"Sermon Overtime"

I said something at the end of yesterday's sermon that I wish I would have had time to explain better...but the service is only an hour and we stick to it.



I said "I don't understand how one man, Jesus, can die to save many... I've read the verses, I've read the books, I even know how to pronounce substitutionary atonement...I just don't know how it works...I just know that God says he'll accept Jesus as payment...and that's good enough for me."


What I didn't have time to say:
"I also don't know everything about how the laser scanner works at Walmart. I don't know how a bar code communicates the price and quantity of an object to the main computer-it looks like a bunch of lines to me. I don't know exactly how electronic banking works and how Walmart can remove money from my account when I purchase my cart filled with Bondo, motor oil, candy, and shotgun shells. (I swear I had that "ultimate redneck combination" in my cart one time!) I just have enough faith in the system that I don't leave the check out line and go to the service desk to "make sure" my bill has been paid. I just wheel my cart out of the store as fast as possible and head home. I don't understand completely how the transaction works..but I have faith in the system. The idea that we have to "completely understand" the intricacies of how something works before we can have faith is nonsense...in fact it may be the opposite of faith."

Sunday Recap: "Wrecked"-week1

If you are playing the actionchurch "home game" here's a quick recap of the highlights.

• We had our youngest band ever onstage. (Yesterday is waiting) They could definitely lay down some pop/punk...they just made me feel really old!
• It was cool to see us continue to grow in numbers...a little less than Easter...but more than we were running before. I'm never gonna get too impressed with us running a few dozen, a few hundred, or even a few thousand when there are well over 200,000 people in York county who don't go to church...I am glad to see us growing though. We just have a long way to go!
• A couple of guys were asking me about getting the actionchurch logo graphics for tattoos...too cool. I think I am going to get a "cog" on my bicep as well. We'll see... (don't like "ink"? I think God has some.... (link)
• I felt "off" preaching today...I love this series but as Randy Jackson would say..."It was just a'right for me"...
• People are volunteering to help out in actionkidz...THANK YOU JESUS. actionkidz is the best part of actionchurch...but we have growing pains big time. As difficult as it is...what a great problem to have...we have so many parents willing to bring their kidz to Fat Daddy's on Sunday morning that we need more help!
• Donations were down today, but it was the last Sunday of a month with five Sundays...I knew that we would probably have a down week financially after giving away a weeks operating expenses last Sunday...I knew a moment would come when we would think "wow, it would really be helpful to have that cash now". Guess what? I'm glad we gave it away and God will provide! The amazing story is that we made it through a month where we had five weekly rents to pay and were able to do what we did last week...that's the real "story"!
• Someone came in with a plan to record our sermons and put them on a cd before they even knew that I was going to announce that we would be recording the sermons and giving them to volunteers in actionkidz..I love when that happens.
• We have great volunteers...every week I am more impressed!
• I feel like I got hit by a truck...but I can't stop thinking about how to make next week better.

I am Fred Sanford...

A couple "wrecked" parts from the Barn + Some left over vinyl from the racecar project="set design" for the stage to kick off the "Wrecked" series tomorrow. ...yes that is actually the door off the van in the picture.

Easter "give back" updates...

People are starting to share their stories about our Easter "give back" over at the "Louder than words" page. You can check out the stories or share your own here (link). I have also heard some other incredible stories about how people helped others with "egg money" that I don't have permission to share (yet!). I think every one these stories...from making a waitress' day a little better...to keeping some one's utilities from being shut off is exactly why we started actionchurch in the first place. Keep the generosity going and the stories coming in... This is just the beginning.

Small actions done with great love can change the world!

"Waynes World"

I had a great time yesterday hanging out with my friend Mike Silliman from Elk Creek Church. They have been a huge support and encouragement for actionchurch. Mike interviewed me for his Blog (I guess that makes it a "blogcast") If you've ever wondered how we ended up meeting at Fat Daddy's or where the name "actionchurch" actually came from,...the "answers are out there".

Party on Garth, Party on Wayne...

Here's the link. (On the spot)

actionkidz pics

New Twos and Threes area

Easter Egg Drop

Wrecked

Last week I was looking for photos online for the promo for our new "Wrecked" series. Michele laughed at me because, as she pointed out, "we have a barn full of wrecks...why are you looking for a picture online?". I took her advise and used a photo of "Otis" my wrecked 68 VW panel van for the promo picture. (...yes we name all of our cars)

Maybe you don't have a barn full of wrecked VW's like I do- but I bet you have a "barn full" of wrecked dreams, relationships, and plans somewhere... We all do. Even though we may feel like everyone else is "normal" and we are "messed up" the truth is we are all in some way "wrecked". The good news is that the Bible is filled with flawed, "messed up", wrecked people that God chose to work through in amazing ways! Over the next four weeks we are going to "expose" the stories of an extremely dysfunctional family, a convicted murderer, a prostitute, and a disgraced leader... Starts Sunday

Number Crunching

I love checking out the survey cards after church each week. This week was interesting because on Easter we had our highest attendance in our "long" seven week existence...but fewer "first timers" filled out a card than usual. Interesting... I realized that although we did have "new faces" Sunday (I hope there is never a Sunday that isn't someones "first time") I recognized most of the people...

I wonder if:
...Easter isn't the big "draw" for "people who don't like church"as it is for the "go to church" crowd.
...our attendance was actually up because more people that come to actionchurch came on the same week because the service was heavily promoted.

Whatever "happened" I am glad so many people chose to come out and be part of our "give back to the community" on Easter Morning. I can't wait to hear the stories...

One Year Blog-versity!

I realized this morning that I started this blog exactly one year ago today. It's so amazing that at that time actionchurch was little more than a cool logo and a dream. Today I am celebrating an amazing Easter Celebration at Fat Daddy's put on by an amazing group of volunteers...Don't believe that "kingdom dreams" can't come true or that God still isn't in the business of using ordinary people to do extraordinary things! We are so Blessed!

Here's a reprint of the original post. (3.24.07) "Our New Home"

"As we began this grand experiment of starting a new church. Both my wife Michele and I, were reminded of the time that we bought our first new home. After several years of rentals, fixer-uppers, and "projects" we decided we must build a brand spankin' new home. We were willing to pay whatever price, suffer whatever discomfort, cut any red tape needed to make it happen. We were told it wasn't the right time (I had just started a business), we didn't have enough money, and we were not prepared...but we were still able to purchase exactly the home we had dreamed of.Today we both feel the same way about our new "church home". As Mark Batterson often quotes Michelangelo: "It's time to criticize by creating".

So here goes... No more Fixer-upper churches. No more broken-down project churches. No more trying to fit into someone else's vision. (Or even more often, someone else's lack of vision) We are ready to pay the price, face the discomfort, endure the journey...we feel like it's worth it.Please don't bother writing that "it's the 'Lord's house'-not yours"! I am aware of that fact and I still think it's a perfect analogy for us. Besides, after nearly 11 years in our "new" home we have increased it's size, made improvements, and constantly worked to maintain it. We still consider it to be the only place in the world we would want to live. Someday, I believe we will say the same about actionchurch."

"Louder than words"...

It's very hard to recap all that happened today...it's just too much. First off here's what the "Big Secret was. We gave away $1100.00 in the main service to help people in the community. Everyone got an plastic egg with either a $5, $10, or a $20 and a card with three rules on it.

1. Don't put it in the donation basket
2. Don't spend it on yourself...
3. Use it for a simple act of kindness for someone in need.

I shared how that was a great picture of what Christ did by rising from the grave...We all are given differing "amounts" of ability and resources...because of his gift we can chose to use our "little chance to change the world" to help someone else and let them know someone cares..or we can selfishly use it for ourselves... Here's the website link to follow/share the stories from our "give back"

The highlights:

• The egg drop was amazing upstairs...the prizes were unbelievable. You can see some of it on the Fox news at 10. I am so proud of our actionkidz crew! I love that they don't do things "half-way"....I was so freakin' impressed!
• The Recovery (Band) was great! I can't wait to have these guys back this summer when they get back from college...Their originals were honestly better than the really well-performed coldplay cover they did. Thoughtful lyrics...great musicianship...Great Band!
• Michele was amazing.... I think everyone knows who the better communicator in the Record family... I don't think there was a dry eye in the house when she told the story of how a kind preachers wife completely changed her life with a few kind and generous acts!
• It was awesome to start to pack the room...we had more people today than we had at our launch seven weeks ago! Way to go everyone...You are definitely inviting, investing, and getting involved!
• ...speaking of investing...we got the money we gave away back and then some...it is so cool to see people "investing" in the vision of actionchurch. Thank you all for your generosity!
• ...speaking of getting involved...I am so thankful for all the new "crew" who jumped in and helped set up and tear down...THANK YOU all! We are definitely starting to "hit on all cylinders" as a church.

I could go on and on...but I am so thankful to be a little part of actionchurch...the best is yet to come and I believe the "ripple effect" from this morning has just started in our community! Happy Easter everyone!

Easter Pics:

Michele at the mike...

actionkids "girlz"

New Twos and Threes area!


The Recovery Rocked!

Egg Drop!!!

Busy day at the actionchurch cafe.

actionkidz egg drop prizes

Passing out the "Big Give"

(looks like I forgot to turn off the cold beer sign...)

Easter Stuff...

I just put the finishing touches on the preparations for Easter Sunday and I am really excited... There are several surprises planned but in many other ways it will be a "typical" actionchurch Sunday morning. I definitely want to "put our best foot forward" but I don't want it to be so different from "normal" that people returning the following week feel like they are attending a completely different church.... (I can't believe I just called what we do on Sunday mornings "normal)

A couple of things we still need:

1. We could still use a couple extra hands for setup Easter Morning. We have extra set up for the Egg drop in actionkidz and Josiah (video) will be out of town... Anyone who could show up from about 8:30 on would be a huge help.

2. We need people to help out once or twice a month in actionkidz. You don't need to be a "teacher"...just love to interact with kids. We currently have people working in actionkidz who have never had the opportunity to actually attend a Sunday Service without working "upstairs". We are about to change that...

3. Easter is one of the easiest times to invite your friends to church... Bring em on...

Quote of the Week:

Persistence isn't using the same tactics over and over. That's just annoying.
Persistence is having the same goal over and over.
-Seth Godin

actionchurch on the X:

I'm going to do a phone in tomorrow with the Nipsey, Earl, and Jen on "the X's" morning show. I will be talking to "them" about our Easter Sunday Service. We have had so many people respond on their survey cards that the heard about actionchurch on 105.7... It's gonna be great to be back on. Tell your friends.

"Faking it"

Okay, I admit that I am not a Beatles fan...gasp! But guess what....most of the contestants on American Idol last night weren't either. The songs were "new" to them. Some of them admitted to hearing "their" song for the first time that week. The consistent theme of the show besides "sucking in general" was the judges saying, "These are great songs...but you just don't seem to have a real connection to your song"... In spite of all the contestants proclamations of "love" for the music of the Beatles (a couple were probably sincere) they couldn't fool the judges or the audience. If it's not "your song" it's hard to "fake it".

That's why I believe so strongly that being part of Gods kingdom plan for earth and living out your passions is the best way to live. You never have to fake it...

I can't believe I am saying this- Bring back the Bee Gee's theme night!

Jesus is alive- for "eber"

Reagan (she's not sleeping sitting up...she just blinked) has been putting on "Jesus Plays" with her Mr. Potato heads in my office. (Jesus is the one with the purple shoes and the green hat.) Her "theology" may not be exact but she certainly captures the spirit of Easter.

In Reagan's "version" Jesus dies, the angel gives him "pink milk" and he comes to life again. The angel then announces to the world, "I've got good news and bad news... Jesus is alive for "eber"...but we'll have to "glue" his nose back on". I don't think Michele and I have laughed so hard or been so proud of our baby in a long time.

In case your wondering... the Easter Bunny is there during the "play" but he really doesn't have anything to do with the story...kind of like in real life.



Disclaimer for the "critics": The "theology" expressed in the above post is not endorsed by Don Record or actionchurch...It is from the imagination of a 4 year old. actionchurch or Don Record do not believe or teach that Jesus was revived with "pink milk" or wore a green hat. Your mileage may vary. Do not induce vomiting. Objects may be closer than they appear.

"Wreckers or Checkers"

I heard one of my favorite nascar sayings during the Bristol race yesterday..."It's going to be wreckers or checkers in two laps". A quick translation for you unfortunate souls who "don't get nascar". Translation: This driver is going to either need a wrecker- of take the checkered flag and win the race. Like my hero Dale Earnhardt often said...Second place is just the first loser.

I love that... That's the way I want actionchurch to be. Always "going for the win". Never holding back. Not trying to "maintain position" or play it safe...

In spite of what some people might think, we are not competing against other Churches for the "win". We are competing against a society that says Jesus was "a nice teacher" and the church is irrelevant. Lives are at stake. Checkers or Wreckers all the way.

Sunday Recap:

• What an awesome day... I came to church thinking that it would be impossible for the day to be any worse...and left wondering how the day could possibly be any better.
• The real story of actionchurch is the miracles that God does in peoples lives....the stuff I can't talk about...but the stuff that makes what we do so worth it!
• Offering was great today we were over budget+ someone put in three winning lottery tickets. Seriously...none of them were big winners...just a couple of bucks...but it was so stinkin' cool to pastor a church where people give what they have...even lottery tickets...I love this job. If you're reading this...you made our day!
• I "heart" Clean Slate. I "heart" Clean Slate. Awesome set today. "Rise today" (Alterbridge) two new songs from their upcoming CD. "Alive" and "Cut the noose". Last song of the day was "Never too late" by Three Days Grace...I actually got a little choked up by what God was saying to us today.
• actionkidz continues to grow and improve...we owe a great debt to Jeff and Chrissy Compton for leading it with great vision and commitment!
• I had so much fun talking about Gods plan to reward us...I love using Office Space clips..but I swear that's the last one for a while.
• My wife Michele is my hero...She definitely has the hardest Job at actionchurch. In case you didn't know she's the one who cleans all the Bathrooms etc at the club from Saturday night gross to Sunday morning "squeaky clean"...It truly is the "unseen" things that make all the difference.
• I am so thankful for all the people that are stepping up to volunteer and serve on Sunday Mornings...I am even more thankful for the people that are serving the kingdom during the week!
• We had a blast hangin' after service at the pizza buffet with the crew from X-stream...they rock and we appreciate all their help so much. I love "strategic partnerships" that actually a greater than the sum of their parts...Gods plan is exponential!
• If you miss Easter...you just missed it!

Saturday night prayer.

God, It's Saturday night and you know all the things that have happened this week. You know the joys...you know the sorrows. You know the ways we have been attacked...you know our failings. God you know there are more reasons we will not be able to accomplish our mission tomorrow than reasons we will succeed.

... there are people showing up to church tomorrow. For some it may be their first time coming to church. For others it just might be their last. They need good news. They need to feel loved and welcomed. They are depending on us...and on you. Dear God, Please don't let us let them down. Heal broken hearts and promises. Protect our volunteers...bless them. Give us strength and love beyond our abilities. Show yourself strong!

God, It's Saturday night and we need a miracle...again.

Quote of the Week:

“God gave me the talent and I seized the opportunity.”-Brett Favre

In the end that's the best that any of us can say...our potential is not limited by the resources God gives us...but by our willingness to take risks to "seize the opportunity".

The best part of wakin' up...

...nope, It's not the coffee...even though this is good coffee. It's seeing how many people are giving their time and resources to become "participants" in actionchurch! I love the fact that people are volunteering and giving not because they feel like the "have to". Not because they feel guilty. Not because I am such a persuasive communicator...but because "something is going on at actionchurch and I want to be part of it!" That "something" is God at work in our world today...and I also am glad to get to be a little part of it! Let's keep it up....

Why people don't like "Christians".

There's a good post over at Church Marketing Sucks about how people view "Christians". Here's the "money quote"

"Today's young people, ages 16-29, have a more critical view of Christians than previous generations. Specifically, they think Christians are judgmental, anti-homosexual, hypocritical, too political and sheltered. And that's not just a minority viewpoint--it's an overwhelming majority who say Christians are ...

Anti-homosexual: 91%
Judgmental: 87%
Hypocritical: 85%
Old-fashioned: 78%
Too involved in politics: 75%"

This "problem" is not going to be overcome by "contemporary worship", coffee bars, or installing video screens in our churches...it can only be overcome when "followers of Jesus" actually start following Jesus by actually putting the "Great Commandments" into action... but that would be just too simple.

35 One Pharisee, who was an expert on the law of Moses, asked Jesus this question to test him:36 "Teacher, which command in the law is the most important?"
Jesus answered, " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' 38 This is the first and most important command.39 And the second command is like the first: 'Love your neighbor as you love yourself.' 40 All the law and the writings of the prophets depend on these two commands."

Mathew 22:35-40

The best advice I ever got..

I think the test of a sermon is not what is "preached"...but what is remembered! By that standard the "best" sermon I have ever heard was preached by Pastor Gary Brothers of Cape First Assembly.

Not only do I remember what Pastor Gary's main thought was from nearly twenty years ago... I think it is the best advice I have ever received ,so I wanted to pass it along.

"Do all you know to do-and let God handle the rest."

It's simple. It's "sticky". I can't tell you how many times that phrase entered my mind as we prepared to launch actionchurch. Now that we are off and running that simple phrase has become a mantra of sorts. How do you lead a growing church that meets in a nightclub and doesn't fit any of the "models" of churches you have ever read about? ..."do all you know to do-and let God handle the rest." How do you balance the three "full -time" positions of being a pastor, contractor, and husband/father? ..."do all you know to do-and let God handle the rest."

Living at it's best is being part of God's "kingdom" plan for earth. It's exciting. It's scary sometimes. It's truly the "cure for the common life". It can also be overwhelming...beyond our abilities...It's supposed to be. What are you putting off because you don't think you can possibly complete? What areas of your life do you feel are "out of control"? What opportunities are you afraid to pursue? Give it a try...."Do all you know to do-and let God handle the rest." It could just change everything.

Invite your friends...

Make plans to invite your friends to our Easter Service coming up in two weeks. actionkidz upstairs is pulling out all the stops to make sure that all "kidz" will have an Easter morning they will never forget...I understand there will be balloons and eggs falling from the ceiling packed with prizes and candy at some point...don't leave an empty seat in the mini-van on Easter Morning.

As far as downstairs...I can't tell you what is going to happen...but I think people will be talking about it for weeks....when it comes to serving others like Jesus did..."actions speak louder than words"!

Sunday Recap:

In the words of Simon from American Idol...we took a risk today but " I loved it"!

• I was nervous about doing the "storyteller" setup today, accoustic guitar, keys, and even a female vocalist...(not having a drummer and a hard rock band onstage totally "breaks tradition" at actionchurch!) It was awesome! I had lot's of great feedback from people who were totally moved by the music today. Our first "Jerry and the house band" (we need a better name) was definitely a success!
• I'm glad people laughed at the Office Space clip...that has to be my favorite movie.
• Jake (pictured) was absolutely an example of "playing hurt" today. He finished running sound at the club at about 3:30am...which became 4:30 due to the time change...got home to a house without electricity...hooked up a generator..caught a couple hours of sleep and was back behind the soundboard by 9am...We could not do what we do without committed people like Jake!
• The only person that forgot to "spring forward" was the person who unlocks the club...thanks to some new volunteers we were able to get it done anyway! Thanks Josiah and Lori!!!!
• Speaking of the time change I thought we would be really down on attendance today...I think we were slightly up!
• The offering was good today...I'm starting to see that we will probably not meet budget on Sundays...but God is sending generous people from all over to make up the difference online and through the mail. I am past even trying to figure it out...God is providing...how doesn't matter.
• We had 5 volunteers in actionkidz!!! Those guys are totally "getting it done"! They started a new 2-3yr old class and it went well.
• It is so difficult not to "spill the beans" about what we are doing Easter...It is going to be too cool...
• I have been sick and now I feel like a truck ran over me.... It's a pretty good sign that church is really exciting when you "forget" how bad you feel until you get home!
• I love hearing from new couples who are coming to actionchurch because "this is the only place my husband actually wants to come"...that is what it is all about.
• A couple of "kids" from our previous church showed up...even though they are in their twenties I asked them "If their mommy knew they were in a bar"...I am so old!
• The guys from x-stream are like a "pit crew" when it comes to tear down...the place was completely stripped in about 30 minutes...unbelievable.
• I'm watching the Atlanta race and am about to take a "nascar nap"...

Spring Forward...

Don't forget to set your clocks forward one hour tonight.... Yeah I know...I hate "springing forward"... It sounds so cheerful...It really should be called "the night you get screwed out of an hour of sleep".

See ya at actionchurch! (11am. @ Fat Daddy's Nightclub)

"Quote" of the week...

"You know what? You know what? You look beautiful...and I...when I...when you open your mouth such a beautiful tone comes....Stop that Simon! I just want to pinch your cheeks and make you live with my Chihuahua's... I just love the colors you proceed...Don't ever go stopping changing...you are just wonderful!
-Paula Abdul.

Exactly!

Hungry Parrot Benefit...

The Hungry Parrot Pizza Buffet on Haynes road in York is doing an all day benefit (Monday March 10th) for a woman who recently lost her husband and has three children. I do not know the woman but anytime eating pizza can help someone...

...seriously honey....Jesus wants us to go to the pizza buffet and engage in the sin of gluttony...it helps a widow. Stop by Monday if you can.

Roller Coaster living...

Living out life as part of Jesus "kingdom plan" for earth is a lot like being on a roller coaster... It's exciting, at times exhilarating, and sometimes you are scared to death and want to throw up! Here's some of the actionchurch "roller coaster" if you care to follow along:

2007 was like the long slow climb up the first hill-Lot's of anticipation and excitement. Launching on 2.10.08 was like the start of the first "big drop"- it starts out to be fun but as the "drop" continues it's just terrifying. We had big plans for Easter. We intended to use the 6 weeks between launch and Easter to gather volunteers and funds for a big Easter Community event in a local park...it was going to be phenomenal...like a second launch. The problem was that instead of "gathering" funds...we were "hemorrhaging" funds... we prayed desperately for God to help us...I bugged everyone I knew trying to raise funds... Things were looking grim and we wondered at times if actionchurch would even survive.

Last week at the beginning of our new series "the Cure for the Common Life" I did what no preacher should ever do...I was completely honest and Candid with our crowd. I told them that we were struggling...I told them that we were going to cancel our Easter event due to lack of funds...I told them I was disappointed with God...with myself...with life... It was the hardest thing I have ever said...I "argued" with God all week before...I would much rather "put on a happy face" even when things are tough. I hate being vulnerable.

Immediately after the service the "upswing" of our ride began (apparently God and people are pleased when I am obedient and admit I am an idiot!)...people are generously meeting the needs of actionchurch. We had a new "idea" for a way to impact our community on Easter...but we still didn't have the funds to pull it off. Yesterday the exact amount came in from a generous person I have never personally met... but was affected by Sunday's service. Unbelievable!

This ride scares me to death at times...but I never want to get off. I said last week that in the most disappointing time of your life serving Jesus and being part of his kingdom plan for earth is the best possible way to live...Some weeks it is just simply exhilarating!

"Traditions"

We're going to switch things up on Sunday...a completely different "vibe" for actionchurch. The funny thing is that I am a little nervous about making the (one week only) changes ... Here we are a one-month-old church that meets in a nightclub, has a big statue of Buddha standing in the "main auditorium"(part of the clubs "decor"), has a cigarette machine and an ATM, hands out earplugs along with Bibles.... and somehow I'm a little nervous about "breaking tradition"! No wonder churches that have been established for hundreds of years struggle with change.

We will be absolutely steadfast and unmovable in our vision to be the "church for people that don't like church" and put the teachings of Jesus into action... Other than that...expect change...regularly...we cannot ever be more concerned about "the way we usually do it" than "getting it done" for Jesus. So make sure and don't miss Sunday's "non-traditional" second installment of the "Cure for the Common life".

Spring is coming!

Yesterday
Two weeks ago...

Yesterday felt like spring! Reagan and I were able to spend some time in the back yard yesterday afternoon flying kites and playing "hit and run" with her convertible.... (This may be teaching her some horrible driving "habits" but nothing makes her laugh more than chasing me around the yard in her car...) It was so stinkin' sweet just to be outside and enjoy the sunshine.

I am so glad I serve a God who created "seasons"! Just when you think winter will never end he gives us a reminder that spring is just around the corner! Just when you think the "dark and cold" seasons of your life will never end God reminds you that Spring is coming. It has been so encouraging after a couple of really tough weeks to see so many people responding by volunteering their time, talents, and resources to keep the dream of actionchurch alive and growing. It reminds me that a time of "spring" growth is just around the corner!

For everyone in a "dark and cold" place...I know it seems like it will never end. I wish I had better words to encourage you.... I do know who created the seasons...I know spring and summer follow winter...I know morning always comes even after the darkest night.

Okay, those are starting to sound like cliche's even to me...I'll just pray for a "spring-like" moment to remind you that God cares and is in control.

He (God) changes the times and seasons of the year. He takes away the power of kings and gives their power to new kings. He gives wisdom to those who are wise and knowledge to those who understand. Daniel 2:21

Fowl language...

I saw in the paper yesterday that some local "clergy" were protesting these signs... Yep, that's the most important thing to worry about in York county... Forget about the people who think church is irrelevant and Jesus is a Joke. We have got to "clean up" those "sinful" chicken signs before they corrupt our society. Give me a Frickin' break!

Sunday Recap

• Each week that goes by I think that we are continuing to "gel" as a church...I love the energy and "vibe" of Sunday Mornings!
• Unsettled hit it out of the park today. When I saw the songs from Michael earlier this week I knew it would be special...but it was better live. They started the service with Modern English "Melt with you"... awesome.
• This was the most difficult week ever for me in preparing to speak but the easiest when it came time to actually "let fly". As hard as it is to be truly candid as a pastor it's worth the "agony"...I know it will make us a church that is "real".
• Good turn out today... we were a few short of last week...but people are continuing to come and bring their friends.
• a couple of times everyone coughing made it sound like a hospital..is anyone not sick???
• I hate that we are "scrambling" to put together something for Easter...obviously God has plans that are better than mine.
• Offering was much better this week...not quite budget but we are good to go for another week.
• actionkidz is about to start a new class for 2 and 3 year olds. And they actually have volunteers to cover the expansion. I am so proud of what the "kidz" team is accomplishing.
• We still need someone to help on Sunday mornings for set up to help with video...but it is so cool to see how many people are volunteering in other areas. Seeing people use their talents and resources to further this dream is my favorite part of Sundays now...