Pastor's Blog
Easter Celebration
Mar 24, 2008 by Pastor Terry
It's Monday morning and my brain is on fire! I'm still trying to process all of the sights, sounds, and stories that surrounded our seven weekend worship services-nine if you count our Good Friday services! I'm in one of those strange states where I'm completely exhausted and yet radically energized. Our final service ended twelve hours ago and I can still feel the blood pounding in my veins.
If you haven't guessed by now the weekend was amazing!
The journey began for us on Good Friday when Dr. Bobby Brewer, our "Vertigo" pastor (Scottsdale), led the charge in transforming our Scottsdale campus into an amazing expression of ancient-future faith consisting of several stations of the cross devoted to adoration, confession, and appreciation. Joani Castillo (Mesa EXALT pastor) and Tim Miller (Mesa Vertigo pastor) took the lead in creating a similar environment on the Mesa campus.
For seven hours both of our campuses experienced a steady stream of passionate Christ-followers walking through our auditoriums in a self-guided tour as they repented, worshipped, and fellowshipped with our beloved Savior. And all of this in a candlelit setting, with monks chanting, and The Passion of the Christ playing on the large screens.
That was Friday.
Then came Sunday.
Early reports indicate that over 5700 people worshipped the risen Christ with us this weekend in addition to the hundreds who attended our Friday evening communion services!
The
Our volunteer teams served our guests as if it they were attending a State dinner.
Our devoted teachers ministered to our children with creativity and enthusiasm.
The worship team touched the heavens.
The multi-media was thought provoking.
And I presented my best case for the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
And all over the auditorium defenses melted, arguments subsided, hearts were opened, and God came in for the first time claiming people as His own.
(Check back later and I'll post some more pictures of the weekend!)
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By Eric Jones on Mar 25, 2008 5:29pm
It was a great Easter weekend. What a joy and privilege to have the opportunity on Sunday to pray with two brand new believers and to start the discipleship process in their lives. I prayed with a young man this weekend that stepped into a church for the first time, he heard the gospel message, and decided to put his faith in the resurrected Jesus Christ. I love this job.
By Frances Shepherd on Mar 26, 2008 2:02pm
Pastor Terry,
Today's service was awesome! I think it was the best Easter service we've ever had. There were several salvations in each service. Guest, COG family and volunteers were generally having a good time all day. Pastor Judith was her brilliant self and did an amazing job of course (I'm a big fan of hers). Your message was wonderful as usual.
I loved seeing people sit on the stage and the teens sit on the floor it was great. I would have jumped for joy except my feet hurt too bad. The presence of God was felt strongly at the Altar and Communion areas, huge numbers of participants.
There were a lot of visitors checking us out. Everyone was friendly and seemed happy regardless of the parking and space situations. I had the Ushers gather chairs from the youth building. It was a plus to see several men just volunteering to assist with the chairs. The Parking lot was full as well as offsite parking.
We had an abundance of volunteers today, many of which served for multiple services. Many stepped up and asked for each service if there was anything that needed to be done. Melinda and Sarah made the huge mound of delicious complimentary cupcakes for today.
Personally I was energized by the challenge of the day. It gave me an opportunity to lead, direct and make on the spot decisions, that's my niche. I'm pumped with excitement still tonight, it was great day!
Much Love,
Frances Shepherd