The PF Women Team at our Annual Team Retreat ~ 2018 Today on Seth Godin's blog, he said: It's tempting to decide to make a profit first, then invest in training, people, facilities, promotion, customer service and most of all, doing important work. In general, though, it goes the other way. Yes, it does. If you are waiting to make a profit before you do these things, in my experience you're not going to make a profit. So many organizations, ministries and churches are struggling with financial issues. I know your pain. As anyone who follows our story knows, our ministry was in a ton of debt four years ago when I came on as director. Since that time, we've gotten out of debt and turned a profit every year. God has done amazing things through out team, for which we give Him the glory! I find that what Seth is saying here is absolutely true, with one disclaimer. For Christian leaders, spiritual disciplines must always be first. Before we started inve
 |
| People streaming in the doors for service today...a packed house! |
What an amazing day at Celebration!
I waited until later in the day to blog today because I wanted to share about how our service was this morning.
My day started super early on Sunday as it always does - way before the sun comes up. Today I didn't get officially "dressed for service" til right up to service time because like most of our other team members, I wanted my clothes to be perfectly pressed and fresh for the day ahead. We went to rehearsal early this morning (I go at 7:30 am) as we always do and we had a complete run through. It went smooth as butter. I was so excited for what was going to unfold. After rehearsal everyone went to change clothes for service and then it was time for the continental breakfast that our church provided for all attenders this morning. The service kicked off an hour later...
Over the past 10 months so much new talent has poured into our church. We actually have three public middle school and high school choral directors in the church now, and much more in addition to that! In each church we have pastored where I have directed the worship ministries or choir I've always "had" to do solos out of necessity...especially if there was a more difficult female solo requiring more of a range or someone who can just really belt it. Well, this is the FIRST time I've NEVER done one thing in a musical but DIRECT. So fun. Some of our team members were soloing for the first time and each of them honestly knocked it out of the ballpark. We didn't have one weak link. I was so proud of each and every one of them. Song after song it was like power hitter after power hitter was coming up to bat. I am telling you without exaggeration that I believe some of our team members could be on American Idol if they were within the age range. They are really THAT good. God is just so amazing to send us these gifts to His church.
In addition to a powerful musical there was an equally powerful worship set that just set the tone for the day and the band was sharp as usual. Everyone just brought their A game today and it was amazing. I know, I know, I say "amazing" a lot. Sometimes there's just no other word that fits but amazing!!! Speaking of amazing today Larry brought an amazing ending to the musical with a short message and altar call that included media that was just perfecto! Everything just oozed with the power of the Holy Ghost. I know he's my husband and all, but I'm just sayin', that Larry has been at a whole 'nother level lately in bringing it, and each week he's just getting more...well, amazing...there's no other word for it. The man is ON FIRE and people are coming to watch him burn!!!
I have posted about 100 photos (so far) on facebook of ones that were taken in today's service. Several other photographers took more and I'm sure there are many yet to be posted. The place was also packed, for the glory of God! We're continuing to go to new levels each week.
I've saved the best for last -- God's Holy Spirit moved in a mighty way with people responding for salvation and other needs to be met in their lives. That NEVER gets old and it's what motivates me to get up and put out 100% every Sunday and Wednesday, and really every day of the week for that matter.
Thank you so much, Team Celebration, for pouring yourselves out today, giving it all you had. You are loved and appreciated beyond measure.
Following the service we gathered with the staff and families at our home for Easter lunch -- ham and all the trimmings. It was an awesome afternoon of fun, food and fellowship ~ table games, discussion and relaxing together. Thank you Lord, for all of your blessings on me. Thank you for Your Life that gives me life!
By the way, for anyone interested, Celebration has a brand new website that just launched this week, here. We do have plenty of podcasts there as well as links to receive all of our weekly publications to your email box.
Comments