Giving Up Christmas

Buckhead Church is Giving Up Christmas this year.  This is inspiring.

Pump It Up

A couple Sundays ago, our first grade small group leaders took their groups on an outing to Pump It Up.  This year we have really worked hard to impress upon our leaders the importance of connecting with their small group outside of Sunday morning.  I have been blown away by how our amazing leaders have responded to this challenge!  Way to go!
Go here to view pictures from this outing!

My Thoughts Exactly

See what Randy Elrod has to say about social networking here.

Volunteer Highlight - Meet Daron Crass

Name: Daron Crass

Volunteer Role: 9am 3rd grade
Environment: Small group leader.
Where did you grow up? Kingsburg California
Family?
Wife Joanie. Son Jordon 8, Daughter Sydney 6, Son Ian 4.
What's your favorite ice cream flavor? Vanilla
What was the first concert you went to? Waylon Jennings when I was 17.
How and when did you get involved serving in Family Life? Summer of 2007. I went to the information meeting when I was told there was a great need for small group leaders.
What's your favorite thing about serving in Family Life? Getting to know the kids in my small group.
Could you tell us about one moment when you were serving you'll always remember? One of the kids in my small group brought a friend with him. During some of the activities we were doing I noticed the he was crying. I asked him if everything was OK and he said yes that he was fine. Later I was told that he was so emotionally moved by what we were learning that it brought him to tears.
What's your favorite message or series from "big church?" Money Talks
What's your favorite Bible verse or Bible story? Psalm 51

WINS - My Life Line

I am reading a book called “Authentic Faith” by Gary Thomas.  I have pretty much had this book attached to my hip this past month.  I don’t know each of your specific situations right now, but I know that this time of year is not always a happy time.  We all have struggles, and trials we go through, but because we have Jesus we can still find JOY.  This is a quote from the book:

“When our happiness is dependent on what happens to us and when our self-focus determines our daily mood, our joy will necessarily be limited to whatever good thing happens to us.  But when we learn to truly delight in the welfare of others and rejoice in what God is doing in our lives, the potential for increased joy skyrockets.”

I hope that no matter your situation today, you are joyFULL!  Celebrate these WINS with me. : )

 

1.       Pastor Rosenthal’s family started a great Thanksgiving tradition this year.  They went to a convalescent home in town and brought cookies.  The girls sang songs, and Andrew read a story and showed a display that he made.  This family is definitely learning to show GRATEROSITY!! 

2.       Jane Feist sent me a very encouraging e mail last week about how the Holy Spirit moved in her day when she took time to listen to His leading.  I love hearing about how God is moving in your lives!  He is always moving, we just have to take the time to figure out how, and move with Him.

3.       Sandy Willis said she is really enjoying the curriculum!  We are blessed to have such an amazing curriculum for our kids.  If you want to watch a video about our curriculum strategy and see why we do what we do, go to this site.  http://252basics.org

4.       Many of you have been e mailing parents to communicate with them.  I got CCed on an e mail that Heather Hayford sent to her kids’ parents and was reminded that this really is a great way to communicate with them!  Thanks for taking the time to keep your kids’ parents in the loop and connected!

5.       Janelle e mailed me after the first grade Pump It Up Outing and said they all had a great time.  About 30 kids attended, which is an amazing turn out!!  I can’t wait to see pictures.  Our first grade leaders are awesome for planning this event!

6.       Our Preschool Coordinator, Rosi Borsch, sent the following two WINS.

-          There was a child skipping down the hall waving $2.  He asked me, “where is a tithe box?  I want to turn in my offering”.  We just finished up our series on stewardship in main service and it was clear his family had discussed it and he was ready to join the cheerful giving team. J So cool!

-          One new family came yesterday because a New Harvest attendee told them about us on the bus.  They are going through a rough spot right now.  Our second service nursery volunteers were amazing.  Building an initial relationship by listening, asking questions, and offering advice and help.  Well done Monica, Jennifer, and Keri!

Have a great week!

 

 

Unreleased Star Wars Movie

This is the best Star Wars movie I have ever seen.  My nephews are awesome.  I guess my brother-in-law is pretty awesome too since he made this video. : )

Our Clone Wars from Jason Foster on Vimeo.