Thoughts from Sunday

A few thoughts from an amazing day at Stones Crossing Church:

• What God is doing at our church is incredible.  I love our church!
• Do you realize our church has grown 20% in one year?  That is incredible.
• I loved teaching on the difference between believing in God and really knowing God.  Most people think having a personal relationship with God(really knowing God) is unlikely, unrealistic, and unattainable.  The Bible says that knowing God is the whole reason why we were born.  Build on your commitment to know Him better by spending time alone in prayer, Bible reflection and journaling.  It will change your life!
• We had 8 people cross over from death to life through baptism this morning.  It is thrilling to see God working in people’s lives.  Changed lives is what our church is all about!  And it never gets old.
• We ran out of parking spaces this morning.  We are going to have solve that problem.
• I had the opportunity to teach our First Steps Membership Class this afternoon.  God is bringing some special people to our church.  The room was packed.  We really had no more room for anyone else.
• Life Groups launch in just 3 weeks.  God has not only called us to believe, but He has called us to belong.  Luann and I will be teaching Discipleship Training Level 1 on Wednesday nights at 6pm.  If you are serious about growing in your walk and you are willing to have accountability and spend daily time alone with God, then this group is for you.  Sign up at stonescrossing.com.
• One thing I loved about today’s baptism services was the fact our elementary kids and students got to see everyone being baptized.  Very cool!
• Motion, our high school student ministry, met in the auditorium tonight for the first time.  They have completely outgrown room 140.  I loved hearing Ryan talk about what it means to be a real disciple of Jesus.  The students were challenged to bring a pair of shoes to donate to someone in need and walk out without wearing any shoes.  It is hard to believe so many in our world do not have shoes to wear.  After tonight, a few more will now have shoes.  We can all make a difference one person at a time!
• I am pumped about football season!  But I am concerned about the Colts opening game against the Texans.  Houston is going to be really good this year.  Hopefully, the Colts will be able to patch together an offensive line before too long.

 

 

Meet the Gossett family!

I am very excited to announce the hiring of Sabrina Gossett as our new Elementary Children’s Ministry Director for Stones Crossing!  She comes to us from Crossroads Church in Brownsburg, IN where she served for the past two years as volunteer Children’s Ministry Director.  Prior to her time in Brownsburg, Sabrina was the Elementary Director of Children’s Ministry for Vineyard Community Church in Greenwood.  Sabrina and her husband, Paul, have three children:  Noah(10), Nicholas(6) and Emma(4).  Sabrina will begin her ministry at Stones Crossing on July 4.  We are thrilled to have the Gossett family as a part of our staff team!

FAQ on “The House” Campaign

Exciting!  That is my one word description of the results of “The House” campaign.  To date, we have received $559,132 in pledges.  We believe more people will be turning in pledge cards in the near future.  Indeed, we are both excited and thankful!  In fact, I feel just like the Apostle Paul when he wrote to the Philippian Christ followers, “I thank my God every time I remember you…because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.”  There is no doubt God is working in our church like never before and we are so grateful for your willingness to be a part of what God is doing.

We realize many of you are wondering what our next steps are related to “The House.”  Here are some answers to the most common questions we are receiving:

When do we begin contributing to “The House” Campaign?

The answer to this question is simple:  right now!  The campaign officially began on May 2nd.  The earlier everyone fulfills their pledge, the earlier we can break ground.

Is it okay for us to designate all of our tithes and offerings into the “The House” Campaign fund? Contributions to the “The House” should be over and above our normal giving.  Do not forget we still have to pay the light bill, as well as fund current ministries and pay staff salaries.  We do this through tithes and offerings given to the General Fund.

How do I give to the “The House” Campaign?

Simply write “The House” on your memo line of your check or check “The House” on your giving envelope.  You can also give securely online at www.stonescrossing.com.

Are you disappointed we did not hit the goal of $700,000?

No way!  We are hopeful the actual cost of the expansion will be lower than our initial projections.

What are the next steps?

We are currently talking with local banks about financing the expansion.  We are also beginning the process of developing the construction plans with our architect which will take approximately 30 days.  It will take an additional 15 days after the plans have been finalized to secure bids for the project.   Once the bids have been secured, we will communicate to the church what the actual costs will be.

What if my financial situation changes?

If you need to make an adjustment on your pledge, please contact Kristi Bennett at kristi@stonescrossing.com.

Pastor Ryan Johnson told me that this past Sunday, there were 53 middle schoolers worshiping during The Flow (our Sunday morning middle school environment). That is the most middle schoolers we have ever had!  What God is doing is so exciting and it is because of your prayers, support and generosity!   With God’s help, we can do this!