Thursday, December 15, 2011

I'm Dreaming!

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas...  Isn't that how the song goes.  Not much of a chance this year for a white Christmas around here.  I saw on the news the other day that there is about a 5% chance on any given year that we would have a white Christmas.  So, just another dream that gets dashed to pieces.
     When we launched groups almost 4 years ago I had several dreams.  One dream was that we would one day have 100% of our morning worship attendance would be in groups.
Here are some numbers:
     We had 796 adult individuals in groups this past season. 
     We have 989 Adult members.  That means we're at 80% of our membership number in groups!
     Our average adult worship attendance is around 840 (including teenagers).  That means we're at almost 95% of our morning worship attendance is in groups!

Dreams are coming true!

     I'm not sharing these numbers to prove that I've earned my paycheck or to say, "aren't we a great church".  I share these numbers so that we can celebrate what God is doing in this place!  796 people in groups means 796 people are studying the word of God.  It means lives are being changed.  It means people are growing as disciples of Jesus.  It means people are joining together in prayer.  It means people are meeting needs within our family and in our community.  It means God is AWESOME!! 
     We also know that God is not done!  There are many others both in our FCC family as well as in our community that are disconnected from the body of Christ.  Ya they might show up on Sunday mornings and stare at the back of someones head for an hour as they set through a worship service, but they're not connected. Continue to raise up new leaders for new groups.  Continue to invite others to join your group.  Continue to study God's word and share God's word with your group.
     God never intended on us trying to make it through this life alone.

Thank You for leading the way!
Lets keep dreaming!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I hope every one of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.  Hopefully you are able to spend it with family and friends.  Slow down and enjoy this time.

Know that I'm very thankful to God for all of you leaders!  He is using you to do great things in the lives of His people.

Remember, I'm here for you if you ever have any questions or needs that arise.

God Bless!
mt

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Getting Ready for 2012!

We're getting ready for the next season of groups!!!
GROUP INFORMATION
Be sure to update your group information on the website.  We want to open up all groups to accept new members, so we'll have you reset your maximum number to be greater than it is.

NEW LEADERS!
If you are launching a new leader, be sure to let me know so we can get them set up with their new group on the groups website.  We already have 4 new leaders!

PRAY!
We hope to see more people than ever sign up to be connected to the body of Christ here at FCC through groups.  Pray that more would take this next step.

mt

Friday, September 16, 2011

What to do when your group gets BIG

This is a great video, especially if your group is large.  Like 12 or more.
Check it out and let me know what you think.


When your group is too big from Southeast Christian Church on Vimeo.


mt

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Group Ideas

Trying to think of a good service project to do with your group?  Sure you are, because that's part of our DNA!
Here's a few ideas:

Care Packages for Soldiers:
"Adopt" a soldier serving in Afghanistan or elsewhere.  We've got the names of several, or maybe there is a connection within your own group.  Cost to mail a large, flat rate box (no weight limit) is $12.95 to APO addresses.  The boxes are free, and can be picked up at the post office or ordered online.   Soldiers can also receive cards and notes, with standard postal rates (no overseas rates).  They love cookies, chips and snack foods.  You could also include a small book or even a Ripple Effect Prayer Journal.  This is a great way to support out troops and share the Love of Jesus!

Chick-fil-A Stampede 5K:
We have been able to partner with our local Chick-fil-A in a number of activities.  They have been a huge support of some of our ministry events.  Let's return the love by serving them.
They will be having their inaugural Chick-fil-A Stampede 5K coming up on Saturday, September 24. They are needing volunteers to help with many aspects of the race, or you could even run in it! This event will support the Owasso Community Resources Inc., the YMCA, and M.A.D.D.
Each volunteer will receive a race day T-shirt and Chick-fil-A coupons.
Here is a link where you and your group can sign-up.
Chick-fil-A 5K Race Registration

Meet Fall Needs:
With fall approaching there will always be those who need help with fall projects.  Raking leaves and winterizing the home can be too much for some to be able to accomplish.  Look for those in your neighborhood or find a "senior saint" in our own church family that has a need, and as a group go share the love of Jesus!

If you've got other ideas, pass them on!

Have a great fall leaders!

mt

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Fall Groups Reminder

As we launch into a new season don't forget about the DNA of an FCC Group:


DNA of an FCC Group
1.   Bible Study
2.   Prayer
3.   Leader Development
4.   Outreach
5.   Service
6.   Fun


Go over all of these as you begin this season.
Set a goal to launch a new leader this season.  Here's the 5 step process of producing a leader:
  1. I do, you watch, we talk
  2. I do, you help, we talk
  3. You do, I help, we talk
  4. You do, I watch, we talk
  5. We both repeat steps 1-4 with another. 
 
Let's see how many new leaders we can raise up this season!

mt

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Leader Update 08.16.11

Hey Leaders!
I need to cover a few things with you all.
1. Sermon Based Studies:  A new series will begin this Sunday called RENEW.  It's going to be a four week study in the book of Colossians with one week in the middle to commemorate 9/11. Also starting this Sunday at the North Garnett campus, study guides will now be available on the back side of the welcome center instead of in the bulletin.  Study guides will remain available Online as well.  Download the bulletin and it's in there.

2. Recommended Studies:  If you're looking for something else for your group, be sure to check out the Group Store.  Studies that we have placed on there are ones that we recommend to you.  If you choose a study that is not on the store, please let me know what that is so we're aware of what your group is doing.  It may be a study we would like to add to the store!  Be sure that your group site is up to date with what you plan to study this season.

3. 24 Hour Prayer Walk: Join us in prayer this Friday and Saturday as we launch into the Ripple Effect.  As a church, we want to seek God as we embark on this journey together.  Come as a group, as a family, or by yourself.   Click Here to sign up to pray

Service Opportunities:
Serving is a part of the DNA of an FCC Group!  Make sure your group is serving together.  Here is a great opportunity:

1. Owasso CARES Volunteer Day of Service: This will be on Saturday, October 1st. The project area will focus on the Original Town area (downtown
Owasso), West of Main Street. The day will begin with a gathering of volunteers on the West lawn of City Hall at 8:30 am where groups will be instructed and then sent out to their respective areas. Typically, they wrap up by around 1:00 - 2:00 pm, however volunteers are free to stay or go as their individual needs dictate.  Flier is Attached

2. Help a Mom Move:  We have a lady in the community needing help moving from one apartment to another.  If your group could help and show her the love of Jesus through this act of service, let me know.

Matt T.