http://www.brekonhertel.com/ BrekOnElmwood.com - The blog of our Campus Pastor, Brek Cockrell en-us Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:00:00 -0400 Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:00:00 -0400 60 website@thechapel.com website@thechapel.com http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1430 What a great day we had at Renovation... it was so good to be back seeing everybody and feeling the excitement that comes out of our gatherings. Of course today was our Love Revolution Commitment day. This was for those who call Renovation home and wa http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1430 Sun, 29 Aug 2010 22:37:48 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1429 Well it has been 3 weeks since I last posted anything here... We went on a long vacation as a family (the longest in our 18 yr history) we traveled almost 4,000 miles in 17 days! We had a blast together. I must say it is easier to travel once the kids ar http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1429 Sat, 28 Aug 2010 17:11:13 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1420 Today was the kick off of our Love Revolution Month! This is the time every year that we stop and pause and talk about what it means to really be a part of the Renovation Community. It was good to go back and tell our story (briefly) and how faithful God http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1420 Sun, 01 Aug 2010 21:50:57 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1419 Ok it is finally time to breath... the last two weeks have been a blurrrr. Fist just getting ready on campus to house and host 150 people for 7 nights and then getting ready for the morning projects and the SJ program at night... I am so thankful for the http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1419 Sat, 31 Jul 2010 23:33:22 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1415 It was a great day at Renovation today! Awesome worship to get the morning started. What a cool thing it was to have my dad speaking at Renovation and to see so many people come into a relationship with Jesus Christ. We stirred up a big party today in H http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1415 Sun, 18 Jul 2010 23:02:12 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1413 Wow... can't believe it is Saturday already! This week has flown by as we are in a full court press getting ready for Summer Jam 2010! The billboards look great and we have 150 yard signs all over NW BUffalo. Had one of our city official offices call m http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1413 Fri, 16 Jul 2010 09:51:21 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1408 I am listening to my brother Thad live in concert tonight in Nashville via the internet... he wrote a song a while back that still rocks me to the bone with it's clarity and simple but profound words... Oh to be loved by Jesus, oh to be loved by Him O http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1408 Sun, 11 Jul 2010 23:26:58 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1407 Whew it is hotttt! But I ain't gonna complain! Joshua got 3 supper slip and slides for all of our students tonight. It was great... neighbors watching all the kids having fun and sending their own kids over to get in on the fun! Had a great meeting this http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1407 Wed, 07 Jul 2010 22:50:58 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1402 It's Sunday night and we are having another rain storm... "they" say this has been the 3rd wettest June since they started recording it over 100 yrs ago and we still have a few days left so we might set a record yet! We had a great day at Renovation http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1402 Sun, 27 Jun 2010 21:18:52 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1395 As a dad I know that I have a responsibility to help guide my kids through the culture we live in and to help them navigate through the land mines that are all around. Music has been and always will be a huge part of a teens life. So how do we stay inform http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1395 Thu, 17 Jun 2010 10:53:25 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1391 First Gear When you are exploring a relationship, beginning to get to know someone and you are in 1st gear. You will want to start slowly. 1. Build a strong foundation · Consider the M word and the L word taboo! (they are not the http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1391 Mon, 14 Jun 2010 15:40:09 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1389 Week 3 of our series The Power of One. It is always tough to have conversations after a gathering that goes like this... "wish I would have heard something like this 5 yrs ago" I had several conversations like that today... I am having them all the ti http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1389 Sun, 13 Jun 2010 22:07:04 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1390 Week 3 of our series The Power of One. It is always tough to have conversations after a gathering that goes like this... "wish I would have heard something like this 5 yrs ago" I had several conversations like that today... I am having them all the ti http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1390 Sun, 13 Jun 2010 15:30:33 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1386 Had a chance to hang out with 2 different dudes that have been coming to Renovation for a while... last night and then early this morning. I really enjoy hearing the stories of people lives and seeing Holy Spirit work in them and prodding them to the li http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1386 Tue, 08 Jun 2010 23:54:03 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1384 Had a great day at Renovation today! Today was our 2nd week in our series The Power of One. This is a series targeted for those living single. Here are few stats about living single in the USA The Census Bureau shows that 100 million adults in the http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1384 Sun, 06 Jun 2010 21:18:36 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1376 What a great week we have had @ Renovation! Starting with last Wednesday @ Renovate... that is our student (7th-12th gr) environment we have down in the basement ever Wed night from 6.00-8.00. Joshua Dean is doing a fantastic job of leading this. He has http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1376 Tue, 25 May 2010 23:08:48 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1368 We had a GREAT day at Renovation! Loved the worship we experienced... we did more of an acoustic feel. I loved being able to hear our voices together. I think it is always good to change things up so we don't fall into just routine. We sold out of our http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1368 Mon, 17 May 2010 21:57:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1358 I blinked Sunday night and I opened my eyes to see its already Tuesday morning! Just a quick recap of the weekend... We had an incredible time celebrating all of our volunteers at Renovation Saturday evening at "Flora's!" We love to throw parties at Re http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1358 Tue, 11 May 2010 08:48:29 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1353 Ever once in a while God hits me between the eyes with His incredible plans, His unbelievable attention to detail... Have you ever asked the simple question "what if?" What if God knew all along... What if that was what He was really up to... What if http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1353 Wed, 05 May 2010 09:28:13 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1351 What a day or I should say week it has been! Left early Wed morning on the 6.00 flight to Atlanta to meet up with Joshua and Tina to attend the Orange Conference. This was a conference that Rethink puts on every year to help resource of its partners in m http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1351 Sun, 02 May 2010 21:12:12 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1347 It was great to have Scott Stockton (Director of GroupLife) speaking to us yesterday. He did a fantastic job talking about Enemy #2 Jealousy. Loved how he tied in the story of Jonah and how he was jealous of the Ninevites that they got from God what only http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1347 Mon, 26 Apr 2010 22:12:25 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1340 Was hanging out this morning in my favorite "spot" once again. It is a gorgeous morning in Buffalo... a beautiful city in the spring! Anywho I started reading Proverbs 20 (I thought it was April 20 so i read the Pro 20... I know its the 21st... it was http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1340 Wed, 21 Apr 2010 10:29:53 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1337 Today was an amazing day at Renovation. The moment that Toni started her brilliantly written (just for today's theme) and given reading/poem there was an energy that ran through the place that kept growing as Nick and the band roared into Johnny Lang's s http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1337 Sun, 18 Apr 2010 22:27:24 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1329 My blog site has been down the last few days so I have not been able to post anything but back up today. Had a great time launching our new series called The Battle Within. We opened up the morning with an inspiring video!! I always loved Rocky! I met http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1329 Mon, 12 Apr 2010 23:32:31 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1317 I have been saying WOW all day today. As Caleb and I drove to church today I was reminded as we drove by the Regal Theater that it was 3 years ago today that we launched The Chapel at Elmwood. Hard to believe that when we launched that day that we would http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1317 Sun, 04 Apr 2010 23:11:04 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1297 I want to encourage all of us to keep Sunday in our prayers and thoughts throughout the week. Pray that our friends and family will come... Pray that they will have a great experience from the time they step onto the campus till long after they leave... http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1297 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 23:02:32 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1296 Last Sunday we did a little experiment at Renovation... we had been kickin it around for a few months and so we decided to go for it last week. If a volunteer did it... it didn't get done. No coffee No snacks No Greeters No Band No Sound Tech No Li http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1296 Sun, 28 Mar 2010 22:25:21 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1288 It was an amazing 24 hours we had... not so much in the big things but in the little. I am finding that for us doing ministry in the city is about celebrating little steps... little decisions... Yesterday morning was a tough morning to pull my butt out http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1288 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 23:54:26 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1286 It is always an awesome time to live in Buffalo after many hard weeks of cold, snowy, dark days when the snow begins to leave us. Now this always happens at various times usually a little later in the season then it is happening (not complaining) now but http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1286 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:01:20 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1278 Just got through walking through Renovation Center and i gotta feeling that tonight's gonna be good, good night! Club 56 (an great experience for boys and girls in the 5th and 6th gr) was going great under the leadership of superstars Toni and Margarita. http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1278 Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:20:40 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1275 Wow... as leadership team at renovation we want to be good stewards of what God has called us to lead so we are always evaluating what we have just done as look forward to what we are about to do. We were looking back at the this past series... it covered http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1275 Tue, 02 Mar 2010 20:46:09 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1272 Thought I would post about today and the past week as I watch the closing ceremonies... Can I just say WOW what a game the USA played against the our friends the Canadians! It would be like the Canadian Basketball team beating the Dream Team once and th http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1272 Sun, 28 Feb 2010 21:19:49 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1269 We made it through week 3 of our FireProof Your Marriage series. We have not really used anything from the actual movie but we have just used the title as a launching pad for our own weekly discoveries... As a quick rewind... we heard from Mark Gungor w http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1269 Mon, 22 Feb 2010 22:19:43 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1264 Great question for all of us... especially on "Fat Tuesday" here is a great word blast from the past from my man C.H. Spurgeon... "I have learned, in whatever state I am, therewith to be content."-Philippians 4:11. THESE words show us that conten http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1264 Tue, 16 Feb 2010 07:47:27 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1263 Well it was a great Valentine's Day at Renovation and at the Cockrell house today! We had a great time this morning as we opened with a little Johnny Cash... Ring of FIre! We heard an incredible description of the purpose and design of God for marriag http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1263 Sun, 14 Feb 2010 22:24:25 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1232 I am flying down to my brother Jon's for several reasons... Brittanie is turning 21 today! Meeting with some of the ScottsHill crew as we get ready for SummerJam 10 and other projects that we might partner together with in Buffalo! Jon and I's baby bro http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1232 Wed, 03 Feb 2010 10:14:37 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1230 We are doing a "full court press" at renovation this month as it relates to equipping our marriages to thrive and for us to finish together! We started a 28 Day Challenge yesterday... you can still sign up! We are showing the movie Fire Proof this Frida http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1230 Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:04:36 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1227 Even though it was stinkin cold outside it was cookin inside! Had a great time wrapping up our MapQuest Series! I really sense that God is going to use the things we discovered about Him and about ourselves over this series that will be a strong catalys http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1227 Sun, 31 Jan 2010 21:03:45 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1224 I am always looking to find others who have been down the road a little further than I have... especially when it comes to serving our NW community and the city at Buffalo at large. I was perusing through some blogs and tweets and came across a great CC http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1224 Fri, 29 Jan 2010 22:36:40 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1222 In my office right now... looking out my window it's pretty much a white-out. For my florida friends that's not sand in your eyes at the beach... nothing like spending an hour blowing snow off the sidewalks then go back outside 15 minutes later and se http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1222 Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:02:13 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1215 I have at times referenced the small but powerful readings of C.H. Spurgeon. I gave my dad a nice leather-bound copy a while back... yesterday he called leaving me a message wondering if I had read the evening section because it was pretty powerful. I had http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1215 Sat, 23 Jan 2010 13:49:10 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1212 Wow today is sunny warm (36 degrees) Buffalo winter day!! We had our first preliminary meeting yesterday with Ron and Sue at Victory Assembly for Riverside Family FunDay! Planning for summer is a fun process in when you live in Buffalo and its only Janua http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1212 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:18:59 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1202 Once again it is the beginning of a new week which is always (usually) exciting. We had a great time in our staff meeting this morning! We meet every monday morning at 9.30... we spend a good amount of time looking back over the last week and telling e http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1202 Mon, 18 Jan 2010 21:34:37 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1195 Today has been one of those incredible days that God allows you to experience... Started out the morning with some of my favorite dudes... Men's Fraternity! We meet every Wednesday morning from 6.00 - 7.30 AM in the Renovation House. Loved the offline c http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1195 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 19:30:57 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1189 Sunday night came and went so it's a Monday night rewind. Looking back on our Sunday morning Gatherings... we launched the first series of the new year and the new decade by looking at how to discover God's direction or path for our lives in MapQuest! N http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1189 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 22:32:14 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1186 Well the sun is shinning as I look out the window of one my favorite hang-outs when I'm waiting for Carlee or Caleb's basketball practice to get over or some other school related event... the new Spot Coffee on Main St. (Gloria and Canon are skiing today) http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1186 Sat, 09 Jan 2010 10:52:33 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1175 What a great way to bring in the new year... with a nice little Buffalo dusting... for you southerners out there that would be about 12-16 inches we got last night and mainly this morning... it probably snowed a 9-10"s just during our 2 gatherings! Yet http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1175 Sun, 03 Jan 2010 21:32:19 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1174 Hello 2010... nice to see you! I thought the 90's went by fast... i had no idea how fast a decade could go by. We ushered in the year/decade last night with our family and friends... what we do w/o wii? This week has been a great week to get caught http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1174 Sat, 02 Jan 2010 21:24:10 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1173 Well it was a different kind of day... I slept in and woke up with the family... We all piled into the Family van and drove to church together... We all sat together (except Canon) and enjoyed hanging out with many of our friends at NorthGate. It was http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1173 Sun, 27 Dec 2009 20:47:11 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1172 I hope everybody had a merry Christmas... of course not everybody did. I conducted a funeral service on Christmas Eve... a 37 yr old father... who had buried his son after being murdered in August... for that family the words merry and Christmas is not p http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1172 Sat, 26 Dec 2009 21:29:11 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1168 My goodness I feel like i have gotten completely out of my blogging rhythm... the problem is there is so much that is happening every week it is hard to keep up. Part of my motivation to blog is to keep a journal of the journey so this blog has been that http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1168 Mon, 21 Dec 2009 23:14:08 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1163 During this time of the year comparison shopping is huge... we are looking at every add that comes to us to see if we can get that gift any cheaper at another store or website... right? I have been reading Francis Chan's new book the Forgotten God... abo http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1163 Sat, 12 Dec 2009 10:04:03 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1161 It has been a busy couple of days... I took Carlee down to Washington D.C. for a very special experience that she got to share with her grandmother... Gloria's mom. We drove down yesterday and came back today. Carlee wanted to make sure that we got back http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1161 Wed, 09 Dec 2009 23:09:12 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1154 I am sitting here once again totally blown away by what God is doing in the hearts and minds of men, women, students, kids at Renovation. Today was just an awesome day as we gathered together... I love the energy that was in the room. There was like an http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1154 Sun, 06 Dec 2009 20:59:06 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1148 Coming at you after a BIG Bills win! Can you believe the last five minutes of the game... good for coach Perry... I like that dude I hope he gets the job! Enough about the Bills... We had a great day at Renovation! I could tell a difference without ta http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1148 Sun, 29 Nov 2009 21:37:00 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1147 We had our first Community Thanksgiving Dinner last night downstairs in our newly renovated basement and it was a huge success!! We didn't really know how many to expect but it turned out great. We figure we served approximately 300 people and incred http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1147 Thu, 26 Nov 2009 22:14:50 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1142 Wow! We got a ton done today... Always great to have the guys from Teen Challenge come over and give us a hand. They are a fantastic group of guys and they flat-out work! They have been helping us all fall and we have really grown to appreciate the guys http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1142 Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:32:38 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1140 Well i had an incredible opportunity last night that kept me from being able to post last night.. more of that later. Yesterday morning was fun for me. I am loving having the tables in place for several reasons... I like watching people getting to kno http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1140 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:34:00 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1136 Didn't realize I skipped posting last week... where was I? oh maybe outside because of the incredible week of sunshine we had last week! For those who don't live in B-lo we had Ty Pennington and the Extreme Makeover Team come to town this past week... th http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1136 Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:23:13 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1129 Wednesday's are always early morning wake-ups for me and those who come to Men's Fraternity. Last week I mussed it with the swine flu but i was back today. It never fails to see friendships really start to develop in this environment. The first few week http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1129 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:37:50 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1128 What a week it has been. It started off really well... Monday was great especially after getting back from Cincinnati and knowing we had a ton to do. I went to bed feeling just fine... I woke up wondering how a mack truck ran over me during the night. Any http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1128 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:36:17 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1121 It has been a whirlwind the last couple of weeks... going to the Red River Rivalry last weekend and then off to Cincinnati with the Renovation Team this week it has been a little crazy... but really good! Last weekend my brother Jonathan had to deal with http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1121 Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:37:29 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1116 What a weekend i had... my dad and I hoped on a plane at 6.30 friday morning headed to Dallas. The three Cockrell boys took Dad to his first Red River Rivalry For those who don't know this is played at the Cotton Bowl during the Texas State Fair. There we http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1116 Sun, 18 Oct 2009 22:36:28 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1111 Happy Thanksgiving to our Northern friends... we have two Canadians on our leadership team so we got a jump on some good eats tonight! I love the Team that God has brought together here at Renovation. I know this month is Pastor Appreciation month and I http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1111 Mon, 12 Oct 2009 21:57:52 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1108 I reread The Pursuit of God recently by A.W. Tozer. It's funny how at different seasons of life how good books can impact you in different ways based upon you current circumstances.... that is the case for Pursuit... what a great read for me right now! http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1108 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 09:44:12 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1106 I am sitting here watching a 40 yr old man play like he is 30... Brett Favre is amazing! Thought I would post a few thoughts while enjoying the game. What an interesting series we are in and the feedback I am getting. We have never done a "sex" series http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1106 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:40:19 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1102 Well we got to see another environment get launched last night... CLUB 56! This is an environment designed specifically for kids in 5th and 6th grade. I was excited because I have a 5th grader who has been watching his older sister go to "cool stuff" and http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1102 Thu, 01 Oct 2009 09:36:01 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1097 We got it started today didn't we Renovation?! We started our new 5 week series today called Leaving Lust Vegas. I gotta say they were some really uncomfortable folks in the house today... which is ok. The place looked great and hats off to the First http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1097 Sun, 27 Sep 2009 00:25:08 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1090 WOW... what a day at Renovation... started this morning as a group of guys came together at 6.00 am for Men's Fraternity! Awesome to see and hear quick stories of men that are desiring to be all that God wants them to be... to live UP in a culture that i http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1090 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 22:45:48 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1086 I love stories of redemption... it never gets old! I got several emails from some Renovation stakeholders over the last couple of days. One was from one of our guys that brought a neighbor to Renovation Sunday morning... first time ever to go to "church" http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1086 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 22:39:02 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1082 We started a party in heaven today... got to see a handful of people come into a personal relationship with their heavenly Father at both the 9.19 and 11 gathering! We finished up this version of our Finishing Strong mini series by discovering for many http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1082 Sun, 13 Sep 2009 22:26:35 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1079 Off we go... a new season of ministry as we launched Renovate (our experience we have for students 7th - 12th grade) tonight! It was really exciting to see 40 students mostly all from our community! We had 15 JV (7th & 8th gr) and 25 Varsity (HS) com http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1079 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 22:33:31 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1076 We are attempting to launch a new experience for those who have or are experiencing the heartache of divorce... Divorce Care ... This is a nationally run program that has been a real blessing to many folks at The Chapel over the years. The leadership aske http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1076 Tue, 08 Sep 2009 23:27:22 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1074 This is my third Labor Day weekend as a church planter... who woulda thunk it? Not me... 10 years ago I was in Dade CIty Florida trying to figure out how to be a youth pastor/worship leader (yikes)/husband/dad (2 kids...dbl yikes) if you would have t http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1074 Mon, 07 Sep 2009 23:14:13 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1072 What a week we have had around Western NY... you gotta love it since we are coming out of the the coolest/rainiest summers in 25 years! We had a camp fire on the patio last night while we enjoyed some campfire snacks... hobo pies, banana boat's, smores.. http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1072 Sat, 05 Sep 2009 22:34:42 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1066 What a stretch of nice weather we are having right now... don't you love it?! I know I am digging it! Had a great time with our small group tonight. We have been meeting since the summer of 07... we put this group together from our early Elmwood days. We http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1066 Tue, 01 Sep 2009 23:21:10 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1065 Digety Dang... what a great day we had at Renovation! It was truly a CELEBRATION all day to day. We started off with DJ Brandon Chase spinning a great mix on his tables as everybody walked in. Of course it was funny watching people as they were handed n http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1065 Sun, 30 Aug 2009 23:02:34 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1061 Wow there has been so many things that have happened over the last couple of weeks that it is hard to believe... some good things, great things, tragic things, horrific/awful things... We had a young man that is the boyfriend of a young lady that attends http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1061 Thu, 27 Aug 2009 10:45:55 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1050 Always wanted to use that phrase... not that anybody will care! Well we got back officially Friday afternoon... we were only 35 minutes away so that was good... very good! A few observations about our vacation.... it takes work to have fun! it tak http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1050 Sun, 23 Aug 2009 21:35:41 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1048 I am on vacation with the family so I am going on a blogation ... be back in the flow in a week or so! http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1048 Wed, 12 Aug 2009 22:51:57 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1046 The week started to snowball and it was sun-up to sundown and beyond so I wasn't able to keep up with updates so I thought I would capture some of the moments while they are still fresh in my heart and mind. Wednesday morning found us hitting the streets http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1046 Sat, 01 Aug 2009 22:34:27 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1042 It was night 2 of SummerJam and it was inCREDIBLE!! First of all we started the day going down to the river and meeting with Bert from the Mayor's Office who is in charge of all graffiitti removal so we painted over the area under the Peace Bridge and of http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1042 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 07:35:53 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1041 Are you serious? We have experienced the amazing activity of God in such incredible ways over the last few weeks... Friday night rocked as we saw a cast of 55 (25 different HS represented) students from all over Buffalo put on a great production of Romeo http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1041 Mon, 27 Jul 2009 23:31:18 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1039 Ok I give up... throw in the white towel...uncle... Lord could we get a little summer around here especially next week! Kevin O'Connell said it is the coldest July in like 50 years! Anywho we are celebrating a great Riverside Family Fun Day this week b http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1039 Thu, 23 Jul 2009 09:29:33 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1032 We had a weekend to remember! Riverside Family Fun Day was a huge success! We had over 200 volunteers! We fed lunch to over 1300 people... We had 56 agencies partnering with us to engage, equip, instruct, encourage the community of NW Buffalo We had http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1032 Sun, 19 Jul 2009 21:59:17 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1029 Hanging out early at the offices today... a beautiful morning once again! Thinking about and praying about the next two weeks fro us at RC. We are about to embark on the craziest two weeks of our short existence as Elmwood or RC as it relates to buildin http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1029 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 08:53:08 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1027 Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me. Psalms 56:9 Wow what a statement of good news! Charles Spurgeon wrote these words It is impossible for any human speech to express the full meaning of th http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1027 Tue, 14 Jul 2009 08:33:47 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1026 Woke up to the most beautiful morning you could hope for in the middle of July! Caleb and I headed to church to get ready for a fun day at the RC... pancakes on us was the theme this morning. We set up a couple of tents on the front yard and a crew of http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1026 Sun, 12 Jul 2009 21:57:09 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1023 Didn't know if everybody knew that Shakespeare is coming to 716 on Friday, July 24 at 7.00 pm right here in the Renovation Auditorium. Yes you heard it right, Peace of the City and Renovation is presenting a remix of Romeo and Juliet! The kids have been http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1023 Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:41:28 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1022 Just coming back from having a great lunch with Joshua and Burt the Anti-Graffittii Czar for the Mayor's Office (which I will talk more about later) I noticed a Police car on the corner of our campus facing the Mini-Mart across the street. As I got out http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1022 Tue, 07 Jul 2009 23:07:48 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1019 One of the things I want to help other parents with is finding resources that help us be the best parents, mentors, guardians that we can be. Parenting is not easy no matter the circumstances... nobody gets an easy pass on parenting! I always love to f http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1019 Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:38:52 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1018 Today we celebrate freedom! We live in a country unlike any other in the course of history... hard for us to fully comprehend this reality but we should at least be incredibly grateful and thankful for those whose shoulders we are now standing on. Wil http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1018 Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:17:46 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1016 It is incredible how many stories in the past week or so has come across the local and national radar screen... A Senator, King of Pop, a Young man, Pastor... when it comes to the idea of living our lives not how the unwise live but as wise it never ce http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1016 Wed, 01 Jul 2009 23:30:17 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1009 Guess what? It's toDAY! Not just any day but toDAY! We only get one toDAY you know. No other day like toDAY! Really no such thing as just another toDAY. As I look out my office window I see that it is raining, the grass is growing, cars are driving http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1009 Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:04:20 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1003 It's a beautiful morning here in Buffalo... not a cloud in sight and I believe we can safely say SUMMER IS HERE! This is our first summer at 567 Hertel and school gets out this week so it will be interesting to see the dynamic of the neighborhood during http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=1003 Wed, 24 Jun 2009 10:20:50 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=999 What a great Father's Day! I got to hang out with the family all day. I let them decide (I already had mexican twice this week) where to eat so of course it was Buffalo Wild WIngs. Then the boys and I went over to Regal to watch Night at the Museum. Fu http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=999 Sun, 21 Jun 2009 22:56:32 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=996 Whoa... this week is blowing by fast and furious 'cause we have been busy developing new contacts, deepening already established relationships! First of all I was blown away to see that we had 40 first time guest on Sunday... way to go renovation, love http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=996 Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:32:01 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=992 Can a day be any more spectacular? What a great day in WNY! We also had a great day at Renovation as we began a new series called Simply Irresistible. It is a 7 week series that will allow us to really look hard at who we are going to be and how we are g http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=992 Sun, 14 Jun 2009 22:05:23 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=988 All right so it's not Sunday night... I have been fighting a spring cold thing all weekend so I was toast last night. It was great having Dwight Smith with us... I always learn a ton when I get to hear him download some of the thoughts that he has gathe http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=988 Mon, 08 Jun 2009 22:21:19 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=987 Wow... I can't believe I have posted some 400 times. I have never been any good at journaling... but when we launched Elmwood I knew I wanted to journal the journey so I started to blog in Feb of 07 now it's June of 09 and Elmwood doesn't even exist anymo http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=987 Thu, 04 Jun 2009 21:00:26 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=985 WoW! What an incredible weekend we had at Renovation! We had Stuart Hall come in for this weekend to help us in three different environments. The first was our reTHINK-Tank that we had at the Renovation House Saturday morning. We had True Remanent and V http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=985 Sun, 31 May 2009 21:09:20 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=982 Hey Renovation did you know that... ONE day will be like no other... one hour be like no other... one moment will be like no other... We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=982 Wed, 27 May 2009 09:01:07 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=981 Wow I did not mean to go a week without posting, it's just that I typically post my comments at night and the last week has been extremely full so there you go. Had a lot of cool things happen over the last week or so... Part of the reason I started and http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=981 Tue, 26 May 2009 22:54:10 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=975 The morning after Sunday always seems to be Monday... wouldn't it be cool to switch it up on occasion?! Yesterday was a packed day from beginning to end... not always the way it is on Sunday's but it as yesterday. Wow I have to give a big shout out to N http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=975 Mon, 18 May 2009 08:09:27 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=973 Dog days are here... at least for the Cockrell clan. We now have a dog...Cocoa! Should be interesting... Had a couple of great meetings today. Of course we had a great time hosting the awesome staff from Crosspoint yesterday along with some local frie http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=973 Thu, 14 May 2009 22:20:39 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=968 SO we jumped in feet first and discovered what the "Best Question Ever" is on Sunday. For those who missed it we started a 4 week series called The Best Question Ever and it is taken from the letter that Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus a few years ag http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=968 Tue, 12 May 2009 07:41:51 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=967 A beautiful/sunny/warm Friday morning... what a gift! Several years ago I read a book that Andy Stanley wrote called "The Best Question Ever." It had such a profound impact on me. It has help guide me through so many circumstances, so many relational iss http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=967 Fri, 08 May 2009 09:37:41 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=966 Well today is the National Day of Prayer. It is an opportunity as a Pastor Matt Brown said recently "to bring the experience of the church... 365 days a year to an event called National Day of Prayer." Noway should we be only praying today... we know th http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=966 Thu, 07 May 2009 09:18:42 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=964 It has been a FULL day but a great day! I must say that I so appreciate everybody who showed yesterday to help clean up/plant/transplant around the campus. We had a strong turnout of hard working folks of all ages! The campus looked great this morning. http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=964 Sun, 03 May 2009 21:39:46 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=963 I am new to being a Lead Pastor... new positions bring new experiences which creates new perspectives. When we launched the Chapel at Elmwood I was in the same boat... everything was new... a new adventure... new learning curves that I needed to get my a http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=963 Thu, 30 Apr 2009 08:56:05 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=960 Wow... it was a hot Saturday! I loved every extra degree past 50... I think it actually got close to 80! I can't wait for Thad's concert tomorrow but before that hits I got to just stop and pause to reflect and give God some strong thanks for His apparen http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=960 Sat, 25 Apr 2009 22:02:09 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=958 Well I meant to post something about the very cool visit with the Mayor last night but after watching AI last night with Carlee... i turned it to the Cavs-Pistons game to watch while I posted ... next thing i knew it was the middle of the Lakers game! yik http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=958 Wed, 22 Apr 2009 08:26:36 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=956 Wow what a beautiful morning... sun is shinning right now at least and I will take it. Sometimes I have to take a few days off of the "Connection Zone" you know... blogs...facebook...twitter... so I went silent for a few days not that many notice but fo http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=956 Mon, 20 Apr 2009 09:31:36 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=955 Reading in Proverbs 26 this morning from my Life Application Study Bible [large print:(] I love this Bible because it gives a lot of additional insight not only about what is written but the context it was written in and at times it gives thoughts on cert http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=955 Thu, 16 Apr 2009 08:36:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=952 I have lived all over the place... Kansas City, Chattanooga, Tampa, Manila, West Palm Beach, Dade City, Mobile, Cedarville, Lake Wales, there is no city that I have lived in that parties like Buffalo! What the heck is Dyngus Day? If there is a reason to p http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=952 Mon, 13 Apr 2009 22:38:02 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=951 What a great first Easter at Renovation!! We had so many family and friends visit with us today... it was awesome to see and meet so many! The sun was shining bright though it was a bit nippy out... we had a ton of kids today and I must say they behaved http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=951 Sun, 12 Apr 2009 23:12:46 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=949 Today is traditionally known as Good Friday... there would have been no "good" in this day without the Resurection on Sunday. We (fam) got to go over to Crosspoint for their Good Friday Gathering tonight... Pastor Jerry gave a great message on Forgiveness http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=949 Fri, 10 Apr 2009 22:52:04 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=948 Well the Mayor had to reschedule his tour of Renovation... that's ok... at least everything is clean and lookin good for our Easter Gathering! Yesterday I had the privilege of going to the third graduation of some of our men at Renovation who have spent http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=948 Wed, 08 Apr 2009 23:10:36 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=945 2 years ago this weekend we launched The Chapel at Elmwood! Today I along with my fam got to experience another launch... Restoration Church! What a beautiful day to witness new life! Dan, Alex and Wes and the whole Restoration team did a great job. I http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=945 Sun, 05 Apr 2009 21:33:43 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=944 Well it was family night minus 1 (as Carlee was with friends) so we went and saw Monsters vs Aliens and I must say it was a good flick... lot of good laughs! Met yesterday with the National Day of Prayer committee for Buffalo... everybody is really exci http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=944 Fri, 03 Apr 2009 23:04:08 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=942 Stopped by R.12 tonight as I was going to pick up Carlee at the Underground. Walked in and the House was full of HS students... tons of energy had 23! That is the most we have had since we launched in January! I know Joshua and the Leaders were pumped t http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=942 Wed, 01 Apr 2009 22:35:45 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=938 What do you think Renovation? I hope I was making some sense today! Carlee was making fun of my multiplication today... it was off a little bit! I really loved the time of worship and communion today... the band did a great job once again. Interesting ho http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=938 Sun, 29 Mar 2009 23:05:15 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=936 What a great day we had in Buffalo! I got to take my boys Caleb and Canon to a great Father/Son breakfast over on the Eastside at the Gateway-Longview Center near Jefferson and E Ferry. It was a great gathering of dads and kids. I was just blown away ag http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=936 Sat, 28 Mar 2009 22:14:57 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=937 What a great day we had in Buffalo! I got to take my boys Caleb and Canon to a great Father/Son breakfast over on the Eastside at the Gateway-Longview Center near Jefferson and E Ferry. It was a great gathering of dads and kids. I was just blown away ag http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=937 Sat, 28 Mar 2009 17:16:07 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=935 I like Friday nights... always have... when I was a kid it was always Family Night... we used to watch Rockford Files with a bowl of popcorn. Of course there was no Blockbuster, no Video, Dvd, 3 channels and NO remote... those were the days! Had a great http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=935 Fri, 27 Mar 2009 22:22:36 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=934 Some days are "fuller" than others... naturally that is the ebb and flow of life and our rhythm. I took Monday off to hang out with the fam which was great but it has been jammed full since then. We have started a new rhythm the last couple of weeks at http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=934 Wed, 25 Mar 2009 23:36:22 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=931 I told you today was going to be different...! What a great day at Renovation. Kulu and his crew did a great job leading us today in worship - love the passion that they brought! We will continue our conversation about Who We R next week. The kids are http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=931 Sun, 22 Mar 2009 23:02:13 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=930 This is always the best weekend of the year for me... not so much for my family because they don't like watching every minute of every game... slackers! But for me I soak it all in! My bracket has taken a few hits but all in all doing good. Talk about d http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=930 Fri, 20 Mar 2009 22:12:02 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=929 Can't wait for tomorrow... March Madness gets under way! (play in game does not count) My Final Four is: Louisville vs Memphis North Carolina vs Pitt Championship Game is: L'ville vs Pitt with L'ville winning! You heard it first right here! On ano http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=929 Wed, 18 Mar 2009 22:36:57 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=926 What a day! I was jacked about the day the moment I woke up this morning... looking out the window seeing sunshine... no snow ( a little nippy)... anticipating hearing the band... hopefully meeting some new guest ... seeing God work in the lives of peopl http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=926 Sun, 15 Mar 2009 21:31:32 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=925 I was in the auditorium this morning while the band was rehearsing for tomorrow's Gathering... look out - it's going to be a great morning! Toni Benjamin and Jenna will be joining Nick and the band so it will be a great morning of worshiping through the g http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=925 Sat, 14 Mar 2009 20:40:40 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=920 Wow watched the first live AI show tonight... great start! Love hearing some of the stories... interesting to see that there have been several contestants this year and in the past seasons come from churches... worship leaders. I got to spend most of the http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=920 Tue, 10 Mar 2009 23:48:32 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=919 Well we made it through the time change... well not everyone but most of us did! We were effected at the 9:19 somewhat... but still good to see some first time guest! We had a little technical difficulty at 9:19 with our video but Nick and the boys corre http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=919 Sun, 08 Mar 2009 21:50:44 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=917 Ok I am sure everybody knows by now but just i case... don't forget to set your clocks ahead 1 hour tonight! I am moving mine ahead right now... not good for the pastor shows up an hour late! Can't wait to continue the It's Personal series tomorrow... I http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=917 Sat, 07 Mar 2009 18:42:49 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=916 Hey everybody we need to Spring Ahead this Saturday night... daylight savings time kicks in so don't forget! What a week we have had at Renovation. Had many meetings this week... National Day of Prayer committee met this week... so cool to meet some n http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=916 Fri, 06 Mar 2009 23:01:47 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=911 Who'da thunk it?! This time last year Renovation was not even a thought... by me. But yet God was about to move in our midst like warp speed! Some times it seems God is moving at a snail pace and sometimes like a hurricane! The latter is what we have http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=911 Mon, 02 Mar 2009 09:00:48 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=909 It's Saturday morning and I am sitting at my desk looking out at Hertel Ave thanking God for the chance to be able to do what we get to do! I have many people say yea man cool job ... work one morning a week! Must be nice! I just yea it is! No really... http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=909 Sat, 28 Feb 2009 10:00:22 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=904 I am here in the office spending some time hanging out with my Heavenly Father... reading from the Psalms... chapter 100 and this is what I am asked to do... Shout with joy to the Lord...! I have not shouted with joy in a while... so I did! Sun is shinn http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=904 Wed, 25 Feb 2009 08:14:23 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=906 I was telling a buddy of mine yesterday that part of the incredible journey that is Renovation is that I get to see God's activity daily! When you get around areas where there is great need, desperate people, brokenness, lost dreams... fill in the blank. http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=906 Wed, 25 Feb 2009 23:32:29 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=903 I love the opportunity to tell the Renovation story to people... Gotta chance to share it along with giving a tour of Renovation. The reason I love to do it is because I get to brag! First I get to brag on how Big God is and how He come through for us and http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=903 Tue, 24 Feb 2009 23:40:34 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=901 Well what a cool day we had at Renovation today. Tons of guest due largely by the 4 baby dedications that we had... one at 9:19 and 3 at the 11:00 Gathering. We ought to have dedications every week because we had a record attendance! (not counting or open http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=901 Sun, 22 Feb 2009 23:31:20 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=900 Just finished watching a weird "princess" movie with the kids...just put them in bed and the Friday night lights are out. Gloria had Bingo tonight. Yes thats right she had to work Bingo down at the Knights of Columbus! This of course is another first for http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=900 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 22:11:45 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=899 This week the kids are out of school so trying to do something with them everyday! Yesterday the Cockrell boys went to LazerTron. We had a gift certificate given to us a while back from some friends so we took that and had some fun. Didn't know that you http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=899 Thu, 19 Feb 2009 18:13:07 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=893 Well Monday is done and it didn't take long to get into the workload of the week! (were we in Nashville yesterday or last year?!) Continue to get great feedback from yesterday! I want to throw out my thanks and gratitude to Pastor John for finishing up o http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=893 Mon, 16 Feb 2009 00:08:27 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=891 We are getting ready to head back to the Promise Land! We had a great morning. Michael W led worship with just a keyboard... not a huge fan of MW but the dude is a humble guy and is great at just leading worship. We heard a new guy speak today and it was http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=891 Sun, 15 Feb 2009 15:24:29 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=889 I am spending Saturday in Music City with my beautiful bride! We had some friends bless us with a trip to Nashville where Michael W Smith is hosting a weekend at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel! We had a great time last night going to the Grand Ole Opry...my f http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=889 Sat, 14 Feb 2009 20:13:19 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=888 I am sure that by now everybody is aware of the horrific plane crash that happened last night here in WNY. I know we have many friends and family that keep track of Renovation that do not live here in Buffalo. If that is you then I can tell you that Clare http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=888 Fri, 13 Feb 2009 13:53:18 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=885 One of the great things about what God allows me to do is the incredible people I get to meet. Joshua and I took Alicia and Melissa from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County through Renovation today. Their offices are right down the street in the Black http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=885 Tue, 10 Feb 2009 23:47:23 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=884 We had a great day at Renovation yesterday and we give God all of the Glory. I am blown away by how the Holy Spirit can speak to so many in so many different ways from one passage of Scripture. I know that my dad and I have had many conversations over th http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=884 Mon, 09 Feb 2009 23:52:24 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=883 What a night out we had last night at our first Marriedlife Live event at Renovation! This week was been crazy as we all pitched in to get everything ready for last night. It turned out great! I couldn't help but thank God for the facility that He has giv http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=883 Sat, 07 Feb 2009 23:09:33 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=878 I had to take a couple of days off from posting because after taking some considerable time writing two different post on Saturday and Sunday I lost them both so I decided to 'back away' from the edge... but that was then and this is now so here I am ag http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=878 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 22:56:58 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=874 It's Friday in Buffalo and we all know what that means...MORE SNOW! Good grief what a January we have had! Feel bad for the folks in Arkansas...over a million w/o power and it could be a couple of weeks before they get it back! Just finished up writing http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=874 Fri, 30 Jan 2009 09:44:17 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=872 Wow and the snow keeps coming! We haven't had this much snow since our first winter in Buffalo which was 01/02...you know the winter we had 84 inches in 4 days! Yea that was our first winter - welcome to Buffalo...yikes! That actually was pretty cool to e http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=872 Wed, 28 Jan 2009 23:39:43 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=867 You could assume that when it is colder than snot that most people would stay home not fight the cold, ice, parking... you would be wrong! You know what happens when you assume... We had 251 adults at 9:19 and 177 adults at 11:00 with another 61 kids a http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=867 Sun, 25 Jan 2009 21:10:16 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=866 Tomorrow is week 3 of the Wild Goose Chase series! I don;t know about anybody else but this has been a great series for me as I begin a new year, a new season of ministry at Renovation... I really do feel like my journey over the last few years has been a http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=866 Sat, 24 Jan 2009 21:56:30 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=862 I have been off-line since Friday because I had to take my Mac to the Mac Doctor. Everything was working except the screen...which creates some challenges! Anywho I got it back tonight so I thought I would catch up on the last few days. Last Thursday http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=862 Tue, 20 Jan 2009 22:12:54 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=860 Next week is going to be a time to celebrate! Got a chance to here a great discussion this evening down at Hamburg Wesleyan concerning the election of Barack Obama. Pastor Jeff Carter facilitated the discussion with mostly a panel of staff members from http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=860 Wed, 14 Jan 2009 23:31:27 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=854 Had a great start to our new series Wild Goose Chase... 6 folks came down after our Worship Gathering to tell me that they had prayed to ask Jesus to take over their life to be their new Leader and Lord... now that is what I call an"ordinary" day at Renov http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=854 Sun, 11 Jan 2009 21:54:24 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=950 Wow we got a lot done in a short amount of time today... many hands make light work! We had quit a few workers show up today... middle schoolers, high schoolers, young kids, "OLD kids," those from the St Florian block club, City Mission... we picked up http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=950 Sun, 11 Jan 2009 20:56:25 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=853 I had better catch up on this week before it is gone! Some of you know that both my dad/mom are from Oklahoma so I grew a Sooner fan... Better luck next year! If we were going to lose at least it was to a guy like Tim Tebow! (great story) So sad to hear http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=853 Sat, 10 Jan 2009 22:54:07 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=848 Have you seen this show? It is both great and extremely uncomfortable at the same time. Showing how human behavior, thought, responses... are all connected and how really ugly we can be and at times how beautiful we can be. The week is flying bye... Sun http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=848 Tue, 06 Jan 2009 23:15:10 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=845 Grand Opening was a PARTY! Wow what a great morning we had in both the 9:19 and 11:00. The energy level was at a hole "nother level." The Renovation Band was flamin hot today... always good to have Toni and Renee singing with us. I must say that both ga http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=845 Sun, 04 Jan 2009 17:34:30 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=844 Ok everybody let's get ready to party! Tomorrow is our "Official" Grand Opening at Renovation. It should be a great day. Band rehearsal was great this morning... we have Rene and Toni back singing with us again so it is going to be a day of worship for su http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=844 Sat, 03 Jan 2009 21:48:58 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=841 Well it there are just a few minutes left in 08 and I must say it has been an incredible year! I got to take some guys through Renovation today and it still blows me away to show others what an awesome God we have and how He moved in the heart of so many http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=841 Wed, 31 Dec 2008 23:55:19 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=840 We are having our first Renovation Christmas Eve Gathering tonight t 7:00! Can't wait to experience another first for us. The weather is helping us right now so come on over! Hey I am now brekonhertel.com We switched over today so another little step f http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=840 Wed, 24 Dec 2008 18:22:16 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=838 My goodness I am so behind at multiple levels... anybody else feelin my pain? (or frustration) This fall has been a blur and I am hoping that over the next week or so I can get back to some level of normalcy. No if I could jut remembe what "normal" was! http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=838 Tue, 23 Dec 2008 23:20:25 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=836 Just a quick post because I drove down to DC to have dinner with President Bush.... no really I get the honor of going to the White House Christmas Party. I will tell you about it later! http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=836 Thu, 18 Dec 2008 18:17:57 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=829 Wow what a difference a week makes or should I say 30 degrees! It felt like spring out this morning... a balmy 30 with no wind or snow! Yes today was definitely a little more "together" as far as our systems! We got broke in fast last week so everybody m http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=829 Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:26:12 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=827 I have been so challenged by reading this little devotional called Preparing for Christmas by Richard Rohr. I have referenced it on several occasions and so I will again today. One of the reasons I have a blog is for my own good and discipline. I want to http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=827 Thu, 11 Dec 2008 08:46:36 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=824 Ok now that we are FINALLY in I feel like we can begin to get back to what we are passionate about as a staff and that is helping men, women, teens, boys and girls take their next step toward Christ! We are still juggling a few things during this Christ http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=824 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 23:19:18 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=822 Ok let me try this again. I just wrote a post directly on my journal page and my Mac shut down un-expectantly and I lost it all... really hat it when that happens but any who. We had an incredible first day at renovation church! Everything about it wa http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=822 Mon, 08 Dec 2008 23:50:01 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=820 Wow we had our first official event last night in the renovation auditorium for all of the incredible people who have worked like crazy to this place ready for tomorrow and we partied like it was 1999! We had the Nickel City Pimp Choir bringing the good http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=820 Sat, 06 Dec 2008 08:56:07 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=819 It is crazy here at Renovation today - I am getting jacked as I see the final pieces coming together as the carpet is getting put down along with everything else... hey check out our new website if you have not yet! www.therenovationchurch.com http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=819 Fri, 05 Dec 2008 11:25:42 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=816 As we are working like crazy to get ready for Sunday we are also getting ready to celebrate Christ birth, the coming King. I love reading Mark Beeson's blog he has such great insight and wisdom so I thought I would combine two of his post for us to read http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=816 Thu, 04 Dec 2008 08:31:32 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=812 I am sitting here in Auditorium 14 for the last time watching our Makeover Teams work. Just want to say thank you from my toes to my head for all the past and present people who have carried a lamp, pushed a box, made coffee, set up a stage, broken down a http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=812 Sun, 30 Nov 2008 08:16:37 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=813 Here it goes, my final Sunday night review for the Chapel at Elmwood... Wow. Where to start. It was a great day! God was with us all morning in a significant way. I was moved in so many ways at so many moments... here are a few When I woke Caleb up t http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=813 Sun, 30 Nov 2008 21:37:54 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=811 I know today is called Black Friday but it really should not be...there really was a Black Friday. I pray that everybody had a great Thanksgiving with family and friends. We had a great day with a lot of good friends. In light of the official star http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=811 Fri, 28 Nov 2008 08:57:07 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=810 Wow - it is late and I am still full... full from a great dinner - My wife is a great cook! Full from the stories that were shared around a table that had many different backgrounds and many different turns, turns that have been terribly painful at times http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=810 Thu, 27 Nov 2008 23:34:06 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=808 For the last two years our offices have been in a small building where we shared offices with a couple of other businesses. It was great to walk into our office and have "other" people around. Most churches staff's by the function of the building never ge http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=808 Wed, 26 Nov 2008 08:18:18 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=804 I really can't believe that we have one more Sunday left to experience The Chapel at Elmwood at the Regal Theater. It seems like we were just getting ready to have our first preview, scrambling around trying to cover all the bases hoping that somebody wou http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=804 Sun, 23 Nov 2008 18:31:16 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=793 Well I am sitting here trying to catch my breath before jumping into another week. This week has been packed full of great little moments of encouragement, conviction, desperation, frustration, excitement, heartbreak... that is just in a week - does that http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=793 Sun, 16 Nov 2008 21:11:53 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=792 WoW is all I can say - we started painting the back wall of the stage yesterday and then the upper deck of the aud. today and I must say it looks great! Can't wait to see it all come together. We ordered our chairs Monday, carpet yesterday, the restrooms http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=792 Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:02:24 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=789 I was so tired last night I went to bed at 8:30! So let me look back on yesterday tonight! I sensed that God was really pressing into many of hearts, minds and lives yesterday. The video of the Church in India was extremely moving and even convicting http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=789 Mon, 10 Nov 2008 22:21:06 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=785 We had a great day as many people showed up to lend a helping hand. We had two LifeLink Groups from Crosspoint show up and they were a HUGE help plus Potters Hand was also out in force. I have lost track of the numbers of people but it has been awesome to http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=785 Sat, 08 Nov 2008 17:12:18 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=782 No matter how you feel right now it was a historic night! I have been reading Let Justice Roll Down the incredible story of John Perkins an African American who is one the Churches great hero's of the past 50 years! I have been reading his story and how http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=782 Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:10:20 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=779 4 weeks and counting! That is right we are down to just 4 weeks in the Regal Theater. Caleb and I were talking as we were driving to set up today tat is is going to be a little weird (kids love doing church a theater) not setting up every Sunday. So than http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=779 Sun, 02 Nov 2008 22:05:50 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=775 These are crazy days for RENOVATION/Elmwood! YES we finally got some heat in the RENOVATION Offices tonight! We have gotten a lot done already this week. Love seeing new faces just showing up even for an hour or two. Work is being done in our RENOVAT http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=775 Tue, 28 Oct 2008 22:34:09 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=773 It is hard to drink from a fire hydrant but I tried today! I love walking into a circle of influence that is new to me. That is what we have done coming to the CCDA Conference in Miami. Every session has been worth the trip. What I love is that it is al http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=773 Thu, 23 Oct 2008 18:29:38 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=774 Just got finished with a double wow session! Thought I would post the notes while a couple dudes are rapping Pete Scazzero: Pastors a church in Queens NY Iceberg Model What lies beneath the surface! What gets to the bottom of the iceberg in the s http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=774 Thu, 23 Oct 2008 19:56:22 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=772 Got up at 4:00 AM this morning to catch a 6:15 flight to Miami. Can't believe how crowded it is at the airport at 5:30 in the morning! I am taking Josh Dean and Scott Stockton with me and will be hooking up with Mark Cerbone and some of the Pace of the C http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=772 Wed, 22 Oct 2008 23:42:53 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=770 I have been hanging out at my "second" office (Spot Coffee) this morning mainly because we have no functioning office this week since we are still painting and getting things in order at our new renovation offices. Started reading a new book by N.T. Wrig http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=770 Tue, 21 Oct 2008 10:24:59 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=768 How about those Bills?! Wow 5-1 who da thunk it?! Sitting here watching game 7 of the ALCS - I love game 7's of anything! I love competition and watching how people respond to pressure. I know BJ is going crazy now that the Sox have come back down 3 ga http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=768 Sun, 19 Oct 2008 21:24:30 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=767 This week has been very productive as e renovate RENOVATION CHURCH! We packing up our offices at 15 LaSalle because we are moving it all tomorrow (Saturday) morning into the RENOVATION Offices. The phones and internet will be ready to fire up Monday! A http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=767 Fri, 17 Oct 2008 07:51:59 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=762 It is already Tuesday morning! Yikes! So much for Sunday night recap or Monday morning quarterback how about Tuesday morning.... I can't think of anything good right now. Anywho we did have a great day on Sunday. Somebody asked Gloria and I what makes http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=762 Tue, 14 Oct 2008 09:23:52 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=756 Last night as I was standing in the church auditorium with Gloria the kids my mom and dad (we were watching some good men work!) a grandmother and her beautiful grand daughter walked in through the front door. They came over and introduced themselves as A http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=756 Wed, 08 Oct 2008 09:40:16 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=752 Today was a FULL day! Can't tell you how grateful I am for all of the people God has brought to us at Elmwood/Renovation! We have so many people with different skills and abilities that are contributing to the renovating of our new digs! Monday night is http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=752 Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:56:10 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=745 The cat is out of the bag we are no longer going to be named The Chapel at Elmwood starting in December when we transition to our new home! Renovation Church is the new name! http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=745 Sun, 05 Oct 2008 21:45:29 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=748 The cat is out of the bag we are no longer going to be named The Chapel at Elmwood starting in December when we transition to our new home! renovation church is the new name! Today was an incredible day and the Spirit of God was so evident. Pl http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=748 Sun, 05 Oct 2008 23:27:24 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=744 Wow was this a fast week and I must say we got a lot done! Can't tell everybody how thankful I am for working hard this week. We had quite a few people show up during the week to help out. We have done work in both the house and the auditorium (have not s http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=744 Sat, 04 Oct 2008 21:31:29 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=741 Is it already Tuesday night?! Good grief this week is flying by. Let me catch up on a few things: Sunday we had another great day - wrapped up the Letters to the Next President Series. I really enjoyed going through this series - I love studying and lea http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=741 Tue, 30 Sep 2008 22:01:54 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=739 Elmwood we have a new place to gather and a new tool to Reach every man - woman and child with the transforming - life-changing - loving message of Jesus Christ in our circle of accountability!!!! We started working hard today and will continue to work a http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=739 Fri, 26 Sep 2008 21:39:54 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=738 Tomorrow is Super Friday! Why? We are set to close on the St Florian buildings at 10:00 am! We have already been in the house ripping out old carpet and wallpaper. We will be having teams to begin work this weekend! If you have a free hour or two stop by http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=738 Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:23:59 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=733 We have an opportunity to pray for the Giambra family today and in th days to come. Little Chase Giambra came into this world just a few months ago. He is a beautiful little baby boy who was born with Down Syndrome and the Doctors told his mom and dad, Ge http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=733 Wed, 24 Sep 2008 08:27:15 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=728 I think one of the roles of leading a Community of Faith such as Elmwood is resourcing and partnering with parents to equip our children to be all that God has designed them to be. I am a father of three, Gloria and I know that we have been given a great http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=728 Tue, 23 Sep 2008 09:14:08 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=727 In awe, humility, thankfulness for Who God is and What He is doing I join David in his prayer to our God! David praised the LORD in the presence of the whole assembly, saying, "Praise be to you, LORD, the God of our father Israel, from everlasting to eve http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=727 Mon, 22 Sep 2008 08:24:56 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=726 What in the world - it was a crazy good day at Elmwood! People are coming out of the wood-work we had 455 total today which is close to 200 more than last year and 455 more than the year before that!! I am just blown away at what God is doing in and thr http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=726 Sun, 21 Sep 2008 20:46:53 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=725 Hey it's moving day for our partners in crime Peace of the City! We will be heading down to the corner of Byrd and Hoyt to help the load up at 10:00 this morning until we get done... hopefully around Noon. So if you have some free time this morning come o http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=725 Sat, 20 Sep 2008 09:12:24 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=723 There are two Cockrell women who are having B-Days today my incredible, talented, beautiful wife - Gloria! And then my wonderful, still going really strong at 96 Grandma Cockrell! It is a beautiful day to celebrate life isn't it?! Unfortunately for ma http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=723 Fri, 19 Sep 2008 10:48:18 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=721 The Family Ministry kicked off another season for our MiddleSchool HomeGroup tonight and according to my 7th grade daughter it was great! I really appreciate the leadership of Earl, Sean, Andrew, Janelle, and Hanna! It is always tough to raise up a studen http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=721 Wed, 17 Sep 2008 22:47:13 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=718 It was great to kick off the new series Letters to the Next President yesterday and it was also great to see tons of first time guest and folks coming back for the 2nd - 3rd time! We had more people backed up to come in than ever before. When I finished http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=718 Mon, 15 Sep 2008 08:41:30 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=716 We have had an incredible 10 weeks of Love Revolution! As I look back we accomplished more than I could ever hope for and the good thing about LR is that it is just starting. These last ten weeks has been our launch and now we can begin to see and experi http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=716 Sat, 13 Sep 2008 10:58:25 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=717 Michelle Stockton organized a great party for all the first impression teams tonight (glad we had a pavilion!) with the theme being a Chili Cook-off and I was lucky enough to be a judge! I love chili - it has to be pretty bad for me no to like it - fortun http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=717 Sat, 13 Sep 2008 22:01:59 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=714 I got this email from our new Makeover Team Captain Jeff DiQuattro, it was such a cool testimony that I thought everybody should get in on it Wanted to share a story with you about a woman who I work with. For the last 6 or so months I have been getti http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=714 Fri, 12 Sep 2008 09:34:23 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=712 Isn't it crazy how quickly our country, our culture can forget what we swore we would never forget? As I was standing in line to get a cup of coffee this morning I quickly looked at the NY Times to see what they would say about 9/11 - I could NOT find a s http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=712 Thu, 11 Sep 2008 23:01:24 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=708 A new day has dawned on The Chapel at Elmwood - we just experienced something that unfortunately for most Christians/Churches they never get to see and feel and hear - God did something in us together that non of us could do alone. I wake up today with a http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=708 Mon, 08 Sep 2008 08:37:38 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=707 Today will go down as one of the BIG days in the own spiritual journey as it also will in the history of Elmwood as God is writing it in such an incredible way. Of course today was our Love Revolution Commitment Day. If you have been following us you know http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=707 Sun, 07 Sep 2008 21:47:25 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=705 Well the countdown is on for Love Revolution Commitment Sunday and I can't wait to see what God has in store for us. I know many, many people have been praying for us this week. God's activity has been very apparent this week. Can't wait to share some of http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=705 Sat, 06 Sep 2008 21:52:25 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=700 This past Sunday was probably hard for some of us. The topic of money is always a difficult subject to talk about if we think it is OUR money. What my dad said is so true - money is always a heart issue! You know the human heart has not changed over the g http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=700 Thu, 04 Sep 2008 09:33:28 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=698 Well the Big Day finally came today! All three kido's are now in school! Canon wanted to finally ride the big school bus that he has watched his big sister and brother get on over the course of his short life. So they got on the bus and Gloria and I jump http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=698 Wed, 03 Sep 2008 22:52:30 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=699 It does not matter what side of the isle you sit if you watched the RNC tonight you saw a "rookie" Sarah Palin knock it out of the park! What a speech she gave and with such poise and conviction! Only in America! http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=699 Wed, 03 Sep 2008 23:26:27 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=695 Well tomorrow is a big day for the Cockrell tribe. Carlee is headed into 7th gr, Caleb 4th gr and Canon our little guy is headed off to Kindergarten! Canon's teacher is tremendous - both Carlee and Caleb had her so we know he is in great hands! But when y http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=695 Tue, 02 Sep 2008 23:03:13 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=690 This was our 2nd Labor Day weekend that we have experienced since Elmwood launched April 07 and i must say it was our BEST EVER! Of course when I look back at where we were just 12 months ago as a Community of Faith (just a few months old) and I see what http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=690 Mon, 01 Sep 2008 22:48:04 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=691 I was just checking out some new releases on iTunes when I saw that Bart Millard's (lead singer for Mercy Me) new release called Hymned Again just came out. I have been waiting for it to be released because Thad Cockrell my youngest brother wrote a song w http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=691 Mon, 01 Sep 2008 23:40:34 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=684 Let me take a few minutes to recap the past few days and getting ready for the next few days, weeks, months. Part of the reason that I started to blog was for me to journal what happens in the journey that we started some 18 months ago so here we go... http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=684 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 09:11:13 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=682 This week's weather has been FABULOUS here in Buffalo! We went to the Drive-In last night with the kidos and watched Star Wars the new animated movie - decent movie but the night was spectacular - at one point Canon looks up and says dad, all the stars ou http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=682 Fri, 22 Aug 2008 09:00:29 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=678 I was having a hard time getting to sleep tonight so I grabbed the new book from Mark Batterson called Wild Goose Chase. Mark is the pastor at National Community Church in Washington DC. Mark has had a huge impact on me and on us at Elmwood. It was throug http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=678 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 04:09:32 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=680 Wow what a day it was in Buffalo - it was the perfect day I was over at St Florian for a little bit today and got to meet one of the local business owners - The GlassMan - always cool to get a little more history about the area. Speaking of learning - ye http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=680 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 21:44:36 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=675 What a great weekend we have had! We had over 40 leaders meeting together at our first GroupLife Leadership Retreat and it was really good! John Stickle who was with us today downloaded some great principles that we all benefited from and I think will http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=675 Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:05:09 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=673 Last night on the corner of Bird and Hoyt we experienced what "partnering with" really looks, smells, feels like. Peace of the City put on their first ever Arts Festival all based around what the kids of PotC did this summer. They displayed and were selli http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=673 Thu, 14 Aug 2008 08:22:23 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=669 I am hanging out a little bit this morning at 4bucks as my friend Alex calls it - though I only by the non-fufu stuff! Anywho I am reading Francis Chan's new book called Crazy Love Overwhelmed by a Relentless God http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=669 Wed, 13 Aug 2008 08:56:04 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=667 Hey everybody Gloria and I flew back home this afternoon - very happy to be back. We had to make 2 connections to get back I hate it when that happens! I heard from several that Mark did a GREAT job communicating on the issue of spreading the Love Revol http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=667 Sun, 10 Aug 2008 22:16:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=666 Gloria and I flew into Kansas City yesterday - I am here for my 2... HS reunion go class of 81! Anybody who knows me just a little knows that I love mexican food and my favorite mexican restaurant is in downtown KC at a hole in the wall place called Las C http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=666 Fri, 08 Aug 2008 17:01:38 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=665 I love to learn from people who have been down the road further than I have travelled (not necessarily by age) and one of my mentors is Mark Beeson the founding pastor at Granger Community Church. I follow his blog as much as do anybodies because I get http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=665 Wed, 06 Aug 2008 21:01:30 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=661 The KW Team did a GREAT job today as they taught us about COURAGE! We have some great talent at Elmwood and it was evident to everybody today. Matt was a great Gidion and very funny. I love seeing people become engaged in ministry and then seeing their pa http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=661 Sun, 03 Aug 2008 22:08:07 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=659 Caleb my 9 yr old is in a baseball tournament this week and last night I got to experience one of those very cool moments with him. He normally plays at Shoshone Park where the field he plays on does not have a fence so if you hit the ball pretty hard it http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=659 Thu, 31 Jul 2008 15:07:53 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=657 We are about ready to record our first episode for my new podcast in just a few minutes here in the Elmwood Studio (my office). Now this is not going to be a sermon re-broadcast but a conversation that I hope is helpful, insightful, playful, inspirational http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=657 Wed, 30 Jul 2008 14:47:02 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=653 Nothing like a little celebration after some hard work! http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=653 Tue, 29 Jul 2008 13:49:50 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=654 Nor sure if everybody caught the story on Chanel 4. I decided not to do a press release on what we were going to do Sunday - I felt we should follow what Christ told the religious crowd back in the day to not tell the world when you fed the hungry, or clo http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=654 Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:03:06 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=648 WOW! I use that term a lot but my goodness today was a WOW day for sure. So many things that kept going through my head and my heart as I was going throughout the Westside and Black Rock/Riverside today following behind with a video camera to try to captu http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=648 Mon, 28 Jul 2008 11:52:04 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=650 If you did not hear - we collected almost $18,000 in our Bless Back Offering that we gave away to four different churches. Just so you know our average offering during the summer has been around $6500. So we almost trippled that which is crazy in the midd http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=650 Mon, 28 Jul 2008 23:31:06 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=647 Bless Back Sunday is finally here and I can't wait to experience the day! We have a great work force ready to hit the streets of Black Rock in the morning and a bunch of people fired up about attending other sister churches in the Westside! Remember we http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=647 Sat, 26 Jul 2008 23:04:17 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=643 Hey on the right side of this blog are some helpful links that I use regularly. I need help in lots of ways and so I love to tap into resources that will help reach my full capacity. One of those resources is All Pro Dad - you can sign up for a daily tip http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=643 Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:51:14 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=644 I have been tracking a new blog and I have really enjoyed it and I want to pass it on to everybody. John Eldridge is one of my favorite authors. He has written several books that have really help me in my spiritual journey as a man, a dad, a husband, a Ch http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=644 Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:18:26 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=640 This summer is blooooowing by way to fast. A few of us went last night to see the Dark Knight - wow - what a movie - not huge Batman fan but I like good movies - and DK is a good one. Can't help but think of the incredible waste of a life as you watch http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=640 Mon, 21 Jul 2008 23:23:17 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=637 Elmwood we need to be in pray for Earl and Kendra - last night as we were finishing the rehearsal for Nick and Bethany's wedding (Kendra was to be in the wedding) Earl came and got Kendra and told her that her mother had just called and they had found her http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=637 Sat, 19 Jul 2008 21:21:14 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=629 We jumped into week 2 of Love Revolution - asking Who started this Love Revolution? We went from The Beginning of the STORY to the WORD becoming flesh preaching Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is near in about 15 minutes - I hope my scribbling was helpfu http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=629 Sun, 13 Jul 2008 21:49:25 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=626 Oh yea gonna spend a little time a the Ball Park today - big game the Yankees have today - love hanging out at ShoShone Park! I can't tell you how cool it is to hear real stories of Love Revolutionaries. Let me share one story of an "ordinary" woman who http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=626 Sat, 12 Jul 2008 11:26:01 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=623 Man this week is flyyyyying by! My laptop is having some problems so I am not able to post as easily and frequently right now so my apologies for the two of you who regularly read this blog (mother, grandmother) Sunday was a great start to LOVE REVOLUTI http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=623 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 08:11:40 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=617 What a 4th of July we had in Buffalo! Can't imagine a more beautiful day any where else this still great country we live. As we grilled the best chicken/feta/spinach sausages in the back yard for lunch - I thankfully prayed for these United States of http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=617 Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:44:56 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=615 Wow - this week is flying by - the weather is off the chain! Love hearing all of the positive feedback from everybody about St. Florian. Please continue to pray - we have signed nothing so it is still not a "done deal" but very promising. We are http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=615 Wed, 02 Jul 2008 16:37:18 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=613 For those who were at Elmwood today I think you would echo (as many of you already have) my sentiments that this will be on of those SPECIAL DAYS that you will remember for a long time. I sensed God moving deep in my Spirit just listening to the band in s http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=613 Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:39:09 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=612 I don't know if anybody was listening to Sandy Beach on Wednesday - I just happened to turn it on coming back from working out and the topic of discussion was 'Who is going to make it into heaven?' and 'Who won't make it into Heaven?' I just heard a coupl http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=612 Sat, 28 Jun 2008 10:46:29 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=606 Tried to get online and post my Sunday Night Reflections last night but to no avail so I thought I would do it this morning.It was cool to have Chris hangin with us yesterday and leading us in worship. A desire that I have had since we launched is that in http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=606 Mon, 23 Jun 2008 11:22:10 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=607 My lunch appointment went really well! Hopefully I will be able to talk about the possibility of a permanent facility not to lease but to actually purchase in the next few days. It seems God is defintely at work on our behalf and we could be in store for http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=607 Mon, 23 Jun 2008 22:52:55 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=604 I can't remember a more perfect day - for starters there was sunshine and the temp was a perfect 74 low humidity so you go Buffalo!I was mr. project man today - did nothing but work around the house all day - even fixed my screen door which is really http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=604 Sat, 21 Jun 2008 20:24:58 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=598 For many of you who call Elmwood home you know we have been in a season of prayer about the possibility of moving to a more permanent facility. We know that a building is not the Church - people make up the church a building is just that - bricks and mort http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=598 Wed, 18 Jun 2008 12:41:56 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=593 What a great day - Father's Day/ Birthday/ Sunday We talked about 10 Tools to be a Better Dad - I hope that is was helpful and not discouraging. Find one and work on it - God will honor it and your kids will be better because of your hard, faithful wo http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=593 Sun, 15 Jun 2008 23:29:01 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=591 We are getting ready for our annual trek to Letchworth - we started a few years ago with just a couple of families camping (cabins!) together and I think we have around 70 going on this excursion for 08! We have some first timers going with us so it ough http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=591 Thu, 12 Jun 2008 22:24:47 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=585 What a GREAT way to kick off the summer! We had our first of two picnic's this summer and what an incredible turn out! The rain never did come and everybody left with a nice sunburn! Elmwood you rock - we love to party there is no doubt about it - wi http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=585 Sun, 08 Jun 2008 22:32:10 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=581 Hey just a quick reminder to everybody we have our first of two Elmwood Picnic's this Sunday at Riverside Park! It has been a wet cool spring and the hot weather is here just for us! We had two great picnic's last summer so I know we will have a b http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=581 Fri, 06 Jun 2008 09:48:24 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=578 Does prayer really work/matter? Have you ever asked yourself that one? I have. Yea I know I am the pastor but I have asked that and a million other similar type questions. I used to ask those questions at night when I was young growing up in a pastor's ho http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=578 Wed, 04 Jun 2008 09:24:54 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=572 Today was a great day for us at Elmwood - what a message that we heard from Voddie Baucham today! Many of you have asked how to get the DVD of today's message so if you click on the link above it will take you straight to his store - the Dvd is called http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=572 Sun, 01 Jun 2008 22:07:02 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=565 Hey we need to pray for Earl and the whole Leatherland family. His grandfather passed away Tuesday morning. Earl's grandfather was a great man of God and had a huge impact on Earl' s life and Kendra's and the kids. He had been sick the past ye http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=565 Wed, 28 May 2008 11:55:43 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=563 For those who are interested we get to present our plans for the use of the Warehouse at 1800 Elmwood tomorrow night at 6:15. This should be a great opportunity to get to meet some of our new neighbors. Richard Mack is the editor of the Riverside Review a http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=563 Tue, 27 May 2008 16:38:54 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=559 What a day in Buffalo! It was absolutely gorgous out today and the Cockrell clan enjoyed it as we went over to Fantasy Island this afternoon! It would be great if we could get a 100 day garantee for the summer! I loved having Harold helping us lead worshi http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=559 Sun, 25 May 2008 23:31:09 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=558 We got back this afternoon from going over to North Java and spending Friday night at Jellystone Park - Yogi Bear's hangout! It was stinkin cold last night. We learned something new - if you take a rock - 6" - 8"'s and place them right b http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=558 Sat, 24 May 2008 22:07:45 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=547 Ok it's Monday morning the middle of May and it feels like the middle of November - we GET to go camping this week and we all know how much FUN it is to camp when it's it's cold and rainy! But any who.... What a very cool day we had yesterday http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=547 Mon, 19 May 2008 08:07:41 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=549 We are all cheating something and we are all cheating somewhere.Who/Where are you cheating? Better yet...Who feels cheated?EVERYBODY CHEATS! We have to. You have several different hats that you have to wear. Your career potential, a spouse to love, a fami http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=549 Mon, 19 May 2008 22:07:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=545 Well it has been a big week at the Cockrell household. Caleb turned 9 on Sunday, Canon finallllllllly graduated from preschool on Wednesday and Carlee turned 12 yesterday (and my mom is ? today) and Canon turns 5 on the last Wed. of the month, school is o http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=545 Fri, 16 May 2008 08:56:49 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=536 Wow! what a beautiful morning we have to celebrate in Buffalo. I am sitting in my "new" favorite place - The Spot Coffee House on Elmwood in the Village. I have been here a lot but they now have all the tables out and this BIG Bay window that yo http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=536 Tue, 13 May 2008 07:55:19 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=534 Mother's Day is a great day to celebrate the one who loves you the most! We had a great experience last year at Mother's Day by going to the Chop House for their MD brunch - it's really nice - the kids are wowed - I get to show them (my boys) http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=534 Sun, 11 May 2008 23:00:10 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=531 Oh baby what a day! Man it is days like this that makes me particularly love Buffalo! We started the day attending the North Buffalo Little League parade as both Caleb and Canon are playing this year at Shoshone Park. Caleb has played 3 years but this is http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=531 Sat, 10 May 2008 22:36:23 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=529 I took the Elmwood Staff to Atlanta to attend a ministry conference called DRIVE that was hosted by Andy Stanley and Northpoint Community Staff and volunteers. What an incredible 3 days we had together learning, laughing, learning, eating, learning... you http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=529 Thu, 08 May 2008 22:56:11 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=522 Oh Baby what a Gathering we had today! I was just blown away by the presence of God and how HE used these incredible young people from Peace of the City to speak into our lives. The monolog's that we heard today were so powerful and the questions they http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=522 Sun, 04 May 2008 23:10:14 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=519 AI is down to the Final Four - Brooke went home tonight - America you missed it - Jason should be going home! 45 million votes came in for the show last night - that is crazy! Wow we had a great Men's Fraternity this morning - the session that we lis http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=519 Wed, 30 Apr 2008 22:55:23 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=513 I am sitting down thinking back over not only another great day at Elmwood but for me personally a great week as I got to hang out with some amazing people in Southbend Indiana.Let me first wrap up some of my thoughts about my trip to Granger Community Ch http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=513 Sun, 27 Apr 2008 20:49:20 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=511 I am hanging out in Southbend Indiana with 24 other pastors from around the country as we have come to hang out for two days with the staff at Granger Community Church. I have never personally visited GCC but I watch them online often and we sent Earl her http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=511 Wed, 23 Apr 2008 23:18:47 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=503 Just sitting here watching some NBA - where amazing happens - sound familiar? Anyways - trying to get myself together for the week - ever feel like you have a little more to do in a week than you probably have time to get it done...One of the things I wan http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=503 Mon, 21 Apr 2008 23:10:27 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=502 Hey everybody we had another "off the chain" kind of day at Elmwood! It is crazy to feel the energy now before - during and after our Gathering. I love the fact that people have created relationships with each other that causes them to NOT hurr http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=502 Sun, 20 Apr 2008 21:38:02 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=501 Hanging out this morning at a cool Starbucks in a great little town in the Burbs of Philly.I was reading a great blogg by Mark Beeson the Pastor at Granger Community Church and he gave a quote that is great in regards to why we should be in community, rel http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=501 Fri, 18 Apr 2008 11:00:07 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=500 The kids are off this week so we decided to head to Philadelphia for a quick road trip to hang out with some friends that we have. The weather was absolutely PERFECT today as we toured the sites. THis is my first trip to Philly so it is pretty amazing to http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=500 Thu, 17 Apr 2008 22:58:16 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=489 Well here we are again - Sunday night - how is that? It seems these days that there is only 4 or 5 days in a week not the full 7 that seemed to drag by when you were a kid!Anywho - what another great day we had at Elmwood today. I did not get an official http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=489 Sun, 13 Apr 2008 23:02:03 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=488 I have been talking about the Infinity Alliance that we are connected with as it pertains to reaching every man, woman and child. Here is a little clip that was put together thought you might enjoy!http://youtube.com/watch?v=2xzFlnaXopE http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=488 Sat, 12 Apr 2008 19:47:29 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=480 I was reading in the devotional Equipping the ManIntheMirror (you can buy at the resource table) this morning and the passage is taken from 1 John 2:16 but I want us to look at a little larger part of the passage. Remember Sunday in our conversation we sa http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=480 Wed, 09 Apr 2008 08:07:07 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=481 Very happy and proud of our very own NICK KISH! Nick has just released his first CD with his band EverOutward They had a big CD release concert at Vintage this past Tuesday night Nick will be selling his CD at the resource table and I would encourage ever http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=481 Wed, 09 Apr 2008 14:17:32 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=478 OK I just wanted to say go Kansas! My Dad went to Kansas for little while - he was going to be a dentist then God stepped in and the rest is ... Not sure that the Jayhawks can beat Memphis but who knows, did not think KU could spank NC so bad either!Hey j http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=478 Mon, 07 Apr 2008 21:17:48 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=473 Happy Birthday to Elmwood... hey what agreat gathering we experienced this morning. WOW - I could really feel, sense God's annointing in the House today. How cool was it to hear the guys from City Mission sing a little, we will be having those dudes b http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=473 Sun, 06 Apr 2008 21:17:14 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=470 I am always on the prowl for resources that can help me be a stronger man, husband, dad, leader, pastor... you name it I need a little help from my friends! There is some great new books, websites, blogs that I have discovered so I thought I would let you http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=470 Fri, 04 Apr 2008 21:45:18 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=466 Is is so easy in our lives to get going so fast that we don't realize how fast we are going. Every time I time I fly I will look out the window and it does not seem at 35,000 ft that we are going very fast - untill we come in for the landing and you c http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=466 Fri, 04 Apr 2008 10:25:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=462 I am standing here at a terminal in Midway International waiting to catch our flight to Buffalo. This has been a great couple of days talking with other churches who are on the journey of reaching every man woman and child. One of the things that has been http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=462 Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:35:47 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=459 Chicago is a very cool city - it's not Buffalo but still pretty cool. We (a team from Elmwood and Crosspoint) are here along with other pastors from around the country who are a part of a grass roots movement called Infinity Alliance www.theinfinityal http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=459 Tue, 01 Apr 2008 22:46:09 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=449 Elmwood next week we turn 1 year old - can you believe it?! There will always be something special about this first year in my heart and memory but one thing stands out. FAITHFUL - God is and WILL BE Faithful, what an amazing thing He has done in all of o http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=449 Sun, 30 Mar 2008 21:59:28 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=448 Watching a little March Madness and hearing Dick Enberg's signature "Oh MYYYY!" while calling the NC vs Louisville is about all you can say. What a game or should I say sprint! Anywho I have meant to post on my blog every night this week but http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=448 Sat, 29 Mar 2008 23:19:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=443 I know it's Tuesday morning and I am jsut know taking the time to sit and write out what has been in my heart from Sunday. The Cockrell clan is in Washington DC this morning getting ready to drive back to Buffalo. We left town right after our two East http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=443 Tue, 25 Mar 2008 09:13:04 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=441 Good Friday certainly gets a lot of attention during the Easter Celebration and of course Sunday does also but Saturday seems to always be just filler between the two. Have you ever thought what it might have been like to be one of the disciples on Saturd http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=441 Sat, 22 Mar 2008 22:09:17 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=437 Here is a little word of encouragement from Paul to the first century church, taken from the Message it sounds like he just wrote it!Companions as we are in this work with you, we beg you, please don't squander one bit of this marvelous life God has g http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=437 Thu, 20 Mar 2008 08:33:06 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=438 Oh baby I about went down hard tonight - I have Duke playing North Carolina in the championship game - Don't really know why other my love for Coach K - no chance of them going that far but I couldn't control my finger when I was making my choices http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=438 Thu, 20 Mar 2008 22:06:27 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=436 If you missed our Family Night down at the BCC tonight, sorry it rocked. We have a blast getting to just hang out together. Kids playing together, conversations all over the place, great home- ade food to share - great stuff!Tonight was EXTRA - Special be http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=436 Wed, 19 Mar 2008 22:55:37 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=434 Well today was a pretty big day for us at Elmwood. We took another step forward in possibly finding a more permanent home just down the street on Elmwood from the Regal. For me any step foward is a good thing and big day. We signed a potential lease which http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=434 Tue, 18 Mar 2008 22:09:24 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=432 Wow it was soooo good to be back at Elmwood today. I really missed seeing and hearing the buzz that happens before and after our Gatherings each week. We had a lot of first time guest again today, if that is you and you are reading this blog for the first http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=432 Sun, 16 Mar 2008 23:03:38 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=428 No matter where you go it is always good to get back home! Our plane touched down at midnight Thursday morning, got home around 1:00 am and the first thing I did was take a loooooong hot shower! NICEWe had a great time in many different ways first of whic http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=428 Sat, 15 Mar 2008 11:35:58 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=426 The Last thing that Jesus told his disciples, his friends, his missionaries before He left this earth to go home was ...GO and MAKE DISCIPLES... He didn't say go and make great worshipers, or go and make great workers, or go and make great church http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=426 Wed, 12 Mar 2008 09:32:47 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=424 It is Monday night and we are all regrouping from spending last night and today in Punta Leona. It was a beautiful place in the rain forest. We saw all kinds of interesting critters, an iguna, an orange squirrel, a weird looking thing in the racoon family http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=424 Mon, 10 Mar 2008 23:44:23 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=423 Hey everybody in Buffalo I here you got a little snow this weekend, sorry about that not so much here!We are getting ready to load up and to church but thought I would download some experiences that we have had here over the last few days.friday morning w http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=423 Sun, 09 Mar 2008 10:02:46 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=421 Trip Down Well it finally got under way - the trip at 3:30 we were off to CR via Newark NJ. The flight down was pretty uneventful. Once we landed we went right through customs and got our luggage and onto the SCORE bus and to the Villa. The Villa is very http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=421 Thu, 06 Mar 2008 22:01:13 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=422 Morning.Oh man I feel really bad - kinda, it is stinkin' BEAUTIFUL this morning. Should I describe it... sure. Not a cloud in the sky, the temp is around 70, and they have a little pool area so everybody is sitting around having some quiet talk with t http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=422 Thu, 06 Mar 2008 22:13:50 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=418 Well we all got to the airport and as we got here they delayed our flight soooo instead of leaving at 12:30 it's now 3:15 (hopefully) - oh well we had a long lay-over in New Jersey anyway. Can't believe the great response of Elmwood - we had anoth http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=418 Wed, 05 Mar 2008 13:34:11 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=414 It is Sunday night and both my head and heart is full!My head is full because this week is going to be crazy getting ready to go to Costa Rica and we are going to spend the next two days with a consultant helping us to think thru the warehouse space we ar http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=414 Sun, 02 Mar 2008 23:16:05 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=412 WoW - Carlee and I are beginning to get ourselves ready for the big TRIP. The team of Josh Dean, Earl, Dennis and Marty Rose, Mary Dowd and the 2 Cockrell's are joining the team from Crosspoint to make one great Mission Team! We will be leaving Wednes http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=412 Fri, 29 Feb 2008 22:27:32 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=410 Still getting all kinds of stories of real impact on people's lives from our experience this past Sunday with POTC! Mark, Diann and the team are just great people who have been working tirelessly and faithfully in the shadows of the Westside for well http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=410 Wed, 27 Feb 2008 08:43:18 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=409 Hey guys we are going to cancel Men's Fraternity for tomorrow. We were supposed to be on last Wed BUT the snow hit and we only had four guys show up and so we decided to wait until this week so of course I forgot to announce it Sunday. So we are going http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=409 Tue, 26 Feb 2008 20:33:27 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=408 Ok - excuse me if I lose it while I am posting this entry - GOD IS AMAZING! This morning was off the hook, off the chain, slammin', ridiculous... can I get a witness?! For those who did not get a chance to hang out with us today at Elmwood or for our http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=408 Sun, 24 Feb 2008 22:00:07 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=407 Where Amazing Happens: When we are led by the Spirit of God - the Holy Spirit which is completely in every follower of Christ the moment we bow our knee to the Father through His Son - Amazing things can happen like what comes out of our mouths and what d http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=407 Sat, 23 Feb 2008 11:18:25 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=406 Fri day is typically our day off for the staff at Elmwood. Have you ever felt like Friday is more like Fried-ay - are you a little "fried" at the end of the week? Gloria and I always talk about how our Friday nights now 15 years - 3 kids later a http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=406 Fri, 22 Feb 2008 17:18:32 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=402 I am just going to shoot some thoughts that are on my mind from today and this week.The Song that we finished with today is called Tears of the Saints and it is sung by www.Leelandonline.com Leeland. That song has been on me for months - it really speaks http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=402 Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:50:38 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=401 Have you ever been in a learning environment where it excites you, scares you, convicts you, challenges you, makes your head hurt to think about what is being said - that was me this past Thursday as I listened to Dwight Smith a Missiologist that has bee http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=401 Sat, 16 Feb 2008 21:40:04 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=399 Isn't it really happy LOVE Day? That is what all of the roses, chocolate, cards, hearts... are all for, right? - to help us say I love You. Easter is coming and I can't help but think that the greatest "Valentine" gift ever was the one J http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=399 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 07:56:20 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=397 JUst a quick post before my battery goes dead.Sounds like AI is back with some great talent after watching some of the Hollywood audtions. Thanks for joining with me for our 21 Day Challenge. If you were not able to be with us Sunday I asked those who cal http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=397 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 22:01:08 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=396 Elmwood you are blowing me away! When I got to the theater this morning the sun was shining. We have "pregame" at 8:30 and I said that we missed the big storm... at 9:05 I walked out to the lobby and I could not see the parking lot because the s http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=396 Sun, 10 Feb 2008 23:36:26 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=395 My goodness I hope everybody had as much fun at MLL as Gloria and I did. We had a great time and from what I heard from everybody on the way out MLL rocked! The MLL Band was just great and all of the vocalist just brought the goods! Glenn and Judy knocked http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=395 Sat, 09 Feb 2008 19:23:46 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=393 We are not going to let a little thing like an ice storm stop us from having a good time at Elmwood! We had our Feb Family Night tonight and once again it was a lot of fun. Love these nights to get a chance to talk and hang out with family. Andy and Janel http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=393 Wed, 06 Feb 2008 23:03:14 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=389 All right Elmwood - what a day!The energy was so ridiculously off the hook I was blown away. It was a year ago this weekend that we kicked off our first official preview and I remember how excited and blown away I was that day. Today was different, it was http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=389 Sun, 03 Feb 2008 23:34:03 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=388 Buffalo has served up some if it's finer weather moments this week - in the 50's nice! - sunshine - no sunshine - no snow on the ground - snow on the ground - 50 below (it seemed) - hurricane (it seemed) - rain, snow, sleet, sunshine all at the sa http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=388 Sat, 02 Feb 2008 22:23:42 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=387 Hey just a guick entry for the moment - Do you have ?'s about eternity, how can you know or can you know that you can can spend eternity in Heaven with God. If you have ?'s or you know those who do, maybe they are asking you and you don't have http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=387 Thu, 31 Jan 2008 11:16:46 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=384 MarriedLife Live is going to be AWESOME! We have been working hard to create the most romantic, fun, entertaining MLL ever so you do NOT want to miss it. It is going to be downtown in the Theater District at the TownBall Room across from Shea's (not d http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=384 Tue, 29 Jan 2008 23:23:43 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=381 I ran out of time at our Gathering yesterday so let me share with you more of my final thoughts about being"Transformed."'EVERYONE THINKS OF CHANGING HUMANITY, NO ONE THINKS OF CHANGING HIMSELF.' LEO TOLSTOY This IS the REALITY - the http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=381 Mon, 28 Jan 2008 07:27:19 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=382 It's a new year so I thought I would change up a few things in the site. I took off a couple of blog's and added a couple. I also added a new link called - where i go to research and learn - these are places I go every week to help me prepare for http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=382 Mon, 28 Jan 2008 23:06:14 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=380 It is a little later on Sunday night than when I normally post so this will be short and sweet. We are 2 months away from our 1 yr celebration and I am still blown away every week by what happens on Sunday morning around 7:00AM and then through iut the mo http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=380 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 23:08:04 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=379 I am sitting here waiting for my flight back home to beautiful Buffalo after spending a couple of days in Nashville TN hanging out with a couple of Buffalo guys who plantd a church in Franklin TN in the summer of 06. JourneyEcclesia www.journeyecclesia.c http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=379 Fri, 25 Jan 2008 14:32:31 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=376 Sometimes we talk about things in our lives that we are hopeful for even though we maybe have not seen those things are maybe we have seen just glimpses. As I think back on what Dr Martin Luther King JR. did in his life and the impact he had on an entire http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=376 Tue, 22 Jan 2008 23:10:22 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=375 Man it is stinking cold! But that did not stop us from having an incredible Sunday morning gathering! Wow just love what God seems to be doing in and through the hearts of people. The problem for me today was that it seemed to go by so fast. I would have http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=375 Sun, 20 Jan 2008 23:46:54 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=374 If you know a little bit about me, you know that I love the game of Basketball. I fell in love with the game for some reason when I was very young. I remember one afternoon walking home from school in 3rd grade on 78th st in Raytown MO. There was a neighb http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=374 Sat, 19 Jan 2008 22:29:52 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=373 I saw this reminder to us dads of daughtersDon't neglect your daughterThe Journal of Family Psychology noted that 41% of fathers with sons spent more time with them, compared to 16% for dads of daughters. It may seem more natural for dads to spend more ti http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=373 Thu, 17 Jan 2008 10:36:20 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=370 I can't take much more of the American Id-iot! I will start watching when they actually get to the singing part. Listening and watching people try to get their "15" minutes of fame by being horrible singers and everything is else is pure 100 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=370 Tue, 15 Jan 2008 23:03:21 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=364 WOW - what a great day we had - I don't know 'bout anybody else but I really sensed the Holy Spirit meeting with us today. Loved the music that Nick and Jenna (it was great to have Jenna back with us - like "old" times) led us in. I love http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=364 Sun, 13 Jan 2008 23:19:38 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=362 Wednesday night was a killer for me. Ever have one of those nights where you wake up and you can't get back to sleep? That was me, around 12:30 and then I could not get back to sleep so I got up and read for a while and then tried again - I remember 2 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=362 Thu, 10 Jan 2008 08:03:51 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=355 Today was a 1 yr milestone for us at Elmwood. It was 1 year ago this weekend that about 75 of us met at 6:00 AM at the Regal Theater to unpack all of the equipment to see how to pull off 'church in a theater.' It was that morning that we met Brittney who http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=355 Sun, 06 Jan 2008 21:39:10 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=353 Hey everybody HAPPY NEW YEAR!Did not mean to be three days late in proclaiming that but the New Year is off to a fast start. We were talking about how crazy it seems to be saying 2008 when it seems just last year we were all gathering refried beans hoping http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=353 Thu, 03 Jan 2008 09:20:46 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=350 OK, I can't believe it but this is the last Sunday Night Reflection of 07! Really cannot get over how quickly this year has passed by and all that has happened in it. I have been "reflecting" on the whole year and the incredible things that http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=350 Sun, 30 Dec 2007 20:47:20 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=349 Wow it has been a great Christmas for the Cockrell clan! We went Monday to the Christmas Eve service at Crosspoint (6:00) which was great, love to see hundreds of candles lit.We had a great time going to bed and then waking up on Christmas morning. It is http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=349 Fri, 28 Dec 2007 11:17:29 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=348 Okay everybody who calls Elmwood home (and those thinking about it!) I know you are wondering just how many was here today - are you ready? 506!That is right! I can't believe the turnout we had today. It was a HUGE win for so many of you who inVITED f http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=348 Sun, 23 Dec 2007 22:46:14 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=343 Just got through with our last Men's Fraternity for the year and what a great morning it was. I have to admit that when I go to bed on Tue nights before a MF I have a tendency to groan a little, I lose that extra 30 minutes of sleep and when I hear th http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=343 Wed, 19 Dec 2007 08:51:12 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=338 I love the people of BUFFALO - you guys rock and you are stinkin tough! We had 175 people show up in the middle of a SNOW STORM - we even had first time guest! Pastor Jerry came down and finished up our Cribs Series with a great message! I am so thankful http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=338 Sun, 16 Dec 2007 13:00:40 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=337 Kevin over at channel 2 has been talking about it all week - the BIG storm. Now all we can do is wait and see. We have a couple of plans for tomorrow. Unless it is just a flat out killer storm and there is 4 ft of snow everywhere we are going to have our http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=337 Sat, 15 Dec 2007 17:17:54 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=336 Wow we are getting a nice little dusting here in sweet Buffalo! I hope that we don't get pounded Sunday morning though - really excited about Pastor Jerry coming down and hanging out with us - the worship is going to be great so Lord please help us o http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=336 Thu, 13 Dec 2007 11:27:09 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=331 Part of the reasoning for me to spend the time to blog is a little selfish. I hate to journal, yes I said it. I am not a writer or a journaler by heart. Some friends of mine were having a discussion yesterday about how we are all made up differently and h http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=331 Tue, 11 Dec 2007 08:19:59 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=330 Make no mistake about it, there is EVIL in the world. Got another sad reminder yesterday as we all learned about the folks that were killed in Colorado. Please take the time to pray for them - God is not in shock - He is saddened, this is not what He want http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=330 Mon, 10 Dec 2007 22:04:39 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=326 Man it was good to be back "home" today. Last week I had the great priviledge to speak at Crosspoint and I love the opportunity to do that and tell them a little about what is going at Elmwood but I really miss it when I am not at Elmwood, I lov http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=326 Sun, 09 Dec 2007 21:59:04 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=323 Friday mornings are great for me - I get a chance to have a couple of hours to get caught up on all the lose things from the week and to spend some time for myself. Margins are extremely important in life. When we live our lives with NO margins we will ru http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=323 Fri, 07 Dec 2007 11:41:57 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=317 Seems like I am saying WOW a lot these days. Tis the season to be busy! I think that is a part of the enemy's plan is to get us so busy doing... that we forget about being. I know I am having to fight it everyday during the Christmas season. I heard t http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=317 Tue, 04 Dec 2007 12:53:59 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=312 Well my Sooners are playing but I have to admit I am a little torn seeing how I grew up in Kansas City MO and Mizzou was my second favorite team but of course they were sometimes sort-of-good but usually just bad! So here they are tonight with a chance to http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=312 Sat, 01 Dec 2007 21:06:46 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=310 "For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end. He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth...What a great proclamation of the One True God! http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=310 Thu, 29 Nov 2007 08:16:55 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=309 Hey everybody Family Night is NOT tomorrow night (wednesday) it is NEXT Wednesday Dec 5. I have been getting this week wrong in my brain's calendar for several weeks now and once again it was messed up Sunday morning as I was waxing eloquent about Fam http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=309 Tue, 27 Nov 2007 22:47:27 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=302 Well we are into week 33 of this incredible journey called Church launching! It was great to have quite a few first time guest with us today. It was a little bit of a different day - coming off of a 10 week series I feel like we (me) needed a little bit o http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=302 Sun, 25 Nov 2007 22:12:07 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=293 I love Thanksgiving - I have a lot of good memories of the Thanksgiving season. This week will go down as another great week in my memory. I am still blown away by this past Sunday - the special offering - $1,600, 4 people who took care of eternal busines http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=293 Wed, 21 Nov 2007 23:11:47 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=286 WOW - Thanks Elmwood you knocked it out of thre park! We gave a little over $1600 in our special Thanksgiving offering yesterday - that is awesome! So we (the Leadership Team) over to True Bethel today and we handed out 100 turkey/fixin's dinners then http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=286 Mon, 19 Nov 2007 22:30:33 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=282 OH My Goodness - what a great day!Wow was it just me or was it just jacked up today at Elmwood! Man there was a ton of energy through out worship and then afterwards out in the atrium was ridiculous. I can remember just a few weeks ago when nobody hung ou http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=282 Sun, 18 Nov 2007 21:06:44 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=281 I can't believe how fast the weeks fly by the "older" you get - it's crazy! This morning was cool to see some of our Elmwood guys at the Men's Breakfast at CP. It is always great to get several hundred men together to chow down on a http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=281 Sat, 17 Nov 2007 22:00:45 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=277 Well it looks like the Holiday Season has officially started. Everywhere you look you see and hear the sights and sounds. I have always loved this part of the year. Growing up in Kansas City we would have 4 seasons and you could smell the different season http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=277 Tue, 13 Nov 2007 22:19:33 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=276 Back up and ready to blog again! Sorry for those who like to hang out with me - our server crashed this week and knocked us offline but I think we are ready to go again. We had a great week, let me give you a guick run down!Michelle Stockton started this http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=276 Sun, 11 Nov 2007 23:57:51 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=212 Isn't life spelled - Tough? I am so thankful for my Heavenly Father's incredible gift of mercy and grace and to know that He is understanding, caring, sensitive to all my junk but still life is tough. Pain still hurts, loss is still agonizing, lon http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=212 Tue, 06 Nov 2007 23:05:44 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=243 Hey everybody remember to set you clocks BACK a hour tonight!This is another first for us - I hope we come through it ok - it could be a little crazy if eveybody forgets... I know you won't!Chapter 8 is tomorrow and the HERO shows up - with a SPECIAL Gift http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=243 Sat, 03 Nov 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=242 Man what a way to send October out! It was beautiful today - my yard thinks it's spring time - I am sure that will change rather quickly!We had our fourth gathering of Men's Fraternity today - we really started talking about how we can climb the http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=242 Wed, 31 Oct 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=241 The last two - three weeks finally caught up with me yesterday after I got home. So I just shut it down and took about 3 or 4 naps throughout the day. My parents came over for a little dinner which is always good to hang with them. They were at our first http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=241 Mon, 29 Oct 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=240 Married Life Live is one of my favorite things I get to do! But it is a ton of work. We have been working lights out for weeks now to create an environment that is lights out! So now all the planning and thinking is done and it is time to put it all toget http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=240 Wed, 24 Oct 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=239 Please be praying for one of our Launch Team/Elmwood Expressions Team Members Michelle Vitale, her mother passed away this past Sunday and the Funeral will be in the morning. It is such a cool thing to hear that some Elmwood folks have gone by and support http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=239 Tue, 23 Oct 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=238 OK - My apologies for not posting all week and not letting everybody know. The past 10 days have been a blurrrrrr and I am just catching my breath tonight. I am going to try to rewind the past 10 days and and get myself caught up. Part of the reason I blo http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=238 Sun, 21 Oct 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=237 Living down in Tampa and then later W Palm Beach I discovered Cuban Food and I must say that I love it! We got to go to our favorite little Cuban restaurant for lunch - Little Havana, it was as good as ever! Just a heads-up about Sunday's Gathering - http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=237 Sat, 13 Oct 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=236 Nothing like a day at the beach! Gloria and I are down in West Palm Beach Florida for a few days celebrating our 15 anniversary (a little delayed) and Gloria's __ High School Reunion all wrapped up in one weekend! We went this morning to - hands down http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=236 Fri, 12 Oct 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=235 Can you believe it? I don't know if I have ever seen a game that a team should win and still not win it more than the game last night. That is the toughest loss that I have a experienced as a transplanted Bills fan since moving to Buffalo. I still don http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=235 Tue, 09 Oct 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=234 Walked outside this morning and thought I was living back in Mobile - muggy and warm!Man it was cool to once again see so many first time quest gather with us today. inVEST and inVITE those are two great rules to live by as a church. I am so blessed to be http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=234 Sun, 07 Oct 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=233 Got up early this morning and went and played a little ball with a couple of friends down at The Hup in Hamburg. Nothing like a little dose of reality as to my age - condition - and the slippage of skill... but it was still good - can't imagine heaven http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=233 Sat, 06 Oct 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=232 Yesterday morning we had a great second session of Men's Fraternity. We talked about the Four Faces of Manhood. One of the passions in my life is to help men (myself included) become all that God had designed and planed for them to be. Men's Frate http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=232 Thu, 04 Oct 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=231 Just a late night shout out for two events that are scheduled for tomorrow which means it's a BIG WEDNESDAY.Men's Fraternity is in the morning starting at 6:15 - 7:30. We meet at the new IHOP on Delaware near Hertal. Really looking forward to gett http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=231 Tue, 02 Oct 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=228 Just wanted to follow up with some Starting Point Resources that will enhance your understanding as we go through this series.www.268generation.com you can then navigate to resoucres. The message you heard Sunday from Louie Giglio was the "How Great http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=228 Mon, 01 Oct 2007 12:30:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=230 Just wanted to follow up with some Starting Point Resources that will enhance your understanding as we go through this series.www.268generation.com you can then navigate to resoucres. The message you heard Sunday from Louie Giglio was the "How Great http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=230 Mon, 01 Oct 2007 12:30:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=227 We had 12 (adult) first time guest today which when you add our other first time guest we have had this month means we had over 50 friends, co-workers, classmates, family members, neighbors come to hang out with us at Elmwood just in September! That's http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=227 Sun, 30 Sep 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=229 We had 12 (adult) first time guest today which when you add our other first time guest we have had this month means we had over 50 friends, co-workers, classmates, family members, neighbors come to hang out with us at Elmwood just in September! That's http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=229 Sun, 30 Sep 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=226 I love Saturday nights - it reminds of the night before the big game when I was coaching. I love listening music and going over in last minute thoughts or ideas - praying - anticipating what the day may bring. I have been listening to the Israel Houghton http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=226 Sat, 29 Sep 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=225 7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. Psalm 19: http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=225 Thu, 27 Sep 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=223 Just spent several minutes posting what I thought was some really good stuff and I accidently touched something and the post was gone -poof - gonzo my "masterpiece" I hate it when that happensI'll try again tomorrow! http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=223 Wed, 26 Sep 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=224 Alright I am going to try this again. Man things are crazy busy around the office at Elmwood and also at the Cockrell house like it is at your house! Nothing like homework to add a little stress to the family dynamic. I remember those painful days myself, http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=224 Wed, 26 Sep 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=222 Well we are 25 weeks old today - hard to believe that this time last year were just starting to gather our launch team and dreaming about what could be and what should be. I am blown away by what God has done over that time and what He will do in the week http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=222 Sun, 23 Sep 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=221 Saturday nights are always a little bit like a pre-game chalk talk for me. I try to walk through the morning from set up to break down. For right now we only have one weekly environment to connect with people and so I want us to make the most of it. I fin http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=221 Sat, 22 Sep 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=220 Good grief - where did the week go? Did not mean to go most of the week w/o posting something but...I have just a moment before I take my beautiful wife out for a birthday dinner down out one of our favorite places Chef's. This past Wednesday morning http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=220 Sat, 22 Sep 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=219 Hey guy's - here is one more shout out about Men's Fraternity. We will kick off the season tomorrow morning at 6:15 - 7:30 at the new IHOP on Delaware by the new Tim Horton's. Looking forward to the friendships that will be developed through t http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=219 Tue, 18 Sep 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=218 Some days are diamonds some days are stones. Have you ever felt that way? Why is it always on Monday's? Got to drop a CHUNK of change in my soon to be 8 yr old Blazer today, my fuel pump went out and my mechanic told me the damage and I about passed o http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=218 Mon, 17 Sep 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=213 We had a great start to our new series STARTING POINT today. It was great once again to see so many new faces with us today! This morning as I was getting ready I was really moved in my Spirit for appreciation for the men and women who really go the extra http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=213 Sun, 16 Sep 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=211 I just wanted to throw a couple of shout -outs tonight as I am thinking about tomorrow and our kick off to the Starting Point Series. Israel went off last night! Crosspoint hosted a concert last night with Israel Houghton and New Breed. Can somebody slap http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=211 Sat, 15 Sep 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=210 Hey men let me encourage you to follow up with what I talked about Sunday in regards to creating an environment and experience to allow you to FINISH STRONG. We sold out of the Fourth Seed Magazines but we should have some more by Sunday - make sure you g http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=210 Thu, 13 Sep 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=209 We did it! Earl and the combined KW team from both Crosspoint and Elmwood did two great programs today. The first was at Covenant Christian in Tonawanda and then this afternoon at Roosevelt PS #65. I was so proud of everybody and the hard work that everyb http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=209 Wed, 12 Sep 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=208 It is getting harder and harder to remember what our country and world was like pre - 9/11. Carlee is in 6th grade - she was experiencing her first Tuesday morning in Kindergarten when our world changed. Caleb was 2 years old. Canon has not lived in an Am http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=208 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=207 Today went by way to fast! I would have loved to of heard the band play and Jenna and Nick sing for a little longer. It seemed like we just got started and I looked at the time and we were already in overtime. I hope that the men today could hear my heart http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=207 Sun, 09 Sep 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=206 My Dad just had his birthday this past Tuesday and we got to arrange a once in a life time experience for him in which all of us got to be a part of tonight which was so cool. One of my dad's great passions is flying. When I was a kid and we lived in http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=206 Fri, 07 Sep 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=205 Well today was the first day of school for Carlee and Caleb and fortunately everything went well! When they were younger there was not a lot of thought went into what they had on and how they might look - not any more. Good grief - thankfully we did http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=205 Wed, 05 Sep 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=204 Put a fork in it - summer is done. Can't believe that this incredible summer is officially over as of tomorrow morning at 8:25 for the Cockrell clan. Our kids school starts on Wed. which is nice coming off of Labor Day. It is crazy getting all of the http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=204 Tue, 04 Sep 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=203 Well Sunday Night Reflections got kicked to the curb last night due to an end-of-the-summer back yard camp out! I decided to actually use our tent for just the second time this summer before I packed it away. We had two of the Leatherland kids over so we http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=203 Mon, 03 Sep 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=202 Great day in the morning, it is a beautiful morning in Buffalo. Went over earlier this morning to Niwanda Park across from Mississippi Mudds and spent some time just hanging out with the Father. I read the last four chapters of Job. If you want a little g http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=202 Sat, 01 Sep 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=199 Have you ever asked yourself - how big is my God? I find that many times I dont' ask the question but I do live out the answer. Which unfortunately to many times the answer is not real big. Do you ever find yourself asking God for help or wisdom out o http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=199 Wed, 29 Aug 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=201 Have you ever asked yourself - how big is my God? I find that many times I dont' ask the question but I do live out the answer. Which unfortunately to many times the answer is not real big. Do you ever find yourself asking God for help or wisdom out o http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=201 Wed, 29 Aug 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=198 So what did I tell you - Pastor Jerry rocked the house today in Aud 14 and everybody said Jenna's last song after the message was off the hook good! It was a great experience for me to go back to Crosspoint and thank them for the incredible impact tha http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=198 Sun, 26 Aug 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=200 So what did I tell you - Pastor Jerry rocked the house today in Aud 14 and everybody said Jenna's last song after the message was off the hook good! It was a great experience for me to go back to Crosspoint and thank them for the incredible impact tha http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=200 Sun, 26 Aug 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=197 I can't believe it! We went over to Crystal Beach today and hung out with a great family and had a blast - first time there. So any way I was worried how looooooong it would take to get back across the "inch by inch" bridge or the Peace brid http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=197 Sat, 25 Aug 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=196 This week has been a week of looking ahead and looking back. The reason I have had to look back is we are doing a pastor swap. Pastor Jerry is headed down to Elmwood this Sunday to speak about God Almighty ( just heard a preview and it rocks) and I am hea http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=196 Fri, 24 Aug 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=195 Good grief (as Charlie Brown would say) the amount of work that comes after "vacation" is ridiculous - can anybody feel my pain. I do love going away for many reasons, for one - I always take a notebook with me to write down ideas that come to m http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=195 Wed, 22 Aug 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=194 We had another first today at Elmwood - our first "guest" communicator Earl Leatherland. Earl is our children's pastor and is doing an incredible job of training a growing army of volunteers to impact kids in and unforgettable way for Jesus http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=194 Sun, 19 Aug 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=193 It's Saturday night and I am thrilled to be back HOME in Buffalo! We drove back from NC on Thursday and pulled into the driveway around 4AM Friday morning. We had a great time - one special high light was going to Baldhead Island and going out on the beac http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=193 Sat, 18 Aug 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=192 This is a new Sunday night reflection for me. Today because the fam is taking some time off for a funcation in NC I was not at Elmwood for the first time since we launched and it was really weird and I missed everybody and everything that happens at our S http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=192 Sun, 12 Aug 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=191 My family and I have headed down to Wilmington, NC to hang out with my brother and his family for a few days so I am going to take a few days off "officially" from the blogsphere. I must say that I could not have gone to a HOTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=191 Thu, 09 Aug 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=190 This is an early part of the first letter the Apostle Paul wrote to the Church in Corinth. He shrares his heart in a way that really resounded with me today in-light of what is going on at Elmwood - it really captures my heart and emotions toward you - th http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=190 Mon, 06 Aug 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=189 Today was an old-fashioned Sunday afternoon picnic with a 3 legged race, a little old school kickball and a HOTTTTTT Sun! WHat a great picnic we had today. It is so cool to look out and see new people that have connected with Elmwood even in the last mont http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=189 Sun, 05 Aug 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=188 Can you believe we are in August already? We went to the transit drive-in last night and saw the rat-who-is-a-chef movie that's out which was actually pretty good. It was fun to go with a few families who also have young kids which makes it more enjoy http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=188 Fri, 03 Aug 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=187 I am super jacked to announce our first school partnership. One of the dreams that I have had is to establish a partnership with an elementary school within our 1.5 mile "circle of accountability." This past week we set up an appointment with Pr http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=187 Thu, 02 Aug 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=186 I am so excited to have had 15 first time guest with us today - that is awesome for the middle of the summer! What a great day we had on our Special Teams. The Makeover Team is doing a slamin' job! Every week we are seeing new people join this team an http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=186 Sun, 29 Jul 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=185 Got to see beautiful baby Amelia Rose Adema along with seeing mommy and daddy today! Wow it is hard to remember that your kids were ever that small (ours were not) but you know what I mean. Couldn't help but to think back when Carlee was born and how http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=185 Fri, 27 Jul 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=184 Well the day we have all been waiting for - especially mom and dad, Amelia Rose Adema was brought into this world this morning around 3:00 AM! Every thing from what I am told went great and we are happy that mother and daughter (and dad) are in great heal http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=184 Thu, 26 Jul 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=183 My 11 year old daughter - Carlee is at Circle C camp this week and it is Wednesday night and I am missing her. Don't even want to think about the reality of the future, let me stay in denial! The summer is quickly passing by and I don't want it to http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=183 Wed, 25 Jul 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=182 Hey everybody how did your day go? Did you put on the three pieces of God's armor that we talked about Sunday, I pray that you did!I have not posted in a while the books that I am reading and going through. I want to encourage each of you to be a read http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=182 Mon, 23 Jul 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=180 Hey it's Sunday night already again - can't believe how fast Sunday nights roll around The summer rythym is much different than the school year - I love it but it is hard to keep up at times, like blogging. I usually blog at night but during the s http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=180 Sun, 22 Jul 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=179 This week has been a little crazy. Both Carlee and Caleb are experiencing their first Sports Camp environment. Carlee is going to Kenmore West girls basketball camp and Caleb is going to Jim Kelley's Football Camp of course it is a new threshold of ma http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=179 Wed, 18 Jul 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=178 One of the things that I have asked the Lord to help us with as we have launched Elmwood is to help us partner with existing churches and ministries to help serve and love this community. Of course God is always faithful and there is a great opportunity f http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=178 Tue, 17 Jul 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=175 Several weeks ago we passed out orange wrist bands to all of our students. I have been meaning to post the meaning behind "EchoLoud" but keep forgetting so here it is.The EchoLoud band was inspired by a line in the movie Gladiator. Maximus is ab http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=175 Mon, 16 Jul 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=174 Is it possible to have a more beautiful day then we had today in wonderful Western NY?! We got to hang out this afternoon with our neighbors as they had a graduation party for their son. So cool how God brings people into your lives that just months befor http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=174 Sun, 15 Jul 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=173 The Buffalo City Mission www.buffalocitymission.org sponsored their first Great SleepOut event last night (which was to help raise awareness for the homeless) and we had 9 students and sponsers involved! It was held at the UB footbal stadium. Mark Cahill http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=173 Sat, 14 Jul 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=172 I can't believe how fast summer is blowing by! I am still a kid in a lot of ways, I love summer and all that's in it - hot days, hanging out with my kids under a tree waiting for the ice cream truck to go by - grilling out - going to Mississippi M http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=172 Wed, 11 Jul 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=171 I know this sounds repetitive but today really was an incredible day! Today was week 14 and just for journaling sake we saw 5 folks come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Leader. The thing that is so cool about it is that all of them were a http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=171 Sun, 08 Jul 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=170 I would love for who ever is hanging with me to lift up a sweet and wonderful young lady - Cassandra Benson. For those who do not know Cassandra, she was my Administrative Assistant for several years when I was the Family Pastor at The Chapel at Crosspoin http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=170 Sat, 07 Jul 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=169 Not sure how many of you have checked out my pastor's blog, if you have not give it a click. www.jerrygillis.com He only post once a week but it is always good and insightful. This week's post is great.Nice to see a little rain.Happy July 4th - w http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=169 Wed, 04 Jul 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=168 Did a little research for the TRANSFORMER Series today by going to see the movie this afternoon. There are some high points and a few low points in the movie so I won't be taking the kids to see it. Seeing how the Transformer cartoon came out in the m http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=168 Tue, 03 Jul 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=167 I admit upfront I don't know anything about hockey. I do know a little about the dynamic of a locker room and when you short cut the locker room (character/leadership/accountability) environment you ALWAYS pay for it in the win/loss column. Losing Br http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=167 Mon, 02 Jul 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=166 Good Gracious! What a great day! I had someone ask me today if it was ok to say that it gets better every week? I certainly hope it is because I am in trouble if it isn't. Today was a different day for us in our short history - I have many thoughts go http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=166 Sun, 01 Jul 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=165 It is Friday morning and it's a beautiful day in DC! I had a great day yesterday at the Buzz Conference - Mark Batterson kick started the day off by talking about the CIA's 10 Moscow Rules for its secret agents during the Cold War Era. You can go http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=165 Thu, 28 Jun 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=163 I am in Washington DC with my family for a few days! I love coming down here - the history of this city is overwhelming and the power that this city represents is amazing. I am actually going to a conference for a couple of days called the BUZZ conference http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=163 Wed, 27 Jun 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=164 I've got to give major kudos to Earl Leatherland, our children's director in King's World at the Chapel at Elmwood! Here in DC, I was able to be a part of a meeting for theater churches and we were sharing some great ideas and our own best pr http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=164 Wed, 27 Jun 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=162 I don't know how many times I can keep saying - what an incredible day! But here I go again - today was incredible! We had a ton of visitors - we had the church planting crew from Sringville with us again, so cool to help another group of fellow - Kin http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=162 Sun, 24 Jun 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=161 So me and the kids are hanging with my folks for a few days while 4 of Gloria's HS girlfriends come up for a few days of fun and catch-up. Gloria grew up in West Palm Beach and went to a great Christian Prep School called The King's Academy www.tk http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=161 Fri, 22 Jun 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=160 For several years leading up to moving into North Buffalo/Kenmore and launching a new church I would drive into this area- going up and down streets just asking God to place a burden and love for this community in my heart. It had been a long time since http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=160 Wed, 20 Jun 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=159 It's Tuesday afternoon and summer has defintely set in at the Cockrell house! When does school start back? No - I love summer and the chance to hang more with the fam - I don't think you can fully appreciate a hot summer until you have experienced http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=159 Tue, 19 Jun 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=158 We made it back yesterday afternoon from camping with everybody in one piece and with the same number of kids we left with so all in all it was a great trip! I must say this was our best outing ever. The weather was off the chain - we had great camp fires http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=158 Sun, 17 Jun 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=157 Random thoughts before we leave for our third annual Letchworth camping trip. If you have tried to comment on this blog - you can stop trying. I had to stop the comments because I was getting a ton of spam comments that were not very "family oriented http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=157 Thu, 14 Jun 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=156 hey teenager - how is your week going after what we discussed sunday about living under the authority that GOD has placed over us? i know that it is not an easy way to live but if we really trust GOD that HE has our very best in mind in all that HE does t http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=156 Tue, 12 Jun 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=154 Holy Macaroni! Was today awesome or what?! Man I 'bout lost it a couple of time's hearing and seeing all the students engaging in worship down in the "pit." Have to give a yell out to the Weaver's - they brought 5 first-time - studen http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=154 Sun, 10 Jun 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=155 WoW what an incredible day we have had in BEAUTIFUL Buffalo! I (we) love Buffalo but days like today just takes it up about 10 notches! Took the kids and a sweet friend of Carlee's to Fantasy Island while Gloria and Jennifer went to the Art Festival s http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=155 Sat, 09 Jun 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=148 Friday nights are family nights around our house (unless it's date night!) so we watched Night at the Museum. I love movies that you can watch with your kids that allow the imagination to run wild and this is one of those kind of movies. I never reall http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=148 Fri, 08 Jun 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=147 Had a great time this past Sunday thinking about ORANGE! If you missed it we talked how the church can partner and join forces with the family to have maximun impact on the life of kids and teenagers. Several weeks ago we talked about ENLIST the FAMILY th http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=147 Tue, 05 Jun 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=145 Today was a great day in KW! We had 64 kids alone not counting workers - that is fantastic for a church 9 weeks old. So blessed and excited about Earl/Kendra and the great team God has put together and is continuing to put together to impact our kid http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=145 Sun, 03 Jun 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=144 For some reason I have not been able to post anything the last few days but at last the problem is fixed! I know it is late but if you have kids/teens or have influence in the lives of kids/teens then you need to be at Elmwood tomorrow at 9:19. We will b http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=144 Sat, 02 Jun 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=141 I love Saturday nights these days because of the anticipation for what's coming on Sunday morning! I guess you could call it Saturday Night Fever! I am trying to find a new rythym and flow for my Saturday night's. Listening to some music is defini http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=141 Sat, 28 Apr 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=140 I took a couple of days off of the blog after I posted the small novel about Steve Saint - great story!Anywho - did anybody catch Elvis on stage Wed-night with Celine, that was pretty amazing - I have to admit, I have always been intriged by the life of E http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=140 Fri, 27 Apr 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=137 I have been hanging out this morning in one of my favorite spots - StarBucks - (I just get the reg-coffee). It is always a good spot to watch the neighborhood wake up. I couldn't help but feel moved to pray and lift up the young mom who accidently ran http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=137 Wed, 25 Apr 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=136 This past weekend we looked at the incredible story of Nate Saint one of five missionaries murdered in 1956 by the Waordoni Indians in Ecquador. The story was told by his son Steve in the movie End of the Spear. I did not have time to tell this story but http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=136 Tue, 24 Apr 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=129 When it comes to building a structure of any significance you must take the time to develop a blueprint or the integrity of the sturcture will quickly be compromised so... that is why I want to take the time to communicate and share the SPIRITUAL BLUEPRIN http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=129 Mon, 23 Apr 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=128 Wow - can't hardly get over how beautiful it is today! The sun is intoxicating and it just feel's great being outside. We have been having different teams come over after our morning gathering and it is so cool to hang with the heroes of Elmwood. http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=128 Sun, 22 Apr 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=127 I can't imagine a better week to talk about the value of LOVE. If there is ever a time for a lost world to find Love of Another Kind it is now. That is what we are going to be talking about this Sunday. I believe because of the tragic events of this w http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=127 Wed, 18 Apr 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=126 I want to continue the conversation of what our Spiritual blueprint is going to look like.3. WHAT DO WE NEED TO DO? The first question answered the Why, the second question answered the What? for us. This next question answers the How? How are we going t http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=126 Mon, 16 Apr 2007 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=103 Today felt a little like getting back from the honeymoon. We have had 3 previews all leading up to Launch Sunday (last week) and the question I had was what would every week look like? Kind of like the thoughts that go through your mind about getting marr http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=103 Sun, 15 Apr 2007 21:42:35 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=102 It's a new kind of Saturday night for me. This is the first back-to-back week I have experienced as a Lead Pastor and the first for us as a church. What a great way to celebrate by watching a little playoff Hockey! The Cockrell's are Believers! Go http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=102 Sat, 14 Apr 2007 21:15:54 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=101 I want to continue the conversation I started a few days ago about what it means to develop a spiritual or a spirit-led culture for us at Elmwood and how that will effect the circle of influence that God has placed us in. Part 1 talked about what we need http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=101 Fri, 13 Apr 2007 20:59:14 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=100 I think it would be an incredible one-two punch for 2007 - The launch of The Chapel at Elmwood and the Stanley Cup Champions!I Believe! http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=100 Thu, 12 Apr 2007 21:41:30 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=99 Just a little note to self - "God is at work -all the time" - sorry about that sometimes I forget the obvious. Does that ever happen to you? I find myself at times (most of the time) saying things like "God if you would just show up" http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=99 Wed, 11 Apr 2007 16:46:27 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=95 Over the next few days I would like to share with you what I really think the spiritual blueprint should be for us at Elmwood. This past year I spent many hours at various locations (all coffee spots) writing down thoughts and ideas as I asked God to show http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=95 Mon, 09 Apr 2007 22:20:40 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=93 What a day! We blasted off at 9:19 and now Elmwood is ON! It was a crazy morning as we saw people start rolling in early (and late). I just want to say what a great job all of you who are a part of our Special Teams did today. You all knocked it out of th http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=93 Sun, 08 Apr 2007 21:28:44 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=91 Just had prayer with the kido's and I told them that the most important day that we celebrate all year is tomorrow, Easter Sunday! Christmas is great and I am so grateful that God sent Jesus down to this earth but... I am thankful and overwhelmed by G http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=91 Sat, 07 Apr 2007 21:59:29 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=88 Monday night I was watching the Florida Gators whip up on the Buckeyes and I was doing some work on my lap-top during the commercials. I had rebooted and had stopped working on it while watching the game - so at halftime I picked my laptop back up, fired http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=88 Wed, 04 Apr 2007 23:25:31 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=79 Wow - what a great game in-store for all of us college basketball fanatics Monday night! The point guard match-up is going to be a big key to which team wins. I am hoping for the same turn out that happened when these two teams matched up a few months ago http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=79 Sun, 01 Apr 2007 20:55:54 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=80 Today was a crazy kind-of-weird day for me. With seven days before the launch of TCaE I had some different emotions going on as Carlee and I drove to church this morning (little tradition we have). Realizing that this was the last Sunday that I could jus http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=80 Sun, 01 Apr 2007 21:38:27 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=78 I hope everybody is trying to accomplish the 10-10-1 project for Easter Sunday!I am finding it good to have several people on my 'mind' to pray for. It keeps me thinking about others and I have to admit that is not my natural tendency. My natural inclinat http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=78 Fri, 30 Mar 2007 22:19:33 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=69 Well our creative team met today though we started a little slow we finished strong. It is so cool for me to have really fun and creative people around me to work with. There are many ways to do certain things and it has nothing to do with right or wrong http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=69 Tue, 27 Mar 2007 22:17:09 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=70 24 - what's the world coming to when the United States and the world for that matter is in serious crisis and CTU staffers are making out - I mean - come on - really lost some serious "cred" with that little mis-step! Way to blow it Milo! Is http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=70 Tue, 27 Mar 2007 22:49:49 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=65 I have been off line the past couple of days as I was trying to get back in town and get ready for today. Had a great time hanging out in Tulsa Town and heard some things that were really helpful in several ways. I may post some of those things in the com http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=65 Sun, 25 Mar 2007 22:51:20 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=62 We are out in Tulsa, OK at a Student Pastor Conference at Church on the Move www.williegeorgeministries.com and I must say 75 degrees feels mighty good! We went to their 180 service for students tonight and it was cool to see how they reach hundreds of st http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=62 Thu, 22 Mar 2007 01:02:13 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=60 Just watching a little 24 tonight. I must confess I have been a big fan since minute 1! Jack always seems to pull it out some how. On Sunday mornings I feel like the Special Teams is a little like CTU trying to get it done just in the nick of time! I am http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=60 Mon, 19 Mar 2007 22:57:21 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=57 What a great day we had today. It is so great to be a part of a church that is about glorifying God and about being about the mission that God has given us. Pastor Jerry www.thechapel.com gave an incredible message today, a part of the NIKE series he has http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=57 Sun, 18 Mar 2007 22:18:40 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=54 I am looking forward to getting together for our last reCHARGE before we launch. These have been great to reconnect between the preview gatherings. I love the chance to see everybody and then to have a chance for the teams to regroup and pray together. On http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=54 Fri, 16 Mar 2007 22:15:59 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=53 Well the big Dance starts today even though our own Niagra has already won a game! This is always a fun time of the year for me. Because of our travels we have had along the journey we have made many great friends and it seems I always hear from them aro http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=53 Thu, 15 Mar 2007 10:33:42 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=49 Wow this was a full day. I got up early (thanks DLST) and went up to Oakville ON to visit our friends at The Sanctuary www.thesanctuary.ca . Jeff Kristopherson is a church planter who started the first of 5 soon to be 6 campuses in the GTA I believe 4-5 y http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=49 Sun, 11 Mar 2007 21:47:56 -0400 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=48 We went skiing for the last time today down at Kissing Bridge. It was raining a little so it was a wet day but warm! Skiing has been one of the things that we as a family jumped into three years ago. At that time I was the only one who knew how to ski no http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=48 Sat, 10 Mar 2007 15:21:44 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=46 This week as i was reading through Numbers and i get to chapter 11 and a wow story jumps out at me. Jennifer our wonderful campus director (boss man) had a great entry on "cravings" http://thechapelatelmwood.com/specialteams/ at special teams bl http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=46 Fri, 09 Mar 2007 10:12:46 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=47 We have been an American Idol family for several years. We have a good time watching it together (not the commercials) and everybody tends to get their favorite. It was a little shocking to see who was eliminated last night for the big 12 and who made it. http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=47 Fri, 09 Mar 2007 10:28:20 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=44 I love music of all types and styles (most) so I will on occasion comment on a new CD or group that has come out or that I have heard. Steve Fee www.stevefee.com is a worship leader for Northpoint and for Passion www.268generation.com his new release is r http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=44 Thu, 08 Mar 2007 08:33:37 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=41 As I continue to blog one of the things that I want to communicate at times is the "why" behind what we are doing at Elmwood. One of the things that blows me away is that God is so big and incredible that when He decides to start a movement He s http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=41 Wed, 07 Mar 2007 10:42:49 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=38 Thsi is always a very exciting week for me. The week leading up to SleectionSunday for the Big Dance. It is going to be a crazy MarchMadness I believe this year more than ever before! So many good teams but not any really GREAT teams. So it is going be fu http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=38 Tue, 06 Mar 2007 22:43:48 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=39 I am extremely jacked about announcing a special event for our Finish Strong men's breakfast for May. Pastor/Author Mark Batterson www.evotional.com is going to be coming and speaking at our closing breakfast event of the year! Mark has recently writt http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=39 Tue, 06 Mar 2007 23:02:22 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=36 Man the wind is about to kill me today - it is stinkin' cold out! I heard a rumor that spring actually arrives in March - I think it's a lieWow we had 31 adult guest for the first time yesterday with about 20 kids so around 50 of our 211 showed up http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=36 Mon, 05 Mar 2007 22:54:20 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=33 Wow, what a morning we had! We had our second official preview today and I thought it went great. Sure our powerpoint did not work and the video was not working correctly and a few other little odds and ends but we over came it and it ended up being a gre http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=33 Sun, 04 Mar 2007 21:05:36 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=32 It's Saturday morning and I am fighting off a severe head cold but I can't wait until tomorrow! We had a great practice with the band this week. We have had to make a couple of adjustments in our worship/tech team for this week but I am excited an http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=32 Sat, 03 Mar 2007 11:48:33 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=30 The Cockrell clan (mine) moved to beautiful Western New York almost six years ago. We have since fallen in love with the area and the people and the FOOD! I moved to Buffalo to be the Family Pastor at The Chapel at Crosspoint. www.thechapel.com I had bee http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=30 Fri, 02 Mar 2007 09:54:24 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=28 If you don't know I am a huge college basketball fan! I coached HS/college men's bball for 14 years before stepping into vocational ministry (I think we are all in ministry). I always loved how Coach K at Duke coached and so I am a BIG fan of Duke http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=28 Wed, 28 Feb 2007 21:51:22 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=29 I can't wait until Sunday gets here. I am glad we are having some time to get our act together between ea. gathering but boy I sure will be glad when we launch and we get to get after it every week. Really hard to get any kind of rthym in this " http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=29 Wed, 28 Feb 2007 22:08:10 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=26 Man what an incredible day we had at the conference. The weather was spectacular but the messages that we heard were even more so. Even though it is sometimes uncomfortable, convicting and sometimes painful we need to always be in a place to hear from God http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=26 Tue, 27 Feb 2007 21:24:15 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=22 Wow - in life you realize that most everything is a trade-off. Such as quality of life. Most of my friends who live in the south can't imagine how we survive when I tell them that we went 20 some days with it never getting above the teens over the pas http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=22 Mon, 26 Feb 2007 22:27:27 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=23 It was an early morning for us (4:30am) as our plane left Buffalo at 6:30. We got to Atlanta around 8:30. Thanks to some quick manuevering by Dad (who used to live in Atlanta) we shaved some driving time from the ridiculous morning traffice jam. The conf http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=23 Mon, 26 Feb 2007 23:11:53 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=14 Saturday was a full day! I had the honor and priviledge to be a part of an ordination council for a dear friend Dick De Witt. Dick is the new President/COO of Market Place Ministries www.marketplaceministries.com based out of Dallas TX. Dick and his wonde http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=14 Sun, 25 Feb 2007 06:05:16 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=15 I have been reading Soul Cravings by Erwin McManus who is one of my favorite authors and communicators. Erwin is the pastor of Mosiac in Los Angles. www.erwinmcmanus.com This is a great book to use as a devotional because he breaks each chapter down like http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=15 Sun, 25 Feb 2007 19:24:18 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=16 I am taking some of our leadership team to Atlanta so we can attend a church planters conference. www.churchplanters.com There are several churchplanters that will be speaking that I have been following on the blogsphere over the past year or so. We are a http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=16 Sun, 25 Feb 2007 22:25:17 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=13 I took the kids out to a new sleding hill for the Cockrell family. We went behind the Albright Knox Art Gallery - we had heard that this was a good place to sled in the city and it was. Just the right size hill when you have a 3 yr old in tow - if you kno http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=13 Fri, 23 Feb 2007 12:14:04 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=10 Remember the iRULES? Just two of them - inVEST and inVITE. This our approach to evangelism as a church. We have a responsiblity, a call as follower of Christ to partner with Him to reach every man, woman and child in our circle of influence - whatever th http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=10 Wed, 21 Feb 2007 10:55:06 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=8 Why? Why am I doing this? Have you ever asked that question? That is the question I asked myself when I was thinking about blogging. Why would I do this - do I have time - is it important? Well here is how I answered those questions. My pastor (Jerry Gill http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=8 Tue, 20 Feb 2007 09:45:40 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=9 "For a man's ways are in full view of the Lord, and he examines all his paths. The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast." -Proverbs 5:21-22 - what "paths" are we walking down today? http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=9 Tue, 20 Feb 2007 09:50:48 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=11 For those who have been friends of the Cockrell clan over the years you know we have had our fair share of different stops along the way. Gloria and I have always been amazed and extremely blessed by the incredible people that God has brought across our p http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=11 Tue, 20 Feb 2007 23:55:25 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=4 Wow, I had a great time at the Nichols school for our first "come back" event. We had several families join us as we got to race on the obstacle course, eat a little (or a lot), and a great magic show! Want to give a super shout out to ABC Renta http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=4 Mon, 19 Feb 2007 16:21:06 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=7 Bear with me as I am learning my way around this blog site. I want to give you resources to people and places that have and are impacting me. I will add to the different features and what is featured in them as we go. I think it is important to be in a c http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=7 Mon, 19 Feb 2007 20:15:55 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=2 Well here I go, I'm jumping into the Blog-antic Ocean! I have been a fan for a while now but now I feel it's time to get in the game and see what happens. I have been influenced by several "professional" bloggers, the most influential w http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=2 Thu, 15 Feb 2007 23:50:52 -0500 http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=3 I know our first preview was February 4 but since I was not up and running yet I wanted to comment on the day. I want to state for historical reasons that when Carlee and I got in my Blazer at 6:15AM to go to the theater to help set up the temp was 1 degr http://www.brekonhertel.com/entry.php?e=3 Thu, 15 Feb 2007 00:11:30 -0500