Jun
08
2009

Visio Dei

On Sunday afternoon, my wife Shelly and I attended the launch of a new faith community in Phoenix, called Visio Dei. These alternative faith communities are becoming a viable choice for many who wish to live out the Christian faith in community and serve. At the end of this post I will include some links so that you can check these out learn about their ministries.

I met Pastor David Zook, when our children attended the same day care (Covenant Child Care). David is pastor of Morningside Evangelical Presbyterian Church they shared facilities with Covenant Child Care for many years. Morningside has had a long and somewhat troubled (loss of property and membership decline) history, but they seem to have a renewed spirit with pastor Zook’s guidance. It is encouraging to see an older congregation supporting this bold initiative to reach their neighbors with the love of Christ and take on the bold vision of transforming our city.

Morningside has brought on Billy Smiley as worship leader. Billy is an experienced and talented worship leader he has been nominated for Grammy and Dove awards and he has worked with some of the top acts in music, including his own band Whiteheart, Steven Curtis Chapman, The Newsboys, Amy Grant, and BeBe and CeCe Winans. I met Billy at Valley Presbyterian Church when he played with Scott Wesley Brown. Billy was also the worship leader for Covenant Community Church in Scottsdale. Visio Dei has produced a music CD that includes the Visio Dei vision. These are free if you would like to hear more about Visio Dei and listen to some great music. You may contact them at Visio Dei to request yours.

Visio Dei Introductory CD

Visio Dei Introductory CD

The gathering was held at Radio Milano. This I believe is the perfect location and it created a warm and casual atmosphere. The restaurant is in a busy location so come early to find parking. The restaurant does not open until 5:00 on Sunday so the timing is perfect with worship music beginning at 3:00 and ending around 4:15. After the worship there was time for fellowship and yummy appetizers. If you wish you can hang around for dinner, walk across the street to La Grande Orange or have a glass of wine at Postino Wine Café.

One of the highlights for me was the presentation by Phoenix Youth at Risk (PYAR). PYAR provides a mentoring and curriculum to youth at risk. They gave a compelling presentation and one of their graduates shared her story. Talking about being missional and talking about transforming a city is all well and good, but action is what is needed. Visio Dei from the very beginning is going to be active in working in the community and they hope to have organizations like PYAR at each gathering to help their community find ways to serve their larger community.

Links of Interest:

Soma Communities

Adullam of Denver

Chrio Communities

Written by Kirk in: Uncategorized |

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