The Last Sunday

It is hard to believe we have completed another year of Sundays.  That is 52 Sundays of worshipping together as a family of God.  52 Sundays of prayers, songs of praise, giving, messages from God's Word, and sharing the communion of the Lord.  I cannot remember them all, anymore than I can remember all the meals I've eaten in 2014, but I know both gave me important nourishment to survive in this world.  Truly we have been blessed.

Our last Sunday was filled with visitors from out of town and the community.  My wife talked with one couple from New Jersey.  They have visited before and spoke about how friendly this church is when they come.  They have family in the area and look forward to coming to Vero because of the people they have encountered at this congregation.  They even mentioned, "It isn't like this everywhere we go." We have some fantastic people who go all out to show the love of Christ to those who walk through our doors.  Let us continue this trend in 2015, and if it hasn't been something you have done before, start Sunday.

Yesterday we mentioned the Jay and Chris Dean, as well as all the volunteers who helped with this years Christmas Eve Luncheon.  Here are a few pictures you might enjoy.

 

and more servers...

 

 

The kids were a big help... when they were not playing!  They were great!

 

 

The sweetest table and the ladies were nice too.

 

New Friendships began.

 

Zach Dean with the ugly sweater and Nick Dean... I'm not sure what he's doing.

 

Thursday morning will be our first day of the New Year as a church.  Instead of our regular Wednesday night classes, we are having a brunch on New Year's Day in the Hebrews Coffee Shop at 10 AM.  The church is supplying the sausage, bacon, eggs, biscuits and sausage gravy.  We want everyone else to bring other items to share.  As for my family, we are bringing chocolate gravy for your biscuits.  You may not have ever had anything like this, but as they say in Alabama, "It's good enough to make you want to slap your momma" (not that we recommend violence).  It's that good.  We will also have a time of devotion and prayer for our new year.

We are only a few weeks away from something we have been planning for the last few months - gods at war.  Beginning January 18th we will begin a 6 week sermon series on the subject and offer classes on the Wednesday nights following for further study and discussion.  More to come!

Along those same lines, January 18th is our Friends Day.  Start making a list now of those you would like to invite.  This series has the potential to change lives... eternally.

The other day I realized I had forgotten a very important person in my blog the week before - Sue Mora.  Sue is one of our office volunteers.  Over the last few weeks she has been unable to come in because she has been taking care of her family.  Sue is one of the most selfless people I know, and an important part of this office.  Most of you know this already, but I wanted to say it myself.

Take some time this week to pray for this church and our upcoming year.  Take individual names before the throne of God to ask for His blessings and grace.

Tracy

Merry Christmas

What a great Sunday!  We had many visitors in the community, as well as, friends and family from out of town. The energy in our worship was uplifting.  What a great Father we have, who sent the world His Son!  What a great Savior we have, who was the inspiration of our worship!  What a great Spirit we have, who filled us with such joy and love!

We finished our sermon series on The Shepherds Story.  I heard more positives about these lessons than almost anything we have done.  No doubt the "special speakers" added to the enjoyment.  It was not intended to be silly but a unique perspective of a story we have heard many times over the years.  My favorite comments were, "I didn't realize these things about the shepherds."  This concept went so well, I am planning to do Esther next... well maybe not.  This week will be a one part lesson called, "No Return Policy."

Last night was one of my favorite activities of the year - Christmas caroling.  It really isn't about the singing, but the people we are singing with and for.  We split up into two groups of about 15 people and hit about 14 or 15 homes.  David Brooker headed the "Perfect Pitch" group and I headed up the "Tone Deaf" group.  David always has his group on pitch and with beautiful harmonies.  Those who were recipients of this group were truly blessed with beautiful music.  My group usually began their songs to high or to low (that might have been my fault).  We missed the right beat here and there.  Sometimes we sang the wrong words, despite having a sheet with the words.  But we made up for it with our energy and fun.  We always end with "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" as each one in our group hugs the recipient.  Two different groups sharing the Christmas spirit in two different ways.  It is a beautiful thing.  My group also made history by recording three songs on the bus and sending them to Jerry Cutshall, who was too sick to come to the door.  What greater gift could we give the guy who has horrible headaches than singing really loud off tune over a mobile device?  Seriously, it is such an encouraging night for everyone involved.  Here is the picture of us recording for Jerry.

While we were out spreading Christmas cheer, another group was at the building getting everything ready for our Christmas Eve Luncheon.  All the tables, decorations, and preparations have been made.  Please let others know.  It lasts from 11 am - 2 pm.  If you want to help serve, come on out.  If you lonely or need some companionship, eat with us.  We will be serving those who are homeless, financially struggling, emotionally spent, or just in need of a friend.  Big smiles and a loving spirit is all that is needed to contribute.  This church appreciates Jay and Chris Dean for doing this each year.

Thursday David Paladin and myself headed to Fort Pierce to make some surprise visits to some of our people and Jack Roberts.  One visit in particular was to see Carolyn Walker at her beauty salon.  We walked in and told her we needed a trim.  That is when everything went crazy.  I have never seen Carolyn laugh so much in my life.  I know David and I are funny looking, but...  Although, we discovered a secret life of Carolyn - torturing people.  Look at this device we found.  She said was used to "curl hair" (yeah right).   You tell me, does this look like any curling iron you have ever seen in Wal-Mart?  A flame thrower at the top with farming tools.

Seriously, we had a great lunch with Carolyn.  Her smile and laughter is contagious and she lifted our spirits more than we did for her.

On Friday, the ministers had a very special lunch for a very special group of people - the office volunteers.  When this began, we didn't know if this would work.  We mainly wanted them to answer phones, but this group of women (Terrye Swinford not pictured) just continued to learn something new every week.  They have become invaluable to David, Joel and myself.  Lunch and a gift certificate doesn't come close to their worth.  Thank you ladies.  By the way, you should see Gaye Stanley put down some ribs.  I thought we would have to use a taser on her.  Just kidding, that was David and Joel.  As you can see, David even had a fireplace going in the background.

Ok, I know it will be Christmas by the time you finish reading this report, so let me wrap this up.  Tonight is our Celebrate Recovery.  This time of year can be a trigger for many people.  If you know of someone that needs help, please tell them about these meetings, beginning at 7.  Tuesday night is the weekly service for the people at Horizon Bay at 6.  Come out and join them if you don't have anything going on.  Remember, NO Wednesday night classes or Sunday night service this week.  NO classes on December 31st, but we WILL have a brunch, devotional and a time of prayer for the upcoming year on January 1st at 10 am.

As far as the office this week, the ministers will be in Monday-Wednesday and Friday.  We will be checking the voicemail and emails in case we are out of the office at the time.  Joel, David and myself would like to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and safe travels if you are going out of town.

Oklahoma Weekend

Me and my family made it back into Vero a couple of hours ago.  I spent some time with the kids, pet the dog, unpacked, cleaned up and headed straight to my computer to share my weekend with you.

But first, let me say, I heard many positives about David Paladin, I mean shepherd #2, filling in for me Sunday.  The goal the last couple of weeks is to give a different perspective of the birth of Christ.  It really isn't for you to see us dressed up like shepherds, as it is to give you a closer view of the One who lay in the manger.  This week we will complete our series with a lesson called, "Do You Know What I Know?" In other words, what did they know that others around them didn't seem to grasp?

While you all had a great day of worship together, Missy and I attended the New Hope Church of Christ.  This is the place Lex calls home since beginning at Oklahoma Christian University.  As parents, we cannot tell you how much this church has meant to us all the way in Florida.  This place has taken him in, gotten him involved, and helped him to grow spiritually.  A very loving church.  It is a reminder for us to go out of our way for those who come to Vero.  It could be a college student from another state, a middle age person who comes by themselves (maybe single or maybe their family will not come with them), a elderly man or woman looking for a place to belong.  Reach out to them if it were your own son or daughter.

Something else Missy and I experienced was a day at the National Museum.  Most of you remember April 19, 1995.  This was the day of the Oklahoma City bombing at the Federal Building downtown.  We love museums, but this was one of the most symbolic, humbling, and organized we had ever toured.  I will not bore you with all the details, only to say it gave us a new perspective on a tragic event.  It helped us reflect on our God amid these times, as well as the importance of a community acting like a loving family.  They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so here are a few thousand for you to ponder.

Here is a view of the street (now water) this tragedy happened. Across the water are chairs representing the victims who died and where they were in the building.

 

This is a picture of the statute, "And Jesus Wept" with the memorial in the background.  In front of Jesus, which is not shown, are 168 spots, each representing those who died.  The Lord is facing them weeping for them.

Ok, I promise not to give any more details of our trip.  These are only symbols of time of refreshing.  Of course we were in Oklahoma to watch our son graduate from college.  A first for us.  We are so proud of Lex and the man he has become.  We only ask the prayers of this church be upon him in his next journey.  He begins his masters in January.  For us, we see it more than a piece of paper, but the next step preparing him for the ministry.

Here is another one of our college graduates, Jessica Wild.  Lex said he took great pleasure in graduating one day before Jessica.  :)  I know Joe and Glenda were excited, as well as the rest of the family.

If you have a college graduate or good news to share, please let me know so we can share it with the rest of the congregation.  By the way, I love pictures.

I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone again Wednesday night.  Until then, continue to pray for the people of this church.  Find someone to serve.  Share God's love to those who do not know true love.

It MUST Be December!

So many things happened this week.  The new classes are in full swing for Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings.  Personally, I LOVE teaching new Christians.  So many innocent questions on the most basic of things.  It is a joy to help babes in Christ begin their new journey.

The first Sunday in December usually means the beginning of a new sermon series on the birth of our Lord.  Yesterday we had a guest speaker from the 1st century.  One of the shepherds present the night Christ was born.  A good looking guy and a sharp dresser.  If you don't know already, it was me.  I actually had a few people tell me they didn't know who it was.  Trying to stay authentic, I didn't wear my glasses, which made my memorization of my notes even more important.  I also preached barefooted (it felt nice). Several asked where I got my shepherd's tunic... the children's ministry.  Our kids see things like this each week.  Seriously though, this series is intended to help us see the birth of Jesus through the eyes, ears, and thoughts of the shepherds.  The highlight of my day was something one of our teens put on Instagram (social media site).  Here is the picture they posted and the caption.

Anyway, invite your friends to attend these next couple of weeks.  This Sunday (shepherd #2) will talk about the things he heard that night.  "Do You Hear What I Hear?"

Now let's move on to Sunday night.  The annual Christmas party was great!  Sue Dean and Susan McGee did a great job planning out the evening.  David Paladin provided the devotional, David Brooker the singing of some Christmas songs, and the rest brought the food (which was great!).  Our children's program sang a few songs and we discovered no one has the spiritual gift of drawing a picture onto a paper plate while it is on top of their heads.  Each year we realize we have the best Santa Claus of any church in the city.  Lots of laughter and enjoying Christian fellowship with one another.  Here are just a few pictures you might enjoy from the night.

The angels sang.

Some of the "art" from our drawing game.

One of these has been naughty and the other nice.  I'll let you decide.

This is one of my favorite pictures of the back of Mike Mooney's head.

Notice the Rick Higgins photo bomb in the background.

Saturday morning several of our people participated in the "Strapped" yard sale.  After my series, some had the idea of doing this to keep from debt over the holidays.  Special thanks to A'Lana Cutshall and her volunteers for setting this up.  You know the saying, "One man's junk is another man's treasure." Hopefully they unloaded a lot of junk... I mean treasures.

Saturday evening Joel and I participated in a unique event.  Many of you know it was the one year anniversary of the tragic death of David Kolinar.  The family invited me to participate in a somewhat adapted Jewish tradition.  The family, especially the parents, are to grieve for a year and at the end of that year everyone comes back together at the graveside to refocus.  It is to help the family move from grief to the celebration of their loved ones life.  It is a very therapeutic and healthy way to deal with loss.  Of course, our main objective was to be there for our friend and brother in Christ, Mike.  Here is a selfie at the gravesite.  As you can see, Mad Money Mike was happy to see us.  The feeling was mutual.

This is a good place to wrap things up.  Who out there is grieving the loss of someone they loved this holiday?  It can be very difficult on families.  While Christmas is a time of joy for many, it is also a time of sadness for others.  Send a card.  Hug their neck and let them know you love them.  Most importantly pray for them.

Thanksgiving Leftovers

Some of you probably hate Thanksgiving leftovers or at least you do by Monday.  For me, I get as excited about leftovers as I do the meal itself.  I love a good ham sandwiche from the baked ham leftovers!

This morning (or afternoon) I want to share some of the great leftovers from this past week.  We start with our Sticky Note Thanksgiving.  Joel and I didn't know what to expect when we were planning this event.  One thing that was totally unexpected, was people placing sticky notes on others with a special note of thanks.  It was such a cool experience.  Here are just a few I thought were really neat (I left out personal ones):

"I am thankful to God for leading me to this church."
"Thankful for a church family that loves to pray."
"I look at this and it represents an ongoing bright light (many lights) shinning in this church." - Put on the lighted tree on stage.
"People who cared enough about me to lead me to my salvation."
"For the missionary work that is taking place to save lost souls."
"I am thankful for new friends that become family!"
"Thankful for the water in the baptistery and its symbolism."
"Prayers from my church family."
"Thankful for the joyful singing that lifts my spirits each week."
"Teens in front rows."
"I'm thankful for the instructions in the Word I received when I first started to come to the church that lead to my being baptized."

From some of the children:

"My dad and mom for bringing me here."
"Holy Bibles"
"I am thankful for the Christmas lights."
"Thank you for being such nice people."
"I'm thankful for the new playground."

Even some animals made it on some notes:

"I am thankful for my dogs!"
"My horses."
"I'm thankful for the trees and the leaves and also deer!!"  (Not sure if this was an animal lover or a hunter.)

Hopefully you were able to go around and read other notes.  Thanks again for everyone who took part.

I heard many great comments about our Fireside Chat and the things we will be doing as a church.  Please continue to look to your bulletin, the website and our Facebook page to stay up to date on the various things going on.  Here are a few things that begin THIS WEEK:

WEDNESDAY NIGHT CLASSES (7 PM): The Book of Lamentations (Lynn Center #105) or I Love to Sing (Hebrews Coffee Shop)

SUNDAY MORNING CLASSES (9:30 AM): Living Jesus (Auditorium) or Church 101 for new Christians/unchurched (Lynn Center #105)

SUNDAY MORNING SERMON SERIES (10:30 AM): Do You Hear What I Hear? (Lk. 2:8-21)

SUNDAY NIGHT (5:30 PM): Christmas Party @ the Heritage Center downtown.  If you are planning to come but were unable to sign up for food PLEASE let us know so we can make sure we have enough.  We still have a slot for a crockpot of meatballs and a platter of vegetables.  We still need two people to sign up for a platter of chicken wings and three for a platter of sandwiches.  We need three more to sign up for chips and dip; two for a platter of cheese and crackers; two for relish tray; four for heavy appetizer trays; and three for desserts.  We have the list in the office, so please either respond back to this email or contact the church office.  It is going to be a great time together.

Okay, I've given you a lot of information, so I'm going to stop now.  Busy week!