Catalyst West

I really enjoyed getting to go to the Catalyst West conference last week at Mariner's Church in So Cal.  There were many good speakers and some amazing times of worship.  Some of my favorite thoughts I've been mulling over:


Andy Stanley -
My vision will never be any larger than what I think is possible.
Don't allow the realities of today to overshadow the dreams of tomorrow.

To the extent that we stake our claim around the resurrection and to the extent we love one another we will impact our communities and change our cities.

Eugene Cho -

Generosity isn’t merely for the purpose of other people, it’s to rescue us from our greed.

Do you really believe that your life is valuable?  That God can use you?  If not, then that is blasphemous – not the truth.

Charlene Wi -

Leadership:  having the confidence and humility to give up the need to be in control, while inspiring commitment to get things done.

Mark Driscoll -

Ministry is not what you and I do for God – it’s what God does in us, for us, and through us.

There’s a difference between what I can do, and what God does in and through me.

10 Things that God does, so I don't have to worry about doing them (too long for this space).

Dallas Willard - 

Live with God being in charge - we have to learn to live in grace, allowing God to run our lives.

Grace is God doing in your life what you cannot do in your own life.

Grace is not passive.  It's not opposed to effort - it's opposed to earning.

Start doing the next right thing to do.

Reggie Joiner - 

Treat every prodigal as a loving Father would treat his own son.

I'll post some more in a couple of days.

Keep 'em Coming

We've got some great events these next two weeks to which you can continue to invite guests.  This Sunday (4/11) is a fun family event after each hour.  We'll do the burgers and dogs thing we've been doing once a month for the last few months, and we'll also have some bounce houses, a video game trailer, some volleyball, and other fun.  Invite your friends, neighbors, co-workers - whoever to come with you and to bring their family as well.


Then, Saturday 17 April is our next Serve Sunnyslope.  This is a great opportunity for us to meet some needs, make some friends, and change lives.  We're all about changed lives here at FCC - in fact, that's our vision statement - bringing real life change to Central Phoenix.  Sign up to work this day with your small group, neighbors, co-workers, and family to bring real change to Sunnyslope.  This is our 6th year of doing this twice a year project, and it's been so encouraging to see real change in people's lives as we serve them.  Thanks for your ownership of the idea of serving this community.  It's what Jesus wants, and instructs, us to do!  If you're not already signed up to serve, you can do that on Sunday or by calling the church office @ (602)246-9206.


See you this Sunday (4/11) and at Serve Sunnyslope (4/17).

Easter Reflections

Great day today at FCC-Phoenix.  We had a beautiful morning for our Sunrise Service and a delicious breakfast afterwards in the Fellowship Hall.  Our 2 morning services were great!  David, Heather, Chuck - everybody did a great job and God definitely showed up in a big way!  And 2 baptisms this morning, too!  It was a wonderful Easter celebration with a great crowd, and we need to give major thanks to everyone who helped out today in so many different ways.


Remember - next Sunday is our big family fun day with food, fun, bounce houses, a game trailer, and other good stuff.  We'll see you next Sunday - bring some guests with you!  Also, don't forget our next Serve Sunnyslope on April 17!  Good stuff coming up!