On one hand I HATE budgets. Not HAVING them but MAKING them. Today, outside of our creative session and one counseling session I spent the entire day trying to finish the budget. It is pretty much done and I love the way we are doing our budget. I received some tips from some other church planters and it has really simplified the process of doing the budget.
Now, on the other hand I LOVE this budget. Why? Because starting this new year we are going to be completely on our own financially as a young church. What a scary thought, but what an invigorating one as well. We are 2 months and 2 weeks old, we had 240 people at church last week, we've seen 34 people acknowledge that they asked Jesus into their heart to be Savior AND we are looking at being self sufficient at 4 months old. The goals we are talking about and setting are lofty BUT doable with God.
We are praying for God to continue to bring us people to connect with the Life in Christ. That's what we're about. We didn't go overboard on our budget by any means, but we didn't hold back either. We sat down and piece by piece said "What would we like to see here?" We came out in the end "inches" from where we needed to be. So a few adjustments here and there and we're almost done.
Doing the budget this week has been so time consuming but it's been necessary. We needed to get it done to have an idea of where we're going to be on our own.
Following Christ,
Jeff
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Monday, December 10, 2007
Full Day...
Offering this week was $2200 or roughly that. I left the exact # on my office desk and can't remember but it was close to that. lol
Adam and I met for our weekly Monday morning PP time. Planning and Prayer. We've reduced that and called it pp. Each Monday morning at 9 am we meet to start the week with prayer. If any prayer requests are given on the connection cards we specifically pray for them. We also pray for the week, Element Church and the great people God has sent us. We struggled early on to give proper time for prayer so we literally made it a calendared event on Monday mornings. We've made it an appointment that we won't miss. We feel it's that important. We typically spend a good amount of time talking about the previous day. What needs to change for the next week. We evaluate how the day went, if we missed anything, etc. We're just getting to the place now where we are getting comfortable with how the Sundays go (based on how we did personally) and don't have to tweak as much stuff. We then spend a good amount of time talking about the upcoming Sunday and what needs to be done.
In staff meeting today we debriefed The Tour and were REALLY critiquing how we can make it better. For our first Tour yesterday it ended up being really good. There are definitely some things that we feel we can do better to make it a more pleasant experience for all. Some things that we didn't like happened outside our control. Others we felt we could just do better. Our first group at The Tour was GREAT! They were MORE than patient and were very responsive and appreciative. Thanks to all who came and made it a great event.
THEN we took on the challenge (as a reaction to the Colorado shootings) to develop and evacuation plan for our e:kidz area were something horrible to happen at Element Church, as it did at New Life and YWAM. We understand that we cannot control everything but we recognized that we didn't have ANY plan in place so we developed that. We are also going to take some measures to try and insure some more security to our morning. It's sad we have to devote 45 minutes of our staff meeting to talking about that, but we feel it's necessary. Our prayers go out to those involved in the shootings.
Finally, for the remainder of the day, Adam and I worked on budget stuff. We have been blessed to be supported in part by High Plains Church, in Gillette, and by our Denomination. That funding will end come February 1st which means we will be a self-sufficient church plant. SO, we spent the final three hours of hour day hashing out budget stuff. I HATE IT! I hate budgets but I know they are necessary. They are scary, challenging, convicting and down right ANNOYING. We trust that God is going to provide EVERYTHING we need to exist as a full and thriving church. These are just some of the details that are not the most enjoyable part of the process.
That was our day in a GIANT nut shell. Monday is MEETING day at Element Church.
Adam and I met for our weekly Monday morning PP time. Planning and Prayer. We've reduced that and called it pp. Each Monday morning at 9 am we meet to start the week with prayer. If any prayer requests are given on the connection cards we specifically pray for them. We also pray for the week, Element Church and the great people God has sent us. We struggled early on to give proper time for prayer so we literally made it a calendared event on Monday mornings. We've made it an appointment that we won't miss. We feel it's that important. We typically spend a good amount of time talking about the previous day. What needs to change for the next week. We evaluate how the day went, if we missed anything, etc. We're just getting to the place now where we are getting comfortable with how the Sundays go (based on how we did personally) and don't have to tweak as much stuff. We then spend a good amount of time talking about the upcoming Sunday and what needs to be done.
In staff meeting today we debriefed The Tour and were REALLY critiquing how we can make it better. For our first Tour yesterday it ended up being really good. There are definitely some things that we feel we can do better to make it a more pleasant experience for all. Some things that we didn't like happened outside our control. Others we felt we could just do better. Our first group at The Tour was GREAT! They were MORE than patient and were very responsive and appreciative. Thanks to all who came and made it a great event.
THEN we took on the challenge (as a reaction to the Colorado shootings) to develop and evacuation plan for our e:kidz area were something horrible to happen at Element Church, as it did at New Life and YWAM. We understand that we cannot control everything but we recognized that we didn't have ANY plan in place so we developed that. We are also going to take some measures to try and insure some more security to our morning. It's sad we have to devote 45 minutes of our staff meeting to talking about that, but we feel it's necessary. Our prayers go out to those involved in the shootings.
Finally, for the remainder of the day, Adam and I worked on budget stuff. We have been blessed to be supported in part by High Plains Church, in Gillette, and by our Denomination. That funding will end come February 1st which means we will be a self-sufficient church plant. SO, we spent the final three hours of hour day hashing out budget stuff. I HATE IT! I hate budgets but I know they are necessary. They are scary, challenging, convicting and down right ANNOYING. We trust that God is going to provide EVERYTHING we need to exist as a full and thriving church. These are just some of the details that are not the most enjoyable part of the process.
That was our day in a GIANT nut shell. Monday is MEETING day at Element Church.
Rumination Additions
Just wanted to add a few things to the Sunday Rumination.
--- Attendance adjusted to 240. We had one family come in after attendance was taken. They only got about half the service so maybe we should count them as 2 1/2 instead of 5. JUST KIDDING!
--- Offering will be counted today, update that later.
--- We had 6 first time guests fill out connection cards yesterday and 4 return guests. One of our prayers since we started Unplugged on June 10th is that each week we would see new people come to Element Church. As of this week, God has saw fit to bring us at least one new face each week we've met. PRAISE THE LORD!
--- Well, off to our Monday morning planning session with Adam as we make lists and to dos for the week and weeks to come. Staff meeting today at 11:30. Got lots to talk about. Have a great week guys!
Following Christ,
Jeff
--- Attendance adjusted to 240. We had one family come in after attendance was taken. They only got about half the service so maybe we should count them as 2 1/2 instead of 5. JUST KIDDING!
--- Offering will be counted today, update that later.
--- We had 6 first time guests fill out connection cards yesterday and 4 return guests. One of our prayers since we started Unplugged on June 10th is that each week we would see new people come to Element Church. As of this week, God has saw fit to bring us at least one new face each week we've met. PRAISE THE LORD!
--- Well, off to our Monday morning planning session with Adam as we make lists and to dos for the week and weeks to come. Staff meeting today at 11:30. Got lots to talk about. Have a great week guys!
Following Christ,
Jeff
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Sunday Night (afternoon) Rumination: 12-9-07
WOW! What a day. (This is going to be a weird reference so be forewarned) I've never done drugs but I know what it's look to be high and then crash. Sundays are like that. Sundays are exhilarating and exhausting all in one. I absolutely love Sunday mornings. The day starts early for me (4 AM) and by the time I get home, email the first time guests, chill with family and/or friends I am just crashed. The morning is a high. I love seeing people come in those doors, worship, listen, fellowship. Nothing like it man! I thought I'd write while I'm watching football cause after 7 PM on Sundays I'm pretty much useless.
--- RECORD ATTENDANCE TODAY! I believe Grant said 235. If not it was 234. Needless to say it was a GREAT turnout! I believe we had 90 in the first service and 145 in the 2nd. I'll correct that if I'm wrong. Grant takes out the duplicate attenders as well (volunteers who attend both services).
It was a very confirming day for me today. Questions were answered like "Did we make the right move in 2 services?" "Did we do it too soon?" Today confirmed that we needed to do it. That it was the right decision. We couldn't have had a service for 235 people before. Having two services enables that. What's next? Only God knows. I see big things I'll tell you that! God's not done.
--- Offering isn't counted until Mondays now so I'll report that tomorrow!
--- The big question for our Christmas series is "Why did Jesus come?" The big idea today was "He came to increase our faith." We looked in John 4, the story of the Officials son that Jesus healed. Talked about the progress of faith in that story and how Jesus does the same with us. We had 15 -20 people raise their hands saying they've trusted in Jesus for "saving" faith but there are areas of their lives in which they need to "believe" in Jesus. Need to increase their faith. It was a great response and a message that spoke to and challenged me as well. Those are the good ones.
--- No first time decisions today but I just felt like the sermon connected with some people who were already followers of Christ in a good way. Got lots of comments from people that they were challenged. Lots of "Thank yous" for what was said.
--- I referred to a story in Mark 9 today about a dad who came to Jesus for his son to be healed. You can read it here if you want. The dad asks Jesus "If you can, would you heal my son?" Jesus says "If I CAN? Anything is possible if you just believe." The dads response "I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief." Seemed like that story connected with some people. I admitted in my own life that I find myself like that sometimes. "I DO believe, help me overcome my areas of unbelief." There are times I so desperately want to believe God FOR something or IN something and I feel like that dad. "I DO believe, but I'm struggling in this area." Jesus wants to help us overcome our unbelief. That's why He came!
--- Adam pulled me aside before we started and prayed over me. Really felt that helped. He just felt led to do that. I reported last week how I felt about the 2nd service sermon. This week I felt like it flowed very well in both and the connection to the people seemed MUCH better for me. Thanks Adam!
--- Set up was frustrating today. Some people didn't come that we "assumed" would be there. I ran sound today for one service which is a strain. I had to set my mic, get down to the platform and run back up to the sound board. Keenan stepped in for first service and did a great job! Thanks Keenan! We got it all up, we were about 15-20 minutes behind schedule. Just one or two people not there really backs us up. We had a good crew stay after to help tear down. If you are an Elementer and are looking for a place to plug in and serve in a way that would REALLY help us. Be a part of the set up crew. The guys and gals that come now do a BANG UP job but they need some help!
--- The "spirit" of worship was at an all time high in 2nd service today. Not sure what it was but it just seemed to connect at a different level. The band, once again, did an outstanding job. Added a new vocalist to the band today. (Thanks Lee!) Lee also brought me REAL White Castles home from Chicago after Thanksgiving. GO LEE!
--- Did I mention I love this?!
--- Held The Tour today (our first one). The Tour is our newcomers luncheon. We had 30 - 40 people come for lunch and some Element vision casting. For our first one, excluding a few early hiccups, I thought it went great. Thanks to those of you who came as our guinea pigs. We shared some of our history of Element Church. Introduced all the staff. Shared about e:kidz and Fusion ministries. Grant and Adam both shared from their hearts about their specific ministries. I then talked about some key things all Elementers should know. About our essential ministries (Worship Experience, Life Groups, and Outreach). About our Vision: That God would so impact the Cheyenne area through Element Church that if it were gone the community would miss it. And shared some stuff on my heart. I really felt like it went well. You'll have to ask one of the attenders their opinion.
--- All Elementers don't forget the moms we are adopting. Please join us in making this a special Christmas for them. They are registered at Wal-Mart and Target under First Name (Element) and Last Name (Church). We also have some non-registered items that you can get a list of at the e:connect table.
--- If you get a chance to go to a movie at the Carmike, please tell any of the workers that you are from Element Church and say "Thank you!" They bend over backwards for us. We could not do what we do or have done what we've done without them. We are going to honor all the employees with a good Christmas gift.
Thanks to all who follow! Elementers, you are AMAZING! Keep coming and invite someone with you. I love serving with and for you.
Following Christ,
Jeff
--- RECORD ATTENDANCE TODAY! I believe Grant said 235. If not it was 234. Needless to say it was a GREAT turnout! I believe we had 90 in the first service and 145 in the 2nd. I'll correct that if I'm wrong. Grant takes out the duplicate attenders as well (volunteers who attend both services).
It was a very confirming day for me today. Questions were answered like "Did we make the right move in 2 services?" "Did we do it too soon?" Today confirmed that we needed to do it. That it was the right decision. We couldn't have had a service for 235 people before. Having two services enables that. What's next? Only God knows. I see big things I'll tell you that! God's not done.
--- Offering isn't counted until Mondays now so I'll report that tomorrow!
--- The big question for our Christmas series is "Why did Jesus come?" The big idea today was "He came to increase our faith." We looked in John 4, the story of the Officials son that Jesus healed. Talked about the progress of faith in that story and how Jesus does the same with us. We had 15 -20 people raise their hands saying they've trusted in Jesus for "saving" faith but there are areas of their lives in which they need to "believe" in Jesus. Need to increase their faith. It was a great response and a message that spoke to and challenged me as well. Those are the good ones.
--- No first time decisions today but I just felt like the sermon connected with some people who were already followers of Christ in a good way. Got lots of comments from people that they were challenged. Lots of "Thank yous" for what was said.
--- I referred to a story in Mark 9 today about a dad who came to Jesus for his son to be healed. You can read it here if you want. The dad asks Jesus "If you can, would you heal my son?" Jesus says "If I CAN? Anything is possible if you just believe." The dads response "I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief." Seemed like that story connected with some people. I admitted in my own life that I find myself like that sometimes. "I DO believe, help me overcome my areas of unbelief." There are times I so desperately want to believe God FOR something or IN something and I feel like that dad. "I DO believe, but I'm struggling in this area." Jesus wants to help us overcome our unbelief. That's why He came!
--- Adam pulled me aside before we started and prayed over me. Really felt that helped. He just felt led to do that. I reported last week how I felt about the 2nd service sermon. This week I felt like it flowed very well in both and the connection to the people seemed MUCH better for me. Thanks Adam!
--- Set up was frustrating today. Some people didn't come that we "assumed" would be there. I ran sound today for one service which is a strain. I had to set my mic, get down to the platform and run back up to the sound board. Keenan stepped in for first service and did a great job! Thanks Keenan! We got it all up, we were about 15-20 minutes behind schedule. Just one or two people not there really backs us up. We had a good crew stay after to help tear down. If you are an Elementer and are looking for a place to plug in and serve in a way that would REALLY help us. Be a part of the set up crew. The guys and gals that come now do a BANG UP job but they need some help!
--- The "spirit" of worship was at an all time high in 2nd service today. Not sure what it was but it just seemed to connect at a different level. The band, once again, did an outstanding job. Added a new vocalist to the band today. (Thanks Lee!) Lee also brought me REAL White Castles home from Chicago after Thanksgiving. GO LEE!
--- Did I mention I love this?!
--- Held The Tour today (our first one). The Tour is our newcomers luncheon. We had 30 - 40 people come for lunch and some Element vision casting. For our first one, excluding a few early hiccups, I thought it went great. Thanks to those of you who came as our guinea pigs. We shared some of our history of Element Church. Introduced all the staff. Shared about e:kidz and Fusion ministries. Grant and Adam both shared from their hearts about their specific ministries. I then talked about some key things all Elementers should know. About our essential ministries (Worship Experience, Life Groups, and Outreach). About our Vision: That God would so impact the Cheyenne area through Element Church that if it were gone the community would miss it. And shared some stuff on my heart. I really felt like it went well. You'll have to ask one of the attenders their opinion.
--- All Elementers don't forget the moms we are adopting. Please join us in making this a special Christmas for them. They are registered at Wal-Mart and Target under First Name (Element) and Last Name (Church). We also have some non-registered items that you can get a list of at the e:connect table.
--- If you get a chance to go to a movie at the Carmike, please tell any of the workers that you are from Element Church and say "Thank you!" They bend over backwards for us. We could not do what we do or have done what we've done without them. We are going to honor all the employees with a good Christmas gift.
Thanks to all who follow! Elementers, you are AMAZING! Keep coming and invite someone with you. I love serving with and for you.
Following Christ,
Jeff
Friday, December 7, 2007
Did you shovel?
It snowed today which meant for all you Elementers you had your first chance to shovel, not only YOUR driveway, but your neighbors. That was the challenge at least.
This morning I took Jonah outside and we began shoveling. I started with our neighbors sidewalk and driveway. It was very nice to tell Jonah "We're doing this just to be kind to our neighbor." Our neighbor was not home and has no idea we shoveled. Later in the day I went out front and Jonah, all by himself, was over there doing his best to shovel off the new dusting of snow that had fell. Loved seeing that. I want to raise children who WANT to serve and give.
As we were shoveling this thought/question entered my heart and mind again. Is being out here with Jonah about him really helping remove snow? NO! He doesn't accomplish much snow removal. I have to go back and shovel over his rough spots. What's it about then? It's about BEING WITH ME, and me being with Him. We need to remember that when God asks us to do something. It's more about BEING with Him than us HELPING Him. When Jonah is out there it's about him learning, bonding, loving. It's not about snow removal. When I'm "out" with God, it's about learning, bonding, loving. That is the MAIN GOAL anyway. At least how I see it.
This morning I took Jonah outside and we began shoveling. I started with our neighbors sidewalk and driveway. It was very nice to tell Jonah "We're doing this just to be kind to our neighbor." Our neighbor was not home and has no idea we shoveled. Later in the day I went out front and Jonah, all by himself, was over there doing his best to shovel off the new dusting of snow that had fell. Loved seeing that. I want to raise children who WANT to serve and give.
As we were shoveling this thought/question entered my heart and mind again. Is being out here with Jonah about him really helping remove snow? NO! He doesn't accomplish much snow removal. I have to go back and shovel over his rough spots. What's it about then? It's about BEING WITH ME, and me being with Him. We need to remember that when God asks us to do something. It's more about BEING with Him than us HELPING Him. When Jonah is out there it's about him learning, bonding, loving. It's not about snow removal. When I'm "out" with God, it's about learning, bonding, loving. That is the MAIN GOAL anyway. At least how I see it.
Devotional thoughts...
I am in Psalms right now, which just blows me away every time I get to it in my reading. A few years ago I became a systematic Bible reader. What do I mean by that? I read through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation and then start over again. I am big on journaling so I have kept journals of devo thoughts since I started doing that. I've loved going back to read some of the things that God taught me. I love reading the Bible that way as well because it keeps me reading things that I may not choose to read (ie. Leviticus). I haven't always been real big on devotional books. One reason why is because I think people have replaced the Bible with devotional books and that I think is a HUGE mistake. With that said, I think devotional books WITH the Bible can be a very great tool. As you may or may not know I've been reading out of Oswald Chambers "My Utmost..." this year. I have loved it.
Here is another thought from Oz from Dec. 6th, and it goes along with this Sundays message: "...As long as we keep demanding, we can't enjoy His generosity. To say 'I'm not making a commitment until I see what I'm getting' shows a lack of understanding..." "...Waiting for God is incarnate unbelief, it means that I have not faith in Him; I wait for Him to do something in me that I may trust in that." "...I do not believe God unless He will give me something in my hand whereby I may know I have it, then I say --- 'Now I believe.' There is no faith there."
Seeing is NOT believing. Faith comes in things we can't see, and in things we do not yet have. Belief that God CAN, not that he does!
Here is another thought from Oz from Dec. 6th, and it goes along with this Sundays message: "...As long as we keep demanding, we can't enjoy His generosity. To say 'I'm not making a commitment until I see what I'm getting' shows a lack of understanding..." "...Waiting for God is incarnate unbelief, it means that I have not faith in Him; I wait for Him to do something in me that I may trust in that." "...I do not believe God unless He will give me something in my hand whereby I may know I have it, then I say --- 'Now I believe.' There is no faith there."
Seeing is NOT believing. Faith comes in things we can't see, and in things we do not yet have. Belief that God CAN, not that he does!
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Feelings about preaching
I love to preach. I love studying for a sermon. I love writing them. I love delivering them. What I don't love is when I walk out and feel like I gave a dud. That happened this past Sunday. I felt that the 9 AM sermon was FAR AND AWAY better than 10:30. Thankfully I was told by some people that they actually liked the 10:30 better. It may have been just that I need to get used to preaching twice. The first one feels fresh to me, #2 feels repetitive. I don't know. All I know is I felt really down about how I delivered the 2nd service.
After my daily Bible reading this past year, I've been reading one day out of the Oswald Chambers devotional. What I read for Monday, Dec. 3rd could not have been more timely. Listen to this: "Never rely on the clearness of your exposition, but as you give your exposition see that you are relying on the Holy Spirit. Rely on the certainty of God's redemptive power, and He will create His own life in souls." I needed to hear that. Also this: "If in preaching the Gospel you substitute your clear knowledge of the way of salvation for confidence in the power of the Gospel, you hinder people getting to Reality."
And then to think that God knew I would need to read that on Monday, Dec. 3rd of 2007 so he led me to read the devotional this year. Crazy! So cool how God will work little things out in our lives to reveal himself to us.
After my daily Bible reading this past year, I've been reading one day out of the Oswald Chambers devotional. What I read for Monday, Dec. 3rd could not have been more timely. Listen to this: "Never rely on the clearness of your exposition, but as you give your exposition see that you are relying on the Holy Spirit. Rely on the certainty of God's redemptive power, and He will create His own life in souls." I needed to hear that. Also this: "If in preaching the Gospel you substitute your clear knowledge of the way of salvation for confidence in the power of the Gospel, you hinder people getting to Reality."
And then to think that God knew I would need to read that on Monday, Dec. 3rd of 2007 so he led me to read the devotional this year. Crazy! So cool how God will work little things out in our lives to reveal himself to us.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Random Acts Of Kindness Idea
We started something this month that we will continue each month, and it's called "The Random Acts Of Kindness Idea For The Month". Serving is a key part of what we want to do at Element Church but I believe sometimes we wait for the next church sponsored community outreach or missions project to do something. What if we just started serving our neighbors as part of our lives? So we want to give monthly practical ideas to try and get us in the habit of serving. This months idea is to shovel your neighbors driveway and/or sidewalk. Just make sure it snows first.
We showed this video to promote our first idea. We chose the windiest day of the week to film, and as you'll see, it effected the video juuuuuust a tad.
We showed this video to promote our first idea. We chose the windiest day of the week to film, and as you'll see, it effected the video juuuuuust a tad.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Sunday Rumination Additions
--- We had 8 first time guests today that filled out connection cards. I email all first time guests on Sunday afternoon to thank them for coming and two of them have already replied and said they will be back this week.
--- Of those 8 first time guests, 5 came because of our recent mailer, 3 came from our ad in the newspaper and 1 came from a personal invite from my wife. (I have to admit, if she invited me to church I'd go to both services)
--- I didn't help with sound today for the first time since we started. Pat did an awesome job filling in and he actually knows what he's doing. It was so nice to walk down to e:kidz and see how they were doing. To sit down and listen to practice. To pray and meditate on my sermon before we started. Adam is building a great team.
--- Grants first impressions team, I think, would rival just about any team around. they create such a welcoming environment. I have some ideas in first impressions that I'd love to incorporate. We'll see.
Ok, wanted to add those things. I took a nap so I can think a lot more clearly. DON'T FORGET TO GET STUFF FOR THOSE MOMS! I'm counting on you Elementers! You are th greatest.
Jeff
--- Of those 8 first time guests, 5 came because of our recent mailer, 3 came from our ad in the newspaper and 1 came from a personal invite from my wife. (I have to admit, if she invited me to church I'd go to both services)
--- I didn't help with sound today for the first time since we started. Pat did an awesome job filling in and he actually knows what he's doing. It was so nice to walk down to e:kidz and see how they were doing. To sit down and listen to practice. To pray and meditate on my sermon before we started. Adam is building a great team.
--- Grants first impressions team, I think, would rival just about any team around. they create such a welcoming environment. I have some ideas in first impressions that I'd love to incorporate. We'll see.
Ok, wanted to add those things. I took a nap so I can think a lot more clearly. DON'T FORGET TO GET STUFF FOR THOSE MOMS! I'm counting on you Elementers! You are th greatest.
Jeff
Sunday Night Rumination (12-2-07)
TWO SERVICES HAS BEGUN! Today went great. It was a great start to our newest venture at Element Church with the beginning of our two services. We had been pushing the 210 barrier for three consecutive weeks (maxed out theater) and really felt that to maximize our opportunity to reach more people we needed to multiply into two services. We hit that over 200 mark three consecutive weeks then we went to 155 and 162. Not sure if that is just the natural ebb and flow of a new church, a result of the Holidays or the fact that we had reached capacity. I really did feel that some people when we were running at 200 seemed uncomfortable with some of the space issues. Anyway, we felt that God was leading us to make the decision and we did it. I'm glad. Here are some thoughts on the day.
--- I got a GREAT nap in today. Sabrina went to Denver to visit a friend in the hospital so I had the kiddos all day. We all layed down and got some good rest. I haven't taken a Sunday nap in weeks. My mind is typically RACING from the day. I was unusually tired. There was a reason for my being tired today.
--- I WAS UP ROOTING FOR MY SOONERS WHO WON THE BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIP!! Boomer Sooner! Now they are off to the Fiesta Bowl on January 2nd. I typically get into bed by 8 PM on Saturdays. Last night I was up till eleven and then up at 4 am this morning. Short night. I protect my Saturday nights pretty tightly because I want to be fresh and rested for Sunday morning.
--- 190 in church today. 80 first service. 110 2nd service. That is taking out the people who attended both services. Grant did a good job of keeping track of the double attenders and taking them out of the total attendance.
--- I'll have offering total tomorrow. Not sure what it was. We took the offering at the end of the service today and I loved it. Adam and I have been trying every which way to do the offering and I think this is going to stick. We'll see. The great thing about a church plant is you can try something and if you don't like it you don't do it again or change it.
--- 10 people. TEN! Raised their hands today, acknowledging they prayed to receive Jesus Christ into their hearts as Savior! WOW! We are really battling how to connect with those people deeper. Get them some discipleship info into their hands and plugged into a Life Group. That brings our nine week church salvation total to 34. Now I know some people will question that. Ask if all of them still come. Where are they at in their walk. My response "I don't know" (on some of them). I know this, regardless of what they did with their decision, the Holy Spirit will be faithful to remind them of that moment. Their journey started that day and we will pray that the journey will continue IN CHRIST!
--- Two services meant an earlier set up, PLUS, we added some set design stuff for this Christmas series. Let me tell you. OUR VOLUNTEERS ARE OUT OF THIS WORLD. We had an UNBELIEVABLE set up team today. It was like an army of ants man. Everyone moving swiftly, doing their job, getting it done. The team arrived at 6:30 AM and started working. Adam said in his blog that we got done in 50 minutes. Not bad at all. To all you who volunteer, YOU GUYS ROCK! It's actually a lot of fun. I love Sunday mornings. LOVE IT! We plugged in several new volunteers and teams today, just did an awesome job!
--- I hope we got pictures of the e:connect table. Nick and Rita did a fabulous job decorating it for Christmas. Those guys are awesome!
--- I seriously wish I could go to every door of our volunteers and say "Thank You!" You guy's make this so easy for us. We have such a wonderful group of people who serve. We need to count up how many volunteers we had today doing church. AMAZING!
--- We added a little manger scene, an 8 foot light sign again that said "Believe" and "King" on the same board. It was pretty cool. We also added some star machines that put a planetarium type feel to the front wall. We won't always do set design, but for this special series we thought we would. I think it looked great. We also added a stage piece this week.
--- Two services is going to take some getting used to. It was kind of funny. I'm so used to going out and standing to greet people, then rushing in to tear down e:worship. Today after 9 AM service I was like "Holy cow we have to do this again!" It's only a half hour difference in the day so that isn't as big of a deal. Just getting used to doing back to back services.
--- We used pipe and drape to shrink the theater up a bit. We draped off the back two rows so it moved everyone up a bit. MAN, I'm glad we did that cause it helped fill the room up a bit from being used to a packed house. We may have to take it down pretty quick for 10:30 service but for the 9 AM it really made a difference.
--- I felt my 2nd service message lagged FAR behind first service. Maybe I'm just not used to preaching twice yet but I just felt that 9 am was more fresh and real. 10:30 I didn't feel like I connected well. We had good comments on the message and service so it could be just a total feeling on my part. I felt worship was better 2nd service. Not the quality just the energy. There is something about people filling a room that creates energy for worship.
--- Adam has the worship set up on his Sunday Afterthoughts. Grant hasn't submitted to my authority and started a Sunday night blog yet. "GET ON THAT GRANT!"
--- Elementers, PLEASE don't forget about picking up some of the needs for these four moms. We want to make sure and provide for them this Christmas. I think it is a great thing that we are doing to help these moms out. Don't miss the opportunity to provide for someone. Even if it's one package of diapers, or one can of formula, every little bit helps.
--- We started something new today that will be a monthly deal. It's called "The random act of kindness idea for the month" We made a little video to promote it. The video turned out HORRIBLE because of the wind, but it made it funny. You'll need to watch it when we post our service. This months idea is, when it snows to shovel your neighbors driveway or sidewalk. We want servant hood to reach into our neighborhoods and be a part of our life, not just a church sponsored activity. So, there is your idea and challenge. Now lets hope it snows.
Alright, I've typed enough. I'm already excited for this week. I love what I do! Thanks Elementers and everyone else for following along. We'll see you Sunday.
--- I got a GREAT nap in today. Sabrina went to Denver to visit a friend in the hospital so I had the kiddos all day. We all layed down and got some good rest. I haven't taken a Sunday nap in weeks. My mind is typically RACING from the day. I was unusually tired. There was a reason for my being tired today.
--- I WAS UP ROOTING FOR MY SOONERS WHO WON THE BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIP!! Boomer Sooner! Now they are off to the Fiesta Bowl on January 2nd. I typically get into bed by 8 PM on Saturdays. Last night I was up till eleven and then up at 4 am this morning. Short night. I protect my Saturday nights pretty tightly because I want to be fresh and rested for Sunday morning.
--- 190 in church today. 80 first service. 110 2nd service. That is taking out the people who attended both services. Grant did a good job of keeping track of the double attenders and taking them out of the total attendance.
--- I'll have offering total tomorrow. Not sure what it was. We took the offering at the end of the service today and I loved it. Adam and I have been trying every which way to do the offering and I think this is going to stick. We'll see. The great thing about a church plant is you can try something and if you don't like it you don't do it again or change it.
--- 10 people. TEN! Raised their hands today, acknowledging they prayed to receive Jesus Christ into their hearts as Savior! WOW! We are really battling how to connect with those people deeper. Get them some discipleship info into their hands and plugged into a Life Group. That brings our nine week church salvation total to 34. Now I know some people will question that. Ask if all of them still come. Where are they at in their walk. My response "I don't know" (on some of them). I know this, regardless of what they did with their decision, the Holy Spirit will be faithful to remind them of that moment. Their journey started that day and we will pray that the journey will continue IN CHRIST!
--- Two services meant an earlier set up, PLUS, we added some set design stuff for this Christmas series. Let me tell you. OUR VOLUNTEERS ARE OUT OF THIS WORLD. We had an UNBELIEVABLE set up team today. It was like an army of ants man. Everyone moving swiftly, doing their job, getting it done. The team arrived at 6:30 AM and started working. Adam said in his blog that we got done in 50 minutes. Not bad at all. To all you who volunteer, YOU GUYS ROCK! It's actually a lot of fun. I love Sunday mornings. LOVE IT! We plugged in several new volunteers and teams today, just did an awesome job!
--- I hope we got pictures of the e:connect table. Nick and Rita did a fabulous job decorating it for Christmas. Those guys are awesome!
--- I seriously wish I could go to every door of our volunteers and say "Thank You!" You guy's make this so easy for us. We have such a wonderful group of people who serve. We need to count up how many volunteers we had today doing church. AMAZING!
--- We added a little manger scene, an 8 foot light sign again that said "Believe" and "King" on the same board. It was pretty cool. We also added some star machines that put a planetarium type feel to the front wall. We won't always do set design, but for this special series we thought we would. I think it looked great. We also added a stage piece this week.
--- Two services is going to take some getting used to. It was kind of funny. I'm so used to going out and standing to greet people, then rushing in to tear down e:worship. Today after 9 AM service I was like "Holy cow we have to do this again!" It's only a half hour difference in the day so that isn't as big of a deal. Just getting used to doing back to back services.
--- We used pipe and drape to shrink the theater up a bit. We draped off the back two rows so it moved everyone up a bit. MAN, I'm glad we did that cause it helped fill the room up a bit from being used to a packed house. We may have to take it down pretty quick for 10:30 service but for the 9 AM it really made a difference.
--- I felt my 2nd service message lagged FAR behind first service. Maybe I'm just not used to preaching twice yet but I just felt that 9 am was more fresh and real. 10:30 I didn't feel like I connected well. We had good comments on the message and service so it could be just a total feeling on my part. I felt worship was better 2nd service. Not the quality just the energy. There is something about people filling a room that creates energy for worship.
--- Adam has the worship set up on his Sunday Afterthoughts. Grant hasn't submitted to my authority and started a Sunday night blog yet. "GET ON THAT GRANT!"
--- Elementers, PLEASE don't forget about picking up some of the needs for these four moms. We want to make sure and provide for them this Christmas. I think it is a great thing that we are doing to help these moms out. Don't miss the opportunity to provide for someone. Even if it's one package of diapers, or one can of formula, every little bit helps.
--- We started something new today that will be a monthly deal. It's called "The random act of kindness idea for the month" We made a little video to promote it. The video turned out HORRIBLE because of the wind, but it made it funny. You'll need to watch it when we post our service. This months idea is, when it snows to shovel your neighbors driveway or sidewalk. We want servant hood to reach into our neighborhoods and be a part of our life, not just a church sponsored activity. So, there is your idea and challenge. Now lets hope it snows.
Alright, I've typed enough. I'm already excited for this week. I love what I do! Thanks Elementers and everyone else for following along. We'll see you Sunday.
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