Just a quick post to say Merry Christmas to everyone. Love this time of year for sure. Getting ready to descend into total shut-down mode and it feels great. Just thinking about all that I am grateful for.
1. Leslie, Anna, Mark – how could I even begin to describe how incredibly fortunate I am to have such an amazing wife and two beautiful, healthy kids. Glad to have the family I do.
2. The Life Church – I know I’m biased, but I love our church. I love our people, leaders, etc. I’m always blown away by the incredible “serve” spirit in our church. I love our team. Can’t describe how awesome it is to serve shoulder to shoulder with people I absolutely love.
3. Friendships – I can’t begin to describe how enriched and supported I feel to have such great friends. Some new, some going on 20 years, some in a mentoring role, others serving and supporting. Its dangerous to start listing, but I have to give some shout outs to Dino Rizzo, Stovall Weems, Nick Caine, Jason Delgado, Chris Hodges, Joe Champion, Don Matheny, Rick Bezet, Rob Ketterling, Matt Fry, Billy Hornsby, Randy Bezet, Greg Surratt, David Briggs, Scott Hornsby, Marc Cleary, Zhenya Kasevich, Bill Scheer, Nathan Keller, Chuck Colegrove, Craig Wendel, Craig Strickland, David Meyer, David Pursifull, Gary Clarke, Brian Houston, Gary Skinner, Jack Harris, Steve Streitmatter, Rich/Cass Langton, Jay Hutchins, Greg Evans, Chris Bennett, Jim Wideman, Robert Barriger, Kevin Mawae, Pete Shack, Amsterdansky, Andreas Nielsen, Capitan, Matt Barnett, Trevor Davis, Patrick Conrad, etc, etc, etc, etc. Where would I be without friends in ministry and life??? Life would be hard and lonely.
3. The incredible year we’ve had – 2008 has been amazing. I loved moving into a new home, heading to Sydney for the Hillsong Conference, going to Africa to see Greg and Kristin. Being a part of what God is doing through ARC. As a church, this has been our best year by far. I can hardly believe we’ve grown by 50% in weekend attendance, 42% growth in income (which totally amazes me), and over 4000 Fresh Starts. So many other things I could mention.
4. The year ahead – I’m more than thankful for the opportunities that are ahead. Though 2008 has been amazing, there are some opportunities on the horizon that have the potential to make 2009 extraordinary. I’m excited about the next season in my life, in church, etc.
I’m hoping and praying that you have the best Christmas ever and that your 2009 is awesome!
Pastor John,
We’re so thankful for you, your family, and The Life Church! Our whole family is embedded into the church and love “doing life together” with others who are passionate about God and fulfilling His plans and purposes. This Christmas each family member shared what they were thankful for in 2008. Our teenager said she was thankful for our church. I chimed in with a quick “Yes!”. Come on next generation outreach! Let’s reach ‘em for God. The Life Church is an awesome church with great people! We’re looking forward to all the great things God will do through us in 2009!
Dear Pastor John and Leslie,
Thank you for all you do, day in and day out, to make the Life Church what it is! Your sacrifices have make this possible! Just remembering all the sacrifice everyone make ‘back in the day’ at the Homebuilders and to see where we all are now…it’s amazing!
Renee Murdoch asked me to tell you, they are sending their love to the gang at The Life Church from Brazil!
Hate Matthew and I are going to miss church this weekend but we will be spending time with all my family in MS.
Have a wonderful New Year!
Leah Brooks
2008 was an amazing year! So many great things happened…so much to be thankful for.
I share your excitement about things to come in 2009. We’re going to another level and I’m so glad to be part of it. Pete and I are always saying how much we love our life and how blessed we are and we know it’s a direct result of our friendship with you and Leslie and our being planted in our amazing church.
Thank you both for ALL that you are and ALL that you do to impact so many lives!!!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!! Your the best Pastor and we love you and Leslie very much.