The First 31 days of 2010

It’s been a busy first month of the new decade at Buckhead Church.

Here’s a quick overview:

• 581 people got connected into a small group.
• Over 100 people signed up for Starting Point.
• Over $73,000 given to Haiti relief.
• 3,000 of us gathered to pray for Haiti, Buckhead and each other at our first Night of Worship in 2010.
• 21 days of fasting and prayer.
• We launched our first series of the year, “Taking Responsibility for your Life.”

There’s a whole lot more, but the question of the day on February 1 is this:

Looking back on January, how were you encouraged or challenged to grow in your relationship with Jesus?

To get us started, this response is from Brian Fosse regarding the 21-day fast:

My wife and I fasted from spending money on anything other than food and gas since food wasn’t a good option for us.  Through the fast we came to realize how all-consuming consumerism was in our lives.  We didn’t expect that because we have a budget and stick to it for the most part.  However, it wasn’t just about the money, but our thoughts, time and energy.  When you’re not spending money, then you’re not getting on the computer reading reviews and comparison shopping.  You’re not taking a quick trip to Target or Home Depot and then spending the rest of the weekend on a do-it-yourself project.  Instead, we found more time to “just be”.  We got more rest, went on more walks and gained a renewed appreciation for all of the gifts of life that are freely given to all of us – like the faithfulness of a new day.       Keri was reading in Luke 12 this morning about the parable of the rich fool and about worry.  Jesus said, “…where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”  The fast made us aware of the extent to which our heart has been with our stuff.  Now the challenge going forward is to heed Jesus’ words and provide for ourselves treasure that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven.  This is the focus of our fast – we will work towards that treasure, 1 of the 300,000 at a time.

So, how about you?  How did the first month of 2010 impact your relationship with Jesus?

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