Sunday Reflections
03/02/08 07:23 PM
Well, today was quite a day. Attendance was average
- did have a couple of first time guests. We
actually had the exact same number in both
services. In the first service, we forgot to put
out communion. They did get it out just before it
was time to take it. In the first service I
actually left my sermon in my office and Janet ran
to go get it when I stood up to preach. Good thing
we do it again. Actually our band did an
outstanding job both services. Prisca did a great
job picking out the songs. This was our first week
of huddling with our 1st Impression Team 20 minutes
before the service. I thought they did a great job
today. Our Children's Ministry just keeps getting
better and better. We really are developing quite a
team of awesome volunteers!
The myth we busted today during my message was, "God helps those that help themselves." Like the other myths we've looked at during this series, there is a partial truth in this statement, although the statement itself is not found in scripture. The partial truth is that God doesn't bless laziness. The outright lie is that the best help is self-help; that we don't need God except for extreme situations. But the great truth is that God helps those that cry out to Him for help and recognize that apart from God they could not do anything. It's been fun every week hearing from people who have been able to have discussions with co-workers or friends about our Sunday morning messages.
Well, obviously the thing that stood out from today's service is that Jeremiah read his resignation letter as the Youth Pastor here at Coastal. He will be leaving here to pursue his passion for missions and reaching students globally. He will have the opportunity to serve with missions specifically in Jamaica as well as the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua. While we appreciate the ministry Jeremiah and Cyndi have had here for almost 2 years with our Students and with our church and while many will miss them greatly, they must be true to God's calling in their life. I learned a long time ago that if your heart is not in something, if God has called you to do something else, try as you might, you will not be fruitful and fulfilled until you heed God's calling.
So, life goes on. We've been doing this thing called church here for almost 18 years now. I've seen people and ministries come and go - Youth Pastor, Associate Pastor, Interns, and part-time staff. It's a part of life and a part of ministry. Is it painful and difficult? Sure. But the vision of this church has not changed - to share and experience LIFE! Will the Student Ministry continue to be a priority at Coastal? Absolutely!! We will not miss a beat. We will need parents and volunteers to continue to serve and bring your students and friends. And I need you to commit to prayer the process of hiring another full time Youth Pastor. I've already made several phone calls and started to get the word out.
Coastal, this is a great church with a great future! The best really is yet to come! I'm excited about building a team with you and our future staff. The great news is that 2 years ago we stepped out in faith and hired a full time Youth Pastor and God has abundantly provided. Two years later we are paying for both salaries and paying our bills. We learned that when we step out in faith, God provides. Jeremiah and Cyndi have and will continue to learn the same thing. Pray for them and keep praying for us. I know you do and will. It is an honor to faithfully serve with you.
P.S. We had a packed house at D.O.G.S. tonight. D.O.G.S. is our once a month Sunday night Ministry for our Coastal Kidz (1st-5th Grade). You see, the best really is yet to come!
The myth we busted today during my message was, "God helps those that help themselves." Like the other myths we've looked at during this series, there is a partial truth in this statement, although the statement itself is not found in scripture. The partial truth is that God doesn't bless laziness. The outright lie is that the best help is self-help; that we don't need God except for extreme situations. But the great truth is that God helps those that cry out to Him for help and recognize that apart from God they could not do anything. It's been fun every week hearing from people who have been able to have discussions with co-workers or friends about our Sunday morning messages.
Well, obviously the thing that stood out from today's service is that Jeremiah read his resignation letter as the Youth Pastor here at Coastal. He will be leaving here to pursue his passion for missions and reaching students globally. He will have the opportunity to serve with missions specifically in Jamaica as well as the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua. While we appreciate the ministry Jeremiah and Cyndi have had here for almost 2 years with our Students and with our church and while many will miss them greatly, they must be true to God's calling in their life. I learned a long time ago that if your heart is not in something, if God has called you to do something else, try as you might, you will not be fruitful and fulfilled until you heed God's calling.
So, life goes on. We've been doing this thing called church here for almost 18 years now. I've seen people and ministries come and go - Youth Pastor, Associate Pastor, Interns, and part-time staff. It's a part of life and a part of ministry. Is it painful and difficult? Sure. But the vision of this church has not changed - to share and experience LIFE! Will the Student Ministry continue to be a priority at Coastal? Absolutely!! We will not miss a beat. We will need parents and volunteers to continue to serve and bring your students and friends. And I need you to commit to prayer the process of hiring another full time Youth Pastor. I've already made several phone calls and started to get the word out.
Coastal, this is a great church with a great future! The best really is yet to come! I'm excited about building a team with you and our future staff. The great news is that 2 years ago we stepped out in faith and hired a full time Youth Pastor and God has abundantly provided. Two years later we are paying for both salaries and paying our bills. We learned that when we step out in faith, God provides. Jeremiah and Cyndi have and will continue to learn the same thing. Pray for them and keep praying for us. I know you do and will. It is an honor to faithfully serve with you.
P.S. We had a packed house at D.O.G.S. tonight. D.O.G.S. is our once a month Sunday night Ministry for our Coastal Kidz (1st-5th Grade). You see, the best really is yet to come!
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