Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
Sunday Remix
-The last service in our gametime at the embassy series went great.
-It seems like I'm always saying this, but the band is just really blowing my mind. Great job guys!
-When our emc experience was over yesterday we had a team emc orientation (membership class) at the Serene Bean. I just want to give a shout out to all the new people that have made emc home the past few months. Welcome to the team!
-In the evening we had our 3rd Discipleship for Leadership night. It has been great getting with those who have so fully embraced what God is doing in and through their lives at emc.
-It's awesome seeing such a diversity taking place at the embassy. From professionals and IT guys to tattooed recording studio managers and baristas, we are seeing God uniquely create the community we affectionately call "the embassy". I don't think I have ever been more proud of being the pastor of embassy metro church than I am right now.
-It seems like I'm always saying this, but the band is just really blowing my mind. Great job guys!
-When our emc experience was over yesterday we had a team emc orientation (membership class) at the Serene Bean. I just want to give a shout out to all the new people that have made emc home the past few months. Welcome to the team!
-In the evening we had our 3rd Discipleship for Leadership night. It has been great getting with those who have so fully embraced what God is doing in and through their lives at emc.
-It's awesome seeing such a diversity taking place at the embassy. From professionals and IT guys to tattooed recording studio managers and baristas, we are seeing God uniquely create the community we affectionately call "the embassy". I don't think I have ever been more proud of being the pastor of embassy metro church than I am right now.
Friday, October 26, 2007
www.JesusIsYourHuckleberry.com
This weekend 100 yard signs will go out that only have this web address on them. We hope it will peak interest and drive people to the page that promotes the Wild Wild West Series and the main church website.
I think the creative design team did a great job with this idea. I hope it will spark some interest around the area.
I think the creative design team did a great job with this idea. I hope it will spark some interest around the area.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Great E-mail
A fellow emc-er writes:
It has been well over 2 years now since we got hooked up (Or I guess I should say plugged in..) at the Embassy. I am continually amazed at how there is still not a Sunday that has gone by where I do not feel excited about coming to church. Even the days I have to miss, it definitely feels like something is missing from the week. I can’t remember a time in my life where on occasional Sunday’s I wouldn’t wake up and feel “Man, I really don’t feel like going to church today”. But, apparently, those days are gone because there are truly folks to “journey” with…..not “perfect people”, not “judgmental people”, not “holier than thou people”, but “PEOPLE”….”REAL PEOPLE” who love other people and want to figure out life together. I so appreciate what you have done here. I know we are really reaching the un-churched, but I am hear to tell you, that we are also reaching the folks that always thought they were “churched” but didn’t realize that it is more than a word or a label, it is a state of mind and a focus on God and truly a “Journey”. Thanks for being faithful and driving God’s vision to Woodstock, to Georgia, and to the world.
What a great e-mail! I love to here what Jesus and Emc has meant to people's lives. EMC Team, ya'll are doing a great job!!!!
It has been well over 2 years now since we got hooked up (Or I guess I should say plugged in..) at the Embassy. I am continually amazed at how there is still not a Sunday that has gone by where I do not feel excited about coming to church. Even the days I have to miss, it definitely feels like something is missing from the week. I can’t remember a time in my life where on occasional Sunday’s I wouldn’t wake up and feel “Man, I really don’t feel like going to church today”. But, apparently, those days are gone because there are truly folks to “journey” with…..not “perfect people”, not “judgmental people”, not “holier than thou people”, but “PEOPLE”….”REAL PEOPLE” who love other people and want to figure out life together. I so appreciate what you have done here. I know we are really reaching the un-churched, but I am hear to tell you, that we are also reaching the folks that always thought they were “churched” but didn’t realize that it is more than a word or a label, it is a state of mind and a focus on God and truly a “Journey”. Thanks for being faithful and driving God’s vision to Woodstock, to Georgia, and to the world.
What a great e-mail! I love to here what Jesus and Emc has meant to people's lives. EMC Team, ya'll are doing a great job!!!!
EMC Obstacles
During our last Discipleship for Leadership as we talked about leaders being resilient we took a few minutes to ask the question, "what are the unique obstacles that we face at emc?" Here's a few that were listed:
-We're portable. Have to set this thing up every week. It was great that someone commented that being portable to them seemed to be the reason why we reach so many unchurched people. Seems like that became the consensus of the room which is cool because it shows that because they are proactive about the vision of emc they are resilient to that present obstacle. Not only resilient, but saw the best amongst the worst. Thanks guys you rock!
-Time: we have a lot of young families and living in this region taxes everyones resources of time. Someone commented that this has made us purposeful in what we do as a church and has helped keep us focused.
-There were several more, but I'll finish with this one. Finances:
Man that's huge. Because the greatest percentage of emc-ers were either unchurched, church burnt, or just de-churched their awareness to give or discipline to do so is not developed yet. I will take the blame for that because I really haven't taught much on giving. The last thing you want is for people who have seen the TV evangelists beg for money and think that's what it's all about to come to church and have money preached every week at them only cementing for them the stereotype that they expected.
Now every person that gives 10% of their income or more will till you that it's not out of a heart of compulsion that they give. We do it because it is worship to God, and it's a commitment that says we trust God with our finances and welfare. In doing so God truly does take care of you. My life has been an example of this from 19 years old until now.
The obstacle of finances is difficult, but as one person suggested it has made us frugal, creative, and disciplined in that we think through everything when money is being spent. That's a good thing. What's difficult is that we do need to lead this group of people newly passionate about God into trusting Him with their finances. Most if they have it they want to give it. I don't say any of this as a condemnation on them because most when looking at their finances will say just like Amie and I..."we don't have it". Truth of the matter we don't have it, it's all His anyways and what He has allowed into my hands I will trust Him with it. I look forward to seeing many begin to trust him with this. Why? Because first and foremost it will get them past some of the obstacles that they have faced with their finances. God will bless obedience ever time. Secondly, together as a body the embassy metro church family will see the obstacle of finances overcome as we scale this mountain that has the potential to block us from God's best for our lives, church, and community.
What ever obstacles you are facing be resilient, be obedient, be proactive and watch as the power of God and his provision for your situation causes you to get past the obstacles you face in life.
-We're portable. Have to set this thing up every week. It was great that someone commented that being portable to them seemed to be the reason why we reach so many unchurched people. Seems like that became the consensus of the room which is cool because it shows that because they are proactive about the vision of emc they are resilient to that present obstacle. Not only resilient, but saw the best amongst the worst. Thanks guys you rock!
-Time: we have a lot of young families and living in this region taxes everyones resources of time. Someone commented that this has made us purposeful in what we do as a church and has helped keep us focused.
-There were several more, but I'll finish with this one. Finances:
Man that's huge. Because the greatest percentage of emc-ers were either unchurched, church burnt, or just de-churched their awareness to give or discipline to do so is not developed yet. I will take the blame for that because I really haven't taught much on giving. The last thing you want is for people who have seen the TV evangelists beg for money and think that's what it's all about to come to church and have money preached every week at them only cementing for them the stereotype that they expected.
Now every person that gives 10% of their income or more will till you that it's not out of a heart of compulsion that they give. We do it because it is worship to God, and it's a commitment that says we trust God with our finances and welfare. In doing so God truly does take care of you. My life has been an example of this from 19 years old until now.
The obstacle of finances is difficult, but as one person suggested it has made us frugal, creative, and disciplined in that we think through everything when money is being spent. That's a good thing. What's difficult is that we do need to lead this group of people newly passionate about God into trusting Him with their finances. Most if they have it they want to give it. I don't say any of this as a condemnation on them because most when looking at their finances will say just like Amie and I..."we don't have it". Truth of the matter we don't have it, it's all His anyways and what He has allowed into my hands I will trust Him with it. I look forward to seeing many begin to trust him with this. Why? Because first and foremost it will get them past some of the obstacles that they have faced with their finances. God will bless obedience ever time. Secondly, together as a body the embassy metro church family will see the obstacle of finances overcome as we scale this mountain that has the potential to block us from God's best for our lives, church, and community.
What ever obstacles you are facing be resilient, be obedient, be proactive and watch as the power of God and his provision for your situation causes you to get past the obstacles you face in life.
Heart of A Leader
At our last Discipleship for Leadership we took some time to look at the heart of a Leader. We saw that leaders are pro-active. They own the vision of the organizations they are a part of. A team that only responds in a reactionary way will lead a movement into maintenance mode. This is where a lot of churches and organizations find themselves. If you are going to lead you have to be pro-actionary (I may have just made up that word, but it works). Vision, vibrancy, life and health all stem from proactivity. You may be a pastor, parent, business person, student, or part of a team when it comes to leading in those environments you have to take some time to work on your vision for the future and not just react to the present. If you don't you will get stuck in your present and stagnation will follow.
Number two leaders are resilient. They bounce back and recover strength after facing obstacles to their vision. Resiliency comes from owning the vision deeply. John and Peter upon threat of life declared "We can't help but speak what we have seen and heard (concerning Jesus)" The disciples of Christ all but John (he just had boiling oil poured on him and exiled to an island) died striving to accomplish the vision. Myself and every believer today are testament of the fact that they succeeded.
Third quality, leaders are compassionate. Some leadership schools paint the leader as one who runs over everyone with their agenda. A Christian leader needs to lead like Christ. Christ was compassionate.... he felt deeply where people were and because of that related to them and led them to where they needed to be.
Finally I told our leaders that leaders are fallible. I gave them permission to make mistakes. Anytime you are moving a head, trying new things, being visionary you're going to make mistakes now and then. Leaders are not paralyzed by the fear of failure, but they take chances attempting to do things that are not the status quo.
As a pastor I don't expect my leaders to be perfect in every action or idea but I do expect them to be 1. pro-active 2. resilient and 3. compassionate.
Number two leaders are resilient. They bounce back and recover strength after facing obstacles to their vision. Resiliency comes from owning the vision deeply. John and Peter upon threat of life declared "We can't help but speak what we have seen and heard (concerning Jesus)" The disciples of Christ all but John (he just had boiling oil poured on him and exiled to an island) died striving to accomplish the vision. Myself and every believer today are testament of the fact that they succeeded.
Third quality, leaders are compassionate. Some leadership schools paint the leader as one who runs over everyone with their agenda. A Christian leader needs to lead like Christ. Christ was compassionate.... he felt deeply where people were and because of that related to them and led them to where they needed to be.
Finally I told our leaders that leaders are fallible. I gave them permission to make mistakes. Anytime you are moving a head, trying new things, being visionary you're going to make mistakes now and then. Leaders are not paralyzed by the fear of failure, but they take chances attempting to do things that are not the status quo.
As a pastor I don't expect my leaders to be perfect in every action or idea but I do expect them to be 1. pro-active 2. resilient and 3. compassionate.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Tragedy Back Home
The phone calls began to come in today regarding the shooting tragedy of a pastor and his wife apparently at the hands of their sixteen year old son. Mark & Sue Petric are the pastors of New Life Assembly of God in Wellington, OH. This church was in our section of churches when I pastored in North Central Ohio. Sue was found dead at the scene and Mark received multiple shots to his head and arm. Mark is in intensive care. Please pray for this family and church as they face the unthinkable.
Weekend Remix
-The Blue Rockers still go undefeated. It's so wrong to be so proud, but the team Grant is on is just really doing a lot right and it's fun to watch. They are beginning to pass and finally starting to run to space which is very hard to get 4&5 year olds to do. Finally the other team had enough and called the game with about 20 minutes left to play. They were down a few people so everybody was wearing out. I was still proud of our guys for passing so much. Great Job Blue Rockers!
-Saturday was a sad day as one of the first families that came to emc moved back home to Seattle. Lawerence, Jodi, Makayla, and Kennedy Boyd your church family in Atlanta will miss you.
-Spent a few hours with a crew of guys shooting our November series promos. Anytime spent with this bunch is hilarious.
-The Tribe sucked the field up pretty bad on Saturday and Sunday night and deserved to loose. In the series as much as I wanted the Indians to win I do hope the Sox come out and surprise the Rockies for the Championship.
-Our set up crew on Sunday had the truck unloaded in great time, but somewhere things got slowed down, the sound in the lobby didn't get set up and we started late which never makes me happy! We'll find out what went wrong at staff tonight :)
-Since the billboard we have had a lot of first time visitors. That's cool. This week a woman who came because she saw the billboard put her faith in Christ during the service. That's what it's all about.
-with all the new people that has been coming I am looking forward to the team emc orientation on Sunday at the Serene Bean immediately following the service. I am also looking forward to our journey groups starting back up in a couple of weeks. All these things help people connect and grow in their relationship with God and friends.
-The band rocked Sunday. We almost have enough people to make two full teams. I love what you are bringing us into on Sundays thanks for all you do to lead us in worship our God.
-I enjoyed preaching today, but I could tell there was a little push back. we looked at Settling the Score: How to handle penalties on the play. It's hard to see the stuff people throw at you as something that can make you stronger if handled right.To face the one who fouled you and to forgive, free, and forgive them is so hard. I know you can do it though because the Holy Spirit lives in you and He will empower you to get past your penalties on the play.
-Last night was our second night having Discipleship for Leadership. It has been great sowing into the leaders at emc. Thanks guys for stepping up your passion and level of responsibility.
-Finished the night last night about midnight as my wife and I spent time with a person in the church who has been through hell. I pray through Jesus she will find and know that there is healing for her past and she will receive strength to forgive, free, and forget those who have scarred her so deeply.
-We truly don't know the pain that people are going through, but I know that Jesus can heal their pain without a doubt!
-Went to bed really really tired....I love my life!
-Saturday was a sad day as one of the first families that came to emc moved back home to Seattle. Lawerence, Jodi, Makayla, and Kennedy Boyd your church family in Atlanta will miss you.
-Spent a few hours with a crew of guys shooting our November series promos. Anytime spent with this bunch is hilarious.
-The Tribe sucked the field up pretty bad on Saturday and Sunday night and deserved to loose. In the series as much as I wanted the Indians to win I do hope the Sox come out and surprise the Rockies for the Championship.
-Our set up crew on Sunday had the truck unloaded in great time, but somewhere things got slowed down, the sound in the lobby didn't get set up and we started late which never makes me happy! We'll find out what went wrong at staff tonight :)
-Since the billboard we have had a lot of first time visitors. That's cool. This week a woman who came because she saw the billboard put her faith in Christ during the service. That's what it's all about.
-with all the new people that has been coming I am looking forward to the team emc orientation on Sunday at the Serene Bean immediately following the service. I am also looking forward to our journey groups starting back up in a couple of weeks. All these things help people connect and grow in their relationship with God and friends.
-The band rocked Sunday. We almost have enough people to make two full teams. I love what you are bringing us into on Sundays thanks for all you do to lead us in worship our God.
-I enjoyed preaching today, but I could tell there was a little push back. we looked at Settling the Score: How to handle penalties on the play. It's hard to see the stuff people throw at you as something that can make you stronger if handled right.To face the one who fouled you and to forgive, free, and forgive them is so hard. I know you can do it though because the Holy Spirit lives in you and He will empower you to get past your penalties on the play.
-Last night was our second night having Discipleship for Leadership. It has been great sowing into the leaders at emc. Thanks guys for stepping up your passion and level of responsibility.
-Finished the night last night about midnight as my wife and I spent time with a person in the church who has been through hell. I pray through Jesus she will find and know that there is healing for her past and she will receive strength to forgive, free, and forget those who have scarred her so deeply.
-We truly don't know the pain that people are going through, but I know that Jesus can heal their pain without a doubt!
-Went to bed really really tired....I love my life!
Saturday, October 20, 2007
The Gametime Team
This is most of emc-ers that helped make the gametime tailgate party possible. There were a few still doing things outside. The pic was spontaneous so once again my wife Amie missed being in the photo. She was watching children while everybody was setting things up for the day. I love serving along side of you all. thanks for all you do!
Friday, October 19, 2007
Go Tribe!
Growing up 65 miles south of Cleveland pretty much puts Tribe blood in your veins for life so needless to say I am excited for the Indians. I'll have to wait to see the Indians seal the deal tomorrow night. Last night they didn't bring their A-game for sure. Beckett pitched an incredible game and deserved to take home the win for the Sox. I hope Saturday night will be a different story.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
You know what stinks?
When you actually like the person that doesn't get what you are doing and you realize you probably won't see each other much anymore because you are just embracing two different directions. I think everyone you come in contact with you hope you'll be journeying together with until Jesus comes, but that just doesn't happen. Thank God His kingdom is big enough for differing views and when we get to heaven a lot of this stuff just won't matter.
God has Great Timing
We have a guy at the church who has been in ministry for 20 years. He preaches at youth camps and has ministered all over the country. His family has called emc home and it's been great having him at the church. Sunday he asked if we could get some lunch this week. Little did I know what I would face between then and the lunch.
Every pastor at times will get reamed about their particular ministry and focus, and I am no exception. Does it hurt yes...will it always hurt...I hope. I never want to lose a sense of tenderness to the call of God and His desires, on the other hand I will forever be tenacious about the call God has on embassy metro church and His purpose for emc.
Let me get back to God's timing. So....I have everything we are called to and focused on called into question by someone. Man I never even saw it coming and it was intense. Here comes God's timing....the very next day I have lunch with this other
guy from our church that is a preacher. His main purpose for lunch was just to affirm the ministry that we are all doing at emc. This man has been in ministry for 20 years, has seen all types of churches and environments, has seen the positives and negatives and he just wanted to have lunch to say, "Pastor, you all are doing it!" Man that is just too cool how God works. Will I still be contemplative over things said by the other party yes, to not smacks of pride and arrogance, but have I fell a sleep soundly every night since the "reaming" you bet.
Every pastor at times will get reamed about their particular ministry and focus, and I am no exception. Does it hurt yes...will it always hurt...I hope. I never want to lose a sense of tenderness to the call of God and His desires, on the other hand I will forever be tenacious about the call God has on embassy metro church and His purpose for emc.
Let me get back to God's timing. So....I have everything we are called to and focused on called into question by someone. Man I never even saw it coming and it was intense. Here comes God's timing....the very next day I have lunch with this other
guy from our church that is a preacher. His main purpose for lunch was just to affirm the ministry that we are all doing at emc. This man has been in ministry for 20 years, has seen all types of churches and environments, has seen the positives and negatives and he just wanted to have lunch to say, "Pastor, you all are doing it!" Man that is just too cool how God works. Will I still be contemplative over things said by the other party yes, to not smacks of pride and arrogance, but have I fell a sleep soundly every night since the "reaming" you bet.
Sunday Remix
-The bands opening video was hilarious as they showed what Pastor Jared does to make them "just so darn awesome". Everything from jumping jacks to wind sprints all work together to make the band what they are. Too funny. I loved Jared calling to be spritzed as he chilled out on the bench. Seriously band thanks for what you do to bring your best game week in and week out. All I have been hearing lately is the great job you are doing. Thanks for bringing us before God in worship week to week.
-Amie and I were stoked to have some of our friends back from the gametime event the
week before.
-I preached a seven point sermon today dealing with feeling sidelined in life. 7 points ha ha. When I announced that ya'll thought we would be there until 1:00.
-I love seeing what God is doing in people's lives at the embassy.
-The more we go forward as a church the more I realize how much I need God and His direction in my life. Please pray for me as I seek God for our church.
-Our first night of Discipleship for Leadership went great as I spoke into the lives of 20 some emc-ers on Sunday night. What a great night of motivation and prayer. I'm looking forward to our next three weeks together.
-Amie and I were stoked to have some of our friends back from the gametime event the
week before.
-I preached a seven point sermon today dealing with feeling sidelined in life. 7 points ha ha. When I announced that ya'll thought we would be there until 1:00.
-I love seeing what God is doing in people's lives at the embassy.
-The more we go forward as a church the more I realize how much I need God and His direction in my life. Please pray for me as I seek God for our church.
-Our first night of Discipleship for Leadership went great as I spoke into the lives of 20 some emc-ers on Sunday night. What a great night of motivation and prayer. I'm looking forward to our next three weeks together.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Be on Time Tomorrow
We have been working hard to get started right at 10:02am and finally we have been making it. If you are an emc-er try to get into the main theater on time because often we will have announcments, creative openers, and other elements to kick off our worship experience. We don't want you to miss a thing.
Tomorrow the band came up with crazy "gametime themed" video to open up worship with. I can't wait to see them.
Tomorrow the band came up with crazy "gametime themed" video to open up worship with. I can't wait to see them.
Friday, October 12, 2007
What a week
Amie and I enjoyed immensely our time on St. Simon's this week. The minister's institute was one of the best events like it I have ever been to. The sessions were practical and inspiring and the schedule was restful, but still productive. We met a lot of great people that you can tell will be friends for years to come. On the rest side we spent one night walking a couple of miles on the beach in the dark. Amie was freaking out the whole time....I loved it. We also got to go up in the light house and see Christ Church, Charles Wesley's first ministry in the colonies. The location of the camp was cool because from that property lumber was taken to make the U.S.S. Constitution. The island just felt historic. It was great. We ate at a great place called Coastal Kitchen. It's owned by Phil & Debra who are some new friends. There son is on the soccer team I co-coach. Thanks Phil for the heads up...the place was incredible and the Asian Soy Calamari was one of the best things I have ever tasted.
The week was refreshing spiritually as well. One thing the speaker, Dr. Mike Rakes, said was that God led them into church planting to kill them. I loved that. He said it was there that God killed Mike and brought to life the man that God desired for him to be. After that service Amie and I went walking on the beach. We could tell there were plants all over the beach left by the tide. We weren't sure what they were because it was so dark. Finally I went up and stepped on one of these piles of sea matter. To my surprise it lit up like fireflies. I went to another and stepped harder this time. The light given off was even brighter. I found out later that it is phosphorus being given off by the matter in the sea plant.
It made my thoughts go back to Mike's words. My prayer now is that God will crush me...my plans...my agendas....my desires and that in doing so His light would shine forth from my life and the life of the ministry I'm privileged to lead. I want people in their darkness to get a glimpse of light of God's reality and that it would surprise them and cause them to seek out "what was that!".
The week was refreshing spiritually as well. One thing the speaker, Dr. Mike Rakes, said was that God led them into church planting to kill them. I loved that. He said it was there that God killed Mike and brought to life the man that God desired for him to be. After that service Amie and I went walking on the beach. We could tell there were plants all over the beach left by the tide. We weren't sure what they were because it was so dark. Finally I went up and stepped on one of these piles of sea matter. To my surprise it lit up like fireflies. I went to another and stepped harder this time. The light given off was even brighter. I found out later that it is phosphorus being given off by the matter in the sea plant.
It made my thoughts go back to Mike's words. My prayer now is that God will crush me...my plans...my agendas....my desires and that in doing so His light would shine forth from my life and the life of the ministry I'm privileged to lead. I want people in their darkness to get a glimpse of light of God's reality and that it would surprise them and cause them to seek out "what was that!".
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Sunday Remix *
*I wanted to upload this Sunday, but have been away from the internet until now...
-I had a very long day: woke up at 3:30 am had an amazing day at the embassy and
arrived in South Georgia at Amie’s folks at 11:30 pm. We came to drop our kids off because we are going to a pastor’s retreat on St. Simons until Thursday. We’ll be in 2 services a day. The rest of the time I’ll be with my beautiful bride for a few days without the “chillrens” as my Kentucky grandma use to say.
-The “game time” tailgate party was a huge success. Thanks everybody who made it possible. We had our normal set up to do plus the outside set up for the tailgate party. Our guest services, food service people, and everyone who just jumped in from start to finish worked so hard and pulled the day off huge! Ya’ll kicked! I had so many of our guest surprised at all we do to make church not only possible, but awesome at a theater. Most were surprised that the only real difference was the outside party area and that we do all of this week to week. Being portable will never be an excuse for us to not go over the top in providing quality environments for people to find and grow in their faith in Jesus.
-People wondered where we got our band. “…they are awesome…” one person said. I thought that was great. I know you guys have worked hard and it sure is showing. Thanks for always giving God your best!
-I had a blast just speaking a little about winning in life (I Corinthians 9:24-27) and setting up our “Game time Series” beginning next Sunday. I can’t wait until next week to open God’s Word and look at some principles that will help all of us side step some of the things that try to block us from getting to our goals in life.
-I’m looking forward to seeing a lot of our guests back at the Embassy next Sunday.
-I know people have been asking about the attendance Sunday so here we go: we had 74 in Embassy Kid’s ministry (kids and workers), 138 adults & teens, 27 that came after the service for tailgate party. Total for the day 239 people!!! Great job getting the word out everybody. I pray many of these will be back next week as we begin the “Game time” Series.
-FYI: The winner of the Wii gaming system was a friend of and emc-er and first time guest. Congrats!
-I had a very long day: woke up at 3:30 am had an amazing day at the embassy and
arrived in South Georgia at Amie’s folks at 11:30 pm. We came to drop our kids off because we are going to a pastor’s retreat on St. Simons until Thursday. We’ll be in 2 services a day. The rest of the time I’ll be with my beautiful bride for a few days without the “chillrens” as my Kentucky grandma use to say.
-The “game time” tailgate party was a huge success. Thanks everybody who made it possible. We had our normal set up to do plus the outside set up for the tailgate party. Our guest services, food service people, and everyone who just jumped in from start to finish worked so hard and pulled the day off huge! Ya’ll kicked! I had so many of our guest surprised at all we do to make church not only possible, but awesome at a theater. Most were surprised that the only real difference was the outside party area and that we do all of this week to week. Being portable will never be an excuse for us to not go over the top in providing quality environments for people to find and grow in their faith in Jesus.
-People wondered where we got our band. “…they are awesome…” one person said. I thought that was great. I know you guys have worked hard and it sure is showing. Thanks for always giving God your best!
-I had a blast just speaking a little about winning in life (I Corinthians 9:24-27) and setting up our “Game time Series” beginning next Sunday. I can’t wait until next week to open God’s Word and look at some principles that will help all of us side step some of the things that try to block us from getting to our goals in life.
-I’m looking forward to seeing a lot of our guests back at the Embassy next Sunday.
-I know people have been asking about the attendance Sunday so here we go: we had 74 in Embassy Kid’s ministry (kids and workers), 138 adults & teens, 27 that came after the service for tailgate party. Total for the day 239 people!!! Great job getting the word out everybody. I pray many of these will be back next week as we begin the “Game time” Series.
-FYI: The winner of the Wii gaming system was a friend of and emc-er and first time guest. Congrats!
Friday, October 05, 2007
Gametime Tailgate Party
Less than two day until the tailgate party. If you want come sporting your favorite teams. Bring your portable pop up canopies, and chairs, scooters, golf carts whatever your normal tailgate party routine is and we'll supply all the food and drinks.
The kids will have a blast and I guarantee you I plan on racing a few of you down the 40ft obstacle course myself. Get your game on and get everybody you know to "Gametime" this weekend at the embassy 10:02am!
The kids will have a blast and I guarantee you I plan on racing a few of you down the 40ft obstacle course myself. Get your game on and get everybody you know to "Gametime" this weekend at the embassy 10:02am!
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Our Billboard on 92 & 575
Someone took this pic of our billboard while driving by. There are two slats that aren't rotating so that's what the line is through the logo. We're trying to get a maintenance guy out to fix it. I'm about to climb the thing and do it myself....you know I would what's great is I know I have a bunch of ya that would do it with me or at least stand guard. Now where did I put my ninja clothes.
Can't Wait Until Sunday!
Get everyone you can to this event. It's going to be great! Get there early for coffee and donuts. Get registered for prizes and check kid's into embassy kid's and then try to find a seat in the main theater at 10:02 as "Gametime" launches. The drawing for the Wii takes place at 10:45 and then the tailgate party is on! See you Sunday at 10:02!
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Behind on my Remix
-EMC-ers are amazing! Over 40 people helped to get 15,000 door hangers into the community over the weekend advertising next Sunday's "Gametime tailgate party"
-We almost started on time this week....be in the main theater next week right at 10:02 for the day's opener it's going to rock.
-we closed out our sex series this week with communion. People laid sheets of paper written upon them with the the emotions, thoughts, and actions throughout their life and sexuality that they desired to concecrate to God. As we laid what represented our stained and impure bodies before God we took up His body represented through communion and we consecrated our sexuality to God afresh and anew. It was amazing what people had gone through during their lives, but Sunday God got the victory and reminded us that we can trust Him with our sexuality!!!
-There is definitely something incredible happening at the embassy. It's what you work for, pray for, sacrifice for and we are now seeing it. Lives changing, people getting involved, God drawing new people weekly and the place is starting to just feel electric. If you have been with us for a while great. If your new awesome... We are in for some incredible days ahead and I'm glad you're a part of what is going to be a movement that will impact lives tremendously. I'm loving that we are starting to get a two fold rep. One, that we are definetely a place where the unchurched and dechurched can find God in Woodstock and that the leadership and all the emc-ers aren't threatening or over the top as people come to check the things of faith, God, and spiritual community out. And two, that we don't hold back we teach right where people live and we challenge to embrace fully what God desires for us. Are we "seeker sensitive" well When it comes to church I hate all the political junk and social posturing that robs people of what the focus of gathering together should be. I wouldn't say we are seeker sensitive. I would say we are seeker conscious. I want the room to be the right temp, the coffee to be hot, and the kid's environments to be appealing, but when I preach I don't think not offending people is what anybody needs. Sometimes God's word is an offense and I think people in our generation want challenged. they just don't want challenged through angry preacher rhetoric aimed more at getting the applause of the pious then to actually help people apply real truths in their real life to see the real results that our real God desires. Now that's a lot of reals, but I guess that best sums up what I am hearing people say about their emc experience.
-can't wait until next Sunday!
-We almost started on time this week....be in the main theater next week right at 10:02 for the day's opener it's going to rock.
-we closed out our sex series this week with communion. People laid sheets of paper written upon them with the the emotions, thoughts, and actions throughout their life and sexuality that they desired to concecrate to God. As we laid what represented our stained and impure bodies before God we took up His body represented through communion and we consecrated our sexuality to God afresh and anew. It was amazing what people had gone through during their lives, but Sunday God got the victory and reminded us that we can trust Him with our sexuality!!!
-There is definitely something incredible happening at the embassy. It's what you work for, pray for, sacrifice for and we are now seeing it. Lives changing, people getting involved, God drawing new people weekly and the place is starting to just feel electric. If you have been with us for a while great. If your new awesome... We are in for some incredible days ahead and I'm glad you're a part of what is going to be a movement that will impact lives tremendously. I'm loving that we are starting to get a two fold rep. One, that we are definetely a place where the unchurched and dechurched can find God in Woodstock and that the leadership and all the emc-ers aren't threatening or over the top as people come to check the things of faith, God, and spiritual community out. And two, that we don't hold back we teach right where people live and we challenge to embrace fully what God desires for us. Are we "seeker sensitive" well When it comes to church I hate all the political junk and social posturing that robs people of what the focus of gathering together should be. I wouldn't say we are seeker sensitive. I would say we are seeker conscious. I want the room to be the right temp, the coffee to be hot, and the kid's environments to be appealing, but when I preach I don't think not offending people is what anybody needs. Sometimes God's word is an offense and I think people in our generation want challenged. they just don't want challenged through angry preacher rhetoric aimed more at getting the applause of the pious then to actually help people apply real truths in their real life to see the real results that our real God desires. Now that's a lot of reals, but I guess that best sums up what I am hearing people say about their emc experience.
-can't wait until next Sunday!
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