"I would so attend this church!"

After coming off of a time of prayer and fasting about 18 months ago, we felt strongly like the Lord was saying, “Now is the time to launch our multi-site initiative.”  God had opened up doors and we were full of faith.  Six months later (April 2011), we launched our very first satellite campus … in a movie theater. I can remember the excitement and the buzz that was all over that place.  People walking around, serving, supporting and checking the place out.  It was new and crazy!  But to be real honest with you, that whole “new and exciting” thing, lasted only a few months, then reality set in. 

By the time summer hit, we were still trying to dial in the “live feed.”  I am sure there were many Saturday nights that Pastor Eric didn’t sleep much because he knew that if the “live feed” went down, he was preaching.  We were still trying to figure out the set-up and tear down process, we were working on communication between the two sites, trying to discover who the actual community was that will be a part of this launch, explore “community-building” ideas and plans.  I mean … it was HARD WORK!  We were experimenting left and right, wondering, “When will this ever feel right?”

This past Sunday, one year later, I had the privilege of being with those at the Theater Campus to celebrate our One Year Birthda-versary.  I was blown away!  Before the experience even started, people were a buzz!  Such excitement.  Worship team was hitting on all cylinders, the flow of the service and use of media and video were non-distracting.  I stood off to the side and thought, “If I didn’t pastor this church, I would so attend this church!”  Same feeling that I have each week at the Greenfield Campus.  I love this tribe.  The community we longed for was happening before my eyes.  People were hanging out after the gathering to get to know each other, introducing themselves to one another, laughter filled the atrium.  My twitter feed was blowing up!!  I loved it! 

What a hard working team of staff and volunteers at that campus.  I cannot thank you all enough for all your sacrifice and hard working.  WE ARE TAKING THE MOUNTAIN!   Now, we take our next step.  Please be praying for us as we seek the Lord.  We have an opportunity to set a more permanent footprint in the Lititz community there at Penn Cinema.  It’s an opportunity that will give us a 24/7 presence there at that campus.  We will keep you in the loop as we continue to move ahead and follow the Lord’s leading.

Until then, live to make hell regret you were born!   Keep loving God and loving people.

Serving together with you,

PC

Happy Birthday VCTC!

Birthdays are always special aren't they (unless you're over 38 and realize to have a sleep over party would be creepy)?  Over sized helium balloons that don't EVER deflate, icing (light on the cake), friends, family and surprises (like new pain in places that you didn't even know existed until you felt a sharp twinge getting out of bed on your birthday... "surprise, take some Advil!")  There is something though about that first birthday isn't there?  So I'm watching Malachi who's almost a year old (so close to 1 but not quite, work with me).  Are you kidding, I'm thinking this over sized Cabbage Patch Kid was just inside of Heather's body a year ago and now he eats ravioli (like there's a shortage globally).  I mean think of the progress a child makes in a year, from helpless and weak to standing on his own and drinking out of the dog bowl.  It really is unbelievable isn't it?

VCTC is having a birthday, a first birthday and the progress that we have made is not so unlike Malachi's (minus the dog bowl thing).  Just over a year ago the Theater campus was just a good idea... a God idea! Look how far we've come from the early days of two theaters and massive tech issues (they still pop up now and then just for kicks).  It has been a journey of growth, a year later we have gone from some awkward stages to standing on our own two feet.  Give pause and take a minute to look around on Sunday... we are a church, a living, breathing organism.  Don't get me wrong, we're not "there" yet, we've got a long way to go (and frankly we'll never get "there").  Life happens in stages, Malachi is standing on his own but he wasn't taking any swings at the Darth Vader pinata  at Abe's 7th birthday party last month (although he did try to eat Darth Vader's head).  You understand what I'm saying... let's celebrate the progress, let's be thankful for the presence of God, let's give glory for the life change, for the impact in the community for the volunteer spirit that thrives at Victory Church and the list goes on and on!

Now no birthday would be complete without gifts (that we open after everyone leaves the party which I find strange "Drop your Five Below item there, I'll get to it later!")  I wish I could give each of you a present ( although you did get the chocolate spheres of life a couple of weeks ago) but I can't.  This is what I can do and will do, I will pray that as we celebrate this most important of birthdays that you would unwrap the fullness of God in your life!  It is to this end that I have given myself... that we would lock arms and chase hard after God and would not settle for anything less than the John 10:10 "Best Life!"

Come Sunday with great expectation, come ready to eat cake, come ready to spend some time looking around and taking it in.  Happy Birthday VCTC!!!

Blessings,
Eric

Grateful

Well, as I thought it would be, Easter Sunday at Victory Church Theater Campus was a special day.  Packed into the IMAX theater, we had over 280 people worship with us this morning with lots of new guests joining us!  What a Sunday!  As I drove home, still on an adrenaline rush, replaying the many faces I'd seen and the moments we shared - I keep thinking - VC Theater Campus delivered!  For the fame of Jesus and the goal of making him known - Victory, you delivered!

On Sunday, everywhere I looked, Victory delivered....

• Beginning very early Sunday (or late Saturday!) we had a team beginning at midnight set up the staging, lighting, sound equipment, and lobby area.  Joe, Kent, Matt, Craig, Duane, Corby, Buck, Brant, Cody, Scott, Rob, Keith, Ginger, and I know I'm forgetting a few (sorry) - but you all delivered!  Set up is not the glorious - look at me job - and you do it selflessly, so that people can encounter Jesus.
• First Impressions Team - Tom, and the rest of the greeters including Jon, Ryan, Becky, Tonya, Phoebe, Tina;  Bob, Derek,  and the ushers, Ron, and Phil;  the Bower family welcoming guests at the HUB - and again, I'm sure I missed some - but you all delivered! From the moments the doors opened you created a culture of anticipation, honor, and joy.
• Heather & the band, Matt, Randy, Kent, Craig, Denise, and all of the Worship Arts Team - you delivered! Sound, tech, instruments, vocals, videos, lighting - everything you touched expressed worship and led us well.
• Pastor Eric - you delivered! You lead us well, and today was evident of your passions and gifts.  You are a blessing to us, your tribe.
• Pastor Curt - you delivered! You shared the gospel with courage and clarity.  It's only because of the Resurrection we celebrate today that we have hope, but your message helped engage more people, needy people to the HOPE we share.
• Melissa Miller, and all the VC Kids volunteers - you delivered! Thank you Jaime, Carol, Zimmerman family, Terry, and Knect family.  As I walked back during the service, you were ready, blessing, and serving scores of children well. 
• Behind the scene heroes - and there are more I'm sure than listing here....but Ginger, you delivered!  You created a warm, inviting, place for people to enjoy and want to come back to.  Ron & Terry, you delivered! Selfless servants. Period.  Corby, & Duane you delivered! Late night, early morning, and not participating in the service, but participating in security making sure our kids, and facility were safe.  Buck, you delivered! A whatever it takes guy each and every week.

We want to help people take their NEXT step in their relationship with Jesus Christ. That's our passion. To help people see the beauty of Jesus, his word, and his church - and Victory Church  - you delivered!
I am thrilled to be on this journey with you.  Grateful, really.  Grateful that you have found Jesus worthy of your all. Looking forward to continuing the journey again this Sunday, as we celebrate God's faithfulness to our church community, looking back at one incredible year, and looking forward to the great things He has in store for us!

Each and every Sunday is Easter at Victory Church!  We do it because He Lives!!
Happy Sunday, Victory Church!

~Rick

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