Experiencing our First Summer

I have been told that nearly 50% of church plants do not make it through their first summer. With that in mind I was a little nervous around the first of May as I anticipated what June may bring.

We are now more than halfway through the three months of Summer and I am proud to say we are not only making it, but thriving. Yes attendance has been down over all, but we have had new people become a part of the embassy every week this summer. Our attendance has only been down about 15% of our May average. I hate talking about numbers, but I am excited to say that as the summer comes to a close and labor day gets behind us I am confident we will be averaging over 100 people in attendance on Sundays.

Another area that drops off for churches especially church plants in the summer is finances. Obviously God knows this and encouraged the heart of someone in our church to bless the ministry with a sizeable offering. This has allowed us to continue to have momentum through the summer.

We hosted a float in our local parade which brought attention to what we are doing at the theater. We built an eight foot high popcorn box and played up the whole "church at the movies" angle. we had postcards made promoing our Summer Break Series and Beach Party. These we stapled onto microwave popcorn packets and handed them out on the parade route. We built giant Admit one tickets that were in the back of the pick-up that pulled the float with the giant red & white popcorn box. It really served the purpose and we have heard a great deal about it from others in our community including a few that began to come to the embassy the Sunday after the parade! Financially we would have had to scrap this idea if God had not provided.

Another thing that we thought we would have to cut out of this year's summer budget was an end of the summer party to invite friends to and to thank Team EMC for all they have done.

Well the paaarrrrrrteeeeeeeyyyy is on and we are going to have a great time! On Sunday the 30th at 10:02 am be at the theater with some friends to experience our first end of the summer Beach Party. For us it's the end of the summer because Cherokee County Schools start back the first week of August.

We will be outside at the theater. The stage will be set up with live music. We'll be blaring the beach tunes, throwing down some ice tea and Williamson Bros. BBQ, having a treasure hunt for the kids along with a bounce house and 13 foot slide. There will be games for the grown-ups as well or just sit and get to know those you see passing you in the cafe' area on Sundays. This will be a great end to our Summer Break series.

This is my first time writing in so long, but I just wanted to say thanks to God and to everyone that has been so faithful this summer in your service and giving. Team EMC get ready for and incredible ride as we see God continue to reach the unchurched though your dedicated effort.

It is an amazing joy to pastor a bunch of people who get it. You are passionate about trying anything to reach others in a fresh way and I thank you for allowing me to be a part of the journey!