We got a few special guests this Sunday @ SouthView. I’m very excited to have some friends of mine help out with the service.

Ken Bronson – This guy is a big blessing to me. For a few years now I have gotten to see a truly dedicated and serving man, right before my eyes. This guy comes out to serve with no questions asked. He knows how to plug in and roll up his sleeves and get to work. He has the word of God in his heart and is always looking for ways to encourage people. He’s also a great motivator! Can’t wait for Ken to bring some Word on Sunday. Although I miss seeing him every Sunday, he is still family and is always welcome here. I especially love his wife, Fritzi. Talk about a sweet lady! These two are great people and I can’t wait to hear him share!!

Hope & David Darst – David and I have been friends since we both moved here to TN, I remember playing worship with him at youth group, college groups, Clarksville church, Brentwood and even down here in Spring Hill. I always enjoy playing with David. He’s a great man of God and truly a blessing as a friend. I even love the fact that I got to see him meet, fall in love and marry his wife, right before my eyes. I was in their wedding and what a beautiful service it was!

Hope is an awesome worship leader. When I first saw her sing, I was like WHOA! She has such a great voice and a gift to lead people into the presence of God. I love singing with her. She is like my long lost sister! I’m so excited to have her lead us on Sunday.

I miss the Darsts, since we don’t live as close as I would like, we don’t see them as much. Every time we get together it’s like we haven’t been away that long, we just pick right back up where we left off. They are getting ready to have a baby girl (their first) soon and LeeAnn and I are so excited for them!

As a pastor trying to pull it all together each week, there is nothing more refreshing than to have friends come in and help lead the service. It’s like having extended family come over to visit. You are excited to spend time with them and introduce them to all your friends! The added benefit is when they are great at what they do….then you can sit back and really enjoy them.

Come on out this Sunday…you won’t be disappointed.

M

Posted: February 6th, 2009 under Church info.
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Our Small Groups start this week @ SouthView. I just preached a message on Sunday entitled “I Hate Small Groups”. I mean, let’s face it, most people don’t get all warm and fuzzy when they think about meeting a bunch of people and talking about their life and issues! Who does? Plus, we all have so much going on in our busy life that really who has the time?

Well the reality is, we NEED it. We need to be in fellowship with one another. We need the encouragement of others going through the same stuff we are going through. We need to feel the sense of “community” when you come together with other men (or women) who are trying to live the best life they can. None of us are perfect and none of us can do this life alone. Our faith in God is a PERSONAL one but our daily walk should not be a PRIVATE one. We need other people to help us walk this life out.

Jesus modeled this out with the 12 disciples. When he sent them out (in twos) they ended up spreading the Word of God all over. Fast forward today and see the impact of 1 person over this world. Because he spent time with those men, in a small group like setting, they grew in their faith and went out and helped change the world! Amazing…

Look, I know everyone struggles with getting connected in a small group setting. I know it might not feel fun at the moment, but I guarantee that you will walk away knowing that God has created fellowship like this, for a very important reason…..because we were designed for it. You need me and I need you.

Find a group of men (or women) that you can connect and share the bible with on a regular basis. Some of you might find it at work on a lunch break, some might find it at church in a small group setting, some may find it in a local community house setting….whatever it is, get involved. It may feel tough to do at first, but it will reap huge life rewards in the long run.

Get connected!

M

Posted: February 3rd, 2009 under Church info, Leadership.
Comments: none

I got the pleasure of attending my son’s SuperBowl party @ his school on Friday afternoon. I had to take off early from work, but it was worth it. My son ran up to me and gave me a big hug as soon as I arrived. That said it all right there….made it all worth while. I’m learning more and more how important moments like these are. You can never get back these early times with your kids. It’s my job to make memories with them and value each time I get to spend. My hope is that they know how much they’re loved, so that they don’t have to do stupid things in life to try to figure out who they are. I think this could very well be my most rewarding and difficult job ever….raising kids!

Love this little guy…I’m also glad my dad got to experience it with me as well.

M

Posted: February 1st, 2009 under Family.
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