I've been thinking . . .

• Sunday was another incredible day at FPC from the opening song in the 8:30 service to the end of the children's program that evening. I'm proud to be the pastor.
• Lori Monaghan did a fantastic job leading our kids in "No Wonder" - I don't know how she pulled it off, but she did.
• I love our staff and volunteers - they make me want to go to the office everyday.
• Had an amazing talk with someone after the 3rd service on Sunday - made my whole afternoon. God is moving!
• My son is beginning to drive - pray for me.
• We wrap up our Naked Faith series this coming Sunday - this has been a fun series for me. Much deeper than many people were expecting, but it's been an exciting ride.
• Did you see all of the presents in the lobby last night for our Angel Tree outreach? Incredible! FPC blessed 130 children through Elizabeth City - did I say I love it here?
• My Community Group Christmas party is this coming Saturday evening - I'm ready - bring on the food and bring on the gifts!
• We have the largest Christmas tree that we have ever had at the Neal house - 9 feet! I had to use a latter to put the angel on. Let's hope that it doesn't fall over. I'm saying that because our Christmas tree fell over last year. And I don't care what Lana says, it was not my fault.
• Dr. Leo from Ecuador will be with us in January - he will speak in all three services. I'm so pumped! As you know, we built Dr. Leo a medical clinic this past summer. It's amazing to have him with us here at FPC and to catch his vision.
• If all goes as planned, you will see construction on the outreach center and the covered pavilion in January.
• Our worship team did an outstanding job Sunday morning - God of the Ages - wow! - what a way to end the service!
• Financial Peace University is coming to FPC in February - Dale Jones will be teaching it - if you've never taken it, whatever you do, don't miss it.
• Kate Klein (Director of Connections) led a few volunteers to Wave Church on Sunday morning in order to learn and grow from their connection teams. Way to go Kate! I love to see our teams growing, learning and becoming better and better. Did I say I love it here?
• My kids are growing up too fast - I don't want to miss a second of their lives.
• My wife is too good to me - it's obvious that I married up (no comments, please).
• I love coffee.
• I love books.
• I especially love to drink coffee while reading books.
• I want everyone in Elizabeth City to experience God's incredible grace - how can we make that happen? I want your thoughts.
• Had dinner this evening with several friends in order to celebrate a birthday - food was great - friends were better.
• Last Sunday evening about 50 FPC volunteers prepared and served an amazing meal to several families. Each family received a food basket, the children received gifts and while they were eating, our FPC kids entertained them. We have enough volunteers to served three times the families - next year we'll do it. Did I say I love it here?
• I'm ready for some snow - what about you?
• Are you going Christmas Caroling? If so, meet at FPC next Monday evening at 6:30. You'll have a blast!
• Said goodbye to great man this past week - Doug Simpson - he will be greatly missed by so many people.
• The best days of FPC are just ahead - I can see them on the horizon - can you?
• Lana, Evan, Ashlyn, Camryn and I wish you a MERRY CHRISTMAS!