Thursday, February 26, 2009

Evaluating Access

Today I was reviewing my notes from last year's n*rich, an annual gathering of North Point Strategic Partnership staff. During one of the sessions, David McDaniel laid out some best practices for strategic partnerships. He said the best partnerships:

1. Have the best staff teams and volunteer teams.
2. Have instilled a culture of generosity.
3. Assimilate newcomers into community quickly.
4. Are completely aware of their financial situation.

I use this often to grade how we're doing as a new church. What do you think? Are we hitting the target on these four points?

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Right Where You Are

Standing on a hillside, Jesus gave the followers who had assembled to hear him a unique label. A label that would explain what their purpose was for being on this earth, and one that is as applicable to his followers today as it was then. Discover what that label is and how it impacts how you see yourself and why you have been placed on location.

This Sunday at Access Church, Andy Stanley will present part two of, "On Location." You won't want to miss it!

Monday, February 23, 2009

February Giving Update

Thanks to your generous giving yesterday, it appears that Access has met our giving budget for the month—again! This is such an encouragement as we move ahead with great hopes for 2009!

In addition to our regular offerings, we received a substantial gift from a local foundation that believes in our strategy of creating irresistible environments. This gift will help to restore our cash reserve, depleted last fall.

The foundation gift skews the following graph a bit, but nevertheless shows the impact your giving is having on the future of this organization.


Our goal for March is ambitious—$6,600 more than February. Pray that we'll continue to be a generous church!

And, just as I was typing this, a local business offered to donate all the burgers for our two-year-anniversary cookout this Sunday! Amazing! So, come for great music (Tenth Avenue North will start at 10:15am), a great message from Andy Stanley, and great food. See you Sunday!

People in this city will spend eternity with their heavenly father because of how you are investing His resources!

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

With All My Heart

This past Sunday I had the opportunity to share my gratitude to the wonderful people who have helped make Access Church a success. The last two years have been amazing! We are so excited to celebrate this anniversary, and it represents a whole new era in the life of our church. If you've prayed for Access Church, served at Access Church, given to Access Church, or invited friends to Access Church, I would love for you to watch this message.



Thank you. With all my heart.

-Rich

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Got Salt?

A new series launches this Sunday at Access Church! Andy Stanley will be presenting, "On Location," a great series about the role God intends for you to play right where you are: at work, school, and home.

We'll begin by looking a story in the Old Testament that is striking in its depiction of society at its worst and in its depiction of how God dealt with it. It is the story of Sodom and Gomorrah. A story that is disturbing in some of its details and yet reveals one of God's values—a value that helps to explain your unique role at work, in your neighborhood, and in this nation.

It's a great Sunday to invite a friend. See you then!

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Celebrating Two Years in Jacksonville!

Wow, can you believe it? Sunday, March 1, will mark our two-year anniversary!

To celebrate God's goodness to our young church, we'll have a few fun elements on March 1. Show up 15 minutes early to enjoy some extra music from Tenth Avenue North—Waumba Land and UpStreet will be opening at 10:10am.

Stay after worship for burgers, live music, and inflatables on the lawn!

Andy Stanley will present part 2 of "On Location."


See you then! Sunday, March 1, at 10:30 (or 10:15)am.

Click here for directions.