Random Thoughts

• It's been too long since my last post.
• Ecuador was amazing! We saw 8,000 students in Guayaquil, El Recreo and Milagro, our medical team treated nearly 200 people at a local prison and nearly 1,000 people in the city of Milagro. Our construction team finished the building of a medical clinic and handed over the keys to Dr. Leo. Now he can begin treating the children of El Recro. I never cease to be amazed at what a group of committed people can accomplish in only one week.
• Nate Carroll did an incredible job on our recap video. All I had to do was explain what I wanted and how the video should "feel" and he NAILED IT! It was outstanding! Nearly 400 views on Vimeo just last week!!
• We kicked off our new series, Habits, yesterday morning. We began with the habit of prayer. At first, I was concerned with whether or not I would be able to present the subject in a fresh way and inspire people to pray. It turned out much better than expected. I had several very positive comments. It worked, or people were just being nice. Either way, I was pleased with our first week.
• Lana played the keyboards during worship yesterday - great job - her passion for worship was evident. Again, I'm always so proud of Lana - her heart, her attitude, her willingness to go above and beyond in everything. She inspires me.
• While I'm bragging about my family (it is my blog), Evan so impressed me this year while in Ecuador. His heart for people continues to expand. I watched him pray and cry with people. I watched him play with the children. I watched him look for people to encourage and befriend. He gave away his hat. He gave away his soccer ball. Evan is growing into an incredible young man - it's obvious that he has a great mom!
• I had my first Advisory Team meeting last evening. I'm looking forward to meeting with these gentlemen and getting to know each of them much better. I need their prayers, love, support and accountability more than ever. I'm so honored that they are willing to be my friends.
• Community Groups are launching again in just a few weeks. We have about 15 groups that will begin in September/October. If you are not in a group - sign up as soon as possible. I love my group and look forward to meeting each time. The only downside is that we do not meet enough.
• Why do some churches have to be so freaky? I'm serious. I just don't get it. Sometimes I'm embarrassed to be labeled, "Christian".
• For some reason I can't listen enough to Hillsong's, Hold Me Now from their C.D., Faith, Hope and Love. I think that it reminds that all that is happening around is going somewhere - one day God will hold us - makes me long for that day.
• I've been reading several great books recently. Finished up, Better, A Jesuit's Guide to Almost Everything and Mere Churchianity. Almost finished with The Lost Message of Jesus and Checklist Manifesto. Great, great reading.
• I have many decisions to make - need your prayers.
• I believe that I laughed harder and more in Ecuador than I have in a long time. Of course that is not difficult when you hang out with Dave Marcais.
• I'm looking forward to vacation.
• Corinth Baptist Church gave our outreach team $1,500 for Ecuador 2011 - I'm so thankful and honored that they would be willing to invest in what do each year.
• Special thanks to everyone who filled in and made everything "work" while Lana, I and so many others were in South America. You guys know who you are and you did an outstanding job.
• With churches partnering with us from Alabama, Texas, California and several in North Carolina - Ecuador '11 may blow all of our minds!
• We're considering adding a Sunday evening service - a little different than the Sunday morning - longer worship set, Q and A after the message - possibly tables in the auditorium - what do you think?
• I wonder what chapter 2 of Forest Park Church holds - are you curious?
• I am.

Mind Dump

• Wow! So far, "I'm Screwed Up!" has been an incredible series. We're pulling it all out trying to bring grace, hope and peace to people everywhere. I'm already thinking about next week.
• Recently, our band has been doing a phenominal job. Tony nailed it today with "Healer". Great job!!
• I'm loving this weather! Don't you wish we could keep these temps for several more months?
• I have our first Community Group Lead Team meeting this evening. Exciting changes coming to community groups throughout FPC - new team - new direction - new ideas - let's do it.
• Been reading some awesome books recently - challenging my thinking and theology - love it! Bring it on!!
• Sitting here, soaking up the sun and listening to Toby Mac's newest, Tonight - makes me want to dance. (No comments, please).
• Lana's birthday is today - she is the most beautiful, intelligent, amazing woman that I've ever known. I can honestly say that there is no one I enjoy spending time with more than her. She challenges me to think deeper, lead better and to be more transparent. If it wasn't for her - you would not want me to be your pastor - trust me - you wouldn't.
• People are hungry for God's grace - I could teach it every week for the rest of my life and for some of us, it wouldn't be enough - we're desperate for God's love and acceptance.
• Remember, He's not "after you" - you are accepted - you are loved - you are "ok" with Him. So, quit arguing against grace . . . accept it, breathe it in and for the first time in your life - live, really live!
• Christianity doesn't teach "reform" or "rehabilitation" - Christianity teaches "resurrection" - from dead works to life in Christ. I LOVE IT!!
• I can't say enough about our volunteers - they are incredible - every week - every area of FPC - they are there to make the day run smoothly and to make it fun for everyone.
• Perry Noble said that 25% of people would go to church next Sunday, if they were only asked - 1 out of 4 people will go with you, if you just ask! Those are great odds - who will you invite this week?
• I'm cutting back on caffeine - pray for me.
• I'm cutting back on caffeine - pray for my family.
• I'm cutting back on caffeine - pray for my staff.
• I read this quote this past week and I've been thinking about it ever since - "Ever how much we hate the law, we are more afraid of grace." Why?
• I'm excited about Ecuador this year - many new people, new experiences, new opportunities to impact new people - get ready - for some of you, your world is getting ready to be rocked!
• Wouldn't it be incredible to build of church of 2,000 in Elizabeth City? I've always believed that if you meet people's needs, you will never lack for an audience. So, do we have at least another 1,500 hurting, broken people in E.C.? Then what are we waiting for?
• From the message today, "Some sermons should be called 'serpents' for they speak lies about God." - I loved that line!
• We have had so much sickness within Forest Park recently - lots of hurting people - lots of opportunities to meet needs. Pray for each other.
• I love you.
• Going to prepare for a meeting - better get some coffee - decaf, of course!

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.

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!

A Million Miles

I'm reading Donald Miller's book, A Million Miles In A Thousand Years. I can't wait for the next chapter. Let me pass a few of his thoughts on to you.

"Your brain doesn't stop growing until you turn twenty-six, so from birth to twenty-six, God is slowly turning the lights on, and you're groggy and pointing at things saying 'circle' and 'blue' and 'car' and then 'sex' and 'job' and 'health care'. The experience is so slow you could easily come to believe life isn't that big of a deal, that life isn't staggering. What I'm saying is I think life is staggering and we're just used to it. We all are like spoiled children no longer impressed with the gifts we're given--it's just another sunset, just another rainstorm moving in over the mountain, just another child being born, just another funeral."

Miller observes,

"I've wondered, though, if one of the reasons we fail to acknowledge the brilliance of life is because we don't want the responsibility inherent in the acknowledgment. We don't want to be characters in a story because characters have to move and breathe and face conflict with courage. And if life isn't remarkable, then we don't have to do any of that; we can be unwilling victims rather than grateful participants."

Are you an "unwilling victim" or a "grateful participant"?

Just wondering.

Alright, back to reading.

Stuff I'm Thinking

• I enjoyed Sunday! From the worship to the beginning of a new series to community group last evening - great day!
• The opening song was excellent - thanks Bob.
• Yesterday was Tony's first Sunday singing on the Worship Team - amazing job! I heard lots of positive feedback - I'm confident that we will see him more often.
• I am so pumped about this new series, Naked Faith: Stripping Off Religion. A lot of positive feedback after part 1 - a lot of people wondering about the Naked Quiz - this is going to be fun!
• Remember for part 2, don't wear any clothes! It's a creative element that we're trying. Come on, it will be fun -- anything for Jesus, right!! (I'm not serious, BTW - trust me, you never know who will take me serious).
• Really excited about the basketball court and pavilion going up soon.
• Thanks for your giving.
• Our Women's Ministry (WOW) had another amazing trip to the Women of Faith Conference. Special thanks to Diane Hollowell and her team for making it happen - you ladies are on a roll - keep it up.
• I love our community group - the people, the fellowship, the teaching (not me), the food, everything - I look forward to it each time.
• We have so many needs within FPC and our community - I'm praying that God will resource our church with more and more people who are generous, so that we can give to others and meet needs. Please pray with me and give with me to make it a reality.
• Winterfest at Liberty University looks like a blast - get your kids there! Trust me, they will benefit a lot more from going to Lynchburg and participating in worship and activities with other kids than getting another expensive gadget. (Sorry kids)
• God is using FPC to change lives! I keep hearing about someone else who has been impacted and encouraged and challenged - it is a humbling experience to realize that God is using us to affect people's eternity.
• I'm diving back into some classes in 2010 - trying to finish up a degree - bitter/sweet - can't imagine finding time to read, read, read and write, write, write - but, there is no better time than NOW.
• Ecuador is on my mind again this week - 2010 will be our best year ever - we will reach more people and impact more lives - go with us, please!
• Lana is doing so good - I'm proud of her - she is and always has been my inspiration.
• I'm making so many new friends at FPC. We really have a great church - I love it!
• I will try to blog more. (Yeah, right!)
• Who are you praying for and investing in and loving into God's kingdom? Just a question.
• I love your comments, feedback and questions - keep them coming!!
• Have a wonderful week. Now, I must get busy doing other things than simply blogging.
• I love you - I really do.