Sunday, March 23, 2008

Easter Sunday Flashback

Our church is no different that all the rest in this regard - Easter is the biggest crowd of the year.

First, a huge "you guys rock" to all of our volunteers today. You were stretched in many ways and you served with a great collective heart. I haven't heard many reports, but with a NHC record one service attendance (at 11) I know the nursery and kids churches had to be jammed, too. And our hospitality team kept the coffee and donuts/pastries comin'. Thanks, too, to the band, the housekeeping team and Jake for running our ministry team shuttle back and forth to our satellite parking. The extra spaces we freed up made a huge difference.

And our First Impressions team moved quickly into action when it became obvious at 11 that there were more people than seats. For our first time we used the lobby (another reason to thank God for that awesome space) for overflow seating. I was told there were another 45 out there. Thanks also for the guys on the team out in the parking lot directing traffic. I heard some "thanks for doing that" comments.

Looks like a third Easter gathering will be in the plans for 09!

Best of all, from what I could tell there were about a dozen who indicated that today they trusted Jesus Christ as Savior this morning. And that's what it's all about. New life!

In case you haven't read Nate's blog today, here's the link to the Raleigh News and Observer. Their Sunday edition (today) has their story on the front page of the paper above the fold. It's a great witness to God's faith and provision in their lives.

Actually, I'm writing this from Tricia's room at Duke Hospital, where Gail and I arrived late this afternoon.

This evening NHC had two communion services at remote locations. One was at the home of Tommy and Claire, with Claire's Connection Group and Pastor Steve. Claire is recovering from major surgery and hasn't been able to get out for a month now. The other was right here, with NHCers Nate, Tricia, Agnes, Gail and me. Wish you could have been here!

Hope your Easter was as great as ours. Because He is risen everything changes!

4 comments:

Andy Lawrenson said...

I'm pretty sure had we a record attendance for nursery through 5th grade as well.
I also think there was a record number of donuts and muffins at the church.
I'm pretty sure there were a few people that ate a personal record number of donuts.

marcia said...

Praising God with you, for all of the good things of today....and trusting Him with you, for more to come!

Scott said...

What a gift those services must have been to both families who are somewhat "cut off" from the body. You brought the body to them! Awesome.

Andy Lawrenson said...

I'm also pretty pumped about those who trusted Jesus as their Savior yesterday. Moooossst Excellent!