What an incredible weekend. I have never been more proud to be the pastor of Grace Point. Our people stepped up in such a huge way in this season. It was overwhelming to me. Here are some of the weekend highlights.
- Friday night a group of us loaded an entire 24′ U-haul with basic need boxes and baked goods and delivered them to City Mission. Grace Point people provided 250 basic need boxes and over 750 baked goods for needy families this weekend.
- Over 135 GP volunteers were involved in preparing and delivering 450 food boxes, the basic needs boxes and baked goods, and 30 kids bags filled with toys.
- We worked with City Mission – one of our favorite partners.
- Four of us were strategically sent to one senior citizen center where Donnie and Marie made an appearance. We were there to represent the volunteer base of City Mission. They arrived with all the fanfare and hype of the media. We met them briefly and then they delivered some boxes to a few of the senior citizens. I am glad City Mission got the exposure that Donnie & Marie brought but I am far more impressed with the hundreds of GP volunteers who faithfully serve with little or no recognition.
- We also provided 2 Christmas parties for low income housing developments.
- The first was for grandparents with custody of their grandkids and abused mothers with their children. We provided a sit-down meal as well as a basic needs box for each family and gift bags for the kids. We had an “authentic” Santa as well as crafts and games. It was a blast for everyone involved. It was such a joy to see the face of the children light up over the gifts and Santa. Awesome party. We had no idea what to expect and over 75 people attended it.
- Our second party was at a senior citizen center. We had a sit-down meal, live music, and games (including a competitive game of bingo). It was so fun. About 125 senior adults came and the energy level was incredible. Our volunteers did an outstanding job and the senior citizen directors were so grateful.
- It was awesome to watch so many of our volunteers come together for this event. From set-up to baking to providing games to tear-down, it was a true team effort.
- Since I was going to be at most of the events throughout the weekend, I was the appointed videographer. It was such an awesome experience for me to be behind the camera watching our people serve.
- After the final party on Saturday night, I was overwhelmed in the car to re-live the day and think about how so many people “get it” at Grace Point. It was a surreal moment for me to realize how a vision birthed in my heart several years ago has now been captured and advanced by so many people. It was an emotional moment for me – one that carried over into Sunday’s service!
- We had a great day at GP yesterday. Great crowd and an incredible spirit.
- I am really enjoying our Xmas series. Yesterday I taught on Joseph and challenged our people to live with a faith that requires we believe and do the impossible. Some of my favorite clips from the sermon:
“Joseph was a man of few words but incredible action”
“The Jesus factor affects how we deal with people when we have been hurt”
“God asked Joseph to believe the impossible and do the impossible”
“Joseph – I need you to be the foster father of God the Son who is the long awaited Messiah – now go”
“Appearance is a harsh taskmaster. Joseph was asked to live a life where perception was the opposite of reality”
“What in my life demands I live in absolute faith and dependence?”
“Radical faith is not reserved for super spiritual people or professional Christians. Joseph was a blue collar carpenter”
“God asks us to replace our fear with faith”
“Be clear on your call even if the call doesn’t make sense to others”
“Faith and Stupidity are not one and the same”
“A God call is usually accompanied by a healthy fear”
“Common sense only goes so far with a God who operates beyond the rational”
“Can God be trusted even when it doesn’t make sense to do so?”
“Faith is a following issue – stay on the journey and God will direct your steps”
“What is God asking you to do that requires Him to act or it will not happen?”
- Sunday night we had our annual Christmas gathering. Fun time.
- The night was highlighted by some funny videos we put together.
- In a time of economic uncertainty and challenge, laughter is a great relief.
- We also honored our many volunteers who serve so faithfully.
- I am blessed to be part of a church where over 80% of our regular attendees serve!
- Our staff worked so hard to make this weekend happen. I love each one of them. Way to go Ashley, Derek, Heidi, and Ty! Also a big shout out to our interns who served faithfully as well: Danny, Jeremy, and Michael. And there were a ton of other key volunteers who made it happen.
I am tired from a long weekend but I am truly blessed. Staff party tonight.
and by the way, Sunday is coming again!