Our Best Month Ever

 4/29/09
Dear New Song Family,

Your Easter prayers and efforts, coupled with God's power at work in us, have made April, 2009 literally the greatest month in our history (so far). I'm writing to thank you for your faithfulness, celebrate with you, and ask you to help continue God's rich blessing by pacting together to do as many of the following five actions as you can.

1. Praise God.
Between Easter services, two missions trips, and our personal conversations around town, more than 200 people have come to Christ this month. In the last two weeks, attendance has risen over 10%. Hundreds of families are being strengthened through To Save a Family and the Small Groups using its material. Let's admit it, while we have worked hard together, only God can pull off this kind of thing. Would you say a word of thanks to Him just now? - Better yet, why not give Him a whole mouth full of praise right now?

2. LINE-UP.
Long ago, we pacted together to welcome newcomers using this six-part acrostic:
L = LOOK for someone you don't know.
I = INTRODUCE yourself. Offer your hand and a smile, and get their name.
N = NEVER sit only. Invite those you've just met to sit with you during the service. If you see someone by themselves, or a couple without anyone next to them, ask if you can join them. This builds community, which is our middle name!
E = ENGAGE in conversation after the service. Find out something about the people around you, where they work, what they do for fun, etc. Ask questions.
U = USE the RU New Cafe. - We'll hold another one in May, so, when you meet a newcomer, invite them. You are welcome to attend RU New as many times as you can find a newcomer to bring with you!
P = PRACTICE THE "3/10 RULE." Talk to three people you don't know in the first 10 minutes after the service.

No matter which service(s) you attend these next few weekends, you will see people you do not know. Would you extend Christ's love by practicing LINE-UP with them?

3. Contribute.
As we come to the end of Finishing What God Started, we've also come to the end of the funding for it. We've got five fabulous new rooms that lack finishing touches and furnishings totaling about $63,000. A few weeks ago I thought it was prudent to take our time putting the finishing touches on, but our growth surge has put us in a situation where it behooves us to complete these as quickly as possible. Normally, when churches grow by 100+ as we have, they hire more staff to provide leadership and care. That would be a dream of mine, as well as a smart move to continue our momentum. If God has blessed you financially this year (I know, that's a big IF), would you consider doing something extremely generous at this time, and perhaps increasing your monthly giving as well? Few churches get the opportunity to experience what we are now, so this is a strategic time to be open-handed with God.

4. Volunteer.
PromiseLand has grown by over 25% in the last six months. Youth ministry has also grown significantly. Because of our commitment to child safety, only those who have been part of the church for over six months are eligible to serve directly with our children. If you've thought about volunteering in either of these areas, would you phone Cindy Bowcutt (for PromiseLand) or Jim Britts (for Youth) this week and ask where you might serve? 760.560.5000.

5. Pray.
What we are experiencing is a movement born in prayer, and it will be sustained by prayer. Would you pact with me to pray daily for (1) God's continued blessing, (2) for the maturing and enfolding of our newcomers, (3) for the strengthening of families, (4) for provision that enables us to fund facilities and staff, and (5) for His Spirit to remain powerfully among us? "The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." (James 5:16, TNIV)

Thanks. And God bless you,
Hal