This years Christmas Eve service will be very meaningful and just what you need to prepare for Christmas Morning. I look forward to seeing you at 3:30, 5 or 6:30 pm.
Merry Christmas!
Also, don't forget these important things:
1) No services this Sunday!
2) Please make sure you give your normal monthly financial gift by bringing it tonight or mailing it in. Even though we don't have a service this coming Sunday we will need to bring in the normal giving.
3) Please pray about and give to our Year End Gift.
4) Don't miss the first five minutes of the January 4th service. No church has ever done what we will do and the impact of what you see will affect you all year long. The first five minutes is going to be great!
This is the last BLOG of the year....I don't BLOG, Twitter, check email or anything else like that during our families time off. The next time you see this BLOG....we will officially be Team Church.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Team Church ...Lancaster Co.
I spent yesterday afternoon meeting with Steve Miller.... Pastor of Team Church, Lancaster County. We are trying to decide the best places to lease/rent for our new campus. While there I could not help but get excited about our new campus launch next year. We will have a few "pre-view" and "pre-launch" services January through April and then have our first service there on Easter! It will be awesome!
I love the Team Church values we have and the fact that we continue to live them out as a church. 2009 is going to be great and I can't wait until we share specifically with you about how we are celebrating our 10 year anniversary. 10 meaningful community service projects that will be our way of celebrating what God has done and is going to do with our church......our Team Church.
See tomorrow at one of our Christmas Eve services....3:30, 5 and 6:30!
Bring your out of town family guest and your friends for the amazing conclusion to our Mural of Hope.
I love the Team Church values we have and the fact that we continue to live them out as a church. 2009 is going to be great and I can't wait until we share specifically with you about how we are celebrating our 10 year anniversary. 10 meaningful community service projects that will be our way of celebrating what God has done and is going to do with our church......our Team Church.
See tomorrow at one of our Christmas Eve services....3:30, 5 and 6:30!
Bring your out of town family guest and your friends for the amazing conclusion to our Mural of Hope.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Our Christ Mission was a HUGE success and made a HUGE impact. Here is an email we received from one of the teachers at the end of the day.
"Hi! I am a kindergarten teacher at Walter Bickett and I wanted to thank you for the tremendous love and generosity that your church continues to show to the students at my school. You can truly never now the impact that you have on their lives (and mine). It always amazes me to see that your church gives so selflessly time and time again. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart on behalf of myself and the 15 students in my classroom that got to experience a little piece of God's love through your church!! Thank you and God bless you!"
We have done this for 8 years and every year the teachers and staff at the school are amazed at the impact that it has on the kids. They tell us that some of the kids have been coming to the school for 3-5 years and they know what is coming and start talking about it 2 weeks in advance. What do you think that the child who for multiple years experiences this great day..... thinks about God and church? They have fond memories and experiences that I believe will lead them to Christ now and in the future.
Speaking of Christmas Experiences that you won't forget. I shared with you on Sunday about the Christmas Party I went to with my daughter Ellie. (As many of you know, Ellie is mentally and physically handicapped and now lives in a special home for such kids and adults.) On Friday they had their Christmas party for the wing she lives on. While there I saw and experienced Christmas from a completely different prospective. I saw Santa hand out gifts to some of the most severely handicapped kids you will ever see. Most could not even unwrap or hold their gifts. A relative or nurse had to unwrap and then lay the gift on their lap knowing that the gift will never be played with, used or worn without someone doing it for them. I saw the look in the eyes of the other relatives that were there and I saw the look in the kids eyes as they experienced it. They had smiles and laughter....as this moment that looked to me to be very hard...was a brief moment of Christmas joy in the life journey of those who have suffered so much.
I left their thinking about how many people today are complaining and allowing themselves to be discouraged and depressed as they think about what they can't buy and where they can't go and what they don't have ......instead of what they do have. I tell you what.....if you are having a hard time focusing on the good in your life and being very appreciative for what you do have.....come visit Ellie with me over the next two days.
After you come....you will sing praises to God and be filled with Christmas joy on Christmas morning no matter what is or is not under the tree. What we learned yesterday from Joseph and Mary about having a positive and good attitude is this:
1) A positive attitude is a choice.
2) A positive attitude comes from focusing on the good and not the bad.
3) A Positive attitude comes from trusting that God is ultimately in control.
I hope we all are looking forward to Christmas and a great week!
"Hi! I am a kindergarten teacher at Walter Bickett and I wanted to thank you for the tremendous love and generosity that your church continues to show to the students at my school. You can truly never now the impact that you have on their lives (and mine). It always amazes me to see that your church gives so selflessly time and time again. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart on behalf of myself and the 15 students in my classroom that got to experience a little piece of God's love through your church!! Thank you and God bless you!"
We have done this for 8 years and every year the teachers and staff at the school are amazed at the impact that it has on the kids. They tell us that some of the kids have been coming to the school for 3-5 years and they know what is coming and start talking about it 2 weeks in advance. What do you think that the child who for multiple years experiences this great day..... thinks about God and church? They have fond memories and experiences that I believe will lead them to Christ now and in the future.
Speaking of Christmas Experiences that you won't forget. I shared with you on Sunday about the Christmas Party I went to with my daughter Ellie. (As many of you know, Ellie is mentally and physically handicapped and now lives in a special home for such kids and adults.) On Friday they had their Christmas party for the wing she lives on. While there I saw and experienced Christmas from a completely different prospective. I saw Santa hand out gifts to some of the most severely handicapped kids you will ever see. Most could not even unwrap or hold their gifts. A relative or nurse had to unwrap and then lay the gift on their lap knowing that the gift will never be played with, used or worn without someone doing it for them. I saw the look in the eyes of the other relatives that were there and I saw the look in the kids eyes as they experienced it. They had smiles and laughter....as this moment that looked to me to be very hard...was a brief moment of Christmas joy in the life journey of those who have suffered so much.
I left their thinking about how many people today are complaining and allowing themselves to be discouraged and depressed as they think about what they can't buy and where they can't go and what they don't have ......instead of what they do have. I tell you what.....if you are having a hard time focusing on the good in your life and being very appreciative for what you do have.....come visit Ellie with me over the next two days.
After you come....you will sing praises to God and be filled with Christmas joy on Christmas morning no matter what is or is not under the tree. What we learned yesterday from Joseph and Mary about having a positive and good attitude is this:
1) A positive attitude is a choice.
2) A positive attitude comes from focusing on the good and not the bad.
3) A Positive attitude comes from trusting that God is ultimately in control.
I hope we all are looking forward to Christmas and a great week!
Friday, December 19, 2008
Holiday Reminders
As I write this over 700 hundred kids at Walter Bickett are very anxious. They will soon go to a special Christmas Presentation put on by our Kids Ministry and band. Then they will each have their very own Christmas party in their class room. There, they will have a wonderful party and then receive the specific gift they asked for a few weeks ago. Thanks Team Church for being a place that really does "team up" with others to make a difference. We are not just a church....We are Team Church.
Here are some more reminders as we head into the final days before Christmas:
1) Bring a friend this Sunday and on Christmas Eve.
2) A great Holiday tradition we have had for 9 years is that we honor our staff and volunteers by not having ANYTHING scheduled from Dec 25-Jan 1st. This is time to visit family, travel or just relax with family and friends that have come to town.
3) This also means that we DO NOT have a Sunday Service on December 28th.
4) Please give toward our Year End Gift by December 31st AND remember that we are not here on the 28th so please give your normal tithe this week or mail it in.
5) Don't miss our first service of 2009! I promise you....what you see happen in the first 5 minutes will set the tone for the rest of the year. DON'T MISS THE FIRST 5 MIN!
6) January 13th (7am -1pm) is the Team Church Blood Drive....it is the first of 10 community service projects we will be doing to celebrate our 10 year anniversary.
I look forward to watching the Mural of Hope be completed with you this week!
Here are some more reminders as we head into the final days before Christmas:
1) Bring a friend this Sunday and on Christmas Eve.
2) A great Holiday tradition we have had for 9 years is that we honor our staff and volunteers by not having ANYTHING scheduled from Dec 25-Jan 1st. This is time to visit family, travel or just relax with family and friends that have come to town.
3) This also means that we DO NOT have a Sunday Service on December 28th.
4) Please give toward our Year End Gift by December 31st AND remember that we are not here on the 28th so please give your normal tithe this week or mail it in.
5) Don't miss our first service of 2009! I promise you....what you see happen in the first 5 minutes will set the tone for the rest of the year. DON'T MISS THE FIRST 5 MIN!
6) January 13th (7am -1pm) is the Team Church Blood Drive....it is the first of 10 community service projects we will be doing to celebrate our 10 year anniversary.
I look forward to watching the Mural of Hope be completed with you this week!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Christmas Party WIth A Purpose
On Friday night our Student Ministry is having a big Christmas Party. They have over 120 students that will be having a great time as they celebrate the end of school and Christmas. However, the thing that caught my attention is that all the proceeds from the admission prices is going to help buy goats! Yep....buy goats. The money will be given through our global missions initiative and will specially buy goats for needy families in Africa. The goats are a big blessing to these folks but most can't afford to buy one. So....we buy one for them.
I was thinking of how proud I am of our great Student Ministry. Then, I started thinking about me and you. What if the greatest thing we could ask for and need was a goat? Makes our Christmas wish list seem a little different and some of our "bad economy" grumbling seem silly. These are hard times for many people. However, we are having a bad year...maybe two. As we move toward Christmas lets remember that 90% of the world's population are considered rich if they can eat 2 meals a day and has a roof that covers their head each night. I was also reminded of the simple truth of what is most important to have at Christmas last night when I was snuggled up with the boys and we were watching the cartoon version of the Grinch. As you recall....the Who's that lived in Whoville lost everything but still gathered on Christmas morning and held hands and sang.
I know that many this Christmas are not able to have and do what they normally do. I hope that we all can look past what we don't have and celebrate what we do.
Bring a friend on Sunday and Christmas Eve! I think that many people living in our Whoville need it!
I was thinking of how proud I am of our great Student Ministry. Then, I started thinking about me and you. What if the greatest thing we could ask for and need was a goat? Makes our Christmas wish list seem a little different and some of our "bad economy" grumbling seem silly. These are hard times for many people. However, we are having a bad year...maybe two. As we move toward Christmas lets remember that 90% of the world's population are considered rich if they can eat 2 meals a day and has a roof that covers their head each night. I was also reminded of the simple truth of what is most important to have at Christmas last night when I was snuggled up with the boys and we were watching the cartoon version of the Grinch. As you recall....the Who's that lived in Whoville lost everything but still gathered on Christmas morning and held hands and sang.
I know that many this Christmas are not able to have and do what they normally do. I hope that we all can look past what we don't have and celebrate what we do.
Bring a friend on Sunday and Christmas Eve! I think that many people living in our Whoville need it!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Christmas Prayer List
The Christmas Season is fast approaching. The holidays are a great time for having fun, eating great food, watching football and enjoying the change of season. Moreover, every year at Team Church, this special season brings a treasured time of family, fellowship and a renewing of our faith in Jesus Christ! During the last nine years we have maintained a few holiday traditions that help us as individuals and as a church to experience the Christmas Season in its deepest meaning.
Be sure to Pray and Participate in the exciting opportunities coming again this Christmas season. Each one is designed to help us fulfill our One Purpose of "reaching people where they are and leading them to full devotion in Jesus Christ."
Walter Bickett School……A place to Serve and Love
Once again this year we have purchased gifts and will be providing a Christmas party and presenting the true meaning of Christmas to a public elementary school THIS FRIDAY. We have created a great missions relationship and outreach with Walter Bickett Elementary School in Monroe. Please pray for God to use this to impact these kids in a life-changing way.
Christmas Eve Services.....A place to Serve and Share
Christmas Eve has become a memorable time for our church. Many have made attendance at this special service a part of their Christmas tradition. This is a great time to invite a friend! Please Pray that God will use this service to reach many people for salvation through Jesus. Times are 3:30, 5 and 6:30pm
Year End Gift……A time to give
Every year we take time out to be thankful for our blessings and to give over and above our normal giving. Our Year-End-Gift gives us a real and practical opportunity to give sacrificially at a time when so many are more concerned about what they are receiving. Each year we present to you needs we have as a church or the needs of others that we would like to help meet. These needs are not budgeted items and would go unmet if not for our Year-End-Gift.
This year we are in need of playing catch-up on some budgeted items that we were unable to purchase because normal budget giving dipped in the hard economical times.
Would you pray and then give as God leads. Everyone can give something and the reality is that when it is all added up.....every one's something adds up to enough to meet our needed goal. Would you pray and then give specifically toward this year end gift. All money given or mailed by December 31st will go on your 2008 tax record.
Team Church name change goes public. Starting in January we will be officially Team Church. Pray that God uses this in great ways as we start year 10!
Team Church (Lancaster Co.) will start in the pre-launch phase in January. Pray that God uses this to reach a whole new area and that we are set for our Easter Launch!
Thanks for Praying!
Today's Bible Reading 2 Peter chapter 1-3
Be sure to Pray and Participate in the exciting opportunities coming again this Christmas season. Each one is designed to help us fulfill our One Purpose of "reaching people where they are and leading them to full devotion in Jesus Christ."
Walter Bickett School……A place to Serve and Love
Once again this year we have purchased gifts and will be providing a Christmas party and presenting the true meaning of Christmas to a public elementary school THIS FRIDAY. We have created a great missions relationship and outreach with Walter Bickett Elementary School in Monroe. Please pray for God to use this to impact these kids in a life-changing way.
Christmas Eve Services.....A place to Serve and Share
Christmas Eve has become a memorable time for our church. Many have made attendance at this special service a part of their Christmas tradition. This is a great time to invite a friend! Please Pray that God will use this service to reach many people for salvation through Jesus. Times are 3:30, 5 and 6:30pm
Year End Gift……A time to give
Every year we take time out to be thankful for our blessings and to give over and above our normal giving. Our Year-End-Gift gives us a real and practical opportunity to give sacrificially at a time when so many are more concerned about what they are receiving. Each year we present to you needs we have as a church or the needs of others that we would like to help meet. These needs are not budgeted items and would go unmet if not for our Year-End-Gift.
This year we are in need of playing catch-up on some budgeted items that we were unable to purchase because normal budget giving dipped in the hard economical times.
Would you pray and then give as God leads. Everyone can give something and the reality is that when it is all added up.....every one's something adds up to enough to meet our needed goal. Would you pray and then give specifically toward this year end gift. All money given or mailed by December 31st will go on your 2008 tax record.
Team Church name change goes public. Starting in January we will be officially Team Church. Pray that God uses this in great ways as we start year 10!
Team Church (Lancaster Co.) will start in the pre-launch phase in January. Pray that God uses this to reach a whole new area and that we are set for our Easter Launch!
Thanks for Praying!
Today's Bible Reading 2 Peter chapter 1-3
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Family Pictures
Last night we had an "appointment" at a picture studio store in the mall. It has been a long time since we have done this because our two smallest little angles hate having their picture taken. With Brady now being 3 1/2 years old and not planning to bring Ellie until another day....we thought we could get some good pictures of the boys now and then take Ellie back by herself on another day.
No Deal.......Brady either wont smile on cue or he smiles so hard and fake he looks like he is constipated and in pain. At the 30 minute mark Brady was about done with changing shirts, getting in weird positions and smiling at the dancing animals and such we were using to get him to smile on cue. Peyton, however, is like a trained animal when it comes to taking pictures. He smiles on cue and can hold it for ever waiting for his younger brother to get his smile on. He has learned that the sooner you smile at these silly things, the sooner it is over and the sooner he gets his candy bribe.
The photographer, who is my niece, was very patient and did a great job. At the 45 minute mark we finally were finished with the picture taking and now it was time to sit and go through all the pictures on the large TV monitor in the back room. To our shock we actually had about 15 good pictures from the million or so they snapped. As a matter of fact, Amanda was able to get a few really good ones of both Peyton and Brady separate and together (that never happens). After being there for over 2 hours we finally left the studio with some pictures that will be great Christmas presents for the Grandparents and a few other relatives. Perseverance........had paid off. The boys got their candy and Kelly got her pictures. I was very happy that all involved had a relatively good attitude through the whole ordeal.
How is your attitude this Christmas season? Are you hoping just to hurry and get it over with or....are you enjoying the journey that is Christmas in America. This Sunday we are going to take a close look at the real Marry and Joseph. We are going to learn from their exceptional attitude, perseverance and finally the reward at the end of the their Christmas Journey. The painting is coming along nicely. If you want an update on how it looks you can view it on our website by Wednesday.
Today's Bible Reading 1 Peter Chapters 1-5.
No Deal.......Brady either wont smile on cue or he smiles so hard and fake he looks like he is constipated and in pain. At the 30 minute mark Brady was about done with changing shirts, getting in weird positions and smiling at the dancing animals and such we were using to get him to smile on cue. Peyton, however, is like a trained animal when it comes to taking pictures. He smiles on cue and can hold it for ever waiting for his younger brother to get his smile on. He has learned that the sooner you smile at these silly things, the sooner it is over and the sooner he gets his candy bribe.
The photographer, who is my niece, was very patient and did a great job. At the 45 minute mark we finally were finished with the picture taking and now it was time to sit and go through all the pictures on the large TV monitor in the back room. To our shock we actually had about 15 good pictures from the million or so they snapped. As a matter of fact, Amanda was able to get a few really good ones of both Peyton and Brady separate and together (that never happens). After being there for over 2 hours we finally left the studio with some pictures that will be great Christmas presents for the Grandparents and a few other relatives. Perseverance........had paid off. The boys got their candy and Kelly got her pictures. I was very happy that all involved had a relatively good attitude through the whole ordeal.
How is your attitude this Christmas season? Are you hoping just to hurry and get it over with or....are you enjoying the journey that is Christmas in America. This Sunday we are going to take a close look at the real Marry and Joseph. We are going to learn from their exceptional attitude, perseverance and finally the reward at the end of the their Christmas Journey. The painting is coming along nicely. If you want an update on how it looks you can view it on our website by Wednesday.
Today's Bible Reading 1 Peter Chapters 1-5.
Monday, December 15, 2008
All Gone
Last night I had the opportunity to have great seats at the Panther game. It was another phenomenal game to watch and the Panthers are looking good. I also noticed that the Panthers did their annual "Toys For Tots" with the Marines. They announced over the loud speaker that a little over 5,000 toys had been brought by the Panther Nation. The Crowd last night was over 70,000 people.
Once they announced the amount of gifts I began to think about those percentages in comparison to what our church has once again supplied for the kids at Walter Bickett. Every year we purchase 700 hundred gifts for every Kindergarten through 5th grade student at the school. That is amazing and shows the true mission minded value we have here at Team Church. (Not just church.....Team Church) Moreover, our Red Cross volunteer was shocked at the multiple pages that were filled out yesterday with names of people who said they would come on January 13th for our "On-Site" blood drive. Giving to others is in our DNA and is our life blood as a church...HA HA
It is this kind of "community impact" that has always been in out DNA as a Church.....that has led us to decided to celebrate our 10 year anniversary in a very unique way. We are going to celebrate all year long and are going to do so with 10 different community impact service opportunities. We are hoping to have one or two a month concluding with a huge church event in July! More details to come....
We are calling it our 10 Year Anniversary Service Tour! Places, Times and Dates TBA in January!
Today's Bible Reading: James Chapters 1-5! Read Carefully 2:14-26 and thank about what I just wrote in today's BLOG
Once they announced the amount of gifts I began to think about those percentages in comparison to what our church has once again supplied for the kids at Walter Bickett. Every year we purchase 700 hundred gifts for every Kindergarten through 5th grade student at the school. That is amazing and shows the true mission minded value we have here at Team Church. (Not just church.....Team Church) Moreover, our Red Cross volunteer was shocked at the multiple pages that were filled out yesterday with names of people who said they would come on January 13th for our "On-Site" blood drive. Giving to others is in our DNA and is our life blood as a church...HA HA
It is this kind of "community impact" that has always been in out DNA as a Church.....that has led us to decided to celebrate our 10 year anniversary in a very unique way. We are going to celebrate all year long and are going to do so with 10 different community impact service opportunities. We are hoping to have one or two a month concluding with a huge church event in July! More details to come....
We are calling it our 10 Year Anniversary Service Tour! Places, Times and Dates TBA in January!
Today's Bible Reading: James Chapters 1-5! Read Carefully 2:14-26 and thank about what I just wrote in today's BLOG
Friday, December 12, 2008
What To Look For This Sunday
Here are somethings to look for and do this Sunday. (in no specific order)
1) This Sunday is the last day to "adopt" a Walter Bickett child. We have about 50 left. This is always a great way to help other children experience Christmas!
2) We will be hosting our first Red Cross Blood Drive on Tuesday, January 13th in the morning. This Sunday we need you to sign up and give an approximate time you will be here. The Red Cross needs a "basic" head count of what they can expect that day from us. You can sign up on Sunday or ....email chris@charlottesouth.org
This blood drive is the first Service Event of what we will be calling "Team Church 10 Year Anniversary Service Tour." Instead of having a big party to celebrate our anniversary year, we are going to do 10 projects that Teams up with our community to serve others. This is the first one.....soon you will get a list of the others that will fill the first 6 months of the year. Things like....building a habitat house, a Kershaw Easter Mission, rebuilding a hospital play yard and the like.
3) Get your Team Church gear. This stuff is high quality and we are only charging what it cost us to have the stuff made. Also, the window decals are FREE as long as they last. These are great looking vinyl window stickers that look great and help share the excitement of our new name.
4) Please arrive on time and sit up front and close to each other. Last Sunday we only had 50 empty chairs out of 500 in the first service and none of those were together.
5) Smile and look for someone who needs a "Holiday Hug!"
See you Sunday!
Today's Bible Reading Hebrews Chapter 5-8
1) This Sunday is the last day to "adopt" a Walter Bickett child. We have about 50 left. This is always a great way to help other children experience Christmas!
2) We will be hosting our first Red Cross Blood Drive on Tuesday, January 13th in the morning. This Sunday we need you to sign up and give an approximate time you will be here. The Red Cross needs a "basic" head count of what they can expect that day from us. You can sign up on Sunday or ....email chris@charlottesouth.org
This blood drive is the first Service Event of what we will be calling "Team Church 10 Year Anniversary Service Tour." Instead of having a big party to celebrate our anniversary year, we are going to do 10 projects that Teams up with our community to serve others. This is the first one.....soon you will get a list of the others that will fill the first 6 months of the year. Things like....building a habitat house, a Kershaw Easter Mission, rebuilding a hospital play yard and the like.
3) Get your Team Church gear. This stuff is high quality and we are only charging what it cost us to have the stuff made. Also, the window decals are FREE as long as they last. These are great looking vinyl window stickers that look great and help share the excitement of our new name.
4) Please arrive on time and sit up front and close to each other. Last Sunday we only had 50 empty chairs out of 500 in the first service and none of those were together.
5) Smile and look for someone who needs a "Holiday Hug!"
See you Sunday!
Today's Bible Reading Hebrews Chapter 5-8
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Year End Gift
By now, you should have received your annual Year-End-Gift letter. As you know, every year we give everyone a chance to finish the year out strong with a financial gift. We encourage people to sacrificially give at a time when our culture is more about what we can get. Many people use this gift as a end of year large gift to help them catch up and fully support their church.
This gift normally goes to "extra and non-budgeted" items that are not covered in our regular budget. In the past, it has been for equipment replacement, global and local missions, student ministry resources, new building and the like.
However, this year is very different. As you know, many people have felt the financial crunch of a challenging economy. Every week I hear of another person who has lost their job or has lost wages in other ways. As one might expect....this years financial mess in our country has affected our general operating budget. As we head into 2009 we are looking at some cutbacks if our monthly general giving does not go up to the level we were this time last year.
Our Year-End-Gift this year is needed to end 2008 with no outstanding debt and more specifically to allow us a financial cushion for the first few months of 2009 as we have budget items from 2008 that we could not meet that need to be met for our vision to move forward.
Would you pray about what you can give to this needed year-end-gift? As usual you can give in many different ways (stock, gifts-n-kind, etc.) and everything given is credited for 2008 taxes. Please mark your gift YEG 2008.
Times are tough for most people......however, if we are all faithful to do what God ask us to do.....then together as Team Church....we can accomplish everything God has asked us to do a church.
Christmas Fellowship Service tonight! 7pm
Today's Bible Reading Hebrews chapter 1-4
This gift normally goes to "extra and non-budgeted" items that are not covered in our regular budget. In the past, it has been for equipment replacement, global and local missions, student ministry resources, new building and the like.
However, this year is very different. As you know, many people have felt the financial crunch of a challenging economy. Every week I hear of another person who has lost their job or has lost wages in other ways. As one might expect....this years financial mess in our country has affected our general operating budget. As we head into 2009 we are looking at some cutbacks if our monthly general giving does not go up to the level we were this time last year.
Our Year-End-Gift this year is needed to end 2008 with no outstanding debt and more specifically to allow us a financial cushion for the first few months of 2009 as we have budget items from 2008 that we could not meet that need to be met for our vision to move forward.
Would you pray about what you can give to this needed year-end-gift? As usual you can give in many different ways (stock, gifts-n-kind, etc.) and everything given is credited for 2008 taxes. Please mark your gift YEG 2008.
Times are tough for most people......however, if we are all faithful to do what God ask us to do.....then together as Team Church....we can accomplish everything God has asked us to do a church.
Christmas Fellowship Service tonight! 7pm
Today's Bible Reading Hebrews chapter 1-4
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Do You Hear What I Hear?
Have you ever heard from God? Do you know what it is like to know what God wants you to do and then you go and do it? What does it take to hear from God and then experience the Joy of what He is telling you?
This Sunday as we continue with the HUGE Nativity Mural and the story that surrounds that "snap shot of eternity" .....we will develop the Shepherds story. What was it they heard? How did they end up at the Nativity scene? We know that the word Nativity means "the time, place, people and circumstances of ones birth."
Who were these shepherds? And, why were they there at that special time? Moreover, how can YOU hear what they heard and place yourself in the same scene? This Sunday, make a special invite again to those you invited last week. Follow up with those you asked but they did not come. This is a moving and life-changing Mural of Hope presentation.
Also, you can go to our new Team Church Facebook and join the fun. You can watch he time lapse video of the HUGE painting canvas being built. Also, go to our website and use it to e-vite someone.
Tomorrow night we will have our special Christmas Fellowship service. Great Christmas worship, Child dedication and Communion. The cafe will be open and we will have the Christmas Mission table available for you to take a child gift tag.
Today's Bible Reading 2 Timothy chapters 1-4
This Sunday as we continue with the HUGE Nativity Mural and the story that surrounds that "snap shot of eternity" .....we will develop the Shepherds story. What was it they heard? How did they end up at the Nativity scene? We know that the word Nativity means "the time, place, people and circumstances of ones birth."
Who were these shepherds? And, why were they there at that special time? Moreover, how can YOU hear what they heard and place yourself in the same scene? This Sunday, make a special invite again to those you invited last week. Follow up with those you asked but they did not come. This is a moving and life-changing Mural of Hope presentation.
Also, you can go to our new Team Church Facebook and join the fun. You can watch he time lapse video of the HUGE painting canvas being built. Also, go to our website and use it to e-vite someone.
Tomorrow night we will have our special Christmas Fellowship service. Great Christmas worship, Child dedication and Communion. The cafe will be open and we will have the Christmas Mission table available for you to take a child gift tag.
Today's Bible Reading 2 Timothy chapters 1-4
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Christmas Fellowship Service This Thursday
This Thursday we will have an amazing Christmas worship experience. We will have child dedications, communion, sing wonderful Christmas songs and have an intimate time of worship as we head into the middle of the Christmas Season.
This amazing night starts at 7pm!
Also, please plan to pick up a Walter Bickett child Christmas card. We still have about a 100 left.
This has to be a quick BLOG as our staff is heading into a planning session for what we are doing in 2009!
Also.....yes It was at the great Panther Game last night! I was awesome!
This amazing night starts at 7pm!
Also, please plan to pick up a Walter Bickett child Christmas card. We still have about a 100 left.
This has to be a quick BLOG as our staff is heading into a planning session for what we are doing in 2009!
Also.....yes It was at the great Panther Game last night! I was awesome!
Monday, December 8, 2008
Great Job Team Church
We lived our values last week. We Teamed up as a church to create a unique and impacting Christmas Series. Moreover, YOU did a great job of inviting your friends to experience it! We had our largest Sunday crowd of the year! Great Job!
God was honored and people enjoyed it and were impacted. I had one person pull me aside after the second service and say that a friend had invited him and he was not sure what to expect. He then told me that what he needed to hear was that "God had come at just the right time and for just the right circumstance" of His life. What he now knows is that he needs Jesus Christ in his life.......and the timing was perfect!
I want to challenge you to do two things:
1) Follow up with the people you invited that came and and them if they have any questions. Also, make sure you invite them to come back this next Sunday!
2) Follow up with those you invited but they did not come. Share with them that they can go on line to our website Charlottesouth.com and watch the service and then come this Sunday to enjoy in person.
Over the next few Sundays the details of the HUGE Nativity will develop before your eyes. It will be a special and encouraging service each week leading up to Christmas Eve. Thanks again to all those who served this Sunday and made it a great day!
Be praying for our Town Council vote tonight. Also, pray that it is first on the agenda and goes quick.....I have tickets to the Panther Monday night game and want to be there by kickoff!
Today's Bible Reading 1 Timothy 1-4
God was honored and people enjoyed it and were impacted. I had one person pull me aside after the second service and say that a friend had invited him and he was not sure what to expect. He then told me that what he needed to hear was that "God had come at just the right time and for just the right circumstance" of His life. What he now knows is that he needs Jesus Christ in his life.......and the timing was perfect!
I want to challenge you to do two things:
1) Follow up with the people you invited that came and and them if they have any questions. Also, make sure you invite them to come back this next Sunday!
2) Follow up with those you invited but they did not come. Share with them that they can go on line to our website Charlottesouth.com and watch the service and then come this Sunday to enjoy in person.
Over the next few Sundays the details of the HUGE Nativity will develop before your eyes. It will be a special and encouraging service each week leading up to Christmas Eve. Thanks again to all those who served this Sunday and made it a great day!
Be praying for our Town Council vote tonight. Also, pray that it is first on the agenda and goes quick.....I have tickets to the Panther Monday night game and want to be there by kickoff!
Today's Bible Reading 1 Timothy 1-4
Friday, December 5, 2008
700 Kids...One Great Day
Have you taken a child's name from our Christmas Mission table? Every year we have EVERY child at Walter Bickett Elementary School fill our a personalized Christmas wish gift card. They put their name, grade, sex, and ethnicity on the card so that we make sure we get the perfect gift for each of these great kids.
This year will be especially important. The kids at this school come from homes that normally cannot buy gifts for their kids. This year, with the downturn of the economy ...these kids will really feel the burden. We have the chance to help make their Christmas experience a great one. Not only with a gift they have asked for, but, also with the Christmas party and presentation we as a church will provide. They will know God cares in a tangible way (a gift) and also in hearing the message of Christmas through music, drama and story telling. This is a perfect example of how we Team up with our community. Also, you should know, that we provide gift cards for every teacher and administrative person at this great school!
I hope you will take advantage of this opportunity this Sunday.! I know, for many of us, this year our own budgets are tight. One thing the we have done in our family is not make the Walter Bickett gift an extra gift.....but share with our kids that they will receive one less....so someone else can receive at least one. This helps them learn the value of serving and giving to others....even if it means that you must give up something you want.
The actual party at Walter Bickett is on December 19th. If you would like to serve at the school on that special day....email clint@charlottesouth.org
Who are you bringing this Sunday? We have tons of "homemade" cookies for them to enjoy in the atrium. This will be a great way to start the Christmas Season. See you Sunday!
Today's Bible Reading Ephesians chapter 5 & 6
This year will be especially important. The kids at this school come from homes that normally cannot buy gifts for their kids. This year, with the downturn of the economy ...these kids will really feel the burden. We have the chance to help make their Christmas experience a great one. Not only with a gift they have asked for, but, also with the Christmas party and presentation we as a church will provide. They will know God cares in a tangible way (a gift) and also in hearing the message of Christmas through music, drama and story telling. This is a perfect example of how we Team up with our community. Also, you should know, that we provide gift cards for every teacher and administrative person at this great school!
I hope you will take advantage of this opportunity this Sunday.! I know, for many of us, this year our own budgets are tight. One thing the we have done in our family is not make the Walter Bickett gift an extra gift.....but share with our kids that they will receive one less....so someone else can receive at least one. This helps them learn the value of serving and giving to others....even if it means that you must give up something you want.
The actual party at Walter Bickett is on December 19th. If you would like to serve at the school on that special day....email clint@charlottesouth.org
Who are you bringing this Sunday? We have tons of "homemade" cookies for them to enjoy in the atrium. This will be a great way to start the Christmas Season. See you Sunday!
Today's Bible Reading Ephesians chapter 5 & 6
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Looks Better Than The Mall
A Team of volunteers built the Huge painting canvass on Monday and Tuesday.
Yesterday a Team of volunteers spent most of the day and night decorating our large atrium area for Christmas. As you know, when we built our atrium we said we wanted it to look like a creative and nice looking gathering area as one may see in a nice mall. Well, our Team of volunteers have made it look and feel better than we could have ever imagined. It looks wonderful and very inviting for the friend you are inviting to see at our Nativity exhibit grand opening on Sunday.
You are bringing a friend....right?
Remember we have One Purpose as Team Church. However, we have shared responsibilities to achieve that One Purpose. Our staff and Lead Team have been personally challenged to invite someone new to this very "one-of-a-kind" Christmas presentation. I want to extend that challenge to you. These are tough times for many and many are not looking forward to Christmas as they have in the past.....you can change that with one invitation.
With the hard work of this decorating Team....whomever you bring on Sunday will enjoy the free Coffee and Christmas snacks in our beautiful atrium before getting to experience a 30 x 12ft painting come alive before their eyes....it will be awesome! However, people can only know about it.....if YOU invite them!
The Band is practicing and will be ready...
The Artist are practicing and will be ready...
The Decorators are working and will be ready....
Those who are preparing the food and drinks will be ready....
The All-Stars Kid's leaders will be ready.....
The Host and Parking Team will be ready.....
The Clean Team will have cleaned the entire church and will be ready....
I am preparing my Nativity Message and will be ready.......
God will be here and be ready.......
Who will be here to experience it? That is up to you.......
Have you been to our new Teamchurchonline.com website?
It has one page up with a counter...but also has direct links to our new Facebook page, Twitter account and my Blog.
Today's Bible Reading Ephesians Chapter 1-4!
Yesterday a Team of volunteers spent most of the day and night decorating our large atrium area for Christmas. As you know, when we built our atrium we said we wanted it to look like a creative and nice looking gathering area as one may see in a nice mall. Well, our Team of volunteers have made it look and feel better than we could have ever imagined. It looks wonderful and very inviting for the friend you are inviting to see at our Nativity exhibit grand opening on Sunday.
You are bringing a friend....right?
Remember we have One Purpose as Team Church. However, we have shared responsibilities to achieve that One Purpose. Our staff and Lead Team have been personally challenged to invite someone new to this very "one-of-a-kind" Christmas presentation. I want to extend that challenge to you. These are tough times for many and many are not looking forward to Christmas as they have in the past.....you can change that with one invitation.
With the hard work of this decorating Team....whomever you bring on Sunday will enjoy the free Coffee and Christmas snacks in our beautiful atrium before getting to experience a 30 x 12ft painting come alive before their eyes....it will be awesome! However, people can only know about it.....if YOU invite them!
The Band is practicing and will be ready...
The Artist are practicing and will be ready...
The Decorators are working and will be ready....
Those who are preparing the food and drinks will be ready....
The All-Stars Kid's leaders will be ready.....
The Host and Parking Team will be ready.....
The Clean Team will have cleaned the entire church and will be ready....
I am preparing my Nativity Message and will be ready.......
God will be here and be ready.......
Who will be here to experience it? That is up to you.......
Have you been to our new Teamchurchonline.com website?
It has one page up with a counter...but also has direct links to our new Facebook page, Twitter account and my Blog.
Today's Bible Reading Ephesians Chapter 1-4!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
What About The Land?
It is funny how time goes bye and new things crowd into your life that take what seemed pressing to a...."what ever happened to that" thought. That is one reason why I like the daily BLOG concept for Team Church values, stories, news and current events. It is a great tool for all to use on a regular, if not daily, basis. (When people who come here on a regular basis are clueless about such info that is covered completely in this BLOG and our weekly Chalk Talk Update.....they are the horse who is thirsty while hanging their head over a bucket of water!)
This coming Monday night the Matthew's Town Council will have their final vote on the rezoning of the land. We have done and are doing all we can for them and those who stand appose to the idea to understand that we are trying to develop an incredible campus where people from this community can come and have their lives changed in many different and practical ways. Keep praying....keep the faith! Also, you can email each town council member and share with them your love and support for the Mission of this church. This is especially helpful if you live in the Matthews City area code of 28104, 05, 06.
Mayor Pro-Tem James P. Taylor jtaylor@matthewsnc.com
Bill Dixon dixonwr@aol.com
Suzanne Gulley sgulley@matthewsnc.com
Nancy R. LaFond nlafond@matthewsnc.com
Jeff A. Miller jmiller@matthewsnc.com
Cress Query wkquery@matthewsnc.com
Also, in case you were wondering.......our church Lead Team has been working very hard to make this purchase budget friendly in these hard economical times. We are very aware that many at Team Church have lost jobs or have had their income go down while cost of living goes up! We prayed about if we should move forward at all with the purchase since the economy is so bad and it is certainly affecting our monthly giving to the church. After much crunching of the numbers and praying we decided that even though we had a great deal and owner financing with only a yearly payment due each January ....the prudent thing to do was not move forward.
So...in faith believing....we approached the owners with a purchase agreement that gives the first down payment now (we have that money in hand) and then does not have another payment due for 2 years! They accepted it.....God is good! Nothing in the previous contract changes.....it just stars two years from now. However, we can fully own the property next Tuesday (the vote is Monday) and can start to use it immediately. However, we will not have to pay or owe anything for two years! That gives the economy time to stabilize and during the next two years ministry money does not have to be used for land purchase.
Moving and living in faith is never easy. Sometimes circumstances go completely different than you think they should.....but the Dream Continues if it is from God. Part of our dream... is to have a 60 acre campus for our Church that is located on the corner of I485 and HWY 74 that Teams up with our community and city to make a positive impact into the very fabric of our world.....that is people!
Today's Bible Reading Romans chapters 13-16
This coming Monday night the Matthew's Town Council will have their final vote on the rezoning of the land. We have done and are doing all we can for them and those who stand appose to the idea to understand that we are trying to develop an incredible campus where people from this community can come and have their lives changed in many different and practical ways. Keep praying....keep the faith! Also, you can email each town council member and share with them your love and support for the Mission of this church. This is especially helpful if you live in the Matthews City area code of 28104, 05, 06.
Mayor Pro-Tem James P. Taylor jtaylor@matthewsnc.com
Bill Dixon dixonwr@aol.com
Suzanne Gulley sgulley@matthewsnc.com
Nancy R. LaFond nlafond@matthewsnc.com
Jeff A. Miller jmiller@matthewsnc.com
Cress Query wkquery@matthewsnc.com
Also, in case you were wondering.......our church Lead Team has been working very hard to make this purchase budget friendly in these hard economical times. We are very aware that many at Team Church have lost jobs or have had their income go down while cost of living goes up! We prayed about if we should move forward at all with the purchase since the economy is so bad and it is certainly affecting our monthly giving to the church. After much crunching of the numbers and praying we decided that even though we had a great deal and owner financing with only a yearly payment due each January ....the prudent thing to do was not move forward.
So...in faith believing....we approached the owners with a purchase agreement that gives the first down payment now (we have that money in hand) and then does not have another payment due for 2 years! They accepted it.....God is good! Nothing in the previous contract changes.....it just stars two years from now. However, we can fully own the property next Tuesday (the vote is Monday) and can start to use it immediately. However, we will not have to pay or owe anything for two years! That gives the economy time to stabilize and during the next two years ministry money does not have to be used for land purchase.
Moving and living in faith is never easy. Sometimes circumstances go completely different than you think they should.....but the Dream Continues if it is from God. Part of our dream... is to have a 60 acre campus for our Church that is located on the corner of I485 and HWY 74 that Teams up with our community and city to make a positive impact into the very fabric of our world.....that is people!
Today's Bible Reading Romans chapters 13-16
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Embarrassing Moment In North Florida
Last Friday my 10 year-old-son and I went on a Father/Son football weekend trip. We left Charlotte Friday morning and drove down to Tallahassee Florida to watch the Florida Gators beat the Florida State Seminoles. Because our trip was going to be quick and we would spend most of the time on the road or at the game......I decided to make it a cheap but fun trip and just stay the night at the nearby KOA. Peyton and I have done this before and he loves it. We take the seats out of the van and fold down the back seat. Then, we put a mattress in the back for an instant bed in a KOA. He loves the novelty of it and I love the price.
On Saturday night after the big game we pulled into our "spot" at the KOA. We were parked in the "tent" area that was right next to the huge RV area. I chose a close "tent" spot right next to the RV area for more safety and better proximity since we were the only people in a "tent" spot. We were parked next to some of the largest and most extravagant RV's I have ever seen.
It was pouring down rain when we arrived and very quiet. At 10pm we had just got settled in our "home away from home" sleeping arrangement when I decided to make sure that I had locked the doors. Not thinking clearly...I sat up and yanked on the inside door lever to see if it was locked. As soon as I did it set off our van alarm that I guess gets set when ever you lock all the doors. In the peaceful KOA setting of North Florida came ringing out at 10pm a loud honking noise from our van. Moreover, the head lights began to flash on and off while this piercing sound was going off. I jumped up and tried to turn it off from the inside....did not work. I put the key in the van and started it.. thinking that would work. All it did was set off another noise in between the horn honking.
By this time, the RV lights were coming on and the "shades" were coming up to see what the noise and commotion was all about. This has happened once before so I knew one way to stop the noise was to pop the hood and start yanking fuses out until the dumb alarm was dismantled.
So....I jumped out of the van to do just that. While getting the hood up in the pouring rain and the horn noise now right in my face I soon noticed that the flashing head lights were revealing the fact that I was standing there in my "boxers" and t-shirt. The Lord was gracious and I pulled the right fuse after the third one. By the time I got the thing turned off......it seemed like every RV owner was staring at me and shaking their heads through their plush mobile mansions. As I jumped back into the van soak-n-wet.... I saw that Peyton had hidden himself under the blankets and he mumbled.....that was so embarrassing. No kidding!
The next morning as we pulled out.....I wanted no record of the night to follow me home....so I peeled off the window decal that so proudly reads "Charlotte South Fellowship." Good thing this Sunday morning I can get a new Team Church vinyl decal to replace it! Guess what.....you can too! And they are free!
This Sunday morning I hope you will have worked and prayed hard to being a friend to our Grand Opening of our Nativity: A Mural Of Hope!
Today's Bible Reading Romans Chapter 9-12.
On Saturday night after the big game we pulled into our "spot" at the KOA. We were parked in the "tent" area that was right next to the huge RV area. I chose a close "tent" spot right next to the RV area for more safety and better proximity since we were the only people in a "tent" spot. We were parked next to some of the largest and most extravagant RV's I have ever seen.
It was pouring down rain when we arrived and very quiet. At 10pm we had just got settled in our "home away from home" sleeping arrangement when I decided to make sure that I had locked the doors. Not thinking clearly...I sat up and yanked on the inside door lever to see if it was locked. As soon as I did it set off our van alarm that I guess gets set when ever you lock all the doors. In the peaceful KOA setting of North Florida came ringing out at 10pm a loud honking noise from our van. Moreover, the head lights began to flash on and off while this piercing sound was going off. I jumped up and tried to turn it off from the inside....did not work. I put the key in the van and started it.. thinking that would work. All it did was set off another noise in between the horn honking.
By this time, the RV lights were coming on and the "shades" were coming up to see what the noise and commotion was all about. This has happened once before so I knew one way to stop the noise was to pop the hood and start yanking fuses out until the dumb alarm was dismantled.
So....I jumped out of the van to do just that. While getting the hood up in the pouring rain and the horn noise now right in my face I soon noticed that the flashing head lights were revealing the fact that I was standing there in my "boxers" and t-shirt. The Lord was gracious and I pulled the right fuse after the third one. By the time I got the thing turned off......it seemed like every RV owner was staring at me and shaking their heads through their plush mobile mansions. As I jumped back into the van soak-n-wet.... I saw that Peyton had hidden himself under the blankets and he mumbled.....that was so embarrassing. No kidding!
The next morning as we pulled out.....I wanted no record of the night to follow me home....so I peeled off the window decal that so proudly reads "Charlotte South Fellowship." Good thing this Sunday morning I can get a new Team Church vinyl decal to replace it! Guess what.....you can too! And they are free!
This Sunday morning I hope you will have worked and prayed hard to being a friend to our Grand Opening of our Nativity: A Mural Of Hope!
Today's Bible Reading Romans Chapter 9-12.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Christmas Time Is NOW
December 1st is here! 25 days till Christmas! I love this time of year.....
As I am writing this BLOG a few volunteers and a few staff members are starting to build the HUGE wall that will be our Nativity Mural canvas. This thing will be HUGE as it spans more than 30 feet in length and 12 feet high. As we have been saying....this Mural will be painted live in all services leading up to Christmas Eve. They will be panting during the worship and during the teaching. It will be an experiential Christmas like never before. Then on Christmas Eve it will be completed! I believe this will be a life changing Christmas Series for all who experience it.......now that is where YOU come in.
We have printed out invitations for you to use to invite a friend, co-worker, family member or even just a neighbor you don't know very well. We want to pack the house this Sunday for the start of this special Christmas Series. This is another way we can Team Up......to change our city. As Team Church we have One Purpose....Shared Responsibility! Take time to pray about who you can invite....then "Do Something Significant" and go invite them and bring them with you!
This Christmas is going to be a great time at Team Church! Speaking of Team Church...if you have not watched the service from last week and learn the purpose and the practicality of why the name change....go to Myteamchurch.com and read and watch. It will answer your questions.
I have received a few emails asking me about the Gator game Peyton and I went to. Yes...we got soaked. Yes we stayed through the whole game. Yes, the Gators killed the Seminoles! It was fun but very wet.......Also, I heard that our awesome youth pastor did a great job speaking this Sunday! As a church, please never take for granted the incredible staff God has placed at our Church. They are very very very gifted and dedicated.
Looking for a great real Christmas tree that your money goes to a great cause and half the price is a taxable donation....Matthews Area Rec Association is selling NC trees on location at the fields.
Hours of Operation:
3-8pm weekdays
9-6 Saturdays
1-6 Sundays
Contact Team Church & MARA volunteer Lee Maitland at 704-560-4345 for more info.
Todays Bible Reading Romans Chapters 5-8.
As I am writing this BLOG a few volunteers and a few staff members are starting to build the HUGE wall that will be our Nativity Mural canvas. This thing will be HUGE as it spans more than 30 feet in length and 12 feet high. As we have been saying....this Mural will be painted live in all services leading up to Christmas Eve. They will be panting during the worship and during the teaching. It will be an experiential Christmas like never before. Then on Christmas Eve it will be completed! I believe this will be a life changing Christmas Series for all who experience it.......now that is where YOU come in.
We have printed out invitations for you to use to invite a friend, co-worker, family member or even just a neighbor you don't know very well. We want to pack the house this Sunday for the start of this special Christmas Series. This is another way we can Team Up......to change our city. As Team Church we have One Purpose....Shared Responsibility! Take time to pray about who you can invite....then "Do Something Significant" and go invite them and bring them with you!
This Christmas is going to be a great time at Team Church! Speaking of Team Church...if you have not watched the service from last week and learn the purpose and the practicality of why the name change....go to Myteamchurch.com and read and watch. It will answer your questions.
I have received a few emails asking me about the Gator game Peyton and I went to. Yes...we got soaked. Yes we stayed through the whole game. Yes, the Gators killed the Seminoles! It was fun but very wet.......Also, I heard that our awesome youth pastor did a great job speaking this Sunday! As a church, please never take for granted the incredible staff God has placed at our Church. They are very very very gifted and dedicated.
Looking for a great real Christmas tree that your money goes to a great cause and half the price is a taxable donation....Matthews Area Rec Association is selling NC trees on location at the fields.
Hours of Operation:
3-8pm weekdays
9-6 Saturdays
1-6 Sundays
Contact Team Church & MARA volunteer Lee Maitland at 704-560-4345 for more info.
Todays Bible Reading Romans Chapters 5-8.
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