Sunday Night Reflections

• I have never been more proud to lead FPC than I was today. The band did outstanding - Dale J. with the vocals and Bob C. with the musicians - WOW! Then to be able to interview Dr. Leo and just listen to his heart - I am humbled.
• I had so many comments following the services today that confirm that we are on the right track and doing exactly what God has gifted us to do.
• The ladies sang Mighty To Save in Spanish today - amazing - thank you!
• We had over 600 people today - I continue to be amazed. The new auditorium will come sooner than I thought.
• After the 3rd service today we took Dr. Leo and Rina to lunch - about 40 people joined us - it was so much fun!
• FPC's Women of Worth group purchased Dr. Leo's wife, Rina, several gifts and presented them to her after lunch. Rina was overwhelmed! I wish all of you could have heard her response.
• Needless to say, Ecuador 2010 will be amazing - if you are considering going, be at the meeting next Sunday afternoon at 4.
• Lana's parents joined us at FPC today - always good to have our family here - I am so blessed to have a wonderful mother and father-in-law.
• Our next series, Epidemic, begins the first Sunday in February - it will be a challenging series for us - I am excited to present it - but I'm nervous.
• Tony Klepper has joined our staff - he will be directing and leading our spiritual growth process. We have needed this position for a long time - we are honored to have Tony lead along side of us. He is a gift.
• I just started using Carbonite to back up all my files online - loving it. I have lost too many important documents on my computers to not be protected.
• Last Sunday afternoon we presented Discover Forest Park - the room was packed, the food was great, the friendships were better. Afterward, we had 14 new members join FPC! Always fun partnering with new people.
• Financial Peace University begins in mid-February. If you have never taken FPU, do it! The material within these classes will revolutionize your financial life.
• My dog needs grooming. I don't know how he sees where he's going.
• We have over 20 people going to the Unleash Conference at Newspring Church in March - I cannot wait! It is one of the highlights of my year.
• Thinking a lot about Easter this year - we have an incredible opportunity to impact many people for Christ - thinking and praying about what series we will do - any thoughts?
• As soon as the ground dries we will have the concrete poured for the pavilion and the outreach building. Joe Benton is doing a great job getting it completed. Unfortunately, the rain has slowed him down. We need some sun and warmth!
• We will be hiring a Pastor of Children's Ministry in the near future - make it a matter of prayer - we want just the right person to take our children's ministry to the next level.
• We have so many ideas for outreach throughout the Elizabeth City area. Last week I met with Lisa Meads about a variety of ideas, I also met the Brian Sabin about another amazing idea, Michele Adlon and Vicky Braddy presented a third idea - 2010 will be the greatest year FPC has ever experienced.
• Go Colts!
• I think Chris Eure needs to regrow his beard - just saying.
• I know that I say it a lot but I love my wife. She is so good to me. She is my hero!
• I know that I say this a lot, as well, but our volunteers are amazing - we could never reach the people we do without every greeter, nursery volunteer, kiosk attendant, techs, camera people, etc. You guys make it all happen.
• Winter Jam next Sunday - only $10!
• I love you and I pray for you everyday.
• Pray for me.

I Love FPC and Other Thoughts!

• Our band did an amazing job today - "Promised Land" - great way to launch the service!
• All three services were almost full - well over 500 today!
• One thing this series has taught me . . . I am richer than I care to admit; therefore, I have a greater responsibility.
• Brian Sabin has assumed a volunteer staff role as "Director of Technical Communications". Everything Brian does has the mark of excellence. We are honored to have Brian serve with us. He will make us all better.
• Lana is in California this week - pray for me!
• Thanks to Kate, we now have new and improved coffee in the lobby - the world just keeps getting better and better.
• I get more impressed with Evan's drumming each time he plays - now he has begun to give drum lessons to kids here at our home - he has two lined up for tomorrow - Advil, here I come.
• My dog needs grooming. I don't know how he sees where he's going.
• I'm so thankful for our volunteers at FPC. Each week, they step up and lead with excellence. There is no way that we could impact the people we do without each one.
• Special thanks to Ty DeHart who fixed our banner outside. It always amazes me when people know how to actually use a hammer, level, shovel, etc. Not me. If I can't read it or cook it, I'm lost.
• Dr. Leo and his lovely wife from Ecuador will be with us next week and speaking in all three services on the 24th. Lana and I are so excited.
• Snow already! If not, let's see some sunshine and warmth.
• Lana is in California this week - pray for me.
• Do you have questions about Forest Park? If so, Discovering Forest Park is next Sunday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. - a full meal and child-care are provided. Register if you haven't already.
• If the weather permits, you should see the concrete for our pavilion and outreach center poured this week. The buildings will start going up in just a few weeks.
• When will working out at the "Y" become fun? People tell me that eventually it gets easier. Liars! Every minute seems like an hour. Sorry, but I hate it. I mean "hate" in the most Christian of ways.
• The series, How to Be Rich, is challenging for me. Unfortunately, I'm not as generous as I once thought. What about you?
• I just finished reading, "Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger". Wow!
• I just began reading, "The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs". I got a lot to learn about communicating more clearly - I'm just saying.
• Lana is in California this week - pray for me.
• Forest Park Church has over 700 friends on Facebook!
• There are so many hurting people within FPC - sometimes the needs seem overwhelming - I know that we can't meet all the needs - but I just feel so inadequate.
• I'm a "blessed" man - I have great kids, an incredible wife and faithful friends. What else do I need?
• Lana shared a quote with me this week, it goes something like this, "There will always be people who say negative things about you; just live your life so that no one believes it." Love it!!!
• The interview with Satan was great this morning, huh? If you weren't there . . . no, we didn't interview your spouse or mother-in-law.
• Our next series is going to challenge you like crazy - I haven't titled it yet, but it's coming!
• Lana is in California this week - pray for me.