Good morning fellow sojourners! This report is going to be short and sweet (I know, the one you have all been waiting for). Since my kids are out for Spring Break, I am taking about 5 days of vacation starting today. Normally I take a whole week, but with Easter this Sunday I feel it best to cut it short and use those days later. My phone will be shut off so if there is an emergency please contact the church office. David Paladin and Joel Soumar are more than capable ministers who can serve you. I cherish this time with my wife and kids. Thank you in advance. My class will meet on Wednesday night.
As far as Sunday was concerned, it was a great day! Despite the numbers being down a bit the overall attitude was up. We had two first-time guests in the Coffee Connection. If you were a part of a 2:42 Group you realize what a great lesson was shown on teaching God's Word. Let's roll this atmosphere into next week as we prepare for what should be the best attended service of the year. But that also means we must do our part in inviting others. As we talked about Sunday morning, live that beautiful life before others so God may be glorified.
Let us not forget about fellow brothers and sisters this week. Joe Wild is in Tampa to find out more about his cancer and how best to treat it. Peggy Stephens will be finding out more about her cancer on Thursday. These are just two examples of people we need to be praying for this week. I'm sure I have left someone out, not intentionally, so let's keep our ears and eyes open for those who need it. As David Brooker mentioned Sunday morning, look around for those who were not here this week and check in on them. Let the church office know if there is anyone who has immediate needs.
Bill and Liz Raikes had a scare last night as the fires in St. Lucie County were threatening their home. Hopefully the rain will help with further threats of wild fires for a while.
Tracy
Monday, March 25, 2013
Monday, March 18, 2013
Sunday was an encouraging day for many of us. Personally I enjoyed interviewing Louis about the difficulties of being a Christian in India. There were many other things we were unable to cover from our discussions together, but you get the idea. Louis and the brothers and sisters in India have a greater understanding of our current series, "Not of this World." The question for us is, would we remain in the faith if we lived in India instead of America?
Along those same lines, Louis has mentioned to me on more than one occasion, how impressed he is with our older Christians, especially the "Golden Girls." He has seen that intense fellowship that our 2:42 groups have been studying over the last couple of weeks. They love each other, care for one another, do things together, and are very active in the church. In India the older generation sort of stops doing anything. Us younger generation (yes, I'm still young, sort of) must learn from their example and build upon the true fellowship Christ came to bring to His church.
Nothing to report this week from the Coffee Connection, but we did see many visitors in our worship assemblies. We had several from out of town and a few from our community. Bill Raikes, despite his continued health problems, did a great job. Keep Bill in your prayers, as it is, there is no medical relief for his constant back pain. He has also been fighting a cold for the last month or so. The same goes for Joe Wild as he continues to strengthen before his upcoming chemotherapy. They continue to do their elder duties, despite their physical condition, which is why we, as their sheep, should pray for our shepherds.
Add to that, any other members who are struggling physically, mentally or otherwise. Betty Pack attended services yesterday despite her poor health and had to be taken to the hospital. Her blood pressure was up, which they treated, and sent her home that afternoon. Special thanks to the Ackers for sticking around after services to make sure she was taken care of.
Kathleen Hendrix is another member who was in the hospital this past week. She is now at home thanks to Leti English and Debbie Rodriguez. According to Kathleen, they stayed a couple of hours to help clean her house and get things back in order. Give Kathleen a call this week, she is really down (772) 321-3713. These are just a couple of the examples of Christian service that I learned about this week. I know there are many more, but rest assured the Father knows and that is all that matters. Let us continue to look in on those unable to be here each week or has missed recently. Spread the love of Christ.
Don't forget tonight is Celebrate Recovery for anyone who struggles with habits or hang ups. They meet at 7:00 pm. If you know others who need this support please tell them about these Christ-centered meetings.
Along those same lines, Louis has mentioned to me on more than one occasion, how impressed he is with our older Christians, especially the "Golden Girls." He has seen that intense fellowship that our 2:42 groups have been studying over the last couple of weeks. They love each other, care for one another, do things together, and are very active in the church. In India the older generation sort of stops doing anything. Us younger generation (yes, I'm still young, sort of) must learn from their example and build upon the true fellowship Christ came to bring to His church.
Nothing to report this week from the Coffee Connection, but we did see many visitors in our worship assemblies. We had several from out of town and a few from our community. Bill Raikes, despite his continued health problems, did a great job. Keep Bill in your prayers, as it is, there is no medical relief for his constant back pain. He has also been fighting a cold for the last month or so. The same goes for Joe Wild as he continues to strengthen before his upcoming chemotherapy. They continue to do their elder duties, despite their physical condition, which is why we, as their sheep, should pray for our shepherds.
Add to that, any other members who are struggling physically, mentally or otherwise. Betty Pack attended services yesterday despite her poor health and had to be taken to the hospital. Her blood pressure was up, which they treated, and sent her home that afternoon. Special thanks to the Ackers for sticking around after services to make sure she was taken care of.
Kathleen Hendrix is another member who was in the hospital this past week. She is now at home thanks to Leti English and Debbie Rodriguez. According to Kathleen, they stayed a couple of hours to help clean her house and get things back in order. Give Kathleen a call this week, she is really down (772) 321-3713. These are just a couple of the examples of Christian service that I learned about this week. I know there are many more, but rest assured the Father knows and that is all that matters. Let us continue to look in on those unable to be here each week or has missed recently. Spread the love of Christ.
Don't forget tonight is Celebrate Recovery for anyone who struggles with habits or hang ups. They meet at 7:00 pm. If you know others who need this support please tell them about these Christ-centered meetings.
Monday, March 11, 2013
Sunday was another good day for this congregation. It was refreshing seeing so many of our college students home for spring break. As a father of a college student, I know how excited these families are to have them home. David Paladin was also excited to have them back, as many of them have helped out with the Aquarium.
Once again we had several visitors. One couple made it to our Coffee Connection before services. They have attended worship a few times before and it looks like they are ready for the next step. Very nice couple. Before worship I met a family of 5 looking for a church home. They have been looking since they came to Vero last July! A guy I have been studying with was also in attendance as well as another couple that recently had a baby and has attended several times. We had a few people from out of town, but most seemed to be in our community. Make sure you look for our guests each week and find ways to make them feel welcome. If you learn of information that may be helpful, please let the ministers know so we can follow up. Never forget our mission: to proclaim the excellences of Him (I Pet. 2:9).
Speaking of visitors, we are two weeks from Easter Sunday. Yes, we celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ weekly, and even daily, but this is a special time of year. For one, it is the #1 time when people in our community will attend a service. It is literally our easiest invite. Also, it is always a positive when people are focused on the death and resurrection of Christ. Here is the power of salvation and not in the fact there is a special day. Mother's Day is great but a mother, as powerful as they are, cannot save. The power is in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Because Easter is this month, I will lead a 6-week study called, "The Easter Experience." It is part DVD - part discussion. If you are interested in the class it will be held in LC #105. I will give more details soon.
There will also be a new class in the Worship Center called "TEN", which deals with God's top ten, the 10 commandments. Steve Hoskins will kick it off this Wednesday night. It should be a great study. The young adults will also study the same material in their classroom in the upstairs Lynn Center.
This Sunday will be a special lesson. We have been studying the Book of I Peter and the fact we are "Not of This World". In the introduction we looked at a brief history of the early church and things they faced under the Roman Empire. But what about a modern day analogy? What about a church that deals with the worlds influence today? I believe you will find this Sunday both fascinating and encouraging. I believe the study of the Scriptures should be both head and heart. We need the knowledge (head) but we also need to see how it applies today (the heart). Plan to be here this week.
This is more than enough for now. For those of you who made it this far, thanks for reading to the end. Don't forget to look around and call/visit those who were unable to be here Sunday.
Tracy
Once again we had several visitors. One couple made it to our Coffee Connection before services. They have attended worship a few times before and it looks like they are ready for the next step. Very nice couple. Before worship I met a family of 5 looking for a church home. They have been looking since they came to Vero last July! A guy I have been studying with was also in attendance as well as another couple that recently had a baby and has attended several times. We had a few people from out of town, but most seemed to be in our community. Make sure you look for our guests each week and find ways to make them feel welcome. If you learn of information that may be helpful, please let the ministers know so we can follow up. Never forget our mission: to proclaim the excellences of Him (I Pet. 2:9).
Speaking of visitors, we are two weeks from Easter Sunday. Yes, we celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ weekly, and even daily, but this is a special time of year. For one, it is the #1 time when people in our community will attend a service. It is literally our easiest invite. Also, it is always a positive when people are focused on the death and resurrection of Christ. Here is the power of salvation and not in the fact there is a special day. Mother's Day is great but a mother, as powerful as they are, cannot save. The power is in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Because Easter is this month, I will lead a 6-week study called, "The Easter Experience." It is part DVD - part discussion. If you are interested in the class it will be held in LC #105. I will give more details soon.
There will also be a new class in the Worship Center called "TEN", which deals with God's top ten, the 10 commandments. Steve Hoskins will kick it off this Wednesday night. It should be a great study. The young adults will also study the same material in their classroom in the upstairs Lynn Center.
This Sunday will be a special lesson. We have been studying the Book of I Peter and the fact we are "Not of This World". In the introduction we looked at a brief history of the early church and things they faced under the Roman Empire. But what about a modern day analogy? What about a church that deals with the worlds influence today? I believe you will find this Sunday both fascinating and encouraging. I believe the study of the Scriptures should be both head and heart. We need the knowledge (head) but we also need to see how it applies today (the heart). Plan to be here this week.
This is more than enough for now. For those of you who made it this far, thanks for reading to the end. Don't forget to look around and call/visit those who were unable to be here Sunday.
Tracy
Monday, March 4, 2013
I'm sitting at Panera with a hot cup of coffee reflecting on Sunday's events. Those thoughts are keeping me warmer inside than the liquid substance I'm sipping on. This church never ceases to amaze me. I'll be honest, I didn't think we would reach our goal of $65,000, especially since we barely missed the $60,000 goal last year. The economy is rough. Gas prices are soaring. Insurance continue to rise. It is more common, for those who have jobs, to either take a pay cut or receive no raise at all. Don't get me wrong, I prayed about Missions Sunday but I lacked the faith. Thankfully, God rewarded us because of the faith and prayers of others in this church. This is one of those times when I love being wrong and will gladly repent. God is good!
On a side note, I truly love Louis Swakkiam, our missionary from India. He is a hard worker for the kingdom and everything he receives from this congregation is well worth it. The Lord blessed us with his presence and report yesterday. He will be teaching the Wednesday night class on outreach.
As far as the rest of the service went, the singing sounded great. It is great seeing the crowds each week, whether it is our own members or those visiting from our community. The kids program is getting so many children they are forced to think about what will happen if they grow much more because they are running out of space in The Aquarium!
One more thing, I love my 2:42 group! It is made up mostly of our widow ladies. Last night was a prime example of why we have small groups. We ended up scraping the material on the Holy Spirit because one in our group had experienced the Spirit of God in her life like never before. We read passages on the Holy Spirit to show how He had been working in our group and in this individual's life. As a small group we share together and pray for each other. Sometimes it consists of a lot of requests, but last night it was all about praise. When these groups are done right they have the potential to experience Christian fellowship that cannot be experienced in a congregational worship or even a small Bible class. Ask any one of the ladies who were present last night and they will tell you the same thing. Let me say it one more time - I love my 2:42 group!
Well, it's time for a fill up and to begin researching my sermon for this week. Thanks for reading, and continue thinking about those who sit around you or you noticed wasn't able to be here this week. Send a card, make a call, or stop by to make sure everything is alright. If there is something the shepherd's need to know please alert them.
On a side note, I truly love Louis Swakkiam, our missionary from India. He is a hard worker for the kingdom and everything he receives from this congregation is well worth it. The Lord blessed us with his presence and report yesterday. He will be teaching the Wednesday night class on outreach.
As far as the rest of the service went, the singing sounded great. It is great seeing the crowds each week, whether it is our own members or those visiting from our community. The kids program is getting so many children they are forced to think about what will happen if they grow much more because they are running out of space in The Aquarium!
One more thing, I love my 2:42 group! It is made up mostly of our widow ladies. Last night was a prime example of why we have small groups. We ended up scraping the material on the Holy Spirit because one in our group had experienced the Spirit of God in her life like never before. We read passages on the Holy Spirit to show how He had been working in our group and in this individual's life. As a small group we share together and pray for each other. Sometimes it consists of a lot of requests, but last night it was all about praise. When these groups are done right they have the potential to experience Christian fellowship that cannot be experienced in a congregational worship or even a small Bible class. Ask any one of the ladies who were present last night and they will tell you the same thing. Let me say it one more time - I love my 2:42 group!
Well, it's time for a fill up and to begin researching my sermon for this week. Thanks for reading, and continue thinking about those who sit around you or you noticed wasn't able to be here this week. Send a card, make a call, or stop by to make sure everything is alright. If there is something the shepherd's need to know please alert them.
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