Sunday Summary

God blessed us with another exciting day at Emmanuel. Someone told me this week that we NEVER have a "normal" Sunday at EBC and they wait with eager anticipation to see what God is going to do each Sunday. That's the way church ought to be!

• This morning started with someone handing me an envelope with a financial gift inside. Not for me -- I was just the delivery person. It was being given to help one of our church families with a financial need. The person said, "They don't need to know where it came from." It is exciting for any pastor to see people loving one another, helping one another, and not caring about getting any credit for doing it. It reminds me of Acts 2:44-47.

• Today, we had 3 baptisms - 1 man and 2 children. Our youth pastor (Justin) and I tag teamed the baptisms, while our children's pastor (David) called all of the children forward to explain baptism and watch their friends take that step of obedience. The kids sat across the platform steps and kept inching forward as if to see who could get to the drums or jump in the baptistry first. We had over 80 children 4 yr-5th grade today.

• Charlie led us in prayer for the sale of David and Heather's house in GA. I ask all of you to join us in prayer for this need.

• Had two families join our church family this morning and WOW are they quality families. Welcome Padgetts and Knocks -- It's an honor to be called your pastor!

• Michael, one of our very talented teenagers, is on the list of the final 50 candidates for a musical scholarship to Liberty University. Today, we helped Michael record a DVD as part of the final application process. He led our morning worship service and did a GREAT job! Michael has the potential to be a tremendous worship pastor, as long as he remains faithful to our Lord

• Today, our Sunday radio program expanded from 30 minutes to 60 minutes on WHEZ in Hartsville. Our thanks to our underwriter! I've also learned a lot about meeting all of the legal requirements for using songs, illustrations, etc. in a broadcast venue. Thank God for bringing Lori to EBC. Lori serves as our Worship Coordinator... when she is not practicing law. She is a tremendous resource to help keep us out of trouble.

• This morning's message was on worship. I have great concerns that too many church-goers have never experienced true worship. Many simply worship their traditions, denomination, pastor, song styles, and even their buildings (that's why churches with 10 people won't just close their doors and combine with another church). We looked at John 4 and examined what Jesus taught the woman at the well about true worship. While the disciples were satisfying their physical need for food, Jesus was meeting the spiritual needs of this woman. He was politically incorrect, confronted her sin, and changed her life. She left her religion to become a Christ-follower!

• We held our first new members luncheon today after church. We had 70 new members join EBC in 2008. (Pastors take note: 50 of the 70 came after we finally dealt with a sin issue that had been plaguing our church for 18 months.) Our church family provided lunch for the new members and they had the opportunity to meet our staff, deacons, other new members, etc. We also took time to make sure these folks were getting involved in LIFE Groups, ministry opportunities, making friends, etc. We want them to truly feel that EBC is their "family." I look forward to serving them and serving with them for many years to come.

• Tonight, we had EHOPs (Emmanuel Houses of Prayer). This is something we do periodically to encourage fellowship and prayer among our LIFE Groups. Tonight, there were at least 10 groups meeting around town in various homes. My wife and I managed to get around to 6 of them, but didn't eat at every home -- I don't want to look like most preachers. The Super Bowl provided a natural opportunity to invite some new friends to meet those in the LIFE Groups and spend some time with them.

• I was also told Friday that Emmanuel Christian School is at 300 pre-enrollments for the 2009-2010 school year. That is 70 ahead of normal for this same time. We have at least one full class in most grades and are now working on filling a second class in each grade. Once those fill -- that's it, so don't delay! The early-bird registration discount ends on March 31.

• PRAYER NEEDS:
• Our pastor friend at Liberty Hill is going in for a heart procedure this week.
• Marcia and Buddy also need your prayers for health issues they are facing.
• Tyler (Dan & Amy's son) is going in for another major procedure this week at MUSC. (The Ronald McDonald House was full, so they are having to pay for a week in a hotel room and Dan is temporarily laid off. They can use some help with this need.

• Lord, thanks for another God-blessed day. I don't take credit for anything mentioned above, and I give You all the honor, glory, and praise for Your blessings. You always exceed my expectations.