Paul CastelliLead where you’re gifted, serve where you’re needed.

What a crazy time it has been. On Friday night I had an awesome worship arts team leader meeting. We have the best Worship Arts team on the planet. The leaders at that meeting are committed, gifted and true servant leaders. If you are looking for a place to serve at Crosspoint check out the worship arts team.

On Saturday Erin and I headed to Orlando for a house warming/Christmas party. However the engine in Erin’s car had other plans. We had the car in the shop last month for the same issue and Volkswagen said after 8 days of work it was fixed. So we had to cut our trip short. The car was nursed down to the dealership on Sunday and awaits a miracle. Its not our car, its God’s car and we are merely stewards. So we will see, right now Volkswagen is trying to weseal their way out of fixing it.

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday. What a day. Pastor Wayne taught an awesome message for our current “Reach”. He laid out a great plan for investing in relationships and pouring into to other people. Check it out at www.crosspointlive.com. My lovely wife Erin shared about what is going on in Crosspoint Kids (our children’s minsitry) and God is changing lives and growing disciples in our kids.

Also the Christmas offering is almost at $10,000. Go God. I believe it will reach halfway before Sunday. Our goal is $25,000 if you haven’t given yet you need too, don’t miss out out changes live in this county, nation and world through the ministries we are partnering with through this offering. You can give here.

We had a number of people step up and serve because we were short handed with some volunteer no shows. Way to go Crosspoint servants. You made life-change possible because you were willing to serve. We also had several people step to become volunteers. There is nothing more rewarding then serving.

Here are few other highlights…

*2 people accepted Christ. AWESOME!!!! Bring the total for 2009 to 102 people folloing Christ this year through the ministry of Crosspoint Church.

*2 people recommitted their lives to Christ. That brings the total for 2009 to 208. Wow, God is great.

*Did I mention the Christmas Offering is only $200 away from $10,000. I am so pumped about that. In the worst economic time in our nation people are still obediently tithing and then sacrificially giving abov and beyond. We God’s people are faithful with their finances, God blows the doors off heaven to pour out blessing, no really check it out Malachi 3:10.

* Christmas Eve is only 10 days away, we will have room for 1000 people. Who are you bringing?

Sunday night was our Small Group Leader’s Christmas Party. Pastor Brad assembled a fantastic group of leaders for this past semester and the next semester crop looks ready to lead. I was truly blown away by all God did in our small groups! The stories of life-change were overwhelming.

We kicked off a brand new series “REACH.” Pastor Wayne did an awesome job teaching out of Matthew 28 about being intentional in our relationships and how to be attentional to those around us.

If you missed it check out the website for the download www.crosspointlive.com

We also add 100 extra seats to each service to make room for more people. Last week we ran out of seats in the first service and with Christmas Eve around the corner we know we need to make room for our friends, neighbors and coworkers, classmates and teammates. I was so thrilled to see those chairs in the service and people sitting in them.

We had two people accept Christ! That means that since January 100 have accepted Christ! That is amazing. Stop and let that sink in 100 people accepted Jesus this year through the ministries of Crosspoint Church in 2009.

And the best part is the year isn’t over. Don’t miss out on inviting people to church this month. The Christmas season is a time when people regardless of their background will accept an personal invitation to come to church.

See you on Sunday for part 2 of REACH!

Great weekend, I got to spend sometime with one of my friends from Clermont on Friday, Date night with my wife on Friday night, spent time with Erin’s family in town from New Orleans, Killer services at Crosspoint on Sunday. Only downer the Giants got creamed by the Saints. So here are some highlights:
* 2 decisions for Christ
* Pastor Wayne taught and awesome message on the practice of finances. Unbelievable, if you missed listen to online, download, pick up a CD on Sunday.
* Rocky did an awesome job leading us in worship. I am so grateful that he is helping us out on regular basis. He has a tremendous love for God and desire to connect people in worship and it flows through him on Sunday Mornings.
* A lot of sickness going around at church, we had a ton of volunteers and people down for the count. Please take care of yourself. lots of Vitamin C and wash your hands regularly, it helps, trust me.
* Halloweenie roast is coming up, it is the best way to reach over 1000 families on Oct 31 simply by giving out hot dogs, cold sodas, and the love of God. The beauty is you don’t even have to go anywhere they come to you. To sign up to be apart of it go to www.crosspointlive.com
* Big things on the horizon for November keep your eyes peeled!