When the flood hit Atlanta, one of the ways we gave people the opportunity to be a part of the relief efforts was to volunteer or donate to Samaritan’s Purse.  Since that time, a married small group had a vision to take it outside Buckhead Church and into their community.  That vision…”What if we mobilized the Buckhead Business Community to donate one day’s lunch money toward the flood relief efforts.”  Thus the Lunch Trek to Terminus was put into motion.

On Thursday, October 15, the small group asked all of the businesses and residents surrounding Tower Place to trek to Terminus and donate their lunch money to Samaritan’s Purse in exchange for a Chick-fil-A sandwich coupon.  They wanted people to see that we can love our neighbor in tangible and simple ways.  How much easier can it be to donate money you normally would have spent for lunch and you end up getting a free meal in the end?

As I write this there are still stories coming in about random encounters and conversations from the event.  One of the key ones that stood out to the small group leader was this:

One phone call we made to elicit support was met with strong sarcasm.  When the person heard that the “sponsor” of the event was a church small group trying to love our neighbors, we received laughter.  Later we received a large check from this person.  Did something change in his heart?

Not only did this event change the hearts of those who participated, but it also affected those who put it on.

The opportunity to come together as a small group and live out our faith – working as if it was up to us, but praying as if everything was up to God has given us a deep sense of satisfaction.  We got to partner with God in a good work He prepared in advance for us to do.

Thank you for the great reminder that WE are the Church and not the building.

Ryan Van Sickle

Married Groups Director and Intersect Team Member

PS – If you want to get involved in the flood relief efforts, Samaritan’s Purse has extended their stay in Atlanta through November 21.  They need volunteers to continue helping clean up peoples’ homes that were damaged in the flood.  If you’d like to help, contact their Dallas, GA, site at 678-202-5974.

On the other hand, communicating at our North Point campuses is always a bit intimidating.  For my money, Andy Stanley is the best communicator in the country.  Not to mention the other strong line-up of communicators we have. They are all a high bar to reach.  Plus, it always seems like I come under some sort of spiritual attack during the times I preach.  Just being honest.

This week, my mentor and friend John Woodall prayed over me in preparation for the series.  It was one of the most powerful moments of prayer I have ever experienced.  It was so powerful I asked John if I could share the prayer with you.  It’s a prayer from Charles de Foucauld, and it’s a keeper.  I’m praying it daily.  I hope you will too.

See you Sunday.

Jeff

————–

Deliver Me, Jesus from the desire to be praised,

honored, glorified, preferred, consulted, or approved.

Deliver me, Jesus, from the fear of being humiliated,

criticized, forgotten, ridiculed, maltreated, and

from the fear of what others will think.

O Jesus, give me the grace to desire: that others

would be loved and esteemed ahead of me,

that in the eyes of the world they would increase

while I decrease, and praised while I pass by

unnoticed; that others would be preferred in

all situations; that others would become more

than myself — in order that I would be as holy

as You want me to be. — Charles de Foucauld

Steve Giddens

Thank You from buckheadchurch on Vimeo.

It’s amazing that God has allowed us to partner with over 20 groups of people from Canada to California to Florida (and places in between) to lead people in these communities into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.

Each year we gather these teams together for two days of learning, encouragement and fun.  Over 150 of the sharpest leaders you’ll ever meet were here.  I wish you could have had a few moments to talk with them and see their passion.  Plus, they were so encouraged by what you all do at Buckhead Church.  As I’ve often said, what you are doing extends way beyond Buckhead.

It takes immense courage to plant a church, particularly one of these “strange video churches.”  :)  If you get a chance, could you leave a comment here and encourage these leaders?  Maybe pick one out on the map and commit to praying for their community and church.

They would be greatly encouraged.

Grateful,

Jeff

It’s one of the reasons we created Starting Point, a conversational environment about the most important issues in life. Check out the video for more details.

(By the way, our next Starting Point Orientation at Buckhead Church is October 18.)

Starting Point – Fall 2009 from buckheadchurch on Vimeo.

It’s going to be a great night as we as we gather together to worship our Savior.

See you then.

Jeff

This statement changed Jim Collins’ life.  It came at the end of a conversation the author was having years ago with his mentor.  It was confrontational. It struck a nerve.  And it stayed with him.

It has stayed with me too.

Which one do you find yourself most focused on these days: trying to be interesting or interested?

There are four simple ways to become more interested:

Be curious. Ask questions. Talk less. Listen more.

The ironic twist of it all is that when we become more interested, we might actually become more interesting.

Jeff

Second, they got baptized on Sunday.

They definitely get the award for the best weekend.

This was another great moment in our gathering.

Enjoy this videos!

Jeff

Camille Gilbert – Baptism from buckheadchurch on Vimeo.

Kevin Hegwood – Baptism from buckheadchurch on Vimeo.

As a reminder, we are also supporting Buckhead Christian Ministry by asking you to drop off clothes over the next couple of weeks. In addition, you can find additional serving and giving opportunities with Samaritan’s Purse.

My friend Shaun King is also doing an incredible work through Courageous Church. You can find out what they’re doing here: http://www.hopeatl.com/

I love the fact that people aren’t waiting around to help. You are jumping in by searching for ways to help, give, pray and support. You are living out Titus 3:14: “Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.”

As always, I am very humbled to be a small part of what God is doing through our gathering.

Thank you!

Jeff

This years theme was UpStreet:  Backwards, Upside Down, and All Mixed Up! The leaders and kids came in their “wacky wear” and participated in lots of fun activities with their small group. They came up with wacky names, did their hair crazy, had a hula hoop contest, wrapped their small group leaders up in toilet paper, and much more.

Over 650 kids got to experience the wackiness and connect with a leader who is committed to being there with them each week to guide them to put their faith in Jesus and to teach them who God is and how He wants them to live. (That’s our mission on UpStreet!) A HUGE thanks for our incredible UpStreet volunteers who embraced their inner child and got decked out in wacky wear to make this day so successful. Also, many thanks to UpStreet volunteer Becca Price who was gracious enough to take these wonderful pictures for us.