Good morning.
Last night was our MAIN EVENT at Youth Group (which means we combine High School and Middle School). We had an awesome night of worship, crazy games, and even a baptism! But before I get too far into it, let's back up in my day, because it was a doozy.
It seems like every time we have a Main Event, I am in for a hectic day. Setting up worship gear, picking up a baptismal tub ( By the way, thanks Craig at Wilco for helping is out!) Practicing for worship, planning the nights activities, etc. But I have to say, the moment we experienced the baptism of one our Middle School girls, all the time and frustration and hectic brain hurting stoppped. Again last night I realized that nothing is more important, more amazing, and plain out awesome than someone making the decision to walk with Christ! I could use more of that. I could use more of the awareness that everything in life; my truck and my job and my stress and my anal-ness to have everything at youth group just right.... ughh. It all melts away when you see someone find Jesus.
So Makaila, I look forward to shooting hoops with you in heaven someday. It's a good day.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Blessed to be a Bragger
This is an article I wrote for our church's newsletter. It's about my church and our youth missions trip and how.... you know what, I'll just let you read it.
I would imagine that if I were a professional basketball player, I would undoubtedly rub shoulders with other professional athletes. Or say I was a lawyer. I would probably spend a sizeable amount of time around other lawyer types. The same probably goes for Policemen, Hair stylists, Comedians and yes – Pastors. As a Pastor, I spend a decent amount of time with fellow pastors. And although our conversation is probably much different than that of a group of pro athletes or say hair stylists (sometimes I wonder though), we do share one very instinctual conversational tactic; we like to brag.
Now, we don’t brag about our new shoe endorsements or the 2.3 million dollar scandal we just unveiled, but we do in fact brag about things that we are very proud of. Our bragging usually consists of children, family, youth groups, the sweet half-off deal we managed to broker with the local laser-tag guy….. you know, Youth Ministry stuff. But for me, the thing I have found myself bragging about most recently is not something I did, but some people I know. Truth is, I brag about you.
You read it right, I brag about you. And not just once, but repeatedly. When I am sitting on a smelly youth-room couch in a meeting with my fellow Youth Pastors, I brag about the best, #1, most loving and generous group of people known as Canby Christian Church. I brag because I cherish your thoughtfulness, and your diligence toward seeking Christ. I’ve experienced your love and dedication and it is awesome. Fact is, your number one in my book.
One particular trait that I like to brag about is how our church family rallies and supports our youth Missions trip to Mexico. I often hear horror stories from Youth Pastors of lack of funds and church support, rained-out car washes and lemonade stands that make $43 for 8 hours work. I am blessed to be a part of a church family that realizes the importance of our youth, and the exposure they get to the global need for the gospel of Jesus. In my past 2 years I have been overwhelmed by your generosity. Thank you for your support.
As our 2009 Mexico Auction approaches, I would like to again ask you for your help. We are in need many items to sell at our annual auction. This auction is our sole fund-raising event to help offset the cost of our trip to Mexico in June. Would you start praying to God and asking yourself, “What can I give”? In the next few weeks we will be making in-service announcement that will provide you with details as to how and when you can give.
I look forward to seeing how God will work through you in partnership with our Mexico Missions Trip. Thank you Canby Christian Church for being who you are. Without you, who knows what I would brag about!
I would imagine that if I were a professional basketball player, I would undoubtedly rub shoulders with other professional athletes. Or say I was a lawyer. I would probably spend a sizeable amount of time around other lawyer types. The same probably goes for Policemen, Hair stylists, Comedians and yes – Pastors. As a Pastor, I spend a decent amount of time with fellow pastors. And although our conversation is probably much different than that of a group of pro athletes or say hair stylists (sometimes I wonder though), we do share one very instinctual conversational tactic; we like to brag.
Now, we don’t brag about our new shoe endorsements or the 2.3 million dollar scandal we just unveiled, but we do in fact brag about things that we are very proud of. Our bragging usually consists of children, family, youth groups, the sweet half-off deal we managed to broker with the local laser-tag guy….. you know, Youth Ministry stuff. But for me, the thing I have found myself bragging about most recently is not something I did, but some people I know. Truth is, I brag about you.
You read it right, I brag about you. And not just once, but repeatedly. When I am sitting on a smelly youth-room couch in a meeting with my fellow Youth Pastors, I brag about the best, #1, most loving and generous group of people known as Canby Christian Church. I brag because I cherish your thoughtfulness, and your diligence toward seeking Christ. I’ve experienced your love and dedication and it is awesome. Fact is, your number one in my book.
One particular trait that I like to brag about is how our church family rallies and supports our youth Missions trip to Mexico. I often hear horror stories from Youth Pastors of lack of funds and church support, rained-out car washes and lemonade stands that make $43 for 8 hours work. I am blessed to be a part of a church family that realizes the importance of our youth, and the exposure they get to the global need for the gospel of Jesus. In my past 2 years I have been overwhelmed by your generosity. Thank you for your support.
As our 2009 Mexico Auction approaches, I would like to again ask you for your help. We are in need many items to sell at our annual auction. This auction is our sole fund-raising event to help offset the cost of our trip to Mexico in June. Would you start praying to God and asking yourself, “What can I give”? In the next few weeks we will be making in-service announcement that will provide you with details as to how and when you can give.
I look forward to seeing how God will work through you in partnership with our Mexico Missions Trip. Thank you Canby Christian Church for being who you are. Without you, who knows what I would brag about!
Monday, February 23, 2009
A Birthday to remember..
Yesterday when I came to the church, I was pleasantly surprised by the changes made to my office. (See pictures below).
The funny part about the whole deal is that it took me nearly an hour to clean up the decorations. But, I will take it. I will take it today, and tomorrow and forever and ever. I will take it because I have found that when it comes to pranks, jokes, gifts and pokes ( ... it rhymed with jokes, give me a break), we do them out of love. So, to those of you who decorated my office. Thanks for the love, even though it felt more like cleaning up my room when I was 6.
The funny part about the whole deal is that it took me nearly an hour to clean up the decorations. But, I will take it. I will take it today, and tomorrow and forever and ever. I will take it because I have found that when it comes to pranks, jokes, gifts and pokes ( ... it rhymed with jokes, give me a break), we do them out of love. So, to those of you who decorated my office. Thanks for the love, even though it felt more like cleaning up my room when I was 6.
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