The Future of Connect Groups

This summer our "Connecting Point" theme was greeted with much excitement. Many are asking what about Connect Groups, will they continue. This is the conclusion that we came to as a staff. We all feel that they are a necessary part of Gulf Coast Worship Center, and if we could find a way we would implement them today. We have discussed bringing them back in 2008, but we here are the issues we face. Is it possible to run them on Sunday Mornings, and if so we must develop a larger and stronger kid's ministry team. As is was this summer, we were unable to provide anything for the kid's during the AM service thus making it difficult on parents. Here is how you can help. Take the survey on this page. Please only vote if you would actually attend. Thanks for your help, and we will keep you updated.

Interest Group Fair a Huge Success

This morning marked our first ever Interest Group Fair. After doing the math, we figured somewhere around 150 people signed up to be involved. That is exciting to me for one reason...If everyone who signed up brings one guest or family to their Interest Group, that is another 150 people that we can express God's love to in a non-threatening way. I can't help but remember Jesus last words to His disciples before he left this earth..."go into all the world and share the good news." This Fall our Interest Groups include Ladies Lunches, Ladies Aerobics, Ladies Cooking, Men's Golf, Co-Ed Game Nights, Couple Meals, and Family Fun Days. If you know someone who may be interested forward them this blog entry. Feel free to contact the office 228-868-9500 if you failed to sign-up or email Pastor Carl at carlnichols@yourfamilyplace.com . Thank you for your partnership as we endeavor to make a difference on the coast.

Road Closing May Affect Sunday Service

We have been informed that the east bound lane of 28th street will be closed this Saturday and Sunday. Please take this into consideration as it may affect your route to church Sunday. We are asking that you forward this to all that may be interested.

"God Moments" with Lenny Kravitz and the Incredible Hulk

Funny how the other day I was scrolling through a few pictures, and this one of me and Lenny Kravitz came across my screen. It reminded me of the feeling I had when I was in New York and Madam Tussauds house of wax, after paying $20 to get in. You look around and you see life size figures of all these celebrities. I remember as we first walked in I saw Beyonce standing there. I was blown away…she was shorter than I had expected. Next there was Samuel L. Jackson, Jennifer Anniston, and at the top of the stairs was the Incredible Hulk. I was dumbfounded at how real they all looked. Then this thought came to my mind…I see all these people on TV, and I always thought that I would never get to see them face to face, but this was close enough for me. Somehow it became a little "spiritual" for me. I guess it was one of those "God Moments" we often talk about. I was reminded of what 1 Corinthians 13:12 says about one day when we see Jesus face to face. "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." It will all make sense. We will see exactly what He and God are like. I mean for those of us who follow Jesus with our life, we sometimes wonder if we will ever fully understand, but His promise to us is that when this life is over, for those who have lived their life for Him, they will see Him face to face. Not a wax figure, but real life, and we never have to leave, we didn't even pay admission, because His death on the cross gave us entry. We aer allowed to enter, by putting our trust and faith in Him. So this year my challenge to you is to live your life everyday as if that may be the day this life is over and you will have the opportunity to see Him.

2 Years Later

We are coming up on the 2 year anniversary of the largest natural disaster in the history of the US. As I ponder, my curiosity is peaked. What would Gulf Coast Worship Center look like if that had never happened? Would you even be a part of Gulf Coast Worship Center today? Would the launching of the "Extreme Church Makeover" that we were involved in at the time of the storm made an impact? The new youth room was being renovated, but a week before 200 students were expected to be in the youth service for the launch of the new identity, it happened. How would that ministry be different? Then their is the staff. Since then some have come and gone, but we believe that Pastor Jeremiah is great addition to the team. What does all this mean?

From our perspective it means that the greatest days are still ahead. We have more going for us today than ever before. The best staff we have ever had. A board of directors that is unified, patient, loving, and has the best interest of all of us at heart. We have a fresh vision as to where God is taking us. Never before have I personally seen more things happening behind the scenes. I just met yesterday with interest group leaders for the fall. Seven interest groups will launch the end of August, and you don't want to miss the "Interest Group Fair." Where you can eat stuff and win stuff. Pastor Jeremiah is working hard at connecting and bonding all of us together in new and creative ways. Our cafe' has been a huge hit. We really are excited.

The one thought we want you to take from today is that you are an important part. Our prayer is that God will bless you today. Make you strong. Bond your family. In hopes that you can make a difference for Him.