by David Docusen | September 9, 2009 | Uncategorized
Just now heading to bed (1am) after putting in another late night working on our fundraising materials. We are designing and printing an eight page, 8.5″x5.5″ mini-magazine to send out. Looks like we are nearing the finished product. I just sent it off to be reviewed by Dara’s sister, Tori (she’s an editor).
We have worked really hard on this piece. I am a big believer that excellence is communicated in many different ways. Dara and I have been dreaming about this moment (planting Center City Church) for over six years now. I want people to see our passion and our commitment. I am about to ask every person I know (and some that I don’t) to invest into our family and our ministry. I feel like it honors them to give them something that is sharp and informative.
I’m so grateful for the help of Will Morgan, Patrick Bader and my brother, Brandon, for all their help in designing this magazine. Couldn’t have done this one alone. Their commitment to excellence and eye for creativity really pushed me on this one. So excited to see the final product once it’s in hand!
Here’s a sneak peek at the cover (designed by Will Morgan):
by David Docusen | September 5, 2009 | Uncategorized
Dara and I spent the entire morning synchronizing our family, ministry and individual calendars. This was such a great time for Dara and I to be able to communicate about what is coming over the next couple of months. Meetings, family time, date nights, travel, company, etc. If we don’t plan ahead, things just tend to fall between the cracks.
Organization and order in our life is vital to communication (and sanity). With four kids and a new church on the way, it helps us to be able to look at our calendar and see what we have coming. It allows us to pray for each other during the day. It allows us to pray over our weeks and months to come. It allows us to plan ahead and be prepared.
The surprises are still sure to come, but having a plan and bringing order to our lives helps to cut down on the surprises.
by David Docusen | September 3, 2009 | Uncategorized
I remember staring at our first stack of fundraising materials that we sent out last year. I was sick to my stomach realizing that I was about to ask everyone I knew (at least the ones I had their addresses) for money. I had never asked anyone for anything like this before.
Fast forward to September, 2009. God has provided for us perfectly. We have not gotten a guaranteed paycheck in over sixteen months. We are now in the middle of designing (with the help of graphical gurus Will Morgan and Patrick Bader) a whole new fundraising campaign for Center City Church. Our goal is to raise $100,000 to cover the startup cost of the church (sound, video, lighting, venue rental, etc), salary and health insurance for the year for our family.
I still am not completely comfortable with the idea of asking others for money. I have realized, however, that the only way to accomplish what God has put in our hearts is to humble myself and give others the opportunity to become shareholders in the vision of Center City.
When I remember that fundraising allows me to continue to bring the light and love of Christ to Uptown Charlotte, something clicks on inside of me. That’s when I realize that it’s my honor to humble myself, pray and simply ask for help.
by David Docusen | September 3, 2009 | Uncategorized
It’s been a great first week in the office for me. I can honestly say that I went to bed really nervous on Monday night. Tuesday was my first day working on Center City Church full time, day in and day out. We have been dreaming about this for six years and have so many plans, but for some reason I felt so nervous about the task at hand.
I was staring at the ceiling thinking about all of this when I told Dara, “Honey, I’m really nervous. I’ve never done this before.” She quickly replied, “Be nervous tomorrow. It’s time to sleep.” That didn’t help too much.
When she realized that I was still staring at the ceiling, she changed her tone and moved into more of a brainwashing type strategy. “You’re not nervous, honey, you’re excited!” That worked a little better.
Needless to say, I woke up on Tuesday and went to work. The first couple of days have been filled with logistics of getting everything rolling in the right direction and I must say that I have never felt more alive. I’m excited, just like Dara said.
She’s always right 🙂
by David Docusen | September 2, 2009 | Uncategorized
I have spent the past couple of weeks hanging with Dara and the kids all day. We decided to take some down time after closing out a season at Hope Church and before beginning Center City Church.
I had my first day in the office (Caribou Coffee) yesterday and did not finish up work until after 5pm. When I came into the house, the kids made a beeline for me. They tackled me and there was an epic explosion of kisses.
Nothing like this in the whole world. Mary came back to me a little bit later in the evening, jumped into my arms unsolicited and gave me about 30 kisses on my cheeks, nose, forehead and chin. Amazing.
I love what I do. I love pastoring Center City Church. But there is nothing greater on this side of heaven than being a husband to Dara and daddy to Max, Mary, Jack and Ben.
