WHAT'S HAPPENING...

Hey all, it's Thursday evening in LA and I've only now been able to sit still long enough to share a bit of an update on what's happening.  this is a BIG post, with lot's of stuff, so let's do it bullet style:

• First off - HUGE day this past Sunday as Pastor Ben finished up DIRTY JOBS.  The response to this two-week series was off the charts.  First, dozens of people who had not previously served said, "Put me to work!".  Then, in week two, Ben busted out an awesome teaching on Biblical giving, supported by a totally groovy VIDEO, and introduced our brand-new automated on-line GIVING TOOL that supports recurring giving as well as a variety of flexible giving options.  Did it help?  Over a dozen immediately signed up to take advantage of the recurring feature, and one BOLD individual blessed Crossroads with a $2000 gift, while sitting in the service!  AWESOME response!  Way to go Crossroads!
• Leslie and I and some of our staff we're comped by NEXT, to attend the two-day Nuts & Bolts Conference for church planters.  This is where we started 3-1/2 years ago, and it was truly awesome to return to Church at the Springs in Ocala and reconnect with coaches, mentors and friends; be exposed to some fantastic teaching; and encourage others who are right where we were all those months ago.  Thank you Pastor Ron and Teddi Sylvia and the whole Springs family for investing your lives in church planters like us!  
• This Sunday it's "HAPPY BIRTHDAY CROSSROADS!" as we celebrate the beginning our Year #4 at the College Cinema!!  We're going to have ONE SERVICE ONLY at 10:30 AM this Sunday, and it is a DO NOT MISS event.  Yes, cake and balloons and great worship and great friends, but even more than that, you are going to watch some videos of real Crossroads attenders sharing awesome stories about their Crossroads experience.  And I will be sharing a message with you about what I truly believe that God wants all of us to experience in the year to come!
• A quick note about CHILL OUT, our ice cream and fro-yo event:  we have had a DATE CHANGE to 7:00PM on WEDNESDAY AUGUST 31st.  This is going to be an awesome come and go time of just hanging out, eating cool treats, and meeting new friends.  It's a great way to connect with people you have maybe seen in church before, but haven't met yet.  I will be there and can't wait to "chill out" and get connected!

Guys, there's so much more, but I'm going to leave you with this:  I am coming back from two-weeks off more focused than ever on God's mission for our church.  I'm going to be sharing some of that with you, and I'm going to blow your mind on Sunday when I share a challenge with you that I believe is going to blow the lid off of Crossroads!  I believe we are stepping into a season of unprecedented growth in our church.  I cannot wait to see you all Sunday morning, celebrate Crossroads third birthday since we launched at the Cinema, and share my heart with you for what I believe will be the most remarkable year yet in the history of our church family!  Invite BIG and do not miss this Sunday.  One service.  10:30AM.  Peace.