The CharestCorp Blog

I love Costco! I feel like I’m always getting a bargain when I shop there. I buy in bulk and save big! The power of the masses is used to lower prices and give us incredible savings.  That’s how I came up with the idea of a Solar Co-op for Churches.

What does it cost to install Solar?  The installed cost of solar panels runs between $7 to $9 per watt, so a 5 kW system would cost on the order of $35,000-$45,000 and an 8 kW system would be anywhere from $56,000 to $72,000 and a 15 kW system (which is recommended for the average church) would run about $105,000- $135,000.  Many utility companies are offering incentives with some subsidizing as much as 50% of the cost of the system.  In California the State has about a 20% incentive and the Federal Government has about a 30% incentive. This still makes the system very expensive with a payback of over 10-15 years.

The Solar Co-op Concept: What if through the purchasing power of many churches a Co-op could be formed in order to purchase the PV panels and inverters wholesale and then install a much more affordable system? It is possible, and this is exactly what CharestCorp is in the process of finalizing. Churches from all over the West Coast will be banding together to get affordable low cost power and a needed hedge against ever rising energy costs.

How much can we save? CharestCorp’s initial investigation shows that costs could be very low with saving of up to 40%. This means a system could be paid for and producing free power in almost half the time as first thought. Imagine in 5 years having a system that practically eliminates your energy bill!!!

How does a Non Profit get tax incentives? Simply put you don’t. However, CharestCorp as the purcahser and solar installer/contractor is a “for profit” corporation and does benefit from the tax incentives. Therefore, we simply pass the savings on to the church to allow them the same savings as any other “for profit” company.  This passing on of savings is exactly why CharestCorp was created and our mission statement inspires us to continually find ways to help grow the Body of Christ and lessen the burden of minstry. It is important to note however, that some gap financing will be needed to pay for the product between installation and the receiving of the tax incentives.

How do I get involved? Simply go to our website at www.charestcorp.com/contact.php and request to be put on our mailing list for updated information of how to purchase your system through this church co-op. Once we have a list of possible clients we can determine the overall savings from mass purchasing at wholesale prices. Our goal is to partner with 500 churches which will represent incredible purchasing power. Currently we have interest with about one third of our goal and we are hoping to meet the total figure by summer of 2010.

So, if you are interested in saving big and being set free of your power bill, now is your time to work together with other congregations and help create this exciting new Church Solar Co-op . Once again go to www.charestcorp.com/contact.php and request to be placed on our mailing list.

FREE POWER- FLEE POWER BILLS

As a Pastor and a CEO, I continue to hear the desperate cries of families and businesses saying, “I could sure use a bailout!” What if financial relief was as close as your garage? In a recent survey CharestCorp Church Design Builders discovered that that is exactly the case. Just in the greater Fresno area people have over 40 million dollars stored in their garages and mini-storage’s. Now we just need a way to convert it into dollars!

Enter the Fresno Indoor Flea Market!This nonprofit community flea market concept will allow individuals and churches from all over the valley to help their community help themselves. Opening on April 17th from 7am to 3pm every Saturday and Sunday. Over 100 vendors and dozens of churches are preparing to be involved so the problem (which is a good one to have), will be scheduling when booths are available. If your interested call Alejandra Charest at (559)392-7671 Enjoy food, friends, and fantastic deals.

Money from Heaven?

Wouldn’t it be nice during these winter months to have a little change in the weather? I mean real change, like Gold coins and silver dollars? Per the latest statistics, The Economic Development Department has recorded unemployment rates in some Central Valley California Cities at around 29%!

Many churches simply have no more money to give to those in need. In addition there is a pervasive feeling of uneasiness about what looms ahead and the possibilities of the unemployed even getting a job, anywhere, at any wage! So what is a Christian who cares about their community to do? I think one answer is found in 2 Corinthians 9:6-8!

  
⁶ But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. ⁷ So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. ⁸ And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. ⁹ NKJV

Why this “Cheerful Giver” scripture? Because there is a river of despair that is dragging business men and woman downstream with an attitude of failure and hopelessness and leaving a pool of dead and dying dreams at its end. But this should not be the case for those who name Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. The promise and action of the Cheerful Giver should be considered at a time like this.

First, this Divine exhortation warns about sowing sparingly and reaping sparingly. However, the implication is not about the quantity of what you sow but the percentage of what you have that you sow. If you are only willing to give 50% of your efforts then that’s all you’ll get in return. But give 100% even of the little that you have with all of your heart then it shall reap bountifully!

Second, give with a heart of thankfulness not grudging annoyance. Have you ever noticed that thankful people always seem to have more to be thankful for? It’s no coincidence it’s just a fact proven by the promise above. There is a capacity for a vessel of thankfulness to hold more than a stingy tiny vessel of selfishness.

Third, notice the liberal usage of the words of plenty; God states that you shall have, “All Sufficiency”, in “all things”, have an “abundance”, and have “All Sufficiency” in all things for “every” good work. I don’t see any shortage or recession with Gods promises…do you?

All that is left is our priorities to hear and do what Gods word says. Will we walk with a thankful heart? Will we believe for Gods complete provision? Will we do what God has inspired us to do to make that happen? Do we believe Gods Revelation will lead us to new Inovations?

This is why I believe our Community Outreach Idea of having the Fresno Indoor Flea Market every weekend starting on April 17^th will give people a chance to bring items for sale that they no longer need and use the proceeds to pay the bills they currently have.  Who knows? Maybe someone will create a new product that people will love and find a new way to support their families and in return bless the community with these fresh new ideas!

April 17^th every Saturday and Sunday until the economy changes for the better. What a wonderful way to see Gods provision play out in a practical and powerful way. See you there!

Today is a time for aggressive Community outreach. and for the Church some of the worst off are in our own Congregations. Churches who normally could dip into their own resources to help congregants in need, are in desperate need themselves.

In a recent work shop with church leaders in Central California we found that 95% of all of the churches present had made cut backs including, layoffs, salary cuts and ministry cuts. Tithes and offerings have been so severly reduced that there is barely enough money to cover salaries, never mind the outreach ministries that were once done by these churches. This leaves financially hurting members one less place to go in times of great financial need.

What is the solution? How do Churches, the very ones people look towards in a time of need, help them without any financial resources? The answer is to help the community help itself as the book of Acts implies.

Acts 2:45 states: “and sold thier possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need”.

This is where the Flea Market Concept becomes an interesting option. For instance, CharestCorp recently completed research estimating that homeowners in the Central Valley, (specifically the City of Fresno) have over 25 million dollars worth of stored goods in their garages and storage areas that could be sold to help support their families. So how do we get them to leverage those good to put food on the table and gas in their cars? The answer is a good old fashioned Flea Market.

There was a time in our country where due to a global war and a severe depression that trading ones goods, second hand items and ones labor services provided a co-op of sorts that insured survival for hundreds of thousands of families. It is time we embrace this concept again.

To that end CharestCorp is using one of our vacant 40,000 square foot buildings to house an ongoing Indoor Flea Market and partnering with local churches to invite members to brings goods that they no longer need for sale. This allows families to, “sell and simplify” their lives and to remove the clutter in their garages and storage spaces and use the money to pay bills as they have need.

Now is the time to be creative and embrace our new motto: “Revelation to Innovation.” Which is to say that we believe as followers of Jesus Christ through the guidance of the Holy Spirit will discover new ways to serve our community by helping them learn to serve themselves.

For more information of how to partner with CharestCorp in making this Flea Market concept a success for your church email us at renem@charestcorp.com  and “Happy Yard Sailing!”

I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes I tell you, fear him. Luke 12:4-6

CharestCorp is talking with a lot of churches lately. There seems to be a prevailing unease with what the future holds for churches in America. It is a combination of economic uncertainty, public disdain and the appearance that governmental leaders have abandoned all the Body of Christ holds dear.

However, I am also talking to a few churches that are walking with a thoughtful expression of contentment. Not an ignorant blissful, “I’m above the circumstances” attitude but a serious but steadfast belief that God is in complete control.

With further investigation I am discovering that the leaders of the churches who walk in this incredible peace have the healthiest “fear” of God. Some may say, “Why do they fear God?” “Shouldn’t we come before Him as our friend and Savior and protective buddy in thick and thin?” The true answer is, “No!” The Living God has the ability to cast you into everlasting hell and separate you from his Glory for the rest of eternity. Good enough for ya?

These types of churches do not walk in some timid stance of fear but in a spritely gait of victory. It is an understanding that God always fiercely protects His Church. He sent His only Son to die for it and no gates of Hell shall prevail against it. So these church continue to walk uprightly, preaching aggressively and  growing exponentially. Though they fear God they are not afraid.

Even though CharestCorp is hired to help churches design and build new facilities, and to establish and maintain unity throughout the entire building process, we are the ones who are learning. We are learning that it is a privilege to partner with men and women who are pillars of the Faith while holding a healthy fear of the Living God.

Another dichotomy of the Christian faith resonates again through the saying, “Once you learn to fear God, you are no longer afraid!”

Fellowship happens! At least that is what most pastors really want to happen before and after their church services. However, during the hot summer months and the cold winter ones, having a place to fellowship can be a challenge. This is why CharestCorp just recently completed a beautiful Shade Sail to shield Valley Bible Fellowship’s Congregation from the intense Bakersfield heat.

With help from Tent City, a Fresno-based fabric and awning installer, we successfully created an eye catching accent arbor which combines an attractive look with essential people protection. After completing the project, the response was immediate. Delighted members told our installers that standing on a concrete slab in front of the church in 106 degree heat was overwhelming, but now it is quite manageable under the new Shade sail. They now feel comfortable staying and talking and doing that magical thing called, “Connecting”.

The lesson to learn is that if you want your members to fellowship, then create a space for them and get out of the way…people know how to do the rest?

There is nothing like being part of a winning team. You can see it in the seats of any home stadium that is experiencing a winning year. People get excited about watching their heroes play and this creates an atmosphere of contagious enthusiasm.

In the same way, when we visit and investigate the churches all around the Country that are growing at breakneck speeds, an interesting pattern emerges. There is life! It is a kind of life that reproduces itself and is determined by its very DNA to grow. I call it the, “Momentum of Growth”. Sort of like a large round stone rolling down a steep mountain face. It may start slow but by the end of its journey its mass and energy would devastate anything in its path.

In a more humorous way it also reminds me of when I was young and had to suck gas down a hose from my Dads car to the lawn mower. (We kept losing our metal gas tank). Once I got the disgusting tasting fuel to flow it then created its own inertia and would continue until I stopped it, or until the gas tank completely emptied and killed a large patch of our lawn. This system of fuel relocation worked because suction creates more suction.

This concept is exactly what we see with the Good News of the Gospel. Gods Son was not defeated in death but resurrected in life. Therefore, Christ was the ultimate Victor because He conquered death and offered the same eternal life to us. His sacrifice created the sanctified suction that drew us from eternal damnation and death into everlasting life. Like the stone building up steam at the end of its perilous decline, so is the sweeping forgiving hand of Christ to our confused and stumbling generation.

This is why I am on the winning team. Jesus is my Lord and Savior and I profess that I am a disciple of Christ. We sacrifice all because He sacrificed all for us. Even if we are put to death we win because death has no victory for us. Pastors, I want to encourage you to remember that you are on the winning team. By preaching this message of hope in your church and living it out in your personal life just watch and see how your congregation will multiply itself in wonderful glorious ways! This is how churches grow with a simple but effective strategy given by the best Coach the world has ever and will ever see. Go Team!

The Barren Cross

by Mark DeRaud

To protest Catholic use of images, a Reformation artist printed a woodcut, depicting Catholics obscenely licking a naked corpse. This was an official Protestant depiction of their Lord’s Supper.

Today, we commonly imagine our Protestant cross depicting the Resurrected Christ while we tell ourselves Catholics don’t know of the resurrection because they only know the Crucifix.

A Catholic should well respond, “What was your Christ resurrected from? There is no hint of Him suffering and dying evident on your cross. It is bloodless.” Not only is His person cleansed from our cross so is our cross cleansed of its history, for the same mob that circulated the woodcut imprint tore Christ off the cross.

What shall we think of our residual discomfort with this crucifix? Our sterile cross is, historically, a symbol of disunity and not just towards Catholics. All our isolated denominations have one. I suspect it symbolizes a disfigured hierarchy of values; abstracted truths over unity in The One who is Truth.

The crucifixion remains a symbol of contention. Whatever our disagreements, I suppose this should not be one of them.

My experience is that my Catholic family is innately wired towards the visual, and they have much to tell us regarding the potential power of the visual in sacred space. If we listen, we can draw closer. If we can draw closer we may well rediscover the future in the archives of the ancient.

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Click this facebook event link for details on the Art Hop Showcase of Mark’s work, Thurs. Aug. 6.

If These Walls Could Talk

by Mark DeRaud

I am struck by the number of those denominations, embarrassed by their supernatural roots, which are also numbered among our declining or stagnant denominations. This is unfortunate. Surveys conducted in Britain and the United States reveal that over sixty percent of the population has had a religious transcendent experience “which is different from their everyday selves” (Oxford).

If beauty alone could save the church then Europe’s cathedrals would be full. Though abandoned, these structures still speak. As tourists gather in these empty shells, docents read the walls to them. The paintings, the architecture itself, often narrate the historic gospel, but more importantly reveal Europe’s forgotten inner life of faith.

Turning again to Bernini’s sculpture, “The Ecstasy of St. Theresa”, as tourists to the Santa Maria Della Vitoria Church we would confront the depiction of a real, post gospel intervention, or transverberation. Like the born again experience, the Shakers shake, the Nazarene’s sanctification, the Pentecostal’s baptism in the spirit, we have here depicted a direct experience, this time, of God’s Love.

Would we find such numbered experiences hidden within our own congregations? Dare we ask?

We may not afford flying buttresses but we can afford to have our artists and musicians adorn our walls, and sing hymns to reveal the inner life of the body, to express in artistic narratives that we really are “living Epistles.”

The Ecstasy of St. Theresa