I had lunch on Wednesday and Tuesday with men who do not attend our church. During our conversation both of them asked me; "how is the horrible economy affecting the church?" I bet I get asked that a least 5 times a day?
The answer......"It is the best and worst times all together!"
Over the last 8 weeks we have enjoyed a great spirit of anticipation of our new name and the anniversary "10 service project tour". The energy and excitement is high. We have had our highest attendance ever on Sundays over the last 8 weeks. On Wednesday nights, Team Kid and Pursuit are blowing the doors off! We have had many new singles and families come and join Team Church and get involved in our One Purpose. We are set to launch our new campus in Lancaster Co. and the first "pre-view" service was great. We have purchased the 40 additional acres (we now have 60 total acres) behind us as the family gave us owner financing with nothing due for 2 years. It really has been a great few months! Our staff was committing the other day how healthy our church is from the inside out.
However, these are also some challenging times. The national economic crisis has finally hit the Charlotte area and of course, Team Church. Like most companies, non-profits and churches....Team Church is feeling the affect of people losing their jobs, homes and lifestyle. We are seeing a considerable drop off of people giving financially to the church. Moreover, the amount of people who have lost jobs means that some families have stopped giving all together as they are not making anything to tithe from.
I am sad to have to share with you that the recent trends in our giving and the outlook for the next few months has forced us to lay off two of our part-time staff immediately. Stacey Sutton and Chris Faulkner have been laid off with the promise of re-hire as soon as we can. These two have done a great job and their departure has nothing to do with how they performed...we just have to make some hard decisions. Moreover, we have informed another full-time staff that if things don't turn around soon we would need to reduce them to 3/4 time at 30 hours a week.
These are challenging days....but I assured our staff that God was is control and that our faith was in His strong hands. I am praying and having faith that we will not have to trim another staff members hours and also bring back the others very soon. Part of tonight's Prayer and Care night will be for our church as well as all the individual families.
While reading this good and bad news you may be wondering....."If finances are so tough at the church, why would the leadership start a new campus in Lancaster Co. and buy more land? Great question! The answer is easy....
1) We are a tithing church. For 10 years....whatever comes in financially...10% goes back out to some form of mission that does not directly affect our church here. Currently our 10% goes to two churches in Ethiopia as we fully support the salaries of the pastors there, we also support the church planting/coaching network that we helped launch so that new pastors and churches can be trained. Also, a portion of that 10% goes to the campus in Lancaster County. That 10% has been set aside to always go somewhere else....we can't start going against that God honoring value now.
2) Because of the financial crisis we knew the country was heading in, we were willing to let the land contract go and told the owners this. They, of course, really believe in what we are doing and want us to have the land. They were willing to take a low down payment and then give us two years of no payment and no interest. The down payment came from a few specific donors who gave the money specifically for the down payment so we could buy the land. As you know, legally and morally money given specifically for land or buildings cannot be used for anything else. The land purchase is not affecting our current budget as we owe nothing for 2 years.
The reasons for the layoffs is simple....our budget giving has dipped even though our attendance has gone up. People who have jobs... but high gas prices and the like have caused them to stop giving to the church. Those who have lost jobs have also in many cases stopped giving all together.
So what do we do......we trust God that he will encourage all our people to give as he directs. We will pray knowing that God is in charge and that if we the church put our trust in Him and obey his will....we will be fine.
Don't forget that our Celebrate Recovery is here every Friday night to help those who need it!
Here is what James says
James 1:2-8
Faith and Endurance
"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.
God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Do You Want Loving and Lasting Relationships?
What is Real Love? How can we have a great loving and lasting relationship with our spouse, kids, parents and other people that we desire to be in a relationship?
Does the Bible give us a clear definition of Real Love? Does it give us a clear "how we should act and think" when it comes to Real Love? The answer to these is a resounding YES!
Moreover, my guess is that Real Love is much different than we may think! This Sunday we are starting a new series entitled The Most Excellent Way...to loving and lasting relationships. Click here to see it and invite a friend. This is a must teaching for all of us in our generation!
This series is for anyone who wants to really love their kids, spouse, parents, boy/girl friend and others in their life. We will see that what we think is Love may not be.....and we will see that Real Love is something special! I will be speaking on a passage in the Bible that I have never fully unpacked and taught on in it's entirety. I promise you.....I was shocked by what I discovered in my study and prep for this message series. I know you will be too!
The Most Excellent Way...to loving and lasting relationships
February 1st Real Love
February 8th Fake Love
February 15th Lasting Love
Don't Forget Stuff The Buss continues this Sunday. Many kids at Indian Trail Elem School are in huge need of school supplies to finish the school year our strong. Click here for more info! The BIG school bus will be here Feb 8th on Sunday!
Don't forget.....special prayer and care time tomorrow night here at Team Church as we come together to pray and seek God's peace and grace in these tough economic times.
"When we come face to face with God, we are going to be judged on how much we loved!"
- Mother Teresa
"People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."
- every good teacher I ever had!
Does the Bible give us a clear definition of Real Love? Does it give us a clear "how we should act and think" when it comes to Real Love? The answer to these is a resounding YES!
Moreover, my guess is that Real Love is much different than we may think! This Sunday we are starting a new series entitled The Most Excellent Way...to loving and lasting relationships. Click here to see it and invite a friend. This is a must teaching for all of us in our generation!
This series is for anyone who wants to really love their kids, spouse, parents, boy/girl friend and others in their life. We will see that what we think is Love may not be.....and we will see that Real Love is something special! I will be speaking on a passage in the Bible that I have never fully unpacked and taught on in it's entirety. I promise you.....I was shocked by what I discovered in my study and prep for this message series. I know you will be too!
The Most Excellent Way...to loving and lasting relationships
February 1st Real Love
February 8th Fake Love
February 15th Lasting Love
Don't Forget Stuff The Buss continues this Sunday. Many kids at Indian Trail Elem School are in huge need of school supplies to finish the school year our strong. Click here for more info! The BIG school bus will be here Feb 8th on Sunday!
Don't forget.....special prayer and care time tomorrow night here at Team Church as we come together to pray and seek God's peace and grace in these tough economic times.
"When we come face to face with God, we are going to be judged on how much we loved!"
- Mother Teresa
"People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."
- every good teacher I ever had!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Bob Bailey
As a church grows and grows.....it is hard and next to impossible for me or any of our Pastors to know everyone. This is true for anyone who comes to Team Church. This is why we have Home Teams and Service Teams and really push that everyone gets connected relationally to a group. You just can't know everyone......however, I did know Bob Bailey.
Bob, Lori and young Caroline started coming to Team Church a few years ago when we were still meeting at Butler High School. Not long after Bob started coming he shared with us that he had a tumor in his brain and the Dr.'s did not give him much time to live. As a matter of fact, during that summer he pulled me aside and said he did not think he would see Christmas. Bob made it to that Christmas and the next three. Bob served faithfully in our Cafe' when we moved into the new building and did so until he just could not physically take it any more. I use to tease him that we were always looking for "anyone" to serve and that even if he had to take "breaks" I expected him to serve faithfully....he knew I was teasing.
Over the last year Bob would come up to me in between services every so often to give me an update on how he was doing. He would tell me that it was hard knowing you were dying and that he worried for his family. I could not do much except pray for him, assure him heaven was great and further assure him that Team Church would be here for his family when he was gone. For the most part, Bob kept his since of humor and began to cope with his dying body.
In December, right before Christmas, Bob came by the church to say hi. I really did not have time, but felt the Holy Spirit nudge me to just sit and chat with Bob. We talked about Christmas, his recent stay in the hospital again and how he was glad to be out. He told me about when he and his dad use to go fishing and how his daughter loved to fish also with his dad. He told me stories from his childhood that he never had told me and while he was talking I got the feeling that Bob knew the end was coming soon.......Bob Bailey died late Monday night. His body could no longer function and the pain was no longer tolerable. I learned of his passing yesterday morning from Brad Saab our youth pastor. He had built a special bond with the family while ministering to Caroline and was there for the family as Bob passed just like I had promised. We will also be there for them from here on out too.
Bob will be missed. His dry humor will not.....ha ha...Bob would have like that one! I am glad I got to know Bob just a little.
With Bob's passing, people losing jobs, and a growing list of challenges in lives of those who call Team Church home......I am reminded again that being The Church is exactly what we set out to do 10 years ago! It is about doing life together.
Don't forget that this Friday I will be leading out in a special prayer and care time for anyone who just feels the need to pray and read the Bible as we seek God's face for peace, comfort and real hope in these challenging times. Bring your Bibles, bring your kids, bring a hurting heart, bring whatever you want....and I will see you here for a night of powerful insight, relational support and godly encouragement.
"Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."
Philippians 4:6-8
Bob, Lori and young Caroline started coming to Team Church a few years ago when we were still meeting at Butler High School. Not long after Bob started coming he shared with us that he had a tumor in his brain and the Dr.'s did not give him much time to live. As a matter of fact, during that summer he pulled me aside and said he did not think he would see Christmas. Bob made it to that Christmas and the next three. Bob served faithfully in our Cafe' when we moved into the new building and did so until he just could not physically take it any more. I use to tease him that we were always looking for "anyone" to serve and that even if he had to take "breaks" I expected him to serve faithfully....he knew I was teasing.
Over the last year Bob would come up to me in between services every so often to give me an update on how he was doing. He would tell me that it was hard knowing you were dying and that he worried for his family. I could not do much except pray for him, assure him heaven was great and further assure him that Team Church would be here for his family when he was gone. For the most part, Bob kept his since of humor and began to cope with his dying body.
In December, right before Christmas, Bob came by the church to say hi. I really did not have time, but felt the Holy Spirit nudge me to just sit and chat with Bob. We talked about Christmas, his recent stay in the hospital again and how he was glad to be out. He told me about when he and his dad use to go fishing and how his daughter loved to fish also with his dad. He told me stories from his childhood that he never had told me and while he was talking I got the feeling that Bob knew the end was coming soon.......Bob Bailey died late Monday night. His body could no longer function and the pain was no longer tolerable. I learned of his passing yesterday morning from Brad Saab our youth pastor. He had built a special bond with the family while ministering to Caroline and was there for the family as Bob passed just like I had promised. We will also be there for them from here on out too.
Bob will be missed. His dry humor will not.....ha ha...Bob would have like that one! I am glad I got to know Bob just a little.
With Bob's passing, people losing jobs, and a growing list of challenges in lives of those who call Team Church home......I am reminded again that being The Church is exactly what we set out to do 10 years ago! It is about doing life together.
Don't forget that this Friday I will be leading out in a special prayer and care time for anyone who just feels the need to pray and read the Bible as we seek God's face for peace, comfort and real hope in these challenging times. Bring your Bibles, bring your kids, bring a hurting heart, bring whatever you want....and I will see you here for a night of powerful insight, relational support and godly encouragement.
"Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."
Philippians 4:6-8
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Great News & Much Needed Prayer
Well the town council voted last night.....and we were given our rezoning! We now have a campus that sits on 60 acres of beautiful land on the corner of Hwy 74 and I485. A location that will allow us to reach and impact our community now and for many years.
We now can move forward with the plans that we feel God has given to us as a church in this community. Moreover, we have been blessed beyond measure in the purchasing of this great piece of property......the owners agreed to owner financing, a lower down payment AND because of the economic times we are in....we do not have a payment or interest due for two years. However, we own it out right and can begin using the land immediately.
What a great week so far.....we have our new expanded land and our new campus in Lancaster Co. had a phenomenal "pre-view" service. It was our first of three "pre-view" services as we look forward to an Easter launch. The volunteers from Matthews and Lancaster Co. did a great job!
HOWEVER....as great as all that is.....everyone reading this BLOG is well aware of the financial crisis that is hitting our area. Everyday we are getting calls or emails that another Team Church family has lost a job, may lose their house or the like. Many families in our church are being affected by the down turn in the economy and people are hurting, scared and suffering.
This kind of circumstance is unprecedented in our generation and in our young church. On Monday afternoon when yet another call came into the office about prayer for another lost job....I felt God impressing me to call for a time of care and prayer. As a church we cannot financially help everyone....the numbers are to great. However, we can be THE CHURCH! As a church we can offer care, a shoulder and prayer. So that is what we are doing:
When: This Friday at 7pm
Where: Team Church main Auditorium.
There will be no planned special music or anything other than Kenny and other staff and volunteers leading us in prayer and Bible reading. There will be time to pray, share your concerns or situation or to just sit quietly and ask God for His grace and peace that passed all understanding. This will be a “come and go” time that we have no agenda expect to be here for those who want to pray and seek God. WE DON'T KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN....we just know that as a church we need to offer this special night. INVITE ANYONE YOU WANT WHO MAY NEED SUCH A POWERFUL NIGHT OF PRAYER!
No childcare is provided….kids of all ages are welcome to join whomever is in the auditorium. God does not care about a little talking or baby crying…and neither do we.
We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.
2 Corinthians 4:7-9
We now can move forward with the plans that we feel God has given to us as a church in this community. Moreover, we have been blessed beyond measure in the purchasing of this great piece of property......the owners agreed to owner financing, a lower down payment AND because of the economic times we are in....we do not have a payment or interest due for two years. However, we own it out right and can begin using the land immediately.
What a great week so far.....we have our new expanded land and our new campus in Lancaster Co. had a phenomenal "pre-view" service. It was our first of three "pre-view" services as we look forward to an Easter launch. The volunteers from Matthews and Lancaster Co. did a great job!
HOWEVER....as great as all that is.....everyone reading this BLOG is well aware of the financial crisis that is hitting our area. Everyday we are getting calls or emails that another Team Church family has lost a job, may lose their house or the like. Many families in our church are being affected by the down turn in the economy and people are hurting, scared and suffering.
This kind of circumstance is unprecedented in our generation and in our young church. On Monday afternoon when yet another call came into the office about prayer for another lost job....I felt God impressing me to call for a time of care and prayer. As a church we cannot financially help everyone....the numbers are to great. However, we can be THE CHURCH! As a church we can offer care, a shoulder and prayer. So that is what we are doing:
When: This Friday at 7pm
Where: Team Church main Auditorium.
There will be no planned special music or anything other than Kenny and other staff and volunteers leading us in prayer and Bible reading. There will be time to pray, share your concerns or situation or to just sit quietly and ask God for His grace and peace that passed all understanding. This will be a “come and go” time that we have no agenda expect to be here for those who want to pray and seek God. WE DON'T KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN....we just know that as a church we need to offer this special night. INVITE ANYONE YOU WANT WHO MAY NEED SUCH A POWERFUL NIGHT OF PRAYER!
No childcare is provided….kids of all ages are welcome to join whomever is in the auditorium. God does not care about a little talking or baby crying…and neither do we.
We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.
2 Corinthians 4:7-9
Monday, January 26, 2009
The Best Message Ever?
I thought yesterday was a great way to end our three part series called Team Church...New Name, Same Church. Over the last three weeks we have been very clear on what is the purpose, mission and game plan of our church. Just as important we have taught what expectations we each have as individuals. These expectations comes first from God and then each of us who call this place our church.
I had more than one person tell me that yesterdays message was the best one I have ever given on such a topic. I know that when I hear such things that the practical simple message I was trying to convey worked. The message of personal devotion can sometimes seem unattainable to many and therefore we never really try.
Yesterday I shared these three personal disciplines that must be a part of our lives. I shared that these do not have to be arduous tasks but should be seen as the natural flow in the rhythms of our life. These are the three things that will help us be all that God has asked us to be!
Prayer: Talking and Listening to God!
* This should be seen as conversations with God. Sometimes, all it needs to be is constant twittering to God!
* When we do stop and want to talk and Listen we can use the acrostic C.A.R.T:
Confession, Adoration, Request, Thanksgiving.
Bible: Learn it, know it and use it!
* The goal here is to know the information, the stories, the truth and then apply it to daily life. The good thing....once you know the truth and the info....it does not change.
Worship: Attitude of adoration, praise and thanksgiving!
* Worship is not music. It can be musical and for many people that is the best way they worship. However, worship is when you connect emotionally with God in a attitude of thanks, praise, conviction and adoration. That can be while taking a hike, riding a bike, singing, working in the yard.....worship is emotional and is tied to your personality.
Our new website is up...go to this section and read again our One Purpose, Shared Responsibility and Personal Devotion. Teamchurch.com
As you start another week...here is a great verse about going to work today:
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." Colossians 3:23
"Hard work beats talent, when talent does not work hard!" Tim Tebow
I had more than one person tell me that yesterdays message was the best one I have ever given on such a topic. I know that when I hear such things that the practical simple message I was trying to convey worked. The message of personal devotion can sometimes seem unattainable to many and therefore we never really try.
Yesterday I shared these three personal disciplines that must be a part of our lives. I shared that these do not have to be arduous tasks but should be seen as the natural flow in the rhythms of our life. These are the three things that will help us be all that God has asked us to be!
Prayer: Talking and Listening to God!
* This should be seen as conversations with God. Sometimes, all it needs to be is constant twittering to God!
* When we do stop and want to talk and Listen we can use the acrostic C.A.R.T:
Confession, Adoration, Request, Thanksgiving.
Bible: Learn it, know it and use it!
* The goal here is to know the information, the stories, the truth and then apply it to daily life. The good thing....once you know the truth and the info....it does not change.
Worship: Attitude of adoration, praise and thanksgiving!
* Worship is not music. It can be musical and for many people that is the best way they worship. However, worship is when you connect emotionally with God in a attitude of thanks, praise, conviction and adoration. That can be while taking a hike, riding a bike, singing, working in the yard.....worship is emotional and is tied to your personality.
Our new website is up...go to this section and read again our One Purpose, Shared Responsibility and Personal Devotion. Teamchurch.com
As you start another week...here is a great verse about going to work today:
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." Colossians 3:23
"Hard work beats talent, when talent does not work hard!" Tim Tebow
Friday, January 23, 2009
Looking For Some Skilled People
This coming April, Team Church is going to celebrate our 10-year-anniversary by re-building & building a few needed things at the Howell Center in Mint Hill. The Howell Center is a place for severe mental and physical handicap kids and adults that can no longer be managed at home. As many of you know, this is where our daughter Ellie lives now. While going there on a weekly basis I have noticed that the "high-school" play area is in need of fixing and adding some new shelters and equipment. Also, the younger kid area has plenty of fenced yard...but no play ground equipment.
Moreover, in talking with the Howell Center they are no longer able to use their in-door therapy pool because the roof has a leak right over the pool and the ceiling tiles and such have fallen in and made the pool unusable. We are not sure if we can do all of these things in one weekend.....but we sure would like to try.
A few weeks ago we had 185 adults signed up to help at the Howell Center. That is awesome and more than enough for this one project. However, we need some skilled people to join me there in a week or two to assess the damage, make plans and design a strategy for what we can do. If you are a skilled carpenter, electrician, plumber, roofer, or the like and would like to be on the point team for this major project....then email me at Chrisfaulkner@teamchurch.com
The Howell Center does not have any money to put toward these needed projects. So, if you know of a company that supplies some of the needed materials we may use...let me know and I will put whomever becomes the point person for this project on it!
I love the fact that we are celebrating our 10-year-anniversary by doing 10 different service projects in our community. I love the fact that these projects/events are truly "others" focused. In these hard economic times the need is great for many people and the agencies that support them also need help. That is why we at Team Church are continuing what we have always done....be a church in the community, serving the community, reaching the community and making an impact in people's lives who may never sit in the seats of our church.
Team Church...our name designates that we are far more than a great place to sit and learn through a Sunday message and enjoy wonderful worship. Although that happens each Sunday......the local church must be in the action business of serving, impacting, reaching for Christ and helping to make each local community a better place to live.
"When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required." Luke 12:48
Have you been to our new website Teamchurch.com
Moreover, in talking with the Howell Center they are no longer able to use their in-door therapy pool because the roof has a leak right over the pool and the ceiling tiles and such have fallen in and made the pool unusable. We are not sure if we can do all of these things in one weekend.....but we sure would like to try.
A few weeks ago we had 185 adults signed up to help at the Howell Center. That is awesome and more than enough for this one project. However, we need some skilled people to join me there in a week or two to assess the damage, make plans and design a strategy for what we can do. If you are a skilled carpenter, electrician, plumber, roofer, or the like and would like to be on the point team for this major project....then email me at Chrisfaulkner@teamchurch.com
The Howell Center does not have any money to put toward these needed projects. So, if you know of a company that supplies some of the needed materials we may use...let me know and I will put whomever becomes the point person for this project on it!
I love the fact that we are celebrating our 10-year-anniversary by doing 10 different service projects in our community. I love the fact that these projects/events are truly "others" focused. In these hard economic times the need is great for many people and the agencies that support them also need help. That is why we at Team Church are continuing what we have always done....be a church in the community, serving the community, reaching the community and making an impact in people's lives who may never sit in the seats of our church.
Team Church...our name designates that we are far more than a great place to sit and learn through a Sunday message and enjoy wonderful worship. Although that happens each Sunday......the local church must be in the action business of serving, impacting, reaching for Christ and helping to make each local community a better place to live.
"When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required." Luke 12:48
Have you been to our new website Teamchurch.com
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Best Meeting Of The Week
I had my normal Thursday morning 6:45am breakfast meeting today. It is always my favorite meeting of the week.....guaranteed! I have had a breakfast meeting with my son, Peyton, most every Thursday during school since he was in 2nd grade. I love it and most important he loves it. He will always remind me on Wednesday night that I have a breakfast meeting with him in the morning.
This meeting over the last few years has become more important as we have gone from me trying to keep his attention by playing the "Hidden Shell" game with the small used creamer containers to talking about grades, sports, sex, sports, friends, sports, God, sports, Church, sports, family business and whatever else may be happening in our families life during a specific week.
Once again while talking this morning I was struck at how fast time is going. I was also thankful that as Peyton grows older and heads into the challenges that Middle & High School will bring that he loves church and looks forward to it each week. Moreover, as he told me this morning...."Team Kid was fun and I can't wait to get to go to Pursuit."
I am thankful that our kids have a great kids ministry on Sunday and Wednesday. I am also very proud of our Student ministry and what we are providing for our middle & high school students. It makes a difference in their lives....
Here is the point of today's BLOG: As parents we must realize that the values we are setting in our home are very important. We as the parents are the greatest influence our kids will ever have if they are to grow in godliness. At the younger ages, they will value what you value and mimic the spiritual rhythms you live out. Moreover, we must help our kids and teenagers prioritize God and Church into their lives. This means regular attendance on Sunday and the learning of how to prioritize your schedule to make room for bible learning, fun, fellowship, service, worship, prayer and the like.
Great job Clint, Christa and Stacey and all the volunteers in the leadership you give to our kids! Great job Brad and all his volunteers for the incredible student ministry you provide. Together, parents and Team Church leaders, we can raise a generation that is passionate about God and dedicated to living for Him.
That does not happen in our kid's lives.....one hour a week on Sunday!
“Listen! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:4-9
This meeting over the last few years has become more important as we have gone from me trying to keep his attention by playing the "Hidden Shell" game with the small used creamer containers to talking about grades, sports, sex, sports, friends, sports, God, sports, Church, sports, family business and whatever else may be happening in our families life during a specific week.
Once again while talking this morning I was struck at how fast time is going. I was also thankful that as Peyton grows older and heads into the challenges that Middle & High School will bring that he loves church and looks forward to it each week. Moreover, as he told me this morning...."Team Kid was fun and I can't wait to get to go to Pursuit."
I am thankful that our kids have a great kids ministry on Sunday and Wednesday. I am also very proud of our Student ministry and what we are providing for our middle & high school students. It makes a difference in their lives....
Here is the point of today's BLOG: As parents we must realize that the values we are setting in our home are very important. We as the parents are the greatest influence our kids will ever have if they are to grow in godliness. At the younger ages, they will value what you value and mimic the spiritual rhythms you live out. Moreover, we must help our kids and teenagers prioritize God and Church into their lives. This means regular attendance on Sunday and the learning of how to prioritize your schedule to make room for bible learning, fun, fellowship, service, worship, prayer and the like.
Great job Clint, Christa and Stacey and all the volunteers in the leadership you give to our kids! Great job Brad and all his volunteers for the incredible student ministry you provide. Together, parents and Team Church leaders, we can raise a generation that is passionate about God and dedicated to living for Him.
That does not happen in our kid's lives.....one hour a week on Sunday!
“Listen! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Quiet Strength W/ A Purpose!
I have always like NFL football coach, Tony Dungy. Two weeks ago he retired from coaching at the peak of his career. When asked why he was leaving while still being young enough and successful enough to coach in the NFL.....Tony Dungy was very clear. He said that his purpose in life was to honor God and help reach men and boys with the life changing message of Jesus Christ. Football to him was a passion and career that he enjoyed AND it gave him a platform to pursue his purpose. However, now, he feels like he can do more in attaining his purpose by taking his wealth and status and focusing directly on the mission/purpose God has given him. He plans to start ministries in Tampa and Indianapolis for men and those boys without fathers. That is a man who knows who he is and what is most important in life!
A few years ago Tony Dungy wrote the book Quiet Strength. I read it and loved it! This book chronicles his life and more specifically his belief system on how to live in today's world as a godly man. This book has been turned into a great Bible study and mens group discussion. I want to invite any man reading this BLOG to join other men on Thursday nights here at Team Church for the next few weeks. It will be a great time to learn, grow and become the man God wants you to be....and also the man, husband, boyfriend, employee, employer or whatever life setting you find yourself. It starts each Thursday night at 7pm.
Also, Team Kid and Pursuit is TONIGHT! Doors open at 6:30 both start at 7pm.
"Life is often compared to a marathon, but I think it is more like being a sprinter; long stretches of hard work punctuated by brief moments in which we are givn the opportunity to perform at our best."
Michael Johnson, Olympic Gold Medal Winner
A few years ago Tony Dungy wrote the book Quiet Strength. I read it and loved it! This book chronicles his life and more specifically his belief system on how to live in today's world as a godly man. This book has been turned into a great Bible study and mens group discussion. I want to invite any man reading this BLOG to join other men on Thursday nights here at Team Church for the next few weeks. It will be a great time to learn, grow and become the man God wants you to be....and also the man, husband, boyfriend, employee, employer or whatever life setting you find yourself. It starts each Thursday night at 7pm.
Also, Team Kid and Pursuit is TONIGHT! Doors open at 6:30 both start at 7pm.
"Life is often compared to a marathon, but I think it is more like being a sprinter; long stretches of hard work punctuated by brief moments in which we are givn the opportunity to perform at our best."
Michael Johnson, Olympic Gold Medal Winner
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
The Snow Dance
Last night at 8pm my son Peyton was saying...."I hope it snows so we don't have school." I told him that the only way to ensure it was going to snow was that he would have to do the snow dance. He rolled his eyes in disbelief. I then told him it was an old dance that people long ago would use....he still did not really believe but thought it was worth a shot. After I showed him the dance, it was funny enough that he also decided it would be funny and began to do it. Of course,Brady, my 3 1/2 year old thought it was real funny so he started to do it. I told them that if they both did it together that we were assured snow and no school.
Well.....the snow came and is still falling. School is closed and I can't wait to see Brady's face. Peyton (11) is old enough to know that it "probably" did not snow because of the dance. However, Brady is going to think his dance opened up heaven and let the snow fall. That boy will be dancing every night!
I am hoping we can get some more snow before they wake up and eat breakfast. The temperature should stay around 35 degrees......could make for some fun sledding. The roads into the church were clear this morning but seem to be getting worse as the snow keeps falling.....everyone have fun but drive safely!
This Coming Sunday is a BIG day for Team Church. We have our first "pre-view" service at our new campus in Lancaster Co. Steve Miller our Pastor there has done a good job building a core group and they are ready to go. Gordon and Olivia Hann who have been apart of our church for 9 years have moved there and will also be a big part. As a matter of fact Olivia will be leading the worship band! Be praying as we have about 20 people from Team Church (Matthews) going down there this Sunday to serve in different areas. This will be a great weekend here and there. It is all about Team!
As far as the weekend services here.....it is great to see the enthusiasm that everyone has over our new name and the prep for our 10-year anniversary celebrations. Last Tuesday we had over 100 people come and give Blood to the Red Cross. They were so amazed by the turn out they wanted to know if they could come back in June! We are now working with Indian Trail Elem School to "stuff a buss" full of school supplies that many kids will need to finish the year, but.... can't afford. Be looking for details of when to bring some school supplies.
We continue to grow and progress toward being all God has called us to be! Great Job!
"Sing to the Lord a new song for he has done marvelous things; his right and his holy arm have worked salvation for him!" Psalms 98:1
Well.....the snow came and is still falling. School is closed and I can't wait to see Brady's face. Peyton (11) is old enough to know that it "probably" did not snow because of the dance. However, Brady is going to think his dance opened up heaven and let the snow fall. That boy will be dancing every night!
I am hoping we can get some more snow before they wake up and eat breakfast. The temperature should stay around 35 degrees......could make for some fun sledding. The roads into the church were clear this morning but seem to be getting worse as the snow keeps falling.....everyone have fun but drive safely!
This Coming Sunday is a BIG day for Team Church. We have our first "pre-view" service at our new campus in Lancaster Co. Steve Miller our Pastor there has done a good job building a core group and they are ready to go. Gordon and Olivia Hann who have been apart of our church for 9 years have moved there and will also be a big part. As a matter of fact Olivia will be leading the worship band! Be praying as we have about 20 people from Team Church (Matthews) going down there this Sunday to serve in different areas. This will be a great weekend here and there. It is all about Team!
As far as the weekend services here.....it is great to see the enthusiasm that everyone has over our new name and the prep for our 10-year anniversary celebrations. Last Tuesday we had over 100 people come and give Blood to the Red Cross. They were so amazed by the turn out they wanted to know if they could come back in June! We are now working with Indian Trail Elem School to "stuff a buss" full of school supplies that many kids will need to finish the year, but.... can't afford. Be looking for details of when to bring some school supplies.
We continue to grow and progress toward being all God has called us to be! Great Job!
"Sing to the Lord a new song for he has done marvelous things; his right and his holy arm have worked salvation for him!" Psalms 98:1
Monday, January 19, 2009
Shared Responsibility
Yesterday I was very clear on what a fully devoted follower of Christ does in the local church. How each of us should Share in the Responsibility of helping Team Church achieve our One Purpose.
As I said yesterday....these are just the basics. Four basic attitudes and action that are commanded by God to be a part of your life. Four foundational marks...(not of a Christian as that comes from the grace of God through faith)....but a Christian who decides to be all that God has asked him or her to be! These are Spiritual because they are commands of God and they are practical.... because if they don't happen....the church fails. They are four fundamentals that will also change your personal life into more than you could ever imagine.
What you will see all over Team Church is this motto:
Shared Responsibility:
We are to Love One Another!
We are to Serve In The Church
We are to Give To God Through The Church
We are to Share Jesus Christ With Others.
That is it....Love, Serve, Give and Share. Those are what each person who calls Team Church....should be active and engaging in! It is the only way we have a healthy church that accomplishes the high calling of God for our individual lives and our this church.
After listening to the message yesterday....were you willing to "sign-up" and let us know you agree with the One Purpose of Team Church AND that you will Share in the Responsibility of that One Purpose?
If you missed the message...please go and listen or watch on line sometime this week!
As I said yesterday.....full devotion takes action and not just emotional and mental agreement. Our One Purpose will not happen just because we think it is a good thing to do or because we prayed about it. It happens when after praying about it....we act! This year has started off better than any year in our 10 year history.....I can't wait to see what "we" all get to do and be apart of this year!
Team Church in Lancaster Co. has it's first "practice" service this coming Sunday. Be praying that God will our new campus to fulfill our One Purpose there too!
"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing!" - Walt Disney
As I said yesterday....these are just the basics. Four basic attitudes and action that are commanded by God to be a part of your life. Four foundational marks...(not of a Christian as that comes from the grace of God through faith)....but a Christian who decides to be all that God has asked him or her to be! These are Spiritual because they are commands of God and they are practical.... because if they don't happen....the church fails. They are four fundamentals that will also change your personal life into more than you could ever imagine.
What you will see all over Team Church is this motto:
Shared Responsibility:
We are to Love One Another!
We are to Serve In The Church
We are to Give To God Through The Church
We are to Share Jesus Christ With Others.
That is it....Love, Serve, Give and Share. Those are what each person who calls Team Church....should be active and engaging in! It is the only way we have a healthy church that accomplishes the high calling of God for our individual lives and our this church.
After listening to the message yesterday....were you willing to "sign-up" and let us know you agree with the One Purpose of Team Church AND that you will Share in the Responsibility of that One Purpose?
If you missed the message...please go and listen or watch on line sometime this week!
As I said yesterday.....full devotion takes action and not just emotional and mental agreement. Our One Purpose will not happen just because we think it is a good thing to do or because we prayed about it. It happens when after praying about it....we act! This year has started off better than any year in our 10 year history.....I can't wait to see what "we" all get to do and be apart of this year!
Team Church in Lancaster Co. has it's first "practice" service this coming Sunday. Be praying that God will our new campus to fulfill our One Purpose there too!
"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing!" - Walt Disney
Friday, January 16, 2009
I would be willing to bet......
I would be willing to bet that the people on the plane yesterday that was bound for Charlotte but crashed landed in the Hudson River were not thinking these things while strapping on their life vest and preparing to crash land in the Hudson River...
.....I wonder how my 401k is doing as the market closes today!
.....I cannot believe that my house is no longer valued like it once was!
.....I am ticked that I was passed over for that promotion!
.....I still can't believe the Panthers lost to the Cardinals!
.....I wish I had spent more time traveling and working and not with my kids!
.....I wonder how my company's stock will do at the closing bell!
.....Man, I am glad that I bought that new flat screen and X-BOX 360!
.....Good thing I stayed mad at my spouse and did not talk to him/her today!
.....Guess if I die,I will go back to dust because their is no God or heaven!
.....No need for a quick prayer, I don't believe in God!
I think you get my point. I watched a few interviews and heard the comments from the passengers. At that moment.....what is really important in this life becomes real clear. Moreover, one guy said....EVERYONE was praying! There are no atheist in foxholes or planes that are cashing!
Last Sunday we talk about the One Purpose of Team Church. This Sunday we will share the life changing practical spiritual commands of God that each of us is to do as we Share in the Responsibility of the Purpose of the church. Four words.....that will change your life.
"I am only one, but I am one!
I can't do everything, but I can do something
And that I can do, I ought to do
And what I ought to do, by the grace of God, I shall do." Edward Hale
.....I wonder how my 401k is doing as the market closes today!
.....I cannot believe that my house is no longer valued like it once was!
.....I am ticked that I was passed over for that promotion!
.....I still can't believe the Panthers lost to the Cardinals!
.....I wish I had spent more time traveling and working and not with my kids!
.....I wonder how my company's stock will do at the closing bell!
.....Man, I am glad that I bought that new flat screen and X-BOX 360!
.....Good thing I stayed mad at my spouse and did not talk to him/her today!
.....Guess if I die,I will go back to dust because their is no God or heaven!
.....No need for a quick prayer, I don't believe in God!
I think you get my point. I watched a few interviews and heard the comments from the passengers. At that moment.....what is really important in this life becomes real clear. Moreover, one guy said....EVERYONE was praying! There are no atheist in foxholes or planes that are cashing!
Last Sunday we talk about the One Purpose of Team Church. This Sunday we will share the life changing practical spiritual commands of God that each of us is to do as we Share in the Responsibility of the Purpose of the church. Four words.....that will change your life.
"I am only one, but I am one!
I can't do everything, but I can do something
And that I can do, I ought to do
And what I ought to do, by the grace of God, I shall do." Edward Hale
Thursday, January 15, 2009
The Place To Be!
Last night I picked up my son from Lacrosse practice and brought him to Team Kid. When I drove into our parking lot.....our church parking lot and campus looked like a happening courtyard area at the mall. After checking him into Team Kid I sat in my Jeep and watched all the kids, teenagers and adults milling around and having a good time. Some were playing games in the atrium area, others watching ESPN on the flat screens, some eating pizza and having a coke, teenagers were "hanging-out" like they enjoy doing and even the parents were chatting with each other and enjoying some coffee. The whole scene looked awesome....and the night had not really started as that was just the "hang-out" time from 6:30-7pm.
At the moment I knew we were now providing something we had never really done before. Our campus was alive with relationship building, energy, fun, inspiration and learning....all in one place for the whole family. This was a night for worship, growing, and learning to become more like Christ.
1st - 5th grade were upstairs at Team Kid. A place where they learn the Bible, memorize the truth in the Bible, worship, breakout into Home Teams to discuss what they are learning and how they can apply it to their life.....all this in a fun way so that a kid wants to be there. My son came home again and showed be his Playbook (Bible reading, questions and weekly character building things to do) and said he was looking forward to another Team Kid Season. 75 kids were here for the first night!
6-12th grade were in the main auditorium at The Pursuit. A place where these students worship weekly with a Student led band, tech crew, and the like. They enjoy great music, teaching, and friendships to help them navigate these tough years. However, this group is not designed to just help them be "good" ....it is designed to help them to live a motivated and committed life to Christ that will impact their lives and this community. 133 students were here for the first night.
Many adults have chosen this night for their own personal Home Team night. So many of the rooms on campus have adults meeting in them for group time. Other adult Home Team groups go off campus and meet as they know their kids are well taken care. Still others use it as a great night to reconnect as husband and wife. ( I saw a few drop their kids off and head to dinner.....for many married couples, that is a ministry to them as they need that time.)
This is an aspect of the dream vision I shared this time last year. I shared that I felt very passionate about being a church that was more than just a place to come for an hour or so on Sunday. I believe very firmly that kids, teenager and adults need more than that if they are to be all God wants them to be!
Great job to our staff and the many volunteers that make Wednesday night....The Place To Be!
As we think about where we have come and where we are going as Team Church:
"Faith is the confidence of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see!"
Hebrews 11:1
"Faith is not the absence of fear....it is moving forward anyway!"
At the moment I knew we were now providing something we had never really done before. Our campus was alive with relationship building, energy, fun, inspiration and learning....all in one place for the whole family. This was a night for worship, growing, and learning to become more like Christ.
1st - 5th grade were upstairs at Team Kid. A place where they learn the Bible, memorize the truth in the Bible, worship, breakout into Home Teams to discuss what they are learning and how they can apply it to their life.....all this in a fun way so that a kid wants to be there. My son came home again and showed be his Playbook (Bible reading, questions and weekly character building things to do) and said he was looking forward to another Team Kid Season. 75 kids were here for the first night!
6-12th grade were in the main auditorium at The Pursuit. A place where these students worship weekly with a Student led band, tech crew, and the like. They enjoy great music, teaching, and friendships to help them navigate these tough years. However, this group is not designed to just help them be "good" ....it is designed to help them to live a motivated and committed life to Christ that will impact their lives and this community. 133 students were here for the first night.
Many adults have chosen this night for their own personal Home Team night. So many of the rooms on campus have adults meeting in them for group time. Other adult Home Team groups go off campus and meet as they know their kids are well taken care. Still others use it as a great night to reconnect as husband and wife. ( I saw a few drop their kids off and head to dinner.....for many married couples, that is a ministry to them as they need that time.)
This is an aspect of the dream vision I shared this time last year. I shared that I felt very passionate about being a church that was more than just a place to come for an hour or so on Sunday. I believe very firmly that kids, teenager and adults need more than that if they are to be all God wants them to be!
Great job to our staff and the many volunteers that make Wednesday night....The Place To Be!
As we think about where we have come and where we are going as Team Church:
"Faith is the confidence of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see!"
Hebrews 11:1
"Faith is not the absence of fear....it is moving forward anyway!"
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
I said I would not do it this year...but I did
Last night I watched it......on the DVR so I could fast forward through the commercials....but I did watch it. I laughed, I liked the human stories and as usual I enjoyed the mindless drivel that is American Idol.
I had told myself I would not watch "another" year of this crazy show. However, crafty and smart producers mixed with many foolish people seeking at best...... easy, quick, sudden riches and at worst....they get 60 seconds of ridiculous fame. This makes for an enjoyable laugh every show. Adding the new lady as a full-time judge help to break the 8 season rut of similar banter between the Simon, Paula and Randy.
So I watched.......the whole thing and was glad to hear it comes on again tonight. It is crazy, but, I like it. Ever wondered what makes some people like one TV show and others hate it? I can't stand shows like LOST, Law & Order SVU, ER, 24, CSI, Prison Break and the like. My wife loves them! However, I can watch the same ESPN Sports Center at 11pm ..even though I already saw the first airing of it at 6pm. My kids can watch the exact same DVRed Sponge Bob over and over. For the most part, most of these TV shows are mindless or fantasy and that is why we like it.
So what does this BLOG entry have to do with the Team Church? Nothing really.....just mindless reading today. I will be back to focused values, vision and information you can use on Thursday. However, I bet you laughed a little or at least I made you think about what you do or do not watch.
Actually....here is some info to remember: Team Kid & Pursuit start tonight at 6:30pm.
"Start by doing what's necessary, then what's possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible." St. Francis Of Assisi
I had told myself I would not watch "another" year of this crazy show. However, crafty and smart producers mixed with many foolish people seeking at best...... easy, quick, sudden riches and at worst....they get 60 seconds of ridiculous fame. This makes for an enjoyable laugh every show. Adding the new lady as a full-time judge help to break the 8 season rut of similar banter between the Simon, Paula and Randy.
So I watched.......the whole thing and was glad to hear it comes on again tonight. It is crazy, but, I like it. Ever wondered what makes some people like one TV show and others hate it? I can't stand shows like LOST, Law & Order SVU, ER, 24, CSI, Prison Break and the like. My wife loves them! However, I can watch the same ESPN Sports Center at 11pm ..even though I already saw the first airing of it at 6pm. My kids can watch the exact same DVRed Sponge Bob over and over. For the most part, most of these TV shows are mindless or fantasy and that is why we like it.
So what does this BLOG entry have to do with the Team Church? Nothing really.....just mindless reading today. I will be back to focused values, vision and information you can use on Thursday. However, I bet you laughed a little or at least I made you think about what you do or do not watch.
Actually....here is some info to remember: Team Kid & Pursuit start tonight at 6:30pm.
"Start by doing what's necessary, then what's possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible." St. Francis Of Assisi
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Team Church & Red Cross team up to save lives!
At 5:30 am this morning the Red Cross truck pulled into our parking lot and started to unload the beds, the needles, the blood banks and the like. Starting at 7am this morning over 150 adults from Team Church will roll in here to give their own Blood!
This blood of course will be used to save lives in emergencies and other times that life saving blood is required in medical procedures. The blood given stays here in Meck County and is used for our city. This is a great way to kick off our year long 10 year anniversary celebration. As you know, we are doing 10 outward focused service projects to our surrounding communities.
In talking to Janice Walters, the Team Church volunteer who is leading this effort, she tells me that she feels compelled to do this! Why? Because a few years ago she was having a surgical procedure when things went wrong. The end story is that if it were not for the Red Cross Blood Bank.....she would have died. She knows that without the generous giving of others people's blood, she would not be here. So......she gives back her own blood plus helps lead out in these massive blood drives.
Hmmmmmm giving your time and effort so that others may live...because you know what it is like to have been saved......that sounds like the main reason I challenged all of us to "Reach people where they are and lead them to full devotion in Jesus Christ."
I hope to see you here this morning...7am - noon.
How did the Rezoning vote go last night? It went very well! The Mayor himself made the motion to accept the motion. After some discussion it was said by a few town council members that they agreed that the best use for the property is for a church and the facilities, walking trails, natural areas and sports fields we will develop. However.....they wanted us to provide a buffer on the South East corner of our current property that exceeds the code basics. We gladly obliged their request.
So, two weeks from now we go back and will show them an example of what we are willing to do. That way there is a clear descriptiveness of what we will do and their is no confusion. For those who are wondering...."will this thing ever end?" Yes, this is it. I was assured by the Town Council that this was the only other issue and the only one to be discussed and brought up in two weeks. So, we will show them via pictures and landscape drawings what we are proposing as a buffer on that corner and then we will have our rezoning.
Patience is a great virtue that we can all develop. As I tell my sons all the time, if it is not worth working for, waiting for and sacrificing for....then it may not be worth it.
Time for me to go give some blood! Here is a question to ponder....Do you think ADHD is transmitted through Blood? HA HA
Here is a great verse for today:
Acts 20:28
Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.
This blood of course will be used to save lives in emergencies and other times that life saving blood is required in medical procedures. The blood given stays here in Meck County and is used for our city. This is a great way to kick off our year long 10 year anniversary celebration. As you know, we are doing 10 outward focused service projects to our surrounding communities.
In talking to Janice Walters, the Team Church volunteer who is leading this effort, she tells me that she feels compelled to do this! Why? Because a few years ago she was having a surgical procedure when things went wrong. The end story is that if it were not for the Red Cross Blood Bank.....she would have died. She knows that without the generous giving of others people's blood, she would not be here. So......she gives back her own blood plus helps lead out in these massive blood drives.
Hmmmmmm giving your time and effort so that others may live...because you know what it is like to have been saved......that sounds like the main reason I challenged all of us to "Reach people where they are and lead them to full devotion in Jesus Christ."
I hope to see you here this morning...7am - noon.
How did the Rezoning vote go last night? It went very well! The Mayor himself made the motion to accept the motion. After some discussion it was said by a few town council members that they agreed that the best use for the property is for a church and the facilities, walking trails, natural areas and sports fields we will develop. However.....they wanted us to provide a buffer on the South East corner of our current property that exceeds the code basics. We gladly obliged their request.
So, two weeks from now we go back and will show them an example of what we are willing to do. That way there is a clear descriptiveness of what we will do and their is no confusion. For those who are wondering...."will this thing ever end?" Yes, this is it. I was assured by the Town Council that this was the only other issue and the only one to be discussed and brought up in two weeks. So, we will show them via pictures and landscape drawings what we are proposing as a buffer on that corner and then we will have our rezoning.
Patience is a great virtue that we can all develop. As I tell my sons all the time, if it is not worth working for, waiting for and sacrificing for....then it may not be worth it.
Time for me to go give some blood! Here is a question to ponder....Do you think ADHD is transmitted through Blood? HA HA
Here is a great verse for today:
Acts 20:28
Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Sunday was great. What a way to start our new series under our new name as we celebrate 10 years as a church. As we said yesterday....same church, same purpose, same values, same mission.....new name.
I was personally moved when I saw so many people in both services coming up to sign your name on the wall. Knowing that together as a Team Church that we all understand and are committed to the One Purpose of this church....is Awesome and will enable us to continue the impact in our city that we have enjoyed for the last 10 years.
Speaking of impact in our city....tonight the town council will once again vote on our rezoning petition. We have submitted plans for the entire 60 acre campus here and are praying that the town council will approve it. They have deferred for three months now as we have been asked to work through some issues. Hopefully, tomorrow morning while we are all giving blood here at our Red Cross blood drive, we can report good news of the rezoning.
One last thing! Our new website teamchurch.com is up and running. Go check it out and use it weekly to stay up to date with what is going on. Moreover, share it with a friend!
In reference to yesterdays message on One Purpose....
"To be what we are, and to become what we are capable of becoming is the only end of life." Robert Lewis Stevenson
I was personally moved when I saw so many people in both services coming up to sign your name on the wall. Knowing that together as a Team Church that we all understand and are committed to the One Purpose of this church....is Awesome and will enable us to continue the impact in our city that we have enjoyed for the last 10 years.
Speaking of impact in our city....tonight the town council will once again vote on our rezoning petition. We have submitted plans for the entire 60 acre campus here and are praying that the town council will approve it. They have deferred for three months now as we have been asked to work through some issues. Hopefully, tomorrow morning while we are all giving blood here at our Red Cross blood drive, we can report good news of the rezoning.
One last thing! Our new website teamchurch.com is up and running. Go check it out and use it weekly to stay up to date with what is going on. Moreover, share it with a friend!
In reference to yesterdays message on One Purpose....
"To be what we are, and to become what we are capable of becoming is the only end of life." Robert Lewis Stevenson
Friday, January 9, 2009
Great Way To End The Year!
No....I am not talking about the HUGE Gator win last night as the University Of Florida won the college football national championship. Although that was great!
I am talking about the way that the people of CSF gave at the end of the year. We challenged you to give to help Team Church start 2009 of with out any debt beyond our mortgage. YOU CAME THROUGH.....we hit our financial goal and were able to close out 2008 in a positive financial way! I know these are very hard financial times for all of us.....however, when we are faithful to give as God tells us....he meets our needs and blesses us in ways we cold never imagine.
As we move into 2009 lets stay ahead of the giving curve! As everyone does their part and shares in the responsibility of making Team Church a great and impacting force for God.....we will be a blessed church that in turn can bless others. Great Job!
Don't forget next Monday is the Matthews Town Council vote again for our rezoning request. Be praying that the Town Council will see our vision for this property and vote yes to allow us to serve and impact this area.
Reminders for Sunday:
1) Bring a friend or enemy!
2) Be on time and don't miss the first 5 minutes!
3) Sit up front and toward the middle!
4) Take a free Team Church window decal on your way out!
"The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low and achieving our mark!" - Michelangelo
"Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble and keep on praying."
Romans 12:12
I am talking about the way that the people of CSF gave at the end of the year. We challenged you to give to help Team Church start 2009 of with out any debt beyond our mortgage. YOU CAME THROUGH.....we hit our financial goal and were able to close out 2008 in a positive financial way! I know these are very hard financial times for all of us.....however, when we are faithful to give as God tells us....he meets our needs and blesses us in ways we cold never imagine.
As we move into 2009 lets stay ahead of the giving curve! As everyone does their part and shares in the responsibility of making Team Church a great and impacting force for God.....we will be a blessed church that in turn can bless others. Great Job!
Don't forget next Monday is the Matthews Town Council vote again for our rezoning request. Be praying that the Town Council will see our vision for this property and vote yes to allow us to serve and impact this area.
Reminders for Sunday:
1) Bring a friend or enemy!
2) Be on time and don't miss the first 5 minutes!
3) Sit up front and toward the middle!
4) Take a free Team Church window decal on your way out!
"The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low and achieving our mark!" - Michelangelo
"Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble and keep on praying."
Romans 12:12
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Did You See That Sunrise
One of the great things of getting up early and leaving the house for work at 7am is getting to see a sun-rise like we have this morning. It was a mixture of red, purple and hot pink. Amazing.......If you are reading this by 8am you may get to see it too!
Last night as I was being blown over by the hurricane force winds and watching my son practice Lacrosse when I had that "oh no" feeling. I remembered it was a new year and it was Wednesday night.... and that Team Kid was.....then I remembered that Team Kid starts next Wednesday night.
I am so glad that Clint and our kid's ministry started Team Kid last fall. I know my 5th grade son loves it and for the first time in his life he was reading the bible almost daily, memorizing Bible verses and learning what they Bible says in a creative and fun way that is designed especially for his age. It is different than Sunday morning as they have teams that stay together the entire 10 week season with a leader that guides them through our Team Kid manual for life.
Like I did when I was growing up, Peyton will go from practice straight to Team Kid on the Wednesday nights he has practice. Makes for a long afternoon/evening once in a while but it also teaches time management, disciple of time and in my opinion is better than sitting at home watching TV of playing silly video games.
Also, for all Middle & High School students.....the highly acclaimed "Pursuit" starts next Wednesday too. Last fall was the first season for this also and over 120 students came each week! We should all work hard to make sure our kids are at these great mid-week experiences. We design them to be in 10 consecutive week seasons... that then take a break for 3-6 weeks. This ensures that each night is done with excellence, is fresh, exciting and most importantly impacting to our kids.
Thought for today as you see that Sunrise:
"Paradise is where I am" - Voltaire
"Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths, guide me in your truth and teach me for you are my God. - Psalms 25:4-5
Last night as I was being blown over by the hurricane force winds and watching my son practice Lacrosse when I had that "oh no" feeling. I remembered it was a new year and it was Wednesday night.... and that Team Kid was.....then I remembered that Team Kid starts next Wednesday night.
I am so glad that Clint and our kid's ministry started Team Kid last fall. I know my 5th grade son loves it and for the first time in his life he was reading the bible almost daily, memorizing Bible verses and learning what they Bible says in a creative and fun way that is designed especially for his age. It is different than Sunday morning as they have teams that stay together the entire 10 week season with a leader that guides them through our Team Kid manual for life.
Like I did when I was growing up, Peyton will go from practice straight to Team Kid on the Wednesday nights he has practice. Makes for a long afternoon/evening once in a while but it also teaches time management, disciple of time and in my opinion is better than sitting at home watching TV of playing silly video games.
Also, for all Middle & High School students.....the highly acclaimed "Pursuit" starts next Wednesday too. Last fall was the first season for this also and over 120 students came each week! We should all work hard to make sure our kids are at these great mid-week experiences. We design them to be in 10 consecutive week seasons... that then take a break for 3-6 weeks. This ensures that each night is done with excellence, is fresh, exciting and most importantly impacting to our kids.
Thought for today as you see that Sunrise:
"Paradise is where I am" - Voltaire
"Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths, guide me in your truth and teach me for you are my God. - Psalms 25:4-5
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Enjoying The Ride
Two times last week I saw the difference between mundane and excitement.... between newness and routine... between enjoying the journey and just trudging through it. The funny thing is that I saw all of these same reactions and attitudes at the same place.
Last week while our family was in Dallas visiting my wife's family, I took Peyton and Brady on our Christmas journey to downtown Dallas via the metro train. One of the stations is only a mile from where my in-laws live. Every year when we are there for Christmas, I have taken Peyton on the train to downtown. This was Brady's first time to come with us. When we got on the metro both boys ran to their seat and began looking out the window. The entire 25 minute trip was filled with laughing, smiling, pointing and the thrill of going over the streets, under the ground, along side tall buildings and the like. They loved it!
However, sitting in front of us, behind us and all around us were people who were not having as much on the train. They looked gloomy, bored, mad and not at all interested in the sights and sound of the train ride. I noticed this same thing on the plane ride home too. The boys peering out the window, drinking "free" cokes the whole ride and having a blast when we took off and landed.
Same journeys and rides were being had by all on the train and plane. However, the enjoyment factor and attitudes of those riding were very much different. Of course, I know the answer to the difference. Some people riding were going to work, some do that all the time, some had issues going on in their life. I know, I know, I know....but something inside of me wants to have the faith of a child and the thrills of a boy riding a train, every time I am doing something ordinary and routine. I have always thought that a right perspective and attitude can always overcome routine and even challenging times.
I have never wanted Sunday mornings at Team Church to become like a metro train ride or plane trip. All around us amazing things are happening and yet because we experience it on regular basis it becomes ordinary and mundane. This is why we work so very hard to provide meaningful and impacting services. However, I also know in my own life that if my attitude and purpose for coming each Sunday is not positive and filled with expectation that something good or even great is going to happen...then Sundays and Home Team and reading my Bible can become routine and lose their thrill and adventure. Same is true with just everyday life......
So as you start 2009 off......my guess is that you will have a lot of routine things going on in your life. What attitude and purpose are you bringing with you each day of the Journey?
What is Purpose?
"Purpose comprises those aspects of life that define who we are as individuals and the kind of life we want to live and person we want to become. It is who we are and not what we do." - Jim Tressel
This Sunday I will share with you how you can ride through 2009 with the thrills, adventure and smiles of a boy riding a train!
Last week while our family was in Dallas visiting my wife's family, I took Peyton and Brady on our Christmas journey to downtown Dallas via the metro train. One of the stations is only a mile from where my in-laws live. Every year when we are there for Christmas, I have taken Peyton on the train to downtown. This was Brady's first time to come with us. When we got on the metro both boys ran to their seat and began looking out the window. The entire 25 minute trip was filled with laughing, smiling, pointing and the thrill of going over the streets, under the ground, along side tall buildings and the like. They loved it!
However, sitting in front of us, behind us and all around us were people who were not having as much on the train. They looked gloomy, bored, mad and not at all interested in the sights and sound of the train ride. I noticed this same thing on the plane ride home too. The boys peering out the window, drinking "free" cokes the whole ride and having a blast when we took off and landed.
Same journeys and rides were being had by all on the train and plane. However, the enjoyment factor and attitudes of those riding were very much different. Of course, I know the answer to the difference. Some people riding were going to work, some do that all the time, some had issues going on in their life. I know, I know, I know....but something inside of me wants to have the faith of a child and the thrills of a boy riding a train, every time I am doing something ordinary and routine. I have always thought that a right perspective and attitude can always overcome routine and even challenging times.
I have never wanted Sunday mornings at Team Church to become like a metro train ride or plane trip. All around us amazing things are happening and yet because we experience it on regular basis it becomes ordinary and mundane. This is why we work so very hard to provide meaningful and impacting services. However, I also know in my own life that if my attitude and purpose for coming each Sunday is not positive and filled with expectation that something good or even great is going to happen...then Sundays and Home Team and reading my Bible can become routine and lose their thrill and adventure. Same is true with just everyday life......
So as you start 2009 off......my guess is that you will have a lot of routine things going on in your life. What attitude and purpose are you bringing with you each day of the Journey?
What is Purpose?
"Purpose comprises those aspects of life that define who we are as individuals and the kind of life we want to live and person we want to become. It is who we are and not what we do." - Jim Tressel
This Sunday I will share with you how you can ride through 2009 with the thrills, adventure and smiles of a boy riding a train!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Mural is gone...new stage design going up
Our staff and volunteers worked hard Sunday and Monday to clear the stage of the Mural and get ready for our new exciting message series that starts this Sunday. I love the way we use visual aids to help make each Sunday experience a great learning and meaningful experience. The effort our staff and volunteers put into each Sunday is so that different people with different learning styles and personalities can learn and be challenged in each given topic.
We value offering challenging, risky and life-changing messages. Christianity and the local church was never meant to be a safe, easy, low risk message or experience. I love the fact that each Sunday is not just information meant to educate …..but it is presented to stimulate to action. We value transformational information that challenges us to be all that God wants us to be and do!
I promise you that the next three messages will be all of those things. I have been thinking, praying and preparing for these messages for the last few weeks...and I am very pumped to give them. If you have friends who want to know what Team Church is all about, who we are, where we are going, what we are doing in this community and the like....then bring them this Sunday. If you have friends looking for a church that is geared to make real lasting changes and impact in their lives and their community....then get them here! As we approach our 10 year anniversary we are set and primed to make even a larger impact in our community.
Be here this Sunday and don’t miss the first 5 minutes!
Here is a thought ..."If you do the things you need to do when you need to do them, then one day you can do the things you want to do when you want to do them."
We value offering challenging, risky and life-changing messages. Christianity and the local church was never meant to be a safe, easy, low risk message or experience. I love the fact that each Sunday is not just information meant to educate …..but it is presented to stimulate to action. We value transformational information that challenges us to be all that God wants us to be and do!
I promise you that the next three messages will be all of those things. I have been thinking, praying and preparing for these messages for the last few weeks...and I am very pumped to give them. If you have friends who want to know what Team Church is all about, who we are, where we are going, what we are doing in this community and the like....then bring them this Sunday. If you have friends looking for a church that is geared to make real lasting changes and impact in their lives and their community....then get them here! As we approach our 10 year anniversary we are set and primed to make even a larger impact in our community.
Be here this Sunday and don’t miss the first 5 minutes!
Here is a thought ..."If you do the things you need to do when you need to do them, then one day you can do the things you want to do when you want to do them."
Monday, January 5, 2009
The first 5 minutes was all we promised!
I was not there....but I heard the first five minutes of the Sunday service yesterday was very impacting. Shocking is the word I heard. I truly believe the visual will help each of us be able to have the right attitude and gratitude as we move into 2009. If you were not there....go to our website on Tuesday and watch it. Also, if you missed the AMAZING Christmas Eve service you can watch it now.
We are now Team Church! Get ready for a great new year as we begin with our new name. Our name describes who we have been and who we will always be in our city. We are a church that believes that people in the church all matter and should Team up to live the best life possible as we act as the church. However, we also believe that the local church is suppose to be active and engaging in our city. We are to Team up with others in our city to make a difference and do something significant with our lives as a church.
This Sunday we will start a 3 part series that will show very clearly what God has commissioned Team Church to be and do. We are a church that believes in being action oriented to make an impact in our world. I am so excited about what we are doing this year....I can't hardly stand it.
As Rick told you on Sunday......we will celebrate our 10 year anniversary by doing 10 specific community minded and impacting events. From building playgrounds to giving our own blood at a blood drive at the church next Tuesday....we are going to let our area know that Team Church is primed and ready as a we move into our 10th year to DO SOMETHING SIGNIFICANT for our city and beyond. We also will be launching our first new campus as Team Church in Lancaster county starts this Spring.
Get ready......Team Church is going to be awesome!
This year....every day's BLOG will conclude with a verse, thought or quote for the day. Here is the one I wanted to share with you today..."Attitude is the mind's paintbrush, go create a masterpiece today." (Author Unknown)
We are now Team Church! Get ready for a great new year as we begin with our new name. Our name describes who we have been and who we will always be in our city. We are a church that believes that people in the church all matter and should Team up to live the best life possible as we act as the church. However, we also believe that the local church is suppose to be active and engaging in our city. We are to Team up with others in our city to make a difference and do something significant with our lives as a church.
This Sunday we will start a 3 part series that will show very clearly what God has commissioned Team Church to be and do. We are a church that believes in being action oriented to make an impact in our world. I am so excited about what we are doing this year....I can't hardly stand it.
As Rick told you on Sunday......we will celebrate our 10 year anniversary by doing 10 specific community minded and impacting events. From building playgrounds to giving our own blood at a blood drive at the church next Tuesday....we are going to let our area know that Team Church is primed and ready as a we move into our 10th year to DO SOMETHING SIGNIFICANT for our city and beyond. We also will be launching our first new campus as Team Church in Lancaster county starts this Spring.
Get ready......Team Church is going to be awesome!
This year....every day's BLOG will conclude with a verse, thought or quote for the day. Here is the one I wanted to share with you today..."Attitude is the mind's paintbrush, go create a masterpiece today." (Author Unknown)
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