Well...this is it. The Last Blog of 2007. When I started this daily BLOG in August, I said I would BLOG everyday by 10am. I am happy to report that even though Brad Saab our Student Pastor said I would not make it more than 3 weeks, and the rest of our loyal staff gave me through October...I love proving doubters wrong! I have kept the promise and achieved the goal. I have never missed a day or deadline....except for the two times when we had tech problems, but they were still were out by noon!
I also said I would not BLOG on the weekends, my vacation or Holidays when the office was closed. So this is it for 2007. I hope you have enjoyed a daily glimpse into the Bible, CSF and when helpful, my personal life happenings. I am looking forward to using this great tool in 2008! It is our desire that all CSF regular attendees would read this daily BLOG to stay informed about what is going on in and through CSF!
Since many people will start their travels today and January will be here before you know it, here are some things to close out 2007 and then be ready for in 2008!
1) We do not have any Encounter Services on Sunday, December 30th. Our Student Ministry is having a HUGE New Years Eve bash here on the 31st...contact Brad Saab for details.
2) Your Year-End-Gift can be mailed any day in December and still count for the 2007 Tax record. If you forget to mail it.....or you can hand deliver on January 2nd to the office and make it in the 2007 deposit and therefore the 2007 tax record.
3) January 1st starts the BCS Bowl Games in College Football. Always a great week! I am actually taking Peyton to the Cotton Bowl in Dallas...but don't tell him as it is his Birthday gift!
4)New 2 week series starts January 6th: "CHEF...living beyond fast food Christianity". Learn how to feed yourself a spiritually filled gourmet meal on a daily basis! We will be encouraging everyone at CSF to purchase a CSF Bible Journal and we will be reading together all year long!
4) January 9th is our Fellowship Service. Great worship, teaching and specific vision information for 2008. Don't miss this!
5) New THRIVE classes start on January 16th. New classes like marriage enrichment, learning about other religions will make this a can't miss THRIVE for all!
6) January 20th starts a five week marriage series on Sunday called: "How To Kill Your Marriage...5 simple methods."
2008 will be another awesome year at CSF. I am glad you are a part of our Fellowship and I pray that you will know the love, peace, grace and joy that comes from a devoted life to Christ as we journey together with one heart, one passion, one game plan at a place called Charlotte South Fellowship!
See you this weekend!
PS. If you are planning to come on Sunday morning, please consider bringing your family to the noon service. All kids, 1st grade and up will be in the service, so it does not matter what service you attend. We are expecting record crowds for Sunday morning at 10:30 and then again Monday night. You would help with the parking and seating challenges by sleeping in on Sunday and then coming at noon!
PSS...If you know someone from CSF that does not read the BLOG daily, email this to them so they can get the 2008 info!
Friday, December 21, 2007
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Full Body Examination
Wow....I just got back from the Dr.'s office and my face is still a little red. I had my first "full, all-over, and meticulous" body examination for skin cancer. Since I had the cancer removed from my nose in the spring, I now have to go every six months for this in depth looking over. I have had multiple knee surgeries and other intrusive things like a colonoscopy. However, I was sleeping for those procedures.
Not this morning....I was wide awake as every inch of my body was examined with a careful eye. The male doctor did the looking and verbally dictated to the female assistant everything he was seeing and checking. I am not a shy person by any means but that was a little weird! However, it is very necessary for early detection of basil and melanoma cancer cells.
In the same manner and for the same reasons, I have spent the last two months doing a full examination of the "body" we call Charlotte South Fellowship. I have been praying and looking over everything we do as a staff, volunteers and the like. A close examination of our how we are fulfilling our Purpose and Game Plan. Are we doing our best? Are we moving at a God-honoring pace? Are there things that need to stop happening or maybe start happening so that we can be as healthy as possible.
The worst thing a church can do is think they have arrived and that they are as proficient, skilled and as high quality as they can possible be. A good "looking over" at every inch of our "church body" prevents small and normal issues from becoming large. More specifically, it makes sure that we stay laser focused on our Purpose and Game Plan with a passion and excellence in our process.
After this "examination" was concluded I determined we needed to make some changes in our staff and their responsibilities, our short and long range planning for church planting, our budget process and a few other things that will ensure a better and more healthy CSF in 2008 and beyond. Although we have no glaring issues, I realize that for us to continue to grow and make a positive impact here and around the world, we must make some strategic plans and changes.
Please plan to join us on January 9th at our Fellowship Service as I share with our Fellowship these exciting growth-oriented changes. This is also the night we will share our 2008 operating budget.
Not this morning....I was wide awake as every inch of my body was examined with a careful eye. The male doctor did the looking and verbally dictated to the female assistant everything he was seeing and checking. I am not a shy person by any means but that was a little weird! However, it is very necessary for early detection of basil and melanoma cancer cells.
In the same manner and for the same reasons, I have spent the last two months doing a full examination of the "body" we call Charlotte South Fellowship. I have been praying and looking over everything we do as a staff, volunteers and the like. A close examination of our how we are fulfilling our Purpose and Game Plan. Are we doing our best? Are we moving at a God-honoring pace? Are there things that need to stop happening or maybe start happening so that we can be as healthy as possible.
The worst thing a church can do is think they have arrived and that they are as proficient, skilled and as high quality as they can possible be. A good "looking over" at every inch of our "church body" prevents small and normal issues from becoming large. More specifically, it makes sure that we stay laser focused on our Purpose and Game Plan with a passion and excellence in our process.
After this "examination" was concluded I determined we needed to make some changes in our staff and their responsibilities, our short and long range planning for church planting, our budget process and a few other things that will ensure a better and more healthy CSF in 2008 and beyond. Although we have no glaring issues, I realize that for us to continue to grow and make a positive impact here and around the world, we must make some strategic plans and changes.
Please plan to join us on January 9th at our Fellowship Service as I share with our Fellowship these exciting growth-oriented changes. This is also the night we will share our 2008 operating budget.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Follow That Star
Most of us know the basics of the biblical Christmas Story. We know that the Magi saw what they called a "Star" of such majestic uniqueness that it caused them to pack up and travel from "the east" to Jerusalem. They were scholars and astronomers that were able to connect Jewish prophecy about a Messiah King that would be born, and the unusual light that was breaking through the normal celestial sky.
They came to worship based purely on their hopes that this may be the long awaited Jewish King. (Luke Chapter 2:1-2)
We know about that amazing light that penetrated the night in such an incredible way; that it appeared like a "Star" which had been placed gently over the place where Jesus lay his head. What many of us don't know is that on that most holy of nights....a Star Was Born!
In Revelation 22:16 Jesus calls Himself the bright Morning Star. (same Greek word used for Star in Luke) It is here that Jesus says He is the beginning and the end, and the only way for eternal life and hope. He offers to all those who are "thirsty" and in need to come unto Him and drink of the Eternal life only He offers.
Do you need to chase after and follow "The Star"? Do you know someone who is wandering through this life without any direction or hope? Do you know anyone whose life is shrouded in darkness and needs the peace and hope of a "Guiding Light"?
If so.....bring them to one of our five Special Christmas Services this on Sunday or Monday and help them...."Follow That Star!" There is nothing more important this week than taking the time to invite a friend or family member to come and meet The Star!
Rev 22:16-17 I, Jesus, have sent my Angel to give to you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the Bright Morning Star. The Spirit and the Bride say..."Come!" Let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the Water of Life!
They came to worship based purely on their hopes that this may be the long awaited Jewish King. (Luke Chapter 2:1-2)
We know about that amazing light that penetrated the night in such an incredible way; that it appeared like a "Star" which had been placed gently over the place where Jesus lay his head. What many of us don't know is that on that most holy of nights....a Star Was Born!
In Revelation 22:16 Jesus calls Himself the bright Morning Star. (same Greek word used for Star in Luke) It is here that Jesus says He is the beginning and the end, and the only way for eternal life and hope. He offers to all those who are "thirsty" and in need to come unto Him and drink of the Eternal life only He offers.
Do you need to chase after and follow "The Star"? Do you know someone who is wandering through this life without any direction or hope? Do you know anyone whose life is shrouded in darkness and needs the peace and hope of a "Guiding Light"?
If so.....bring them to one of our five Special Christmas Services this on Sunday or Monday and help them...."Follow That Star!" There is nothing more important this week than taking the time to invite a friend or family member to come and meet The Star!
Rev 22:16-17 I, Jesus, have sent my Angel to give to you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the Bright Morning Star. The Spirit and the Bride say..."Come!" Let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the Water of Life!
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Home For Christmas
So....where are you going for Christmas? Staying here and having your family come to see you? Going to your parents house? Will you see your brothers, sisters, parents, kids, aunts and uncles?
I hope you get a chance to relationally connect with those folks. This year,the Hibbard family will be driving all night to Dallas (yes, the one in Texas, not NC.) to enjoy Christmas morning at Kelly's parents house. We will be en route along with Santa....only difference is that he will be flying in the sled and we will be driving the interstate. Our kids love spending time with grandparents during the holidays. I love being there because we get free and endless childcare, great cooking and tons of free-time to do whatever we want!
Thinking of all the good times we are expecting to have, made my heart ache for the families of our men and women soldiers who were on the radio this morning wishing their families a "Merry Christmas!" Young moms and dads away from their families on Christmas. Husbands are separated from their wives. One soldier said his daughter was 4 years old this year and he knew that this was the year she would really look forward to Christmas and he would not be there to watch her open her gifts.
On and on each brave soldier said they would miss being home for Christmas and being with their families. I felt sad for them and their families. However, I also whispered a little prayer for them and thought about how blessed we are to have such willing, brave and dedicated men and women serving our country. They fight, protect and die so that you and I can live in relative peace from outside aggressive forces that would love to see us lose our freedoms and lifestyle that we so richly enjoy.
Today, would you join me in offering up a prayer for those who choose to be away from their families so that you and I can enjoy ours? If you know a family that has a loved-one away in the military this year....be sure to tell them "thanks!"
John 15:13 "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends!"
I hope you get a chance to relationally connect with those folks. This year,the Hibbard family will be driving all night to Dallas (yes, the one in Texas, not NC.) to enjoy Christmas morning at Kelly's parents house. We will be en route along with Santa....only difference is that he will be flying in the sled and we will be driving the interstate. Our kids love spending time with grandparents during the holidays. I love being there because we get free and endless childcare, great cooking and tons of free-time to do whatever we want!
Thinking of all the good times we are expecting to have, made my heart ache for the families of our men and women soldiers who were on the radio this morning wishing their families a "Merry Christmas!" Young moms and dads away from their families on Christmas. Husbands are separated from their wives. One soldier said his daughter was 4 years old this year and he knew that this was the year she would really look forward to Christmas and he would not be there to watch her open her gifts.
On and on each brave soldier said they would miss being home for Christmas and being with their families. I felt sad for them and their families. However, I also whispered a little prayer for them and thought about how blessed we are to have such willing, brave and dedicated men and women serving our country. They fight, protect and die so that you and I can live in relative peace from outside aggressive forces that would love to see us lose our freedoms and lifestyle that we so richly enjoy.
Today, would you join me in offering up a prayer for those who choose to be away from their families so that you and I can enjoy ours? If you know a family that has a loved-one away in the military this year....be sure to tell them "thanks!"
John 15:13 "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends!"
Monday, December 17, 2007
Christmas Mission Success
This past Friday was awesome at Walter Bickett Elementary School. Every child from Kindergarten through 5th grade received a specific gift that they had asked for personally. That is over 700 hundred kids! Every administrator, teacher, custodian and paid worker at the school also received a Christmas card with a gift card. The kids in this school that are normally tagged..."underprivileged" felt very special and privileged on Friday.
Our Christmas presentation was a clear message of Christ and the parties with Santa and the gifts brought joy unspeakable to those kids. One little girl cried tears of joy when she was given a pair of gold ear rings. It is a glimpse of pure appreciation in the small things that you see in these kids eyes....which reminds you just how difficult their lives are day in and day out.
Here is the best part for me personally. While I was there on Friday, I was reminded that there are kids at the school who are now 5th graders, who have been there for all five years we have done this mission. These kids have been receiving this special attention ever since they started school. These kids know us and they know why we do what we do. The principal told me that this is a yearly highlight for his teachers and children. It is making a lasting difference.
When we think of this special mission that we provide, and as Christmas now only a week away, we can sing along with Mary as she rejoiced in when she knew that God had chosen her to be an agent (mommy) of hope.
Are you an agent of hope to others? There is no better joy that can be felt!
Luke 2:46-50 "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me, his holy name. His Mercy extends to those who fear him from generation to generation!"
Our Christmas presentation was a clear message of Christ and the parties with Santa and the gifts brought joy unspeakable to those kids. One little girl cried tears of joy when she was given a pair of gold ear rings. It is a glimpse of pure appreciation in the small things that you see in these kids eyes....which reminds you just how difficult their lives are day in and day out.
Here is the best part for me personally. While I was there on Friday, I was reminded that there are kids at the school who are now 5th graders, who have been there for all five years we have done this mission. These kids have been receiving this special attention ever since they started school. These kids know us and they know why we do what we do. The principal told me that this is a yearly highlight for his teachers and children. It is making a lasting difference.
When we think of this special mission that we provide, and as Christmas now only a week away, we can sing along with Mary as she rejoiced in when she knew that God had chosen her to be an agent (mommy) of hope.
Are you an agent of hope to others? There is no better joy that can be felt!
Luke 2:46-50 "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me, his holy name. His Mercy extends to those who fear him from generation to generation!"
Friday, December 14, 2007
Strike Up The Band
As you prepare to come and enjoy our special Christmas Services on December 23rd and on Christmas Eve, I wanted to share with you a great part of the experience you will enjoy. KC and our worship band have been working with the Marching Band at Porter Ridge High School. The Porter Ridge Band will be providing your favorite Christmas songs in the CSF Breeze Way area as you enjoy our Christmas Cafe before and after each service.
Your favorite songs will be done "Big Band" style as you Fellowship with family and friends in the cafe. Then during the Special Christmas Service the Porter Ridge Band will.......(sorry can't tell you. It would take all the surprise out of the special service.)
What I can tell you is this.....do whatever you can to make one of the five services we are offering. Also, be sure to invite family and friends to join you. Many CSF volunteers are serving in the Nursery and other places for one or more of the services and then attending another with invited guests.
I also wanted to take this time to THANK all the CSF staff and volunteers that will make our special Christmas services so awesome and life-changing. At CSF we have found that many non-churched and non-Christian people will attend a service on Christmas Eve. This is the major reason we are having five services on this special weekend. We could have just done the services on Sunday and called it a day. Be done by Sunday afternoon and start the Christmas celebration. However, our main purpose is to reach out to those who do not go to church and are not followers of Christ. If one of the best times to reach a non-churched person is Christmas Eve night....then we feel it is well worth our effort to provide it.
Every year we have people accept Christ on Christmas eve. Every year people who were not involved in any church before Dec 24th, come that night and continue to come in January and the following months. Every year we baptize people in the summer that came to Christ on Christmas Eve or their faith journey started on Dec 24th.
We will have hundreds of volunteers that serve graciously over those five services. Our band, tech and staff pastors will put in a lot of time in those two days. However, seeing people come and experience Christ at Christmas is worth the effort. I know for me and my family, our time around the tree on Christmas morning is much sweeter knowing we have been a small part of helping to change people's lives.
Christmas is about giving....Thank you for giving of your time and gifts to help change lives this Christmas. Of course, the reason we have never had Sunday services the following Sunday after Christmas is to allow our hard working staff and volunteers a chance to be with family and travel if needed, without feeling obligated to rush back for Sunday services.
It is a strategic win-win for everyone. We provide services at times when non-churched people are most likely to attend and then take a break and be with our families when most people are still traveling.
Jesus was clear as to why we should focus on those who are with out hope in Christ...
Luke 15:7 "I tell you..there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent"
Get ready to "strike up the band" and lets celebrate with all of heaven!
Your favorite songs will be done "Big Band" style as you Fellowship with family and friends in the cafe. Then during the Special Christmas Service the Porter Ridge Band will.......(sorry can't tell you. It would take all the surprise out of the special service.)
What I can tell you is this.....do whatever you can to make one of the five services we are offering. Also, be sure to invite family and friends to join you. Many CSF volunteers are serving in the Nursery and other places for one or more of the services and then attending another with invited guests.
I also wanted to take this time to THANK all the CSF staff and volunteers that will make our special Christmas services so awesome and life-changing. At CSF we have found that many non-churched and non-Christian people will attend a service on Christmas Eve. This is the major reason we are having five services on this special weekend. We could have just done the services on Sunday and called it a day. Be done by Sunday afternoon and start the Christmas celebration. However, our main purpose is to reach out to those who do not go to church and are not followers of Christ. If one of the best times to reach a non-churched person is Christmas Eve night....then we feel it is well worth our effort to provide it.
Every year we have people accept Christ on Christmas eve. Every year people who were not involved in any church before Dec 24th, come that night and continue to come in January and the following months. Every year we baptize people in the summer that came to Christ on Christmas Eve or their faith journey started on Dec 24th.
We will have hundreds of volunteers that serve graciously over those five services. Our band, tech and staff pastors will put in a lot of time in those two days. However, seeing people come and experience Christ at Christmas is worth the effort. I know for me and my family, our time around the tree on Christmas morning is much sweeter knowing we have been a small part of helping to change people's lives.
Christmas is about giving....Thank you for giving of your time and gifts to help change lives this Christmas. Of course, the reason we have never had Sunday services the following Sunday after Christmas is to allow our hard working staff and volunteers a chance to be with family and travel if needed, without feeling obligated to rush back for Sunday services.
It is a strategic win-win for everyone. We provide services at times when non-churched people are most likely to attend and then take a break and be with our families when most people are still traveling.
Jesus was clear as to why we should focus on those who are with out hope in Christ...
Luke 15:7 "I tell you..there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent"
Get ready to "strike up the band" and lets celebrate with all of heaven!
Thursday, December 13, 2007
A Story You Should Rent
During the Christmas season our creative staff tries to present the Christmas story along with all it's teachable principles as best we can and in a way that is fresh, practical and meaningful. Of Course, the Christmas story never changes and it needs to be shared every year.
As a kid growing up in church I remember cynically thinking...."Well it is December, time to hear about: Mary, Joseph, the donkey, the inn-keeper, the manger, the angels, the shepherds and of course the wise men. I had heard the same sermons and Sunday School lessons during the four weeks of December my whole life.
I have to be honest with you. As a kid and then teenager hearing the same story over and over and over and over at the same time of year....it was very boring. I loved Jesus and the fact that he came as a "babe in the manger" to be the Savior of the world. However, the presentations from my teachers and pastor were the same every year. (I later learned that he was like many pastors...they actually use the same sermons every year....yuck!) No practical application to current events. No creative way of telling the same story so that it may be applied differently this year as the listener is going through different things in his or her life. Nope...just telling the story as if it were "Dick & Jane going up the hill!"
Of course, at CSF, we always teach the story during this time of year. However, we focus on trying to present in a way that is creative, experiential, moving, practical and fun...all this while never losing the simple message of the greatest story ever told. Every year is a little different than the last, but all help us appreciate the story in a life-changing way.
The next two Sundays have been designed to touch those who have been Christ followers for a while and know the story very well AND for those who are novices to the story of Christ. Be praying about who it is that you can invite! It will change their life!
Now....what Story should you rent? I highly recommend you rent and watch with your family the movie "The Nativity Story" which came out last year. It is well done and will shed some light on what Mary and Joseph had to go through in a very personal way. Having heard the story my whole life and having taught if for 17 years....I was moved and "felt" the story in a whole new way!
You should also start reading the story...Here is a good place to start:
Luke 1: 1-2 "Many have undertaken to draw up an account of things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the world. Therefore.....
Go ahead...grab your Bible and take time to read the story!
As a kid growing up in church I remember cynically thinking...."Well it is December, time to hear about: Mary, Joseph, the donkey, the inn-keeper, the manger, the angels, the shepherds and of course the wise men. I had heard the same sermons and Sunday School lessons during the four weeks of December my whole life.
I have to be honest with you. As a kid and then teenager hearing the same story over and over and over and over at the same time of year....it was very boring. I loved Jesus and the fact that he came as a "babe in the manger" to be the Savior of the world. However, the presentations from my teachers and pastor were the same every year. (I later learned that he was like many pastors...they actually use the same sermons every year....yuck!) No practical application to current events. No creative way of telling the same story so that it may be applied differently this year as the listener is going through different things in his or her life. Nope...just telling the story as if it were "Dick & Jane going up the hill!"
Of course, at CSF, we always teach the story during this time of year. However, we focus on trying to present in a way that is creative, experiential, moving, practical and fun...all this while never losing the simple message of the greatest story ever told. Every year is a little different than the last, but all help us appreciate the story in a life-changing way.
The next two Sundays have been designed to touch those who have been Christ followers for a while and know the story very well AND for those who are novices to the story of Christ. Be praying about who it is that you can invite! It will change their life!
Now....what Story should you rent? I highly recommend you rent and watch with your family the movie "The Nativity Story" which came out last year. It is well done and will shed some light on what Mary and Joseph had to go through in a very personal way. Having heard the story my whole life and having taught if for 17 years....I was moved and "felt" the story in a whole new way!
You should also start reading the story...Here is a good place to start:
Luke 1: 1-2 "Many have undertaken to draw up an account of things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the world. Therefore.....
Go ahead...grab your Bible and take time to read the story!
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Christmas Anxiety
Okay....only 13 days left until Christmas! How are you doing with your grown-up Christmas list? I pray that you have been able to listen to the messages, take them to heart and then make some practical lifestyle changes.
How is your anxiety level?
I read yesterday that this time of year is the highest for depression and anxiety. Doesn't that sound crazy? It is crazy that during this wonderful time of year people stress themselves out and allow themselves to get all worked up.
As I said on Sunday, we can achieve true contentment by accepting Jesus Christ as Savior, truly believing the fact that He accepts us and loves us unconditionally. Moreover, we can rest peacefully each night even in the midst of relational, financial and other storms that we may be passing through.
Do you truly believe that God loves you unconditionally? Do you believe that he will take care of you and your family? Do you really trust Him with your life? Do you trust Him with your finances? Do you truly believe that God can take care of you come January?
If so, then relax.....and rest in his safe, strong and loving arms.
This is the message of Christmas....Unto us a Savior has been born. If we allow Him to be to us what the Angels declared that he desires to be......we can sleep in heavenly peace...every night.
1 Peter 5:6-7 "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.
CSF Christmas Reminders:
* This Friday is the Walter Bickett Christmas Mission. Please have your gifts to the office by 5pm today.
* Please continue to invite friends to our Special Christmas Services on Dec 23/24th.
* Please continue to pray and then give toward our Year-End-Gift. All mailed in gifts must be postmarked no later than Dec 31st to go on 2007 tax statements!
How is your anxiety level?
I read yesterday that this time of year is the highest for depression and anxiety. Doesn't that sound crazy? It is crazy that during this wonderful time of year people stress themselves out and allow themselves to get all worked up.
As I said on Sunday, we can achieve true contentment by accepting Jesus Christ as Savior, truly believing the fact that He accepts us and loves us unconditionally. Moreover, we can rest peacefully each night even in the midst of relational, financial and other storms that we may be passing through.
Do you truly believe that God loves you unconditionally? Do you believe that he will take care of you and your family? Do you really trust Him with your life? Do you trust Him with your finances? Do you truly believe that God can take care of you come January?
If so, then relax.....and rest in his safe, strong and loving arms.
This is the message of Christmas....Unto us a Savior has been born. If we allow Him to be to us what the Angels declared that he desires to be......we can sleep in heavenly peace...every night.
1 Peter 5:6-7 "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.
CSF Christmas Reminders:
* This Friday is the Walter Bickett Christmas Mission. Please have your gifts to the office by 5pm today.
* Please continue to invite friends to our Special Christmas Services on Dec 23/24th.
* Please continue to pray and then give toward our Year-End-Gift. All mailed in gifts must be postmarked no later than Dec 31st to go on 2007 tax statements!
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Shootings At Chruch
I am sure everyone was horrified by the news that a gunman opened fire in the parking lot of New Life Church in Colorado this past Sunday. Seventy miles down the road two young twenty year-olds were also shot at point blank at the Youth With A Mission offices. As far as I know, they have not linked the two, but indications are that they are related. Either way it is sad...crazy...unbelievable and leaves us with questions?
During our staff meeting on Monday morning we talked about the shooting in the parking lot of the church. Could that happen at CSF? Our conclusion is that it could happen here, the South Park Mall, your child's local school, the park....anywhere is a possibility.
You should know that at CSF we have a security/parking team. These folks serve on Sunday to help assist in the parking of cars, traffic flow and helping people cross the street. However, they have also been given the task of visual security. Before each service and during the services they roam outside, the kids area, the breeze way and the cafe area....looking for anything that could be suspicious. They have been given the task of alerting our staff or even the police if something "crazy" were to happen. This is a thankless service these hard working CSF volunteers perform.
Some of you are probably thinking to yourself that you have not seen these folks at every service and on every Sunday. Your thinking is correct. Why is that?
It is because this team is in need of more people. We need more volunteers to step up and be a part of our parking/security team. Their are some services on a few Sunday's that we are short handed. As you know, everyone at CSF is asked to serve somewhere...maybe this could be your place of serving the Fellowship! I am not sure if we will ever have a dangerous person roaming the parking lot, but it would be nice to know that if we did, we had volunteers equipped to handle it.
I do know that every Sunday, we have parking issues and cross walk issues....these also could be solved by a volunteer taking on this vital role! A value at CSF is that everyone has been gifts from God, every person is needed,everyone should be serving somewhere and when this happens....CSF is operating at its best.
If you are interested in this vital team please email Clint@charlottesouth.org
If you call CSF home and have not experienced the privilege of serving and being a part of the Fellowship in this meaningful way....then contact Rick@charlottesouth.org and he will get you lined up to get plugged in.
1 Peter 4:10 "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in it's various forms."
During our staff meeting on Monday morning we talked about the shooting in the parking lot of the church. Could that happen at CSF? Our conclusion is that it could happen here, the South Park Mall, your child's local school, the park....anywhere is a possibility.
You should know that at CSF we have a security/parking team. These folks serve on Sunday to help assist in the parking of cars, traffic flow and helping people cross the street. However, they have also been given the task of visual security. Before each service and during the services they roam outside, the kids area, the breeze way and the cafe area....looking for anything that could be suspicious. They have been given the task of alerting our staff or even the police if something "crazy" were to happen. This is a thankless service these hard working CSF volunteers perform.
Some of you are probably thinking to yourself that you have not seen these folks at every service and on every Sunday. Your thinking is correct. Why is that?
It is because this team is in need of more people. We need more volunteers to step up and be a part of our parking/security team. Their are some services on a few Sunday's that we are short handed. As you know, everyone at CSF is asked to serve somewhere...maybe this could be your place of serving the Fellowship! I am not sure if we will ever have a dangerous person roaming the parking lot, but it would be nice to know that if we did, we had volunteers equipped to handle it.
I do know that every Sunday, we have parking issues and cross walk issues....these also could be solved by a volunteer taking on this vital role! A value at CSF is that everyone has been gifts from God, every person is needed,everyone should be serving somewhere and when this happens....CSF is operating at its best.
If you are interested in this vital team please email Clint@charlottesouth.org
If you call CSF home and have not experienced the privilege of serving and being a part of the Fellowship in this meaningful way....then contact Rick@charlottesouth.org and he will get you lined up to get plugged in.
1 Peter 4:10 "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in it's various forms."
Monday, December 10, 2007
Tech Problems
I know many of you have been waiting and waiting for today's BLOG entry. Me too....Our server has been down all morning. I am hoping to get this done and sent before it goes down again......
Yesterday was a great day at CSF! Kristine Plough came back from college to sing the song "My Grown-up Christmas List" and act along with our drama team. She was awesome in her performance! Also, our drama team did a great job of teaching the message in a "live way!" Our creative arts team has been wonderful during this Christmas series!
I can also really sense that God is doing some wonderful things in the lives of people during this special time of the year. Every Sunday people are making life-changing decisions that are changing the way the are experiencing Christmas this year.
Moreover, this year we increased the amount of kids and teachers that we would be sponsoring at Walter Bickett Elementary School. Everyone has been accounted for....every child, every teacher, every administrator, every custodial person, every teachers aid and anyone else who works there even on a part time basis will be given a gift and great party this Friday! That is over 750 gifts! WOW!
We normally don't like to toot our own horn and share with the world how great we think we are at CSF by doing this "mission effort" and helping "these people"...I get tired of hearing churches brag about how missional they are and how they help the poor and the like. The Bible is very clear that when it comes to helping people in need and doing such things, that we should not be letting our "left hand, know what our right hand is doing." We don't contact the paper and radio stations to come take our pictures at Walter Bickett and invite a bunch of media attention for this kind of thing. So......
You will have to read it here on the CSF BLOG if you are going to get the info you just read. I believe that is what we should do as a Fellowship. Sacrifice, serve the poor and not feel like we have to have someone honor us or do a special on our God inspired actions!
It is like I tell our football players when they score a touchdown...do not attract a lot of attention to yourself by dancing and going crazy in the End Zone. Act like you have been there before and expected to be there!
Great job CSF!
Yesterday was a great day at CSF! Kristine Plough came back from college to sing the song "My Grown-up Christmas List" and act along with our drama team. She was awesome in her performance! Also, our drama team did a great job of teaching the message in a "live way!" Our creative arts team has been wonderful during this Christmas series!
I can also really sense that God is doing some wonderful things in the lives of people during this special time of the year. Every Sunday people are making life-changing decisions that are changing the way the are experiencing Christmas this year.
Moreover, this year we increased the amount of kids and teachers that we would be sponsoring at Walter Bickett Elementary School. Everyone has been accounted for....every child, every teacher, every administrator, every custodial person, every teachers aid and anyone else who works there even on a part time basis will be given a gift and great party this Friday! That is over 750 gifts! WOW!
We normally don't like to toot our own horn and share with the world how great we think we are at CSF by doing this "mission effort" and helping "these people"...I get tired of hearing churches brag about how missional they are and how they help the poor and the like. The Bible is very clear that when it comes to helping people in need and doing such things, that we should not be letting our "left hand, know what our right hand is doing." We don't contact the paper and radio stations to come take our pictures at Walter Bickett and invite a bunch of media attention for this kind of thing. So......
You will have to read it here on the CSF BLOG if you are going to get the info you just read. I believe that is what we should do as a Fellowship. Sacrifice, serve the poor and not feel like we have to have someone honor us or do a special on our God inspired actions!
It is like I tell our football players when they score a touchdown...do not attract a lot of attention to yourself by dancing and going crazy in the End Zone. Act like you have been there before and expected to be there!
Great job CSF!
Friday, December 7, 2007
Role Model
Did you have a famous Role Model when you were a kid? Did you have someone that you imitated and wanted to be like? I believe that as parents we should help and even guide our younger children in helping them to find a Role Model that inspires them. These days, my son is following the college career of Tim Tebow. Tim is the QB for the Florida Gators. His style of play and success on the field is something that is attractive to Peyton.
I have guided Peyton toward him because I love the fact that Tim's dad is a Pastor that leads a mission organization based in the Philippines. Moreover, Tim is known on the Gator campus as a Christ follower who is humble, possesses high character and lives out his Christian faith in the crazy life of college football. It is said of Tim Tebow..."he plays football on Saturday, only drinks milk on Saturday night and then leads a small group Bible study for little boys in church on Sunday morning." The Hibbard's are pulling for him to be the first Sophomore to ever win the Heisman Trophy tomorrow.
Here is a question for you? Is your spiritual life worthy of someone imitating you? What would happen if a boy or girl at CSF chose you to be their Role Model? Would you want other people to follow Christ the way you do? What would happen if people served the way you serve? Tithed the way you do? Shared their faith the way you do? Read their Bible and applied it the way you do?
Tough question....I know. Many times I would not want people imitating me! However, that should be our goal. We should be able to look at any kid or adult and repeat the words of the Apostle Paul...."Follow me as I follow Christ...if you don't know what to do...just do what I do!"
My prayer is that many people at CSF will live a life worthy of being a spiritual role model. Also, at CSF we need adults to step up and serve in our All-Stars Kid's ministry on a weekly basis. More specifically we need some "Men" to step up and become positive role models for the many kids of single mom's we have coming each Sunday. For more information email stacey@charlottesouth.org or Leah@charlottesouth.org
1 Corinthians 4:15-16 "You do not have many fathers, so in Christ Jesus I became your father through the truth of the Gospel. Therefore, I urge you to imitate me!"
I have guided Peyton toward him because I love the fact that Tim's dad is a Pastor that leads a mission organization based in the Philippines. Moreover, Tim is known on the Gator campus as a Christ follower who is humble, possesses high character and lives out his Christian faith in the crazy life of college football. It is said of Tim Tebow..."he plays football on Saturday, only drinks milk on Saturday night and then leads a small group Bible study for little boys in church on Sunday morning." The Hibbard's are pulling for him to be the first Sophomore to ever win the Heisman Trophy tomorrow.
Here is a question for you? Is your spiritual life worthy of someone imitating you? What would happen if a boy or girl at CSF chose you to be their Role Model? Would you want other people to follow Christ the way you do? What would happen if people served the way you serve? Tithed the way you do? Shared their faith the way you do? Read their Bible and applied it the way you do?
Tough question....I know. Many times I would not want people imitating me! However, that should be our goal. We should be able to look at any kid or adult and repeat the words of the Apostle Paul...."Follow me as I follow Christ...if you don't know what to do...just do what I do!"
My prayer is that many people at CSF will live a life worthy of being a spiritual role model. Also, at CSF we need adults to step up and serve in our All-Stars Kid's ministry on a weekly basis. More specifically we need some "Men" to step up and become positive role models for the many kids of single mom's we have coming each Sunday. For more information email stacey@charlottesouth.org or Leah@charlottesouth.org
1 Corinthians 4:15-16 "You do not have many fathers, so in Christ Jesus I became your father through the truth of the Gospel. Therefore, I urge you to imitate me!"
Thursday, December 6, 2007
A Blue Christmas!
I sat and ate breakfast with my 9 year-old-son this morning. He tried to hide his disappointment...but it was very clear. He was preparing himself for a Blue Christmas. Again, this year, he has asked for a dog for Christmas. We have said no because of my wife's allergies. He then starts his long list of animals...
Can I have a Cat? No....
Can I have a Guinea Pig? No....
A Hamster? No....
A Mouse? No....
A Lizard? No...
A Snake? Certainly Not!
In his mind, nothing other than some kind of pet will do this Christmas. Hopefully, I can find something without a beating heart that will give him a "Merry...Christmas!"
Do you know anyone who is prepared NOT to have an enjoyable Christmas? They just can't enjoy this time of year? From their hurried schedule,lack of money, and lack of time, to the inevitable visit from their mother-in-law....they need a shot of Christmas time cheer? Then invite them this Sunday as we have an incredible service filled with your favorite Christmas songs, festive decor and a message that will help everyone "Enjoy Christmas Present!"
We offer three identical services to fit your families schedule: 9am, 10:30am, & 12.
Philippians 4:12-13 "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength!"
Can I have a Cat? No....
Can I have a Guinea Pig? No....
A Hamster? No....
A Mouse? No....
A Lizard? No...
A Snake? Certainly Not!
In his mind, nothing other than some kind of pet will do this Christmas. Hopefully, I can find something without a beating heart that will give him a "Merry...Christmas!"
Do you know anyone who is prepared NOT to have an enjoyable Christmas? They just can't enjoy this time of year? From their hurried schedule,lack of money, and lack of time, to the inevitable visit from their mother-in-law....they need a shot of Christmas time cheer? Then invite them this Sunday as we have an incredible service filled with your favorite Christmas songs, festive decor and a message that will help everyone "Enjoy Christmas Present!"
We offer three identical services to fit your families schedule: 9am, 10:30am, & 12.
Philippians 4:12-13 "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength!"
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
True Celebration
There are two types of motivations....the "why we do something."
Extrinsic and Intrinsic are both valid motivations for doing something great and giving your best effort. However, the end result and the effect it has on you as a person is vastly different.
Extrinsic motivations are things like: Getting good grades, winning athletic competitions, making more money and having the best Christmas lights in the neighborhood. All these things are seen and measured by the external world around us and therefore give us a personal feeling of success, recognition, power and status.
Intrinsic motivations, on the other hand, are derived from your sense of the meaning or purpose of your life. These are things like: Personal growth, helping others succeed, making a positive impact on others in your world and finding meaning in your life through your efforts in touching lives of people that do not impact your personal External world.
Intrinsic motivations are more subtle and are linked up with your personal passions. Jesus was motivated by the Intrinsic meanings of His life and not the External measurable ones. It is why he always taught that it was better to give than receive. He did not say it was bad to receive...but it was better to give. Jesus understood the way Intrinsic motivations can change our soul and give us the best life possible.
Someone asked me the other day...."Why will CSF be celebrating after the Year End Gift?" I replied....because for us to hit our Year End Gift Goal, it will take many CSF people giving something of financial significance for them. They will need to look past the External motivations and give out of Intrinsic motivations.
If everyone sees the Intrinsic value of giving so that as a Fellowship we hit our goal....then we will have hundreds of people who will have tapped into the giving values of Jesus and the only one that can make you truly celebrate from the inside out.
My prayer is that you won't want to miss this end of the year CSF celebration!
Acts 20:35 "In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, (Intrinsic Motivation) as we remember the words of Jesus: It is more blessed to give than to receive!"
Extrinsic and Intrinsic are both valid motivations for doing something great and giving your best effort. However, the end result and the effect it has on you as a person is vastly different.
Extrinsic motivations are things like: Getting good grades, winning athletic competitions, making more money and having the best Christmas lights in the neighborhood. All these things are seen and measured by the external world around us and therefore give us a personal feeling of success, recognition, power and status.
Intrinsic motivations, on the other hand, are derived from your sense of the meaning or purpose of your life. These are things like: Personal growth, helping others succeed, making a positive impact on others in your world and finding meaning in your life through your efforts in touching lives of people that do not impact your personal External world.
Intrinsic motivations are more subtle and are linked up with your personal passions. Jesus was motivated by the Intrinsic meanings of His life and not the External measurable ones. It is why he always taught that it was better to give than receive. He did not say it was bad to receive...but it was better to give. Jesus understood the way Intrinsic motivations can change our soul and give us the best life possible.
Someone asked me the other day...."Why will CSF be celebrating after the Year End Gift?" I replied....because for us to hit our Year End Gift Goal, it will take many CSF people giving something of financial significance for them. They will need to look past the External motivations and give out of Intrinsic motivations.
If everyone sees the Intrinsic value of giving so that as a Fellowship we hit our goal....then we will have hundreds of people who will have tapped into the giving values of Jesus and the only one that can make you truly celebrate from the inside out.
My prayer is that you won't want to miss this end of the year CSF celebration!
Acts 20:35 "In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, (Intrinsic Motivation) as we remember the words of Jesus: It is more blessed to give than to receive!"
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
The "All Seeing" Pill
As I told you this past Sunday, my mom had a heart attack on Thanksgiving morning. Her heart is doing better. However, she remains in the hospital because of some major stomach pain that is not going away. They have run tests, done x-rays and the like. But...nothing has shown the cause of her pain.
Monday night they gave her The Pill. (no...not THAT Pill) They gave her a high-tech pill that actually has a video camera in it. She has swallowed the pill and while it is passing through her system it will give the doctors a clear look at everything that is unseen until now. Things that x-rays can not see will now be seen. How crazy is this technology?
After my mom told me about the pill...I started thinking. What would it be like if we could take a Heart Pill, Soul Pill, Motivation Pill or something like that? Here is what I mean..... What would pop up on the screen if we were to take a spiritual video pill, that while passing through our system showed what we were really thinking? It would display on the big screen the real motivation of our heart. It revealed all the things in our lives that we are so very glad are kept secret and only known between God and us.
I know that there are some times that I would not want much of what I think and feel to be shown on a video screen for all to see and judge. However, if that were the case, I bet I would be better at controlling my thoughts, desires and motivations. The problem is that just like my mom's condition....the unseen will eventually affect the seen. The spiritually smart thing to do is to deal with the issues while they are still small, just thoughts and desires....before they turn into actions.
Today, before you go any further, take time to allow God's Holy Spirit to act like that pill. If you pray, God will reveal to you any and all unseen challenges or sins that are creeping in the unseen dark places of your heart. Once He reveals them....act like a great surgeon and cut it out. You may need to seek help from others...do what you need to do, but, don't let it just sit in your heart and soul where it can slowly grow and become a larger seen problem.
Psalm 139:1-3 "O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
Psalm 139:23-24 "Search me, O God and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
Monday night they gave her The Pill. (no...not THAT Pill) They gave her a high-tech pill that actually has a video camera in it. She has swallowed the pill and while it is passing through her system it will give the doctors a clear look at everything that is unseen until now. Things that x-rays can not see will now be seen. How crazy is this technology?
After my mom told me about the pill...I started thinking. What would it be like if we could take a Heart Pill, Soul Pill, Motivation Pill or something like that? Here is what I mean..... What would pop up on the screen if we were to take a spiritual video pill, that while passing through our system showed what we were really thinking? It would display on the big screen the real motivation of our heart. It revealed all the things in our lives that we are so very glad are kept secret and only known between God and us.
I know that there are some times that I would not want much of what I think and feel to be shown on a video screen for all to see and judge. However, if that were the case, I bet I would be better at controlling my thoughts, desires and motivations. The problem is that just like my mom's condition....the unseen will eventually affect the seen. The spiritually smart thing to do is to deal with the issues while they are still small, just thoughts and desires....before they turn into actions.
Today, before you go any further, take time to allow God's Holy Spirit to act like that pill. If you pray, God will reveal to you any and all unseen challenges or sins that are creeping in the unseen dark places of your heart. Once He reveals them....act like a great surgeon and cut it out. You may need to seek help from others...do what you need to do, but, don't let it just sit in your heart and soul where it can slowly grow and become a larger seen problem.
Psalm 139:1-3 "O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
Psalm 139:23-24 "Search me, O God and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
Monday, December 3, 2007
Forgiveness is a great gift!
About five minutes into my message yesterday I could feel the tension and sensed that many people were thinking..."he is talking right to me AND I don't want to really hear this!" I know I threw you a Christmas Curve ball. It was not a fun little cute Christmas message to kick off the season. However, as I said yesterday, it was very needed by all of us if we are to fully enjoy the reality and wonder of Christmas as a person and family.
By the end of the message I could tell that many people had come full circle and were glad to have heard the truthful message and were ready to do the hard work of forgiveness about some negative past Christmas experiences. The End Zone was full of people after each service sharing with me that they were thankful for the message and they knew they needed to hear it and do something about it. I have already received a bunch of emails about the impact the message had on people.
As a reminder, here is what we all need to do with those negative Christmas experiences:
1) Be honest about any and all negative Christmas experiences we have had.
2) Express your true feelings about the situation and the people you see as being responsible.
3) Forgive all those who were involved in creating this negative Christmas experience.
Also, remember.....True Forgiveness is: The act of setting someone free from an obligation to you that is a result of a wrong done against you!
Also, remember the message is FREE on-line on our web page. Also, this tool is a great way to invite people next week. Have them listen to the message from yesterday and then come to hear about the next thing on our Adult Christmas List...Enjoying Christmas Present!
By the end of the message I could tell that many people had come full circle and were glad to have heard the truthful message and were ready to do the hard work of forgiveness about some negative past Christmas experiences. The End Zone was full of people after each service sharing with me that they were thankful for the message and they knew they needed to hear it and do something about it. I have already received a bunch of emails about the impact the message had on people.
As a reminder, here is what we all need to do with those negative Christmas experiences:
1) Be honest about any and all negative Christmas experiences we have had.
2) Express your true feelings about the situation and the people you see as being responsible.
3) Forgive all those who were involved in creating this negative Christmas experience.
Also, remember.....True Forgiveness is: The act of setting someone free from an obligation to you that is a result of a wrong done against you!
Also, remember the message is FREE on-line on our web page. Also, this tool is a great way to invite people next week. Have them listen to the message from yesterday and then come to hear about the next thing on our Adult Christmas List...Enjoying Christmas Present!
Friday, November 30, 2007
An Easy Time Of The Year
Let me ask you a very basic question....
Do you have friends, co-workers or neighbors that do not attend any church on a regular basis? Do you know if they have given their life to Christ and are Christians?
If you do have people in your life like that, then you have a great chance to make a huge eternal difference in their lives this Christmas season. Statistics show that unchurched and non-Christian people are more willing to attend a church service during this time of the year. In America, the Christmas story of Jesus and His birth is accepted and celebrated in our Christmas cartoons, movies and discussions about the event we celebrate.
We have creatively designed our Christmas series to be one that is a wonderful blessing and declaration of our faith as Christians. The worship, decorations and teaching is directly centered of course around the story and meaning of Christmas so that as Christians we can enjoy this special time of the year. However, the series has also been specially designed to be a source of help and spiritual encouragement to all people who may be struggling during this time of the year in different aspects of their life. This would be especially true for the people you know who do not attend church anywhere.
For many, December is a month of loneliness, depressive feelings, financial unrest and even family/marriage struggles. These people, like all of us, have internal Christmas wishes that they wish would come true during this time of year.
Let's all plan to reach out and invite someone to join us at CSF on Sunday's during the Christmas Season! The name of our series is "My Grown-up Christmas list!"
Remember we have three identical services to choose from: 9, 10:30 and 12.
The message is simple but so life changing:
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
Decide today who it is that you need to share this life changing message with and be sure to invite them!
Do you have friends, co-workers or neighbors that do not attend any church on a regular basis? Do you know if they have given their life to Christ and are Christians?
If you do have people in your life like that, then you have a great chance to make a huge eternal difference in their lives this Christmas season. Statistics show that unchurched and non-Christian people are more willing to attend a church service during this time of the year. In America, the Christmas story of Jesus and His birth is accepted and celebrated in our Christmas cartoons, movies and discussions about the event we celebrate.
We have creatively designed our Christmas series to be one that is a wonderful blessing and declaration of our faith as Christians. The worship, decorations and teaching is directly centered of course around the story and meaning of Christmas so that as Christians we can enjoy this special time of the year. However, the series has also been specially designed to be a source of help and spiritual encouragement to all people who may be struggling during this time of the year in different aspects of their life. This would be especially true for the people you know who do not attend church anywhere.
For many, December is a month of loneliness, depressive feelings, financial unrest and even family/marriage struggles. These people, like all of us, have internal Christmas wishes that they wish would come true during this time of year.
Let's all plan to reach out and invite someone to join us at CSF on Sunday's during the Christmas Season! The name of our series is "My Grown-up Christmas list!"
Remember we have three identical services to choose from: 9, 10:30 and 12.
The message is simple but so life changing:
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
Decide today who it is that you need to share this life changing message with and be sure to invite them!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Let's decide not to complain
My family and I watched the "old-school" cartoon classic...The Grinch That Stole Christmas last night on ABC. During the cartoon, ABC kept running the advertisement for their 25 days of Christmas TV schedule. Every night they will show the classic Christmas cartoons mixed in with a few of the newer ones from the last 15 or so years. Last year this was one of the fun family things we did in the evenings as the days rolled by in December. Mixed in with a few parties and dinners, each night in December is filled with a bunch of festive FUN! Speaking of Christmas parties and good times...let me get something off my chest that frustrates me every year! Maybe, we can stop it around CSF...before it starts.
Every Christmas Season I hear one of the most frustrating grumblings from people that quite frankly turns my stomach. Since December and all the festivities is only one day away, I wanted to remind us all that we live in a great country that is full of abundance that affords us the privilege to have a good time with family and friends almost all month long. Every year, I hear people complaining about "all the parties and dinners they have to go to!" People will say something like.."Do you know I have a party every Friday and Saturday night in December?" Or they complain..."I am so busy with having to go to the mall, make cookies and then still find time to attend four special Christmas parties."
Do we realize that we are the only country that would ever complain about "having to go to parties with family and friends!" Think about it...what would people who are less fortunate in our country or those in other poorer countries say if they actually heard us complaining about "all the parties and shopping we have to do!"
Think about it....we are complaining about the abundance of food and fun we are privileged to partake of every December. Now, I can hear some of you saying...but it is that we are "out almost every night and it just gets tiring." Really? That is the reason for the seasonal complaining that we do every year?
Here is solution for that challenge: Say no! If you don't want to go to 5 Christmas parties in 2 weeks....say no to a few. However, please don't get caught in the suburban crying of having to eat too much, party too much, spend time having fun with family and friends too much! We come across as thankless spoiled brats.
Is Christmas over commercialized? Sure....
Has Christmas turned into a month long time of hustle and bustle? For some...
However, you are the controller of your party calendar and what you allow Christmas to be in YOUR home and life. No one forces us to start shopping the day after Christmas, no one forces you to attend "all those parties" and no one makes you miss the meaning behind Christmas. We choose to make Christmas and the month long extravaganza what we want it to be for our family. Personally, I love all the parties and dinners with friends. If you don't.....don't go. If you do make all the plans..please, let's don't complain about it.
Okay...I am done!
Every Christmas Season I hear one of the most frustrating grumblings from people that quite frankly turns my stomach. Since December and all the festivities is only one day away, I wanted to remind us all that we live in a great country that is full of abundance that affords us the privilege to have a good time with family and friends almost all month long. Every year, I hear people complaining about "all the parties and dinners they have to go to!" People will say something like.."Do you know I have a party every Friday and Saturday night in December?" Or they complain..."I am so busy with having to go to the mall, make cookies and then still find time to attend four special Christmas parties."
Do we realize that we are the only country that would ever complain about "having to go to parties with family and friends!" Think about it...what would people who are less fortunate in our country or those in other poorer countries say if they actually heard us complaining about "all the parties and shopping we have to do!"
Think about it....we are complaining about the abundance of food and fun we are privileged to partake of every December. Now, I can hear some of you saying...but it is that we are "out almost every night and it just gets tiring." Really? That is the reason for the seasonal complaining that we do every year?
Here is solution for that challenge: Say no! If you don't want to go to 5 Christmas parties in 2 weeks....say no to a few. However, please don't get caught in the suburban crying of having to eat too much, party too much, spend time having fun with family and friends too much! We come across as thankless spoiled brats.
Is Christmas over commercialized? Sure....
Has Christmas turned into a month long time of hustle and bustle? For some...
However, you are the controller of your party calendar and what you allow Christmas to be in YOUR home and life. No one forces us to start shopping the day after Christmas, no one forces you to attend "all those parties" and no one makes you miss the meaning behind Christmas. We choose to make Christmas and the month long extravaganza what we want it to be for our family. Personally, I love all the parties and dinners with friends. If you don't.....don't go. If you do make all the plans..please, let's don't complain about it.
Okay...I am done!
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Looking Like Christmas
Are you in the Christmas mood yet? I am getting there.....
We have our tree up...just not decorated. We have our wreaths out...just not up.
About half of my neighbors have their lights and decorations up, so I still have time to keep up. However, my guess is that by Sunday night everyone will have their stuff up and the full sparkle of the season will be in full bloom. With any luck I too will be done by Sunday night. I really do love the sights, sounds and feel of the decorations that go up every year. For one month our whole city/community seems to match and have a similar look and feel to it.
If you are lagging behind in Christmas cheer and holiday mood, then you need to be here Sunday morning. Our stage design team has done a "magical" and incredibly beautiful job with the stage this year. If you are feeling "Scrooged" on Sunday, then the sight of the stage and cafe area will cheer you up. The incredible arrangement of Christmas music will inspire you and I believe this weeks message will enlighten you.
This week we start a very unique but timely Christmas message series called:
My Grown-up Christmas List:
** December 2nd Get Over Christmas Past
** December 9th Enjoy Christmas Present
** December 16th Prepare For Christmas Future
December 23/24th Follow That Star...A Special Christmas Service
We will have 5 identical services: Sunday at 9, 10:30 & 12; Monday night at 5 & 6:30.
Invite as many people as you can for this life changing Special Christmas series!
We have our tree up...just not decorated. We have our wreaths out...just not up.
About half of my neighbors have their lights and decorations up, so I still have time to keep up. However, my guess is that by Sunday night everyone will have their stuff up and the full sparkle of the season will be in full bloom. With any luck I too will be done by Sunday night. I really do love the sights, sounds and feel of the decorations that go up every year. For one month our whole city/community seems to match and have a similar look and feel to it.
If you are lagging behind in Christmas cheer and holiday mood, then you need to be here Sunday morning. Our stage design team has done a "magical" and incredibly beautiful job with the stage this year. If you are feeling "Scrooged" on Sunday, then the sight of the stage and cafe area will cheer you up. The incredible arrangement of Christmas music will inspire you and I believe this weeks message will enlighten you.
This week we start a very unique but timely Christmas message series called:
My Grown-up Christmas List:
** December 2nd Get Over Christmas Past
** December 9th Enjoy Christmas Present
** December 16th Prepare For Christmas Future
December 23/24th Follow That Star...A Special Christmas Service
We will have 5 identical services: Sunday at 9, 10:30 & 12; Monday night at 5 & 6:30.
Invite as many people as you can for this life changing Special Christmas series!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
WVA Jackets needed!
No no no.....we are not in need of West Virgina Mountaineer jackets....
As many of you know, we are supporting our former youth pastor and his wife in their new ministry located in a poverty stricken area of West Virgina. They have asked us to collect as many good-used-jackets, hats, gloves, boots, etc. as possible. The winters are cold in the WVA mountains and many kids and adults cannot afford to have warm clothing. Any style, size and color will be accepted. However, please make sure it is not so old and worn out that it is not useful or respectful.
This Friday (11/30), A volunteer from CSF, Jerry Christopher, will be traveling to West Virginia in order to bring what we have collected to Kevin and Emily and the mission they are working for now. Please bring anything you are giving away to the CSF office between now and Friday morning, no later than 9am. Jerry and his family will be making the trip on Friday and will ensure that these items go directly to these needy families.
This is another way in which CSF EXPANDS its impact that goes beyond our local community. Thanks in advance for pitching in!
Read in 2 Corinthians about why God gives us so many blessings....so we can give to others!
2 Corinthians 9:10-11 "Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase YOUR store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of YOUR righteousness. YOU will be made rich in every way so that YOU can be GENEROUS on every occasion, and through us YOUR GENEROSITY will result in thanksgiving to God!"
PS...We had a wonderful Christmas decorations team here last night making our Porch Cafe and Fellowship breeze-way area look great for the Christmas Season. Our building is always beautiful on the inside and out....but during this time of the year our creatively designed building looks fabulous! Great job decoration team!
As many of you know, we are supporting our former youth pastor and his wife in their new ministry located in a poverty stricken area of West Virgina. They have asked us to collect as many good-used-jackets, hats, gloves, boots, etc. as possible. The winters are cold in the WVA mountains and many kids and adults cannot afford to have warm clothing. Any style, size and color will be accepted. However, please make sure it is not so old and worn out that it is not useful or respectful.
This Friday (11/30), A volunteer from CSF, Jerry Christopher, will be traveling to West Virginia in order to bring what we have collected to Kevin and Emily and the mission they are working for now. Please bring anything you are giving away to the CSF office between now and Friday morning, no later than 9am. Jerry and his family will be making the trip on Friday and will ensure that these items go directly to these needy families.
This is another way in which CSF EXPANDS its impact that goes beyond our local community. Thanks in advance for pitching in!
Read in 2 Corinthians about why God gives us so many blessings....so we can give to others!
2 Corinthians 9:10-11 "Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase YOUR store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of YOUR righteousness. YOU will be made rich in every way so that YOU can be GENEROUS on every occasion, and through us YOUR GENEROSITY will result in thanksgiving to God!"
PS...We had a wonderful Christmas decorations team here last night making our Porch Cafe and Fellowship breeze-way area look great for the Christmas Season. Our building is always beautiful on the inside and out....but during this time of the year our creatively designed building looks fabulous! Great job decoration team!
Monday, November 26, 2007
Year End Gift 07
Every year as a Fellowship we use the month of December to give a special offering that we call our Year End Gift. Our Year-End-Gift gives us a real and practical opportunity to focus on what is most important and to then give sacrificially at a time when so many are concerned about what they are receiving.
Each year we present to you needs we have as a Fellowship or the needs of others that we would like to help meet that are not covered by our normal operating general budget. These needs are not budgeted and would go unmet if not for the Year End Gift.
We have documented this year's needs in a letter that was sent to our entire Fellowship. Will you begin to pray about what God may be leading you to give as a gift? The financial gift you give is over and above what you normally give and is given before the end of the year. All gifts...Cash, stock, "gifts in kind" that are designated Year End Gift will go directly to this annual gift and will be tax deductible for 2007.
We truly believe that if every person and family will pray and then give something to this special gift, then we will hit our stated goal of $57,000. It will take everyone giving something.....but that is what defines a Fellowship. Everyone coming together as a team to do more as a group than we could ever do alone.
The purpose of the Year End Gift is for you to pray and then give a GIFT back to God that expresses your thankfulness for his blessings to you and your family. Giving over and above during this time of year can be challenging as we feel like we need to save up for ourselves and our family. The Year End Gift is designed to help you keep your financial priorities in line with God's will for your life.
Thanks in advance for your prayers and gifts!
2 Corinthians 9:7-8 "Each person (family) should give what they have decided in their heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. God is able to make all Grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."
This Christmas Season at CSF is going to be Awesome!
Each year we present to you needs we have as a Fellowship or the needs of others that we would like to help meet that are not covered by our normal operating general budget. These needs are not budgeted and would go unmet if not for the Year End Gift.
We have documented this year's needs in a letter that was sent to our entire Fellowship. Will you begin to pray about what God may be leading you to give as a gift? The financial gift you give is over and above what you normally give and is given before the end of the year. All gifts...Cash, stock, "gifts in kind" that are designated Year End Gift will go directly to this annual gift and will be tax deductible for 2007.
We truly believe that if every person and family will pray and then give something to this special gift, then we will hit our stated goal of $57,000. It will take everyone giving something.....but that is what defines a Fellowship. Everyone coming together as a team to do more as a group than we could ever do alone.
The purpose of the Year End Gift is for you to pray and then give a GIFT back to God that expresses your thankfulness for his blessings to you and your family. Giving over and above during this time of year can be challenging as we feel like we need to save up for ourselves and our family. The Year End Gift is designed to help you keep your financial priorities in line with God's will for your life.
Thanks in advance for your prayers and gifts!
2 Corinthians 9:7-8 "Each person (family) should give what they have decided in their heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. God is able to make all Grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."
This Christmas Season at CSF is going to be Awesome!
Sunday, November 18, 2007
On Vacation
I will be out of town Monday - Friday this week. I don't go on-line, check email or do anything on computers while at my parents house in the beautiful West Virgina Mountains! So.....no BLOGS this week.
I will be back next Monday, November 26th!
I will be back next Monday, November 26th!
Friday, November 16, 2007
What a week!
What do these people have in common?
Robert Blanton: High School Senior at Butler High School who has accepted an invitation to play in the prestigious Army National High School All-Star football game in January. He has also accepted a scholarship offer from Notre Dame. He is a wonderful Christian young man that attends the weekly chapel I lead at Butler High.
Steve Israel: Former NFL player who played for the Panthers and 3 other teams in his 10 year career. He currently is the College football analyst for ESPNU and also teaches Sunday School at his church here in Charlotte.
Scott Farley: Former NFL player who won a Super Bowl Ring with the Patriots and also spent 2 years as a Carolina Panther. He currently is the Athletic Director at the new Queens Grant High School here in the south Charlotte area.
What do they have in common?
All three of these men spoke to over 800 people at the MARA football banquets we hosted and I was the MC for this week. It was a great way for CSF to serve a local community organization that strives to help shape young boys and girls into quality young adults. Each of these men shared their personal stories of success, failure and determination. They shared about hard work, dedication, academic importance and even the fact that Jesus Christ is first in their lives and that HE is the highest priority that they live for.
This week was a week that showed our value as a Fellowship. We have built a facility and designed our philosophy of ministry to support and encourage our public schools and sports organizations. We have done this instead of starting our own Christian sports leagues and schools. This week proved to be a week where hundreds of people were honored, served and saw Christ in us as much as they heard it.
Our CSF Staff and volunteers did a great job!
Great Job CSF!
Grab a friend...........see you Sunday!
Robert Blanton: High School Senior at Butler High School who has accepted an invitation to play in the prestigious Army National High School All-Star football game in January. He has also accepted a scholarship offer from Notre Dame. He is a wonderful Christian young man that attends the weekly chapel I lead at Butler High.
Steve Israel: Former NFL player who played for the Panthers and 3 other teams in his 10 year career. He currently is the College football analyst for ESPNU and also teaches Sunday School at his church here in Charlotte.
Scott Farley: Former NFL player who won a Super Bowl Ring with the Patriots and also spent 2 years as a Carolina Panther. He currently is the Athletic Director at the new Queens Grant High School here in the south Charlotte area.
What do they have in common?
All three of these men spoke to over 800 people at the MARA football banquets we hosted and I was the MC for this week. It was a great way for CSF to serve a local community organization that strives to help shape young boys and girls into quality young adults. Each of these men shared their personal stories of success, failure and determination. They shared about hard work, dedication, academic importance and even the fact that Jesus Christ is first in their lives and that HE is the highest priority that they live for.
This week was a week that showed our value as a Fellowship. We have built a facility and designed our philosophy of ministry to support and encourage our public schools and sports organizations. We have done this instead of starting our own Christian sports leagues and schools. This week proved to be a week where hundreds of people were honored, served and saw Christ in us as much as they heard it.
Our CSF Staff and volunteers did a great job!
Great Job CSF!
Grab a friend...........see you Sunday!
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Technology is here
Every Sunday at the Porch Cafe people tell us that if we took credit or debit cards then they would be able to buy coffee, snacks, books, T-shirts or whatever it is that we have for sale. Their reasoning.......people today never carry cash. I know I don't ever have cash in my possession anymore.
We have heard your cry......starting this Sunday CSF will accept Visa, Master Card and Discover for items sold at the Porch Cafe. Moreover, you will be able to pay for other things like summer camp, retreats, league fees for sports and the like. As a matter of fact we still have about eight Advent "kits" left from last night that you can purchase this way on Sunday.
Speaking of Sunday, we will be concluding our Out Of The Nest series this weekend. We will be talking about how we should teach our kids about money and possession. We need to teach our kids the value of a dollar, what are some dangers of money and credit and what is the truth about our desire for possessions.
What a great Sunday to introduce our new credit card machines.....
Also, be looking for the soon coming announcement about how you can also give on line and pay for other things via our website. With all this talk about credit and with the holidays here.....don't forget this great principle from the Bible.
1 Timothy 6:10 "The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager fro money (stuff) have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."
We have heard your cry......starting this Sunday CSF will accept Visa, Master Card and Discover for items sold at the Porch Cafe. Moreover, you will be able to pay for other things like summer camp, retreats, league fees for sports and the like. As a matter of fact we still have about eight Advent "kits" left from last night that you can purchase this way on Sunday.
Speaking of Sunday, we will be concluding our Out Of The Nest series this weekend. We will be talking about how we should teach our kids about money and possession. We need to teach our kids the value of a dollar, what are some dangers of money and credit and what is the truth about our desire for possessions.
What a great Sunday to introduce our new credit card machines.....
Also, be looking for the soon coming announcement about how you can also give on line and pay for other things via our website. With all this talk about credit and with the holidays here.....don't forget this great principle from the Bible.
1 Timothy 6:10 "The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager fro money (stuff) have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Fellowship Service Tonight
Tonight will be a great night! I love our Fellowship Services! It is a great time for us all to take a "worship" break in the middle of the week! Tonight we will enjoy our first Christmas worship songs of the season, communion to usher in the Holiday season, teaching and the materials for each family to celebrate Advent, Parent/Child dedication and we will round off the night with another exciting baptism!
If you are feeling a little down...not ready to celebrate Thanksgiving or the birth of our Savior....then this Fellowship Service is what you need!
Look what Psalms 34:1-5 "I will exalt the Lord at all times, His praise will always be on my lips. My Soul will boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord and He answered me; he delivered me from all my fears!"
Everything starts at 7pm!
We have child care for 0-kindergarten.
See you tonight...as THE FELLOWSHIP Gathers!
If you are feeling a little down...not ready to celebrate Thanksgiving or the birth of our Savior....then this Fellowship Service is what you need!
Look what Psalms 34:1-5 "I will exalt the Lord at all times, His praise will always be on my lips. My Soul will boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord and He answered me; he delivered me from all my fears!"
Everything starts at 7pm!
We have child care for 0-kindergarten.
See you tonight...as THE FELLOWSHIP Gathers!
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Work Chart
This past Sunday I taught on the responsibility of the parent to train their kids....how to work and why to work. We talked about how many in this generation are leaving home and have no clue what it means to work, work hard and be responsible in their work.
Learning the values of work must start in the home. It should start with toddlers and progressively grow in responsibility and difficulty as they get older. I am personally amazed at the number of high school kids who have never been asked to take on basic normal work responsibilities in their home.
This Sunday we gave you a "Working For The King" work chart. I have heard that many of these went home and are being used. Great job parents! By the end of this week, you can go to our CSF website and find this chart available for you to print and use weekly at your house. I pray that the families of CSF will be cultural trend setters when it comes to really preparing our kids to honor God in the real world.
As a reminder, here are some of the verses we used this past Sunday. Look them up and re-read them. Remember, when you and I go to work and as we get our kids to work...we work For The King!
Proverbs 22:29 "Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before Kings; he will not sere before obscure men."
Look these up: Proverbs 24:30-34; Proverbs 6:6-11; Proverbs 10:26; Proverbs 21:25; Proverbs 26:14.
As you read these verses, do you see your work as an extension of who you are? Do you see your work and a purposeful expression of who God created you to be? Do you see it as a blessing so that you can provide for your family? Do you find enjoyment in your work? If so......then you are able to receive one of the greatest gifts God gives us here on this earth.
Here is the verse I closed with. Our kids are following our lead when it comes to our attitude toward work.
Ecc 5:18-19
“I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him – for this is his purpose. Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his life and be happy in his work…...this is a gift of God.”
Learning the values of work must start in the home. It should start with toddlers and progressively grow in responsibility and difficulty as they get older. I am personally amazed at the number of high school kids who have never been asked to take on basic normal work responsibilities in their home.
This Sunday we gave you a "Working For The King" work chart. I have heard that many of these went home and are being used. Great job parents! By the end of this week, you can go to our CSF website and find this chart available for you to print and use weekly at your house. I pray that the families of CSF will be cultural trend setters when it comes to really preparing our kids to honor God in the real world.
As a reminder, here are some of the verses we used this past Sunday. Look them up and re-read them. Remember, when you and I go to work and as we get our kids to work...we work For The King!
Proverbs 22:29 "Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before Kings; he will not sere before obscure men."
Look these up: Proverbs 24:30-34; Proverbs 6:6-11; Proverbs 10:26; Proverbs 21:25; Proverbs 26:14.
As you read these verses, do you see your work as an extension of who you are? Do you see your work and a purposeful expression of who God created you to be? Do you see it as a blessing so that you can provide for your family? Do you find enjoyment in your work? If so......then you are able to receive one of the greatest gifts God gives us here on this earth.
Here is the verse I closed with. Our kids are following our lead when it comes to our attitude toward work.
Ecc 5:18-19
“I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him – for this is his purpose. Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his life and be happy in his work…...this is a gift of God.”
Monday, November 12, 2007
Christmas Mission 2007
For the past six years, CSF has brought the love of Christ to over 700 underprivileged children and the teachers who teach them at Walter Bicket Elementary School. This year will be the same!
How it works:
Every child at the school gets to fill out a card with their name, age, grade and of course what they want for Christmas. On the day of the Christmas Party, they are presented with the gift they asked for and an 45 minute Christmas presentation from the volunteers at CSF. We do drama, live music and we tell the meaning of Christmas in a way they can understand. Yes....even at a public school, we mention the love of God and how he sent his son to be born on Christmas morning. It is a great day!
Your Part:
Please pick up one or two of the "tags" that has the kid's names and their gift request on it at our Christmas Mission table located in the CSF Breeze Way and info area. Purchase a gift under $20 and bring it back wrapped and with that name card securely taped on it.
You must have your gifts here by December 9th.
Also, we need people to serve in these ways:
* Band and singers to perform for the kids at their school party.
* Elves to help teachers with their class parties on the afternoon of Dec 14th.
* Delivery volunteers to help deliver the gifts to the school on Thursday, Dec 13th in the evening after school is out.
* Administration volunteers to help process all the gifts and make sure each gift has a tag and each kid has a gift.
This is a huge mission for us every year.....thanks for helping! If you would like to volunteer, please email Clint@charlottesouth.org
We have our Fellowship Service this Wednesday night. We will celebrate baptism, communion, have incredible "Christmas Worship", and learn how to have a meaningful Family Advent this Christmas Season.
How it works:
Every child at the school gets to fill out a card with their name, age, grade and of course what they want for Christmas. On the day of the Christmas Party, they are presented with the gift they asked for and an 45 minute Christmas presentation from the volunteers at CSF. We do drama, live music and we tell the meaning of Christmas in a way they can understand. Yes....even at a public school, we mention the love of God and how he sent his son to be born on Christmas morning. It is a great day!
Your Part:
Please pick up one or two of the "tags" that has the kid's names and their gift request on it at our Christmas Mission table located in the CSF Breeze Way and info area. Purchase a gift under $20 and bring it back wrapped and with that name card securely taped on it.
You must have your gifts here by December 9th.
Also, we need people to serve in these ways:
* Band and singers to perform for the kids at their school party.
* Elves to help teachers with their class parties on the afternoon of Dec 14th.
* Delivery volunteers to help deliver the gifts to the school on Thursday, Dec 13th in the evening after school is out.
* Administration volunteers to help process all the gifts and make sure each gift has a tag and each kid has a gift.
This is a huge mission for us every year.....thanks for helping! If you would like to volunteer, please email Clint@charlottesouth.org
We have our Fellowship Service this Wednesday night. We will celebrate baptism, communion, have incredible "Christmas Worship", and learn how to have a meaningful Family Advent this Christmas Season.
Friday, November 9, 2007
CSF = Volunteers
Why do we call ourselves Charlotte South Fellowship?
Because the word Fellowship denotes the idea that we are all in this thing together. That we all discover our gifts and passions and then use them to achieve our God given Purpose and Game Plan as a local Church or Fellowship. (The Bible uses both words in speaking about the local body of believers who have a passionate commitment to Christ and radical commitment to each other).
I love the fact that at CSF, we pastors lead and then equip others who in turn accomplish the vast amount of life-changing ministry that takes place here. I love the fact that our band is awesome and non of them are paid professionals just playing here on Sunday as a musical gig. I love the fact that we have trained, committed and certified nursery workers that minister every week...and none are hired guns looking to make a few bucks on the weekend. Same is true with our elementary age, middle and high school volunteers.
I think it is revolutionary that our new building and our offices gets cleaned and ready for ministry every day by non-paid volunteers! Moreover, because our clean team calls this place home...they clean it like it is something special to them, not just a job.
I love the fact that right now in our office, as it is every day, there are "skilled" office volunteers that do administration and secretarial work as volunteers. I was told that when we went over a 1000 people we would no longer be able to survive with volunteers doing a bulk of the office work.....not true!
I love the fact our drama team, stage design team and other Sunday morning tech people are all volunteers!
The list could go on and on......
The reason CSF does not have to pay for hired help in so many of these areas is because of the high percentage of people at CSF who serve and do their part. I love the fact that people can serve here without feeling like they have to do everything. Everyone plays a role and no one has to get burned out by doing too much!
As we get set for another great weekend here at CSF....I want you to know:
I love this place and I love the Fellowship we have built that is radically changing the lives of so many people. I am thankful for you and the passion you have for Christ. I am honored to be a part of this dream, a place we call CSF!
Because of the people who call this place home our future is brighter than ever!
Ephesians 3:20 "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at WORK within US, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus through out all generations."
Because the word Fellowship denotes the idea that we are all in this thing together. That we all discover our gifts and passions and then use them to achieve our God given Purpose and Game Plan as a local Church or Fellowship. (The Bible uses both words in speaking about the local body of believers who have a passionate commitment to Christ and radical commitment to each other).
I love the fact that at CSF, we pastors lead and then equip others who in turn accomplish the vast amount of life-changing ministry that takes place here. I love the fact that our band is awesome and non of them are paid professionals just playing here on Sunday as a musical gig. I love the fact that we have trained, committed and certified nursery workers that minister every week...and none are hired guns looking to make a few bucks on the weekend. Same is true with our elementary age, middle and high school volunteers.
I think it is revolutionary that our new building and our offices gets cleaned and ready for ministry every day by non-paid volunteers! Moreover, because our clean team calls this place home...they clean it like it is something special to them, not just a job.
I love the fact that right now in our office, as it is every day, there are "skilled" office volunteers that do administration and secretarial work as volunteers. I was told that when we went over a 1000 people we would no longer be able to survive with volunteers doing a bulk of the office work.....not true!
I love the fact our drama team, stage design team and other Sunday morning tech people are all volunteers!
The list could go on and on......
The reason CSF does not have to pay for hired help in so many of these areas is because of the high percentage of people at CSF who serve and do their part. I love the fact that people can serve here without feeling like they have to do everything. Everyone plays a role and no one has to get burned out by doing too much!
As we get set for another great weekend here at CSF....I want you to know:
I love this place and I love the Fellowship we have built that is radically changing the lives of so many people. I am thankful for you and the passion you have for Christ. I am honored to be a part of this dream, a place we call CSF!
Because of the people who call this place home our future is brighter than ever!
Ephesians 3:20 "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at WORK within US, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus through out all generations."
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Hot Air
The temperature dipped below freezing last night. About 6pm last night I made sure the upstairs and downstairs heaters were turned on and ready to go. Our daughter, Ellie, is the only one who has a bedroom downstairs. So....knowing that we would not be aware if it was cold downstairs, I made sure the heater turned on and was blowing. After "hearing" it kick on and "hearing" the air coming out the vents, I tucked her in, turned off the lights, shut her door and scurried upstairs feeling good about my daddy duties.
This morning when I woke up, it was a toasting 70 degrees up-stairs, a cold 30 degrees outside and an alarmingly frigid 57 degrees downstairs. Poor Ellie was chilled and not real happy with her daddy!
I soon discovered that the heater was still on and blowing air....just not HOT air.
Even though I had "heard" the heater...it was not "doing" what it was suppose to.
The Bible says that one of the worst things we can do as Christians is to be people who "hear" the truth but don't "do" anything about it. We know the truth but don't do it. We know what we should be doing...we just don't do it. At CSF we have taken the basic things that a Christ follower should be "doing" and called them our six S's. Read through these six basic qualities that should mark every believers life and see if you are blowing hot...or just blowing.
The Salvation of Christ has been accepted personally. (one time event)
We Serve at our local Fellowship.
We are Stewards of our resources.
We are growing Spiritually in our knowledge of God and His ways.
We are involved in Significant Relationships with others.
We Share our faith with other who are not Christians.
(This list is defined and clarified more with Bible verses on our website)
James 1:22 "Do not merely listen to the Word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." Be doers of the Word not hearers only!
This morning when I woke up, it was a toasting 70 degrees up-stairs, a cold 30 degrees outside and an alarmingly frigid 57 degrees downstairs. Poor Ellie was chilled and not real happy with her daddy!
I soon discovered that the heater was still on and blowing air....just not HOT air.
Even though I had "heard" the heater...it was not "doing" what it was suppose to.
The Bible says that one of the worst things we can do as Christians is to be people who "hear" the truth but don't "do" anything about it. We know the truth but don't do it. We know what we should be doing...we just don't do it. At CSF we have taken the basic things that a Christ follower should be "doing" and called them our six S's. Read through these six basic qualities that should mark every believers life and see if you are blowing hot...or just blowing.
The Salvation of Christ has been accepted personally. (one time event)
We Serve at our local Fellowship.
We are Stewards of our resources.
We are growing Spiritually in our knowledge of God and His ways.
We are involved in Significant Relationships with others.
We Share our faith with other who are not Christians.
(This list is defined and clarified more with Bible verses on our website)
James 1:22 "Do not merely listen to the Word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." Be doers of the Word not hearers only!
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
It takes Consistency
Anyone who has ever raised a child or has worked with children knows one important thing. To really help a child grow and learn takes consistency by an adult in their life in whatever setting they are experiencing. Parents, teachers, coaches and even mentors need to be there and help them to navigate the challenges they face on a regular basis. There has to be a relational consistency in their life.
This fact is very true for the purpose and vision we have for each of our kids in our All-Stars children's ministry. This is especially true in the 1-5th graders who meet upstairs. They need their Home Team leaders and other volunteers to be consistent in their attendance as leaders.
Our new dynamic All-Star Team team of Stacey Sutton, Leah Prasse and Clint Newton have made our children's ministry a wonderful place for our kids to learn and have fun. However, our 1st-5th grades are in need of adult volunteers who will make a weekly commitment to a specific service.
Having a new adult Home Team leader each week leading their group is not the BEST for our kids. Plain and simple, we need more people to step up and volunteer upstairs. Last week we had our highest attendance in 1st-5th grade. The kids are loving the exciting teaching gifts and high energy presentation of Mr. Clint. They love breaking into smaller groups...however, we don't have enough adults who are willing to be trained and then prepare each week to lead a group. The Home Team groups have too many kids for them to be the BEST they can be.
Will you pray about serving on a consistent basis in our All-Star Children's ministry?
Also, Parents, I can't stress this enough....YOU need to have YOUR child here on a consistent basis. Coming on Sunday once a month and or even twice a month...is not the BEST for you or your family. The kid's lessons build on each other and your child learns more and grows more when they are here each week. What would happen to your child's reading, math or language art skills if they only went to school 50% of the time?
Is their spiritual life any different? The Bible says we are to train our kids in the things of God on a daily basis. It can't be just a Sunday thing....it it really can't be just a two times a month deal.
Deuteronomy 6:4-7
Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord you God with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
This fact is very true for the purpose and vision we have for each of our kids in our All-Stars children's ministry. This is especially true in the 1-5th graders who meet upstairs. They need their Home Team leaders and other volunteers to be consistent in their attendance as leaders.
Our new dynamic All-Star Team team of Stacey Sutton, Leah Prasse and Clint Newton have made our children's ministry a wonderful place for our kids to learn and have fun. However, our 1st-5th grades are in need of adult volunteers who will make a weekly commitment to a specific service.
Having a new adult Home Team leader each week leading their group is not the BEST for our kids. Plain and simple, we need more people to step up and volunteer upstairs. Last week we had our highest attendance in 1st-5th grade. The kids are loving the exciting teaching gifts and high energy presentation of Mr. Clint. They love breaking into smaller groups...however, we don't have enough adults who are willing to be trained and then prepare each week to lead a group. The Home Team groups have too many kids for them to be the BEST they can be.
Will you pray about serving on a consistent basis in our All-Star Children's ministry?
Also, Parents, I can't stress this enough....YOU need to have YOUR child here on a consistent basis. Coming on Sunday once a month and or even twice a month...is not the BEST for you or your family. The kid's lessons build on each other and your child learns more and grows more when they are here each week. What would happen to your child's reading, math or language art skills if they only went to school 50% of the time?
Is their spiritual life any different? The Bible says we are to train our kids in the things of God on a daily basis. It can't be just a Sunday thing....it it really can't be just a two times a month deal.
Deuteronomy 6:4-7
Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord you God with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Barber Shop Theology
After a meeting this morning, I went to the barbershop to get my hair cut. I have been going to the same guy in this "old-school" barber shop for eight years. It reminds me of my uncle's barber shop in my small home town.
I know some of you are wondering why a suburban young pastor of a "cool" church goes to an old-school country style barber shop....two reasons. First, I have been getting the same style hair-cut since I first saw Top Gun in the 9th grade. Secondly, it is the cheapest cut in town. There is no way I am paying someone 20 plus dollars to cut my hair.
Anyways, as usual, while I am there you have the men who go there talking about everything from politics, sex, hunting, trucks, football and "religion." I ALWAYS just sit and listen and enjoy the rhetoric. I can close my eyes and be transplanted to my uncle's shop as a kid and teenager growing up.
Today's topic was the sad state of the school system and how the administration is letting the kids and their over controlling and whining parents (their words not mine) run the schools. They believe the teachers are helpless to discipline the kids or hold them accountable for their actions. Of course, the Tommy Knotts story came up and the sentiment in the shop was that a great coach/teacher of 24 years should not be fired because he defended himself and his honor to a drunk parent that was screaming at him through a fence. On and on....the conversation swirled.
As I listened to their talking...I realized that no one really had a good suggestion of what the solution could or should be. (Although one older guy in his 70's suggested they go back to spanking the kids and forcefully throwing them out of the "school-house.")
What is the solution to our apparent cultural problem with many kids today? I don't have all the answers, but I do believe it starts first in the home and the principles and values need to come from God's word. I believe the trouble we see in our schools and in our kids in general (even home-schooled kids) stem from a parenting issue.
I will give you a few verses to chew on while you contemplate your own parenting skills. The book of Proverbs says this about what the truths and principles in this great book can do!
Proverbs 1:1-2 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, the king of Israel. For attaining WISDOM and DISCIPLINE; for UNDERSTANDING words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the YOUNG.
This Sunday we will mine the parenting truths of this book as we apply it to how we should be raising our kids to work hard and be responsible.
PS...If you are a CSF Player and attend the 10:30 service PLEASE sit up front. Our ushers had to seat a family of 5 that were guest...in the front row. Not good for your first time in a strange place.
I know some of you are wondering why a suburban young pastor of a "cool" church goes to an old-school country style barber shop....two reasons. First, I have been getting the same style hair-cut since I first saw Top Gun in the 9th grade. Secondly, it is the cheapest cut in town. There is no way I am paying someone 20 plus dollars to cut my hair.
Anyways, as usual, while I am there you have the men who go there talking about everything from politics, sex, hunting, trucks, football and "religion." I ALWAYS just sit and listen and enjoy the rhetoric. I can close my eyes and be transplanted to my uncle's shop as a kid and teenager growing up.
Today's topic was the sad state of the school system and how the administration is letting the kids and their over controlling and whining parents (their words not mine) run the schools. They believe the teachers are helpless to discipline the kids or hold them accountable for their actions. Of course, the Tommy Knotts story came up and the sentiment in the shop was that a great coach/teacher of 24 years should not be fired because he defended himself and his honor to a drunk parent that was screaming at him through a fence. On and on....the conversation swirled.
As I listened to their talking...I realized that no one really had a good suggestion of what the solution could or should be. (Although one older guy in his 70's suggested they go back to spanking the kids and forcefully throwing them out of the "school-house.")
What is the solution to our apparent cultural problem with many kids today? I don't have all the answers, but I do believe it starts first in the home and the principles and values need to come from God's word. I believe the trouble we see in our schools and in our kids in general (even home-schooled kids) stem from a parenting issue.
I will give you a few verses to chew on while you contemplate your own parenting skills. The book of Proverbs says this about what the truths and principles in this great book can do!
Proverbs 1:1-2 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, the king of Israel. For attaining WISDOM and DISCIPLINE; for UNDERSTANDING words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the YOUNG.
This Sunday we will mine the parenting truths of this book as we apply it to how we should be raising our kids to work hard and be responsible.
PS...If you are a CSF Player and attend the 10:30 service PLEASE sit up front. Our ushers had to seat a family of 5 that were guest...in the front row. Not good for your first time in a strange place.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Porch Cafe Conversations
I was told that our first little "out of the nest" parenting talk was being discussed greatly in the Porch Cafe. I know we sold all the books too!
I had a few parents tell me that the reason they love CSF is that we teach on real issues and when they leave on Sunday morning that they, their family and friends have much to discuss. During these conversations in the Porch Cafe, many people were asking about buying a CD of the message and the series. Remember....with technology we no longer have a large overhead expense with reproducing the messages. So, we just offer them for FREE on our website. You can listen in multiple ways via our website.
You can also send the messages for free to people who you think might benefit from one of our messages. I hope you enjoy this FREE tool to help share the good news of Christ and how he can radically help and change our everyday life!
One other thing about The Porch Cafe conversations. I mentioned to all three services that I like sharing personal stories from my home and about my kids that help teach a point. I will share the good and the bad. However, my only request is that you DO NOT go up to my children (right now it is only Peyton who can understand anything you say) and talk to him about what I said. He does not attend our Encounter Services and has no clue what I am saying. Let's keep it that way....Thanks!
In today's Charlotte Observer, there is a story about the growing trend of Helicopter Parents.....check this article out.
http://www.charlotte.com/171/story/348896.html
You are going to love this.....While typing this Chalk Talk BLOG, I get a call from Peyton. Said he forgot his trombone for music class and wanted to know if we would bring it to him....Uh No.......
He said, "everyone's parents bring their instruments when they forget them on music day!" Exactly........
I had a few parents tell me that the reason they love CSF is that we teach on real issues and when they leave on Sunday morning that they, their family and friends have much to discuss. During these conversations in the Porch Cafe, many people were asking about buying a CD of the message and the series. Remember....with technology we no longer have a large overhead expense with reproducing the messages. So, we just offer them for FREE on our website. You can listen in multiple ways via our website.
You can also send the messages for free to people who you think might benefit from one of our messages. I hope you enjoy this FREE tool to help share the good news of Christ and how he can radically help and change our everyday life!
One other thing about The Porch Cafe conversations. I mentioned to all three services that I like sharing personal stories from my home and about my kids that help teach a point. I will share the good and the bad. However, my only request is that you DO NOT go up to my children (right now it is only Peyton who can understand anything you say) and talk to him about what I said. He does not attend our Encounter Services and has no clue what I am saying. Let's keep it that way....Thanks!
In today's Charlotte Observer, there is a story about the growing trend of Helicopter Parents.....check this article out.
http://www.charlotte.com/171/story/348896.html
You are going to love this.....While typing this Chalk Talk BLOG, I get a call from Peyton. Said he forgot his trombone for music class and wanted to know if we would bring it to him....Uh No.......
He said, "everyone's parents bring their instruments when they forget them on music day!" Exactly........
Friday, November 2, 2007
Great Expectations
What are you doing this weekend? Are you expecting to have fun? Planning to relax. Preparing to enjoy the beautiful crisp fall days here in the Carolinas? There are times over the weekend that you can really enjoy yourself without doing one of these three things...expecting, planning or preparing. However, not too often do you stumble into a good experience...especially if your attitude is poor and you are not expecting to enjoy yourself.
How do you approach Sunday morning? Do you come expecting a great worship experience? Do you come planning to learn and be touched by the Encounter Service? Do you prepare yourself and your family for the best possible morning?
Here are some quick hitters that I think can help make your Sunday morning the best it can be EACH Sunday!
Be prepared and get everyone together so that you can arrive 15 minutes BEFORE the service starts. Arriving late makes you rush. You don't have time to talk to friends, get a cup of coffee and hear the opening songs that always sets the tone for the service.
Come expecting to hear from God about the topic. Whisper a prayer like this..."God, today we are learning about how to prepare our kids to be successful adults. Speak to me specifically about what I need to know." One reason we advertise what the service will be about is so you can come expecting to be impacted.
Plan to bring a friend, neighbor or co-worker. The anticipation level goes way up when you know you have an unchurched friend with you. You personally know that the stakes are high and you are prayed up for your friends.
Come expecting a great morning. Your attitude will directly effect your enjoyment of the morning. However, even if the morning does not go well on your way to CSF....whisper this kind of prayer.."Lord, you know this morning has been a nightmare. My head tells me to just give up and stay home...however, my heart knows I need to Encounter you this morning, so I am going to go and I am in need of your grace and love today! NOW!"
Even a desparation prayer like that shows that you expect God to touch you in a special way.
Be prepared, plan ahead and come with Great Expectations! Bring a friend and we will see you Sunday!
Psalm 8:1-3
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth. You have set your glory above the heavens. From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger."
Last thing....GO BUTLER!
How do you approach Sunday morning? Do you come expecting a great worship experience? Do you come planning to learn and be touched by the Encounter Service? Do you prepare yourself and your family for the best possible morning?
Here are some quick hitters that I think can help make your Sunday morning the best it can be EACH Sunday!
Be prepared and get everyone together so that you can arrive 15 minutes BEFORE the service starts. Arriving late makes you rush. You don't have time to talk to friends, get a cup of coffee and hear the opening songs that always sets the tone for the service.
Come expecting to hear from God about the topic. Whisper a prayer like this..."God, today we are learning about how to prepare our kids to be successful adults. Speak to me specifically about what I need to know." One reason we advertise what the service will be about is so you can come expecting to be impacted.
Plan to bring a friend, neighbor or co-worker. The anticipation level goes way up when you know you have an unchurched friend with you. You personally know that the stakes are high and you are prayed up for your friends.
Come expecting a great morning. Your attitude will directly effect your enjoyment of the morning. However, even if the morning does not go well on your way to CSF....whisper this kind of prayer.."Lord, you know this morning has been a nightmare. My head tells me to just give up and stay home...however, my heart knows I need to Encounter you this morning, so I am going to go and I am in need of your grace and love today! NOW!"
Even a desparation prayer like that shows that you expect God to touch you in a special way.
Be prepared, plan ahead and come with Great Expectations! Bring a friend and we will see you Sunday!
Psalm 8:1-3
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth. You have set your glory above the heavens. From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger."
Last thing....GO BUTLER!
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Training and Instruction
My son, Peyton, has one more week left of Pop Warner football. We play our first game "under the lights" tonight in the MARA Bowl first round. It has been another fun season of watching 7-9 year-olds learn the game, improve their skills of the game, and have a lot of fun.
This year, for the first time in his life, Peyton has decided to play basketball. Next week, after football season is over, he will venture into uncharted waters. He does not know very much about basketball. I personally never played basketball on a team, don't watch basketball in our home and to be honest don't even like basketball.
Where I grew up in Florida, we had two sports we played and cared about. Football and Baseball. March Madness in my home town was the sign that Spring Football practice was about to start. Anyway....I digress
When Peyton laces up the high-tops next week he will go to a sport practice completely clueless. He is unprepared and the only boy on his new team that has not played basketball before. Unlike football and baseball I have not trained him or given him proper instruction AT HOME to prepare him for this new adventure. Peyton has been throwing and catching a football in our backyard since he was two. He was learning to hit a baseball off a tee at two.
Sports are fun...but it is not the most important part of real life. However, too many of us as parents are failing to give our kids proper instruction and training in real life techniques and our kids are entering into High School clueless and more specifically graduating from high school and still completely unprepared for the real world.
Listen to what Ephesians 6:4 commands us to do as parents!
"Fathers (parents) do not exasperate your children; instead bring them up in the TRAINING and INSTRUCTION of the Lord."
What does this mean?????.....see you Sunday!
This year, for the first time in his life, Peyton has decided to play basketball. Next week, after football season is over, he will venture into uncharted waters. He does not know very much about basketball. I personally never played basketball on a team, don't watch basketball in our home and to be honest don't even like basketball.
Where I grew up in Florida, we had two sports we played and cared about. Football and Baseball. March Madness in my home town was the sign that Spring Football practice was about to start. Anyway....I digress
When Peyton laces up the high-tops next week he will go to a sport practice completely clueless. He is unprepared and the only boy on his new team that has not played basketball before. Unlike football and baseball I have not trained him or given him proper instruction AT HOME to prepare him for this new adventure. Peyton has been throwing and catching a football in our backyard since he was two. He was learning to hit a baseball off a tee at two.
Sports are fun...but it is not the most important part of real life. However, too many of us as parents are failing to give our kids proper instruction and training in real life techniques and our kids are entering into High School clueless and more specifically graduating from high school and still completely unprepared for the real world.
Listen to what Ephesians 6:4 commands us to do as parents!
"Fathers (parents) do not exasperate your children; instead bring them up in the TRAINING and INSTRUCTION of the Lord."
What does this mean?????.....see you Sunday!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Lies We Tell Our Kids
This next Parenting series is going to rock many of our worlds. We live in a culture that is encouraging us to "not prepare" our kids for the real world. Over the last 15-20 years, we have faced an epidemic in our nation. Our kids are turning 18, 19, 20, 21 and beyond, and are clueless about how to function in the REAL world.
Look at this staggering stat:
Since 1970 there is a 50% increase of Twenty-somethings still living at home. Between the ages of 22-35, 16% of "adults" return to live with and rely on their parents.
We have a nation of parents not preparing their kids how to lead, make decisions, be responsible with their money, how to handle conflict, work hard, study hard and be responsible adults. Much of this is fostered by the misinformed lies we tell our little darlings....Do you ever say these to your kids?
You can be anything you want to be!
In life, it's the thought that counts!
It does not matter if you win or lose, it is how you play the game!
Love is all you need and it will last a lifetime.
You can have it all and deserve it all!
It does not matter what you do in life as long as YOU are happy!
Looks don't matter, it is what is on the inside that counts!
Some of you are steaming right now....how could a pastor NOT think those statements are true and that we should NOT tell our kids those things?
I thought I would stir the pot and get your parenting juices flowing...come this Sunday and lets talk about the real goal of parenting and not what many in our present culture would tell us.
Look at this staggering stat:
Since 1970 there is a 50% increase of Twenty-somethings still living at home. Between the ages of 22-35, 16% of "adults" return to live with and rely on their parents.
We have a nation of parents not preparing their kids how to lead, make decisions, be responsible with their money, how to handle conflict, work hard, study hard and be responsible adults. Much of this is fostered by the misinformed lies we tell our little darlings....Do you ever say these to your kids?
You can be anything you want to be!
In life, it's the thought that counts!
It does not matter if you win or lose, it is how you play the game!
Love is all you need and it will last a lifetime.
You can have it all and deserve it all!
It does not matter what you do in life as long as YOU are happy!
Looks don't matter, it is what is on the inside that counts!
Some of you are steaming right now....how could a pastor NOT think those statements are true and that we should NOT tell our kids those things?
I thought I would stir the pot and get your parenting juices flowing...come this Sunday and lets talk about the real goal of parenting and not what many in our present culture would tell us.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Recommend a Book
As you know, this Sunday we are starting a new parenting series. Whenever I teach on such topics I try to take timeless Biblical truths about parenting and apply them in a life-application way for us as parents today. I also try to read current books by Christian parenting authors who can help shine some light into the sometimes dark holes of parenting. Then, on Sunday, I give what I believe to be a God honoring and helpful message on this tough subject.
I truly believe the topics and direction we are going in this series will be very helpful and is not really talked much about in our current culture.
On that note, I want to tell you about a book we will be selling at cost this coming Sunday at the Porch Cafe. It is a book that I first "had" to read when taking an Understanding The Youth Culture class while in Seminary. While reading it, I remember thinking how good it was and that I thought the principles were on target. I was 22 and single but it seemed correct.
I am now 36 and have 3 kids (ages 9, 5, 2) and believe through my own personal experience as a youth pastor, pastor and especially as a parent that this is a great book. It is not a book that falls in line with the last 25 years of parenting principles...but I believe they are correct and stand in contrast to much of today's philosophy, which is flawed. The name of the book is "Parenting With Love and Logic". We will be selling them for $17 each. They are normally $25 at the book store. However, we purchased a large amount and received a discount.
Send this BLOG to your friends who do not attend CSF. Invite them to this life (KID)changing series!
I truly believe the topics and direction we are going in this series will be very helpful and is not really talked much about in our current culture.
On that note, I want to tell you about a book we will be selling at cost this coming Sunday at the Porch Cafe. It is a book that I first "had" to read when taking an Understanding The Youth Culture class while in Seminary. While reading it, I remember thinking how good it was and that I thought the principles were on target. I was 22 and single but it seemed correct.
I am now 36 and have 3 kids (ages 9, 5, 2) and believe through my own personal experience as a youth pastor, pastor and especially as a parent that this is a great book. It is not a book that falls in line with the last 25 years of parenting principles...but I believe they are correct and stand in contrast to much of today's philosophy, which is flawed. The name of the book is "Parenting With Love and Logic". We will be selling them for $17 each. They are normally $25 at the book store. However, we purchased a large amount and received a discount.
Send this BLOG to your friends who do not attend CSF. Invite them to this life (KID)changing series!
Monday, October 29, 2007
Buck Fever
This morning I was driving from Peak Fitness at 6:30am heading to the office. As I was coming down Mount Harmony road a huge six point Buck galloped across the street. This boy was huge! The kind we see every year when we go to my parents house in WVA for Thanksgiving. I could not believe a deer that big was running through the suburbs!
All over the country hunters are getting what they call "Buck Fever." They are getting ready for Deer season so they can go hunting. I personally am not a hunter. I love to be in the woods, love to shoot guns and would think it was great to have a chance to shoot a Buck like I saw glide over the road this morning. However, I don't want to spend the money on all the stuff you need, I don't have the extra time and more specifically I have no interest in spending hours upon hours sitting in a cold deer stand. I have tried it.....my ADHD kicks in about 15 minutes into the "hunt" and I get bored and trigger happy. Once that happens I just want to shoot something and get out of the tree!
I have a question for you? Do you ever get "Lost Person Fever?" Here is what I mean....do you ever get amped up about sharing your faith in Christ with someone you know does not attend church and maybe is not a Christian? Are you willing to take the time, maybe read up, gear up, spend some money or do whatever it takes to help lead someone to Christ? I wish most Christian got as fired up about helping people come to know Christ as deer hunters do about "bagging the big one!"
Jesus tells a parable in Luke chapter 14 that explains what lengths Christians should go to in reaching out to those who are not connected to Christ. He says at the end of the parable..."Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel (do whatever you have to) them to come and hear about the love of God, so that my house will be full!"
Today the streets are full of people who need to hear about the love and grace of Jesus Christ. I hope you are geared up to share with them! We are starting a new parenting series that I promise you will be like nothing we have ever done before. This would be a great series to invite a friend or co-worker to attend.
All over the country hunters are getting what they call "Buck Fever." They are getting ready for Deer season so they can go hunting. I personally am not a hunter. I love to be in the woods, love to shoot guns and would think it was great to have a chance to shoot a Buck like I saw glide over the road this morning. However, I don't want to spend the money on all the stuff you need, I don't have the extra time and more specifically I have no interest in spending hours upon hours sitting in a cold deer stand. I have tried it.....my ADHD kicks in about 15 minutes into the "hunt" and I get bored and trigger happy. Once that happens I just want to shoot something and get out of the tree!
I have a question for you? Do you ever get "Lost Person Fever?" Here is what I mean....do you ever get amped up about sharing your faith in Christ with someone you know does not attend church and maybe is not a Christian? Are you willing to take the time, maybe read up, gear up, spend some money or do whatever it takes to help lead someone to Christ? I wish most Christian got as fired up about helping people come to know Christ as deer hunters do about "bagging the big one!"
Jesus tells a parable in Luke chapter 14 that explains what lengths Christians should go to in reaching out to those who are not connected to Christ. He says at the end of the parable..."Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel (do whatever you have to) them to come and hear about the love of God, so that my house will be full!"
Today the streets are full of people who need to hear about the love and grace of Jesus Christ. I hope you are geared up to share with them! We are starting a new parenting series that I promise you will be like nothing we have ever done before. This would be a great series to invite a friend or co-worker to attend.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Walk The Walk
At our 2007 vision night I introduced a new ministry that we would be launching and putting a lot of CSF power into over the next 16 months. We are calling it "Public School Impact", and our passion and mission is to get hundreds of CSF volunteers into the public schools. We want to serve those who teach our kids. We want to assist those who help raise our kids. We want to show our city, the parents, the teachers and especially the kids that attend these schools that CSF has a mandate from God to help make our city a better place.
We don't care if they ever come and sit in our seats on Sunday morning. If our Fellowship is just about how many Christians gather on Sunday morning...we have missed the great command of Jesus!
We want to make an impact in the lives of kids/teens while they are at school and school activities. We want them to see the love of Christ working through us......so that they are drawn to Him AND so that we can help make their journey through adolescence better and more productive.
We are off to a great start! I am proud to introduce these folks as our point leaders for this great CSF ministry:
* Kristine Wood
* Lisa Crosby
* Jennifer Mowery
* Kendall Taylor
These folks are making school board, principal, and teacher connections so that we proceed correctly and within public school policy. However, I can assure you thus far we have not had a principal or administrator say anything but....HELP! As a matter of fact CMS superintendent, Peter Gorman, said in a speech recently that churches needed to get involved in the public schools and work with CMS to make this a great school district for all kids.
Even as we are getting organized CSF is "doing something" in our schools. Tonight we are hosting the Butler High Varsity football team for a pre-game meal and devotion.
Tomorrow, many volunteers from CSF will be leading out and serving at Porter Ridge High School at the area Band Competition. We will be working at tables and helping with all the activities that go on at a regional band competition. When the band director and principal was told that CSF..."had it covered"...they could not believe it!
This Sunday you will see a table set up for the book drive for the "high needs" kids at Benton Heights Elementary School. The books will be given to these kids as they cannot afford to buy their own books or do not have means to get to a public library. We want to provide these kids with their very own books! More info this Sunday!
Of course we are also getting ready to launch into our Walter Bickett Christmas Mission. That is the project we have done for the last 5 years. The people of CSF prsoanlly buy over 700 gifts for each kid at the school and we give them to each kid personally on the last day of school at the Christmas Party we provide at the school.
Our vision is to do more than just projects like this. We have been doing this for years at CSF. Our vision that will go into full drive in January 08, is to start having CSF volunteers on campus on a regular basis. Our goal is to have hundreds of CSF volunteers making a weekly difference on the campuses of our local schools! That is where we are going......I hope you will be a part of this public school revolution!
We don't care if they ever come and sit in our seats on Sunday morning. If our Fellowship is just about how many Christians gather on Sunday morning...we have missed the great command of Jesus!
We want to make an impact in the lives of kids/teens while they are at school and school activities. We want them to see the love of Christ working through us......so that they are drawn to Him AND so that we can help make their journey through adolescence better and more productive.
We are off to a great start! I am proud to introduce these folks as our point leaders for this great CSF ministry:
* Kristine Wood
* Lisa Crosby
* Jennifer Mowery
* Kendall Taylor
These folks are making school board, principal, and teacher connections so that we proceed correctly and within public school policy. However, I can assure you thus far we have not had a principal or administrator say anything but....HELP! As a matter of fact CMS superintendent, Peter Gorman, said in a speech recently that churches needed to get involved in the public schools and work with CMS to make this a great school district for all kids.
Even as we are getting organized CSF is "doing something" in our schools. Tonight we are hosting the Butler High Varsity football team for a pre-game meal and devotion.
Tomorrow, many volunteers from CSF will be leading out and serving at Porter Ridge High School at the area Band Competition. We will be working at tables and helping with all the activities that go on at a regional band competition. When the band director and principal was told that CSF..."had it covered"...they could not believe it!
This Sunday you will see a table set up for the book drive for the "high needs" kids at Benton Heights Elementary School. The books will be given to these kids as they cannot afford to buy their own books or do not have means to get to a public library. We want to provide these kids with their very own books! More info this Sunday!
Of course we are also getting ready to launch into our Walter Bickett Christmas Mission. That is the project we have done for the last 5 years. The people of CSF prsoanlly buy over 700 gifts for each kid at the school and we give them to each kid personally on the last day of school at the Christmas Party we provide at the school.
Our vision is to do more than just projects like this. We have been doing this for years at CSF. Our vision that will go into full drive in January 08, is to start having CSF volunteers on campus on a regular basis. Our goal is to have hundreds of CSF volunteers making a weekly difference on the campuses of our local schools! That is where we are going......I hope you will be a part of this public school revolution!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
True North
I have started reading a new book called "True North: Discover Your Authentic Leadership". The tag line in the book reads..."just as a compass points toward a magnetic field, your True North pulls you toward the purpose of your leadership. When you follow your internal compass, your leadership will be authentic, and people will naturally want to associate(work)with you. Although others may guide or influence you, your truth is derived from your story and only you can determine what it should be."
Thus far it seems like it will be a great leadership book.
In 1 Corinthians chapter 12, the Bible also teaches us about our True North when it comes to each one of us being a vital part of the "Body of Christ..His Church." The Bible teaches that we each have different gifts that have been given to us by God. We each have specific passions that God weaved into our souls that makes us unique. Add to that our own life story and you have a very special person created by God to do great things on His Team in a local Fellowship.
CSF, like every church, only functions as a healthy body when all the parts are actually engaged in serving in their passions, gifts and according to the purpose of that local Fellowship.
Please take a few minutes to read through chapter 12 of 1 Corinthians and ask yourself....what part of the Body am I? Am I doing my part?
Great questions.....when you are fully engaged in doing your part, the CSF team, the Body of Christ here...Thrives!
And speaking of THRIVE...we will be launching our winter quarter of THRIVE in January 2008. Outstanding workshops designed specifically to help you discover and live your True North will be offered. Biblical financial management; sharing your life story with those in the Crowd; knowing what you believe by knowing what others believe; cultivating a rich and intimate marriage...those and much more! Be looking for registration opportunities in the coming weeks.
Thus far it seems like it will be a great leadership book.
In 1 Corinthians chapter 12, the Bible also teaches us about our True North when it comes to each one of us being a vital part of the "Body of Christ..His Church." The Bible teaches that we each have different gifts that have been given to us by God. We each have specific passions that God weaved into our souls that makes us unique. Add to that our own life story and you have a very special person created by God to do great things on His Team in a local Fellowship.
CSF, like every church, only functions as a healthy body when all the parts are actually engaged in serving in their passions, gifts and according to the purpose of that local Fellowship.
Please take a few minutes to read through chapter 12 of 1 Corinthians and ask yourself....what part of the Body am I? Am I doing my part?
Great questions.....when you are fully engaged in doing your part, the CSF team, the Body of Christ here...Thrives!
And speaking of THRIVE...we will be launching our winter quarter of THRIVE in January 2008. Outstanding workshops designed specifically to help you discover and live your True North will be offered. Biblical financial management; sharing your life story with those in the Crowd; knowing what you believe by knowing what others believe; cultivating a rich and intimate marriage...those and much more! Be looking for registration opportunities in the coming weeks.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Kids-R- Us
Many people have been asking what the plan is for our new Children's Pastor and the team we are building for our kids. Thus far, we still have not settled on a permanent hire for this position. However, I am happy to announce that Leah Prasse, our current pre-school director has agreed to step in until the end of the year and work with Stacey Sutton in the All-Stars elementary school area. She will be doubling her hours and will be devoting time to the administration, training and volunteer placement for that area. This will ensure that Stacey has even more time than she did before to create and produce an incredible Sunday experience for our kids. Moreover, Clint Newton has been chomping at the bit to teach the kids again. So....he along with Mr. Ray will be the two dynamic teachers and stage personalities for the rest of the year.
If your child has never heard Mr. Clint teach....they are in for a treat. He makes the stories come alive with his creative style. The kids love it! He can even teach your kids to break-dance! HA HA
I truly believe in doing things as a TEAM. This great new team of Leah, Stacey and Clint....WOW!
One more thing about our All-Stars children's ministry. We need more volunteers for upstairs that will commit to 2-3 times a month. It is paramount that we have more volunteers who are consistent and regular. The kids need to know that they have the same Home Team leaders and such every week. Please consider making a commitment to this vital ministry. Last week we had 55 1st-5th graders in the 10:30 service alone. However, we only had a handful of leaders!
At CSF....we are all about kids!
If your child has never heard Mr. Clint teach....they are in for a treat. He makes the stories come alive with his creative style. The kids love it! He can even teach your kids to break-dance! HA HA
I truly believe in doing things as a TEAM. This great new team of Leah, Stacey and Clint....WOW!
One more thing about our All-Stars children's ministry. We need more volunteers for upstairs that will commit to 2-3 times a month. It is paramount that we have more volunteers who are consistent and regular. The kids need to know that they have the same Home Team leaders and such every week. Please consider making a commitment to this vital ministry. Last week we had 55 1st-5th graders in the 10:30 service alone. However, we only had a handful of leaders!
At CSF....we are all about kids!
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
What Do You Treasure?
Can you believe the massive out of control fires in Southern California? WOW! It is very sad and could get worse over the next day or two! Unlike the normal fires California gets every year in the mountain areas, this inferno is ripping through the San Diego suburbs. Million dollar homes are being hit with smoldering hot embers and are gone within minutes. The amazing thing is that the wind is blowing this fire through neighborhoods and one house will be gone while the houses on either side are not even touched.
Every time something like this happens the people who lose everything basically say the same type of thing: "Everything we had, everything we worked for, everything...is gone." These people are devastated and they have every right to be.
These kinds of tragic occurrences are a helpful reminder that "Stuff" is just that....it is stuff. It can be taken away in a minute. If we put our hope, dreams, self esteem and happiness into "stuff" then we can be completely depressed and hopeless in minutes....if we lose it all.
Matthew 6:19-21
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where month and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where month and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where you treasure is there will your heart will be also."
This is a great reminder for us at CSF. Where do we put most of our time and energy? We can say all the right things and many of you "right now" thought the correct Christian answer. However, conduct a personal investigation and let this verse sink in your heart. What we really treasure is where we will find our heart's greatest passion. That can be found by asking yourself these questions:
1) Where do I spend most of my "non-work time"?
2) Where do I spend my money?
3) Where do I put most of my passionate energy?
Only one thing last forever...that is people and the eternal impact you have on them.
What Do You "Really" Treasure?....your heart knows!
Every time something like this happens the people who lose everything basically say the same type of thing: "Everything we had, everything we worked for, everything...is gone." These people are devastated and they have every right to be.
These kinds of tragic occurrences are a helpful reminder that "Stuff" is just that....it is stuff. It can be taken away in a minute. If we put our hope, dreams, self esteem and happiness into "stuff" then we can be completely depressed and hopeless in minutes....if we lose it all.
Matthew 6:19-21
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where month and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where month and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where you treasure is there will your heart will be also."
This is a great reminder for us at CSF. Where do we put most of our time and energy? We can say all the right things and many of you "right now" thought the correct Christian answer. However, conduct a personal investigation and let this verse sink in your heart. What we really treasure is where we will find our heart's greatest passion. That can be found by asking yourself these questions:
1) Where do I spend most of my "non-work time"?
2) Where do I spend my money?
3) Where do I put most of my passionate energy?
Only one thing last forever...that is people and the eternal impact you have on them.
What Do You "Really" Treasure?....your heart knows!
Monday, October 22, 2007
A Great Sunday...BUT!
Yesterday was another great day at CSF! I heard that the cafe was a-buzz with people talking about Ghosts and the afterlife. We had more people come up to me in the End-Zone and discuss the topic than ever before. I also thought the band did a great job with the song, "Dead Man's Party"; it was cool and set the tone for the very ghostly message I gave. We set all time record with our middle school attendance at 4:12 over in the warehouse. Yes Sunday was a great day.....BUT!
BUT....during the 10:30 Encounter Service we had to close two rooms downstairs in the toddler area. Why? we were over crowded. We had to turn people away and they were forced to sit in the Adult Service with fidgety toddlers. Not good for them...not good for the people sitting around them. Moreover, some of the families just took their kids and left. OUCH!
I have a passionate clarion call for our CSF Players who have toddlers. Please come the 9am or noon Encounter Service! If you have older kids (1-5th grade) you will need to come to the 9am service as we don't offer that age group yet at the noon service. However, our Pre-School director has told me that many of the toddlers at the 10:30 service do not have siblings who are older and could come to the noon service.
The people who were not able to leave their kids were not regular attendees at CSF. I am not sure if they had been before or are Christians. I hope they will be back!
Reaching people is a team effort. We have volunteers who are here to serve you at 9 and noon.....please be a part of the CSF Team by coming to one of those services.
BUT....during the 10:30 Encounter Service we had to close two rooms downstairs in the toddler area. Why? we were over crowded. We had to turn people away and they were forced to sit in the Adult Service with fidgety toddlers. Not good for them...not good for the people sitting around them. Moreover, some of the families just took their kids and left. OUCH!
I have a passionate clarion call for our CSF Players who have toddlers. Please come the 9am or noon Encounter Service! If you have older kids (1-5th grade) you will need to come to the 9am service as we don't offer that age group yet at the noon service. However, our Pre-School director has told me that many of the toddlers at the 10:30 service do not have siblings who are older and could come to the noon service.
The people who were not able to leave their kids were not regular attendees at CSF. I am not sure if they had been before or are Christians. I hope they will be back!
Reaching people is a team effort. We have volunteers who are here to serve you at 9 and noon.....please be a part of the CSF Team by coming to one of those services.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Who Wants It More?
The marketing slogan for the National Football League this year is "Who Wants It More?"
The add goes like this:
Last years results don't matter.....
Being young or old does not matter.....
It is not the tallest or strongest....
It is not the smartest or most popular...
The championship this year will be decided by "Who Wants It More!"
The same is true with your ability to grow in Christ. To become a fully-devoted follower of Christ that wins at the game of life. The main thing that will determine your growth is how much do you really want to grow in Christ?
Every Thursday after their football practice I am involved with the Butler High Football team chapel. Both JV & Varsity are invited. Not all the players show up...however, the ones that do, really want to be there.
We are squeezed into a room and it is standing room only. It stinks like all high school football locker rooms do. The players are coming right from practice. It is normally very stuffy and not the best breathing air. There are no power-point presentations, no band, no chairs and no room to move.
However, those young men "want to be there!" They are not forced by the coach or parents. No one from the paper writes about it and the college scouts are not looking in. They want to be there for all that is good about youthful passion and zeal towards God.
How much do you want to grow? Is your discipleship and growth based on whether you have time, how busy you think you are, how good was the Sunday message and music, was the cafe coffee hot enough, did I have great parking and wonderful seating?
When it comes to growing spiritually:
If you grew up in church or not, does not matter....
What you used to do at the church, does not matter....
Am I rich or poor, does not matter.....
Are my needs getting met by my Home Team, does not matter....
Having a busy life with many kids, does not matter.....
The only thing that matters is "How Much Do You Want It?"
The add goes like this:
Last years results don't matter.....
Being young or old does not matter.....
It is not the tallest or strongest....
It is not the smartest or most popular...
The championship this year will be decided by "Who Wants It More!"
The same is true with your ability to grow in Christ. To become a fully-devoted follower of Christ that wins at the game of life. The main thing that will determine your growth is how much do you really want to grow in Christ?
Every Thursday after their football practice I am involved with the Butler High Football team chapel. Both JV & Varsity are invited. Not all the players show up...however, the ones that do, really want to be there.
We are squeezed into a room and it is standing room only. It stinks like all high school football locker rooms do. The players are coming right from practice. It is normally very stuffy and not the best breathing air. There are no power-point presentations, no band, no chairs and no room to move.
However, those young men "want to be there!" They are not forced by the coach or parents. No one from the paper writes about it and the college scouts are not looking in. They want to be there for all that is good about youthful passion and zeal towards God.
How much do you want to grow? Is your discipleship and growth based on whether you have time, how busy you think you are, how good was the Sunday message and music, was the cafe coffee hot enough, did I have great parking and wonderful seating?
When it comes to growing spiritually:
If you grew up in church or not, does not matter....
What you used to do at the church, does not matter....
Am I rich or poor, does not matter.....
Are my needs getting met by my Home Team, does not matter....
Having a busy life with many kids, does not matter.....
The only thing that matters is "How Much Do You Want It?"
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Why Baptism?
If we are married we have a ring on our left index finger to show the world we are off the market. The ring is an outward sign of an inward commitment that we made on a specific and special day. If we win a championship we are given a trophy to symbolize what happened on the field at one specific time and place.
In many aspects of our lives we have outward symbols that represent something we have accomplished or taken part in. The Bible says the same thing about why a person who has accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior should be baptized. Baptism is an outward sign of an inward commitment you have made in your heart. Moreover, it is a command in the Bible that once we have become a Christian, that we should follow through with "believers baptism."
The act of getting baptized does not have any special powers and it does not make you a Christian. It is a symbol. An important symbol, but still just a symbol of your hearts desires. If I lose my wedding ring....I don't stop being married. I am still married, just in trouble when I get home and tell Kelly that I have lost my ring! HA HA
At CSF we make our Baptism services very special and unique. Our next one will be at our Fellowship Service on November 14th. If you are a Christian and have never been baptized by immersion, then email rickf@charlottesouth.org.
Also, if you have further questions go to our web site and read about what we believe about baptism. It will be a great party! Come join the celebration!
In many aspects of our lives we have outward symbols that represent something we have accomplished or taken part in. The Bible says the same thing about why a person who has accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior should be baptized. Baptism is an outward sign of an inward commitment you have made in your heart. Moreover, it is a command in the Bible that once we have become a Christian, that we should follow through with "believers baptism."
The act of getting baptized does not have any special powers and it does not make you a Christian. It is a symbol. An important symbol, but still just a symbol of your hearts desires. If I lose my wedding ring....I don't stop being married. I am still married, just in trouble when I get home and tell Kelly that I have lost my ring! HA HA
At CSF we make our Baptism services very special and unique. Our next one will be at our Fellowship Service on November 14th. If you are a Christian and have never been baptized by immersion, then email rickf@charlottesouth.org.
Also, if you have further questions go to our web site and read about what we believe about baptism. It will be a great party! Come join the celebration!
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Boo!
Did I scare you? Probably not! But most people like to be scared a little. That is why haunted houses and such are a big thing this time of year.
Have you ever wondered why we like to be scared? Why is it that we are intrigued by the dark side? Americans love horror movies, are enthralled with ghost, goblins, witches and all the things that go bump in the night.
People have always been curious about what happens to humans after we die. Do we become spiritual ghosts that hang around the earth? Do we immediately "cross-over"? Can humans talk to family members who have passed on? Are there such things as hauntings from people who are "earth-bound" ghost?
Does our grandma who passed on look over us and offer guidance? Can people make contact with dead people to ask questions? Shows on TV like "Ghost Whisperer" and the corresponding website seek to help people who are having trouble with Ghosts and also want different paranormal "strange" things addressed. There is even a website where a lady by the name of Mary Ann Winkowski will answer your questions about the strange things happening in your house and life.
What are we to believe about Ghosts and the afterlife? This Sunday we will jump into a short, 2 week message series called...."Understanding The Darkside".
As you set out to change the world today and invite a friend or two to join you this Sunday, remember, what you say and do throughout the week may be the deciding factor on whether your friend comes with you.
Psalms 19:14 "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock, and my Redeemer!"
Have you ever wondered why we like to be scared? Why is it that we are intrigued by the dark side? Americans love horror movies, are enthralled with ghost, goblins, witches and all the things that go bump in the night.
People have always been curious about what happens to humans after we die. Do we become spiritual ghosts that hang around the earth? Do we immediately "cross-over"? Can humans talk to family members who have passed on? Are there such things as hauntings from people who are "earth-bound" ghost?
Does our grandma who passed on look over us and offer guidance? Can people make contact with dead people to ask questions? Shows on TV like "Ghost Whisperer" and the corresponding website seek to help people who are having trouble with Ghosts and also want different paranormal "strange" things addressed. There is even a website where a lady by the name of Mary Ann Winkowski will answer your questions about the strange things happening in your house and life.
What are we to believe about Ghosts and the afterlife? This Sunday we will jump into a short, 2 week message series called...."Understanding The Darkside".
As you set out to change the world today and invite a friend or two to join you this Sunday, remember, what you say and do throughout the week may be the deciding factor on whether your friend comes with you.
Psalms 19:14 "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock, and my Redeemer!"
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
A Picture Of A Disciple of Jesus
I first read this quote when I was in college. It was written in the journal of a pastor in Zimbabwe, Africa. He was soon killed for his faith and trying to lead others to Christ. I was a young 18 year-old youth pastor and was full of zeal, optimism and a risk taking faith that was willing to do whatever it took to honor God and change the world. Here is the quote:
"The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made-I'm a disciple of His! I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes since and my future is secure. I'm finished with low living, sight walking, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking, cheap giving and dwarfed goals. I no longer need preeminence, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, depend on His presence, walk by patience, am uplifted by prayer and labor with power. That's what it means to be a disciple of Jesus"!!
I am now a 36 year-old pastor with a good deal of real life under my belt. I know about reality and how youthful optimism can sometimes get blurred by the sting of life. However, when I look at CSF and what God is doing here I am still full of optimism, zeal and a risk taking faith when it comes to doing whatever it takes to live a life of full devotion. I mess up many times...but this quote is still the target I am aiming for!
What does it mean to you to be a "fully devoted follower of Christ...a disciple of Jesus? I dare say, if it does not match this young pastor, you are missing the best God has to offer.
"The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made-I'm a disciple of His! I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes since and my future is secure. I'm finished with low living, sight walking, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking, cheap giving and dwarfed goals. I no longer need preeminence, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, depend on His presence, walk by patience, am uplifted by prayer and labor with power. That's what it means to be a disciple of Jesus"!!
I am now a 36 year-old pastor with a good deal of real life under my belt. I know about reality and how youthful optimism can sometimes get blurred by the sting of life. However, when I look at CSF and what God is doing here I am still full of optimism, zeal and a risk taking faith when it comes to doing whatever it takes to live a life of full devotion. I mess up many times...but this quote is still the target I am aiming for!
What does it mean to you to be a "fully devoted follower of Christ...a disciple of Jesus? I dare say, if it does not match this young pastor, you are missing the best God has to offer.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Be The Hero
Our Man VS Wild message series was only two weeks long....but it caused quite the stir and conversation. Many people new folks and members have asked where they can purchase the CD of the message.
At CSF you cannot purchase a CD of the message. Why? Because we let you have it for free off our website. At CSF we believe that the message is far too important to charge $5 - $7 dollars per message. With technology, we no longer have much of an overhead to reproduce the message online and let everyone listen for free. You can put it on your IPOD, download on your computer, burn to CD or just listen from your computer.
We are delighted to offer these messages for free so that you can listen if you miss a Sunday, listen to it again if you need to, or......send the link to a friend and let them listen. We have new guests on Sundays because CSF Players send the link to a friend , they listen and then want to come the next week to experience the entire Encounter Service. As a Player at CSF this is a quick, easy and inexpensive way of sharing with your friends about the difference Jesus Christ can make in their lives.
SPECIAL NOTICE>>>>
If you are planning to attend the memorial service for Janet tonight, please treat the service like a regular Sunday morning. We will be packed with many guests from her work and the city. Please park across the street or in the grass parking and allow these guests the best parking. Tonight we have an opportunity to share with hundreds of people the message of Christ that Janet believed in and lived for. Many coming tonight will be people who have never accepted Christ as Savior. Please be praying for a great night of honoring Janet and sharing God's love.
At CSF you cannot purchase a CD of the message. Why? Because we let you have it for free off our website. At CSF we believe that the message is far too important to charge $5 - $7 dollars per message. With technology, we no longer have much of an overhead to reproduce the message online and let everyone listen for free. You can put it on your IPOD, download on your computer, burn to CD or just listen from your computer.
We are delighted to offer these messages for free so that you can listen if you miss a Sunday, listen to it again if you need to, or......send the link to a friend and let them listen. We have new guests on Sundays because CSF Players send the link to a friend , they listen and then want to come the next week to experience the entire Encounter Service. As a Player at CSF this is a quick, easy and inexpensive way of sharing with your friends about the difference Jesus Christ can make in their lives.
SPECIAL NOTICE>>>>
If you are planning to attend the memorial service for Janet tonight, please treat the service like a regular Sunday morning. We will be packed with many guests from her work and the city. Please park across the street or in the grass parking and allow these guests the best parking. Tonight we have an opportunity to share with hundreds of people the message of Christ that Janet believed in and lived for. Many coming tonight will be people who have never accepted Christ as Savior. Please be praying for a great night of honoring Janet and sharing God's love.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Doctrine of play
Don't get all jittery about the big word "Doctrine". The word "Doctrine" simply means what you believe and how you live out what you believe about a specific topic.
In the Church we have things like:
*** The Doctrine of God or Jesus Christ.
*** The Doctrine of sin or salvation.
*** The Doctrine of Satan or Demons.
*** The Doctrine of the Bible and the end times.
At CSF we have always had a firm grip on the Doctrine of Play. We believe that a Fellowship that plays together is more healthy, exciting, relational and way more FUN.
You don't have to spend much time around CSF before you realize that we like to have fun and play. We offer Fall, Spring and Summer team sports. However, we also encourage people to take part in one day events and more specifically our Home Teams plan fun playful days.
Last weekend a group of about 12 young couples went hiking in the mountains all day Saturday. Another 20 people played Disc Golf. Some families are taking off for the mountains this weekend to enjoy our first real cold snap. We have a Flag Football tournament in November that is open to anyone over 16. The list goes on and on.
Here is the point....God created us to need recreational release. When we recreate...we re-create our soul. Playing something should be a weekly calendared event. As parents we touch a part of our kids hearts when we play with them that cannot be touched any other way. I talked to a guy the other day who said with proud and smug voice..."I don't have time to play games or sports, I have work to do and responsibilities to take care of!"
That is just stupid. If you and I don't have to PLAY we have some major issues. If you are not sure what to do....check the CSF handout every week we will help you stay "Doctrinally pure" in one of the most spiritual things you can do. PLAY!
In the Church we have things like:
*** The Doctrine of God or Jesus Christ.
*** The Doctrine of sin or salvation.
*** The Doctrine of Satan or Demons.
*** The Doctrine of the Bible and the end times.
At CSF we have always had a firm grip on the Doctrine of Play. We believe that a Fellowship that plays together is more healthy, exciting, relational and way more FUN.
You don't have to spend much time around CSF before you realize that we like to have fun and play. We offer Fall, Spring and Summer team sports. However, we also encourage people to take part in one day events and more specifically our Home Teams plan fun playful days.
Last weekend a group of about 12 young couples went hiking in the mountains all day Saturday. Another 20 people played Disc Golf. Some families are taking off for the mountains this weekend to enjoy our first real cold snap. We have a Flag Football tournament in November that is open to anyone over 16. The list goes on and on.
Here is the point....God created us to need recreational release. When we recreate...we re-create our soul. Playing something should be a weekly calendared event. As parents we touch a part of our kids hearts when we play with them that cannot be touched any other way. I talked to a guy the other day who said with proud and smug voice..."I don't have time to play games or sports, I have work to do and responsibilities to take care of!"
That is just stupid. If you and I don't have to PLAY we have some major issues. If you are not sure what to do....check the CSF handout every week we will help you stay "Doctrinally pure" in one of the most spiritual things you can do. PLAY!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Wild Men
This past Sunday's talk opened some eyes. I have been flooded with emails or have been told personally face to face about the impact the message has had and the conversations between husband and wives that began after the service on Sunday.
"best message ever!"
"I realize that I lost respect for my husband years ago!"
"now it makes sense of why this person's marriage failed...she was always saying how she did not even need her husband. She told everyone she was self-sufficient"
"I stopped trying to get admiration at home a long time ago....that is why I work so much."
"men today don't act like men....they are weak!"
"I made a mistake by being one of those mom's who never let my son take a risk, be competitive and just be a boy."
"It is so true, we tell ourselves we are all winners and that failure should be avoided. That kills a man's natural desire to prove himself."
"Do I measure up? I never realized that this was a God-given drive that was in me...I just thought I was weird."
This coming Sunday we will smash more culturally poor teachings when it comes to men and the WILD urges we have. I know I have stirred the pot with some of the things I have said....but I believe they are true and part of the issues with boys and men we see today in our culture.
Here is a "wisdom statement" I read this morning about getting up and getting a move on...Proverbs 26:14 "As a door turns on it's hinges, so a sluggard turns in his bed."
Get up...get moving....change the world!
"best message ever!"
"I realize that I lost respect for my husband years ago!"
"now it makes sense of why this person's marriage failed...she was always saying how she did not even need her husband. She told everyone she was self-sufficient"
"I stopped trying to get admiration at home a long time ago....that is why I work so much."
"men today don't act like men....they are weak!"
"I made a mistake by being one of those mom's who never let my son take a risk, be competitive and just be a boy."
"It is so true, we tell ourselves we are all winners and that failure should be avoided. That kills a man's natural desire to prove himself."
"Do I measure up? I never realized that this was a God-given drive that was in me...I just thought I was weird."
This coming Sunday we will smash more culturally poor teachings when it comes to men and the WILD urges we have. I know I have stirred the pot with some of the things I have said....but I believe they are true and part of the issues with boys and men we see today in our culture.
Here is a "wisdom statement" I read this morning about getting up and getting a move on...Proverbs 26:14 "As a door turns on it's hinges, so a sluggard turns in his bed."
Get up...get moving....change the world!
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