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!
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