Thoughts From The Weekend…

This was an incredible weekend for me, both personally and as a pastor.

On the personal side…I took the weekend as a study break as Lori and I got away for a few days.  It was great for me to be able to spend time alone with the Lord, read Scripture, listen to other teachers, and prepare my heart and mind for our Easter series on forgiveness.  It reminded me again how thankful I am for the forgiveness we have through Christ.  I’ve learned it’s critical for me to take a few weekends a year as a study break.  For the first 3 years of the church, I never missed a weekend.  I nearly burned out, and I think my teaching got pretty tired.  I think our church benefits from me being away.

It was also awesome to be away with my best friend Lori.  Every time we get some alone time I’m reminded just how lucky I am to be married to her.  She’s also one of my best sounding boards for message ideas, so I love having her around to tell me when I’m way off base

On the pastoral side…this was a great weekend for our church.  A number of incredible things happened…

1. We multiplied our kids classes and hallways.  We added 50% more kids space this weekend.  It was a crazy idea we felt led to do, based on our conviction that every time we make space, God brings more people to fill it.  I think so many churches approach growth from the other side…when God fills our space, we’ll find a way to make more.  Anyways, thanks to all the leaders and volunteers who made it happen this weekend.  You guys and gals put in a ton of work, and went way above the call.  The result was awesome, as our childrens attendance (birth through 5th grade) was 603 this weekend, an all time record at Palm Valley.  Teachers were already asking “when are we going to multiply again?” 
2. Ryan taught this weekend, and I heard he did a great job.  I can’t wait to watch the tape.  He wrapped up the series on the life of Christ with a talk titled “Love Wins”.  Ryan’s grown so much as a communicator.  It was wonderful for me to know that when I’m gone the teaching level stays consistent (many say it gets better).  I love that we do ministry as a team, and that means it doesn’t all revolve around me.
3. The church picnic was awesome!  I received so many emails thanking me for the picnic.  Funny thing is, I wasn’t even there.  Dave and his team made this thing happen.  Thanks to the hundreds of volunteers who set-up, served, monitored games, set out 15,000 eggs, cleaned up, and did everything else it took. One thing we know how to do at Palm Valley is throw a party!