EGGstravaganza Reflections (2009)

It’s an amazing privilege to thank those who worked so hard to make EGGstravaganza such an overwhelming success this year! Watching the level of ownership, enthusiasm and loving outward focus displayed by so many of you through your actions and attitude was simply awesome—and contagious! This was our first major outreach event of the year and could never have been attempted without each of you giving of yourselves and serving as you did.

Brenda DiRusso once again did a phenomenal job as the event team leader, working with and coordinating a team of people who in turn recruited team members to work together in each area: Kim Lamarre, balloons and decorations; Rebekah Milette, games and activities; Teresa Monroe, food and supplies; Wally Monroe, set up and clean up; Natalie Swencki, prizes; Bob Walker, parking; and Kathy Walker, registration. Also, Justin Walker handled our photography and Cheryl Ball stood in as an Easter bunny! Our teens filled nearly 3,500 Easter eggs in just 90 minutes, and then did a great job later guarding them. In all, about 40 of our adults and teens worked together the day of, along with many others who donated candy, hot dogs, and money. After three months of learning how to be contagious and with a focused prayer effort that saw our people show up at the church to pray each night the week before the event, I had a feeling God was going to do something special. And did He ever!

An incredible 217 people came early for our celebration worship service (20 in our nurseries, 36 in KIDSquest and 161 in the adult service). That’s nearly 130 first time guests! This church hasn’t seen a single Sunday with that many in attendance in over 15 years! Now here’s where it gets really exciting: at the end of the service, 13 people made a decision to either start a new relationship or renew their current relationship with Jesus!

We were able to cross-promote KIDSfest 2009 (our follow-up event in July), as well as our new four-part message series “How to Make Money Make $ense” which starts April 19.

Feedback and comments were overwhelmingly positive throughout the afternoon, and I (along with so many of you) fielded lots of questions from guests who wanted to understand what we’re all about, what we believe, and why we do these kinds of events. Wasn’t it an honor to simply tell them “Because we just want you to know how much Jesus loves you”?

As I wrap up this letter of encouragement, I want you to read an e-mail I received Sunday night from a woman who lives in Middleton and brought her two children to the event after seeing one of our posters in a store window. It sums up everything we’ve been focusing on and praying for, especially these past few months. I hope it will bless you as much as it continues to bless me:

Dear Pastor Dan:

I originally came to your parish today for the egg hunt. We arrived at 10:15 and were immediately greeted by members of your congregation with smiles, handshakes, and pleasant conversation. I felt so welcome!

I have never been to your parish but drive past it several times a day. I enjoyed listening to your beautiful wife Rebekah sing. Listening to you speak today was one of the most uplifting experiences I have ever had attending church. You returned Jesus to my life, I was one of the people that raised their hand when you asked who wanted to allow Jesus back in. I can honestly say I have never walked away from a sermon that made such an impact. I would like to know how I can become a member of DCN.

Thank you so much for the amazing day you all worked so hard [putting] on for the children in the community. My daughter..is 10 [and] had a blast! She has also expressed interest in returning.

Again thank you and please send me the information you feel would be the first step to becoming involved.

As I wipe away the tears, a question or two comes to my mind: isn’t that what this is all about? Aren’t each of us given opportunities to be the hands and feet of Jesus every day of our lives? This past Sunday was nothing short of Christ’s love on display…through you. Let’s do it again!