Hanging of the Greens

While visiting FBC Jacksonville, I heard this statement, "As the church grows larger, it must also grow smaller." With that in mind, we tried something new this year in decorating our church for Christmas. We reverted back to idea of everyone taking responsibility for decorating and turned it into a church fellowship.

Our men carried all of the decorations down from the storage area. Several of our ladies came early to do the things that a group could not do and to organize everything for those who would participate. We started the service with Christmas carols, sharing testimonies of Christmas memories, and the reading of the Christmas story. We paused to enjoy refreshments in the main lobby and to fellowship together. Folks really enjoyed that time together.

We then began to decorate. Families hung wreaths from the balcony, placed ornaments on the Christmas trees, set out nativity displays, etc. People stood around and enjoyed each other's company for nearly an hour after the decorating was complete. It was a good time and one that we will certainly do again next year!

Sunday Summary - 11.28.10

What a great day we enjoyed today! On the Sunday after Thanksgiving, the attendance is usually down a little, but not today! This morning, I preached on "Receiving God's Blessings" and tied it to the story of Jacob wrestling with God. We live in a day when everyone expects "instant" blessings and almost feels "entitled" to them. We don't have to obey, respect, or honor God; He's viewed as nothing more than a cosmic vending machine that we go to when we want something.

Some considerations regarding Jacob's wrestling match with God:

• He wouldn't let go of God. Jacob wrestled all night, until he received a blessing. Blessing aren't usually instantaneous.
• He paid a price. Jacob was crippled during the event. Do we want God's blessings so much that we are willing to lose something along the way?
• He was changed by the event -- Jacob became Israel, the deceiver became the God-wrestler. Are we willing to lose our identity and become a sold-out Christ-follower?

God used this message and smiled on us today with 2 baptisms, 2 new members, and several recommitting their lives to Christ.

7th Annual - Carolina vs. Clemson Day

It happened again in 2010... Carolina vs. Clemson Day at Emmanuel Baptist Church!

• There were tailgate parties at 9:30am on the parking lots. Tents were setup, tailgates were down, breakfast foods were abundant, and footballs were being tossed back and forth.
• There was a sea of orange on one side of the church and a sea of garnet on the other. It was a church division for the right reasons and all in fun.
• There were decorations, streamers, banners, balloons, painted faces, and more.
• There was Adrian Despres, the chaplain for the Carolina Gamecocks!
• There were 600+ people present!
• There was an amazing Spirit-filled message about Moses lifting up the serpent in the wilderness and all who looked to it were healed.
• There were 8 people who looked to Jesus and found healing for their souls.
• There were more who recommitted themselves back to God.

Carolina vs. Clemson Day is just a tool to give people an excuse to invite their friends to church. Did you? Was an eternal destiny changed because of your effort? I'm still rejoicing with those who filled pews with family, friends, and co-workers. I'm thanking God for the lady who sent us the names of 20+ people she and her husband wanted to invite and wanted us to pray for. I'm still thanking God for what He is doing through Emmanuel Baptist Church!

Trunk or Treat Report

Say what you will, but when nearly 2,500 people hold out their hand to receive a gospel tract... I call that a small miracle! That's what happened last Sunday night at our 8th annual Trunk-or-Treat event. Over 1400 pounds of candy, over 100 volunteers, 42 trunks, inflatables, pony rides, a Christmas bus, and of course concessions were all part of this event.

Information cards were being filled out by everyone, until we said, "Let's make it optional and only ask those interested in receiving more information about Emmanuel Baptist Church or Emmanuel Christian School to fill out a card." We had over 200 people express an interest in our church and over 300 who expressed interest in our school.

One man who had been to several events around town said, you definitely have the biggest crowed, then added... "People have come to know that Emmanuel does things right." That was a tremendous compliment and reminds us that "If it bears His name, it deserves our best."

Thanks to all who were praying, helping, and contributing in any way toward this event. Now the real work begins as we try to followup with each of these who requested more information.