For those of you not scrambling for last minute gifts, slaving over a hot stove or trying to get a last minute prescription to calm your sugar-filled, present crazed kids down…here are some reflections on our first 3 Christmas Eve services yesterday…2 more to go today @ the Loudonville Campus at 5 & 7 pm…

We kicked it off at the Wooster Campus in their new facility…all I can say is WOW! They are not fully done with renovation yet, but the auditorium was amazing. (Their lighting system is actually better than the Loudonville Campus…for now!) A little competition is always good right? (And a recent capital campaign that made it possible to buy new toys didn’t hurt either). Their main areas are coming along and have a great feel as well. A special guest appearance by Mark Usher who is one of the state’s best guitar players was just outstanding! The creative arts teams and band did an amazing job leading us into worship. The entire teams there ran like butter. Great job to all involved!

The best news is 200 people showed up and at least 15, maybe 20 people gave their lives to Christ yesterday. That’s why we do what we do, and why we all worked so hard to have a space where the gospel could be told in a way that reaches across time and space to the core of a person’s heart. That is the payoff!

We also had 2 services at the Loudonville Campus last night, and as always our teams were outstanding. With around 600 already who participated in worship yesterday, we are off and running with 2 to go! Our new lights and set-up for the Trans-Siberian opening song (don’t be late!) was outstanding.

Highlights of the services (I don’t want to give it away too much) were: Trans-Siberian Orchestra, a soprano sax solo by Dan Knight, a Goo Goo Dolls Special, candlelight communion and singing, along with a really special element in the message, and as always, just getting to fellowship with all of you is amazing. Special thanks to our Xtreme Kidz team and Hopeland for dealing with the longer services with crazed, wild-eyed kids! Side note: please be in prayer for Sandy Humphries (Xtreme Kidz Director) who went into surgery to remove blood clots this AM at the Cleveland Clinic. She is an amazing, special person who has been through so much lately.

The best part last night was the fact that God showed up as he always does. Just like the night so long ago when Jesus came to earth to save us–several people accepted the gift of Christ at our services last night. I will never get over rejoicing when people enter the Kingdom of God. The pay-off to all the hard work of presenting the gospel in a relevant way to reach all generations.

Another amazing pay-off was the food brought in by our volunteers for the arts teams…thanks so much!

And of course, my Assistant Vicki, whom I could not do ministry without was a great highlight as she was a huge leader in making so many things happen behind the scenes! She is amazing.

Thanks to all our staff and volunteers for your heart and passion in serving Jesus!

There’s still time to pick up the phone and invite those you know need a touch of the Savior…I’ll see you tonight @ 5 or 7 pm.

Ohhhh…and I am dreaming of a White Christmas…got a little last night, so let it snow! (After the services of coarse!)

Merry Christmas!