This week is Thanksgiving and nothing puts me into a good mood as this time of year. There is much more of an emphasis upon the goodness of God and a realization of just how blessed we are as a people. Those of you leaving town, I pray you have safe travels. Those of us staying in town, build on those family traditions. Personally, I can't wait for Lex to get in to town Wednesday morning.
Speaking of Thanksgiving traditions, this TUESDAY we will meet at the building for our annual praise and prayer. Which means we will not be meeting Wednesday night. Bill Raikes does a great job with this each year. Let's turn out a big crowd. It's a great way to kick off Thanksgiving week.
As far as yesterday goes, it was a really great day. I'm not even sure I met all of our visitors. Plus some of our college kids were in town. The singing was out of this world and the overall attitude was high. It was just one of those great days of worship. We also finished up a unique series of lessons from the book of Habakkuk. So many kind comments on how these lessons were needed in their own lives. God be praised!
Speaking of sermons, let me give you a look into the next month. This Sunday, will be a lesson on "Thanksgiving Leftovers" from the Gospels. Starting the next week, we will begin a three part series on "Carols" with some of your favorite songs of the birth of Christ. Invite people now.
Last night was the last of our Sunday Nights of Service for now. I was able to attend Chris "Tito" Leon's class on health. He is one of the best I know and has a real heart for helping people. If you are looking for some stocking stuffer ideas for those who like to stuff themselves for the holidays, Tito is a personal trainer and fitness guru. I don't even know if he has any spots for the coming year, but you might could purchase a few sessions with him to kick off the new year. He at least will help you get on the right track. Just a thought.
As far as Sunday nights for December, here is what is on the docket:
1st - Circle Up Singing with Bill Raikes and Tracy Moore (Hebrews Coffee Shop)
8th - Two choices: Mission report on my trip to Trinidad, and yes there will be pictures (Hebrews Coffee Shop) or Star of Bethlehem, for those who haven't seen it (Fireside Room)
15th - Christmas Party! (Heritage Center)
22nd - Christmas Caroling for our shut-ins (meet in Hebrews Coffee Shop)
29th - Elders specialty class
Try to keep up with everything going on this month. Continue to check your bulletin, the website, and listen to Sunday morning announcements to stay up on things. And PLEASE don't forget to check up on those who are missing, sick, or maybe struggling. This is a very difficult time of year for some people due to loss. Send a card, text, email, or visit to let them know how much they are loved.
Monday, November 25, 2013
Monday, November 18, 2013
Elders, Elders Everywhere
Yesterday was sort of a special day for our elders. Bill and Steve did a great job explaining the qualifications and expectations of an elder. I felt they didn't hold anything back as they explained the pros and cons of leadership. It can be the most difficult work and at the same time the most rewarding. This is one of the reasons I protect the men who lead this church. Any wise preacher will never go to another congregation based upon its members, while this is important, but on its elders. I have gone both routes and experience tells me where God's blessings are found. After 20 years of ministry I can honestly say this church is fortunate to have these men.
That being said, as we begin our search for additional elders, we need to keep the things spoken yesterday in mind. Some of my closest friends over the years would not be good elders. I love them, but they would not be the spiritual leaders the church needed. On the other hand, men I didn't know very well became great elders and later close friends. Take this process seriously. If you have any nominations let Bill or Steve know. If you have any questions ask them.
Going with the elder theme, it was great seeing Joe and Glenda back in "their pew" and home Sunday. It has been a long journey that hasn't ended, but further along in that journey than anticipated at this time. To look out on Sunday mornings I am reminded of how the Father has continued to answer our prayers. Not just Joe, but also Betty Pack - to name a couple of people we have recently prayed for in their difficult times. This week we have another opportunity to pray for a cancer patient - Fran Mooney. There will be a sign up for continued prayers on the day of her surgery. Ladell mentioned the unexpected answers to the prayers for the young boy who almost drowned in his pool. Praise God!!! I am loving the focus of this church over the last few months!
As far as the rest of the day went, we continued our sermon series on Habakkuk. So many positive comments about this book. Who would have known? A little book crammed at the end of the Old Testament. Believe me when I say the Bible has diamonds all through it just waiting to be explored in every book. This week we will complete this series with what I believe is the most important and encouraging part of the study.
We have so many exciting things coming up in the next couple of months. If you did not get one of the sheets with all the things that will be offered through December and January, you can pick one up in the foyer. BIG things coming. Next week I will talk about a few of these.
Don't forget to check on those who were not here yesterday who normally sit around you. Send them a card, give them a call, text, email, or visit. The main thing is to check in on them. Let the leadership know if someone may need some special attention. KEEP PRAYING!
That being said, as we begin our search for additional elders, we need to keep the things spoken yesterday in mind. Some of my closest friends over the years would not be good elders. I love them, but they would not be the spiritual leaders the church needed. On the other hand, men I didn't know very well became great elders and later close friends. Take this process seriously. If you have any nominations let Bill or Steve know. If you have any questions ask them.
Going with the elder theme, it was great seeing Joe and Glenda back in "their pew" and home Sunday. It has been a long journey that hasn't ended, but further along in that journey than anticipated at this time. To look out on Sunday mornings I am reminded of how the Father has continued to answer our prayers. Not just Joe, but also Betty Pack - to name a couple of people we have recently prayed for in their difficult times. This week we have another opportunity to pray for a cancer patient - Fran Mooney. There will be a sign up for continued prayers on the day of her surgery. Ladell mentioned the unexpected answers to the prayers for the young boy who almost drowned in his pool. Praise God!!! I am loving the focus of this church over the last few months!
As far as the rest of the day went, we continued our sermon series on Habakkuk. So many positive comments about this book. Who would have known? A little book crammed at the end of the Old Testament. Believe me when I say the Bible has diamonds all through it just waiting to be explored in every book. This week we will complete this series with what I believe is the most important and encouraging part of the study.
We have so many exciting things coming up in the next couple of months. If you did not get one of the sheets with all the things that will be offered through December and January, you can pick one up in the foyer. BIG things coming. Next week I will talk about a few of these.
Don't forget to check on those who were not here yesterday who normally sit around you. Send them a card, give them a call, text, email, or visit. The main thing is to check in on them. Let the leadership know if someone may need some special attention. KEEP PRAYING!
Monday, November 11, 2013
A Really Great Sunday
I thought yesterday was a really great day. For one, we had several visitors. I know of at least two families who came because of the sermon series. Two families who have lost someone they loved too early in their lives and struggle with the idea of why God would let this happen. It doesn't make sense. One family lost a 9 year old child to drowning this summer. Another young family lost a father and husband. Some of you may have had similar struggles. These families came as a direct result of people in this church inviting them.
Use our weekly sermons to invite others to attend. Don't focus on the preacher, but on the message they need to hear. People need a Savior. They need to know God loves them. And when they come, roll out the red carpet and give them the greetings and hugs the Lord wants to give them. Share these series on Facebook and Twitter. You can usually "share" or "retweet" messages myself or A'Lana post about upcoming lessons. You never know who needs the things we are studying. The same goes for our Bible classes and Sunday night topics (i.e., raising children, finances). We want this church to be more than a place you attend, but also a place you bring others. Bring them to our Coffee Connection on Sunday mornings. Think outside of yourself.
We are seeing some of our visitors become interested in studying, which has been an obstacle at times. Pray for those who are seeking for something beyond themselves. Don't be afraid to invite them for a cup of coffee and talk to them about what is going on in their lives and how God fits into the equation.
Trinidad was an amazing experience. They had me in as a main speaker, but I was the one who received the greater blessing. The Christians in the Caribbean are such loving and faith filled people. Their sense of humor is contagious. I'm hoping to bring a report (with pictures) for those interested learning more about my trip. Believe me when I say I feel so blessed to be able to experience the things I have over the last year. Between the Caribbean Lectureships in Antigua and now the workshop in Trinidad, I feel overwhelmed with God's blessings. Thank you for all the prayers.
Let's keep praying for those in this church who need the Lord's care. Check up on those around you who may have been missing Sunday. Call, write cards, and visit those who need some extra attention. And please let the leadership know if someone is in need of spiritual help. Things are getting better and better all the time.
Use our weekly sermons to invite others to attend. Don't focus on the preacher, but on the message they need to hear. People need a Savior. They need to know God loves them. And when they come, roll out the red carpet and give them the greetings and hugs the Lord wants to give them. Share these series on Facebook and Twitter. You can usually "share" or "retweet" messages myself or A'Lana post about upcoming lessons. You never know who needs the things we are studying. The same goes for our Bible classes and Sunday night topics (i.e., raising children, finances). We want this church to be more than a place you attend, but also a place you bring others. Bring them to our Coffee Connection on Sunday mornings. Think outside of yourself.
We are seeing some of our visitors become interested in studying, which has been an obstacle at times. Pray for those who are seeking for something beyond themselves. Don't be afraid to invite them for a cup of coffee and talk to them about what is going on in their lives and how God fits into the equation.
Trinidad was an amazing experience. They had me in as a main speaker, but I was the one who received the greater blessing. The Christians in the Caribbean are such loving and faith filled people. Their sense of humor is contagious. I'm hoping to bring a report (with pictures) for those interested learning more about my trip. Believe me when I say I feel so blessed to be able to experience the things I have over the last year. Between the Caribbean Lectureships in Antigua and now the workshop in Trinidad, I feel overwhelmed with God's blessings. Thank you for all the prayers.
Let's keep praying for those in this church who need the Lord's care. Check up on those around you who may have been missing Sunday. Call, write cards, and visit those who need some extra attention. And please let the leadership know if someone is in need of spiritual help. Things are getting better and better all the time.
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