Off to a Great Start!

I’ve just been reflecting a little on the start of 2009 for FC.  It’s been quite a few weeks hasn’t it?  It’s hysterical the way that we have been dealing with this Sunday cycle of snow.  It seems that every Sunday morning we have more of the “white stuff” falling down.  It even led us to cancel one of our Sunday mornings, which we rarely do.

 

Every first of the year I love to come “running out of the gate” yet it seemed more like stuttering.  Yet this was another opportunity for God to teach me that it’s He who grows the church.  The book of Acts says that “God added to the church daily…”  It seems I have to be reminded of that often.  We can do what we can, and we should do what we can, but ultimately, it’s God’s church.

 

That being said, FC has seen some amazing things happen at a time when, humanly speaking, they shouldn’t be.  It seems that January has been about digging out your car and shoveling your driveway and just trying to keep your head above water – instead; God is blessing us in fantastic ways!

 

So far in January…

 

One FCer had the opportunity to lead someone to Christ right over the phone!  This story is amazing because it began decades ago and culminated last week.  Lesson learned – God’s timetable is not always our timetable.  Be patient and never give up on anyone!  You never know the influence you have on others – God is using you in ways you’ve never dreamed!

 

Our student ministry, Living Proof, is seeing amazing things happen.  Last week, 3 students gave their lives to Christ – over ten of them committed to make a public stand of their faith through baptism. 

 

My neighbors began coming to FC in December and last week Mary Ann told Laura that she now believes in Jesus Christ!  Another changed life!

 

I don’t have the final tally yet, but this Sunday there looks to be a good number of people following Christ in baptism.  You are not going to want to miss this!  What a great start to 2009. 

 

And here’s the kicker – only God can receive the glory for this!  This isn’t supposed to happen in the dead of winter, while we are in a deep freeze!  People are supposed to stay home but instead they are coming out and they are making HUGE decisions and God is changing their lives through Jesus Christ.

 

I can’t wait to see what God does through the rest of 2009!  If January tells us anything – I think it could be a great year!

 

Yea God!

Weekend Wrap Up

Below are some thoughts on Sunday…

• Fellowship Church just rocks! You guys are TRUE New Englanders!
• It was great seeing everyone after TWO weeks – it felt more like a month. Man, I’m really attached to you guys!
• Great service, great spirit!
• We added 40 extra chairs in the room for the new year and it snowed!
• Vicki kicked it – great job leading us into and through worship
• Band sounded great – even without a base guitar; way to go guys!
• Talked about having a New Start today – Phil. 3:12-14
• I think it was the best message I preached all year ☺
• I’m convinced God is going to do some great things through FC in 2009; He already has!
• One of our church members led someone to Christ RIGHT OVER THE PHONE this week!
• Last Friday in our Student Ministry Friday night program (LP) – 11 students made a commitment to baptism – 3 invited Christ into their lives.
• We had 4 adult first-time guests on a snowy day! Way to invite!
• We had some people sign up for LIFE Trax 1 (Membership) and Baptism
• Invite some friends and family for next Sunday….you won’t regret it!
• New year; New Start!
• I’m powering down a little now and watching some championship football…

Jack’s Back

Can’t wait for Sunday at 8 pm. Any other 24 fans out there?

Weekend Wrap Up!

Here’s some thoughts and doings of this weekend…

• Went to the mall with the twins on Saturday…just the three of us
• Guess who we saw at the mall!  Don’t know how many years we have left of this, but it’s a lot of fun

• Began our Christmas shopping together while mom was at work!
• Dunkin Donuts for Breakfast!  Does it get any better???!!!
• Best shopping tip in the world – be there when the stores open and you won’t wait in lines, they are EMPTY – Be finished by Noon and you have the rest of the day to yourself!
• I heard this tip from Tiger Woods years ago – Great advice!
• The boys had a few friends over Saturday night – they had a blast
• Can anyone say flashlight tag????
• Looking for a good family gift?  Best board game – Apples to Apples!
• Sunday at FC was just great!
• God is really blessing FC – “someone’s” not happy!
• Kicked off our Christmas Series today – “In the story of Christmas – Who are You?
• Before there was Luke 2, there was Luke 1
• Zechariah and  Elizabeth’s life story is really amazing!
• Lots of new faces today!  Way to go FCers!  Best inviters in NE!
• The drama and media team did a great job to make today fantastic!
• Worship team and band – thanks for leading us into worship!
• God knows what you are going through – and He cares!
• God’s plans are bigger than our plans!
• If I live for His will I can be a part of something way bigger than me!
• I’m really honored to be your Pastor!
• The PATS won!!!
• Played “Go Fish”, “Old Maid” and checkers with the family tonight!  What a blast!
• I swear it’s the simple things that make life fun!

Fantastic Weekend

Here we go with the weekend wrap up again!

 

• Saturday was great!  I actually was able to catch up on things around the house. 
• Our family had dinner with Missionary Ralph Done – It was great!! 
• I learned so much sitting and talking with him.  I wish all of you were there! 
• Favorite question of the evening:  “What was the strangest thing you’ve ever eaten (remember I have  12 and 14 year old boys).  Answer:  Kitty cats, puppies, snake and monkey brains – yes, MONKEY BRAINS!
• FC rocked again on Sunday! 
• Missionary Ralph Done did a great job telling the story of the hope the world has in Christ!
• He showed a clip of the movie, “The Guardian” – that’s next in my Netflix queue now
• He really challenged us and expanded our vision for meeting the needs of children throughout the world.
• His story about the children of Mongolia really got to me
• We had FIVE first time adult guests who filled out a Communication Card; I saw a whole bunch of others who I’ve never seen before! We’re praying for 10 a week! 
• Get this, THREE people accepted Christ as their Savior on Sunday!!! – FC is a place where faith comes to life!
• Looks like we’re ramping up for a short term missions trip.  There seems to be a lot of FCers pretty interested!
• If you’re interested in going on a short term missions trip call the church office and we’ll put you on a list and talk to you more about it: 860.346.1181
• Looks like Missionary Ralph Done will be back in May for “MANNA Sunday!”
• We’re beginning a dialogue about the missions trip – we’re shooting for Summer of 2010
• You guys really came through for the local non-profits this years, thank you for the food donations for Thanksgiving and for the towels and linens for New Horizons Women Shelter!  You’re making a difference!
• I’m really honored to be your Pastor!
• See you Sunday for Communion!
• Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

One Crazy Weekend

Here’s some thoughts from one crazy weekend…

 

 

• Stayed up til 2 AM Saturday morning playing video games with Jonathan.  I was winning, I never win against him – there was no going to bed!
• We celebrated the twins birthdays on Saturday – Back to Back!
• We all woke up early and cleaned the house in hopes of fooling everyone that it always looks this good around here
• Each one invited 8-10 kids to their party.
• Jillie’s started at 10:30 AM – Stephen’s kicked off at 1:30 PM
• Girl parties are less chaotic than boy parties
• Girl parties are less messy than boy parties
• Girls took 25 minutes to eat their meal; the boys took 3 – that is NOT an exaggeration
• If we didn’t have help from our older sons and the moms and dads who stayed – we would have never pulled it off – it was hysterical
• There was a 30 minute window between parties – we could start our own show, extreme party makeover.  We’re talking new place settings, streamers, food – the works!
• I took a nap after the parties
• Sunday was absolutely incredible!
• This was the first time I was excited to talk about money
• I’m convinced people want to know what God has laid out as Biblical principles for money management
• Two characteristics of those who follow God:  they are confident and fearless!
• Threw out the 100 day Tithe Challenge
• 15 families accepted the challenge to begin tithing!
• I love how the people of FC are FEARLESS
• Had 5 adult guests today plus kids!
• We gave away more than 100 “The Treasure Principle” books today – Merry Christmas FCers!
• Fired up about missionary Ralph Done being with us THIS COMING SUNDAY November 23^rd  
• No doubt, FC is a place where faith comes to life!

Happy Birthday Jillie & Stephen

We’re celebrating the twins birthday Saturday — back to back parties.  It’s gonna be crazy!  Their real birthdays land on Thanksgiving this year!  Yea, TWO parties this year!  Whatdayathink of this idea for “cake”?

Weekend Wrap Up

Here’s a few thoughts rummaging around in my head from this weekend….

 

• Our family just grew!  We now have a little Boston Terrier puppy in our household.  Pictures and name are coming soon! As a matter of fact, I’m open to any ideas for names.
• Puppies have a way of just bringing amazing joy and laughter…and frustration if they’re not house trained!
• My niece, Alyssa, is staying with us for the weekend.  We’re really enjoying having her around!
• This morning’s service was off the charts!  God’s doing some amazing things in the lives of people!
• One person told me they were praying that a family member who had not been to church in months would be at church this morning…five minutes later, she tapped him on the shoulder; and she brought a friend!!!
• Another person shared with me her spiritually journey; God’s been directing her for 6 years; today she landed at FC!  Can’t wait to see where this story goes!
• God’s been teaching me some serious lessons this past week or two about trusting him and living for Him and only Him.  I’m hoping to share more of it in the future.  It’s exciting though to see God working in my life.  And yes, many times it’s very uncomfortable!
• I’m taking heart in knowing that God created us with an amazing capacity for change
• It’s important that my focus be on Jesus Christ and no one or anything else (Hebrews 12:1-3)
• In these times of uncertainty, I can be certain that God is in control!
• I can’t wait for next week!  I’ll be talking about “Financial Certainty”.  I have a feeling that a lot of us will be able to relate to this one!
• Well, I’ve got some family birthday parties to attend today.  Enjoy your Sunday, I know I will be enjoying mine!

Election Day

Weekend Wrap Up

Here’s some things I did and thoughts of the weekend!

• Had a great time on Halloween… connected with neighbors and had some great conversation and relationship growth.  Awesome! 
• I love Halloween because it’s the only night of the year that all of the neighbors come out and play!  It’s a great connection time; I’ve made a new friend EVERY year. 
• Jillie was a snow princess and Stephen was a cowboy.  I’ll try and get some pics later.  They made out like bandits!!!
• Jon and Ben spent the night at FC with the LP lock-in.  They had a great time and slept on Saturday.
• Matt and the gang did a great job for the lock-in, I’m thankful for them and proud of them!
• My wife put me to work on Saturday, were trying to get some projects done for the holidays…wow, they’re coming quick!
• Spent Saturday evening at the CCA Fall Festival.  The kids had a GREAT time.  CCA did a great job putting a smile on lots of children’s faces
• It was COLD when I woke up this morning!
• I loved being at FC this morning!
• It started crazy with the fire alarm glitching on us multiple times before church.  I knew God was going to do something BIG today
• Wrapped up the “According to Jim” series, a series of messages from the Book of James
• Lots of people have dived into this book and are getting a lot out of it.  That makes my day!
• Great drama today…thanks Erin!
• Loved the song afterwards by Amy…really drove home the point
• Had 5 returning guests in our kids environments today!!! 
• Fellowship Church exists to give people the best opportunity for their faith in Jesus Christ to come to life.  
• I’m passionate about prayer, because when your pray you are including God in your life and that gives Him an opportunity to change you
• Check out the Elijah story a talked about in 1 Kings 18-19; this guy was crazy! (in a healthy way)
• Love James nickname — Camel Knees
• Don’t be afraid to pray when God is blessing you!  
• God does extraordinary things when ordinary people pray!
• I love this church!  
• I can’t wait until next week as we talk about, “Facing Life’s Transitions”
• Life is all about change…no change, no growth
• Don’t forget to vote on Tuesday!
• Gotta go, spend some time with the family…looking forward to watching my Patriots whip up on the Colts tonight!
• I’m honored to be your Pastor!