Thursday, September 30, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Special Day at Lakepointe - October 3rd
Michael Franzese grew up as the son of the notorious Underboss of New York's violent and feared Colombo crime family. It was a life filled with power, luxury...and deadly violence. He was named one of the biggest money earners the mob had seen since Al Capone, by Vanity Fair. At his most affluent, he generated an estimated $5 to $8 million per week from legal and illegal businesses. At the age of 35, Fortune Magazine listed him as number 18 on its list of the "Fifty Most Wealthy and Powerful Mafia Bosses", just 5 behind John Gotti. Avoiding traditional mob domains, Michael masterminded brilliant scams on the edge of the legitimate business world. From auto dealerships and union kickbacks, to financial services and the sports and entertainment industries, to a multi-billion dollar gasoline tax scheme, he earned millions in cash every week at his peak. Not surprisingly, Michael quickly became the target of Manhattan's famed federal prosecutor, Rudy Guiliani. After promising Michael 100 years behind bars after indicting him on racketeering charges, Rudy only came up empty handed. Escaping four more indictments, it seemed Michael Franzese truly was invincible.
While producing Knights of the City, a break dance movie filmed in Florida, Michael met a beautiful dancer from Anaheim, California, named Camille Garcia, whose innocent beauty turned his world upside down. After falling in love and eventually marrying Cammy, she convinced Michael to take the rap on racketeering charges. Michael pled guilty, accepted a 10 year prison sentence and vowed to do the unthinkable - walk away from the mob. Nobody of Franzese's rank had ever just walked away - and lived. Until now.
Michael Franzese is the only high ranking official of a major crime family to ever walk away, without protective custodies, and survive.
His compelling story of fame, power, prestige, love and fear has been featured throughout the country on high profile media. Most recently, he was featured on the following networks:
Friday, September 10, 2010
"Made" - New Series Starting This Sunday
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Sunday Aftermath and Sermon Notes
This past Sunday, we closed out our series on the "Sport's Nut" in which we challenge our church to "up their game" in their walk with Christ. Last Sunday message was our vision casting sermon for the upcoming Fall, which technically begins next week when school get started. There's a sense of excitement and anticipation in our church family and we can't wait to see what God is going to next in our church and in our community this fall! Below is the sermon notes from Sunday:
The Team Must Work Together
Philippians 3:12-14 - Paul was running toward the goal of knowing Jesus, but he wasn’t running alone - he had a team of people around him who were heading for the same goal.
Remember the Titans (2000, starring Denzel Washington)
“If we don’t come together right now on this hallowed ground, we too, will be destroyed, just like they were. I don’t care if you like each other or not, but you will respect each other. And maybe…we’ll learn to play this game like men.” –Coach Herman Boone
Acts 2:41-47 - The reason the first church was so successful was because they had unity.
1 Corinthians 12:4-12 - On a football team, not everybody can be the quarterback—the backs, linemen, and receivers are just as important for the success of the team.
At Lakepointe, we offer Ministry Pointe Class throughout the year to help people in our church to find their spiritual gifts and passion.
Do you know what your position is on God’s team? Are you willing to gladly play that position?
Hebrews 10:24-25 - Every team needs cheerleaders. The Bible teaches that the members of God’s team should constantly be encouraging one another.
Lakepointe Stats Since Launch in March 2010
- Weekly Attendance: 110
- Salvations: 22
- Baptisms: 9 (11 candidates for baptisms next month)
- New Partners: 83
- Weekly Volunteers: 30 (will jump to 60 in Sept)
- Monthly Offering: $7,000 (last 3 months)
Game Plan for the Fall
- Fall Sermon Series
- Adult Life Groups – Week of Sept. 12
- Tara Grant 5K Run – Saturday, Sept. 25
- Outdoor Enthusiast Dinner and Auction – Oct. 2
- Special Guest Speaker - Michael Franzese – Oct. 3
- Launching “Aftershock” LP Students Ministry – Oct. 10
- Christmas Outreach – More Info to Come…
Team Members Must Play for the Audience of One
Hebrews 12:1-2 - “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…”
It is God that will build His church! We are to give Him all glory for all He has done and for what He is about to do!