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).
Monday, December 9, 2013
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.
Monday, November 25, 2013
Turkey Week!
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.
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 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.
Monday, October 28, 2013
Crazy Week Ahead
Yesterday was a good day. With the exception of a "new" song (Wonderful Grace of Jesus - written in 1918), the song service was great. Actually, I gave Bill that song to sing Sunday morning so I'm just kidding. It was a great day of worship and those of you able to participate really added to our songs of praise to God. We finished up our series on "The Divine Compulsion" and now I will be preparing to preach those lessons again this weekend in Trinidad.
Speaking of Trinidad, I will be flying out Thursday evening. This means I will be missing "Trick or Treating" with Bella (first time ever), so make sure you give her some extra candy if she ends up at your door. She will be dressed like Priscilla Presley and our dog will be Elvis (yes, he has a costume). Back to my trip to Trinidad, it is a conference for the Caribbean that also raises money for the preaching students at the school there. I will be speaking Friday, Saturday and Sunday, as well as touring the preaching school and island on Monday. Tuesday will be my flight back to Vero Beach, USA. After this I will not be leaving Vero again until a couple of days after Christmas for some R and R. Please pray for my family while I am gone, that they are safe and stress free. If you have time, say a little prayer for me and my travels.
Speaking of prayers, this Friday Betty Pack will be having surgery for breast cancer. As with Joe, we want a continual prayer to go up for her before, during, and after surgery. We have seen the power of prayer. We will have another day of prayer a few days later for Fran Mooney as she also will be having surgery for breast cancer. We want to continue doing these for serious issues that arise with our members. I would much rather this church be known as a praying people than that church who always has cool stuff going on. We want to continue to improve every aspect of what we do here - congregational prayers, corporate worship, serving others, and our overall love.
Now let me tell you about a series that will begin when I get back from Trinidad. It has a real catchy title - "Habakkuk". One of the 12 Minor Prophets of the Old Testament. Three chapters - three sermons. A great series for those who sometimes struggle with their faith. It is especially helpful in those times that, well, God doesn't seem fair. Such as, the wicked prosper when someone who loves God and tries to do right loses their job, gets sick, or dies an early death. What do we do with that? This book will not only be helpful to the people of this church but also those you know who struggle in this way. Start inviting people now. It begins November 10th.
If you missed Sunday night you really missed out on something special. Bill Peoples spoke to us about the difficult subject of cancer. But it wasn't so much about what to do when you, or someone you love gets cancer, but ways to prevent it from ever happening to you. It was fascinating, to say the least. A'Lana video recorded the lecture. Bill also stayed around to answer questions many of you had following. I appreciate the elders doing something like this for the church.
Think about the people who normally sit around who were absent. Give them a call, visit, or card to make sure everything is okay. As always, let the leadership know if it is something of a serious nature. Continue to pray for our sick. Wear a smile. Be kind to people. Be Jesus to the world.
Speaking of Trinidad, I will be flying out Thursday evening. This means I will be missing "Trick or Treating" with Bella (first time ever), so make sure you give her some extra candy if she ends up at your door. She will be dressed like Priscilla Presley and our dog will be Elvis (yes, he has a costume). Back to my trip to Trinidad, it is a conference for the Caribbean that also raises money for the preaching students at the school there. I will be speaking Friday, Saturday and Sunday, as well as touring the preaching school and island on Monday. Tuesday will be my flight back to Vero Beach, USA. After this I will not be leaving Vero again until a couple of days after Christmas for some R and R. Please pray for my family while I am gone, that they are safe and stress free. If you have time, say a little prayer for me and my travels.
Speaking of prayers, this Friday Betty Pack will be having surgery for breast cancer. As with Joe, we want a continual prayer to go up for her before, during, and after surgery. We have seen the power of prayer. We will have another day of prayer a few days later for Fran Mooney as she also will be having surgery for breast cancer. We want to continue doing these for serious issues that arise with our members. I would much rather this church be known as a praying people than that church who always has cool stuff going on. We want to continue to improve every aspect of what we do here - congregational prayers, corporate worship, serving others, and our overall love.
Now let me tell you about a series that will begin when I get back from Trinidad. It has a real catchy title - "Habakkuk". One of the 12 Minor Prophets of the Old Testament. Three chapters - three sermons. A great series for those who sometimes struggle with their faith. It is especially helpful in those times that, well, God doesn't seem fair. Such as, the wicked prosper when someone who loves God and tries to do right loses their job, gets sick, or dies an early death. What do we do with that? This book will not only be helpful to the people of this church but also those you know who struggle in this way. Start inviting people now. It begins November 10th.
If you missed Sunday night you really missed out on something special. Bill Peoples spoke to us about the difficult subject of cancer. But it wasn't so much about what to do when you, or someone you love gets cancer, but ways to prevent it from ever happening to you. It was fascinating, to say the least. A'Lana video recorded the lecture. Bill also stayed around to answer questions many of you had following. I appreciate the elders doing something like this for the church.
Think about the people who normally sit around who were absent. Give them a call, visit, or card to make sure everything is okay. As always, let the leadership know if it is something of a serious nature. Continue to pray for our sick. Wear a smile. Be kind to people. Be Jesus to the world.
Monday, October 21, 2013
A Day of Celebration
Sunday was a day that seemed to be a day of celebration. So many of you gave it all you had in prayer for one of our shepherds. The Father's great answer to those prayers had all of us filled with thankful hearts. Over and over I heard things like, "Praise God"; "God is good", and many other things similar. You have to love it when the Father does something that makes everyone sit back and say, "That could only God!" It really affected our worship. I don't know about you, but after spending so much time praying for Joe on Friday, my Saturday was filled with many moments of thanking God. I guess you could call it the Divine compulsion.
Sunday night was another great experience. It was the first time I had an opportunity to go to the parenting class. Joel did an outstanding job with a very difficult subject. This congregation is fortunate to have him working with our teenagers. The class went so well, it went over by 30 minutes and then decided to add one more week.
David Paladin headed out for a much needed vacation. Pray that he will find refreshment. He continues to do a great work for this congregation.
While we are talking about the staff, A'Lana did a great job keeping the church informed before, during, and after Joe's surgery. Many commented to me Sunday how much they appreciated the updates.
It is going to be a busy week. Keep praying for so many in this church who are dealing with physical issues. Check up on those who sit around you during services and let the leadership know if there are those who need special attention.
Sunday night was another great experience. It was the first time I had an opportunity to go to the parenting class. Joel did an outstanding job with a very difficult subject. This congregation is fortunate to have him working with our teenagers. The class went so well, it went over by 30 minutes and then decided to add one more week.
David Paladin headed out for a much needed vacation. Pray that he will find refreshment. He continues to do a great work for this congregation.
While we are talking about the staff, A'Lana did a great job keeping the church informed before, during, and after Joe's surgery. Many commented to me Sunday how much they appreciated the updates.
It is going to be a busy week. Keep praying for so many in this church who are dealing with physical issues. Check up on those who sit around you during services and let the leadership know if there are those who need special attention.
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