mattmehaffey

Sunday Blend :: October 12, 2008

I am still flying high after an amazing Sunday in the life of The Pursuit yesterday.

- The biggest highlight by far was Frank Fernandez's baptism. Words cannot explain how cool this was. On her blog, Janie does a much better job than I ever could so I'll let her explain. More baptisms are on their way.
- After seeing the past four weeks in our new warehouse venue, two services will definitely be needed in our near future! A bunch of new guests are coming (and coming back) every week.
- Our great friends, Sam and Renee Cole and their daughter Catie, came down for a visit this weekend. They are huge supporters of us and The Pursuit. I'm so glad they could see with their own eyes what God is doing. Our dog Jeter definitely misses his new pal, Catie.
- The Big Idea yesterday was: My fourth purpose in life is to serve God by serving others.
- We received a great response from people on their Connection Cards, committing to serve.
- Alex and the band (they need a good band name) rocked out to Gavin DeGraw's "I don't wanna be." Check out the video Alex downloaded below. I am glad people don't really feel the way the title reads!

I Dont Wanna Be @ The Pursuit from Alex Diaz on Vimeo.

Sunday Blend :: September 21, 2008

What a day!

Our new place is already feeling like home and the atmosphere was electric.  I am very proud of everyone who went the extra mile to make this uber fast transition possible. 

Be sure to click here and check out the slideshow to see the rest of the images.

Sunday Blend :: September 7, 2008

Today we wrapped my favorite series we've done so far at The Pursuit.  Our Retro series has been an absolute blast to teach.  I've also been very happy with all of the creative elements we've added the past three weeks. 

Today was 80s week and the Big Idea was:  The world says, "Get all you can get for you."  But Jesus says, "Live generously for Me."  We talked about everyone's favorite wee-little man, Zacchaeus and his life-changing encounter with Jesus.

Here are some highlights:

• We had a low crowd today but several new guests.  We have a steady stream of new people who move into the area, find us online and decide to come based on our website. 
• Mike Ruiz showed off his Rubiks Cube skillz. 
• There's a definite buzz about the upcoming Purpose Driven Life series.  People keep signing up for Community Groups. 
• I felt good about the message this week.  Unfortunately no podcast this week due to technically difficulties. 
• The band brought their "A" game today.  Raul was back after some vacation and it was great to have him back on the drums.  They set the 80's mood by rocking out to ZZ Top's "Sharp Dressed Man."  Check out the video below (shot goofing around during rehearsal).

Sharp Dressed Man @ The Pursuit from Matt Mehaffey on Vimeo.

Sunday Blend :: August 31, 2008

Labor Day weekend hit The Pursuit crowd this morning but not as nearly as bad as I expected.  Today was 70s week in our Retro series.  "Do the Hustle" is still stuck in my head.  We also had some fun at Bob's expense (nice picture).  I was born in 1976 so research was fun.  The ideology of the 70s was, "If it makes you happy do it.  All that matters is self."

The Big Idea for today was: The world says, "Find yourself in you." But Jesus says, "Find your identity in Me." 

We talked about one of my favorite guys in the Bible today, Jacob. His story is captivating. Here's a guy who lived a "me-centered" life. He didn't care who stood in his way.  He was going to get his.  God comes down and picks a fight and ends up giving him a brand new identity. 

Doesn't take a sociologist to see we are influenced by this today in 2008. We have bought into the lie that meaning in life can be found in our own selfish pursuits. 

Jesus says, "Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." (Matthew 10:39)

Today's Highlights

• We finally had an excuse to use the disco ball in the Ballroom!
• The band played a rocked out version of "I Will Survive." I would buy it on iTunes if it were available.
• God has brought new people with great potential the last several weeks. Very exciting.
• We had more Community Group sign-ups than we have ever had.  Looking forward to our Community Group Launch in two weeks.
• We passed out a bunch of 40 Days of Purpose books for free thanks to many generous individuals! We will be giving out more the next two weeks too.  The Pursuit's 40 Day campaign begins September 14.   

Next week is 80s week.  I need to wear this ensemble. It's tempting.

The 60s: "Free Yourself" Message

Here's the link to this past Sunday's message on the 60s.  You can also download it from The Pursuit Christian Church's podcast on iTunes.

Sunday Blend :: August 24, 2008

Yesterday we kicked off our Retro series at The Pursuit.  We took a trip back in time and looked at the 60s.  Like no other time in US history, the 60s was the decade of rebellion.  "Question Authority" was the mantra of the day.  It was widely taught that freedom could only truly be found through rejecting all authority.  Today in 2008, we are still widely influenced from this mindset.

The Big Idea: The world says, "Be your own authority." But Jesus says, "Make Me your authority."
Text: Matthew 8:5-13 - Jesus and the Roman Centurion

I had an absolute blast preaching this message.  I'll link to the podcast when it's up later this week. 

Highlights of the day:

• Several people came dressed up in 60s attire!  Ashley Cross gets the prize though.
• God brought several new people to The Pursuit.  One family just moved to Miami from North Carolina (usually it's the other way around).  How did they find us?  They were visiting family in Orlando this past July and attended Journey Christian Church one of the weeks I was preaching there!  I love watching God work.
• I took a cheap shot at Brett Favre.  C'mon, he deserves it for the constant media coverage he's put us through!
• Alex's rendition of The Beatles classic, "Blackbird."
• The laughter that came as a result from Yearbook Yourself.  If we did not get you this week, do not think you are safe! 
• We had a great group at Pursuit 1.0 last night.  My friend and new member of The Pursuit, Frank Fernandez, is a police officer in Miami and because of his job he gets to go to every home game for the Dolphins, Marlins and Hurricanes.  When Ken Griffey Jr. hit his 600th home run, Frank was the guy who pulled the guy who caught it out of the scrum. Last night he gave me a game used baseball from a Marlins game.  Cool!

Retro

This Sunday, The Pursuit is going old school!

The 60s, 70s, and 80s were all known for a way of life that is still going strong in our day. Our culture has been influenced heavily by the mindsets that arose during those decades. But God calls each of us to a way of life that is radically different from the ideals of those decades.

We will explore on...

• Sunday, August 24: The 60's - Free Yourself
• Sunday, August 31: The 70's - Find Yourself
• Sunday, September 7: The 80's - Suit Yourself

We are going to have some fun with this series!  You better hide your yearbooks because if we get a hold of one this might just happen to you!

The Pursuit Podcast

Here's the link to this week's podcast.  You can also subcribe via iTunes here. 

Sunday Blend

The venue The Pursuit Christian Church rents from has three ballrooms (Royal, Crystal and Signature).  Kids City meets in the Signature Ballroom and ever since we launched The Pursuit six months ago the Celebration Service has met in the Royal Ballroom.  This week we officially made the move to the Crystal.  It's smaller but it fits us nicely (especially our budget). 

The synergy in the crowd was amazing.  By meeting in a space more conducive to our size made the entire service better.  The music was electric and I love teaching in this room.  Except for the fact, there is a wall 'o mirror in the back and so we have to stare at our mugs from the stage area.  Luckily, I was able to position myself so the pillar in the middle of the room blocked my reflection. 

I taught on The Lord's Supper.  You can listen to it here.  After the message, we continued worshiping through a very powerful time of Communion.

It was nice to have a relaxing afternoon and evening after the service.  Janie and I wrapped the last two episodes of Season 4 of West Wing.  Quite possibly two of the best hours of television I have ever watched.  I love this show.  I still can't believe I never watched a single episode when it was on.

I also caught the last two innings of the Yankees win over the Angels.  14-9.  A pitcher's duel it was not, but it made for great entertainment.  Yankees GM Brian Cashman is a thief.  He stole Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte from Pittsburgh.  Of course, new Tiger, Kyle Farnsworth is still finding ways of ruining everything by giving up 2 runs in the 8th to allow the pesky Rays to win again.

Now it's dinner time.  Pot Roast is on the menu. 

We Love SoFlo - Week One Message

Last Sunday's message is now available on podcast or you can listen to it here.