Grand Opening, Pt. 2 and Monday Musings...

• Strong second Sunday. I can't believe how the volunteers of this church serve and the environments you create for Christ. Way to go - you are the real heroes at newhope.
• LOTS of people - I mean lots. Don't have the official count yet so I will not try and guess.
• The most exciting part about Sunday # 2 is how soooo many first timers from Sunday #1 came back this week. Amy Lynn called around 80 first time visitor families. She left some messages but all those that that she spoke with said they were coming back and they did! That says a ton about hopetown children's ministry and the experience they are creating for children!
• There are quite a few pastors and priests with us on Sundays these days. Hmmmm - do you guys not work on Sundays. :-) So good to have you with us - you are always welcome. BTW - if you are a pastor and you ever want to bring a group in, our team would be honored to fully serve you, give you tours, feed you and give you our time. WE LOVE SERVING OTHER CHURCHES!
  
• It was cool to see Chad and Richelle Hansen and Dawn and Elijah Chester and their kiddos at newhope on Sunday. They helped start this church and I love to see people come back into town and marvel at what God is doing and what they helped make a reality!
• The Higher Grounds Cafe is killing it these days. Wow - looks like Starbucks on Sunday mornings, just better and much cheaper! :-)
• The building rocks for God - plain and simple. Amy Lynn and I can't believe how quality space makes such a difference for the Kingdom.
• I LOVE SPRING.
• I have so much to do around the house. Everything personal has been put on hold with this launch of the Soutpoint Campus. As such, my "To Do" list is sick.
• I need to forget that stinkin "To Do" list and go fishing! :-)
• I still love to see Simpson Eason on the drums, even more so with those kicking acoustical drums. Dude, you finally got the real deal. Thanks for being patient and tearing 'em up on Sunday!
• I can't believe I told over 1000 adults, "You don't want me for counseling...I will mess you up." It is soooooo true though - just not my calling or giftedness. Worry not, we will help you get solid counseling and help pay for it if finances are an issue.
• The Dream still fires me up - I have to have this biblical life in the Kingdom/community of faith!
• Video ministry is blowing our minds. People from the middle to the back of the Worship Center tell me they watch the screens the entire time. Can you believe this is a brand new ministry. You guys/gals are amazing. Way to go, Chris and those that serve!
  
• Of course, I want DUKE to go all the way, but I would not surprised if they lose in the next few rounds. They just don't have the goods THIS year. But, NEVER put anything past Coach K and the Devils. (For the record, it feels weird, as a pastor, to talk favorably about "Devils.")
  
• Just a reminder - I have predicted all year long that UNC would "Cut the nets down" and take it all home baby!
• The Fireside Room is incredible! This is the room we built right off the Rotunda, where I meet first time guests on Sunday! We are slammed in there but it is awesome to have a cool/comfortable place to meet the newcomers. They buzz and energy in that room is palpable. The most common phrase I hear from guests these days, "We have found our church home!"
  
• Ken Herr, a church leader and author from Indianapolis, was with us yesterday and interviewed me after the second Worship Celebration. newhope, you will be featured in another book!!
• Change is REALLY hard for some but I think the EXODUS series prepared us for these days.
• Pastors/leaders - momentum is VERY tricky - do all you can to get it and then steward it well!
  
• Speaking of pastors and leaders, I plan to start a new series of posts related to leading your staff teams. Stay tuned.
• I love our church.
  
• I love our staff team.
  
• I love what God is doing here.
  
• And I love fishing. Peace out - I am going to the lake! :-)