Steven Gibbs

Turn in Man Card

Grace Stories

Three Month Tithing Challenge

Dave of Revive Clip

Men's Retreat

Men's Retreat Vibe

Took One For The Team

Yes, I was soaking wet. It was cold. People had fun at my expense. They laughed, I cried, but in the end we had a blast.

New Series

For the month of June, we will launch a new series. We'll cover the book of 2 Corinthians, as we discuss what kind of reflection we are! Some of us reflect like a rear view mirror (objects are closer than they appear), while others reflect like a carnival mirror in the fun house. Don't miss it.

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…

New Series

We are starting a new series this weekend on Work. Our jobs are intended to be more than the 9 to 5 grind. Don't you wish you KNEW you were working how God intended?

Everyone has to work, in some form or another. The title for this week’s message is, “I Hate My Job.” This series should change the way you think about what you spend most of your time doing - working!

Quick Heads Up

Alpharetta will be having their annual marathon that will be moving south from Windward to Alpharetta this Sunday from 7 am to 1 pm. You will need to allow for extra travel time. The affected roads that will have the greatest impact are Windward Parkway and Hwy 9. The race should by through our area by 10:30, but anyone traveling north on Hwy 9 or 400 from Roswell/Alpharetta should plan on allowing additional time.

Also here is a link to the marathon for more information:
http://www.alpharettamarathon.com/index.php

For the map, click here.

If you are stopped by marathon personnel, just tell them that you are following God's map...

Dang!

Christmas Eve

We just finished putting out all of the gifts for the kids, and I cannot help but post something about our services tonight. Especially for those of you who were traveling tonight, I want you to get a picture of what happened (notice I did not say, what you missed!). I usually shy away from hyperbole. Let me say, it was incredible. Below is a blow-by-blow account of the night. It’s long, but worth it…

• I told you to be early. Did you listen?
• 4:00 service was the largest one-service attendance in our history. Thanks for those of you who came, and left, and came back again at 5:30. Double thanks to the hundreds of you who sat in overflow. God already told me you get a double blessing (smile).
• Did I mention I said to be early?
• 5:30 wasn’t far behind in attendance. I know, I know, you have never seen me post anything on attendance. It feels funny even writing that. But I wanted you to feel what we felt.
• Dancing Santa was a hit with the kids. Too many people laughing.
• Dave Smith knocked out the opening song. If you missed it, sorry.
• The light video really captured the moment. The scripture verses on light helped set the stage for the “Light” series finale.
• The opening number, “O Come Let Us Adore Him,” with the 50 gallon drums, and grinders, the sparks, the light, the protective glasses, and … well, if you missed it, it was a once in a lifetime event. But don’t feel bad…really.
• The carols rocked.
• I’m not sure how the offering was (smile). I’m sure it was great. I did hear there were ALOT of $1 bills…
• I heard that during the message someone recited the Christmas Story – Luke 2:1-20. Is that possible with kids squirming and adults stressing? Did anyone catch the word I misquoted?
• It was the BEST rendition of Silent Night I have ever heard. Chase Crandell KNOCKED IT OUT OF THE PARK! I loved the way his voice blended with Ken Murphy’s on the 2nd verse.
• Candle lighting is always meaningful. My favorite part of the night was walking down the aisle, lighting candles, and saying Merry Christmas to so many people that I have gotten to know over the year. What was your favorite part?
• My wife and I want to know, why do men spit, and women don’t?
• Big shout out to Matt Brogden, Ken Murphy, and Mark Brown who made it happen tonight from a production standpoint.
• Lynn Miner, Ryan Martin, Jason Howard, Angela Cole, Kelly Matthews, Cindy Graves, Robyn Cavins, Christy Brogden, Cindy Tuttle, Lori Turgeon, Lisa Lockwood, Jennifer Elwood, and Monica Boyd. You never get enough credit. You rock.
• Thanks to all of our volunteers. You are the unsung heroes of the movement.
• Don’t forget to check out Dump Your Junk. We’re going to tackle some tough real life issues.

Merry Christmas.

Christmas Begins!

With Thanksgiving clearly behind us, Christmas is here! I know that department stores had Christmas displays up after Halloween, but that’s different (smile).

There are a lot of great things that I love about Christmas – gifts, gifts, and even more gifts. But seriously, one of the greatest things about Christmas is that it is one of the greatest opportunities of the entire year for introducing people to Christ.

People are more aware of what is missing in their lives and they begin exploring the spiritual dimension. That’s why Christmas Eve is a night that almost everybody actually plans to go to church. Sometimes it’s guilt, or just the opportunity to create a family memory. Whatever reason, we are definitely going to give them a reason to come back.

This year’s Christmas Eve services give us the perfect excuse to invite people who don’t realize that God wants to be involved in their lives on a daily basis.

Right now, December 1, begin praying and thinking about that one life that you will bring. Don’t just plan on inviting them – BRING them to Stonecreek. We’ll put some tools in your hand to make it easier.

The entire month of December will offer a special opportunity for us to remember the birth of Christ. We will bring in the season tomorrow with Atlanta's Chorale, New Creation. Be on time, as they are excellent and you do not want to miss this.

Thanksgiving

Well, it is thanksgiving, so it’s probably a good time to actually think of our lives and the good stuff that is going on. These are in no particular order:
• John’s progress. I’ll be updating on him in the next couple of days.
• My marriage. Even with all of the stress we’ve been under, our marriage has made the difference.
• Anna Lee, Ethan, and Bennett. These guys have been the picture of ultimate flexibility during this season in our lives. I could not be more proud of these kids.
• Stonecreek Church. I am blessed to be part of a group of “called out ones” who care so deeply about seeing lives changed.
• Grace. Lately, God has been teaching me about some of the richness of grace, and how it can transform our community. Man, that Jesus dude makes it happen for me.
• My Mom. She has been able to provide stability during the times Debby and I have been away.
• Exercise. Dang, I need more of it.
• Gasoline. Pretty soon I won’t be thankful for it.
• Water. Seems this may be more crucial than we all thought (smile).
• My bible. It has given me some serious comfort lately. Specifically the book of Jeremiah, chpts. 29-33 and Nehemiah.
• Early morning prayer time. I crave time with God like never before.
• Our church staff. These guys are so committed to the vision of seeing lives changed that it makes me get out of bed in the morning.
• Our elders. I have never met a group of more encouraging men. In the ministry, you constantly need that, and these guys get it.
• Christmas at Stonecreek. The month of December is going to be incredible!

Anyway, just a few random thoughts. Be sure you think of things you are thankful for.

Also, check out Ken’s post here on thanksgiving. Hilarious.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Family Meal

My first video blog attempt. Completely filmed and edited by one of my kids!