Wednesday Memo

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Hi Five Oakers, photoWe already had a quarterly meeting set up for our Staff Leadership Team to review how we are doing on our goals for the ministry year, but the weekend results from the campaign added a sense of…I really don’t know how to describe it. We sense the momentum and the affirmation of the congregation—our congregation wants to be challenged and is committing and showed up. That makes us want to be better leaders. We have an even great sense of responsibility and mission. Our Staff Leadership Team knows we need to hold each other more accountable and spur each other on to do everything possible through him who makes everything possible. And all that made our daylong offsite one of the best and most productive meetings we’ve ever had. Way to go church. Way to go team.

Here's the sermon from last weekend in 10 tweets: "FOR [ God ] – God’s Glory, Our Glory (John 3:16):

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  1. For six weeks we’ve gone back to the why. Why? For God so loved, and God’s love compels us to love the world he so loves.
  2. The capital campaign has been about reaffirming our commitment to this mission of reconciliation.
  3. After 10 years one of our members decided to move from attending to being the church. That’s what the campaign is about.
  4. Pastor Kalil (Jordan), International GLS Video: “Don’t look at the opposition. Look at the opportunities.”
  5. That was a $10K email.
  6. You should be in agreement on what you will give if you are married.
  7. Get some skin in the game.
  8. If you’re not a giver, start now. Pick a number. Don’t wait to hear a voice from God.
  9. You have won the lottery. Now what?
  10. I’m not asking you to do something I’m not willing to do myself.

 Bonus Tweet: 98 Families…$1.2M…3/4 of the way to our goal…

 I love you and pray for you, Five Oakers!

Blessings, Pastor Henry

Monday Memo

in ,

Hi Five Oakers, I have a few things I want to share with you today.

IMG_5040 // What a weekend! The stories in the Commons were unbelievable. Jennifer Clemens and her team did an great job of making the FOR [  ] finale incredible! Loved watching so many people read the stories, watch the videos, enjoy the treats and have fun at the photo booth.

// Our advance commitments totaled $1,200,000!!! That puts us 3/4 of the way toward our goal of $1.6M. I don't think we've ever had a start like this before. Amazing! 98 families made pledges ranging from $1500 to $100,000. I'm so thankful to God and for our congregation. You made a commitment and showed up!

// I just love the "Location, Location, Location" video. Some day those fields surrounding our property will be covered with houses and people living in those houses. Tom, you did a wonderful job of sharing our vision!

For [ ] from Five Oaks on Vimeo.

// Here’s a selection from your comments, observations and questions from the weekend Communication Cards.

  • Love the updates throughout the church. Nice job!
  • Love the first song as we came in.
  • Pam you are a blessing! ☺
  • Great to have Rick Ellis back on stage. [I agree, and he did a great job leading that final song.]
  • Cannot wait to see how God will use the people of Five Oaks to bless the East Metro, Jersey city, Haiti and THE WORLD!
  • Couldn’t wait for this service to see God at work through the “FOR” campaign. Wow, unbelievable response. Thank you Lord. All the praise and glory are yours. Wonderful worship service and campaign celebration. Worship team, you rock!
  • Henry, thank you for your message today. It is something I needed to hear. You had one statement that took a weight off my shoulder and brought a tear to my eye. Thank you God!
  • Henry, thank you for leading us and challenging us! Awesome worship team, thank you for sharing your gifts with us!
  • Daniel, “How I Need You” was perfect for the sermon.

// We received one comment from the cards we send first-time guests:

  • 10/1  Our two year old enjoyed her class so much she cried when it was time to go.

// Here’s the video that was playing in the Commons walls on the weekend. Thanks to all of your who shared your stories. Very moving.

FOR - [The Next 25 Years] from Five Oaks on Vimeo.

Blessings, Pastor Henry