Oh the Conniving!!

Hello Emmanuel,

If you are reading this, then congratulations!!!  You get to read about my MASTER PLAN (insert evil... er... godly laugh here).  November is on its way.  Many don't realize it, but I believe November is the most critical month for church life at Emmanuel.  It is the month that makes the pastor and other leadership more nervous and hopeful than any other month.  Surprised?  Consider the following:

1.  November is when the Worship, Outreach and Hospitality Teams plan the Advent and Christmas seasons.   We are preparing services that are going to reach more people in any 4 week span of the year.  People will be coming to church in December that haven't been for months or maybe ever.  How we plan will say a lot on what kind of impact the Good News will have on so many people.

2.  November is when we decide how we will spend our resources in the next calendar year.  The Finance Team will estimate a budget for 2013.  We will decide how to responsibly spend your tithes and offerings so that ministry at Emmanuel will continue to impact lives and 'make disciples of Christ'.  The budget will be influenced by Consecration Sunday--- a Sunday when worshippers are invited to estimate their giving for the next calendar year.

3.  November is the month that servant leadership is organized for the next calendar year.  Emmanuel is constantly looking for servants as we continue to grow.  Honestly, Emmanuel is as hungry for servant leadership than ever.  November is when ministry teams are structured and set.  Servant leadership strongly influences the addition or subtraction of ministry programs that share Good News.

So Worship, Stewardship and Servant Leadership become critical issues for the church in November.  You think it is a coincidence I am preaching on the 5 love languages?  (insert evil... er... godly laugh here)  Why?  Because the 3 issues described above is a direct result of the languages we use to express love to God.

Planning worship?  What better way than to spend 'quality time' (love language) than preparing to share Good News to others.
Stewardship?  At the very core of tithing is the belief that 'gifts' (love language) is a way to thank God for abundant blessings.
Leadership?  Without disciples that committ to 'serve' (love language), Good News simply doesn't get shared.

How do you thank God? 

As we continue moving through the love languages, think about how you will thank God this November.... and in the year ahead.  It is not only good and right, but it also empowers the Church to lead others to being introduced to God who loves them also.  

Be a part of Emmanuel's journey.  It continues on.....

God is Good,
Pastor Joe

P.S.  The Boo Bash went AWESOME!!  We had an estimated 200 people attend, including about 50-60 children.  And everyone got invited to worship with us.... and they got candy too!!