If you've ever been in a meeting with Dave or Jon, you know that after opening in prayer, the next thing on their agenda is "Where are we winning?" Happens every time without fail. And trust me, I love that about those guys and I'm pretty sure the rest of our staff does too. It's fun to talk about where God is showing up in our personal lives or in our respective ministries.
But as far as I can remember, I've never seen an agenda from those guys that says, "Where are we losing?" Nope, I've never seen it! But that's not to say we don't talk about our challenges, because as you can imagine, we've got our share of challenges to work through. But sharing our wins is much more fun to talk about than our challenges and it's even more fun to share our wins with others than it is our challenges.
So here's another one of those, "What Dave and Jon Will Never Tell You..."
This year CCC will not be feeding the 5,000 at the annual All Church Picnic! And I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but someone had to tell you and I hope you will understand the decision we made. Here's the e-mail I sent to All Staff earlier this month:
"I’ve heard several people ask about the all church picnic this year and when it will be, so please forgive me for not communicating sooner…
Sad but true, we will not be hosting an all church picnic this year L. The Lead Team made a decision earlier this year that had to do primarily with finances and our need to remain fiscally responsible. Despite receiving generous donations from our vendors, the picnic was still a cost to CCC of $12,000 to $15,000 annually.
I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news – this was a difficult but necessary decision in light of our offerings being below our budget ytd and the new expense reimbursement protocols in place."
Bummer, huh? Definately not a "win" and that's why you probablly haven't heard too much about the picnic (at least not from Dave or Jon). 
But on a much brighter note, we are continuing to make wise financial decisions here at CCC so that we can continue to be used by God to help even more people find their way back to Him.
And just to head things off at the pass, if you hear anything about a picnic that took place at the Shorewood Campus this summer (the same campus I attend), I heard those guys pulled that off for about $300. Pretty cool, huh?
Thanks John! Now I don't have to go scouring the Community Connections for the hidden date of the picnic. I thought maybe it was in secret code. I will no longer hold my breath for the picnic where my husband and I play "pastor bingo" by trying to spot all the pastors first. Bonus points when you find more than one pastor talking together.
Posted by: Shelley | July 31, 2007 at 01:00 PM
John, Thanks for this.
It's a good reminder for me personally...
not to go to a picnic that won't be happening
but also
that I need to cage my lion more...
lots...
lots...
lots--a whole lots--more
I have golden retriever friends that would be happy to provide the cage--
Posted by: serenity_chick | July 31, 2007 at 01:23 PM
I don't think of you as "the bearer of bad news" John.
To me, you are "The Beaver of Bad News!"
Posted by: Bill | July 31, 2007 at 10:51 PM
You could suggest to CCC attenders to crash other churches' picnics. All the fun, none of the expense.
Posted by: lorinda | August 01, 2007 at 01:52 AM
what's the matter? did we discourage you from ever being the uber beaver blogger again?
:)
Posted by: serenity_chick | August 02, 2007 at 12:36 PM
That's it!!
I'm going on a vegetable fast until you blog again!!
(Sorry, Bill--that's an idea that I won't let die)
Posted by: serenity_chick | August 03, 2007 at 12:41 PM
I'm proud to belong to a church that does not live beyond its means. Everyone at some time or another has to tighten their belt and suck it up! I'll have my hotdog on the grill at home and think of all the money we are saving. Here's to CCC!
Posted by: Mary Yep | August 03, 2007 at 09:32 PM
You have been in the blogosphere for a week now, I think it is time to change up the ole typepad template. This one is already looking worn out.
Posted by: TJ | August 03, 2007 at 10:27 PM
Actually, I think we had a great picnic yesterday at Bardwell! It was awesome to see many people giving to the community! (And it was 50% Ferguson Free)
Posted by: Shelley | August 05, 2007 at 11:52 AM
i keep coming back for more - it's like eonline - i need more behind the scenes info!
Posted by: eric metcalf | August 07, 2007 at 09:41 PM