Sunday, February 15, at 6:30 PM The Awakening Church will hold a
special event benefiting Blood: Water Mission and Lwala Community
Alliance. Blood: Water Mission is an organization started by the Grammy
Award winning band Jars of Clay. The organization helps with HIV
education and to build water systems in Africa. Millions of Africans
are in need of a basic need for life, water. The Lwala Community
Alliance was started to keep the local African health clinic open and
supplied with needed materials and drugs.
The Ashley Gonzalez Trio
will begin the night with their incredible and emotional music and
vocals. They have asked to play for free as their honorarium will be
given to the benefit. Following the music we will then feature a free
screening of the award winning documentary, “Sons of Lwala.” Milton and
Fred Ochieng’ are two brothers from Kenya whose village sent them to
America to become doctors. But after losing both parents to AIDS they
are left with a heartbreaking task: to return home and finish the
health clinic their father started before getting sick. Unable to raise
enough money on their own, the brothers are joined by students,
politicians, and a rock band who launch a fund raising drive among
young people across the United States. Sons of Lwala follows Milton and
Fred on their incredible journey as they find a way, despite all odds,
to open their village’s first hospital.
After the film we will be
holding an art auction with 100% of the money going to Blood: Water
Mission and the Lwala Community Alliance.
So, how can you help?
1.
We are looking for artists to donate art work to be auctioned the night
of the event. Without your generous donations of your work we wouldn’t
have a donation to give. We are looking for paintings, sculptures,
drawings, photography or whatever you create. If you are interested
please email Pastor Dennis Minner at dennis@theawakeningnyc.com or call
573-776-5027.
2. The next thing you can do is to show up, with
friends, and bid on this amazing collection of art. For every $1 you
spend, an African will have clean water for one year. That means every
dollar you donate will go to truly give life to someone on the other
side of the world. We need your help in promoting the event and letting
as many people as you know to come February 15 at 6:30 PM. If you would
like to help hand out fliers, interview, or help in other means please
email Pastor Dennis Minner at dennis@theawakeningnyc.com or call
573-776-5027.

The Awakening Church is in the heart of Greenwich
Village at 115 MacDougal St, next door to Café Whaa. We are inside The
Players Theatre. We are a church that is focused on the creative and
those seeking out spiritual Truth. Each service features live art
stations for anyone to use and also live local artists performing
weekly on stage. We also have an incredible live worship band and a
weekly relevant talk about real life. We hope to see you soon.

www.theawakeningnyc.com
www.sonsoflwala.com
www.bloodwatermission.com

Hey everyone
Do NOT miss Karen Updike this Sunday at 6:30 PM at The Awakening Church.  We
found her playing piano one night at The Bitter End and we could not believe the
raw talent from her so we had to book her! She will start at 6:30 sharp so
don't be late!

Also we are continuing our exciting series on When People Meet Jesus and this
week we will feature another person that attends our church. Terry Payne will
speak about his experience over the year and his struggles in life. We want this
to be a real series that can relate to everyone no matter if you are a believer
or not!

PLEASE be letting your friends know about our upcoming event on Feb. 15.  We
are having a screening of "Sons of Lawla" and raising money for Blood:
Water Mission to help get clean water and AIDS relief to Africa.  We will be
featuring live music by Ashley Gonzalez Jazz Trio and then an art auction after
the movie.  If you are an artist or know an artist PLEASE have them contact me
at 573-776-5027 or email me if they could donate a piece of art.  We are looking
to load the place with art and then let your friends know 100% of the money goes
to Blood: Water Mission and a local health clinic in Afric started by the sons
of Lawla.

Also small groups will be back at Stain Bar this week in Williamsburg.  Get off
the L at Grand St and meet up with us Monday night at 8PM.

Let us know if you have art you would like to donate ASAP.  Thank you so much
for the help in this exciting event.

Pastor Dennis Minner
www.theawakeningnyc.com

Messy Spirituality is a description of the Christianity most of us live and that few of us admit. It is an attempt to break through the religious wall of secrecy and legitimize a faith which is unfinished, incomplete, and inexperienced.  Messy Spirituality is a celebration of a discipleship which is under construction. (Messy Spirituality, Mike Yaconelli, p.16)

 

We just got back from vacation in the Dominican Republic and luckily I didn't die from being hit from a coconut.  Instead we as a family embraced coconuts and drank them all week. It started out with Gen not hearing her alarm and us not waking up until 15 minutes after we were supposed to be on our way to JFK. So we had to wake Bella and through clothes on her.  She was already tired from us being at the church until 10 the night before. The plane ride was great but as we landed something happened.  Bella's ears started hurting her and she began to throw a tantrum.  Rightfully so because her ears were hurting so bad and she was scared.  We held her tight and still loved her threw the screaming offering her water.  If she would have just taken that one drink of water her ears would have gotten better and the pressure would have equalized. But she refused the water.

Most people here that know Bella know that unless she is tired she is a very well behaved little girl.  She has one of the those bubbly personalities that even if you don't like kids you like Bella. She waves at everyone and smiles at everyone. Loves all the attention on the subway and walking on the street. But once she got her fast taste of a temper tantrum it exploded. Our dream vacation of doing nothing but laying around one of the most beautiful beaches I had every seen quickly became the nightmare from hell. Imagine sitting coconut in hand, palm trees right up to the water, waves crashing around you, mountains all around and being surrounded by a jungle…but with a 16 month old screaming in the background in your ears.  Ruined it for us too. Bella was either on an emotional happy high or demon baby.  There was no in between. Gen and I were fighting because we were tired, embarrassed and stressed.  We wanted to leave the beach and just come back to the rainy cold weather in NYC. People would say hello and she would either smile and wave big or she would point her finder at them screaming saying "NO NO NO NO!" We would just have to say how sorry we were and tell Bella that she wasn't being nice.  Then she would scream at us, stomp her feet and hit or pinch us. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were nightmares, as Bella would be done so she would start throwing herself back in her highchair and pitching a fit. One night we made reservations and had to leave after being there only about 10 minutes.  Several families saw me later walking and asked if they could get us something to eat and bring it to our rooms.  Even the next day more families that were there told us they had felt so sorry for us. Gen and I both shed tears as we ended the week. Bella actually did pretty good the last day and a half but then started back in on the plane ride home.  In the immigration line she pitches a fit so bad the officers had us go ahead of everyone so we would leave.

As much as Gen and I wanted to leave her at times (not really but have a tantrum for 4 days straight and you will understand), we still love her more than ourselves.  I would do anything for her; yes I would even die for my daughter.  She is my life. Her happy highs make up for any emotional low.  It washes the past away with every "Daddeee" she breathes and every hug she brings.

No that we are home I have had a bit of time to sit back and think.  We do God the same thing to God. I mean there are times I am flying on a spiritual high and I can face the devil, look him in the eye and laugh. I know he can't harm me because my spiritual "Daddeee" is right there with me.  Jesus never leaves me. Our Christian life is the same way as my daughter acted this week.  It is usually up or down with little in between.  I am usually on fire for God or running into the world. But God keeps reaching down every time I come to Him.  I look and I say "I am so sorry Jesus" and He too wipes it all away. He takes us back every single time we run into His constant open arms.

Romans 3: 10 As it is written: "There is no one righteous, not even one; 11 there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. 12 All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one." 13 "Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit." "The poison of vipers is on their lips." 14 "Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness." 15 "Their feet are swift to shed blood; 16 ruin and misery mark their ways, 17 and the way of peace they do not know." 18 "There is no fear of God before their eyes."
19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. 20 Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.

21 But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26 he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

That is such an interesting passage of scripture because I was really living under the law of the Old Testament, wow; I would be in a world of trouble. But the law was given to us so we would understand that we MUST have God in our lives.  The law is something that can never be fulfilled by us.  We will always end up falling on our face.  What the law did was make us realize that a faith in Jesus was the only way to righteousness. He is the only thing that can fill the void in our life.  He is the only one that can make our past go away forever. We are justified FREELY by His grace.  It was at no expense to us but yet Jesus paid that cost by dieing on the cross.  He paid the price by being beat.  He paid the price by taking on all the sin and messiness that you and I do daily. And then when He rose from the dead he became the ultimate grace that we need.  He became the ultimate "Daddeee" for all of us.  A perfect "Daddeee" that doesn't ever forget his love and never wants to leave us.

"Jesus is not repelled by us, no matter how messy we are, regardless of how incomplete we are.  When we recognize that Jesus is not discouraged by our humanity, is not turned off by our messiness, and simply doggedly pursues us in the face of it all, what else can we do but give in to His outrageous, indiscriminate love?" (Messy Spirituality, Mike Yaconelli, p.17)

THE AWAKENING CHURCH'S FIRST SERVICE IS THIS COMING SUNDAY! A Church focusing on sub-culture groups who are tired of playing church.

Many people have asked me why we are starting on a holiday, Father's Day. This first service is dedicated to my son, Hunter David, who is in the arms of Jesus. Because of my son we are in New York City starting this church.

The Awakening Church, starting June 15 in Greenwich Village, (NYC) is a place for those tired of playing church. A place where people can come as they are. Too often, churches make us feel like we need to act or be a certain way in order to fit in. Jesus actually took a much different approach. He said, "Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? I'm here inviting the sin-sick, not the spiritually-fit."

If you've ever felt pushed away, made fun of or rejected because you didn't fit in with the "church crowd", then we encourage you to give us a chance. Jesus came to rescue us from brokenness, sadness, anger, hurt and depression. At the Awakening Church we're here to help you experience a love-filled relationship with Jesus that will change your life.

Pastor Dennis Minner moved to Williamsburg in 2007 with his wife, Gennifer and daughter Isabella. He knows first hand how it feels to be pushed away and to feel worthless before God.

After years of turning to sex, alcohol abuse and drugs, Dennis was rescued through the life-changing power of a relationship with Jesus Christ. He now has compassion to reach out and show others how they too can experience what he has: forgiveness, love, mercy, grace and ultimately, a new life.

Joseph Cuozzo, lead singer of Beauty for Ashes, will be leading worship.

The Awakening Church meets at
The Players Theatre
115 MacDougal St. (between W 3rd St. and Bleecker St.)
New York City, NY 10012

Take the A, C, B, D, F or V to West 4 St-Washington Square then walk one block to MacDougal.

Preview Services, summer series entitled "Church as it should be!", are Sundays at 6:30 PM:
June 15, 29
July 13, 27
August 10, 24

The official launch is September 7 and will then go to weekly services staying on Sunday s at 6:30 PM.

If you have any questions please contact Pastor Dennis Minner at dennis@wisemenpromotions.com or visit www.theawakeningnyc.com

Today was Bella's first birthday. What an amazing and special time as we celebrated this past year God has given us with our amazing little girl. My parents came in from Missouri and my sister, brother-in-law, neice and nephew also drove over from Queens as we had Bella a birthday party on our rooftop. We had everything decorated with Sesame Street items and tons of food and presents. We got her a play set with a swing and slide that fits on our roof. Gen made her a birthday cake just for herself as it is a tradition in my family for your first birthday. As you will see from the photo below Bella loved it. Don't worry, she didn't eat as much as it looks! If you want to see more of our little girl's birthday party visit www.isabelahope.net.
It's so funny how having a kid changes people so much. I would literally go to hell and back to save my daughter from the pains of this world. Her smile brightens my day and her tears melt my heart.

We thank God for her everyday as we know in our hearts that He has big plans for her someday.
I love you, my little angel.

-Your Daddy

FOR MORE PHOTOS VISIT WWW.ISABELLAHOPE.NET

We are more than excited to announce that we have signed a lease with The Players Theatre in Greenwich Village until August 30, 2009. The Players Theatre is an amazing theatre with a lot of character. It was built in the mid 1950's and is located next door to the world famous bar, Cafe Wha?, where Bob Dylan, Jimmy Hendrix and others have performed. This is a perfect location in the heart of Greenwich Village to minister to those who have not found a home in a church. Preview services will begin on Sunday, June 15 at 6:30 PM. They will continue on June 29, July 13 and 27, August 10 and 24. We will then have the official launch on Sunday, September 7 at 6:30 PM. Services will then be held weekly. The Players Theatre is located at 115 MacDougal St. (between W 3rd St. and Bleecker St.). Subway directions: Take the A, C, B, D, F, or V to W 4th St - Washington Square then walk one block West to MacDougal St. and turn right.




"The Awakening Church is a place for those tired of playing church. A place where people can come as they are. Too often, churches make us feel like we need to act or be a certain way in order to fit in. Jesus actually took a much different approach. He said, "Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? I'm here inviting the sin-sick, not the spiritually-fit."

If you've ever felt pushed away, made fun of or rejected because you didn't fit in with the "church crowd", then we encourage you to give us a chance. Jesus came to rescue us from brokenness, sadness, anger, hurt and depression. At the Awakening Church we're here to help you experience a love-filled relationship with Jesus that will change your life.

Pastor Dennis Minner moved to Williamsburg in 2007 with his wife, Gennifer and daughter Isabella. He knows first hand how it feels to be pushed away and to feel worthless before God.
After years of turning to sex, alcohol abuse and drugs, Dennis was rescued through the life-changing power of a relationship with Jesus Christ. He now has a compassion to reach out and show others how they too can experience what he has: forgiveness, love, mercy, grace and ultimately, a new life.

We would also like to invite those in the NYC area that are interested in The Awakening Church to meet with us at a roof top bbq at our condo in Williamsburg, Brooklyn on Sunday June 8. If you are interested in attending the bbq please respond and I will get a hold of you with the details via a private message. We hope to see many of you here at our home! Please RSVP ASAP so we can give you the details.

-Dennis Minner, Lead Pastor

(Dennis with daughter, Isabella, and wife Gennifer)

NEW SITE COMING SOON FROM AKT STUDIOS. WWW.THEAWAKENINGNYC.COM

Friday after work I decided to go to Greenwich Village here in New York City. Our church that is starting June 15 is located there on 115 MacDougal St. in The Players Theatre (www.theawakeningnyc.com). I love walking around Greenwich Village because you really never know what you may see. Early Friday evening the weather was still nice and the sun was still shining so I decided to go for a walk in Washington Square Park. I should have known there was a full moon or something because one of the first things that happened was I decided to take some pictures of families getting ice cream from an ice cream truck. Now, this wasn't a place of business, this was an ice cream truck parked on a public street. Long story short I ended up getting attacked by said ice cream truck driver. He was either doing something illegal or he was on the witness protection program. So I decided due to the fact I didn't want to get arrested for beating up an elderly ice cream truck driver and seeing that I am starting a church in the neighborhood, I figured it was time to walk on. I went and enjoyed some great music in the park and then noticed someone holding a sign right in the middle of the park. Now, this in itself is not unusual at all since often here in New York City people stand around holding signs. There was something different because I kept noticing a lot of people just looking in his direction with a bewildered look on their face and then all of the sudden I see three people walk towards him and give him a hug. I noticed they didn't give him any money so then I assumed these people were just tourists not understanding sign and entertainment protocol in the public areas of the city (those of you here in NYC know what I mean, take a pic, then give a buck?) As I walked closer I noticed this guy was holding a sign that said "FREE HUGS." Now in many places in the United States or even the rest of the world this might not be strange, but in New York City. Free hugs? Are you kidding me? After just 6 months of living here I have already began to put up a few barriers myself and assume the worst about many people like 'this'. I decided to watch for a few minutes and look for the trick or hidden cameras. I couldn't find anything that was negative about this 'experiment' in the park. What I noticed was sincerity and smiles on the faces of the hugger and the huggee. As I watched this I started realizing two things. One, that people are really lonely in New York City and that is the main reason we are here starting a church. The second was this guy must be weird even though he is inspiring me to write a new blog. I decided to go talk to this 'free hugger' pervert and see what his real deal was.

Dennis: So, I was watching you give free hugs. I have a blog and was hoping to ask you a few questions.
Hugger: (laughs) Yeah sure.
Dennis: So, what is your name, age and all that good stuff?
Hugger: My names is Victor Caneva and I am 28 living in Queens. I am a teacher and teach theater to children.
Dennis: Hello Victor, I am Dennis. So why are you giving free hugs here in Washington Square?
Victor: A few years ago there was this guy, Juan Mann, that moved to Australia and he was lonely and didn't know anyone. He started giving free hugs to people like this and the popularity grew so much that the band Sick Puppies even featured it in a video. So during Christmas I started noticing all these people Christmas shopping and spending all this money but few of them looked happy. So about 5 months ago I decided to go to Union Square and give free hugs to the lonely people. I started doing it 2 to 3 times a week here and mainly Union Square. I had one lady whose husband had passed away said she had not been hugged in almost two years. I gave her a hug and she broke down crying.
Dennis: So why do you think so many people here in NYC are lonely?
Victor: It is a place where people choose to be isolated. To survive here people put up walls. Two or three months ago a professional photographer asked if he could shoot me doing this. He choose to take them from behind me to see their reaction. There was this real tough guy that walked up kind of grumbling and then I gave him a hug. He then looked at me grumbled and walked away. Later I saw the picture and while I was hugging him he had this huge smile on his face. That is the purpose of free hugs.
Dennis: I've noticed a lot of people just give you weird looks.
Victor: I don't blame the weird looks. To survive here you have to put up some walls. But in a city of 8 million, they are lonely.

A couple years ago when Hunter, my son, passed away I had never felt more alone in all my life. Yeah, I had friends and family but there was a void that couldn't seem to be filled. Even though most people don't have to experience that type of tragedy, the tragedy that most, if not all, will encounter is being lonely. It is often a feeling that comes from the business of this world because we don't have time to truly encounter solid relationships. I mean we see people at work, we see people in the train, on the street and even in our buildings we live. We have all these superficial relationships but often they make us feel even more lonely as time goes on. We realize that what we have and pursue isn't fulfilling. We yearn to be held, to be loved, to be accepted. I mean it seems so natural to desire these things. I believe we were created this way. The Bible says in Genesis that God created Adam and he was lonely so God then created Eve. It was a true relationship anointed by God. It was real and meaningful. It also seems that we all have a desire to understand the supernatural. Almost everyone I encounter has a belief in something. That desire also seems natural and a born trait in us. The Bible says that even the rocks cry out to the Lord. Does that mean that we are as dumb as rocks? Probably not but what it does say is that everything points to this feeling of wanting more. It comes from a desire to walk with God and to know Jesus. I think many people are lonely just because they are running from the calling in their life to come to know Jesus. See when I lost my son and I felt abandoned and alone I realized that in the book of Romans we are given a promise that ALL things work for good for them that love the Lord. It was through the death of my son that I allowed my faith in Jesus to grow to move all the way to New York City to start a church. My desire is that all those lonely will try it out. I mean everyone pays for all these self-help books and courses. They pay for gym memberships, for alcohol, for drugs, for entertainment. Church is free. I really encourage if you are feeling lonely to get in contact with others and explore where this feeling is coming from. Don't have a friend? Well, you are reading this so talk to me.

So, I challenge you today to be more like Victor...reach out to those that are lonely and give them a hand. And by the way, I did get my free hug.

-Pastor Dennis Minner
The Awakening Church/Owner of Sian Clothing
www.theawakeningnyc.com

FOR PICTURES OF THE FREE HUGGER AND THE CRAZY ICE CREAM MAN LOOK IN MY PICS UNDER THE AWAKENING!

I get a lot of emails with everyone asking me for updates in The Awakening, a progressive church that I am lead pastor in opening in New York City. The last several months have been filled with ups and downs, so many more good than bad though! God is placing people in our lives daily and we are so excited to start the church. We originally thought we may start in March but then decided to wait to start June 15. God has a perfect time for everything and after getting Godly council we thought it would be the correct thing to do. We will do services every other week until September. Our summer services will be for the dedicated. It is a time for us to prepare, practice and get the holy bugs out haha. We hope that many of you will come check it out and give us honest feedback during that time. Starting September 7 will be our official launch. At that point we hope to have over 150 in attendance. The next question is always where will it be located. Well, we are still talking to several different theaters in the lower Manhattan area. We still hope to be somewhere near Chelsea, The villages or other close neighborhoods. We had signed a contract for a theater in Chelsea but were faced with some complications upon the owner of the theater signing. PLEASE keep this in your prayers as we continue to allow God to lea us the right direction. He has done so for so long in my families life but this time it is so crucial that we do what He says and no one else.
Our mission is to be a Church for the unchurched. We know and understand so many people, like myself, have been turned off by the ultra religious. The Awakening is not a religoius place but a place to build and search out a relationship with Jesus. We hope that you continue to pray for us during this journey and we hope to see you all soon!!!

Dennis Minner, Lead Pastor
www.theawakeningnyc.com

We want to hear your thoughts and ideas!

My Dearest Baby Hunter,
Wow, I can't believe you would have been two years old today. Often, I close my eyes and imagine that you were still here and that you were walking towards me. You would reach out those little arms and say, "Daddy, I love you!" I would smile with so much pride and joy as I would pick you up and let you know that I will always love you. Today for your birthday, me mommy and Bella went to our roof and let a bunch of balloons for for you. It had a card from us and some really neat sports decorations. We hope Jesus let you see them as they floated to heaven. We think he probably did!
So much has happened since your first birthday. Hunter, you are a big brother. Isabella was born May 29 and we already tell her about you. She has a little birth mark on her foot and when people ask what it is we tell them it is when you kissed her in heaven. She is so precious and your mommy and I love her so much. I know she would have loved you too. The other day I was cleaning out a box and found a truck that was yours. It was a real soft rubber one that made knows when I squeezed the hood. Your little sister really liked it. Mommy thought I was silly giving your sis a truck but then I told her it was yours.
Also, another big change is that we are following Jesus and moved here to start a church in New York City. It is in honor of you. Jesus showed me how much he loves your mommy and me when He comforted us two years ago. It was hard leaving Poplar Bluff because that is where your grave is. Your Great-Grandma Carroll takes you new flowers and cleans the dirt off. In fact your Mamaw and Papaw went their today and left you a basket with some toys and stuffed animal for your birthday. They sure miss you too.
Hunter, I haven't cried as much today as when I did on your first birthday. It isn't becasuse I miss you less it is because I can't help but smile as I also celebrate your two year anniversary for being with Jesus in heaven! Wow, buddy you are so lucky that you are in heaven right now. Perfect weather, perfect peace and love and you have never cried or known pain. As your daddy I also see Bella when she gets hurt or is upset. It breaks my heart that sometimes I cant help her. But Hunter, you have never needed help. You are a perfect creation and you have Jesus as your daddy in heaven. I know we will get to see you and hold you someday. I look forward to playing catch with you and rolling in the grass. I love you so much little buddy and I miss you.

I love you! Happy 2nd Anniversary to be in heaven with Jesus!
Daddy


You too can have that peace someday that I know my son has. All you have to do is accept Jesus into your life. That doesn't mean you become perfect or exempt from pain and suffering here on earth. But it does promise you a Jesus that will guide you here on earth and wait for you in heaven with open arms. If you want to know more about how easy it is please feel free to message me with any questions
-Dennis Minner


(If you would like to read more about our precious son, Hunter David Minner, please scroll back through my blogs from February of 2006. Hunter was stillborn at 37 weeks into the pregnancy. He was a perfect baby boy with no medical reasons that he passed away.)