Hey Element Church! I got the best nap in I've had in MONTHS today. MAN I needed that. I slept with Jonah in his room. He is in the basement so it was nice and cool, had the fan on high, loved it. lol Here are some thoughts on my weekend and ruminations on today.
Weekend Wrap up:
--- Jonah turned 7 Friday. Doesn't seem real. He's growing into a young man. That responsibility to me is HUGE.
--- We took him and some friends roller skating. He had a blast. I love the analogy of "giving good gifts" to your children and how God delights to give "good gifts" to His. By the way, God's good gifts are not worldly possessions, they are His Holy Spirit. That's all we need.
--- Jonah is a wild man. I'm amazed with all of his skating, skiing, snowboarding and general wackiness we've had NO broken bones.
--- I planned a surprise date for my wife and I on Friday afternoon. Scheduled babysitting and set up lunch and then we were going to take the Trolley Tour around Cheyenne. We got to the depot and it was SOLD OUT! That was a bummer. But we had a great time touring the Governor's Mansion and Wyoming State Museum. Something different for us to do.
--- Saturday we got to take the trolley tour. It was REALLY cool actually. Then we went to Olive Garden. Two days and two dates HOLY COW!
--- Guys, you planned and done your date yet? YOU NEED TO!
Ruminations:
--- 449 today. Good numbers. Didn't know what to expect on our first Mothers Day!
--- HAPPY MOTHERS DAY by the way. Two ladies in my life and the two best moms in the world. My WONDERFUL wife Sabrina and my AMAZING mom Becky! I can't imagine life without either of them. Sabrina, you are the love of my life. Thank you for marrying me. Mom, what can I say, you were/are an incredible mother and now you've carried that into being an awesome grandmother. Thank you!
--- I felt horrible today. Just heaviness in my spirit all morning. I was struggling. Didn't feel like I really connected until 3rd service. I just didn't feel right for some reason. It was a tough morning.
--- Three services is getting hard. Just being honest. The early set up THEN preaching three times is what is tough. If it weren't for the set up I don't think three would be as heavy. Crazy.
--- ANDY IS HERE! (new youth pastor) So cool to have him here. Can't wait to see what Fusion does and how Andy and Curtis will flourish in their roles.
--- Be praying for our permits to come in. I REALLY want to start working in our building. Right no we are literally just waiting for permits.
--- The Climb commitments and offering is this Sunday. Be praying about what God can do through you.
--- The guys put together dinner and grilled out tonight for the ladies. We had a fun time hanging out.
--- This series is REALLY stretching me. Very challenging. Lots of views on parenting. I know that my opinion is not the only one.
--- Chillin' with my wife watching the Survivor finale. Blog more through the week!
Following Christ,
Jeff
Showing posts with label Weekend Wrapup. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Weekend Wrapup. Show all posts
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Monday, October 22, 2007
Weekend Wrapup (3 words)
wow 1 |wou| informal exclamation (also wowee |ˈwouē; ˈwouˈ(w)ē|) expressing astonishment or admiration : “Wow!” he cried enthusiastically.
crazy |ˈkrāzē| informal adjective ( -zier , -ziest ) 3 (of an angle) appearing absurdly out of place or in an unlikely position : the monument leaned at a crazy angle. • archaic (of a ship or building) full of cracks or flaws; unsound or shaky.
phenomenal |fəˈnämənəl| adjective 1 very remarkable; extraordinary : the town expanded at a phenomenal rate. 2 perceptible by the senses or through immediate experience : the phenomenal world.
Those are about the only 3 words I've used to describe what's going on at Element lately. Here are some of the highlights.
--- 167 in church yesterday. $1791.86 in the offering.
--- We built a giant lite brite for church this week and spelled the word "Change" in it with big Christmas lights. We also lined the stage with 6 small light brites spelling the word Change. We talked of our core value of change and how we are a lot like lite brites. It doesn't matter what design is put on it until light shines through it. God has created us each beautifully and uniquely to live for Him. When His light shines through us is when we really change and reflect how we are to live.
--- We gave away Krispy Kreme donuts to everyone yesterday. Each week through this core value series I've talked about cravings so we've let people experience some food cravings I have. We use it as an analogy of the cravings in our soul that only Christ can quench. Our core values rise from these soul cravings.
--- I am blown away at what God is doing and who he is bringing. I don't want to stand in his way at all. We had a great staff meeting today trying to figure out the best way to make sure we connect these people. At this point, EVERYONE is new.
--- We are receiving wow, crazy, phenomenal comments from people. One's like this:
"I've been a Christian for 17 years and your message today really made me think more about my "maturity." In so many ways I'm still a baby and it was God's plan for me to hear what you said today. My daughter, (name), attended with me and she is so excited about Element Church. It's exactly what she's been looking for. She too is a Christian and she's looking for other Christian kids to hang out with. We spoke with Curtis after the service and he invited (name) to attend next Saturday. When we got to the car, she was already texting a friend to see if she could go with her. I'm so glad to see she wants to get involved! May God bless your ministry and continue to guide you. I'm sure you can't wait to see what He has planned for Element!"
--- We have a local pastor in town who pastors a healthy, life giving, successful church who has been an incredible support for us. Because of him telling people about Element Church we've seen people attend. HOW COOL IS THAT? A pastor who will say "You should try Element Church." CRAZY, WOW, PHENOMENAL. I won't share his name cause I don't have permission to, but thanks to you pastor (you know who you are, lol).
--- Another local pastor is going to try and help make some space available for our use in his church in an emergency situation. That way if we were to suddenly lose our space in the theater we could meet there to buy us some time. Again, even if it doesn't happen, how cool is that that a pastor would try and let you use their church's extra space. Also, again, thank you pastor. (You also know who you are)
--- I am being stretched as a leader. I feel we're at another tipping point. We've had a great start and people are coming. Now we need to make that move into connection mode and team building mode. We have AMAZING volunteers. We need more. We're getting to the point now where our initial volunteers cannot handle the amount of people we are bringing in. Some of our e:kidz volunteers have yet to attend church. That needs to change. Some of our greeters have yet to come to church and just be greeted. MOST, if not all, of our set up/tear down crew and band have yet to been able to come and be served instead of serving. We need to build our teams now. It's that next level for us. We're always going to be looking at that next level, how do we break the barrier, how do we grow?
--- We've had several kids not wanting to leave the e:kidz area after church because they like it so much. That is what I like to hear. Keep up the good work Katrina and e:kidz staff.
That's about it. I know I'm forgetting something but that's alright.
WOW - CRAZY - PHENOMENAL
Following Christ,
Jeff
crazy |ˈkrāzē| informal adjective ( -zier , -ziest ) 3 (of an angle) appearing absurdly out of place or in an unlikely position : the monument leaned at a crazy angle. • archaic (of a ship or building) full of cracks or flaws; unsound or shaky.
phenomenal |fəˈnämənəl| adjective 1 very remarkable; extraordinary : the town expanded at a phenomenal rate. 2 perceptible by the senses or through immediate experience : the phenomenal world.
Those are about the only 3 words I've used to describe what's going on at Element lately. Here are some of the highlights.
--- 167 in church yesterday. $1791.86 in the offering.
--- We built a giant lite brite for church this week and spelled the word "Change" in it with big Christmas lights. We also lined the stage with 6 small light brites spelling the word Change. We talked of our core value of change and how we are a lot like lite brites. It doesn't matter what design is put on it until light shines through it. God has created us each beautifully and uniquely to live for Him. When His light shines through us is when we really change and reflect how we are to live.
--- We gave away Krispy Kreme donuts to everyone yesterday. Each week through this core value series I've talked about cravings so we've let people experience some food cravings I have. We use it as an analogy of the cravings in our soul that only Christ can quench. Our core values rise from these soul cravings.
--- I am blown away at what God is doing and who he is bringing. I don't want to stand in his way at all. We had a great staff meeting today trying to figure out the best way to make sure we connect these people. At this point, EVERYONE is new.
--- We are receiving wow, crazy, phenomenal comments from people. One's like this:
"I've been a Christian for 17 years and your message today really made me think more about my "maturity." In so many ways I'm still a baby and it was God's plan for me to hear what you said today. My daughter, (name), attended with me and she is so excited about Element Church. It's exactly what she's been looking for. She too is a Christian and she's looking for other Christian kids to hang out with. We spoke with Curtis after the service and he invited (name) to attend next Saturday. When we got to the car, she was already texting a friend to see if she could go with her. I'm so glad to see she wants to get involved! May God bless your ministry and continue to guide you. I'm sure you can't wait to see what He has planned for Element!"
--- We have a local pastor in town who pastors a healthy, life giving, successful church who has been an incredible support for us. Because of him telling people about Element Church we've seen people attend. HOW COOL IS THAT? A pastor who will say "You should try Element Church." CRAZY, WOW, PHENOMENAL. I won't share his name cause I don't have permission to, but thanks to you pastor (you know who you are, lol).
--- Another local pastor is going to try and help make some space available for our use in his church in an emergency situation. That way if we were to suddenly lose our space in the theater we could meet there to buy us some time. Again, even if it doesn't happen, how cool is that that a pastor would try and let you use their church's extra space. Also, again, thank you pastor. (You also know who you are)
--- I am being stretched as a leader. I feel we're at another tipping point. We've had a great start and people are coming. Now we need to make that move into connection mode and team building mode. We have AMAZING volunteers. We need more. We're getting to the point now where our initial volunteers cannot handle the amount of people we are bringing in. Some of our e:kidz volunteers have yet to attend church. That needs to change. Some of our greeters have yet to come to church and just be greeted. MOST, if not all, of our set up/tear down crew and band have yet to been able to come and be served instead of serving. We need to build our teams now. It's that next level for us. We're always going to be looking at that next level, how do we break the barrier, how do we grow?
--- We've had several kids not wanting to leave the e:kidz area after church because they like it so much. That is what I like to hear. Keep up the good work Katrina and e:kidz staff.
That's about it. I know I'm forgetting something but that's alright.
WOW - CRAZY - PHENOMENAL
Following Christ,
Jeff
Monday, October 8, 2007
Weekend Wrapup (Holy Hangover)
Man, today has been a holy hangover. My brain is still trying to wrap around all that happened yesterday. The whole weekend was just incredible. It just blows my mind. We are getting pictures online that you will be able to see. That theater was PACKED with people. Here are some highlights from the weekend.
Friday night: What a POWERFUL night. 24 of us gathered at the office for a time of focused praise and prayer for launch Sunday. What an absolutely powerful time. The presence and direction of God was thick, as we prayed for our city, for each other and specifically for launch Sunday. We took communion together for the first time as a team. It was so cool to see these people that God has brought us on their knees weeping over the city and people they know. Prayers were confident, focused and intentional. We were specifically praying for 150 people and 5 salvations.
Saturday: OU beat Texas. Nuff said!
Sunday: I think I was more confident in praying this week than I may have ever been. Toward the end of the week there was just a confidence in God that was unexplainable. And boy howdy did God show up. We had 200 people in church on Sunday. 153 in the e:worship auditorium and 47 in e:kidz or roaming volunteers. 31 first time guest connection cards were filled out and 5 people indicated that they crossed the line of faith and became followers of Jesus yesterday. THAT is what it's all about.
Here is a link to pictures of Sunday.
We gave out free bags of theater popcorn in the middle of my message yesterday. We had the popcorn popping as people were walking so the smell filled the lobby. Then we gave it out during the message as we were talking about cravings. It was a cool little illustration.
We added a couple of new elements to the stage set up. Used some tension fabric to highlight the platform. It REALLY made the stage pop. Added a couple of flat screen TVs just intended to be creative elements but they became a Godsend when we had to use the front row for seating and people used the TVs to read lyrics off of. Cool how God works even those little details out.
Out of the 200 people only 34 were out of town family and friends. That means that 166 people were from the Cheyenne area. I sent an email follow up to everyone who wrote down their email and already received 3 emails back saying they will be back in church this week.
Our offering was right at $1600. Don't have the final count on that.
What's next? What is that next step. We have definitely NOT arrived. This is only the beginning. We will be faithful to work, risk, love, and serve and I know God will be faithful to bring the harvest. What an amazing weekend. Pray for great follow up and for people to return. Looking forward already to Sunday.
Following Christ,
Jeff
Friday night: What a POWERFUL night. 24 of us gathered at the office for a time of focused praise and prayer for launch Sunday. What an absolutely powerful time. The presence and direction of God was thick, as we prayed for our city, for each other and specifically for launch Sunday. We took communion together for the first time as a team. It was so cool to see these people that God has brought us on their knees weeping over the city and people they know. Prayers were confident, focused and intentional. We were specifically praying for 150 people and 5 salvations.
Saturday: OU beat Texas. Nuff said!
Sunday: I think I was more confident in praying this week than I may have ever been. Toward the end of the week there was just a confidence in God that was unexplainable. And boy howdy did God show up. We had 200 people in church on Sunday. 153 in the e:worship auditorium and 47 in e:kidz or roaming volunteers. 31 first time guest connection cards were filled out and 5 people indicated that they crossed the line of faith and became followers of Jesus yesterday. THAT is what it's all about.
Here is a link to pictures of Sunday.
We gave out free bags of theater popcorn in the middle of my message yesterday. We had the popcorn popping as people were walking so the smell filled the lobby. Then we gave it out during the message as we were talking about cravings. It was a cool little illustration.
We added a couple of new elements to the stage set up. Used some tension fabric to highlight the platform. It REALLY made the stage pop. Added a couple of flat screen TVs just intended to be creative elements but they became a Godsend when we had to use the front row for seating and people used the TVs to read lyrics off of. Cool how God works even those little details out.
Out of the 200 people only 34 were out of town family and friends. That means that 166 people were from the Cheyenne area. I sent an email follow up to everyone who wrote down their email and already received 3 emails back saying they will be back in church this week.
Our offering was right at $1600. Don't have the final count on that.
What's next? What is that next step. We have definitely NOT arrived. This is only the beginning. We will be faithful to work, risk, love, and serve and I know God will be faithful to bring the harvest. What an amazing weekend. Pray for great follow up and for people to return. Looking forward already to Sunday.
Following Christ,
Jeff
Monday, October 1, 2007
Weekend Wrapup
I've already shared some of this on the Sunday Reflection post. Here are some thoughts on the weekend.
--- Gas Buydown was phenomenal (I know, I like that word). Can't wait to be able to do it again. People are amazed at us doing it. We typically have two types of people come out. Those who are totally out to get everything they can from you. One guy brought at least 3 vehicles through. And others who are absolutely grateful and appreciative. It blows me away that someone would come through the line and cop an attitude or be impatient. Some folks were asking when we were doing it again. Thought that was cool. I hope we develop a reputation of regularly doing things for the community.
--- We're currently working on something to give the kids that attend the Cheyenne City Goblin Walk. GASP! Goblin walk? All I can say is, every kid who attends the Goblin Walk needs Jesus and so do their siblings, friends and parents.
--- Back to Gas Buydown. I'll try and get footage on the blog soon. Things are a tad busy with launch week.
--- Launch week. (How's that for a segway) I felt great today about where we were at. Got a few bugs figured out from yesterday. Still a few things we're trying to make smoother, but overall our service, I feel, is great! Love the way it flows and feels. Nothing spectacular about what we do, just like the way it flows.
--- I can't believe we are launching this Sunday. That blows my mind. So many thoughts about that. I was moved to tears Sunday when the Elementers came forward to write down on index cards, names of people they would pray for and do their best to help cross the line of faith. We placed those cards in a wheelchair representing the spiritually paralyzed people in our lives who cannot come to Christ on their own. Like the four men who lowered their friend before Jesus on a mat (Sunday's sermon) to what lengths will we go to get people to Jesus? You SERIOUSLY need to watch how we ended our service. I think it was the most creative sermon illustration/ending I've ever done. We wanted to actually lower someone onto the platform, we settled for what you'll see. Go to www.elementweb.net and click "watch and listen" to find the sermon video.
--- We had 78 in church on Sunday. For not launching yet, I'd say that is pretty good. That is a new high at Element Church. I just called Terri to get the offering total and in typical Jeff fashion totally forgot what the number was. I know it was $1800 something. I think $1813.
--- We are SO excited for launch. We have a couple of cool creative elements for Sunday that will add to the worship experience. We have some family and friends who will be coming in to celebrate with us. Pastor Dan and Liz will be coming from HPCC. A couple other families as well are coming down to support us.
--- Man, I have so much more on my mind and heart right now but I know this has gotten too long. I'll try and blog more about it later this week. If you're an Elementer, I love you guys. If you're a prayerful supporter, THANK YOU! If you're a curious onlooker, stay curious. I don't have any detractors yet, but if you're out there, just stay silent. If you're Bob Stoops, WHAT THE WORLD? GET THEM SOONERS IN GEAR!
Following Christ,
Jeff
--- Gas Buydown was phenomenal (I know, I like that word). Can't wait to be able to do it again. People are amazed at us doing it. We typically have two types of people come out. Those who are totally out to get everything they can from you. One guy brought at least 3 vehicles through. And others who are absolutely grateful and appreciative. It blows me away that someone would come through the line and cop an attitude or be impatient. Some folks were asking when we were doing it again. Thought that was cool. I hope we develop a reputation of regularly doing things for the community.
--- We're currently working on something to give the kids that attend the Cheyenne City Goblin Walk. GASP! Goblin walk? All I can say is, every kid who attends the Goblin Walk needs Jesus and so do their siblings, friends and parents.
--- Back to Gas Buydown. I'll try and get footage on the blog soon. Things are a tad busy with launch week.
--- Launch week. (How's that for a segway) I felt great today about where we were at. Got a few bugs figured out from yesterday. Still a few things we're trying to make smoother, but overall our service, I feel, is great! Love the way it flows and feels. Nothing spectacular about what we do, just like the way it flows.
--- I can't believe we are launching this Sunday. That blows my mind. So many thoughts about that. I was moved to tears Sunday when the Elementers came forward to write down on index cards, names of people they would pray for and do their best to help cross the line of faith. We placed those cards in a wheelchair representing the spiritually paralyzed people in our lives who cannot come to Christ on their own. Like the four men who lowered their friend before Jesus on a mat (Sunday's sermon) to what lengths will we go to get people to Jesus? You SERIOUSLY need to watch how we ended our service. I think it was the most creative sermon illustration/ending I've ever done. We wanted to actually lower someone onto the platform, we settled for what you'll see. Go to www.elementweb.net and click "watch and listen" to find the sermon video.
--- We had 78 in church on Sunday. For not launching yet, I'd say that is pretty good. That is a new high at Element Church. I just called Terri to get the offering total and in typical Jeff fashion totally forgot what the number was. I know it was $1800 something. I think $1813.
--- We are SO excited for launch. We have a couple of cool creative elements for Sunday that will add to the worship experience. We have some family and friends who will be coming in to celebrate with us. Pastor Dan and Liz will be coming from HPCC. A couple other families as well are coming down to support us.
--- Man, I have so much more on my mind and heart right now but I know this has gotten too long. I'll try and blog more about it later this week. If you're an Elementer, I love you guys. If you're a prayerful supporter, THANK YOU! If you're a curious onlooker, stay curious. I don't have any detractors yet, but if you're out there, just stay silent. If you're Bob Stoops, WHAT THE WORLD? GET THEM SOONERS IN GEAR!
Following Christ,
Jeff
Monday, September 24, 2007
Weekend Wrapup
Here are some highlights from this past weekend (and earlier).
--- Thursday we (Grant, Adam and I) went to lunch with Brandon from the Wyoming Tribune Eagle newspaper. Brandon is the religion and military reporter for the paper hear in town. He has come to all three of our September previews and will be doing a feature piece on us, our launch, as well as other faith based groups trying to engage the younger generation. Brandon wanted to get with us to ask some in depth questions about our church. Although "I believe" the paper is doing this simply as a news story about this new church, I also believe God is behind the entire thing as a way to help promote what we are doing. Please pray that disconnected people will be drawn to our church because of this article. Brandon is a GREAT guy so I would never expect anything BUT good, but please pray that we will be portrayed positively to the community.
--- Saturday we received our issue of the "Around Cheyenne Magazine". I would say all Cheyenne residents get a copy but for some reason Terri and Adam have never received one. I know most residents get one. They have a feature article each month called "Where to Worship?" We are that featured church this month. We are portrayed in a GREAT way and gives the dates of our remaining previews and launch Sunday. I'll try to scan the article in so you can download it and view it.
--- Sunday: 67 people in attendance. We had 49 in the e:worship auditorium. Our e:kidz volunteers and children made up the remainder of that number. Our offering yesterday was $904.80. I think we are seeing the bi-weekly tithe pandemic. LOL Most people get paid every 2 weeks so we see a BIG offering and a smaller offering. BUT let me say this. I AM ECSTATIC THAT WE HAVE ANY OFFERING! We have committed givers and that blows me away. People believe in what we are doing enough to give. WOW!
--- Sunday: I love our church service. I love the way it flows, the way it feels, the way it sets up the Word. Our worship time was phenomenal yesterday. Just totally sets up the Word. We had some fun in the sermon showed some funny videos, I told a few funny stories. Just was an all around GREAT service.
--- Sunday: We had I think 4 new families in the service yesterday. One family seemed VERY excited that we were in town. I'm going to try and connect with them this week. We had one return guest (couple) who came back from one of our September previews. Our prayer every week is that we have new faces. God has yet to say "No!" to that prayer request.
--- Sunday: I gave an invitation at the end of the service yesterday. I asked if anyone knew they weren't following Christ but wanted to to raise their hand. Two people raised their hand and then we turned the lights out so I couldn't see (due to stage lights) anyone to know if they would respond by raising hand again that they prayed to receive Jesus in their hearts. I trust that God's Spirit is speaking to them and working in their hearts today.
That's about it. Thanks for following along. I'll post the Sunday Gameplan later.
--- Thursday we (Grant, Adam and I) went to lunch with Brandon from the Wyoming Tribune Eagle newspaper. Brandon is the religion and military reporter for the paper hear in town. He has come to all three of our September previews and will be doing a feature piece on us, our launch, as well as other faith based groups trying to engage the younger generation. Brandon wanted to get with us to ask some in depth questions about our church. Although "I believe" the paper is doing this simply as a news story about this new church, I also believe God is behind the entire thing as a way to help promote what we are doing. Please pray that disconnected people will be drawn to our church because of this article. Brandon is a GREAT guy so I would never expect anything BUT good, but please pray that we will be portrayed positively to the community.
--- Saturday we received our issue of the "Around Cheyenne Magazine". I would say all Cheyenne residents get a copy but for some reason Terri and Adam have never received one. I know most residents get one. They have a feature article each month called "Where to Worship?" We are that featured church this month. We are portrayed in a GREAT way and gives the dates of our remaining previews and launch Sunday. I'll try to scan the article in so you can download it and view it.
--- Sunday: 67 people in attendance. We had 49 in the e:worship auditorium. Our e:kidz volunteers and children made up the remainder of that number. Our offering yesterday was $904.80. I think we are seeing the bi-weekly tithe pandemic. LOL Most people get paid every 2 weeks so we see a BIG offering and a smaller offering. BUT let me say this. I AM ECSTATIC THAT WE HAVE ANY OFFERING! We have committed givers and that blows me away. People believe in what we are doing enough to give. WOW!
--- Sunday: I love our church service. I love the way it flows, the way it feels, the way it sets up the Word. Our worship time was phenomenal yesterday. Just totally sets up the Word. We had some fun in the sermon showed some funny videos, I told a few funny stories. Just was an all around GREAT service.
--- Sunday: We had I think 4 new families in the service yesterday. One family seemed VERY excited that we were in town. I'm going to try and connect with them this week. We had one return guest (couple) who came back from one of our September previews. Our prayer every week is that we have new faces. God has yet to say "No!" to that prayer request.
--- Sunday: I gave an invitation at the end of the service yesterday. I asked if anyone knew they weren't following Christ but wanted to to raise their hand. Two people raised their hand and then we turned the lights out so I couldn't see (due to stage lights) anyone to know if they would respond by raising hand again that they prayed to receive Jesus in their hearts. I trust that God's Spirit is speaking to them and working in their hearts today.
That's about it. Thanks for following along. I'll post the Sunday Gameplan later.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Weekend Wrapup
Another good weekend at Element Church. One more preview under our belt. Hard to believe we have 2 more previews left and then it's launch time. Here are bits, pieces, highlights and wrapups of the weekend.
--- Got a severe case of the Mondays right now. We only had 44 people yesterday. We did have one new family from Cheyenne. Two of our core families were out sick totaling 12 people just from those two families gone.
--- With those 44 people we did have a GREAT offering. We got $2592 given yesterday. That is awesome. WOW! Way to go Element peeps.
--- I felt yesterday was our best day yet for setting up, tearing down, transitions and overall production. The band sounded great!
--- Dont Miss It is starting off good. We've had 189 unique visits to our site. Please pray, PRAY, PRAY AND PRAY some more that our people will see our billboards, invite cards and/or t-shirts and go to the web-site. We really wanted to keep the church name off this portion of our promotions because many folks will see the word "church" and automatically cancel it out of their mind. If they see "Dont miss it. coming 10-07-07" They might be more intrigued to check it out. We are doing other promotions with our name on it to inform the community that this new church is starting.
--- A reporter from the newspaper has been at our last 2 preview services. He will be featuring us in an article about churches reaching young people in Cheyenne AND (as we understand it) an article specifically about us starting this new church. Please pray that people see this and will come check us out.
--- We've had LOTS of new faces at our previews and people who have been really impressed and drawn to us, HOWEVER, we need them to come back. lol In fact, excluding our launch team, we have had totally different people at all the previews. Please pray that these people who are drawn to what is happening will return and be a part of this new church.
--- Yesterday we had a flag football game. We played another church team. We won by the way. One of the other team members asked who the pastor was and I told him it was me. He knew we were a new church and his first question was "Are you guy's growing fast?" Why is that always peoples first question? When someone asks about your church's numbers do they want to hear you say "YES! We're growing like crazy!" Which we should ALL want for EVERY church. Or are they wanting to hear "No, man we're really not!" Which means you're not "out doing them" I don't know. I try never to ask someone how many they are running. How fast they are growing. I hope to be able to tell that by what they are doing in and around the community. I don't know if we're growing fast. We started in March with 6 of us in a basement. Now we are running over 60. If my math is right that is a 600% growth rate in 6 months. 10 times as many people in 6 months. Now, if we did that the next 6 months we'd be at 600 people. That's pretty fast growth I guess. I didn't say that to that guy. I just said "Well, we're a brand new church but things are going great." Anyway, didn't mean to ramble on like that.
--- Thanks for those of you who are following along. Please keep praying for us. Looking forward to Sunday already.
Following Christ,
Jeff
--- Got a severe case of the Mondays right now. We only had 44 people yesterday. We did have one new family from Cheyenne. Two of our core families were out sick totaling 12 people just from those two families gone.
--- With those 44 people we did have a GREAT offering. We got $2592 given yesterday. That is awesome. WOW! Way to go Element peeps.
--- I felt yesterday was our best day yet for setting up, tearing down, transitions and overall production. The band sounded great!
--- Dont Miss It is starting off good. We've had 189 unique visits to our site. Please pray, PRAY, PRAY AND PRAY some more that our people will see our billboards, invite cards and/or t-shirts and go to the web-site. We really wanted to keep the church name off this portion of our promotions because many folks will see the word "church" and automatically cancel it out of their mind. If they see "Dont miss it. coming 10-07-07" They might be more intrigued to check it out. We are doing other promotions with our name on it to inform the community that this new church is starting.
--- A reporter from the newspaper has been at our last 2 preview services. He will be featuring us in an article about churches reaching young people in Cheyenne AND (as we understand it) an article specifically about us starting this new church. Please pray that people see this and will come check us out.
--- We've had LOTS of new faces at our previews and people who have been really impressed and drawn to us, HOWEVER, we need them to come back. lol In fact, excluding our launch team, we have had totally different people at all the previews. Please pray that these people who are drawn to what is happening will return and be a part of this new church.
--- Yesterday we had a flag football game. We played another church team. We won by the way. One of the other team members asked who the pastor was and I told him it was me. He knew we were a new church and his first question was "Are you guy's growing fast?" Why is that always peoples first question? When someone asks about your church's numbers do they want to hear you say "YES! We're growing like crazy!" Which we should ALL want for EVERY church. Or are they wanting to hear "No, man we're really not!" Which means you're not "out doing them" I don't know. I try never to ask someone how many they are running. How fast they are growing. I hope to be able to tell that by what they are doing in and around the community. I don't know if we're growing fast. We started in March with 6 of us in a basement. Now we are running over 60. If my math is right that is a 600% growth rate in 6 months. 10 times as many people in 6 months. Now, if we did that the next 6 months we'd be at 600 people. That's pretty fast growth I guess. I didn't say that to that guy. I just said "Well, we're a brand new church but things are going great." Anyway, didn't mean to ramble on like that.
--- Thanks for those of you who are following along. Please keep praying for us. Looking forward to Sunday already.
Following Christ,
Jeff
Monday, September 10, 2007
Weekend Wrapup (WE HAVE TO DO THIS AGAIN?)
HA, Can't believe we have church again in 6 days. It's been 7 months since I had to get ready for a full church service in consecutive weeks. I'm glad we have church again. I love what we're doing. I love Cheyenne. I love Element Church. Can't imagine doing anything else. Here are some highlights of this last weekend. Lot's of stuff in this post. Hang on!
--- OU won 51 - 13 over Miami! Look out for my Sooners!
--- Jonah had his first flag football game Saturday. That was hilarious. Kids pulling off flags of random players who don't even have the ball. They don't quite get it at 6 years old. Running the wrong direction simply to avoid the other team.
--- We had 63 on Sunday. Three new families were there. Our offering was $1699.71. I really hope having successive previews will help us gain some momentum and keep people coming back.
--- We worked (especially Adam) SO STINKIN' HARD on getting our CSI video done for this week. We entitled it "Search". It is VERY good. Adam rocked da hizzy on getting it edited. The service went great, worship ended, we fired the video before my sermon, and 15 seconds in the whole thing FROZE! I walked on stage and said "SURPRISE!" Got a few awkward laughs. It STUNK. So now we're gonna show two videos this week. It better work. Keenan, Grant, Adam and I put WAY too much time into this thing.
--- We're still working on some tweaks in transitions in the service. Feel I need to do better in preparing people for transitions. We're getting better. That's on me.
--- I'm VERY excited about the sermons for the next few weeks. Can't wait to get into church again.
--- With Nicole as the manager at Carmike now it is even better. We were into the theater before 7 AM and done setting up by 8 AM. Had a couple MAJOR tech issues but had time to figure them out.
--- We started our launch day promotions today and have four billboards going up. Check below for what the billboards will look like. Or go here www.dontmissit.cc
--- OU won 51 - 13 over Miami! Look out for my Sooners!
--- Jonah had his first flag football game Saturday. That was hilarious. Kids pulling off flags of random players who don't even have the ball. They don't quite get it at 6 years old. Running the wrong direction simply to avoid the other team.
--- We had 63 on Sunday. Three new families were there. Our offering was $1699.71. I really hope having successive previews will help us gain some momentum and keep people coming back.
--- We worked (especially Adam) SO STINKIN' HARD on getting our CSI video done for this week. We entitled it "Search". It is VERY good. Adam rocked da hizzy on getting it edited. The service went great, worship ended, we fired the video before my sermon, and 15 seconds in the whole thing FROZE! I walked on stage and said "SURPRISE!" Got a few awkward laughs. It STUNK. So now we're gonna show two videos this week. It better work. Keenan, Grant, Adam and I put WAY too much time into this thing.
--- We're still working on some tweaks in transitions in the service. Feel I need to do better in preparing people for transitions. We're getting better. That's on me.
--- I'm VERY excited about the sermons for the next few weeks. Can't wait to get into church again.
--- With Nicole as the manager at Carmike now it is even better. We were into the theater before 7 AM and done setting up by 8 AM. Had a couple MAJOR tech issues but had time to figure them out.
--- We started our launch day promotions today and have four billboards going up. Check below for what the billboards will look like. Or go here www.dontmissit.cc
--- We have t-shirts made and invite cards that look like that, along with the four billboards.
--- Our new web-site is up. www.elementweb.net
--- Our new podcast is up. You can link to all of our videos through the web and go to our podcast on the web too.
--- WE'RE DOING ANOTHER GAS BUYDOWN!! We wanted to serve the community again in that way and thought we'd do one the week before launch. Again I'll say, if we're gonna spend money on promoting the church, let's serve people in the process. THIS IS PART OF OUR DNA! Saturday, Sept. 29th we will be doing a four hour gas buydown. We want to accommodate more people so we're going bigger!
--- Trying to think what else happened. It's been a whirlwind 2 weeks since our last Unplugged. I told you there would be a lot in here.
--- Well, think that's about it. Thanks for following along. We'll keep you updated through the week as we approach launch. October 7th is 4 weeks away. CRAZY!
Following Christ,
Jeff
--- Our new web-site is up. www.elementweb.net
--- Our new podcast is up. You can link to all of our videos through the web and go to our podcast on the web too.
--- WE'RE DOING ANOTHER GAS BUYDOWN!! We wanted to serve the community again in that way and thought we'd do one the week before launch. Again I'll say, if we're gonna spend money on promoting the church, let's serve people in the process. THIS IS PART OF OUR DNA! Saturday, Sept. 29th we will be doing a four hour gas buydown. We want to accommodate more people so we're going bigger!
--- Trying to think what else happened. It's been a whirlwind 2 weeks since our last Unplugged. I told you there would be a lot in here.
--- Well, think that's about it. Thanks for following along. We'll keep you updated through the week as we approach launch. October 7th is 4 weeks away. CRAZY!
Following Christ,
Jeff
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Weekend Wrapup
This weekend couldn't have come at a better time. We strategically took this Sunday off. We've been doing Element Unplugged since June 10th, and REALLY pounding, maybe instilling is a better word, the vision of Element Church into our people. With 4 consecutive previews coming up and launch around the corner, a weekend for everyone to just "chill" was needed. I needed it. This past week I was exhausted. I think I put in more hours last week than I ever have in the ministry. Keenan put in hours above and beyond his job... Grant put in extra time... Terri (does this every week, she is doing AWESOME)...and Adam put in a lot of extra as well. He's been working at home on web-design and videos. I am SO excited about who God has brought us. I can't imagine doing this with anyone else. Here are some thoughts on the weekend and upcoming events.
--- We went to a church in Laramie today. My heart kind of hurt today. This 5 year old church plant is going through some VERY difficult times. It was a good warning to me as lead pastor about what can happen. To be on our guard. No moral failures or anything, but it seems just some MAJORLY burnt out leaders.
--- We had an all church BBQ today at on of our families houses. Had a GREAT turnout. Cooked burgers and dogs, played volleyball and badminton and had great conversations. It was the first extended time of getting to know people that a lot of Element people had. Usually it's 5 minutes before and after Unplugged. Tonight was good!
--- Labor Day tomorrow and then IT'S ON getting ready for previews. It will be weird cause we're doing church every week now in the theater. No more one month planning. I CAN'T WAIT!
--- I keep saying we have some big announcements to make. I'll be posting those here this week.
--- Got word yesterday that the General Manager of our theater where we meet was fired. They will either hire the current assistant manager or bring someone from Fort Collins. PRAY PRAY PRAY That Nicole (Assistant Manager) gets the job. If someone new comes in they would have say on whats done with us and Shawn was giving us a KILLER deal that I'm not sure someone else would continue to do. Nicole would, so pray for her. We are going to work on a plan B this week "just in case".
--- Don't know what to expect for this Sunday. We have an AWESOME core group, God will only build on that.
--- OU won 79-10 yesterday. The best opening game I've seen them play in a LONG time. Can't wait for Saturday again. I love college football. Nothing like it.
Thanks for following. Please pray for us this week. Keep following along.
Following Christ,
Jeff
--- We went to a church in Laramie today. My heart kind of hurt today. This 5 year old church plant is going through some VERY difficult times. It was a good warning to me as lead pastor about what can happen. To be on our guard. No moral failures or anything, but it seems just some MAJORLY burnt out leaders.
--- We had an all church BBQ today at on of our families houses. Had a GREAT turnout. Cooked burgers and dogs, played volleyball and badminton and had great conversations. It was the first extended time of getting to know people that a lot of Element people had. Usually it's 5 minutes before and after Unplugged. Tonight was good!
--- Labor Day tomorrow and then IT'S ON getting ready for previews. It will be weird cause we're doing church every week now in the theater. No more one month planning. I CAN'T WAIT!
--- I keep saying we have some big announcements to make. I'll be posting those here this week.
--- Got word yesterday that the General Manager of our theater where we meet was fired. They will either hire the current assistant manager or bring someone from Fort Collins. PRAY PRAY PRAY That Nicole (Assistant Manager) gets the job. If someone new comes in they would have say on whats done with us and Shawn was giving us a KILLER deal that I'm not sure someone else would continue to do. Nicole would, so pray for her. We are going to work on a plan B this week "just in case".
--- Don't know what to expect for this Sunday. We have an AWESOME core group, God will only build on that.
--- OU won 79-10 yesterday. The best opening game I've seen them play in a LONG time. Can't wait for Saturday again. I love college football. Nothing like it.
Thanks for following. Please pray for us this week. Keep following along.
Following Christ,
Jeff
Monday, August 27, 2007
Weekend Wrapup
Man, it doesn't seem possible. We held our last Unplugged service yesterday morning at the Holiday Inn. I can't believe we are two weeks out from meeting every week in the theater. Launch still is Oct. 7th but we are doing the month of previews in September. Here are some things from the weekend and the coming week.
--- We had 54 yesterday at Unplugged. God has RICHLY blessed us with an amazing core group of people. Folks who give, serve, worship, and are committed to what we are doing. It absolutely blows my mind that people want to be a part of something I'm leading. It really does.
--- Don't have the count on the offering yet. I'll update that when I can. (By the way, I share these numbers to keep people updated and to rejoice in what God is doing. I hope everyone understands that I am not trying to "keep track" "brag" or "complain" about what is going on. I will brag on God all the time and will do that unashamedly.)
--- I really felt yesterdays service was GREAT! We had 2 brand new people at Unplugged yesterday and it just really seemed that God's Spirit was evident. I challenged us to avoid the "we will when..." syndrome and used the Scripture in Luke 17 where Jesus says "...the kingdom of God can't be seen...can't point to it here or there...the Kingdom of God is within you." I think so many times we say "We will really make in impact when..." and you fill in the blank. When we have 500 people. When we have a building. When giving is "x" amount of dollars. When we have all of our full time staff in place. When...When...When... What about now? The Kingdom of God is within us and among us, that means at 50 we have the same Kingdom of God as we have at 500. That means at 50 WE CAN MAKE AN IMPACT. NOW! It challenged me anyway. I don't want to always be looking at "the church" who has it all figured out. Or be looking to a point ahead when "God really shows up". I want to share the Kingdom that is within us NOW!
--- Today we are filming a short film for our CSI series. Keenan is the lead actor, we have a professional camera, lighting, the whole works. This short film will be shown in 5 episodes leading up to launch and it has a direct connection to launch and our launch series. If we do it right and do it well it is going to be AWESOME! Keenan is a phenomenal actor, Adam has been doing his research about filming and I get to drive a Cadillac DTS today. lol We needed a SWEET car for the film and that is what we are using. We have a realtor getting us into a $400,000 home for the video as well.
--- These next 2 weeks are going to be long but go by superfast. We have a lot on our list to get done, especially Adam! That dude has got a lot on his plate. Keenan is taking off work today to act in the film and will probably put up some evenings for us as well doing some acting. Love the way that guy communicates through drama.
--- Please pray this week as we finalize some launch day things. Some BIG financial decisions to make and we covet your prayers. Thanks for those of you who follow along and are lifting us up in prayer. Would love to hear from you anytime through the comments or email.
--- Ok, that is the hook up and set up. I'll update more through the week. One month and then we're going to big church! Putting our big boy pants on.
Following Christ,
Jeff
--- We had 54 yesterday at Unplugged. God has RICHLY blessed us with an amazing core group of people. Folks who give, serve, worship, and are committed to what we are doing. It absolutely blows my mind that people want to be a part of something I'm leading. It really does.
--- Don't have the count on the offering yet. I'll update that when I can. (By the way, I share these numbers to keep people updated and to rejoice in what God is doing. I hope everyone understands that I am not trying to "keep track" "brag" or "complain" about what is going on. I will brag on God all the time and will do that unashamedly.)
--- I really felt yesterdays service was GREAT! We had 2 brand new people at Unplugged yesterday and it just really seemed that God's Spirit was evident. I challenged us to avoid the "we will when..." syndrome and used the Scripture in Luke 17 where Jesus says "...the kingdom of God can't be seen...can't point to it here or there...the Kingdom of God is within you." I think so many times we say "We will really make in impact when..." and you fill in the blank. When we have 500 people. When we have a building. When giving is "x" amount of dollars. When we have all of our full time staff in place. When...When...When... What about now? The Kingdom of God is within us and among us, that means at 50 we have the same Kingdom of God as we have at 500. That means at 50 WE CAN MAKE AN IMPACT. NOW! It challenged me anyway. I don't want to always be looking at "the church" who has it all figured out. Or be looking to a point ahead when "God really shows up". I want to share the Kingdom that is within us NOW!
--- Today we are filming a short film for our CSI series. Keenan is the lead actor, we have a professional camera, lighting, the whole works. This short film will be shown in 5 episodes leading up to launch and it has a direct connection to launch and our launch series. If we do it right and do it well it is going to be AWESOME! Keenan is a phenomenal actor, Adam has been doing his research about filming and I get to drive a Cadillac DTS today. lol We needed a SWEET car for the film and that is what we are using. We have a realtor getting us into a $400,000 home for the video as well.
--- These next 2 weeks are going to be long but go by superfast. We have a lot on our list to get done, especially Adam! That dude has got a lot on his plate. Keenan is taking off work today to act in the film and will probably put up some evenings for us as well doing some acting. Love the way that guy communicates through drama.
--- Please pray this week as we finalize some launch day things. Some BIG financial decisions to make and we covet your prayers. Thanks for those of you who follow along and are lifting us up in prayer. Would love to hear from you anytime through the comments or email.
--- Ok, that is the hook up and set up. I'll update more through the week. One month and then we're going to big church! Putting our big boy pants on.
Following Christ,
Jeff
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Weekend Wrapup
Wow! I know I say that a lot. One more week of Unplugged. It just doesn't seem real. Here are a few thoughts about the weekend.
--- We had 36 today. That is the lowest since we started on June 15th. There were several families gone today that we knew were going to be gone. We still had a great group and once connection card was filled out. It was from a couple who were a return guest and filled out the card for the first time.
--- I don't know what the offering was, Terri will count that tomorrow.
--- MAN was it weird not having Grant and Terri there today. Grant has been 100% SOLD OUT to this since the moment I told him about it. I cannot imagine being here without him. We need more Christians like Grant in our churches. I mean that! Grants and absolute STUD for the faith!
--- God has given us an AWESOME core group. Again, Unplugged served it's purpose perfectly for us. It did what it was supposed to do. Next week we're going to talk about how we take it to the next level. We need to take it to the next level.
--- We are having our first "All church Potluck!" HA! We're going old school. We aren't having church on Labor Day weekend so a young couple opened up their home for us all to get together for a Labor Day BBQ/Potluck.
--- AWESOME to have Adam back today. I stood in back for the whole worship set just blown away at what God has done and who God has sent to us. Again, having a worship guy you love and trust makes all the difference in the world.
--- Keenan and Katrina get their weekend off this coming weekend. My how they have grown. I can't wait to see what God is going to do through them. We wouldn't have some key people were it not for them. I can't wait to hire Katrina and let her REALLY focus on e:kidz.
--- We'll be revealing some cool stuff on here in the next couple of weeks. Be watching for it.
--- OU football starts in 13 days. Can't wait.
--- Perry Noble had the entire Clemson football team in his church this Sunday, I wonder if I could get all of OU to ours? LOL
Following Christ,
Jeff
--- We had 36 today. That is the lowest since we started on June 15th. There were several families gone today that we knew were going to be gone. We still had a great group and once connection card was filled out. It was from a couple who were a return guest and filled out the card for the first time.
--- I don't know what the offering was, Terri will count that tomorrow.
--- MAN was it weird not having Grant and Terri there today. Grant has been 100% SOLD OUT to this since the moment I told him about it. I cannot imagine being here without him. We need more Christians like Grant in our churches. I mean that! Grants and absolute STUD for the faith!
--- God has given us an AWESOME core group. Again, Unplugged served it's purpose perfectly for us. It did what it was supposed to do. Next week we're going to talk about how we take it to the next level. We need to take it to the next level.
--- We are having our first "All church Potluck!" HA! We're going old school. We aren't having church on Labor Day weekend so a young couple opened up their home for us all to get together for a Labor Day BBQ/Potluck.
--- AWESOME to have Adam back today. I stood in back for the whole worship set just blown away at what God has done and who God has sent to us. Again, having a worship guy you love and trust makes all the difference in the world.
--- Keenan and Katrina get their weekend off this coming weekend. My how they have grown. I can't wait to see what God is going to do through them. We wouldn't have some key people were it not for them. I can't wait to hire Katrina and let her REALLY focus on e:kidz.
--- We'll be revealing some cool stuff on here in the next couple of weeks. Be watching for it.
--- OU football starts in 13 days. Can't wait.
--- Perry Noble had the entire Clemson football team in his church this Sunday, I wonder if I could get all of OU to ours? LOL
Following Christ,
Jeff
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Weekend Wrapup
45 today at Unplugged. We had a great service. Adam and Amber were gone so I led the singing while Katie (young lady in the church) played keyboard and Curtis (Air Force chopper pilot) played djembe. Katie and Curtis did great! I won't say anything about the third member of the group.
--- Like I said, we had 45. We had one new face at Unplugged today. A young lady who came to our preview service. No one was "brand new" today. We are developing a GREAT core group of people. Givers, servants, followers of Jesus. Great age range too. We have a plethora of kids and yet we have some in their 50's and I won't guess the ages of a couple of our older ones. HA!
--- Next level! I started thinking today of the next level. I need to work on that this week. I feel like we've capped right now for what we are doing. Unplugged has DEFINITELY served it's purpose. We've developed teams. Established relationships and cast vision for Element Church. But it's time. It's time for the next step and that step happens in one month when we "go live"! We'll have 4 preview services through September and then launch day on Oct. 7th.
--- Every church has it's barriers. I truly believe we're bumping ours. So, how do we go beyond the barrier. How do we break 100, 200, 500, 1000. I believe that is on the horizon. I don't want to limit God and yet at the same time I don't want to be cavalier in my assessment of where we will go.
--- I love our people. Just had some GREAT conversations with amazing followers of Christ who God has sent our way. I told them today at Unplugged how honored we are that they choose to come to church with us. We seriously could not have got this far without the many people that have connected to Element Church to give and serve.
--- Dude, my mind is filling with things I want to write out. I'll have to let my brain ooze on here this week. Some cool things are bubbling up that we need to leverage for the Kingdom and for our church.
--- Where will God take us. What can we accomplish. I often wonder if I get in the way of what God could do? He doesn't NEED me yet he CHOOSES me to accomplish HIS task. That blows my mind. I don't want to be a limiter. That challenges me. Convicts me. I hope I'm up to the task.
Following Christ,
Jeff
--- Like I said, we had 45. We had one new face at Unplugged today. A young lady who came to our preview service. No one was "brand new" today. We are developing a GREAT core group of people. Givers, servants, followers of Jesus. Great age range too. We have a plethora of kids and yet we have some in their 50's and I won't guess the ages of a couple of our older ones. HA!
--- Next level! I started thinking today of the next level. I need to work on that this week. I feel like we've capped right now for what we are doing. Unplugged has DEFINITELY served it's purpose. We've developed teams. Established relationships and cast vision for Element Church. But it's time. It's time for the next step and that step happens in one month when we "go live"! We'll have 4 preview services through September and then launch day on Oct. 7th.
--- Every church has it's barriers. I truly believe we're bumping ours. So, how do we go beyond the barrier. How do we break 100, 200, 500, 1000. I believe that is on the horizon. I don't want to limit God and yet at the same time I don't want to be cavalier in my assessment of where we will go.
--- I love our people. Just had some GREAT conversations with amazing followers of Christ who God has sent our way. I told them today at Unplugged how honored we are that they choose to come to church with us. We seriously could not have got this far without the many people that have connected to Element Church to give and serve.
--- Dude, my mind is filling with things I want to write out. I'll have to let my brain ooze on here this week. Some cool things are bubbling up that we need to leverage for the Kingdom and for our church.
--- Where will God take us. What can we accomplish. I often wonder if I get in the way of what God could do? He doesn't NEED me yet he CHOOSES me to accomplish HIS task. That blows my mind. I don't want to be a limiter. That challenges me. Convicts me. I hope I'm up to the task.
Following Christ,
Jeff
Monday, August 6, 2007
Weekend Wrapup Additions
WOW! A couple of additions to the weekend wrapup. The office staff met today to evaluate our preview service. That's always fun yet challenging. Asking the questions "What can we do better?" "What needs to be fixed?" "What did we do well?" Hard questions to ask sometimes but I think when we are offering the GREATEST news imaginable we want to package it in the BEST package possible. Anyway, couple things totally not about what we did wrong or right that I wanted to add.
--- Our offering was $2118.61. Again, GO GOD! That is awesome! Several first time givers which we celebrate! Thanks God!
--- We had 24 volunteers. Yeah TWENTY FOUR. And they aren't just warm bodies to plug in, they are qualified, love the Lord, serve people, volunteers. We didn't beg, plead, or have 47 sign up sheets. We said "You have an OPPORTUNITY to serve your church and to serve your God." They took the opportunity. I hope we teach that well. Serving is NOT an obligation. It is NOT a duty. It is ABSOLUTELY one of the GREATEST opportunities we have as followers of Christ. To serve our God and serve other people.
Anyway, couple of extras for ya. CAN'T WAIT TO DO IT AGAIN!
Following Christ,
Jeff
--- Our offering was $2118.61. Again, GO GOD! That is awesome! Several first time givers which we celebrate! Thanks God!
--- We had 24 volunteers. Yeah TWENTY FOUR. And they aren't just warm bodies to plug in, they are qualified, love the Lord, serve people, volunteers. We didn't beg, plead, or have 47 sign up sheets. We said "You have an OPPORTUNITY to serve your church and to serve your God." They took the opportunity. I hope we teach that well. Serving is NOT an obligation. It is NOT a duty. It is ABSOLUTELY one of the GREATEST opportunities we have as followers of Christ. To serve our God and serve other people.
Anyway, couple of extras for ya. CAN'T WAIT TO DO IT AGAIN!
Following Christ,
Jeff
Weekend Wrapup
Had another GREAT Sunday at Element Church. Didn't see the increase in attendance as I would have liked but we had a BUNCH of first time guests. Here are some thoughts and results from preview.
--- We had 63 in attendance yesterday. At our last preview we had 75, that was with 18 out of town guests. I didn't know what to expect.
--- Our offering was over $1500. Largest yet. Go God!
--- We had 4 families/individuals fill out connection cards as FTG's (first time guests). At least two others were FTG but didn't fill out a card.
--- We had a HORRIBLE time setting up and specifically in the technical audio/visual area. It REALLY set us back time wise for the morning. It all came together and the service went great but MAN it was a frustrating morning.
--- We have, already, an AMAZING group of volunteers. People helping at 6:30 AM loading up a stage. 7 AM had 8 people setting up (we need more). We had 6 or 7 volunteers on our first impressions team. We had several in the e:kidz department. We are off to a great start with volunteers.
--- We added two stage pieces which were priceless. It enabled us to set up one whole corner for a drama that Keenan did. Keenan did a great job on a little monologue to set up my message.
--- The theme for the day was "What will your story be?" Showed the video "The Martyrs Prayer" as part of my message. Adam and the band closed the service with an AWESOME version of Blessed Assurance. It wasn't your mom and dads hymn that's for sure.
--- The band sounded great. WE HAVE A DRUMMER! One of the guy's new to our church is playing drums for us. We added a drum shield which helped us control sound TREMENDOUSLY.
--- Got a list of new things to work on. I'm glad we're doing previews. Helps us tweak things that need to be tweaked. Learn from our mistakes. Get ready for our public launch.
--- Can't wait for Unplugged on Sunday. Hoping to see some of these new faces back. We have not had ONE week yet without a new face. That's all we're praying for. "Lord, bring us new faces." At this point we just want to see and connect new people.
--- Sept. 9th marks our next preview service. Starting that Sunday we will be in the theater every week. Please join us in praying that we outgrow the theater quickly. I WANT a space problem.
--- On a side note...Can't share a whole lot of detail but please also pray for the theater situation. Slight possibility that we won't be able to stay there. Long story and lots of details but the future at this time is uncertain. Please pray!
That's it. Thanks for following along. I probably forgot stuff that I'll have to add later.
Following Christ,
Jeff
--- We had 63 in attendance yesterday. At our last preview we had 75, that was with 18 out of town guests. I didn't know what to expect.
--- Our offering was over $1500. Largest yet. Go God!
--- We had 4 families/individuals fill out connection cards as FTG's (first time guests). At least two others were FTG but didn't fill out a card.
--- We had a HORRIBLE time setting up and specifically in the technical audio/visual area. It REALLY set us back time wise for the morning. It all came together and the service went great but MAN it was a frustrating morning.
--- We have, already, an AMAZING group of volunteers. People helping at 6:30 AM loading up a stage. 7 AM had 8 people setting up (we need more). We had 6 or 7 volunteers on our first impressions team. We had several in the e:kidz department. We are off to a great start with volunteers.
--- We added two stage pieces which were priceless. It enabled us to set up one whole corner for a drama that Keenan did. Keenan did a great job on a little monologue to set up my message.
--- The theme for the day was "What will your story be?" Showed the video "The Martyrs Prayer" as part of my message. Adam and the band closed the service with an AWESOME version of Blessed Assurance. It wasn't your mom and dads hymn that's for sure.
--- The band sounded great. WE HAVE A DRUMMER! One of the guy's new to our church is playing drums for us. We added a drum shield which helped us control sound TREMENDOUSLY.
--- Got a list of new things to work on. I'm glad we're doing previews. Helps us tweak things that need to be tweaked. Learn from our mistakes. Get ready for our public launch.
--- Can't wait for Unplugged on Sunday. Hoping to see some of these new faces back. We have not had ONE week yet without a new face. That's all we're praying for. "Lord, bring us new faces." At this point we just want to see and connect new people.
--- Sept. 9th marks our next preview service. Starting that Sunday we will be in the theater every week. Please join us in praying that we outgrow the theater quickly. I WANT a space problem.
--- On a side note...Can't share a whole lot of detail but please also pray for the theater situation. Slight possibility that we won't be able to stay there. Long story and lots of details but the future at this time is uncertain. Please pray!
That's it. Thanks for following along. I probably forgot stuff that I'll have to add later.
Following Christ,
Jeff
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Weekend Wrapup
I'm excited about this week. Fun getting ready for our next preview service. Here are some thoughts about today and the upcoming week.
--- Had 51 today at Unplugged. Again, had new faces. That is our constant prayer. Lord bring us new faces. Had several people gone today. We are currently touching about 70 - 80 lives regularly on Sundays through Element.
--- Had our largest offering to date today. Our people generously gave over $1400. As people connect with mission and vision they begin to give more. I believe that people WANT to give to something God will do.
--- Volunteers are picking up. We ran out of volunteer cards today. It was encouraging to see people and hear people talking about volunteering. Out of all the things in this process, that has been the most challenging to me. I feel confident we can get people to come see our "product" (I know bad word) but we MUST build teams well. If we don't have good teams and systems it won't matter how many come to our services. I tend to be a Maverick, wanting to do everything myself so again, I need to get better at that.
--- I am excited about this Sunday. Getting back in the theater, preaching, doing some different stuff in our service. It is our 2nd preview so not doing HUGE stuff but showing a different kind of Element service. Got a drama, and video feature this week. Wanting to show a different side of us.
--- I forgot to call my mom on her birthday this week. Didn't call till today (just a few days removed from Thursday). I am now known as the "Bad son" and bad in this case does not mean good.
--- We worked on building 2 more pieces to our stage today. It will be nice to have those added for preview.
--- I am amazed at all of this. That people want to come to our church. That God would choose me for this. That the team I have wants to work with me. BLOWN AWAY! God is so good. I have learned so much and can't wait to get started tomorrow morning early. Adam and I are meeting at 7 at the office tomorrow to finish the stage. Going to play basketball with a couple guys from the church.
--- OK, that's the update. Will blog some more this week about what God is teaching me and Element stuff. Thanks to all who follow!
--- Had 51 today at Unplugged. Again, had new faces. That is our constant prayer. Lord bring us new faces. Had several people gone today. We are currently touching about 70 - 80 lives regularly on Sundays through Element.
--- Had our largest offering to date today. Our people generously gave over $1400. As people connect with mission and vision they begin to give more. I believe that people WANT to give to something God will do.
--- Volunteers are picking up. We ran out of volunteer cards today. It was encouraging to see people and hear people talking about volunteering. Out of all the things in this process, that has been the most challenging to me. I feel confident we can get people to come see our "product" (I know bad word) but we MUST build teams well. If we don't have good teams and systems it won't matter how many come to our services. I tend to be a Maverick, wanting to do everything myself so again, I need to get better at that.
--- I am excited about this Sunday. Getting back in the theater, preaching, doing some different stuff in our service. It is our 2nd preview so not doing HUGE stuff but showing a different kind of Element service. Got a drama, and video feature this week. Wanting to show a different side of us.
--- I forgot to call my mom on her birthday this week. Didn't call till today (just a few days removed from Thursday). I am now known as the "Bad son" and bad in this case does not mean good.
--- We worked on building 2 more pieces to our stage today. It will be nice to have those added for preview.
--- I am amazed at all of this. That people want to come to our church. That God would choose me for this. That the team I have wants to work with me. BLOWN AWAY! God is so good. I have learned so much and can't wait to get started tomorrow morning early. Adam and I are meeting at 7 at the office tomorrow to finish the stage. Going to play basketball with a couple guys from the church.
--- OK, that's the update. Will blog some more this week about what God is teaching me and Element stuff. Thanks to all who follow!
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Weekend Wrapup
--- Got back from camp last night at 12:15 AM. We were locked out of our house. I had taken our extra set of keys with us and we could not find them anywhere. The kids where all in the yard crying (since they were awaken from a deep sleep) and we had our luggage in the driveway going through it looking for a key. Thankfully one of our windows was open and I put Jonah through there to go unlock the front door.
--- Saturday we had about 4 hours to kill before a wedding we had to attend. We were in Thermopolis, WY and needed to go to Ten Sleep, which is 59 miles. We decided to go "a long way" through the Wind River Canyon, which is a SPECTACULAR drive. Our Rand McNally Atlas showed that Wyoming State Highway 434 connected from Ten Sleep South to HWY 20 which came out of the canyon. We decided to take the detour and go on 434 up to the wedding. To make a long story short, 47 miles of the highway was just a ranch dirt road. And when I say "ranch dirt road" I mean a ranch dirt road. On some of it, it was just 2 tire ruts to follow. We were literally driving through people's ranches on a dirt road. In one Clark Griswold moment I had to honk the horn at a dead stop to get a cow off the road so we could keep driving. We were low on gas, ZERO cell phone coverage and in a part of Wyoming that most Wyomingites will NEVER see on purpose.
--- We had 44 at Unplugged today with 6 brand new people. It's amazing to see the new faces each week and hear how they found out about us. People are inviting friends, co-workers, neighbors, etc. Over lunch we counted how many "could have" been there by counting our regulars who were gone. We "could have" had 71 people today. That's crazy to me. Our next preview is in 2 weeks.
--- I am very tired. Preaching every night this past week and then getting home late last night, up early this morning to freshen up on my sermon and then off to Unplugged. Been a long week.
--- We are volunteering at the Thunderbirds Airshow this week. That will be cool. They were practicing today over Cheyenne and you could hear them flying over our house. Frontier Days is this here this week and the Thunderbirds come every year.
--- Preview is in two weeks. We have lots to get done before that happens. Adam is speaking this week at Element on our core value of Worship. Excited to hear him speak. He's doing a fantastic job with worship. Again, so nice having someone you trust leading the music.
--- My heart swelled with pride yesterday as my kids were asking for a certain worship song on a cd to be played in the van. They were singing right along. It was cool seeing them sing a worship song. Had to make God smile.
--- Got some stuff I want to blog about this week that I've found in my devo's. Stay tuned for that. Thanks for all your prayers and for those who are following along.
Following Christ,
Jeff
--- Saturday we had about 4 hours to kill before a wedding we had to attend. We were in Thermopolis, WY and needed to go to Ten Sleep, which is 59 miles. We decided to go "a long way" through the Wind River Canyon, which is a SPECTACULAR drive. Our Rand McNally Atlas showed that Wyoming State Highway 434 connected from Ten Sleep South to HWY 20 which came out of the canyon. We decided to take the detour and go on 434 up to the wedding. To make a long story short, 47 miles of the highway was just a ranch dirt road. And when I say "ranch dirt road" I mean a ranch dirt road. On some of it, it was just 2 tire ruts to follow. We were literally driving through people's ranches on a dirt road. In one Clark Griswold moment I had to honk the horn at a dead stop to get a cow off the road so we could keep driving. We were low on gas, ZERO cell phone coverage and in a part of Wyoming that most Wyomingites will NEVER see on purpose.
--- We had 44 at Unplugged today with 6 brand new people. It's amazing to see the new faces each week and hear how they found out about us. People are inviting friends, co-workers, neighbors, etc. Over lunch we counted how many "could have" been there by counting our regulars who were gone. We "could have" had 71 people today. That's crazy to me. Our next preview is in 2 weeks.
--- I am very tired. Preaching every night this past week and then getting home late last night, up early this morning to freshen up on my sermon and then off to Unplugged. Been a long week.
--- We are volunteering at the Thunderbirds Airshow this week. That will be cool. They were practicing today over Cheyenne and you could hear them flying over our house. Frontier Days is this here this week and the Thunderbirds come every year.
--- Preview is in two weeks. We have lots to get done before that happens. Adam is speaking this week at Element on our core value of Worship. Excited to hear him speak. He's doing a fantastic job with worship. Again, so nice having someone you trust leading the music.
--- My heart swelled with pride yesterday as my kids were asking for a certain worship song on a cd to be played in the van. They were singing right along. It was cool seeing them sing a worship song. Had to make God smile.
--- Got some stuff I want to blog about this week that I've found in my devo's. Stay tuned for that. Thanks for all your prayers and for those who are following along.
Following Christ,
Jeff
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Weekend Wrapup
--- 54 at Unplugged today. Folks, we might be looking at a space issue from day one. BRING IT! Already thinking of ways to accommodate our growth at the theater. I love the feel of the theater and can't imagine not being there right now. Although, if it can't contain us I think I'll cope and deal.
--- We had 34 two weeks ago at Unplugged. Today we had 3 families return from Preview and then we had 2 brand new families and one single adult today from Cheyenne that had never been to any of our events before. God is providing some amazing connections for us.
--- I'm speaking at our Conference jr. high camp next week. I'm very excited about that. Get to take the whole family, HOWEVER, I hate missing Unplugged. Grant will do a great job but I want to be there.
--- We need to be very intentional about accommodating this growth. 6 people in March, 54 today.
--- I need to grow as a leader.
--- We need to get very intentional in building volunteer and leadership teams.
--- I need to grow as a leader.
--- I love Element Church. I love our people. I love Cheyenne.
--- Jonah and Mariah went to church early with me this morning. They were a great help carrying stuff in. That was cool for them to come along. Can't do it all the time but thought we'd try it today.
--- Looking forward to getting into the office tomorrow and working on stuff. I'm having a hard time taking days off. I need to be better at that too. I love working on Element stuff right now and seems there is always something to do.
--- Ok, that's about it. We'll do a weekend wrapup every week. Grant says I "stole" random thoughts. Whatever!
Following Christ,
Jeff
--- We had 34 two weeks ago at Unplugged. Today we had 3 families return from Preview and then we had 2 brand new families and one single adult today from Cheyenne that had never been to any of our events before. God is providing some amazing connections for us.
--- I'm speaking at our Conference jr. high camp next week. I'm very excited about that. Get to take the whole family, HOWEVER, I hate missing Unplugged. Grant will do a great job but I want to be there.
--- We need to be very intentional about accommodating this growth. 6 people in March, 54 today.
--- I need to grow as a leader.
--- We need to get very intentional in building volunteer and leadership teams.
--- I need to grow as a leader.
--- I love Element Church. I love our people. I love Cheyenne.
--- Jonah and Mariah went to church early with me this morning. They were a great help carrying stuff in. That was cool for them to come along. Can't do it all the time but thought we'd try it today.
--- Looking forward to getting into the office tomorrow and working on stuff. I'm having a hard time taking days off. I need to be better at that too. I love working on Element stuff right now and seems there is always something to do.
--- Ok, that's about it. We'll do a weekend wrapup every week. Grant says I "stole" random thoughts. Whatever!
Following Christ,
Jeff
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