The office took off for Memorial Day so my Monday Morning Report is a day late. However, I sat down yesterday morning to write this post because of all the excitement from the day before.
Let's start with worship. There was an excitement we haven't seen in some time. This wasn't just based on my own observation, but comments, phone calls, texts, and Facebook messages I received all day Sunday. Many mentioned how uplifting the song service had been - the song selection and duo song leaders. It really wasn't about Lex and myself, while we were thrilled to be a part of it, but how the songs touched the spirit of the church. One of the few times EVER in my years of preaching, a visitor told me they would be back because of the singing (and they were a young family).
Speaking of visitors, we had a ton of them. In Coffee Connection alone, we had two new families. Both had small children and both were blown away with our children's ministry. Two other young families were back and spoke highly of the program. We are experiencing something special right now. God is sending prospects our way, and most of them are young families with children. I firmly believe if you put the work into something, that the Lord will send people our way. One young family told me they came yesterday because they were driving by our building and his wife said, "Let's visit this church." Coincidence? Maybe. Sent by God? Highly probable. We are getting a lot of this type of thing right now.
Anytime there is growth Satan will always try to find ways to stop it. He uses criticism, bad attitudes, tradition, and the easier way, to name a few. Don't get me wrong, there will be growing pains. Our children ministry has more than doubled. We have had a massive influx of 2 and 3 year olds. We have people attending who have little or no knowledge of the Bible. These types of things create frustration for some. This is where we must show patience.
So what can we do? Find a place to plug in. The bulletin and weekly emails are constantly asking for volunteers in many areas. Also, keep the ultimate goal in mind - bringing the lost to Christ. We are not here to serve ourselves. You may like something another way, because that is the way it has always been done, but unless you have Scripture to back it up you must support what is working best and approved by the leadership. If you don't like something keep it to yourself. Negative comments do nothing but stifle the work of Christ in the church. Also, reach out to our visitors. Invite them to lunch, have them over to your home, talk with them when they visit. Don't be picky with who you will greet and who you won't greet. Don't just roll out the red carpet for those who are "like you." Show the true spirit of Christ.
God is doing something special, it's time we step up as a church and support the work of Christ.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Monday, May 20, 2013
A Very Sore Monday
A few things I am thankful for this Monday morning - aspirin, ice packs, and coffee. After playing with some of the teens and young adults, in what seemed to be endless games of basketball, I am moving slowly. I've gotten so old I twisted my ankle and didn't realize how bad it was until I got home and took off my shoes. Luckily I have a brace for almost every part of my body. The positive: playing ball with a good group of guys. No cussing, no fights, no over-competitive attitudes. There was some trash talking, ok that was me, but getting into their heads is my best defense. I have to make up for several years of "old school" basketball. I love the young people in this church and cherish every opportunity to spend time with them.
Speaking of young people, we had two young couples in the Coffee Connection this week. One repeat, and the other came for the first time. Both have children three and under. They are all excited about this church. It is sad to think next Sunday is our last Coffee Connection for the summer. Let's make sure we welcome all of our guests and take the time to buy their lunch or meet for coffee at another time. People are looking for connection.
You may be wondering why we are taking a break from Coffee Connection. For one, when the decision was made we were not having enough visitors attending. Secondly, I will begin a new Sunday morning class on a very important subject - "In the Beginning...". This is a great class for Christians and non-believers alike.
Speaking of opportunities, this Thursday is the first of our Rockin' Seniors game day. It will begin at 10 am in the Coffee Shop. How long it lasts depends on those who come. Some may want to bring their own lunch and keep playing. Others may want to go out for lunch. Either way, togetherness is the key theme. Also, ANYONE can attend. The ministers are planning to take out some time and we encourage anyone who wants to spend some time with some of the greatest people I know - our senior adults. Believe me, they know how to have fun. Personally I'm looking for someone to play Skipbo or Rook, maybe even some dominoes. Bring games you would like to play or just show up and hang out.
More summer announcements will be revealed soon. Also, don't forget to check on those who usually sit around you or you know is in the hospital, sick, or going through a difficult time.
Speaking of young people, we had two young couples in the Coffee Connection this week. One repeat, and the other came for the first time. Both have children three and under. They are all excited about this church. It is sad to think next Sunday is our last Coffee Connection for the summer. Let's make sure we welcome all of our guests and take the time to buy their lunch or meet for coffee at another time. People are looking for connection.
You may be wondering why we are taking a break from Coffee Connection. For one, when the decision was made we were not having enough visitors attending. Secondly, I will begin a new Sunday morning class on a very important subject - "In the Beginning...". This is a great class for Christians and non-believers alike.
Speaking of opportunities, this Thursday is the first of our Rockin' Seniors game day. It will begin at 10 am in the Coffee Shop. How long it lasts depends on those who come. Some may want to bring their own lunch and keep playing. Others may want to go out for lunch. Either way, togetherness is the key theme. Also, ANYONE can attend. The ministers are planning to take out some time and we encourage anyone who wants to spend some time with some of the greatest people I know - our senior adults. Believe me, they know how to have fun. Personally I'm looking for someone to play Skipbo or Rook, maybe even some dominoes. Bring games you would like to play or just show up and hang out.
More summer announcements will be revealed soon. Also, don't forget to check on those who usually sit around you or you know is in the hospital, sick, or going through a difficult time.
Monday, May 13, 2013
Mother's Day
I cannot remember a Mother's Day Sunday that wasn't uplifting. Everyone, especially moms, are in a good mood when they walk in the building. Some enjoyed breakfast in bed (extra crispy), some received nice cards (homemade or otherwise), gifts, or just smiling faces yelling "Happy Mother's Day" to gently wake you up. Nationally, it is the second highest attended day of churches, behind Easter and before Christmas. It was great seeing all our guests yesterday.
Speaking of visitors, we had seven in our Coffee Connection. One young couple returned for a second time and two other ladies for a second week in a row. We also had two sisters attend that had recently moved from Arizona to Sebastian and another woman who came with a returning visitor. Yes, it was ladies day in the Living Room. I was thankful to have Mike McGee help me greet so I wouldn't feel so out of place. Of those who came, they had five children under the age of 4. Two came from Vierra, two from Port St. Lucie, two from Sebastian, and one from Vero. All have visited other churches and found this congregation to be the best place for their families. The single mother from Vero came as a result of one of the service projects of our children's program. When she heard our children singing and passing out gifts for others, she said she wanted her little girl to be a part of something like that. Folks, we are on the brink of something special. It's time we think outwardly instead of inwardly, in other words, it's not about our comfort, but helping to be relevant to a starving world. That doesn't mean we compromise the Scriptures, but bring the Gospel to the 21st Century.
I'm sad to say we will be temporarily doing away with our Coffee Connection on Sunday morning. After we changed service times the attendance went down, but it has recently picked up. That being said, I will really need your help throughout the summer. Find our guests, take them out to lunch, make connections with them, and make sure I know they are there (sometimes I miss people).
I will be teaching in the Worship Center through the summer months on "In The Beginning...". It is a class that is important as it deals with the beginning of all things. It is more than, "on this day God created...", but what that means. We will also learn that things changed drastically from the sixth day of creation to our present day. We will try to answer questions like, "What happened to the dinosaurs?" among others. Other summer events will be announced ASAP.
I have gone long enough. Pray for Minerva Cardriche this week as she is ready to have those twins. Pray for the safety of all. Also, Cheyanne Toby will be having exploratory surgery Thursday. She has been in a lot of pain for a while. Let's not forget about others who are on our prayer list as well as those who were missing from our services yesterday. If you know of someone who is going through a tough time that needs to be added to the prayer list, please let the elders or church office know.
Have a great week!
Speaking of visitors, we had seven in our Coffee Connection. One young couple returned for a second time and two other ladies for a second week in a row. We also had two sisters attend that had recently moved from Arizona to Sebastian and another woman who came with a returning visitor. Yes, it was ladies day in the Living Room. I was thankful to have Mike McGee help me greet so I wouldn't feel so out of place. Of those who came, they had five children under the age of 4. Two came from Vierra, two from Port St. Lucie, two from Sebastian, and one from Vero. All have visited other churches and found this congregation to be the best place for their families. The single mother from Vero came as a result of one of the service projects of our children's program. When she heard our children singing and passing out gifts for others, she said she wanted her little girl to be a part of something like that. Folks, we are on the brink of something special. It's time we think outwardly instead of inwardly, in other words, it's not about our comfort, but helping to be relevant to a starving world. That doesn't mean we compromise the Scriptures, but bring the Gospel to the 21st Century.
I'm sad to say we will be temporarily doing away with our Coffee Connection on Sunday morning. After we changed service times the attendance went down, but it has recently picked up. That being said, I will really need your help throughout the summer. Find our guests, take them out to lunch, make connections with them, and make sure I know they are there (sometimes I miss people).
I will be teaching in the Worship Center through the summer months on "In The Beginning...". It is a class that is important as it deals with the beginning of all things. It is more than, "on this day God created...", but what that means. We will also learn that things changed drastically from the sixth day of creation to our present day. We will try to answer questions like, "What happened to the dinosaurs?" among others. Other summer events will be announced ASAP.
I have gone long enough. Pray for Minerva Cardriche this week as she is ready to have those twins. Pray for the safety of all. Also, Cheyanne Toby will be having exploratory surgery Thursday. She has been in a lot of pain for a while. Let's not forget about others who are on our prayer list as well as those who were missing from our services yesterday. If you know of someone who is going through a tough time that needs to be added to the prayer list, please let the elders or church office know.
Have a great week!
Monday, May 6, 2013
Belated Monday Morning
I arrived at Panera this morning to do my Monday morning routine - blog, sermon research, and getting caffeinated from the weekend. But I forgot one thing...my keyboard for my computer (it attaches and detaches). Anyway, late start on my Monday Morning Report and then got busy when I came to the office. Well, here is goes...
Sunday morning was a beautiful day! The temperature was just right (at least for me) and the sun was shining. This always makes for happy people. I personally enjoyed Lex leading singing, probably a little bias. You all helped to make a point from the lesson as we sang out in harmony. It was just a great day. That night 2:42 Groups met and had discussions about the Lord's Supper. This is such an important practice of the church and we must never get tired of studying the true purpose of what we do each week. God's Word is our guide and we must never do things because "that's the way we have always done it." I love the way this congregation continues the practice of the restoration movement.
Tonight is our Celebrate Recovery program. Remember, it is not JUST for drug addicts and alcoholics, but anyone who has hurts, habits or hang ups. There are two meetings every Monday night (7 and 8 PM). Click on the link to see a promotional video http://vimeo.com/55078478 It is a great program we need to utilize for ourselves and our community. If you have any questions, talk with John Pickerill, Carol Lee, or Becky Pylant.
Don't forget to check on those around you who were not here Sunday. Alert the elders to anyone you feel needs a visit or encouragement. Also, if you learn of anything that needs to be added to our prayer list, call the church office. Have a great week.
Sunday morning was a beautiful day! The temperature was just right (at least for me) and the sun was shining. This always makes for happy people. I personally enjoyed Lex leading singing, probably a little bias. You all helped to make a point from the lesson as we sang out in harmony. It was just a great day. That night 2:42 Groups met and had discussions about the Lord's Supper. This is such an important practice of the church and we must never get tired of studying the true purpose of what we do each week. God's Word is our guide and we must never do things because "that's the way we have always done it." I love the way this congregation continues the practice of the restoration movement.
Tonight is our Celebrate Recovery program. Remember, it is not JUST for drug addicts and alcoholics, but anyone who has hurts, habits or hang ups. There are two meetings every Monday night (7 and 8 PM). Click on the link to see a promotional video http://vimeo.com/55078478 It is a great program we need to utilize for ourselves and our community. If you have any questions, talk with John Pickerill, Carol Lee, or Becky Pylant.
Don't forget to check on those around you who were not here Sunday. Alert the elders to anyone you feel needs a visit or encouragement. Also, if you learn of anything that needs to be added to our prayer list, call the church office. Have a great week.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Coffee Connected!
Sunday was a great day. Coffee Connection was one of the best attended in a while. Three different groups of visitors participated. One was an elderly lady who has recently started to attend thanks to the invite of one of our members. Another has been coming since attending our Christmas Eve Luncheon. She and her husband are currently involved in a weekly Bible study. Another young couple, with two small children, attended and continues to be impressed with this church. They drive from Viera each week so their kids can be a part of our children's program. Since moving to the area they have visited every church of Christ from here to Orlando. Yet, it is our children's program that have them coming back each week. How cool is that?
Worship was filled with uplifting songs of praise. Everyone seemed to be in high spirits and had it not been for the preacher going over, it would have been an almost perfect day (I'll make it up to you). I want to thank each of you for the response from the sermon. It was not the most popular topic to deal with, but it was inspired by the Holy Spirit. Those of us who are married, re-read those passages this week (not just the ones about your spouse), and find ways to improve. If you and your spouse need some counsel or would like to know a professional Christian counselor in the area, let the ministers and elders know. Don't wait for your marriage to be on the brink of divorce before you call us. Sometimes you just need a little tune up and that is nothing to be ashamed about.
Let us continue to reach out to those around us or in our 2:42 groups who need some extra attention. We have those who are sick, lonely, or possibly living in sin. Check on them and let the elders know if there is someone who needs some extra attention. This is all about loving God's people.
Worship was filled with uplifting songs of praise. Everyone seemed to be in high spirits and had it not been for the preacher going over, it would have been an almost perfect day (I'll make it up to you). I want to thank each of you for the response from the sermon. It was not the most popular topic to deal with, but it was inspired by the Holy Spirit. Those of us who are married, re-read those passages this week (not just the ones about your spouse), and find ways to improve. If you and your spouse need some counsel or would like to know a professional Christian counselor in the area, let the ministers and elders know. Don't wait for your marriage to be on the brink of divorce before you call us. Sometimes you just need a little tune up and that is nothing to be ashamed about.
Let us continue to reach out to those around us or in our 2:42 groups who need some extra attention. We have those who are sick, lonely, or possibly living in sin. Check on them and let the elders know if there is someone who needs some extra attention. This is all about loving God's people.
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