1. Our current attendance numbers have reached an unprecedented weekly average of 4,000. Two weeks ago we saw our largest weekend ever (that was not Easter or Christmas). In fact it was actually larger than some Easter and Christmas counts. All of our Masses now see over 500 in attendance, often between 10:30 and 11:00 […]
The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes… the people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this?” Mark 1.22, 27 Mark tells us that the people who encountered Jesus found him amazing and astonishing. Jesus Christ is the […]
This is week three of our current series the “rules” of happiness. This week we’re looking at a vital rule, one that Scripture over and over again emphasizes, as does modern psychology. We have a fundamental need to be known, loved and cared for. Solid, deep relationships bring emotional and even physical health. They also […]
Two interesting things happened this past week for the people who work here at Church of the Nativity. First, we had our biggest (non-Christmas/non Easter) weekend ever. Over 4200 people (that’s a lot of people). The energy and life of the place was palpable and exciting. What a great way to kick off a New […]
When [the Magi] saw the star, they were overjoyed. Matthew 2.10 When Herod realized he had been outwitted by the Magi he was furious. Matthew 2.16 Today is the Feast of the Epiphany; in many countries it is the day for Christmas gift giving, in honor of the gifts of the Magi to the baby […]
Welcome to 2012 and thanks for checking out my blog. For my first post of the New Year I am going out on a limb (where I kind of spend a lot of my time) and “predict” what’s ahead for our parish, Church of the Nativity, in the coming months. No kidding, I am not […]
Today’s post looks back at the year 2011 here at Nativity, an amazing year of grace and favor from God. Here are my top ten favorite things (in no particular order). 1. “Catholic Atheist” My favorite message series of the year was, far and away, “Catholic Atheist.” Inspired by Pastor Craig Grochel’s book, “Christian Atheist” […]
He blessed them, and their numbers greatly increased. Psalm 107 We make no apologies, numbers are important to us. Every number is a person, a life, a soul. So we keep count. That’s what God wants; in fact a whole book of the Bible is called “Numbers” and guess what it’s about…counting the people (as […]
There is no doubt about it. Our Christmas services are my favorite of the whole year and this year is no different. I’m so looking forward to celebrating this extraordinary evening with all of you. I’m also incredibly thankful to the hundreds of volunteers who sacrificially serve and even take vacation time in an effort […]
This week our staff was discussing the difficulty of keeping the focus of Christmas on Christ. Brian Crook, our missions director, was remembering a couple of Christmases ago his 7 year old cousin creating a scene because he didn’t get the gift he wanted. His mother tried to console him with pious platitude about the […]
