Most of you know that my wife Amie runs our children's ministry. She has done an amazing job leading Embassy Kids. Although she loves the children she misses interacting with me and others on Sunday in "Big Church" we have had our eyes on a young couple that we could mentor into the leadership of our kids church. Beginning in August Brantley & Hannah Johnson will be leading Embassy Kids church K-6th grade.
They will be in charge of staffing, preparing materials that go with the Kidmo lessons each week, and taking our Kids church to the next level. Amie will still be overseeing all of the children's ministry birth-6th grade, but Brantley and Hannah will serve as Children's Church Team Leaders and will lift the weekly responsibilities from Amie for K-6th graders. These two have tons of energy and a heart for children they are going to kick!!!
To begin with they will run the Kidmo program the first and third weeks of the month and Amie and Lela will fill in the other two weeks of the month. Parents we are working hard to provide a place that is the highlight of your child's week and we believe that Brantley & Hannah will help us achieve our objective in the lives of children to provide a fun and planned environment where children can learn character development, Biblical understanding and grow up loving God, themselves, others and the church.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Thoughts about EMC and Summer so far
-Our Journey groups are on a break starting this week until August. Attendance at the past session of journey groups was great.
-Camping went great with everyone pitching in to make killer meals (thanks Jody and Lawrence for the fresh Halibut), the guys didn't do so well fishing, but we all had a great time tubing. Thanks Jay for bringing the boat. And thanks Kevin for letting me be the last man standing at poker.
-The "Dive In" Series went great. It was a simple series (no video, no props) but something that God used to challenge us to go deeper. I want to be a church that meets people right where they are, but definitely doesn't leave them there. Let's challenge ourselves as Christ followers to live like that changes everything.
-God is bringing more musicians and vocalists our way. I love our worship team you guys are doing great. Others with talents and giftings are making their way to the embassy. it will be awesome to see how Jared mixes Sunday mornings up with some of these new musicians and vocalists.
-For it being summer attendance has been great, but finances have been rough. I guess that's part of summer.
-I am blown away at the percentage of people that serve during the month at emc. We have enough volunteers that most of our areas to serve in are just one time a month. We are still a little weak on week four of the month so if you're not doing anything yet at the embassy let me know and we'll get you hooked up.
-We are all going to miss Micah our intern. He's been a great addition to the team.
-We need to get our signs back out in the community on Friday nights-Sunday nights. If you want to volunteer to place a sign each week just let me know.
-Camping went great with everyone pitching in to make killer meals (thanks Jody and Lawrence for the fresh Halibut), the guys didn't do so well fishing, but we all had a great time tubing. Thanks Jay for bringing the boat. And thanks Kevin for letting me be the last man standing at poker.
-The "Dive In" Series went great. It was a simple series (no video, no props) but something that God used to challenge us to go deeper. I want to be a church that meets people right where they are, but definitely doesn't leave them there. Let's challenge ourselves as Christ followers to live like that changes everything.
-God is bringing more musicians and vocalists our way. I love our worship team you guys are doing great. Others with talents and giftings are making their way to the embassy. it will be awesome to see how Jared mixes Sunday mornings up with some of these new musicians and vocalists.
-For it being summer attendance has been great, but finances have been rough. I guess that's part of summer.
-I am blown away at the percentage of people that serve during the month at emc. We have enough volunteers that most of our areas to serve in are just one time a month. We are still a little weak on week four of the month so if you're not doing anything yet at the embassy let me know and we'll get you hooked up.
-We are all going to miss Micah our intern. He's been a great addition to the team.
-We need to get our signs back out in the community on Friday nights-Sunday nights. If you want to volunteer to place a sign each week just let me know.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
New EMC Invite Card
I think Jared did a great job on this invite card. We plan on passing out 2000 of these attached to microwave popcorn packets during the fourth of July.
Great Weekend
This past weekend couldn't have been any better. Amie and my parents were all in for the weekend. They came to see Adalee in the Wizard of Oz and to celebrate Aubrynn's B-day. I can't believe how fast my kids are growing up. Sunday night we had a bunch of Aubie's friends over for her party and when things wound down all of the dads went fishing. Man we tore the lake up. Props go to Bill who possessed some serious fishin' mojo that night. He couldn't keep from catching fish all night. He even caught a snake....crazy.
It was also great meeting Shane the father of one of my daughters friends. He was quite the fisherman too. With my dad being down I got to pilfer his tackle box like old times too. Anytime I can stand on the bank of a lake with my dad is a good time.
I think Sunday night felt so great also because Sunday morning went so well. It's summer and we had great attendance. The past few weeks we have had several new people and families coming to the embassy. This week a guy I invited came and recommitted his life to God. Sunday nights always seem complete when I walk the 75 yards to the lake and throw a line in...this Sunday night just felt even better.
It was also great meeting Shane the father of one of my daughters friends. He was quite the fisherman too. With my dad being down I got to pilfer his tackle box like old times too. Anytime I can stand on the bank of a lake with my dad is a good time.
I think Sunday night felt so great also because Sunday morning went so well. It's summer and we had great attendance. The past few weeks we have had several new people and families coming to the embassy. This week a guy I invited came and recommitted his life to God. Sunday nights always seem complete when I walk the 75 yards to the lake and throw a line in...this Sunday night just felt even better.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
"The Embassy...a church for all people?"
I recently received this e-mail from someone who God loves deeply. How would you have replied? I have changed the name to give the writer anonymity. Following the e-mail is my reply.
E-mail:
Hello,
I recently heard good things about your church. We're currently attending __________ (the name of a church in Atlanta), and feel like we're being led to a church home that is a little closer to our home and somewhere that we can be more involved. However, there's a challange for us, most churches in the area are not welcoming, based on sexual orientation. My partner and I have been together for over seven years, we're laid back, comitted, professionals and most importantly Christians. Is your church a place that's welcoming and understanding?
I totally understand if you think your church might not be the best fit for us.
Thanks so much and I look forward to hearing from you,
John Smith (Name changed)
My Reply:
John,
Great to hear from you and I am glad that the reputation of our church is getting out there. We are a group of people who love God and love people right where they are. I would say that we are accepting of all who come into the doors of the embassy. I like to tell my staff and church that we are to be a redeeming community. Christ shed blood for our lives puts value on us whether we have appropriated it by believing on Him or not. I am not saying that brings salvation to everyone, but that does bring value to everyone, and we endeavor to treat people according to the treasure they are in God's eyes.
I also encourage our staff and leadership that in addition to being a redeeming community we are also to be a sanctifying community. A community that seeks to lead people into a living life changing relationship with Christ that causes us to be more like Jesus and to live a life progressively more like what God's word prescribes for us. God loves us and wants the best for us and out of His desire to bless us He challenges us to lay down our desired will to take up His revealed will. This is difficult for all of us, but God is with us on the journey challenging and empowering us to rise up to His revealed will (The Scriptures). I would say that God's word would reveal to us many things that we are to allow Him to lead us into and other things that God would lead us out of further separating us to Himself for His best to be seen in our lives. Our sexual preferences and physical relationships apart from marriage, eating and drinking out of moderation, gossip and discord are all things that God desires to line up with His word. God loves us for just being and we love everyone coming into the embassy the same way....No hate.....No fear....no bigotry.....just love; but God also loves all of us too much to leave us where we are if where we are is not what He has revealed as what's best. Man, we all have our stuff that God is perfecting us in, but thank God He has our best interests at heart even if it goes against what I want, desire, and find satisfaction in. With that said... I would love to see you at the embassy, sit down with a cup of coffee, and begin a journey with you both, as we all as a body allow God to bring our lives into His best for each of us according to His word.
John, I Hope to meet you soon!
"with you on the journey"
ross wiseman
lead pastor
embassy metro church
E-mail:
Hello,
I recently heard good things about your church. We're currently attending __________ (the name of a church in Atlanta), and feel like we're being led to a church home that is a little closer to our home and somewhere that we can be more involved. However, there's a challange for us, most churches in the area are not welcoming, based on sexual orientation. My partner and I have been together for over seven years, we're laid back, comitted, professionals and most importantly Christians. Is your church a place that's welcoming and understanding?
I totally understand if you think your church might not be the best fit for us.
Thanks so much and I look forward to hearing from you,
John Smith (Name changed)
My Reply:
John,
Great to hear from you and I am glad that the reputation of our church is getting out there. We are a group of people who love God and love people right where they are. I would say that we are accepting of all who come into the doors of the embassy. I like to tell my staff and church that we are to be a redeeming community. Christ shed blood for our lives puts value on us whether we have appropriated it by believing on Him or not. I am not saying that brings salvation to everyone, but that does bring value to everyone, and we endeavor to treat people according to the treasure they are in God's eyes.
I also encourage our staff and leadership that in addition to being a redeeming community we are also to be a sanctifying community. A community that seeks to lead people into a living life changing relationship with Christ that causes us to be more like Jesus and to live a life progressively more like what God's word prescribes for us. God loves us and wants the best for us and out of His desire to bless us He challenges us to lay down our desired will to take up His revealed will. This is difficult for all of us, but God is with us on the journey challenging and empowering us to rise up to His revealed will (The Scriptures). I would say that God's word would reveal to us many things that we are to allow Him to lead us into and other things that God would lead us out of further separating us to Himself for His best to be seen in our lives. Our sexual preferences and physical relationships apart from marriage, eating and drinking out of moderation, gossip and discord are all things that God desires to line up with His word. God loves us for just being and we love everyone coming into the embassy the same way....No hate.....No fear....no bigotry.....just love; but God also loves all of us too much to leave us where we are if where we are is not what He has revealed as what's best. Man, we all have our stuff that God is perfecting us in, but thank God He has our best interests at heart even if it goes against what I want, desire, and find satisfaction in. With that said... I would love to see you at the embassy, sit down with a cup of coffee, and begin a journey with you both, as we all as a body allow God to bring our lives into His best for each of us according to His word.
John, I Hope to meet you soon!
"with you on the journey"
ross wiseman
lead pastor
embassy metro church
Monday, June 18, 2007
VOTE FOR JOSH
Don't forget to go online to South107 to vote for our very own Josh Brown! If his song "Texas Stars" is picked in the Battle of the Bands he will be placed in rotation on the radio with some of your favorite country starts like Montgomery Gentry, Alan Jackson, and Brad Paisley.EMC-ers Rock the Vote!
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Father's Day at the Embassy
I think most of us who are father's remember an arcade game in the eighties called Dig Dug. Well this Sunday get your gaming thumb ready because there will be a "Dig Dug" Tourney in the lobby before service. We have a great prize package available that will give you and your child a full day of fun this summer.
From 9:30-10:00 sign up put a minute on the game with your wife and kids cheering you on and see how your high score measures up with the other fathers at emc. I am going to come ready to kick all ya'll's butt!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Fuel For the Journey
Podcasting has begun!!!!!! We want to help provide you with resources to propel you on the road of life. We hope that the podcasts can be fuel for your journey. We will be uploading our weekly teachings and getting past series uploaded over the next month."Fuel for the Journey" will be a great resource for personal growth and for getting info into the lives of your friends and family all over the country. Through this medium we will be able to reach many times more people than we do in our weekly services at our Woodstock location. E-mail this link to friends and family and they too can experience what you encounter on Sundays at the embassy. Who knows it maybe just what they need to get them coming to check this whole "God Thing" out. You can make a difference pass this info along to others today!
Intern used to help bring fresh appreciation for the embassy
Our intern Micah arrived a little over a week ago. For the past 12 days we have poured into him info regarding the life, focus, and mission of church planting. Going into this I wondered how much he would get from his experience with us. All I can say is it's been incredible downloading info into the hard drive of this guys heart.
We are a 1 1/2 year old church plant and having this guys around has made us revisit a great deal of what it took to get to where we are currently. When you are neck deep in it you forget the journey and all the amazing things that have led you to this point.
Rehashing things has really giving me an appreciation for all that we have done as a church in our short history. Our emc-ers have worked faithfully to bring about a great environment that is reaching many for Christ. Just this Sunday we had three more people come to Christ and as we asked for a show of hands of those who have come to Christ at emc or their lives were radically changed since coming to emc hands went up everywhere.
Having Micah here has helped us appreciate in a fresh way what God has done with all of us since January 8th, 2006. Not only are we being able to birth a fire in a future church planter, we also are being able to rekindle a freshness in planting as we talk to Micah about the journey God has led us on up to this point.
I recommend highly to any church planter to have an intern for a month just to remind you of how far you have come.
We are a 1 1/2 year old church plant and having this guys around has made us revisit a great deal of what it took to get to where we are currently. When you are neck deep in it you forget the journey and all the amazing things that have led you to this point.
Rehashing things has really giving me an appreciation for all that we have done as a church in our short history. Our emc-ers have worked faithfully to bring about a great environment that is reaching many for Christ. Just this Sunday we had three more people come to Christ and as we asked for a show of hands of those who have come to Christ at emc or their lives were radically changed since coming to emc hands went up everywhere.
Having Micah here has helped us appreciate in a fresh way what God has done with all of us since January 8th, 2006. Not only are we being able to birth a fire in a future church planter, we also are being able to rekindle a freshness in planting as we talk to Micah about the journey God has led us on up to this point.
I recommend highly to any church planter to have an intern for a month just to remind you of how far you have come.
Saturday, June 02, 2007
June Series
During the month of June plan to wade out of the shallow end and go deeper each week as we dive into the depths of some of the greatest personalities of the Old Testament.Like the first time off of the high dive, this series will challenge, inspire, and help you realize "you can do it"
See you in the deep end!!!
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