Puzzled?

 

What is the next step you need to take to grow spiritually?  Have you ever thought about that? 

 

Unfortunately, I think the most common answer to that would be “I’m not sure”.  That’s why I’m so excited about our upcoming message series called “Puzzled?”  I just believe to the bottom of my heart that this fall can be an eye-opening time for people to get real help to experience God in their lives…and think it terms of spiritual targets…things to aim at as you grow in your faith.

 

Fall Church Party!  OK, the event is actually called “Playin’ it Forward”, but it’s going to be a huge Suncrest event with great music, fun for the whole family and a great cause to rally around.  I’ll tell you the whole story next week.  For now, make sure you block Saturday evening, September 15 on your calendar.  We’ll see you then at Redar Park in Schererville.

 

Make sure you are here this Sunday for the 2^nd installment of “How to make Worship Boring”.  Should be great stuff!

  

PS – Some have noticed that I haven’t talked about the cardinals nearly as much this year (since they have been losing!)  That’s true, but now it looks like we have a fun race on our hands between the Cards and Cubs in September.  Look forward to me commenting on it on Sundays…if the cardinals are winning. J

Times are changing…

 

I’m still celebrating from the baptism response on Sunday.  Yesterday, I got to sit down with one of the people making the decision.  What Jesus is doing in her life is powerful.  A few short weeks ago, she had no church home, but a friend – someone who cared passionately about people far from God – brought her to Suncrest and now her spiritual journey has spiked.  Only God, right? 

We do have an important announcement about Sundays at Suncrest to make today too.  Beginning in three weeks – Sunday, September 9 – we are shifting our service times ½ hour earlier.  The new schedule will be:  

8:00am

9:30am

11:00am.   

The change has a very specific purpose – to let us reach more people by having more seats (and children’s ministry space!) at times when newcomers are likely to come.  Since going to the three service schedule, our attendance has increased by hundreds, but we keep seeing the 10:00 service grow much faster than the others (some kids were in overflow spaces Sunday).  With the change, we hope those of you who attend the 8:30 service now will stick with the early service (now at 8:00).  And hopefully the other two services will both be great options for people. 

Make sure you come this weekend as we begin a new three week series entitled (tongue in cheek, of course), “How to Make Worship Boring”. Greg

Why Baptism?

 

If you were at Suncrest on Sunday, you know we tackled the powerful topic of baptism.  After every service, I had people come down front to tell me they were making this spiritual step.  It was one of the best Sunday mornings I’ve had in a long time.

 

This morning was even better.  After tallying tear-off panels, people who came forward and a few other less formal conversations, we’ve ended up with more than 20 people who made decisions this weekend.  Some are decisions to explore further…and some are just ready to “jump in” so to speak.  (As long as they don’t jump in like the kid on Sunday’s video!).

 

A side note…those 20+ decisions are from a  diverse group – men and women; some singles and at least one couple taking this step together; elementary aged to retirement age, one was a first time visitor and others have been here a long time. 

 

A final request…I know a few of the people I was praying for specifically haven’t stepped forward yet.  Maybe you walked away Sunday knowing that something was stirring in your soul, but you haven’t responded yet.  The opportunity, of course, is still wide open.  Give one of us at the church a call or an email…we would love to connect.

P.S. – It may have been less than clear on Sunday, but we are offering a baptism information session/discussion on Sunday, September 9 during the 10:00 service.  If you are interested, email Doug at doug.gamble@suncrest.org

I’m Back

Hey Suncrest, I’m in the first week back from my summer time away and it feels great.   Sunday was great, wasn’t it?  Worship “in the round” was more than just a creative idea to me, it was a powerful experience given the topic of communion.   

You are generous!  I didn’t get this email out last week, but the special offering Sunday for the new church plant in Tampa, Florida 2 weeks ago was almost $7000.  On top of that, we had an additional $10,000 specifically given to new churches this week.  I love the passion we all share for helping new churches launch.  

One of the neat things I’ve done over the past couple weeks in a different rhythm is to connect with other pastors in the area.  The golf course is my preferred place to do that!  So, I played golf with pastors from Bethel Church and Crosspointe Church in Crown Point and from Crossroads Church, Faith Church, and New Hope Church in the tri-town area.  We really have some great churches in the area – and a unique spirit of cooperation! 

From time to time, I know I send you updates about my mentor and our Founding pastor, John Wasem.  I talked to his wife, Leslie, last week and she told me John was babysitting their one year old granddaughter (Naomi) out in Oregon.  Those of us who know him can picture one proud grandpa!  

 Greg 

PS – You’ll want to be at Suncrest this Sunday as I teach on the topic of baptism.  I think it will be insightful for many.  I’ve been praying for some very specific people to take this spiritual step and I hope Sunday is a catalyst for that.

A good day

Monday was a good day.  Spent much of the day at the beach with the family.  Jack loved feeding the seagulls the crust from his ham and cheese sandwhich.  Abby, just loved playing.  I’m in the last week of this summer sabatical, but got to make sure I keep up with this rythm of family things we’ve done.

Monday was also a day for good news.  Starting new churches is our heartbeat at Suncrest and we gave our attention to that Sunday.  I learned yesterday our special offering was over $6500 to help the new church we are partnering with in Tampa.  Danny Schaffner did a great job speaking!

Suncrest Update

 

Hey Suncrest,

I’m missing you! 

Last time I wrote I was on my way back from a family vacation.  Since then, it’s literally just been more planes, trains, and automobiles.  I got back on Friday the 20^th in time to do a wedding rehearsal and some laundry – then went to the airport Saturday after the wedding with 2 Suncrest High School Students to spend 5 days in New England.  I was teaching out there on leadership and church planting to some top-tier high school students from around the country.  I also got to worship at the new church we started in Boston – www.reunionboston.com – a very inspiring experience! 

I landed back at O’Hare last Thursday night and in the next 72 hours, I managed to get out of town with just Jenny for one night, go to a wedding reception, a graduation party, to the beach with our kids, and worship at Suncrest in both Student Life worship at 10:00 and with the adults at the 11:30 service. 

In that time frame I also had a very enlightening experience.  In the 11:30 service Sunday, we had some “secret shoppers” at Suncrest.  This was a group of 7 people who currently don’t go to church who agreed to come and give us their feedback (as long as I was buying lunch!).  This was the first time I’ve done this, but it won’t be the last because their feedback to me was so beneficial:

·         It was encouraging - we blew away their expectations with the music and the warmth/friendliness factor.

·         It was insightful – they told me about things they didn’t understand, why they did or didn’t do things like fill out the tear-off panel, visit the welcome center, go to the bookstore, etc.

·         It was challenging – They had some great constructive criticism of some elements they experienced.

·         It was confusing – Really, it was a reminder that different people have different preferences – what some people really liked, others didn’t and vice-versa.  Suncrest has never been a place that has tried to “please everyone”, understanding that is impossible so this was a good reminder.

·         It was convicting – I might write more about this sometime, but more than anything the conversation at lunch convicted me…again…and more than ever…that our sensitivity to unchurched people needs to stay at zenith levels.  The stakes are high – no less than people’s eternity hangs in the balance!! 

I can’t wait for this Sunday.  The Sunday we emphasize our commitment to being a church that starts other churches is a highlight of the summer.  This year we have one of the most dynamic speakers I’ve ever heard coming…you won’t want to miss it!  The new church he is starting is in Tampa, Florida. 

And even more important…we will receive a special offering to give this new church a much needed-boost as they launch.  Please come prepared to give generously in addition to your regular offerings. 

See you Sunday. 

Greg