Sunday Remix 9-28-08

-After two months of anticipation today finally arrived. What a day!

-Ever since we started Embassy Metro Church we have seen people's lives changed through a relationship with Christ. In turn, Christ through their lives has changed the lives of others. At the Embassy we often say we are “with you on the journey”. Our passion is to help people journey through life with God, purpose, and friends. Those that have come to the embassy the past two years have found a place of safety and direction while on their journey through life, but not only are we with people on their journey we are helping people move forward on their journey.

Often we find people stuck in addiction, debt, insecurity, religion, abuse, you name it we have experienced people being held back by it. Through our Sunday services and weekly journey groups we are seeing people move forward into healthy, free, and Christ led lives. This forward movement is what gets me pumped. God can change, lead and give you the momentum necessary to live out the life He always hoped for you. With this in mind we decided it was time to change the name of our church to better reflect who we are and what we are doing in the lives of others.

We realized that at times “embassy” was something that didn’t automatically define itself to those outside of the church. If someone took the time to look into it or if you came to the church for awhile you would develop an affinity for it, but to the unchurched and dechurched it just didn’t translate easily. I have always said we will do anything except sin to reach those who a disconnected from God. So we’ve done it. Embassy Metro Church has not come to an end it has just picked up momentum. From now on we are “Momentum Church” and we look forward to helping people journey forward through life with God purpose and friend!!!

-I was blown away by the excitement and unity that I felt from the entire church.

-It was great giving out t-shirts, car window decals, and new invite cards to everybody today. You all work hard and deserve some free stuff!!!

-I hate that some had to miss so this should fill you in on everything. I am excited about the next step in God's plan for all of us and for our city. We started with 40 at the theater 2 1/2 years ago. We had over 200 people yesterday and I hope everyone of you feels like you are a part of the core group of people that will dynamically touch this city and the surrounding region in significant ways. You may not have been there when we launched emc, but you are here now and you are a vital part in the start of "Momentum Church"

Love you guys and I look forward to what God has in store for you, our families, and this area.

-After moving into our new home this week and not getting a lot of sleep the past couple of days, I came into the pulpit worn out. I didn’t feel like I nailed the teaching, but I still felt God’s leading on the whole day. Truly it was a historic day in the life of our church. I believe many of will look back and say “we were there when”…

-Jared & the band knocked worship out of the park, but where I want to give Jared props is in the area of design. Man he burned the candle at both ends the past 30 days. He did a great job with all our signage changes, t-shirt design, invite cards, web design, etc…
His new stuff has a bunch of my pastor friends begging for Jared to do a little moonlighting for them. Well let’s let the guy get some rest first. Thanks Jared for your hard work and willingness to learn whatever is necessary to get a job done

Amazing Week

-This has been one of the busiest yet memorable weeks in my life.

-Last Sunday went incredible as we began the "God of this City" series. I challenged the body to make a difference with their lives. Don't just vote for an administration and expect them to live out your preferred agenda. "Heaven waits for us to make a difference" was our mantra of the day. We love to polarize. Run to our corners and focus on our fight. God needs us to focus on our feet and walk out His agenda in our cities.

-We had a bunch of people sign up to get started in various ministries. Next week we will be helping them get plugged in. This week everything has been focused on this coming Sunday.

-Our Volunteers Appreciation Picnic was great as 90 people gathered together. No wonder God is doing so many awesome things at emc. Ya'll are a great team!

-We were told at the picnic, "we don't eat shredded chicken sandwiches in the South" oops. Sorry guys. That's what you get when your Ohio born pastors and wives put on the picnic. We'll we all voted to never do that again so...it's pulled pork next time :) Ha!

-We had a gathering of our key leaders at the embassy to fill everybody in on next week's announcement. It was incredible the amount of excitement and unity that was sensed as we revealed what God is about to do through all of us.


-On Tuesday we closed on our house! Thank God we got it done before all the economic fall out took place. On Wednesday a ton of people from church moved us. You guys blew our minds. You will never know how much that meant to us. Especially in the middle of such an important and labor intensive week at the church.

-Well needless to say this has been an amazing week. What will top it off is spending Sunday with a packed house of people crazy about God and this city and talking about the next thing God is about to do with us.

-I can't believe I get to be your friend and pastor. Thanks!

Seriously late on the Sunday Remix

We have been getting ready to move and today is the big day. Sunday was incredible and I'll have to blog about it later. I can't wait to tell everyone our big announcement this weekend. Don't miss Sunday!

Big Day Tomorrow!

Can't wait for tomorrow. We will begin our new series: "God of this City" and I am fired up! I am so proud of everyone that serves so faithfully at the embassy. You all amaze me weekly with your sacrifice. You truly are making a difference in many people's lives.

We will celebrate your faithfulness tomorrow at our Volunteer's Appreciation Picnic. I'm looking forward to our time together as we eat and give out a few awards. One of the awards is titled the, "Keep pastor Out Of Jail Award". You'll have to show up at the picnic to find out who to, and why this award is being presented.

Next Sunday, the 28th, I will tell the biggest announcement in the history of our church. "I have a secret (said in a spooky sing songy way)".

Make plans to be there and stop trying to bribe me to let you in on the secret. Although a mountain bike for me, or iphones for the staff would probably be enough to pry it out of me. HA! Just kiddin'....not really.

Guys you make the adventure that we are all on a blast. Thanks for letting me be your pastor!

Sunday Remix 9-14-08

-It was great being back home. Nothing like preaching at the embassy.

-Josh did a great job leading worship today.

-We had a bunch of guests today which was awesome because we had a ton of regulars gone due to the Cherokee County school break.

-It was wonderful taking communion together while the band led us in "Jesus Paid it All".

-Everybody is trying to get out of me what the "Big Announcement" is. On Sunday the 28th you'll find out. Don't miss it... be there.

-I'm hearing great things about the success of this season of Journey Groups. If you haven't found a small group yet get in one ASAP. Your life will be enriched because of it.

-Finished the night running a 5k with my friend Charlie Delanuez. I'm new at running,so Charlie thanks for the pointers and the Carbo glue energizer goo.

Anticipating the Next Few weeks

-On the 21st we have a Volunteers Appreciation Picnic from 4-6 at the pavilion behind the Cherokee Government/Recreation building on Hwy 5. Can't wait to hang out with those who make emc happen. If you serve, have served, or desire to serve we want you at this event. Email: ross@embassymetro.org to let us know how many will be in your party. Kids are invited too.

-On the 21st from 7-8pm there will be a special gathering of staff and team leaders at my house. Child care will be provided.

-On the 21st we are launching a 2 week series called "God of this City".

-On the 28th, as part of this series, I will be revealing the single most important announcement in the history of our church. Don't miss this day or you will forever regret it. We will be giving out free stuff to everyone that comes. What? Be there and find out for yourself.

-On Oct. 5th We will host a Tailgate Party as we invite friends and family to come check out "Life in Christ" and what God is doing at the embassy. This will be a great event following a 40 minute emc experience. We will have food, music, games, and bounce houses.

I'm Sick

I've been sick the past two days. I have no energy and I can't keep my mind straight on anything. I hate getting sick especially when we have so many amazing things happening the next few weeks.

PRAY FOR ME. Thanks

The Justice System is So Messed Up

Last year my friend Bobby Houseman was senselessly gunned downed by his neighbor. Bobby's neighbor went on a shooting rage, killing my friend and his own brother who was a cop.

Today the justice system in Ohio found the killer "not guilty" by reason of insanity.

RIDICULOUS. Our prayers are with all those who are hurting over this travesty of injustice.

Our New Home

We placed a bid on a home in Woodstock on Friday night. The owner accepted our bid by early afternoon Saturday. It is a one owner home built in 84. The man died 2 years ago and his son sold it to a realtor who fixed the place up. The realtor really knows what he is doing. The house is immaculant and turn key ready.

Closing isn't until September 25th...a life time away. Brantley closed and moved into his house two weeks ago. Jared closes on his house tomorrow. He'll be moving this week. Then in a few weeks it's our turn. It feels good to be getting the roots deeply entrenched in Woodstock, GA!

Sunday Remix 8-31-08

-I think we have turned a corner on setting up on time. We have went several weeks now with everything clicking like clock work. Our sound was ready to roll this week 20 minutes earlier than usual. Great job team!

-I thought on Labor day weekend you are suppose to have low attendance. We had the highest regular service attendance in the history of emc! On a labor day weekend. Ya'll are crazy :)

-Brantley Johnson, the man that is over our K-5th grade ministry, preached yesterday and did an amazing job closing out our "God @ the Movies" series. I'm so proud of this young man and his wife Hannah. They started at the embassy a little less than two years ago. Brantley is our first "staff intern" and is quick to take on any task set before him. Great job bro...even if you are a Tennesee fan!

-God is definitely up to some amazing things at emc. I can't wait to let you in on what is coming up in just a few weeks. Whatever you do, clear your calendar you don't want to miss the emc experience on Sept. 21st and 28th.

Sunday Remix 8-24-08

-Saw another person come to Christ this Sunday! ....ENOUGH SAID.

God don't ever let me forget what we are here for.

I'm Fried

Today has been a crazy day. I got to enjoy reading the first 5 chapters of Acts in the Message Bible. Usually on Mondays I spend some time doing my Sunday remix. I have been swamped all day. It's now 6:18 and I'm still not home. Started the day at the Gym at 5:30am. I'm out of here. I'll have to do the remix later tonight or tomorrow.

I will say this Sunday was awesome and God really use the day to affect people's lives significantly.

Sunday Remix 8-17-08

-Yesterday was one of those Sundays where when you put your head on the pillow you are happy to be doing what you are doing. The theater is filling up with friends and family. We haven't done any advertising since our billboards came down last December. You all are doing it. Your living your life for Christ and influencing others to follow Him and people are doing just that. Keep up being the agents of life change that you are becoming.

-There is nothing I love more than when a person comes to Christ at the embassy, then they bring someone who comes to Christ, then that person influences someone to come and they too find Christ. That's one cool thing about being a maturing church (2 1/2 years old) We are beginning to see people who were reached, reaching people who are reaching people. I LOVE IT! That's the number one way that you see God's kingdom grow and that will always be the number way that we see Embassy grow.

-Although personal invite is #1 if anybody wants to throw $5,000-7,000.00 for a 3 month billboard campaign that would be cool too! :)

-We set world record times yesterday with set up. The band got the gold for bringing it and Brian did an amazing job on the mix.

-A couple of weeks ago we set the standard that we will never start later than 10:02. The various teams have risen to that standard and I thank you.

-You can tell that EMC has taken a giant step forward this summer...and I thought in the summer you are suppose to just coast. Not you guys!

-I had personal friends at the Embassy again this week and I want to thank all the teams for what you do. You make it very easy for me to invite people to church. EMC is definitely the place I would want to go even if I wasn't the pastor. I know that when people come they will be greeted, encouraged, motivated, and connected to God at a greater level. Thanks for making that happen week after week. EMC-ers you rock!

Some Props to Jared

Jared and his water bottle design

Jared's set design for the "Summer of Rock" series

Sunday Remix 8-10-08

-Great day.

-Great attendance in August.

-2 people got saved!

-Amie and my friends came to church.

-Preached 30 minutes. Really working on that. Had to be the most simple
sermon I have ever preached. Simple, but I could sense God using it like crazy.

-We started on time this Sunday and will from now on. Thank you team.

-I got testy with everybody this week., but I am not apologizing for it. People give us a window to reach them each week and that window begins at 10:02am. We will not rob from people the full opportunity we have to connect them to what should be the greatest experience of their week. We will not start late ever again...! LOVE YA :)

-Had a great lunch with a former pastor's family who has made emc their home. Love them. It stinks how churches can treat their pastors. Man the stories. I am so thankful for my previous church and for the way embassy folks have treated myself, family, and staff. EMC-ers ya'll should be proud of yourselves. I know I am proud of you.

New Series Begins This Sunday

This Sunday, COMING SOON, we begin our annual "God at the Movies" series. THE ADVENTURE! This is always one of our greatest series to invite friends and family. We will look at "reel" life issues and see what God's Word has to say about some of the experiences we all face. THE THRILL! See you Sunday at 10:02am at the Cherokee 16 theater. BE THERE...there...there...there...

Be a part of it!

We started EMC two and a half years ago and have seen God do incredible things in people's lives. During the next few months it's going to get insane around here. I can't wait for the next three teaching series we will be doing. I can't wait to see your friends and family's lives changed. I can't wait to let you in on what God is setting into motion. We will look back over this next season for years to come and be able to say, "I was a part of it all"

Perry Noble's Coaching Network and a Wish

I went through a tech detox and somehow missed out on the info that Perry was doing a coaching network. I contacted his admin who said they were filled up and to look at being a part of the next network. I was fine with that and look forward to it, but after seeing some of the guys I know personally who are going to be in this group I am seriously bummed. I would have loved to be with Gary, Tadd, and Chris.

If giving my left kidney would get me in the group starting next week I would say Tadd bring the knife cause I know you got one. Chris set on me so I won't squirm. And Gary start cutting, cuz you are always threatening to cut somebody.

I'm serious...If there is any way just let me know.

Inspiration

Karen our neighbor, friend, recent Christ follower and emc-er was a great source of inspiration to me while I was loosing my weight. She lost 170+ pounds naturally. That is amazing! She wrote a little about me and my weight loss in her blog yesterday. Check out her amazing story here

Live safe? I don't think so!

I heard about a guy recently who said he doesn't like surprises. He chooses to live life safe. He also said he doesn't like miracles. See in order to have a miracle you have to first have a problem, crisis, or lack. Well frankly I hate living safe. I say get out on the edge where you need God to show up and if he doesn't you die.

Church planting, when it comes to ministry is on the edge. OKmaybe not as much as mission work in one of the _______stan countries, but it still isn't a walk in the park. There are highs and lows. Victories and struggles. Your faith is tested often. This summer has been no different.

In the summer most church finances drop. June and July were tough on the embassy, but in the past 7 days...oh my goodness God has shown up. Oh yeah...provision, supply, whatever you want to call it, I call it a miracle. I like the line in Narnia referrring to Aslan. "Is He safe....no He's not safe, but He is good". You see sometimes God trips me out, but He never trips me up.

Living for God is not safe, but it is good. I thank God for the waves of crisis because through them we see that He still walks on the water. He is still able to provide a sure hand right when you need it.