Archive for category Thrive
Five Things that I’m excited about….
FIVE (random) Things I am excited about
1. Having the privilege of marrying off Dan and Kathy Hertwick last night – so excited for what God is doing in their lives. Truly an honor to officiate that ceremony – plus the food was awesome!
2. Thinking about the new guests that will be joining us for our new “GAME CHANGER” Series that we are kicking off tonight! We started the church 2 1/2 years ago for people that were far from God…still get pumped when people show up, find out and put their hope in Him! I want to challenge you to bring a friend – don’t come to church alone – to much is at stake…
3. Our creative team worked hard on our new stage that you will see this weekend. They amaze me every time, excited to see what they have up their sleeves!
4. Still Lifting Tina Martin up as she is still recovering from her surgery last Thursday. As many of you know this is her second battle with Brain Cancer. Word is, she did well and is talking and eating. Let’s keep praying for her FULL Recovery! If your interested in helping her and Aaron with meals click here to get on meal list
5. My wife’s birthday this week – This Tuesday…she thought she had to remind me….I played it off…she was right and for that..every-birthday from now on is 29!!
Thanks for reading – more soon
Tom
GAME CHANGER : SUPER BOWL WEEKEND at TCC
Dear Friends,
In the middle of all the Super Bowl excitement , I’m amped to share the message about “Game Changer RELATIONSHIPS”. We are all looking for the kind of relationships that go deep, connect with our hearts and speak truth for our benifit. When we find those, I think you would agree it changes everything. This weekend we will find out how we can have those.
By the way if you have been coming to church for a while and your looking to find a relationships like I mentioned I recommend jumping into one of our dozens of Growth Groups. Registration is now open and groups start on Feb 13th. Some groups are closing up fast. I wouldn’t wait to long. Here’s the link to choose your group! Last thought about this weekend, I would make sure to get there on time. Our band is kicking off with a song every football fan won’t want to miss!
Excited
saturdays are the new sundays….
I got caught by surprise….It’s happened as the result of our church starting a New Sat night service. Over the last two weeks people have been coming up to me and “THANKING US” for starting a Sat night service option. Didn’t expect that one…..
When we realized that our parking lost was getting too small and our crowd too big – we knew we needed to do something…..after a season of prayer and discussion with our staff. We pulled the trigger on Sat nights. We realized there were some unique benefits to that placing a service on that day and time… Here is what we came up with with….
1. People love having a full day with their families – Unfortunately Sat with our economy being what it is, employers are asking more from their staff and that includes working half days on Saturday….that means Sunday is the only full day people get with each other…
2. Sat Service reach a different crowd! What’s been surprising is the clear difference between our Sunday 9:30 and 11:00 services…same programing – different feel. We had a hunch that Sat night would have a different feel and pull a different crowd as well – we were right. I Love the different types of people that are showing up – it makes our church FUN.
3. We have an option to eat together! Being in a semi-portable facility forces us to tear-down after our 11:00 Sunday service. That keeps us from hanging out and spending time with thriver’s. Once we added the Sat service – problem solved. Each week we announce a HOT SPOT restaurant and we all show up and eat after service…last week I met the coolest couple and had the opportunity to hear their story….they are awesome. This made me love Saturdays even more….
4. We give more OPPORTUNITY for people to SERVE! yup – by creating a separate service, we also created a strategic hole for our church to fill…and they did. I love seeing the SNT team. They are excited and pumped up. So much so, they end up inspiring me!
So – show up to saturday night, leave your kids in our FREE AFTER SERVICE CHILDCARE and hang out with our staff….gonna be fun! Saturdays are the NEW Sundays…
Tom
4.
thought about another Sunday service (and we still may launch that down the road) and parking on the
A letter to thrive church…
Posted by tomelmore in General, Leadership, Thrive on September 21, 2011
Hello TC
Here’s 4 things on my heart for YOU, US and our FUTURE
1. We had nearly 600 people show up last weekend and plus….people gave their life to Christ! I love what God is doing in families at TC. It’s mind-blowing – we still a new church and God is working through us!!!! I love it. We can’t forget that the church exists to help people FIND and FOLLOW Christ…and when it happens – it’s worth celebrating!
2. Last Weekend was one of the most FUN and EYEOPENING services yet! As we jumped into week two of our “Perfect Family” series we talked about the end game with our kids…..it’s not getting them to leave the house or go to college…it’s having a life-long FRIENDSHIP with them. In order to get one we have to engage in a healthy behaviors during the earlier 3 phases – NURSE, KING / QUEEN and COACH. You can’t jump phases and you have to ask God for help – especially if you came from rough home life yourself. God has great plans for your family – believe it.
3. This weekends message is titled…”Survival Guide to a Blended Home”. Coming from a blended home myself, I understand how over 50% of our population feels. Can God heal, change and help homes that are blended? Does God meet single parents with an additional grace for their situation…YES! Can’t wait to share what God has helped me live through and put in my heart for this huge topic!
4. People have coming up to me every week and introducing them self to me. One Question I have begun to ask every time is “have you signed up for a Growth Group”? Groups are more than a program or a calender filler – they are the life blood of what our church is about. Church doesn’t begin when you walk in the doors- rather when you walk out….that means we should be more about relationships than facilities and programs. That’s where Groups step in -they are the best place to grow your faith, make friendships and get encouraged and supported…all the things a church should do… I am beyond pumped for this seasons groups…..Zumba, study groups, basketball, cooking….I think we have it all….except you – click www.thrivechurch.cc for a group list / sign up. Groups start the week of Oct 3
That’s it – loving you, our church and our future….bring a friend to church this weekend….seriously!
Tom
Is there an app for everything…really?
Image via Wikipedia
I am learning to love app’s for my I-phone. The reason I say “learning” is because naturally I am not a techie kind of guy. I am still “in process” on how to create “folders” on my I-phone and I think that says it all…
My point is there seems like an app for everything. I wonder if anyone thought about creating one for the Perfect Family? How amazing would it be to hit a button and presto your fight with your spouse is over, your 2 year old stopped crying and your teenager suddenly has a respectful tone in his/her voice….think of the possibilities. How much would you pay for it? I’d empty my bank account right now…
Wouldn’t that be amazing! Ok – Reality would tell us there is no magic button that can do all that, but wouldn’t it be a hit!
In our new series “Perfect Family, is there app for that” we gleaning advice and insight from scripture to improve our families. To help us get along better, love more, to strengthen our commitment to each other and learn how to enjoy our lives the way God intended.
Is it as simple as hitting a button – nope! It takes work, effort and serious communication,but I honestly believe when we understand God’s vision for our families…we have the potential to change – to grow and ultimately become a better version of what we already are!
I’m beyond excited for this weekend’s services -Sat 6pm / Sun 9:30 and 11:00 – Oh yeah, if your needing a date night out..try our new Sat night service, we are offering free baby-sitting from 7-9:30pm. Take advantage of it!
PS – this is a great weekend to bring that friend or neighbor that you have been thinking about!
See you soon -Tom
more excited than ever….
Posted by tomelmore in Everything Else, General, Series, Thoughts from the Week, Thrive on September 16, 2011
It’s been a while…If your reading this, no I did not fall off our stage and die, or forget how to use a computer (although that might not be a bad idea) I took a break from blogging and turned my energy to our staff, upcoming fall series and helping our teams succeed. It was a good summer break but now I’m excited to get back in the saddle. So -expect anywhere from 2-3 posts a week and perhaps a guest blogger or two.
A pastor friend of mine were debriefing from the weekend and he asked me “why I was so excited” – he could obviously hear it in my voice – so here’s how I bragged on what God did.
* Last Sunday God showed up and we had a record (non-Easter) attendance...over 825 people packed our services out!
* Our Teams really stepped up their game, walking people to different ministry areas serving coffee, helping people get a seat, creating videos and rebuilding our entire stage – they say success or failure starts with TEAM….It’s true!
* We launched Sat night service and nearly had standing room only! I think Sat is going to become one of favorite services – sorry 9:30 /11:00 – the Sat. energy was unreal
* Angry Bird was running wild at our Fall Fun Fest and it was awesome- I loved watching families spend time together and build memories in the church – we officially ran out of snow cone ice on Sat night…to all those that missed out. I sincerely apologize
It’s pretty clear to our team and myself that God is up to something. If you want to be apart and join in…here are three clear steps that will get you there…
1. Start Praying for OUR church! Prayer protects, empowers and changes things…if we do it – we will all know it
2. Invite your friends! Now we have 3 different times to choose from…Sat 6:00 / Sun. 9:30 and 11:00 – so we are actually making it easier to fit into peoples schedules. There is nothing more real and meaningful than a friend wanting to share something valuable with another friend!
3. Get Involved! You could be a huge part of what God is doing in our church! Why sit on the sidelines? click here to join a team and start making an impact!
See you this Saturday – Tom
What’s your SUPER POWER?
Image via Wikipedia
Do you remember people asking you the Q – “If you could have any super power in the world -what would you pick”? Now I grew up being totally into Super Hero’s. I even had the super hero dolls that you could change the costumes on. Have you ever seen the head of Batman on a Spider-man body…I have- it’s disturbing.
The fact is I used to love it when people asked me that question because as a kid it was so EMPOWERING. Thinking about the possibilities literally blew my mind…flying – shooting webbing from my wrist and dodging bullets…that’s the stuff that dreams are made of.
I have come to grips that I may never soar through the sky with a cape (and yes I know your probably thankful for that) – When I read the Bible I believe that God has deposited in each of us raw super powers. The God of the universe has empowered us with unique talents and abilities. These are the raw powers that if developed and nurtured can help us impact the world and point people to the life-changing power of Christ.
That’s why this Sunday we are kicking off our new series called “Super Power”. It’s all about help us get up and experience our God size destiny. When it comes to being heroic – I often can easily talk myself out of being courageous. I know with God age, gender, bank account size or past screw ups don’t matter. He only sees the gifts that HE HAS put in us and the POTENTIAL that we have to use them for good. He sacrificed his life so we could have these gifts and discover what real life is! I can’t wait for this Sunday…
PS – This Sunday 4x MMA Champion Rocky Long will be with us at THRIVE for a Live Interview. For those of you that don’t get out much – MMA is the fastest growing sport in the U.S. and currently draws larger pay perview audiences than boxing.
Bring a friend to church – It’s going to be one of our BEST SUNDAY’S YET!
Tom
what no one is telling you about…
Image by Getty Images via @daylife
Have you ever been lied to?
I have and at times I have lied. (now I know a pastor is not spoused to be that honest…but it’s true)
It stinks when you find out you have been sold a bunch of half-truths. You were meant to believe something that latter on you find out was made up or filled with a hidden agenda.
Just getting back from LA last week, this topic is on the front burner of my brain. Over the years as I have tried to move forward with my relationship with Christ I’ve come face to face with some of the un-truths that culture has sold me. It’s caused me to do some soul searching and refocus areas of my life to be more on Him.
That’s one of the reasons we launching a new series this Easter Sunday. We are calling it “what no one is telling you about..”. We are going to dive into some of the big rocks that make our world roll..like media, sex and wealth. This series is going to be filled with strait-up, truthful talk and practical help from God’s word.
We are kicking it off with “What No One is Telling you about EASTER” this Sunday. Remember our Easter service times are 9:00 -10:15 and 11:30. If you want to join us for prayer – this Sat. at 4pm. Come join us – it’s open to everyone.
Excited – Tom
our birthday surprise…
Last Sunday at THRIVE, we celebrated our 2nd Birthday.
It’s still hard to believe that 24 months ago, a rag tag group of 35 huddled in circle and prayed. We asked for God do something big in Katy / Richmond TX.
We were not sure how God would answer that prayer….Last Sunday we got a glimpse. Here’s some of my highlights from last Sunday’s 2 yr Celebration.
* Hearing people go crazy and applaud for the original 35 that help launch our church. When I asked them to stand and be honored, everyone in the room got the fact that “they went first”.
* Feeling in serious AWE as our our history video was shown…I realized how far God has taken us…and also being freaked out after realizing that this is just the beginning…
* Asking people to hold up a Glow Stick Survey to answer Q’s about their faith journey. Imagine a black room and lights poping up all over the place when we asked who committed their life to Christ and who went public in baptism since coming to TC. It was amazing….in a rave kinda way.
* Watching my friends Mark and Denna Bridges sitting in the front row as we showed their video story of a marriage that Gods putting back together – God has big plans for these guys! So glad they are part of our church family!
* Teaching from Colossians about “why we celebrate Birthdays” – here’s the cliff notes:
1. We Celebrate What we DISCOVERED – Col 1:21-22
2. We Celebrate How we CHANGED – Col 3:1-3
3. We Celebrate Where WE ARE GOING – Col 2:5-7
* Watching people get emotionally moved as the band sang “God of the City” as the closer – That song was powerful….
* Eating the some of the BEST BBQ ever during our Cook Off competition…All of our teams deserve a HUGE THANK YOU . It was all good…really thankful I was not a judge. Loved watching people hang out together as a church! It felt good!
* Hearing ONE youth had one it’s largest attendance on a regular night…If you have a teenager and they are not in ONE youth – let me be honest with you….your kid’s missing out. Do something about it!
I can’t wait for this Sunday…SOMETHING BIG is going to happen on Easter at thrive. I am personally praying for every person that is bringing friends, inviting their neighbors, unashamedly sticking yards up and egging peoples houses. Thanks for going for it with us. I’m excited to be on the journey with you guys…
PS – If your a regular, FYI -because of the number of guests that are expecting, we are asking you to park around the back of the building. We appreciate you making it easy for a guest to get connected.
PSS – We are getting together this Sat at 4pm to pray for our Easter services. We will meet in the auditorium. Love to have you join us…It will last 30-45 min, then volunteer teams will set up for Sunday services
See you Easter at 9:00 – 10:15 or 11:30
Tom
What a ride (so far)!
What a ride
This Sunday will mark the two year point of THRIVE being in existence as a church. That’s caused me to do something thinking and look back on our journey so far…here are some things….
* I see God writing stories that include -forgiveness, second chances, freedom and confidence. That 100% why I believe that God has something HUGE for us as we move forward. I’m seeing lives changed and rearranged by God’s grace….sadly I know that not every church can say that. I’m glad ours can!
* Our staff and volunteer team is GROWING and having FUN. One of my prayers when we started was “God bring people to Thrive that are good at what I’m not” – thankfully I see that prayer being answered again and again. That’s what makes ministry rewarding – a bunch of people with unique gifting’s sharing them to accomplish something HUGE for God. If you went with us to the “All Access Conference” in Baton Rouge, two weeks ago, you know what I’m talking about…we had so much fun I think at one point I about wet my pants. That’s not a common thing…
* We laugh at ourselves – a lot! – I’ve discovered that the best teams are the ones that can laugh at their mistakes and mess ups. I still have people come up on a regular basis and ask me when I’m going to fall off the stage during a message again….they ask so often….sometimes I think I should “throw one in” just for old times sake – j/j They also love to remind me of our “almost move” to Beckendorf Jr Hi. I don’t mind at all. The point is the right laughter keeps all of us on the same level and keeps a healthy dose of humility and WE HAVE IT! (was that humility to say we HAVE humility…hmmm)
* We are ON MISSION! We started the church to reach the 70% of families that didn’t care about church in the Katy-Richmond area. We launched Thrive not to be a social club for the religious – but to be a hospital for the hurting. Thankfully that’s happening. I love it when people come up to say “this is my friend ____ they came with us today”. I am so proud when I hear those words because it means they are caring about what God cares about – lost people. I believe this Easter we are going to see more people coming to Christ and experiencing Thrive than ever before!
So as you can read I am PUMPED ABOUT OUR CHURCH. This Sunday we are going to celebrate the last two years of our journey. Our creative team has decided to do our “best of songs”, we have a recap video sharing some great memories and in addition we will be sharing Mark and Deena Bridges story of a marriage that was on the brink of being blown up…It’s powerful.
After service we have Blow up games and face painting for the kids and a three team “BBQ Cook OFF” competition. There will be enough brisket to feed a stadium….I am excited to look back together. See you Sunday!
Tom
