MESH Relationship Conference (via @CityChurchChi)

Earlier this week City Church Chicago hosted their 2nd annual MESH Relationship Conference 2013. The two day conference featured Pastors Keith and Sheila Gerald , Pastors Jeffrey and Amy Smith, along with City Church Chi's very own Pastors Kent and Alli Munsey.

I didn't attend Monday night and was highly doubtful about how things would go Tuesday night. After a little coaxing by a friend, coupled with my typical cancerian moody emo-ness, I decided the best place for me to be was receiving a nurturing word in the house of God.

Let me just say that I was blown away by the conference and messages I received. I know, I know... people may start bracing themselves thinking I'm about to start going on some holy rolling inspiration fest... but seriously, the message was great and I know so many people that could have benefited from being there. I decided that I could be a blessing to others and share some of the key points I received from Tuesday night's session.

Instead of having everything in a super long post, I've decided to break it up into 2 separate posts... let's be honest, folks barely read as is nowadays. On another note: We were treated to a completely different vibe during offering as can be seen in the below video. It was kinda funny to hear the song and played into the theme of the relationship conference. Enjoy the smooth tunes and look out for Part 1 and Part 2 next week.

Encouragement Listens (via @CityChurchChi)

I went to church yesterday for the first time in forever. Seriously, it had been years since I rolled out of bed on a Sunday to praise and worship in the midst of others. While I don't consider myself an overly religious individual, I was raised with a strong spiritual foundation and have a relationship with god.

I was invited to City Church Chicago (777 N. Green St.) and had a great time. It's a mix of young urban professionals with and without kids, racially diverse - - very United Colors of Benetton, and the message is inspiring.

City Church Chicago

"Encouragement listens..."  was the tone of the message, and Pastor Kent went on to explain that we should all strive to open our spiritual ears and be of encouragement to others.  

There will always be things that can discourage and destabilize us, but we must remain focused and strengthened. Sometimes God allows undesirable things to happen to us. However, we should commit in the midst of those circumstances to build a life for ourselves. These "Trials by Fire" are meant to cause us to change some behavior, but stay faithful that God will bring us through and give us the life we ultimately want for ourselves.  

It was refreshing to have a completely different church experience. I was raised catholic in the suburbs and then went to Pentecostal churches on the South Side... but City Church Chicago was a much better reflection of who I am today and the type of ministry that appeals to me.

They offer 3 services on Sunday: 10a, Noon, and 6p. Super flexible for any schedule. You can learn more about City Church Chicago by visiting their website. They're also on Twitter and Facebook! Yay for being linked into the social media stratosphere in 2013 lol.