It has been a busy week around the church building. Early in the week we learned of a 9 year old child, who attended the same school as some of our kids, who had been in a bad accident while he and his family were on vacation. Jordan Darrell died not too long after. We were approached by the school to hold the funeral. Anytime there is a death of a child or teenager you know there will be a big crowd but you really cannot estimate the number of people coming. So we knew we needed to over prepare. A'Lana did a great job working with the school, our staff, and getting volunteers from this congregation. Most of you did not know this family but you came out to find a place to help. Words cannot express how proud I am of this congregation. People in the community and from the school made several comments about this church. I believe God is going to do good things.
Sunday night was another outreach opportunity for this church. We had some good visitors and everyone seemed to enjoy the movie. It really was a powerful film. John McGlenn did a good job afterwards sharing his story and the support that was needed through a Celebrate Recovery. I talked with one man afterwards who wanted to get back in a church. We all know people who have hurts, hang-ups, and habits. Let them know about what is being offered on Monday nights. We appreciate everyone who came out or helped with this special night.
Sunday morning was also a positive day filled with visitors. We had at least two families return from the following week. I am hoping to begin a new Bible study this week. This church is blessed with many Christians who go out of their way to meet our guests. You have no idea how much it does for someone looking for a church home.
One more thing, don't forget to pray for the group we have on their way to Oklahoma today to help with the tornado clean-up. Being on the last disaster relief effort, I can tell you it will be a blessing, not just to those they will be helping, but also to the team we have going. Personally, I wish I could be with them. The other two ministers are leading the way.
One thing comes to mind: Love to Serve. Everything that happened last week and this week is about serving in the name of Christ. This shows a maturity of this church in the love process: Love God, Love God's Family, Love to Serve. Look for other ways you can serve others in the name of our Lord this week.
By the way, the church office is closed today due to the long hours put in this past week. A'lana especially deserves this time off as she did her regular duties, helped with the Celebrate Recovery movie, the funeral, and MANY complications with our internet, printers, and just about anything else that could go wrong in an office. She has not had a day off, or worked normal hours all week.
Monday, July 29, 2013
Monday, July 22, 2013
Monday Morning Report
It is good to be back blogging at Panera this morning. The trip to Antigua was very productive and much needed. If you want a more detailed account of things you can go to my Wednesday blog tracylmooreblog.wordpress.com.
Back to America. Yesterday I met several visitors. Some were in town on vacation or visiting family, but there was a great number from our community looking for a church home. Hopefully many of you were able to meet some of them.
We kicked off our new sermon series, "Great Jailbreaks" this week with a lesson on authority. This Sunday we will continue with another escape and corresponding lesson. What will we learn? Prayer.
Also, this Sunday night will be an outreach event and movie. The elders shared a trailer for the movie, "Home Run." If you were unable to be here you can go to homerunthemovie.com and see a preview. Most of you know about our "Celebrate Recovery" program. It is designed to help the people of this church and in our community with hurts, hang-ups, and habits. It is not an "AA" program but much broader and Christ-centered. This movie shows one of the ways this program helps others. If you do know someone who is needing this kind of help, try to get them to attend.
But don't think this movie is only for those who need "Celebrate Recovery." This week I read, in an Alabama newspaper, about a church of Christ preacher who was fired after being arrested on heroin charges. We went to college together and were in the same social club. To be honest I lost all contact after I graduated and had not seen him until this past year at a conference I was speaking. We exchanged pleasantries but nothing more. I went on his Facebook page when I discovered he had been arrested, trying to make sense of the whole thing. In 2010 he lost his 10 year old son in a car accident and almost lost his daughter. Since that time, he and his wife apparently divorced. I don't know all the details, but just a quick glance I would say he was trying to deal with his pain in the wrong way. Maybe as a preacher, he felt like he had to appear strong and didn't have a place to deal with his struggles. I don't know. But I do know "Celebrate Recovery" is a place he could have turned to through the whole ordeal. Losing a child goes under "hurts" and drug addiction comes under "habits." Who knows, maybe if he and his wife would have had something like this they would still be married and he wouldn't have turned to drugs. Only God knows. Either way, my plea is for the people in this church to use this resource. Everything is confidential and those who run the program are compassionate and understanding. Don't wait until you read someone's name in the paper before you invite them to something like this. This movie is a first step.
Enough for today. Keep praying for our sick and shut-ins. Check on those you haven't seen in a while and let the leadership know if there is a need. Have a great week.
Back to America. Yesterday I met several visitors. Some were in town on vacation or visiting family, but there was a great number from our community looking for a church home. Hopefully many of you were able to meet some of them.
We kicked off our new sermon series, "Great Jailbreaks" this week with a lesson on authority. This Sunday we will continue with another escape and corresponding lesson. What will we learn? Prayer.
Also, this Sunday night will be an outreach event and movie. The elders shared a trailer for the movie, "Home Run." If you were unable to be here you can go to homerunthemovie.com and see a preview. Most of you know about our "Celebrate Recovery" program. It is designed to help the people of this church and in our community with hurts, hang-ups, and habits. It is not an "AA" program but much broader and Christ-centered. This movie shows one of the ways this program helps others. If you do know someone who is needing this kind of help, try to get them to attend.
But don't think this movie is only for those who need "Celebrate Recovery." This week I read, in an Alabama newspaper, about a church of Christ preacher who was fired after being arrested on heroin charges. We went to college together and were in the same social club. To be honest I lost all contact after I graduated and had not seen him until this past year at a conference I was speaking. We exchanged pleasantries but nothing more. I went on his Facebook page when I discovered he had been arrested, trying to make sense of the whole thing. In 2010 he lost his 10 year old son in a car accident and almost lost his daughter. Since that time, he and his wife apparently divorced. I don't know all the details, but just a quick glance I would say he was trying to deal with his pain in the wrong way. Maybe as a preacher, he felt like he had to appear strong and didn't have a place to deal with his struggles. I don't know. But I do know "Celebrate Recovery" is a place he could have turned to through the whole ordeal. Losing a child goes under "hurts" and drug addiction comes under "habits." Who knows, maybe if he and his wife would have had something like this they would still be married and he wouldn't have turned to drugs. Only God knows. Either way, my plea is for the people in this church to use this resource. Everything is confidential and those who run the program are compassionate and understanding. Don't wait until you read someone's name in the paper before you invite them to something like this. This movie is a first step.
Enough for today. Keep praying for our sick and shut-ins. Check on those you haven't seen in a while and let the leadership know if there is a need. Have a great week.
Monday, July 8, 2013
Great Week
It has been a great week. We couldn't have asked for a better Wednesday night. Not only did the rain hold off but the temperatures were comfortable with a nice breeze. I cannot think of a July 4th week when I didn't sweat profusely just by stepping outside. The crowds were bigger than anticipated, we had some great guests, good food, and uplifting worship. I cannot thank those who helped out enough.
Sunday was also another great day. We seem to be getting more and more visitors every week. Add to that most of them are young adults. It is encouraging, to say the least. So much is happening with this group right now. Praise God for the increase!
Our adult class, "In the Beginning...", is going smoothly. Many kind comments have come may way about this study. It has nothing to do with the teacher but the powerful Creator, as He never ceases to amaze us. This week will be a more detailed account of the creation of man along with this special garden (home) for the first family to live. There is so much in these verses.
Looking ahead it is going to be a busy, yet interesting week. Bob Brackett and I will be flying to Antiqua Saturday so I can speak at their annual lectureship on Sunday. It will be my first trip to our mission point and we ask for prayers in our travels as well as any good we can do for the brethren. We are leaving you in good hands as Jerry Cutshall will continue our Genesis study and Joel Soumar will deliver the sermon. Bob and I will be coming back to America on Tuesday.
Let us continue to remember those around us who were unable to be here Sunday. Make a phone call to find out if everything is alright. If there is a special need please let the church office or an elder know.
Also, don't forget that "Celebrate Recovery" is tonight. If you or someone you know is struggling with anything, not just addictions, encourage them to come. There are two sessions each week at 7:00 and 8:00 PM.
Sunday was also another great day. We seem to be getting more and more visitors every week. Add to that most of them are young adults. It is encouraging, to say the least. So much is happening with this group right now. Praise God for the increase!
Our adult class, "In the Beginning...", is going smoothly. Many kind comments have come may way about this study. It has nothing to do with the teacher but the powerful Creator, as He never ceases to amaze us. This week will be a more detailed account of the creation of man along with this special garden (home) for the first family to live. There is so much in these verses.
Looking ahead it is going to be a busy, yet interesting week. Bob Brackett and I will be flying to Antiqua Saturday so I can speak at their annual lectureship on Sunday. It will be my first trip to our mission point and we ask for prayers in our travels as well as any good we can do for the brethren. We are leaving you in good hands as Jerry Cutshall will continue our Genesis study and Joel Soumar will deliver the sermon. Bob and I will be coming back to America on Tuesday.
Let us continue to remember those around us who were unable to be here Sunday. Make a phone call to find out if everything is alright. If there is a special need please let the church office or an elder know.
Also, don't forget that "Celebrate Recovery" is tonight. If you or someone you know is struggling with anything, not just addictions, encourage them to come. There are two sessions each week at 7:00 and 8:00 PM.
Monday, July 1, 2013
Prayers for Prescott Firefighters
If you haven't heard already, 19 firefighters were killed in Arizona fighting wildfires. My heart and prayers go out to their families. We are proud of the firefighters we have in this congregation. Let us say a little prayer for them today that God would keep them safe. Add to that, the men and women within this church who serve in law enforcement.
It reminds us of a special day coming up on Thursday - Independence Day. Men and women sacrificed their lives so we could be free. Most important was the freedom of religion. This doesn't include others who have fought for our country since the Revolutionary War to maintain those freedoms. Let us keep these brave heroes in our prayers this week and thank the Father we can worship Him without suffering.
Yesterday, as we do every first day of the week, we memorialized the greatest Hero of all - Jesus Christ. He took on the sins of the world so we could be free. The cross and resurrection was our Independence Day from sin and death. One day He will return to free us from this world of suffering, disease, pain, etc. He will ride in on a cloud with His angels to take us home! Never forget! Read I Corinthians 15.
We completed the Book of I Peter Sunday, with the writers powerful admonition to "stand firm in this grace." (5:12) Stand firm, no matter what is happening in this world. Stand firm, even if you must be persecuted for believing and living in Christ. Stand firm, even when you are tempted to live in the flesh. Live as if you are Not of this World!
We completed the 6 days of creation Sunday morning. The material can move faster than your questions so please feel free to text (696-3752) or email (tracylmoore@msn.com) those to me and I will do my best to answer them. In fact, if you want to text me questions during the class feel free to do so and I will try to answer them on the spot. I know everyone isn't comfortable asking questions in an auditorium class.
Last, but not least, we had two families place membership Sunday morning and one to ask for prayers following the lesson. God is blessing this church.
It reminds us of a special day coming up on Thursday - Independence Day. Men and women sacrificed their lives so we could be free. Most important was the freedom of religion. This doesn't include others who have fought for our country since the Revolutionary War to maintain those freedoms. Let us keep these brave heroes in our prayers this week and thank the Father we can worship Him without suffering.
Yesterday, as we do every first day of the week, we memorialized the greatest Hero of all - Jesus Christ. He took on the sins of the world so we could be free. The cross and resurrection was our Independence Day from sin and death. One day He will return to free us from this world of suffering, disease, pain, etc. He will ride in on a cloud with His angels to take us home! Never forget! Read I Corinthians 15.
We completed the Book of I Peter Sunday, with the writers powerful admonition to "stand firm in this grace." (5:12) Stand firm, no matter what is happening in this world. Stand firm, even if you must be persecuted for believing and living in Christ. Stand firm, even when you are tempted to live in the flesh. Live as if you are Not of this World!
We completed the 6 days of creation Sunday morning. The material can move faster than your questions so please feel free to text (696-3752) or email (tracylmoore@msn.com) those to me and I will do my best to answer them. In fact, if you want to text me questions during the class feel free to do so and I will try to answer them on the spot. I know everyone isn't comfortable asking questions in an auditorium class.
Last, but not least, we had two families place membership Sunday morning and one to ask for prayers following the lesson. God is blessing this church.
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