Getting a slow start this morning after a very busy but amazing Easter Sunday. Here are some random thoughts about a great day.
- I panicked a bit after discovering that our mailer didn't hit the mailboxes before Easter. Not good considering we had unique service times, not to mention the financial investment.
- I had that anxious excitement feeling before the service, like I haven't had in a while. Wasn't sure how the 3 services were going to be received.
- I wrestled with the message literally until the service began and I never really got a concrete outline. I find at holidays many check out because they know what you are going to say, and it just becomes routine. So I always find it difficult to present a message that is familiar in a way that is a bit unfamiliar. Yesterday I couldn't get away from the angel's statement to the women, "Why do you look for the living among the dead?".
- The team worked all weekend getting the re-wiring the sound, re-arranging the stage. It looked amazing. There are still some sound glitches to be worked out.
- Was shocked to see the first service packed out. Considering we don't really have an early morning crowd this was a big achievement.
- We are incredibly blessed to have the most incredibly talented worship team I have ever seen. It is shocking, the talent, the passion, and the sincerity in worship they bring. Amazing.
- We have been streaming our services live through our website, www.libertychurch.tv. My in-laws celebrated Easter with us in NY.
- I'm digging to see our newly expanded media team. The sound, the lighting, the video, is just incredible.
- The parking crew knocked it out of the park getting everyone in and out without incident, considering our parking lot is about a quarter the size of what we need, that is an amazing accomplishment.
- The excitement I saw in our volunteer team inspired me so much. Everyone was just excited and blown away to see what has taken place. Everyone just took ownership and made the day very special.
- All attendance records were broken as we had over 900 people in worship at the North Campus alone. Well over 3000 across all campuses.
- We are taking our staff out to dinner to celebrate and to digest what has taken place.
- Loved the volunteer hospitality room. It was great to go in and give high five's to the team during a long day. Excellent job Heather.
- Beyond anything else we had 23 people make first time decisions to follow Christ, many more recommitted their life, and lots of seed sown.
- I'm incredibly blessed to be a part of a church family who gets it, believes God to do more than we can imagine, and who have fun along the way.
- Incredible day for our 3rd Easter.
What a huge blessing to see what God is doing at Liberty North! Keep on Keeping on with the Lord!
Jim
Posted by: Jim Mather | April 13, 2009 at 12:41 PM
I usually leave some sort of dumb remark, using a cheap joke, or a cheesy line. But this time, I just want to say that I am increasingly excited every day at the thought of God's move. Thank you for being transparent and humble, Josh.
You rocked that whole musician vest get-up, too, by the way.
Posted by: Jon Morris | April 13, 2009 at 11:32 PM