Back to School

Another school year begins in Indian River County.  To all our students, we pray you would be delivered from temptations and evil - bullying, drugs, judging, cursing, immoral thoughts, etc.  We also pray you could be able to reach your greatest learning potential, not only for your betterment, but also of society and to the glorification of God.  To our teachers, we pray for patience, energy, and a clear mind to mold the minds of this generation.  You will never be paid your worth, but we pray that one changed life will make up that difference.  Thank you for all you do.

Speaking of students, my house was filled with our youth group last night.  (Unfortunately I can't post pictures again.  I worked on this for a couple of hours last night and I cannot get the blog site to contact me.  I may have a new blog soon!). I love being around your young people.  Some played basketball, jumped on the trampoline, sat inside and talked, and swam.  It was a blessing to join them in the devotional.  We sang several songs and Joel delivered some good thoughts.  My favorite part was being there for Bella's first youth activity, since being promoted to the youth group last week.  She is still young enough to want to sit by me and sing.  Micah... well, he has a girlfriend.  Fortunately he doesn't deny my existence.  Missy and I are proud to report that all of our young people were well behaved.

Let's back up a few hours to talk about our worship.  One of my favorite comments came from someone visiting from out of town.  He mentioned how much better our song service is since the last time he was in town (a year ago).  When the singing is good, my sermons seem better (even if they're not).  It's a win-win.

Speaking of sermons, we ended our summer series, Amazing Jesus.  In two weeks we will begin a new series called I quit.  Here are the topics we will cover through the month of September.

1. "I Quit Making Excuses"
2. "I Quit Complaining"
3. "I Quit Living in Fear"
4. "I Quit Comparing"

This is a good series to invite others who have no church home.  You have a couple of weeks to start building it up.

As far as next Sunday, Ed Holmes will be preaching.  You may know him as the son of the Bradley's at the Gifford Church of Christ.  He is a fantastic speaker.  I only wish I could be here to take part.  Missy and I will be flying out Saturday morning for Tuscaloosa to conduct one of my personalities seminars.  I will be speaking for the Northport Church of Christ.  This is the congregation our group stayed when we helped with tornado relief a few years ago.  And no, this was not planned very well, as Alabama doesn't begin their football season until the next week.  Oh well, I know of some great eating places.

We are down to our last week of classes, which means we have some new ones beginning in September.  Steven Wilson will be teaching Being in a World Obsessed with Doing.  Our lives are filled with tasks, jobs and obligations.  They take our time, energy and focus, and end up sapping our souls of the Divine creative energy.  This class is designed to help us see through this haze and create a life that is centered, empowered and transcendent.

On Wednesday nights I will be teaching The Journey's based on the missionary journeys of Paul.  It is a great follow up from our sermon series on Jesus.  The church has begun and the Good News is being taken into the world.  There were many ups and downs but the journey is amazing.

As we finish, think about all the ways Jesus is amazing in your life.  Live in the Gospels and let them live in you.  It will change you.  It will empower you.  It will breath fresh air into everything you do.

Tracy

One More Week

We are down to the last week of our Amazing Jesus sermon series.  The fact is, the death and resurrection of Christ would have been a great place to end.  The story never gets old and the longer I linger on the facts the softer my heart becomes.  The love and grace of God is just amazing!  This Sunday we will conclude with the "Amazing Restoration" of Peter (Jn. 21).  It is one of my favorite stories of Jesus.

So what's next?  Starting the first week in September, we will begin a new series called I Quit.  Next week I will give a more detailed account of our study.  (I had a really nice picture to place here, but for a second week in a row, my blog site isn't downloading my pictures.  I am in contact with the company hoping to get the problem fixed.)

Back to the news.  Everyone is doing such a good job with our new song "Shout Hallelujah."  What a great song of praise!  We are fortunate, not only to have talented song leaders, but also a group of Christians who participate in our song service.  If you ever want to learn more about singing parts or you want more singing on Sundays, David Brooker has a singing class on Sunday evenings at 4:15.  They would love to have you.

Moving on to Sunday night.  Joel Soumar did a great job giving a presentation of the youth work week.  I was fortunate enough to observe this group last week.  They worked hard and played hard.  It is encouraging, for the present and future of this church, being around them.  One week doesn't begin to define all they do in a year for others.  By the way, the starting quarterback for our high school is none other than Mike Dean.  For all you Gator fans, he reminds me of Tim Tebow.  For you FSU fans, he is built like a rock who can also throw a football and loves Jesus.

Sunday night also showcased our children's program.  The work David Paladin and his team of teachers put in every year is impressive.  And the kids... isn't it encouraging to see how much they learn?  Yesterday we had a couple visiting from out of town.  They brought their grandchild to our children's room (The Aquarium).  The lady made a sarcastic, judgmental and inappropriate remark about our kids program.  She said, "Do they just play or do they actually get a Bible lesson?"  If she could have been there Sunday night I believe she would have changed her mind (maybe).  She didn't like the look of the room, but it is an important part of the process of the kids learning.  Children get excited about coming.  As for her grandchild, I asked him later how he enjoyed class, his face lit up and he told me he loved it!  As a parent, I love it.

As for our teachers, I appreciate all of them.  We had our annual "Teacher of the Year" award and it went to Brittany Wells.  A couple of years ago she was in our youth group.  She has been so dedicated to the program.  The "Work Horse" award went to Rachel Leon, another one of our young adults.  The future is bright for this church.  I know of places where the "young adults" are in their 50's.  I hear of places that are disillusioned by their 20 somethings because they will not get involved.  We are blessed.  Yet, we have so many others, of varying ages, who help out with our children.  It is a beautiful thing to watch.  Let's keep it going.

As for our adult classes, we appreciate everyone who teaches.  This quarter we have seen everything from a young adult (Matt Woodson) to the really old (Joe Wild).  Seriously, we have had many help teach.  We appreciate them all, although I get this feeling that I may be hearing from Joe.  As far as the next quarter, beginning in September, here is the lineup.

• Sunday morning - Being in a World Obsessed with Doing - Steven Wilson
• Wednesday night - The Journey's (Paul's missionary journeys) - Tracy Moore

Let's finish.  Wake up each morning with an appreciation for the sacrifice of the Son of God made for our sins.  It is humbling.  Then walk the rest of your day in the resurrection of Jesus.  It is here we find the hope needed to make it through the trials and difficulties before us.  It is here we find genuine joy and inner peace of the Spirit.  I love Jesus.  I want other people to know about Him.  Isn't He amazing!?

Another Great Day

Let's begin with the big news - Kadi McFall made the decision to trust in Jesus and be baptized.  She has been talking about this for a couple of weeks and studied with her mother and grandparents.  I was privileged to be apart of this moment in her life.  I had a couple of pictures to add but my blog site isn't letting me.  Hoping I can put them in next week.

Kadi wanted Ethel Meadows and Helen Rathel to be with her in the baptistery, as well as her two church friends - Bella Moore and Blair Soop.  I love the positive influence our elderly ladies have had on our young girls.  After services Ethel and Helen took the three girls out for pizza.  They also spent the night at Ethel's house.  These two ladies are only a couple of our older generation that has reached across their age group.  It isn't always easy, but when you watch one of those kids being baptized you suddenly understand what it's all about.  We are not "a younger church" or an "older church", but one that enjoys every generation of believers working together to serve Christ.  I would hate to think we were either or.  I love this church.

Lately we have been given a crop of visitors from our community.  A few studies are in progress and some still want to view from a distance.  Either way, make sure you look for these people each week.  A simple smile, friendly greeting, and a few kind words go a long way.  Please seek me out if I haven't met someone.  I try to get around to all our guests but occasionally I will miss a couple of folks.

Sunday afternoon, about 13 of us spent a couple of hours celebrating the 56th anniversary of the Gifford Church of Christ.  I had a few pictures to share, but...  The thing that made me most proud was the church talking about the help and support they received for our congregation, especially Bob Brackett.  It was mentioned, this relationship began with us in a time race relations were bad in our country.  Praise God!

We are down to our last two weeks in our series "Amazing Jesus."  This Sunday the lesson is on the death and resurrection of Christ, what I am entitling "Just Amazing."  This is such an important part our faith.  It is here true life begins.  Please keep me in your prayers this week as I search for all the amazing aspects of these three days in history.

Last week I began thinking about what I want preach in September.  It was a let down.  Where do you go from a study of the Son of God coming to the earth?  Usually I am ready to begin a new series, especially after one has gone this long, but not this time.  With the help of the elders and ministers, I believe I know what we will study, but keep it in your prayers.

Go out today and love your enemies.  Say something kind or do something for them.  No one said it would be easy, only that it is in line with Jesus.  If you have created enemies, work them out.  If our Lord could be humble enough to wash the nasty feet of Judas, surely we can humble ourselves to apologize for wrongs we have committed toward others.  Grow and mature in the love of God.  Read and reflect on this Jesus.  Pray the Spirit would help you overcome, so your enemies can see Jesus.

Tracy

A Really Good Sunday

The way my Sunday began I wasn't sure if it was going to be a good day.  My alarm clock didn't go off and I woke up a hour late.  I like routine.  When you do something the same way for many years it provides comfort, calm, and a system of making sure everything goes right.  For me, my Sunday begins with breakfast, look over Bible class, practice sermon, get ready for the office, get the sound room set up, double check PowerPoint, and finally a moment of devotion and prayer before going to the coffee shop to talk with people.  When your alarm doesn't go off... chaos.  The positive is watching the Spirit fill in all the holes.  God is good.

Most of us do like routine, which is why Sunday's sermon can be difficult.  We like to rest on the things we have always believed and been told.  We like for our Christianity to be comfortable.  That doesn't mean we are not given the peace of God, but we must continue to study and know more about this Jesus.  We have learned so much from other students of the Bible in the past, but don't place the Lord in a box built by others, rather come to the Gospels with open minds and open hearts to the text.  The life of Jesus teaches us God refuses to be placed in box.  At times He could be wild.  At times He makes us uncomfortable.  When He does so it is for a reason.  I appreciate all the kind comments from yesterday's lesson.  You never know what to expect when you preach on a subject like this, but you were very encouraging.

Speaking of our current sermon series, we only have three more weeks.  This Sunday we will deal with the "Amazing Love" of Jesus.  But be prepared, it is the most difficult love of all - the love of enemies.  The Lord didn't just command it - He also demonstrated in the most amazing ways.

Last night was a lot of fun, for what has become an annual event - Caribbean Night.  We had a GREAT turnout.  Thanks to everyone who came and sported your best flowery prints.  I'm sad to say I forgot to take pictures.  We did several things within an hour - we sang some familiar songs, we learned a new song, we sat through a boring presentation (well you sat through it, I was the one doing the boring), and then we celebrated August birthdays.  It was a great night.  By the way, the Caribbean music you heard coming in was a group called "The Conch Fritters".  One of the guys in the band is the nephew of Fran Mooney.  They are even better in person.  Also a quick shout-out to David Brooker for teaching us the new song.  I know I sometimes sound like a broken record, but I can't tell you what a blessing it is to have someone with his musical knowledge, especially when learning songs.

I want to brag on a couple of our teenagers.  Last week there was a need to find some folks to help unload a truck.  When we got the call they needed help within the hour!  I contacted Mike Dean to see if it was something he could do.  I was surprised when he told me he would do it and find a couple of guys to help him.  Mike, along with brother Nick and Gage Brackett, did the work.  It took an hour and half to complete.  Not only was Mike willing, but he took the initiative to handle getting extra help.  None of the boys complained and did a good service on short notice.  The future present is bright for the church!  Thanks guys.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT the adults begin a new video series to finish out this quarter.  I love the topic: "Jesus Throws the Best Parties" by Jonathan Storment.  This class will meet in the Hebrews Coffee Shop.  Also, my personalities class with start back up after taking a break during the men's and women's classes.  Same time - same place.

Let's wrap this thing up.  Go out today and find something to be thankful for in your life.  Put a smile on your face.  Open doors for others.  Use your extra change, for the person in front of you, so they don't have to break a dollar.  Or if you really want to do something cool, pay for the person in line ahead of you and tell them Jesus loves them.  Just be filled with joy, nothing fake, but the joy that comes out when you sit down and really focus on the Savior.  Be a light to people who may have gone through some dark times this weekend.  Pray on and off all day.  Christians have so much to offer the world.  Many in our country are frustrated.  They listen to bad, depressing news all the time.  We have Good News to share.  It begins by showing people the impact the Good News has on our lives.

Ok, I didn't have any pictures this week so I leave you with this cartoon.  Now wear that smile when you go out.

Bella

 

 

If you haven't heard, my little girl was baptized Sunday morning, which is why my blog this week is called Bella.  If someone sang off key, I don't remember.  If someone said something mean-spirited, I didn't hear it.  If I made mistakes in my sermon, I didn't catch it.  My girl was baptized.  That is what I remember about yesterday.  So for Missy and I, July 26th was a great day.

Although one thing I said I thought about later.  No one said anything to me, but I'm not sure how it came across.  I'm referring to the statement of "denying" Bella baptism for the last couple of years.  First of all, salvation is a personal issue between an individual and God.  The Lord never made me the judge of those who should be saved or not.  That being said, as a parent, you know your children better than anyone.  You know where they are in understanding, maturity, and even motives.  Sometimes kids get caught up in the idea of baptism.  Although, it didn't stop me from using these opportunities to help further her growth and love for Jesus.  I believe children are innocent.  At some point they reach, what I have heard called, "the age of accountability".  Not a biblical phrase, but we know their has to be a sense of faith and turning away from sin.  So what is the "age of accountability"?  It depends on the child.  Over the years I have talked with adults who want to be rebaptized because they didn't think they knew what they were doing when they were young.  We will talk and ultimately I will rebaptize them if they still feel strongly about it.  My philosophy is, if they didn't need it they just got wet.

FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH: If you have a children who want to be baptized here are a few things I have learned with having children.  First of all, ask lots of questions.  Such as, "Why do you want to be baptized?"  If they say "to wash away my sins", then ask what sins they have committed.  Don't let them be general about sin.  Sometimes they will talk about the sins of others.  These are good indicators of where they may be at this time.  Secondly, don't discourage them.  Don't make them feel like their answers are wrong.  They are being honest.  Encourage them.  The last thing you want to do is drive them away from future talks.  Next, talk to them about Jesus... always.  Whenever that time comes, you want your children to be in love with Jesus not an act.  Read some of those great stories in the Gospels.  I begin in Genesis.  Those years Bella wasn't ready, we talked about what happened in the Garden of Eden, the faith of Abraham, and the nation that brought Jesus into the world.  Finally, when the time came, I wrote down everything we talked about, Scriptures we read and put her answers in quotation marks to show what was asked and how she answered.  In my experience, those who want to be rebaptized do so because they can't remember what they were taught and conclude they didn't know what they were doing.  I had Bella sign her name to what we studied.  I am going to give her a copy and keep one for myself in case she questions this day later on.  Also, we are planning to add other Scriptures and topics we study.  It is important you continue study with your child about the Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, faith, love, sin, grace, etc.  I told Bella Saturday night, "Baptism is the beginning, not the end."  That being said, I'm not perfect on this subject.  There are things I am doing with Bella that I have learned with my other kids and years of ministry.  Some of you have done much greater things.  This is just one father sharing his experience with other parents.  Besides, it is their mother who has always been the spiritual rock.  Sometimes I feel like the guy who drove the last 5 miles of a 500 mile trip.  Most importantly, it is the Lord who deserves all the credit.  Missy and I are mere instruments in His hands.

This is one of the pages Bella signed for the future

SOMETHING NEAT: When Bella was ready to do this, I asked her who she would like to go up with her.  The first people out of her mouth, beside Missy, were Ethel Meadows and Helen Rathel.  She mentioned a couple of her friends but it was these older ladies she thought of first.  Sometimes our elderly wonder if they can impact the church today or the younger generation.  I'm here to tell you they/you do!  So why these ladies?  They included her.  When they would arrive early to prepare the Lord's Supper, it was these two who allowed Bella to help.  They loved her.  They encouraged her.  They didn't sit back and expect to be admired, because they were older, but they engaged Bella.  They didn't act annoyed when she acted like... well... a child.  It doesn't mean they never corrected or helped her improve, but they made many deposits of love that built a trust and respect.  It reminds me of the passage in Titus 2 of the older women training the younger women.  Bella loves the "Golden Girls".  She has mentioned Rebecca Ledford, Christin Paladin, Bible class teachers, etc.  These are people who have invested into her life.  Missy and I feel blessed to be at church where Bella has so many Christian ladies who influence her.  On behalf of Missy and myself - thank you!

Sunday was a great way to launch me into the week.  I have been out of pocket the last couple of weeks.  This isn't something I like doing but scheduling was tough.  The Caribbean Lectures were two weeks ago.  Which reminds me, this Sunday night we will do some singing and give a report on our trip.  And yes, we have Bob Brackett pictures you will want to see.  Wear your favorite Caribbean clothing.  Last week I spent a few days in Jacksonville, Florida to celebrate my parents 50th anniversary.  There were 19 of us crammed into a six bedroom house.  The house itself was 100 years old.  I can't remember seeing my mom and dad so happy.  Here is a picture of the family.

And then there was this... the "80th birthday party" for two 40 year olds.

 

Bill being Bill

George Blanton with the photobomb

 

Next Sunday: We begin the last month of our sermon series by looking into the fact Jesus was "Amazingly Unpredictable."  Just another reason to love this Savior.  I will stop here because I know I've gone beyond the average attention span.  Thank you for letting me share this time in my life.

Tracy

A Blog of Questions

How about a Monday Morning blog with lots of questions?  What do you think?  In honor of the sermon topic Sunday I thought I would try.  Speaking of the sermon, isn't Jesus amazing?  Doesn't His questions demonstrate brilliance?  Concerning next week, what about a lesson on the amazing stories of Jesus?  He was the master storyteller.  Do you want a good topic to invite others?  Bring them this week.

Who is celebrating 50 years of marriage this week?  My parents.  Did they want their kids to throw them a big party to invite all their friends?  Nope.  All they wanted was all of their children and grandchildren to be together a few days in the same place.  So we are in Jacksonville, Florida.  Us kids pitched in and rented a house that could sleep 18 (with a couple of air mattresses) until Friday.  I hate being away right after the Caribbean Lectures, but it was the only time everyone's schedule worked out.  After that I only have one more speaking engagement for the year, the last Sunday in August.  Here is a picture of the happy couple.

On Sunday night, August 1st, we will have our Caribbean Night.  Do you have any tropical clothing?  Wear them.  We will do some singing, show a few pictures from the Caribbean Lectures and tell you about next year.  Speaking of the lectures in St. Thomas, Iguanas' were everywhere.  In one spot I counted 18 of these huge lizards.  Some of you like puzzles so I thought I would include this picture.  How many iguanas' can you find?  Answer: 8.

Are you interested in demolition?  We have a project for you.  This church is taking on a much needed remodeling project for the Family Homeless Center August 1st.  David Paladin and John Pickerill are heading up the job.  They are asking for those who would be willing to give a couple of hours to help... well... rip up the place.  This is my gift.  I can't fix anything, but I am very good at tearing things up.  I'm planning to be there, who's with me?  Let David or John know if you would like to help.

Are you ready for me to wrap this up?  Me too.  So we will end with a few more questions.  Do you have people in your life who oppose you at every turn?  Have you ever tried using good questions, like Jesus, to make them think and possibly see your way of thinking?  Have you ever asked yourself questions about arguments people have made about you?  Maybe something you need to change.  Jesus is the only One who never needed to change.  It doesn't mean we should do a 180 on everything, but allow good questions to challenge you.

Final questions: Do you know of someone who sits around you that wasn't here Sunday?  Do you know of someone who needs prayers or maybe even a kind gesture, who is going through some difficult times?  What have you done for others?  Actually the better questions is, what have you done in the name of Jesus?  How have you served others because you want them to see the Messiah?  Who have you demonstrated the love of God to in your life?  How have you grown in your love for the Lord?  Too many distraction?  Solitude, prayer, Scripture reading and meditation, even fasting, are the way to clear the worldly mind to focus on the spiritual.

Tracy

Monday Morning Report - St. Thomas Edition

Here is my view this morning as I begin my blog.  From my balcony.

 

Not my typical blog spot.  It is one of those once in a lifetime moments that you never want to forget.  This place is so spiritually invigorating.  The lectureship is icing on the cake.  It is one of the times I am glad I get up early because no one is out of their rooms.  It's like having the resort to yourself.  Sunday morning I went to the terrace overlooking the city across the water just me, my Bible, a cup of coffee, and God.  Here was my view.  The Lord knows I need these moments of silence while surrounded by His amazing creation.

Our group arrived safely Saturday afternoon.  We were greeted at the airport by the Christians in St. Thomas.  We were given bags with snacks and cold juices.  The best part was the friendly smiles and kind words from the people.  It is a big deal for your island to be chosen for the lectures.  To them it is like being selected to host the Olympics.

The banner in the airport

The welcoming committee

We checked into the resort, ate supper together, and went through registration.  We all received two nice bags with tourist items and lectureship information.  And yes, we were greeted with big smiles.  This is my third year so I get hugs!  The rest of the group will get them before the end of the week.  Caribbean people are some of the nicest people in the world.  They genuinely love you.

Supper Saturday evening

Sunday at the lectures is always interesting.  We begin with singing (which is the best), listen to our first speaker, take a 15 minute break, have more singing, Lord's Supper, and another Sermon.  I know it sounds like the typical Sunday but when we look to the right we can see these big windows overlooking the island.  Amazing.

Singing

Scripture reading by one of the boys

Communion

 

The view

 

After worship the hotel provided lunch for everyone attending the lectures.  It was delicious!  And again, look at that view.

After that we had free time until the nightly lectures.  We were going to go into town but everything is closed on Sunday's.  It was sort of a bummer because we were looking forward to seeing the shops but also encouraging because Sunday is still a sacred day in other parts of the world.

Sunday night is always crazy at the lectures.  It begins with opening ceremonies.  Many speeches, guest speakers, national anthem (which was ours this year), etc. etc. etc.  It's long.  Imagine what it would be like for a bunch of preachers and politicians getting up to speak.  It is encouraging hearing the senator of the island, head of tourism, and hotel representative talk about God.  After that we had some singing, and a lecture.  After another prayer, song, and introduction we go into the second speaker.  It was a LONG night.  We came into the banquet room at 7 pm and didn't leave until almost 10 pm.  But again, we only had to look to the right and see the town lit up from our seats.  Beautiful.

Last night at the lectures (2nd sermon)

The view from the window (it doesn't do it justice)

 

The founder of the Lectures - Ken Dye (45 years strong)

The senator of the island

As I am finishing this blog I can hear the singing get started.  It's time for another full day.  We will have many class choices this morning and another sermon before we break for lunch.  After lunch our group has a tour of the city and hopefully some time to rest.  Then we come back again at 7 pm for more singing and two more sermons.  By the time we leave we will be physically and emotionally broken down, but we will have already begun our process of spiritual revival.  We will all leave with new friends and hug and talk about seeing next year in Tobago.  It's what we do.  The singing is one of my favorite times and the preaching is great, but it is the Caribbean people that keep coming back every year.  I love these people and they love me.  Those coming for their first time will tell you the same.

One more thing.  I received an email during your worship yesterday telling me what an amazing job Joel Soumar.  By the afternoon I had heard from others.  Sometimes I feel guilty being away like this.  I know I need it but I just love my church family at Vero and hate to be away.  Knowing Joel (and David), will be there to serve you gives me a sense of peace.  Tell these guys how much you appreciate them this week.  David also covered my Sunday morning class.

Ok enough, I've got to get into the lectures.  I can't wait to get back and share the things I learned and experienced.  If you are trying to get in touch with me via text I'm not getting them, but you can send messages to my email tracylmoore@msn.com.  See you Sunday.

Tracy