Sunday, Aug 19

It was a good day at Axios. You wouldn't know it from the attendance or the offering but it was good just the same. The atmosphere is changing. People are changing. They are thinking differently about church. There is an anticipation for what is to come. There is a desire to act. We are planning to kick off the fall agenda on Sept. 9. I am anxious to get there and get going. Some may ask "Why wait?" There are a few reasons:

1. Maybe the heat will subside by then. We had a good summer going but the extreme heat of August has coincided with our lower attendance. It is hot and will still be hot in September but maybe the mornings will be a little cooler.
2. After Labor Day will be the best time to reach out. People are back into the routine of school and the Summer travel will be over.
3. We have work to do to be prepared for what God wants us to do. Positions need to be filled. A new commitment to ministry and excellence has to be made. Signs, fliers, ads need to be completed. We had lunch with Bob and Monica, which it was great to have them back by the way after 2 weeks off, and I was excited as I told them about the series coming up and we began to plan the music that we will do. We are going to have fun with this series. I met with Jacob (children's pastor) on Saturday and it was good to hear his ideas and his enthusiasm about getting going again. We have a Creative Design Team that we are starting and its going to look great when we have the set design completed. Nathanael's back drop that he painted for us is awesome and I can't wait to get it all up and ready.
4. We have to keep praying. Jesus told His disciples to go to Jerusalem and wait for the Holy Spirit. While they waited, they prayed. And then the power fell. When ever we or you are in a holding pattern, prayer must be a big part of our activity.

I love God our Father. I love His Son, my Savior, Jesus Christ. I love His Church. I believe that we are the hope of the world and of Holly Springs. We must keep pressing on.