Five Things I'm Thankful For!

Most people across America will be focusing this Thanksgiving on turkey and football. And without a doubt I'll do my fair share of both too! But this year I wanted to stop and create a list of things I'm thankful for.. so here goes!

I'm so thankful for the grace God poured down on my life as an eight year old boy sitting in a Sunday School class taught by Mark Frazer in my hometown of Anderson, Indiana. He introduced me to Christ and my life has been forever changed because he cared enough to get involved and teach kid's about God's love. I am also grateful for godly men like George Tilley, DuWayne Robinette, Larry Frazer, Ken Culp and Gary Allison who also left their imprints on my life and helped God capture my heart at an early age. I wouldn't want to imagine the kind of troublesome person I would have become had these men not poured into my life.

I'm so thankful for my incredible wife! From the first hour we spent together on the campus of Southeastern University (cutting classes) I have loved her. I know every expression on her face, all her gestures, her movements, even the slightest motion of her soul. She is heavens gift to keep me balanced, focused and sane. I'm not sure I could even in a thousand ways begin to tell her what it means to come home to her! Her smile has dazzled me daily for over 28 years now. Her encouragement gives air to my soul! I am a blessed man!!

I'm so thankful for my son's Calvin and Randall. They continue to help me keep pace with life and current with the realities of what young people are facing! At first it was my responsibility to teach and lead them. But for a long time now, that role has been reversed. I am grateful for the many childhood memories, the humorous incidents, and the meaningful moments I have in my heart from watching them grow into the young men they've become. Someone once said that "gratitude is the memory of the heart". My heart is filled today as I reflect on the numerous blessings these two have given their mother and I.

I am so thankful for the staff and leaders here at Sunset Chapel. You are all awesome and amazing people! Together we are making a difference in Miami!! I acknowledge your many hours of hard work from a heart that overflows with appreciation. Each of you are a gift to my life. I feel so absolutely blessed to work beside such caring, committed and gifted individuals! I owe a debt of gratitude to each of you as you contribute to the spiritual growth and vitality of Sunset Chapel. Few churches are blessed with the rare combination of gifts, character and leadership that you all possess!

I am so thankful for a church that has caught the heart of God and is filled weekly with the atmosphere of celebration, abundant hugs, and bursts of laughter! Sundays are my favorite day of the week!! I am humbled to serve as your pastor. Each week I have the privilege to stand before the greatest people on the planet!!

You're Invited . . .Thanksgiving Candlelight/Communion Service

Join us for this very intimate and meaningful time of thanksgiving and worship this Wednesday evening November 24th @ 7:00 PM.

One Day To Feed The World Update!

Just received word that our "ONE DAY TO FEED THE WORLD" offering total continues to grow!! We have now received a total of $6029.00 with additional online amounts not yet posted at our bank still to come!! Sunset Chapel you all continue to AMAZE me! Thank you for partnering with Convoy of Hope in providing disaster relief around the world! We will give an up to the minute update this Sunday as to where our final total stands!! You still have time to be included in this initiative by making your contribution online at www.sunsetchapel and follow the online giving prompts!

My Haiti Trip ONE DAY TO FEED THE WORLD!

SunsetChapel's ONE DAY TO FEED THE WORLD initiative! from Russell DeBord on Vimeo.

If you would like to join us as we GIVE to make a difference - you can give "online" by going to www.sunsetchapel.com and clicking on our online giving icon and follow the secure steps. Where it says "Other" type "ONE DAY". May God Bless you all!

Sunday Splash!

*Thanksgiving!!! That describes my heart today!!

*I am so thankful for all that God did today in our service!!

*Two individuals made commitments to Christ in our 10:30 am service!!

*I didn't even get half way through my message notes today, time just zipped by so fast.

*I have to make a confession "The Spirit of Gluttony" hit me today! I ate so much food!!

*Our after service Thanksgiving dinner was a HUGE success!!

*Our volunteers did a fantastic job of setting up for this event. They didn't allow a little South Florida liquid sunshine dampen their spirits or efforts to make this day happen!! Special thanks to Frances Watkins for overseeing this entire event! She makes so many things happen at SC and is a real blessing to us all!!

*Special shout out to both Russ Barbour and Tony Gregis also for preparing the food! The food this year was absolutely AMAZING!!

*It was an awesome sight seeing the tent we rented overflowing with people today!!

*As I crisscrossed throughout the tent I met so many first time guests today!

*And I am especially thrilled to see so many new people to Sunset Chapel beginning to attend regularly and connecting with others too!

*Can't wait to share with you some new ideas God has been giving me to help us all connect better as a church! Stay tuned for future developments!!

*I am especially pleased and humbled as you all responded so well to our partnership with CONVOY OF HOPE and our "ONE DAY TO FEED THE WORLD" initiative!! Together we raised $4675.60!! Thanks SC for your effort to assist this great ministry as they respond to disaster relief projects around the world!!

*I heard that Kid's Inc nearly hit the 50 mark again today with children and volunteers! A new couple (Fabian and Marcia) who have attended a few weeks at SC expressed an interest in getting involved in this outstanding ministry to our children. They were involved in their home church for several years until just relocating to the Miami area! We look forward to adding them to this ministry team!

*Don't forget to make plans to attend our upcoming "CANDLELIGHT COMMUNION SERVICE" this Wednesday at 7:00 pm!! It's always a very special time as we return thanks to the Lord for the many ways He has blessed our lives and homes during the past year. Why not consider bringing a friend or two with you! I guarantee you they will feel the presence of God in the room!

*Have a blessed week!!

Count Down . . . 4 Days to Go!

I've started today in prayer for each person who attends Sunset Chapel and who is participating in our "ONE DAY TO FEED THE WORLD" initiative! Today we are working for God and donating today's wage to Convoy of Hope, a faith-based organization with a driving passion TO FEED THE WORLD through children's feeding initiatives, community outreaches and disaster responses.

COH has developed partnerships with such corporations as Culligan, Pro Bass Shop, Home Depot and many others to assist them in their efforts to quickly provide resources to victims of disasters worldwide. Convoy of Hope has earned a reputation for responding quickly, efficiently and effectively!

Please bring your offering with you to this weekend's service. Online giving is also available atwww.sunsetchapel.com ;

We are beyond excited about what God is going to do this weekend at Sunset Chapel! Let's celebrate and "Give Thanks" together this Sunday November 21st @ 10:30AM for the combined response to our effort to "FEED THE WORLD" There will be an awesome time of fellowship following the service, as we enjoy an "ALL-CHURCH THANKSGIVING DINNER" on the grounds! Invite a friend to join us!

Count Down! 5 DAYS TILL WE DO OUR PART!

I was in Haiti some months ago and witnessed first-hand the humanitarian efforts Convoy of Hope was providing to thousands of children whose homes and lives have been decimated by the earthquake.

Convoy of Hope was founded in 1994 with the simple goal of helping people who were impoverished and hurting. Throughout the world there are countless boys and girls who are wondering where their next meal is coming from. These kids deserve a bright future and COH helps them by feeding them and keeping then in school.

I am looking forward to celebrating with you this Sunday November 21st the combined responses of our Sunset Chapel people to our "ONE DAY TO FEED THE WORLD" initiative! Tomorrow when you go to work, let's work for God the whole day! Everyone is asked to donate Thursday's wage and bring it with them to this weekends service! Online giving is also available at www.sunsetchapel.com.

On Sunday I will share with you several of the photo's taken of my trip to Haiti as I observed the needs and the responses that Convoy of Hope is involved with!

Click here for a special video message:

Pastor Russ ONE DAY TO FEED THE WORLD - Haiti2010 from Russell DeBord on Vimeo.

Our Most Important Service Of The Week!

Every Tuesday it seems that God has me drinking from a fire hydrant! It's the day I try to separate myself from a lot of the activities and white noise that often surrounds me and closet myself with God's Presence and Word.

For several weeks I've been trying to wrap my mind around First Thessalonians. Each verse has had something to say to my heart and spirit. On Wednesday's during our mid-week Prayer and Bible study it's been a ministry highlight moment for me to unpack several of the significant insights I've discovered in my study time.

Something is happening on Wednesday's that is unprecedented! There is an obvious hunger for more of God's Word taking place in our church. Our attendance reflects that surge in interest as people are coming ready to receive a Word from the Lord! Do you believe in God but live your life as if He doesn't exist? You're not alone ... a lot of people do.

Our look into the simple truths found in the scriptures will at times push you, challenge you and quite honestly stretch you. If you want to reflect Christ better in your life and receive fresh gut level insights that will impact your life. Come join us! And let the Word truly help you live a life that pleases God and brings glory to His Son!

6 DAYS TILL WE DO OUR PART!

Convoy of Hope is a faith-based organization with a driving Passion to FEED THE WORLD through children's feeding initiatives, community outreaches, disaster responses and resourcing.

This past year Convoy of Hope . . .

• Served 6.8 million people
• Held 217 community outreaches
• Mobilized 30,000 volunteers
• Provided food for 30,000 children each week in the Philippines
• Provided food daily to 25,000 in Haiti
• Responded to the earthquake in Italy
• Provided food in El Salvador and in Kenya to thousands more children!

This Thursday join others from SC as we donate ONE DAY'S WAGE to Convoy of Hope's "ONE DAY TO FEED THE WORLD" campaign. Then bring your offering with you to this weekend's worship service, Nov. 21st @ 10:30 AM. Online giving is also available at www.sunsetchapel.com. click on link below for a special message . . .

Convoy of Hope - You Can Make a Difference! from Russell DeBord on Vimeo.

In 7 Days Our Sunset Chapel Family Will Do its Part!

We again announced our partnership with Convoy of Hope (COH) in our service yesterday.

Each day, Convoy of Hope feeds tens of thousands of children throughout the world. For many children, the meal they receive from Convoy of Hope is their only meal of the day.

We've designated this Thursday, 11/18, as our "ONE DAY TO FEED THE WORLD" day to donate that day's wage to this ministry. Your response will be greatly appreciated! Remember to bring your offering with you this Sunday,November 21st! Online giving is also available at www.sunsetchapel.com

Kate's Story from Russell DeBord on Vimeo.

Sunday Splash!

*I am so grateful for all that God is doing here at Sunset Chapel!

*It was thrilling to see our church so full today!

*Let me give a BIG shout out to both our usher and greeter teams!

*They were both stretched today!

*Special thanks to Frances Watkins, Neyda Teijeiro, Tracey Rowsey and their army of volunteers who conducted our Missionettes "Mad Hatter Tea Party" and sleepover!! Nearly all the girl's and their parents were in the service today! This ministry to girl's Kindergarten through Eighth grade are hitting their stride and growing by leaps and bounds!! Having 42 girls in this age bracket really brought a new energy to our service!!

*Our worship team sounded great today! Cherisse Graham really has some pipes and did an awesome job singing "In Christ Alone"!! The whole team consists of a very special bunch of gifted and talented individuals!! I love what they do for God!!

*I knew that today was going to be a very special day for someone! It was an incredible day for two individuals who crossed the line of faith and accepted Christ into their hearts!!

*I am thinking about scheduling a early December water baptism service! It never gets old seeing people far from God draw near to Him!!

*It was cool to have Sherri Jordan come up and invite everybody to SCA's Fall Festival this Friday November 19th from 4-8 pm!! There will be lot's to do for the whole family to enjoy!! Great food, fun and activities!! I hope to see you there!!

*This will be one of the busiest weeks ever here at SC, please keep our ministry team in your prayers as we prepare for next weekends All Church Thanksgiving Dinner!! Lot's of little details and behind the scene preparations still to be completed!!

*I also announced our upcoming Candlelight/Communion Service to be held on Wednesday Nov. 24 at 7:00 pm. This very special Thanksgiving service is unique and meaningful as people will sharing about how thankful they are for God's blessings in their lives and homes!! I encourage you to make this service a family tradition during this holiday!! You will be blessed!!

*I am really looking forward to the combined response to our partnership with Convoy of Hope and the "One Day To Feed The World" initiative! Everyone is asked to go to their workplaces this Thursday Nov. 18th, work for the Lord and donate that days wage to this special effort!! Please bring your offering with you next Sunday Nov. 21st!! Online giving is available on the church website as well at www.sunsetchapel.com

Our One Day Challenge Count Down!

In Ten Days We Will Do Our Part!!

This past Sunday we announced Sunset Chapel's partnership with Convoy of Hope (COH) a faith based organization with a driving passion to feed the world. With a global network of churches, COH has helped 32 million people in need in more than 120 countries by mobilizing a rapid response to disasters and hunger-related crises. Through these valued partnerships, millions of suffering people are being fed daily and experiencing the love of Jesus.

The One Day To Feed The World offering is a very simple plan to encourage every Sunset Chapel attendee to give ONE Day's Wage (Nov 18) to help feed the poor worldwide. ONE Day's Wage can make a huge difference. ONE Day invested, changes lives forever. We will be receiving our offering on Sunday Nov. 21st, 2010.

Here's a simple way to calculate one day's pay:

Your Weekly Pay $ _____ divided by 5 = $______ ONE DAY's Wage!

Specially prepared offering envelopes will be mailed and extras made available to give every attendee the opportunity to participate in the "ONE DAY To Feed The World" offering on Sunday, Nov. 21, 2010 @ 10:30 AM. You may also give online by going to www.sunsetchapel.com then click our online giving icon and follow the prompts. Where it indicates "other" write in "ONE DAY".