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.

Comments

[Jennifer Cook]

The dancing Santa, the Stonecreek Bluemen, the message, the carols were all great! Chase's rendention of Silent Night was nothing less than angelic! Wow!

I'm so thankful to have God in my life and Stonecreek as my home!

Many thanks to you Steven, and to your family, for all that you do for each of us, our church and our community.

Merry Christmas!