The last time I got a new pair of jeans…..my wife just bought them. (Of course, these are now the jeans she says are “out of style” ) So, last time, I did not venture into the jungle that is the “jean department” at these stores.  I was way unprepared for the variety of jeans for men that are now offered at stores.  Of course, I did not even look at the area marked “skinny jeans”. That recent phenomenon in male clothing  still has my head spinning.  There were jeans of all kinds of colors and styles. Even the Levis area had way to many to choose from and each style had it’s own number. (I remember 501 jeans and that is about it. )

My wife finally found a few different styles that she said would be “perfect”.  However, while trying them on I noticed that every pair of “in-style” jeans were basically hip-hugers for men.  This trend looks nice on women and fits well with their God given design….but I felt like the pants were about to fall off as I walked around the fitting room.  Not to mention that when I bent over to put on my shoe I felt the sliding of the pants in the wrong direction and realized that I also am not a plumber.

We went from one store to another. Finally……I agreed on a pair of jeans that would allow me to be “in-style” but also not cost me my man-card. Basically, they are not comfortable at all…..but my sweet wife says they look nice.

For the most part…… I don’t think style of clothes are right or wrong. They are just different. However, I do believe  that the style of clothes we choose to wear actually does identify us with certain people groups. Like it or not….what you wear will identify you with a certain sub-culture.  From cowboys, business people, country folks, stay at home moms, musicians, athletes, urban, metro and the like…..people can tell a lot about you by the way you dress. We choose to identify ourselves with certain groups of people by the way we dress and even wear our hair. You don’t have to like this social fact…but it is true.

Did you know that the same is true in the spiritual realm? The Bible tells us that Christians have certain character traits and outward social actions that identify us as followers of Christ.  The Bible says in John 13:35 that people who do not know us very well…..can identify us as Christians because of our Christ-like love that we show others.

The Bible says that people who do not know us can look at the way we live our lives and also make some on target assumptions about what we believe about God and our desire to live lives that honor him. There are things we do that associate us with people who are not Christians.  Also, there are definitive things we can do as a part of our everyday lives that associate us as Christ followers. The Bible calls these Christian identification marks the Fruit Of The Spirit. These are outward signs of a life that has been changed on the inside.

What does your outward life say about what you believe on the inside about God?

Galatians 5: 16-25

¹⁶ So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. ¹⁷ For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. ¹⁸ But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.

¹⁹ The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; ²⁰ idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions ²¹ and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. ²⁴ Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. ²⁵ Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

As a college kid and while in seminary…..I was a Youth Pastor and created my own “student ministry“.

As a married young adult……I was a full-time Student Pastor and created my own “student worship service” and “discipleship ministry for teenagers“.

As a Pastor and now Parent of a teenager …..I LOVE the fact that my son gets to enjoy and experience student services and a discipleship group… better than I ever was in, created or was pastor over.

• I love the fact that my 8th grader cannot wait for Wednesday night PURSUIT to start back for the new 2012 season.
• I love the fact that the worship he experiences each Wednesday night is designed for teenagers and is actually played and sung by teenagers.
• I love the fact that the teaching he gets each week is high caliber as Brad Saab is a great practical bible teacher who communicates so teenagers can understand what he is saying.
• I love the fact that PURSUIT is a place that my son can hang with his Christian friends and also bring his friends that don’t come to our church.
• I love the fact that PURSUIT is led by Brad Saab and has many adult volunteers who help make it an incredible service just for teenagers!
• I love the fact that PURSUIT is actually run by teenagers.  They do the sound, lights, band, video and even clean up. Nothing is better for teenagers who have those gifts and passions than to be apart of something they own and participate in each week.
• I love the fact that PURSUIT is fun but also meaningful! Tough topics are taught on and our teenagers are challenged to live a God honoring life at all times.

PURSUIT starts back this Wednesday! I know my son is looking forward to it! I am looking forward to him being a part of it and watching him continue to grow in his relationship with God in the great student service that is PURSUIT.  Brad Saab and his team of  adults and teenagers are ready……I hope you will once again make plans to have your teenagers there!

I also love the fact that my son gets to be in a Home Team discipleship group with a group of guys all in the same grade. Moreover, he is led by two male volunteers who desire to help him be all that God wants him to be now and in the future.  Student Home Teams start this Sunday! A place where teenagers can have an age appropriate bible study, ask questions, be challenged spiritually, serve together and have fun. All with a small group of friends led by a faithful volunteer.   Kristine Wood is doing a wonderful job developing and training adult leaders to lead each group! Soon we are hoping to have an admin person helping Kristine and this person would focus on just Student Home Teams!

Times have changed a little since I was a teenager. They have also changed a little since I was a youth pastor. I am glad that Team Church has been faithful to change, create and continue to offer such a wonderful ministry for my son and all the other teenagers who come here.

As a parent will you make a courageous commitment to making sure your teenagers are here on Wednesday night for PURSUIT and to join a Home Team in 2012.  Two commitments……huge lifetime impact!

Also….Parents mark down February 24th / 25th.  We are having a special weekend for your teenager called:

10:13 Weekend!

• It will be Friday 6pm through Saturday at 9pm!  They will meet here and be sleeping overnight in our building and enjoying the campus here at Team Church!

• They will be coming home with details this Wednesday night!

I don’t like sitting around and usually get too bored to stay in the same place for more than a day or two.  However, this bout with pneumonia has knocked me out for the count.  The high-powered antibiotic is starting to help……

Anyway, while laying here feeling like I may cough up my lung I have been able to watch the unfolding saga of the cruise ship that rammed a rock of the Italian Coast. That is a crazy tale of cowardice and unbelievable poor choices.  The whole thing is a screaming sermon illustration.  The head of the Cruise line said that the route was preset and that the captain deliberately “went of course” and that is when they got into trouble.

I also watched a DVD movie from Redbox. I would like to encourage all parents to watch the movie 5th Quarter.  If you can get your middle school or High School kids to watch it with you that would be better. It is a true story and one that puts many things into perspective as parents and teenagers.

It would be worth the $1.20 you have to pay at Redbox.  The first 15 minutes of the movie should spark all kinds of conversations with you and your spouse.  You and your teenagers. You and your God.

I look forward to feeling better and seeing you on Sunday.   Please remember that a new year has started. I pray you are committed to tithing this year so that we can have a vibrant ministry each week and each month all year long. We are committed over the first three months of the year to not make any “fixed cost” cuts and to operate with very low ministry money. We are trusting that our general budget giving will increase steadily through March so that we are able to keep all “fixed cost” in our budget while flourishing in ministry.

Book Title:   When God Weeps

Author: Joni Eareckson Tada & Steven Estes

If you have ever wanted to explore:

• Why bad things happen to good people?
• Why God allows Cancer to hurt people?
• Why a loving God would allow little girls to be molested?
• Where was God when the car swerved off the road?
• Why some kids are born healthy and others with severe issues?
• What can be learned or gained from suffering?
• How come, the more I try to honor God…the harder my life seems to get!?

This book will give you practical and biblical insights to help you in your quest of understanding and faith. Also, our next series will be a HUGE help.  I implore you to come and invite a friend who needs grace, peace and questions answered in challenging times.This time of year… is the leading time for suicides, depression and other stress. We have an answer!

In one message giving….

• Vision with details….
• Old strategies that don’t change with some that are changing…..
• Excitement along with challenging information….
• Purposeful Clarity along with a preferred unknown future….
• Celebration of 2011 along with admitting shortcomings and lesson learned that now propel new strategies…..

I gave it my best in the time allotted. Unfortunately, (especially in first service) I was not able to say everything I needed to say in a way that was clear and concise.  So….here is a brief recap. Please read and make sure you are ready for a great 2012.

(also please FW to all your TC friends to make sure they have it too….)

Here is a brief recap of the important information from the message on Sunday:  “Direction 2012”

Team Church One Purpose: Reach people where they are and lead them to full devotion in Jesus Christ.

• This is the WHY of all we do and it never changes!
• How we do things, directions and strategies will change overtime as we stay in tune with God’s leading and as we move forward.
• As a church we are proactive and GO until we hear a clear NO!

We hit our Year End Gift goal ($52,400 at last count) and are poised to hit 2012 running.

• “Thank you” to all those who gave! YOU enable us to start the year off with all bills current and purchase much needed ministry items and equipment.

The direction for 2012 is one of clearly focusing on the immediate impact of people as we pursue our One Purpose as a church.

• We will be on the offensive as we limit our focus to that of reaching people and direct discipleship of the people already attending Team Church.

The direction for 2012 is to prioritize expenses that clearly focus on ministries that reach people and disciple them to be fully devoted followers of Christ.

• We have created a 6 month budget that funnels budget money to the ministries that specifically reach people and lead them to full devotion to Jesus Christ.
• We will begin paying our Home Team pastor a part time salary. This leadership position is vital to the success of discipleship and each person maturing in their faith.
• A clear focus and our immediate desire to reach and disciple people now….means that we have decided not to continue our purchasing contract for the extra 40 acres. Over the last few years we have owned the property but have not had monthly or yearly payments going toward it. These payments were deferred until now. We have decided to let the ownership go back to the owners and have no further finical obligations or responsibility.
• We are trying to re-finance our current building mortgage loan to get lower interest rates and terms. This will allow us to put more money each month toward our One Purpose right now.
• Because of limited current budget giving, over the first three months of the year, we will be spending very little money over what is just our “fixed cost”.

Team Church owns 20 acres that we paid for in cash. What can happen on that 20 acres right now will be our focus in 2012.

We created a six month only budget for the first part of 2012.

• Having a 6 month only budget allows for us to make changes that we hope will needed after 6 months of exciting growth!
• We believe that when all our people give as they have been asked to by God; we will meet and even exceed our budget each month.
• However, if after 3 months of limiting our spending to mostly “fixed cost” we are unable to sustain the budget….then we will have to cut our fixed cost so that we can have a budget that allows for ministry to flourish.
• Fixed cost are monthly bills like electric, water, mortgage and building insurance. It is also staff salaries, insurance and benefits.  Basically….everything that  “has to be paid” each month.

We recognize that our budget is slightly over our projected giving. We are moving forward with a “GO” as we trust in God and our people to do the same. Again, we will make changes as needed after three months.

Total Operating Budget for Jan – June = $475,451

• Fixed portion $439,146
• Projected giving $425,000

Monthly Operating Budget for 2012 = $79,242

• Fixed portion $73,191
• Projected giving $70,833

The direction for 2012 is to have Brad Saab serve as Teaching Pastor.

• Brad will teach and give oversight to our Pursuit Service for middle and high school students.
• Brad will assist Kenny in teaching on Sunday mornings. This will allow Kenny to give regular energies and leadership to the specific focus of “reaching people and leading then to full devotion to Christ” directly through different ministries at TC.
• Brad will teach discipleship and growth classes as offered through Home Team/Classes.
• Brad will teach our membership class so that all new people joining TC will be equipped in our Personal Devotion and Shared Responsibility principles and values.

The direction for 2012 is to once again have trained professional counseling as a ministry partner on our campus.

• Lauren Ross is available NOW !

The direction for 2012 is to purchase and implement a new church software/program called:   Fellowship One.

• Like never before this will allow us to meet our people’s needs as we can better track, serve, communicate and give overall care to those who attend or are members of TC.
• This system will help us reach out to our guest in more timely and productive manner.

The direction for 2012 is to add 10 minutes to our Sunday Service.

• This will give us more time for various elements in each service.
• We believe there are Sundays when we need more time for some of the following aspects of our services: worship, teaching, response time, prayer, creativity and the like.
  
• New service time are 9:30 and 11:10.

In short….The direction for 2012 is to do a few things differently than we have in the last few years.

• We want to see better results in the number of people who give their life to Christ and follow through with baptism and a fully devoted lifestyle.
• Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results is the definition of insanity.  We are going to move forward but with some differences in our methods, focus and strategies.
• We are willing to make hard decisions (like letting the 40 acres go) so that we can accomplish what God wants for our church in 2012.
• We are willing to choose between doing some good things so that we can accomplish the best things.

Deuteronomy 31:8

⁸ Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

1 Corinthians 2:9

⁹ That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard,  and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”

Never wanting to be made a fool….I approached the money with caution and looked to see if I could see anything tied to it. As best I could tell….it was legitimately lost money. So I swooped in to get it. As I was heading down to pick it up my “optimism” kicked in and I thought to myself….“Maybe it is a $20, $50 or even $100 bill?”

As I grabbed the bill….I was quickly brought back down to reality as I unfolded it and saw that it was only a $1. In a matter of seconds I went from “maybe” to …”Figures, only a $1″ I was a little disappointed and even more ready to scan the parking lot to see if anyone was looking for it or maybe was close enough to ask if they had lost it.  (I believe I would have done the same thing even if it was a $100 instead of $1. However, my integrity was not not even tempted with a measly $1.)

After I was confident that there was no one that would be remotely close to authentically claiming it….I strolled through the doors and headed to the Customer Help Desk to exchange the bulbs. While waiting in line…I laughed to myself as i thought about my thought process in those few minutes. I then whispered a little prayer to God and told him it would have been nice to “find a larger bill! This $1 was basically worthless…….”

After leaving Lowes,  I picked up my son from practice and we decided to use a gift card I had received to McAlisters Deli for dinner. I told him that it was a good choice because I did not have my wallet….but did have the gift card. We entered the Deli and ordered. I was not sure how much was left on the card so I asked the cashier.  She told us the amount and we ordered. When we got done ordering……we were 48 cents short. Just as I was about to have to adjust our order….I remembered the “worthless” $1 in my pocket. A smile came across my face as I pulled it out of my pocket and handed it to the cashier. At that instant, God whispered to me….“Not so worthless now?” It was not only what I needed…but MORE than I needed at that time.  I quickly told Peyton about how I got the $1 . He laughed and rolled his eyes.

As we were heading out of the Deli, we passed the gumball machines. Each one was 25 cents. I had to quarters in my pocket that was my change from the $1 bill that had been blowing in the wind. I asked Peyton if he wanted a “treat” and that I had just enough for us both to have one.  Again, as I heard the gumball come clanking out the machine…I heard God whisper again….. “I even provided a little extra!” I had to smile and agree.

This little story is true and chalk-full of biblical principles. I trust that  the Holy Spirit will draw the teachable moments for you! If he has not already…..ask Him to do that and then read it again.

See you Sunday! It will be a great day!

• We will be having normal Team Kid and All-Stars
• The cafe will be open with ALL FREE Coffee only!
• You may bring your Year End Gift on Sunday and have it still count toward 2011. Just mark it YEG or even general budget for 2011. Checks can be dated December 31st.
• We will close the balcony for both services.

Look forward to seeing you in 2012!

I am really praying that EVERYONE who calls Team Church home will grab hold of the rope and help us pull against the cultural Tug-O-War that is giving vs receiving at this time of year. Every hand that grabs the rope, joins the team and does what they can…… helps us in this very attainable church wide goal.  Together, we can run into 2012 with energy and the financial means to purchase much needed equipment that will propel us into another great year of ministry.

The great news is this: although we are almost half way to our financial goal…..we still have way more than half of those who call Team Church still yet to give!

Why is that good news? Because it means that we still have hundreds of people who can still contribute something.

Year End Gift is about everyone doing something. No gift is too small.  It is true that some people pray and then God does ask them to give a large sacrificial amount.  Some T.C. people transfer to the church end of the year stocks to sell before December 31st. Those large gifts are much needed to hit this goal…….but so is every other gift given.  The highest percentage of people pray and then give something over and above their normal monthly giving. You may think that what you can give seems small when compared to the large goal. However, when many people give something…..it adds up and our goal is reached!

Many hands….makes light work.  Many hands also insures we meet our goal of regular monthly giving and our Year End Gift!  I am confident that we can finish the year with our regular budget giving being enough to cover all outstanding bills from 2011 and hit our Y.E.G goal!  Let’s all pray and then give as God directs.

You may give at our Christmas Eve services or mail it in anytime. Anything postmarked December 31st will count toward your 2011 giving for tax purposes.

Get ready for a wonderful Christmas Eve service and Merry Christmas!

It is a  statement of determination and prayer made by a pastor who was later martyred in Zimbabwe Africa. This was found in some letters after his death:

“The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made-I’m a disciple of His! I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes since and my future is secure. I’m finished with low living, sight walking, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking, cheap giving and dwarfed goals. I no longer need preeminence, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, depend on His presence, walk by patience, am uplifted by prayer and labor with power. That’s what it means to be a disciple of Jesus”!!

Here is a like minded quote from Jim Elliot. He was a young missionary who was killed at age 28 while sharing the good news of Jesus Christ to the people of Ecuador. This was found in his journal a few days after his death.

Be sure to join us Christmas Eve and Bring a friend!

Luke 1:76-78

⁷⁶ “And you, my little son,
will be called the prophet of the Most High,
because you will prepare the way for the Lord.
⁷⁷ You will tell his people how to find salvation
through forgiveness of their sins.
⁷⁸ Because of God’s tender mercy,
the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us!

• Parents: Save the date NOW.
• Parents: Make your summer plans around this life-changing and life-impacting week!

June 25 – 29th 2012    5 days and 4 nights of an amazing time!  SAVE THE DATE!

More details and early bird sign-ups start in January!

If you are a parent reading this BLOG…..email to your Team Church friends and make sure they all know to SAVE THE DATE!

As I said Sunday……I am really praying that you will take time out of your schedule this week and join us for OneNite. I truly believe that many people at Team Church need a night like we will experience to get your heart and soul ready for Christmas in 13 days!

Speaking of 13 days…..Scott Brooks was hilarious yesterday in the 12 days of Christmas drama.  Also, hats off to the band who did an incredible job with the Bluegrass Christmas music! Incredible.

This Sunday will be another great Christmas message and service with a completely different musical genre to celebrate Christmas! You will enjoy singing along and will find your self bouncing your head as the Christmas Bells ring! I hope you are really working hard to invite and then bring a friend again this Sunday.

⁴ But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. ⁵ God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.

Luke 12:15-21

Philippians 2:1-8

¹ Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? ² Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.

³ Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. ⁴ Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

⁵ You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

⁶ Though he was God,
he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.
⁷ Instead, he gave up his divine privileges
he took the humble position of a slave

and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,

⁸ he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

Like it or not……Christmas decorations take time and energy if they are done well.

Team Church once again looked great this Sunday as we kicked off our Christmas Season Series.  The atrium and stage looked great!  Every year our atrium area looks as good as any mall in the city! I wanted to take this time to thank Seana Corbiel who once again headed up the atrium design and gave creative leadership to Thom and the host of volunteers who came to decorate all week.   Also, once again, Judy Herring led the charge with Brad Tatum and the stage design volunteer team to create a beautiful Christmas stage!

We had many first time guest on Sunday! Great job to all of you who invited your friends and family. This Sunday will be a FIRST time occurrence at Team Church. Be sure to invite your friends to enjoy a Bluegrass Christmas Music Set. We will have banjos, fiddles and everything else to make this Sunday a festive and very fun Sunday as we focus on Unwrapping the gift of JOY.

Also…our creative arts team has a dramatic presentation of the 12 Days of Christmas that will make even the grumpiest scrooge laugh and experience JOY.

Pas the word…..this Sunday will be another Christmas Classic at Team Church.

PS….if you show up 10 minutes late….you will miss it!

• I came home the other night and my 6 year-old son asked me to play “in-door” catch football with him. To be honest, at that moment…..I really did not want to do it. However, after only 10 minutes of throwing him “diving-touchdowns” in our living room…..I was having fun and the expression on his face was priceless.
• I was working out the other day and added about 10 minutes to my normal Cardio workout part…..it was hard…but I noticed a big difference in my heart beat.
• Adding 10 minutes to your personal devotion time each day is an amazing thing as you can spend more time in prayer, reading, or reflection time.
• Hitting the snooze button in the morning for 10 extra minutes can seem like a welcomed mini-vacation in the morning.
• When your young and in-love…..10 more minutes of texting or talking on the phone seems like the best thing ever, but only seems to last 1 second.
• What would happen in your marriage if you added an uninterrupted “talk” time with your spouse each day? What about with your teenager?

10 minutes.….not much time…..but can make a HUGE difference in many areas.

Starting on January 15th we will be adding 10 minutes to our Sunday Services. We will go from a planned 65 minute service that we have been doing for 13 years….to a definitive 75 minute service.  We think 10 extra minutes will make a huge difference in your ability to enjoy and experience fully what God has for you each Sunday.

We also feel:

• There are times we need to slow the pace of the service.
• There are times we need more time to teach and unpack messages.
• There are times we need to create a more reflective and creative response time. Time to digest what you just experienced, felt, learned and then process it in a God honoring way that gives the best chance for decisions and commitments to be made.
• There are some services where we need more time for creativity.
• There are some services we need more time for music and other creative arts.
• There are occasions when we need more time to simply communicate information, vision, etc.

Also, we want to make sure we honor our hard working and dedicated Sunday Morning Volunteers. We want to set a service time that everyone knows we will not go over. This is especially helpful and important in our All-Stars Kid’s Ministry.

Starting Sunday, January 15th  our new service times will be:

• 1st service will start at 9:30am (same as before)  and be over at 10:45 sharp or before.
• 2nd service will start at 11:10 (10 min later than before) and be over at 12:25 sharp or before.

What are you thankful for?   Start  the weekend off with a good attitude and forward thinking. Do not dwell on what you don’t have or what you can’t do this Thanksgiving……..give thanks for the good things you do have in your life.  Only focus on the things you can control and change….don’t worry about the things you can’t. You can control your attitude and actions this Thanksgiving!

Psalm 107:1

¹ Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever.

TC Weekly

This week is also the week that the long anticipated new TC Weekly begins.

As you know, we can all access any information we need with a few clicks of our computer. Moreover, many of us have all the information we could ever want at our fingertips with our IPHONE or IPAD. Information is flying at us in record amounts and in quicker time.  If you are like most people…..your work, kid’s school, kid’s sports organization, PTA,  dance organization, church and other organizations also flood your email with more and more information each week.  We get calendars, schedules, “sign-ups”, advertisements, BLOGS and everything else sent to us to make sure we “get the information!”

All this “information” is probably needed and relatively useful. However, because we are sent so much on a weekly basis….it turns into “white-noise” and we either just skim it or delete it without ever really “knowing what we need to know.” At Team Church we always try to keep up with our changing times. We believe now is the time to reduce the amount “times and avenues” that we send needed church information each week. We believe you need the information, but also believe that it needs to come ONE time a week in a simple to read and navigate weekly Email newsletter.  All you have to is read this each week…one time…..and you will know all you need to know each week!

Our new TC Weekly will always have one encouraging and inspirational message from me that will be called the Chalk Talk. It will also have all the current information you need and simple links to our website for expanded information that is already posted on the website.  I hope you enjoy the new look and viability of the TC Weekly. If you currently get our weekly Chalk Talk…this will automatically come to you now.

We have spent the last few months listening to what YOU believe you need from us in the form of consistent information.  The TC Weekly is the answer!

Enjoy your Thanksgiving and we will see you on Sunday for a phenomenal conclusion to our Amplify Series.

Also, I will also continue to BLOG. However, not daily and it will not be “advertisements” or other “what is coming up” type BLOGS. It will be purely devotional and inspirational in nature. Maybe 1-2 times a week.

Team Church is no different! Here are three things I want you to know and prepare for now:

2011 Christmas Series:      Unwrapped!

• Starts December 4th and will of course run each Sunday until Christmas Eve.
• Start now to invite people to join us each Sunday!
• This year our Christmas series will focus on Unwrapping the most important aspects of the Season!
• Moreover, our band will be leading us in Christmas music from different genres each week! I hear that we even have a special “Blue Grass” set one Sunday.
• Every year our Christmas Series is the talk of the town…..this year is no different.
• Next Sunday we will give you INVITATIONS to give to at least 5 people! (more details coming)

Special OneNite Christmas Communion Service

• December 14th! 7pm
• This will be one hour that will enhance the whole Christmas Season!
• We will take time to worship, sing meaningful Christmas songs and reflect on Immanuel “God With Us!” through the taking of a special Christmas Communion.
• You are invited….Mark Your Calendar NOW!

Christmas Eve Services

• 4pm and 5:30 service times
  
• This year…..A  Candle Light Service!

• Developing a Dislocated Heart!
• Having a Courageous Commitment!
• Practicing a Radical Faith!
• Using a Strategic Plan!

In those messages we talked about hearing the whispers of God to do something significant with our one and only lives.  We are now only two months from the conclusion of that series and a few Team Church people have acted on the Whispers Of God! They were moved to pursue a Holy Ambition and got busy making it happen!

• Lauren Ross decided to go part time at the counseling agency where she was working, so she could begin helping people at Team Church with her counseling gifts.  She told me…“I want to help people by using my Christian faith and biblical principles in my professional counseling. ” She started doing this at Team Church in November.   She can be contacted for appointment at Laurenross@teamchurch.com

• Brian Licsko is a professional Chef. He has worked at some of the best places as the lead Chef. After hearing the Holy Ambition messages, he decided that he could use his cooking skills to help raise money for area charitable organizations and to help team up with ministries in our city that feed the homeless well cooked meals.  He is well on his way to seeing this idea come to pass as he continues developing the strategic plan.

• Pam Dwyer heard the whisper of God after the Holy Ambition messages. However, she ignored it for a little while. Then, when she could not ignore anymore…..she let God take control and created The King’s Pajamas ministry.  At first, this was coordinated and advertised just through our Home Teams. Then it really took off!  Radios stations, TV stations and local companies have jumped on board with her and her Home Team.

  Here is the information on the most recent flyer:

“The King’s Pajamas” is a campaign to collect new winter PJs for homeless children in Charlotte to have to wear on Christmas Eve night.  All pajamas will go to A Childs Place www.achildsplace.org to be distributed.   We will be collecting PJ’s for homeless children in kindergarten through sixth grade, both boys and girls.  We need sizes 5/6 through 14/16 – they must be new and warm and do not need to be Christmas themed.  This collection must be completed by November 30^th in order to be given to A Childs Place for distribution on December 8^th.

There will be an Event hosted by Chick-fil-A’s here in Charlotte on Nov.19^th, this will be a all day event – 10am till 10pm. For every PJ donated you will receive a  3-mini Coupon.  From 5-8pm on Nov.19^th, there will also be fun activities AND  with every PJ donated during that time, you will receive a free breakfast for dinner.

Chick-fil-A Locations:

• Albemarle Rd.

• Arboretum: Highway 51

• Independence: Highway 51

• Monroe & Monroe Mall

• Wesley Chapel: Weddington

• Carolina Dental: Crown Point Sardis Rd, Dr. Tara Howell

Join Us For A  Pajama Party!    Saturday, November 19, 2011

What whisper did you hear?   What are you doing about it? If you have acted on something God led you to do from our Holy Ambition message….email me:   kennyhibbard@teamchurch.com and tell me about it! I would love to hear what God is doing through you!

Please look at this exciting list and see the importance of everyone giving something to the Year End Gift total!  This list is critical to us being all God desires us to be as a church! PLEASE take time to read the description for each item.

New Church Wide Computer Server:  $7,500       URGENT NEED!

• Our current computer server holds all our files, graphics, church data……Everything…is seven years old and failing. We have been told by our IT person that it is on “life-support” and could go at any minute.
• This server’s memory, storage and C.P.U. are all  maxed out! Moreover, the components of the server are not fast enough for our current demands.  We have done all we can do to squeeze all the life out of the little guy…..he is ready to retire or die.

Digital Sound Board/Mixer $26,000

• Our current sound board/mixer is 12 years old! It too is beginning to have issues as different channels don’t work or are “clipping” out.  One channel is out and several other functions no longer work.
• It is only a 32 channel mixer…..these days we need more.  New one have 48 channels.
• The new digital mixer would give us a higher quality mix for Services and Recording.
• The new digital mixer will allow us to save settings on the board for different ministries, different bands or even different songs.  Meaning…we can have a different and saved levels for Pursuit, Sunday morning and other events. The mix can be saved from day to day and save hundreds of hours each year for our volunteers.

Fellowship One Data Base Software:  $9,000

• This computer system would gives us comprehensive church database for our people that can be used for groups, attendance, emails, ministry and support.
• This system would give us Cloud based system that is not located just on a local server but staff and volunteers could access from the Internet at their home.  The uses are limitless.
• Our staff needs this type of system so we can better pastor our people and help administrate care, connection and the like.
• This system will also serve as our new Children’s and Nursery Check in and Security. Immediate attendance is registered. Those who are missing can be contacted with ease and proficiency.
• This will serve as our Home Team database too. Each Home Team Leader has access to their own group information and can better care and coordinate their group.
• This system will allow us to email members all types of information and even send private giving records. This feature alone would save us hundreds of dollars each year in printing and mailing cost.
• This system will allow you to register for an and pay for the event.   ( summer camp, retreats, etc. )

Digital Signage/Display For Atrium:  $2,500

• Poster-sized flat screen monitors and digital media players will replace our existing printed posters that change each series.  We currently pay $30 for each poster printed, and we can only display 1 poster at a time.  Over time the new digital signage will pay for itself, and we can change the content at anytime we want.
• The screen information would be different for Sunday morning, Pursuit and whatever else happens in the auditorium.  Moreover, even on Sunday the screen can change and give multiple messages and information that changes every few minutes.

All-Stars new decorations, tables, toys and activities:  $300

• Every year we need to replace broken toys and games.

Team Kid games, activities and supplies:  $300

• Every year we need to replace broken toys and games.

Summer Camp Scholarships: $5,000

• Last year we set a record for the amount of kids/teenagers we took to camp. The YEG gift scholarship money helped many needed families pay for portions of their kids/teens cost.

Dedicated Desktop Computer For Auditorium: $1,200

• Currently we have to use a staff member’s laptop to run all videos, power point and other media. The desk top will give us a permanent computer that ONLY is used for these things. This will allow for better quality AND multiple volunteers can serve as individual lap tops are not needed.
• This also includes new software that will help us in our production quality.

Our 2011 Y.E.G. Goal:   $51,800

If everyone gives something and many give sacrificially….we will exceed this goal. These are things we need as a church and will use to continue to make an impact in our community .  Just like last year, having some of these things will take pressure off our weekly budget. All of these things helps us achieve  our One Purpose as a church. (Reach people where they are and lead them to full devotion in Jesus Christ.)

Please start praying today and then give anytime through the end of the year. Over the years people have used a portion of their Christmas Bonus, eat out a few less times during the holidays, use “points” on their credit card, purchase a few less gifts for their family, or…..some people just realize that this is a great way to go counter culture during this time of the year and give away to a great cause instead of keeping the most we can for ourselves.  Also, please never think that whatever you give does not count or help. Hundreds of people giving what they can….goes along way!  Last year we exceeded our goal and Team Church flourished because of it.

When you give……please mark your check or envelope YEAR END GIFT.

• All money that is given is tax deductible for 2011. If you mail it in late…..just make sure it is postmarked by Dec 31st.
• You can give through stocks and “gifts in kind” also.

Please Forward around to all you Team Church friends….lets get the YEG word out! We hit our goal last year…..lets do it again!