Operation Christmas Child

OK, so it's been a while since my last post. The past couple of months have been a little crazy. But this one is LONG overdue! There are some great things going on at Rock Point and over the next few days I'm going to be highlighting some of them.

I would like to start out with our UpStreet Kids (K-5th grade). First of all, 2 weeks ago we had our largest attendance in UpStreet ever!! I was fortunate to be in there during their time together and the feel of the room was incredible. I want to personally thank our volunteers and staff who make that environment fun and engaging for kids each week. It's fun to see kids WANT to be at church. (I know I didn't when I was a kid).

Also, I was proud of our kids for their contribution to Operation Christmas Child. Each child was asked to put together a box for another child who was less fortunate. It's through Samaritan's Purse, an incredible organization that helps those who are in need all over the world. I was told by our staff that they were hoping for 25 boxes from our kids...which would have been a great number to send. But when the dust settled, our kids ended up bringing 49 boxes to ship off!! That is awesome! Way to go UpStreet Kids! I love seeing God using kids for His work. Looks like they could teach us adults a few things.

Look for a post later on about a few who got to share their life stories recently at Rock Point and other cool stuff that God is doing...

Heath

ELEVATE!

This past Sunday evening at Rock Point we had ELEVATE - a Night of Worship. This evening was an incredible time of worship with our band...an opportunity for those who wanted to experience communion...and a time of corporate prayer for what God is doing in this world, this country and in Chattanooga. I was blown away with the attendance on a Sunday evening as over 200 people came to worship the God of the Universe and celebrate who He is and what He has done in our lives and in this this world. The worship was electric...the communion was moving...and the prayer time inspiring...at least for me.

Also, our Nexus (college) and Fusion (single adults) groups had outings surrounding the evening and by all accounts they were wildly successful! Great turnout and lots of new people. Just our college and single adult crowds had over 60 people present at ELEVATE!

So, for all of those who helped make this night possible...thank you! We had staff and volunteers pull of a very full day to create this environment and I am so grateful for them. I am blessed to be the pastor at Rock Point and I am so excited to see what God is going to do through this church in Chattanooga!!

Heath

Catching Up...

OK, so it has been a few weeks since my last blog post. Please forgive me. But God is doing some great stuff here at Rock Point and I don't want to leave everyone hanging. Since there is a lot to catchup on...I'll cut the chase and get rolling.

* Last week I had the opportunity of visiting with a church in Azua, Dominican Republic with Mark & Beth Newsome. The intent of the trip was to discuss how we might be able to partner with a church in the D.R. in creating a relevant church there. We had some great conversations with the church leadership and had the opportunity to talk pretty candidly about leading a church that desires to reach people instead of keep people. Very excited about the potential future here. Will keep everyone posted as to how things progress. Oh, yeah...the people in Azua are AMAZING! Some of the kindest people I have ever met. I was blessed to be able to spend the week with them.

* This past Sunday at Rock Point was a very memorable one...(OK, so that is like the 3rd time I have used that sentence this year alone). But when it's true, I can't help but say it! In the sermon, Jeff Henderson spoke about "coming out of the shadows and into the light" with areas in our lives that keep us from truly being all that God desires for us to be. At the conclusion of the service we gave people an opportunity to respond on the spot to the message. Several people in both services were bold enough to come down during the closing song to kneel and pray. Very moving for me to watch. Thanks to Jeff and our production team for helping to create that type of atmosphere.

* OK, so this isn't going on right now...but it will be in 2 weeks. We have been planning our second "Elevate - a Night of Worship", and I am so excited about this night. We have incredible worship leaders for this night and also we will be worshipping through prayer and sharing of the Lord's Supper together. So, for a shameless plug...You want to be at Rock Point on October 11th at 6pm! Can't wait to see you there.

Well, that's it for now. Make sure you join us for the conclusion of Illusions this Sunday at Rock Point. 10am & 11:30am are the service times.

See you Sunday.

Heath

Vacation...

Last week I had the privilege of taking my family away for a week to the beach for vacation. It was a much needed rest for us and a wonderful break. If you don't like being around a lot of people I highly recommend going the week before Labor Day. It was a ghost town.

Had a lot of time to think...process...pray. It's amazing what God can do in your life when you stop and rest and allow him to speak to you. One day I actually floated out on a raft for about an hour in the ocean (the kids thought Daddy was headed to Mexico). It was one of the best prayer times I have had in a while. I know...I wasn't in a "prayer closet", but it still rocked.

Anyway, thought I would share a few of the reflections I had while I was down there.

* When God speaks of a day of rest and worship...He means it. Maybe we need to listen to Him more about REALLY stopping each week to allow our bodies, minds and spirits to be rested and refreshed.

* Stress can ruin you. It's amazing how NICE we all can be by removing a little stress from our lives. Get rid of the stress and "cast all of our cares on HIM". He's man enough to handle them! It will change your life.

* Family time is a lost art. Sure, we can justify our crazy schedules with "it's not quantity time but quality time". Although there is a degree of truth to this, extended time with your spouse and children can not be replaced with a forced dinner together or a quick few minutes in the car on the way to school. IF YOU ARE A PARENT...FIND TIME TO BE WITH YOUR KIDS. IF YOU ARE MARRIED...FIND TIME TO BE WITH YOUR SPOUSE. Your family is the greatest gift God has given you in this world. Value it.

* God created a beautiful world. Still can't figure out how some people can think this thing called the world all happened by "accident".

* I love my church! I know because I am the pastor I am supposed to say this, but it's so true. I missed the people...the worship...the opportunity of seeing guests come in. I love the opportunity to create a church where unchurched people want to come. It's such a challenge...but so rewarding!

So, there they are. My random thoughts from vacation.

Well, that's it for now. Have a great week and if you are in Chattanooga, come join us for the conclusion of "5 Things God Uses to Grow Your Faith" this Sunday. You won't regret it!

Heath

Volunteers...WE LOVE YOU!

Now I know we are in Tennessee and it's easy to associate the words "VOLUNTEERS" with that team up in Knoxville. As much as I know some of you would like for this to be the case, that's not who I'm speaking of. I'm talking about the amazing volunteers who jump in to make Rock Point happen every week. You are the backbone of this church. Between setting up (which is very physically taxing)...to welcoming people with a smile at the door...to leading a small group of children or students...to setting up that entire stage (that's right, when we arrive on Sunday morning that stage is bare)...our volunteer teams continually amaze me. Serving is not easy. It does take sacrifice because you are giving up time and energy to make this happen. But you all have caught the vision of this church and realized that creating a church where unchurched people would want to go is hard work...but so worth it. I realize that you don't do it for the pats on the back and the hugs...but I wanted to give you one anyway. So here it is...



Volunteers at Rock Point...you are appreciated and loved! Thank you for all you do and continue to do.

If you would be interested in joining one of these incredible teams at Rock Point, head to our volunteer page on our website to express your interest. A staff member will be with you soon thereafter!

Have a great weekend and we'll see you Sunday!

Heath

North Point Online

OK, so long time since my last post. Sorry about that. Lots of great stuff happening at RPCC the past couple of weeks and has kept me busy. Wow...I'm so blessed to be the Lead Pastor here. More on that later...

For now, I'm going to express my absolute joy about a very cool thing happening with North Point Ministries. As many of you know, we are a part of the "North Point Network" being a strategic partner. This is exciting for us as we not only get to experience great resources from North Point but to know we are part of something greater than just Rock Point in Chattanooga. There is a movement amongst churches all over the country who desire to create a church "where unchurched people would want to attend." We can learn from each other as well as celebrate with each other. So...onto the REALLY cool part of this.

Beginning this coming Sunday, August 16, North Point Ministries is launching "North Point Online". This will be live streaming of the evening service at Buckhead Church in Atlanta, GA. The beauty of this is that people from all over the country...even the world...can experience a relevant church experience from their computer screen. I could go on and on and describe what this will be like, but you just have to experience yourself.

Check out the website here: http://northpointonline.tv/
They also have a facebook fan page with updates: http://www.facebook.com/northpointonline
(I just became fan 3,400)

So get online this Sunday evening and check it out.

Heath

Baptism & Football

This past Sunday was a memorable one at Rock Point. To begin with, we were fortunate to have the entire UTC Football Team join us for our 10am service. It definitely added to the "size" of the service. I loved seeing those guys there and thanks to the FCA guys for helping us get this together. It was a real treat seeing them filling up (literally) the first 3 rows.

Following that we experienced our first live baptisms at Rock Point. If you weren't there, you really missed out on a special moment as each of those baptized videoed their story and we were able to show that before the actual baptism. Fortunately, with the magic of technology and the internet, we're able to show you one of those stories.

Here is the story of Garry Rodgers and his baptism. (Please excuse the focus on Garry at the beginning and the audio following. This was our first time attempting live baptisms and we had a few "hurdles").



What a story...what a privilege to experience that with Garry. Lauren his wife and Jolynn Linder were the others baptized and we'll post those later.

Thanks to all who helped make this past Sunday possible. God is doing great things at Rock Point and I am blessed to be a part of it.

Heath