We shot the first tv spot yesterday for the Blend.  Very cool!  It’s pretty fun fielding all of the looks when you’re pulling a 2500 lb coffee cup down a busy highway or standing at a major intersection with a film crew beside such an unusual object!  If you don’t know what it is, the Blend will be our run on the gates. . . our charge into the darkness.

We were thinking through the economy Tuesday morning in staff meeting and some thoughts came to mind.

       The economy and common sense say scale back.

       The Barna Institute says cut the budget.

       A huge number of non-profit organizations will close their doors in 2009.

       The economy may not turn around for almost two years.

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       What if God wants his Church to shine as a beacon on a hill during this dark time?

       What if God is going to use Southside in a similar manner to sister churches in    

                Wilmington who are growing  at near break neck pace?

       What if we charge the darkness with torches ablaze rather than simply turning out the        

                lights and lighting a candle?

       What if we set Wilmington on fire for Christ rather than cutting budgets to meet the                        

                  present need and rate of giving?

       What if people flooded our services as a result of God moving through Southside?

       What if one service at the Blend grows into six?

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       Are we really ready to allow God to use Southside?

       Are you truly ready to give all or are you still thinking of cutting back on your commitment?

None of that age old “this little light of mine” mentality!  Break out the torches.  Wilmington is calling out for help.  How will you answer?