FRC ETHOS

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

In case you did not know, ETHOS is defined as: the fundamental character or spirit of a culture; the underlying sentiment that informs the beliefs, customs, or practices of a group or society; dominant assumptions of a people or period.

This is who we are as a church culture, or at least, who we are becoming. These characteristics were introduced by Pastor Troy for the very first time to the staff and leaders that make up the FRC family on May 31, 2007

In case you missed it, here’s a quick review.

Thinking – Where am I thinking?
Diversity – Is there someone NOT like me?
Movement – Which direction am I going?
Potential – Is this the best I can do?
Environment – How does it make me feel?
Collaboration – Who am I doing life with?

To many these may just be a group of words that may not mean much. To us who make up the FRC family, these words define who we are. They are inline with helping us reach our
God-Potential. As we strive to make this “ETHOS” part of who we are, we will also be in the process of reaching our God-Potential.

More about this in my future blog postings. I would love to read what your thoughts are on these topics. Feel free to post your comments.

Until next time... keep thinking!

ia

Happy B-Day to Jake

On June 21st, we celebrate Jacob's 16 years on planet earth. Jacob is the youngest of four that make up the Alonso familia. I'm really proud of this young man in how he has been able to adapt to living in Doral.

While he is definitely of Cuban decent, he is 100% American. Maybe 85%. Raised in Broward county post hurricane Andrew, Jacob had such BIG adjustments to make moving down to Doral to start the FRC Doral campus in May of 2005. This year he raked in 7 bands awards at Ronald Reagan/Doral Senior High School. That is more than anyone else in that program. The most prestigious of those awards was the award, only one given, for "Musicianship of the Year"... way to go Jacob!

Thankfully we live in Doral and have an array of fine restaurants we can celebrate in. The gift certificates we have had for over 6 months are finally going to be used. They are for the fine Brazilian churrasqueria "Texas de Brazil". By the way, it is located right outside of Doral @ Dolphin Mall. If you are ever in the area, look me up. Happy 16th birthday Jake… keep doing a great job. I'm proud to be your dad!

A memorable day at Ft. Lauderdale beach

Monday, June 11, 2007

This past Sunday, June 10th, 210 Flamingorites said yes to a new way of life with Christ as hundreds sheared on and celebrated. For the Doral campus, 16 folks made that commitment… way to go guys! Here’s a picture taken from the beach that day. In the picture is me and Pastor David Ray, and gaby Gil, our Spanish pastor at Doral. For me it was one of those days that reminds me of why I do what I do. Thank you Lord for the many changed lives!

FRC Doral summer happennings

Wednesday, June 6, 2007

No lazy days of summer for us. We are embarking our greatest summer yet at FRC Doral and we want you to be a part of it. Mark your calendars for all of these exciting events happening right here in our community of Doral. Great opportunities to have fun, serve our community and reach people for Christ.

June-23, July 21, & August 25 –

Hurwit Crisis Center 10am - Noon

We will be sharing the love of Christ with children ages birth through 13. We will share snack time, play interactive games, and go to the playground, etc. For those that want to share your love but are unable to attend, please help by providing the following items:

1) Store bought snacks and juice boxes

2) Clothes & Shoes – For children from Birth to 13 years old

3) School Supplies

4) Toys and Books

5) Food - Non-perishable items like canned goods and snacks

For more information contact Mirna Melo at mommy19@bellsouth.net

July-4- City of Doral July 4th Celebration

FRC Doral will be participating in the City of Doral Parade and 4th of July Celebration Event.The City of Doral as asked FRC Doral to help with student volunteers for the event. We need 10 – 15 volunteers. If you would like to volunteer for this event you must be approved by the City of Doral. In addition, our FRC band will be performing opening for Nestor Torres. Last but certainly not least, we want to be well represented in our booth. We will be serving Cuban coffee, bottles of water and raffling an ipod.What an awesome way to give back to our Doral community. Check out the video from last year’s event http://www.cityofdoral-fl.gov/. For more information contact Julieta Reyes at frcdoralteam@yahoo.com

July 28 – FRC Doral Friends & Family Picnic 3pm – 6pm

What is summer without a picnic shared with friends and family. We would like for you to take this opportunity to invite your family, friends and neighbors to get to know your FRC Doral Family. A $50 dinner gift certificate will be given to the family that brings the most guest. FRC Doral will provide the drinks and games for everyone. Pack your picnic basket with enough food your family and some extra to share with another family and join us at: Doral Park 5300 NW 102nd Avenue.

August 18 – Ronald Reagan/Doral Senior High School Family Bar-B-Q

Doral High School will be having a back to school family Bar-b-q and has asked us to help. Every weekend we benefit from the generosity of administration of Doral High. What a wonderful way to show them how much we appreciate their support. Here are some ways that you can get involved they need cooks, servers, helpers, etc.

These are all great opportunities to reach out and get to know those we are doing life with here in Doral. Don't miss out, get involved and make a difference.Come by the 411 table and sign up this weekend. We are well on our way to reaching our goal of 50/100,000/150,000,000.

Perception

Friday, June 1, 2007

I just started reading a book recommended by friend of mine who started a church in Tampa. His name is Hal Mayer and the name of the book is 'The 22 immutable laws of marketing'.

One of the chapters is on perception. To the consumer, perception of a good or service carries more weight than the truth. In other words, what we believe about that product of service will determine our actions, even if we have not had a personal experience ourselves; or whether it is based on truth or not.

That idea made me think about the church. What is the perception out there about the church? Chances are, for the most part, the perception is probably not what we would hope. If that is true, then my job is all about working to change that perception. So, how does that happen?

After attending service, I love to ask first time visitors this question: How was your experience with us today? I often here it was nothing like what they expected. This past weekend this experience become more real than I have ever seen, when two families I have been inviting for two years came for the very first time. My relationship with them was a direct result of being involved in the community through the Relay for Life event in the City of Doral where I live.

Here's what I've learned so far:

Use every means possible to shorten the distance between their perception and the truth. At the Doral campus, I do this by engaging the community through service.

Here's an example:
Starbucks events… several times a year, especially during the Christmas holiday.
Community events… Relay for Life, 4th of July celebration, Trunk or Treat (Halloween alternative).
Servant evangelism… at schools, water distribution, other opportunities.

Doing life with those around you means doing life with those around you, in and out of the church. Don’t give up changing the perception of the church in your community. Look for opportunities to shorten the gap between what people think of the church and the live-change that we get to experience. I have to go now for a 4th of July city planning meeting.

Until next time,