Belgium, Guatemala, and Ethiopia: Community Night
Join us for Global Impact Community Night on Sunday, September 12^th, after Frontline Tysons in Community Room C. We are going to hear from three Global Impact short-term teams that have recently returned from ministering in Belgium, Ethiopia & Guatemala. For more information, contact Dan at dan.iten@mcleanbible.org

Transition to Motherhood
A six-week group for women expecting their first child begins Wednesday, September 15, at 7:00 pm in Room 2400. Registration is requested. For more information, please email Susan Gladwin at transitiontomotherhood@mcleanbible.org or go to www.mbctysons.org/motheringmatters.

The Glorious Mess: who we are and how we relate
This valuable training will give each participant a Biblical perspective on human nature and on relationships. Presented by Bill Clark from the, Lay Counseling Institute. Saturday, September 18, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm in room 1500. For more information, go to www.lciministry.org.

Frontline Women’s Precepts
Who is the promised Messiah, the King who will sit on the throne of David? Does my life show I am part of His kingdom? Answer these questions in our 8 week study of the Gospel of Matthew chapters 1-13 beginning October 3. Become a woman of the Word as you learn how to dig deep into God’s treasured Word and apply it to your life. Class will meet from 7-8:15pm on Sunday nights. Click here to register by Sunday, September 26, at midnight. The cost is $17. If you have further questions, email Carol at hernand86@verizon.net.

The Last Well Gala 2010
Please join us Friday, October 8, at 6:00 pm at the Westfields Marriott in Chantilly for the inaugural The Last Well Gala. The mission of The Last Well is to focus on one country, Liberia, and provide clean water to that entire nation while sharing the Gospel with everyone we serve. We invite YOU to join us for a night of giving back and providing hope for today and hope for eternity to the millions of people of Liberia during our inaugural TLW Gala. The donations raised at this Gala will directly contribute to saving lives in Liberia and bring us several steps closer to drilling “THE LAST WELL” in Liberia! Be on the lookout for more information about The Last Well in the months to come. The tickets are $50 and include dinner, silent auction, and a keynote address from our founder, Todd Phillips. To purchase tickets, please visit www.thelastwell.org.

“I gave an invitation card to a student from Maine who is new to the area but had not yet found a church.”

“I got to share the gospel with a little boy from the neighborhood who came by to help us plant flowers at our school.”

“We told everyone at our school about McLean Bible Church and Frontline. They kept asking us about our t-shirts!”

“I actually served alongside some of my friends who are non-believers. I had a chance to share with them what God has done, and is doing, in my life.”

“We got to know the school librarian and may come back to the school to help her on an upcoming project she had.”

“Our group had the chance to share the gospel with Carl the maintenance supervisor. We also gave him an invitation card and invited him to our McLean Bible Church services.”

Do you have any more feedback? Let us know in the comments!

Click Here to Register!

I want to give you a quick update on the DC Schools Project, one of our annual church-wide outreach events that took place last Saturday.

For many public schools in the DC area, today was the first day of classes. But before this weekend, many of the more than 150 public school facilities in DC were not prepared for students to arrive today. So on Saturday morning, over 500 McLean Bible Church and Frontline volunteers from all of our campuses served at more than 40 of the most in-need public schools all across Washington, DC. Some planted flowers and trees, while others painted doors and walls, and still others helped teachers organize books and classrooms.

But the DC Schools Project was about more than improving school conditions. It was all about impacting our city with the gospel message of Jesus Christ. McLean Bible Church and Frontline volunteers came prepared to preach the gospel to the community members serving alongside them. Plus, they handed out hundreds of invitation cards that list all of our services at each of our campuses.

We want to thank everyone from our multiple campuses and ministry areas for getting serving, and for helping to make this year’s DC Schools Project a success. This event is not only a great way for our church to impact DC, but also to engage and equip each person in our church family to live out the gospel every day!

So if you weren’t able to make it, that’s okay. Get involved in one of our dozens of serving opportunities here at Frontline or in the community!

“Lit: God’s People in the World” – Fall Retreat Sept. 17-19
God calls the Church to be the light of the world. So, are you lit? Join us this year as Todd Phillips challenges us from the Word about God’s purpose for the Church. The Fall Retreat is a time each year to get connected to community and grow spiritually. For more information, including baptisms at the Fall Retreat, and to register go to www.frontlinedc.com/fallretreat. The last day to register is Tuesday, September 7, at midnight.

Frontline Night Out: Nats Game
Frontline Tysons is heading out to the ballpark Saturday, August 28, for the 7:05 Nationals game vs. the Cardinals. Tickets are $10, and you can register online at www.frontlinetysons.com by clicking on the feature. Registration closes TOMORROW, Wednesday, August 25, at midnight. For questions please email juliemdaniel@gmail.com. It will be a great way to spend a summer evening and get to know some other Frontliners. We hope to see you there!

How2 Study the Bible Workshop
Do you want to read the Bible with more passion and effectiveness? Then come to an interactive workshop on Saturday, August 28 from 9:00am-3:00pm. The $20 registration fee covers all of the materials, as well as breakfast and lunch! All you have to bring is just your Bible and a pen. For registration, go to www.frontlinetysons.com and click on the feature. Registration closes THIS Wednesday, August 25, at midnight.

Worship Auditions
We are currently looking for skilled musicians with a heart to serve with the worship team for the various Frontline campuses. Instrumental auditions will take place on Saturday, August 28, beginning at 10am. Contact Tony at tony.alany@mcleanbible.org to reserve your time slot and for any additional information.

2011 Trip Leadership Opportunities – Apply Now
Are you interested in leading a 2011 Global Impact short-term mission trip? We have several trips scheduled to share the good news of Christ around the world next year and we need strong Godly men and women to disciple, train and lead these teams. Please prayerfully consider if God is calling you to step up by leading a Global Impact trip. For more information, please contact Dan at dan.iten@mcleanbible.org or apply at www.frontlinedc.com/global.

SAVE THE DATE: Fall Married and Engaged Couples’ Social
If you’re married or engaged, please plan to attend the next quarterly couples social on Sunday, September 26, after Frontline Tysons. Please e-mail fl.tysons.married@gmail.com with any questions. Details for registration will be provided in the coming weeks.

THE GLORIOUS MESS: Who We Are and How We Relate
This valuable training will give each participant a Biblical perspective on human nature and on relationships. Presented by Bill Clark from the, Lay Counseling Institute. Saturday, September 18, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm in room 1500. For more information or to register, contact Terri Edwards, 703-770-2941 or lciministry.org

“Fall” Into Access Volunteering!
Fall is just around the corner; so get yourself ready to have some fun with our special children in the moon bounce, playing games and watching movies! For details on where you can serve, visit www.mbctysons.org/access. For more information, please contact Mary Hasson, 703-639-2000 x8654 or mary.hasson@mcleanbible.org

“Lit: God’s People in the World” – Fall Retreat Sept. 17-19
God calls the Church to be the light of the world. So, are you lit? Join us this year as Todd Phillips challenges us from the Word about God’s purpose for the Church. The Fall Retreat is a time each year to get connected to community and grow spiritually. For more information, including baptisms at the Fall Retreat, and to register go to www.frontlinedc.com/fallretreat. We have extended early registration until midnight TONIGHT. Tomorrow the price will increase from $170 to $190, so hurry and register before the price goes up!

Fall Retreat Volunteer Meeting
Do you want to show you are ‘Lit’ for God? Then a great way is to volunteer to serve other fellow Frontliners at the Fall Retreat! You get to meet new people at Frontline and serve the Lord. We will be having a Volunteer meeting this Sunday, August 22nd, after Frontline in Room 1410. We will discuss all the ways you can volunteer as well as other details. We look forward to seeing you Sunday night!

Frontline Night Out: Nats Game
Frontline Tysons is heading out to the ballpark Saturday, August 28 for the 7:05 Nationals game vs. the Cardinals. Tickets are $10, and you can register online here. Registration closes NEXT Wednesday, August 25th at midnight. For questions please email juliemdaniel@gmail.com. It will be a great way to spend a summer evening and get to know some other Frontliners. We hope to see you there!

How2 Study the Bible Workshop
Do you want to read the Bible with more passion and effectiveness? Then come to an interactive workshop on Saturday, August 28 from 9:00am-3:00pm. The $20 registration fee covers all of the materials, as well as breakfast and lunch! All you have to bring is just your Bible and a pen. For registration, go to www.frontlinetysons.com/how2. Registration closes Wednesday, August 25, at midnight.

Worship Auditions
We are currently looking for skilled musicians with a heart to serve with the worship team for the various Frontline campuses. Instrumental auditions will take place on Saturday, August 28 beginning at 10am. Contact Tony at tony.alany@mcleanbible.org, to reserve your time slot and for any additional information.

2011 Trip Leadership Opportunities – Apply Now
Are you interested in leading a 2011 Global Impact short-term mission trip? We have several trips scheduled to share the good news of Christ around the world next year and we need strong Godly men and women to disciple, train and lead these teams. Please prayerfully consider if God is calling you to step up by leading a Global Impact trip. For more information, please contact Dan at dan.iten@mcleanbible.org or apply at www.frontlinedc.com/global.

Frontline Freeze: Beat the Heat with a Summer Treat!
We are celebrating the end of a HOT summer! Join us after the service next Sunday, August 29 for a “frozen treat” Frontline After Party. Just come hungry and ready to get to meet other Frontliners.

Local Impact Volunteers Needed
Do you have professional or personal experience working with non-profit organizations or are you just passionate about community service? Local Impact is looking for motivated volunteers like you to help Frontline Tysons partner with local non-profit organizations – all for the purpose of spreading the message of Christ. Email Josh at josh.cahan@mcleanbible.org if you’re interested.

Frontline Night Out: Nats Game
Frontline Tysons is heading out to the ballpark Saturday, August 28 for the 7:05 Nationals game vs the Cardinals. Tickets are $10, and you can register online here. Registration closes Wednesday, August 25th at midnight. For questions please email juliemdaniel@gmail.com. It will be a great way to spend a summer evening and get to know some other Frontliners. We hope to see you there!

How2 Study the Bible Workshop
Do you want to read the Bible with more passion and effectiveness? Then come to an interactive workshop on Saturday, August 28 from 9:00am-3:00pm. The $20 registration fee covers all of the materials, as well as breakfast and lunch! All you have to bring is just your Bible and a pen. For registration, go to www.frontlinetysons.com/how2/studythebible.

Prayer and Praise Event
Join the MBC Creative Arts & Prayer Ministries for an evening of prayer, praise and worship, Friday, August 27, 7:15 pm, room 2400 (near the Café). There will be time for fellowship before and after the event. For more information, contact Marci Ward at marci.ward@mcleanbible.org.

Learn what serving in Kid’s Quest is all about!
Looking for your place in ministry? Come see what Kid’s Quest has to offer. Contact Alessandra Prosper for more information at alessandra.prosper@mcleanbible.org.

Fall Retreat 2010!
The annual Frontline Fall Retreat is September 17-19. It’s a great way to get to know other Frontliners and grown in your relationship with Christ. Early registration closes Monday, August 16 at midnight. So hurry and register online at www.frontlinedc.com/fallretreat before the price goes up!

Worship Auditions
We are currently looking for skilled musicians with a heart to serve with the worship team for the various Frontline campuses. Vocalists will have the opportunity to audition on Tuesday, August 17 beginning at 6:30 pm. Instrumental auditions will take place on Saturday, August 28 beginning at 10 am. To reserve your time slot and for additional information, contact Tony at tony.alany@mcleanbible.org.

Six years ago I planted these beautiful mums in my front flowerbed.  They came back the next summer looking just as nice, but in the third spring I decided it was time for these mums to go – they were taking over.  So I pulled them out – roots and all.  Fall came when mums are due to grow and there they were.  So I pulled them out again – roots and all.  Spring came – grow, overtake, pull – repeat.  This has been going on for three years.  I have laughed and jokingly screamed at them each time they reappear.  I have pulled those mums out by their roots 6 times, or so I thought….

For me, these mums in my garden represent the ups and downs of growing up as a woman after God’s own heart.  Sometimes there are a lot of healthy roots and sometimes there are unhealthy roots that are just lying in wait there – annoying me or suffocating healthy growth.  Sometimes they take over.  So each time I dig the mums up, I remember that digging up really does go with the idea of growing into the woman God has instructed each of us to be.

In digging up I find that things are revealed – after all its pruning by the Father. Sometimes He reveals to me that the roots are good healthy roots — roots in the Word, roots of biblical community, roots of struggle that have been replaced by His forgiveness, grace, love, and so on. However, as in the case of my never-ending mums, sometimes they are painful, ugly and/or disconcerting roots that run deep and won’t go away.  I call these the “ugly, good grief, do I have to face that ‘root’.”

These roots, whether painful, ugly or both, can easily lead to stubbornness which can lead to the “I can do it all by myself” attitude which almost always leads to discontentment. I don’t know about you, but I get entangled in these messy, painful, ugly roots, tripping over my own feet.  The older I get, the longer I stay single, the more independent I become.  I catch myself often in the struggle of doing life completely alone. I mean trying to deal with it alone, because, I can come through it, “I always do.”  (I wish you could hear the dripping sarcasm in my voice.)   I always do…  it is in those moments that my control wins and in the long run, I’m really not in a better place – just more independent or more closed off because the pain hurts too much to face.  It’s then I know it really means greater stubbornness and much less surrendering – ugly or painful roots that have not been properly uprooted.

As I shake my head and pull out these stubborn mums for the 7^th time this past weekend, I begin to cry.  Oh, I hate practical lessons sometimes  – because clearly there is a lesson to be learned in my flowerbed of life – which is just a mess at the moment.  I realize I’m just pulling at this mess and it is not enough.

This mess has revealed that, as Todd discussed during his message, I have spent the past year numb.  I don’t know about you, but I sat in the auditorium dumbfounded when he said, “what we tend to do is look back at that circumstance and somehow emotionally shut ourselves off from the pain. We’ll compartmentalize those things in our lives, shut ourselves off. Here’s the problem. The same thing you have to shut off your pain in your brain is the same thing you shut off to shut off the pleasure and the joy. And all of a sudden you wake up one day, and you’re numb. All the control has changed nothing. You no longer hurt, you no longer feel the pain. But the joy is gone too. And the best thing to describe you is numbness. That’s not the way God planned you to live.”

Honestly, he hit a nerve. Was anyone else in the auditorium or was it just me that needed the lesson?

In my nature, I want to take these frustrations, pain, hurts and issues that I resolved and just make them go away.  I’ve spent years trying to do that – the independent woman, of course – and now my pastor tells me I’m just numb, that all this controlling of my pain and hurts didn’t help and my joy is fading too.  Really, Todd, really?!!

Then, just to bring the point home that maybe my own numbness needs to stop, a precious friend of mine, unknowingly, used the same analogy of digging to the roots of discontentment and stubbornness and well, the tears began to flow and haven’t quite stopped.  “Ok God, I’m listening.” And His Word refreshes my mind immediately in these passages:

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”  Psalm 139:23-24

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”  John 15:5

I love the Word and how if offers the good news.  I remember I must dig down, uncover, and literally uproot every piece of it in order to get rid of the numbness completely. I can then begin to feel again.  I remember I do not have to do it alone, in knowing God and His Word and living it out, I have the key. I can surrender the stubbornness, daily, and praise the Lord He is a God of multiple chances!  I love the reminders all throughout scripture of second chances – surrender, my friend, surrender the stubbornness and the numbness.   Dig up to the deepest roots of discontentment.

Remember, roots grow and bloom. They may be pretty on the outside, but some are not deep down. The blooms are the outpouring of the roots.  If it’s a root firmly planted in a healthy, growing relationship with the Lord, the blooms are amazing, not always easy, but amazing.   If the bloom is painful or ugly, there are roots I am still facing with the Lord.

We must uproot the independence and the pain and let the roots of God’s Word grow deep so that the blooms flourish in truth.  Instead of trying to perform the lists in Titus 2:4-5 and Proverbs 31 be transformed by the word of God so those characteristics flow through us.  We must be, as the Proverbs 31 woman is:

• Clothed with strength and dignity
• Laugh at the days to come
• Speak with wisdom and give faithful instruction
• Watch over the affairs of her household (and single life) and
• Not eating the bread of idleness

These verses remind me – I cannot – CANNOT – do this without full surrender, without knowing God.  And the only way I’m going to get there is to be willing to dig down deep, spread away the unhealthy or painful dirt and worms (and ugliness) and deal with the roots of discontent.  Only then will each and every bloom be one that represents true biblical womanhood.

Did you know Frontline has a new Internet Campus? It includes new features and increased reliability, but it’s mission remains to spread the gospel to secular Washington and the world.

To worship online from anywhere in the world, visit www.FrontlineLive.com Sundays at 5:30 PM ET.

For McLean Bible Church’s Internet Campus, visit www.MBCLive.org Sundays at 9:00 AM, 10:45 AM or 12:30 PM ET.