Playing Catch Up

It never fails: after a week off, there are so many things piled up in my office, it takes at least a day to recover and get back on track, which means I start the week behind the count, and run like mad to catch up. I have joked that it's almost not worth taking the vacation if I have to run so hard to get ready to leave, then run so hard to catch back up when I get back in the office. Ever feel like that?

But here's what I'm fired up about as I near the summit of the pile of 'stuff' on my desk:

• People coming to Jesus - Aaron brought the message on Sunday, challenged people to live like we believe Jesus is coming back, and 17 people raised their hands to say they were giving their life to Jesus!! That never gets old!! I love what that says about our church - It's not about Bill, it's not even about Aaron, it's about Jesus! Angel party, baby!!
• Finances are looking up! With the down economy and the panic and fear in the culture over money, it's been hard on churches and ministries to afford to keep going forward. But this past month was one of the best giving months we've had in a long time. That just shows that God is moving in the hearts of people, and the folks who took the tithing challenge in Feb. are making a difference with their generosity.
  
• Speaking of tithing challenge - the stories are rolling in about what God has done to bless people who are stepping up to tithe after the Restructure series. Unexpected income, tax returns beyond what they've ever seen, stuff like that. God promises blessings when we give, the question is: do we believe that?
• Great worship planning meeting: Reworked the message plan for the next couple months, and suddenly we're set at least tentatively thru the rest of the calendar year. Got some good stuff coming up, with room for God to change the plan whatever and whenever necessary.
• Speaking of change - our next series changed! We will do The Man Series starting in May (which improved greatly at this meeting thanks to good input from the team!), but right after Easter, we're going to do a series on following Jesus. Live as Jesus lived, Love as Jesus loved, Leave what Jesus left behind. It doesn't have a name yet (open to suggestions...), but coming out of Easter, it made sense to talk about Jesus.
• Got to visit FBC Blackfoot on vacation last week. Pastor Mark Fisk and his crew are getting some things done up there, and it was good to hear about the momentum they are building. Also good to eat Kelly Jo's cooking for lunch!!
  

Easter is coming. Keep praying for what God wants to do in the lives of people in our valley, and keep inviting your friends to come. Don't ever forget the 90% rule: almost 90% of people surveyed would come to church if a friend invited them. Be a friend!!