There’s a lot going on right now, so I thought I’d give a bunch of quick updates.

• We signed the paperwork for the House of Rock yesterday.  It will get to California today and the deal becomes official on Friday.  This means that Oak Leaf Church now owns the House of Rock, a 15,000 square foot nightclub.  On Saturday, we begin cleaning and renovating.  We’re going to begin student ministry there, open a fully-functional coffee shop, move our offices there, and eventually add kids space so we can have a full-blown service.  I am so excited about redeeming a building.
• The first ministry in our church to use this new building will be our student ministry.  We are beginning a new student ministry service on Wednesday nights called Fuel.  Jake will host.  I will teach and Matt Moody will lead worship.  Fuel begins on September 3.
• In November, I am going to Africa with a group of local pastors to do some work on a long term missions strategy.  I’ve never been to Africa and I’m excited to see first hand how we can impact a region.
• We are beginning a brand new series this Sunday called God at the Movies.  We have some fun things planned, and if you’re a Leafer, you will want to be there a few minutes early.  This weeks message is inspired by The Incredible Hulk.
• The second and third services are at 91% capacity, the first service is at 45% capacity.  In other words, I really need everyone that can do it to come to the 8:45 service. We’ve been averaging about 800 people in attendance since we moved back to the theater, and school starts this week.  This is one reason that we’re working on the House of Rock, but you can help in the short term by attending early.
• My oldest daughter starts first grade today.  She’s nervous and excited, but all the teachers at her school love her.  I take her to school every morning, and we say a prayer before I drop her off.  I pray that she will be a great example of Jesus and have the opportunity to invite lots of people to church.  She already invited her teacher at open house.
• Jody is doing a great job getting ready for the kickoff of groups.  We’ve been praying a huge prayer for 25 groups (which would basically be double what we had).  At this point, Jody has more than 25 group leaders and several coaches.  This is a huge opportunity, and I really want everyone connected to Oak Leaf Church to be in a group.
• Today at 4pm, we’re buying down the price of gas at the Citgo right across from the movie theater.  I think we are going to make it $2.99 a gallon for a while.  I’ll be out there pumping gas and washing windows and inviting people to Oak Leaf Church.
• Saturday, I’ll be at the House of Rock with tools, tearing out the old dance floor and stage and cleaning up the building.  Come and join me anytime from 8-5.
• It’s been really busy lately and we need a vacation.  Not sure where we are going to go, but I need to plan something.  Next February, Jennie and I will have been married for 10 years, so I’m trying to plan something fun for that.  Any ideas?