2004-03-30T12:15:00.000-08:00

Hey All,

We had our first worship service last night... it was a kick! We had a great group of talented musicians show up. It was cool to see everyone in the room - grooving to the new AUF sound... Mando did a great job with the group. Steve (from Highway) brought the bottom end (bass), Edwin scratched away on the 'tables. Very cool... I'm excited about the service this Sunday. It's kind of amazing that this is all happening!

Have a great day...

- JL

2004-03-29T15:33:00.000-08:00

Antioch Urban Fellowship of East Palo Alto
Update 3.04

The Longest Year
Wow - a year has passed since we started on this road. Honestly, it's been kind of nuts! The year was filled with many ups and downs. Now it's almost shocking to see that we're merely weeks away from our first service. Looking back, I'm very excited about where God has brought our team. We're learning a ton about each other - learning how to be a community of faith. I don't know that I realized how much of a 'faith trial' church planting can prove to be. It has glorious high moments where we bask in the greatness of God (from my 'earthly' view, of course. He never changes, only my view of Him does.) Then, there are desperate lows where you wonder is all the stress is worth it. Now, with the perspective of a year behind me I feel excited (albeit a little cautiously) about the next phase. God is and has really been faithful. I still feel confidant that we're going down the right road. I feel stronger and stronger in the vision we have projected. Now comes the first service... Yikes!

Last night we sat as a team, praying, laughing, hoping, wondering.... Will the people come? Does the community want us? Time will tell... One things for sure... God IS good!

A Worship Leader!
Throughout this whole process we've felt that one of the key elements to fulfill the vision we have is the need for a worship leader. I don't know - but the thought of me banging on my acoustic guitar doesn't say, "Urban Multi-ethnic". Unfortunately poor Bob Dylan and Vineyard covers won't work here in EPA. After exploring a variety of options we desperately began to call out to God. In my prayers I asked for a late 20's, Latino, Male worship leader. Through Tim and Joe, two of Melissa's co-workers at Highway Video, we came into contact with Armando (late 20's, Latino... God heard us!) Armando is a great guy and musician. He's been serving at a church in San Jose for about 10 years, leading worship and serving on the music team. After the initial 'dance' we determined that 'Mando is a great fit for our team. He came just at the right time and provided a much needed jolt of energy. Least I forget a small detail... at the right time (see a pattern here?) God blessed us with a donation that 'eased the pain' of bringing Armando on the team. Though God's generosity, we've been able to give him a small stipend for his efforts.

Each Wednesday we meet at the Cityteam building to worship and pray. For the past few months Claudia has done an awesome job with her trusty cd player and a mix of worship songs. The prayer times have been rich and blessed. Last Wednesday 'Mando led worship for the first time. It was so great to see him there, leading us into the presence of God. As I looked around basking in His love in the company of our small community of believers, I was filled with thankfulness for all God as brought us through. All the planning, crying out to Him... It's all been good and totally worth all the effort. I again was reminded that it's not the destination that's important, but the journey there. God has taught us so much. Much has already been accomplished in our hearts.

Upcoming Events and Services
On March 27th we officially begin the next phase in the establishment of AUF! On March 27th we begin getting out into the community knocking on doors and letting folks know about what we're doing. On April 3rd, as we walk the city we have the blessing of distributing Easter baskets and food boxes to the community. It's another way that we can be a blessing to our neighbors. The plan is to twice a month be in the community sharing God's love, praying for people and letting them know about AUF!

Our first public service is on Sunday April 4th. Until the fall we'll be having services once a month. We'll also be continuing our worship and prayer services on Wednesday nights.

Upcoming Dates

Here's some of the upcoming events for AUF.

Services:
April 4th, May 2nd, June 6th, July 11th, August 1st.
@ 6:00 PM at the Cityteam Facility 1136 Saratoga Ave, East Palo Alto

Prayer and Worship each Wednesday @ 7:00 PM. At the Cityteam facility.

Community Outreaches (Adopt a Block):
March 27th, April 3rd, April 17th, May 1st, May 22nd, June 5th
@ Cityteam Facility at 9:30 AM. End at 1:00 PM

Prayer Needs
There are a 'laundry list' of issues we'd love for you to bring to God. Here are some of the most urgent:

- The first service on April 4th. All the details surrounding that event...
- The community outreaches starting on March 27th.
- Armando - as he transition in.
- The formation of a worship band and other artists to help.
- Our team, as we walk through all the issues
- All the organizations we represent and are connected to us. BCM, Cityteam, Highway church and Highway Video...
- Continued provision of financial and material resources.

So - there is a thumbnail sketch of where we're at. Good times... exciting times... I'll keep you posted! Below I've listed some 'wish list' items. We are able to offer a tax deductible receipt for any financial or ' in kind' donations. Contact me if you need any information...

In Him,

- John Liotti