johnlaeger.com

Sunday Mind Dump

• First Sunday of two services and it went really well.
• Pretty much an even split in attendance from one service to the two.
• It will take some adjusting on my part. It's different preaching to a larger crowd vs a smaller crowd. But its only a matter of time before each service "feels" full with the growth we are experiencing!
• Had several first time guests - again! Wow!
• I am tired though. Preaching once is like working a solid 8 hour day. Preaching twice is, well...
• Our volunteers really rocked it today - totally stepped up to the plate in the need for volunteers to staff two services.
• We want to have people sit in the lower part of the theatre. This will help us keep a "full" feel. We had ushers assisting with this this morning but it was kind of awkward.  We'll try something different in the weeks to come.
• Considering we had A LOT of regular attenders gone - our total attendance was outstanding today!
• Offering was really good and after last week's offering, we can take another breath!
• I got a new toy this week - a self-propelled lawn mower. Never had one before and I feel like I'm learning how to mow all over again.
• I was really looking forward to this new series going through Proverbs and after this morning, I'm looking forward to it even more! I have so much fun teaching!
• A new guest said, "People are so real here. No suits and ties. Just real life people." - LOVE IT!
• Been getting some awesome feedback on things we can do to make the two service layout better. I love it when people offer suggestions and opinions.
• The time between services with our bagels and coffee worked really well this morning. It was awesome to see people hanging around, coming early, and interacting! A year ago, this would not have happened.
• Might have to stop wearing my chucks to teach in. There's no arch in them and with two services, I am standing a LONG time - need more arch support than these give. Rats!
• The best advertisement we have is YOU. Nothing beats a personal invitation to your friends to come to Meadow!
• Sandy & I are planning a garage sale in the next few weeks. I hate doing garage sales but they sure help clear out "stuff". Remember...one man's junk is another man's treasure. And have we got a lot of "treasure" for you!
• Can't...keep...my...eyes...open.
• We are working on getting our Facebook page more exposure. You can help by inviting your friends to "like" it.
• We confirmed this week that we will have a booth at Chaska River City Days. We're planning a FREE photo booth. Bring your friends!
• We will also be participating in the Sunday morning pancake breakfast at River City Days with our band being one of the bands performing.
• We're starting a "Meadow Spring Cruisers" group. If you're a car enthusiast, let me know - you're welcome to be part of it!
• I'm thinking about organizing a monthly or semi-monthly men's "grill n chill". Yes? No? Anyone want to help me with it?
• If you live in Chaska or Chanhassen, watch the paper this week. There might be an article in it about our growth and moving to two services.
• I'm out.

Sunday Mind Dump

• CRAZY morning!
• Next Sunday - TWO services start. 9 & 10:30 AM!
• I really love how we do baptisms.
• LOTS of music today - and it all was awesome!
• Updated pledge total = $273,979.00!! Wow!
• Like I said this morning - knowing this church and the sacrifices and life situations many are in - this is an AMAZING total! I am so proud of this church!
• And we've already collected about 20% of the that in cash!
• The more actual cash we have, the better it will go when we seek financing from a bank.
• Our next step is to start talking to banks. Don't stop praying. This is a critical piece of the process!
• Next Sunday ... Two Services 9 & 10:30 AM ... MORE Meadow!
• Yes, I did say we threw out the original master plan and have come up with a better plan!
• Yes, I did say our current auditorium will stay our auditorium (it's a GREAT auditorium!)
• Yes, I did say we are going to commit two theatres to our MeadowKIDS and each room will have classrooms AND a large activity center designed just for them!
• Yes, I did say we are going to invest some major dollars into creating a youth center for our teens!
• I am so PUMPED that we will be investing our dollars into our kids and teens - this is going to be awesome!
• Bapticuzzi sprung a leak! It held up for today's baptism but we'll need to do something different for next time - we've patched our bapticuzzi liner twice already.
• Thinking about our next baptism & Party Sunday will be outdoors at Fireman's Park in Chaska. What do you think?
• I have really enjoyed these last 6 weeks of the campaign but to be honest, I am SO looking forward to getting back into the "norm" of things at Meadow (if there is such a thing as a "norm")!
• Did I mention that next Sunday we are adding a second service? Two services starting next Sunday - 9 & 10:30 AM.
• Invite! Invite! Invite! Invite! Invite!
• General offering today was REALLY low! Ouch!
• Not counting the extra chairs we had in the auditorium - we were over 94% full today and had people standing in the hallway.
• For those who missed this morning - we will be posting the portion of the morning where I explained the new remodel plan and the total. We'll post it on Facebook and possibly YouTube.
• My parents are here for a few days - it seems like forever since my mom was able to be here for Mother's Day. It's been a great day.
• Grilled steak last night and today was chicken breasts, burgers, brats, and hot dogs. I'm so glad the weather is better and PERFECT for grilling.
• Taking some time off tomorrow. After the last several weeks, I'm tired. Heading to the zoo with my bride, daughter, and parents. It will feel good to take a brain break.
• We confirmed having a booth at Chaska River City Days. This will be a GREAT time of community exposure and outreach to hundreds and hundreds of people!
• Our band will also be particpating in the community pancake breakfast on Sunday, July 28 as part of  Chaska River City Days. We will not be having our regular services on that day.
• We want to get more serious about increasing the "fans" on our Facebook page. You can help us...recommend the Meadow Facebook Page to all your friends. Let's see how many fans we can get this week!
• So...go now and recommend our page to your friends! Ask them to "like" it! Spread the buzz!

Sunday Mind Dump

• Wow! What a day!
• Second highest attendance ever in the auditorium and highest attendance in MeadowKIDS!
• Music was totally off-the-chart!
• Yes, I have calculated the total of all the pledges! No, I will not reveal it until next Sunday!
• I will say that, as expected, we won't be able to do all we want, but we will be able to do a lot more to improve our building had we not done this campaign at all!
• The Buiding Team and Leadership Team have an important meeting this Tuesday night to discuss the total that came in and our next steps. Your prayers are appreciated!
• Yes, we are going "back" to two services on Sunday morning starting in two weeks - May 19th!
• The two services will be at 9 & 10:30 AM.
• We've GOT to add another service! We realize this past week that there are a lot of people not coming and/or not coming back because they can't find seats!
• Yes, we are doing this at a very risky time that is traditionally a lower time of attendance for churches...but as I said this morning - we are not traditional!
• And, based on all the names that came in today of people who will be invited to Meadow starting May 19th...we are going to have two very exciting services!
• Check out the #GodTweets promo video HERE.
• Next Sunday is Party Sunday...baptisms, child dedication, worship, and announcing the total of pledges that came in for Building the Dream!
• I so LOVE this church!
• I have really loved the teaching and events of this campaign, but I am ready to move on to new series and get back to a more "normal" Sunday morning (if there is such a thing as "normal"!)
• Had a TON of first time guests this morning.
• Offering was great - again.
• I'm writing an article to submit to the local newspapers about our growth and going to two services. Would you pray for me and this article? It can have a HUGE impact on helping to increase the buzz about Meadow even more!
• Remember...THIS NEXT SUNDAY - service is at 10:00 AM.
• Remember...IN TWO WEEKS - we start two services at 9 & 10:30!!
• Check your email this week!
• Who are you inviting to start coming with you on May 19th!
• "God's Not Dead" is my new favorite song! I can't think of a better song to have stuck in my brain!
• Next Sunday is Mother's Day AND Party Sunday! Come party with your mom at Meadow!
• One more thing... Go Wild!

Four "Big Event" Reminders!

Remember when you were really little and it was the night before you were going to get up early and go fishing for the very first time? Remember? You couldn't sleep you were so excited!

THAT is how I am feeling about this coming Sunday!
 
I love Sundays and I love Meadow – but this coming Sunday is going to be a one-of-a-kind and will be one that goes down in Meadow history!  I can’t wait!  The music will be awesome!  And the climax to the service is going to be unforgettable!
 
We have spent the last several weeks praying and talking and hearing the challenge.  The staff and leadership have already turned in their 3 year pledge commitments and have set the pace for the rest of us with an astounding $154,196.00 in pledges!  Yeah God!
 
The challenge is to follow the sacrificial pace of giving in faith already set by the staff and leadership.  And this coming Sunday, we finally get to come together as an entire church and demonstrate the power of putting our small faith in the hands of a BIG God by turning in our three-year pledges to resource “Building the Dream”!
 
Here are four valuable reminders…
 

• Bring your commitment card.  You will be getting one in the mail this week.  If you don’t or misplace it, we will have additional cards this Sunday.  If you have questions – email me and just ask! 

• If you won’t be here please mail in your commitment card so we can include it in with everyone else’s.  You will also receive a postage paid envelope to use for this if needed. 

• Be in your seats at 10:00.  If you come into the auditorium at 10:01 – you will miss out!  This means you might have to come a bit early to get your kids into MeadowKIDS and grab a cup of coffee in order to be in the auditorium and in your seats at 10:00!  It is going to be a blast! 

• Lastly…I am praying for you.  God is doing something great at Meadow and He is using you to make it real!  I know this is a challenge and I know it is not easy for you, and I know there is a level of anxiety associated with this.  But God is faithful.  As you lay it down before Him, He will bring blessings into your life that only He can bring.

 
“You must each make up your own mind as to how much you should give. Don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure.  For God loves the person who gives cheerfully.  And God will generously provide all you need.  Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.  In the same way, he will give you many opportunities to do good, and he will produce a great harvest of generosity in you.  Yes, you will be enriched so that you can give even more generously.  And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will break out in thanksgiving to God.  You will be glorifying God through your generous gifts. For your generosity to them will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ.”  (2 Corinthians 9)
 
Please call or email me if you have any questions!  I am totally looking forward to this Sunday!  We are going to be part of a real miracle of God!
 
See ya then!

Sunday Mind Dump

• I am so freakin' proud and inspired by our staff and leadership!
• Worship this morning was AWESOME! (literally)
• Had a fantastic "Pizza with the Pastors" and met some new awesome Meadowites!
• I really am surprised at how many people are coming to Meadow because they drove by and noticed that the movie theatre is no longer a movie theatre but is now a church.
• God is bringing some amazing people to Meadow - I am so stoked for the days ahead!
• Seems a statement I made today is creating quite the buzz ... "This Sunday is the last Sunday until next Sunday."
• Lovin' this weather.
• Thought my message today was a bit off. Not sure why. Just a gut feel that it lacked something.
• Had a great week of Group Fellowships. Great people. Great questions. Great interaction.
• Totally stunned by our leadership and that they have already committed to over 30% to our financial goal!
• I am already PUMPED for next Sunday - it's gonna be a Sunday of extreme Meadow unity.
• We are talking about what do to about the overcrowded situation in our auditorium until the remodel - going to two services seems to be the best option. Not sure when we would do it, but we are talking about it.
• The fear we have is that we are having A LOT of new guests come but how many are not coming back because it is just difficult to find a seat? We absolutely CAN'T let that happen!
• Fishing season is just a few weeks away!
• Another mailing is going out this week - watch your mail. If you don't get something by Wednesday, let me know.
• Been hearing stories that reflect the spiritual war and challenges we are facing at Meadow...people losing jobs, health issues...God is, no doubt, moving at Meadow and Satan is doing his dirty work to discourage as much as he can.
• I so love my daughter. She brings such a sense of joy and brightness to my life. Thank you Jessi Laeger!
• We've changed up the service order (when we do performance songs, announcements, message, etc.). Maybe its just because its new and I need to get used to it, but I'm not sure about it yet.
• Took the dogs to the dog park for the first time this past week. It felt so good to get out and let them run and go for a walk outside (weather is awesome!)
• Several have asked me if I was at the explosion in Shakopee this past week. Yes, I was there and it was massive. Glad no one was injured. It had the potential of being deadly.
• I love my church and I really do get seriously excited about each Sunday. I truly believe each Sunday will be better than the previous one! (And next Sunday is going to ROCK!)
• Love it when people use the prayer text line (952-373-1445) and I count it a privilege to pray for you.
• Speaking of prayer...there is going to be a TON of prayer for Meadow this week!
• Here's what I'd like your input on...if we go to two services, something we don't want to lose is the buzz before and after the service created by people talking with each other. With that in mind, how much time do you think is best to have between services to keep the buzz growing?

Sunday Mind Dump

• Today could have gone better. Wasn't bad, just off a little. Like running 7 out of 8 cylinders.
• Still love my church!
• Still pumped about what God is doing!
• Already excited about next Sunday!
• 88% full in the auditorium - again. Wow!
• I love seeing a full auditorium, but I fear there are people not coming because it is difficult to find a seat.
• Had a great Group Fellowship following the service. LOVE all the questions that are being asked about Building the Dream!
• Looking forward to all the Group Fellowships and hanging out with Meadowites all week!
• No, I didn't shovel my driveway this week - even with 8" of snow! I don't shovel snow in April!
• Our mobile app is now available for Android phones. Free at the app store.
• iPhone app is coming shortly.
• Have a friend who went missing after threatening suicide. Still haven't heard from him. You're prayers are appreciated as we wait and keep looking.
• Got a phone call from someone who just gave her life to Christ and was wondering how far Christ's forgiveness goes. I loved telling her that it is absolutely complete!
• We have averaged 84% full in the auditorium over the last 8 months and 90% full in April alone!
• We have GOT to get this remodeling started!
• Had an off-the-chart offering today!
• Was an intensly rough week for our country and my heart goes out to all those in both Boston and West, Texas.
• Even though both terrorists have been caught (or killed), I still have an emptiness in my gut about the whole thing. Our world and country desperately need Jesus.
• One question that keeps coming out about Building the Dream... "Are we still having cup holders?" Answer? YES!!
• Not only been a rough week for our country, but it has been a week at Meadow where sin and its consequences in the lives of people have seemed to surface more than usual.
• So appreciate all the volunteers who have stepped up to the plate and have helped with the Building the Dream campaign and all the logistics. Seriously, we couldn't do it without them.
• Got an email from someone interested in starting a Meadow Car Club. Hmmm - I've never thought of it. I wonder how much interest there would be?
• I have been some great input on future teaching series. This summer will be a series through Proverbs, plus a series on Worship. This fall will bring a series on Spiritual Gifts and Prayer.
• I'm also working on a series called "Not a Fan" based on the book by Kyle Idleman. This could be a dynamic series about whether a person is a fan or a follower of Christ.
• Well...I gotta head out to the next Group Fellowship.
• Later!

Sunday Mind Dump

• Weather might be depressing but wow, Meadow was awesome this morning! A total pick up!
• Over 85% full.
• We keep proving the church experts wrong who say once an auditorium gets 80% full, people stop coming...they didn't include Meadow in that study!
• Already pumped about my message next week - it will be one of the most challenging and memorable messages you've heard at Meadow!
• Week #2 of a new service format - putting announcements at the beginning and closing out the service with music. What do you think?
• I love getting to church early and sitting in on the band's sound check. It's like I get to experience the worship twice!
• Been a tough week as far as connecting with hurting people and people who have and are making stupid choices.
• We've already got several people interested in getting baptized and several for child dedication for Party Sunday on May 12th!
• One of the toughest things I experience is seeing someone who was once very in tune with Jesus but they have made choices and now live like He doesn't exist or is only important on Sundays.
• Had a friend (doesn't attend Meadow) give our band a MAJOR compliment this past week. Sometimes I forget how awesome they are because I get to hear and experience them every week. We really are fortunate to have the musicians we have!
• I have to applaud our ushers. As packed as we are in the auditorium, they do a great job in helping people find open seats.
• I don't understand what the big deal is about pedicures. There I said it & feel better.
• Had a couple new guests today who drove over an hour to get to Meadow! Wow! They loved it and said they would be back next week!
• I also need to applaud our MeadowKIDS volunteers. They have such a heart for our kids and it shows every Sunday!
• Got the following message from a regular attender at Meadow ... "We went to another church today for a family event. Oh man did we miss Meadow! We even went to their "contemporary service". Meadow is awesome."
• Opening song next week is a new one but it is a GREAT one and extremely relevant to my message - I can't wait - wish next Sunday was now!
• I'm getting tired of some elements of my "style" of preaching. I need to change it up a little and get out of this rut. It mainly has to do with preparation.
• Found out this week that there is no heat & no hot water in the south bathrooms! What? We've got to add that to our remodeling plans. How can you not have heat and hot water in a bathroom?
• We are going to start working on our social media presence - we do a lot with Facebook but not so much with Twitter. We are going to be exploring how we can maximize both even more.
• Thinking of doing a Q & A time via Facebook regarding "Building the Dream". I would take questions on our plans and the campaign and answer them on Facebook. Should I? Yes? No?
• I've still got room to give anyone a "tour" of the building to explain our remodeling plans. Just contact me and we'll set up a time!
• Later.
• Oh...let me know if you think a Q & A time via Facebook for Building the Dream would be productive or not.

Two AWESOME Opportunities for You!

I can't encourage you enough to take advantage of two AWESOME opportunities to be more informed about all God has planned for our church! These two opportunities are open to you whether you've been to Meadow just once or maybe you have been coming for years!

One: I want to give you a personal tour of our building and explain to you, room by room, our plans for remodeling. This tour will take about 20 minutes and you will see first-hand and be able to visualize all the exciting things planned. All you need to do is send me an email to john@meadowspring.org or send me a Facebook message and let me know you want a tour and I will contact you to schedule a time some afternoon or evening in the next couple weeks.

Two: I want to invite you to one of our six "Group Fellowships" where you will meet others from Meadow, enjoy some delicious dessert, and hear even more about our vision and dream! There is no cost and we are even offering free child-care. All you need to do is contact me via email or Facebook and let me know which of the following Group Fellowships you would like to attend. It's that easy!

• Sunday, April 21 @ 11:30 AM
• Sunday, April 21 @ 6:00 PM
• Monday, April 22 @ 7:00 PM
• Tuesday, April 23 @ 7:00 PM
• Wednesday, April 24 @ 7:00 PM
• Thursday, April 25 @ 7:00 PM

Oh...one last thing. If you haven't had a chance to view the full "Big Reveal" of Building the Dream video, here's the link. Grab a cup of coffee, sit back, relax, and check it all out!Building the Dream Video

I look forward to hearing from you!

Sunday Mind Dump - Monday Edition

• I'm still flying high from yesterday! Still tired too - but flying high!
• Place was PACKED! Not sure, but could have been a record attendance or close to it!
• Had a blast checking out all the video and pics taken of the Meadow experience.
• Band knocked Crazy Train out of the park! Wow!
• So pumped to be a part of a church where we use popular tunes to communicate spiritual truth!
• Yes...Meadow is a "Crazy Church" and its all about Jesus!
• Got word that there is some buzz at a local high school regarding our service - that is AWESOME!
• LOTS of great comments of the entire service yesterday.
• Also had a few critical comments (from non-attenders) but we have to welcome that. We are making a difference and the more we make a real difference, the more Satan will try to discourage us.
• Had a GREAT evening with the leadership of Meadow last night talking about Building the Dream and the challenge ahead of us.
• If you haven't seen the "Building the Dream" video - grab a cup of coffee, sit back, relax, and enjoy it. It is here... Building the Dream
• Thanks to Pat for putting this together! Amazing!
• Had several new guests - again! Love it!
• We give popcorn boxes with free stuff in it to all first time guests and we have given more popcorn boxes out the last three months than we have in the last year!
• Totally impressed with the drawings and renderings the architect produced of our remodel plans! I can't wait to get this thing going!
• Blows my mind that if everything works out, we could be in our new auditorium and new MeadowKIDS center by next Easter!
• If you are reading this and don't attend Meadow and are wondering what all the buzz is about, you really need to come experience it. God is seriously making a difference and changing lives at Meadow!
• Here's one of the videos of Crazy Train - taken by someone on the front row... Crazy Train
• I'm still amazed at the number of new guests who are coming because they saw the building and sign! I never thought that would happen!
• Building the Dream packets should have arrived in your mailbox today. Let me know if you didn't get one or want one and I'll put one in the mail to you ASAP!
• AND...If you would like me to give you a tour of our building explaining first-hand what our remodeling plans are - I would LOVE that! Just email me at john@meadowspring.org and let's set up a time. It will take 20-30 minutes of your time and I will "show and tell" you all we have planned.
• Loved talking with a gentleman after the service who gave his life to Christ last Sunday and wanted a Bible to help him in his new relationship with Jesus!
• Once again, our volunteers went beyond the call of duty! We have the greatest volunteers!
• Offerings have been really good last few weeks. Able to get caught up on a few things.
• This coming Sunday I am speaking on the fundamental belief which we won't back down from and determines how we play out our faith. I am REALLY looking forward to this message!
• We are doing another AWESOME opening song you'll recognize - get your cell phones ready again and don't be one second late! This song has a MAJOR message which amplifies our tenacity of not backing down!
• We are considering switching things up on our order of service and closing out the service with some worship singing - what do you think?
• Well...that's it for a Monday night. Gotta take care of some more great communications with some awesome Meadowites! 

Two AWESOME Things You Need To Know!

First – let’s CELEBRATE!! We are coming off a weekend where the only explanation to what happened is “God did it!”

• 7 (yes, I said 7!) people gave their lives to Christ!

• Largest Sunday attendance since moving into our new building!

• A boatload of volunteers served on Good Friday and twice on Sunday!

• First Good Friday Service in our history and it was AWESOME!

 
Second – “Building the Dream” Starts THIS Sunday! I believe these next several weeks are going to be the most faith-stretching and faith-building weeks EVER at Meadow! Specifically this Sunday:

• “Crazy Church” teaching series starts! I am so pumped for this series. We are going to have a lot of fun with this as we discover more of what God can do with us when we get real “crazy” about His plan and purpose.

• “Crazy Church” Daily Email Devotionals start. If you haven’t signed up for these free daily email devotionals, contact me and I will get you signed up!

• “Crazy Church” Growth Groups start. These are small groups where you will talk about the Sunday teaching and how best to apply it to your life. If you aren’t in a group yet, we have several you can choose from. Contact me and I'll give you all the times and details!

• “The Big Reveal” video showing the construction dream for our building. This is going to raise your excitement level a bazillion times! If you haven’t seen the 60 second trailer, watch it here. Building the Dream Trailer.

• A “Building the Dream” brochure will be handed out to everyone to take home and look over. This brochure features YOU and OUR church dreams.

 
Oh…and one more thing… We want to “Photo Bomb” Meadow this Sunday! Use your cell phones to take pictures and video of your experience and post them to Facebook! Let’s give your friends and mine a visual taste of what Meadow is like!