Athens Vineyard Church » Media

Griffin Day

mds — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 15:55:36 +0000

Nothing like an inflammatory title to get folks to click on a post, right?

Anywho, Griffin Billings, the three year old recently diagnosed with leukemia at our church, had a day honoring him this past weekend. Griffin Day! A 5k was run, songs were sung, raffles were drawn and smiles were had.

In its aftermath I’ve learned that I had a couple failures on that day:

First, I failed to take the day slower… focusing on the facts and the people. Griffin is certainly sick, but folks showed up in droves to run, to laugh, to listen, to support.

Second, I failed to appreciate God’s grace… focusing on the realities of God’s goodness instead of the intensity of Griffin’s sickness. Sure, Griffin is sick, but allowing my exuberance on his day to be tempered by his condition missed the point of the day itself. I failed to celebrate as hard as I wanted.

Third, I now frequently fail to realize that there is no formula for these things. Griffin is sick. Two things have the power to heal him. One is possible – medicine. The other is perfect but can be mysterious – God.

What I won’t fail today is thanking God for that day. For Griffin’s Day. It was precious. Sweet. A hopefully positive memory that floats on top of the difficulty of the past few months for the Billings family.

*Last four photos courtesy of Lauren Ashlee O’Brian.

Nursery and Toddler Rooms Redesigned

mds — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 20:06:52 +0000

“One little project at a time.” That has been a bit of a guiding principle for AVC as we have worked to update the children’s program and facilities. It seems funny, in many parts of life we are taught that looks don’t matter, that we should be more concerned about things internal. Well, it turns out, when it comes to the children here, both matter. We think our decorative approach should mimic what we are attempting in spiritual growth. Anywho, instead of speaking in platitudes, I will let the images below speak to the concept:

Images contributed by Lauren Ashlee O’Brian. Special thanks to Jennifer Bailey and Noelle Griggs for their design concepts and work.

Video/Film

mds — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:00:47 +0000

We love videos! We usually start our service with ‘em and we sure love the way they can be funny or serious. Something about how they can really convey stories… Consult this area for all of the latest uploads!

Youth Hoedown Dance (fundraiser video)

mds — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 22:51:53 +0000

This was not scripted! The youth developed their costumes and characters all themselves. The event itself was a great success, we raised over $300!

youth hoedown dance fundraiser (avc original) from Athens Vineyard on Vimeo.

Nonesense Opposite – “Invite” (Episode 2)

mds — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 20:31:24 +0000

B.S. Lewis, AVC’s resident theologian, pushes us all to consider our strategy behind inviting others.

nonesense opposite – “invite” (avc original) from Athens Vineyard on Vimeo.