JUST THE NEWS for 12/12/05

Good morning all! Yesterday was a busy one. Here’s a synopsis:

Verge Life Sunday School:
Some great ideas came out when we started brain storming about hospitality. More to come on that from Billy Simmons.

AM Service:
The Couriers were different but cool for this time of year. Gave me flashbacks of when I was a kid. By the way, Stacy and crew did an outstanding job of decorating the sanctuary. I don’t think it’s ever looked better at Christmas. Heck, with the Couriers on stage and that backdrop we could've shot a Christmas Special for CMT.

Verge Life Executive Meeting:
I met with the Verge Life “co-pastors” for dinner and a meeting after church. Great things are happening and even greater are on the horizon. Angela Romero, Sheila Simmons and Sarah Bundy are doing a bang-up job on the Crave Life Cafe’. They’ve worked out a deal with Mark’s Coffee Shop to get espresso, steamed milk and other goodies for Saturday nights. The plan is to buy our own espresso maker soon. We’re also going to be getting an awning to give us that coffee shop look. Here’s some other things we discussed:

Verge Kids is no longer just about “watching the kids” while we do church. My wife has officially taken over the administration (Jannifer McKee did an awesome job of getting that ball rolling). Saturday night Sarah Bundy brought a full fledged service – with a service order, snack, game, lesson, craft and treat. The kids walked away having learned “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” What a cool thing- to be the first person to plant that in the hearts of children. Suzan will be ordering curriculum and developing a master plan approach early next year.

Verge Life DVD- a promo DVD for our Saturday service will soon be completed and duplicated for sharing with folks. Joe Little has done a terrific job (Sam taught him well). We hope to have it completed by the first Saturday in January.

Pastor Jason & Myra Hess will be moving to our area this week. Jason holds credentials with the Assemblies of God. He and Myra have worked as a youth leaders and youth pastors since Suzan and I pastored in Hedgesville, WV. Their purpose for moving to our area is to work along side an awesome church like Lighthouse while preparing for God’s next assignment. Please pray for them during this time of transition.

Verge Sound Booth- Anthony Forrest did a fabulous job building the new sound booth!!! Props have to also go out to Eddie Romero and Joe Little for helping out as well. A new pool table and air hockey table are on the way. We also now have Halo 2 in the gameroom. Andrew Gayfield & Anthony Forrest are making it happen!


Freakfest- get set for a night a ridiculous rockin’ for the rock. We had our first meeting last week. So far, there will be 5 bands performing as well as several soloist. We’ll be hammin’ it up American Idol style.

Small Group Altar Times
Saturday Night we broke out into prayer & discussion groups instead of doing a traditional altar service. Everyone seemed to love that. It created a much more intimate environment and didn’t come off so religious.

PRAY FOR:
John Joyce- he has surgery on Wednesday for his back.
Billy Simmons- he dislocated his shoulder playing football at the church on Saturday. Not a good time of year to lose work. Let's hold'em up.
The Lussiers as they prepare for a next year’s tour.
There’s plenty more I’m sure....go to lighthouseworshipcenter.com


IN CLOSING:
Get ready to WELCOME BACK our college, Master’s Commission and military folks for Christmas. JOSH WOOLLEY was in the house on Sunday morning ( Lookin’ all pimp). And He brought the Curtis Kinser!

I'll be off Monday and Tuesday but Joe Little & Anthony Forrest will be around the church working on Verge 68 propaganda.

Verge Youth will alas complete the Fall Ball games on Wednesday night.

Okay, Suzan has a surprise for me today for our 23 rd anniversary. The actual date is December 17 but hey let’s party now! Love you all. Amen.

(Oh, thanks to Philip Summers for bringing cards and candy canes to everyone Saturday night)