Sunday thoughts...

Today we used the video teaching of Louie Giglio who delivered a powerful message of hope that impacted everyone. It was awesome! I wept in all three services as we were challenged to look to the cross as the anchor that will take us through any trouble we have to face. Jesus told us that trouble will come to all of us at some point and our connection to Christ is crucial to carry us through. They story of Ashely was heart-renching but I believe since giving her life to Christ made a significant impact in people's lives, especially her step dad who isn't a believer. Please pray for Ashley's dad who is searching and is in connect with Louie.

This really fitted in well with our visit last week of Ron Heagy. A man who has found hope in Christ and is committed to choosing the right attitude in life. I will never forget the little smiley face Ron had on his chair. He said it is a reminder to him to always smile and choose the right attitude in life. He said, you can stamp on it, throw it or kick it but it will always be smiling. may God help us to have that kind of spirit.

The music today was great. Peter did a brilliant Job from the keys and all the songs fitted in perfectly.

The Video ran smoothly in all services - well done David and the team. Some great graphics and video clips behind the words.

There we several new faces today. Great to see new people coming in. I want to encourage you all to invite more and more people on Sundays.

We launch a new series next week called the Pursuit of Happiness. I am looking forward to this and know it will be challenging.

Brilliant to have Mike on staff with us as Caretaker and maintenance. I really appreciate him, he has a great spirit, is willing to serve at any level and make things happen. Just brilliant!

May God continue to use us all despite our faults and many weaknesses to bring honour to Jesus. May we lead many people to put their faith in Jesus who can bring hope to all who look to him, despite any trouble we have to face in this life.

WILLOW CREEK LEADERSHIP SUMMIT AT ST ALBANS

A group of leaders from MKCC went to the 2 day Willow Creek Association conference in St Albans hosted by the Vineyard Church. We went expecting to be challenged and inspired by some great leaders from around the world and we not to be disappointed! So many excellent insights were shared that I know will give us plenty of material to think about and work through in the days ahead.

Bill Hybells and the team nailed it yet again and the Leadership summit goes from strength to strength. Thanks Bill and all the Willow Staff who make this happen, you are all a great example to the body of Christ around the world.

Well done to leaders, musicians and volunteers of Vineyard church who did an excellent job in hosting the conference. Brilliant! I appreciate your serving us so all so well.

It was great to have with us Chris and Dana Byers from Lifechurch.tv who are planting a church in London. (Any one interested in getting involved in this should let me know) They fit in really well with our guys and it was a pleasure spending time with them.

One of things I really enjoy about these 2 days is spending time with our team. I love it; they are a fine bunch of leaders, they desire to learn and grow and desperately want God to use them. On Friday evening, I always enjoy our annual trip to the curry house near to the hotel and love to hear the good conversations, fun and laughter they all have together as we eat. It reminds me that creating opportunities like this is very important as we build team.

Well yesterday was learning today needs to be practice, so let's get to it!

Don't try to fly solo

'Two are better than one...and a threefold chord is not quickly broken'

As much as we admire solo achievement, the truth is that no-one by themselves has done anything of great value. I recently read about the great achievements of a few famous men I will mention but the truth is they didn't do it by themselves. Frontiersman Daniel Boone had companions from the Transylvania Company as he blazed the wilderness road. Sheriff Wyatt Earp had his brothers and Doc Holiday looking out for him. Aviator Charles Linderbergh had the backing of nine businessmen from St Loius and the services of the Ryan Aeronautical Company who built his plane. Scientist Albert Einstein didn't work in a vacuum but had people around him. Even the Lone Ranger had Tonto!

Nothing great is ever achieved alone it really does take a team. History is is marked by the accomplishments of many strong leaders and innovative individuals who took great risks, but these people were always part of a team.

I once read a Chinese proverb that said, 'behind an able man there are always other able men'. The truth is that teamwork is at the heart of great achievements. John Maxwell says that 'one is too small a number to achieve greatness. You can not do anything of real value alone.'

To achieve all that God has for for us here at MKCC, we need teamwork. God wants us all involved in his team and make history together.

The Inspirational Testimony of Nick Fujicic

This is amazing - what have you got to complain about today?

I can not wait for Sunday! We have a visiting speaker Ron Heagy with us who is paralysed from the neck down after a surfing accident years ago. Invite all you mates to come and listen to Ron, it's going to be amazing!

what do you see?

This still moves me and inspires me to never settle. The world lost a treasure when Keith Green was killed in a plane crash. His songs were loaded with truth and his passion leaked all over his audiences. Listen to the words again today and let them stir you to reach the lost.

It is well with my soul.....

Love this guy! For many this is a little old school but I have to say this guy nails this hymn and reminds us all there is a sacred place for all of us to connect to God who vcan sustain us through any difficulty we may face in life.

Amazing Grace History/"Amazing Grace" By Wintley Phipps

This is amazing - enjoy!!