When I preached in Nashville, a former preacher was known for saying, "Things are getting better and better all the time." That is the way I have felt since I arrived in Vero. We have literally seen improvements to our building over the last several weeks. The new roof looks amazing and the new paint job is going to give our building a nice clean look... "better and better". Last week we had a group of happy teenagers work all week at our facilities and in our community. And yes, I used the word happy, teenagers, and work in the same sentence... "better and better". We are also having some great visitors every week. I began a study with one family last week and will begin a second one after this week... "better and better". Let's keep the momentum going!
One person who has made things "better and better" is our youth intern Molly. As mentioned yesterday, she has done a great job all summer. Molly always had a smile on her face, worked hard, took initiative, handled responsibility, and came up with some great ideas for the youth. On top of that she took care of putting together the Sunday morning PowerPoint slides for worship. She was also willing to do whatever had to be done without complaining. Most importantly she exemplified a Christian example to our young people. We all hate to see her go in the office. Joel needs credit for sifting through several resumes and coming out with Molly. He also did a great job coming up with a plan for our intern this summer. The only thing in my report that isn't "better and better" is the fact Molly will be leaving Thursday, but she sure made things better that will last a while.
Speaking of "better and better", the 4th kingdom in our study of Daniel was the biggest and best so far. I'm not speaking about the presentation of the lesson but the material provided in this great book. But guess what? That's right, this weeks lesson on the 5th kingdom is "better and better" than all the ones before it. We are getting close to the end of Daniel. After this week we will do a study of the work of angels in this book and one more to close everything out. If you have some ideas of a new sermon series let me know (tracylmoore@msn.com). It can be a book of the Bible, a topic, or even a current event. Help me feed you. I may not be able to get to some of these suggestions immediately, but I will put it on a list of lessons I want to preach.
The only thing left to make this Monday Morning Report "better and better" is to bring it to an end. Go out this week and be a blessing to someone. Do something for a co-worker that isn't expected of you. Put a smile on your face. Call someone who has been sick or visit a shut-in. Do the little things that matters in people's lives. Be Jesus to the world. Find ways to be "better and better" in your Christian faith.
Monday, July 28, 2014
Monday, July 21, 2014
Great Sunday
It was great being back in the pulpit yesterday morning. I love this church and attending things like the Caribbean Lectureships helps me realize it even more. It is the place I get my spiritual batteries recharged. Thanks for listening to Joel and I go on and on about our experiences. We could have shown pictures and told stories all night. Personally, it was great having him with me. You work with people everyday but it is a different experience attending something like this together. I feel the same way with all those who came with us on this trip.
One thing I wanted to mention is the 45th Annual Caribbean Lectureship next July 12th-15th in St. Thomas. It will be at the Frenchman's Reef & Morning Star Marriot Resort. You can look it up on-line. Beautiful place. The rooms will be $205 a night. HOWEVER, you can room with one or two others and divide the cost. I realize it is still a lot of money, but if you start putting money away now in an envelope you might be surprised what you can do in a year. Just something to think about.
Our building is looking better and better all the time. There were some things that were needing a major facelift. Everyone seems to be excited about it. Of course, it is a big expenditure. Start thinking now how you can help to eliminate this cost in the near future.
Well, my oldest son, Lex, left this morning for Oklahoma Christian. Noah and Missy are on their way to Alabama for Noah's college orientation. In a manner of a couple of weeks our house will be down to 4. It is bitter sweet. You want to see your children grow and mature but you hate to see them go. We are just glad we had another summer we were all together.
It is going to be a busy week for the teens as they begin their work week. Joel and Molly have done a great job planning these service projects. Keep them in your prayers this week so that no one gets hurt. Even more for the glorification of God in all their works.
Have a great week!
One thing I wanted to mention is the 45th Annual Caribbean Lectureship next July 12th-15th in St. Thomas. It will be at the Frenchman's Reef & Morning Star Marriot Resort. You can look it up on-line. Beautiful place. The rooms will be $205 a night. HOWEVER, you can room with one or two others and divide the cost. I realize it is still a lot of money, but if you start putting money away now in an envelope you might be surprised what you can do in a year. Just something to think about.
Our building is looking better and better all the time. There were some things that were needing a major facelift. Everyone seems to be excited about it. Of course, it is a big expenditure. Start thinking now how you can help to eliminate this cost in the near future.
Well, my oldest son, Lex, left this morning for Oklahoma Christian. Noah and Missy are on their way to Alabama for Noah's college orientation. In a manner of a couple of weeks our house will be down to 4. It is bitter sweet. You want to see your children grow and mature but you hate to see them go. We are just glad we had another summer we were all together.
It is going to be a busy week for the teens as they begin their work week. Joel and Molly have done a great job planning these service projects. Keep them in your prayers this week so that no one gets hurt. Even more for the glorification of God in all their works.
Have a great week!
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Hey Mon!
It is Sunday night and I am exhausted! I woke up at 4:30 am and couldn't go back to sleep. It is now after 10 pm. But it is a good kind of tired. Everyone in our group, Carolyn Boling, Missy Moore, Joel Soumar, and Marilyn Yergler, would also agree. Here is the way our first day has gone.
Worship this morning was sooooo uplifting. I cannot begin to describe the singing. We tried to video parts of it, but it doesn't do it justice. You really have to experience it to truly understand. All I can tell you is my voice is hoarse from singing so much. After that we had our first lesson, Paul Blake. I was speaking next, and felt very insignificant. These preachers are good... really good.
The Lord's Supper was interesting as the juice was served on waitress trays, since they didn't have the standard communion trays. But it worked just fine. We got out of worship around 12:45 pm. We had lunch in the cafeteria, along with the Dos Santo's and then free time until 5:30 pm.
From 5:30-6:50 there were a few singing groups who performed. It is a different style than in America, but extremely good. It would have been even better if they had a decent sound system.
Sunday morning they were pulling chairs to be able to get everyone seated, but by tonight the crowds had grown and several were standing around the walls (Joel and I sat on the floor). I'm not sure everyone was able to get into the building. The singing was fantastic (of course). The two preachers, Bro. Clancy and Bro. Osbourne, really knocked it out of the park. Have I mentioned how good these preachers are? Needless to say, we finally walked out around 9:30 pm and a quick bite in the cafeteria.
This lectureship has become special to me. It is called a lectureship, but it is more of a spiritual recharge. Last year was great, but this year is even better. I'm really glad I have some of our folks to share it with, especially Missy. Very rarely does she get to go with me on things like this.
Enough for now, Sunday night Joel and I will be sharing pictures and stories of the trip. So far, Joel has the best story! Well, I can hardly keep my eyes open, so I am shutting down for the night. Have a great week.
Worship this morning was sooooo uplifting. I cannot begin to describe the singing. We tried to video parts of it, but it doesn't do it justice. You really have to experience it to truly understand. All I can tell you is my voice is hoarse from singing so much. After that we had our first lesson, Paul Blake. I was speaking next, and felt very insignificant. These preachers are good... really good.
The Lord's Supper was interesting as the juice was served on waitress trays, since they didn't have the standard communion trays. But it worked just fine. We got out of worship around 12:45 pm. We had lunch in the cafeteria, along with the Dos Santo's and then free time until 5:30 pm.
From 5:30-6:50 there were a few singing groups who performed. It is a different style than in America, but extremely good. It would have been even better if they had a decent sound system.
Sunday morning they were pulling chairs to be able to get everyone seated, but by tonight the crowds had grown and several were standing around the walls (Joel and I sat on the floor). I'm not sure everyone was able to get into the building. The singing was fantastic (of course). The two preachers, Bro. Clancy and Bro. Osbourne, really knocked it out of the park. Have I mentioned how good these preachers are? Needless to say, we finally walked out around 9:30 pm and a quick bite in the cafeteria.
This lectureship has become special to me. It is called a lectureship, but it is more of a spiritual recharge. Last year was great, but this year is even better. I'm really glad I have some of our folks to share it with, especially Missy. Very rarely does she get to go with me on things like this.
Enough for now, Sunday night Joel and I will be sharing pictures and stories of the trip. So far, Joel has the best story! Well, I can hardly keep my eyes open, so I am shutting down for the night. Have a great week.
Monday, July 7, 2014
Our Children are Blessed
I am going to begin with a spotlight on our children's program. David Paladin is not your conventional children's minister. He's weird, unorthodox, and doesn't know how to do things in a simple way. He is also dedicated, successful, and makes things exciting. Our kids program isn't like the one I was raised in - the rooms are brightly colored, visual learning is as important as auditory learning, and chairs are optional. You get the idea. This isn't a slam against those Bible classes I was raised in, as they were highly effective, only that his different approach has amazing results. Times change and we must find ways of being highly effective. Having a child in the program I can attest to the quality of learning. This past week my 10 year old attended a Bible camp for the first time. This was directed by a very conservative group of Christians. Good people. My baby came home with the Bible Award. She was excited, to say the least, and was surprised how much she knew compared to the other kids. Please don't take this as bragging on my daughter as much as I am really trying to say something about our children's program. She won the award because of her knowledge of the Bible. (Not bad for the kid who actually forgot to bring her Bible, sigh). Bella isn't an above average learner, in fact, it generally takes her longer than most. She is a demonstration of the Biblical knowledge our young people are getting in this program.
Along those lines, if you haven't seen the new children's room, "The Dock", you need to stop by sometime. The artists, carpenters, and helpers have outdone themselves. It is amazing! Let David know how much you appreciate what he has accomplished with our young people. He will be the first to tell you it has been successful because of the teachers, "wranglers", and the like who have helped him fulfill this dream. Our children our blessed! This church is blessed! Thank all of these folks who help out in any way.
If you feel like this is a beneficial program, find a way to get involved. They are always short of teachers and helpers. They are looking for people who love the kids of this church. Those who can smile, feel compassion, and genuinely care for God's Word. The more who volunteer, the more time out everyone is able to take, which results in fresh teachers. Sign up today.
Last night was great! Circle Up Singing is becoming my favorite activity of the Summer. We had EIGHT guys to lead singing (one of which was 10 years old). If we count Joe Wild leading "Happy Birthday" yesterday morning we could bump that up to nine (hmmm). This is so important to a congregation. I've been apart of congregations that had the same song leader for years and suddenly passes away or moves. The singing suddenly take a nose dive. This Summer we have used four song leaders on Sunday mornings. Things like last night help with the future development of the church. Not all of them with be able to sing like Elvis (but who can), and we may end up singing something to high or low, but those things take time to develop. Serving churches in Alabama, Tennessee, and now Florida, I can tell you that MOST churches don't have a David Brooker sitting in their pews who can not only lead, but teach. Keep encouraging our song leaders and sing out each and every time we come together. If you want to learn more about singing come to the 4:15 class on Sunday afternoons with David Brooker.
PROGRESS! Today the roofing has begun! If you have noticed, our building has recently looked like some of the old pictures of London after being bombed in WWII. It has been prep work for painting, installing vents, doing repairs, etc. In a few weeks things are going to be looking really good. Thank you all for your patience.
Finally, let's remember our sick. Sue Higgins ended up having to have a hip replacement yesterday. She begins rehab today. If you haven't heard, she fell off her bicycle. Marilyn Hale's grandmother also had surgery and moved to recovery. This is a very touch and go situation. On a positive note, Carolyn Boling's 12 year old granddaughter is doing MUCH better. This has been very stressful on the family. If I have forgotten someone please let me know and I will put it in the weekly updates.
Finally, the elders and staff want to wish A'Lana Cutshall the best. She will no longer be working with the church and pursuing her photography business - Defining Moments. You can find her and Jerry's work on Facebook. We hope she never gets tired of the phrase, "say cheese"!
Along those lines, if you haven't seen the new children's room, "The Dock", you need to stop by sometime. The artists, carpenters, and helpers have outdone themselves. It is amazing! Let David know how much you appreciate what he has accomplished with our young people. He will be the first to tell you it has been successful because of the teachers, "wranglers", and the like who have helped him fulfill this dream. Our children our blessed! This church is blessed! Thank all of these folks who help out in any way.
If you feel like this is a beneficial program, find a way to get involved. They are always short of teachers and helpers. They are looking for people who love the kids of this church. Those who can smile, feel compassion, and genuinely care for God's Word. The more who volunteer, the more time out everyone is able to take, which results in fresh teachers. Sign up today.
Last night was great! Circle Up Singing is becoming my favorite activity of the Summer. We had EIGHT guys to lead singing (one of which was 10 years old). If we count Joe Wild leading "Happy Birthday" yesterday morning we could bump that up to nine (hmmm). This is so important to a congregation. I've been apart of congregations that had the same song leader for years and suddenly passes away or moves. The singing suddenly take a nose dive. This Summer we have used four song leaders on Sunday mornings. Things like last night help with the future development of the church. Not all of them with be able to sing like Elvis (but who can), and we may end up singing something to high or low, but those things take time to develop. Serving churches in Alabama, Tennessee, and now Florida, I can tell you that MOST churches don't have a David Brooker sitting in their pews who can not only lead, but teach. Keep encouraging our song leaders and sing out each and every time we come together. If you want to learn more about singing come to the 4:15 class on Sunday afternoons with David Brooker.
PROGRESS! Today the roofing has begun! If you have noticed, our building has recently looked like some of the old pictures of London after being bombed in WWII. It has been prep work for painting, installing vents, doing repairs, etc. In a few weeks things are going to be looking really good. Thank you all for your patience.
Finally, let's remember our sick. Sue Higgins ended up having to have a hip replacement yesterday. She begins rehab today. If you haven't heard, she fell off her bicycle. Marilyn Hale's grandmother also had surgery and moved to recovery. This is a very touch and go situation. On a positive note, Carolyn Boling's 12 year old granddaughter is doing MUCH better. This has been very stressful on the family. If I have forgotten someone please let me know and I will put it in the weekly updates.
Finally, the elders and staff want to wish A'Lana Cutshall the best. She will no longer be working with the church and pursuing her photography business - Defining Moments. You can find her and Jerry's work on Facebook. We hope she never gets tired of the phrase, "say cheese"!
Monday, June 30, 2014
Star Spangled Banner Week
This is the week of the fourth of July, the birth of our nation. Without coming off too corny, I am proud to be an American. Yesterday is a perfect example of why I feel this way as God's children we're able to come together to worship the Almighty without worrying about being persecuted. This week I will blog in a public restaurant about things concerning the Lord's church. Feeling very blessed this morning.
Along those lines, Wednesday night we will be meeting at Riverside Park for our own "Patriotic Picnic". Just bring a side dish as everything else is provided (i.e. drinks, hamburgers, hotdogs, etc.). Everything will get started at 5:30 pm. If you want to bring a Frisbee, football, corn hole, or something else to enjoy with others, do so. I know a mean game of horseshoes will be taking place. It should be a great night. If we should have bad weather we will meet at the church building. Beginning an hour before the event we will start sending emails, posting on Facebook, Twitter, and phone tree for those who do not have access to a computer, IF we will be moving to the Coffee Shop.
It was a good day Sunday. It was announced Matt Woodson has placed membership with us. He has been coming for some time as well as attending Harding University. He feels this is a special place he wants to contribute to in his spiritual life. Welcome Matt.
We finished up the storyline, if you will, of the Book of Daniel. Daniel in the Lion's den is always one of the popular accounts in Scripture. Chapter 6 ended with the introduction of Cyrus, the Persian King. This is the guy who would allow the Hebrews to go home. Now, read the Book of Ezra this week, as it gives the account of Cyrus sending them back to Jerusalem. 70 years in the making! The Maestro orchestrated the whole thing. Praise God!
This Sunday we will get started with the many dreams and visions that are found in the later part of this book. I would appreciate some extra prayers as I try to decipher the meanings as well as put them in an organized presentation. As a preacher, it gets really "fun" - chapters 2 and 7 deal with the 4 kingdoms and a great kingdom, explaining it different ways. Chapter 8 only deals with two of the kingdoms, while chapter 9 and 11 deal with only one. Got it? Yeah, me neither. Now you know what I have been doing all weekend as well as the rest of this week. Eventually, we will deal with angels. The Book of Daniel gives one of the most awesome details of there special servants of God and what is going on behind the nations of the world. Isn't the book of Daniel boring? :) I really love this book.
Have a great week, and hopefully we will see you Wednesday evening.
Along those lines, Wednesday night we will be meeting at Riverside Park for our own "Patriotic Picnic". Just bring a side dish as everything else is provided (i.e. drinks, hamburgers, hotdogs, etc.). Everything will get started at 5:30 pm. If you want to bring a Frisbee, football, corn hole, or something else to enjoy with others, do so. I know a mean game of horseshoes will be taking place. It should be a great night. If we should have bad weather we will meet at the church building. Beginning an hour before the event we will start sending emails, posting on Facebook, Twitter, and phone tree for those who do not have access to a computer, IF we will be moving to the Coffee Shop.
It was a good day Sunday. It was announced Matt Woodson has placed membership with us. He has been coming for some time as well as attending Harding University. He feels this is a special place he wants to contribute to in his spiritual life. Welcome Matt.
We finished up the storyline, if you will, of the Book of Daniel. Daniel in the Lion's den is always one of the popular accounts in Scripture. Chapter 6 ended with the introduction of Cyrus, the Persian King. This is the guy who would allow the Hebrews to go home. Now, read the Book of Ezra this week, as it gives the account of Cyrus sending them back to Jerusalem. 70 years in the making! The Maestro orchestrated the whole thing. Praise God!
This Sunday we will get started with the many dreams and visions that are found in the later part of this book. I would appreciate some extra prayers as I try to decipher the meanings as well as put them in an organized presentation. As a preacher, it gets really "fun" - chapters 2 and 7 deal with the 4 kingdoms and a great kingdom, explaining it different ways. Chapter 8 only deals with two of the kingdoms, while chapter 9 and 11 deal with only one. Got it? Yeah, me neither. Now you know what I have been doing all weekend as well as the rest of this week. Eventually, we will deal with angels. The Book of Daniel gives one of the most awesome details of there special servants of God and what is going on behind the nations of the world. Isn't the book of Daniel boring? :) I really love this book.
Have a great week, and hopefully we will see you Wednesday evening.
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Early Monday Report
It's Sunday and I'm looking over the Gulf of Mexico into Tampa Bay. It has been a great week for me and my family in Anna Marie Island. It is the first time, in the last three years, the whole family has been together for vacation. Needless to say, after a week of watching the sun rise and set on the Gulf, fishing, eating delicious (unhealthy) food, reading a 600 page book, and walking around the city, etc., I'm ready to exchange my flip-flops for some hard soled shoes. This evening the Book of Daniel will be back to my #1 book of choice. Our current series, "Maestro", is moving in full force this Sunday - Daniel and the Lion's den.
I would like to thank Tom Harrelson for filling in for me while I was gone. It is good to know we have several men capable of delivering well prepared sermons while I'm able to spend some alone time with my family. I really hate I missed the joint worship with the Gifford church. Looking forward to it next month.
For those interested, the Spiritual Growth Workshop is this weekend in Orlando. I have enjoyed being apart of this over the years and know many of you have prospered due to attending. Click on http://spiritualgrowthworkshop.com/home.html to get more information.
Also, coming up a week from Wednesday, July 2nd, will be our patriotic picnic at Riverside Park. More information will be coming the week. Right now make sure you circle this evening on your calendar.
As always, make sure you check on those around you that wasn't able to make it this week. Call or visit one our shut-ins. Overall, do something nice for someone.
I would like to thank Tom Harrelson for filling in for me while I was gone. It is good to know we have several men capable of delivering well prepared sermons while I'm able to spend some alone time with my family. I really hate I missed the joint worship with the Gifford church. Looking forward to it next month.
For those interested, the Spiritual Growth Workshop is this weekend in Orlando. I have enjoyed being apart of this over the years and know many of you have prospered due to attending. Click on http://spiritualgrowthworkshop.com/home.html to get more information.
Also, coming up a week from Wednesday, July 2nd, will be our patriotic picnic at Riverside Park. More information will be coming the week. Right now make sure you circle this evening on your calendar.
As always, make sure you check on those around you that wasn't able to make it this week. Call or visit one our shut-ins. Overall, do something nice for someone.
Monday, June 9, 2014
Lights Out!
Yesterday morning the outer lights of the auditorium would not turn on. Sunday night, three of the lights, down the middle aisle, decided to go out as we ended. We figure in a couple of weeks we will be more like the early church using candles. Evidently we have some electrical issues that are being looked into, which generally means big expense. Just what Danny Brackett needed, another project to look after on our buildings and grounds. Let him know how much you appreciate everything he does around here. By the way, this weeks sermon is called "Turn Out the Lights... the Party's Over." No relation to our lights going out (I hope).
Despite the electrical issues the atmosphere yesterday was great. When Christians shine their lights it makes a huge difference. The congregation sounded good in our singing Sunday morning and night. Sunday night I enjoyed hearing my son preach. No doubt mom and I are biased but we appreciate all the encouragement you gave him afterwards (as well as over the last few years). We feel very blessed to serve and be a part of this church.
Along those lines, I want to commend this church on the attitude displayed in our Sunday Morning Bible class. It is a very challenging subject which has the potential to make everyone comfortable (no matter what you believe) at some point in time. Saying that, we need to speak up and discuss those things that you may disagree with. Do it in love but feel free to work through things. In fact, you may even agree with the teacher but you're not sure until you ask some questions. But what if you disagree? Treat them as a brother in Christ. "In Doctrine - Unity; in Opinion - Liberty; but in all things Love." Once again I commend you for the way everyone has handled themselves.
Speaking of Bible classes, we need more volunteers in our children's program. The last thing we want to do is have the same people teaching classes for years without a break. Everyone has the potential to burn out so we want to eliminate that from happening. In turn, a fresh teacher makes for better classes for our children. We talk about the future of the church often, but unless we give them the best opportunities it is just talk. See David Paladin or Andrea Wild if you are willing to take a turn in our kids program.
Finally, I want to induce something a church adopted by its leaders. It is called the Monday Rule. Basically, no one is allowed to complain to the church leaders on Sunday, they have to wait until Monday morning. Why? Read the article. I am 100% in agreement with what the writer expresses. http://timspivey.com/the-monday-rule/ Think about it.
Enough for today. Continue to reach out to those who sit around you. Let us know if there is someone who needs special care. May God bless you this week.
Despite the electrical issues the atmosphere yesterday was great. When Christians shine their lights it makes a huge difference. The congregation sounded good in our singing Sunday morning and night. Sunday night I enjoyed hearing my son preach. No doubt mom and I are biased but we appreciate all the encouragement you gave him afterwards (as well as over the last few years). We feel very blessed to serve and be a part of this church.
Along those lines, I want to commend this church on the attitude displayed in our Sunday Morning Bible class. It is a very challenging subject which has the potential to make everyone comfortable (no matter what you believe) at some point in time. Saying that, we need to speak up and discuss those things that you may disagree with. Do it in love but feel free to work through things. In fact, you may even agree with the teacher but you're not sure until you ask some questions. But what if you disagree? Treat them as a brother in Christ. "In Doctrine - Unity; in Opinion - Liberty; but in all things Love." Once again I commend you for the way everyone has handled themselves.
Speaking of Bible classes, we need more volunteers in our children's program. The last thing we want to do is have the same people teaching classes for years without a break. Everyone has the potential to burn out so we want to eliminate that from happening. In turn, a fresh teacher makes for better classes for our children. We talk about the future of the church often, but unless we give them the best opportunities it is just talk. See David Paladin or Andrea Wild if you are willing to take a turn in our kids program.
Finally, I want to induce something a church adopted by its leaders. It is called the Monday Rule. Basically, no one is allowed to complain to the church leaders on Sunday, they have to wait until Monday morning. Why? Read the article. I am 100% in agreement with what the writer expresses. http://timspivey.com/the-monday-rule/ Think about it.
Enough for today. Continue to reach out to those who sit around you. Let us know if there is someone who needs special care. May God bless you this week.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)