Mark Beeson

Just FYI. I'm Enjoying Being a Grandpa.

After being with my granddaughter for a couple of days I'm prepared to say I'm really getting into this "Grandpa" thing. I handed Ruby back to Amber for a few minutes while we were at Granny's 80th Birthday Party - just so I could take this picture. Then I asked if I could hold her baby again.

I'm enjoying my "Grandpa" role - and since Angela is due in March - I'll have another grandchild to hold before you know it. Though I'm impatient I'm guessing Angela is more so. Expectant moms everywhere may wonder why God makes pregnancies last so long, but I have a theory.

I think God puts women through so many months of pregnancy because He's looking out for grandparents like me. He knows, by the time Angela carries her baby for nine whole months, she'll be ready for some help. So if I ask politely, maybe she'll let me hold her baby for a while.

I can't wait....but I will.

Psalm 127:3-4  -  Children too are a gift from the LORD, the fruit of the womb, a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children born in one's youth.

Granny's 80th Birthday Party

When Papaw prayed with the family he thanked God for the "greatest blessing of all, that my children, their spouses and all our grandchildren know Jesus."  He's been married to Granny for more than fifty years and when we gathered to celebrate Granny's 80th Birthday her joy was complete. I was privileged to honor Granny's life on this special day. 

It's no wonder Sheila is so remarkable. By the time Granny, Papaw and God got through with her, she was something very special indeed.

3 John 1:4  -  I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

 

Crossover Church at INNOVATE 09

PastorTommy Kyllonen (A.K.A. Urban D) leads one of the great churches in America. During the arts "Mash UP" on the second day of INNOVATE '09 his team presented one of the most amazing elements of the entire conference. Crossover - an early winner of  the INNOVATIVE CHURCH AWARD - brought it!

Tommy's artists cut loose and that's when I realized the truth. I still have a few dance moves I need to learn.

Psalm 89:15-16  -  Blessed are the people who know the passwords of praise, who shout on parade in the bright presence of God. Delighted, they dance all day long; they know who you are, what you do—they can't keep it quiet!

Me and My Old Guitar

When I started GCC I brought along a 12-String-Guitar - oh yeah, it was a Sunburst Ovation. As I led worship and everyone enjoyed singing along with with me and my guitar, I wondered if it was possible for the music to ever get any better.

Apparently, that day has arrived. By the time the Innovate '09 artist Dan Vukmirovich finished his version of "She Blinded Me With Science," I came to the conclusion my guitar days were behind me.

Ezekiel 33:32  -  To them you're merely ... a country singer of sad love songs, playing a guitar.

Mike Adkins / What a Story!

Check this.

We started this afternoon with hundreds of people telling the others at their table a story of "life-change." The "best" stories were chosen and 85 winning story-tellers gathered to spin their tales again. The finest stories were discovered, voted on and entered again into the selection process. They were re-told until only the two preeminent stories remained. 

Mike Adkins of Grace Fellowship in Orlando FL was one of two selected to recount a story for everyone at Innovate '09.  Chris Conlee of High Point Church in Memphis TN was the other winner.

I loved the way we sorted through so many stories as we were mining for the finest two. Everyone was involved. Everyone had a vote. It was fun, inclusive and engaging. The idea worked and everyone heard some great stories of "life-change."

Acts 25:22  - Agrippa said, "I'd like to see this man and hear his story." "Good," said Festus. "We'll bring him in first thing in the morning and you'll hear it for yourself."

The Arts "Mash Up"

This morning we launch the arts "mash up."  It'll be a great way to open the 2nd day of Innovate '09. 

See you there.

James 1:17-18  -  Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God, the Creator of all light, and he shines forever without change or shadow. And it was a happy day for him when he gave us our new lives through the truth of his Word, and we became, as it were, the first children in his new family.

Invested

 

J Aquila has been with me from the first. No kidding. He was at GCC on our opening weekend back in 1986.  He's as invested in God's work here as anyone, and he keeps serving. Year-after year. Weekend-after-weekend. Conference-after-conference. Again today he took time off work so he could help us at Innovate. I couldn't be more proud of his faithful service and God-honoring devotion.

Proverbs 18:24  -  Some friends may ruin you, but a real friend will be more loyal than a brother.

Trace Rorie's Solo : Hurt

 

Trace sang and I thought, "What foolish activities do I engage that hurt me more than they help me?"

Isaiah 6:5-7  -  Then I said, " Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I live among a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts." Then one of the seraphim flew to me, with a burning coal in his hand which he had taken from the altar with tongs. And he touched my mouth with it and said, "Behold, this has touched your lips; and your iniquity is taken away, and your sin is forgiven."

Innovate Content / Capture for Delivery

People may contribute great content (which the Innovate presenters and artists always do) but if no one captures the content it can't be distributed.

It's the incredible GCC volunteers on our I-Mag Team who aim their cameras to capture the moments.  They're the ones who focus, and zoom, and pan, and cut to deliver the message to the widest possible audience.  They do important work and they do it well.

We owe a debt of gratitude to our fantastic volunteers...so let 'em know.

1 Thessalonians 2:8  -  We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.

Tim Stevens / Innovate '09

Beware: there's a lot of pressure on churches to be creative and original.  The higher value for churches to be effective. Tim's session was incredible. Man, he's good!

Ecclesiastes 1:9  -  What was, will be again, what has been done, will be done again, and there is nothing new under the sun!

The Moment

 

Greg Teghtmeyer's dramatic contribution took Trace Rorie's solo to a new level. There was a "moment" for all of us. I'm so glad Tim included this element in his session.  We've had a phenomenal opening morning at Innovate '09.  Read Rob's Blog to glean Tim's insights.

2 Corinthians 6:6-7  -  By our purity, knowledge, patience, and kindness we have shown ourselves to be God's servants—by the Holy Spirit, by our true love, by our message of truth, and by the power of God. We have righteousness as our weapon, both to attack and to defend ourselves.

Innovate 2009 Begins

 

 

The opening arts package was incredible. No kidding. By the time I stood up to speak everyone was lit up and ready to go.  Check out Rob's Blog for details on what I said.

Galatians 6:5  -  Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.

Limited Time for the Trail Ahead...

 

We don't have forever, at least not in this life.  Our time here is limited. Eternity is waiting and we've got precious little time to do what we're going to do while we're here.  The Psalmist says, "We live for seventy years or so (with luck we might make it to eighty)."  The more years I've burned through, the more that seems a very short time. 

Today I turned 56 (that curious year when dyslexics retire). I'm down to 14 years; I've already spent the rest. Maybe I'll get 24 years - that'd be great - but the Bible says my time is limited. I'd like to be faithful with the time I have left. 

What's that mean? 

• It means I walk the wilderness path with God: listening to Him, obeying Him and trusting Him to know the way I should go. I can't see the path clearly enough to lean on my own understanding. In all my ways I need to lean on Him and trust Him. I'm determined to follow His lead.

• It means I prioritize Sheila, honoring my wife and strengthening my marriage. This is God's first requirement of my devotion to Him.

• It means I live my life with honor and integrity. In this I offer tribute to my children and do nothing to bring disgrace or dishonor on them.

• It means I spend my remaining days helping people know Christ, love Christ, follow Christ and serve Christ. Success in life is living in God's love - loving God and loving others. Those who do that will give God glory with their part in His Story.

We don't live very long. I'd like to be faithful with the time I have left.

Psalm 103:15-19  -  Men and women don't live very long; like wildflowers they spring up and blossom, But a storm snuffs them out just as quickly, leaving nothing to show they were here. God's love, though, is ever and always, eternally present to all who fear him, Making everything right for them and their children as they follow his Covenant ways and remember to do whatever he said. God has set his throne in heaven; he rules over us all. He's the King!

Half Rack Challenger

Check out the little guy.

Ears laid back. Posturing for dominance. Feisty, eh? Chickens aren't the only animals with a "pecking order," and this fawn is apparently questioning the dominance of a half-rack buck.

It's funny, isn't it; how dangerous it can be to misread your opposition? This young deer is about to learn an important lesson; don't be too quick to judge or you might underestimate the battle ahead.

He might need a little help with this one.

How about you? Where are you picking a fight?

Are you fighting the selfishness that led to your personal debt?
Are you in a battle with self-indulgence that led to fat and fatigue?
Are you challenging poverty, hunger and illiteracy in the community?
Are you ready to wage war on addiction, lying and selfishness?

The fight you're picking may be more difficult than you've imagined, but you don't have to battle alone. When you stand up to evil and admit what Paul confessed in Romans 7, "I have the desire to do what is good but I cannot carry it out," you'll discover God is ready to help you. God stands with you to see that justice is done and mercy is offered. With God's help GOOD can win!

So fight the good fight, fear no man, and respect the awesome power of God.

Micah 6:8-9  -  The Lord God has told us what is right and what he demands: "See that justice is done, let mercy be your first concern, and humbly obey your God. I am the Lord, and it makes sense to respect my power...".

Today's Verse

 

If you indeed cry out for insight,
And raise your voice for understanding;
If you seek it like silver,
And search for it as for hidden treasure -
Then you will understand the fear of the Lord
And find the knowledge of God.
Proverbs 2:3-5

15 Years Together

                                                                                  - Photo by Dustin Maust

Tim Stevens joined me 15 years ago. I thought I knew what he could do, and I guess I could say I did know, because he did everything I thought he could - and so much more. From his first moment on staff, Tim began to soar.His capacity is astounding. I admire his devotion to Christ and the Church. I commend and celebrate his great love for his wife, Faith, and their children: Heather, Megan, Hunter and Taylor.

This weekend I asked Tim and Faith to join me in front of the congregation. We cheered for them and prayed over them. It was a very special day. It was a very special moment for me.

I tell young pastors their team's "chemistry" matters. I suggest it's a good thing if you enjoy working with the people closest to you. I also say "capacity" is important. If you can hire people who are capable...do so. "Complementary gifts" bring team success. Unity is not uniformity and you should add people to your team who can do what you can't in ways you'd never imagine. And I tell them "character" is critical. It's a non-negotiable. You can't afford to hire people you can't trust.

Today I'm celebrating 15 years of shared ministry with this great leader.Tim's character is sterling. His gifts complement my own and his capable handling of staff, facilities and operations has proven invaluable. Not only that, but I like Tim. I enjoy doing the work of ministry with this trusted friend.

Happy 15th Anniversary Tim. I'm honored to serve Jesus beside you.

2 Corinthians 8:22b  -  He's proved his dependability many times over, and carries on as energetically as the day he started.

Inside Looking Out

For the last two days I've been looking out the window.  As the hours have passed, and the world has continued on, I've been prone in bed thinking lofty thoughts like: 

- How can I blow my nose this much? I should be completely dehydrated by now. 
- I wonder if you can get a shot for this? I wonder why I didn't?
- I should be quarantined. Oh wait, I already am.
- Who gave this dreadful disease to me? What can I do for them?
- I wonder if my head will explode?
- Surely these aren't the only drugs available for this malady...

I hung a bucket under my nose so I could sit up and update my blog. I was getting lonely and determined this to be the best method I could employ for connecting with friends without being blamed for spreading the plague. 

Romans 7:24-25a  -  What a miserable person I am. Who will rescue me from this body that is doomed to die? Thank God! Jesus Christ will rescue me.

Innovate '09 Update

I know you've seen this video, but I love it.  So I'm posting it again and adding an update.

To this point in time we have 120 churches registered. Seven of these churches are bringing ten people or more. People are coming from three Canadian provinces: Ontario, Manitoba and Nova Scotia. Our volunteers are fired up to serve and my staff is cranked for the big event.

We'll have Twitter displayed on the screens, the Film-Festival extravaganza, the Kona Ice Truck (Sno-cones anyone?), the "Mash Up" of new perspectives on artistic expression and lots of Breakouts with casual Q&A offerings.

You gotta get here!

 Job 34:4 - "So let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good."

Someone Turned Up The Voltage In The Room...

 

In this photo, Jeff Myers captured the moment when those planning to be baptized stood to identify themselves as followers of Christ. All-in-all, 455 received baptism last weekend.

One man said, "At that moment - when I stood and everyone celebrated - it was like someone turned up the voltage in the room. Good thing I'm grounded in Jesus now. I'm not sure I could have taken it otherwise. It was a fantastic moment!"

Philippians 2:12c-13a  -  Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God's energy, an energy deep within you...

Who Will You Become?

 

Trying to decide who you want to be when you grow up?

Lots of us are working on the same issue. We know who we are today. We know who we’d like to be tomorrow. We may, or may not, like ourselves as we are. We’d like to be better. We’d like to be a new and improved 2.0 version of ourselves tomorrow.

As an old Methodist, I’ve got some thoughts that might help you, so if you don’t want to wait until the weekend to gain some ground on this agenda, let me offer a few suggestions. To become the person you want to become…

1.  Give your life to Jesus.
As His personal friend – living an interactive life with Him – you know the Truth. In Him you have power over evil and the freedom to lead your life as He would lead your life if He was you. Serving Jesus means all day, every day, we’re working for Jesus – so our jobs are transformed into holy vocations.  The forces of evil are stymied when we consciously live for Jesus.

2.  Give your life to the Church.
Know this; the most important thing happening in your home, your community and your city is happening in the Church. Nothing on earth is more important than what is happening through Christ, and the Church is the Body of Christ in the world. With your friends in the church, under the proper guidance of pastors, you’ll learn how to “exercise dominion in life through the One, Christ Jesus.” Don’t forget your friends in Christ who are long dead; their encouragement and wisdom is available to us in their writings.

3.  Give your life to the spiritual disciplines.
Our methodical practice of spiritual disciplines increases our receptivity to grace – and grace is God acting in our lives to accomplish what we cannot do on our own. Of course, these practices are not ways of impressing God (or other people). We don’t do them to earn God’s favor. We engage them as avenues of knowing Christ. We need them as we learn to eliminate distractions, gain clarity and focus on our camaraderie with Christ.

4.  Give your money.
Start being generous with what you have and it will grow. Generosity is an essential dimension of love. We were made for generosity. Everyone wants to be generous – if they only believe they can be generous. The exercise of giving breaks the grip of our little kingdom and strengthens our connection with the soon and coming Kingdom of God.

5.  Give yourself to prayer. 
Prayer brings progress in a form suited to the wisdom of God. God intends to bless the world. Prayer is God’s plan for safely sharing power with us – so He can bless the world through us.

6.  Give yourself to others.
Christ-followers have a task assigned them; that mission is to know Christ and, knowing Him, to make the knowledge of God and life in Christ available to those around them.

Go ahead and improve on this list, but I believe – whatever you add to this list - these suggestions will help you become the person you want to be when you grow up. 

Romans 5:17  -  For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.

Numbered Among Sheila's Friends...

Numbered among Sheila's friends is this woman, Ginny Lawley.  Sheila and Ginny have prayed together, served Jesus together and encouraged each other to keep doing the next right thing.  It was no surprise to me when Sheila said, "You've got to get a great picture of Ginny at the baptism celebration this weekend. She coordinated the whole event at both campuses!"

Sheila's right.  Ginny did a fantastic job leading the marvelous volunteers who made the baptisms go so smoothly.  It was a mammoth task and Ginny ran point for us.  Her volunteers worked hard and every one of the 455 Christ-followers baptized last weekend (at both campuses) were the beneficiaries of their faithful effort. 

428 were baptized at the Granger campus.  27 received baptism at the Elkhart campus.

Kudos to Ginny and all the faithful volunteers who delivered so much for so many!

Ecclesiastes 5:3  -  The dream comes through much effort...

Coming To A City Near You...

Check it out here.  Tickets went on sale today.

Mark 8:29  -  "What about you?" Jesus asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Christ."

A Very Good Day For Bret

                                                                       -  Photo by Rick VanVlasselaer

Weeks after the horrific accident that left Bret a paralyzed quadriplegic in June, remarkable things began to happen.  A few nerves started firing. Slight sensations revealed something hidden within his shattered body. Almost imperceptible, sometimes involuntary movements brought a glimmer of hope, and Bret began to push through his physical therapy toward his goal of physical rehabilitation.

Last weekend Bret stood (yes, with every muscle quivering, he briefly stood) and professed his faith in Jesus Christ.  This weekend he wheeled his chair outside to the pool's edge and he was baptized into the faith. Jesus brought Bret back to God. 

I had the privilege of baptizing Bret after our first Saturday night service.  As it turns out, Bret was the first of hundreds baptized at GCC this weekend.

2 Thessalonians 1:4  -  We're so proud of you; you're so steady and determined in your faith despite all the hard times that have come down on you.

Giving

                                      - Photo by Dustin Maust

My son is as committed to Jesus as anyone I know, so when I heard him talking about the offerings at GCC I took note. Especially when I heard him say, "No one my age carries any cash. When you pass those bags around, what do you expect people to do with them? " 

I assumed I misunderstood him. 

"What?" I said.  "Of course you carry cash.  Everyone carries cash.  How do you buy stuff if you don't have cash?" 

"Debit card," Aaron replied. "I don't carry any cash. I use my debit card for everything. That's what everyone does."

A wave of insight swept over me. Clouds parted. The skies opened up. The light came on. I got it. If thousands of GCC'ers use their debit cards for everything else, it's just crazy to expect them to give cash on the weekends. 

I know a lot of people who use debit cards for everything want to support the church.  And I know those who want to help the poor, reach the lost and restore the broken will give if they can.  But how could they support the church if we didn't make it possible for them to use their debit cards?  Oops. 

So we're fixing the problem.  From now on those who don't carry cash can use their debit cards and partner in the church's ministry.  Look for the Giving Kiosks this weekend and give 'em a whirl.

Sheila and I have already made donations with our debit cards and we feel quite good about using this new-fangled-offering-technology. 

 

     Click on this audio-file and let the giving begin.

 

Psalm 96:8  -  Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts.

Preparation...

Hundreds will be baptized this weekend at GCC - some at the Elkhart campus and others at the Granger campus. We're preparing for the celebration and the volunteers working to make the event possible are doing a great job.

Do you desire to be baptized? Is God leading you to take this step of faith? It's not too late. Learn more about it here, and you can be baptized this weekend. 

Acts 22:10-16 
   "What shall I do, Lord?" I asked.
   "Get up,' the Lord said, 'and go into Damascus. There you will be told all that you have been assigned to do."My companions led me by the hand into Damascus, because the brilliance of the light had blinded me. A man named Ananias came to see me. He was a devout observer of the law and highly respected by all the Jews living there. 
   He stood beside me and said, "Brother Saul, receive your sight!" And at that very moment I was able to see him. Then he said: "The God of our fathers has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. You will be his witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name."

Still Holding On

I talked with a man who said he wanted to learn more about God.

I asked what he'd learned about God as he'd studied the Bible.

He told me he had learned a few Bible stories at church when he was a kid.  He mentioned David and Goliath, the Wise Men visiting baby Jesus, and a woman who got caught in the act of adultery.  He said that was the only church he ever attended, and that was some time ago.

I asked what he'd learned about God as he'd watched the people who attended that church.

He replied, "I learned very little by example at church, but I'm still holding on to my hope that God cares."

When the conversation ended I thought about the tragedy of a church that tells the real story about God and lives as if the story is a fable. How degraded is the witness of a people whose words and ways lack coherence?  As easy as it may be to say the words, it's also important to live the life.

I'm wondering where my life doesn't reflect the Truth. That's the very place I'm going to need God's help - so my life's story will give God glory.

James 1:22  -  Be doers of the word and not hearers only...

Young Leaders

Heather is one of the strong young leaders at GCC. I'm convinced she has great potential for high impact ministry. Oh yeah, she's that good.

My plan for encouraging young leaders is pretty simple. You can probably improve on this, but here's what I try to do for all our great young leaders at GCC. 

1.  I pray for them.  I know this is understood, but I'm always surprised at the number of young leaders I pray for, only to hear them say, "No one has ever prayed over me like that before." 

2.  I tell them what I think of them.  You'd be amazed how many high capacity young leaders have never heard anyone tell them that they're important, that God has obviously gifted them, that they have influence and they were made for more.

3.  I create environments where emerging leaders can watch (and learn from) other great leaders.  At every stage of leadership development a growing leader benefits from association with more mature leaders.

4.  I create environments where young leaders can actually lead - in the context of support, encouragement and mentoring/coaching feedback.  Let 'em lead something, offer 'em Aspirin with Band-Aids, offer helpful feedback and watch 'em soar!

5.  Expect a lot.  Too many young leaders are under-challenged, under-resourced, unappreciated and under-valued.  I don't want that to be the case at GCC, so I work hard to see young leaders positioned for success, and I expect it.

It's worth asking yourself two questions:
   "Where can young leaders emerge in the ministry I lead?"
   "What am I doing to help young leaders succeed?"

1 Timothy 4:12-16 (MSG)  -  Don't let anyone put you down because you're young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity. Stay at your post reading Scripture, giving counsel, teaching. And that special gift of ministry you were given when the leaders of the church laid hands on you and prayed—keep that dusted off and in use. Cultivate these things. Immerse yourself in them. The people will all see you mature right before their eyes! Keep a firm grasp on both your character and your teaching. Don't be diverted. Just keep at it.

Mom's Legacy / 4 Generations

 

                                                                     -  Photo by Becky Hunter

As I prayed for my family this morning I spent some time thanking God for my mom. She faced the challenges of life with remarkable faith. She weathered the storms, took the blows, loved God and loved her kids.  When things got difficult she found contentment in God's provision of family and friends. My mother blessed my life.

Thanks Mom. Your family still lives in the blessing of your faithfulness.

Proverbs 3:3-6  -  Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Choices Have Consequences

Your decisions have consequences.  We can't choose consequence-free living, but we can choose many of our consequences. Watching kids at Camp Adventure for the last three decades has reinforced that opinion. Our choices matter.

Camp observations...

• Chugging a pitcher of red juice is more effective than drinking syrup of Ipecac.

• If you go to camp a mosquito will bite you. Once there you are merely a part of the food-chain.

• If you enter the Paintball Arena you'll eventually be "marked." You may even become the target of your own teammate.

• If you refuse to control yourself someone else will need to control you. Bad behavior elicits a response; so does good behavior. You get to choose the response you prefer.

• If you weigh 100 pounds and you get "blobbed" by a 250 pound person, you are going to fly high.  Choosing to put yourself in the "blob" position has inevitable consequences.

• If you start down the Slip-n-Slide, your options have diminished; you are going to go down the Slip-n-Slide.  All campers are subject to the forces of gravity. No exceptions.

All of us will face consequences surging up from the confluence of our decisions. Some we can expect. Some will surprise us. But either way, our choices today will have an impact on our tomorrows.

So I can't stop thinking about the 342 men and women who decided to give their lives to Jesus this weekend.  They've chosen a new direction, a new relationship and a new life in Christ - and there will be consequences.

Pray their love for God will increase, as the consequences of their new life begin to unfold.

1 Peter 4:3-5  -  You spent quite long enough in the past living the sort of life that gentiles choose to live, behaving in a debauched way, giving way to your passions, drinking to excess, having wild parties and drunken orgies and sacrilegiously worshiping false gods. So people are taken aback that you no longer hurry off with them to join this flood which is rushing down to ruin, and then abuse you for it. They will have to answer for it before the judge who is to judge the living and the dead.

Sacred Moments

 

                                                      - Photo by Jessica Riley

In the midst of a Camp Adventure worship celebration, I grabbed my son-in-law and whispered a blessing into his ear.  Around us was singing, praise and boisterous joy. Between us was a moment of sacred trust.  I blessed John and reminded him of  God's love and provision. I still remember the moment. I cherish it.

I had a similar experience  this weekend. In each service I spoke directly with each of the men and women who stood to indicate they were giving their lives to Jesus.  I even went live to our Elkhart campus so I could personally engage each new convert to Christianity. 

As people stood to their feet and agreed to follow Christ, I reminded them of God's love and provision. We shared moments of blessing and sacred trust.

If you're curious about the number of adults Jesus brought back to the Father this weekend, here's rhe GCC breakdown.

Saturday @ 5:00 PM   -     27
Saturday @ 7:00 PM   -     34
Sunday  @ 9:30 AM    -   137
Sunday @ 10:30 AM   -     19
Sunday @ 11:30 am   -   125
                       TOTAL    -    342  new followers of Jesus

2 Timothy 1:8c-10a   -  We can only keep on going, after all, by the power of God, who first saved us and then called us to this holy work. We had nothing to do with it. It was all his idea, a gift prepared for us in Jesus long before we knew anything about it. But we know it now.

Anna Campbell / Labor Day Weekend

Surrounded by a host of incredible musicians and artists, Anna is adding tremendous power to the worship of God.  She's leveraging her gifts to help us. I love the contribution she makes and the wonderful attitude she brings to our church family.

Anna matters. 

You do too.

1 Peter 4:10-11  - God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.

Procyon lotor / "One Who Washes"

This little guy was busy looking for something when I took his picture. Looking. Looking. Looking. I'm not sure what he was looking for, but he was very busy looking for it.

It made me wonder, "What am I busy looking for today?"

Zephaniah 2:3  -  Search for the Lord, all you humble people in the land who carry out his justice. Search for what is right. Search for humility. Maybe you will find shelter on the day of the Lord's anger.

More Good News....

 

It's exciting news.  Angela and John are pregnant! John made the big announcement today during SWAT (Staff Working As Team, our weekly all-staff meeting). 

Who knew when I took this picture that Angela and John were practicing "baby-holding" on their niece? 

I'm not sure what you'll be doing in March, but it looks like Sheila and I will be welcoming our  new grandchild into the family.  We're thankful. We're thrilled. We're confident Angela and John will be wonderful parents.

If you see them at 1st Wednesday Worship tonight, tell 'em, "Congratulations."

It's a very good day.

Deuteronomy 6:1-2  -  These are the commands, decrees and laws the Lord your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the Lord your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life.