ViaCordis - who we are

Started in the greater Los Angeles area, our goal is to serve as the hands and feet of Jesus to the community around us. We currently have associated churches in Vancouver, Canada and in Germany, and are supporting work in Madagascar.

Although we are no longer keeping this blog updated, you can still access our archives for some stories from our earlier development.

If you’d like to contact ViaCordis, drop us a line at viacordis.la@gmail.com. We know there are others with similar visions all over the US and beyond and we welcome the chance to dialogue with you and learn from one another.

If you’d like to read some blogs on missional churches:

• http://www.loganleadership.com/
• http://missionalchurchnetwork.com/

Hug a tree… in Madagascar

Between Jan 1 and May 1, 2010 our church, the size of a modest living room, gave money that will result in 80,600 trees being planted in Madagascar.

The tree-planting project, aimed at stopping the deforestation that is devastating the economy and environment of Madagascar, is run through www.edenprojects.org. Their mission statement? “Eden Reforestation Projects recreates healthy forest systems that restore hope, alleviate suffering, empower people, and build local economies in impoverished communities.” At ViaCordis, we are supporting them through our missions giving.

Our operating budget, made possible in part by our low overhead (no building, no paid staff), is set as follows:
• 60% global missions
• 20% local missions
• 10% admin / reserve
• 10% leadership development

That means we’re giving away 80% of our offerings. Of that 80% we’re focusing our attention on creation care, medical care, evangelism, and church planting. One of the missionaries we are supporting is even headed to Madagascar, where our trees are. How’s that for holistic ministry?

coming alongside to promote growth

Via Cordis members facilitated Anger Management classes from January-April 2010 in an Adult Rehabilitation Center. These comments reflect the growth that several people experienced.

"This class gave more one-on-one, individualized attention than others I've taken. It was thought provoking. Thank you for showing me that managing anger works."

"I learned how to stay positive and think before I speak. I don't get as mad about the things I did in the past."

"If I were doing this class over, I would ask my husband to join me. I'm better at recognizing anger in others and I know to take it seriously."

"I never felt that I had a problem with anger, but this class helped me focus on lots of things that I face on a daily basis. It had a real personal touch. I felt comfortable to open up and share my feelings."

Letters from prison

One of our ViaCordis members is currently serving a 6-month prison sentence. He was recently moved to a new prison. He writes to the church every week, and we write to him, telling him about the service and other personal stories. The letter below is from another one of our members after she heard this man's most recent letter read aloud to the church:

"I am so thankful for your words of encouragement each week. Glad to hear that you are liking the new place. I have experienced God so much this week by seeing how this church loves, serves, protects and prays for one another. You have not seemed far or even absent during these months. Thank you for your testimony."

Light in dark places

One of our members is back in prison until June for a parole violation. He seeks to be the hands and feet of Jesus there. One way he does this is by forming a church group there using the same principles we use in our house church. Here is how he describes what he does:

"I just finished with our little Church group of two. I get together every night with a friend, a young man of 20, and we read one chapter out of the Bible. We discuss what we read, what Jesus is saying to us, how we can apply it to our lives, and what stands out to us most and why. The time that he and I spend together is a real blessing to me. And to see his spirit grow as he follows Christ—man, it’s something to be amazed by."

Unashamed

From one of the LTGs this week: A woman who has been coming to church and LTG for about 5 months said that she knows, for the first time, that she has been born again. She was reading 1 John and when she came to chapter 2:28-29 she cried with joy because she no longer feels ashamed in her relationship with Jesus. She knows for sure that she is a child of God. Each one sitting around that dining room table shared her joy.

1 John 2:28-29: “And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming. If you know that he is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been born of him."

An update from our sister ViaCordis church in Germany

As we've been praying for ministry opportunities to serve as the hands and feet of Jesus, we’re encouraged by how the Lord has been opening doors. Ines, a former nurse who is part of our VC group, she has taken on a part-time job at the local hospital where she does night watch for patients in the ICU. Usually all she has to do is sit and observe the patients. She uses those times to pray for them and their families. When they are awake and can talk, she encourages them and shares Jesus' love with them.

Some months ago, Ines came in contact with one of her neighbors in Burglengenfeld where she lives, a lady in her 30s who is confined to a wheel chair. The neighbor's difficult circumstances have made her very cynical. None of the social workers sent to assist her (within the German system) were able to gain her confidence, and she sent them away, refusing help. For some reason, however, Ines was able to connect and gain her trust and slowly build a relationship.

Ines visits her disabled neighbor regularly, spending time with her, mostly listening. Recently, the neighbor was offered some time for therapy at a state-run medical health spa. The government pays her way and also pays for another person to accompany her for several days. Again, the neighbor lady refused the social workers and, instead, insisted that Ines go along! Ines has experienced Christ's healing herself as Christians ministered to her during a very difficult phase of her life. Now she is anxious-and well prepared-to share the transforming power of Christ with her neighbor as they work through her difficult issues, this time with a Christian perspective.

Another woman, Ute, has been praying for an opportunity to share God's love in a practical way with someone in need. As she was praying for guidance, she noticed a report in the local news paper about a program for assisting families in need (mainly recent immigrants). She applied to volunteer - and was accepted last week. She will now receive training for the job. After screening and training (which will take several weeks, as Germans are very thorough!) Ute will be assigned a family to work with.

We have prayed, and God has been faithfully opening doors for us to serve. We're excited about the prospects he is bringing our way.

ministry to parolees

The leader of the church ministering to parolees reports the usual share of life's ups and downs. One parolee who attends the church lapsed back into drugs. One of the other members decided to help restore him by praying with him daily and managing his money for him. He has joined a "Celebrate Recovery" group at a local church.

Another parolee who has been estranged from his wife is focusing on rebuilding trust between them. He invited his wife to our Christmas dinner and has been meeting with his grown children to try to restore his relationship with them. His communication with his wife has since increased dramatically and has centered around their common relationship to Christ.

One of the greatest needs of parolees is transportation. If they have a car or truck their opportunities for work open up tremendously. Please pray for wisdom on how to help these brothers gain reliable transportation.

One of the leaders was recently incarcerated for a parole violation. Apparently there is a rule against parolees doing charity work without permission. As part of outreach to the homeless, this leader has been involved in charity work, distributing backpacks and food, but was doing so without obtaining clearance from his parole officer. Now he is in prison, although at this point the church is not aware that he has been charged with anything. Please pray for protection for this brother, that God would free him to minister in any circumstance, and that He would be released soon.

Second Anniversary!

ViaCordis celebrates its 2nd anniversary this month. At the first gathering, two women and two men met at a house in Pasadena, CA to share life, study the Bible, pray for others and discuss ways to love the communities in which they live. Before the first service they were cautioned by more experienced house church members to keep looking outward beyond themselves. They heeded this advice. Almost all who attend ViaCordis make community service a priority. Tonight eight will gather for Facilitator Orientation so that they can offer practical support to those wishing to improve life skills including parenting and anger management.

Advent, week 4

Here's Fourth Sunday of Advent

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT – MAGI

3 PURPLE AND ONE PINK CANDLE

Scripture: Mt 2:1-12

1After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."

3When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. 5"In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written:
6" 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'"

7Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him."

9After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. 12And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

LIGHT 3 PURPLE CANDLES AND ONE PINK

The wise men had been seeking the One born King of the Jews. No one knows from what country they came or what studies led them to leave home seeking. It is clear that God wanted them to find the Baby because He put signs in the heavens and in ancient prophecies that lead them, enabling them to find. God’s Word tells us to seek Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. We are to seek God in the morning, and continually. He calls us to seek His face while humbly turning from our wicked ways. If we seek God and His Kingdom above all else, the promise is repeated often: God will be found and He will hear, heal and provide. Christmas is God’s answer to the longing and searching of every man, woman and child.

PRAYER: Jesus, like the wise men we come seeking You, sometimes from far places. You are behind us, before us, underneath us, above us and in us. In You we live and move and have our fullest being. Thank you for your perfect plan which reveals Your love more and more as we search for You. Amen.

Our Advent Wreath

Advent, week 3

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT – SHEPHERDS

ONE PINK CANDLE AND TWO PURPLE CANDLES

Scripture: Luke 2:8-12

8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[a] the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

LIGHT THE PINK CANDLE AND TWO PURPLE CANDLES

These shepherds were doing what they always did, watched sheep. Through the days lambs were led to the best pasture. This day the shepherds were given the night watch with the sheep. They lived with the sheep. God stepped into the shepherds’ daily routine and turned their world upside down. While going about their ordinary tasks an angel startled these humble people with the best news in the world: The Messiah is born! As if the heavens could no longer contain their excitement over this amazing news, thousands of angels broke through the skies with a joyful song. After going to see for themselves, the shepherds returned to their work but with what a difference! Now their hearts were alive with the miracle of what they had seen and heard. Praise filled them.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, help us to remember that with you there are no ordinary days. Each day that we live in your grace is a day that is beyond the ordinary. We feel the joy of this. Joy yesterday, that you came into our world and forever changed it. Joy tomorrow, that you will come again and usher in the fullness of the kingdom. And joy today, that you give us opportunities to be Your hands and feet, so that our lives share the message of Christmas during this Advent season. Amen.

Advent, week 2

ViaCordis has some begun some Christmas traditions that you're welcome to borrow and use in your own churches. We pray that they will bless you as they are blessing us.

We use an Advent Wreath to draw attention to the coming of the Messiah. This is the reading we will hear on Dec 6, the second Sunday of Advent.


SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT--BETHLEHEM
SECOND PURPLE CANDLE

Scripture: Luke 2:1-5
1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to his own town to register.
4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

LIGHT TWO PURPLE CANDLES.

It was a crowded city that night, Bethlehem, the city of David. People from all over had returned to the city of their fathers. Here they would register and a census would be taken. Joseph and Mary looked for a place to stay. An inn. A room somewhere, anywhere. A safe place from the chilly night air. But there was no place. At the city’s edge was a stable. There, in a stable, Mary and Joseph found warmth and protection. They would stay here until a new day brought light.

Why God chose to send his son into our world as a baby of humble birth, born in common surroundings, we do not know. What we do know is that God reached out to all people including the poor and wealthy, the simple and the wise, the powerless and the powerful. It is possible to know God because He came to us, at our level.

PRAYER: O Lord! God of the little and of the large, your love is as universal as all creation, and yet as individual as my small heart. Here at Christmas, you embrace the nations. I open the doors of my heart wide to all You have planned for me. Thank you for your humility and love which made room for me. Amen.

The Altar

We continue to grow at ViaCordis as God works among us. Our international ties are growing, with one couple visiting their native Hong Kong for the first time in seven years, and another person is in Mexico producing a Christmas album. This week Bob leaves for Japan. Our life transformation groups (LTGs) are continuing to grow as well. Janet and Sylvia just started a new group in El Sereno last week and the group in Rancho Cucumongo continues to grow and multiply.

Yet we also maintain a ritual that centers us in worship as we meet in our house churches. Each month a member is responsible for designing an altar to set up in the living room where we meet for worship. Right now the altar at one of the house gatherings consists of an open Bible on a cloth square with a light shining down on it. The Bible is laid open to Psalm 67 and the light serves as a reminder that God blesses us so we can bless others. The head phones signify and ongoing dialogue with God that involves both listening and talking. And the candle symbolizes Jesus as our one constant.

The altar changes living room or family room into a sacred space for the church gathering, then it gets packed up during the week. For the host, it provides a good visual reminder of sacred space and creates a boundary between your home and your church.

First Fruits

A German brother in Christ recently baptized his "first fruit" in the cold waters of a nearby stream. The person baptized - whom we'll call Peter- is a nationally known singer in Germany and is popular among fans of typical German folk music. Peter committed his life to Christ, confessed his sins and desired baptism - immediately! Please pray for Peter and his family as they seek to follow Christ in discipleship.

The God who heals

We have two hospitalized children we are praying for and visiting. Both have serious medical issues; one is a newborn and the other is the son of one of our regular attenders, who has pneumonia. As a church we regularly pray for healing and we have seen God answer in dramatic ways that have caused more than one doctor to pause and say things like, "Hmmm, that's highly unusual!" These are the two people for whom we are currently interceding.

God is faithful

Remember how our Rancho Cucamonga church passed out backpacks to a community of homeless people? One of the recipients came to a BBQ hosted by the church and talked at length about his spiritual journey. Two weeks later he died. We thank God for His faithfulness to reach out to this man right until the very end of his life.

Backpacks of love

*Note: This is a report from our church in Rancho Cucamonga, not the Pasadena location.

One couple in ViaCordis, Keith and Hope, are part of the Rancho Cucamonga gathering. A few weeks ago on a Sunday afternoon they distributed backbacks to homeless people in their area. They had been collecting items to put in the backpacks, but then had the idea to take this ministry one big step further. They decided to ask their neighbors for contributions for the bags as well. Many neighbors were very excited to help.

Here are some of the stories from Keith of the homeless people that God put in his path:

Wayne (aka Leprechaun) is trying to get back to Texas where he believes he can get work as a truck driver. We found him under some trees next to the freeway. He needs a $198 Greyhound bus ticket and is collecting bottles and cans to recycle to earn money. He really appreciated the back pack!

We found Doug wandering through a truck stop. He lost his job, then his apartment. After we gave him his backpack, he led us to two other homeless men, Peter and Paul. Peter was kicked out of his father’s house. We didn’t ask why. He immediately opened his backpack and began eating the food inside. Paul told us he is on the street because of alcohol. Both were overjoyed at receiving backpacks. Just outside a Jack in the Box, Scott, Doug, Peter, Paul, and I held hands in a circle of prayer to ask God to meet their needs and keep them safe.

Then Doug led us to another homeless man, Ky. Ky was sleeping on cardboard boxes near a fence. His greatest treasure in the backpack? The socks! Doug, Scott and I prayed with Ky and then Ky told us where we might find “Ma,” a homeless lady. We looked, but didn’t find her. We will continue looking for “Ma” and other homeless people to give away more backpacks soon. We just received two more back packs already packed—by one of our neighbors! What a great place to be a part of.

ViaCordis in Mandarin

A few weeks ago, we had people from three countries visiting ViaCordis. God is putting flesh to our vision of an international, multicultural movement. We had a first-time visitor from Honduras who lives in Hollywood now. We had a woman from Indonesia who also lives nearby now. And we also had a new Chinese-American couple with us, who brought along her mother who was visiting from China.

As we were sharing insights from scripture, the church service was quietly being translated into Mandarin. Then Bob asked the woman from China, "What did you see in this passage?" She responded with her thoughts through a translator. This woman is not yet a follower of Jesus, but she expressed after the service that she would like to know more and would like to have a Bible. Since then, she received a Bible in her own language and returns to China in November, but we hope to see our new visitors from Honduras and Indonesia again soon.