Yesterday was my last day of Spring Break with my family. We had a great week at St. Augustine. I won't bore you with a lot of details, but we saw some new things (if you can use the word "new" when speaking about the oldest city in the nation), ate at some new places (thanks to the Mooney's), and enjoyed some of our favorite things (sunsets, walking the old streets, and drinking from my favorite coffee shop). It was a mental recharge.
That being said I attended yesterday as a regular member. It was a blessing to hear Joel. He is a natural. He does the studies and is dedicated to the Lord, but he also has a gift. This church is blessed to have someone like Joel who can step in and deliver, not only a decent lesson, but an excellent one. As a staff member, it is a real privilege to work with Joel each week. As a parent, it is comforting to know he is working with my teenagers. Let Joel know how much you appreciate him this week.
Sunday night I was back at work leading my 2:42 Group. We had a great number and it was one of those times when everyone seemed to stick around afterwards and talk. An hour of study and at least another hour of fellowship (many longer). I appreciate everyone who participates in our small groups and especially those who are opening their homes or leading groups.
The Coffee Connection was also good yesterday. We had a visitor from our Celebrate Recovery program. She has been coming to the meetings for a year before she finally decided to join us. In other words, reaching people is a process and can be a long process for some. The elders and ministers appreciate the work of those who have dedicated their time each week to this program. It has two main goals: 1) help those who struggle with hurts, hang-ups, and habits and 2) bring them to Christ, which goes hand-in-hand. If you know of those who could benefit from Celebrate Recovery, let them know they meet on Mondays nights at 7 pm and 8 pm. If you need more information you can contact John Pickerill, Carol Lee, or Becky Pylant.
NEW CLASSES WEDNESDAY NIGHTS: The ladies will be meeting in Lynn Center 105 studying the Book of Job which will be presented by Beth Hoskins... and the men will meet in the Coffee Shop studying Samson which will be presented by Joe Wild.
ATTENTION: Two people we need to pray for this week. Peggy Stephens lost her brother last week and will be flying to Texas for the funeral. She will be gone for a month and really desires for her church family to remember her in prayer. Her brother lost a long and difficult battle, but the family also rejoices in his dedication to the Lord.
Also, pray for Willie Teague (and Trudy). Willie has received some difficult news this past week and has begun radiation. Trudy came forward yesterday overwhelmed with everything going on right now. Trudy wasn't sure what time the treatments would begin today so we are asking everyone to pray throughout the day for them. I know they would appreciate cards and calls. Once we get word, Willie will appreciate people stopping by for a visit.
I'm sure there are many more who need our prayers so we are asking everyone to check up on those they know and let the elders and ministers know when there is a need. The more information we are given the more we are able to keep the body informed.
Looking forward to getting back in the pulpit this week. The sermon this week will be "Blind Spots". Read John 9 if you would like to prepare for the text this week.
Monday, March 31, 2014
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
A Crowded Sunday
I don't know about you, but it is really encouraging when we have a section of our auditorium filled with college students. It just makes everything better - the singing, the atmosphere, etc. It was great having students from the University of Kentucky with us yesterday. For many of you it was even better being able to see an old friend/minister, Kevin Whooten. But what was the most encouraging to me is the reason this group here. They are using their Spring Break to serve others. If you are interested, they will be filling the meeting room at Horizon Bay Tuesday night at 6:30. They will be doing the singing, prayers, and lessons.
On a more serious note, Marge Hansler came forward yesterday wanting prayers. She is being laid off at her work. As anyone would be, she is concerned about her future. If you know of any job openings or ideas to help her please let her know.
Yesterday we had another great day of visitors. Some from out of town, but we are having a steady stream of people from our community. I appreciate everyone who goes out of their way to meet them and make them feel welcome.
We are down to our last two lessons on the Book of Psalms. This week we will be discussing Psalms and the Holy Spirit. Most assume the Spirit didn't really do anything until the New Testament, but that simply isn't the case. We actually find many similarities in His work in both Testaments. We begin at 7 pm.
Speaking of last lessons, this Sunday will be the final lesson in our series on txt. Hopefully it has been a series that has encouraged you in your faith in God's Word.
Continue to check up on our sick and those unable to be with us. Make a call, send a card, or find other ways to let them know they are missed.
On a more serious note, Marge Hansler came forward yesterday wanting prayers. She is being laid off at her work. As anyone would be, she is concerned about her future. If you know of any job openings or ideas to help her please let her know.
Yesterday we had another great day of visitors. Some from out of town, but we are having a steady stream of people from our community. I appreciate everyone who goes out of their way to meet them and make them feel welcome.
We are down to our last two lessons on the Book of Psalms. This week we will be discussing Psalms and the Holy Spirit. Most assume the Spirit didn't really do anything until the New Testament, but that simply isn't the case. We actually find many similarities in His work in both Testaments. We begin at 7 pm.
Speaking of last lessons, this Sunday will be the final lesson in our series on txt. Hopefully it has been a series that has encouraged you in your faith in God's Word.
Continue to check up on our sick and those unable to be with us. Make a call, send a card, or find other ways to let them know they are missed.
Monday, March 10, 2014
A Good Day
It was great getting back up to preach this week. A guy like Dominic motivates me in ministry. After having this fireball in my home for the week, as well as sitting at his feet, I can honestly say it was a spiritual recharge. He is an amazing guy with a talent that can only be explained as being from God. I listened as the oldest from Horizon Bay (Tuesday night) to the youth of this church (Wednesday night), told me how much Dominic connected with them. I'm thankful to the elders for having him brought in.
Back to normal, sort of. It was the first day of the time change. It was also the first day of our new Sunday Morning classes. In Lynn Center #105 is learning about the Christ from a historical perspective, taught by Neal Roe. In the Hebrews Coffee Shop, the Book of James, that will be taught by Jerry Cutshall. Two great topics. Someone told me they couldn't decide so they will be attending both of them before they make a decision for the rest of the quarter.
Despite losing an hour of sleep our worship was very inspiring. We had several visitors, some from our community and others from out of town. We began a new series of lessons called txt. There were many kind comments about the sermon and how much it is needed today. No doubt, some of the things in this series will be familiar, but it is so important we never forget these basic truths. This week we will be answering the question of whether or not the Bible is trustworthy. Do you know someone who struggles with this question? Invite them to come. If you can get them here at 9:30 am, bring them to our Coffee Connection. Use this series as a means to bring others to Christ.
David Paladin will be flying back late tonight from Memphis after a week of intense studies for his Master's degree. I know it was hard on him being away from his family and even told Christin, "I have missed a quarter of my daughter's life being here." The dramatics of a new father. Either way, he will be known as a deadbeat dad for a couple of weeks around the office. :) Seriously, pray for his safe flight and arrival.
Some extra reminders: Monday nights are Celebrate Recovery at the building (7 & 8 pm) for ANYONE who has hurts, habits, or hang-ups. Tuesday morning is a Bible class for anyone who wants a little extra for the week. They are studying the Minor Prophets at 10 am. If interested, they will be in Joel Chapter 3 this week. Also, on Tuesday nights a great group of people provide a service for the people at Horizon Bay. It is a relaxed environment with singing, teaching, and interaction with some of its residences. The elders and ministers appreciate all of those who help out with any of these activities each week. If you would like to know more about any of these, call the church office and we can get you in touch with the right people, or just show up and learn first hand.
After a great week with the Dos Santos family, I am looking forward to getting back to my normal routine. Continue to check up on those who are sick or have been M.I.A. recently. Be kind and do something special for someone who wouldn't expect it. See you Wednesday night!
Back to normal, sort of. It was the first day of the time change. It was also the first day of our new Sunday Morning classes. In Lynn Center #105 is learning about the Christ from a historical perspective, taught by Neal Roe. In the Hebrews Coffee Shop, the Book of James, that will be taught by Jerry Cutshall. Two great topics. Someone told me they couldn't decide so they will be attending both of them before they make a decision for the rest of the quarter.
Despite losing an hour of sleep our worship was very inspiring. We had several visitors, some from our community and others from out of town. We began a new series of lessons called txt. There were many kind comments about the sermon and how much it is needed today. No doubt, some of the things in this series will be familiar, but it is so important we never forget these basic truths. This week we will be answering the question of whether or not the Bible is trustworthy. Do you know someone who struggles with this question? Invite them to come. If you can get them here at 9:30 am, bring them to our Coffee Connection. Use this series as a means to bring others to Christ.
David Paladin will be flying back late tonight from Memphis after a week of intense studies for his Master's degree. I know it was hard on him being away from his family and even told Christin, "I have missed a quarter of my daughter's life being here." The dramatics of a new father. Either way, he will be known as a deadbeat dad for a couple of weeks around the office. :) Seriously, pray for his safe flight and arrival.
Some extra reminders: Monday nights are Celebrate Recovery at the building (7 & 8 pm) for ANYONE who has hurts, habits, or hang-ups. Tuesday morning is a Bible class for anyone who wants a little extra for the week. They are studying the Minor Prophets at 10 am. If interested, they will be in Joel Chapter 3 this week. Also, on Tuesday nights a great group of people provide a service for the people at Horizon Bay. It is a relaxed environment with singing, teaching, and interaction with some of its residences. The elders and ministers appreciate all of those who help out with any of these activities each week. If you would like to know more about any of these, call the church office and we can get you in touch with the right people, or just show up and learn first hand.
After a great week with the Dos Santos family, I am looking forward to getting back to my normal routine. Continue to check up on those who are sick or have been M.I.A. recently. Be kind and do something special for someone who wouldn't expect it. See you Wednesday night!
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Uplifting Sunday!
Where do I start? Sunday was such an uplifting day all the way around! Since it was Missions Sunday I will begin with our contribution. We set a goal of $65,000 and completely outdid ourselves by giving $75,000!!! I can't tell you how proud I am of this church. You have always hit the goal, even though some have been hit by the economy over the last few years. But yesterday you reached beyond your normal generosity and did something special. Praise God! May He stand behind this gift and bless the hands of those who will receive it.
But we cannot leave out our guest speaker, Dominic Dos Santos. So many of you have expressed to me how much you enjoyed his presence. His lesson was outstanding! Some of you indicated to me that he influenced the gift you gave for our special contribution. You know he is something special when the youth tell you how much they loved hearing him. They are excited about him speaking for their class Wednesday night. Some have already indicated they want to have Dominic back again.
Along those same lines, Dominic spoke for the Gifford congregation Sunday night. We had about 25 of our own people who wanted to hear him again. The singing was outstanding! The fellowship with our brethren was even sweeter. Dominic once again knocked it out of the park. So much so they spoke with him about coming back in August to hold a meeting for them.
Brother Dos Santos is one of the best kept secrets in the Caribbean. His personality is contagious and is preaching is powerful. He will be speaking at 10 am tomorrow morning in our Coffee Shop to talk about evangelism. One of the things he will be talking about is their prison ministry, which is very impressive. Afterwards, we will all be going out to eat. Tuesday night he will be speaking for the Horizon Bay group at 6:30. I know they would love to have your singing voices to make it a special night.
I want to thank everyone who helped with the set up and clean up of our fellowship meal. It is really encouraging seeing so many serving in this way. Also, a big thanks to all of you who cooked. The food was great!
Wednesday night we will continue in our Psalms class with part one of Christ and the Psalms. Next Sunday we beginning a three part series called "TXT". The world's new approach to Christianity is to discredit God's Word. But can it be trusted? Is this some outdated ancient book or something that we should hold in high esteem?
Don't forget to check on the sick and shut-ins. Pray for David Paladin as he will be away for a few days in Memphis for his masters program.
But we cannot leave out our guest speaker, Dominic Dos Santos. So many of you have expressed to me how much you enjoyed his presence. His lesson was outstanding! Some of you indicated to me that he influenced the gift you gave for our special contribution. You know he is something special when the youth tell you how much they loved hearing him. They are excited about him speaking for their class Wednesday night. Some have already indicated they want to have Dominic back again.
Along those same lines, Dominic spoke for the Gifford congregation Sunday night. We had about 25 of our own people who wanted to hear him again. The singing was outstanding! The fellowship with our brethren was even sweeter. Dominic once again knocked it out of the park. So much so they spoke with him about coming back in August to hold a meeting for them.
Brother Dos Santos is one of the best kept secrets in the Caribbean. His personality is contagious and is preaching is powerful. He will be speaking at 10 am tomorrow morning in our Coffee Shop to talk about evangelism. One of the things he will be talking about is their prison ministry, which is very impressive. Afterwards, we will all be going out to eat. Tuesday night he will be speaking for the Horizon Bay group at 6:30. I know they would love to have your singing voices to make it a special night.
I want to thank everyone who helped with the set up and clean up of our fellowship meal. It is really encouraging seeing so many serving in this way. Also, a big thanks to all of you who cooked. The food was great!
Wednesday night we will continue in our Psalms class with part one of Christ and the Psalms. Next Sunday we beginning a three part series called "TXT". The world's new approach to Christianity is to discredit God's Word. But can it be trusted? Is this some outdated ancient book or something that we should hold in high esteem?
Don't forget to check on the sick and shut-ins. Pray for David Paladin as he will be away for a few days in Memphis for his masters program.
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