The Connection Card Transition

We have been struggling with the Connection Card transition since the beginning of the year. We had little black books for several years that we passed down the rows for people to sign up for attendance. But, the first of the year, we moved to our "purple connection cards." Pastor Randy and Pastor Chris have been so excited the cards and the information they have been able to glean from them. They are starting to feel like they know their people better.

But the problem has been the implementation of the cards. The office was confused, the ushers were confused, and so were the attenders. We tried several scenarios and nothing was simple. It was becoming more and more hectic. But this week ... we have a better plan. We feel this is it! Everything the congregation needs is in ONE tool. I'm excited. The rest of the staff is excited, and Sunday ... we'll test it and see if we've GOT it!

I am so excited

I have really been praying and pondering the FBC communication issues ... and I am so excited about what is transpiring. First, we have set up different options for emails on the FBC website: and after sending the email yesterday inviting everyone to sign up for the "weekly happenings" to arrive by email, I have 41 signed up this morning.


The Growth Board also approved the purchase of a 15" digital frame that we are going to put up in the Java Junction on Sunday mornings. This will have short reminders on it that pertain to the following week. Hopefully, as our people are devouring the donuts, drinking coffee, and visiting with friends, they will keep one eye on the screen.

We are still considering a Facebook option.

I do think we are putting a lot of options out for people to know what's going on ... but I also feel it is the responsibility of people to seek the information. We can put it in front of them, put it in their hands, but we can't make them see or read it. So pick the style that works best for you and we will keep it as updated as we can.

Communication is Surprising!

I am learning about communication at FBC even if nobody is reading my blog, or taking my survey! The news seems to hit FACEBOOK moments after it happens! So, that is a major communication. But whose FACEBOOK to you read? If we had an FBC FACEBOOK - would people post the news on it so everyone could go to the same place? Or, is FACEBOOK for a circle of friends?

Today's Personal Reflection on Christmas

As Christmas is an emotional season, and definitely a time for families, I feel a bit reflective as I lost my father 6 years ago, the family stabilizer, and this fall, I lost my mother. So this will be my first year without parents, even though my mother had Alzheimer's and wasn't really "with" me, she was here and a part of my life. So I sit here thinking of how totally blessed I was that God provided for me a perfect picture of himself in my parents.

My father was strong, wise, and always there for me. I could curl up on his lap even as an adult and get comfort and love. He new my good qualities and strengths and my bad qualities and deficiencies. He let me make my own mistakes and often had to help me overcome them. He was my support. There was never a time I did not feel loved by him. A perfect picture of my loving heavenly Father.

My mother was totally different. She was the picture of Jesus. She was the one who took me to church each week as a child, she lived her whole life in service for her Heavenly Father. She saw everyone through rose colored glasses ... seeing only the good in everyone. She would listen to me, offer loving encouragement, and take the issues and offer them up in prayer. I always knew my struggles and joys were prayed over. She was a prayer. She was the one who left me with consistent phrases such as "it's not WHAT you say, it's HOW you say it", or "attitude is everything," and the best one: "let God be God."

I miss my parents so much this season, but I have awesome memories. As I turn my thoughts toward the season and my Heavenly Father, I know they are both together with Him -- made possible by his gift of Jesus Christ ... the little baby He gave to die for my parents and me. That is my gift ... my hope. I know that baby was born to die for my sins, so God might see me with rose colored glasses. Thank you Lord, for such a good example of your love for me.

How We Communicate Best

Recently I have been reading a book called "Less Clutter. Less Noise" by Kem Meyer. Incidently, Kem will be a speaker at the Area III meeting that will be hosted at FBC in March. Kem is the Communications Director at Granger Community Church, and since that's what I am, I have become intrigued by what she has to say.

Granger Community is not FBC, and FBC would never be a Granger Community, but it is interesting to see what other churches do to create communications with their congregations.

Facebook and Twitter seem to be a big form of communication with people, and I must admit, I have not been "into" them, but obviously I need to give them more attention if I am going to know what is going on ... even in my own family.

So let's take a poll ... what would help you connect more with what's going on at FBC? I'll be interested in hearing.

Beth Moore Studies are never a disappointment

Last night we started the Beth Moore Study "Living Beyond Yourself." We started the first night when everyone brings in a finger food to share. We had such a large variety. It is a good way to fellowship and snack at the same time. It's also a good time to see friends you haven't seen since the last study ... to catch up and share hugs as women love to do.

The study is going to be fun. We will be learning to say our key verses (Galatians 5:22-23) in sign language. Beth will be leading us to become Spirit-filled believers. This will change our lives. We cannot do this alone, but if we allow God to work in us through His Spirit, He can clean out all the sinful baggage and fill us with a good fruit. One fruit with 9 sections: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-control.

If you are not in a Bible Study or small group, you are missing an important element in your Christian walk. Studying in a group encourages accountability.

For Such A Time as This …

My sister and I traveled to Noblesville, Indiana on August 22 to attend a fantastic seminar put on by ICEJ (Israel Christian Embassy Jerusalem). Carrie Burns from Great News Radio was also a speaker, as she is involved with ICEJ.

If you have any interest in the Holocaust, or Israel, I want to encourage you attend a similar Seminar, "For Such a Time as This," in Rantoul very close to us. It is actually Friday Evening, September 11, and Saturday Morning, September 12. On Friday evening, another ICEJ speaker from Arizona will be there with Carrie. Susie Sandager's will be doing a session from 7:00-9:00 pm "Heros of the Holocaust" - a one-woman drama of Corrie ten Boom. It is free, although a love offering will be taken.

The exciting part of this seminar is the really interesting things you learn. Like the importance of the Jewish people, why we need to support Israel, why God considers Israel His country -- how it fits into world past, present and future; about the current war between Christianity and Islam. All this has been revealed in His Word, we just need to be aware -- especially in these times.

We are living in the last days -- let's learn all we can from the opportunities we have.