Steven Gibbs

Man Stuff

Sometimes it’s just good for a man to do some man-stuff. Last week our staff men got together and hung around the campfire. There are certain man-things that happen around a fire that don’t include acoustic guitar and kum-ba-ya. It includes a ton of laughter, possibly a few cigars, and discussion around a variety of topics. We used the time as an affirmation of one of our newest staff members, speaking life into him. We awarded him with his Stonecreek sword – a symbol to remind him of the battle. It was the Stonecreek version of ordination.

Last night these same men and I took my oldest son to the campfire to begin an “initiation” journey. He turned 13 yesterday. For a boy to truly understand what it means to be a man, it requires the company of real men. I am going to take him through a yearlong intentional discipleship process, and we launched that last night. Each man spoke some life into him, affirming who God has created him to be. They also taught him a few things about what God expects of him.

He now understands more about what God intends from a man. He has other men he can turn to, can look up to, and can depend on. Hopefully, that will mean something to him, and God can use it in his future.

He is fortunate, as am I, to have these type of men in his life. Do you? If you don’t, what are you doing about it?

Never A Dull Moment

Yeah, that's my house. Don't worry, there is no damage. Seems that the fireplace got a little out of hand, setting off all the smoke alarms in the house. Something about balls of fire screaming out of the chimney. (I wasn't in attendance, so I can't say for sure.) Just for safety, someone used 911. That's what happens when it snows in March.

Nothing like the day after Easter...

Easter

Any adjective used to describe Easter would be an understatement, so I won’t use one. It was the largest crowd ever in our building, and the experience was incredible.

Thanks to all of you who made it happen – those who volunteered, those who came to the noon service to free up space (it was needed), our staff team who won the game in overtime.

Most of all, to those of you who invited people to come. I was amazed at the number of people who introduced me to the friend(s) that they invited. I pray that they found a message that mattered, that is life-changing, and is worthy to follow. The message of the resurrected Messiah named Jesus.

Let’s do it again this Sunday…

Hype

I won’t insult your intelligence with more Easter hype. You know it’s a big day! You already know the best place to park, the best hour to attend, and the best place to volunteer.

You also know who you should invite. We’ve already had some great Starbucks invite stories. If you haven’t invited someone, you’ve still got a chance. Just hang out in the yard on the beautiful day tomorrow. You’ll find plenty of people to invite. Also, try the parents on your kids baseball team…

As usual, we’ve gone over the top with the planning – however there won’t be any grinders and 50 gallon drums…

Looking forward to seeing you on Easter.

Easter Sunday

In case you forgot, this Sunday is Easter!

Keep in mind that this will be a life-changing day for many people. We all want to play our part in what God could do.

Please park at the office complex next to our building if possible. It is accessible through our parking lot. Your next option would be to please park as far away as you can. This will help with our guests, and traffic flow.

Be early! I cannot stress this enough. While we have added a service to spread out the crowd, you will not want to be on time. You will want to be early. I know this is a HUGE change for many of you...

If you are volunteering, please be extra early. Attendees will be early, and we want to show that we are EXPECTING our guests.

Invite at least one person. This is a great chance to get out of your comfort zone. Or if it's in your comfort zone, invite a boatload of people. Invite your neighbor(s), your entire office, even your F A M I L Y! Use your Starbucks card. Use our evite at stonecreekchurch.org.

Middle and High School students need to spread the word about our 10:30 a.m. student service.

We will also have Good Friday communion on - Good Friday. The service will be at 12:00 noon.

Read the resurrection story before Sunday. Try Matthew’s version. Matthew 26 – 28 (Page 690 in your paperback).

SUV

Yeah, I drive an SUV...

...and need an iPhone with a decent camera!

Student Service

Normally, for Easter, our students come to the adult service with their parents. We do realize that students relate to things just a bit differently. I remember as a student how tough life could be.

Because of that, for Easter we are holding a special student service at the 10:30 hour. They will be kicking off a series entitled, "Free." They have viral marketed this thing all over the place. If you have a student, are a student, know a student, or can find a student, be sure you attend the 10:30 hour, and have your student go to the Student Theater. There are some very special things planned!

An Evening With John Eldredge At Stonecreek

I am pumped about April 15th for 2 reasons. Number 1, my taxes are complete! Number 2, John Eldredge will be at Stonecreek.

View "An Evening with John Eldredge" Event Video

Tuesday, April 15 | 7 p.m.
Stonecreek Church Auditorium
General Admission Tickets: $10 each
Tickets available at iTickets.com and Stonecreek Church.

This venue will sell out very quickly. Do not delay in purchasing your tickets.

How Close Are You?

Biographies are important to read. One person I enjoy reading about is St. Patrick. I’m not sure he invented green beer, but who cares. One prayer that I enjoy praying is St. Patrick’s Breastplate. Very effective to place my mind around what lies ahead and how I want to operate.

As we used to say when I was growing up, St. Patrick was a stud. Check out his life. How close are you to being that kind of a stud?

Bad Weather

Had some bad weather at my house. Spent most of the day in the basement. We had a tree break off and land on our deck. Check it out: