Celebrating

Today our team was whipped, still trying to recover from the weekend. However, we had to focus, knowing that this weekend is just as big; with 4 services and 4 more “can’t miss” events to launch our Seize The Moment campaign.

We always want to take time to celebrate God, so in staff meeting we simply shared stories of life change we’ve witnessed at Palm Valley recently. It was awesome to hear how He’s working, and reminds me why I’m so committed to reaching people most churches have forgotten about.

To top the morning off we brought Moe’s southwest grill in to do lunch for the team. Perry and Gary have bragged on Moe’s, and now that it’s in the west valley we had to try it. Moe’s is simply off the hook, incredible fajitas that rock your taste buds. Go try it at the Westgate Center at the Glendale Arena, and make sure to tell the manager James that Greg sent you!

Easter Weekend

Easter was incredible at Palm Valley! Everything was wheels off going into the weekend, but I saw our team really pull together. Here’s some of the challenges we faced…

• multiple major health issues for people in our body.
• two deaths and subsequent funerals.
• launch of our Seize The Moment building campaign, requiring lots of extra work for every team member.
• new sound equipment to integrate.
• new projector for center screen with different throw distance, requiring us to adjust our whole gym/worship center.
• all new signage (looked awesome).
• Addition of a fourth service (we’re continuing 4 services each weekend now).

These were just some of the fun things creating a buzz in the office. This weekend went off w/o a hitch, and God showed up big time.

Nearly 3,000 people attended our 6th annual easter services, and the service was electric. I seriously cried in the Ocean Floor/Mighty To Save/Forever ensemble. Incredible video support behind the music, all woven together beautifully!

I believe our team rose to a new level and I’m excited to see how God is going to use us together in the coming weeks.

Services For Stephanie

The memorial service for Stephanie Brown will be held this Saturday morning (April 7th) at 10:00 a.m.

The service will be in the auditorium at Desert Edge High School.

Sadness

Today is a tough day for our church family, we lost a loved one. Stephanie Brown, a young woman in our church, passed away suddenly today. Please pray for her mother and sister, who are grieving.

Stephanie was an awesome young lady, who loved the Lord passionately. She was a faithful servant at Palm Valley, and was preparing to go to Africa to be a dorm parent at a school for missionary kids.

I’m numb tonight, the news was so unexpected. I hurt for her family. I hurt for her friends at church whom I know. I hurt for those who she ministered to. I hurt, and I’m not alone. I’m thankful that Stephanie knew Jesus as her Lord and Savior, and that she’s home this evening with Him!

Sunday Night Thoughts

Here’s some stuff on my mind tonight, in no particular order…

1) I’m whipped. The last month has flat out worked me, and I’m tired. It’s been awesome, but I’m looking forward to some time off.

2) It was fun to stay home with the family today. Went to breakfast and just hung out.

3) Saw a neighbor coming home from Palm Valley today, cool to know he went to church w/o me

4) Saw another neighbor’s car in his driveway all morning. He stayed home from church today.

5) I’m jazzed for easter, it’s going to be awesome.

6) I heard from a ton of friends that Ryan did an awesome job today. I love that when I’m gone we don’t miss a beat as a church.

7) I love our staff, they’re laying it all on the line every week.

I hope people invite all their friends to attend Easter at Palm Valley; a ton of people are going to invite Christ into their life next week: how cool is that?

9) Watching my boys try to fly a kite w/o any wind is hilarious. They were running hard and fast, just not getting much air

10) Little people with little vision attack big people with big vision.

That’s enough for tonight, can’t wait to hit the ground running tomorrow, it’s crunch time!

Right On The Money

Ben Arment had a great post about how selfish, small minded Christians can kill a church. Read and laugh HERE.

If you’re offended by the list, maybe it’s time to read some Scripture and remember what Jesus has called us to do: reach this world for Him!

I’m Back

After a much needed blogging break, I’m back on the net. What have I been doing with my time…

Over the past month Lori and I have been meeting groups of leaders in our church. Every night, and three on Sunday, we’ve been gathering and casting the vision for where we’re headed as a church.

It’s been a blast to speak eye to eye with leaders, and challenge them to lead Palm Valley Church into the future. Awesome meetings! It’s been about an extra 120 hours this month, which has really tapped me out. I’m flat tired.

We’ve also been working on our final plans for the campus. At this stage my involvement became critical to make sure the final product matches the vision. It’s going to be incredible!

So, I’m back, and I look forward to sharing with you some things that have been on my heart over the past month.