Sunday Reflections

I know, I know, I've got to start reflecting on Sunday sooner than Monday. Actually, I do - immediately after church. I just haven't blogged about it yet. It's a pretty regular thing that Janet and I go through every detail of the day. Jeremiah and I do the same thing. Overall, it was a good day. The Pancake Breakfast fundraiser for our Students looked like a huge success. Our attendance during worship was down a bit from the previous weeks. But we did have a few visitors and some return visitors.

Week after week, we're working on the sound. People have no idea how much time, effort, thought, discussion, and work goes into something as seemingly simple as sound. Jeremiah spent a lot of time during the week cleaning up our stage and rearranging our musicians. I think it looked a lot better. And yes, Junior is in the corner and in a cage. I love the live drums! Yes it is louder. Get over it and get used to it. Our target determines our sound. Our target is a 20 something not presently attending church. They like it loud and edgy. We will not however sacrifice quality for volume. It is a balance we are constantly working on. It is a work in progress. But for those of you who just think it's too loud - we might set up one of these stations in the Welcome Room. The picture is of an earplug dispenser!

Courtney did a great job with the meditation for Communion. Someone even called today to say so. They also commented on the "Amazing Grace" arrangement. I thought the video message from Craig Gross for Porn Sunday was great! I heard a lot of positive comments. Several parents were concerned beforehand, not really knowing what to expect. Afterwards, they all told me they were glad our students were in the service. I really do hope you take advantage of the resources at XXXchurch.com and that what was shared on Sunday will continue to be a topic of conversation with people in the community. Sunday night was bustling with activity and people. It was the first Sunday of the month, meaning that D.O.G.S., our Sunday night program for Coastal Kidz (1st-5th graders), met. They have a lot of fun!

Well, it's late, I'm sore (worked in the yard today!), and I've got to get up early tomorrow for my Tuesday morning Oakland Elementary School Prayer Group. Our Creative Team meets tomorrow at noon. I'm always jacked about meeting with them. We talk about our service and plan out upcoming series. We're already discussing and praying about the new year and Easter! Coastal - intercede, invest, and invite! It's that simple. God grows the church, but He won't use a church that's not doing those things! Remind yourself of our mission - to share and experience LIFE! What are you willing to sacrifice to accomplish that? What changes are you willing to make to see that happen? In Romans 9:3 Paul said this, "I would be willing to be forever cursed—cut off from Christ! —if that would save them." Again, what about you? What are you willing to personally do or give up so that others would come to Christ?