Tuesday, November 04, 2008

McCain Concession Speech

Senator McCain just gave the classiest concession speech ever. God bless you John McCain.

President Elect Obama

Many of my political opinions differ from President Elect Obama, but I can't help but be proud of our country this night. 4 decades after the civil rights act a black man is elected to the highest office in the land. Amazing.

I have many close Black American friends and tonight I celebrate with you a cultural victory for our country. I trust President Obama will live up to his political rhetoric of bridging the aisle and establishing change together with those of us with more conservative views and those who hold liberal views.

Culturally we have bridged a huge milestone. For that America let's celebrate. Politically let's pray that conservative values and policies are not lost altogether during the next four years.

Monday, November 03, 2008

Awesome Season of Ministry

I always look at what we are doing as a church in seasons. The past two years we have laid out a pretty extreme plan for August-October. I am glad to say that we have seen great success the past two years during this season.

This year during this season we did our God at the Movies series in August which was awesome. This was a great series to invite our unchurched friends to. One of my closest friends started coming to Momentum with his family during this series. Also many of your friends did too. We finished August with an Adopt a Block event at Noonday Mobile Home Park as we brought Christmas in August to that community.

We then did the whole "God of this City" series and introduced the "Momentum Church" name. Man that unleashed a firestorm of enthusiasm and growth. I never imagined our church being so amped about our new name and ease of relating to the new name.
It's like this is who we have always been we just needed to say it. Once it was said something shifted...Ya'll are crazy now! I love it. Keep bringing it as you help people journey forward through life with God, purpose, and friends.

Oct. 5th brought us our annual tailgate party and the launch of what has turned out to be an amazing series (Pirates) We finished this season and the series up with Kid's Fest and a Pirate Party.

Everyone's faithful work has made for a truly memorable and impactful three months. I can't wait to see what God does in and through you the next 3 months. You're getting some serious kingdom stuff accomplished. Know that God is pleased and your pastor couldn't be more happy. May God continue to use all of us together to accomplish His agenda in Woodstock and the surrounding area.

Great Weekend at Momentum Church

-The Woodstock Kid's Fest went great. Barbara Graves did a fantastic job leading this event.She also did a great job with leading our Kid's Pirate event on Sunday afternoon.
Thanks to everyone for serving at these two kid's events.

-I was stoked that a boy from my soccer team visited Momentum with his grandmother. By the way the Blue Rockets were awesome on Saturday winning their last game 4-1! Great job team see you in the spring.

-This Sunday we finished our Pirates: Reclaiming my stolen treasure series. I finished with a teaching on finances and the peace we can achieve even in the face of economic uncertainties. I loved what we titled the teaching. We called it "get your hands off my booty" (think pirates ok) Ha! That's funny I don't care who you are.

-Our finances are turning around. For about 7 weeks our giving was way down. No I mean wwwwwwwaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyy doooooooowwwwwwwwwnnn. I am so excited to say that in the past 2 weeks we have seen our giving getting back to where it should be. Thanks to all those at Momentum who are being faithful in the face of current economic conditions.

-We had two adults make the decision to follow Christ on Sunday. They have been coming a couple of months and were guests of guests who came as a guests of a couple who came to Christ this time last year. I hope you followed that...that's what I'm talking about. People reaching people who are reaching people. That's better than any billboard or mailer. Thanks Momentum for allowing God to use you to reach the world you do life with.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

My boy Grant joining in prayer

Pictures from Reclaiming our Stolen Identity







One of our Momentivators (OK I made that word up...I kind of like it), Rebekah Perry from Bird on a wire Photography took some photos on Sunday. We haven't got all the photos yet, but she posted a few. Check out some of her artistry. She's awesome. If you have any photo needs contact Bekah fo sho!Click on the link above to see more pics from Sunday.

Sunday Remix 10-26-08

-Sunday was a little hectic with the kids having their dress up day and baptisms taking place after service.

-The day was as powerful as we all expected. It was awesome seeing God's truth be elevated over the lies that tried to hold people back from God's best. Your testimonies were amazing. We recorded the service this week into the computer and will be putting together a video from the Cardboard Testimonies portion of the service.

-Be patient this week with the uploading of the podcast. we are trying some new things with how the service is recorded.

-Thank God for those who were baptized this week and for the 4 people that committed their lives to Christ at the end of service. God filled the room with His hope, love, and power and people responded. I love it when God makes Himself hard to deny!

-In the past 9 weeks we have seen 30% growth as a church. I guess you could say we are experiencing some serious momentum!

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Special Day at Momentum

-Guys this coming Sunday is going to be insane.

-The stories that are coming in are off the hook. God is so good and has been so faithful. Thanks for sharing your stories. I have been crying all week....dang it!

-If you haven't emailed your story do so at: Stories@MomentumChurch.tv

-We are doing a special piece during service using your stories in a creative way. If you email your story I will contact you to let you in on what we are doing. We will not be using your stories without permission. Just trust me on this. The day will impact both you who have a story and those who need to be reminded of all God is capable of doing.

-The service will end with baptisms. If you would like to make a public profession of faith and celebrate what God is doing in your life through baptism please email: Info@MomentumChurch.tv

-Be sure to invite every person you know to be at church this Sunday. I don't think we have ever presented anything as powerful as what we have prepared for this Sunday.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Sunday Remix 10-19-08

-Had a few new guys helping with set up yesterday. Always love seeing new MC-ers getting involved.

-Josh and Tom led worship at a church plant we have been mentoring in Savannah (Tapestry Church). It was cool having a couple of our own out spreadin' some Momentum love. Would that be "Mo-love"....maybe not.

-I think Tony surprised all of us with his Pirate skills.

-Had another crew from KSU in the house. I look forward to them getting involved.

-I have been working on my sermon length and felt I went a little long this past week. Good stuff, just went a little long.

-Thanks MC for giving myself and our lead guys appreciation gift cards. Too nice!

-The Pirate series seems to be resonating with a lot of people. I think at times we have all had things taken from us. I hope that through this series our people will get passionate about walking in all that God hopes for them.

-Along those lines the enemy is in our wallet. This past week's giving was way down. Really the last 6 weeks have been way under budget. Pray for finances to increase, and pray if that increase is suppose to come from you :)

-Looking forward to what we have planned for next Sunday. Remember to send your stories to: stories@MomentumChurch.tv
Also if you would like to be baptized next week email: info@MomentumChurch.tv

Friday, October 17, 2008

Thoughts on Momentum Church Leaders

Today I am reflecting on all those who serve at Momentum Church. We have a great force of volunteers and I appreciate each of you. I really want to take a moment though and thank all those who serve in leadership. Our lead team: Jared, Robby, and Brantley have been knocking it out of the park lately. Although we have a great lead team it's our support leaders over the various areas of ministry that have been blowing my mind.

Thank you for your creativity, innovation, ownership, and administration. I really believe that God is blessing your efforts and those efforts are the reason why we are experiencing growth. Thank you for giving me the peace of mind that as we grow we have a an awesome team that is partnering together to accomplish the purpose of Momentum Church.

Team Momentum you have what it takes...and you are getting it done!!!

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Some thoughts on the near future of Momentum

For the past two years the highest percentage of people who have made Momentum home have been those who were unchurched or had not been regularly attending church for a long time. That is why we exist and do all that we do. Momentum is an exciting place to be a part of and as we grow larger more and more people are going to want to be a part of this movement.

That sounds great and it is, but I just want to let everyone know that we are not going to shift from what God has called us to do. As we have passed the 200 mark and prepare to reach 400 people in the near future we will be tempted to become safe, predictable, and spread thin in order too minister to "everyone's needs". If we do that then we will miss out on the reason why God birthed us and is blessing us.

We will remain laser focused on what God has called us to do. Momentum will continue to attract the lost and disconnected, but I know churched people looking for something fresh and new will be drawn in as well. That is fine, but just know from the start that we aren't here for you...we are here to help those disconnected from God become fully devoted followers of Christ. You will be challenged and you will grow, but only if you find yourself embracing the call of God that is upon Momentum Church. If not you'll probabely sound a lot like this post written by one of Momentum's Favorites, Perry Noble.

Momentum Church, we exist to help people move forward on their journey with God, purpose and friends. we do that through Sunday experiences, Kids and Student ministry, Journey Groups, and outreach. That's it. That's who we are. Jump in and take part in what God has used and will use in Cherokee County to bring hundreds and someday thousands to faith and growth in Christ.

Thanks for allowing me the joy of pastoring such a hungry for God and passionate for people, group!

Love ya'll

Ross

Thursday, October 09, 2008

Sunday Remix 10-12-08

-Another great day at Momentum.

-Since the name change there has been a real shift in well....Momentum. Attendance is climbing, people are getting involved in Journey Groups, people are inviting friends.
There is a palpable excitement about what God is doing and is about to do through Momentum Church.

-The band did an amazing medley focusing in on the grace of God.

-Had a bunch of our college students back from school. Always love seeing them.

-We busted out some live drama for the first time. Mitch, Mark, and Dalton really pulled off the pirate skit teaching lead in. Ye did a right fine job ye salty dogs.

-I preached on reclaiming our stolen freedom. You could tell the subject was really hitting home with a lot of people.

-We promoted a special element we are doing in our Oct. 26th service. Don't forget to email the story of what God has done in your life. ross@MomentumChurch.tv

-If you plan on being baptized on the 26th don't forget to sign up and pick up your info. If you want to email your info@MomentumChurch.tv we will email you the information regarding baptism.

-We finished the day off having dinner at a friends restaurant. I had the most amazing meatloaf ever. It was made of bison, Italian sausage, and black angus beef. If you are looking for a great place with good atmosphere and crazy comfort food check out Meehann's Public House

-Went to bed a man at peace.

Thursday, October 02, 2008

Pics from Sunday




I'm loving all the excitement and buzz I am hearing this week regarding the name change. Momentum Church you guys are awesome. Can't wait to hang out with you all Sunday at the tailgate party.

We still need some people to set signs out on the weekend. Let me know if you are interested. Behind word of mouth the signs are the number one reason people say they visited Momentum Church.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

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

Friday, September 26, 2008

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!

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

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!

Saturday, September 20, 2008

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!

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

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.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

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.