My Brother's Baptism

On March 7, I had the privilege of baptizing my little brother Brandon. So I found a guest speaker, took the Sunday off, and headed over to my parent's church to perform the baptism. Here is a short little video I put together to remember the event. Enjoy!

Has It Been a Year?

One year ago, in June of 2009, I took a week-long break from my duties as Lead/Teaching Pastor at Fc3 and headed up to Camp Blessing (then called Camp Barnabas), a summer camp for kids with special needs in Magnolia, Texas. It was a risky move. I had been Pastor for about 6 months and had never been away from the church for that long. I knew no one at this camp and very little about it. I had practically no experience working with severely disabled kids. But I loved camp, wanted an unforgettable experience, and wanted to meet Jesus through selfless love and service. I did.

I've told the story often, the one involving an autistic boy, Spencer, who loves toilets, light-switches, and swinging. The story about a closeness with Christ achieved only when any semblance of self-concern or care disappears in the light of a greater need and purpose. The story of a great organization that Fc3 has had the privilege of partnering with in a small way. The story of an awesome family, the Eichenbergers, who I have had the privilege of getting to know over the past year.

The story continues tomorrow morning as I head back to Camp Blessing for another week. I will be taking two good friends with me, Adam McIntire and Zach Selindh, to share the experience with them. Spencer will be there, as will his older brother. All signs are pointing to a great week. Pray for Adam and Zach. Pray for me. Pray for Camp Blessing. And when I get back, no doubt different from the experience, I will tell you all about it! Until then, much love.

Mike

Summer!

Hey friends!

Summer is finally here for me and with it comes much to do and be. As I was committing myself to opportunities this summer, I may have overestimated just how much I can comfortably take on! This summer will find me very, very busy- but hopefully the kind of busy that is satisfying and worshipful. Here are some of the things that are on my plate for this summer:

- Preaching/Teaching on Sundays (Preaching through Micah at Fc3, various stand-alones elsewhere) [All Summer]

- Teaching a class on the historical Jesus (Join us! 7:00 pm on Tuesday nights at Fc3) [End of May-Middle of July]

- Serving for a week at Camp Blessing! [Early June]

- Speaking for a week at a Junior High camp in North Texas [Late June]

- Take the youth of Fc3 to San Antonio for a couple days (Hello SeaWorld!) [Early July]

- Traveling to Kenya for 13 days! Teaching a class at a seminary over there and doing some preaching at local churches as well! [Middle-End of July]

Whew... I got tired just typing all of that out... Somewhere in that mix I will celebrate my 22nd birthday (June 19), be introduced to some new family members (my parents are adopting!), go to a couple of concerts, and watch Big Brother 12 (my guilty pleasure).

Expect some blog posts this summer about some of the above mentioned things! And while you're here - drop me a comment and let me know what your summer will look like! What is on your plate?

STORY

Here is a video written, directed, and produced by Adam McIntire for Fc3's STORY series. Enjoy!

FC3 Story Video from Adam McIntire on Vimeo.

STORY!

Easter at Fc3 was amazing. We had over 90 people in attendance, including a dozen or so visitors, and enjoyed a rich time of worship and study. I preached out of Luke 24 and 1 Corinthians 15- you can listen here.

But, we want to keep up the momentum! Next week we start a new 5 week sermon series entitled "Story: Changing the World." I am so excited about it and can hardly wait to start it. Here is one of our promo videos for the series. Enjoy! Join us for this series if you would like!

STORY from Mike Skinner on Vimeo.

Adam on Wheel of Fortune!!

My good friend Adam McIntire was recently on Wheel of Fortune. When he flew out to LA months ago, I told him not to embarrass us... looks like he didn't listen to me. Mailbu Barbie? Really? Btw- his face at :47 seconds is hilarious.

Enjoy!

Adam McIntire on Wheel of Fortune!! from Mike Skinner on Vimeo.

Thanks, God.

"But God, who encourages the downhearted, encouraged us by the arrival of Titus."

2 Corinthians 7:6 (NET)

Last week I had the honor and privilege of being invited up to Sulphur Springs to speak to 75 (ish) kids at a monthly youth event. I've spoken at this event twice before, so it is encouraging to be brought back. One of the biggest compliments an itinerant (traveling) speaker can get is an invitation back.

While there, I was speaking on Psalm 133 and pleading with the kids to walk in deep and intentional relationships with their brothers and sisters in Christ. To be honest, a good number of the kids seemed very distracted. This distracts me. BUT, there were a good dozen or so who were locked in with me and hanging on every word. Later that evening at dinner, one of the youth pastors recalled for me how earlier in the evening, when they found out I would be speaking that night, a group of students asked for pen and paper to take notes. Another one of the biggest compliments a speaker can get is the faithful taking of notes (especially among youth!).

It seems that God has been encouraging me much lately. Thank you, God. Or then again, maybe my eyes are just open wider to see the many ways in which he blesses and encourages. Are your eyes open? How is God encouraging you?