97 West

This is my son’s first year in Kid Pitch baseball.  When a 7 year old is pitching, often only 2 out of 73 pitches are hittable.  This means that getting on base is very easy, if you are willing to stand there, never swing, and receive a walk every time you come to the plate.

My son fouled off a couple pitches in his game last night.  He eventually struck out when he swung at a pitch that was about 7 feet out of the strike zone.  I asked him how he felt about not getting on base.  His response was immediate and clear: Dad, I want to hit the ball, not stand there.

We gather on Tuesday nights as a group of people who refuse to walk monotonously through life.  We believe we are on this earth to make a difference, and that means occasionally swinging at some tough pitches. Tonight we will all be challenged to swing for the fences.

Tonight’s opening pitch is at 7:30.

I wouldn’t say that I’m addicted to speed, but rather addicted to speed limits.  I’m old enough now that the thought of driving really fast just doesn’t do it for me as it once did.  But like I said, I am addicted to speed limits, meaning that I may not want to go really fast BUT I want to at least go the maximum allowable speed.

I’ve often wished that speed limits were more clearly marked in relationships.  Perhaps they are, but I’ve failed to see the signs.

Drive over to 97 W Biscayne tonight.  Hang out with us for worship, teaching, and a sense of belonging.  Tonight we learn about reading the signs.  You may find yourself more confident and relaxed behind the wheel, driving a different speed on your next date.

gary

• Assuming that love always involves risk, is it possible to love someone while also “guarding your heart”? 
• How can I tell if a good relationship has become the ultimate relationship? 
• Why does the phrase “happily ever after” make me want to puke?

You may be surprised that the Bible actually offers a lot of wise and practical insights on these topics, and other questions you have pertaining to friendships, dating, and marriage.  I’m continually amazed at the relevance of this ancient text. 

Bring your Bible.  If you don’t have one, we will give you a Bible when you get here.  Bring your date.  If you don’t have one, well, we will at least offer you a Bible.

See you tonight at 7:30.

gary

At 97West we have about 285 chairs.  But what if I told you that chairs only get in the way of what we are trying to do each night through 97West?
 
Join me tonight.  When you get here I don’t care if you sit or stand.  Heck, run in place if you must.  Just don’t get too comfortable.
 
gary

If you could play any character from one of your favorite movies, who would you be? 

God is spinning this magical and immense story, and He invites you to play a lead role.  Yes, you.  Over the past 3 weeks at 97West we have sought to identify the real “you” – the Beloved, unique YOU that God created.

As you get to know this “Real You,” do you feel that maybe you have spent the majority of your life auditioning for the wrong role in the story of life?  Tonight I will tell you about God’s story, and we can figure out when the character of YOU enters this grand stage.

As a single, perhaps you want to know who that soul-mate is – that Mr. or Miss Right.  Or maybe during your workday you begin to question what is it, really, that would be the ideal vocation?  You spend more time pursuing the right job or ideal relationship rather than discovering the Real You, your true self.

What we’ve considered over the past couple weeks is that one of the biggest questions you can hope to answer is “Who Am I?”  When we discover our God-given identity, our Real Name, then our relationships and vocational callings may make a little more sense. 

Rather than staying home tonight and surfing the same old results on eHarmony or Monster.com, you should join us tonight as we spend time surfing the Scriptures and listening to the unique Real Name that God has given you.

 gary

I went out to dinner after a church event several years ago.  As I walked up to the restaurant hostess she said, “Hi, Gary.”  The people in my group gave me one of those “Do you know who she is” looks.  I couldn’t recall ever seeing this girl before, so how could she know who I am?  A part of me felt a bit cocky as I considered the ways in which she might know who I am, but another part of me was concerned that she may know me in a way that I’d rather not be known.

Before we sat down I figured out how she knew who I was: I forgot to remove my nametag.

Show up tonight and you will be asked who you are so that we can write your name on a sticky name badge.  Telling someone your name is easy, but revealing who you really are, well, that’s a bit more difficult.

This may sound like a stupid question, but do you know who you are?  Really?  Tonight we keep giving clues.

gary

Tonight’s 97West is all about YOU.  If you’ve joined us in the past then you know that we typically encourage one another to think of others, putting others needs before our own, offering our lives in service to others.

But tonight it’s all about YOU.  This may sound appealing at first, but here’s the rub: some of you have a difficult time looking yourself in the eye – the real YOU.  In fact, you may find it easier to serve others because that diverts the attention away from the YOU that you are hoping to hide or mask over.

Tonight we tackle the Biblical command to love others as you love yourself – but what if you don’t love yourself???

See you at 7:30, when it’s all about you.

gary

Here we go again.  Entering year number EIGHT of 97West.  Can you believe it?  There are a handful of you that were around when this all began, and you figured that there was NO WAY you’d still be attending a “singles” worship service in 2010.  Others of you will be attending tonight for just the second time ever.

I gotta be honest and tell ya that this previous two-week break over the holidays was tough.  I really missed our time of worship and just hanging out.  I’m looking forward to making up for lost time.  Let’s look back.  Let’s look ahead.  And at the same time, let’s make the most of this present moment.  Hope to see you at 7:30!

gary

We will not have 97West 12/22 and 12/29 due to Christmas as well as New Years… We will meet again January 5th, same time, same place. 

 If you are interested in going to any of our Christmas Eve services, they are at 5 PM, 7 PM, and 11PM.  Contemporary worship will be during the 11 PM service.  We will also have a dessert social at 10 PM.   All services are at the Ballast Point campus which is 5101 Bayshore Blvd., Tampa, FL 33611.