Christmas is for Pagans, Really?

Tina brought home a paper that was posted at her office telling us how bad we are in celebrating Christmas and that Christians should not participate in the Christmas season. I have one thing to say to whoever put that up and you can quote me on it: "Bah Humbug to you!"

It seems some of Tina's co-workers were upset by the paper and wanted my opinion so let me take about two seconds, well I can't type that fast, to give it a try.

No we don't know when Jesus was actually born, the Bible doesn't give us a specific day. Yes, the Christmas celebration predated as a pagan holiday as did Halloween, but that does not mean by celebrating Christmas we are honoring the pagan holiday of old. Although I agree that Christmas has been mis-used and abused, the attitude of those who celebrate Christmas is what makes it special and the person (Jesus Christ) whom we honor and celebrate makes it even more special.

Why do we entertain idiots (yes, I called them idiots) who want to make everything evil and attempt to push their beliefs on others. If the person who posted the paper wants to not celebrate Christmas then so be it, that's completely OK with me. It's like those who chose to fight over versions of the Bible. What positive impact does it have on the Kingdom of God? I am sure I don't know everything (in fact I know very little) about God and His Word, but I am pretty sure God isn't pleased by our fighting over stuff that does more to harm the message than progress the message. You see I can have unity with you and love you even if you only believe the KJV is the authorize Bible only, that's perfectly OK with me. (Enough said about that!)

Here's my point, what we do at Christmas is what really matters. If we fall into the traditions of man and allow our celebration to be hijacked by gifts, spending and the Christmas fuse we probably are celebrating for the wrong reasons and it becomes pagan, but when we put Jesus at the center of our celebration we fulfil this passage:
John 12:32 (KJV)
32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
The Bible teaches us that all we do should be measured by how successful we are or how much fun we have, but do we lift Jesus up before men. When we lift Jesus up we allow Him to shine forth and He will draw men to himself.

Christmas is for Pagans, NOT!

Oh Yeah, I did what you need to do with the paper posted on the bulletin board (that was posted without signature or contact info, people who don't put their name on it, don't deserve my time) tossed it in the trash, never to bother me again!

Great Day followed by a Bad Day

Sunday was a great day as we concluded the MySpace series. The crowd was good and the offering was once again incredible. We introduced Nate and Brittney Mattox as our new Children's Pastor and the church erupted in applause, I love that! Thanks for welcoming Nate and Brittney. But like a lot of Sunday's a Great Day is usually followed by a Bad Day!

I know that none of you have bad days! Everything always goes your way and everything is perfect in your life. Well, it just don't happen that way for me. Today was one of those days. I could have just stayed in bed and done fine, but I got up and went to the office and attempted to work, but nooooo! The enemy had other plans.

All day I fought the enemy, I second guessed my every decision and had one of those I think I'll just quit and dig ditches type of days. But about the time I had everything worked out God reminded me of a few things and everything changed. Not that the problems I faced went away, it's just He gave me peace about how to handle those things His way. I wonder why we have to be reminded so often.

On Sunday I will share with you one way God smacked me in the face. I give you a little hint.

Philippians 4:11-14 (MSG)
11 Actually, I don't have a sense of needing anything personally. I've learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. 12 I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. 13 Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. 14 I don't mean that your help didn't mean a lot to me—it did. It was a beautiful thing that you came alongside me in my troubles.

Matt Wyrick reminded me of this in a letter to our church. Then God reminded me of it later in the day as I thought, "Compared to Matt, I have it made, shut up and quit whining!"

Well, the day is closing and I feel better. I thought it important to share with you that even a pastor has those days, you know the kinda days we all have (just telling the truth). If we are to survive we will have to learn from where I strength comes from.

On Mission

Do you ever have those days that seem to mark your life and change you? Today was one of those days for me. I spent most of the day at Lee Arrendale State Prison giving hygiene items as Christmas gifts to the prison population.

I remember my first visit to the prison a little over 8 months ago, it was not what I expected. I fully expected to have fear of being in a facility filled with people who were locked up for anything from drug charges to murder. What I found was a building filled with ladies who need to know that there are people who really do love them and I had no fear.

Today my job was to hand out emery boards. As I handed each inmate an emery board the look of excitement filled their eyes. Occasionally a lady would pass who was so overwhelmed that someone cared for them they had tears in their eyes. Of course this cause my eyes to fill as well. I saw girls as young as 18 and ladies as old as 70, each with a multitude of hurt and pains in their life.

Several stand out, like the young girl, who looked like she was my daughters age, who looked as if she were completely lost and without hope. As I handed her the emery board I smiled and said Merry Christmas. The return look told me she had not had someone care for her in a long time. Then there was another lady who walked with a cane, she had a drooping face, a face that had felt the ravages of a stroke. She spoke very deliberately and slowly as the stroke had taken her ability to communicate. Later I would hear that she was close to being released following over 24 years of imprisonment. Last week she had her first outside visit from family in over 20 years. I celebrated with her and hugged her neck and said goodbye. Next I visited with the lock-down where ladies are put when they break rules, I am not sure I could survive this as each person was in a small cell with little to no outside contact.

It changes you, it moves you, it hurts you. Now don't think I tell you this to think the prison system is not treating the ladies right, they do a great job and the staff (who are underpaid and overworked) really do care, but must do their job in accordance with the standards set forth by the court system for those who break the laws. I tell you all this in hopes that you will consider future opportunities to serve and make plans to come be changed.

I have always said, "missions will change a person". I can assure you the local mission work will grow you spiritually in ways you will never forget.

Thank you Warden Howerton, Chaplain Roberts and Jett and the staff as you allowed us the privilege to serve the ladies at LASP, I can truly say you guys helped change me today, a change that I wished every Christ follower would be willing to experience.

Gearing up for Christmas Eve

Many thanks to you for the response to yesterday's music. We opened with Steve Fee's version of "Joy to the World Let All Creation Sing" It was fresh and fun and sure to show up Wed. It was good to hear you join in on "Saviour of the World" thanks Celeste for a fine job. Carley sang a new one for us yesterday, "Let Us Adore" this is a Hillsong composition that we enjoyed preparing. We rounded out the set with "Amazing Grace My Chains are Gone"

The Christmas Eve service is gonna be good. We have a few surprises so you'll want to attend and bring a friend. Wed 4:30 or 6:00
See you there

The Doctrine of Hairology

In today's Monday Morning blog one of the topics was a message by a preacher named G.I. Barber (not kidding) and he is preaching a message about hair. You read right, it is about the Biblical Doctrine of Hair.

Since we have been talking about hair around here a lot, I thought you would enjoy this:

Hairology

Make Mine a Guitar...

By Diane Mapes
msnbc.com contributor
updated 9:13 a.m. ET, Tues., Dec. 16, 2008
We take them with us to the dinner table, the bedroom, even the bathroom stall. But in recent years, some of us have started taking our beloved cell phones someplace really startling: the grave.

“It seems that everyone under 40 who dies takes their cell phone with them,” says Noelle Potvin, family service counselor for Hollywood Forever, a funeral home and cemetery in Hollywood, Calif. “It’s a trend with BlackBerrys, too. We even had one guy who was buried with his Game Boy.”

Anecdotal evidence suggests being buried with a favorite tech device is on the upswing. The Future Laboratory, a London-based think tank, has commented on the behavior, noting it in places like the United Kingdom, Australia and South Africa. But experts are seeing it happen in the United States as well. CLICK HERE FOR THE REST OF THE STORY.

Words of insight from Brian Houston

Once again I was just surfing and I found this on Perry Noble's blog. Take a minute and read this. Can you see it?

“The church that I see is a church of influence. A church so large in size that the city and nation cannot ignore it.

A church growing so quickly that buildings struggle to contain the increase.

I see a church whose heartfelt praise and worship touches heaven and changes earth. Worship which influences the praises of people throughout the earth exalting Christ with powerful songs of faith and hope.

I see a church whose alters are constantly filled with repentant sinners responding to Christ’s call to salvation.

Yes, the church that I see is so dependent on the Holy Spirit that nothing will stop it not stand against it.

A church whose people are unified, praying and full of God’s Spirit.

The church that I see has a message so clear that lives are being changed forever and potential is fulfilled though the power of His Word. A message beamed to the peoples of the earth through their television screens.

I see a church so compassionate that people are drawn from impossible situations into a loving and friendly circle of hope, where answers are found and acceptance is given.

I see a people so kingdom-minded that they will count whatever the cost and pay whatever the price to see revival sweep this land.

The church that I see is a church to committed to raising, training and empowering a leadership generation to reap the end-time harvest that all its ministries are consumed with this goal.

I see a church whose head is Jesus, whose help is the Holy Spirit and whose focus is the Great Commission.

Yes, the church that I see could well be our church.”

I agree Brian and I believe Fellowship has "IT"!

I am Second

Found this tonight while reading others blogs. I found it incredibly encouraging and hope you enjoy it as well.

Have fun I am Second

As for me, I AM SECOND!

Sunday

We are still talking about Sunday. It was, for lack of a better phrase, off the hook! Everything flowed smoothly (a few bumps here and there, but for the most part it was smooth). Craig was definitely in rare form. Drew and Greg Brock were trying to figure out what Tina fed him for breakfast.

If you are struggling with finances, I strongly urge you to sign up for FPU in January. Speaking from first hand knowledge, it will set you free! It is not easy, I still struggle every day, but I know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. A light like no other!

There is going to be some great small group studies going on. A group of ladies and myself just finished Living Beyond Yourself by Beth Moore (I think it may be offered as well). Nancy Shubert felt a calling and thankfully listened and lead us in this study. I am one of those people that lack the discipline Craig was talking about regarding reading your Bible every day. If any of you have ever taken a Beth Moore Bible Study, you know...there is alot of homework. You read alot of passages. I read stories that I hadn't read in years and saw a whole new perspective in them.

I guess I am trying to say, if you are hestitating about commiting to a small group, please don't. Give it a try, I don't believe you will be disappointed. If you are new at Fellowship and don't know alot of people, you are not alone...we were all there at one point. It wasn't until Drew and I joined a small group 2 years ago that we actually started participating more. God will lead you to the group where you fit. It may be a mismatch to you, but He knows exactly where you are needed and when you are needed there. Don't ignore it, you may be there exactly for that one person in the group who you may not know from Adam now, but they may be needing you.

Sunday Recap

If you missed Sunday you missed a great day! From the time the music started I could tell things we different. The Praise Team did an outstanding job of leading us. The announcement time with Don King was interesting. I can tell you it made a big difference when it came to my time to share the talk God impressed on my heart. WoW what a day!

The crowd was good, I think the final count was 297 and all around was a great day.

I also have some news for you: On Sunday we hosted a potential candidate for our Children's Pastor position. He hung out with us all weekend and follow a lot of questions and prayer we believe he is our guy. It looks like he will be with us on Dec. 28 for the official announcement and be on site by Jan. 12.



Nate Mattox is from Jacksonville, Fl and has been married to Brittney for 1 year. Nate served at several churches as interim youth and family pastor positions while completing his education. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Baptist College of Florida. Nate is called to Children's Ministry and brings a passion for seeing kids know Jesus and have fun at church.

Welcome Nate to the Fellowship Team!

Rick Warren, Fox News, Iran and the Holocaust

I hope the title caught your attention. I am writing this in response to two things, one a report about Rick Warren's recent comments on Fox News relating to Iran and secondly in response to an email I received for John Hoialmen about the Holocaust.

Rick Warren was asked about how we should respond to evil. Shawn Hannity asked Rick a passing question that some have taken and ran with about the Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Rick Warren responded to this question about evil (not unnecessarily, but inclusive) by using the analogy of someone coming to your home and breaking in. You deal with evil to protect your family. He eluded to the fact that we must protect American at all cost from evil. Many have criticized his comments. I neither criticize nor approve, but I will say as for myself, come to my house and try to hurt me or my family, you may get the best of me, but you will certainly get the best, because I am gonna give you all I can and if possible I will win! In good ole southern, I'm gonna open up a big can of whoop it!

So what does this have to do with Rick Warren and Fox News. While the Iranian President presents himself as a well educated polished man who seems to be rather smart, I struggle with his evil ways. You see Mr. Ahmadinejad believe Israel needs to be eradicated and refuses to believe the Holocaust ever happened. In the email John sent me it told of how Eisenhower requested many photos and movies be take to prove the Holocaust really happened. In Europe it has been removed from the class room! It's only been 60 years and we forget already? Evil has a way of working behind the scene's to change the hearts of man. If Mr. Ahmadinejad really believe Israel should be wipped off the map as he said then I agree with Rick Warren, either we get him or he gets us!

I remember being taught about the Holocaust, but the greatest impact on my like came from a man I would meet in my 40's. His name was Andrew Demus a holocaust survivor. Mr. Demus lived in Cornelia, GA until his passing in March 2006. I met him at Habersham Hardware and the relationship that began was one that afforded me some memorable session of conversation. Mr. Demus was a young boy taken prisoner and forced to work in the concentration camps of Germany. His stories of how we survived intrigued me, but from his stories I came to understand just how real the Holocaust was and is today. I will forever be grateful for know Mr. Demus.

The reason I write is to say, folks lets not allow EVIL a place in our lives to where we no longer are willing to fight for right! Some argue that we must be Christian and turn the other cheek. I don't think you will find that application in the Bible. Read the OT, God instructed Israel to stand for right and destroy the wrong. We must measure every situation against the truth of God's Word and then stand firm on what God says, if we loose this we loose the battle. Maybe that's is why I believe Jesus is soon returning for the church!

Oh yeah, you think it never happened Mr. Ahmadinejad, what do you do with picture like this of which there are many thanks to Eisenhower, Hilter's worst nightmare?

Sunday Morning 12-14-2008

Sunday song line up:
Can You Feel It? David Crowder Band
Mighty to Save Hillsong
He Reigns The Newsboys
How Great is Our God Chris Tomlin
How Great Thou Art Charlie Hall

What a great day of Worship. The band got done early from sound check and we got to hang in the early crowd. You guys are lotsa fun. We are thankful for the open spirit of worship even before service time.
During worship when things broke loose it was a privilege to see the response. When folks come down to pray and when folks move to one another during the service moves us and encourages the entire team.
Yes we got the board moved and the drum cage set. The tech team did a great job of mixing and video.
We'll be rehearsing on Wed this week only at 6:30. Keep us covered in prayer.

What's wrong with the System?

I arrived home tonight to hear the breaking news that the jury was deadlocked in the sentencing phase of the Brian Nichols trial in Atlanta. If you don't remember who Brian Nichols is allow me to remind you. Several years ago, Brian Nichols who was on trial for rape stole a gun and killed several people in the Fulton County courthouse and then went on to kill others while on the run for several days.

The Jury is deadlocked about how to sentence Brian Nichols? Really? I mean can a group of 12 people not see that what this man did was messed up and beyond belief? They agree that the circumstances were aggravating, however they could not agree with what to do with him. I am sure Mr. Nichols is glad the Biblical standard of law is not being applied here. Take a mans life and you forfeit your life!

Why am I blogging on this? I will be talking more about this on Sunday but I find our country moving closer to the condition of the Nation of Israel as found in the Bible book of Judges. It says, "In those days there was no king in Isreal, and everyone did what was right in his own eyes." Translation, no God, No Rules! In a society with no rules there is no judgements, so the case of Brian Nichols.

Maybe you don't get it yet. I think Brian Nichols should be put in GA death chamber and a date set for his life to end. I believe the Bible clearly teaches this, you might not agree, but that's your right like it's my right to have my belief. Bottom line, it's time for right to be right and wrong to be wrong! It's time Jesus to be King again! What's wrong with the System? Even in this Christmas season, Jesus is missing.

Experiencing the Miracles and Move of God

Everyday God is working around us. Unfortunately we move so fast we often miss His greatest works. On Tuesday I had the opportunity and privilege to visit with the Streetman family. Jason and Jessica are new to Fellowship Church and on Saturday God blessed them with the birth of triplets: Maggie, Abby and Cooper. Jessica had been in the hospital on bed rest since October 30 due to the critical nature of having triplets, she reached the 28 week point (safe delivery) on Saturday Dec. 6, 2008. Triplets are very rare, occuring at the rate of 161 per 100K.

I couldn't go to the hospital on Monday, so Tuesday morning I set out on my journey to see these amazing gifts from God. When I arrived Jessica met me at the door with a big hug and we move down the hall to the NICU unit to see the children. We entered the Maggie's room first. She is doing well, breathing on her own and showing signs of liking the free world. Next we visited with Cooper, here I found Jason just sitting with a look of wonder as he peered into the little incubator at his new baby boy. We talked some and watched as nurses entered the room. Soon the doctor came in and gave us an update. Maggie and Abby were doing well, but Cooper, the smallest at 1.6 pounds was showing signs of some struggles. The doctor impressed me with his bedside manners and honest appraisal. Cooper will have a slightly harder road ahead and will be the trouble maker of the bunch. Later we visited with Abby who kicked and even let out a little cry when the nurse checked a lead that was malfunctioning.
I can't begin to tell you all that God did on this day in my life. Once again the wonder of new life filled me with awe as I watched these small babies take each breath. Our God is certainly an amazing creator to whom we owe praise and glory.

I tell you all of this to share how God works. I never intended to stay as long as I stay, but God had bigger plans. When the doctor came in to tell us about Cooper, God knew Jason and Jessica would be needing me and I am glad I was there. Following the Docs visit me and the Streetman's shared some insights about God's plans for our lives and the work he was doing in our midst. Jason even shared deeper about some things God is doing in his life. I love it!

God knew I needed to be there at just the right time to hang out and encourage the Streetman's with truths about God. Following our time in the babies rooms Jessica got to leave for the day to go home for the first time in two months. Tina and I were privileged to have lunch with them at Red Lobster and then they retreated home.

What is God doing in your life? He is working all around us and many time we never even acknowledge Him. Take a moment in the next couple of day to just slow down and look for God. What is He doing for you and with you? What is He asking from you?

Then bless His name!

Sunday Music

Let Me Sing: Todd Fields
My Savior Lives : New Life Church
Alabaster Jar : Gateway Worship
Lift High : Steve Fee
(Holiness) Take My Life

Thank you to all who shared encouragement this AM. We as a band didn't have it. We had a miss cue and some forgetfulness. Its been a long time since that happened but it was good it did. It keeps in line with what we are doing and not take for granted. We are in the middle of a project to move the sound board, computers and drum cage treatment. We'll be working Monday and Tuesday night this week to be ready for Sunday. Thanks folks!

Ladies Tour of Homes

Let me just say a big WOW! The Tour of Homes was a big success! We had over 50 ladies and a few men come out and celebrate a time of togetherness Sunday night...and boy did we celebrate. I would like to extend a very huge thank you to Laura DeLorenzo, Jess Bunker, Laura's mom (we are all jealous of her craft rooms), Tina Lee, Bonnie Holbrook, Stephanie Nunnally, Charli Hoilamen, Nancy Shubert, and Leslie Stephenson who so graciously opened their homes (and kitchens!) to us. Everything was gorgeous and delicious. If you were unable to attend, I really can't put in to words how much fun you missed. Whenever a group gets together (especially the group we had), you can't help but enjoy yourselves. Not only were we able to reconnect with each other, we were able to meet some that we may not have known before. Also, a big thank you to Craig and Lynn for driving us crazy ladies around. This will not be a night forgotten. I will post pics as soon as I can. Thanks again for the memories ladies...and gents!

Excited about Sunday

What's up everybody, I wanted to take a minute to tell you how excited I am about Sunday. We will be starting a new series that will be focused on the New Small Group ministry we are rolling out in January.
Our goal for the Small Group ministry is 100% participation. We set this goal out of a desire to see people grow closer to one another and Christ. The Bible teaches us that being a Christ follower is strengthened when coupled with others who follow Christ.




The MySpace series will include the following talks:
Sunday Dec. 7 Little Big Church
Sunday Dec. 14 Networking for Life
Sunday Dec. 21 Where You Belong
Sunday Dec. 28 Don't Blink

I can't wait to see all of you on Sunday!

Sunday Recap

Hey everyone, even on a regularly soft Sunday (following Thanksgiving) we had a good crowd. And considering the weather, we had a great Sunday! Anytime it is cold and rainy even I want to stay home and sleep in!

We talked about the It-itudes of a church that has "IT".
1) Unity - a spirit of ding things together as one.
2) Humility - realizing that "IT" is God and not us.
3) Protection - working to keep the enemy at bay.
4) Caring - taking care of those who need us.
5) Perseverance - never give up!
6) Celebration and Worship
7) Restoration - setting the captive free.

All of these IT-itudes are found in the story of Nehemiah and the team that rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem.

I think everyone will agree that God is at work at Fellowship Church. The amazing stories we hear each week is proof of that.

Last night was amazing. We hosted a church decorating party and clean up night. I got here and the parking lot was full and the people we getting with it. We cleaned the other side of the curtain in about 30 minutes and the ladies made the worship area look a Christmasy. Thanks for all those who helped. I think we had about 60 show up, WOW!

Sunday!

Craig was not joking when he made the comment that the devil was running rampant here last week. Thursday my printer ran out of ink, so Craig had to make an ink run to Gainesville Friday morning. He returned around lunch time and proceeded to change the ink cartridge. As I was getting ready to print the bulletin, the power surged and my printer started smoking.

I was on my way upstairs to Craig's office when I noticed the floor around the baptismal. The floor was puddled with water. Celeste, Wendy, Rodney, Nancy and I spent the next hour and half mopping and shop vaccing the water up. (We never did find where the water was leaking from).

I told everyone something wonderful must be in the works for Sunday cause the devil sure was trying to bring it down...and it did. As Whitney, Tina and I were sitting in the back on Sunday watching person after person come through those doors and running out of places to put them and watching the baptisms, I said this was the reason Friday happened.

Sunday was our reward...and what a wonderful reward it was! The Praise Band raised the roof and the message from Craig telling us to ask God to stretch, ruin and heal us all came together by the glory of God!

I hope everyone got to see the progress that we are making on the build out of the office area and the kids area. If you didn't get a chance to go the kid's area, where there was once 4 small rooms, we now have 2 big rooms for the nursery and toddler and 1 small room for the small groups of the Kid's Clubhouse. As I walked in to the nursery and toddler room during the service Sunday and saw the kids getting to run around and play without stepping on another child...it was amazing. Just the few extra feet given seemed so much bigger. I invite you to take a look Sunday...you will be amazed as well.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. Can't wait to see each of you back here on Sunday morning and then returning Sunday night to trim the tree and decorate the church!

I am thankful for each and every one of you!

Sunday 11-23-2008

Wow! Whatcha might not know is what went into making Sunday’s song set. The opener was a song from David Crowder’s CD Remedy, Can You Feel It. What a great song to complement the message series. We have to synchronize to videos, 3 sound loops and lights. What a great job the team did as we only started learning the song on Tuesday!



Lift High by Eddie Kirkland and Steve Fee was next on our list. I think this is a song we’ll enjoy worshiping together for sometime to come. Sorry to have hit you folks with two new songs in a week. Our worship time is gone over meticulously so we can worship God as a church with our best. To achieve this we repeat songs frequently to allow you time to learn and turn them into an response back to Our Savior.



Break Free was next and you folks did! This is a song we featured during Fireproof. I appreciate how the band worked on this and it sure is a pleasure to see the guys groove on such a wonderful tune. The second verse describes the love available if we would just break free.



Who would have thought that God would give his one and only Son
Taking a stand upon the cross to show His perfect love
So wont you break wont you break free
Get up and dance in his love
So wont you break wont you break free
Get up and dance in his love
His love never ending


The Baptisms was the Best part as we get to see God at work in peoples lives. This is what helps us as we work each week to bring you into an atmosphere of worship.

Sunday Recap

Each week I will attempt to keep you updated on how the day went. I am sure I will miss a week or two, but I will do my best. It is my hopes that Stan, Robbie and Amanda will post their thoughts as well.

• I felt like crude today, I have been fighting a sinus problem and last night is seemed to keep me awake all night.
• I also had an amazing time in worship today. God always seems to provide strengthen when I am down.
• It was awesome to baptize 8 people this morning. We are still counting, but it looks like we have baptized over 50 this years, YEAH GOD!
• My talk seemed to work this morning. We have been using Craig Groeschel's book "IT" as we have been working on our vision. WOW Craig, you hit "IT" out in this one! Thanks.
• During the reflection time at the end of the service we had a lot of people come forward for prayer.
• It was awesome to see our newly trained servants at the front ready to pray and guide those who came for prayer, THANK YOU for your commitment.
• The offering was good today and the 120 Days for $120,000 seems to be going well. I think we have a little over $500 given today.
  
• We still need workers in our children's worship area, if you are willing to serve please contact Amanda Anderson this week.
• Pray for me as I talk to and meet with Children's Pastor candidates. We have about 5 people that are prospects at this time. Pray for God to show us the right person.
• Once again the Band did a great job, thank band for kicking it up a knotch. You guys and girls rock!
• Great to see so many guest with us this morning. I hope you will follow up with those you invited and point them to our website and blog for answers.
• I had one couple ask me this morning to move to Charleston, not a bad idea. Tina and I went to Charleston last year for our anniversary and loved it. Just kiddin' about the move, but not about the invite.
• Once again a shout out to our Guest Service Team, faithfully every week you serve with complaining, THANK YOU!
• Thank you to Andrea Gaines for serving in our Children's Worship, Andrea, what we do could not happen without you, Keep those wins out front as a reminder that God is using you to see children come to Jesus.

Well that's about it for right now, I am sure I will think about some others things before the night ends. See you guys soon!

Craig

Weekly Updates and Reminders

I hope everyone has had a great week! We are in week two of our new offices and you would not believe the change that has already taken place around here. We have had some incredible workers out and about at Fellowship Church. I cannot wait until you see the changes already made on Sunday morning.

Small Groups -For everyone that missed the first one and for those who just want to refresh their memories, we are going to host another information meeting about the new and improved Small Group Ministry that will being in early ’09. This meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 3rd at 6:30 p.m. This is a no-obligation meeting that will last about an hour. Everyone is invited to attend!

Small Groups -For those that are interested in leading a small group, a training meeting designed to assist you with choosing materials, determining group structure, and answering questions regarding responsibilities of the Group Leader will be held Wednesday, December 10th at 6:30 p.m. This will be a very informative meeting and a “must” for anyone exploring the opportunity to lead a group.

Fusion Upcoming Events—Tuesday, November 25th from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., the Youth will be participating in a video scavenger hunt. Please see Missy Crump for permission slips.

Tree Trimming— We will be hosting a tree trimming and church decorating party on November 30th at 6 p.m. Please bring an ornament for your family to place on our Christmas tree. We have all the decorations needed upstairs to decorate and get ready for this Christmas season. Finger foods will be served during the tree trimming party. The church will be providing the drinks. There will also be a sign up sheet at the Guest Service Counter on Sunday so you can let us know what you would like to bring. Can’t wait!

Church-wide Cleanup – If decorating isn’t your thing, we will also be hosting a church-wide cleanup day on November 30th at 6 p.m. We will be moving things from behind the curtain so it can be used by our landlord. Any and all help will be appreciated.

Tree of Hope

We have a wonderful ministry we are preparing for this Christmas season. In the past we have supported Jesus Christmas Shop; but, as many of you know, there will be no Jesus Christmas Shop this year. With the state of our economy and the number of people in our church who are struggling, we have decided to have our own version of a Tree of Hope. So, an undecorated tree will be placed in the church for those who are unable to afford Christmas this year for their children.

If you need help this holiday season, we want to help you. A table will be placed next to my office with an ornament that you can write on listing information pertaining to your child. This ornament will have a number assigned to it. There will also be a card with a corresponding number for you to fill out with your name and information. The gift giving is completely anonymous. The only persons seeing the information on the card will be the staff. Please know that either Pastor Craig or Pastor Robbie will be contacting you once you have filled out an ornament and card.

As the ornaments are completed, they will be placed on the tree. If you would like to help a family, all you have to do is choose an ornament from the tree, shop for the items requested, wrap them, and place the presents back under the tree with the corresponding number somewhere visible on the presents. Please know that you are not responsible for buying everything on the list. If you would like to just buy one or two items all you have to do is indicate that those items will be bought on the ornament and place it back on the tree for another individual to choose.

We will need to have all presents under the tree by December 18, 2008.

Thanks to everyone for helping spread some Christmas wishes this wonderful time of year.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Serving God Matters

At FC we believe that Serving God Matters. It's not that we want everyone to be busy, but we know that when you serve others before yourself is creates open doors into the lives of those you serve. What if everyone in your life, beginning with your family, then the people you encounter on the way to work, at the office and the grocery store, began to serve you. You would be blessed! Now consider what would happen if you began serving everyone you touched in a given day? It would change our world and you would be blessed even more.

Every Sunday an incredible group of people serve at Fellowship Church. It all begins very early as the different teams arrive and prepare for the day. Each week I will post some updates of those who serve, next time you see one of these servants of Christ, serve them and watch how the value of FC grows.

THANK YOU !

CATALYST ONE DAY

Each year in October I slice out the time to attend the Catalyst Conference in Atlanta. Out of the 15+ years the conference has been held I have made most of them in some way. For the second year in a row I had the privilege to serve at Catalyst and about 14 of the Fellowship family were able to go with me. We had a great time, one that will never be forgotten. I think God stretched us and moved us to take new steps for the Kingdom.

This year Catalyst is doing something different (like that is new) by hosting One Day Catalyst events in three cities, Granger, IN, Atlanta, GA and Dallas, TX. We are fortunate to have one close to home so I encourage you to consider attending with us.

The date for Catalyst One Day Atlanta is Thursday February 26 at North Point Church in Alpharetta. Let me encourage you to block that day if at all possible. I promise you will leave appreciating the opportunity to attend an event such as this. The cost is $79 of we order our ticket early, so let us know if you want to attend.

Special Offer for blog readers: The first 10 to sign up will go free! How do you sign up?
Click this email link and ask for a ticket (2 tickets per family please). Tickets

You are cordially invited to the

Fellowship Church Ladies Tour of Homes

December 7, 2008

4:30 p.m.

Dinner is Provided!

Meet at the church parking lot at 4:30 p.m.

We will leave promptly at 4:35 p.m. on the bus

Bring only a friend and cheerful spirit!

Please RSVP to either Stephanie Nunnally (706-754-8703 or nunnallyfamily@yahoo.com) or Bonnie Holbrook (706-499-2804 or bonnieholbrook@windstream.net) by November 30, 2008, so we can have an accurate head count for dinner and for seats on the bus.

First, let me say a big thank you to everyone who donated for the LASP Christmas Mission. Chaplain Jett came by on Wednesday morning and was very thankful. He wanted everyone to know how grateful he was. This will help provide some everyday essentials to the 1,600 plus ladies who are at LASP.

Secondly, our offices are now completely moved in to the church. Craig is using the upstairs storage room, and I am occupying the downstairs storage room. This will be a lot easier for us on Sunday mornings and throughout the week. Thanks to Jason Smith for being a wonderful host during our transition period. So if you need us during the week, we are now at the church.

If you currently have a CDL, we need your help. We currently only have 3 people who are driving the buses on Sunday mornings. This doesn’t leave any room for unforeseen emergencies. If you are willing to help drive the ladies to and from church on Sundays, please email me and let me know.

On November 30th at 6 pm, we will be hosting a Tree Trimming and Church Decorating Party. Please bring an ornament for your family to place on our Christmas tree. We have all our decorations upstairs that we need to decorate and get ready for this Christmas season. We would love to have you here!

Also on November 30th, we will be having a clean up day. If decorating isn’t your thing, please come and help us move things from the other side of the curtain. Our landlord is going to be using that side for storage, so we need to get our items moved. Any and all help would be appreciated.

We have some very exciting plans in the works that will be put in motion in the next couple of weeks. You won’t want to miss any of them.

Free CD Download from Phil Wickham and Tooth and Nail Sampler

Phil was on tour with David Crowder Band last fall. We saw him and them at the Tbernacle in Hot 'lanta. Did I tell ya we are on the DVD... uh thats another story. Anway I am down loading the CD now. If you would like to ghet it, go to Click Here

Just got the Tooth and nail sampler. its rockin' Click Here

Office Move

Many of you know that the church offices have been off site since we moved into our new location. Well, the time has come for us to get our daily operations moved to the church location. Although we don't have space ready we will be making it work until we can finish the upstairs offices.

Thank you to Jason Smith for allowing us to park our offices in downtown Cornelia, it has been a real blessing.

I am excited about the move because it is very hard working off site, especially on Sundays.

So our new official office address for the church is:
230 Commercial Blvd.
Baldwin, GA 30511

706-894-1500

Weekend recap

This past weekend was pretty busy at FC.


13 from the Guest Services Team went to the Because People Matter conference at Foothills church in Seneca, SC. We were hosted by a the ministry team at Foothills following the conference for a one-hour question answer time, wow! We learned a lot!

Also a big thank you goes out to Mark Waltz, first impression guru from Granger CC.

Thanks Foothills for the investment in FC.


Sunday was a great day as well. We had 312 in attendance and several guest.


The message for the day was the last session of Financial Peace University. FC has retired some $160,000 in debt over the 13 week growth class, great job!

Dave Ramsey knocks it out of the park when it comes to being a generous giver.

If you didn't take FPU this fall, consider taking it during our Small Group's that are launching in January.

Weekly Announcements

This Sunday is the last day for you to help with the LASP Christmas Mission. As of right now, we have 20 packets ready to be picked up on Tuesday. We still need more! If you are interested in helping, but do not have a needs list, please email me and I will let you know what is on the list. Also, if you aren’t able to provide everything on the list but still would like to help, we are in need of a few things that would bring the total packages to 25. These items are lotion (16 oz with shea butter, if possible, in plastic bottle with no pump), baby/body powder (15 oz in plastic container that shakes out), petroleum jelly (3.75 oz), stick deodorant in plastic container.

Also, if you are interested in being baptized on November 23rd, there will be a meeting at the church on Sunday at 5 p.m. to answer any questions and video your testimony. Please see Stan if you are unable to attend.

Sunday is shaping up to be an awesome service, please remember if you are currently in FPU to bring your books as this will wrap up our time together (Sunday night group still has one more lesson Sunday night). If you have friends that are asking about FPU and the changes you have made, this Sunday would be a great time to invite them and let them discover the power of FPU. We are living today like no one else so we can LIVE like no one else later! You won’t want to miss this life changing event.

Pray without Seizing

Another struggle I have had with the election is how people have used prayer as a magic trick found in some mystical book, instead of a powerful took in the hands of weak vessels.

During this election season I received many emails encouraging me to pray that the election would go God's way. I wonder how much God appreciates our praying for Him to have His way, that's mighty white of us (yes I said that, that another post for another day). In reality what these prayer messages were asking for us to pray is that the Republicans win, as if God were a card carrying politician and a Republican. Do you think?

Some of these emails asked me to pray for one minute a day, others encouraged readers to pray at a designated time each day. I wonder if they believe God only listens for a minute or at a certain time.

The question I have is why don't we pray always as encouraged in 1 Thess. 5:17 (pray without ceasing). Why make prayer important only when our back are against the wall. If we really want to see God move on our behalf why don't we change what we pray for and how we pray, instead of praying to seize. You know praying to manipulate God into our agenda.

Here's a thought: To think that God care about who is President of the United States more than the millions who lose their lives each day to evil dictators and starvation while our money markets stumble is arrogance at it's fullest. We are so full of ourselves and our country. Don't get me wrong, I love America and am very grateful for the privilege of being American, but it just seems to me we are creating a culture of expectation on God that were never part of a Christ following life.

How about making prayer more about us? What if we focus our prayers not on the government, our messed up schools, the high taxes we pay or the price of gas and focus our hearts back toward repentance individually.

I extend my thoughts in this post to those "Spiritual Leaders", many of who I have great respect, however their reaction to this election has puzzled me. To not vote because your candidate didn't get nominated is ridiculous. To slam the president elect on a platform of ministry claiming God gave us what we deserved smacks with Pharisaical religion!

It's time that the Christian (I really don't like that label) community stop praying to seize and start praying without ceasing for revival to sweep our world for the days are short and Jesus is coming soon!

The Sky is Falling

Tonight while watching TV and interesting commercial caught my attention:

The opening shot is of a man holding a small square hamburger, sitting all alone on a park bench with people walking in the background. He takes the hamburger and begins savoring every bit with great anticipation. As he begins to take a bit someone in the background yells, "The sky's falling!" Suddenly puffy white clouds begin to hit the ground. One, then two, another and then another. With each thud the crowd begins to run for their lives.

As the scene continues attention is placed on the clouds, one of which squashes an SUV while people pile out from every direction. Quickly the shot pans back to the burger eater. As if frozen in time he takes a bit and acts as if nothing is happening around him while just yards away another cloud booms from falling to the earth.

I wonder how many of us believe the sky is falling. If I heard it one time I heard it hundreds over the last week, "If Obama is elected what are we gonna do?" Unfortunately I get included in the question as if I agree with the summation.

Do we really believe the sky is falling? Can one man have that much influence? Should we be scared?

Incredible those who were crying "the sky is falling" don't understand the promises and truths found in the Bible. Why is it that so many who claim Jesus as Lord, react in fear when times are uncertain.

2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)
⁷ For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

Psalms 20:6-7 (NIV)
⁶ Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand.
⁷ Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

Just in these two verses we find a followers response to troubling times. The word timidity is translated as fear. Fear paralyzes so many in a time when standing firm on the hope of Christ is important to those without Him, those who need Him most. What do you trust in?

The economy, the president, the United States?

Christ follower, stop letting the winds of this world blow you into unbelief.

Obama will be president only because God allows it.

By the way the commercial I noted was for Krystal, that great stomach bomb hamburger joint. I too tend to forget the things around me when I eat those little colon cleansers.

New Blog

Our recent growth has caused us to take a look at how we communicate with the people of Fellowship Church. Probably the most difficult task of any church is to help people know what's happening through out the week.

Blogging has grown in usage over the last couple of years and although we have tried this before we think the new format with be helpful. Instead of this blog just being the thoughts of our Pastor Craig Lee, it will include input from all the staff.

Check back often for updated links, information and helpful things to connect you with FC.

I hope you enjoy this new approach and make sure you tell all your friends about our new site.

The Staff