- First, I know this is a day late, but I’m on vacation, give me a break!
- Second, I wasn’t at ExponentialChurch.tv on Sunday so I don’t have much to comment on other than from what I hear you had a good day.
- Missed everyone in Harrisburg…but with an off Sunday Lisa and I decided to visit our former church in Chambersburg.
- The day actually started out in WV after having spent the night at our friends, Bill and Nicole’s, house. Had a great time catching up with them.
- Still holding out hope that they will one day join Lisa, Andy, Gayle and myself here in Harrisburg.
- Any way, back to CFCOG…it was great seeing so many people and of course getting the “What are you doing here” questions.
- It’s funny how many people think that pastors never get to get away or are nervous to get away.
- First, Lisa and I make it a priority to vacation ever year and second, we have such a great staff and team that I wasn’t worried at all.
- I was actually surprised how many people got emotional seeing me there. It is nice to be missed, but I know that God has us right where He wants us and I know that things have continued well since I’ve been gone and God has even bigger things in store for CFCOG.
- Many years ago I realized that no one person is bigger than a church if it’s on mission.
- We decided to go to the early United Worship Experience (the two Experiences I led when I was there) but was disappointed that my replacement Kevin was also on vacation.
- Instead it was a recap of the VBS like activities that had happened over the previous week.
- Sounds like Kristy and her team had a tremendous week and 22 kids prayed to receive Jesus!
- I really liked this alternate way of doing VBS and if and when we’re ready to do something at ECTV, this style is something I’ll definitely recommend to Chelsea.
- As for the music and tech for the day, lots has changed.
- Some things I liked, others not so much but I’m glad they are still as passionate as ever to lead people in worship of Jesus!
- To file under Murphy’s Law, all 3 projection screens went dead for 3 of the 4 songs they did.
- However, Brian did a great job of reminding people that we didn’t come to worship technology but Jesus.
- The crowd seemed to know most of the songs because I could hear people singing…so that was cool that people still could sing along.
- I can hear an older person now going, “We never lost the lyrics in a hymnal”. :)
- The other surprise was getting to hear Chrissy Miller speak as a part of the sermon.
- For someone who doesn’t get an opportunity to do much public speaking, she did a phenomenal job…very poised and articulate.
- After a quick 15 minute break, we ended up going over to the sanctuary for the Encounter service.
- Other than music it was basically the same presentation as in United.
- Considering they were using the same people to do all 5 services, they did a great job of shuttling people back and forth and the appropriate times.
- I also got to thinking this means that Earl preached the same sermon (albeit abbreviated) 5 times in the span of about 2 1/2 hours.
- That’s hardcore…just one sermon is a taxing thing physically and emotionally but to do 5 that close together earns him an iron man award for the day.
- It was interesting as well seeing the same thing but in two different venues (multi-purpose room & sanctuary).
- Never realized how much more color “pops” in the sanctuary than it does in the MPR.
- Also, I’m going to have to get on Earl about starting to wear some make-up to cut down on the glisten when they have close-ups of him on IMAG.
- Bet that conversation is going to go over well. :) Earl + make-up= sign of the End of Times.
- The highlight of Encounter for me was seeing Karl lead worship.
- He is one of the coolest young guys you’d want to meet and has such a heart for Jesus. Add on top of that the incredible talent he has and it made for a very cool moment seeing him shine as Jesus shone through him.
- Afterward Kris and Jenny Shifler were kind enough to host a picnic for the old United team.
- It was great catching up with everyone, eating, joking, reminiscing and playing corn hole.
- After that we stopped by my sister and brother-in-laws house for yet another picnic.
- By the time we got there we were stuffed and wore out but we had a good time eating crabs, hanging out and again playing corn-hole.
- Sunday was a great way to wrap-up the first week of vacation…looking forward to 1 more week of relaxing and then it’s back to an all out assault on depopulating hell.