Hey!
7 baptized last Sunday! We are so proud of those acknowledging their faith in Christ; great job! This Sunday is Communion Sunday in both services. Communion services historically for us have been some of our best! December 24th we will have 3 Christmas Eve services: 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., & 3:00 p.m.! Please sign up for the one you plan to attend and bring people to.
This year we aren’t doing a Christmas mailer. If it wins, as it has in the past, it will be God using us to get people here! No big sales pitches or guilt trips on this end; just a strong belief in God’s ability to use you if you let Him! I personally am cashing in promises to come out “sometime” as the sometime, and also relational chips I have built up with people. I hope you will too, and not let this amazing opportunity be squandered by fear, busyness, or self (deprecation, preoccupation, absorption, or loathing). We can’t bring a move of God but we can prepare for one. Let’s get ready!
I mentioned our year end offering 2 weeks ago…it’s an offering we are asking everyone to invest in at some level. Never given? Let this be your first. Occasionally give? Let this be the offering that kicks off consistent giving in your life. Consistent giver? How about your normal offering being an offering and you move to biblical giving and begin tithing?! Biblical giver? You tithe (and by tithe it’s biblical: 10% of your earned income. I’m usually “encouraged” by other tithers to clarify that:)? How about giving above your tithe and giving an offering? Crystal and I are doing this one. I get paid tomorrow so my tithe will be in there this Sunday, along with our year-end offering. I’m giving my year-end offering this week because after speaking at 3 services on Christmas Eve, I’ll be lucky to remember my car without help! The year-end offering is going to help jumpstart our year with improved kids room and a new campus in Jeff’. I’m not asking you to give to “needs;” nobody gets motivated much by those. But the next 250 people God saves at Lifepointe will be directly connected to our kid’s ministry at this campus (I was reminded of that at my son’s first grade program).
People are dying without Christ and doors are beginning to open for us to help them find Christ. We won’t wait, give nods of approval to avoidance, or help people feel better that pass on mission. We will pray more, love more, equip more, listen more, risk more, weep more, serve people more, and connect around growth and mission more! These have already begun!
Alright, I close this Britannica with this: If you are moving forward with Jesus keep moving! If you are hurting and stalled, let Him heal you. If you are frustrated, tell Him with what and give it to Him. If you are grieving, let Him come in and be close to you. If you are lonely, ask Him to help you be around other people. If you are overwhelmed, ask Him for rest and peace. If you are controlling, ask for strength to release your death grip. If you are avoiding, give Him your fear.
God loves you for you. He knew your story before it was written; and He still is crazy about you and can partner with you!
Peace, love, and laughs from my desk to you!
Jamey
