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Thanks and Encouragement

I've just started two new blogs. One is Tenth Thanks. This blog will feature comments sent in giving thanks to any of the five (or is it six, no seven!) Rykens. The other is Tenth Encouragement (my titles are so original). This blog features comments sent in to encourage Tenth Church. I look forward to hearing from you.

Roommate Needed

A house of Christian men is looking for at least one roommate. A room will become available in May 2010; summer sublet and longer-term lease are both possible. House is large, features a roof deck, and is within walking distance of Tenth Church, Penn, and Drexel. Rent and utilities total approximately $600 per month, or less for shared bedroom. For more information, contact Matthew at matthew[at]mrwright.org or 215-316-8543.

Sunday Forum

We will be holding a forum this Sunday in the sanctuary (instead of the Catacombs) following the 11:00 service. The purpose is to provide opportunity for members to ask questions of Phil and of the Session related to Phil's acceptance of a new call. The Session had a productive meeting Tuesday night discussing the needs of the church and the steps to be taking related to the new transition.

Sunday's Tenth Press article will address some concerns that already may be raised. You can peek ahead by accessing the bulletin online now.

Need Metal Coffee Cans!

Julia Peterman and Kirsten Ryken are planning activities for the next Sparrows event March 13. They are in need of both small (1lb) and large (3lb) metal coffee cans with lids or any other can that is round and has a lid. If anyone can help provide these please contact Sarah Peterman at tim.peterman@gmail.com or Amy Voorhis at amy@johnandamy.net. Thanks everyone for your help.

From Both Sides Now

Andrew Canavan, a son of Tenth Church and now on staff at Wheaton College sent in these remarks that helps us see both sides of Phil's new call.

Like many at Tenth, I was shocked when I heard that Dr. Ryken had been called as Wheaton's next president. While not at all doubtful he would do a great job as president, I knew how committed he is to Tenth and to pastoral ministry. As I thought about it more, that shock quickly turned into gratitude for God's provision of someone like Dr. Ryken to lead Wheaton College in the years to come. Though I'm sad that he'll be leaving Tenth much sooner than anyone expected, I've had a few interactions over the past few days that have confirmed for me God's call of Dr. Ryken to Wheaton. Topping that list would certainly be the congregational meeting on Sunday. Being there to see the elders, the congregation, and the Ryken family trusting the Lord as he takes us in unexpected directions was a big encouragement to me to trust God's sovereign care.

This past Tuesday I was back on campus at Wheaton (where I serve as an Admissions Counselor), and we had a campus staff meeting where Dr. Ryken was introduced for the first time. He did a great job of connecting with the staff and sharing a bit more about his vision for Wheaton. After leaving that meeting, I was talking with a co-worker who had been really interested in what kind of president Dr. Ryken might be. She summed up the feeling of the staff well by saying (roughly) "I wasn't sure what to think about the selection of Dr. Ryken until this meeting. Hearing him speak, seeing his deep love for Wheaton College, and experiencing his pastor's heart, I am convinced now that Dr. Ryken is the right man for the job." After that staff meeting, I also felt great joy and excitement for how the Lord will use Dr. Ryken to impact Wheaton. His clear gospel emphasis on the grace and love of God in the work of Christ for us is exactly what the Wheaton community needs right now.

Like many back home, I'm experiencing a mix of emotions - it's strange to be a member of the Wheaton community and a member of Tenth. I'm grateful that God has provided a godly man to be president of Wheaton and to impact the thousands of students who make up the Wheaton community. At the same time, his departure is a loss for Tenth. I'm encouraged, though, that just as the Lord provided exactly the right man for Wheaton College, he will provide exactly the right man to be the new Senior Minister at Tenth.

Sproul and Boice

This video was sent to me showing a tour of R. C. Sproul's study. If you can get through the memorabilia of the Steelers and the Pirates, you'll come across a picture of probably the only man to give Dr. Boice a peck on the cheek.

My Waffle Wedded Wife

Is this a good or bad sign for a marriage? Check out this video.

Faith & Work

City Line Church is hosting a discussion of Faith & Work on March 20. If you would like more information you can go here.

Snow Grumbler

You know that song "Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow"? I don't like that song.

Serving in Colombia this August

This August, a short-term team from Tenth will visit our partners in Santa Marta and Barranquilla, Colombia. The team leaders hope to accomplish a wide variety of projects, depending on team members' skill sets.

Past ministry opportunities included teaching and playing with orphaned or street children, conducting medical or vision exams, repairing vans, constructing furniture, teaching baking or other skills, teaching and preaching in worship, examining building plans, and serving in many other capacities.

An informational meeting will be held on Sunday, March 7, at 5:00 pm in Delancey 1West. This is a great opportunity to hear more about the work and about the application and training process before making a commitment to go.

For more information, contact Matt.

Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission help needed

Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission is seeking volunteers to teach Biblical Life Skills
—teach homeless women how to restructure their lives according to God’s Word.
If you are interested in this opportunity please contact Rita Whitaker at (267) 982-7792

Wayne Hall, a Christian discipleship program for homeless women and children, is looking for female volunteers to provide Christian counseling for our ladies. If you are interested in this ministry opportunity, please contact Rita Whitaker at (267) 982-7792

Wayne Hall is the women’s division of Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission.

Urban Ministry Conference

News Flash! The early bird special for the Urban Ministry Conference is now the ONLY price for the conference. Yes, that's right! And you heard it first on my blog!

But you still need to register. Here is a link to info and registration. If you get confused on how to register on-line, then send an email or call in.

passion/purity Blog

John Freeman talks about resisting sexual desires here.

Short-term Trip Training March 14

Why do we take short-term trips? How do we prepare for them? What is Tenth's application and fundraising process like?

And what is God doing through our partnership with believers in Colombia?

If you are interested in participating in a short-term trip this summer, the Short-Trip Training Seminars are a must! Join us on Sunday, March 14, from 12:45-3:00 pm in 315 3Rear for an afternoon of learning and fellowship.

To RSVP, email Laura by March 7 (or as soon as possible).

Seeking Room

Tenth member (female in her 20's) seeking a studio/1BR or a room to rent from a family, preferably in the Center City area close to church. Works as a nurse at Pennsylvania Hospital and in graduate school at Penn. Has 1 cat. She can be contacted by email.

I'll vouch for her, by the way.

Phil's Devotions

Phil is posting the devotions at the reformation21 site this week. The link will take you to the first, Exodus 5. You will find helpful insight for our own news in this devotion and the next one on Luke 9.

Fiddler on the Roof

Delaware County Christian School's High School Drama Department will present "Fiddler on the Roof" in four upcoming performances: February 26 & 27 and March 5 & 6. All shows will be at 7:30 p.m. in the school's DeMoss Center For Worship & the Arts at the upper campus. General admission tickets are available at $10 for adults and $5 for students and children. Friday, February 26 is Alumni Night! Alumni may purchase general admission seats for only $5! Please call 610-353-6522 for more information.

Do You Have a Free Guestroom?

A couple women are planning to come to the UMC from Texas, but they're looking for a place to stay. They work for a non-profit pregnancy center and hope to be encouraged by the content of this conference. If you are able to offer them a place to stay, please contact Anne Davies.

Haiti

Sebastien Demoiny, one of Tenth's deacons, recently returned from Haiti. You can read about his experience here.

Around the World in 80 Minutes this Sunday!

Where can you find encouraging fellowship, an inexpensive meal, and incredible stories of God's faithfulness? Around the World in 80 Minutes!

The first outreach luncheon of the year will take place this Sunday afternoon (February 28), from 12:40-2pm in Fellowship Hall. Cost is $4/individual, $10/family.

One of our long-time partners who facilitates dialogues between Christians and Muslims will share exciting developments in his ministry. Don't miss out!

Phil's Futility

Hhmm...I know that I just posted about "love and blessing," and as everyone knows, I never say anything critical of Phil, but a recent email from him brings up the one indiscretion that he would not give up. Indeed, I would have to say it is the failure of his fifteen years in Philadelphia. He never made a single convert! No matter how hard he tried - and believe me, he tried - he could not convert a single Phillies fan into a Cardinals fan. Even now he will not give up his futile efforts as this email indicates:

Guys,

I know you are all Albert Pujols-haters, but his words from a recent church event are edifying, to say the least. Check out the link.

Phil

Love and Blessing

Wow! It was amazing yesterday to see how the Lord took what was sad news for us and turned the announcement time after the service into an outpouring of love and blessing. If you missed it, be sure to watch through the link below.

Phil Ryken's Words to Tenth's Congregation

Phil's words to the congregation today can be seen at this link.

Meeting Recorded

The meeting of the congregation to hear Phil's announcement was webcasted and will be posted either later today or tomorrow on Tenth's website.

Dr. Ryken to Wheaton

Announcement to the congregation, February 21, 2010

The following announcement was made to the congregation on behalf of the elders of Tenth Church after the 11:00 am service on the Lord’s Day, February 21, 2010.

“It is with deep regret, but also with our blessing and a deep sense of God’s sovereign call to direct our lives as he best ordains, that the Session announces that our Senior Minister, Dr. Philip G. Ryken, has accepted the presidency of Wheaton College, beginning July 1. The Session will be meeting this coming Tuesday to begin planning for this transition in the life of our church.”

We realize that God’s ways are not always our ways. We acknowledge that the Lord is doing a special and unique work in Dr. Ryken’s life, in the ongoing ministry at Tenth, in the ministry of Wheaton College, and in his kingdom worldwide. From a young age God had begun to prepare Phil Ryken for this strategic role in God’s kingdom. God has certainly endowed him with very special gifts: the gifts of teaching/preaching, administration, resolving interpersonal conflicts, as well as gifts of faith and prayer, all of which God has used in building the ministry at Tenth. The Lord has now called Phil to use these gifts at Wheaton College.

Though Dr. Ryken’s departure is a loss for us, we can also consider it our privilege and blessing to send Dr. Ryken and his family to the new work our Lord has planned for him. At the same time, we are confident the Lord has not forsaken us at Tenth and has already begun to prepare the one who will assume the role of Senior Minister here. Last year, Phil Ryken taught us through a series of sermons on I Corinthians 13 about the nature of love, and as each of us well knows, he has taught us in very practical ways from his own life the meaning of love. Now it is our turn to give back to him and Lisa what we have learned about Christian charity and seen in them over the last 15 years of their ministry at Tenth.

Please join us in praying for Dr. Ryken and his family as they begin this transition to Wheaton College and for Tenth as we wait for the Lord’s provision of a new Senior Minister to lead us.

“My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. . . . The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore—Psalm 121:2, 8 ESV.

George K. McFarland, Clerk of Session