Weekend update

I know I haven't done one of these in a while, and I am not going to really do it on this blog for say. My weekend post is actually here. I started a blog for my trip cause I am going to need it to keep everyone updated. Feel free to go and check it out. I posted a new blog today.

Hat off to Sarah Palin

Ok, i give props to Sarah Palin for going to Saturday night live.

What Christians call gay's

Wow, I was sent this link via one of my friend who is yes, gay. He told me this made him mad, furious, and totally hateful against God, and Christians. When I read that I had to check it out. After I read it I came to this conclusion. This church is NUTS! It also made me love our church more. I don't want to get to far into this, because I don't believe Gay's should be denied to learn about God. So I will probably ramble if I get into this. I am just gonna give you the link, and you tell me what you think.

What a Sunday

Ok, so it was quite the interesting Sunday. Lets see if I can get the justs of it.

1. Bryan was sick, so he left early. I am personally happy of that because I didn't want to get sick as well.

2. A lot of our small group leaders where not there this Sunday, so we had to find people to fill in.

3. We where severely under staffed both services.

4. Our 10:30 service saw probably the most kids it has seen so far. We hit around 20 kids.

5. We had our trailer loaded 10 minutes faster then our record time. So we broke our record (keep in mind we didn't have a 2nd service for the kids).

I think I would have to say that the Ckids madras team did a bang up job this week. We all had to do things we didn't usually have to do. I am not use to unloading the trailer and loading it as much as I did. Frank isn't use to leading the whole area, and so much more. I think it is awesome how many people had the "I will do anything you need me to do" spirit. That is what got us through the day. Great job everyone.

thoughts for the week

Well, its over all been a good week. Frontline was awesome as usual. I learned a lot about being a better leader, what a leader is suppose to do and be, and what the church's vision is in better depth. Anyways, here is a few notes.

1. Great service this week, Ed did a great job with the message.

2. It was awesome seeing another baptism at Madras. I love how so many people are getting connected to God thanks to our new campus.

3. Well, Childrens ministry set another record during tear down. Not only was large group torn down, but nursery and elementary was down and ready to go. It was awesome.

4. INVITES! We need them, you can do them. We all need to start working on inviting someone to church. The noon service at Madras is low in people. I don't know what it looks like at Sharpsburg, but there is still 60,000 out there, and we need to do something about it.

5. I found this quote, and thought it was pretty interesting. Check it out and let me know what you think.

"If there were no God, there would be no Atheists."
- G. K. Chesterton

Ed put me to bed

LOL, couldn't resist the title. I was trying to think what I would name it, and that came to mind. Let me put a little explanation into it. So yesterday (Sunday) was a tough day in Childrens Ministry at madras, because we started the band back up. Now I was prepared for this, and I had it set up for one person to run, but unfortunately some things changed and we needed two people per service. Anyways, I was looking forward to the service, but so much for that. So when I got home, I checked online to see if the message had been posted yet, nope. Checked again 2 hours later, nope. An hour later, nope. After Jason posted his blog, nope. So I stopped checking. 11:30 came along, and I was ready for bed. I decided for some reason to check one last time, and sure enough it was posted finally. I downloaded it onto my phone, put my headphones for my phone on, and laid down on my bed, and began listening to the message. Man, you have no idea how great of a way that was for me to end my day, was listening to some passionate guy tell his goal for the church that I go to. I love listening to Ed's messages, especially on Vision Sunday. You can just hear the passion (and spit, oh the spit!) coming from his voice. I love the future and goal of our church, I love listening to Ed talk about it, and I love being able to be a part of it. I was in 2nd grade when I started coming to CCC, which means I think I was 6...not sure, maybe 7. Anyways, I had no idea who god was, or what church was really about. All I knew is my mom wanted to go. So I did to. I started going during the churches last few meetings at the school. When I moved to the sharpsburg campus and met Jeff, I started learning a bit more. Jeff was a sub at my school, so I saw him often. He would have lunch with me and my friend often, and sometimes visit me at my house. I started getting connected to God, learning what his plans where for me, and what I could do to help others grow to full devotion. Our church most certainly has been doing its mission for YEARS! I look forward to the future of our church. Thanks for putting me to bed on a good note last night Ed....gosh I love that title so much!

First and hopefully only politic post

Ok, i decided to move this post to my personal blog because it had nothing to do with church. So, you can go here to read it.

Happy Labor Day

Happy Labor Day. Well it will be Labor Day in 30 minutes, but who cares. Most of you are off work today which is awesome. I am mainly making this post because no one has any idea how great of a team I have. I leave for the weekend, the battery on my cell is low so I couldn't use it, and my team just nails the service perfectly with out a bit of hesitation. Courtney took my position for the day and lead the team probably better then I could (guess I still got some learnin' to do) I was doing a lot of things today while I was out camping, and the first thing I did when I woke up this morning was look at my watch and thing "wow, normally I am unloading a trailer at church" But I had no thoughts or worries about how things where going today. I knew that my team could handle it. What I didn't know was how well they could handle it. They did an above and beyond job, and I am so proud. So to all those that helped today, hosts, techies, set up guys, thanks so much for letting me enjoy a weekend camping trip with out a worry in the world about how things where going, if you where ok, or anything. I appreciate your hard work and dedication to what you do each Sunday and I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.

p.s. No donuts this time though, sorry. Spent to much over the weekend :D

Hand Wash

Ok, so I was at wal-mart an hour ago and I parked next to this SUV. Now, they had done a pretty bad job at parking, seems how they took up 1/4 of my spot, but I didn't feel like driving around finding a spot (I had just gotten done eating at Johnny's pizza, and I was full). So, my mom and I get out and my mom stops and just keeps staring at this SUV. I am like "mom, come on" and she said "someone left a note on this persons car about parking in 2 lanes. So we head in and the hole time we where in wal-mart I was thinking "gosh, I hope that person doesn't think it was me who left that note" So we come back out and I say "mom, I want to read that note" The note is posted bellow, and you can take a look at it.


Now, the person who wrote this might have been a bit harsh if you ask me. You may have to click it to make it bigger, not sure. All I know, is if someone did this to my car, I would flip and have a cow. I couldn't help but take a picture of it though. All I could think about is the series we just finished. Even though they didn't use there mouth to express this, it still is a bit rude. There are nicer ways this person probably could have said this. So what are your thoughts though? Did the person who wrote that letter have a good reason to, or where they just being a bit rude?

Separation between Church and School

Ok, this is a subject that I am actually willing to put a lot of time into reading about. The separation of church and School's. Unless it is a Christian school, then it is dur factor that it is allowed. Anyways, I noticed that when I went into High School when I was public schooled that science teachers and some history teachers where getting into the topic of God and the bible a little to much, and mostly saying it was wrong. This really did make me mad when I heard things that said the bible was wrong. Today, my friend asked me a question when I got home from editing at church. He said "I got a history question that is due tomorrow, can you help me with it." Now, as much as I hate history, I said yes. So, here is the question "If God is all powerfull can he make a rock that he can't pick up?" Well, it took me 2 minutes to digest the fact that a teach had asked this, and another minute to even think of how to respond. I have my response, and will share it later, but what do you guys think of that question? What is your answer? Should that history teacher have asked that question? Is this post starting to sound like Jason's $600,000 post? lol, don't answer that one. Let me know, then I will share what I think.

Off topic

This post is completely off the topic of anything to do with church or God, but it is cool. Enjoy these 2 pointless in yet entertaining videos.

Home schooling and multi-site

ok, so this is a tad of a personal post, but also has to do with church. This has been my first week of home schooling. I have Algebra 1, English 9, Hebrew History, and physical science for the moment. I do my classes via dvd. The video is shot in an actual class room with an actual teacher and actual students. It is so cool. It creates a feeling of being at school, just at my own leisure. It feels so real, and I actually learn more from this way. It reminds me a lot of our multi site at Madras. The video creates such a realistic feeling. It is no different from being at Sharpsburg (unless you count not getting hit by Ed's spit). I have been in for a few full services, and a few more messages at Madras. I love it more then I do at Sharpsburg actually. I find it more easier to focus...for whatever reason. Be sure to invite your friends so they can experience this. Lets reach the 60,000.

Weekend Upadte

ok, I am late on this, but I wanted to wait till today. I got a few personal notes to go along in here.

1. Childrens Ministry did a GREAT job on Sunday with tear down and set up. We finished in great time, heck earlier then we ever have. At 1:50 the halls where cleared, at 2:00 the trailer was loaded. GO TEAM!

2. For the strangest reason, I was REALLY tired when I got home Sunday. I got home and couldn't keep my eyes open. I went straight to bed and didn't wake up till 12 A.M. Monday lol.

3. I loved the service we had Sunday in the Childrens ministry, especially seems how I got to use W-D40 and a lighter. OH the fun that it can create.

4. I am ready for next week, I think the kids are gonna have a great service.

Well, I am out. I got A LOT TO DO. I just got 3 boxes of books and dvd's from my home school, looks like I am starting soon. lol. Later.

Personal note

So, I have a bunch of things I want to write about right now, but I have something on my mind that I feel like blogging about. So, I am starting home school August 11. I am actually really excited about starting school. So with a little over a week to go, the school has been sending me my books. I got one package yesterday with 3 English text books and 3 English Test and quizzes books. Today, I got 1 English teachers book, 1 more English text book, and 3 English work books. I am amazed at how many English books I have lol. There are suppose to be 2 more packages, and I am really hoping none of them are English text books. Lol, i mean, how many books could I need for 1 class. I still have 4 other ones. Any ways, Because of my misfortune last year, I have to finish 2 years of schooling by the time everyone finishes there sophomore year this year. This means I have to finish 2 days worth of work in 1, work on saturdays, and skip a few holiday's off. Honestly, I don't really mind, I am actually excited that I have a chance to finish school before everyone. And the great thing about this is, its a Christian home school. So I have to take a Christian class every year. I think that this is a great chance for me to get in tune with god a lot more. I will have to learn the bible (which is even better, cause I need to get into reading the bible) I will have to learn more about god, and more. I am really excited about this new opportunity.

Multi-site

So I got bored for a few minutes (in between prepping for home school, working on some orders, playing online texas holdem..don't ask why, and other stuff) I decided to google something. I decided to google our church, just to see what number it would come up as. So first, I put in "Community Christian" and I saw a link to this church called "Community Christian Church" I was like "huh, i wonder what church this is". Well, it goes to this site. The name is the same, and the game is similar. They are a multi-site church as well. The have a few campuses. The church looks nice, and the talking guy that walks into the screen when you go to the site...is funny, mainly because I told him to go away...and he did. It was just to amusing for my 15 year old mind lol. Anyways, I was looking at this and realized, this is our church in the future. We will probably have campuses all over the Coweta County area, maybe even a little more out reached, soon. I know that our church isn't going to let those 50,000 people in this area stay alone. Together, we can all bring those 50,000 home. Back to where they belong, with our savior. So, get up, get out, and go invite someone. or if you are paralyzed or cant walk for some reason, sit down, grab a phone, and invite someone. Together, we can help bring those unconnected to Christ, and grow to full devotion!

Weekly update: trader edition

Ok, the reason this is called the trader edition is because Bill called me a trader Sunday morning for being at Sharpsburg, so I came up with this name lol. Any ways, here are a few notes from this week.

1. It was one weird sunday as I was at sharpsburg. Not only was I greeted like this "what are you doing here?" but also I had nothing to do really...I just got to sit around and watch everyone else work.

2. Our Children's ministry registration teem rocks. I was at sharpsburg and this little boy was crying, he didn't want to leave his mom and it was his first time. One of the team members walked over, and calmed him down, got him some gold fish, and brought him to his class. It was just to cool.

3. Andrew Marshall is definitely weird, enough said.

4. I got to sit threw a whole service at the Sharpsburg campus for the first time in months. They had a person from the springs (the church that use to meet at Madras) leading the band this week, he did a great job!

5. I love Madras so much more than Sharpsburg now. I just love the challenges so much at Madras, that I couldn't stay at Sharpsburg all day, I had to go back to Madras for the 12 service

6. I love my team. They set up, ran the 10:30 service, and pretty much took down without me today. Thanks Courtney and Preston for stepping up to the challenge, even when the trailer was late and you had to work faster.

7. I got to see the process of the Madras campus getting the tape. I saw the recording, and then Jenny Baker running it to Madras. Great job to them for doing it every week.

Well that is it for this week. The traders edition has been written. Hey, I rhymed..sorta. Anyways, back to normal for me next week. I get to go back to Madras, wahoo. See some of you there.

11 years ago

I can't believe it, but eleven years ago from today, my family and I moved down here to Georgia. I have spent 2/3 of my life in Georgia. I honestly don't have anything to complain about being here either. I love the life I have here, the opportunities, the friends, the church, etc. I do miss the fresh air, Ben and Jerry's ice cream (that hasn't been shipped and transported), the AWESOME maple syrup, and my family. Hanging out with my family is probably my most missed thing about living in Vermont, but I don't think my life would be the same if I was still up there. They did have churches up there, but nothing like ours. This town, newnan, really does have some nice churches, and nice people. Vermont is a very small based state, and doesn't have big..or nice churches like ours. So today, as everyone celebrates 4th of July, my family and I get to also celebrate our 11th anniversary of living here in GA, the place where I was able to start my life.

Normal

This video, that I am about to show you, probably is the most realistic video out there. So many teens, and even adults, go through this. There are a lot of unconnected people out there, and this video shows what Jesus will do for you...for your neighbor, for your friend, for your family member, your co-worker, or even a pure stranger that you don't know.

Portable Church

Sorry about the LONG delay in posting. Even though not many read this, I am still sorry for the lack of posts. I am ready to start posting again though. My thoughts have been pumping lately, so I have some stuff to blog about. So here it goes.

So, I would have to say the best thing about a portable church is that nothing is really ever the same. By that I mean, when you go to set up in the morning, sometimes the school has things in your way and you either have to move them, or move to a different area of the school. Also, it gives you the freedom to change things every week. If you feel the setup you have might look better in a different angle, or that you should set it up a different way, you can with no problem what so ever. At sharpsburg, its a little harder to just change the setup of things. Now, the hard part about a portable church is keeping the attendance up. Some people are scared of change, or think that a message via video is weird, or not the same. Well I finally have been able to sit in a service, and will be from now on, and I must say, I actually like it better. No worries about Ed's spit, or Jason making you dizzy cause he keeps walking back and forth (he can't do it as much because the camera person cant keep up lol), and also, it still delivers the same message. Actually, I find it easier to focus on. Also, because Madras doesn't hold as many people as Sharpsburg does, it is even easier to get to talk with people, and get to know them. Even for the unsocial people.(not that sharpsburg doesn't allow you to meet people). So I think its time we start inviting people to church, even now when its summer! Actually, now is when you really need to. We have been low on attendance, and VERY low on visitors. So get to it, before I jump through this screen and force you to...kidding, or am I? HA, anyways, while you ponder that, go invite someone!

The melting pot

So we all know that America is the melting pot right? Well at CCC yesterday, we got to be the melting pot of religions! We had representatives from Islam, Judism, Hindu and Christianity. I think I got those out of order, but oh well. lol, read Kelley's blog to get it in order. anyway, It was the coolest thing on earth to watch the panel yesterday. I was born a Christian, and always have been, but my dad being from Iran, and them practicing the Muslim ways over there, it was cool to see the panel and hear them talk, and my dad (who now regrets not going!) is going to hear the service as I order for him next week. So maybe I can kick him into a service, who knows. Anyways, on to the kiddy world of things:

1. While the parents where doing there thing, the kids where down the hall rocking out with the awesome band as usual. It seems to always amaze me how a 5 minute long song can grab there attention....until that 30 second cliff hanger where the singing stops and there is just music playing and the singers have to figure out something to say or do until the singing come back.

2. The band has learned not to say the words "scream the words to the song" because the kids only hear the word "scream" and the girls literally start screaming at the top of there lungs...and don't stop! lol.

3. The drama for the kids today was so cool. I love how it tied in and was so interactive with the kids. I think they liked it and it grabbed there attention really well. They enjoy getting to yell what ever comes up on the TV, and that is what we asked them to do. It was a lot of fun.

4. It seems like every week when we are packing and unpacking (I think I did that in the wrong order) it just keeps getting easier and easier. Before you know it, we will be done in no time flat. I am wondering how fast we can keep getting, because there is only so fast you can go before you can't get any faster lol....or maybe I am thinking wrong.

Well, its been a great week, but my computers scheduler is going a wall and telling me to do something else, so I better listen before it grows a hand and slaps me. I hope you all have a great week, and remember, if anyone is reading this and is looking for a spot to serve, we have many spots available, you can email me for Children's tech at sohadi@bellsouth.net or Bill to find you a good spot at bcoffman@community-christian.net There are lots of places still looking for help, you don't have to commit your self to a certain spot, try it out one week, see if you like it, if not, try another. Its worth it, other wise CCC wouldn't be running the way it is and there wouldn't be 100's of volunteers ;) think about it.

Weekly scoop

Ok, I think I will stick with that name. I have a lot to talks about today, or actually, to share. Your gonna love some of it :) I promise. *cough Bill in a whole new way. So, here we go:

1. Over all, great service this week. I loved the fact that we had the fathers come in to the service and join there kids and be tested mentally and physically. Lots of fun!

2. I heard the YMCA was a success. AWESOME! I wish I could have been there, school has been kicking me though. Next time I promise! INVITE INVITE INVITE. Thats all I can say.

3. my props go to Caren today! Even during are little.....mishap during 2nd service, she made sure things where ok, then quickly snapped the kids back into focus in about 10 seconds! it was so amazing. I was caught off guard by everything around me by that. I stopped everything when she did it, it was just amazing. GO CAREN! That is the spirit.

4. Speaking of spirit, Bill Coffman had some today, don't believe me? Well I have a pictures to prove it!

Sorry if the pictures get blurry, I took the picture last minute with my cellphone because Andrew (our photographer who was at the campus today) wasn't there. If this picture of our campus pastor isn't good enough reason for you, or your friends to come to our church, I have no flipping clue what is. Bill, what a willing heart you have. Jeff, god bless you for programing this!

5. As I said earlier, fathers where here today. I snapped lots of pics. Here are some.



It was an over all great and fun day. Both services where good, and saw a good attendance. A big thanks to Courtney for being a step in dad. I hope you enjoyed the fish pictures. If anything that you looked at on this blog, at least those. lol. :) Sorry Bill ;) Speaking of Bill, be sure to be reading his blog! He posts on it frequently and his posts aren't babbles......wait, thats the name of his sunday night posts, I LIED! Some of his posts aren't babbles. Lol. Have a great week guys, I was going to post something last week, but I didn't have a chance, this week I will shoot for posting it. It is quite interesting, or to me.

4 weeks down

wow, its already been 4 weeks. How awesome is that. This has definitely been one fun and crazy adventure. I am loving every minute of being at Madras. Getting to serve and lead a part of it is just one cool thing, and having all the volunteers that I have, and the ones that god is soon to send, is just awesome. We had another high attendance at 2nd service this week for those who weren't there. I love how even on spring break, kids still show up. Talk about true dedication. I suggest that everyone invite someone to the YMCA this Friday for a little swimming time. I am going to invite a few people that I know. The even is from 7 to 9 P.M. Its a little late in the evening, but it is beyond worth it. Don't show up with out inviting someone though. You will be turned away. Anyways. I will have a few new pictures on here either in the middle of this week, or after the YMCA event (depends on how my school work goes) Hope you all have a great week. Great job to the tech team this week, you where all on your game.

Madras Kids scoop

Ya, Bill didn't use the name I sent him, which is good, cause I couldn't think of one for my little things. For now, thats it. I am sure Ill get an idea, but your welcome to share yours for what I should call this thing. I didn't have time to upload all the pictures on to my pc yesterday, so I couldn't do this post when I like to. But here it is, lets see if I can do it in the style like every one else:

• We had a lot of kids at both services this week. WOW! 2nd service saw a good increase from last week.
• Anyone get a chance to see our worship time this week? Jeff did it and man did he rock it out. The kids where really into the song. He was jumping and really getting them involved. I even wanted to jump in.
• The see-saw was such an amazing thing to watch the kids to do. When the kids got it balanced, they had to sing the song. It was so much fun to watch. They would get it balanced, then when they started singing, it became unbalanced and they had to restart. Made them think. I believe 2nd service got threw the whole song on the last time.
• Even when short handed this week, the tech team was able to pull through and set-up, run, and break down. Great job team.

here are some pictures of the kids on the see-saw. Like I said, they really had fun on it.

CCC warning Label

Ok, so Community Christian Church Officially needs a warning label at every entrance door and it should read something like:

Warning:CCC may cause serious friendships and never endless encounters with people you know at church when you go out to places. DO NOT ENTER if you don't want to go somewhere and see someone from church every stinking time! This may cause: you losing any sense of what to say in a conversation, you to be coming up with something in a small group for why you beat your child in public, why you where picking your nose at lunch, etc. Be sure to understand these risks before going to CCC

Lol, My gosh. I was at blockbuster, getting a movie, and I ran into someone I have never ran into before until they started coming to CCC. I was like "wow....this is beyond real...." Our church is really becoming big. The lady is new to our church, I saw her 2 weeks ago, and this is the first time I have seen her in public. I have been to blockbuster 2 million times. Oh, I have seen Jason at TFIG (good meal till he came along, then I felt god watching me). I have seen so many people from eating out, that I am trying to find a place where our church people don't go....obviously that ins't "steak and shake" Anyways, I had to share this warning lol, only fare.

first impression is everything

So, my sister called me and asked me for a favor. Not a small one to start out with though. She told me about a conference that her church is doing for the teenage girls (note that they are in South Africa). Anyways. So she asked, I need two things if possible:

1. One of those old countdowns the church used to play at church to get people to come in.

2. A video of flowers blossoming, night turning to day, the sun rising, etc. You get the point.

The reason for the video is because the name of the conference was transformation. Now my idea for the video was of course as the kick butt transformers movie with robots kicking butt, but I had to keep in mind this is a girl conference...they don't want to see that. So I agreed to get #1 for sure, and attempt #2. I was given 2 weeks. Wow, i was cut in for my work. I started searching. Nope, this site costs money, nope, same with this one. Did you know when you type in the keyword "flowers growing" you get...something else thats not flowers. Ya, not cool at all. Nope, still have to pay at this site. Nope, google sucks, cant get it here....dang, I couldn't find anything for free. I was working with not little budget, but no budget. I couldn't find one single video. Stock videos cost a fortune! Ya, I wont even mention the pirated sites. So I couldn't get the video done...I felt like a failure, ahh..but wait, maybe I can do something cool at the end of the countdown. So I ripped the countdown off the children's Ministry laptop, scroll to the end, and add a few words with cool effects and stuff like that. Add music and stuff like that. Few hours later, its done. Now to some how send it to South Africa, in 5 days, without paying $22 mailing. Hmmmm, upload it to my site for download. Done. Bam, call my sis, tell her its done, and tell her how to download it. So she does. Wow she was impressed...its amazing what our church here in America can do over there in South Africa. This Saturday our countdown that we used to use and my words are going to be played in front of 42+ girls. I know this blog is long already, but I want to share part of the email my sister sent me. Here it is.

I'm well. Been busy with this conference, but it's really coming together nicely. We are so blessed! We've gotten so many donations, now have 42+ girls attending, everything looks nice and the budget balances, and we only charged a R60 registration fee, which is $8 USD. So with a $8 registration fee and sponsored items, we were able to cover a cool delegate pack with a printed agenda, sponsor sheet, notepad, bookmark, pen, highlighters and candies for each girl; a rose for each girl; lunch for 50 people including a sandwich, juice, fruit and chocolate; decorations; lots of giveaways for prize-drawing - including 2 gift certificates to a coffee place, 4 free facials, and 2 books; gifts for speakers (a bouquet of flowers and a free facial); and gifts for all our team! It is amazing what God can do with a little bit of money and a lot of faith! I'm blown away and looking forward to Saturday! I hope all the girls feel really special and walk away from the conference changed. Please pray that everything runs smoothly (all the technology and everything) and that each girl gets a personal touch from God on Saturday.

I don't want to take to much more of your time. But its cool to be able to help out in another church, in another country. Now, thanks to our church, 42+ kids will have something cool to listen to and see when they enter the conference. First impressions are everything. That is what we have to remember at our church when someone walks through the doors for the first time. If we let them walk by without being greeted, we have given them there first impression...and it is this "this church is to big, even though they are at a school, and they can't handle one more person. I don't think this is the right place for me" We don't want that to happen. Not because we want the our church only, but because this may be there only time they try to come to a church, and we just blew it for them. I am releasing all my teenagers at least 15 minutes before service starts, long enough for people to still be flowing in. I ask that they all go and greet 1 other teen and invite them to student ministry's. If your and adult, make another adult feel at home. If your a teen, make another teen feel at home and take him/her to student ministry's. Lets make our new church grow.

Speaking of all this growing and out reach stuff. Read Jason's latest post. It is amazing!

Sharpsburg or Madras?

So today being our second Sunday open to the public worked out great. We had over 200 people, exact number coming later. Anyways, I was confronted by one of the people that I use to cover for at Sharpsburg, and they said "it is pretty sweet what you guys got going on here, but don't you miss being at Sharpsburg every week and seeing all your friends and people you know?" Good question...do I? Wow, I actually never really thought about that...honestly, I almost forgot about Sharpsburg, which honestly is not a good thing. Sharpsburg is the biggest part of Madras, they are what is feeding us. They gave us the support, the help, the people, the money, the video message, everything to help set up. With out them...well we would be sitting on the floor with Bill singing camp songs =) lol. But seriously, we all go over to Madras, are told, "3 years, don't come back to Sharpsburg." We all think we are going to miss sharpsburg, thing it is the craziest thing on earth, get to Madras, and completely forget about the people over there. Cant have that. I do miss being at Sharpsburg in ways, but I almost in many ways, like being at Madras more. I get to meet so many new people, help lead a team, watch new people grow to god, and watch Ed preach with out the extra liquids. It is so awesome. But, we can't forget our friends at Sharpsburg who are helping us every day. They are all sitting there waiting for a text message from Bill saying, "200 people" "300 people" "Ed, move a little to the left, your out of the shot" "Jason, you need to wear a better shirt, that isn't working for ya" Its awesome man. They all are just sitting there craving to know what is going on here. Last week, as soon as he could, Kelley Davenport rushed over to Madras. So we really are 1 church, just in many locations. Lets go ccc Sharpsburg and Madras!

Todays Quote:
It was such a lovely day I thought it a pity to get up.
- W. Somerset Maugham
If you guys are ever late to getting to church, just try using this excuse on me, Bill, or who ever you leader is. We, or at least I, will be sure to stare, laugh, walk away, and apply everything I learned in the dANGERous series. lol

Better things to do on Sunday!

HAHAHA! Man, did I find the perfect quote from the perfect guy. Makes me want to slap him kind of. If there is a guy that needs christ, its this one. Read this quote and then see who it is from.

Just in terms of allocation of time resources, religion is not very efficient. There's a lot more I could be doing on a Sunday morning.
- Bill Gates

For the first time ever, we will be explaining how the richest guy on Earth is wrong! Ya, that is right, wrong. The guy who makes the operating software for the computer that you are probably using right now is wrong about that quote he made that I just copied and pasted to show you. Be sure to invite your friends to Sharpsburg or Madras for "God for Dummies" at CCC as we show how church isn't a waste of time, and god isn't a waste of time, and that he is for everyone. Gosh dang it, sometimes the richest man on Earth is wrong...how weird is that? Sorry Bill, there really isn't anything better to be doing on a Sunday. Just ask the 1,802 people that showed up at CCC last week, they had other things that they COULD have done, but decided not to. Instead, they came and listened to the word of god. Be sure to check out Jason, Ed, and Bill's blogs. That go a little more info on "God for Dummies.

Jumping on the bandwagon!

Ok, everyone has been releasing numbers this week, so I feel the need to jump on the bandwagon =) CCC had 1806 people in total this week! WOW! At madras alone, we had 314 including kids! Even wower! That is awesome for our first service. So, 1806-314=1492. That is the total that ccc Sharpsburg had I believe, and I am not sure if that is including kids, who knows? Apparently not me lol. FYI, the auditorium at Sharpsburg is built to hold 500 people, you think about that I am saying ;) So that is all great news huh? I think so. Now to ruin the moment, statistics say that attendance will drop on the second week of Madras (actually, any campus that is just starting up) by half. I say we prove that statistic wrong. How? INVITE!!! Is that so hard? Heck, get the phone book out and call that person you never knew. lol kidding, well maybe. Anyways, remember that our goal is to reach the 60,000 people unconnected to god, this Sunday we touched a few, we have a long ways to go, but we will do it, the starting process is inviting though. So lets DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh, and todays quote is:
Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.
- Leo Tolstoy
I think this Ties right on in, huh? Thank you Leo, a person I have never heard of until Igoogle put you on my homepage.

How to comment

Hey, I have been told by some that they don't know how to leave a comment on here, so I am going to explain real quickly. If you have a gmail account, your set, just create your comment, type in your login info where it asks you, then click post comment. If you don't have a gmail account, you have two choice, you can select "Anonymous" and not have your name posted, or select "name/url" Now this is all you have to do. Where it asks for your name, put your name..your done. You can leave the url empty. If it does require a url, just put www.ckidsmadras.blogspot.com but I doubt it will ask for it. So, there you guys go. A little blog on how to post a comment. I know some where saying they where having trouble, no excuses now =) lol. Have a great day and happy Easter

Happy Easter, and what a launch

What a launch today guys! 171 people during first service. We had quite a few kids to! Usually the 2nd weeks aren't as big is what people keep telling me...I like to prove people wrong, I have already started calling people and inviting them, do the same! Lets prove all those nuts that think the attendance will drop. Lets make it go up. Anyways, off that topic, I got to peak into first service today and WOW (remember, first service for us is 10:30) It was so cool to see all those people in there. When I had heard that they actually had to put down more chairs instead of put more chairs up to make people feel at home, I was so excited. Way to go madras! Way to go Bill and his group to for doing a great job ,from what I heard, in the adult service. You guys are awesome. We, the children's ministry, also had a lot of kids, and also a good service. I look forward to seeing the kids back, and my team again next week. Welcome to Community Christian Church Madras!

Here are a few pictures from us:



Todays quote by the way is

A sense of humor is part of the art of leadership, of getting along with people, of getting things done.
- Dwight D. Eisenhower

I think this is one that I really need to remember. =)

T-2 days

Well guys, we are down to 2 days, basically 1. I am so pumped! I hope you all are to. I have been working on the few last minute things for our first service...learning the things about the problems that Sharpsburg and Madras ckids are having with corresponding...etc. Its a lot of fun though. I honestly cant wait till Sunday. We are all going to have a lot of fun, and we are an awesome time. I could not ask for a better team than the one I have. You guys are awesome. I hope you have been keeping up with Bill's Blog, he has been posting a lot of stuff on there. Don't forget about our site. Also, the easter egg hunt tomorrow at 10...volunteers be there at 9 or earlier. Have a great day guys, see you Sunday. Todays quote is

To achieve the impossible dream, try going to sleep.
- Joan Klempner

down under

Ok, so yesterday I had a spinal tap and was not able to do anything. Today I am not really suppose to do much. I really wanted to get a post in though. We did such a great job on Sunday guys, now Easter is coming up and our test services are up! No more practices, no more moving around, no more getting off the hook. This week is the real deal. I am so happy that I can lay hopelessly on my couch flat on my back and know that I don't have to worry about how Sunday is going to run, because I have an awesome team that I know can do it! Just like they did last week. Thanks so much for that comfort guys. I really do appreciate it. Don't forget the website that I launched this week, if you need it, refer back to the update or email me for it. Also, read Bill's blog as much as possible this week, he will be posting a new blog every day this week! Have a great day and I look forward to seeing each and every one of you at 8, or 9 this week.

2nd preview service

Wow guys, what an awesome preview service we had today! All of you that helped out in children's ministry today with me, thanks so much! We had to redo our set up, but we got it set now and we are good to go. Everything ran smoothly once we got it setup, and the live mixing actually worked! Good job Preston and Courtney for running sound and DJ so awesomely. Also, I got to take a look today at the adults ministry a bit, looks like they are mastering there stuff down pretty good, especially seems how Bill had time to walk around today. lol. For those that read this and don't already volunteer, we have many spot available not only in Children's, but adults to. Contact bill at bcoffman@community-christian.net if you are interested or try to find him in the mass mess of a Sunday. Also be sure to be checking out Bills blog, he has a lot of info on there of events going on, also has pictures of stuff. Todays quote is a good one

The greatest challenge to any thinker is stating the problem in a way that will allow a solution.
- Bertrand Russell

Oh, and here is a picture for you of our setup today

T-9 days!!

Wow, my Igoogle is keeping me on track, and only 9 days left till Easter. Its coming guys. I just read Jason Collin's Blog and he posted some reasons why he is happy and excited about Easter this year. I am pretty darn sure I can agree with everything or almost everything he posted. With 9 days to go, I really am feeling the excitement. Today I went to go and meet with Jeff, Ellen, and Preston to figure out some stuff on how the Children's ministry is going to do music at Madras. Its a really GREAT idea that Jeff has, and I would love to tell those who read this blog and aren't on the team what it is, but then I would have to shoot you....kidding. I have always wanted to say that though. No but seriously, to find out the great idea by one of the worlds greatest Children's Pastors, your gonna have to come to Madras for your self, and drop your kids off and ask them how it went afterwards. If you don't have kids...well, feel free to come on back to the 8th grade hall and visit us after or before your service...maybe ill show you. Anyways, to the team, I hope you guys are as pumped as I am about Easter, heck, any Sunday that is coming up that has Madras involved in it, which from here on out, is every Sunday. I look forward to serving with you guys and helping each other help others to reach full devotion to Christ....but while we are at it, lets see if we can get there to, cause I know I am far off! Today I got a quote that might through you off...but if you change the words in it to fit for church, it might be better suited. I liked this quote when I saw it though.

Believe those who are seeking the truth. Doubt those who find it.
- Andre Gide

First preview service

Even though we didn't have power, I would have to say that our first set up went great! Courtney did a great job helping me out with deciding where everything would go, and I think that this Sunday it will all look good now that we will be able to run it all. I am so excited about having you guys on the team, and I am happy to be working with all of you. Lets show the kids in the Madras area a little something about Jesus, shall we? I have had igoogle for a while now, and on there I have quotes of the day. I check the quotes of the day everyday to see if there is anything good. I think here is one that we all should keep in mind

I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it.
- Thomas Jefferson

I think with a little hard work, we can get some luck out of it, huh? Anyway, I look forward to seeing all the Ckids Madras Tech Team volunteers at 8:30 this Sunday, and for those who read this blog and aren't a part of the team, feel free to email me at sohadi@bellsouth.net and let me know you want to serve. I got plenty of spots open for you. =)