Sunday Rumination (5-4-08)

Hey Element Church! I tried laying down for a nap as soon as I got home from church today but my brain wouldn't shut off. It takes me a while to unwind from Sunday morning. I wanted to rest before Partnership but just couldn't do it. I'm relaxing watching some NBA Playoffs. Got the FTG (First Time Guest) emails sent out and now I'm gonna blog. Gonna head out to Partnership here in about an hour. Here are my ruminations on the day.

--- This series is really stretching and challenging me. As soon as I started prep for this series, my parenting skills were put to the test. Jonah tried stealing something from a store. We got our first phone call from school for Jonah acting up. Jonah was thrown out of e:kidz one morning at church and the girls seem more clingy and whiny than ever.

--- I am VERY honest in saying that I have a TON to learn as a parent. I need to grow yet in so many areas. I make mistakes and am not perfect as a parent. This series is helping me as much as it will anyone.

--- Husbands when is the next date you're planning for your spouse?

--- 473 in church today.

--- Over $10,000 already pledged for The Climb today. $5000 already giving in cash. Please pray about what God can do through you. Our goal is $100,000! Let's pray for God to provide EVERYTHING we need. We'll be taking our official pledge offering on May 18th.

--- We're hoping to get in for demo this week! We announced in first service but I don't think we did in 2nd and 3rd to sign up if you can volunteer. If you are a willing and able volunteer and did NOT sign up at the e:connect table, please email us at info@elementweb.net

--- We're putting in for the building permit tomorrow.

--- We played an old school Will Smith music video today. "Parents Just Don't Understand" Brought back memories.

--- I am very opinionated on some parenting things, and there were a couple of silent moments today that made me wonder if anyone agreed with me. lol I fully know that not everything I believe in as a parent do others believe. And that's ok.

--- We got in on time today and had a GREAT set up! Setting up two worship centers and preaching three times is VERY tiring! We were done with 36 minutes to spare today, AND I ABOUT WENT CRAZY! I sat down and couldn't stop thinking about the service. I almost rather be working right up to start time. I'm a pacer, fidgiter and nervous wreck on Sundays. You may see me on Sundays wandering around the halls. In and out of the worship center. Up and down from my seat. That's the way I roll. I can't stay still on Sundays. AT ALL! I've been preaching for 8 years almost and am just as nervous each week as I was 8 years ago. CRAZY!

--- Got rid of the HORRID buzz today, only to deal with an annoying crackling. Once we figure one thing out, something else starts.

--- I preach WAY to stinkin' long in third service. I have MUCH more freedom so they get the extra goods. That middle service makes me feel so rushed. If I don't get out of there I won't make it in e:coustic. At the end of the service is when I really feel it. I just don't feel the freedom to slow down and let people meditate and ponder the Word. Gotta do what you gotta do.

--- I was doing GREAT on time until last week. Gotta get back on track.

--- Only seeing people after one service is still weird to me. Feel disconnected.

--- Day of Giving is Friday. Please stop by Lions Park this Friday and support the Day of Giving. Non perishable food. Leftover prescription drugs. Giving blood and marrow. Plus other stuff. Great way to serve the city.

--- Our new Random Act of Kindness was revealed today for the month. We are challenging you to do something for the service agencies of the community. The video showed me taking pizza to a local fire station. Do something for the firemen, policeman, teachers lounge, nurses/doctors, politicians, etc. Let's serve those who serve us everyday.

--- Alright, I'm getting ready to head out to Partnership Class. Hopefully we'll be bringing in our first ever Partners. We'll be offering a class each quarter for the first few years.

Following Christ,

Jeff