jakerasmussen.com

jakerasmussen.com http://jakerasmussen.com No perfect people allowed. Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:47:01 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 en Check Her Out! http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/11/19/check-her-out/ http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/11/19/check-her-out/#comments Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:47:01 +0000 Jake Rasmussen http://jakerasmussen.com/?p=167 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Check Her Out!", url: "http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/11/19/check-her-out/" });]]> Check out Kristin McGee, the musical worship leader at Epic Church. She wrote a short story for a tshirt contest and she won! They invited her to help create a video about her story and this is it.

Jedidiah is an amazing company that I have personally invested my money into to help see their vision become a reality. I hope you enjoy the video and will check out: http://www.jedidiahusa.com

Jedidiah Community Story: Kristen McGee from Jedidiah Clothing on Vimeo.

We at Epic Church are very proud of Kristin and her acomplishments. We are thrilled to have her lead the musical worship time at the weekend Epic Gathering. She is a hard worker who loves Jesus and those around her. We are excited for this acomplishment and continue to look for great things to come. Feel free to send her a word of encouragement at: kristin(AT)epicchurchonline.org

]]> http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/11/19/check-her-out/feed/ John Piper on Voting and the ‘08 Election http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/11/01/john-piper-on-voting-and-the-08-election/ http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/11/01/john-piper-on-voting-and-the-08-election/#comments Sat, 01 Nov 2008 20:23:42 +0000 Jake Rasmussen http://jakerasmussen.com/?p=166 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "John Piper on Voting and the ‘08 Election", url: "http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/11/01/john-piper-on-voting-and-the-08-election/" });]]> I received this video from a friend, DJ Jenkins. He posted it on Facebook today and doesn’t know I am reposting it here. But, Dj, thanks for sharing this video with us.

John Piper is a wise pastor with a gentle heart, talks kind of like a grandpa, and a deep love for scripture and Jesus Christ. And although I do not agree with everything he talked about on this video, I enjoyed the end with the focus on the gospel. With a focus on Jesus. A focus on the Kingdom of God. Reminds me, “seek first the Kingdom of God and everything else will be added.”

Check out this video:

]]> http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/11/01/john-piper-on-voting-and-the-08-election/feed/ Who I Am Voting For. http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/10/31/who-i-am-voting-for/ http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/10/31/who-i-am-voting-for/#comments Fri, 31 Oct 2008 22:09:06 +0000 Jake Rasmussen http://jakerasmussen.com/?p=165 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Who I Am Voting For.", url: "http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/10/31/who-i-am-voting-for/" });]]> Check back Monday and I will try to explain who I am voting for and invite you to share with me who you are voting for and why. Have a good weekend!

]]> http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/10/31/who-i-am-voting-for/feed/ Alisha’s Voice http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/10/30/alishas-voice/ http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/10/30/alishas-voice/#comments Thu, 30 Oct 2008 22:06:20 +0000 Jake Rasmussen http://jakerasmussen.com/?p=164 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Alisha’s Voice", url: "http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/10/30/alishas-voice/" });]]> I read a blog today and am proud to call Alisha a friend. She is willing to dialogue about a very tough social topic, abortion. It isn’t important, to me, for you to believe like she does, or even like I do, but to seek Jesus and discover the answers to our toughest questions. I desire for our generation to seek Jesus and to be intentional about bringing the Kingdom of Heaven to earth.

Check out her writing HERE and be sure to leave her a comment.

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]]> http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/10/30/alishas-voice/feed/ (Red), Starbucks, Church, and Epic http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/10/30/red-starbucks-church-and-epic/ http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/10/30/red-starbucks-church-and-epic/#comments Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:32:04 +0000 Jake Rasmussen http://jakerasmussen.com/?p=163 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "(Red), Starbucks, Church, and Epic", url: "http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/10/30/red-starbucks-church-and-epic/" });]]> (Starbucks)

(Starbucks)

I am super, super, super stoked that Starbucks Coffee Company is partnering with (Red) and giving a portion of every holiday drink sold to the Global Fund with a vision to “Make Poverty History”. Buy Starbucks holiday drinks with confidence that they are giving back.

Because I am a partner at Starbucks I am excited this is happening but also because I am a Follower of Jesus, I am excited to see this happen. Jesus Followers care about the “least of these” and we (together) can make a difference. As excited I am for a huge mega company, Starbucks, to be partnering to help make our world a better place; I can’t help but to think if the Church, which is, Followers of Jesus would just be doing what that are “supposed” to be doing… would we even need something like (RED) or ONE or the Global Fund?

What part does Epic Church need to play in making our community, city and world a better place?

Read here for the article: http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5h8HCh-agGfWkC39bZJ218E0005nAD944FB8O1

]]> http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/10/30/red-starbucks-church-and-epic/feed/ Getting Help. http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/10/25/getting-help/ http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/10/25/getting-help/#comments Sat, 25 Oct 2008 18:17:00 +0000 Jake Rasmussen http://jakerasmussen.com/?p=162 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Getting Help.", url: "http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/10/25/getting-help/" });]]> Many of you know that over the past 30+ weeks have been part of starting a church in Tucson, Arizona called Epic Church. This process has been uber stressful, very fun, sad and so much more. But, one thing that I have been thing about is this…

People ask me often, with great sincerity, “What can I do to help?”

Those are powerful words and I welcome them SO much. The problem is that I am not sure what to give people. Have you been there? Like you need help, you desire help, you are a team person but you don’t where to first lead others to help you?

Well, that is where I am at. If you have any ideas, I would be open to the “help”. (smile)

]]> http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/10/25/getting-help/feed/ Just Crap? http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/10/23/just-crap/ http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/10/23/just-crap/#comments Thu, 23 Oct 2008 22:04:12 +0000 Jake Rasmussen http://jakerasmussen.com/?p=161 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Just Crap?", url: "http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/10/23/just-crap/" });]]> What happens with you start to love things more than people?
It was a question I heard as I was driving down Speedway towards my office. It cut me to the heart. I mean without skipping a beat I would eagerly share with you that it is clearly people that I love more than things.
But do I live that way? …hummmm

]]> http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/10/23/just-crap/feed/ The day of the blog is over…. http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/10/21/the-day-of-the-blog-is-over%e2%80%a6/ http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/10/21/the-day-of-the-blog-is-over%e2%80%a6/#comments Wed, 22 Oct 2008 03:21:18 +0000 Jake Rasmussen http://jakerasmussen.com/?p=160 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "The day of the blog is over….", url: "http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/10/21/the-day-of-the-blog-is-over%e2%80%a6/" });]]> On my trip to Ohio I snagged one of my favorite magazines, Wired. There is always a plethora of information in each issue regarding our culture in relation to technology.
The theme of one article is that the blog is so 1994, and we are in 2008… HELLO!
Twitter.
Facebook.
Ning.
These are taking over. They may be taking over but as I was sitting in the airport, I started asking the people around me, “What do you know about Twitter?”
Now for those of you who know me really well can actually picture me talking to complete strangers sitting trapped waiting for their flight. Funny picture huh?
Besides the one women that thought I was trying to get fresh with her…. No one had a clue what Twitter was.
Either I am on the cutting edge of technology as a clergyman, aka wide whale cords, or I am totally stupid.
So, keep reading my blog here or better yet join Twitter and add me: jake_rasmussen and epicchurch

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]]> http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/10/21/the-day-of-the-blog-is-over%e2%80%a6/feed/ An Equation For a Church? http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/10/20/an-equation-for-a-church/ http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/10/20/an-equation-for-a-church/#comments Mon, 20 Oct 2008 21:35:45 +0000 Jake Rasmussen http://jakerasmussen.com/?p=159 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "An Equation For a Church?", url: "http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/10/20/an-equation-for-a-church/" });]]> I have been stuck in the Atlanta airport today since early this morning. I have been reading a bunch and working on the iLife series which starts this weekend at Epic Church. But, I came across this thought provoking equation. Read it. Think about it. Wrestle with it. Pray about it. Talk about it with others. Then share your thoughts.

Building + Clergy + Program = Church.

Body + Mission + Kingdom = Church.

*from http://threadsmedia.com/index.php?/store/detail/sent-leader-kit/

It seems to me the first is a very common way of “doing” church and even starting churches here in North America, in Tucson to be specific. We find a location to meet, we raise some money to hire staff, we structure the best program we can think of for: children, youth, adults, bible study, and so on. Then, we feel we have a church! And the things I hear and even at times, I confess… think, if we just get a better place, get more staff, and have better things to do then we have a more successful church.

The later has a focus on relationships. The relationship with Jesus as its foundation. With the “body” being those who have accepted the forgiveness from Jesus Christ and have made a decision to journey with Jesus though life. That journey is made with others toward the common focus which we hear over and over though the pages of the New Testament which is about brining the Kingdom of Heaven to earth. Which leads the final addition to the equation; a Kingdom focus. Not a “my church”, “my denomination”, “my city” focus but a Kingdom focus. One that says, “I don’t care if my name ever become great, or if my church ever becomes great. I desire for the name of Jesus to become great and that the Kingdom of God/Heaven is multiplied here on earth.” When those things happen we have a church being born. A place where you can be you. Where you can journey with others toward a common goal, and serving our cities, friends, nation, globe, family… in the name of Jesus Christ.

I have more thoughts about this but thought I would share what I have thus far with you.

]]> http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/10/20/an-equation-for-a-church/feed/ Giants Before Us http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/10/19/giants-before-us/ http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/10/19/giants-before-us/#comments Mon, 20 Oct 2008 02:53:32 +0000 Jake Rasmussen http://jakerasmussen.com/?p=158 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Giants Before Us", url: "http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/10/19/giants-before-us/" });]]> Finishing up here in Ohio. It has been good time for sure. The people of Ohio are wonderful and gracious. I got the chance to stay with the pastor of First Baptist Church Mason, Ohio for the weekend. He is a wonderful man of Jesus and excited about what God has done in his life and has a great passion for the people of his city. I mean, this guy knows the scores of the local high school sports like Cross Country and girls Golf. This man is passionate about this community and just a few moments with him you know it. His wife is kind, funny, and so supportive of her family. Just a great family!

As I have been here a few things came to mind:

The Kingdom needs all types of churches for all types of people.

Southern Baptist Church building styles are the same NO MATTER WHERE YOU GO IN THE US.

God is good and works all over the place.

The Cooperative Program totally ROCKS. It not only supports Epic Church but over 10,000 missionaries, students, hunger programs, disaster relief, community programs and so much more.

If we are to reach our country for Jesus we need to start in the cities and we must start SIMPLE. Complex, highly funded systems will not transform our cities and our nation. (Benesh taught me that)

I have enjoyed my time here but I am excited to get back to Tucson and continue investing into the people of Tucson to transform our city for Jesus! Anyone with me?

]]> http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/10/19/giants-before-us/feed/ Powerful Reminder… for me. http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/10/03/powerful-reminder-for-me/ http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/10/03/powerful-reminder-for-me/#comments Sat, 04 Oct 2008 05:47:08 +0000 Jake Rasmussen http://jakerasmussen.com/?p=154 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Powerful Reminder… for me.", url: "http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/10/03/powerful-reminder-for-me/" });]]> I came across the YouTube video below while I was checking out a new friend’s blog. His name is Jeff Bajenaru. He is a former Major Leauge Baseball player with the Chicago White Sox and Arizona Diamondbacks. Jeff is currently on staff at 2nd Mile Church in Tucson Arizona. Jeff has a heart for Jesus and it shows not only on his blog but just the breif moments I was able to spend with him at a seminar. God is doing great things though this man.

Check out this video below. You have have seen it before or this might be your first time. But, in the words of Mr. Bajenaru, ” I am not a big fan of plays or musicals but this five minute skit brought tears to my eyes and made me question why I don’t immediately run back to God when I fail…as we cannot fix things on our own.”

Enjoy:

]]> http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/10/03/powerful-reminder-for-me/feed/ Advent Conspiracy http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/10/03/advent-conspiracy/ http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/10/03/advent-conspiracy/#comments Sat, 04 Oct 2008 00:02:55 +0000 Jake Rasmussen http://jakerasmussen.com/?p=152 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Advent Conspiracy", url: "http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/10/03/advent-conspiracy/" });]]>

A friend of mine put me onto this thing called, “Advent Conspiracy“. I am moved to my core about the vision of this thing. As I am dreaming of ways for me and my family to be involed I wanted to share it with you. I wonder what would happen if like minded people stacked hands together to make this world a better place, and better yet… to make our city a better place.

Here is the link: http://www.adventconspiracy.org/ Be sure to watch the video on the home page and let me know what you think.

Email: jake@jakerasmussen.com

Twitter: jake_rasmussen

Facebook: Jake Jen Rasmussen

]]> http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/10/03/advent-conspiracy/feed/ Why Jedidiah? http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/09/25/why-jedidiah/ http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/09/25/why-jedidiah/#comments Thu, 25 Sep 2008 14:04:27 +0000 Jake Rasmussen http://jakerasmussen.com/?p=151 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Why Jedidiah?", url: "http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/09/25/why-jedidiah/" });]]> So many people have asked me, “Jake, what is Jedidiah and why do you wear clothing from them ALL the time?”

I first become connected to Jedidiah when I was just entering into vocational ministry as a youth pastor almost 10 years ago. I was sitting at a table in Southern California with a mid-20’s dude that was wearing this brand, Jedidiah. It looked rad and I asked where I could get me some. He told me his passions about clothing and making a difference in the world. When I first started buying Jedidiah clothing for myself and others it was just screen printing on Haines shirts. Now they have their own brand. Here is a video that share a snapshot of their story. Post a comment here and let me know what you think:

Jedidiah Clothing: Who We Are from Jedidiah Clothing on Vimeo.

]]> http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/09/25/why-jedidiah/feed/ It’s Been Awhile http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/09/25/its-been-awhile/ http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/09/25/its-been-awhile/#comments Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:56:40 +0000 Jake Rasmussen http://jakerasmussen.com/?p=150 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "It’s Been Awhile", url: "http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/09/25/its-been-awhile/" });]]> It has been awhile since I have posted something new on this blog. I am not sure if I have lost my passion for this online thing or if I just don’t have anything I feel is worth saying… or I am just too lazy.

I guess I don’t view this place as a place to really process though my “feelings” but rather a platform to share my thoughts and ideas. So, maybe I don’t have any thoughts or ideas really.

With that being said I think I am going to try to post a new entry here at least once a week. Until I “find my voice”.

]]> http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/09/25/its-been-awhile/feed/ Put it on your computer http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/09/06/put-it-on-your-computer/ http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/09/06/put-it-on-your-computer/#comments Sun, 07 Sep 2008 04:01:59 +0000 Jake Rasmussen http://jakerasmussen.com/?p=148 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Put it on your computer", url: "http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/09/06/put-it-on-your-computer/" });]]> Get it! But it on your computer ASAP!

Don’t know who to send the report to? Send it to me: jake@rspot.us

]]> http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/09/06/put-it-on-your-computer/feed/ Broken and Scared http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/09/05/broken-and-scared/ http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/09/05/broken-and-scared/#comments Fri, 05 Sep 2008 20:46:32 +0000 Jake Rasmussen http://jakerasmussen.com/?p=147 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Broken and Scared", url: "http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/09/05/broken-and-scared/" });]]> I am scared to death. I can’t stop praying.

I am putting together my message for this Sunday and am broken to the point of tears sitting in Starbucks for the devistating stories about porn in our community. For God’s sake, the line: “it isn’t hurting anyone what I do on my own”. That is so full of crap! It destroys marriages, relationships with children, self image, view of the other sex, and creates a massive gap between our heart and the one who created us, God.

I am scared to give this message becuase it is so important and I feel that I will not present it in a way that is full of grace and with a call to repentance.

Oh Jesus, please place protection about my heart as I am preparing and delevering your message to our community this Sunday. Jesus, please allow the Holy Spirit to radically work in the lives of all who will enter the movie theater this Sunday. Please use me and my voice this Sunday to present clearly the facts about porn in our culture and community. - Amen

]]> http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/09/05/broken-and-scared/feed/ Refugees… In Tucson?? http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/08/29/refugees-in-tucson/ http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/08/29/refugees-in-tucson/#comments Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:31:20 +0000 Jake Rasmussen http://jakerasmussen.com/?p=145 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Refugees… In Tucson??", url: "http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/08/29/refugees-in-tucson/" });]]> Tucson Refugee Ministry

Tucson Refugee Ministry

Every year there are approximately 500 refugees resettled in Tucson. They come from countries like Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Somalia, Sudan, Russia, Vietnam and Cuba. Some of them speak English. Most of them are Muslim. Many have left behind everything when they were forced to flee their homeland. All of them deserve a friend like you to come alongside them and show them the unconditional love of Jesus as you build relationships and share your life with them.

To learn more about this oppertunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus please contact Cherie Gray at cherie@tucsonrefugeeministry.com

]]> http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/08/29/refugees-in-tucson/feed/ Porn Sunday http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/08/28/porn-sunday/ http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/08/28/porn-sunday/#comments Thu, 28 Aug 2008 20:22:48 +0000 Jake Rasmussen http://jakerasmussen.com/?p=144 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Porn Sunday", url: "http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/08/28/porn-sunday/" });]]> PORN SUNDAY at Epic Church

We are going to be doing this at the same time as CityEdge Church.

The blog world has already picked up news

Check it out here: http://tucsoncitizen.com/blog/view/297

]]> http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/08/28/porn-sunday/feed/ Furniture http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/08/20/furniture/ http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/08/20/furniture/#comments Wed, 20 Aug 2008 19:41:03 +0000 Jake Rasmussen http://jakerasmussen.com/?p=143 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Furniture", url: "http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/08/20/furniture/" });]]> Good times! I worked at Starbucks this morning. I started at 4am.

When I got off of work my phone had a text message to call my wife.

I called her and this is how the conversation went down:

Jennifer - “Hey baby, don’t be mad, ok?”

Me - “Ok”

Jennifer - “I am selling all of our furniture.”

Me - Silence….. “umm… ok”

Jennifer - “Giggle”

Me - “You know new furniture costs more than what we will get for ours.”

Jennifer - “I have a plan, don’t worry.”

Me - “Ok, I trust you.”

Jennifer - “Ok.”

Me - “Love you”

Jennifer - “Love you”

[click]

I love my wife 100% and the trust we have built in this 7+ years of marriage is wonderful. I know she always has the best intrested of me and our family in mind. She is an amazing woman.

This is how I view leadership in organisations. There is trust and respect in the relationships that have been established. This takes time for sure but it is wonderful with you have acheived this.

]]> http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/08/20/furniture/feed/ Please VOTE, PLEASE! http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/08/13/please-vote-please/ http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/08/13/please-vote-please/#comments Wed, 13 Aug 2008 22:21:23 +0000 Jake Rasmussen http://jakerasmussen.com/?p=140 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Please VOTE, PLEASE!", url: "http://jakerasmussen.com/2008/08/13/please-vote-please/" });]]> Kristin McGee is the musical worship leader at Epic Church. She does an outstanding job leading us in music each week at our Sunday Gatherings. She is a talented writer as well. She entered into a community contest at Jedidiah.

Her story was selected and a shirt was designed for her. We need your help in voting online for her shirt. It is quick and simple. But, we NEED your help. Follow this link:

http://www.jedidiahusa.com/community/vote/item/7

And vote for Kristin McGee. You might even read her story and share your thoughts with her as I am sure she would love to hear from you. You can send her an email at: kristin @ epicchurchonline (dot) org

Thanks in advance for all who vote!

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