The Final Challenge (Stop Campaign)

Hey Connectors, the following video is filled with footage from our various Stops on the Stop Campaign. Hope you enjoy.

Also, don't forget this Saturday. It's our final stop on the Campaign. We are meeting at the church office (5008 W. Linebaugh Ave Suite 16, Tampa, FL 33624) at 11:30 am. We have about 1000 items to giveaway, so we need your help. Hope to see you there.


The Stop Campaign | Main Feature from The Stop Campaign on Vimeo.

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New series, Biography starts this Sunday at The Connection Point.

David. Many read his story and question how God could use a man so imperfect. In his adult life, he matched every success with an equally impressive failure. Journey with us into the rich history of a life that conquered a giant and earned the esteem of God amidst his stumbles.

*In case you were wondering, the dude in the above picture is not David.

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Church 101 This Weekend at The Connection Point

If you haven't been through the first step of The Connection Point's growth track (Church 101), it's happening this Sunday morning at 8:30 am. and I want to invite you to be there for it. 

What is Church 101?  I'm glad you asked.  It's simply an overview of our history, vision and culture of the Connection Point.  It's a great time to get to know us as we get to know you. 

So, if your new to the Connection Point or if you haven't yet gone through this awesome class, consider this a formal invitation to Church 101.

If you're interested, please click here to email Don Champion...See you then!

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How to Handle the Stuff of Life

Psalms 77 is a kind of lament from this dude named Asaph.  He was one Israel's kings.  His writings give the reader a picture of really down on his luck he was.  Nothing was going right and his soul was in major anguish.  Day and night he called out to God and didn't seem to get an answer.  Sound familiar?  Can you identify?

Then in verses 11 & 12 he says, "I recall all you have done, O Lord ; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works."

Asaph came to an epiphany in life that all of us must come to, he realized the power of testimony. When the doubts of life came crashing in, his response was to remember all that God had done.

When doubts come to you, do the same, remember all that God has done and it will lift you up to face the challenges ahead.

Revelation 12:11 says, "They overcame him [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony..."

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A Great Stop Idea

Laura Marlin had some awesome success with the Stop Campaign today.  Check out what she did at Lifestyle Family Gym.  She attached a bunch of our stop campaign cards to a couple of cases of bottled water and left them for people to take on their way into the gym.  What a great idea!!!  Keep it up guys...we're making a difference.

Also, don't forget to log onto the website and read all the comments that people have left and leave one yourself.

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Late For Church Video

If you were at The Connection Point two weeks ago you'll remember this video. For those of you who weren't, as promised, here it is. Keep in mind it was an interactive video. Rick was talking on his phone from the stage as if he was talking to me...his timing was perfect. At the end of the video, the doors swung open and I rode my motorcycle into the auditorium. We had a blast with it, and for those of you who know me, you won't be surprised when I tell you I almost crashed...some things never change.


Late For Church from The Connection Point on Vimeo.

Mid-week Update

A couple of highlights concerning the Connection Point.

1. The Stop Campaign continues this Friday night.  We are meeting at the AMC 24 on Anderson Rd at 6 pm. 
   
2. Check out the Stop website by clicking here.  We added a comment window to the page for those who have had a stop experience to leave us a note.  It's also a great place for you to go and tell us about how you've been stopping those in your circle of influence. 
   
3. We just opened a Facebook account for the church.  You can find it by clicking here...so go ahead and become our friend.  You'll need to be logged into Facebook to see us, and if you're not on Facebook, what a better time to open an account.
   
4. We will be going to feed the hungry on Monday night.  Meet at Hyde Park, United Methodist Church at 6:30 pm.  Make sure you sign up on Sunday at the resource table.
5. Discipleship 201 is right around the corner (March).  We are very excited about this and I think you will really enjoy it.  Ask us about it on Sunday, and if you're interested in being a part of it, sign up at the resource table.
   

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Bible Reading Thoughts

I just recently started on a program to read through the Bible in a year.  You can do the same by going here.

Anyhow, part of today's reading was found in Psalms 73.  It's a passage that shows the rawness of a guy named Asaph.  I guess he was a king of Israel, but that's not important.  What is important was the cry of his heart. 

Asaph was a real jaded guy.  He was mad at the world, mad at God, and extremely bitter about life.  What was his problem?  He couldn't understand how God could allow all the bad people in the world to prosper and all the Godly ones to see, what he thought, was ruin. 

It's a real heart felt cry, one that I don't think is too far from many of our hearts.  You know what I mean.  All of us have times when questions that we just can't figure out have a way of rising to the surface and plaguing our thoughts to the point of becoming bitter, jaded and not sure how we think of God's faithfulness.

It isn't until Asaph comes to the following conclusion that his attitude begins to change.  The conclusion comes in a great picture of God's faithfulness in the light of eternity.  Listen to his words,

My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak,

  but God remains the strength of my heart;

  he is mine forever.

On Sunday at the Connection Point, we talked about his very thing.  The question we've been asking is, "if I had 30 days to live, what would be different."  I proposed to us that our view of eternity and the level of trust we put in God would change dramatically.  Have you thought about that in the last few days?  I hope so, because it will give you a new perspective that will change your life.

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Dream Team Profile - Amber Chadwell and Chelsea Watkins

Every Sunday, a group of people show up super early at The Connection Point to set everything up. They do so for one reason...To Connect Real People To a Real God in a Real World. I'm always so proud of everyone on the team. They all work so hard and do so with a huge smile on their face. Way to go team!

One of my core leadership values goes something like this, "Leadership is about serving and not being served." I always love it when people really model this attitude. One such person that modeled this attitude on Sunday was this girl...

Amber Chadwell is a real team player. On Sunday I happened to see Amber on her hands and knees cleaning the facade of the stage. I asked what she was doing and she responded, "this is filthy and it needs to be cleaned." I quickly ran and got my camera and snapped a picture. What a servants heart! I didn't ask her to do it, in fact no one did, she just saw an opportunity to serve and took it. Way to go Amber.

Another Connection Peep that works so hard is this girl...

Chelsea Watkins has a way of lighting up the room when she walks in. She is always smiling, always making people laugh, and always bringing joy to their lives. She works along side Kristina Burnson to make our Connection Kids a fun, life-giving experience for our children.

The young girls simply love her, because she models what a young Christian lady is all about. Way to go Chelsea...Keep up the good work!

What a Day at The Connection Point!

Today was the kick off to the Stop Campaign at The Connection Point. Wow!!! What an awesome day. Many new guests, many people responded to the message, and everyone is excited about the month to come. Gabe and the worship team did a powerful job leading worship and they did the cover song "Stop and Stare" by One Republic and absolutely nailed it.

Here are some pics from the day!

Gabe and the Worship Team (Randy, Rei and Keith playing "Stop and Stare" by One Republic.

Rick the "Ricker" Chadwell emceeing the morning

The Connection Point getting ready for Stop!

Pastor Steve