Welcome to Vineyard North Charlotte
Submitted by pmakohon on July 25, 2009 – 6:25 pmOne Comment
Home » Headline, featured, news
One Comment »
Leave a comment!
The ten week Alpha Course is here at the Vineyard North Charlotte September 12, 2010.
The Alpha Course begins 5:30pm Sunday, Sept.12
What is Alpha?
Alpha is an opportunity to explore the meaning of life in …
Information and news for parents of kids up to 5th grade.
Alpha, Financial Peace, VBI, etc.
Your place for coming events.
Youth grades 7 -12
The following is an email from Jamie White. It talks about a different kind of relationship available through the Vineyard.
Dear Thor,
I just wanted to express my sincere thanks to you and Bonnie and the Vineyard for the impact you have all had on my life. I’ve reflected a lot over the last month about how I’ve grown during my time at the Vineyard. God had lured me to Charlotte with a job at Carolina Raptor Center, but I knew early on that He had much more in store for me than a career. Looking back over the last three years I now see how right I was.
I originally went to the Vineyard because I’d heard great things about a Vineyard up north and thought it was worth checking out. There were a few other churches I’d tried, but I found that I could easily walk in and out of them without anyone noticing I was there. The Vineyard was different. Not only was I noticed, I was welcomed and immediately invited into community. I remember the first Vineyard NOW I attended. Bonnie asked me that evening to dog/house-sit for a few weeks while the two of you finished the adoption process in Ukraine. You barely knew me, yet were willing to leave your home and your precious Sierra in my hands. The extra money was an answer to prayer, and the impression left on me was one of great welcome and trust.
I had numerous invitations to dinner, lunch, and home groups in my first few weeks in the Vineyard, and quickly found myself at home there. During my time at VNC I’ve met and built relationships with some of the most amazing people I have ever met. I found a family there, and God has used that family to mold, shape and prepare me for the rest of my life. I come away with clearer picture of who I am in the eyes of my loving Father. I have better understanding of who God is and how great His affection is for me. I have learned what it means to really be a friend – to give sacrificially of yourself, your money and your time, not just to feel all warm and fuzzy inside, but to truly love another person the way Jesus loves them. I’ve learned how to show mercy to others – to spend more time looking into their hearts and less time judging their actions.
I’ve learned that God doesn’t fit into the box I had created for Him, but that He is much bigger than I could imagine, and that this big God wants to use me for big things. I learned that He is big enough to work through my humble obedience and prayers to touch the lives of others in supernatural ways, bringing physical and emotional healing or a prophetic message of love, hope and wisdom. I’ve learned how to handle money in a way that honors God and will eventually give me the freedom to live and give the way I’ve always dreamed. I’ve learned that worship is not just a pretty song from my lips, but an expression of my heart. I’ve learned that the Church, the Body of Christ, is not about a Sunday sermon, or the way we do communion, or what style of music we play, or what kind of building we meet in. The Body of Christ is about community and love and service, to one another and to the lost and the broken people of the world, God’s beloved people.
I learned what life is like in the real world – it’s hard, it’s very hard. In just three years I have faced 3 sprained ankles, 1 broken knee, a few additional trips to the ER, a car accident, an overwhelming amount debt, and now, unemployment. It’s been a bumpy ride to say the least, but I’ve never been without help. I’ve never been without hope. God has provided for me and encouraged me every step of the way, and He chose this very precious family at the Vineyard North Charlotte as His instrument to do so.
I’m not sure what God has in store for me next- whether I’m in Pennsylvania for an extended visit, or whether this will become home for me again. I left Charlotte with great anticipation of what God is doing in my life right now, yet with a sense of great, great loss for what I am leaving behind. Thank you Thor, Bonnie and VNC for being my family these past three years. My life is forever changed because of your love and service.
In Christ’s Love,
Jaimie Joy White