Loving Volunteers

Sunday night we held a “Volunteer Appreciation Night“, and it was awesome. The staff team did an incredible job of putting together an unforgettable evening together. We had such a blast together, eating, laughing, singing, and just loving on the volunteers who make PVC happen. I loved that on the night the world was celebrating the grammys, which impact nobody’s life, we were celebrating volunteers who make a difference in the lives of othes on a weekly basis. Some highlights…

• Dinner. Oh my goodness, Val and her team hit a home run with the pulled pork and chicken wings!
• Setting was wonderful, with red carpet entrances for the volunteers and decorations to match a “grammy” theme.
• I laughed harder than I have in years at some of the skits and songs  (see links below).
• I loved speaking to the team that’s sold out to the vision of PVC, it gives me a chance to share the gratitude in my heart for their partnership in the mission God has given us.
• What a long weekend our staff put in. Thanks guys and gals for making it happen, even  staying after midnight to tear everything down.
• Everyone at PVC should volunteer. If you attend PVC and don’t serve, I encourage you to begin investing!

Here’s some fun videos you can watch from the evening….

“It’s fun to serve at Palm Valley Church” set to YMCA…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b46E6ge3TaA

Pastor Greg Satellite interview…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vbmVuM3Sjs

Rappin’ Pastors…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MllEKCM2oh0

weekend reflections

Holy cow, what an awesome weekend. I was wiped out Monday, so here’s Tuesday’s cliff-notes from the weekend…

• The set team did an awesome job with props for the message, especially considering I only gave them 2 days notice on some changes I wanted to make.
• Sick kids made for a long weekend at the Rohlinger home.
• After all the changes, staff is really “gelling” and hitting it out of the park.
• I loved teaching on the tabernacle, there’s so much richness in the design of the meeting place. Bottom line, everything points to Jesus!
• Pete and Tom doing their “jump” on guitars made me laugh out loud.
• Had a sweet time as a family Saturday night. My boys are at such a teachable age, they’re soaking everything up. Try explaing the rapture, tribulation, and second coming to an 8 and 10 year old.
• I love the way people respond at PVC. It’s obvious your hearts are engaged, it’s not a passive gathering.
• I lost my voice during the 4th service. I’m going to have to really guard my voice as we go to 5 services.
• I love greeting on the patio, it lets me be a pastor instead of just teaching.

More thoughts coming soon from other events this weekend…

Luckiest Guy Around

15 years ago ago today I spent my first Valentine’s day with Lori. It was an incredible day, complete with a very creative date I planned to sweep her off her feet. It worked, and soon after we were engaged, then married.

Today, I’m amazed at how “lucky” (read blessed) I am to be married to Lori. Sweetheart…

I can’t believe you chose me, thank you!

You are my cheerleader. There have been many times you were the only one who believed in me, including myself, and your faith caused me to dream bigger than I ever would have without you. Thank you.

Your wisdom has always been right on. You are my greatest advisory. I trust your judgment, because you know me better than anybody, and you listen to the Lord.

You’re the most beautiful woman in the world, and you get more beautiful ever day. I’ll never forget the first moment I laid eyes on you at that prayer meeting.

You’re a blast to be with, you make life fun. I love that we can laugh our way through anything. Sure makes it hard to fight with you

We’ve been through some incredible ups and downs in life. No matter what life has thrown at us, you’ve stuck by me. Thank you.

Thank you for giving me 4 wonderful children, and raising them with such grace and joy.

Your love for the Lord has challenged me.

You’re darn witty

For those reading in on this personal note: I would not be nearly the man, father, or pastor I am today without Lori. There would be no Palm Valley Church without the faith and encouragement she has given. She allowed me to put everything on the line to start PVC, and believed wholeheartedly God was in this (even when I wondered).

To my best friend, Happy Valentine’s Day!

weekend reflections

We wrapped up the teaching series Route66 today. It’s kind of an odd “series”, because we’re doing the route66 (Bible reading) all year. We’ll be coming back to the idea about once a month as we continue to “travel across America”.  Anyways, here’s some thoughts from the weekend that was…

• Driving the 1950 Hudson on stage was one cool entrance (I’ll have video later this week).
• A lot more greeters and ushers in action lately, love to see that!
• Sean Smith rocks at creativity. The Route66 stage (pic’s coming) was the coolest we’ve done. Wait until two weeks from now when you see the next stage set for the series we’re doing called “National Treasure”.
• I loved singing the song in worship today that Derrick wrote. There’s something special about singing a song you know is written from someone’s heart. In case you don’t know, Derrick’s all-in for the Lord, and he just keeps improving as a worship leader! 
• Full crowds in last two services today. Next week we’ll be announcing the plans to create more seats at PVC for more people to meet Jesus.
• I’m really struggling with migraines right now. If you think about it, please pray for me. The intensity of preaching/leading really knocks me out.
• Excited about “Dangerous Church” next weekend.
• The students did an awesome job on stage today, sharing what God is teaching them in their daily Bible reading. I was one proud dad when Jake (my 10 year old) stepped up and shared his.
• Jonathon Turner is going to be a preacher.
• Coached our 8-9 years old to another victory this weeknd (2-1). By coaching, I mean I held the clipboard and laughed alot
• I love the people of Palm Valley, what an awesome church family to travel this journey with.
• We’re firming up plans for Lori and I to lead a trip this winter to Israel, Greece, and Egypt. If you’re interested, keep watching for details.
• Thanks to Alvin and the graphics team for your tireless work week after week. Nobody ever notices this team except when there’s something wrong!
• My TarHeels pulled out a huge comeback against Clemson today. It was one of those character development games that will propel them to the National Championship (calling my shot).
• It’s time for hundreds of people at Palm Valley to get off the bench and into the game!

It’s 2:42 a.m., can’t sleep due to migraines. Could be a long day tomorrow   That’s all for now. Have a blessed week!

Paradise

I love Hawaii. Honestly, I do my most creative thinking when I’m staring at the ocean.  There’s something about the colors, the waves, sea life, and sun that relax me, and allow me just to think creatively. I’m jealous of Wayne Cordeiro; that he gets to study on the beach. I believe I would write better messages if I spent more time near the ocean!

Here’s a picture of God’s creativity on display Thursday morning…

 

DCAT – Session 5

This closing session was full of worship, and Wayne shared from his heart about what he desires for New Hope Church. It was a great challenge to our team. Some quotes that stood out…

“we’re often more concerned with the absence of problems than we are with the presence of the Lord”.

“we must pray: ‘Lord, please bring your presence to the church.’”

“Lord, our answer is yes! Now, what’s the question”

“a ‘no-heart’ is revealed by a ‘no-face’. What does your face say? Remember, God can do anything!”

The whole DCAT conference was awesome, and very challenging to me both personally and as a pastor. here’s some general observations…

• Wayne Cordeiro is an awesome pastor. He loves the Lord, and he loves his people.
• The people of New Hope have taken on their pastor’s personality.
• New Hope is a generous church.
• Hawaii is beautiful, even when it’s raining
• I love our staff and trustees, they’re a blast to be with.
• Can’t wait to see how God is going to use what we’ve learned at PVC!

DCAT – Session 4

This session was taught by Dr. Paul Risser, former president of the FourSquare church. Dr. Risser and his wife were celebrating their 50th anniversary, how cool is that! He talked about disciple-making in the church. He said discipling is like parenting, you must maintain balance and keep your emotions under control.

Drawing on his vast ministry experience, he encouraged Pastors to disciple the church…

1. To look forward when there is an inherent longing for many to reach back to the past.
2. To take advantage of God-given oportunities.
3. To see the might & greatness of God.
4. To see itself as victorious.
5. To see the church as inclusive. He asked, “how would a prostitute be viewed if she visited your church?”.

I loved the point about seeing the might and greatness of God. So often Christians substitute order and comfort for the greatness of God, which compels us to live beyond ourselves. I love that the people of Palm Valley are willing to trust God’s power for more that we could accomplish ourselves.

I believe a prostitute would be welcomed in our church, without judgment, but shown the love of Christ. We’re a hospital for sinners, not a resort for saints!

DCAT – Session 3

This evening’s service started off with incredible worship led by students (and children) of New Hope. It was off the hook. The talent and giftedness amongst young people at New Hope is unrivaled in any church I’ve ever seen. They had multiple bands, singers, dancers, and drama performers.

It’s obvious New Hope has an amazing commitment to develop the next generation. Every young person at New Hope knows they can use their giftedness in the church right now. This was very challenging to our whole team! It was a great reminder that children aren’t the future of the church, they’re part of the church right now.

Wayne talked in this session about the prophet Samuel annointing young David to be the future king of Israel (1 Samuel 15 & 16). He stated that God is annointing young people, and we need to mentor them.

In Psalm 78:70-72 it is stated that David had integrity of heart (character) and skill of hand (competence). We ought to be looking for these two qualities in young people today. David looked for these qualitites and determined his “30 mighty men” who were his closest friends.

Wayne added that we want people around us who hear from God. He stated that people whom God chooses are difficult to defeat!

DCAT – Session 2

In this main sessino, Wayne Cordeiro talked about the culture of a church. It was a great reminder that every church has a culture, and we need to be intentional about deciding what ours will be. A lot of churches try to please everybody, but they end up reaching nobody. It’s like a radio station that tries to play music for everybody, they’ll only end up making everyone angry, and nobody will listen.

Wayne challenged us to create churches that have a culture where people thrive in their life and faith, not die!

New Hope’s Culture:

1. Be a harvest church (connect everything to a soul).
2. Live heart first.
3. Build emerging leaders.
4. Do church as a team.
5. Undying devotion to God and His Word.
6. Being gracious in all our dealings.
7. A culture of joyous servants.
8. A culture of genuine and healthy relationships (lots of hugs)

 Pastors must be proactive to cultivate and protect the culture. When there’s tension, it’s a sign that something needs to be dealt with. Reminders for pastors…

1. Be aware of tension in the Spirit (it’s a good thing).
2. Take responsibility to resolve it (Matthew 18).
3. Learn to forgive quickly for a greater cause.