MONDAY MIND DUMP

We started a new series this weekend called 'EPIC'.  It was a great day at Crossroads.  Pouring rain, Memorial Day weekend, many regulars out, several staffers on vacation - but the day absolutely rocked!  Here's some quick takes:

1. Several first-time attenders on Sunday!  I LOVE that on a holiday weekend.  AWESOME!
2. The Filling Station started a new series this weekend.  I have never seen the children's wing hallways and worship spaces look better.  Absolutely magical! Great job by everyone involved in Crossroads children's ministries!
3. Will & Natalie were vacating this weekend and by all accounts had a great time!  They are beyond faithful in their service to God and His church, and must be forced at various times to leave.  They've never missed a Sunday since we started this great adventure, and served without missing a week for 3 years of youth ministry before that.  It was time. Thanks to Brian, Max, and Chris Brooks for stepping up and doing a fantastic job with Sundays service.  Everything went off without a hitch.  Major Roadie Kudos to you guys! Great example by Will and Nat of empowering others to do your job!  Important lesson there for all who lead at Crossroads.
4. The Garage Band blew everyone away this weekend as Nic and Janna (and an as yet unnamed miniature Roadie still under construction) and the rest of the Crossroads worship team got a well-deserved weekend off.  I have been following and listening to the Garage Band since they started playing, and I can honestly say they gave their very BEST on Sunday morning.  Sam, Justin, Cameron, John and Dante - GREAT JOB!!  You guys have more than earned the right to do that again in the future.  Way to go next generation!
5. I was really impressed with Sundays attendance.  To be honest, I didn't expect it.  I made a bit of a goof - not realizing that Memorial Day was THIS week and not next week - when scheduling our 2009 series starts.  Normally I wouldn't start a new series on a holiday weekend, but you guys really turned out big.  Pouring rain, holiday weekend, we had 163 in the house!  That was HUGE!
6. Really enjoyed sharing the message on Sunday.  I am as excited about this series, 'EPIC', as I have ever been for any series at Crossroads.  I encourage you, if you missed on Sunday to listen to the podcast.  Many thanks again to Brian Gullo for setting up the podcast element of our website to work so well.  It was a breeze getting the podcast up this week.
7. Got to do a special baptism today to accommodate someone who can't be at BBB next week.  So looking forward to next Sunday's rain delayed Beach, BBQ and Baptism.  Don't forget.  Same time, same location.  Look for an email blast later in the week with details.

Honestly, there is much more I took away from Sunday's experience at Crossroads, but it is Memorial Day and I am going to home to spend the balance of the day with family and friends. Love you guys!  Thank God for our country and for all who serve and sacrifice, and for those who keep the home-fires burning.  God's Best!