Sunday Rumination (12-30-07)

First off, let me say, I'm really tired. This may not be very long. I'll update more later. Just wanted to get this in before tonight!

--- Attendance was 216 today. Both Adam and I thought we were below 200 by looking at it. Don't know if it was how people were situated, but first serviced seemed WAY down to me. I was pleasantly surprised with attendance today. That puts us at 3 or 4 weeks in a row over 200. Very good.

--- 10 first time guests filled out cards today. That was great!

--- Offering today was $3275.50. Great offering for a fifth Sunday.

--- I loved this series we did. I got the idea from Harvest Church in Billings who was doing a series called "Believe It Or Not" this past summer, based off the Ripley's idea. It sparked my mind to do a Christmas series called "Believe" and look at the life of Christ rather than the birth. Adam did a great job with set design and worship through the whole series.

--- I'm tired.

--- I'm excited about our Deal or No Deal series coming up. I really feel this can benefit ALL of us at Element Church.

--- I'm VERY excited about what God has in store for our church this next year. We'll be doing something in January that is going to be VERY fun. Can't wait to reveal it. It can be one of those things that can really impact everyone who attends Element Church that day.

--- I spoke on the final idea of why Jesus came today. He came to take away all excuses. Jesus did enough in this life to take out any excuses we have to follow Him. It's Him or NOTHING. I've enjoyed every message this series and felt like God was speaking as much TO me as much as He was THROUGH me in all the sermons. Usually the best sermons are ones that convict YOU first.

--- I got a little worked up in second service today. Hope everyone comes back. lol There are some things I just get fired up about. The topics we talked about today did just that.

--- I am SO excited. I can't TELL you how excited I am for our connections pastor Grant Clark. Grant moved here in Feb/March and continued working for Frito Lay (as He had in Gillette). It was such a MAJOR risk for him to move the way he did for Element Church. He has worked just about EVERY Sunday since he moved here. He took a pretty major position cut by following God's call to Cheyenne. In Gillette he had his own route, here he's been what they call a "swing" guy where he covers the days off of other guys who have routes. (Hope I'm explaining this correctly) Anyway, today was Grants LAST Sunday to work because starting next week he has his own route. PRAISE THE LORD! I pray God rewards Grant for his sacrifice. This has been a major prayer request since we moved here. CONGRATS GRANT!

--- Ok, that's it for now. I'm heading to take a nap!

Following Christ,

Jeff