Despite the terrible weather last Sunday, we had some amazing services.
This was the second message in the "First Comes Love" series. It was geared towards married couples who are struggling a bit, and are looking for improvement.
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Monday, February 01, 2010
Ministry in a small town
I am blessed to Pastor a church in a small town. I love small towns. Foothills Community Church has 2 campuses right now, and both are strategically planted in small towns. Our main campus is in Seneca, SC which is a town with a population of about 8,000, and our second campus is located in Toccoa GA, a town of around 9,000 which is located approximately 45 minutes from Seneca, just across the state line.. We are praying about location #3, which we plan to begin in 2010. It will also be planted in another small town.
I often get contacted by Pastors in small towns across America, that have heard of what God is doing at Foothills Community Church. I do my best to describe it, but words really don't do justice. One of the things that I try to communicate is, that what is happening here can happen anywhere.
I want to carefully write this blog post so that I don't come across as being the mastermind behind what is going on here. It is God at work. I can take no credit for that. God has however given me some insight about ministry in a small town.
I thought I would jot down a few quick thoughts.
** Small towns are under served----not because they lack CHURCHES, but because they lack CHOICES!
** To reach your small town, you must love them. Ask God to break your heart for your town.
** It's all about contextualization. You can learn a lot from other churches, but your church is unique. Small towns are unique.
** Just because you're in a small town (or in a small church), it does not excuse a lack of excellence.
** Lack of resources should not hold you back from doing things with excellence.
** Quit telling God why He can't build an effective church in a small town.
** Don't be numbers obsessed. If you live by the numbers, you will die by the numbers! Think in terms of percentages rather than gross numbers. In many ways churches in small towns are actually making more of an impact than large churches in large towns.
** Comparison is a killer.
** Small town ministry is not a lesser calling.
** Network with other churches to learn and grow.
** Don't let discouragement get the best of you. It's hard work, and sometimes it can be very discouraging.
If you want to know more, why not consider coming to the Sticks conference that we will be hosting on November 9-10 2010
I often get contacted by Pastors in small towns across America, that have heard of what God is doing at Foothills Community Church. I do my best to describe it, but words really don't do justice. One of the things that I try to communicate is, that what is happening here can happen anywhere.
I want to carefully write this blog post so that I don't come across as being the mastermind behind what is going on here. It is God at work. I can take no credit for that. God has however given me some insight about ministry in a small town.
I thought I would jot down a few quick thoughts.
** Small towns are under served----not because they lack CHURCHES, but because they lack CHOICES!
** To reach your small town, you must love them. Ask God to break your heart for your town.
** It's all about contextualization. You can learn a lot from other churches, but your church is unique. Small towns are unique.
** Just because you're in a small town (or in a small church), it does not excuse a lack of excellence.
** Lack of resources should not hold you back from doing things with excellence.
** Quit telling God why He can't build an effective church in a small town.
** Don't be numbers obsessed. If you live by the numbers, you will die by the numbers! Think in terms of percentages rather than gross numbers. In many ways churches in small towns are actually making more of an impact than large churches in large towns.
** Comparison is a killer.
** Small town ministry is not a lesser calling.
** Network with other churches to learn and grow.
** Don't let discouragement get the best of you. It's hard work, and sometimes it can be very discouraging.
If you want to know more, why not consider coming to the Sticks conference that we will be hosting on November 9-10 2010
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Sunday thoughts
The weather took its toll on attendance, but it was a fantastic morning at Foothills Community Church. For all of you who missed it, be sure to catch the message online at foothills.cc
** Our Toccoa campus had their grand opening this morning. I've got to be honest, I was afraid that the weather would really mess things up for them, but it didn't even slow them down. They set another record attendance again today! (That's 2 weeks in a row, in case you're keeping score)
** I saw some pictures of the new facility since they did the new landscaping, and it looks very sharp.
** In Seneca, the message was geared toward couples who were having some struggles in their marriages. This is a painful topic for many people, but hopefully they learned a couple of Biblical tools to put into practice that will help.
** I can't wait for next Sunday. I believe that it could be one of the best services we have ever had at Foothills. I am going to share some wisdom from couples that have marathon marriages. Then we have a cool ending that will bring you to tears.
** Why not invite some friends to come with you next week?
** Our Toccoa campus had their grand opening this morning. I've got to be honest, I was afraid that the weather would really mess things up for them, but it didn't even slow them down. They set another record attendance again today! (That's 2 weeks in a row, in case you're keeping score)
** I saw some pictures of the new facility since they did the new landscaping, and it looks very sharp.
** In Seneca, the message was geared toward couples who were having some struggles in their marriages. This is a painful topic for many people, but hopefully they learned a couple of Biblical tools to put into practice that will help.
** I can't wait for next Sunday. I believe that it could be one of the best services we have ever had at Foothills. I am going to share some wisdom from couples that have marathon marriages. Then we have a cool ending that will bring you to tears.
** Why not invite some friends to come with you next week?
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
For all the singles out there
Here is the kick off to our new series, called First Comes Love. This message is for the singles:
Monday, January 25, 2010
Sunday review
If you weren't able to make it to Foothills yesterday, it stinks to be you! We kicked of our new series, First Comes Love, and covered three questions singles need to ask before dating/marrying someone.
Here is a brief recap:
** Every single person needs to make a list of criteria that needs to be found in a potential mate.
** Every single needs to hold firm to that criteria--- no matter what! (on your list will be certain things that are optional, but there are things that are non-negotiable. I covered 3 things that are non-negotiable. If you missed the message, it will be online at foothills.cc by Wednesday afternoon.
** Considering the amount of rain and how cold it was, our attendance was good at our Seneca campus.
** Our Toccoa campus however, set an attendance record! (So proud if them!)
** It is easier to find out if someone is the right one, before you get married, than to figure out that they're not, after you're married.
** Most people put more thought into selecting a car or a cell phone, than they do in selecting a mate!
** If you don't get along with the person you are dating, than getting married will not fix that. You will not change him/her
** Don't underestimate the importance of spiritual connection in a relationship---it is THE most important part!
** I was serious when I said that if you are a Christ-follower and you are dating someone that is not, than get out of that relationship right now!
** This Sunday the message is called, I'm not Sure I still Do. If you or someone you know is having marital difficulties or dissatisfaction, get them to Foothills this Sunday!!
** Our Toccoa campus will have their official Grand Opening of their new building this Sunday. If you know someone that lives in that area, let them know.
Here is a brief recap:
** Every single person needs to make a list of criteria that needs to be found in a potential mate.
** Every single needs to hold firm to that criteria--- no matter what! (on your list will be certain things that are optional, but there are things that are non-negotiable. I covered 3 things that are non-negotiable. If you missed the message, it will be online at foothills.cc by Wednesday afternoon.
** Considering the amount of rain and how cold it was, our attendance was good at our Seneca campus.
** Our Toccoa campus however, set an attendance record! (So proud if them!)
** It is easier to find out if someone is the right one, before you get married, than to figure out that they're not, after you're married.
** Most people put more thought into selecting a car or a cell phone, than they do in selecting a mate!
** If you don't get along with the person you are dating, than getting married will not fix that. You will not change him/her
** Don't underestimate the importance of spiritual connection in a relationship---it is THE most important part!
** I was serious when I said that if you are a Christ-follower and you are dating someone that is not, than get out of that relationship right now!
** This Sunday the message is called, I'm not Sure I still Do. If you or someone you know is having marital difficulties or dissatisfaction, get them to Foothills this Sunday!!
** Our Toccoa campus will have their official Grand Opening of their new building this Sunday. If you know someone that lives in that area, let them know.
Friday, January 22, 2010
New Series starts this Sunday
This Sunday at Foothills Community Church we will begin a new message series called, "First Comes Love". It is a series on love and marriage. I have been looking forward to this series for many reasons.
The first reason is because it is so needed. One of the difficult things about being in ministry, is that you see first-hand the good, bad and ugly parts of life. One of the most heart breaking things we see is the marriages that have ended in divorce. I am convinced that many of these could have been avoided if Biblical principles would have been instituted. At Foothills we are committed to the institution of marriage, and this series will give people tools to have a 5-star marriage.
The second reason I am looking forward to this new series is that it's going to be a lot of fun to teach. Every time I do these type series the feedback is incredible. There will be moments of laughter and moments of tears during this series. Every week we will look at different issues surrounding marriage. Each week has some surprises planned.
I am also looking forward to this series, because on the last Sunday of the series, my beautiful wife, Liz will be joining me on the stage as we talk about the differences between men and women.
I want to also add that this is a perfect message series to invite friends to, so make a few calls to your friends and we'll see you Sunday!
Monday, January 18, 2010
We Are Foothills
Sunday was an incredible day at Foothills. we wrapped up our series, We Are Foothills.
It was a 2 week vision series. Yesterday we talked about getting in the game. Here are a few thoughts:
** There is no doubt about it, if your "church experience" is just attending a service on Sunday, you are selling yourself short. When you get out of the stands and onto the field, it's much better!
** We invited people to get in the game and attend our Belong class. Over 100 new people signed up!
** Yesterday was our annual membership renewal Sunday. Yes, we start every year by clearing off our membership and ask people to sign-up for another year.
** Church membership is not like a country club membership. When you join a country club, your first question is, "what are the benefits, and privileges?" When you join a church, your first question should be, "how can I contribute?"
** This has been a very fun series to do.
** I "did" and "said" a couple of things that will definitely make the blooper reel!
** 11:15am service is filling up. There are still plenty of seats at 9:30am, so you might want to consider attending then.
** What is it about rainy days that make people so mellow and reserved?
** We handed out We Are Foothills wristbands to everyone that attended.
** I loved that video clip of the Clemson fan that was bummed out at the loss to Ga Tech.
** This Sunday we will start a brand new message series that I have been so looking forward to. It's called, First Comes Love. It is about love, dating and marriage. This will be a great series to invite your friends.
It was a 2 week vision series. Yesterday we talked about getting in the game. Here are a few thoughts:
** There is no doubt about it, if your "church experience" is just attending a service on Sunday, you are selling yourself short. When you get out of the stands and onto the field, it's much better!
** We invited people to get in the game and attend our Belong class. Over 100 new people signed up!
** Yesterday was our annual membership renewal Sunday. Yes, we start every year by clearing off our membership and ask people to sign-up for another year.
** Church membership is not like a country club membership. When you join a country club, your first question is, "what are the benefits, and privileges?" When you join a church, your first question should be, "how can I contribute?"
** This has been a very fun series to do.
** I "did" and "said" a couple of things that will definitely make the blooper reel!
** 11:15am service is filling up. There are still plenty of seats at 9:30am, so you might want to consider attending then.
** What is it about rainy days that make people so mellow and reserved?
** We handed out We Are Foothills wristbands to everyone that attended.
** I loved that video clip of the Clemson fan that was bummed out at the loss to Ga Tech.
** This Sunday we will start a brand new message series that I have been so looking forward to. It's called, First Comes Love. It is about love, dating and marriage. This will be a great series to invite your friends.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Haiti
By now everyone has heard of the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti. Initial estimates have speculated death tolls as high as a half a million people. (Hopefully it will be much less)
The question that probably runs through most people's minds when we hear of these type things, is "Why?" I have found that although it's ok to ask, why?, we rarely get an answer to that question.
The better question to ask is "What?" What should I do now?, What is God teaching me through this? The "what?" question is more productive.
So in the case of this tragedy in Haiti, What can we do right now? Great question. here are a few things you can do:
1) Pray. I know that sounds like the preachers answer, but it is really the thing that everyone of us can do. Prayer is powerful. Pray for the wounded. pray for the families that have lost loved ones. Pray for the rescue workers. Pray for the Haitian people. Haiti is already one of the most impoverished Countries in the world.
2) Give to credible relief agencies. 2 excellent organizations to consider are Samaritan's Purse and The American Red Cross
3) Go. There will be opportunities for people that want to be involved in relief and rebuilding in the days ahead through various organizations.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
sunday night review
Today we had more fun at Foothills Community Church than should be legal. We began a new series called, We Are Foothills. It's a 2 week mini-series about the vision of Foothills. Without a doubt I enjoy this series as much or more of any series we do each year. Here's a couple quick thoughts about today:
** Very strong attendance in Seneca and Toccoa. Looks like we're out of the Christmas holiday mindset.
** Had some friendly competition during the services. 3 contestants shooting free throws blind-folded. The crowd helped line them up for the shot. An illustration of teamwork and the purpose of clear vision.
** People were crazy-pumped up today. Lots of energy.
** Worship was phenomenal in both services.
** Any time I talk about our vision it gets 99% of the people excited and helps the other 1% figure out FCC isn't for them.
** I didn't finish my message in either service. I get long-winded talking about the vision.
** One of the things I touched on was the need for the church to be relevant. (I think I will commit an entire blogpost on this one)
** The Message never changes, but the methods, must!
** Reviewing all that God did at FCC during 2009 was mind boggling. One of the statistics that relly blows me away is that we have baptized nearly 1% of this county in the last 3 years!
** Praying for 1,000 salvations in 2010!
** Next week we've got some more cool things planned. I'm doing a message called, Get In The Game. It's a message about what teamwork is all about.
** I miss college football already.
** With influence comes responsibility. Let's get out there and keep inviting our friends to church.
** Very strong attendance in Seneca and Toccoa. Looks like we're out of the Christmas holiday mindset.
** Had some friendly competition during the services. 3 contestants shooting free throws blind-folded. The crowd helped line them up for the shot. An illustration of teamwork and the purpose of clear vision.
** People were crazy-pumped up today. Lots of energy.
** Worship was phenomenal in both services.
** Any time I talk about our vision it gets 99% of the people excited and helps the other 1% figure out FCC isn't for them.
** I didn't finish my message in either service. I get long-winded talking about the vision.
** One of the things I touched on was the need for the church to be relevant. (I think I will commit an entire blogpost on this one)
** The Message never changes, but the methods, must!
** Reviewing all that God did at FCC during 2009 was mind boggling. One of the statistics that relly blows me away is that we have baptized nearly 1% of this county in the last 3 years!
** Praying for 1,000 salvations in 2010!
** Next week we've got some more cool things planned. I'm doing a message called, Get In The Game. It's a message about what teamwork is all about.
** I miss college football already.
** With influence comes responsibility. Let's get out there and keep inviting our friends to church.
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Toccoa campus Christmas Eve
Here is a video from Christmas Eve from our 2nd campus in Toccoa Georgia. The video quality is not great, but you can hear it pretty well. This was taken in their new facility that they moved in to a couple of weeks ago. They are doing a phenomenal job, and as you will hear on the video, they have some incredible talent.
Opener from Christmas Eve services at Foothills
I've had a lot of requests about some of the music from our Christmas Eve services at Foothills, so here's the opener we did:
Monday, January 04, 2010
2010
We started out 2010 at Foothills with a bang yesterday. The services were awesome!
* David Odom and his team were on their game, no doubt. Worship was incredible.
* The energy level was off the charts. I was a little worried because it was so cold yesterday, but people came ready to meet with God.
* Yesterday's message was all about overcoming the obstacles that hold us back. 2010 is a blank slate filled with unlimited possibilities, let's not let obstacles stand in the way between us and God's best for our lives.
* I am getting more excited about the possibility of campus #3 for Foothills. I have been praying for over a year about where it will be. I'm still not sure, but I believe God will guide us to the place!
* Our Toccoa campus is doing an amazing job. I think that 2010 is going to be a time of extreme growth for them. Both numerically and spiritually. Proud of you guys.
* We had a fantastic staff meeting this morning and let me tell you, our staff is fired-up. Our staff at Foothills is the best staff in the world. Next time you see one of them, let them know how much you appreciate them.
* I am so excited about this week's message I can hardly stand it. We will be starting a brand new mini-series called, We Are Foothills. It's all about the vision baby!
* Any time I do messages on our vision it pumps almost all the people up. It also ticks a few people off!
* I nearly overdosed on college football over the Christmas break. Fortunately there are still a few more games. The 2 games I'm really interested are TCU vs Boise State, and Texas vs Alabama. My predictions are Boise State and Alabama. Not an Alabama fan, but I think they will be the National Champs.
I hope you're ready for a huge year in 2010. I am.
* David Odom and his team were on their game, no doubt. Worship was incredible.
* The energy level was off the charts. I was a little worried because it was so cold yesterday, but people came ready to meet with God.
* Yesterday's message was all about overcoming the obstacles that hold us back. 2010 is a blank slate filled with unlimited possibilities, let's not let obstacles stand in the way between us and God's best for our lives.
* I am getting more excited about the possibility of campus #3 for Foothills. I have been praying for over a year about where it will be. I'm still not sure, but I believe God will guide us to the place!
* Our Toccoa campus is doing an amazing job. I think that 2010 is going to be a time of extreme growth for them. Both numerically and spiritually. Proud of you guys.
* We had a fantastic staff meeting this morning and let me tell you, our staff is fired-up. Our staff at Foothills is the best staff in the world. Next time you see one of them, let them know how much you appreciate them.
* I am so excited about this week's message I can hardly stand it. We will be starting a brand new mini-series called, We Are Foothills. It's all about the vision baby!
* Any time I do messages on our vision it pumps almost all the people up. It also ticks a few people off!
* I nearly overdosed on college football over the Christmas break. Fortunately there are still a few more games. The 2 games I'm really interested are TCU vs Boise State, and Texas vs Alabama. My predictions are Boise State and Alabama. Not an Alabama fan, but I think they will be the National Champs.
I hope you're ready for a huge year in 2010. I am.
Friday, January 01, 2010
Happy New Year!
I love New Year's. It is generally one of the few times in the year that people actually desire change. Nearly every other time people are resisitant to making changes. If we're smart, we'll leverage this opportunity and make those changes.
It has been my experience that unless we actually set a goal, change doesn't come. It's not enough to say, "My New Year's resolution is to lose weight in 2010", or "I want to exercise more", or "I want to grow spiritually in 2010". Make it specific, and measurable. Then put together an action plan.
Here's an example: In 2010 I will grow spirtually by: 1)Attending Church weekly. 2)Spending ______ minutes a day praying, and reading my Bible. 3)Finding a place to serve at church. (Of course, you're goals may look different, but you get the idea)
As a general rule, I try to set Spirtual goals, Physical goals, Relational goals, Professional goals, and Intellectual goals.
I also ask myself several questions. Here is a list of some of the questions I asked myself in 2009.
As we enter 2010, what needs to change in your life? Let's go for it in 2010!
For further thoughts on change, here is a link to my friend Artie Davis blog. Do yourself a favor and check this out.
It has been my experience that unless we actually set a goal, change doesn't come. It's not enough to say, "My New Year's resolution is to lose weight in 2010", or "I want to exercise more", or "I want to grow spiritually in 2010". Make it specific, and measurable. Then put together an action plan.
Here's an example: In 2010 I will grow spirtually by: 1)Attending Church weekly. 2)Spending ______ minutes a day praying, and reading my Bible. 3)Finding a place to serve at church. (Of course, you're goals may look different, but you get the idea)
As a general rule, I try to set Spirtual goals, Physical goals, Relational goals, Professional goals, and Intellectual goals.
I also ask myself several questions. Here is a list of some of the questions I asked myself in 2009.
As we enter 2010, what needs to change in your life? Let's go for it in 2010!
For further thoughts on change, here is a link to my friend Artie Davis blog. Do yourself a favor and check this out.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Christmas thoughts
Still amazed about the Christmas Eve services at Foothills Community Church. It is so much fun worshiping Christ, especially at Christmas!
If it were not for God's gift of Jesus to all of us, we would have no hope, no peace, no way of getting rid of the guilt, shame and sin in our lives. Hoping that all of you have a blessed Christmas.
Here are a few highlights from our Christmas Eve service:
* Huge crowds that came in ready to worship.
* Unbelievable excitement in the air.
* Tons of guests checking Foothills out.
* The band knocked it out of the park. Seriously..... out of the park!
* That last number, the Blue Man drumline, was unreal!
* Brian Rhodes playing the elf was great, but when he did his elf rap it was awesome! That boy has some serious skills.
* I heard that we had about 50 people give their lives to Christ! (That's what it's all about!)
* I'm serious, if I give you my Billy the Big Mouth Bass as a gift, I really don't like you :-)
* I stand by my statement, "Fruitcake is disgusting" (and, no I don't want to try some of yours :-))
* Heard that our Toccoa campus rocked Stephens County last night. Way to go!
* We have the most incredible staff and volunteers in the world. Thank you all for doing what you do!
I hope you all have an incredible Christmas!
If it were not for God's gift of Jesus to all of us, we would have no hope, no peace, no way of getting rid of the guilt, shame and sin in our lives. Hoping that all of you have a blessed Christmas.
Here are a few highlights from our Christmas Eve service:
* Huge crowds that came in ready to worship.
* Unbelievable excitement in the air.
* Tons of guests checking Foothills out.
* The band knocked it out of the park. Seriously..... out of the park!
* That last number, the Blue Man drumline, was unreal!
* Brian Rhodes playing the elf was great, but when he did his elf rap it was awesome! That boy has some serious skills.
* I heard that we had about 50 people give their lives to Christ! (That's what it's all about!)
* I'm serious, if I give you my Billy the Big Mouth Bass as a gift, I really don't like you :-)
* I stand by my statement, "Fruitcake is disgusting" (and, no I don't want to try some of yours :-))
* Heard that our Toccoa campus rocked Stephens County last night. Way to go!
* We have the most incredible staff and volunteers in the world. Thank you all for doing what you do!
I hope you all have an incredible Christmas!
Monday, December 21, 2009
Christmas Eve update
Hard to believe that our Christmas Eve services are in just a couple of days. There has been a lot of time and planning put into these services. Trust me, these will be some of the best services we have ever had at Foothills Community Church!
Here are a couple of reminders:
Christmas eve services will be on December 24th at 4:00pm and 6:00pm in Seneca and at 6:30pm at our Toccoa campus.
Here's how it will work at Seneca:
* It is a ticketed event
* tickets are sold out, but we will not turn anyone away. Our plan is to use the Venue auditorium for overflow if necessary.
* Plan on getting here early. We will have coffee and other beverages in the concourse. The doors to the auditorium will open 20 minutes prior to the service.
* If you are coming with a large group and you want to sit together, don't come late.
* The services will have a little bit of everything, music, video, comedy and a message.
* Speaking of the message, I will be presenting the gospel as clearly as I possibly can, so if you have friends that don't know Jesus, make sure you bring them with you!
* We even have a choir that will be singing, that should be cool.
* If you have kids, PLEASE take them to Kidzone. They will have a better time in an age-appropriate environment, and we need the seats!
For our Toccoa campus:
* There will be one Christmas Eve service at our new facility on Big A road at 6:30pm
* This will be an incredible time to introduce your friends to Foothills Community Church.
* Jonathan and the worship team have put together an amazing service. You do not want to miss it!
* The Toccoa campus will be hearing the same message as the Seneca campus. You will want to bring your friends that don't know Christ.
* Plan on arriving early, we are expecting record crowds!
Here are a couple of reminders:
Christmas eve services will be on December 24th at 4:00pm and 6:00pm in Seneca and at 6:30pm at our Toccoa campus.
Here's how it will work at Seneca:
* It is a ticketed event
* tickets are sold out, but we will not turn anyone away. Our plan is to use the Venue auditorium for overflow if necessary.
* Plan on getting here early. We will have coffee and other beverages in the concourse. The doors to the auditorium will open 20 minutes prior to the service.
* If you are coming with a large group and you want to sit together, don't come late.
* The services will have a little bit of everything, music, video, comedy and a message.
* Speaking of the message, I will be presenting the gospel as clearly as I possibly can, so if you have friends that don't know Jesus, make sure you bring them with you!
* We even have a choir that will be singing, that should be cool.
* If you have kids, PLEASE take them to Kidzone. They will have a better time in an age-appropriate environment, and we need the seats!
For our Toccoa campus:
* There will be one Christmas Eve service at our new facility on Big A road at 6:30pm
* This will be an incredible time to introduce your friends to Foothills Community Church.
* Jonathan and the worship team have put together an amazing service. You do not want to miss it!
* The Toccoa campus will be hearing the same message as the Seneca campus. You will want to bring your friends that don't know Christ.
* Plan on arriving early, we are expecting record crowds!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Thursday thoughts
It never ceases to amaze me what God is doing in the lives of people here at Foothills. I hear stories that just blow my mind---it's awesome!
For instance: Last night at Thrive (our Student worship experience) 11 teenagers were baptized (remember, a bunch of teens were baptized a couple of Sunday's ago too). God is shaking things up in our Student ministry, under the leadership of Brian Rhodes and Tim Wadsworth and all of the volunteers. Our total baptisms for Foothills for 2009 is now 189 people!
Another very noteworthy thing is that we have reached our goal of providing Christmas gifts to 250 children through our "Family Christmas" offering. I just want to thank all of you for your generosity. On Saturday we will throw a Christmas party for many of the families in our concourse when they pick up their gifts.
Don't forget to pick up your tickets for our Christmas Eve services. There are very few left (we have given out over 2,500 already!) If you have not gotten yours yet, you can pick them up at the Welcome Center. In case you're wondering the tickets are free.
We've been spending a lot of time in creative planning for our upcoming message series for 2010, and all I can say is, "I'm pumped about it!" I'll be doing a 2 week vision series called, We Are Foothills!, and then a series on marriage and family that is going to be unbelievable, followed by some other cool things.
Keep inviting your friends!
For instance: Last night at Thrive (our Student worship experience) 11 teenagers were baptized (remember, a bunch of teens were baptized a couple of Sunday's ago too). God is shaking things up in our Student ministry, under the leadership of Brian Rhodes and Tim Wadsworth and all of the volunteers. Our total baptisms for Foothills for 2009 is now 189 people!
Another very noteworthy thing is that we have reached our goal of providing Christmas gifts to 250 children through our "Family Christmas" offering. I just want to thank all of you for your generosity. On Saturday we will throw a Christmas party for many of the families in our concourse when they pick up their gifts.
Don't forget to pick up your tickets for our Christmas Eve services. There are very few left (we have given out over 2,500 already!) If you have not gotten yours yet, you can pick them up at the Welcome Center. In case you're wondering the tickets are free.
We've been spending a lot of time in creative planning for our upcoming message series for 2010, and all I can say is, "I'm pumped about it!" I'll be doing a 2 week vision series called, We Are Foothills!, and then a series on marriage and family that is going to be unbelievable, followed by some other cool things.
Keep inviting your friends!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Don't say I didn't warn you!
Here is the infamous clip from this past Sunday with Pelvis Presley promoting our Christmas Eve services at Foothills
Sunday, December 13, 2009
what a day!
Today was an amazing day at Foothills! Here are a few of the highlights in case you missed it:
** 9:30 am service, Eric Peters and his team knocked it out of the park.
** We had a surprise visitor--- Pelvis Presley (Elvis long-lost cousin) Brian Rhodes our student Pastor, rocked the house singing You Aint Nothin But A Reindeer! (I hope I can dig up a video)
** Despite the cold, rainy, dreary weather, there was a ton of energy.
** Spoke about Joseph, and the 2 things that made him extraordinary
** at 11:15 am service David O and his crew did a phenomenal job. They especially nailed the Trans Siberian Orchestra number.
** Loved the Weekly World News headlines---especially the one about the Gamecocks!
** Tickets for the 4:00pm Christmas eve service are sold-out!
** There are only a few tickets left for the 6:00pm service! If you didn't get yours yet, I would recommend stopping by the church office during the week to get yours. Sunday may be too late.
** Our Toccoa campus held their first service in their new facility, and I heard that it went fantastic.
** So proud of Shannon Chiles, our campus Pastor who has led them from meeting in a living room to a gym to this new facility!
** Speaking of Shannon, after much prayer, he has decided to go back to his job as an electrical engineer in 2010. He will continue to be actively involved at the Toccoa campus as a volunteer. He will also lead a LIFE group and help with our Get In The Game series.
** Pastor Brian Marshall from our Seneca Campus will assume the position of Toccoa campus Pastor. Brian is a memeber of Foothills Senior manangement Team, and has been on staff for many years. He'll spend his time during the week at both campuses.
** Not sure how many more children we found sponsors for in our Family Christmas offering, but I'll let you know when I find out.
** It looks like we will be baptizing another 6 students during Thrive services on Wednesday!
** 9:30 am service, Eric Peters and his team knocked it out of the park.
** We had a surprise visitor--- Pelvis Presley (Elvis long-lost cousin) Brian Rhodes our student Pastor, rocked the house singing You Aint Nothin But A Reindeer! (I hope I can dig up a video)
** Despite the cold, rainy, dreary weather, there was a ton of energy.
** Spoke about Joseph, and the 2 things that made him extraordinary
** at 11:15 am service David O and his crew did a phenomenal job. They especially nailed the Trans Siberian Orchestra number.
** Loved the Weekly World News headlines---especially the one about the Gamecocks!
** Tickets for the 4:00pm Christmas eve service are sold-out!
** There are only a few tickets left for the 6:00pm service! If you didn't get yours yet, I would recommend stopping by the church office during the week to get yours. Sunday may be too late.
** Our Toccoa campus held their first service in their new facility, and I heard that it went fantastic.
** So proud of Shannon Chiles, our campus Pastor who has led them from meeting in a living room to a gym to this new facility!
** Speaking of Shannon, after much prayer, he has decided to go back to his job as an electrical engineer in 2010. He will continue to be actively involved at the Toccoa campus as a volunteer. He will also lead a LIFE group and help with our Get In The Game series.
** Pastor Brian Marshall from our Seneca Campus will assume the position of Toccoa campus Pastor. Brian is a memeber of Foothills Senior manangement Team, and has been on staff for many years. He'll spend his time during the week at both campuses.
** Not sure how many more children we found sponsors for in our Family Christmas offering, but I'll let you know when I find out.
** It looks like we will be baptizing another 6 students during Thrive services on Wednesday!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
more music
As I mentioned in a previous post, we have been blessed with talent at Foothills. Here is a clip from Sunday with Eric Peters leading worship. Eric leads our 9:30am service, and does an awesome job!
Almost There
Every Christmas Foothills Community Church tries to reach out and make Christmas morning a little brighter for children. This year we are doing something called, Foothills Family Christmas. Our goal was to provide Christmas presents for 250 kids. These families names were provided by community organizations, schools and from within the church.
Over the last 2 weeks we have collected a special offering to raise $12,500. I am happy to announce that we have almost reached our goal. Right now we have almost enough raised for 200 kids! This Sunday will be your last chance to help us reach our goal, so if you would like to participate, pick up the special envelopes at the Welcome Center, and put your gift in the offering buckets.
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