Making the Connection

Okay, so it’s not looking good for the home team. I’ll admit it. But we’re pressing on in faith. It only has to be dry for 3 hours from 11 – 2 on Saturday in one spot on the planet: Steeplechase Park. Let’s keep praying that it’ll happen.

I heard this: "In our lives there is bound to come some pain, surely as there are storms and falling rain; just believe that the One who holds the storms will bring the sun." Here comes the sun!

Check out Daily Weather Forecast for up to the minute reports. You know they don’t really know. They just stick their finger in the air and make their best guess. I’m hearing we could have a White Easter.

Nevertheless, we’re pressing on. See you in the morning, BRIGHT and early.

Are you ready for a battle of epic proportions? Check out the new video from the David Crowder Band:

Yes it is…

This Sunday, Easter 2007, we are starting a third service with three, count ‘em, 3 new service times. What will they be? 9am, 10:15am, and 11:30am.

Why are we going to 3 services?

1) Space. This is the main reason. We have been at 380 recently with 2 services. Both services are more than 80% capacity. People won’t keep coming if they are overcrowded. And the cafetorium space at Tobias is being maximized. We have to keep making room for the people we are reaching so we can keep on mission.

2) Parking. Okay, this is the same as space, but we are dealing with this by encouraging anyone who will, excluding our guests, to park on the front side of Tobias and walk around.

3) More doors (or hooks). Some times work better for some people than others. We are keeping our services on Sunday morning for several reasons. Sunday morning is the number one choice for people to attend a church (as confirmed by our recent survey). It also helps us to "attend a service and serve a service." When we move to Saturday or Sunday night, that will be much harder to do, until we can provide 2 night services.

4) More places to serve. For us to continue forward, it will take more of us actively involved in making it all happen. Starting another service, in effect, forces us to step up to the plate and get in the game.

5) Practice. I need more preaching practice. And by the third time, I should get it right. Just kidding.

How many services are willing to do? Simple answer: as many as it takes. I know of churches that have 6 live weekend services. So we’ve got it easy, so far.

WHY NOW? This Sunday will be our highest attendance ever. We are expecting at least 600 people for Easter. (There, I said it. Now my big toe is on the line.) Someone said 1000, but I need more vision. I pray they’re right, though. God can do anything! And we want to build on the momentum of the Big Day by making room for everyone to come back and Make the Connection.

For this to happen, it’s going to take everyone of us Interceding (that’s Biblespeak for praying your heart out, and it starts with an "I"), Investing and Inviting. I’m going to be presenting a very clear message on the difference that a real relationship with Jesus will make in our lives. Please do everything you can to make sure you invite and bring everyone you can THIS SUNDAY! ETERNITY IS ON THE LINE! Why am I yelling? IT’S THAT IMPORTANT!

Okay, I’ve regained control of myself. OH NO! I LOST IT AGAIN! Okay, I’m back. Who are you inviting?

We are pumped about our newest addition to the TCC family: Couper White. He was born Saturday, March 31st at 12:12am. He’s around 5.5 lbs and 19 inches long. He’s a good looking baby duck, in spite of his daddy. Couper arrived a month early, so please pray for his quick development so he can come home soon from his temporary home in New Braunfels. We got to see them today, and everybody is doing well. Needless to say, the baby shower that was supposed to be happening today has been rescheduled. If you want to bring baby gifts by the office, we can make sure Zak and Amber get them.

Last week, David Martinez let us know that he was laid off from his job. David’s the guy who sometimes plays the trumpet with our band. I called this week to check and see how they were doing and he shared this amazing story with me about how God is blessing his family through this bad experience. Check out their story as told by his wife Ruth:

David had gotten laid off his job on Thursday the 22^nd of March, which just made matters even more depressing than they already were, since the day before my grandma had passed away, both situations happening at the same time overwhelmed me with such great feelings of sadness, worry and discouragement. Read the Rest of the Story By Clicking Here

I hope you read the rest of the story, because it’s a modern day miracle. It’s funny that this sort of thing is surprising to us. After all, God is God, and He can do ANYTHING! This is the way God can work in each of our lives when we put Him first and trust Him with everything. Please keep David, Ruth and their family in your prayers. And if you know of any good job openings, let him know.