I am totally pumped about Rocky River Church! I know I say that a lot, but only because it is true. It is especially true right now because we have SO MUCH momentum. You could say, "Big MO is in the house!" Here's a few reasons why - with some scattered thoughts mixed in....

- Our staff and volunteers are really getting "it" done! We have people stepping up to the table BIG TIME to get things done. And remember, "getting things done" at Rocky River Church means that lives are being changed for Christ. That's what we do.

- I think our "VISION" series has been a home run. I've been teaching through the Great Commission Christ gave to the Church in Matthew 28 and about our VISION at Rocky River Church to accomplish HIS mission in our community - and all over the world. People are getting it too! It is awesome to see.

I have realized through this series that what Bill Hybels (the Senior Pastor at Willow Creek Church) says about vision is true; "Vision leaks."

- Vacation Bible School kicks off tonight (Monday, June 21). I know a lot of guys think VBS is outdated and no longer effective. Then you have never been to our VBS We rock some VBS. This year it is called "SUMMER SLAM" and it will be slammin' for sure! http://www.rockyriverchurch.com/vbs

- I'm really digging our website. Mark, Greg, and Steve are doing a GREAT job with that. We still have some things to add, but man, it is really a nice site. http://www.rockyriverchurch.com/home

- We have moved our Sunday services into the cafeteria rather than the gymnasium at Pitts School Road Elementary School. We had to do it last Sunday because the gym floors were refinished earlier in the week. BUT we fell in love with the setup. So we're working on a plan to keep worship there. The atmosphere was great!

- I love the "Next Steps Tent." That was new for us yesterday and the number of Connection Cards we received was WAY up. Think about the "Next Steps Tent" as guest services.

- Our worship at Rocky River has been AWESOME! Erik and the bang are doing a great job! They are really pushing me to do a better job with my craft - and I love it!

- Our building is also creating excitement and some of the momentum we're experiencing right now. Any day now - ANY DAY - we should get the approval on our permits. The contractor and grader and ready to hit the site as soon as those permits are finished. So stay excited!

- Our student ministries are growing too! Travis and The Flood are having as many students on Wednesday nights as we do on Sundays. THAT IS AWESOME! Can't wait for Thirst Camp!!!!!!!

- I kind of saved the best for last. Our people have the right attitude and that is making the biggest difference of all in our church. Our people have a spirit of unity these days - united around the mission of Christ and the vision of Rocky River Church. I'm sure there are little pockets of sulkers (someone is always going to be pouting about something), but the majority of the congregation is TIGHT! So the right attitude is HERE.

Anyway, that's about it for now. Let me close with this. I have a friend names Nikki and this is what she says to her two sons, "BE STRONG, STAY FOCUSED, PLAY HARD, HONOR GOD!" That's my challenge for all of us. Be strong in the Lord, stay focused on His mission, play hard (do life with gusto), and do it all to honor God.

God bless.....
Jimmy