Maybe one of the most memorable worship services before Christmas. If you were not with us you missed out on a hot time! The air conditioning units decided to go out. I believe the technical term was that the units "fried." Nice choice of words for those of us in an 80 degree auditorium. But we didn't let that stop us. We shed jackets and ties and opened up doors for a breeze. The best part, in my opinion, was everyones attitude through it all. We laughed, fellowshipped, worshipped and enjoyed one another. It was really a great day. A big shout out to Danny Brackett for getting to the building early to try and fix things before services. Our old building keeps Danny, who is over our building and grounds, very busy at times. Make sure you give him a pat on the back to let him know how much you appreciate his efforts.
Last night we had a good number of people show up to either help set up for our Christmas Eve Luncheon or to go caroling to the homes of some of our shut-ins, elderly and those who have had a difficult year. I'm not sure if we sang more or laughed more. Also, everything looks festive in the Coffee Shop for our luncheon.
Speaking of our luncheon, it happens tomorrow. Every year Jay and Chris Dean lead this congregation in a great benevolent/outreach opportunity. So many of you take a portion of your Christmas Eve to volunteer. The purpose is to feed, not only the poor, but those who are lonely or struggling this time of year. Our goal isn't just to provide them a great meal but also to spread the love of Christ.
This Sunday our church will be blessed to hear Mac Lynn. For most of you, he is the son of Heber Lynn (named after our Lynn Center). For preachers like myself, he is well known for his books and knowledge. Either way, it will be a treat to have him stand in our pulpit.
Frank White is in the Indian River Medical Center with health issues. He is supposed to have a stint put in today. If you are planning to go by for a visit he is in room #374. At the hospital he is listed as Lewis White. If you ask for Frank you will get a blank stare from the receptionist. Just thought you might want to know.
From my family to yours, I want to wish each of you a Merry Christmas. Take this time to enjoy your family. For those of you who enjoyed Steven Wilson's Ecclesiastes class, let me quote one of its passages. "So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people to do in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with the all the hard work God gives them." (Eccl. 8:15). Understanding the context makes this verse even better.
Don't forget to check on our sick. Be an encouragement to someone you know is lonely or struggles this time of year. Baked cookies and a smile go a long way.
Monday, December 23, 2013
Monday, December 16, 2013
A Tale of Two Funerals
This past week I was involved in two funerals. Nothing about them were the same. One was the tragic death of a 24 year old man and the other the natural passing of an 88 year old woman. One was surrounded with deep grief and morning, while the other was surrounded with a celebration of sorts. One left others with many unanswered questions and the other had no questions. As a preacher who conducted both funerals, one came with great mental stress and the other a sense of relief. I could go on but you get the idea. Death is no respecter of persons. It doesn't care that it is Christmas time. It doesn't always make sense. Death is a curse that began with sin in the garden (Gen. 3:19; Rom. 5:12). It hurts. It grieves. It stings. This is why the coming of Christ into the world is so important. This is why His birth was so joyful because it allowed Christ to take on human form so He could live and die for those sins. But even more, to resurrect to give us hope in death we had not had before. (I Cor. 15:54-57) Praise be to God for the newborn King!
It is weeks like this that help me to realize how blessed this church is with the ministry staff. The day of the David Koliner tragedy, David Paladin was out dealing with another family tragedy in the congregation. He is also the one who picked me up in the pulpit while I was gone to be by the side of my grandmother. He learned Friday that he would need to preach just two days later. Never once was I concerned about the preaching while I was with my family. That is a blessing. David had his regular duties to accomplish, including getting the kids ready to perform for the Christmas party. He also had a big Greek test in his masters program.
Add to that Joel Soumar. When I received the call from Micheal Koliner that his brother had just been struck and killed, it was Joel who went with me to their home. He was there those three hours with the family as we waited for the coroner to take the body. Three hours he helped me console the family just feet away from their son under the delivery truck. Three hours he helped talk with neighbors and friends who were upset. He would also make several trips with me to see the family and to be there at the funeral home when the family first saw the body. He also helped me remember some great things about David Koliner to use in the funeral. Joel also handled the graveside for me so I could leave to be with my grandmother before she died. Words cannot express what I feel about these two men, who also ministered to me in the passing of my grandmother.
A'Lana picked up the slack of my leaving early, the extra calls on the funeral and even dealing with the funeral home. She also helped with the Christmas party, all the while planning for her parents 50th wedding anniversary on Saturday night.
My family is very thankful to the elders and the people of this congregation. Throughout this whole process with my grandmother the elders have been encouraging and understanding. They would have had me go sooner and stay later. They are good men. Add to that the kind words, hugs, and encouragement I have received from this church.
Speaking of this church family: I have never been so proud of you as I was during the loss of David Koliner. The turnout of the funeral alone blew me away, especially with it being a Wednesday morning. Most of you didn't know David very well but you came anyway. Add to that the food that was prepared, the visits some made, and the cards. The result? God blessed us. Sunday morning David's family came to worship (first time since Mike was baptized) and later that night to the Christmas party. The family has mentioned the love of this church several times to me.
Speaking of the Christmas party, it was a great. I appreciate Julie and Mark Anderson taking this on. It was a huge success, based on everyone I have talked with or the things I read from many of you on Facebook. They had some great help to make all this possible. I wasn't in a party mood Sunday night but it really lifted my spirits seeing all of you.
While we are throwing out appreciation, I would like to thank Robbie Brackett for taking charge of the new bathroom project. There are many headaches that come along with something like this and I am personally grateful Robbie took them for us. I know Danny Brackett had a big part in things, especially with the children's playground, and these improvements are much appreciated. Although Bella, my 9 year old, was very concerned about the old playground being taken down as she thought this was going to be given for the teenagers to use. The mind of a child!
Sorry this report is so long. This is what happens when I don't preach the day before...I have to get all my words in for the day. Seriously, I love and appreciate each one of you. I'm looking forward to this coming Sunday as we deal with the topic of "Joy to the World", and go Christmas caroling to our shut-ins.
It is weeks like this that help me to realize how blessed this church is with the ministry staff. The day of the David Koliner tragedy, David Paladin was out dealing with another family tragedy in the congregation. He is also the one who picked me up in the pulpit while I was gone to be by the side of my grandmother. He learned Friday that he would need to preach just two days later. Never once was I concerned about the preaching while I was with my family. That is a blessing. David had his regular duties to accomplish, including getting the kids ready to perform for the Christmas party. He also had a big Greek test in his masters program.
Add to that Joel Soumar. When I received the call from Micheal Koliner that his brother had just been struck and killed, it was Joel who went with me to their home. He was there those three hours with the family as we waited for the coroner to take the body. Three hours he helped me console the family just feet away from their son under the delivery truck. Three hours he helped talk with neighbors and friends who were upset. He would also make several trips with me to see the family and to be there at the funeral home when the family first saw the body. He also helped me remember some great things about David Koliner to use in the funeral. Joel also handled the graveside for me so I could leave to be with my grandmother before she died. Words cannot express what I feel about these two men, who also ministered to me in the passing of my grandmother.
A'Lana picked up the slack of my leaving early, the extra calls on the funeral and even dealing with the funeral home. She also helped with the Christmas party, all the while planning for her parents 50th wedding anniversary on Saturday night.
My family is very thankful to the elders and the people of this congregation. Throughout this whole process with my grandmother the elders have been encouraging and understanding. They would have had me go sooner and stay later. They are good men. Add to that the kind words, hugs, and encouragement I have received from this church.
Speaking of this church family: I have never been so proud of you as I was during the loss of David Koliner. The turnout of the funeral alone blew me away, especially with it being a Wednesday morning. Most of you didn't know David very well but you came anyway. Add to that the food that was prepared, the visits some made, and the cards. The result? God blessed us. Sunday morning David's family came to worship (first time since Mike was baptized) and later that night to the Christmas party. The family has mentioned the love of this church several times to me.
Speaking of the Christmas party, it was a great. I appreciate Julie and Mark Anderson taking this on. It was a huge success, based on everyone I have talked with or the things I read from many of you on Facebook. They had some great help to make all this possible. I wasn't in a party mood Sunday night but it really lifted my spirits seeing all of you.
While we are throwing out appreciation, I would like to thank Robbie Brackett for taking charge of the new bathroom project. There are many headaches that come along with something like this and I am personally grateful Robbie took them for us. I know Danny Brackett had a big part in things, especially with the children's playground, and these improvements are much appreciated. Although Bella, my 9 year old, was very concerned about the old playground being taken down as she thought this was going to be given for the teenagers to use. The mind of a child!
Sorry this report is so long. This is what happens when I don't preach the day before...I have to get all my words in for the day. Seriously, I love and appreciate each one of you. I'm looking forward to this coming Sunday as we deal with the topic of "Joy to the World", and go Christmas caroling to our shut-ins.
Monday, December 9, 2013
God is at Work!
It has been a difficult week for some in this church. Most notably is the tragic death of David Koliner. He was a great kid who loved his job, was obedient to his parents, and liked a good joke (even mine). His last words were calling out to Jesus. His brother, Mike (aka "Mad Money Mike) was home when it happened. Mike, like his brother, has a condition from birth that makes him more childlike, yet it was his faith that has been an encouragement to myself, his parents, and others in this dark time. As soon as Joel and I arrived on the scene his first words were, "God is good, all the time." He beat me to having a prayer with him and his family. He pulled out his Bible first to read from Psalm 23. There are many other things Mike has expressed to myself and others that display an amazing faith. It's easy to discount someone like Mike in the church, but this may be the very person God has put before us to learn. I Corinthians 1:27-29, God deliberately chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose those who are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important, so that no one can ever boast in the presence of God. (NLT) As for me, God is a work in my life thanks to the simple faith of a simple guy. Mike may not know the literal Hebrew and Greek meanings of the word faith, but he understands it better than some who do.
As far as yesterday went, things seemed to go smoothly. Our new sermon series, Carols, got kicked off with a trip to the little town of Bethlehem. This week we move into the stable for a lesson on "Away in a Manger" as we try to understand why the Son of God would be placed in something animals use to feed. Continue to invite others to attend.
Last night we had two unique opportunities. Some chose to see one of the most fascinating videos on the star that lead the magi to the new born King. Others took advantage of report on Trinidad and how this island church raised $66,000 for their mission works. Amazing stuff. Afterwards Joel Soumar delivered a powerful devotional on how we should see ourselves. If you missed it you may want to get with Joel just to get the video he used. It was an uplifting evening.
This week is filled with opportunities. David Koliner's funeral will be at our building Wednesday morning at 10:00. If you can help with food please contact Liz Raikes or the church office. The viewing will be at Cox-Gifford Tuesday evening from 2-4 and 6-8 pm. Also, take an opportunity to visit our sick or call those who may be struggling or missing from our services the last week or two. Check on our shut-ins. Sunday night will be another opportunity for the whole church to get together for a devotional and annual Christmas party. Wear your tacky sweater/t-shirt and wrap up a wacky gift for the "White Elephant" gift exchange. This should be fun. It will be at the Heritage Center. Please check your care group to determine what you need to bring.
One more thing. Our annual Christmas Eve Luncheon will be on us before we know it. If you know of people in need that could benefit from a great meal and some good fellowship, please tell them about this event. If you don't know realize how many days we are from Christmas ask your children or grandchildren (they can break it down to hours, minutes and seconds).
As far as yesterday went, things seemed to go smoothly. Our new sermon series, Carols, got kicked off with a trip to the little town of Bethlehem. This week we move into the stable for a lesson on "Away in a Manger" as we try to understand why the Son of God would be placed in something animals use to feed. Continue to invite others to attend.
Last night we had two unique opportunities. Some chose to see one of the most fascinating videos on the star that lead the magi to the new born King. Others took advantage of report on Trinidad and how this island church raised $66,000 for their mission works. Amazing stuff. Afterwards Joel Soumar delivered a powerful devotional on how we should see ourselves. If you missed it you may want to get with Joel just to get the video he used. It was an uplifting evening.
This week is filled with opportunities. David Koliner's funeral will be at our building Wednesday morning at 10:00. If you can help with food please contact Liz Raikes or the church office. The viewing will be at Cox-Gifford Tuesday evening from 2-4 and 6-8 pm. Also, take an opportunity to visit our sick or call those who may be struggling or missing from our services the last week or two. Check on our shut-ins. Sunday night will be another opportunity for the whole church to get together for a devotional and annual Christmas party. Wear your tacky sweater/t-shirt and wrap up a wacky gift for the "White Elephant" gift exchange. This should be fun. It will be at the Heritage Center. Please check your care group to determine what you need to bring.
One more thing. Our annual Christmas Eve Luncheon will be on us before we know it. If you know of people in need that could benefit from a great meal and some good fellowship, please tell them about this event. If you don't know realize how many days we are from Christmas ask your children or grandchildren (they can break it down to hours, minutes and seconds).
Monday, December 2, 2013
Great Sunday Night
It isn't that Sunday morning worship was not uplifting. In fact, the singing was good and the spirits were high. We had so many visitors and most of them were from the community and not just holiday travelers. Hopefully each of you are making a concerted effort to meet our guests each week. Introduce them to others around you and especially make sure I have an opportunity to meet them. I love visitors. We really need your help inviting them to our Coffee Connection before worship in the Fireside Room (LC #103).
Sunday night was especially good, in my opinion. We had one of our Circle Up Singing events. To be honest, I didn't know if we would have enough people to show up to fill all four parts. It rained, and rained, and rained all day. According to Gay Stanley some people shouldn't be out driving in this type of weather, right June? (You would have to be there to understand that last statement). We had a decent crowd, but the singing was GREAT! Bill Raikes, Joel, and myself led the singing. We began with some of the golden oldies and moved into the popular 80's songs and ended with the teen songs of today. Everyone seemed to enjoy the fast past, two verses only, singing. Several mentioned to me how much they enjoyed last night and how good the singing was. We will definitely do this again.
As far as Sunday nights, let me encourage everyone to keep up with their bulletins, the website, and announcements of what is going on. THIS WEEK you will have two choices: 1) Come to the Coffee Shop for a Trinidad update and devotional or 2) go to the Fireside Room for the viewing of "The Star of Bethlehem", which we have played a couple of times over the last few years.
Let me begin with the Trinidad trip. Most of you know I had the privilege of speaking on this Caribbean island last month. If it was nothing more than I went in, spoke, and come back, I wouldn't take up a Sunday night to report. But for me it ended up being much more. It was one of the most encouraging speaking trips I have ever been a part of. Wait until you learn why I was there, what I did, and what happened on that Sunday night. I'm also going to tell you about another opportunity this Summer that some of you may be interested in. Yes, there will be pictures and some of those are of food (of course).
"The Star of Bethlehem" is for anyone who hasn't seen, or would like to see, the video again. It is one of the most fascinating documentaries on the star mentioned in Scripture. They have found the star and you might be surprised what they discovered. PLEASE use this as an outreach opportunity for someone you know to attend.
As far as outreach opportunities goes, this Sunday morning we are beginning a new series of sermons entitled "Carols". Three lessons - three Christmas songs. We begin with "O Little Town of Bethlehem." Why would the King of kings be destined to be born in a town of about 150 at the time? A very unimportant city for the anticipated Messiah. I'm looking forward to this lesson. Invite others to join us for this series over the next three weeks.
I know this blog is long today, but I wanted to update some of you on my grandmother, who may not already know. Immediately after services Tuesday night I received a call from my dad telling me my grandmother, Marine "Mamaw" Lundy, had several mini strokes and a massive heart attack. The doctors had called in the family believing she only had a couple of hours to live. They put her on a respirator with the hopes some of the family would get there in time to say goodbye. A couple of hours later she was still alive, as well as the next day, and then the next... well, she never died. The doctors and nurses are calling her a "miracle" patient. I don't know if it is a full blown miracle where someone gets out of bed and carries it out the front door, but I do believe God had a big hand in what happened. She is now standing up on her walker, eating solid foods, with no tubes, heart medicines, and certainly no respirator. Who knows, she may never walk out of the hospital before another big heart attack happens, but the Lord has blessed our family with some amazing things, especially the extra time with Mamaw. My family does ask that each of you keep praying. She was really thrilled when I told her the churches in India were praying for her (thanks Louis). International prayers are always the best, right? Seriously, we want to thank everyone who has kept her in their prayers.
So much more I could tell you about what is happening and the upcoming month, but I feel I may have exceeded the average attention span already. Keep an eye out for our sick and others who may be struggling.
Sunday night was especially good, in my opinion. We had one of our Circle Up Singing events. To be honest, I didn't know if we would have enough people to show up to fill all four parts. It rained, and rained, and rained all day. According to Gay Stanley some people shouldn't be out driving in this type of weather, right June? (You would have to be there to understand that last statement). We had a decent crowd, but the singing was GREAT! Bill Raikes, Joel, and myself led the singing. We began with some of the golden oldies and moved into the popular 80's songs and ended with the teen songs of today. Everyone seemed to enjoy the fast past, two verses only, singing. Several mentioned to me how much they enjoyed last night and how good the singing was. We will definitely do this again.
As far as Sunday nights, let me encourage everyone to keep up with their bulletins, the website, and announcements of what is going on. THIS WEEK you will have two choices: 1) Come to the Coffee Shop for a Trinidad update and devotional or 2) go to the Fireside Room for the viewing of "The Star of Bethlehem", which we have played a couple of times over the last few years.
Let me begin with the Trinidad trip. Most of you know I had the privilege of speaking on this Caribbean island last month. If it was nothing more than I went in, spoke, and come back, I wouldn't take up a Sunday night to report. But for me it ended up being much more. It was one of the most encouraging speaking trips I have ever been a part of. Wait until you learn why I was there, what I did, and what happened on that Sunday night. I'm also going to tell you about another opportunity this Summer that some of you may be interested in. Yes, there will be pictures and some of those are of food (of course).
"The Star of Bethlehem" is for anyone who hasn't seen, or would like to see, the video again. It is one of the most fascinating documentaries on the star mentioned in Scripture. They have found the star and you might be surprised what they discovered. PLEASE use this as an outreach opportunity for someone you know to attend.
As far as outreach opportunities goes, this Sunday morning we are beginning a new series of sermons entitled "Carols". Three lessons - three Christmas songs. We begin with "O Little Town of Bethlehem." Why would the King of kings be destined to be born in a town of about 150 at the time? A very unimportant city for the anticipated Messiah. I'm looking forward to this lesson. Invite others to join us for this series over the next three weeks.
I know this blog is long today, but I wanted to update some of you on my grandmother, who may not already know. Immediately after services Tuesday night I received a call from my dad telling me my grandmother, Marine "Mamaw" Lundy, had several mini strokes and a massive heart attack. The doctors had called in the family believing she only had a couple of hours to live. They put her on a respirator with the hopes some of the family would get there in time to say goodbye. A couple of hours later she was still alive, as well as the next day, and then the next... well, she never died. The doctors and nurses are calling her a "miracle" patient. I don't know if it is a full blown miracle where someone gets out of bed and carries it out the front door, but I do believe God had a big hand in what happened. She is now standing up on her walker, eating solid foods, with no tubes, heart medicines, and certainly no respirator. Who knows, she may never walk out of the hospital before another big heart attack happens, but the Lord has blessed our family with some amazing things, especially the extra time with Mamaw. My family does ask that each of you keep praying. She was really thrilled when I told her the churches in India were praying for her (thanks Louis). International prayers are always the best, right? Seriously, we want to thank everyone who has kept her in their prayers.
So much more I could tell you about what is happening and the upcoming month, but I feel I may have exceeded the average attention span already. Keep an eye out for our sick and others who may be struggling.
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