It is good to be back blogging at Panera this morning. The trip to Antigua was very productive and much needed. If you want a more detailed account of things you can go to my Wednesday blog tracylmooreblog.wordpress.com.
Back to America. Yesterday I met several visitors. Some were in town on vacation or visiting family, but there was a great number from our community looking for a church home. Hopefully many of you were able to meet some of them.
We kicked off our new sermon series, "Great Jailbreaks" this week with a lesson on authority. This Sunday we will continue with another escape and corresponding lesson. What will we learn? Prayer.
Also, this Sunday night will be an outreach event and movie. The elders shared a trailer for the movie, "Home Run." If you were unable to be here you can go to homerunthemovie.com and see a preview. Most of you know about our "Celebrate Recovery" program. It is designed to help the people of this church and in our community with hurts, hang-ups, and habits. It is not an "AA" program but much broader and Christ-centered. This movie shows one of the ways this program helps others. If you do know someone who is needing this kind of help, try to get them to attend.
But don't think this movie is only for those who need "Celebrate Recovery." This week I read, in an Alabama newspaper, about a church of Christ preacher who was fired after being arrested on heroin charges. We went to college together and were in the same social club. To be honest I lost all contact after I graduated and had not seen him until this past year at a conference I was speaking. We exchanged pleasantries but nothing more. I went on his Facebook page when I discovered he had been arrested, trying to make sense of the whole thing. In 2010 he lost his 10 year old son in a car accident and almost lost his daughter. Since that time, he and his wife apparently divorced. I don't know all the details, but just a quick glance I would say he was trying to deal with his pain in the wrong way. Maybe as a preacher, he felt like he had to appear strong and didn't have a place to deal with his struggles. I don't know. But I do know "Celebrate Recovery" is a place he could have turned to through the whole ordeal. Losing a child goes under "hurts" and drug addiction comes under "habits." Who knows, maybe if he and his wife would have had something like this they would still be married and he wouldn't have turned to drugs. Only God knows. Either way, my plea is for the people in this church to use this resource. Everything is confidential and those who run the program are compassionate and understanding. Don't wait until you read someone's name in the paper before you invite them to something like this. This movie is a first step.
Enough for today. Keep praying for our sick and shut-ins. Check on those you haven't seen in a while and let the leadership know if there is a need. Have a great week.
Monday, July 22, 2013
Monday, July 8, 2013
Great Week
It has been a great week. We couldn't have asked for a better Wednesday night. Not only did the rain hold off but the temperatures were comfortable with a nice breeze. I cannot think of a July 4th week when I didn't sweat profusely just by stepping outside. The crowds were bigger than anticipated, we had some great guests, good food, and uplifting worship. I cannot thank those who helped out enough.
Sunday was also another great day. We seem to be getting more and more visitors every week. Add to that most of them are young adults. It is encouraging, to say the least. So much is happening with this group right now. Praise God for the increase!
Our adult class, "In the Beginning...", is going smoothly. Many kind comments have come may way about this study. It has nothing to do with the teacher but the powerful Creator, as He never ceases to amaze us. This week will be a more detailed account of the creation of man along with this special garden (home) for the first family to live. There is so much in these verses.
Looking ahead it is going to be a busy, yet interesting week. Bob Brackett and I will be flying to Antiqua Saturday so I can speak at their annual lectureship on Sunday. It will be my first trip to our mission point and we ask for prayers in our travels as well as any good we can do for the brethren. We are leaving you in good hands as Jerry Cutshall will continue our Genesis study and Joel Soumar will deliver the sermon. Bob and I will be coming back to America on Tuesday.
Let us continue to remember those around us who were unable to be here Sunday. Make a phone call to find out if everything is alright. If there is a special need please let the church office or an elder know.
Also, don't forget that "Celebrate Recovery" is tonight. If you or someone you know is struggling with anything, not just addictions, encourage them to come. There are two sessions each week at 7:00 and 8:00 PM.
Sunday was also another great day. We seem to be getting more and more visitors every week. Add to that most of them are young adults. It is encouraging, to say the least. So much is happening with this group right now. Praise God for the increase!
Our adult class, "In the Beginning...", is going smoothly. Many kind comments have come may way about this study. It has nothing to do with the teacher but the powerful Creator, as He never ceases to amaze us. This week will be a more detailed account of the creation of man along with this special garden (home) for the first family to live. There is so much in these verses.
Looking ahead it is going to be a busy, yet interesting week. Bob Brackett and I will be flying to Antiqua Saturday so I can speak at their annual lectureship on Sunday. It will be my first trip to our mission point and we ask for prayers in our travels as well as any good we can do for the brethren. We are leaving you in good hands as Jerry Cutshall will continue our Genesis study and Joel Soumar will deliver the sermon. Bob and I will be coming back to America on Tuesday.
Let us continue to remember those around us who were unable to be here Sunday. Make a phone call to find out if everything is alright. If there is a special need please let the church office or an elder know.
Also, don't forget that "Celebrate Recovery" is tonight. If you or someone you know is struggling with anything, not just addictions, encourage them to come. There are two sessions each week at 7:00 and 8:00 PM.
Monday, July 1, 2013
Prayers for Prescott Firefighters
If you haven't heard already, 19 firefighters were killed in Arizona fighting wildfires. My heart and prayers go out to their families. We are proud of the firefighters we have in this congregation. Let us say a little prayer for them today that God would keep them safe. Add to that, the men and women within this church who serve in law enforcement.
It reminds us of a special day coming up on Thursday - Independence Day. Men and women sacrificed their lives so we could be free. Most important was the freedom of religion. This doesn't include others who have fought for our country since the Revolutionary War to maintain those freedoms. Let us keep these brave heroes in our prayers this week and thank the Father we can worship Him without suffering.
Yesterday, as we do every first day of the week, we memorialized the greatest Hero of all - Jesus Christ. He took on the sins of the world so we could be free. The cross and resurrection was our Independence Day from sin and death. One day He will return to free us from this world of suffering, disease, pain, etc. He will ride in on a cloud with His angels to take us home! Never forget! Read I Corinthians 15.
We completed the Book of I Peter Sunday, with the writers powerful admonition to "stand firm in this grace." (5:12) Stand firm, no matter what is happening in this world. Stand firm, even if you must be persecuted for believing and living in Christ. Stand firm, even when you are tempted to live in the flesh. Live as if you are Not of this World!
We completed the 6 days of creation Sunday morning. The material can move faster than your questions so please feel free to text (696-3752) or email (tracylmoore@msn.com) those to me and I will do my best to answer them. In fact, if you want to text me questions during the class feel free to do so and I will try to answer them on the spot. I know everyone isn't comfortable asking questions in an auditorium class.
Last, but not least, we had two families place membership Sunday morning and one to ask for prayers following the lesson. God is blessing this church.
It reminds us of a special day coming up on Thursday - Independence Day. Men and women sacrificed their lives so we could be free. Most important was the freedom of religion. This doesn't include others who have fought for our country since the Revolutionary War to maintain those freedoms. Let us keep these brave heroes in our prayers this week and thank the Father we can worship Him without suffering.
Yesterday, as we do every first day of the week, we memorialized the greatest Hero of all - Jesus Christ. He took on the sins of the world so we could be free. The cross and resurrection was our Independence Day from sin and death. One day He will return to free us from this world of suffering, disease, pain, etc. He will ride in on a cloud with His angels to take us home! Never forget! Read I Corinthians 15.
We completed the Book of I Peter Sunday, with the writers powerful admonition to "stand firm in this grace." (5:12) Stand firm, no matter what is happening in this world. Stand firm, even if you must be persecuted for believing and living in Christ. Stand firm, even when you are tempted to live in the flesh. Live as if you are Not of this World!
We completed the 6 days of creation Sunday morning. The material can move faster than your questions so please feel free to text (696-3752) or email (tracylmoore@msn.com) those to me and I will do my best to answer them. In fact, if you want to text me questions during the class feel free to do so and I will try to answer them on the spot. I know everyone isn't comfortable asking questions in an auditorium class.
Last, but not least, we had two families place membership Sunday morning and one to ask for prayers following the lesson. God is blessing this church.
Monday, June 24, 2013
Another Day of Prayer
I guess there shouldn't be a day when we do not pray, but one of our shepherds needs us to bring his name continually before the throne of God. Joe Wild meets with the oncologist today at 2:30 pm. Yesterday Joe did blood work and had a scan done. The prayers were felt as I received this text, "Scan was easier than last time. He's done and doing well." He will be meeting with doctors tomorrow.
On the home front: we continue to have several visitors. Some have started Bible studies. Wednesday we had a new young adult attend. This group is about to fill up their classroom. It is really exciting seeing so many young faces. But we are also covering the other end of the spectrum as some senior citizens have started coming in the last few weeks. As a preacher this excites me. The church is for all ages, backgrounds, genders, and social classes. Continue to invite others to come with you to worship or Bible classes.
Speaking of Bible classes, our study on Sunday morning, "In the Beginning...", seems to draw interests from believers and otherwise. We shouldn't be surprised as it deals with the creation of all things. God has placed within us a desire to know it's Creator. In a couple of chapters, the Spirit explains things the scientific world has spent billions of dollars, millions of hours, and countless research trying to discover. This includes dinosaurs, as we discovered this week, and we will see another one this Sunday. Genesis answers so many questions.
This Sunday will end our series on the book of I Peter, "Not of this World." Personally, I have enjoyed this letter. Some things I needed to be reminded of, other things I needed to be rebuked, while other passages encouraged me. In three weeks we will begin a new series of lessons called, "Great Jail Breaks" from the book of Acts. If you have never studied this letter you might be surprised who baked the saw into the cake (so to speak).
Don't forget about the two classes going on Wednesday nights. The auditorium continues it's study of the justice of God and the Lynn Center its singing class. Speaking of singing, I personally enjoyed the new song (at least to me) "Happiness is the Lord".
Continue to remember those who sit near you that may be missing. It is the summer and it is easy to lose track of people. Don't assume people are on vacation - make a phone call. If you see there is a need, contact the church office or alert our elders.
Have a blessed week!
On the home front: we continue to have several visitors. Some have started Bible studies. Wednesday we had a new young adult attend. This group is about to fill up their classroom. It is really exciting seeing so many young faces. But we are also covering the other end of the spectrum as some senior citizens have started coming in the last few weeks. As a preacher this excites me. The church is for all ages, backgrounds, genders, and social classes. Continue to invite others to come with you to worship or Bible classes.
Speaking of Bible classes, our study on Sunday morning, "In the Beginning...", seems to draw interests from believers and otherwise. We shouldn't be surprised as it deals with the creation of all things. God has placed within us a desire to know it's Creator. In a couple of chapters, the Spirit explains things the scientific world has spent billions of dollars, millions of hours, and countless research trying to discover. This includes dinosaurs, as we discovered this week, and we will see another one this Sunday. Genesis answers so many questions.
This Sunday will end our series on the book of I Peter, "Not of this World." Personally, I have enjoyed this letter. Some things I needed to be reminded of, other things I needed to be rebuked, while other passages encouraged me. In three weeks we will begin a new series of lessons called, "Great Jail Breaks" from the book of Acts. If you have never studied this letter you might be surprised who baked the saw into the cake (so to speak).
Don't forget about the two classes going on Wednesday nights. The auditorium continues it's study of the justice of God and the Lynn Center its singing class. Speaking of singing, I personally enjoyed the new song (at least to me) "Happiness is the Lord".
Continue to remember those who sit near you that may be missing. It is the summer and it is easy to lose track of people. Don't assume people are on vacation - make a phone call. If you see there is a need, contact the church office or alert our elders.
Have a blessed week!
Monday, June 17, 2013
Uplifting Day
Father's Day was a great day for most. It is the day each year there are more collect calls. We sort of get the shaft, so to speak, when we compare it to Mother's Day, but I don't think any fathers complain. Many of you were treated to some special gifts, cards, and a few homemade things you still haven't figured out. They are all important. Now dads, back to work.
As expected, our attendance was low, but the spirits were high. It was a great day of worship. Personally, I am enjoying our class on "In the Beginning...", which brings new light to the Almighty God in creation. We are nearing the pinnacle of His creation. I have appreciated the comments made in class. Some of you approach me afterwards with some fascinating research in these areas. God is awesome!
Sunday night was especially encouraging to me. In the Lynn Center, we went over an hour and had to cut a few things. We sang songs of praise to God, learned a couple of new ones (despite my sorry teaching ability), prayed for each other, talked about the things we are thankful for and ways God has been working in our lives this week, as well as a great lesson on "Transformation" by Bill Raikes. For me it was a great way to end my night. No tension, just an inner peace.
Jimmy Robertson came forward Sunday morning asking for prayers for personal tragedy in his life. You may not know all the details, but our Heavenly Father does. Keep his name before the throne of God this week. This also goes for others you know who are struggling. In the bulletin each week we have many who need God's help. Check on those you suspect is struggling (physically, mentally, or spiritually). Let our shepherds know if anyone in the flock needs extra care.
Keep Joel, our summer intern (Melanie), and our youth in your prayers as they are away at Impact at David Lipscomb.
Also, keep me in your prayers as well, it is a long week ahead. I'm not complaining as much of it has to do with a couple of Bible studies that I may begin. I need to stay focused on my sermon text as well as try to serve others the best I can. It will be important for me to take time to pray, study, and rely on God's Spirit to keep my mind sharp and my heart at peace. Satan always comes after me during these types of weeks. This also means I need to live on priorities, which always means someone may not get the care I would like to give because of more serious responsibilities. Thank you in advance.
As expected, our attendance was low, but the spirits were high. It was a great day of worship. Personally, I am enjoying our class on "In the Beginning...", which brings new light to the Almighty God in creation. We are nearing the pinnacle of His creation. I have appreciated the comments made in class. Some of you approach me afterwards with some fascinating research in these areas. God is awesome!
Sunday night was especially encouraging to me. In the Lynn Center, we went over an hour and had to cut a few things. We sang songs of praise to God, learned a couple of new ones (despite my sorry teaching ability), prayed for each other, talked about the things we are thankful for and ways God has been working in our lives this week, as well as a great lesson on "Transformation" by Bill Raikes. For me it was a great way to end my night. No tension, just an inner peace.
Jimmy Robertson came forward Sunday morning asking for prayers for personal tragedy in his life. You may not know all the details, but our Heavenly Father does. Keep his name before the throne of God this week. This also goes for others you know who are struggling. In the bulletin each week we have many who need God's help. Check on those you suspect is struggling (physically, mentally, or spiritually). Let our shepherds know if anyone in the flock needs extra care.
Keep Joel, our summer intern (Melanie), and our youth in your prayers as they are away at Impact at David Lipscomb.
Also, keep me in your prayers as well, it is a long week ahead. I'm not complaining as much of it has to do with a couple of Bible studies that I may begin. I need to stay focused on my sermon text as well as try to serve others the best I can. It will be important for me to take time to pray, study, and rely on God's Spirit to keep my mind sharp and my heart at peace. Satan always comes after me during these types of weeks. This also means I need to live on priorities, which always means someone may not get the care I would like to give because of more serious responsibilities. Thank you in advance.
Monday, June 10, 2013
A Spirit-Filled Day
Sunday was a Spirit-filled day. It began with our singing songs of praise to God. David lead some powerful songs and the church responded by, as Paul commanded, to "sing praise with my spirit." (I Cor. 14:15) You can see it on people's faces and hear it in their voices. Paul also said, "...be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart." (Eph. 5:18-19)
Sunday morning we also dedicated a lesson to the Holy Spirit and suffering. So many positive responses to our passage of Scripture. The Spirit, by inspiration (II Pet. 1:20-21), tells us how He is working in our lives today. A few people let me know how much this study affected them. One, Charlotte Hall, responded to the lesson with words of praise that had filled her heart. I have known Charlotte for a while and I have never seen her like this. I have never seen the joy that was overflowing from her soul as she tried to tell me something the Lord had done through her life. A Spirit-filled response in which she told me, "I just couldn't keep it in." I do not believe that any of us truly know the depths of this subject. As our first song proclaimed, "I stand in awe."
We will begin the last chapter of our series this Sunday. As this great book closes, Peter will be giving advice to our elders, then to the church, before making his closing remarks. It is some powerful words inspired by the Spirit of God.
Keep David Paladin in your prayers this week as he is in Memphis doing work for his Master's degree at Harding Graduate School. Also, let's continue to keep Peggy Stevens and Joe Wild in our daily prayers as they battle cancer. There are others who may be physically sick or spiritually weak who need our attention. Please let the elders and church office know if there are those who need special attention and prayer. Find out what you can do and how you can serve.
Sunday morning we also dedicated a lesson to the Holy Spirit and suffering. So many positive responses to our passage of Scripture. The Spirit, by inspiration (II Pet. 1:20-21), tells us how He is working in our lives today. A few people let me know how much this study affected them. One, Charlotte Hall, responded to the lesson with words of praise that had filled her heart. I have known Charlotte for a while and I have never seen her like this. I have never seen the joy that was overflowing from her soul as she tried to tell me something the Lord had done through her life. A Spirit-filled response in which she told me, "I just couldn't keep it in." I do not believe that any of us truly know the depths of this subject. As our first song proclaimed, "I stand in awe."
We will begin the last chapter of our series this Sunday. As this great book closes, Peter will be giving advice to our elders, then to the church, before making his closing remarks. It is some powerful words inspired by the Spirit of God.
Keep David Paladin in your prayers this week as he is in Memphis doing work for his Master's degree at Harding Graduate School. Also, let's continue to keep Peggy Stevens and Joe Wild in our daily prayers as they battle cancer. There are others who may be physically sick or spiritually weak who need our attention. Please let the elders and church office know if there are those who need special attention and prayer. Find out what you can do and how you can serve.
Monday, June 3, 2013
Summer Begins
Yesterday our summer program began, which usually means excitement and anticipation by the body of believers. As for the staff, it is a day of stress, glitches, and hoping people understand the purpose of what is being done. I believe we accomplished both!
I received many good comments about the material for our Sunday morning class "In the Beginning...". My goal is for people to be so awestruck by our great God that I, as the teacher, disappear into the study.
We continue to get positive comments about the duo song leading and songs, even though we had a few glitches here and there. The goal is for the church to feed off the energy, inspire praise, and encourage one another through the song service. So far this has been the overwhelming consensus. The leadership has made it known they are dedicated to acapella worship at its highest level. We are still learning, but constantly looking for ways to improve this aspect of worship. This Wednesday night is the kick off of our singing class in Lynn Center #105. We will be learning songs from the Keith Lancaster "Praise & Harmony" CD Reigning God. David Brooker is one of the best at teaching parts. I have been listening to the CD for the last week in my Jeep and my 9 year old is already singing parts from the times she has been in my vehicle. Bella also has favorites she turns on and one of those was the song we sang yesterday morning before the sermon. There is also another study in the auditorium on the justice of God, so there is another excellent choice.
Sunday night was another success, based on the comments. One person told me how much they enjoyed the "Gospel Hour" and hearing a sermon from a beloved preacher of the past. The "Summer Celebration" in the upstairs Lynn Center also went well after we worked out a few glitches with the PowerPoint. Joel Soumar did his regular great job inspiring us with a "hands on" lesson. We had moments of singing, talking about the things we are thankful for, and ways we have seen God working in our lives this past week. It was all very inspiring to those who came. Some mentioned they wanted to attend but couldn't climb the stairs. I apologize, and the leadership will look into this. If you would like to come and need help getting up the stairs or a piggy back (well, something similar), let the staff know and we will make arrangements. The goal of these two services is different. We wanted to offer the "Gospel Hour" because we understand the power of traditions of our past. Our Sunday morning worship incorporates new and older songs. We try to be respectful of the style of all ages while still offering praise to God. Sunday evening focuses on those two styles of songs. Also, there have been some great preachers in the past who have inspired many of you through the years. Some of them are responsible for leading you to King Jesus. We celebrate your past and hope these will give you a sense of comfort as you end your evening of worship. The "Summer Celebration" is also intended to inspire. There is more than one way to skin a cat and there is more than one way to inspire others to praise. This service is not for young people, but all ages who are looking for fresh ways to experience our Creator. The goal is for each person to end their day of worship refreshed by the breath of God. Both services fulfills the Biblical call to worship. Enjoy your time, whichever you choose, but may we never forget our saying, "In doctrine - unity; in opinion - liberty; but in all things love." Let go of yourself and your wants and put all that energy into the One deserving our of worship. Amen.
Wow! I have droned on long enough. That is what happens when summer begins. Pick up your Bibles today and read a portion of Scripture. Meditate on it. Let it live within you. Understand the privilege we have to come before the throne of God and spend time in prayer. Don't let the world cloud your life. Be inspired and serve someone in the name of Jesus Christ. Love your church family. Inspire the world!
I received many good comments about the material for our Sunday morning class "In the Beginning...". My goal is for people to be so awestruck by our great God that I, as the teacher, disappear into the study.
We continue to get positive comments about the duo song leading and songs, even though we had a few glitches here and there. The goal is for the church to feed off the energy, inspire praise, and encourage one another through the song service. So far this has been the overwhelming consensus. The leadership has made it known they are dedicated to acapella worship at its highest level. We are still learning, but constantly looking for ways to improve this aspect of worship. This Wednesday night is the kick off of our singing class in Lynn Center #105. We will be learning songs from the Keith Lancaster "Praise & Harmony" CD Reigning God. David Brooker is one of the best at teaching parts. I have been listening to the CD for the last week in my Jeep and my 9 year old is already singing parts from the times she has been in my vehicle. Bella also has favorites she turns on and one of those was the song we sang yesterday morning before the sermon. There is also another study in the auditorium on the justice of God, so there is another excellent choice.
Sunday night was another success, based on the comments. One person told me how much they enjoyed the "Gospel Hour" and hearing a sermon from a beloved preacher of the past. The "Summer Celebration" in the upstairs Lynn Center also went well after we worked out a few glitches with the PowerPoint. Joel Soumar did his regular great job inspiring us with a "hands on" lesson. We had moments of singing, talking about the things we are thankful for, and ways we have seen God working in our lives this past week. It was all very inspiring to those who came. Some mentioned they wanted to attend but couldn't climb the stairs. I apologize, and the leadership will look into this. If you would like to come and need help getting up the stairs or a piggy back (well, something similar), let the staff know and we will make arrangements. The goal of these two services is different. We wanted to offer the "Gospel Hour" because we understand the power of traditions of our past. Our Sunday morning worship incorporates new and older songs. We try to be respectful of the style of all ages while still offering praise to God. Sunday evening focuses on those two styles of songs. Also, there have been some great preachers in the past who have inspired many of you through the years. Some of them are responsible for leading you to King Jesus. We celebrate your past and hope these will give you a sense of comfort as you end your evening of worship. The "Summer Celebration" is also intended to inspire. There is more than one way to skin a cat and there is more than one way to inspire others to praise. This service is not for young people, but all ages who are looking for fresh ways to experience our Creator. The goal is for each person to end their day of worship refreshed by the breath of God. Both services fulfills the Biblical call to worship. Enjoy your time, whichever you choose, but may we never forget our saying, "In doctrine - unity; in opinion - liberty; but in all things love." Let go of yourself and your wants and put all that energy into the One deserving our of worship. Amen.
Wow! I have droned on long enough. That is what happens when summer begins. Pick up your Bibles today and read a portion of Scripture. Meditate on it. Let it live within you. Understand the privilege we have to come before the throne of God and spend time in prayer. Don't let the world cloud your life. Be inspired and serve someone in the name of Jesus Christ. Love your church family. Inspire the world!
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