Making the Connection

This week, Amazing Grace the movie will be released. It tells the story of William Wilberforce, the man who led the fight to end the slave trade in England. This is more than just a movie, it’s a challenge to us all. A lot of progress has been made in recognizing that all men and women have been created equal. But there is still a long way to go. At least 27 million people are still enslaved around the world. What can we do about this injustice? We can pray! And we can do something. Find out more about how you can be a part of the movement at The Amazing Change site.

This morning, TCC joined with millions of Christians around the world to sing Amazing Grace. As we sang, I was once again struck with thankfulness and awe of how God is bringing together under one roof people of all skin tones.

The sad truth across America today is that 11:00 on Sunday morning is the most segregated hour of the week. In the past, I’ve heard pastors say, "I want our church to be multi-racial." And I think, "How are you gonna pull that off?" Church growth experts would tell you that it can’t be done.

So how is this happening at TCC? It takes focusing on the things that unite us, rather than divide us. It takes sincerely loving people and seeing them as God sees them. And it takes each of us pursuing God’s purpose. Honestly, I don’t have the answer. All I know is that God is doing something unique among us at TCC, bringing together people from different cultural backgrounds and creating a family out of us.

I am honored to be a part of it. After all, shouldn’t the church represent the community it’s found in? I believe it’s a picture of what worship in heaven is going to look like: Every color, every race, we’re all covered by His grace. Jesus loves the little children of the world!

Just got back from the first ever Connection Church Valentine’s Dinner Cruise on Town Lake in Austin. Fortunately, the boat was enclosed, so we were toasty. The food was excellent: fa-jee-tas (wrap anything in a tortilla and I’m good). Sumptuous dessert provided by Kevin’s Cookies (Austin’s Best Cookies). Romantic soundtrack provided by my trusty iPod. We had a beautiful view of the Austin skyline. And lots of new faces. You can check ‘em out by clicking below:

Love Boat

In the immortal words of blues legend BB King: "The thrill is gone! The thrill is gone!" If that describes your marriage, you’re not alone. That’s what this Sunday’s service is all about: How to put the adventure back into your relationship.

Last weekend I went to see Mark Schultz in concert. I was in tears through most of the concert. He’s got a gift for storytelling through songs. Most of the time, I think those types of songs are schmaltzy and manipulative. But somehow, he does it and moves past my defenses.

He told a story and played his new single about a couple he knew who spent their entire lives together. The song Walking Her Home is like a summary of The Notebook, which also devastated me. SPOILER WARNING: We are trying to incorporate the song into this week’s service.

If you want to add spark back into your marriage, I recommend checking out the Family Life website. And they’re running a special on their Simply Romantic Nights stuff. It’s hot. I HIGHLY recommend ordering it.

Also coming this Sunday, I’m excited that a new vocalist, Amber Bogney, will be singing with our band. They’ll be performing a song by a band with a lead singer from New Braunfels that is usually thought of as a one-hit wonder… What song could it be?

How would you introduce Jesus? Here’s how Steve Harvey did it in an arena full of people. Pretty powerful stuff:

I just got back from a meeting with our friends at The River 102.3. They are eager to partner with us on our annual Big Hunt. We talked about ways to make this year event bigger and better than ever. Get this, our very own Steve Etheridge may be the MC! This is going to be fun.