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Dear Friends,

On Sunday, I shared with you that our dear friend and brother in Christ, Fr. Ron Robertson, was nearing the end of his life. Indeed, in the early hours of this morning, he went to be with the Lord. A dedicated servant of Jesus Christ, he will be missed by so many at Christ Church, and in Peru where he trained leaders in the seminary and ministered to the children in the orphanage.

Vicki and Fr. Ron took their ministry to Peru

The story of Fr. Ron and his wife, Vicki, is a shining example of obedience. Several years back, they felt a calling to sell everything (car, house, belongings), even give away their dog, and go to serve at the Casas Hogares. While there, they suffered the loss of Mama June (Vicki’s mother) and their son, Sean. Then, in the fall of 2009 Ron was diagnosed with cancer and they were compelled to return to the states for treatment. Through these major losses, Vicki and Ron’s faith has shone like a beacon to their friends and family. To know Vicki is to know a Christian woman who trusts God as her Redeemer, without question, in all things good and bad. This morning, just hours after Ron’s passing, she wrote this (excerpted):

Ron’s strife is indeed o’er and the VICTORY has been won. He has gone to be with our Risen Lord and King! Alleluia! I pray that many of you will be able to join us as we CELEBRATE Ron’s life and ministry as a son of God, loving husband, father, grandfather, friend and pastor to some of the Lord’s flock. Tomorrow a new phase in my journey begins. Ron’s Celebration has already begun!

Ron’s memorial service will be Monday, April 4 at 1 p.m. in the Christ Church Sanctuary. All are invited to come and celebrate Ron’s life. Vicki asks that you leave your mourning clothes at home and wear something bright! Also, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Casas Hogares Children’s Home. Make checks payable to: “Amigos del Peru”, and write “Casas Memorial” on the memo line.

“Specialty” Small Groups

Speaking of the church family and how we support one another, here is something to consider. You have heard over the last few weeks just how important Small Groups are to the life of Christ Church and to the spiritual growth of our members.  In an effort to reach everyone in our church and to meet the needs of such a diverse body of individuals, we are currently forming a number of specialty Small Groups.  These groups are still centered around relationships, Bible study and spiritual growth, but with a twist: The members all share a special connection in life.  We are beginning groups for military spouses and parents, retirees, young families seeking “kid-friendly” groups, working women, widows and widowers, young non-married professionals, newlyweds, empty nesters and more.  If one of these groups sounds like a connection you’re interested in, or if you have a niche you would like to explore, please contact our Small Groups ministry.

March Madness

Finally, I’m not sure if you’re an NCAA fan, but thought you might like to know that The Afters’ song entitled “Won’t Give Up” is being used by CBS in a March Madness basketball promo. You can view it here.

Finally, I will see you this weekend for sermon 4 of 5 in our series entitled “Encounters with Christ”. If you are following this Lenten series and would like to dig deeper, go here for our study videos and other materials.

I pray that you are having a Holy Lent.

In Christ,
David+

Dear Friends,

Okay, so what do you do with that?! Really? What is the next step after you have experienced something like we all did over the weekend? Our sermon series took us all right into the heart of a desperately sad woman, a Samaritan woman. Whether you heard Fr. Jason or me outline and unpack this story, you cannot help but be moved by what this woman had gone through. Watch/listen by clicking the image below.

You also heard how Jesus crossed one barrier after another. The cultural barrier. The gender barrier. Old prejudices. He crossed over into the stains and shames of the past.  He crossed the human barrier and got on her level. “Give me a drink”, he said. A drink?  The One who can walk on water or turn water into wine needs a drink?! How can the Son of God be weary and tired from a hard day’s hike in the Judean Valley.

So what do you do with that story? Is it enough simply to hear, to listen, and to give it a second thought on your way home? Kids will start to get hungry. We will have burgers for dinner. Basketball is on. Life goes on. But what about the story? What about the woman? What about you? One blogger online wrote this about the story of the woman at the well. What do you think about that?

In Lent we have an opportunity to stop and think a bit deeper. We have the chance to reflect on some of the most powerful themes present in the New Testament. How? Join a Small Group. Connect to a Bible study at Christ Church. Click here and simply fill out the contact form and we’ll take the next step. Or contact Fr. Jason Bowman. It’s so easy to get started.

Here are a few things you need to know:

Answered Prayers
The Prayer Experiment is a great tool for many in Lent. It has been a blessing to so many because they have seen God answer prayers…directly. It is not too late to start the Experiment. It is available on the website here. If you prefer a hard copy, check in the Narthex or the literature rack outside The Bookstore.

Lent is Not a Game
Speaking of Lent, do you know what the number one thing Twitterers are giving up for Lent? FACEBOOK!  Here is the list of the top 100 things people have tweeted that they’ve given up. Is your “sacrifice” on the list?

Lenten discipline...or a game?

The danger of making a list like this is that Lent and the practice of abstinence turns into a contest of wills, in a sense. It becomes “dueling disciplines.” But we need to keep in mind that the reason to give something up is to redirect that time and attention to the things of God. If you have given up chocolate, great. But if that hasn’t re-focused your mind on Christ, it turns into a game.

Lent is not a game. It is a gift — the gift of a re-focused attention on the things of God.

Owing Less and Less
Now that the pledge period is over, the giving phase of the Renew campaign is in full swing. Soon, we will publish a sharply declining principal balance, and it will continue to decline over the next two years. Some months it will drop precipitously. Other months, only a little. But every month we will see what it feels like to owe less and less. Again, as I mentioned last week, “TGIF!”

Our debt is already declining!

Speaking of Renew, I was over in the Archgate Building this morning visiting our Youth Ministry. Things are hopping over there. They are planning a senior graduation moment (about 22 of them), a Confirmation banquet in May (about 60 of them), a busy summer for your kids, and much more. Likewise, Children’s Ministry is planning an Easter Celebration, a VBS, a 4^th-5^th grade retreat to Sky Ranch…and the list goes on and on. If your children are not involved in our student ministries, I implore you to check them out. Our staff is offering great opportunities every single week for your student to build the foundation for a lifelong faith.

Confirmed
Finally, if you are an adult who is ready to take the next step in your faith walk, I invite you to consider being Confirmed. This is a Sacrament of the church that is administered by a bishop to baptized Christians who are ready to make a public statement of ownership of their faith. To learn more, visit here or contact Fr. Clint Kerley for more information.

I look forward to seeing you here this weekend.

In Christ,
David+

Dear Friends,

A few years ago I invented a new way to use the famous initials TGIF.  I hope I did not violate any copyright laws, but I turned the famous restaurant name (and modern celebratory phrase) into a catch phrase that we use on staff all the time: Testimony to God’s Incredible Faithfulness.

Can you find me?

Last Thursday was a TGIF moment for us all.  We were able to announce in this fun announcement video that we had raised (in pledges) $5,267,872!  (Look closely and you will see me standing on the giant comma right after the 5!)

What a great joy it was for me to say again, as I have done several times over our 25 years together, that we have come together as a family of faith and committed to our future in this extraordinary way.

I have reflected on this number quite a bit in light of our total need of $5.2 million. Do you realize how much of God’s math is involved here?  Think of it: Hundreds and hundreds of families prayed and prayed and, over a period of about two weeks, turned in pledges that totaled almost exactly our need. See what I mean by TGIF?

Thank you to all who became a part of this campaign. Our finance office will be in touch with you soon with a confirmation of your pledge and instructions on how to begin giving. I want to be clear about one thing, though. Your gifts will go directly against the principal on our note. That means that if you give on a Sunday, it will be at our bank taking off the front end off our note by Friday. So, if you can, give early, give generously, and don’t forget to give thanks for God’s incredible faithfulness to Christ Church and to your family.

May I say also that many families have yet to pledge. Please come on in! It is a great feeling to be part of a movement that will actually leave our children something that is free and clear. If you want to make a commitment to “Renew” and join the rest of the congregation, go here to pledge online.

God’s Will in Disasters
This part my letter today is not happy news at all. We have seen some incredible pictures over the last week coming out of Japan. I have never seen anything like it before. It is deeply sad and troubling, and our hearts go out to the people of Japan and their families.

Our staff has recommended ways for our church to safely give to solid Christian ministries that are doing vital work. We recommend the ministry of Samaritan’s Purse (led by Franklin Graham) and the Anglican Relief and Development Fund. Either organization (or both) would be worthy recipients of your outreach ministry funds. Both of these ministries will represent the Gospel of Jesus Christ in their work and outreach to all who have fallen victim to this calamity. Visit our website to begin your donation.

One more thing about this tragic event: Disasters like this always bring up a serious issue about God, His Goodness, His Power, and His Will.  I addressed these issues directly in this morning’s teaching at On Point. If you click here, you will go directly to an audio recording of my teaching on God’s power and sovereignty. The lesson is not produced in a formal way but it will give you a sense for how I addressed this vexing issue. It is 32 minutes, and it provides answers to questions that you may hear people asking as they watch the news.

Holy Land Trip Canceled
Speaking of world issues, Fran and I regret that we have found it necessary to cancel the Holy Land Trip that was scheduled for this October. We thought it best, given the unrest in the Middle East. When/if the trip is rescheduled, we will let everyone know.

Lenten Series
I thought Fr. Jason Bowman did a great job this past weekend of beginning our Lenten sermon series. This week we will look at

"Encounters With Christ" is underway.

how Christ Encountered the Woman at the Well (John 4). This is not just an historical meeting that took place in the pages of the Scriptures. God is actually teaching us how to be healed from the heartaches, hurts, and hard times of the past. As I have started to study Jesus’ encounter with the woman, I have been amazed and blessed to see a woman who was first full of shame and then healed and blessed by the Master’s touch.

Please pray for me as I unpack this incredible saga of grace and truth. It will apply to each one of us. I’ll see you this weekend for the second sermon.

In Christ,
David+

Dear Friends,

Every week I see greater and greater reasons to give thanks to God for His faithfulness. When we put together our plan to raise the focus on our kids and free the church from our debt, I knew it would take the participation of everyone to accomplish it. And it is…and it will. There is no single person…or group of people…that is going to be able to do this huge thing alone. In fact, it will take the dedication of hundreds and hundreds of people.

Will you be one of them? Two days from now, on Thursday, we will send a special edition of The Call to announce the grand total that has been pledged. Ideally every single family will be represented in that total. Then, over the next two years, we will watch our debt shrink and give thanks that our church stood together and did an amazing thing.

So if you have not made your pledge, please click the button to the right and pledge now. Alternatively, you can simply email your intentions to Stacy Mading and indicate the details.

Remember what we are trying to do: Raise $5.2 million in pledges to be paid over two years to completely eliminate our debt and put back into our annual budget nearly $400,000 in interest and principal costs. Let’s make it happen. Pledge now.

Speaking of our focus on kids…

Discovering Communion

2nd graders burning palms for Ash Wednesday

Over 30 of our 2^nd-5^th graders celebrated their first Holy Communion on Sunday, Feb 27. During the prerequisite Communion Discovery class they acted out the Liturgy in costume, participated in review games, and cooked unleavened bread. Here is a photo of our current class burning palms from last year’s Lenten season to make ashes as they learned about Ash Wednesday. The last session wrapped up instruction time with an Altar visit and tour of the Sacristy. It was an introduction to an important sacrament in our faith. The next class is this fall, so if you’d like to have your child participate, contact Angela Rotello in our Children’s Ministry.

First Communion Class - Spring 2011

Volunteer for VBS
I know that so many of you look forward to our annual Vacation Bible School (VBS). Christ Church has traditionally had a tremendous VBS, and we want this year to be equally great. If you can volunteer, let us know. VBS is a great way to make a lasting contribution to the next generation of “world changers”. Volunteer here.

Lent begins at sunrise tomorrow.

Lenten Encouragement

Lent begins tomorrow at sunrise. You can see all the resources that Christ Church has for Lent here. But I’d especially like to encourageyou in these three areas:

a.  The Prayer Experiment: This will change your life. It really will. I can remember putting God to the test, so to speak, with a series of prayers that I offered over a period of 40 days. I cannot begin to tell you the change in me, my faith, and the outcome that I experienced. If there are areas of your life that need attention, Lent is a great time to focus on them through prayer. Begin Prayer Experiment.

b. Sermon & Video Teaching for Small Groups: We are preparing sermons and accompanying videos, outlines and study guides that will help you delve deeper into the Scriptures and grow richer in your faith. If you are in a Small Group, go for it. If you are ready to connect to a Small Group, contact Fr. Jason Bowman.

c. Fast: This is a huge area for us to grow in. When we deny ourselves (yes, you read it correctly: DENY) we become more in touch with our “creatureliness” and God’s holiness than at nearly any other time. Personally, I am tired of the constant inhalation of food and drink and resources, etc. I look forward to a time of fasting and doing without for the sake of getting in touch with the One that I cannot be without: my Lord.

I will see you tomorrow at Ash Wednesday services: 7 a.m, 12 noon or 7 p.m.

In Christ,
David+

P.S. Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 13. Remember to set your clocks AHEAD one hour!

Dear Friends,

We have done this many times before but I never had such good news to announce. I hope you were there for it, but even if you missed it, let’s give thanks for what God is allowing us to see in our church. Here is a summary of what I said last weekend at all services:

1. Our church is committed to a bright future where we will elevate our children and youth ministries and provide the resources they need for an effective ministry.
2. Our church has a long-standing commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ. Remember, we buried a cross and a Bible (opened to Matthew 28:16-19) in the foundation of our Chapel and our Sanctuary.
3. We have completed the round of building that we set out to accomplish 22 years ago. We have been paying on a mortgage for 22 years and it is time to eliminate it.
4. Every dollar given for the Renew for Our Future campaign will immediately reduce the principal by that amount.  The more we give and the earlier we give, the more money we have for ministry and mission.
5. I am asking EVERYONE in our church to participate and become part of the effort to eliminate our debt. In two years or less, I want to have a mortgage burning party at Christ Church and I want EVERYONE to attend!

These things are known to us…but I have learned to reiterate them many times in my efforts to promote the campaign. I have learned to reiterate them many times in my efforts to promote the campaign.

Sunday’s big announcement was to show how many of our leaders have gotten behind this. The level of advance commitments was huge: 162 of our leadership families had already pledged $3,600,000! The gasps at the earlier services and the applause at the latter two were proof positive that God had truly inspired His people.

And now…for the rest of the story. It is time for the rest of the church to get on board. We had a great response on Sunday, but we still have a long way to go to reach our $5.2 million need.

Here is what I am asking every family to do:

1. Decide that you want to be a part of this great effort to free the church for more ministry.
2. Pray about how God can allow you to give what you really want to give. Agree on it with your family and give thanks to God that you are going to be a part of a very important part of the Christ Church story and the work that He does here.
3. Then the rest is easy. Choose one of the following:

a.  Fill out a pledge card (you should have received one in the mail last week). Mail it to: Christ Church, 4550 Legacy Dr., Plano, TX  75024 or drop it by.

b.  Pledge online! Go here and use/create your account.

c.   Pick up the phone and call 2972-618-0222 or email Stacy Mading in our finance office and tell her what you intend to do. And remember, if you are at least 70 ½, you may be able to make tax-free contributions from your IRA. Go here for details.

d.  Bring your completed pledge card to church this weekend. We will have a formal and final “ingathering” at each service.

When I was a child, my family loved puzzles at Christmastime. My mom is a puzzle whiz and would sometimes stay up to way past midnight putting one together. As we grew old, my sister and I started to get the hang of it. One Christmas, I decided that I was going to be the guy who got to finish the puzzle. As we were racing to finish it one night, I took a few pieces and put them in my pocket. I planned that when the others were done…that’s when I would come in and do my part. I know what you are thinking and you are right: That’s just wrong!

So, don’t be like me! We need for everyone to get in the game and make this happen. No waiting to see what everyone else has done. As I said above, at the end of the campaign, when all the giving has been done and all the debt has been paid off, I sincerely want to everyone in our church family to be able to celebrate what God has inspired and allowed us to do together. I want YOU to be in that number, so please get your pledge in asap. We are in the final stretch.

Lent Begins March 9

Lent is a time of reflection and repentance.

This Sunday is the last Sunday before the season of Lent. I will have a lot to say about the Gospel this weekend and the journey that we can be on together during this season. Lent should never be a “busy” time…but it should be full of things that Christians can do to deepen their walk with the Lord. Indeed there is. Go here for more.

During Lent I will be preaching on some of the greatest encounters that Jesus had with the men and women of the Gospels. These stories are very deep and very powerful, and they deserve our full attention and discussion. The staff has produced a video series featuring some in-depth teaching by Fr. Jason Bowman. These videos accompany the sermons and are intended for use by Small Groups. If you want to join a Small Group, even if only for the season of Lent, please go here to get started.

Also, remember that Ash Wednesday (March 9) is one of our 25^th Anniversary “Invite Nights”—a great opportunity to help a friend discover worship at Christ Church.

Invest in Marriage

Shaunti & Jeff Feldhahn: Authors & Speakers

Finally, there is still time to sign up for the Wired Couples Conference this weekend. Check it out here. You won’t regret the investment of time.

‘See you this weekend.

In Christ,
David+

Dear Friends,

If you had seen what I saw on Sunday morning, you’d be over the top. They were everywhere! They were coming off the big “Disciple Now” weekend that they do every year about this time…but this year they broke the record books. A total of 175 students, 150 adults, and 25 Bible study leaders orchestrated an amazing weekend for our youth…and they accomplished 20 mission projects! Here is the picture of the group, and it speaks volumes. View more photos here.

Christ Church Youth Ministry - Disciple Now Weekend 2011

Renewal
I could not ask for a more vivid illustration of the focus of our Renew for Our Future campaign. Think of how we can reach out and minister to these kids more effectively. I have asked you to think about YOUR commitment to the effort…and now you can actually see how greatly needed your commitment is.

You will not want to miss this weekend. I met with a group of leaders on Sunday evening at our occasional “Leaderboard” meeting. I have asked them to make early pledges and they have already begun to respond. This weekend, I’ll tell you what their early commitments are, but right now I can already tell you that they are committed to Renew for Our Future. Until this weekend, please continue to pray and keep your heart open to how God would call YOU to respond. When you are ready, you can fill out your pledge card and bring or mail it back (it’s in the mail to your right now) or, you can make your pledge online.

By the way, for those of you who have reached 70 ½ , did you know that you can make tax-free gifts from your IRA? Details here.

In the meantime, here are a few things you need to know:

Showing the Ropes
Our children’s minister, Jon Lyon, reports that Fr. Jeff Rawn accompanied GAP45 on an outing to Exposure Rock Climbing on Friday, February 11 and literally showed 4^th and 5^th graders and volunteers the ropes. It was a fantastic time of fun, fellowship and outreach for the kids and their families. 37 people of all ages showed up to challenge themselves on the indoor rock climbing walls. I’m told both kids and parents had a great time. If you have a 4th or 5th grader, please know that GAP45 meets Wednesday nights at 6:30, and we would love for your student to join us anytime. For more information, contact Jon Lyon.

Lent: Reflection and Repentance
The season of Lent will begin this year on Wednesday, March 9 (Ash Wednesday). Lent is a time of reflection, repentance and fasting that prepares disciples of Jesus Christ to celebrate His

Lent begins March 9

glorious resurrection. Lenten observance is rooted in the 40 days that Jesus spent in the wilderness. Believers throughout the ages have found spiritual renewal and direction from this special period of focused meditation upon their lives, especially upon their sins. We now continue this honored tradition of setting aside the time between Ash Wednesday and Easter morning in order to dedicate ourselves to Christ, reflect upon our lives, and repent of our sins. The staff and I will provide Lenten resources for you and your Small Group that include a Lenten sermon series, a video study series, corporate fasting, our traditional Prayer Experiment and more. Look for details starting this weekend.

Invest in Your Spouse
We are presenting an incredible opportunity for all married couples. The Wired Couples’ Conference is coming up March 4-5 and there is still room for you to sign up. The speakers have written one of the best books on understanding your mate that has ever been written. I commend their books to you…and I commend the whole weekend to you as well. Get the details and sign up here.

A Word to Men About Marriage
Speaking of marriage, I was teaching On Point this morning and included a statement about marriage from John Piper. In outlining the role of a husband in a Christian marriage, he speaks about marriage. I read this to the men and for many, it was very powerful. Several of them asked me for a copy, and I am glad to include the link to the sermon here. But read what he says about the role of the husband in the life of a marriage:

Leadership means we must take the lead in reconciliation.  I don’t mean that wives should never say they are sorry.  But in the relation between Christ and his church, who took the initiative to make all things new?  Who left the comfort and security of his throne of justice to put mercy to work at Calvary?  Who came back to Peter first after three denials?  Who has returned to you again and again forgiving you and offering his fellowship afresh?  So husbands, your headship means: Go ahead. Take the lead. It does not matter if it is her fault. That didn’t stop Christ.  Who will break the icy silence first?  Who will choke out the words, “I’m sorry, I want it to be better”?  Or: “Can we talk? I’d like things to be better.”  She might beat you to it. That’s okay. But woe to you if you think that, since it’s her fault, she’s obliged to say the first reconciling word.  Headship is not easy. It is the hardest, most humbling work in the world.

I look forward to seeing you all this weekend.

In Christ,
David+