Church Requel, Mansfield, Ohio

New Face for Church Requel Website

This coming weekend Church Requel will begin a new sermon series entitled, "Arise!"  The series will take us into Easter and will focus on topics dealing with the resurrection.  For example, this coming weekend we will study the issue of resurrection and marriage, which Jesus talks about with the Sadducees in all three gospel accounts.  To reflect the new series, we have also changed the look of the official Church Requel church website.  Why not go check it out?

E-book Math Doesn't Add Up for Publishers

Two news stories from the past week juxtapose one another in my mind on this Monday morning.  First is the story that the Apple iTunes Music Store celebrating its 10 billionth download last week.  Imagine! Billion always gets my attention.  This is a business that is only seven years old!  Now, contrast this celebration against the angst taking place in the book publishing business.

Today's New York Times includes an article explaining why the e-book pricing of $9.99 just doesn't add up for book publishers.  Amazon has defended the e-book consumer's demand for the electronic book discount.  But, according to the publishing industry, there's not enough money to go around even at the higher $26 hardcover price.  On a typical new hardcover, the bookstore pays 50% of the retail book price, yielding only $13 to the publisher.  The author is paid $3.90 and the printing/shipping/storage costs $3.25.  Cover design, typesetting, editing, and marketing add up to another $1.80.  Of course many books also aren't profitable and will need to be written off.  The industry pleads its case saying:

Without accounting for such write-offs, the publisher is left with $4.05, out of which it must pay overhead for editors, cover art designers, office space and electricity before taking a profit. 

Does this story sound vaguely familiar?  The internet has completely changed the way many industries conduct their business.  When I began my stock brokerage career with Merrill Lynch in 1979, retail stock commissions were the norm.  Not so anymore.  More recently the music recording industry has been rocked to its core (actually that's not true as the core may not even still be there) by the iTunes Music store.  Who buys an entire CD at $18 just to own one favorite song track these days?

So to hear the print publishers talk about why it's so unreasonable to charge $9.99 for a new e-book simply makes me think, 'Here we go again.'  The simple truth of the matter is that the marketplace will ultimately determine the future of book pricing.  We call this concept the free enterprise system.  If and when a company can offer a preferred product at a lower price, those companies with a locked in higher cost structure will be left behind. 

Invest for Eternity

I came up with the idea for "sermon shorts," shortened sections lifted out of my talks at Church Requel that might be able to stand on it's own.  Yes, I publish the entire version of my sermons each week on Vimeo.com.  But I recognize that many cannot make the time to sit down and watch for 30 or 40 minutes.  I also realize that there are many people who watch YouTube on their computers and mobile devices.  However YouTube videos must be shorter than ten minutes.  These sermon shorts might just fit the bill!

Below is my first attempt.  The clip is 7:52 in length.  Would you like to make eternal investments?  How would you go about it?  Watch as I share with you how to be S.E.T. for eternity!

2009 Donation Receipts Available Online

Are you looking for a receipt for your giving to Church Requel from last year?  There are several ways that you can receive this receipt.  First, for our regular attendees, your giving record is available in our Online Community website through CCB.  Just log in, click the “My Profile” tab, click the “Financial” tab, then click “Giving Statement.”  If you need help or a username and password, let me know.  

Second, if you want your giving statement, but would prefer not to get it online yourself, just let me know and I'll get it right out to you.  You can email me (Mark.Pierce AT ChurchRequel.org) or call me at 419.564.1525.  I promise I'll get it right out to you!

Is Dropping Facebook Really the Best Solution?

This morning's cover story article from USA Today suggests that some people are dumping social networks like Facebook and Twitter to reclaim both their time and their privacy:

"As the social networking train gathers momentum, some riders are getting off.  Their reasons run the gamut from being besieged by online 'friends' who aren't really friends to lingering concerns over where their messages and photos might materialize. If there's a common theme to their exodus, it's the nagging sense that a time-sucking habit was taking the "real" out of life."

Even with 400 million users on board, there is something to this notion of people dropping out.  In my own case, my youngest daughter, Jillian, perhaps one of the most social people on Planet Earth dropped Facebook a couple years back.  (That was about the time I got on the Facebook train.  But I'm sure that was only coincidence!)  In addition, some of those closest to me, my brother Todd, my best friend Roc, my remarkably ever-youthful Dad never signed up for the social network hoopla to begin with.

But those of us concerned with making an impact for Christ in our world and in our neighborhoods should not be quick to abandon this most useful tool.  With all the flaws that come along with Facebook and the like, there's plenty to like as well.  I now have the ability to stay in touch with my parishioners in a way that was unheard of even 5 years ago.  For example, a quick perusal of my Facebook account this morning reminded me that one of our church attendees is celebrating a birthday today.  (Heather, again Happy Birthday!)  And I can't begin to tell you how many people will choose to send me messages through Facebook instead of looking up my email, or God forbid, actually call me.

Some will be quick to conclude that such "messaging" is the very definition of less faceless friendships.  But I welcome it with open arms and am thankful for the opportunity to be more connected.  I know I have opportunities now through social media technology that I never would have had otherwise. 

Social networking is as old as mankind.  It's only the technology that's new.  And like any new technology, we need to learn the rules about how to use it well.  Sites like Facebook are not going away any time soon.  Why else would Google want to get into the social networking business?  

So what should pastors and church leaders do?  Two thoughts come to my mind as I wrap up today's post.

1. Continue to participate in social networking sites, but don't push anyone else to do the same.  As a leader - lead by example.  Set personal limits in terms of time and participation.  Let others into your life and show them what a growing life in Christ looks like.
2. In addition to joining public social networking sites, offer a private, church-only social networking site to your parishioners.  At Church Requel, we have done this through Church Community Builder.  As wonderful as the public sites like Facebook and Twitter are, there just are some things that are better when offered privately within the church.  Examples of this include small group connections, event calendaring, and online giving.  One of my first decisions as pastor of Church Requel was to sign up for CCB.  I'm convinced it was also one of my best decisions.

New Media Player Coming to Church Requel in April

Offering sermons and Bible studies in both audio and video formats has always been a big part of the Church Requel online experience.  Clover Sites, the company we use for our ChurchRequel.org website, has published a new video showing what the media player will look like in April.  I especially like the new sorting capability and the fact that all of our videos will be available to viewers from one single page.  For those of you who would like a preview of things to come, watch this short, 2:49 video below.  Or not... and be surprised when it comes out.

Media Player from Clover on Vimeo.

Will the iPad Replace the Kindle?

I watched and listened from my home office yesterday afternoon as Steve Jobs et al unveiled their newest creation, the iPad.  As is the case with many in the geek community, I am excited for the newest of the gadgets.  But I must confess that I am surprised that so many people have immediately jumped to the conclusion that the iPad will kill Amazon's Kindle.  "The Kindle would be the most hurt" was the first conclusion on live.twit.tv in the immediate aftermath of the iPad announcement.  Last night I corresponded with my friend Len Edgerly, who produces a weekly podcast, "The Kindle Chronicles."  Here's what I had to say in defense of my Kindle:

I was surprised that the first thought of the panelist of what device would be hurt the most by the new iPad was the Kindle. 

I disagree and here's why:

Price - Cheapest iPad is $499 and goes up to $829.  While I see this possessing value for what Apple is achieving with this device, it clearly is MUCH more expensive than the Kindle.  It simply isn't in the same category as the Kindle.

Ongoing expense - The Kindle offers unlimited Internet connection with NO ADDITIONAL MONTHLY cost, where with the iPad I either must a) have an internet connection and be able to use WiFi or b) pay $15 or $30 per month for a 3G connection.

Size and weight of device - You made the point in the last episode that people were making a BIG DEAL out of the fact that the Nook weighs an ounce more than projected.  The iPad weighs a pound and a half - more than twice the weight of the Kindle.  And while Amazon does offer the larger DX, the vast majority of us take our 6 inch version to bed at night.  For the purpose of reading, the weight and dimensions of the Kindle are much better for curling up to a good book.

Readability - I can't say for sure since I haven't seen or held an iPad yet, but my belief is that the eInk of the Kindle will be preferable for eye wear for the readers among us.  Also, I like the physical button on the sides of the Kindle for turning pages better than touching the screen.  The Kindle with its nonreflective screen and built in buttons just seems like a device thats EASIER TO FORGET when I'm reading.

Complexity of device - Some of us (like you I think... definitely me) like to test the bounds of all the things that we can do with the Kindle.  However, we are the exceptions to the rule in Kindleville.  Most people, I think, like to have a simple device that DOES ONE THING REALLY WELL.  The Geeks will like the complexity of all the apps in the iPad.  The readers among us will, I think, still prefer Kindle - especially when price, ongoing costs, size and weight are also factored in.

Amazon.com vs. iBooks Store - another unknown on the Apple side, but a definite known on the Amazon side.  Amazon built their business on top of the book business.  I would not quickly discount the Amazon model.

Those are my quick thoughts. I may buy the iPad. (Shoot, I may stand in line for one when it comes out!) But it won't be because I want a better reading device.

New Year's Welcome on Church Requel Site

This is the last week of 2009!  What a great year it has been for us.  I really need to sit down and write a blog article this week about how faithful God has been to us in launching Church Requel.  But for now I will settle for getting this week's work done before the festivities begin.  This morning I created a new front page on the Church Requel website.  Check it out!

Completing Another Long Church Requel Day

I'm sitting here in my chair wondering where the day went today.  I was up before 6AM and haven't stopped since!  I worked some on the Church Requel church web site.  (In case you're wondering you're not reading the church web site right now; this is my blog.  The www.ChurchRequel.org is the address for the church.)  I wanted the church site to match the billboard advertising and the sermon series we are launching for this weekend.  You can see the new front page above.

Sunday we'll be talking about changing life's questions.  I found a couple good videos for our Sunday evening.  First I found a video where a young man, who had been up the entire night before, missed the very first question on "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" show.  And then I remembered the classic scene from "Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy" where the people wait 7 1/2 million years for the Deep Thought computer to answer the question of life, the universe, and everything.  It's pretty funny if you haven't seen it.

I invested about 5 hours in deep Bible study of the last section in Mark 10, when Jesus heals the blind beggar Bartimaeus.  I must admit that I greatly enjoyed my time alone in God's Word today.  With the new church starting up and all the things I've had to tend to, I haven't been able to enjoy as much Bible study time as I'd like.  Today was pure gold for me!  I can't wait to share what I discovered Sunday evening.

Tonight our board of directors came over.  We have two meetings each month.  On the first Thursday of every month we conduct a business meeting.  Tonight we enjoyed a time of fellowship and mutual support.  They wanted to know all about the Catalyst Conference from last week.  I enjoyed sharing some of my experiences.  I brought home many resources and passed them out to the guys tonight.  They seemed appreciative.

We did make two decisions.  One, we decided to sponsor a child through Compassion International.  This will be our first commitment from the Matthew 25 Fund.  What a joy to know we are going to make a difference in one child's life!  Second, we decided to continue our $10 per day online advertising through Facebook.  The campaign there seems to be working well so far.

Tonight I will rest my head and will quickly fall asleep knowing I gave it my very best shot today.  And I'll wake up refreshed and ready for another Church Requel day!  Thanks, everyone, for your kind prayers and thoughts.  They are much appreciated!

Could You Provide Feedback on Church Website?

I've been working this afternoon on the Church Requel website.  "Isn't this the church website?" you ask.  Nope, this is the pastor's blog.  The Church Web Site is at www.ChurchRequel.org, the last three letters being the difference.  Next week will be our first service at Mid-Ohio and sometime soon our advertising will begin going up pointing people to the www.ChurchRequel.org site.  What questions might people have that we haven't answered yet?  What should I have on the site but don't have yet?  What changes should I be making?  Your help and advice will be much appreciated.  So head over to www.ChurchRequel.org right now and let me know what you think.  You can comment here or email me back.  Thanks!

New Church Requel Video: Why Sunday Night?

We produced a new video we are putting up on the Church Requel Website to answer the question: "Why do you meet on Sunday night?"  Want to know the answer?  Watch this short 3-minute video!

Why Sunday Night? from Mark Pierce on Vimeo.

Church Requel Tech Gear Delivered

Jonathan twittered Thursday afternoon: "Church Requel tech gear load #1 is here!"  And he posted this picture off of his phone camera.  I can't believe that this is finally happening!  We've been saving up for 9 months to be able to launch Church Requel this autumn.  A month ago we were still trying to find the place for Church Requel to meet.  Once we finalized the Mid-Ohio location, we then had to decide what equipment we could afford.  We invested mostly in sound equipment, speakers, a mixer, microphones, cords, and a piano keyboard.  Tech equipment and/or music equipment not making the cut included lighting and the electronic drum set.

I remember a day when I would have loved to be there to open up all the boxes.  After all, I love tech! But I'll be most thankful for Jonathan and his team to enjoy those honors.  These days, between advertising, a wedding this weekend, children's ministry planning, and sermon writing... I just don't have the luxury of time.  But I am immensely grateful to Jonathan, who volunteered valuable expertise and to DRM Productions, who allowed us to purchase the gear at cost.

Tuesdays with Mark

Hey everyone!  Just taking a break from sermon prep.  Every now and then my brain needs a break. I thought I would update you on some cool happenings.

Website Updates.  Jump on over to ChurchRequel.org to see some of the updates I've made on the church website.  You'd be surprised how many places I had put "Sundays at 10AM!"  And since beginning this coming Sunday we are meeting at 6PM and not 10AM, I had to make those changes.  There is a new front page to the website as well.  Also made the weekly changes to advertise this week's sermon and service theme.  Tell someone about the web changes.  Help me get the word out about the 6PM service time.

Walk and Talk. Ever wonder if you can walk AND talk AND carry a camera AND give a Bible study all at the same time?  I found out this morning that it is doable... but just barely.  You will definitely want to come back here tomorrow morning to check out Wednesday's Bible study if for no other reason to see how out of breath I am after just ten minutes!  Guess I got to get back to the YMCA.

Mid-Ohio Conference Appointment.  My next appointment with Mid-Ohio Conference Center is this coming Thursday morning at 9:30 AM.  Our board of directors meeting is Thursday evening at 7PM.  I'm hoping that this Thursday we will be able to secure the public meeting place for Church Requel beginning in October.  This will be a great place for the church to meet.  But there are five Sundays over the course of the next 9 months when Mid-Ohio will not be available.  We'll have to get creative on those weeks.

Rich Man, Poor Man.  One of our Bible texts this week is James 2:1-10.  This just screams Rich Man, Poor Man to me.  Probably no one under the age of 40 remembers the 1976 movie by the same title.  But most of us know what its like to be treated unfavorably at some point in our lives.  The one place that this should never happen is in the church.  Sadly, we often zero in on those who bring wealth and talent and ignore others. 

I hope you're having a great week!  I'd better get back to the sermon writing!  'Til next time.  Mark

Len Edgerly and the Kindle Chronicles

I've made a new friend.  His name is Len Edgerly and he publishes a weekly podcast called The Kindle Chronicles.  Anyone who knows me well knows that they cannot talk to me long before I begin talking about how much I love my new Kindle 2.  (For those who don't know me well, the Kindle 2 is an electronic reading device from Amazon.com, which weighs only 10 ounces and holds 1500 books!) 

Just Wednesday morning I was eating breakfast with my friend, Shaun Jourdan, when our waitress came up and asked me about the cool white device in my hand.  Before she left, she vowed she would buy one for her husband for Father's Day.  This happens to me all the time! Honestly, I should get some kind of a commission from Amazon.

What, you may ask, does any of this have to do with Len Edgerly and The Kindle Chronicles?  About two months ago I began my training for G.O.B.A. - The Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure.  I needed to get my bicycle legs back so I could make the 400+ mile bike ride next week with ease.  This required massive hours and miles of training, which means that I need great things to listen to while I bike.  So I searched for podcasts about my favorite new toy and came across Len's Kindle Chronicles.  

Each week Len talks about the new things going on with Amazon and with the Kindle.  He usually has a guest each week talking about something interesting in the field of electronic publishing.  He also includes great ideas for how to use the Kindle in new and interesting ways.  At the end of each podcast he includes messages from friends and subscribers.  Most write in questions and comments via email. 

However, Len likes to have voice comments and asks for them each week.  And each week I think to myself, I should call that guy and let him know he's doing a GREAT job.  But, since I'm on the bicycle and already doing multiple things at once... making a phone call would not be a good idea.  Last week, however, I happened to be in my car when I was listening to the podcast.  So I decided to call.  I let Len know about a recent experience I had purchasing Kindle books for my next seminary class this summer.

Len called me back the next day and we had a great conversation.  He told me that my comments will be on this week's edition of The Kindle Chronicles, published last night.  Would you like to hear it for yourself?  You can by going to Len's website or by going to the Apple iTunes store and typing in the keywords, "Kindle Chronicles."  You won't be sorry.  Len does a masterful job.

One other thing.  Anyone who publishes a podcast knows how much work is involved.  For Len, this is purely an act of love and dedication.  So if you haven't already purchased your Kindle and want to do so, may I suggest you buy it from his website?  It won't cost you a cent more and Len will get a little love back from Amazon for your trouble. (You'll see a link on the right side of his site.)  Len, thanks so much for all you do.  Keep up the great work!

The iBible - The Future is Now!

Have you been wondering about the intersection of the Bible and technology? Have you been thinking about putting the Bible on your iPhone, Blackberry, or laptop computer? Or maybe you've been thinking about buying a Kindle 2 with a Bible on it? Stop thinking about any other piece of technology and watch this video. You will want to mortgage your home and your children's home so you too can own an iBible!

One Day with my New MacBook

I am writing this post on my new MacBook.  I've now had a full day with the new computer and thought I would write some of my thoughts about it while they were fresh in my mind.  First off, I must say how thrilled I am to be able to work with such a fine piece of equipment.  Everything about this computer screams quality.  I knew this when I bought it and so was willing to pay the premium price for the hardware.  And I now may be guilty of wanting to justify my purchase decision. That being admitted, I think this MacBook will be a great help to me in starting the new church.

For a PC user moving over to the Mac, there definitely are some big differences.  I'm sure that that in the long run these differences will be improvements, but for now there is a significant learning curve.  One thing that is really different is the way the Mac uses windows.  I'm accustomed to the menu bar being in every window with the PC, but this is not the case with the Mac.  The menu is always at the top of the screen regardless of where the window is.  This has the benefit of saving significant screen real estate and, of course, the truth is that one can only work with one menu at a time anyway.  But for the PC convert it takes some getting used to.  Another big window difference is that the Mac does not have the option to make a window fill the entire screen.  The window opens to its "ideal size" as determined by the Mac.  The user can manually make the window larger by stretching from the bottom right corner only.  There is no maximize button that will fill the entire screen.

I am learning about some of the really cool new Mac features on windows management that I think will make my work more productive.  The Mac has a great feature called Spaces which allows the user to set up pre-configured work spaces - sort of like multiple screens on one machine.  The Mac is set up for four workspaces to begin with, but the user can set up as many as he would like.  So, for example, I can have one screen set for my internet work - with Safari and Mail on it, and another screen set up for Bible study, with my Bible software and word processing software on it.  I'm sure I will be making maximum use of this feature.

Another big change is the way the new Mac uses the trackpad.  There are no buttons on this trackpad for left click and right click. Rather the entire LARGE trackpad is one gigantic button - the whole thing can click down.  I had wondered how this would work when I want to click and drag something, thinking I would have to do this all in one motion with one finger.  Old habits die hard and without even thinking about it I clicked down with my left hand and dragged with my right hand.  No problem.  The MacBook trackpad knew exactly what I was trying to do and went along with my gesture.  Speaking of gestures, there are quite a few more choices with the Mac than with the PC.  I LOVE the two finger gesture of being able to scroll through a window.  It is so intuitive I now wonder how I went so long without this capability.

My Logos Bible Software was the critical piece of software that made the MacBook a possibility.  It is the single piece of software that I work with the most - hopefully true of most pastors.  For a couple years I had been thinking that Logos on a small platform - like a 13 inch MacBook - would be perfect for transportability.  But it was not available until about 6 months ago for the Mac.  For $60 existing users can purchase a Cross-grade edition of Logos, described as "engine-only."  This means that one only purchases the software without any books.  This was perfect for me.  Over the years I have personally purchased over 1,400 different electronic books and Bibles that work with my Logos software.  Purchasing a computer that would not allow me to access this vast library would be unthinkable.  The Cross-grade Mac edition solves that problem for me.  There are a lot of features that I am accustomed to in the original Logos that I haven't had time to figure out yet in the MacBook.  When I get more used to the Mac Logos, I'll write a separate post about that for the pastors who read this blog.

Overall, I'm pleased with my purchase of the MacBook.  As I anticipated I am spending many hours getting files transferred over, setting up software and preferences, and learning the new way of doing things.  Anyone who has used a PC for the last 15 years like I have cannot expect a seamless transition.  However, the transition is going faster and is smoother than I would have imagined it to be a week ago.  Who knows?  I soon may be joining the enthusiastic fans proclaiming the wonders of the MacBook world.  For now, I'm still in the lobby of the fan club just figuring my way around.  

New MacBook Arrives

My new MacBook arrived yesterday and I have been consumed putting my files over from my 5-year-old Dell over to the new MacBook.  I am quite happy to receive the new computer as it will greatly assist me with the video and internet work that I'm doing for Church Requel.  

But I can tell that there is going to be a learning curve to get used to doing things the Apple way.  Everything is just different enough that the things I am used to doing without even thinking make me think a whole new way.

Probably the toughest adjustment right now is the organization of my photo library.  I have been keeping digital pictures for almost ten years now and have them well organized by date folders.  iPhoto has its own way of doing things so when I imported my pictures over to the Mac, it reorganized everything.  It is important that I be able to get to files so that they can be uploaded.  For example, the picture on the right took me about 30 minutes to figure out.  So I'm not sure yet what I'm going to do about that.

The video editing is going to be a bit of a challenge as well.  I learned last night that the video camera I use (JVC Everio G) produces a movie file that is not recognized by Final Cut Express - the movie editing software I was planning to use.  However, it is possible to purchase a conversion program that will take the JVC movie file and change it into a form that can be used by Final Cut Express.  That will make another step into an already long process.  No pain, no gain... I keep telling myself that these are just the inevitable challenges that cannot be foreseen when changing from one computer to another.  

For now, I'm getting acquainted with the new computer and figuring out the basics.  In the meantime, I'm still using the old machine for the normal work.  Eventually I'll get things changed over.  If anyone would like to see the unboxing of the new computer, check out the short video below:

New MacBook Arrives from Mark Pierce on Vimeo.

Random Thursday Thoughts

Good morning gentle reader.  I have a few minutes this morning before I'm off to my next appointment and thought I would write a bit about what's going on in my life these past few days.  I suppose it goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway, that life as a church planter is more full than I could ever have imagined.  So I don't always have the time to give to this blog that I would like.

Matthew Bible Studies.  I suppose if there is any one thing that I'm truly enjoying out of all proportion to anything else, it would be the time and energy I'm giving to producing the daily Bible study.  This week we have moved to Matthew chapter 5 and are beginning to talk about the Beatitudes or the "blessings" as we say it in English.  These verses have had a profound impact upon my thinking.  I find myself dwelling upon these teachings by Jesus at the oddest moments - in the car, in bed at night, during my prayer life.  I've had some fun too by going outside.  This week I am doing the studies out at Johnny Appleseed Park.  If you haven't had a chance to "tune in" lately, this would be a good week to do so.

Shared Leadership.  Tonight I meet with several of the new leaders from my new church.  We will do some dreaming and mutual vision casting.  I'm looking forward to what others have to say about Church Requel.  What is God's Spirit doing and saying in their lives?

Seminary Learning.  I am greatly enjoying my current class on The Pentateuch from Dr. Dan Hawk at Ashland Theological Seminary.  I can't help but think that we, in the Evangelical community, have done a particularly poor job of teaching the Pentateuch in our churches.  I leave class every Tuesday evening with amazement at the new things I have learned.  I'm excited to begin sharing some of these thoughts with my church.

Simply Christian.  I've been reading Simply Christian by N.T. Wright.  Each chapter is so filled with great insight that a chapter or so a day seems about what I can handle.  This morning I was impressed with the need to include more Scripture reading as part of our worship services at Church Requel.  Certainly God's Word has an important role to play within the sermon, but it is clear to me that we should allow Scripture to speak for itself during worship. 

Tech News.  I have ordered a new Apple Macbook and hope to have it sometime next week.  My Dell laptop is now 5 years old and doing things it was never designed to do.  I plan to use both computers, using the Dell primarily as the tool to upload videos to the Internet, while I will use the Mac for design and editing.  I've also been greatly coveting the new Kindle 2 from Amazon, a new ebook reader.  I do so much reading that it would be great to have this new device.  However, I'll not spend the $359 without the blessing of Mary Kay, and she rightly reminds me that we don't have as much cash coming in these days as we used to have.  So I'll wait on that.

Mary Kay Honored.  Speaking of Mary Kay, she is being honored today at the "Distinguished Leaders in Healthcare" Luncheon.  This is put on by the Visiting Nurse Association of Mid-Ohio.  Specifically, Mary Kay will be receiving an award for Distinguised Community Advocate for her work as the Executive Director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Richland County. Increasingly, I have the opportunity to be Mark, the husband of Mary Kay.  I value that role and will happily sit in Mary Kay's shadow today.  I personally know of no other person who works as tirelessly for the overlooked needs of family members, when someone in their family suffers the devasting impact of mental illness.  I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful wife!

That's it for now.  Thanks for reading Church Requel.  I hope to have some pictures from the luncheon later today.  Until next time, Mark.

Clover on the Radio

For those who want to know that great story behind Clover, the web design company we chose for our church website, watch the following radio interview.  Learn how two church staff guys of a large church started their own business, saved their church their salaries, and continued to volunteer at their church!  Talk about win-win-win!  Wow!

Clover on the Radio from Clover on Vimeo.

New Kindles Coming February 24th

The new Kindle 2 from Amazon sounds amazing. For anyone who loves to read as much as me, this sounds like a really great product.  Here are the details from Amazon:

Slim: Just over 1/3 of an inch, as thin as most magazines

Lightweight: At 10.2 ounces, lighter than a typical paperback

Wireless: 3G wireless lets you download books right from your Kindle, anytime, anywhere; no monthly fees, service plans, or hunting for Wi-Fi hotspots

Books in Under 60 Seconds: Get books delivered in less than 60 seconds; no PC required

Improved Display: Reads like real paper; now boasts 16 shades of gray for clear text and even crisper images

Longer Battery Life: 25% longer battery life; read for days without recharging

More Storage: Take your library with you; holds over 1,500 books

Faster Page Turns: 20% faster page turns

Read-to-Me: With the new Text-to-Speech feature, Kindle can read every book, blog, magazine, and newspaper out loud to you

Large Selection: Over 230,000 books plus U.S. and international newspapers, magazines, and blogs available

Low Book Prices: New York Times Best Sellers and New Releases $9.99, unless marked otherwise

If you'd like to see an amazing video of this new product, click here.  (They don't offer an embedded version of the video.)  Have I mentioned that my birthday is coming up in May?