Monumental. That's the word I would use to describe today for The Journey. Today was as important a day as we have had on a few levels...allow me to elaborate.
To begin, we switched to our two service format today - 9am & 11am. I will say that I was sure tired by the end of the 2nd service! Our first service was the larger one, as many people decided that was the service for them, but overall it was split 60%/40% in attendance. Both services went very well, with visitors in each one and a good energy. In our first service, at the invitation I had 6-7 people raise their hands that they prayed with me for forgiveness and a new way of life - praise God! Our 2nd service did not have any responses, but in each service we intro'd the song Holy is the Lord, and it was very well received. I finished out our month of Experiencing the Power of Jesus by talking about The Power That Never Dies from John 11. I felt it went pretty well. It was not the easiest thing preaching it twice in a row for various reasons, but it went well. (NOTE: Very soon we will have the audio of my sermons online on our church website.)
On top of the two services, we shattered our high attendance record from last weekend and had 117!!! I was just blown away by the attendance, and I am so excited about this two service format as it allows us the opportunity to grow without expanding immediately. I just pray that our people maintain their unity and that God enables us to move forward quickly.
The transitioning to two services went smoothly this week, with the bathroom problem being settled, the parking situation running pretty smoothly, and people's attitudes very good. I hope for many more weeks like this.
So far as moving forward, this week on Saturday (April 2nd), we will be doing our annual Vision Night, where I will be presenting the biggest part of our vision for 2005 and 2006 - building. I am excited to show our people what God can do, and I just pray that those who are with us every week will commit to this vision. This will be my biggest step of faith as a pastor as I move forward.
If you read this, let me give you a few things to pray for. Pray for our new believers - Satan attacks them so much. Also, pray for a matter of church purity that I need to deal with this week. I crave and appreciate your prayer support.
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Monday, March 21, 2005
Sunday, March 20, 2005
I am really excited about what today meant for our church.
To begin, we had Sandy and Karen Baird, missionaries for MANNA Worldwide with us. It was great to be able to schedule them, as we had planned on having them with us when I met them in October, and then we had the chance to because of a cancellation in their schedule. Sandy and Karen were a huge encouragement to me, and I was so excited to show them what God has been doing here in Rochester.
But even more than showing them what we are up to, it was great for our people to see what God was up to in other parts of the world. Sandy and Karen challenged them on living beyond themselves, and showing compassion through giving to and through this missionary organization. Several of our people volunteered to support a child for $20 a month. I know Sandy only wanted to expose the ministry of MANNA, but I felt it was a good thing to allow people to be involved now! About 7 or 8 people asked for information.
So far as the service, the music went rough at times (just some miscues by our team, but nothing that prevented us from worshipping). We still have some new guys that are getting used to playing, but they do a good job and I look forward to more good things from them. Both Sandy and Karen gave testimonies, Karen sang, Sandy preached, and it was good. I think Sandy felt that he needed to rush because man(!), did he speak fast! But it was good, and challenging, and our people needed to hear what he had to say.
So far as numbers, we set a new record and had 97 with us!!! I honestly don't think we could wait another week to go to two services! And that's what happens next week - Easter Sunday - two services - and I can't hardly believe it. God is so good. I imagine next week will be our first week with over 100.
Another great note was that Andreas visited us for the 2nd time with his wife, Jane, in whom God is doing a great work. I hope to be able to have him with us at our Tuesday night men's study. And we had a woman just up the road visit with us named Veronica, along with her daughter, Andrea. She seemed very moved by the service, and said that she would be back next week with her husband. She had been feeling the tug of God to get back into church after being out of it for a while, and so she was very excited. Also, Mary and Melissa Wood, two sisters, were with us again, so I hope to see them at another time as well.
Today was a good day, although it was a little rough for me personally at times because of some inner struggles. We have some members who are hurting and struggling so much, and I am just burdened for them. I really sometimes feel like a father with his kids, watching people grow and mature, as well as stumble and hurt. But I love what I do, and I am so grateful that God has called me to be the pastor of The Journey. There is no one else I'd rather be.
To begin, we had Sandy and Karen Baird, missionaries for MANNA Worldwide with us. It was great to be able to schedule them, as we had planned on having them with us when I met them in October, and then we had the chance to because of a cancellation in their schedule. Sandy and Karen were a huge encouragement to me, and I was so excited to show them what God has been doing here in Rochester.
But even more than showing them what we are up to, it was great for our people to see what God was up to in other parts of the world. Sandy and Karen challenged them on living beyond themselves, and showing compassion through giving to and through this missionary organization. Several of our people volunteered to support a child for $20 a month. I know Sandy only wanted to expose the ministry of MANNA, but I felt it was a good thing to allow people to be involved now! About 7 or 8 people asked for information.
So far as the service, the music went rough at times (just some miscues by our team, but nothing that prevented us from worshipping). We still have some new guys that are getting used to playing, but they do a good job and I look forward to more good things from them. Both Sandy and Karen gave testimonies, Karen sang, Sandy preached, and it was good. I think Sandy felt that he needed to rush because man(!), did he speak fast! But it was good, and challenging, and our people needed to hear what he had to say.
So far as numbers, we set a new record and had 97 with us!!! I honestly don't think we could wait another week to go to two services! And that's what happens next week - Easter Sunday - two services - and I can't hardly believe it. God is so good. I imagine next week will be our first week with over 100.
Another great note was that Andreas visited us for the 2nd time with his wife, Jane, in whom God is doing a great work. I hope to be able to have him with us at our Tuesday night men's study. And we had a woman just up the road visit with us named Veronica, along with her daughter, Andrea. She seemed very moved by the service, and said that she would be back next week with her husband. She had been feeling the tug of God to get back into church after being out of it for a while, and so she was very excited. Also, Mary and Melissa Wood, two sisters, were with us again, so I hope to see them at another time as well.
Today was a good day, although it was a little rough for me personally at times because of some inner struggles. We have some members who are hurting and struggling so much, and I am just burdened for them. I really sometimes feel like a father with his kids, watching people grow and mature, as well as stumble and hurt. But I love what I do, and I am so grateful that God has called me to be the pastor of The Journey. There is no one else I'd rather be.
Sunday, March 13, 2005
Sunday, March 13, 2005
There are certain things that make me want to jump up and shout "Hallelujah!" One of these happened today. As I was greeting people before the service today, I said hello to Jane Nelsbach, a woman who has been coming for about a month. I asked her how she was and she said, "Wonderful!" Not being a typical response, I asked her "What was so wonderful?" And she said, "Now I know that I am a believer." You see, Jane has been reading through one of our New Believer's NT with all the study notes that we give out, and she had raised her hand that she prayed with me her very first week with us. And having read through this NT, she now knows for sure that she is a believer - praise God! Episodes like this are what provides the fuel for continued ministry.
Onto the service, today, because of snow from Saturday, we were lower in attendance as we had 63. It was a good turnout though, and we had a good time. I spoke on "The Power of a Weak Prayer" from Mark 9:14-29, as we continued our look at Experiencing the Power of Jesus in March. The sermon went well (you will soon be able to catch the audio online), and I am enjoying using the Max Lucado material to guide me through. What a phenomenal writer, and the insight that he brings at times is tremendous.
The music went well as we introduced Famous One, and I am looking forward to next week when Sandy and Karen Baird from Manna Worldwide are with us. I thank God for a great Sunday!
Onto the service, today, because of snow from Saturday, we were lower in attendance as we had 63. It was a good turnout though, and we had a good time. I spoke on "The Power of a Weak Prayer" from Mark 9:14-29, as we continued our look at Experiencing the Power of Jesus in March. The sermon went well (you will soon be able to catch the audio online), and I am enjoying using the Max Lucado material to guide me through. What a phenomenal writer, and the insight that he brings at times is tremendous.
The music went well as we introduced Famous One, and I am looking forward to next week when Sandy and Karen Baird from Manna Worldwide are with us. I thank God for a great Sunday!
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
The Journey in 2004 and 2005
My wife keeps a log of attendance at The Journey, listing everyone present and 1st time visitors. I thought it would be neat to show how our attendance has gone the entire year of 2004 and the first 2 months of 2005. Ready? Here we go.
January 2004 (met on Saturday afternoons)
3rd - 31
10th - 49 (Mapcheck Saturday - 1st Baptism service)
17th - 31
24th - 28
31st - 41
February 2004 (met on Saturday afternoons)
7th - 29
14th - 34
21st - 32
28th - 35
March 2004 (met on Saturday afternoons)
6th - 35
13th - 34
20th - 48
27th - 49
April 2004 (met on Saturday afternoons)
3rd - 35
10th - 61 (Holy Saturday - day before Easter)
17th - 44
24th - 43
May 2004 (met on Saturday afternoons)
1st - 39
8th - 58
15th - 34
22nd - 38
29th - 41
June 2004 (met on Saturday afternoons)
5th - 36
12th - 37 (2nd Baptism Service)
19th - 54
26th - 27
July 2004 (met on Saturday afternoons)
3rd - 34
10th - 61 (Closing ceremony VBS)
17th - 35
Switched to Sunday mornings on July 25th on 1 year Birthday
25th - 56
August 2004
1st - 50
8th - 50
15th - 46
22nd - 56
29th - 44
September 2004
5th - 48
12th - 47
19th - 54
26th - 63
October 2004
3rd - 59
10th - 57
17th - 66
24th - 54
31st - 67
November 2004
7th - 69
14th - 76 - (3rd Baptism Service)
21st - 71
28th - 47
December 2004
5th - 65
12th - 69
19th - 87
26th - 42
January 2005
2nd - 66
9th - 57
16th - 81
23rd - canceled by Nor'Easter
30th - 88
February 2005
6th - 76
13th - 82 (4th Baptism Service)
20th - 87
27th - 74
March 2005
6th - 92
It is amazing to think of the continual growth that we have seen since July...thank God for His work here at The Journey!
January 2004 (met on Saturday afternoons)
3rd - 31
10th - 49 (Mapcheck Saturday - 1st Baptism service)
17th - 31
24th - 28
31st - 41
February 2004 (met on Saturday afternoons)
7th - 29
14th - 34
21st - 32
28th - 35
March 2004 (met on Saturday afternoons)
6th - 35
13th - 34
20th - 48
27th - 49
April 2004 (met on Saturday afternoons)
3rd - 35
10th - 61 (Holy Saturday - day before Easter)
17th - 44
24th - 43
May 2004 (met on Saturday afternoons)
1st - 39
8th - 58
15th - 34
22nd - 38
29th - 41
June 2004 (met on Saturday afternoons)
5th - 36
12th - 37 (2nd Baptism Service)
19th - 54
26th - 27
July 2004 (met on Saturday afternoons)
3rd - 34
10th - 61 (Closing ceremony VBS)
17th - 35
Switched to Sunday mornings on July 25th on 1 year Birthday
25th - 56
August 2004
1st - 50
8th - 50
15th - 46
22nd - 56
29th - 44
September 2004
5th - 48
12th - 47
19th - 54
26th - 63
October 2004
3rd - 59
10th - 57
17th - 66
24th - 54
31st - 67
November 2004
7th - 69
14th - 76 - (3rd Baptism Service)
21st - 71
28th - 47
December 2004
5th - 65
12th - 69
19th - 87
26th - 42
January 2005
2nd - 66
9th - 57
16th - 81
23rd - canceled by Nor'Easter
30th - 88
February 2005
6th - 76
13th - 82 (4th Baptism Service)
20th - 87
27th - 74
March 2005
6th - 92
It is amazing to think of the continual growth that we have seen since July...thank God for His work here at The Journey!
Sunday, March 06, 2005
Sunday, March 6, 2005
I remember the feeling that I would get when I was at my previous church, Bellview down in Springfield, MO - the awed feeling that I would get when the worship time would be so loud with instrument and singer that even with a mic I could barely hear myself. What a time that was...and now The Journey is coming upon that same intensity in worship. The last several weeks it seems that people have just come ready to worship - and it has been wonderful. May God continue to draw us closer to Him as we just reach out in worship.
Speaking of this past weekend, what a service we had! I love the fact that I keep getting to type about new high attendance marks - and this Sunday we had our new high - 92! Soon we will reach 100 - any day now...and how humbling that is. God is so good. So let's talk about the service for a moment...
I began March's theme of Experiencing the Power of Jesus, which if you remember our theme this year is Experiencing the Heart of Jesus (corresponding with a book by Max Lucado), making important in our lives the things that Jesus made important. So this week was the first week, and I spoke on Reaching for God - the Power of Faith, using the story of the woman who bled for 12 years in Mark 5. Overall, I was very happy with how I delivered the message and how it was received.
Today, we also had several visitors. Heather brought her daughter, Bianca and her friend, Judy. Jane (a recent attender) brought her husband Andreas and her youngest son (also named Andreas). And then we had a father and daughter sneak in around 10:50. We also had a couple from Somersworth named Bill & Brenda Tuttle. We were missing several of our more regular people, so we could have easily have had 100! But we will eclipse that soon enough when we go to two services on Easter.
One other note - the visitor whose name I cannot remember who walked in late was from New Mexico. But he prayed with me at the end of the service and asked God to come into his life. I might never see the result of that, but I pray that man is truly changed.
So the service was really good - and God is so good!
Speaking of this past weekend, what a service we had! I love the fact that I keep getting to type about new high attendance marks - and this Sunday we had our new high - 92! Soon we will reach 100 - any day now...and how humbling that is. God is so good. So let's talk about the service for a moment...
I began March's theme of Experiencing the Power of Jesus, which if you remember our theme this year is Experiencing the Heart of Jesus (corresponding with a book by Max Lucado), making important in our lives the things that Jesus made important. So this week was the first week, and I spoke on Reaching for God - the Power of Faith, using the story of the woman who bled for 12 years in Mark 5. Overall, I was very happy with how I delivered the message and how it was received.
Today, we also had several visitors. Heather brought her daughter, Bianca and her friend, Judy. Jane (a recent attender) brought her husband Andreas and her youngest son (also named Andreas). And then we had a father and daughter sneak in around 10:50. We also had a couple from Somersworth named Bill & Brenda Tuttle. We were missing several of our more regular people, so we could have easily have had 100! But we will eclipse that soon enough when we go to two services on Easter.
One other note - the visitor whose name I cannot remember who walked in late was from New Mexico. But he prayed with me at the end of the service and asked God to come into his life. I might never see the result of that, but I pray that man is truly changed.
So the service was really good - and God is so good!
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