Friday, February 29, 2008

New sermon series starts sunday...

... how's that for a tongue twister?
I'm really excited to be starting a new series Sunday. The ironic thing is that this has been one of those weeks that I would have gladly "traded" for an "ordinary", "common" life. What a nightmare... (Ever had a week like that?)

I am resolved never to "fake it" when I preach at actionchurch... Never act like I "have it all together" when I am conveying truth from God's word. God is not "cooperating" with my prayers" to miraculously make everything great so that I can preach about how serving Jesus is all "fireworks, cherry pies, and puppy dogs". ...instead I am discovering that what you "know" at the end of a week where everything is not turning out the way you planned...is what you truly believe. It should be interesting.

Now go enjoy your "extra" leap year day.

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Look who's in the boat!


I love this post from my friend Mike Silliman. As difficult as it is to admit that I often doubt and worry like the disciples...it's encouraging to know that God never changes and he will continue to be in control in spite of us being "fatheads"! Thanks Mike!


Mike wrote:
"I was reading Mark 8:14-21. Take a minute and read it before you read on.It’s amazing to me how quickly the disciples forgot what Jesus did with a few loaves of bread and a couple of fish. Not just once, but two separate times. They are in the boat with the one that fed 9,000 men + all the woman and children. There had to be at least 27,000 people in total that Jesus fed with just 12 loaves of bread. If that wasn’t amazing enough for you…there was 19 loaves left over. There was more bread left over than what they started with! …And the disciples were worried that they only had one loaf of bread between the few of them! Are you kidding me?It’s easy to look at the disciples and criticize them for being fatheads, as I sit here and worry about my personal finances, our church budget, hundreds of details, and wonder how I’m gonna make things work.Guess what…I’m not gonna make things work, but I’m in the boat with the creator of the universe and everything in it! I think He can manage…what do you think?"

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Sometimes life seems a little like Deal or No Deal... It's always filled with temptations to "settle" without reaching the big prize. The only thing that can keep you going is knowing that God is the one who fills the "final briefcase". It's about trust...even when the pressure is on.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

What's the point...

Sunday after church I was driving down Rt. 30 to pick up a pizza at Domino's to take home. As I stopped at a stop light I noticed a woman holding one of those "one day only greatest sale ever" signs. She was older and was wearing a dress...she looked cold. It immediately struck me that she was someone who needed "a random act of kindness" that I had just urged everyone to do this week... Of course I argued with "myself". I was too busy. It would be inconvenient to turn around and bring her some coffee. What if she didn't like coffee? What if she thought I was some kind of serial killer trying to lure her into my SUV?

I thought about these guys (link). I decided to bring her a cup of coffee. The the "fun" began... When I returned with her coffee she was gone. I felt really dumb... I couldn't shake the feeling that I should find her so I drove around the area until I saw her sign leaning up against the Hardees.... I felt even dumber as I went into the restaurant looking for a woman I had never met with a cup of coffee.

I wish so many times that I could see the "rest" of the story...like God does. My "cold lady" was grateful and hugged me when I finally located her and gave her the coffee...but I am not sure why it seemed so important to me to bring her one. Maybe she needed encouragement. Maybe she needed to feel loved. I don't know...God does. I just felt kinda dumb... Our pizza felt colder.

It's easy to trust God when everything works out fine...every story has a happy ending...and the "reason" is clear. It's so much harder when we don't see the "rest of the story". It's most difficult when you believe strongly that you have "heard from God" and actually obey...and then it doesn't turn out the way you thought it "should"... I struggle with that. How about you?

Monday, February 25, 2008

Coming together...

I ran across this group of logo "ideas" from Michael at Holy Cow this morning. Although you can see the elements of what finally became our "actionchurch cog" none of them are quite "it" yet. I can see the same process happening to our Sunday morning gatherings. We have been putting together the "elements" of what actionchurch should "be like" on Sunday Mornings over the past three weeks...but yesterday really started to feel like "it" should. We are starting to "fire on all cylinders". I love the energy...it's a real pleasure to speak to "our crowd". I love to hear the stories of how people are performing random "actions" of kindness during the week. We are starting to "be" the church that actionchurch was intended to be.

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Sunday Recap


  • Great Sunday ...the energy was high and attendance was definitely up from last week. It was cool to have to set up chairs as the service was starting...We still have room for more people, but it's cool to see the place filling up!
  • EVERYTHING WORKED in the video and graphics "department"...I am so thankful for the new computer that was donated! It made all the difference.
  • It was cool in our third week to start to get to know "regulars" and see new faces.
  • Torn From Red rocked...the video ends with the video recorder vibrating off the table from the bass...that's Sunday morning at actionchurch.
  • I think we are finally finding some more help for Jeff and Chrissie in actionkidz...YEAH!
  • I loved hearing the stories from people excited to go to church for the first time in their lives... that is what we are here for.
  • It was so cool to see so many people stay and help afterward. It really helps and it's a great way to get to know people.
  • Offering was about 1/4 of what we need to meet budget... We have a very small budget because of a not paying salaries...we are just not meeting it. I am certain that God wants "people who don't like church" to hear about Jesus...but if we do not find a way to raise some funds we will be in the unfortunate position of having a growing church that actually appeals to unchurched people...and not be able to continue...
  • ...financial needs aside...this was a great Sunday and exactly what we dreamed of when we started this journey. I am so proud of what actionchurch is becoming. I am proud of the team and I absolutely am trusting that God has so much more planned for actionchurch in York county!

There's something about Sunday...

There's something about Sunday Morning. It's like sunrise at the track on race day. Or "game day" before the "fans" show up. It's been a tough week...a lot of things aren't going as I planned...maybe I should be discouraged...Instead I am expectant. I am anticipating God "showing" up and making an ordinary nightclub, filled with ordinary people...a very special place this morning. I've got "something to say" and I can't wait to say it.

Friday, February 22, 2008

Quote of the week:

I meant what I said,
and I said what I meant.
An elephant's faithful,
one hundred percent.

-Horton, via Dr. Seuss
Reagan and I...Ok maybe just me...are looking forward to this movie. If we were all a little more like Horton, the world would be a better place.

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Re-th(ink) -The Bible

This week at actionchurch we will be continueing the Re-th(ink) series and talking about the Bible. Everyone has different perceptions about the Bible. The "white-rapper-dude" in the video above has some serious "Bible Issues"...I find myself both laughing and cringing when I watch it. Yikes-I think there's a treatment center for that!

So what do you think about the Bible? Do you think it's just another book? Do you think it's like a "magic 8-ball" that you open up and wait for answers? Do you think it's like a text book that you study to pass the "Christian Test"? Do you think it's like a "Book of Magic" that you search for the "magic" verse to repeat like an "incantation"? Are you unsure about what the Bible is "for" but somehow feel like reading it is the "right thing to do".

I am looking forward to talking about the Bible using something "familiar" that I bet you've never considered...

See ya Sunday.

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Sponsors needed

Remember the movie "Days of Thunder" where Tom Cruise managed not only to meet his first wife but also race an underfunded, unsponsored, "homebuilt" race car into the Daytona 500 and box office success? Taking a huge chance on finishing well enough to interest sponsors and "save the day" is a not a great plot for a movie (and probably a worse way to start a Church) but that's basically how actionchurch began.

Seventeen months ago, actionchurch began with a burning passion to create a place for those "outside" of the churches in York County. My wife and I had no formal training in starting any church, let alone one for "people who don't like church", and my only real ministry qualification was being fired from my first paid position as associate minister. So I did what any entreprenuerial person with with an unquenchable passion would do...I started building a church from scratch.

At first we funded actionchurch ourselves...we didn't ask for money...honestly we didn't think we had much to show potential "sponsors" to convince them that actionchurch was more than a "dream". Over time other "dreamers" have joined us but we still are without any substantial outside funding.

So here we are now. actionchurch is by the grace of God and against all odds actually a reality. We've qualified for the "race"...people who would ordinarily not go to church are choosing to come to a nightclub on sunday morning to hear about Jesus. Children who have never been to church are hearing about Jesus for the first time in a captivating and exciting way. People who would ordinarily never go to church are choosing to volunteer their time and talents to make our Sunday mornings possible. Even the nightclub owners have been extremely generous in their support! But without outside help we will simply not be able to continue our "race". We need a sponsor(s).

Our budget is small because all of our staff volunteer at this point. Our only expenses are what it costs to have sunday morning gatherings, community service events, and the commitments we have made to support local ministries. Truthfully, if we were a "typical" church we would be more than meeting our budget even at our current size. Unfortunately, People who most need a place like actionchurch simply do not come with a "membership transfer" letter and a stack of uncashed tithe checks. To get over this hurdle we need financial support from people who believe everyone should hear about Jesus...whether they can "support ministry" or not!

We currently need to raise $5000.00 to put actionchurch on firm financial footing. This money will be used to pay rent expenses for March (it has 5 Sundays), and put on a great community service event at a local park for Easter. We are also looking for organization or individuals who will contribute monthly during our first year. If you believe a place like actionchurch should exist please do not disregard this need. Prayerfully consider giving whatever you can. Consider forwarding this posting on to other individuals or organizations who may also be able to contribute. Please Join us in prayer that our financial needs will be met and actionchurch will continue to tell lost, letdown, and "looking" people about Jesus.

Thanks for supporting actionchurch. Unfortunately we cannot put your name "on our car" but you can become an "action hero" and part of this incredible "long-shot" victory for the kingdom.
Our online donations area accepts cards and checks and of course all gifts are tax deductible. Please email (info@actionchurch.com) for mailing address for checks.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

This ain't debate team...

One product of having a church that is being "discussed" in York County, (which is a good thing in my opinion...) and a public email address, is that I get email from "helpers" who would like to "debate" what we're doing...

Here's the deal. I will gladly answer any question ...no matter how strange...someone might have about actionchurch...unless they want to "debate" doctrine or methods. Even though I am choosing not to spend time "argueing" with these people...I am finding the whole experience very valuable. It helps me understand on a personal level what people who are not yet followers of Jesus experience from Christians...here's some stuff I am learning.

  • I know that if I don't have any sort of relationship with someone...I don't really care what their opinions of me are...(we should remember that before we try to "share" advice with someone we haven't take time to know.)
  • I know that if even if someone has the best intentions...if it appears that they "just want to be right"...it's all wrong. (are we ever really going to "argue" someone into following Jesus?)
  • I know that people who "assume" they know about me just from how I look or other "external" things...lose their ability to affect me...very quickly.
  • We were called to Love people...God's job is to Judge people and point out their sin (when ever we think our "job" is to judge people and "leave it up to God" to love our neighbors...we are completely backward have little chance of ever "swaying" anyone's beliefs.)

God hates arrogance more than ignorance...and this ain't debate team. But, whether they know it or not, I think God is using even our detractors to make us more sensitive to the way people who do not yet follow Jesus have been treated by Christians... Maybe I should send out some "thank you" letters...

Monday, February 18, 2008

York Daily Record Story-

Here's the link to the story today in the York Daily Record (Link)


My favorite quote-

"Record introduced his sermon Sunday with a clip from "American Idol" and mentioned Nascar, Aerosmith, the Acts of the Apostles, Elvis, diarrhea, Forrest Gump and John the Baptist in his message."

Sadly that is all true...I guess you had to be there.

Sunday recap...

Here's the recap of yesterday (2.17.08) in (as Forrest Gump would say) no particular order...

  • Unsettled is not only a great band but a really good fit for actionchurch....I can't wait to have Michael and the guys back.
  • Attendance was better than I expected...we had been told to expect about 1/2 of the launch crowd minus the help that we received from FCC. We actually had 76...
  • We were really short handed for set up but somehow managed to get set up early...Michele thinks that possibly angels are cleaning Fat Daddy's after it closes.
  • Tear down was freakin' awesome! Dave and Alicia and the crew from Extreme Youth Ministries literally stripped and stored the gear in a little over 40 minutes! WOW. Last week it took twice that long!
  • I had computor problems again!!! I don't preach from notes instead I rehearse my sermon until I know it and then use the images on the screen as my cues... Without being able to change the slides myself it made it VERY tough...luckily there were no ropes or beams available after the service yesterday :-)
  • I said during the sermon that we were "Fart of God's plan for York county" ... yep it was one of those sundays!
  • Someone is giving us the computor we need to run graphics!!! We needed one so bad with all the problems we have been having but finances are really tight... It made my day to see God provide through someone's generousity!
  • ...speaking of finances, the offering was "scary low". Last week we more than covered expenses but this week was not even a quarter of what we needed to break even. Our budget is small because we do not pay any salaries. Everything we spend is to create an environment where people who "don't like church" can hear about Jesus... I do not want to see this whole thing end because of something as insignificant as a lack of a few dollars... peoples lives are at stake.
  • It was so encouraging not only to meet new people ,but to see several women who not only returned but brought their husbands and boyfriends with them...That is what actionchurch is all about! I love the fact that we are a place that men will attend! Yeah God!
  • actionkidz rocked as usual! I heard a parent say that their child was rushing them out of McDonalds on Sunday morning because he wanted to get to actionkidz....way to go Jeff, Chrissy ,and Shannon!
  • Everyone that filled out a survey card checked that they would like to help out in some way....That is really unbelievable...
  • The York Daily record was at the service doing a story. It should run in today's paper. I'll post the link when I get it. I finally got to meet Mellissa Burke who did such a great story about us in November.

...that's a "typical" Sunday at actionchurch.

Sunday, February 17, 2008

The best Sunday ever..


actionchurch

+

Daytona 500

=

The ultimate "man day".

Friday, February 15, 2008

Earlier in the week I posted a list of "Stuff we are working on". My favorite part of this week was getting input and help from people who have solutions for a lot of our current growing pains. This is what it's all about! If actionchurch depends on what "I know" we are in serious trouble...but I am confident that if we follow the vision that God has given us, there will always be people who have the answers to our questions....if we are just willing to ask. Thanks to everyone who is stepping up to make actionchurch "work"!

Thursday, February 14, 2008

A little romance....

Some people call me the space cowboy, yeah

Some call me the gangster of love
Some people call me maurice
Cause I speak of the pompitous of love

-Steve Miller (The Joker)


...just a little romantic poetry from Mr. Miller for everyone celebrating Valentines day with their sweetheart. The first time I took Michele out on the dance floor on our very first date it was to AC/DC "Shook me all night long" so I guess that's "our song". I'm just sayin'...

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

"Playing it Safe."

It's Hollywood week on American Idol...I'm watching like everyone else... I've noticed over the seasons that besides forgetting the words, the number one thing that will get you criticized by the judges is "playing it safe", or being "forgettable". In a competition like Idol, "Safe" will send you home.

It's tempting to play it safe. To not be vulnerable. To do something you know you can "pull off". To avoid offending anyone at all costs. I realize though, that every week could be someone's first (and possibly last) week at actionchurch. We only have a few short minutes to capture their attention and imagination....one shot.

This week I will be talking about "Church" in the second week of the Re-th(ink) series. It's tempting to be a "safe" and give a short history of the church from the book of Acts along with some non-specific and non-threatening vision statements for the church... I will not. I will be vulnerable and actually say what has been on my mind for a very long time... We'll see what the "judges" have to say.

If you are even slightly curious about what makes actionchurch "tick" you won't want to miss this week. Even if you aren't interested...you'll like the American Idol audition intro....

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Stuff we're working on...

After week one here is the stuff we're working on:

  • Better organization for set-up and tear-down. We had lot's of help this week but were actually a little slower because we don't have a system developed that is easily worked by people who have never done it before.
  • More Set up and tear down crew. We would like it to be a rotating "shift" before church (Maybe twice a month at first) We would like to have different people tear down so that the set-up crew that got there at 8am can leave.
  • Jeff and Chrissie in actionkidz need more help! Some people indicated on their survey cards that they would like to help out...we need it. I loved walking up the stairs to actionkidz after the service and hearing a kid say "Mom that was Awesome!... actionkidz rocks!
  • We need a place for infants... The new heated deck area is much quieter and much better suited to mothers with small children but we need someone to guide them out there and make sure they are comfortable...we have a screen and (Small) speakers in place now. We just need a better method to guide them out there.
  • A "video dude" or "dudette" we are looking for someone with skilz in recording and producing video intro's and short interviews for the service.
  • Web site help... One of my biggest disappointments was not having a "good/cool" website up to welcome our guests.... Right now we are using a godaddy freebie template that I update. (link) We will be investing in a new website...but we are looking for someone with a passion to keep it fresh and updated.

Are you part of the solution to any of the things we are working on? After attending actionchurch do you see more stuff we should be working on...except for my hair, t-shirt choice, and love of the word "freakin'"?

Monday, February 11, 2008

"lit"

Ok, so people actually came out to a nightclub on a cold Sunday morning in the northeast to hear about Jesus-what next?


Imagine that actionchurch is a fire...a little fire. We lit a few matches in December and January with our test drive services, but yesterday the fire was actually "lit". We have a couple of choices...we can go all "castaway" and just jump around and celebrate that we finally lit a fire. (I think that's fine for a few minutes- I definitely pumped a fist in the air as I drove away yesterday afternoon) We could also try to "protect and maintain the little fire". We could sit around and "warm ourselves" and enjoy the relationships and "fellowship" of having a little fire... OR we could feed the little fire and use the energy released to benefit the entire York community!
That's the plan. It's simple. This is just the beginning. Every person who chooses to come to actionchurch could potentially "join in our reindeer games" of putting the teachings of Jesus into action by serving others. We serve others like Jesus did both individually and as a larger group, when we gather to serve the community. Every person we come in contact with benefits by our efforts and might even potentially join us. Everyone is better off because Jesus is still alive and actionchurch exists. The fire spreads...
46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. Acts 2:46-47

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Sunday afternoon high lights.

I think this picture kind of sums up our launch day. After all the wind and rain overnight and the weather forecast for snow squalls this morning...the sun popped out as I was setting up the tent at 7:30 before the crew showed up at 8. It may have looked like an empty nightclub parking lot to people passing by...but it felt a lot like heaven to me.

Here's the highlight reel:

  • We had a great lot of help setting up from Friendship Community Church! You guys rock!!! We couldn't have done it without you!
  • Several "new" people (like anyone is an "old timer") stayed to help tear down.
  • We had 120+ people in service...about 100 were "ours"...I am excited about what this means as we build toward Easter.
  • Response to our new "survey cards" was great! Lots were filled out and the comments were awesome...I didn't even get a single person named "Phil McCracken or Ben Dover"...you had to be there.
  • The single highest response to "how did you hear about us was"... Radio! Way to go 105.7 the X. Our only paid advertisement was on radio and I really think it is a good medium for us. We will be running more (new) ads next week. We did not do any mailings or newspaper ads...
  • The single most generous thing anyone has ever done for actionchurch came from the owners of Fat Daddy's...I am literally speechless.
  • No offering, no hardsell, no problem...our people absolutely stepped up to support actionchurch!
  • Clean Slate rocked as usual...can't wait til they play again March 2nd. They absolutely nailed Alterbridge "Rise today".
  • My computer SUCKS!!!! My windows crashed with only 5 minutes until the service started at 11. We started two minutes late but our video was up...we did end on time though. (12 noon)
  • Great response on the cards to people wanting to help set up or in actionkidz. YEAH!
  • I love preaching at actionchurch...next week is gonna be even better!

Saturday, February 9, 2008

2.09.08


I'm feeling a little deja vu this morning... My friend Matt is in town for the the actionchurch launch , and I'm tying up a few tiny details, but basically I'm relaxing and waiting for tomorrow...

It reminds me of 2.09.90...exactly 18 years ago. I was pretending to tie up last minute details (In reality Michele did all the planning-some things never change). I had butterflies in my stomach and no idea what was going to happen, but I was looking forward with everything in me to marrying Michele the next day.


Regrets? I've got a few...I regret that haircut... I regret buying that stupid BMW...(I couldn't afford it and it always broke down) but I will never regret marrying Michele! I had no ideas the highs and lows we would experience, but I love her more today than then...I think she might actually be hotter today too...(she hates when I say that).


18 years later Michele and I and all the actionchurch crew are starting out on a brand new adventure...I have no idea what will happen, what highs and lows we will experience...but I know that after tomorrow things will never be the same...

Friday, February 8, 2008

"Vision Test"

Imagine you have two minutes to tell tens of thousands of people about your church...right now! That situation happened to me this week. I had the opportunity to do a phone in with Nipsey, Jen, and Earl of the Peoples Morning Show this week. I knew it would be pre-recorded but I thought the call would happen on Thursday or Friday. On Wednesday morning I got a call..."Can you go on now?"

I suck at "sales". I have tried at sales jobs several times in life and I always turn into "Tommy Boy"...and fail. Fortunately actionchurch is simple to explain. It's not complicated. Our vision is clear. We are the church for people who don't like church. We're loud, we meet in a nightclub, don't take ourselves too seriously...but we take Jesus very seriously.

If you can't explain it on a moments notice in less than a minute...no one's going to remember it anyway.

The phone in should run in the 7-8am hour on 105.7 the x.

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Upcoming Bands

Clean Slate-2.10.08
unsettled- 2.17.08

Torn from Red- 2.24.08



Departing...

In order to go anywhere new you first have leave where you were at... We've experienced a lot of that in the last week. Jeff and Chrissy who run actionkidz upstairs had their last week at Lancaster Vineyard Sunday. They left behind friends and a great church to take on the challenge of turning an upstairs disco into a great environment to tell kids about Jesus every week. We truly couldn't have launched actionchurch without having someone with a vision for "actionkidz". Thanks Lancaster Vineyard...we owe you!

Michele, Reagan, and I "left" LCBC on Sunday as well. We LOVED the time we spent there. Quite frankly...if I thought church was about "me" and "my needs" and "getting fed" (I don't-just wait 'til week two of the Re-th(ink) series) I would stay at LCBC forever and be the happiest cat in the world. We will really miss that church! It has truly been the best experience I have had attending a church ever.

So why leave places you love...to a place you don't know...with no "guarantees"... because something even better is ahead...



The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. Genesis 12:1

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Speaking of advertising...

Here's the spot that will be playing on the X starting tomorrow. Here's the (Link).


Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Why we advertise...

Saturday morning the family and I woke up shivering. Our main furnace was out...wonderful! I'm definitely not a furnace repairman but I was able to open it up and see that the ignitor was cracked. Several years ago when this happened it resulted in a wait for the repairman and a couple hundred dollar bill. This time (since I was certain I only needed an ignitor) I decided to take manners into my own hands...

The problem was where to find the part I needed? I started at Lowes (who of course didn't carry the part) and heard from the guy in plumbing that there "was a supply place downtown where all the pro's buy their parts that would have it"...the problem is he didn't remember the name of the place. Someone in customer service handed me a phone book. The "mythical" supply house wasn't in the yellow pages. Finally someone remembered the name and I found their one line listing in the white pages. Less than an hour later my furnace was purring away for only $40.00! yeah!

I don't want actionchurch to be like that plumbing supply house. I don't want us to be packed with what people need (Jesus) and be surrounded by "shivering" people because they don't know we exist. I don't want to ever rely on the fact that "we've been here for years" or all the "pros" know about us"...when families could be "warmed" by our services. I don't want to be "satisfied" with our business and quit promoting Jesus.

We are about to begin an ad campaign on 105.7 the x. It will be the first of many ways we will tell York county that there is a "church for people who don't like church". People are "shivering"...if we have the "missing part" we should let them know...if not, we should stay home and watch Nascar...it's that simple.

Monday, February 4, 2008

Re-th(ink)

There's a line at the end of Pee Wee's big adventure where Pee Wee says " I don't have to watch the movie, I lived it..." I fully admit that I should be on some sort of Homeland Security watch list for remembering that line...but it reminds me of the new sermon series we will start on Sunday. I feel like I have been "living" the Re-th(ink) series for the last two years. I have struggled and "re-thought" my perceptions about Jesus, the Church, the Bible, and Satan, relentlessly.



We all have perceptions about how "things should be". They are based on our past experiences and relationships. Our perceptions "get under our skin" and become part of us. I am looking forward not to simply telling people "what to think", what "I" think, or even "what the Bible says to think"... instead I will be raising some new possibilities and challenging some common perceptions about some very important issues... I actually hope to raise some brand new questions for everyone who attends.
Because the only thing harder to change than your tattoo...is your perceptions!

Sunday, February 3, 2008

It's the Daytona 500...not the Super Bowl!

The next three sunday's are going to be amazing. It's the Super Bowl this week, actionchurch launch next Sunday, and the following week is the Daytona 500!

It's tempting to use "Super Bowl imagery" to talk about our launch next week (2.10.08). It's tempting to say "come on folks, it's the big game...let's give it everything we have...this is what we've been waiting for". In reality, I think our launch has a lot more in common with Daytona. The Daytona 500 is without question a "big deal" race. It's sometimes called the "super bowl" of nascar...lots of people show up....but it's the First race of the season. Daytona isn't the end...it's the beginning. Win, place, or wreck you load up and head off to the next race the following Sunday.

I'm expecting great things next Sunday. I think people all over this area will be surprised by the interest that a "church for people who don't like church" will generate. It's going to be really satisfying to see people actually engaged and excited about getting up on Sunday morning to go to church...even one that meets at Fat Daddy's Nightclub! But no matter what...even if we "blow up" (not literally hopefully) we "load up" and prepare for the next Sunday...and you know what? I believe week 2 is going to be even better than launch...and week 3 after that... and Easter is going to be freakin' amazing. (Just wait 'til you hear what we have planned!)

Ladies and gentlemen...start your engines!

" Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us." Hebrews 12:1

Friday, February 1, 2008

Quote of the week:

I'm friends with everybody in this office. We're all best friends. I love everybody here. But sometimes your best friends start coming into work late and start having dentist appointments that aren't dentist appointments, and that is when it's nice to let them know that you could beat them up. - Michael Scott

Bonus quote: Yes. It is true. I, Michael Scott, am signing up with an online dating service. Thousands of people have done it, and I am going to do it. I need a username, and... I have a great one. "Little Kid Lover". That way people will know exactly where my priorities are at. -Michael Scott

No extra charge for that one...