WEEKEND UPDATE (080110)

MEGA-HUGE-GIGANTIC-HUMONGOUS day at Crossroads on Sunday!!  Here's just a few of the many things that stood out to me:

• People made high-quality, life-changing decisions to rededicate their lives to Christ's purpose!
• Other's decided to go public with their faith through baptism!
• Another BIG day of first, second, and third-time attenders!
• Great to be 'back in the saddle' after spending last weekend away with my family.
• Kudo's to our Children's Center Staff for their ability to improvise, adapt and overcome as they faced week two of construction in our Children's Center that ate up about half their normal floor-space.  Great job guys! 
• Great series with a tip like a spear: Our mission is to make Jesus famous in our LIVES, in our COMMUNITY and in our WORLD!
• That spear tip had a razor-sharp point on it Sunday: If we believe that Jesus is the Christ, then what we DO will look like we believe it.  If not, Jesus won't be 'almost famous' just to US, but to everyone in our circle of influence!
• HARD to tell the story about the Food Closet at the Annex.  HARDER STILL to recognize that the state of that closet seemed to make Jesus look 'almost famous'.  Good news: we can change that!
• HERE'S THE BIG WIN:  Sunday's message, as tough as it was to hear, is EXACTLY what we NEED to hear when loving others, serving others, and caring for others is hanging in the balance.  I can't WAIT to see how the people of Crossroads respond to providing supplies for our emergency food boxes.  I know it will be huge!  You guys ROCK, and you are TOTALLY sensitive to what God is doing in our community.  I have faith in YOU and in GOD in you!
• In a completely unrelated (and totally awesome and necessary) 'NUTHER BIG WIN on Sunday, we recieved the largest offering we've had since Easter Sunday!  It should be noted that it was an offering that was recieved BEFORE we spent the service talking about making generosity a LIFESTYLE!  I love it when people are responding to the direction of the Holy Spirit and not being compelled to give.
• So important to recognize that just because the place is stuffed with people, it doesn't mean all the needs are met.  THANK YOU for your faithfulness and attention to always keeping the lights on so we can do the BIGGER STUFF!
• Personal biggest takeaway from Sunday: If we are to be known for something, let us be known as those who "spend themselves" in caring for those whose basic needs are not met.  Leaving everything on the field, saving nothing for the locker room, let us "spend ourselves" in pursuit of serving the under-resourced.  THAT is what will make Jesus FAMOUS in our COMMUNITY!
• Other BIG stuff from Sunday: We received ANOTHER $10,600 in pledges for the I Love My Church Building Drive!

Don't forget, just ONE BIG SERVICE this Sunday August 8th at 10:30AM as we celebrate our SECOND ANNIVERSARY at the Cinema!  Have a GREAT week!!