This morning our church staff is loading a couple of vans and we are all heading south of the border for a STAFF MISSIONARY trip.  It will be a great time for us and those we are seeing.  We will be giving gifts to needy families and painting a house.  Pray for our trip!

I wont be talking to you here on the blog for a couple of days, but will be posting tweets.  So, you can check that column on the right to get updates of our trip.

see you this weekend!!

-robin

Looking back on yesterday, I am amazed at my family.  My blood and spirit family all combined in a sweet mixture of love, unity, and purpose.  Skill, humor, direction all played a role in our “children’s” Christmas play.  I put that in quotes because a  LOT of adults had a lot to do with it.

For the first time in my life, I saw my child in a performance.  It was a moving experience.  What made it even more difficult is that I watched him from behind and ‘in character’.  I am eager to see the DVD when I can look directly at him.  I was so proud of him.  He was one of the 3 very important wise men!

2008 has been a dynamic year for the Children’s ministry.  The Christmas musical capped an amazing run that included:  a remodel and creation of beautiful rooms/facilities, a new playground, kids’ summer camp, and VBS!  (not to mention, week in and week out of incredible ministry on the weekends to our kids)  The Christmas musical was well planned and performed.  The actors were so talented and prepared.  The singers were so loud and on cue.  I watched as a proud pastor, then I had to jump into character and act like a complete hillbilly.  Of course, it didn’t take much acting.  If you know what I mean.

The audience was literally packed at all 3 services.  We had well over 100 guests for the weekend.  The Rodriguez’ and Sinors did a wonderful job organizing everything.  Danielle Armstrong, the Halls, Syliva Murry, Michelle Tapia, Teresa Orozco, Michelle Watson, Vib Schulle, and ALL the parents and teachers amazed me.  Night after night they committed to the cause of Christmas.

If you want to see it for the first time or you want to save the memories, CLICK HERE and order a DVD we can ship to you or pick it up at kiosk.

-robin

How many different ways can you celebrate Christmas?  This year, Christmas is taking on a fresh perspective, and that is exciting.  Since we celebrate XMAS every year, it seems like I get in the cycle of rituals, just like every other church function.

Last week, I made a decision to follow the Advent schedule during our weekend worship services.  Two days later, Erica came to me and said, “I would like to lead our boys through Advent this year.”  I have to admit, raised Pentecostal, we looked down on stuff like that.  We thought it was weak to have a written out plan of scriptures and reading schedules accompanied with candles, wreaths, etc.  I am sure to those of you who have done it for 20 years, it is old hat.  But, to the Steele family, it is extremely fresh and relevant.  It has made me look at everything differently.  I look at each decoration and symbol and recall its importance in bringing the story to life.

-robin

I am going into Thanksgiving mode early.  Our offices will be officially closed Wed-Fri.  However, we always have to prepare for the weekend and be “on call” if someone needs us.  So…that means the blog is going to take a break.  I can’t fit everything into the schedule when family takes priority.

I love all my bloggers and thankful to have you with me everyday.  It is possible that I will post a blog here or there this week, so if you are bored, then click over here and check.

See you this weekend…in person or watch us online.

-robin