Dear RockChurch,
We have much to be grateful for as we reflect on 2011 and much to look forward to as we plunge into 2012.
RECAP
Last year’s theme for RC was FOCUS. We focused a lot of our attention on small groups by replacing our midweek service with Focus Groups. After a successful seven week trial run our official church-wide first semester kicked off in August with nearly 50% participation. Numerous testimonies emerged with examples of spiritual growth, new-forming relationships, and answered prayers.
Another highlight of 2011 was our Wednesday night walk through the book of Revelation. Pastor Chris (Papazis) and I tag-teamed an in-depth, verse-by-verse study through all twenty-two chapters.
The BIG 3
Here’s a list of my favorite three sermon series of 2011:
(You can go to our website to listen to the following.)
1. Charlie Sheen, Winning, and Jesus
2. Wonderment
3. RockSteady
FORECAST
One.
O-N-E.
“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be ONE, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.” ~Jesus (John 17:20-12)
Jesus prayed that we would be unified as one. Paul makes it clear in 1 Corinthians that the church is made up of many parts, but remains one body. Psalm 133:1 communicates how important unity is. We can accomplish so much more together than we can separated.
Together…as one.
We all have varying backgrounds, likes, dislikes, tastes, and preferences. For example, I like the Cubs. You may like the Cardinals. Some of you don’t even like baseball, while others may not even care for sports, period.
I like Coke. You may like Pepsi. I used to prefer Pepsi. My wife’s preference is water with lemon. Some of you are heading off to McDonald’s right now to throw down a sweet tea.
I hate fruit cake. You hate fruit cake. The people who make fruit cake hate fruit cake. In fact, I’m convinced fruit cake is produced only to be given to people we don’t like. Okay, at least we’re on the same page here. Not really, because some of you actually enjoy fruit cake, and that’s okay…I guess.
The bottom line is for us to come together as one. We can do more damage…together. We will be most effective…together. We will have greater impact…together. We will make a difference…together.
So what exactly is our theme for 2012?
ONE.
Let’s set aside our differences and become one. It was the prayer of Jesus. Let’s make it ours.
Greater Things in 2012!
Happy New Year! We Love You!
~Pastor Chuck Tate (and Annette)
REMEMBER…
No Service(s) – New Years Day
Reminder: We are not having services on Sunday, January 1.
Don’t forget to watch our special New Year’s Day message from Pastor Chuck.
Didn’t receive a DVD? Click HERE and watch online.
New Year’s Day Tithes & Offering
Please help us make budget this week by giving online HERE.
Or you can drop off your tithes/offerings at the church office this week (M-F, 9-5).
Daniel Fast
January 1-10, 2012
Complete ‘Daniel Fast’ info HERE.
