Memorial Day Edition

Today is a day to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country.  War is a terrible thing.  I hate it.  It is the result of evil and sin that involves the lives of the innocent.  The men and women who died in battle did so trying to preserve the freedoms we enjoy in our country.  As the saying goes, "Freedom isn't free."  The cost is much greater than what is calculated on a ledger but paid in blood.  I am not trying to rain down on your Memorial Day activities, because it was the sacrifice of others that allows us to have a day with our family and friends.  The goal is to help you take a very small portion of your day to remember the fallen.

Yesterday we celebrated another memorial day, as we do each week, remembering the ultimate sacrifice of the Son of God for all humanity.  Jesus died but He wasn't wearing the uniform one country or group of people over another.  The blood He shed was for everyone.  The freedom we enjoy in Christ far surpasses the freedoms of our country, or ever could offer, the freedom from sin and death.  This is what the emblems of the Lord's Supper represent - the body and blood of our Savior.  His death and resurrection unites us with believers on every continent into one kingdom - the Kingdom of Christ.  A Kingdom that is filled with peace, love, joy and life beyond human comprehension.  Praise God!

Sunday was a great day with God's people.  Memorial Day weekend always shuffles Christians around.  In other words, we always have several who are out of town while we enjoy the company of those who have come to town.  I tried to get around to everyone.  We had many visiting with us from other places, and a few from our city.

We also saw another Sunday with our parking lot under construction.  Maybe I'm not getting around enough, but everyone seems to be handling this temporary inconvenience amazingly well.  It's hot!  People are having to park further away.  Several of our guys are standing out in the heat to make sure everyone knows where to park.  Yet, I hear no complaints.  Believe me, I know it will get to a point where it will be frustrating.  Construction always takes longer than our patience allows.  But for now, I really appreciate your attitude.  On behalf of the leadership I want to thank you.

This Sunday we will complete the third and final lesson on prayer in the Psalms.  The truth is, we could take the entire year to study the Psalms and it wouldn't be enough.  My hope is the time we have spend in this book has been a blessing in your life.  If so, thank God.  This week David writes a hymn of worship despite being in a low place in his life.  I love this Psalm (I know I say this a lot).

Beginning June 7th, we will engage in a sermon series that will last through the summer.  It is all about the Amazing Jesus.  As you go through the Gospels, you cannot help but see the amazement of those who encountered the Messiah.  After Jesus finished speaking, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, (Matt. 8:28). The disciples just sat there in awe... (Matt. 8:27).  The crowds marveled. "Nothing like this has ever happened in Israel!"... (Matt. 9:33). The crowd was amazed.  (Matt. 12:23).  This is just the beginning.  We will learn of His amazing grace, compassion, power, love, and many more things about the One who left the glory of heaven to come into our world.

Today is a national holiday so use this as a day of rest and recreation.  We all need those times to recharge from the daily routine.  Take a Bible with you and read some passages from the Psalms.  It doesn't have to be heavy reading, but a simple reflection on a chapter or single verse.  Read a few stories about Jesus and let this fill your mind.  Some of my favorite times is setting up the hammock and reading as the sun starts to set.  Don't be surprised if you find your mind drifting in and out of prayer.  Don't be surprised if you dream about spiritual things that night.  And don't be surprised if you wake up Tuesday morning mentally refreshed!  Have your cook-outs and enjoy your outside activities, but take a few moments to recharge your mind with God's Word.

Sunday Funday

Sunday was one of those crazy, but fun, kind of days.  It was the first Sunday without our parking lot on the east side.  We understand the inconvenience but I am happy to report we didn't hear one complaint.  Most preachers call this a miracle. Seriously, we appreciate your patience.  A special thanks to David Paladin who designed and marked off the parking on the west side of the building this week... in the heat of the day.  Also a big thanks to our parking attendants.  Nothing like getting in a good sweat before Bible classes.  And of course, we can't forget about those who loaned us the golf carts to get people back and forth to their cars.  Personally, I think some of you were having too much fun on the golf carts.  Here are a few pictures of the craziness.

 

Here are a few of our parking attendants who made for a smooth Sunday

 

A herd of teens walking from the farthest parking lot

 

Everyone did a great job parking... except this guy.  I'm not going to mention names but he could have been the writer of I and II Timothy or a Dean of a college.

 



Sunday night was another part of the Sunday Funday with our graduates.  We are proud of each of them.  Joel did a good job putting this together.  A special thanks to those who brought food, decorated, or came out to support our seniors.  Here are a few pictures.  Unfortunately I was running the sound and did not get good quality.

Joel with Brett Chappelear and Jake Thistle sitting on this back row (sorry Jake)

Joel and Halla

Sunday morning we met with anyone interesting in going to the Caribbean Lectures in St. Thomas.  If you were unable to attend the meeting or absent, but would like to go, please let me know this week and we will send you information.  The deadline will be this Sunday, May 24th.  You can reply by email, call me or Missy directly, or see us next Sunday.  We will need the following information to book our reservations for flights and hotel: 1) Name on your drivers license and date of birth (for flight), 2) how many will be in your hotel room and their names (the more in a room the cheaper the price per person) 3) If you would like to upgrade to an ocean view room ($100 extra per night - YIKES!), and a partial downpayment. We will leave on Saturday, July 11th and return on Thursday, July 15th.  We will be flying on Spirit Airlines (from Ft. Lauderdale).  There is a great benefit to going with fellow Christians on a trip to the Caribbean, but the real appeal is the singing, preaching and the Caribbean believers.  It is a true spiritual enrichment.  Here is a picture of the hotel we will be staying as well as the location of the lectures.

Sunday morning we started a new series on prayer from the book of Psalms.  I heard many kind comments about the study with the exception of one lady who didn't like me talking about people who dress up their dogs.  Hahaha, she hugged me anyway.  I am really excited about this weeks Psalm.  David says some things that will give you the WOW factor.  We will be looking into a prayer of protection from Psalm 56.  A quick overview: Murder, David goes into acting, a special bottle God keeps things, and the fact that God is for me.  I can't wait to tell you about this prayer.

Let the Lord dominate your life.  Talk to him daily... several times daily.  Express your love for Him.  Tell Him your innermost thoughts and stresses.  Ask Him for personal needs.  Ask Him for needs on behalf of others.  Read the Psalms until you find one that speaks to you and meditate on it.  Let it improve your prayer life.  Underline a word or phrase that jumps out to you.  Let it change your heart.

Tracy

A Great Week

It has been a great week for this congregation. It all began at our Wednesday night Oasis.  We enjoyed a Mexican fiesta prepared by our people.  Many tears were shed in the making of this meal.  Seriously, I walked in and saw them cutting up the onions.  A big thanks to all who made this a special night.  Here is a great picture of Kathy Patteson who really got into the theme.

Friday night many of you filled the bleachers to cheer on some of our teens playing in the regional championship.  Austin Dean, Garrett Dean and Trevor Wild, along with head coach/elder Joe Wild, enjoyed a close win.  They now go to the final four to play for the state championship in Tampa.  Regardless of what happens, they have had a great season.

You may also notice the photo bomb by Sasha Chisholm and Kaitlyn Cutshall in the background

 

Sunday was a big day for mothers.  Thankfully you all survived my sermon.  It wasn't the feel good lesson we get accustomed to on this day (and I like to preach), but an important one nonetheless.  The bottom line: mothers with faith and courage are used by God to do amazing things.  Do not fear (terror) this world but place your fear (worshipful submission and awe) in the Lord.  Godly mothers are the best.  It was great seeing many of you with your mothers and children.  Some of you grieve this time of year and my prayers go out to you.  Some were not able to have their children with them.  Last night we went out for our Mother's Day/my birthday dinner.  While we were eating a young man walks in with his Navy dress whites to surprise his mother with a dozen roses.  The mother was one of the waitresses and she had not seen her son in a while.  The whole restaurant applauded.  It was neat.  I thought about people like the Roe's who have a son in the Navy and unable to be here, as well as, others who may not have been able to be in town.  For Missy it was bitter sweet.  Three of our four kids were here while one was missing (Lex will be home in a few weeks).  I wish I could have been with my mother as well, but thank God for telephones.  Here are a few pictures I would like to share.

 

Missy with one of her college kids home

Missy enjoying a nice sunset with her children

 

THIS WEEK construction has begun on the parking lot.  Everything will be blocked off on east side of the building until completed.  I don't know how long it will take, but we ask for your patience.  When it is finished I believe it will be worth the wait.  There will be parking on the north side of the building.  We will begin marking off spots this week.  Please allow our handicapped and elderly to park on the west side of the building and in the closer spots to the north.  Thank you in advance.

 

Wednesday night the Family Homeless Center will be here for anyone interested in learning more about their program and ways you can get involved.  We recently partnered with them due to potential opportunities to serve and share Christ.  This will be held in Lynn Center #105.  We will also have our regular adult Bible class in the Hebrews Coffee Shop.  We have begun my favorite subject in this study - the Good News.  Both of these begin at 7 pm.

Sunday we begin a new series of lessons entitled At the Bottom Looking Up...  Learning to pray in times of distress.  What do you do when life has knocked you to the ground?  Look up to God. I believe most Christians want a greater prayer life but struggle, especially during those difficult moments in life.  These lesson are based on the prayers of David in the Psalms.  We begin this week with "A Prayer for Strength" (Psalm 59).  Invite others you know who are going through hard times.

 

 

If you had a great weekend, like most of us did, go out and help someone who didn't.  Bring their names before the throne of God.  Find a way to lighten their load.  Invest in their life.  Put a smile on your face.  Feed the poor.  Serve someone who cannot serve themselves.  Be Jesus to our world.  Read and meditate on the Word of God.  Talk to the Father about it.  Let the text stretch you spiritually.  Love God.

 

Tracy

A Good Day

Yesterday was a good great day!  Let me begin with the big news - Mike Wiley was baptized into Christ!  Over the years many prayers have been offered and tears shed for this day.  It came and more prayers were offered and many more tears were shed, but of a different type.  Personally speaking, I love Mike.  This wasn't some ritual he followed to punch his ticket to heaven.  He desires more than anything to please the Father.  His greatest fears has always been of not living up to that desire.  This is why we need Christ Jesus because none of us will live perfectly.  Only the Messiah was able to do so and now He lives in Mike.  For a couple of hours following, several of us just sat around, talked and enjoyed Christian fellowship.  If had not been for our Sunday night singing it would have lasted even longer.  These are the really neat moments in Christianity.  Here are some cool pictures from the day.

For the record, he was given the choice between the pond or the swimming pool.

 

The fish came up as soon as we put him under - fitting

 

If you are having a bad day these next two pictures should cheer you up

Let's continue our theme of a good great day.  Yesterday we installed two new deacons - Jim Warren and Ladell Young.  I am really excited about their future with this church.  More will be said later.  For now, keep them in your prayers.

Our singing was uplifting the whole day.  Sunday morning was great and I thought the way David lead "Ten Thousand Angels" was powerful!  That night we had one of our old fashioned signings.  Many songs were requested and sung.  The volume and sound was so good.  A big thanks to David Brooker, Lonnie Ledford, and Bill Raikes for leading.  If you were unable to come you missed Lonnie leading without his teeth.  His smile was even better than his singing.

Sunday morning Trudy Teague came forward asking for prayers.  She is really struggling with the loss of Willie.  Sunday night she had a panic attack as we were singing Willie's favorite song.  Let us lift Trudy up in prayer.  Now for the positive: many came to her side when she walked forward Sunday morning and those who saw her struggling Sunday night walked her out to comfort her.  Life is hard and sometimes it just stinks, but how awesome is it to have a spiritual family who is there to comfort us in those times?  By the way, Willie's favorite song is fitting - "The Greatest Commands" - in which we sing "love one another" and "love bears all things".

Sunday night we celebrated April and May birthdays.  Sorry the picture is so bad.

Next Sunday is Mother's Day.  I will be preaching on a tremendous woman of faith - Jochebed.  Not sure who she is?  This is the mother of Moses, a great servant of God.  Invite your mothers or children to join you.  Next week I will introduce a new series starting the following week.



Speaking of servants, we have a great opportunity to make a difference in our community.  We have been partnering with the Second Chance Family Center in an effort to assist the individuals in our community who are looking for a hand up. In the coming weeks, we will begin providing the children, from the center, a place to have classes to help them educationally catch up. The center has asked us if we can assist them with transportation and individuals to work with the kids one on one. This coming Wednesday at 7pm, one of the staff from the center will be in room 105 in the Lynn center speaking on their specific needs for the kids. This is a great program.

Friday I had the privilege of conducting a marriage ceremony for a great couple.  They moved to West Palm Beach two weeks ago from Kentucky and thought the Vero Beach Hotel and Spa was a great place to have a wedding.  Many of their Kentucky friends and family came down for the event.  And yes, they are Big Blue fans.  They also know a lot about horse racing.  Here are a few pictures I thought you might enjoy.  It was a beautiful day!

Unity sand (in place of unity candles)

I present to you Jonathan and Lindsey Potts

Look at the water!

Be inspired by the weekend.  Long for the joy of seeing others commit their lives to Christ.  Pray for them, love them, speak words of Jesus to them, and be patient.  Live out your baptism.  Reflect on it when you get discouraged.  Be aware of opportunities that come your way to minister to others.  Do you know of someone who needs a visit, a call, or a card of encouragement?  Be Jesus to the world.