We Couldn't Have Done It Without You

Mike Edmisten told me on the way to church this morning, "Something feels different about this Easter. I don't know what, but something."

He was right.

He absolutely preached his guts out. I absolutely led worship with everything I had. But it wasn't because of us that the service was memorable....it was because of our volunteers who showed up and brought their "A" games with them this morning.

Big props to Josh Young who spent extra time creating loops to be used in our songs this morning and who spends time every week practicing the heck out of every song. His help in the media presentation by creating the logo for the series, the countdown, background and bumper videos was stellar, as is his attitude during each and every service.

Massive thanks to Phil Prather, who spent extra time this week not only practicing, but rearranging the stage and sound setup with Josh Young when they had a ton of better things they could have been doing.

A big shout out to Dane Dincler, who we could not have moved forward in worship without. His practice time every week is more than apparent as is his talent for playing bass which never ceases to amaze me. (a little secret church, the bass isn't even his primary instrument!)

Awesome job this morning by Sara Bunton, who was flawless on harmony vocals. It's nice to have a rotating team of singers who are so versatile. Thanks Sara for your attitude of service.

Huge High Fives to Bev Dincler and Carol Sexton who ran our sound and media this morning. Great job you two! You make working with a worship service a cakewalk because you not only take direction, but you ask a lot of questions. I am so blessed to work with you both. You guys did awesome this morning.

I would also like to reciprocate rippling pectoral muscles to Seth Layman for his outstanding performance this morning as "Guilt." When Mike and I dreamed this element up, we never had any idea that it would be as "smashing" of a success as it was. Seth's portrayal of the character went over huge, and if you weren't there, you missed out big time. He's probably still picking glass out of his hand.

We also couldn't have done the job we did this morning without the help of Jeff Detherage who lended his constructive talents to creating the frame that held the mirror. It exceeded every expectation that I had. Great job Jeff! (He also spent a lot of time fixing things around the church before Easter, and I gotta say, the place looked great.)

Thanks also to John Bach who lended his help by welcoming people today. It was refreshing to have someone new onstage to address the congregation and I think it went very well.

Finally, big props to Mike Edmisten, who although technically isn't a volunteer, spent more time prepping for this service than most people will ever know. His vision for where we're headed is unbelievable, and I am blessed to work alongside this man of God. His message was one of the best I've ever heard from him and the conviction with which he preaches seems to be limitless. Church, we are blessed to have this man to teach us, and I want to make sure we never take him for granted.

To everyone who made today the huge success that it was, you are all awesome, I am humbled by the creative talents you bring to make our ministry and our church what it is. May God bless each and every one of you.

God made everything possible this morning, but I want you all to know that I work with the most awesome people on the planet!