Today, we finished the series from the first 3 chapters of Colossians called “The Greatest.” The main question is “How much of your thinking does Jesus Christ occupy?” Is He your focus? Is He the source of your passion? A lesser passion can lead us to dishonor God with our lives.

FamJam followed our worship service. It was an incredible service. We have some really talented people in our church. The puppets were hilarious. The motions to the songs were catchy and Kevin’s message really hit home. Our next FamJam will be in March.

Last week we had our Summit Life New Member class. As a result, eight more people have become members of Summit Church. Two have requested baptism. Also, Summit University has gone extremely well. Tonight’s topic is “How to Share Your Faith.” I am looking forward to all that is ahead.

1. Pray that our influence for the Gospel will increase (Acts 1:8).
2. Pray that the character of Christ will be produced in our lives (Romans 8:29).
3. Pray that we will produce much fruit for God’s Kingdom (John 15:7-8).
4. Pray that we will love each other as Christ has loved us (John 15:12).
5. Pray that we will love God with all of our heart, soul and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5)

Yesterday was a tremendous day. Our attendance was good. The music was great and we continued our series called “The Greatest.” Also, last night we had our first Summit University. Approximately 30 people came to learn how to better study the Bible. Next week’s topic will be “How to Discover Your Spiritual Gift.”

Next Sunday, January 23, we will have our Summit New Member Class immediately after the worship service. The class is a prerequisite for membership. Lunch will be served. The following Sunday, January 30, we will have FamJam after our morning worship service. FamJam is a service designed for children and their parents. We will serve lunch after morning worship and then FamJam will begin.

The Downtown Conference Center is a great place to have a worship service. The staff is great. The facility is well kept and unlike the theater, there is tons of light. Also, children’s ministry works so much better at the DCC. And because we have the facility until 2:00, we can do so much more as a church.

Today was a great day! The music was incredible.The volunteers were ready. And most of all, we worshipped the Greatest! The name of Jesus was lifted high. What an awesome privilege to be able to worship our Creator and Sustainer. He is the Greatest!

We also mentioned several new ministry opportunities that we are beginning this year. Here’s a quick summary:

*Summit University begins January 16 from 6:00 until 7:30pm.
*Our first 4th Saturday begins on January 22.
*New Member Class is January 23, after the worship service.
*Our first FamJam in two years happens January 30.
*Super Bowl Party is February 6.
*Women’s Luncheon is February 12.
*Youth D-Now is February 18-20.
*Our first 1 Day VBS is June 12.

This past weekend we had our first Men’s Retreat. It was a blast. I love these guys. The phrase that men are just grown up boys is so true. I look forward to the days ahead.

This Sunday we are going to unveil several new ministry opportunities at Summit. Also, we are going to begin a new series called, “The Greatest.” This will probably be one of the biggest days in Summit’s 3 1/2 years. Make plans to be there and invite a friend.

Well, the long break is over. It’s time to get back rolling. For the first time in a year, I took a Sunday off and it was nice to be just another person at church. My family and I visited Avalon Church down in McDonough. The break was nice but we’ve got a lot to do.

The Men’s Retreat is this weekend and we’re going to focus on three main areas that are vital in a man’s life. If you have not signed up, just e-mail the church and we will add you to the list. This Sunday I will start a new series called “The Greatest.” I am very excited about this series of messages. Also, we will unveil several new ministries that we are going to begin at Summit so you do not want to miss this Sunday. Invite a friend and we will see you at the Downtown Conference Center.

I have thoroughly enjoyed Christmas this year at Summit. The lighting of the Advent candles, the Christmas parties, and our first ever Christmas Eve service made for a very memorable Christmas season. Seeing families standing together reading Scripture and lighting the Advent candles was a wonderful sight.

Our Christmas Eve service was awesome. I love it when we have to bring our more chairs. The music was incredible. Phillip and the band were great and Stephanie’s rendition of O Holy Night was out of this world. Also, for the first time at Summit Phillip and I wore ties.

January 9, will be a big day at Summit. I will begin a series called “The Greatest.” Also, we will share some new stuff we’re going to start at Summit. You will not want to miss this service.

I am a very blessed man. I could not have asked for a better family. Who would have thought that when Stephanie and I met through the mail over 22 years ago that life would have turned out so well. (How we met is a long story that is best left for another time).

We have been blessed with four great kids. Our girls are beautiful like their Mom and our boys are rough and tumble. More importantly, however, they are good kids. They do right. No, they are not perfect but they love Jesus and they try to live lives that reflect that love. There is not a father alive that is more proud of his children. Now, most of the credit needs to go to Stephanie. She is a wonderful wife and a loving momma. I often tell my kids that there are certain things that Mom will do for them that I won’t do. She goes the extra mile for the kids. She does the unnoticed extra stuff for them that doesn’t even cross my simple mind.

At Christmas time and as the new year approaches, we often get reflective. As I think on my life, not everything has turned out exactly as I planned. Some things have turned out better and some not as well. However, life with Stephanie and the kids (19, 18, 17 and 10) is much better than I deserve and I am extremely grateful that God has blessed me in such an incredible way!

We are having our first ever Christmas Eve service at Summit Church. You don’t want to miss this service. It starts at 5:30 on Friday evening. Invite your family and friends!

Today we lit the candle of love. Everyone talks about love but how many people understand what love is really all about. True love is not just an emotion. It is a virtue that produces emotion.

Love is often confused with lust, comfort or self advancement. We love something because it benefits us or it makes us feel good. However, true love as spoken of in the Bible goes beyond this shallow definition. True love is a decision. The Bible describes true love as being patient, kind and longsuffering. The rest of the list is given in 1 Corinthian 13:4-7. If you want to hear more about love and how love should impact our relationship with God and with others then you can go to our website www.summit411.com and listen to today’s message.

I must say that the band was perhaps the best it has ever been. The violin was a great touch. The atmosphere for worship was awesome.

Also, don’t forget the Christmas Eve Service at 5:30 on Friday. You will not want to miss the service. Invite as many of your family and friends as you can.