Power of One

Yesterday we kicked off our Stewardship Campaign with our new worship series "Power of One". We looked at "One Spirit" from John 17:20-23, which is the focus verse for our worship series.

"My prayer is not for them [the disciples] alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”

We had a great worship time together and as we gathered together around the Table on Sunday I know I felt as if we were One Spirit -- The Power of One.

Last Tuesday, in preparation for our Power of One Campaign, we gathered all the church leaders (those who could make it) for a time of information, inspiration and challenge. I shared with this group the scripture from Deuteronomy where Moses challenges his people who are getting ready to go into the promised land with Joshua as there leader (in a couple more chapters Moses will die) from chapter 31. I mentioned that Moses doesn't take this opportunity to rehash the hardships, the loses, the struggles, the failings on the part of the people and himself, but concentrates on what the future holds, "Be strong. Take courage. Don't be intimidated. Don't give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He's right there with you. He won't let you down; he won't leave you." (31:6-The Message)

Moses' charge to his people reminds me of Fajitas. If you've ever been to a restaurant that serves fajitas, you know they are supposed to come to the table sizzling. The marinated meat, the onions, the peppers, the oil, all combine to make a fajita, but if it isn't sizzling ... well, it's not a fajita most people are going to want to eat. Moses knows the exciting things God has planned for his people. They've got all the ingredients. He wants them to start sizzling.

As we move into our Power of One Worship Series and Campaign, as we move into the end of 2009 and the beginning of 2010, we've got a lot to celebrate as a church -- First Farragut:

• We project an increase in membership for the first time in 4 years


• We project an increase in worship attendance for the first time in 5 years


• On any given Sunday 35% of our people in worship are under the age of 18


• 60 youth and adult counselors returned from their Spiritual Life Retreat on Sunday. 60!


• We have a great location on the main road in a growing section of West Farragut


• We have a heart for mission giving and are having a deep impact in a number of outreach areas.


• We have a great facility


• We have great, talented, and dedicated leaders and church staff

These and many more make up the ingredients of a fantastic fajita. We've got the oil (the Holy Spirit) coating and holding it all together. Now, with the Power of One -- let's light the flame and sizzle!

Bit: I'm on a diet, but I may have to run to Estelita's for lunch.