I have enjoyed a couple of days away from “blogger-land” and work as I get some last minute recharging for the fall season. Labor Day weekend is our last "summer-schedule" weekend, so things heat up significantly for us now.
For those of you who enjoyed a weekend away, you missed a great service. The music was amazing. Ben Jones continues to grow and develop as a worship leader and musician. He did a great job leading us into God’s presence. Our band is going to go on tour soon if they get any better…
We had a surprise guest speaker Sunday with Dale Ward, from Orlando, Florida. Dale and I go back to my college days. We have been through thick and thin together. He is one of my closest friends…you can’t get a better friend than Dale.
God used Dale in a big way Sunday as he shared his story of God’s grace and healing. For me, it was a chance to see God’s hand bring Dale full circle. I have never heard him better. It’s been 5 years since Dale last was at Fellowship…his insight into what God has done here was encouraging. I look forward to bringing him back with us again soon.
God’s timing in Dale coming was big for me personally. Being a pastor is one of the loneliest gigs going. Some of my friends or staff might feel slighted when they hear that, but it has nothing to do with friendships. It has to do with carrying a 24/7 burden and vision for what God is doing at Fellowship. It is about reaching people with the love of Jesus – and doing whatever it takes to stay on that mission. Dale and I had some priceless time together to reflect on where God has brought us and to dream about where He will take us.
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8 comments:
Welcome back to "blogger land"! I'm glad you were able to rejuvenate for the upcoming season. Heather and I are excited for the life groups to start up. We look forward to continuously meet new people and get connected in a whole new way!
What a great job you and your church is doing! My family is here only temporarily for my husband's job (a total of 6 months), and we were getting discouraged after visiting several churches in the area. After visiting just one service we knew we had found our new temporary home! Thank you for creating such a warm and welcoming environment. From the nursery, to the praise and worship, right on down to the sermon. . .everything was perfect! You seemed just so genuine in your teaching, thank you! We even loved finding out that you lived in our home town of Jax, Fl! Too good to be true. We look forward to getting connected through small groups and possibly helping out in your children's ministry.
Looking forward to many more services,
Adam and Holly
Thanks Jeff. We will have open registration for our life groups the next 3 Sundays for you guys to plug in.
Thanks Holly. Your feedback is encouraging. It is great to have you and Adam with us! I wish it was longer than 6 months but we will take what we can get.
It was awesome being at FC last weekend. I was amazed at what God has done in the last six years – blows my mind to think about what he has in store for the next six! I felt much love from the people at church. I was encouraged after the service when so many people took a minute to share some pretty amazing God stories, and how He is using FC to change their lives. The fact that so many felt the liberty to be real with me about their stuff, speaks volumes to your example as an authentic and transparent leader. I have to agree with you about Ben, he did a great job leading worship! I have known Ben since he was 15 years old; it is really cool to see how God is using and expanding his talents at Fellowship. Thanks for letting me take part in what God is doing in the Delaware Valley; I will not soon forget it!
John,
My daughter, Laurie, my friend, Janice and I have been coming to Fellowship for about a year and have been enjoying it immensely. I truly understand and sympathize with you about your current struggle. Please know that you're doing so much right and you truly project God's love for us. Just keep being real.
Thanks Dale. You knocked it out of the park! I'm blessed to have a friend like you!
Thanks for your feedback and your prayers Hallie. I really appreciate it.
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