Archive for April, 2008
Why the Suit?
Wednesdays are dress-up days at Buckhead Church.
Just kidding.
The real reason I wore a suit today can be traced back to the people of Buckhead Church. It’s all your fault. You see, last year, when we asked those of you in Community Groups to serve the city through our Intersect Project, you did. When we asked you to give your time and financial resources to our Christmas initiative, “How to Be Rich”, you did. This resulted in an amazing outpouring of support. So much so that it caught our charitable ministry partners pleasantly by surprise.
One of our partners is Atlanta Union Mission. www.atlantaunionmission.org Today, at AUM’s Board Meeting, they asked John Hambrick, Megan Linger, Steve Giddens and myself to attend in order to express their appreciation for what Buckhead Church did in 2007. (The Board Meeting is business attire, hence the suit.) However, they’re really not thanking the four of us on staff. They are thanking all of you for the hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars you gave.
Atlanta Union Mission isn’t the only ministry we are impacting. For a complete list of our Intersect Partners check out: www.northpointleaders.org/portal/site/intersect-bc.
You really are having an amazing impact on these ministries. Don’t take my word for it, though. Phil Leonard, the Chief Development Officer at AUM, said, “I can’t even being to describe what a blessing Buckhead Church has been to the Mission! We just can’t thank you enough for your help! God bless you!”
So here’s the deal. You keep serving like you’re serving and I’ll pledge to wear these uncomfortable suits and neckties.
Very, very proud of you,
Jeff
Singles are GREAT!!
This past Saturday over 700 Buckhead, North Point, and Browns Bridge singles came together to answer the questions: “How can we be great? and “What can we do for our city?”
Well, they answered these two questions with strong responses. do.justice was a SOLD OUT event as singles paid to serve their community! The day started over breakfast as people formed new friendships. Then the teams headed out to serve. Ten teams, ranging in size from 12 to 200, went to nine different organizations to deliver meals, clean up deserted lots, repair homes for the elderly, play with kids, clean and sort storage units, and landscape yards.
More stories, pictures, and videos are coming this week to the blog.
If you were there, tell us about your experience.
joel thomas
The VERY proud Singles Pastor at Buckhead Church
Video Update
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/v/9Me0MsfG9o0 425 350]
Dodgeball for Jesus
Haley and Jason Bilotti are long-time friends of mine and community group leaders here at Buckhead. Jason is the operator of two Chick-fil-A restaurants in Atlanta and does an incredible job. A couple of years ago, he went on a mission trip to Niger and came back with a heart for doing something greater for the children there.
Sometimes, when people feel God nudging them to do something, the typical response is, “Let’s call the church and see if they will do it.” And that’s understandable. But as Andy pointed out in the recent I Want To Be Great series, all of us are the church.
So Jason and Haley started praying and dreaming about a fundraiser for the children of Niger. The result is an event this weekend called The Chick-fil-A Dodgeball Charity Tournament. All proceeds will go to Schools for Niger and the WinShape Foundation. Click here to see more information: http://www.cfabdodgeballatlanta.com/Home/tabid/132/Default.aspx.
This is what happens when people listen and follow God’s lead. Not to mention that this is another example of the incredible people God has assembled here at Buckhead Church. And remember, it’s not about Buckhead Church. It’s about Buckhead and beyond, so that the world may know the love of their Heavenly Father. 
Jeff
Last Call for Greatness
If you haven’t signed up for do.justice, your chance to be great this
Saturday is slipping by. We have less than 100 spots left, so if you
or someone you know still wants to join over 700 other singles
serving our community this Saturday, register today!
The cost is $10 and includes breakfast, lunch and this cool shirt…
Joel Thomas
Director of Singles Ministry
