our seats" with gratitude.We all should take a lesson from the littles and remember to have an attitude of gratitude.

"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Down on the Farm

2011-11-03T23:30:00.000-07:00

Yeehaw! This week Mom's Hang Kid's Play dressed up in their favorite costumes for Halloween at Kelkenburg Farm! The weather was a bit chilly but there was so much to see none of the kiddos noticed. Everyone got a tractor ride, a tour of the barn and all the animals, a pony ride (ok, no adults rode the ponies), a pumpkin, and so much more playtime in the very large sand box.

Sweet little Wonder Woman

Busy Bee on the Tractor Ride

A bug in the corn

Madeline pulling a baby giraffe

All our characters hanging out by the goats

Spiderman riding a pony

The farm truly is picturesque....from the numerous red barns, rows of pumpkins, to the country store. Thank you Kelkenburg Farm for allowing us to join in on your fun!

Girls night at SPOT Coffee

2011-10-28T20:46:00.000-07:00

Hey, all you ladies out there...is the hustle and bustle of the fall season getting to you yet?? Well, even if it's not, you should still come relax with us for a girl's night at SPOT coffee in Williamsville.

You know you want a tasty mug of this beautiful goodness!

We are meeting at 8pm at 5330 Main st. and will be discussing the book Having a Mary Heart in a Martha world (bring your questions/discussion points). Reading the book is not a requirement...please come even if you haven't. See you there!

Letchworth 2011

2011-10-24T20:40:00.000-07:00

After a disappointing cancelation of our annual Letchworth trip, the weather could not have been more perfect for Church on Tap's 2011 day at Letchworth State Park! The sun peeked through the orange and yellow leaves, the smell of burning coals was in the air, and the sound of giggles and laughter filled the picnic grounds as the little ones explored the forest.....couldn't have been a better fall afternoon.

There was plenty of amazing food to eat..

And, plenty to talk about too.

There were games to play...

Walks to be taken...

And, trees to be climbed?? This, right here, is the original jungle gym!

Thank you Jesus for such a beautiful autumn afternoon for us to enjoy each other's company. We are so blessed to all have each other and be able to enjoy some time in God's magnificent beauty. We missed those of you who were unable to make it to this epic event. 'Till next year!

"You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees in the field will clap their hands."

~Isaiah 55:12

Prayer

2011-10-18T20:42:00.000-07:00

Prayer...we all need it.

Life is busy! There are soccer games, job interviews, homework, deadlines, and so, so much more. Sometimes we forget who is really in charge of our busy lives...sometimes we forget to ask for help. If you need prayer like the rest of us do, let the prayer team know! You can email them at COTPrayerRequest@gmail.com.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" ~Philippians 4:6

Letchworth Rescheduled

2011-10-15T22:06:00.000-07:00

Hi friends! Unfortunately, due to the fabulous rain and high wind advisory for tomorrow Church on Tap is going to reschedule the Letchworth trip. Instead of meeting tomorrow we are going to meet at the same spot at the same time next Sunday, October 23rd!

Rain, rain go away! Come again another day....but hey, at least you don't have to water your plants. Right?!

"I will send you rain in its season, and the land will yield its crops and the trees their fruit" Leviticus26:4

Letchworth

2011-10-12T19:55:00.000-07:00

Last year at Letchworth we....

Ate some amazing food.

Played some awesome games.

Took in the beautiful scenery.

Had some good family time.

Laughed a lot and relaxed in HIS amazing beauty.

This year is going to be even better (if that is even possible)! What more could you want during this beautiful fall season?! Get out of that house of yours before the snow flies, and join Church on Tap for our annual trip to Letchworth State Park.

Here are the details:

When: Sunday October 16th at 2pm after Church on Tap at Pearl Street Grill. Meet us for church and we can caravan/carpool if you would like!

Where: We will be meeting in the middle/upper falls picnic area. http://www.oocities.org/scanman94/letchworth/Letchworth.gif

What to bring: Bring your own meat to grill and a dish to pass!

Can't wait to see you there!

Childlike Faith

2011-10-10T20:24:00.000-07:00

Happy smiling children, learning about Jesus and his word, is a beautiful thing.

They always yearn to know more, and have endless faith.

The children's church program has been equipped with some amazing leaders and teachers who have been instilling God's word into our precious little people. During church they...

Act out bible verses (Tennessee and Elijah as baby moses and his mother).

Jump and sing praise songs.

Use their creative minds, to represent their memory verses, through art.

We just love our little ones! Thank you to those who dedicate their time to change their sweet little hearts.

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."~Matthew 19:14

If you would like more information about our Children's Church curriculum, you can go to www.whatisorange.org, or you can speak to Leslie on Sunday!

And, please save the date for COT Letchworth day this Sunday, October 16th! More information to follow.

Baby Dedication

2011-10-04T18:43:00.000-07:00

"Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a gift from him" ~Psalm 127:3

On June 23rd 2011, sweet baby Braelynn Jean Wagner was born! This past Sunday beautiful Braelynn was dedicated to the Lord by her wonderful parents Kimberly and Vince. Braelynn already has an amazing extended family as well, many of whom were present for the dedication.

Of course, I know all of you just want to see this precious little bundle,

so here she is!

(Pictures are compliments of the Wagner family. Thank-you!)

"For you created my in most being..."

"..You knit me together in my mother's womb"~Psalm 139:13

"Train a child up in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it"~Proverbs 22:6

Congratulations Kim and Vince on your beautiful baby girl! We will all continue to pray for the Lord's hand on your family as you raise little Braelynn. Welcome to the wonderful world of "parenthood"!

COT Service Project: French Street House

2011-09-29T23:11:00.000-07:00

Are You good at pulling weeds or painting?? Well, even if you're not, we'll take you! Come out to 321 French Street in Buffalo This Saturday October 1st! Here are the details:

~We are meeting from 10am - 12pm

~All regulars (and friends) welcome

~We need someone to lend us an extension chord, shop vac, and maybe a couple paint brushes for the day.

~Wear clothes to either paint or do yard work in.

Moms Hang Kids Play at the Zoo

2011-09-29T21:58:00.001-07:00

12 moms+ 16 kids+ the zoo= Wow.

It could have been chaotic, but it wasn't! All the kids were on there best "zoo behavior"(they are supposed to be a little rambunctious, right?). It really was perfect weather and all of the moms enjoyed getting their little ones out of the house before winter. The kids sole the show and were for sure way cuter than any animal the zoo had to offer.

See what I mean??

We saw Lions, and tigers, and bears (and gorrillas)....oh my

We had some laughs by the Zebras!

This little "newbie" enjoyed all the arms that were available to hold her.

"Mom, can we come to the Zoo everyday??"

Everyone had a great time at the Zoo! It is so essential for all mamas out there, to get together, let their kids run wild, and enjoy each others company. Thank you Jesus for the amazing weather!

Children's Church

2011-09-25T20:30:00.000-07:00

Every Sunday at Church on Tap all of the little people participate and experience worship in "big church" before they begin their morning in Children's Church. It is a great way for them to see their parents worship the Lord with other believers and for them to worship themselves!

After these wonderful people use their talents...the kids are dismissed to Children's Church.

They then break up by age group.

This Sunday, the school aged group learned about how Jesus taught in the synagogue at a young age...

Everyone respected him and he treated everyone with kindness....

And, that is exactly how we should all treat others, with kindness, just the way Jesus wants us to.

The memory verse for the week: "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man"~Luke 2:52

They all were amazing at memorizing their verse for the week. Great job everyone!

On another note, Monday the 26th is Mom's Hang, Kid's Play! They will all be meeting for play group at the Buffalo Zoo at 10:30am. Bring a lunch if you care to partake in the the festivities!

Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World

2011-09-22T22:25:00.000-07:00

It seems like every year around this time, the leaves change, school starts, new routines begin, and inevitably, chaos ensues. We often try and "do" to much and forget to wait on the Lord. That is why the Church on Tap ladies are reading this book...

We will be meeting at least once a month in a central location.

Which happens to be this fabulous place. Don't recognize it??

Well maybe now you do! We will be consuming some of this stuff while we discuss the book.

Even if you are not reading the book, please join us for fellowship and conversation!

Stay tuned for updates on our next meeting.

"...Be still and know that I am God."~ Psalm 46:10

Fall Kickoff

2011-09-18T19:28:00.000-07:00

It was truly the perfect day for FALL kickoff at Church on Tap. The morning air was crisp, the coffee was hot, and church was full of hugs, laughter, and praising the Lord! During the month of August we met at various homes and spent family time enjoying each other. It was a wonderful time and everyone has come back rejuvenated. Thank you Lord for such an amazing time away, and thank you for allowing us to be together in your presence today.

Of course what fall kickoff would be complete without some pictures?

These wonderful lads were enjoying the new "What is Orange" curriculum!

Mrs. Sarah teaching some of the younger kids.

Enjoying the service and amazing breakfast.

Pastor Jim Sproull doing what he does best.

Just a small portion of the wonderful breakfast spread. Thank you everyone who baked this morning!

Happy fall kickoff! Thank-you Lord for refreshing us day after day.

"Come to me all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest"~Matthew 11:28

See you all at Church on Tap next week!

August Remix

2011-07-18T19:21:00.000-07:00

This August, Church on Tap will not be meeting at Pearl Street Restaurant on Sunday Mornings. However, we will continue meeting regularly at various locations though out the whole month- and meet again at Pearl Street starting again September 4th. Here is our schedule of events for the month of August!:

August 3rd (Wednesday)7:30pm Girls Night at Sarah Carson's house in Williamsville
August 7th (Sunday) 12pm BBQ at the Fenwick's House in Marilla
August 14th (Sunday) 1pm BBQ/Pool Party at the Carson's in Amherst
August 20th (Saturday) 4pm Cookout at the Krantz's in Clarence
August 28th (Sunday) 12pm Cookout at the Church on Tap House in Buffalo

If you have any questions, please call Matt at 716-860-5088 or Jim at 716-573-3550!

Happy Summer! :)

White Water Rafting!

2011-06-15T19:47:00.000-07:00

Although the crazy amount of rain we've had lately made for some crummy Spring weekends, it certainly helped to make white water rafting super awesome! Here's our Church On Tap trip to the Black River! :)

COT East Side House

2011-05-31T20:35:00.000-07:00

We finally have a house! That's right!... COT is fixing up a house on the east side & will eventually use it to help the community on the east side of Buffalo. Teaming up with Christ Crusaders Church on the east side & West Side Ministries, we had our first service project at the house last week. We filled a dumpster full of garbage from the house in just a few hours. Next step... cleaning! Join us this Saturday, June 4th to clean! We'll meet at the house (321 French Street, Buffalo) at 9:30am! This is a great opportunity to serve while spending time with friends! :)

Sunday Service February 13th Moved!

2011-02-06T20:09:00.000-08:00

Next Sunday, we will not be meeting at Pearl Street (due to the Powder Keg festivities). Join us @ 11am for a time of fellowship, worship, and of course, breakfast :) at Jeff and April Krantz's house on Lapp Road in Clarence! Call Matt 716-860-5088 for details!

Thursday Night Bible Study @ Carswell's!!!

2011-02-02T19:08:00.000-08:00

Join us Thursday nights for a time of fellowship, prayer, & reading the Word. Bible study will meet at the Carswell's house in Cheektawaga every Thursday during the month of February at 7pm. Call Matt for more information at 716-860-5088. See ya there!

Ski Club

2011-01-23T18:13:00.000-08:00

Church On Tap's Ski Club is every Sunday from 2:30 - 10:00pm at Holiday Valley. If you would like to join- we'd LOVE to have you! See Matt or Sarah Carson in the morning at Church on Tap any Sunday you wish to come and they can arrange a guest pass for $28 to ski from 3:30 - 10:00pm!

Please Note!! No COT on 12/26 and 1/2!

2010-12-21T19:38:00.000-08:00

In case you haven't heard, Buffalo is hosting the World Junior Nationals. Pearl St Grill and Bar is one of the most central places for this tournament, and the place is completely booked! So we are not going to have our normal meetings there at 10am for the 12/26 and 1/2 Sundays.

Please make other arrangements to spend time with the church community and devote some time to learn more about God and his plan for our lives. Feel free to email or post on our facebook page if you want to get together with some of the COT community!

Normal Sunday mornings will continue on 1/9/2011!!! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year... tell your friends if you talk to them and remember Jesus' birth!

Christmas Brunch!

2010-12-16T15:19:00.000-08:00

Church on Tap is hosting its 2nd annual Christmas Brunch!
The brunch is free of cost and catered by Pearl Street Restaurant! Come and enjoy great food, celebrate the Christmas season, and learn more about Church on Tap!

Ephesians Bible Study

2010-10-09T18:32:00.000-07:00

Bible Study : The Book of Ephesians
When: Thursday Nights Starting October 14th @ 7:30 pm
Where: The Carson's House
*Call Matt @ 716-860-5088 for directions!

We look forward to spending time with you reading God's Word and growing together through reading the book of Ephesians.

COT FALL KICK OFF!!!!

2010-09-18T08:47:00.001-07:00

Join us for the COT Fall Kick Off!
We're starting off the new fall season so this is a great opportunity to check out COT if you've never been- or bring a friend!!!

*Pot Luck breakfast!
*Worship Band!
*Special performance from the kiddos in Kids Church!

Learn more about upcoming events (such as white water rafting trips, Bible Studies, parties and more!) AND more opportunities to get involved with COT! :)

Church on Tap Summer Party

2010-08-29T18:30:00.000-07:00

Come and enjoy one of the last days of summer! Bring your bathing suit, towel, and a dish to pass!

When:
Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Where:
Sproull House

37 Schlemmer

Lancaster, NY

August 15th Church on Tap service re-located to Evangola State Park

2010-08-10T11:07:00.000-07:00

This weekend (Sunday, August 15th at 10am!) our normal Sunday meeting will be relocated to the campsite at Evangola State Park.

If you are interested in camping before church (Friday and Saturday night) please contact:

Matt Carson 716-860-5088

We would LOVE for you to join us!

WE WILL NOT BE MEETING AT PEARL ST this Sunday! Normal meetings will resume the following week.

Sorry for the late notice!

Summer Party at the Fenwick's House

2010-07-27T16:21:00.000-07:00

Head to the Fenwick's after church for lunch, games, and fun in their pond! Bring your bathing suit, towel, a side dish or dessert!

Fenwick's House

457 Two Rod Rd

Marilla, NY

Sunday, August 1st
12:30 - ?

4th of July Sunday Service Cancelled

2010-06-22T16:20:00.000-07:00

Sunday Service at Pearl Street is canceled on July 4th for the Independence Holiday. However, don't cancel spending time with God! Please take this day to spend time with family and personal time with Lord.

Community Lunches

2010-06-06T11:19:00.000-07:00

A great thing about having church in the city is that there are some delicious after church lunch places! This week, a group of us went to Spot Coffee after church!

June Service Project at Lady of Lorretto Church

2010-06-05T16:48:00.000-07:00

One of the best parts about doing service projects in the summertime is being outside. This morning a few of us met at Lady of Lorretto Church to do some good old fashion yard work. Here are some pics of our day...

Lady of Lorretto Church was recently bought by West Side Ministries and will be used as a Community Center for the west side of Buffalo! The building is absolutely amazing and it is such a pleasure to serve with such a thriving ministry!

We did a variety of things: trimming bushes, pulling weeds, and mulching with some of the Houghton students who are staying in Buffalo (living in the Lady of Lorretto Rectory) for a summer semester!

Some of Church on Tap's finest! ;-)

Yes, even children participated in the project! What a great opportunity for kids at a young age to be involved in community service!

May Bible Study

2010-05-04T19:09:00.000-07:00

...and we are actually studying the Bible this time! Come on out and join us, we'll be taking a close look at 1 Thessalonians in the month of May. It's a quick one this time, only 4 weeks, so make sure to come out! Here are the details:

Thursday Nights (every week in May)
7:30pm-9:30pm
The Carswell's House
34 Fath Dr
Cheektowaga, NY

For more details, give Dave Carswell a call at 716-548-0321. Please park on the street!

Blue Like Jazz Study-New place for 4/8/10!!!

2010-04-07T19:32:00.000-07:00

Hey Gang,

We've got a little change for tomorrow night for our study (4/8/10).

We've moved study to Jim and Kelly Sproull's house for this week.

Their address is:

77 Schlemmer Road
Lancaster, NY 14086

Still meeting at 8:00pm til 9:30pm.

Chapters 17-18.

Please pass this on to anyone else that you know who has been coming or is interested.

Happy Easter!

2010-04-03T17:56:00.000-07:00

From everyone at The Church on Tap, we want to wish you a very blessed and celebratory Easter as we rejoice in the Risen Savior!

The Church on Tap will not meet on Sunday, April 4, 2010 (Easter) due to Pearl Street being closed for business that day.

We encourage you to spend the day in celebration with your family/friends, gathered in community in celebration, or spending the day in peaceful solitude in remembrance of the life of Christ.

***The Church on Tap will be back together again on Sunday, April 11, 2010 at 10am.

And the song continues...

2010-03-24T19:44:00.001-07:00

The Church on Tap is continuing to read through Donald Miller's Best Selling Book "Blue Like Jazz" through their weekly community group set on Thursday evenings.

The group meets from 8:00pm-9:30pm at Matt and Sarah Carson's home in Williamsville,NY.

Though the group is on the 2nd half of the book, we encourage to still drop in and join in the discussion held regarding many of the chapter topics that we experience in our daily lives.

Here's the meeting/reading schedule for the next several weeks:

- March 25 = Chapters 13 & 14
- April 1 = Chapters 15 & 16
- April 8 = Chapters 17 & 18*
- April 15 = Chapters 19 & 20

*Change in Location to be determined.

As always, check out www.churchontap.com to learn more about what's happening in our community and our gatherings at 76 Pearl Street.

Buffalo Powder Keg Festival 2010

2010-02-24T21:04:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone!

The Church On Tap is joining in to help out with one of Buffalo's newest traditions: The Powder Keg Festival!

On February 27-28, 2010, venture into downtown Buffalo for a multitude of events taking place around the HSBC Tower area, starting at 8:00am w/ an "All-You-Can-Eat" Pancake Breakfast at The Pearl Street Grill and Brewery.

Here's the deal...

The Church on Tap is looking to lend a hand in supporting this event by serving as volunteers at several of the program/event areas.

We are looking to help out between the 9am-1pm slot on Sunday morning/afternoon, and need people to volunteer. The majority of volunteering will take place outside, so bundle up to stay warm. All volunteers will meet at the Pearl Street Grill and Brewery for sign-up and to receive their badges.

We will still be meeting for our regular Church on Tap Gathering at Pearl Street, but we encourage everyone to volunteer if possible (even if it is during our gathering time).

If you guys have any questions, please feel free to contact us at churchontapbuffalo@gmail.com .

See you all there!

www.powderkegfestival.com
********************************
Areas for Volunteering:

· Kids Zone Activities Monitor

· Ice Rink Attendant (skates required)

· Athletic Competition Monitor/Refs

· Food Tent Ticket Sellers

· Ice Maze Monitors

· FAQ Guides/Ambassadors

· Food Tent Cooks

· Cleanup Crew

· Bartenders

· And more!

Serving the West Side

2010-02-06T13:14:00.000-08:00

Remember all the hoopla about the "Extreme Makeover - Home Edition" that happened on the West side of Buffalo last November? Well, West Side Ministries has been doing that for years now, every weekend (and most weekdays) of the year!

'Twas a beautiful Saturday in Buffalo, when a lot of the country was getting buried with snow (that's for all the negative press this city gets!)

We did some good old fashion painting and cleaned out a few rooms of clutter... lots and lots of clutter.

Had to finish it off with a fantastic lunch at nearby Nick's Place! Feel free to come join next time, there's plenty of work to do. God has called us to be servants and this ministry has done a lot of good in a tough area of the city.

Subverting the Empire

2010-01-17T12:21:00.000-08:00

Recently I have been intrigued by the idea of looking at the New Testament through Old Testament eyes--particularly in the writings of Paul. More specifically Paul’s letter to the Colossians.
Taking the approach of an overall view of the Hebrew Scriptures you can easily see that from the beginning Israel has a broken relationship with God. Adam and Eve are sent outside the perfect situation that God had provided for them, and of course God follows. It seems that this sets the stage for a people that will wrestle with God.

From then on they seem to be set on a path of hardship at the hands of oppressive empires. These empires took away their freedoms and many times tried to impose their gods and pagan rituals. How did Israel survive? (The Egyptians? The Persians? The Greeks and The Romans?) The answer is: Hope. Hope that infused their hearts with images of what was possible and what was meant to be.

Repeatedly God provided prophets with image rich subversive poetry and wisdom literature. Imagery and imagination of what a restored relationship to God and what living in His Kingdom might look like---this kept hope alive.

Observe the imagery contained in the following scriptures:
Proverbs 8 & Isaiah 11

You’re not really a subject to the empire until your imagination has been taken captive.

Rome was probably the most effective at this. The images of the empire were in every public arena of life constantly reminding the subjects who they owed their allegiance to. Namely Caesar. (who was the son of a god) His face was on all there coins, on seals and buildings and the promise of peace security followed. And incase you got the feeling that Rome was a long way off and you’ve never seen Caesar—well don’t worry there are statues all about to remind you who this lord is. His image was everywhere.
The main images of the empire were of fruitfulness and fertility. As with most empires—in a land of scarce resources your means of survival were linked to remaining faithful to the empire. This allows you to share in the “abundance.”
However the preferred economics of the empire enslaved the producers of food and resources, so that the fruit of their labors ends up on the tables of the elite. This type of imperial ideology of peace and prosperity was not new to Israel and the people new it to be a lie. That’s why much of this type of subversive poetry concerns the issue of fruitfulness and fertility. Keeping hope alive meant keeping the image of a creator God our provider alive.
Look how the psalmist connects all of creation to Jehovah Jirah (God our Provider)
Psalm 104
Like wise being obedient to the practice of jubilee leads to prosperity Lev 26

Finally when the people of Israel were hoping for to be vengeance against Rome--the Messiah came announcing a new kind of Kingdom fruitfulness. Now bearing fruit took on a very different look:
Loving enemies
Doing good to those that hate you
Blessing those that curse you
Pray for those that abuse you
Turning the other cheek
Lose your shirt in court
Give to those begging
Lend without expecting return
Withhold judgement
Giving & forgiving

Luke 6:38
Abundance growing out of generosity of heart and possessions.
Loving your enemies and giving without expecting a return requires a generosity of spirit. We call that grace.

In Colossians Paul follows the same theme of bearing kingdom fruit:
"3We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints— 5the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel 6that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth."
Colossians 1:3-6

"10And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you[d] to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light."
Colossians 1:10-12

Then Paul provides alternative images for a subversive imagination:
"15He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross."
Colossians 1:15-20

This poem is treasonous! Paul subverts every major claim of the empire, turning them on their heads, and proclaims Christ to be the Creator, Redeemer and Lord of all creation, including the empire.

Ok. That’s nice. I get it, but what does that have to do with me? I live in a land of religious freedom. I am comfortable with the world I live in. I don’t know of any oppressive empires that try to control my imagination...... Or do I? Are there cultural forces that seek to take captive our imaginations?

What if I told you that the average American encounters 5k-12k corporate messages a day. All geared to shaping our consumer imagination.
Images that are changing constantly to sustain an insatiable desire for more consumer goods and reach the ultimate goal of economic abundance. All telling the same story that economic growth is the driving force of history, consumer choice is what makes us human, and greed is normal. If we live in an empire it is the empire of global consumerism.

Look back to Colossians to see Paul’s purpose in this subversive poem.

"2My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."

Colossians 2:2-3

If we start to recognize the effects of an empire of global consumerism captivating our imagination, then I recommend three practices to keep hope alive:

1. Identify the images and of the empire and identify were you regularly secede from it.
2. Keep hope alive by reading, and performing evocative subversive poetry that provides an alternative imagination.
3. Through this be encouraged in heart (hope) united in love (fruitful) and complete in understanding (image Jesus: “the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” 1:26-27)

Jake

Upcoming: Small-Group Study

2010-01-13T00:17:00.000-08:00

Hey Gang!

We're starting to get the word out about our next Small-Group Study that is getting ready to kickoff for Winter/Spring 2010.

Our next study will be focusing upon the thoughts and musings of Donald Miller in his best-selling book "Blue Like Jazz." This will be kind of a hybrid-study as we will use both Miller's text and Scripture to journey into lessons on what it means to live as followers of Jesus.

Here are the details:

When?: Thursday evenings @ 8pm, starting January 28, 2010.
Where?: Matt and Sarah Carson's (110 Culpepper Rd, Williamsville, NY)
Who?: Anybody

If you need to get a copy of "Blue Like Jazz," check out one of your local book retailers or click on the copy of the book above to be forwarded to Amazon.

We hope you can join us!!!!!

********

For more information about Donald Miller, visit: www.donmilleris.com

Let's Be Realistic Here...

2010-01-12T05:48:00.000-08:00

It's January in Buffalo... we meet in the city... Pearl St didn't name one of their beers "Lake Effect" because of the boating season! If it's looking "iffy" some Sunday morning and you're wondering if Sunday morning church is cancelled, check back right here. We'll have it posted by 9am!

Ring in 2010!

2009-12-28T12:25:00.000-08:00

The Fenwick's are throwing a New Years Eve party and you are invited!

There will be dancing (yes, even a dj), climbing (rock climbing wall), bouncing (bounce house), swinging (rope swings). Of course, bring the kids, bring a friend. Please bring an appetizer or dessert...and slippers to keep your feet warm. The clock will strike midnight early (10 pm) for the kids. You're welcome to stay til the real midnight...or take the kiddos home to bed and have a quiet beginning to 2010! Starts around 6pm.

Their address is:
3239 Four Rod Rd.
East Aurora, NY

Hope to see you there!

A Child is Born!

2009-12-23T09:07:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas! Hope you were able to make our brunch on Sunday... thanks to everyone who came out, hope you enjoyed the food, met a few new people and learned a little more about Church on Tap.

Don't forget that we meet every Sunday morning at the Pearl St Grill and Brewery at 10am... we'd love for you to join us!

Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Ris'n with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Christmas in Burma

2009-12-21T07:37:00.000-08:00

On Saturday a group of us from our Thursday night bible study went down to the west side of Buffalo, to deliever "Christmas" to a relocated family from Burma (which is now officially Myanmar). We had been down there in mid November, to help ready their new house, and someone had the wonderful idea of returning in December and giving them a warm "Merry Christmas and Welcome to Buffalo!".

Even with our small group, we were able to provide lots of food, clothes, new home supplies, toys and a Christmas tree!

The father of group, Angelo spoke English pretty well, but the rest we had to rely on smiles and hand guestures. This group had been living in a Thai refugee camp; the children were even born there. Angelo told us of his sad story of how their village was burned down by their government and that they were outcasts because of their backgrounds. They are trying to get back on their feet, but all of them haven't made it to the US yet, including Angelo's wife and new baby that he has never met.

Praise God that they are safe here in Buffalo now. It was an amazing experience to meet this family and bless them this holiday season. Please keep them in your prayers! I do not think this will be the last time we make contact with them, they have really touched our hearts.

Lunch at Christ Crusaders

2009-12-07T08:29:00.000-08:00

Afer Sunday morning at Pearl St this week, a bunch of us headed over to Christ Crusader's Church on the East side of Buffalo. Pastor Steve Forman (seen in the Red Santa-Claus-esque jacket) invited us over as a "thank you" for all the service projects we've done with his congregation over the past several years.

In addition to being a Pastor, Steve also runs his own catering business and was the executive chef at a high end downtown Buffalo restaurant. That is very good news for us, as Steve makes some incredible food!

In addition to thanking us, Pastor Steve had the great idea of having the youth of the church prepare the meal and serve it to us, as if they were working in a restaurant. This is part of his "career training" that he has been doing with the local youth. What a wondering idea! It was a great time to celebrate our communities union.

I'm sure we'll be doing some work down there in the next couple of months, so feel free to join us!

The Cross vs The Sword

2009-11-30T03:23:00.000-08:00

Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mt 20:25-28

By definition the Kingdom of God looks like Jesus. Our job is to think in terms of this Kingdom that is based in power under and resist the pull of the kingdom of this world that is based in power over. The kingdom of this world wields the sword and the Kingdom of God carries the cross. The biggest struggle that the church has faced is our tendency to pick up the sword instead of the cross. When this happens we have trusted the way the kingdom of this world operates rather than the Kingdom of God. We need to recover our identity as a people who are “aliens and strangers in this world.” For this we look to Jesus.

In His dissertation on the hill Jesus asked “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?" Mt 7:3

I think that is a great question. Why do we do that? I personally have taken the role of the sin pointer outer in my little slice of the world, and its safe to say I’ve been in good company. Why? The longer I think about it the longer I get the impression that when we do this we are trying to use this to our own advantage. It is an attempt to gain “power over” exactly like the Pharisees. The church cannot change people with behaviors and sin management. This only addresses the outside person, and makes white washed tombs! That’s what the kingdom of the sword does--follow the rules or be punished. Coming under others and being their servant, loving them with Christlike love/crosslike love, this demonstrates and proclaims the Kingdom. This is more likely to produce a change in them on the inside. As the body of Christ the church is nothing more than a giant Jesus mimicking what the first body did. Our job is to proclaim and demonstrate His Kingdom just like He did. Jesus saw a need meet a need and declared the Kingdom of God is at hand.

Jesus told His followers: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." Jn 13:34-35

Too many times the church has been ugly, mean spirited, petty, and doesn’t look at all like Jesus. The church was supposed to be the main proof of the truthfulness of Jesus. By your love even more than your nice sounding arguments, and your programs and strategies, by your love, your willingness and ability to ascribe worth to others at cost to yourself---people will see the reality of Jesus. The Kingdom of God is where people are living sacrificially until it hurts—just like Jesus ascribing worth to those that don’t get it anywhere else--no one else does that. This is our unique calling and greatest failing. We need each other to get it right. We need each other to learn how the Kingdom of God works in our world, and how we can demonstrate that Kingdom. We need to be committed to living this out among one another. We need to be the constant reminder of Jesus to one another.

“God is calling together little communities of the heart, to ﬁght for one another and for the hearts of those who have not yet been set free. That camaraderie, that intimacy, that incredible impact by a few stouthearted souls – that is available. It is the Christian life as Jesus gave it to us. It is completely normal.” Waking the Dead, John Eldredge

-Jake

For Discussion:
When we started talking about planting a church in a bar, we wanted to be all about radical community. We believed this is what distinguishes the follower of Jesus and it is what we are called to.
How can we improve on our current level of community?
What have you learned in this process?
If we are committed to Kingdom living--how can we support each other in this effort?
If we have gotten it wrong for so long-- what will we/you do about it now?

Me, God and Facebook

2009-11-23T16:47:00.000-08:00

Does God want be with you?

Seems like a simple question with a simple answer. Read Exodus 33. God doesn't want to be with the Israelites. He doesn't want to be with them as they go to the promised land. He actually, in essence is pretty sure that if He hangs out with them any longer He will end up wiping them out. The issue wasn't really the Israelites as a people. He loves his people. It was their disobedience, their sin that He couldn't stand. Like oil and water, sin and God cannot coexist. Sin and disobedience are one in the same, it is knowing the truth and not doing it. It is loving ourselves and the things around us more than God and His commands. God doesn't do good with this.

Are you God's friend? Does He know your name?

Another simple question. You see I think we can easily say God is our friend, but our we God's friend. In Exodus 33 we are painted a picture of the intimate relationship between Moses and God. It is stated that they spoke "face to face" as friends do. Numerous times it said God had favor on Moses because "he knows his name". Yes God knows each of us, before we were born he knew us in our mother's womb, he knows the hairs on head... etc.. etc.. He knows everything about us, but does He know our name. In other words, is there a back and forth, a give and take relationship between ourselves and God. In chapter 34 of Exodus it states that Gods name is Jealous and He is a jealous God. He wants us to want Him. Otherwise, He will know everything about us, but He won't know us "face to face". You see the Israelites decided they needed more than God to be fulfilled, so they made a golden calf. Everyday we make golden calves with our lives and decisions, big and small. We decide what we need more than God. What deserves our time, our money, our resources more than God. Ask yourself, what is God getting out of this relationship? What kind of friend are you?

What does your face look like?

After Moses spent time with God we are told that his face was radiant. Radiant to the point that it scared people. When Moses spent time with God people could visibly see it. In Acts 4 we read that people were astounded by Peter and John, and how they looked and carried themselves. These normal unschooled fisherman commanded so much courage and knowledge that others noted that they had been with Jesus. So what does your face look like? Do people see a noticible difference to the point that they must know how and why you do what you do. It is easy to be nice and kind. Many people are that way, independent of their belief in Christ. So what is going to differentiate you and your life?

-jim

How Funky Is Your Mission?

2009-11-08T14:26:00.000-08:00

We feel called to be a part of the reshaping of church and the recovery of the missional call that was given to the followers of Jesus from the beginning. Because of this, we have come to realize that we cannot continue with business as usual.

Church as we know it has always been defined by what it does: Worship, Fellowship, Discipleship, and Mission. For a number of reasons these functions have for the most part been organized around worship. All four of these functions are of equal importance, but because of history and culture, worship has been the context by which the other three functions are expressed. Therefore, in most churches people gather for fellowship when they gather for worship. Disciple making is primarily accomplished through teaching at a worship gatherings. People involved in mission have historically been sent out to reach the “lost” and bring them back to the worship service. Worship has been the function that organizes the other three.

This causes the people of the church to focus heavily on what happens inside the church. The reasoning behind this is that if you get things right on the inside; the right preaching, the right music, the right environment...then people will come. The fundamental change that we are a part of is to stop thinking about how we need to get things right inside the church and start rediscovering our essential calling for us to be people engaged and moving outside.

Culture has changed and times have changed. It is time for us to organize ourselves around mission, and allow mission to organize the other three functions of the church. All four are equally important, but mission now needs to form and inform how we fellowship, worship, and make disciples. Mission is the lens we look through.

In the pursuit of understanding God we must acknowledge that mission is not something God does, nor is it something that he is simply interested in--mission is part of His character. We acknowledge that God is sent. He sends himself, therefore He is the sent and sending God. This is perfectly demonstrated throughout the scriptures; chiefly in the person of Jesus Christ. God the Father sends God the Son to be our redeemer through His death and resurrection. Then God the Father and God the Son send God the Holy Spirit to dwell within us. If we stopped there that would be a great story, but it gets better. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit SEND US! Therefore we have come to believe that we are a missionary people serving a missionary God.

Where do we look for an example of church organized by mission? The Roman Empire betwee n 100AD and 300 AD went from 2,500 Christians to 20 million Christians. The church in China under intense persecution and grew by 120 million Christians over 60 years. These movements had none of the “stuff” the church currently has in America. No colleges, no buildings, no paid staff, and for the early church-no New Testament!

How?

Researchers have been asking this question for nearly 20 years. They have discovered that the answer lies within each one of us. They began to look at natural systems that God already has ordered. An apple seed, for example, has the ability to produce an orchard. What is in that seed? There must be some latent potential wrapped up in that tiny seed that would enable it to reproduce a 100 fold. Now, what about the Christian? What is in us that would enable us to start a movement? Then this question arises: What if you were the last Christian on earth could God rebuild the church with you? The answer is yes! There is some latent potential in our spiritual DNA that would enable us to launch a “Jesus” movement. Reorganizing the church around mission identifies every follower as a church planter, and every church as a church planting church.

How does this reorganization take shape? Paul’s circulated letter to the churches in Asia Minor—a.k.a. “Ephesians” is of great help here. The fact that it was a circulated letter to the people of these churches is significant when you read chapter 4. It is a call to all people. Traditionally this has been viewed as a listing of roles for just the leadership of the church. We understand that all followers of Jesus are called to one of the following roles:

11It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Our leadership team underwent an analysis to discover what role best suits each one of us. After affirming in each other what was revealed, we began to form ourselves and the church around a similar structure that you find in the above scripture. We aim to build teams of people that function within these roles. Here is what we came up with:

Mission -

Definition: Ensures that Christ centered communities are planted in various environments. This pursuit shapes and defines the focus of the overall church.

Functions: Recruiting those that are "sent" to join new communities, being and bringing Jesus into "third places" (parties, cafes, bars, sports leagues, outdoor events, ANYTHING) establishing the church in new contexts, developing networks of relationships.

Discipleship –

Definition: Providing accountability, counseling, personal growth, embodiment of Jesus Christ. Serves also to grow and protect those on the journey.

Function: Accountability groups, one-on-one counseling, visitation, people development, mobilizing people

Worship as a lifestyle –

Definition: Intentional living to glorify God through all aspects of human existence and experience.

Function: Music/Prayer/Art/ Expression – solo & corporate, service projects.

Teaching –

Definition: Clarifies the will of God and communicates will/truth to others. Increases knowledge and understanding for life application.

Function: Corporate teaching, cell groups, one-on-one, provides/creates materials (blogs, discussion forums, etc)

Evangelism-

Definition: recruiter, carrier, and communicator of the Gospel message. Calls for personal response to redemption in Jesus.

Function: permeates all activities within a given community, invests time in one-one relationships. Pioneers new relationships, Baptisms, making clear the offer of salvation so that people might hear and respond in faith.

Administration-

Definition: overall mission and project coordination, and finance.

Function: supervises the planning of events and activities, assigns tasks, links the various teams and processes together, makes financial decisions.

This post is the beginning of a conversation that started with a message given at Church on Tap by Jake Arnold. We welcome your thoughts, questions, and comments.

A Jesus Manifesto

2009-09-30T22:49:00.000-07:00

Click Above to Download a Copy

From "A Jesus Manifesto" by Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola...

#4) Being a follower of Jesus does not involve imitation so much as it does implantation and impartation. Incarnation–the notion that God connects to us in baby form and human touch—is the most shocking doctrine of the Christian religion. The incarnation is both once-and-for-all and ongoing, as the One “who was and is to come” now is and lives his resurrection life in and through us. Incarnation doesn’t just apply to Jesus; it applies to every one of us. Of course, not in the same sacramental way. But close. We have been given God’s “Spirit” which makes Christ “real” in our lives. We have been made, as Peter puts it, “partakers of the divine nature.” How, then, in the face of so great a truth can we ask for toys and trinkets? How can we lust after lesser gifts and itch for religious and spiritual thingys? We’ve been touched from on high by the fires of the Almighty and given divine life. A life that has passed through death – the very resurrection life of the Son of God himself. How can we not be fired up?

Thought provoking, yeah?

We encourage you to read the entire Manifesto and learn more about the restoration of Christ's Reign in the World.

End of the Summer BASH!

2009-08-26T17:52:00.000-07:00

The Church On Tap will be hosting an end of the Summer Cookout at Jim and Kelly Sproull's house this Sunday, August 30 @ 2:30pm.

Burgers, Hot Dogs, and Buns will be provided.

Please bring an appetizer (dip or munchies), salad, casserole, fondue, drinks,desserts, or whatever other delightful and delectable treat you can share with all those gathered.

Swimming, Volleyball, Basketball, KanJam, BonFire, Smores, and other various activities to take place.

Bring your suit, bring your gear, your food, your appetite, and most importantly YOURSELF to this Final Bash of the Summer.

Click here for more information

What is The Church on Tap?

2009-08-21T18:08:00.000-07:00

The understanding of a “Church” and the presence of God has often been identified by a religious building. But the presence of God moves beyond that. It ‘s not so much a designated place, but our identifying of that presence where people are gathered.

The Church on Tap is a part of that identification.

“We believe God hangs out in bars.”

As the people who gather, we believe that our beliefs should be poured out into action. Whether it is by a conversation around a table at Pearl Street, serving throughout the Queen City, or at one of "Events with a Cause," the identification of God’s active presence in the world should be evident and our involvement with it.

Grab a drink. Tell your story. Make a difference.

*********
When We Meet:

Monday Evenings at 7pm.
Second Floor of Pearl Street Grill and Brewery

Sunday Morning Service at 10am
Main Level of Pearl Street Grill and Brewery