Random Thoughts

Just a few random thoughts (some that may lack substance)

• Wow - where to 2008 go.
• 2009 will be the best year yet for CATF. Watch out, we will blow the doors off.
• A pastor from a church in Southwestern Ontario is calling me next week to talk about our journey to joining the LC Network. Glad I get to share what God is doing. That was one of my hopes and prayers - to help other Canadian churches maximize what God can do through them. I knew we would make a difference by being one of the first Canadian churches to network with LC. Come on God -- Use us big time in Niagara Falls and throughout out country. Expand our influence.
• Why did it snow again - did we not get our yearly quota yet?
• I have no idea what my wife and I will do to celebrate New Years.
• Can't wait to celebrate with our CATF volunteers in January. You all are over the top committed. Maybe we all should be committed for our commitment...you'll get my tongue and cheek eventually.
• January 18th - Sabres Alumni charity game. Get your tickets. If you can volunteer to take tickets at the door that day, please let me know.
• Baptism coming up. Let me know if you are ready to take this step of faith.
• Pray for the churches in the Niagara Region. We need to see God work in mighty ways.
• Feeling hungry...what's for lunch?
• My wife is shopping...could be dangerous. Now that I made that comment it will be dangerous.
• This Sunday we will come face to face with the amazing power of God and how he changes lives. Nothing is more important on Sunday at 10 am. See you then.
• Happy New Year

Just a little fun

This is really pretty funny, unless of course you are on Santa's naughty list. http://weswatsonblog.com/?p=273

Hero's

The Hero's of CATF will be honoured this month. If you have volunteered at CATF in 2008 you are a hero and we want you know that you are valued and important. You are making a difference as together we reach people for Jesus. Watch for details this Sunday.

I Love My Church

This Sunday you will see and hear real stories of changed lives that just might change your life. You don't want to miss this.

Christmas Thoughts

• I will be out of the office for the week. Spending time with my wife's family. I hope you will enjoy the next few days with friends and family. I trust you will see God in this Christmas and remember the reason we celebrate. Read the Christmas story (Luke 2:1-20) and praise Jesus for his gift to us.
• Remember to check out lifechurch.tv tonight or tomorrow to watch the Christmas Eve service.
• Here's a little Christmas story that really touched my life. Last Thursday I went over to Walmart and purchased two $25 gift cards and then walked around the store asking God to direct me to two individuals that I could give these cards to. As I searched the store for 20 or 30 minutes I was afraid store security was going to pick me up for walking around and around and around the store, looking up and down aisles for the people that needed this blessing. I finally came across one family and then shorty after, one individual who I thought could use a Christmas blessing. Both had this look of stunned thankfulness as I gave them the gift card wishing them a Merry Christmas from CATF. It was a great experience simply because God made us to be givers and when we give it helps us to reflect a little bit of God into this world. I hope you are able to find creative ways to bless others this Christmas. I was blessed beyond measure because someone gave me the idea to give in this unique way.
• Thanks CATF you are the best Christmas gift a pastor could receive. You have made 2008 an incredible year and I anticipate 2009 to be the best year yet. I am more excited about the year ahead than I ever have been about CATF. It will be a great year.
• I am thankful for my family. My wife and kids have made my life so full and blessed. I could never do what I do without them.
• Merry Christmas to all the great CATF volunteers.

Merry Christmas Church at the Falls. Here's the link to the Life Church Christmas Eve Gathering. Please enjoy and pass along to your friends. See you again on January 4th.

http://www.lifechurch.tv/christmas

Global : Internet Campus
Tuesday
12/23
8:30pm
Wednesday
12/24
1:00pm, 2:30pm, 4:00pm, 5:30pm

Did someone say snow!

Hello Church at the Falls,

Just wanted to say....see you on Sunday. We will be there come snow or more snow. Based on the number of people that will brave todays weather to go shopping, I think we will have our doors open for church. Can't think of anywhere else I would rather be.

God is going to do some amazing things in lives this Sunday. You don't want to miss it. We are going to have an awesome day.

Pray for this next snow system to miss us, slow down or get out of the way.

The Church

Is there anything more important than the Church? This is what the Bible says about the Church.

• Jesus built the church - Would Jesus invest his time building something that we should neglect or find something more important to do on Sunday morning? Matthew 16:18
• Jesus died for it - Sounds pretty important. Acts 20:28
• Jesus is the head of the Church - It's something we need to be part of. Ephesians 1:22, Colossians 1:28
• God communicates his wisdom through the church - God has something for you each week. Ephesians 3:10

Don't fall asleep spiritually.

Free Dance Lesson

Video Update

December 17, 2008 from Brandon Duff on Vimeo.

I Love My Church

Coming January 4, 2009 to a theatre near you.

I Love My Church

A look into the hearts and lives of those impacted by God through the Life Church Network. Will the love of God invade your life? Don't miss, I Love My Church.

Sunday Thoughts

• Today was one of those very solid days.
• One person committed their life to Christ.
• Talked with a couple people after that were blown away by hearing how much God wants be their father and fill the emptiness they may be feeling, because of not having a good relationship with their earthly father. I knew this talk would hit home with many people even those that have decent relationships with their dad. I hope you have found a heavenly father that wants to see you live your full God given potential.
• Thanks to all our hard working volunteers. You bring a big smile to my face.
• Thanks to Jack Martin who rescued my family from a flat tire.
• Thanks to those in our church that are caring for those that are needy in our church. You are the hands and feet of Jesus.
• Thanks for giving regularly. We are getting closer each week to covering our expenses. Thanks to those that are tithing each week, you are trusting God by faith and worshiping him by giving. Thanks for those that are working closer to tithing, keep giving more. For those that aren't I want to encourage you to be part of the great faith adventure. When you give, you pay the the rent, you pay the salaries, you buy the equipment, you buy the bibles, you invest in leadership training, you provide fun place for kids to learn the Bible, plus much more and by doing all this you enable CATF to impact lives.
• It was great to let everyone in on the good news - that is if you were with us today. If you weren't I forgive you. So here it is, one more time (because it's really good news). We are officially part of the Life Church Network of Churches and we are still CATF. So why bother making the commitment? Here are just a few of the benefits, more time for me to invest in our leaders, leadership development for me as pastor, more time to focus on connecting new people at CATF, the privilege of having a world class teacher like Craig on our team (like adding a staff member at no cost), the opportunity to reproduce what we are doing in other communities and the opportunity to be part of a group of churches that is and will change this world. We are ultimately doing this because, somewhere this evening there are people for whom faith is a mystery, life is overwhelming and hope is elusive. There are men and women I don’t even know, some of whom are falling apart, who will connect with CATF or one of the LC network churches / campuses in the next week, their lives will be turned right side up, they will start a life-giving relationship with Jesus and will be on the road to total recovery from the hurts of life. People without hope and without Christ will have become children of God. They will never be the same - for all eternity. That’s why I'm so excited about our new network with LC. Not only for the souls that will come to Christ, but for the followers of Christ that will grow both through what they hear and through serving in a church that is fixated with seeing people come to faith. It's all about life change. With so many churches that are inward focused, we will do whatever we can to be outward focused. Thanks LC - together we will reach 100's, 1000's and millions world wide.
• See everyone next Sunday - if you have to drag yourself out of the house you need to be with us. Let's celebrate together.

Kingdoms

I don't know about you, but I have to remind myself regularly that life is not about me. We have the tendency to set up little kingdoms in our lives, that are off limits to God. Kingdoms like money, tradition, selfishness, unforgivingness, career, possessions, relationships, attitudes, habits, time and more. We guard our personal kingdoms and keep God out, we put our kingdoms ahead of God and we miss what God wants to do in those areas of our life. Not realizing what he wants to do is far greater than what we are guarding. Not realizing that he wants to liberate that little kingdom and make it a great kingdom under his loving care. Let's all let the walls down in our personal kingdoms and give God first place. I know that we will be amazed at what he will do. It takes faith, but so does trusting in yourself. Let's trust God.

Sunday Is Coming

• I'm really excited about this Sunday's Talk. I will be bringing a real helpful talk in the series, He Will Be Called. I think it's something that will touch a lot of lives. Not going to tell you anymore, so you need to be there.
• We have done good so far with our Christmas Giving for deserving families, just shy of $800 has come in to date. I'm looking forward to how we end up after this Sunday.
• I have a great announcement this Sunday.
• It's exciting to hear the stories of life change that have come my way this week.
• Remember, invite friends.

Exciting News

Exciting news, but you'll have to wait till Sunday to hear it. Don't you hate when people do that to you.

Dog House

I have an anniversary coming and I think this video saved my bacon.

Sunday Review

• Snowy days always make for interesting days. Our team rises to the occasion and does a great job.
• Loved the first song the band did, Jay really hit some high notes.
• Enjoyed talking with many of you today. I love to hear your life stories.
• A lot of people made commitments today to seek Jesus and listen to him. The second part is where we all have the problem. Follow him and he will never misdirect you.
• More and more people are committing to tithe and trust God. Exciting to see God at work.
• Hope you read the life story in our Sunday program. It's great to hear about God at work.
• Yesterday I had someone give me tickets to a Leafs open practice, I had no idea they were in a private box. Bonus! It was nice watching my favourite team and enjoying the perks in the box. It was also nice to see the Washington Capitals practice. It was not nice that the Caps beat my Leafs latter that day.
• Looking forward to how God uses us to care for the needs of people that are deserving in our community.
• I was excited to see a local steel company using part of our theatre complex today. Always great to have others get to know where we meet.
• Love how prepared and organized our coffee and donuts are each week. Lynn and Lindsay -- Double "L" do a great job.
• Missed a few of you and hope to see you next Sunday.

Video Message For You

CATF - 12/05/08 from Brandon Duff on Vimeo.

Need A Good Counselor

This Sunday we will get some insight from the Wonderful Counselor, Jesus Christ. In this new series, He Will Be Called, we will look at the powerful life transformation offered by the one whose birth we celebrate this month. Don't miss it and bring someone along to fill a seat next to you. A great percentage of people are eager to be invited to a church at Christmas time. Start making plans to call a friend and invite them this Sunday. The Wonderful Counselor wants to help you with the struggles you face.

Sunday Thoughts

• Great crowd today
• Had Mike and Donna Collins from Village Church, a new church plant in Thorold, visit today with some of their people. They are doing a great job connecting with the community of Thorold.
• Had 4 or 5 people commit their lives to Christ today.
• Lots of people said they want more margin in life. as result the talk today. Margin in finances, time and talent - so they can give it is away as God leads.
• The band continues to amaze me - great talent and humble hearts.
• We finished our series, "How To Be Rich" - I heard so much positive feedback about this series. The truth is, we are all blessed and we need to see ourselves that way and live that way.
• It has been great to partner with Life Church and we will continue to do so with the next series. We are working with LC to make the content more globally focused and really value this relationship. Who knows what God will do in the future.
• Got up bright and early this morning and traveled with the truck and trailer to theatre. Glad I did, I enjoyed doing this along with two of our great servants.
• I am thankful for those that have given to our Christmas Fund - this Sunday we need to blow the doors off it. We want to bust through the $1200 mark.
• Glad to meet some new people today - it was a great day.
• God is at work in people's lives.
• We are on the verge of some great things.
• God will use CATF to touch many lives this Christmas.
• Excited to see many of the "Purpose of Christmas" books were picked up today. I pray that the books are gifted to just the right people.
• Despite the overcast morning, their was an air of excitement that permeated the theatre this morning.
• Can't believe Christmas is just 31/2 weeks away.
• Remember, invite a friend to hear our Christmas series starting next week. It will be great.

Sunday is Coming

Sunday is coming and it will be a great day! Here's some thoughts for you.

• We will continue our series, How to Be Rich - you don't want to miss this final part of the series. It will impact your life like never before.
• You have two more weeks to give towards our Christmas Project - caring for deserving families. We have a ways to go this year and need to see many people step up and give. Last year $1200 was raised and this year so far $170.00. We have one family that we want to care for directly to the amount of about $400. We need you CATF - let's make a difference.
• Pick up a copy of the book, The Purpose of Christmas, this Sunday and give it as a gift - $10 each.
• Friend Day is coming up on December 21 - lets pack the place.
• December 7th we start the Christmas series, He Will Be Called. A life changing look at the one born in the manger over 2000 years ago. Life will never be the same now that Jesus has come - but what difference does the celebration of his birth mean to you? You don't want to miss it and bring a friend along - did I say that already:-)
• Don't forget - please fill out the connection card each week when you gather with us at CATF.

I am so excited about what God is doing through all of you. You are part something that has never been done before in Niagara Falls and we are making both local impact and worldwide impact with the CATF / Life Church partnership. I can see us making huge steps forward as you invite friends and family over this Christmas season.

Thanks for your investment in lives. You are making an eternal difference.

Grace

I have adapted this from http://connexuscommunity.typepad.com/carey_nieuwhof/

I added a few thoughts (the words not in italics)

Why is it we can treat strangers better than we treat the people we know best? Likely because we haven't judged them yet.
That's why so many couples find the early years are the best years - no long history of judgment there. What if we lived every day with our spouse like it was our first date? How about our own kids, why do we judge them with a different standard than our friends kids? Or that co-worker or boss we have worked with for 10 years? Why is it that we can extend grace to those that are down in out in society but not those that are down in out in our own family? What if we gave everyone we knew the benefit of the doubt - the same courtesy most of us would extend to strangers? What if we forgave the past in a way that allowed us to be truly alive in the present? What if we extended grace to those we love most?

Some challenging thoughts for each of us to consider today and in the days to come.

Friend Day

This past Sunday was friend day at CATF. We had 91 people gather together, you are making a difference, you are inviting people, we are growing and if you aren't careful we are going to have to open up some more seats (wouldn't that be a good problem). So you might say, what's the big deal. Well here's the big deal, 2 people raised their hand to accept Christ this past Sunday. That is why we are so passionate about getting as many people out each week. In addition a bunch of people raised their hands to say they wanted, with God's help, to be more generous givers. Lives are being changed at CATF and that's why I keep encouraging you to invite someone to come along.

We have 26 more prayer days until our next Friend Day, December 21. Will you start praying for 2 friends, by name that you want to bring to CATF. I know God answers prayer so I challenge you to pray for your friends, coworkers and family members to attend December 21. My prayer is for 125 people on that day.

Christmas Care

Here is a great article that will give you some cool ways to show care for people at this Christmas Season. Show God's love by serving your community (click on the link).

Sunday Thoughts

• Great but strange day today!
• Couldn't believe our video equipment wouldn't work today....so that meant no teaching video and I had to jump in and teach without any preparation. Not what I was planning on doing today. Pushing play on the DVD player was as far as I thought I might have to go today. I didn't even plan on doing that to be honest. Strange but turned out good.
• Band did great a usual...Jay broke the same guitar string twice...strange.
• Great crowd today. Lots of guests and lots of regulars back in their seats.
• Big group of kids with lots of energy.
• We talked about giving today. Just for the record...pastors are on edge talking about this subject because we all struggle with the love of money. Hope some lives were changed in the area of giving...I believe they were.
• A couple people raised there hand to accept Christ today. That's the ultimate. That's the bomb. That's the big one.
• We could use a few people helping with tear down each Sunday. If you can help for 20 minutes that would be great.
• Did our first child dedication today....it went well.
• We have five people that show up early every Sunday: Terry, Ian, Jack, Julie and Chris. Thanks for your dedication. Not only do each of these people come early for set up, they also volunteer in other areas throughout Sunday morning. In addition to the ones mentioned we have a bunch of other people that roll in during the following hour and they are the stuff that CATF is made of. I have never been part of a church that had a greater group of volunteers. This is how we roll at CATF.
• New series starts on December 7th - "He Will Be Called." A very practical series that will make a difference in your life as you enter the holidays.
• That's all for now.

Here's the link to watch today's message:

Rich Givers from Life Church

See you Sunday

I fully intended to have this video out to you earlier, but had some tech issues.

God is amazing

Got a call this afternoon from some who is part of CATF. They were facing cancer. I say "were" because the test results today show NO cancer. The doctors explanation was that the first test that showed potential cancer must have been wrong. Maybe so, but we serve an awesome God who answers prayer. As far as I am concerned, God healed her and that's amazing. The even greater miracle is the work God did in this person life over the last few weeks, as she learned to trust him during difficult times. That is always the greater miracle!

OLD COUCH - FREE TO A GOOD HOME

Andy Stanley had this to say about churches that hold on to broken church programs and out of date traditions. He used "the old, ugly couch" as an example.

People keep the old, ugly couch – even when they move! It doesn’t even occur to them that they could just leave the couch and walk away. The couch is now filled with memories. They originally bought the couch because it was a place to sit (it had a purpose and was functional). But, over time, they fell in love with the couch. It is not carried with them because it still serves a practical reason…it now has memories attached to it. It is loved. It is cherished. Yet, the average person could walk into your house…and draw very different conclusions!

When we fall in love with programming (how we have always done it), we keep it around even when it no longer serves a function. Over time we all have couches we have got to get rid of. If we believe eternity is at stake, the couches need to go! Identify the couches that need to go. Get them out of the house (the church). Some will protest."But, everyone is in love with the stupid couch!" We must get our leaders to see these things for what they are! Identify the ugly couches in our ministries and get rid of them.

We don’t have time to drag around expensive, ineffective couches!

At CATF we work hard to keep moving out what doesn't work and adding what will work. Gone are the days that a church has tons of programs just because the church down the street has them or because "we have always done it that way". WE are called to be what God has called us to be.

So, what's the old ugly couch that you are holding on to. Let's all leave that couch behind. Let's be mean and lean - reaching and raising up disciples for Christ.

NO UGLY COUCHES ALLOWED!

Friend Day

Hey CATF,

This Sunday is friend day, so do what you can to bring someone along. Pay them to be your friend if you have to. Seriously though, I hope to see some new faces and lots of, not so new faces at CATF this week.

If you haven't hung out with CATF for awhile, why not make the effort to be out this Sunday. It's the best place you can be on Sunday. God has something for you every Sunday.

See you then!

Sunday

• Someone commented that my video blog was really great and there were no spelling errors. :-} Unlike what you will likely find today as you read this. I think my problem is more grammatical, because I do use spell check - honest.
• Very fun day today.
• Great opening song by the band.
• Great life changing stuff happening - people getting bibles in the their hands for the first time, people committing their life to Christ, others asking for prayer and people seeking baptism.
• I loved the interview with "the devil" and Craig - great truth done in a humorous way.
• Great to see some new faces.
• Missed a bunch of regular attenders today.
• Our church will have a part in the Buffalo Sabres Alumni game coming up on January 18th in Fort Erie. We will receive a portion of the funds raised, I will drop the puck at the beginning of the game, our band will provide music and the will sing the national anthems. Fun stuff and a chance to get the word out about CATF. We will have tickets available for you to buy for $5.00 a piece.
• In 3 weeks we will start a series of Christmas Talks - start planning on inviting a friend along.
• Watch for a volunteer appreciation dinner in January for everyone that volunteers at CATF.
• A big thanks goes out to Jack and Chris for trouble shooting our lighting problem today - it was great to see two guys go running out of the theatre the minute the lights went out. I thought they had to go the bathroom! Thanks guys for being a key part of all we do, you are making a difference.
• Thanks to the Host Team, especially Lynn and Roy for placing the pencils in the theatre so you could easily fill out the Connection Cards.
• Thanks for filling in so many connection cards today, I will be praying for you and getting back to those that asked questions.
• Remember to consider what you can sacrificially give to the Project Share Christmas Basket Program - last year we raised $1200.00. Remember, you are rich.

Video Message

Hey Church at the Falls, here's a video message just for you.

Christmas is Coming

As we approach the Christmas season, one of the best times for a church to reach the community, I want to bring a few ideas your way.

• Who can you invite to church in the month of December and then offer to take them out for lunch afterwards?
• Would you consider hosting a holiday party with the purpose of building relationships with neighbours and over time inviting them to church?
• Would you consider buying a $5.00 Tim Horton's gift card and giving it to a friend, neighbour or coworker along with an invite to CATF?
• Would you consider caring for a needy child or family this Christmas and using this opportunity to show the love of God?
• Would you be part of our annual Christmas giving to Project Share, to help deserving families?
• Would you give up some of your Christmas presents and have the money donated to World Vision?
• Get creative at sharing God's love this Christmas season.

Obviously no one person can effectively do all these things, but each of us can do one or two to help put Christ back in Christmas. Would you pray and ask God what you can do?

In addition we want to get the word out to the community about our Christmas series, "He Will Be Called". This will begin on December 7 and wrap up on December 21. Three weeks to get the community to gather with CATF. We will have the invites available on November 23 and 30. In addition we would like to get a billboard up in a prominent place within the city. If you would like to offset the expense of the billboard, please let me as soon as you can.

We are the light of the world - let's shine bright during the Christmas season.

Sunday

• We are using a Life Church series, How To Be Rich. Great stuff! Highly recommend their stuff to any church considering video teaching. I am thankful for the Life Church team, they have really helped me a lot. We wouldn't be the church we are without their involvement.
• I'll be honest the attendance was down today and that discouraged me, especially at the start of this new series. The root of my discouragement is all the great stuff people miss when they don't show up. God has something for us each and every week. It's like God throwing a party for us and we don't show up. No guilt intended...just the facts.
• The band sounded outstanding. Great job - loved the opening song.
• Got to meet some new people today - always love that.
• Also got to share the salvation story one on one with a newer person - praying that he makes his commitment to Christ real soon.
• Thanks for the many words of encouragement that so many have passed our way. Brenda and I love CATF. You are an incredible group of people.
• If you missed this week please take a moment to watch the video, it will get you ready for next week. Here's the link: http://open.lifechurch.tv/apps/preview.php?item_id=1893

Sunday Thoughts

• I am totally sold on leaders being transparent - today really further reinforced that for me.
• I know more than ever that when we are weak, He is strong.
• I felt that today's final message in the House of Blues series really hit home.
• Great to see a few new faces.
• The band did a great opening song and really pointed us to God today.
• Great vibe in the place today.
• I really got pumped up encouraging you to invite people to the next series, must have worked because every single invite card was gone. I've got to get some more printed so I can have some - that's a good problem.
• I am thankful for Terry Pierce, he drives our truck and trailer each week. He also helps me in some little but big things. Every Saturday gets the truck and I will usually get a call and he will say, "Brandon I'm gonna pick up the truck so you don't have to worry about dropping it off". It's one of those little things that just helps out. Thanks Terry for your servant attitude. You always go out of your way to help me.
• I love being part of church where a boy a 12 year old boy can come up to me and say, "race me from one end of the theatre to the other." I want to know how many pastors were racing 12 years olds today? Because we want to take you on.
• Looking forward to next Sunday - thanks for a great day today.

Dear Friends of CATF,
We have an exciting partnership for our next series of Talks starting on November 9th. We will work with Life Church to bring to you, How To Be Rich. Don't worry it's not some get quick rich scheme, but rather it's a clear look on what God says about, How To Be Rich.

During challenging economic times this is your opportunity to invite someone along that may be facing tough times financially or may be looking for security in very insecure financial times. Let's each fill a seat next to us with a friend over the next few weeks. We will also have lots of invite cards for you to pick up this Sunday.

I can't express in an email how much I appreciate working and learning with Life Church. We have a shared commitment to help our churches reach people for Christ and help followers of Christ grow in their relationship. I am so excited to see what God does as we work together to make a difference for Jesus in Niagara Falls and around the world.

Love to hear your feedback as always. See you this week as we wrap up the House of Blues.

The Hands and Feet of Jesus

Here's just an example of the difference we were able to make by donating Kraft Dinner. It doesn't take much to make a difference in someones life. Giving in a tangible way allows a person to know the love of God.

Thank you Brandon for the Kraft dinners. Tonight i dropped some off to 4 men living in an unhealthy situation and most have illnesses. They were very thankful for the food.

Another home with a father and daughter who have suicidal tendencies also received some boxes. They were very appreciative as well.With help like this Brandon we can reach more people in their homes and while there pray for them, talk about the Gospel...and hopefully one day do bible study
classes. The cost to this kind of ministry is cheap but it gets us in to their homes and they see the love of Christ.......please thank your church for me....

What got us here - Won't get us there

What got CATF to the place it is now won't get us to the next level. When I say level, I mean the next level of reaching people and seeing people grow in their faith. As leaders we are wrestling with what is next. Don't worry it will only get better because we are listening to God. If God says it - we will follow it. Following God means building his kingdom, not our own.

• Part of the change will be myself growing as a leader - I can only take you where I have gone.
• Another part will be changing some of the stuff I do - allowing me greater focus.
• Another part will be partnering with a larger church that has already done what we need to do.

I know this will be good - because I am excited already. I know it will be good because it is God that is leading us.

Exceptional Sunday

I'm not sure what sets one Sunday apart from another but today was an exceptional day. (It's late - I'm tired - please excuse my spelling and grammar)

• Great music again today. Loved the opening song.
• I felt especially in the zone today when teaching. I hope it was helpful. I realize more and more that what I share on Sunday helps me more than anyone. I love that!
• There was a light hearted attitude among our people today. It's good when we can laugh while dealing with a tough subject.
• I am amazed at the incredible commitment our our people.
• We had some first timers today and a few people who I hadn't seen in a little. God was clearly drawing people in to CATF - it's no accident. Talked to one person that wants to get connected with some other Christians. Pray that he follows through.
• Had someone at church today that was close to death just a couple weeks ago, but through prayer he made it through. So glad we have an amazing God.
• My mic broke this morning about 1 hour before church. I hate using a hand held mic. Thanks to a helpful church in St. Catharines we were able to borrow a mic. Jack Martin ran over to Harbour Fellowship Church and got back at about 10:05, just in time to get things set up for me. Everything worked great - thanks Jack.
• One our our people said to me, "I can't wait till Sunday comes around, I love CATF." That made my day! Thank you.
• I am thankful that my wife and kids make huge contribution to CATF. That makes my job so much easier.
• Glad to see some excited kids in Kidmo.
• Glad to see our Host Team Leader, Lynn Graham welcoming the parking lot clean up man in for a coffee. That's showing God's love.
• We collected 219 boxes of Kraft Dinner for local foodbanks.
• Terry Pierce loves to serve our church by taking on jobs that just need to be done.
• Thank you Debbie and Mark Wright for getting right out after our gathering to greet people as they leave - yes I notice this and it means a lot.
• There are so many others I could mention - can I just say Thank you so much - God knows the investment you make.

Psst - want some inside news

Can I give you some inside news?

Mark November 23 and December 21 on your calendars - on each of these days we are asking you and your friends to be at Church at the Falls. I believe with all my heart that CATF is one of the best kept secrets in Niagara Falls (I hope you agree) and we want you to get the word out. Make sure that friends who attend regularly are out on these days. Make sure that friends who attend occasionally are out on that day. Make sure that friends who don't attend get an invite. Maybe plan a lunch out after as a way connect further with one another. Either way we want those two days to be big days.

Are we doing this just to say we broke an attendance goal - no way! We care about people and we know that the truth of God can be found at CATF and we want as many people as possible to hear about Jesus. We also know that it encourages each of us when we have a bigger gathering. We also know that we all need incentives to encourage attendance. Let's make Jesus famous in Niagara Falls! After all he did create that little drip of water we call the Falls (sarcasm). He deserves more applause than his creation does.

So start praying for people who have been absent to be out that day and for new people to feel welcome to be with us that day. I'm excited about what we all will accomplish that day. God wants to change lives - are you in the game?

P.S. If you are someone that has been absent for awhile make sure you are with us on these two great days. No guilt intended:-) We miss seeing you.

Amazing

OPEN ARMS
by Max Lucado

How do you think God can use you to help change the world?

If you ever wonder how in the world God could use you to change the world, look at the people God used to change history. A ragbag of ne'er-do-wells and has-beens who found hope, not in their performance, but in God's proverbially open arms.

Abraham- God took what was good and forgave what was bad and used "old forked tongue" to start a nation. Moses- would you call upon a fugitive to carry the Ten Commandments? God did. David- his track record left little to be desired, but his repentant spirit was unquestionable. Jonah- God put him in a whale's belly to bring him back to his senses. But even the whale couldn't stomach this missionary for too long.

On and on the stories go: Elijah, the prophet who pouted; Solomon, the king who knew too much; Jacob, the wheeler-dealer; Gomer, the prostitute; Sarah, the woman who giggled at God. One story after another of God using man's best and overcoming man's worst.

The reassuring lesson is clear. God used (and uses!) people to change the world. People! Not saints or superhumans or geniuses, but people. Crooks, creeps, lovers, and liars?he uses them all. And what they may lack in perfection, God makes up for in love.

Jesus later summarized God's stubborn love with a parable. He told about a teenager who decided that life at the farm was too slow for his tastes. So with pockets full of inheritance money, he set out to find the big time. What he found instead were hangovers, fair-weather friends, and long unemployment lines. When he had had just about as much of the pig's life as he could take, he swallowed his pride, dug his hands deep into his empty pockets, and began the long walk home; all the while rehearsing a speech that he planned to give to his father.

He never used it. Just when he got to the top of the hill, his father, who'd been waiting at the gate, saw him. The boy's words of apology were quickly muffled by the father's words of forgiveness. And the boy's weary body fell into his father's opened arms.

The same open arms welcomed him that had welcomed Abraham, Moses, David, and Jonah. No wagging fingers. No clenched fists. No "I told you so!" slaps or "Where have you been?" interrogations. No crossed arms. No black eyes or fat lips. No. Only sweet, open arms. If you ever wonder how God can use you to make a difference in your world, just look at those he has already used and take heart. Look at the forgiveness found in those open arms and take courage.

And, by the way, never were those arms opened so wide as they were on the Roman cross. One arm extending back into history and the other reaching into the future. An embrace of forgiveness offered for anyone who'll come. A hen gathering her chicks. A father receiving his own. A redeemer redeeming the world.
No wonder they call him the Savior.

From No Wonder They Call Him the Savior
(W Publishing Group, 1986, 2004) Max Lucado

Sunday Review

• Started our new series, Leaving the House of Blues.
• My mic messed up so it took a little for me to get comfortable this morning, but I think things got better after changing mics.
• Our band hit it out of the the park with, Everyday I Have the Blues. Way to go Jay, Jason, Nathan and Julie. You did a great job. Thanks Brenda for leading an incredible band.
• Great work by our tech team today - good sound, video and lighting.
• Nice to meet some new people today.
• One a serious note. There was one first time guest going around asking our people what the church believed and that's just fine - I hope our people can clearly communicate what we hold to. What gets me, is that when that same person talked to me they never asked me any of the controversial questions they asked others. If you are reading this blog, when you don't want to talk straight to the pastor it seems like you come in with an agenda. As one of our people put it, you came across as very judgemental of our church. You may not have meant any of this, but you were a guest and we treated you with love and respect. You should do the same as our guest. Please think twice next time you enter a church as a guest. Next time we meet I will be more than happy to answer your questions - trust me.
• Let's move on to a little lighter subject. Lot's of Kraft Dinner donated to benefit local food banks. We will have the numbers next week. Thank you!
• If you missed week one of our HOB series you can join in next week.
• Have a great week. It is a pleasure to serve along with all of you.

Sunday's Coming!

Don't miss this Sunday -- we start our new series, Leaving the House of Blues. Practical biblical talks about discouragement and depression. Be on time, or you will miss something really cool - that's all I'm saying. You'll have to be at the theatre by 10:00 am - wake up sleepy head.

Please remember to bring your boxes of Kraft Dinner, this is the last Sunday to donate.

Praying for your pastor

For those who have wondered how best to pray for me.

• Pray that I work smarter. I’ve been working hard for the church since we started but I need to learn how to work smarter. I need to manage my time better. I need to focus on my leading and equiping the people of CATF.
• Pray that I keep my priorities in order. Kids grow up fast and I want to be sure that I give them, and Brenda everything I can. They come before my postion as a pastor and I need to practice that.
• Pray that I take care of myself. I don’t do a good job of taking care of myself at times. I need to stay on my exercise routine and eat right. I also need to learn how to relax so I reduce stress. I also need to be aware of my Crohn's Disease and do what I can to care for myself in this area.
• Pray that I focus more energy on developing deeper relationships with my peers. I know many, many great pastors and I like to think that I’m friends with most of them but I want to deepen some of these relationships. The introvert in me sort of gets in the way of this a lot.
• Pray for fresh passion for me. I’ll be completely honest and tell you that being the pastor of a church is tiring and demanding. I love what I do, but I constantly need a fresh word from God.
• Pray that I rest better. I struggle with taking enough time to rest and rejuvenate. I struggle to take a complete day off.
• Pray for my family. Ministry can take it’s toll on a family. There is also a spiritual warfare element in play when you’re leading a church. Please be praying for my wonderful wife, Brenda, and my great kids. Pray for protection from the enemy as well as peace and joy from the Lord.
• Pray that I make sufficient time for prayer. Yes it is hard for me to pray with all that comes my way -- and you thought that was all I did all day long :-)
  

Thanks so much. Prayer is the greatest gift you can give me.

Thanksgiving

I would like to wish each of you a Happy Thanksgiving. (Yes, for my American friends, this Monday is Thanksgiving in Canada.) I trust you are able to spend time with friends and family. I hope you are able to think about God's may great blessings in your life.
Psalm 118:1 "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good"

I am thankful for

• My Saviour Jesus. My Heavenly Father. My eternal home.
• My family - even when they drive me insane. I'm sure I do the same to them.
• My church - what a great bunch of people.
• My health (although not perfect) - last year at this time I had just got out of the hospital after a four week stay.
• My country - even if the politicians try to mess it up - it's still great.
• My turkey dinner that will be out of this world.
• My freedom - not many countries have what we do.
• My future - because God has a great one planned.
• My security - no matter how bad the financial scene gets and whatever else happens in this crazy world - God is in control and he will take care of me.

Look forward to seeing you each this Sunday and bring a friend along with you. Also remember we are doing a Kraft dinner drive for our local foodbanks this week and next.

Why

Why do we meet in a movie theatre, why do we use secular music at times, why do we dress casual, why does the pastor wear jeans and an untucked shirt (partially because I like to), why do we present profound truths of God in simple terms, why do we challenge people to life change and not simply just dispense knowledge, why do we serve Tim Hortons coffee, why do we use a contemporary style music. Why do we do these things? To be the coolest church in town? NO - far from it. We do these things because we want to reach secular unchurched people for Jesus. We do this so that followers of Christ are in a growing environment, rather than a dormant dying environment.

Until you as a believer experience what it's like to have a unchurched friend sitting next to you on a Sunday morning you won't completely get this. You may get it to a certain point (and I'm glad you do), but when you bring someone along to church, when you start praying for them and when see the life change happen; then the light bulb will burn brightly. You will be more pumped up about CATF than ever before. Until you have person in need of Jesus sitting next to you, it is impossible to get the whole picture.

The church is to be like a teaching hospital - people are learning and saving lives at the same time. Because lives are being saved you are growing and because you are growing you are reaching out to help others. I want that for each of you - I want you to experince the joy of being part of a person hearing about Jesus. Keep working hard to build relationships with eternity in mind. Keeping reaching out, even when you are turned down.

We are in this together -- let's make a difference.

Sunday Review

Thanks CATF for another extraordinary Sunday. I continue to be blown away at the commitment level of all our volunteers. I am a blessed man to be part of such a great church. Your investment in others is making a difference. People from every - I mean every walk of life were with us today. People that may not have gathered with a church otherwise. People who for the first time gathered with a church; that's amazing to hear in a country like ours, but that's why we are here. Lives were forever impacted by Jesus Christ today and that my friend makes it worth it all. I will shut my eyes tonight thanking God for all he is doing in and through lives at CATF.

Let's reach one more for Jesus!

This Life Is Short

Just got off the phone with another pastor. He shared with me that a dear friend and member of his church suddenly passed away this morning. Life here on earth can come to an end so suddenly. We don't know how many days we have.

• Do we love like we are dying?
• Do we care like we are dying?
• Do we live like we are dying?
• Do we realize we are all dying? Literally little by little, it's only a matter of time.
• Do we realize this is just the beginning, then comes our eternal home. Eternally with God or eternally separated from him. Are you ready?
• Live today like it's your last day.

I, Paul, am God's slave and Christ's agent for promoting the faith among God's chosen people, getting out the accurate word on God and how to respond rightly to it. My aim is to raise hopes by pointing the way to life without end. This is the life God promised long ago—and he doesn't break promises! And then when the time was ripe, he went public with his truth. I've been entrusted to proclaim this Message by order of our Savior, God himself. Titus 1:1-4 The Message

Let's each point one more to Jesus before it's too late.

Can't wait to gather with each of you this Sunday - bring a friend along.

Project Share

We are looking for a point person to arrange opportunities for our people to serve at Project Share once per month.

Here's what would be involved.

• Arrange one morning per month where our people can volunteer at Project Share.
• Make people aware of the opportunity to serve by email or phone calls.
• Do this on a monthly basis.

Email Brandon Duff if you are interested, brandon@churchatthefalls.com

Random Thoughts

• This past Sunday was one of our best. Great connection with the people, new theatre is working out real good, band did great, video and sound guys were right on and the people at CATF are the greatest.
• I am amazed at the current financial fiasco that is going on in the States. Wondering where this will all lead.
• Frustrated with political leaders. Why can't they just talk about what they would do as our Prime Minister rather than tearing down their opponents. I think the first political leader that focuses on what he will bring to the table and stop the negative campaigning, will win a landslide. Not sure if I will see that in my lifetime or not. Political mudslinging has been the status quo for my lifetime and beyond. Let's all learn to speak a good word.
• I like the cool weather, but it's what is around the corner that I don't like.
• I love Thanksgiving and can't wait. Good food and just taking it easy is right up my alley.
• NHL hockey has started once again and that is a good thing. GO MAPLE LEAFS!
• The Buffalo Bills are 3-0.
• I am looking forward to the House of Blues series coming up. We all get down in the dumps to one degree or another and God cares about us. Don't miss this four week series looking at Biblical answers to depression.

Don't Give Up

So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith. Galatians 6: 9-10

Are you weary? Do you feel like giving up? Are you tired of doing what is right? Are you tired of praying? Are you tired of serving? Are you tired of parenting your child with Biblical values? Are you tired of loving your spouse in a Christlike manner? Are you tired of conducting business in God honouring way? Are you tired of giving of yourself?

Are you tired? If you are, can I ask you this? Are you spreading yourself too thin and trying to do too much? If you are, you need to refocus and do the following:

• Love God
• Love your family
• Show God's love by accomplishing your personal mission. Your personal mission is doing what God has called you to do, that one thing within his Family that you are passionate about.

Don't stop doing the good things in life.

Do stop doing the things that take you away from the good things you need to do.

Don't stop spending time reading the Bible. Don't stop loving your spouse and doing good things for them. Don't stop lovingly guiding your children in God's way. Don't stop being a light for God to those in your sphere of influence. Don't stop serving in the church.

Even though it is hard work to keep doing what is good, God will reward you in His time. Even though you feel like quiting at times, keep going. Don't give up - encourage one another and stay the course. It will be worth it!

Sunday Night Thoughts

• Sunday is always a busy day and tiring.
• About this time each Sunday night I realize it was so worth it.
• I was amazed to see how our team jumped right into set up this morning and had the new theatre set up in no time (only our second week doing the new set up).
• Our Falls Fanatic of the week is Ian Pierce. Ian is a grade 7 boy that comes to church each week. Today was special, because I saw him sweeping up out front of the theatre. That's what I call a real servant. Way to go Ian.
• Great bunch of teens at our church - I think everyone of them serves in some capacity. That's what it's all about.
• We have a bunch of bakers in our church. It looked like a bake sale on our refreshment table and I look like the Pillsbury Dough Boy now.
• Band sounded real good
• Sound and Video did a flawless job today.
• Our nursery area continues to grow - great job Lil'K workers.
• Loved today's talk - I was very passionate about it - so I was told.
• Had a great get together at the Niagara Square Food Court after our Sunday Gathering. Lots of fun.

Coming Real Soon

Coming to a theatre near you!

Sunday, September 14

TIME OUT

I like this post from Seth Godin

http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2008/09/time.html

Especially the part about respecting people's time. We hold that value high every Sunday morning at CATF, otherwise people will just right us off. They will right us off for being boring, going over time, not doing things with excellence and being irrelevant. Time -- let's be careful not to waste someones gift to us. We may not get a second chance.

Do you find it hard to invite a friend to church?

I got thinking this morning about how our church can better equip you to invite your friends and family to gather with our church on Sunday morning. After thinking about this subject I thought the best way for me to find out the challenges you each face is to simply ask you.

• Are you building relationships with people hoping to introduce them to CATF?
• What is the greatest fear you face when thinking about inviting someone along?
• Do you find what we do on Sunday morning to be relevant, engaging and helpful?
• What have you found that works well when inviting a friend?
• How have you overcome the fear of asking someone?
• Is there anything that would help you invite? Anything we could provide that would empower you? Tell us what would be helpful.

Your feedback will help us better prepare one another to care for our community - Thanks
questions@churchatthefalls.com

Life Challenges

How you do you handle the challengs in your life?

• Do you retreat into self pity?
• Do you blame God?
• Do you look for a way to escape?
• Do you worry?
• Do you blame others?
• Do you think positive?
• Do you dig deep within hoping to find something that will help?

These are all common responses that don't work -- I have tried them. We each have tried to manage the tough stuff with little or no positive results.

Personally I have turned to God in the following ways and found that there is hope. I really believe and have practiced the following.

• Call out to God - Psalm 77:1
• Seek God honouring advice - Proverbs 11:14
• Find support from other followers of Christ - Hebrews 10:24-25
• Be at peace knowing God is more than able to carry you through the challenges you face- Psalm 46:10

We have a God who understands the human condition - he knows and he cares.

Theatre Divider

This is what we are dividing the theatre with. It's an easy way to manage the large theatre and open more seats as we need them.

Sunday Happenings

• Just realized I didn't update my blog since last Sunday. Not sure what happened.
• Great day today.
• Lots of help with set up and tear down. Great people are part of CATF.
• Everything went real smooth today.
• Had lots of fun.
• Felt like most everyone was sitting on the edge of their seat when I as talking -- or maybe everyone had eyeballs painted on their eye lids and were just sleeping.
• Last week for the Elephant In The Room series.
• Next week we start the Difficult People series - it will be a lot of fun.
• We need to blow past the 100 mark real soon -- I sense it's coming soon.
• Next week will be fun in the bigger theatre. We need a curtain crew at 9 am - come help divide off the theatre with currtains.
• God has really given us great favour with our theatre manager. That really helps when we need to make changes.
• Invite a friend next week.
• Pray for God to use our billboards to draw people to him.

Sunday

• Great Day!
• Gave the band a break today and used video from the Life Church Band - it was good but I love our band and can't wait to have them back next week.
• Lots of our volunteers away but others stepped up and filled in. We have the most dedicated group of people I have ever worked with.
• Gave a little sneak peak into the next series, "Difficult People". It will be fun!
• Gave out invitations to all our people encouraging them to bring a friend.
• We are working on a move to a bigger theatre, the one right next to us, theatre 6. Look for this happening soon. We will have more stage space and give us lots more seats to fill. I am excited about this.
• Got to meet a pastor today who is just starting at a church in St. Catharines. Always glad to encourage another pastor. I told him to call me and I would tell him all the mistakes I have made to spare him doing the same.
• I have to give our Falls Fanatic award to Jack Martin. Jack does so much on a Sunday morning, it blows my mind. This morning he was changing a bulb and fuse in our stage lighting and fixing hinges on one of our cases. In addition he did all his regular setup stuff. Jack is an example of selfless commitment -- he could easily be sleeping in our Sunday morning.
• One more week of our Elephant Series -- don't miss it.

Great Leadership

We are all familiar with the Maple Foods listeria outbreak that has killed 12 people and caused others to fall ill. Here's some good thoughts from another pastor on this whole story.
http://connexuscommunity.typepad.com/carey_nieuwhof/2008/08/this-is-great-l.html

Labour Day Weekend

Well summer is almost over, all except the calender saying so. We get back in to our schedules, the kids are back to school and summer vacations are over. On the flip side this is a great time of year. Schedules are good things and help us focus more, just as summer is good because we get to relax a little bit. As we head into September, I encourage you to make a commitment to be at Church at the Falls each Sunday. That one hour commitment every week has the potential to change your life.

This Sunday we continue our series, There's An Elephant In The Room. We are looking at maintaining momentum with the change we are want to see in our life. It will be a great talk -- you will find it helpful as you make the changes necessary to live a life that is more healthy and productive.

We have one more week of the Elephant series and then into Dealing With Difficult People. You will love the video segments we have planned for this series(we have a sneak preview this week). This series will help you with "THOSE PEOPLE" in your life. Don't Miss it!

Looking forward to see each of you at the theatre this weekend. Bring a friend -- it's the best investment you can make in a person's life.

Choose To Be A World Changer

Our Kimdo team leaders sent us a great word --

We were reflecting on how God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things while driving the truck and trailer back after the gathering this past Sunday. We noted to each other that we realize this biblical truth every week. It is amazing how God uses what little talent we have to reach KIDMO children every week. We have few abilities to teach, sing and share with children, but when we give it up to God …amazing things happen.

May your prayer this week also be “God, make my life count.” May you allow God to use you to perform a miracle in someone else’s life today. A perfect example of someone being used by God is the life of Moses. Moses was in an excellent position to affect the lives of those around him, but he felt inadequate, insignificant and didn’t think he could be used by God. However, God speaking from a burning bush said to Moses “I AM everything you will need to change the world.”

Even after Moses took his sandals off and realized who God was, he continued to doubt his abilities. God responded by saying “This is not about you, it never has been about you, and never will be about you.” God went on to say to Moses “It is all about ME. I need to work through you, to be able to show my power and miracles.” Yet, Moses felt the job was way too big for him. There was no way Moses felt that he could pull it off by himself.

This is when God spoke directly to Moses as he did to Joshua and his people saying “I command you--be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Choose to be a world changer that takes risks. Be enabled to know that God wants to use you in a special way, where you are and with your current abilities. Pray to God “…to make my life count.” You, your family and those you connect with every day at work, school, at the grocery store or in the neighborhood will be glad you did as we continue to do life together.

Ian Gordon (Elder / Kidmo Leader- aka Dash Rip Rock) &
Terry Pierce (Kidmo Leader - aka Setup Man Extraordinaire)
Titles in brackets added by Brandon

Billboards

Watch for our new billboard going up on or around September 1st, right by Home Depot, Walmart and the Optimist Club. (Morrison and Dorchester Rd.)

September Is Just Around The Corner

If you are part of CATF, you rock! Thank you for all you do to make this place happen week in and week out. We are entering one of the key growth times for churches - September and October are key momentum times. Let me give you some ways you can continue to partner with what God is doing here:

• PRAY! This is where it starts. The devil would love nothing more than to derail what is happening around here. Please pray for the staff and leaders, the volunteers, for continued unity, the unchurched in this community, for people to come to faith in Christ and be baptized and all that God is doing.
• SERVE! If you aren’t plugged into what God is doing here at CATF you are missing out on being a part of what God is doing in the Niagara Region. Don’t sit on the sidelines, get in the game. I can promise you it will be one of the most fulfilling things you have done in your life. Serve in an area you LOVE, not out of obligation but because you love doing it.
• DO LIFE with someone from CATF. Hang out with people at a coffee shop, in your home or join a LifeGroup in the fall.
• GIVE! BIG vision takes BIG money. God has chosen to fund His work through His people. I am sold out to personally giving to this church -- so my money is where my mouth is. You can’t out give God. Thank you for your faithfulness in this area. Because of your giving, we are able to do what we do. People's lives are changed for all eternity because of your generosity. Our weekly investment in the lives of people is about $2500. Currently our weekly giving covers only about half of that. Needless to say we are waiting on God to bring in the additional funds and He will do that through you -- that's the awesome part of it.
• INVITE! Get your friends to church. You are the church’s best marketing. Billboards are great - but you will out perform billboards any day. Invest in people and they will come to church with you. Don't spend all your time with Christians -- invest in friends that need to come to faith in Christ. What a way to live and give!
• HANG ON! God is going to do some great things this fall and you get to be part of it.

Sunday Thoughts

• It's still summer and was very evident by our attendance level today.
• We have the greatest most dedicated group of volunteers around.
• Terry was away today and we really felt it. He is a key person on our set up and tear down team.
• Next week Jack will be away so that's another key team leader -- I'm glad they all get a well deserved break.
• Sound issues galore today! That really throws me off my game -- It took me nearly the whole message to get on track. Feel sorrow for all you that had to listen to me today. Not sure if my talk got recorded -- no great lost. It was painful enough to listen to me once today let alone to listen to the recorded version.
• Good to see a number of new faces out today.
• Met a pastor who was vacationing in Niagara Falls -- he is from the Chicago area. Always good to have pastors stop in.
• Band sounded really good -- just wished my part of sound worked as good as their part did. (just kidding)
• Next week -- there will be checks and rechecks before we go live. I am passionate about us doing our best each week. These weeks give me a kick in the butt about being more thorough during our practice. It's easy to get a little lax when things have gone so well for weeks on end.
• Thanks to all my Falls Fanatics -- can't wait to assemble again next week.

Buffalo Bills and The Poor

Last evening my son, Kyle and I went to see the Buffalo Bills play an exhibition game at the Rogers Centre in Toronto. My thoughts:

• tickets too expensive but worth it for a one time fun dad and son night out
• not a bad seat in the place
• food at the stadium is way over priced...what's new
• they shoot a canon off when the Bills get a TD or FG....scares the life out of ya.
• we rode the Go Train from Burlington to Union Station which was a good move
• football fans can get loud and drunk -- noticed this more on the Go Train up and back

So that was the Game now here's the real highlight:

On our way from the Game back to Union Station there were numerous homeless people begging. As we approached Union Station I heard some young guys really giving it to this homeless man -- belittling him would be an understatement. I couldn't believe what they were saying and I was drawn to the one loud mouth of the group. I just stared him down. He didn't take kindly to my intervention in his childish game. He began to run his mouth at me, but to no avail I just kept walking having made my point to him already. Unfortunately my son had heard enough and let the big loud mouth know. At this point a couple of the guys began to follow us offering up a few choice words. We just calmly walked on and they got the message. We entered Union Station and I sensed God leading me back to the homeless man. I ran back to him, gave him some money and said what I think God wanted me to say, "God loves you -- what those guys said to you is wrong -- you have potential." The man's eyes engaged me the whole time -- I saw hope in his eyes as I a spoke to him. With that I ran off to catch my train realizing that God had placed us there for such a time as this. It was worth it to be threatened by those thugs and if I had to, I would have stood toe to toe to defend this poor man. God loves the poor -- no matter what there situation or how they got to where they are. God knows each person hearts -- we are not to be the judge we are to show Jesus to the world. Jesus is strong and loving -- thank God we were able to show both last night.

We all need to step in and help as we sense God lead. That night I passed several needy people -- God didn't ask me to meet every need -- just the one he had for me. What need can you meet? Whose spiritual or physical need can you meet?

How about the loud mouth thugs? My first prayer, "God bring judgement." My second prayer and prayer I have prayed several times, "God redeem their lost souls." I was once like them and in need of Jesus. God forgive them and help them.

As for my homeless friend, "God, bring him hope, redeem him and may he move from his present struggles to help others he was once like."

It's amazing what you can learn at a football game.

Opportunity to Volunteer

Sunday Thoughts

Today was a really good day -- really good. There was a great buzz around the treatre and no it was not feedback over the sound system. People were excited and enjoying one another -- new people were connecting with others. It was a great day! The band did an excellent job as usual. Truth be told -- I can't wait until September because I think we are going to blow the doors of the place. That pumps me up because so many people need what we are offering this community. The local church is the hope of the world!

If you are out and about this week, please stop by the new office. I would love for you to see the our new digs. Next week we are back on track with, There's An Elephant in the Room -- great series of talks -- don't miss it.

If you haven't taken a look at the new welcome video at www.churchatthefalls.com please take a moment. Thanks so much to Daniel for the great work on this video. Daniel is our Falls Fanatic of the week -- not only does he do video work he also drums for us every other week.

Summit Thoughts

We need a whole bunch more people to go to the Summit next year. Wow! It was likely the greatest conference experience I have ever been part of. God spoke mightily through several of the speakers. No matter if you lead at home, in the church, in the community or at work -- there is was much great God centre leadership training that you leave feeling so full. God met us in a mighty way. I am thankful for our group of 6 that attended over the last two days. Thanks for taking time from work and personal schedules to become a greater leader. I can't wait to see what God does in and through those that attended.

If you are a pastor or church leader reading this blog and didn't get to the Summit, get the DVD's and take the time to watch them with your staff. Be forewarned, God will rock your world. Here's the link to buy the DVD's http://www.willowcreek.com/wca_prodsb.asp?invtid=PR31456

If you are looking for some good notes on the Summit check out what Mark Beeson blogged.

Great Pictures

Church at the Falls and the Peanut Butter Extravaganza featured in SNAP Niagara. See details and some great pictures.
http://www.snapniagarafalls.com/display/46687/1702/

Summit

Great day today at the Leadership Summit with 5 others from our church. Great practical leadership talks that will not doubt help each of us in our various leadership capacities. I hope many more of you can come next year. My computer battery is going dead so that's all folks.

Thinking About Prayer

I have been think a lot about prayer the last few days and then this morning I came a across a fascinating truth in the Bible.

The story takes place in Isaiah 37. King Hezekiah is under threat by Sennacherib. In a nutshell Sennacherib sent a letter threatening that Assyria is going to put a beating on Jerusalem and that God is no match for the Assyrian Army. This obviously stresses King Hezekiah out, but I really like how he ends up responding.

Isaiah 37:14-15
Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it. Then he went up to the temple of the LORD and spread it out before the LORD. 15 And Hezekiah prayed to the LORD.

Hezekiah turned to God during a life challenge. I wonder, do we spread our concerns out before God our Heavenly Father? DO we spread our family, health, financial, work, relational concerns before God -- I mean when was the last time we laid our heath report, bank book, lay off notice, letter from a angry spouse, letter from a child's school before God and just prayed about it?There is nothing magical about doing this, it's just a way for us to acknowledge we NEED God.
What do you need to lay before God today? Would you keep doing this day after day until you see God's work in your life? Don't worry - Pray.

True and Eternal

I read this verse and had to say something about it.
All you say can be trusted; your teachings are true and will last forever.

Psalm 119:160 (CEV)

All you say can be trusted - Is there anyone, any religious leader, politician, doctor, lawyer, factory worker, salesman, counselor, mom, dad, child or friend that you can say that about. NO, only God's Word can be trusted from beginning to end. So that means if he said it, you can hold on to it. As a good friend of mine says, "You can take that to the bank".

Your teachings are true and will last forever - God's truth never goes out of style, expires or needs revamping. If he said it, then it will pass the test of time. It's not old fashion -- it's current to your present reality.

God's Word is true and eternal - two things that no human wisdom will ever match up to. So, who are you listening to? That does not mean we ignore the people in our lives, just make sure what they say lines up with the Bible. I'm glad we have the constant truth of God to guide our lives -- now if I can just follow it instead of my stupid ideas.

Are we just going through the motions???

God created us to make a difference in every area of life that we come in contact with. Maybe what Seth has to say will help use refocus.

http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2008/08/sing-it-please.html

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Calling All Parents

I came across a great parenting book while off on vacation. I would highly recommend it to parents of toddlers all the way through to parents who a have 20 somethings living in their home. Great advice is found in the pages of this book -- please do yourself a favour and get this book. It really could change the relationship you have with your child.

http://www.amazon.ca/Have-New-Kid-Friday-Character/dp/0800732766

Why do we settle into a judgmental attitude?

There are times when I know that I must send you to someone else's blog because they said it so much better than I ever could. So here it is...
http://villagevoice.ca/?p=832

I'm Back

Well, I'm back at after a week of vacation. Sorry I didn't update my blog, but I needed the rest. I am looking forward to a great week ahead as we gear up for Sunday and also for the Leadership Conference on Thursday and Friday.

This past week allowed me to slow down, sleep in, get away for a couple days with my wife and just enjoy a relaxing time in general. Thanks to the many that did extra week on Sunday and leading up to this past Sunday. You are all valued partners of CATF.

Well, I'll have more to say during the week.

Almost August?

It's almost August - that's sad in one way and exciting another. Sad because summer is going by so quickly and happy because September and October will bring more people out to join us on Sunday's. More people means -- life change -- life change not just here and now but for eternity. That's exciting!

Looking forward to a great weekend!

I will be off next week -- getting recharged.

Who Am I Speaking To Each Sunday

Why I do what I do? My style of speaking is driven by the new people that will join us on any given Sunday. I speak in a way to communicate to that person who has never been with us before or for that matter has never been part of a church. I do this in order to make sure I touch everyone. After all we are the church for the unchurched. So if you happen to join us from another church I may sound wierd to you -- why -- becasue I am speaking to unchurched rather than churched. In the long run I stand a better chance to connect with everyone because we all understand plain everyday english:-)

Criticism Has No Place

Today one of our leaders mentioned that on his recent trip back to his home town he connected with some old church friends. In his conversation he mention about our church and how we meet in a theatre, are progressive and have a kicking band. His friends couldn't understand it and went on to say that some churches are changing too much and getting too modern. Why on earth would a church want to be relevant - it's beyond me (sarcasm).

I can't understand it for the life of me why other Christians waste their energy criticising churches like us. I don't really know why for sure? After all, we are on the same team. God will use all us

I am committed, no matter how frustrated I get with other churches, not to bad mouth them. So, I need to ask forgiveness. This past Sunday afternoon I drove past a church in Niagara Falls and said a critical word about what they had posted on their sign. The sign was stupid, but God uses stupidity -- just look at me. My words of criticism have been few and far between, but I need to move completely away from it.

The church needs to stand together. People are dying and going to a Christ-less eternity while some churches complain about the other church down the road. Shame on us.

Project Share

We sent a team of people over to Project Share on Saturday to help with their annual food drive. We had a great time with a great bunch of people. Here's the team that helped. One note, I heard the food drive did not bring in the amount that it typically does. If you can help, simply drop off a bag of nonperishable food items at Project Share.

Heart Check

I thought I would pass on these worthwhile words from Carey Nieuwhof the pastor Connexus Church in Barrie, ON.

Summer and Your Heart

I am often blown away by the emotional cost that ministry exacts not only on pastors and staff, but also on volunteers. As I've met with hundreds of church leaders over the last few years, the subject comes up again and again. Summer's a time where a lot of people in ministry ask: can I do this for another season? Usually something steals our passion and enthusiasm, and it's just so hard to get back. How do you recover?
How are you doing this summer? Enriched? Passionate? Alive? Or struggling?
I remember the first time my heart went dead -- it was six years ago. Our church at the time was going through a tough season, and it just about killed me. I just stopped feeling things. I went to a Christian counselor for the first time, and slowly my heart began to breathe again.
The last few years have brought their share of issues too. And I have felt my heart at times grow more silent than I really wanted it to. Over the last year, my heart has gradually been coming back, and this summer, it's starting to have moments of life and joy I haven't felt in a long time. It's like rain coming after a drought. It's so good, and more and more I see it as gift.
One test for me to see if my heart is working is simply whether I feel what I ought to feel when something happens. If something great happens, do I feel joy? If something sad happens, can I enter that sadness? If something moving happens, am I moved? When the answer is no, I worry. When the answer is yes, I feel incredible gratitude to God.
Things that have helped me move from flat to feeling the thrills and joy of life again:
Never quitting on God, even when I didn't feel like praying or reading the Bible. God is faithful whether we can feel him or not.
Having good people you can trust around you. Often, our hearts hurt when people we trust let us down. The challenge is to simply not stop trusting. Then the shutdown of the heart is inevitable.
Getting in on what God is doing. I think sometimes we can keep asking God to bless what we are doing, but to simply cooperate with what God is already doing is so much more refreshing.
Believing the best. Critics abound. Humbly learn what you can, but trust that God is doing to use it to reconstruct a better you. I get stuck when I let the negative voices be the only voices and fail to hear the voice of God (and others) encouraging me to believe His promises. It's great to know that God still believes in all of us.