Pleased as Punch with our Church

Last night as I was just commenting to the Executive Leaders of ALC about my feelings of where the church is at, Jeff (Knowlen, Director of Worship) said I should blog it. I thought that was a great idea, so here it is.

Though the church could be at a better place financially and reaching more people, I am pleased as punch (is this a southern colloquial expression?). I love how our church is organized with the executive team that has taken ownership of their church. They are passionate about reaching the churched and unchurched with a relevant message from the Word that will transform lives. We truly work as a team with each part giving something that the others lack.

Our leaders (heads of ministries, we meet monthly) that serve the Lord and the church are doing an outstanding job. They are onboard with the vision and have stood firm with us to serve God, the church, and those that need a church home. I thank them for making our church operate with excellence.

Our church services and messages are the best ever. The services are prayerfully prepared to be the best they can be. We let each other know if we are missing the mark and try to make constant improvements. I certainly enjoy the preparation and style of the messages now. I believe that people are able to receive and retain more of the Word of God because of keeping relevance in the forefront. You know that Jesus was very relevant in His messages using stories that connected people to the spiritual principles.

Our worship is certainly vibrant and impacts us to open our hearts to the Lord. We are enjoying having some new faces on the team as well as those that have been with us for decades using their awesome talents to allow the church to worship God fully.

Another thing that I am pleased as punch about is our newly ordained Pastor -- Pastor Ted Marsh. What a faithful minister and blessing he is to me and all of us at ALC. He is stepping up to the plate and knocking it out of the park. We constantly hear of the impact he is making on the church and those outside the church. He is gifted in connecting with people in a way that they open up and respond to him. Many have been invited to church and some have come. We are only beginning to see the grace of God operate through Pastor Ted and his wife RaeJean. She is now starting Financial Peace University. This will totally transform many lives, marriages, and finances.

Speaking of Pastor Ted, you should see the incredible float he is making right now. It will be used in the River Falls parade this Friday at 6:30pm. You won't miss this huge western covered wagon that the music team will be on. It is awesome. Pastor Ted is incredible at this type of creative building. Hey, come on out and be in the parade with us, too. Hand out candy and let people know you love your church and they can be a part of it, too.

Well, I am pleased as punch with all God is doing here at ALC. See you at the Yippee ki yaa parade.