Peace Out!

Gonna sign off for a bit... taking a break from the blog till Monday or so! Peace out!

Some Christmas Eve Photos...

First is our new Ministry Center decorated for Christmas Eve. Second is our girls and third is our family.

Christmas Greetings to Community of Joy!

Here are our Christmas greetings to our congregation at Community of Joy Church of the Brethren. 2007 has indeed been a momenteous year!

Christmas 2007

When the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would give birth to the Messiah, she responded by saying, “I am the Lord’s servant. Let it be with me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38).

As we celebrate Christmas this year, we have lots to celebrate as a congregation!

First and foremost, we celebrate the constant presence of God with us… Immanuel! We have seen evidence of this presence most vividly this year as God guided us to our very first Ministry Center. And we see evidence of this as God helps us make new connections in our neighborhood.

And we celebrate being connected to a group of people who like Mary, are willing and eager to be used by God in sharing his love with the world! You constantly bring joy to our lives as we see you eagerly respond to God’s leadings and as you take seriously God’s call and the mission of our congregation to actively reach out with God’s love, hospitality, hope, healing and peace! We rejoice in all that we together have accomplished in this past year and eagerly anticipate all the ways we together will be on mission in the year ahead.

We want to assure you that we love being your pastors and serving God alongside each of you! And we look forward to years of mutual ministry together. You enrich our lives in so many ways and we are forever grateful to God for brining us together in 1999 and for continuing to guide and work among us all these years later.

When Mary got the news that the Messiah would be born to her… surely she had to do much adapting of her plans and life situation. One of the other things we celebrate this Christmas is being part of a group of people who are always willing and eager to adapt. There is not a challenge that you are not willing to rise up and meet. You have proved this over and over again and it never ceases to amaze us! We appreciate the fact that being on mission with and for God is of primary importance to you!

Thanks for all of the ways you bless our lives and help us see God a little more clearly! Looking forward to a Great 2008!

Merry Christmas! Pastors Martin and Sharon, Caroline and Emma

Christmas Eve....

I am really looking forward to our FIRST Christmas Eve worship in our own facility! It should be a beautiful time of worship. The ambiance will be great! The music will be out of this world... our very own string and piano ensemble with a flute later in the order. Lots of time to slow down and reflect on what Christmas is really about! Looking forward to it!

Two observations on this Saturday before Christmas...

Just got back from a trip around Salisbury at 4 p.m. on the Saturday before Christmas (Dec. 22).

Two reflections... we took the Christmas gifts and food basket to the family we were to deliver to. Our church adopted 3 single parent families for Christmas and we bought gifts for the parent and each of the children along with that, we filled a clothes basket with canned and boxed food items and a spiral ham. The mom came out of the house almost in tears saying, "This is such a blessing for us. God will surely bless you for doing this!" And then she saw the food basket and was blown away... she just couldn't believe it! And when she saw the clothes basket that the food was in... she said... "And now I have something to put my clothes in." When we left, she gave us each a hug and said, "God bless you!"

Then we went to the mall to pick up Emma and a friend of hers... the traffic was HORRENDOUS!!!! It was lined up all the way around the mall in both directions! I have never been in that kind of traffic here!

God's Amazing Provision....

We've been having problems with a toilet leaking at the Ministry Center... and nothing seemed to fix it. So, today, I bought and installed a new one. Not being sure how things are running at year end, and feeling that finances are a bit tight, I wondered about doing this... but then when I dropped it by the ministry center, there was a check in the mail box for one and half times what the toilet cost. This check came from a person who long ago was a regular part of our congregation, but in recent years has been attending another. Isn't it amazing how God provides even for such things as a toilet!

A great day with my wife....

Yesterday was our 19th anniversary! Hard to believe it has been that long! And in other ways, it is hard to remember life before we were married! That must mean I am getting old! They have been 19 wonderful years lived in some great places, blessed by two awesome daughters!

Sharon and I both took the day off and enjoyed spending it together. No agenda, just a day together. We shopped and ate lunch at Brew River... Love those seafood skins! And then capped off the day with a wonderful winter concert at Caroline's school. The concert featured the County String Orchestra and the Wi-Hi Concert band and Choirs. It was a fun way to conclude a nice day!

What fun we have....

Tonight's Christmas Party was a lot of fun! The food was DELICIOUS!!!! Love that chocolate cake! Even brought some home. Thanks Karen!

One of the fun things we did was to decorate people as christmas trees... and the townsend family really got into it! Grandson Whit says that the title of this article should say, "Master Chef turns Christmas Tree!"

Kudos to the Fellowship Team for a GREAT night!

Christmas Party...

I am looking forward to our first Christmas Party in our new building! It should be lots of fun! It has been so nice to have a place of our own that we can decorate and use as needed, not having to schedule it's use around some other organization's schedule. The Party is a break from past tradition and that should make it fun too.... lots of desserts and appetizers! Two of my favorite parts of any meal! The festivities start tonight @ 5 p.m.!

An Update on the City Situation...

As I said in my earlier post, I emailed Bill Holland my concerns regarding anonymous complaints. He responded and says that every complaint must be investigated. I make no judgment on whether that has happened or not. I just want to be clear that this is the answer I have been given.

I am DEEPLY concerned about this thing as a church leader in Salisbury whose facility is located in the neighborhood in question and shares neighbors with Bethany Lutheran Church.

I think the whole thing has gotten out of hand and I pray can be worked out.

More on the Church/City thing....

I understand that there is much that I don't know about this situation that took place between the city of Salisbury and Bethany Lutheran Church (our neighbors). I also understand that emotions are running high and mistakes surely have been made.

After today's paper article quoting Bill Holland from the City, I decided to write him an email expressing my concern which is not one I have heard yet! My biggest concern in the situation is that the city has given credence to anonymous complaints. In all my years as a leader who is sometimes subject to hearing complaints, I have round filed EVERY anonymous complaint I have ever gotten! That's what the city should do too! And I told them so! Who's to say that the complainer isn't someone with an axe to grind. And who's to say that the "many" anonymous complaints received in this matter aren't a few people or even one person. I think it is a dangerous and unwise leadership practice to do anything other than throw away anonymous complaints!

My biggest fear in the whole deal is that this practice of receiving anonymous complaints will increase the complaints.

If I have a problem with my neighbor, I feel it best to schedule a meeting and talk it out. If that process doesn't work, then by all means contact the city officials responsible, but don't do it anonymously... how can anything be worked out if that's the way it is handled?!

Jesus teaches a similar method of conflict resolution (for brothers and sisters in the church) in Matthew 18... and I think the principle transfers to situations outside the church too!

Unbeleivable!!!!!

I can hardly beleive that right here is Salisbury the city is fining a church (actually it is our neighboring church) $1,000 for using a house they own to host bible studies. Actually with all the crazy stuff of our city government, I can beleive it. I sure hope the churches unite to fight this one! I know I am in on that if it happens! This is ridiculous!

One thing we can do is write letters to the appropriate city officials expressing our displeasure! When I find out who we should address them to, I will post the name and address here!

Enticing....

Today at lunch time, I went to the mall to get a hair cut. While walking to Mastercuts, I saw all the mall kiosks. Believe it or not, this is the first time I have been to the mall this Christmas season! Anyhow, at some of these kiosks, there are sales people who are paid to play! Playing with their remote controlled gadgets is a way of enticing you to look a little longer and to see what fun they are having and thus want one of the toys for yourself.

As I was walking by... I thought, how much this is like what we should be doing with our faith! We should be living it in the market place so that others will see it and be drawn to inquire of Jesus. After all, he is a better companion and adds more to our lives than any toy! Too often we turn people off by the way we live/act in the market place rather than draw them closer to Jesus.

In my devotions this morning, the passages were from I Corinthians 9-11 where Paul is encouraging us to not be stumbling blocks for others.... if people see the fun and fulfillment we find in being a life companion with Jesus, they will be drawn to him not propelled from him!

Available....

Yesterday, I asked one of our retired pastors in our congregation to speak for me on Dec. 30 when I will be on vacation. He got out his calendar and saw that nothing was on it. And then told me how the usual plans for the new year involved going back to PA to visit kin and get a new year's day meal of pork and sauerkraut. Then his lovely wife made a comment about being available to say yes when God calls. A few minutes later, he called me over to say that he was indeed available and would speak on the 30th! I am so touched by this couple's desire to be available to God when he calls! I wish I could say that I always answered God's call with such ease and a desire to ALWAYS be available to him!

Thanks Charles and Marilyn for teaching me about being available to God!

A learning....

It was great to have Becky and Aaron Johnston with us in worship to share about their first year in Guatemala. One thing that I learned from them was the value in relating to others of not projecting ourselves on them.

Aaron shared about the value of not knowing the language during the first few months of their journey there and how that enabled them to watch, listen, and learn. Not knowing the language kept them from projecting themselves on the people.

Too often when we are in relationships with others, it is so easy to project our thoughts, opinions, solutions, into the situation -- into the relationship rather than to allow others to live, speak, and interact in their own way. Wouldn't the world be a different place if we could all learn to listen, watch, observe for a while before talking and offering solutions!

That's what friends are for...

A few weeks ago, I helped a friend of mine move. It was a big task and took most of the day. But that's what friends are for!

Yesterday, I was able to get away to hunt on Assateague Island for Sika Deer. Only I got away a little later than I wanted to and was rushed in getting my gear together, so I forgot some important items. First I forgot my sika call.... if only I had it with me, I could have called to the two stags I heard bugle nearby me. They might have come in before it got dark. But it was here at home.

The most important thing I forgot.... I was almost to Berlin, running later than I wanted when I realized I didn't have my boots. The only shoes I had were the ones on my feet, which were docksiders... not a great shoe to traipse around the marshes of Assateague in. So, I called my friend Ted, who is the chief ranger there, who is the one I helped move. And I asked him if he had a spare pair of boots... turns out he did! My friend sure saved the day...

That's what friends are for... to help one another out! I am thankful to have opportunities to be a friend to others and to have friends who help me out!

A simple phone call could have saved hours of frustration...

Got a phone call last night from Tri saying that the gas meter at the Ministry Center was missing and that the gas was turned off and there was NO heat! Somehow, we need gas to have heat with a gas furnace!

After a couple phone calls to Sharp Energy and speaking with their answering service... only to discover that their 24 hour service wouldn't help our situation, there was nothing to do but wait until morning.

8 a.m. I was on the phone calling Sharp Energy, only to find out after about 15 minutes that they aren't in charge of our gas line... I needed to call Chesapeake Utilities... but they didn't open til 9 or so I was told. I tried the number and lo-- someone answered and after 45 minutes of talking and being on hold while Michelle checked things out, we got things worked out! They indeed come by on Monday and disconnect (take) our gas meter. NO phone call, No letter. Just a disconnect. Didn't matter that it is winter and pipes might freeze. Didn't matter that we might show up on Sunday and not have heat!

I know, it is partly our fault.... we should have called to switch the account into our name when we bought the property in May, but who was thinking about heat then. And when we went to turn on the heat, there was no lock on the meter, so we assumed wrongly that everything was okay.... until the meter was taken!

The only way to get things going again...was to take a $350 deposit there and then they would schedule the service tech to install the meter again. So, I took a personal check over, because it would cost an extra fee to use a credit card. If I wanted it turned on today, it would cost an extra $75. Otherwise to turn it on tomorrow it would be free! But the next time we were illegally using the gas, it would cost us $30 to turn on whenever.

Now, I really objected to Michelle's "illegal use" term... it's not like we were trying to get something for nothing! It's a simple mistake on our part that if we had made one phone call, it would have avoided the whole mess... and if they had bothered to call to say, they detected usage on a service that was shut off and locked out in May, we could have solved the whole thing much more simply! It appears that someone cut the lock off...none of us did... or maybe there wasn't one... don't know. I think they were flabbergasted when I asked to speak to the manager to make sure that we would get a bill for the last month... after all we do owe them for whatever gas we used!

Wow, what one simple phone call could have avoided! I am glad this is behind us and that we now have everything set up in our name. And glad that it wouldn't cost us anything to have it re-installed and that after 12 months of good payment record, we will get out $350 back!

What a learning!

Our First Tree Lighting...

Was a wonderful event... Had a great crowd... enjoyed singing carols in the sanctuary (since it was raining outside)... ate some mighty delicious Christmas cookies and candy... went to a few homes to bring some cheer and came away cheered!

Without...

Just spent several hours without electricity. It is definitely something that we take for granted. Everything I went to do, or needed to do, required some kind of electricity to do it. It went off at 11:30 and they said it would be off until 2 p.m. Didn't know what I would do for all that time... not that I didn't have things I could do, but the things I needed to do were impossible without electricity!

Got me thinking about my relationship with God... How sometimes I take him for granted; actually I think we all do! And how so much of what I need to do, requires a connection with God! Today, I am thankful for reminders of the need I have for God and the need I have NOT to take that special relationship I have with him for granted!

I'm back and...

Looking forward to resuming life in a more normal way... which includes blogging. It was a fun week away. Took my nephew hunting several times and didn't see a deer when we were together. But saw deer other times and even got 4... so, butchering the meat continues today. I've given a few away to folks that can use the meat and put 4 in the freezer so far this year. We absolutely love deer meet.

Enough for now... gotta get into the Sunday morning mode... as in less than 3 hours... it will be time for our first worship gathering!

Fasting from the blog world...

Starting tomorrow, Wednesday, I will be fasting from the blog world until December. As I will be on vacation, hunting at my parent's farm.

Had a great Pizza with the Pastor's Lunch on Sunday...

It was fun to share time getting to know some of the newer attenders at Community of Joy on Sunday and helping them get to know the unique church that we are.

It occurred to me as we were talking that I should re-emphasize for all of us, how ministries get started at CoJ.

Not a lot of hoops here, and no water for the fire... just gasoline. You see, I believe that as a pastor, it is my job to empower people to live out of their gifts and callings... we are all ministers when we say yes to Jesus... I am a pastor, but all who have said yes to Jesus are ministers.

At CoJ, to start a ministry a couple of simple things must take place. First, the ministry can't violate our vision or core-values (see our webpage for those). Second, you must get a couple of other people who will join you in the venture as a team(I can't think of a leader in the bible that acted on their own... Moses had Aaron, Paul had many co-horts, Jesus sent the disciples out in twos). Third, be able to raise the necessary funds at least of the first year... then we can talk about if it becomes a core ministry, adding it to the budget (however, doing so, deflates commitment to the ministry somewhat at lease further removes it). Fourth, be willing to evaluate the ministry periodically and adjust or let go of it. And you see, it's just that easy.

Someone asked, "well, doesn't that create an opportunity for things to run amuck?" I guess it may, but I like the way Gamialiel puts it in Acts... If God is in it, I can't stop it, and if God is not in it, it will fail. (my translation of his words in Acts 5:38-39).

Recapping Sunday's Message...

This past Sunday was the final in our 4 part mini-series called "Did Jesus really mean what he said, when he said..." This week was "when he said, Love your enemies."

Of course the answer to all of these was YES! But the reason for exploring the questions is that often we ignore, skip over, push to the margins, or explain away the tough teachings of Jesus and when we do that, we are giving the answer, "no"!

Looking at Luke 6:27-36, we find several ways that Jesus encourages us to do something that is humanly tough! All of these fall under the general category of "do something unexpected!" First Jesus says, "Do good to those who hate you." then "Bless those who curse you." then "pray for those who hurt you." None of these are the typical response to someone who hurts us or we perceive as an enemy. While none of these are easy... we can all pray. By praying for someone, we are taking the relationship to another level and by responding to hate, cursing, or hurt in an unexpected, non-typical way, we defuse the situation. Abraham Lincoln says, "do we not destroy an enemy when we make them our friend?"

And Paul teaches in Romans 12:18, "as far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." You and I can't make someone love us or treat us nicely, but we can change our response to them. And by changing our response to them... by doing all we can to do good, bless, and pray, doing the unexpected, we just may change the way they treat us. Because Jesus proved that in the end, Love ALWAYS WINS!

A good day with lots of memories...

Today, Frank, Tri and I met at the Ministry Center to plant a Christmas tree that was given to the church. It is a BEAUTIFUL Concolor Fir! Thanks to Walt for making the arrangements and getting the tree.

I grew up on a farm and in particular have planted LOTS of Christmas trees. My father no longer balls them, but he and my sister still operate a cut-your-own tree farm near Cordova called Hutchison's Christmas Forest. My girls will be working there next Saturday and the Saturdays in December prior to Christmas! They love it.

This tree will be our Christmas Tree at the Ministry Center for years to come... we will host a Tree Lighting and Carol Singing on Dec. 2 @ 5:30 for the caroling in the neighborhood and 6:45 for the Tree Lighting and refreshments. This may become an annual event.

The other thing we did today was begin clearing the brush... and cutting trees... wow does it look better!!!! The other place I had many memories today was riding in the bucket of the backhoe and being lifted up high to cut down high limbs from trees. Used to do that a lot on the farm.

Making Our Mess Our Message...

This morning on Good Morning America, a feature story was Robin Roberts sharing her journey with breast cancer... today's segment covered her hair loss and getting a wig... what a traumatic experience and how awesome of her for sharing that journey in picture and interview! I am sure she will help countless ladies deal with this and other issues they face when living with breast cancer! Thanks Robin!

During that interview, she said something that made me take note.... when asked why she is doing this in such openness, she said that her mother always said, "make your mess, your message" And I thought WOW!!!! What a great concept! We all have messes in our lives and God can use those messes if we will allow him... when we are honest with our messes, we can help others deal with theirs. God often uses our messes to point us in a direction for ministry. When we do that, we can say to someone who is struggling... "I know what you are going through" and mean it! That's powerful authenticity!

So, let's make our messes our message!

Earl Holland Strikes Again...

What a blessing Earl Holland of The Daily Times has been! He contacted me on Wednesday saying he needed info very soon on our Alternative Christmas Gift Market and other upcoming events. I was at my parents house on Wednesday following an all day meeting in Frederick on Tuesday, I decided to stay at Mom and Dad's to hunt on Wednesday. When I checked my email from their place, I found Earl's email. So, I replied at once and lo-- today (Thursday) the paper had the info listed in the Update section where we have been featured before. THANKS Earl!

To date....

Our efforts toward supporting a Guatemalan student in getting a high school education have been OVERWHELMING! From Saturday's Alternative Christmas Gift Market, we raised over $1400 toward the needed $2,000 for this year. Last night we got word that in the offering on Sunday there were gifts toward this effort totalling $2020; which makes the total amount in hand $3420!!!!! In addition, we raised $950 for the Heifer International animals that will go toward the purchase of a heifer and some other animals for needy families. All praise to God and thanks to those who allowed God to work through them!

Reading perspective...

Recently, I read a comment on our reading perspective when reading the Bible, that made me think.... When we read the Bible, we often take the perspective that Jesus was speaking/ministering to us. BUT... that means that we would be the marginalized of our society... and most of us are not marginalized, poor or diseased. We are the insiders... the ones in the church. Maybe we should take the perspective of the Pharisees and religious leaders. If we did that, we would hear the teachings of Jesus in a different light... rather than be insiders, we would hear a strong challenge. So, next time you read the gospels... look at it as if you were a religious leader and listen to what God says to you.... It might be different from what you currently hear as you read.

Great Day!

Anxious to find out numbers, but it was a great day today... had great response from our congregation and good response from the community! The lighted sign was very helpful. Thanks to Sally and Doug Ruby for all their work! Our first alternative christmas gift market was a success!

The day has arrived for...

our Alternative Christmas Gift Market. I am excited about it, and hope it is a good day! We have some neat items, especially from Guatemala.

These fabrics are weavings done by the ladies in Union Victoria, Guatemala. Yep, they are done by hand!

Pat answers just won't do....

Life is full of rough spots and challenges. Lots of things rob us of happiness and cause us to question things. We can't deny the challenges, questions, or tough spots by speaking cliches or giving pat answers. There is so much mystery to life and to our spiritual connection with our Creator that pat answers and cliches often miss.

One of the reasons that I am doing the Better Questions series at Community of Joy is that we need to look at the tough teachings of Jesus and not avoid them. Not so much so we can be pushed down, but so that we can struggle with the mystery of faith and go to the deeper level of trusting God that comes when we don't have the answers and have to say "I don't know". It's often in the wrestling that we gain greater or new insight. It's in the tough spots that we recognize our need for God. God never promised it would be easy and we have done God a great disservice when we lead others to think that he did. What he did promise was to be with us... to never leave us nor forsake us. So, in the midst of struggle... where is God? He's there... just look a little harder and you might see him. He might show up in the most unexpected ways and at the least likely times, but I am sure he is there. Not always there to rescue us, but always there to travel along with us.

The images above are classic renderings of the Genesis 22 story about Abraham's near sacrifice of his only son Isaac and God's provision of a lamb.

FInally, but now what....

In recent days, including today, I have heard news casts taliking about the danger of all the violent videos, movies, video games that our children are exposed to. I have felt for a long time that these violent movies, videos and video games are not good for our culture. The studies are showing that they help create a more violent people. No surprise there... but the question is what will we do with these findings?

Alternative Christmas Gift Market....

This Saturday, we will hold our first ever Alternative Christmas Gift Market at Community of Joy. It will begin at 8 a.m. and conclude around 2 p.m. The proceeds from the event will directly benefit people who have need. Like a Guatemalan 9th grader, who we are helping to get a high school education with an investment of $2,000 a year for three years. We are working directly with our own young adults, Becky and Aaron Johnston, who are living in Guatemala and working there for another year or so. Then we will also support countless families around the world through Heifer International and Greater Gift. In addition, there will be direct trade coffee and lots of eats for sale. A few local crafters will also be present and will donate to the effort. It should be a great day!

TV coverage....

It was great to get some television coverage yesterday for our Community Emergency Shelter Project. Here is the link....http://www.wboc.com/global/story.asp?s=7308188

I am so happy that now our church will be participating in this important ministry. I knew as soon as we had a place, we would! Now I need to get busy rounding up volunteers... especially over night volunteers.

Blues Concert...

Last night, Sharon and I attended the Blues Concert that benefited the CESP (Community Emergency Shelter Project) which our church is part of. The concert began with Mike Truitt, who is a one man band and local legend. Then the Hill Street Blues band played. They are one good band! This was their third performance and you would have thought they had been playing together for years! If you ever get the chance to see them... you really must do so... it is well worth whatever the cost of the ticket might be!!!! They have a dynamic female vocalist, a marvelous bass player, two superb sax players and one of them plays a mean keyboard, the lead guitarist is fabulous as well and the drummer did a great job too... on some songs, Mike jumped in with his harmonica. What a delightful evening... and all the proceeds went to support the shelter. WOW!!!!

I'm Back...

I had a area one pastors gathering Monday night at my parent's home...so, while I was already there, I decided to take two days to deer hunt. WOW! What nice days and how refreshing to sit most of two days in silence in a tree stand in the woods, watching the woods come to life in the a.m. and go to sleep in the p.m. Didn't get a deer, but saw 15 Tuesday night and 4 Wednesday. Had 3 right under me... could have spit on them, they were that close!

Watched these 9 deer out in the field on Tuesday for nearly 2 hours... one of them was a funky buck... see the pics... he is several years old, probably 3.5 or 4.5 but sometime in his life, he must have gotten hit by a car, because he had a definite limp when he walked... running was a different story -- couldn't tell a thing was wrong. He had some big antlers but weird shaped... see the enlarged pic. He was chasing a doe who was in heat and spent the better part of two hours keeping her in the field and from going into the woods. They ran over my way, but never got close enough.

However, today right when I was to go into the office to get to work, I received a phone call from DiAnna See saying a lady in front of her on their way to work had hit a deer and it was still alive. So, off I went to put it out of it's misery... when I got there it was already dead... and what a huge buck it was... after doing surgery on the lady's car so she could drive it and surgery on the buck so, I could load it, I brought it home to butcher for a needy family! What a lot of meat it will provide them! The lady was very tearful, it was her second deer accident this year! She was so badly shaken, she was not going to go to work... and when she thanked me, she gave me a hug! DiAnna got a hug too! She was the lady's angel! What a week!

Two worship gatherings....

I really love having two worship gatherings at Community of Joy! There are so many positive things about this move!

I think having two very different worship styles is appealing to people who the blend wasn't appealing to and wouldn't appeal to! I have heard from guests recently that they are happy we have a traditional gathering and they are happy we have a contemporary one too! I really like the fact that it makes our smaller space feel like there is room for more people!

On a personal note, I love preaching twice... because I feel that I get the opportunity to make improvements the second time around.... I spend lots of time on the message and getting a chance to make it better is great. Also, I love both styles of worship and really enjoy singing the great hymns of the faith and the contemporary worship songs too!

Plus, I absolutely love having multiple times so that folks can choose whatever times suits them better! The move to two worship gatherings has been one of the best moves we've made besides, finding a more permanent location!

This week's message....

Began the mini Better Questions series yesterday... this mini series will ask the question... "Did Jesus really mean what he said, when he said...." Too often we skip over or ignore the more difficult teachings of Jesus.

This week it was when he said, the greatest of all will be a servant.

Some general observations...1. everyone likes the idea of being great, 2. too often we make it about what Jesus can do for us and not what we can do for him, 3. too often we pick and choose what we will obey... which begs the ? who is Lord, Jesus or me? and 4, If we really took Jesus seriously, the world we live in would be a different place!

Four factors that get in our way of serving others... 1. The "I gotta get there first" mindset. 2. The blinder Phenomena, 3. "The I am better than you" mindset, and 4. the "It's not on the schedule" excuse.

Last week's message....

I am currently doing a Better Questions Series... last week's question was...What is the church supposed to look like? It was planned to coincide with the dedication of our new ministry center.

C- Christ is present among us.
H- Helping others
U- United in Christ
R- Reaching out
C- Called out but sent in
H- Healing hurts happens

The church is NOT a building, an institution, a club or an organization!

Here is part of our dedication service....

Leader: To some people this building looks like a church. It is NOT! It is a ministry center. WE are the church. This ministry center is a place where people can find God’s love, hospitality, hope, healing and peace, as they meet Jesus here or elsewhere through the various ministries of which we are apart.

All: We dedicate this ministry center to continuing the work of Jesus in our community and world.

Leader: May this building be a tool for the work of ministry to which God has called us. And may it never be more important or matter more than the people who come through it’s doors or live around it’s border both near and far. May this place truly be a place where relationships matter!

Good News....

I checked the ministry center today to see if any rain water is coming in anywhere and it is NOT!!!! That means that we have fixed the water intrusion problems! YEAH!

Isn't it wonderful....

the rain that is! Just couldn't help blogging about this wonderful several day rain that we are getting! Thanks be to God!

Oh, how I wish we could send some of it to Southern California... our hearts and prayers go out for our brothers and sisters there!

A novel idea...to live with less so we can give more...

I just love reading Mark Batterson's blog. Here is what a friend of his is doing to make a difference in the world....http://www.junkycarclub.com/

Couldn't help doing this...

The transformation of the building we bought has been so huge... I couldn't help posting a pic of the first day we looked at the building.

If you look at this picture and the one in the post before this one... you will see the drastic difference. To me, it looks like a resurrection!

A final pic of the outside of the building...

Today, the building inspector called me to say that he was standing on a beautiful handicap ramp. In fact he said that it turned out far better than he ever imagined it would earlier this summer. No thanks to Larry Thomas Site and Concrete work! But thanks to Robert Pitts and Melvin Morrison and the folks at Railroad Ironcrafters.

What a blessing to be through this phase and granted final occupancy!!!!

Now we can turn our attention to the few small items and the huge task of re-claiming the wilderness! I've already started that process... got lots of trees cut and ready to be hauled. More to come! AND then we can turn our attention to the real reason we bought the building and that is MINISTRY!

An Updated Children's Room

Wow! Tracey Townsend sure did a great job enhancing the looks of our older children's room at the Ministry Center! Thanks Tracey!

A Blues Concert....

The churches that are working together on the cold weather emergency shelter are hosting a benefit concert of the shelter on November 2 @ 7 p.m. @ Christ United Methodist Church on Phillip Morris Drive. It will be a blues concert and all proceeds go to the shelter. The concert is called Blues Off the Street and features Hill Street Blues Band, Mike Truitt, and Heather Molnar (Miss Annapolis). Tickets are $10 and I have twenty for sale on a first come first serve basis.

FINALLY at LONG last!!!!!

After weeks of pestering and promises... the handicap ramp rails are installed!!!! Besides the slowness of the company... the poor foundation came back to haunt us! It really is wise to lay a good foundation in all that we do... it makes subsequent building easier!

Tomorrow we get our final inspection!!!

It is beautiful!

Also, today my neighbor stopped by -- the one who works for Delmarva Power, and he saw two problems with our supply lines and called to get a crew there and almost instantly there were two trucks there fixing the problems! WOW!

Dedication of Ministry Center

Yesterday in both of our worship gatherings, we dedicated our new ministry center. It is an exciting step in the journey. Here are some of the key components of our dedication....

Leader: To some people this building looks like a church. It is NOT! It is a ministry center. WE are the church. This ministry center is a place where people can find God’s love, hospitality, hope, healing and peace, as they meet Jesus here or elsewhere through the various ministries of which we are apart.

All: We dedicate this ministry center to continuing the work of Jesus in our community and world.

Leader: May this building be a tool for the work of ministry to which God has called us. And may it never be more important or matter more than the people who come through it’s doors or live around it’s border both near and far. May this place truly be a place where relationships matter!

All: We dedicate this ministry center to continuing the work of Jesus in our community and world. Thanks be to God!

Spending time with my nephew...

Actually went deer hunting yesterday and had a great time. Spent the afternoon with my 9 year old nephew. He and I had some great bonding time sitting in the fall woods in a tree stand 25 feet up in the air. We watched countless squirrels and saw 12-15 deer. It was a fun time... he is really excited about hunting and I am excited to be sharing something I love with him.

Couldn't help but take a trip down memory lane as he and I sat there last night. He is 9 and I was 9 when I shot my first deer right from that very location. Last night, we had a string of deer come by and I got two with my muzzleloader, which was a small feat since you only get one shot at a time and reloading is a cumbersome task. Those two made 3 for the day... we will be enjoying venison this winter as always!

Benjamin had a great time and so did I! For a young man who finds it challenging to sit still most of the time, he had no problem doing so when we were in the woods! I hope to take him again real soon! But first, I must do some butchering!

A new seat...

I had to give up my keys and seat today! And join the old man's club... Caroline got her learners permit and now is driving me all around! We logged almost an hour after she got her permit! She is a very good driver!

God continues to do his thing...

God continues to do his amazing math! Remember with God, 5 + 2 = 5,000! Today we saw that again!

Last night Frank Potvin called me to say that he was picking up 9 feet of base cabinets today from Doug Potvin's work. Doug had told me about the cabinets on Sunday night and asked if we wanted them... The story is that they were water damaged and the insurance company is replacing them.

Well, imagine my surprise when I spoke with Frank today as he was making a second trip to Seaford to get more cabinets because 9 feet turned into 16 feet. Guess how many feet of cabinets we wanted?!! I don't have to tell you! It's 16! And to make the deal even sweeter, they are solid wood and in NEW condition. In fact, Frank told me after Doug showed him the cabinets, he asked where the ones were that we were getting!

After a trip to Home Depot, we furnished the cabinets with a counter top and door hardware, which cost only a mere fraction of what these fine cabinets would have cost us!

Isn't God great!

Now Jim has another project to add to his ever shortening list! Installation of the cabinets and counter top... for now we just laid the counter top on the cabinets.

A new thing...

Tomorrow, I am going to do something I haven't done enough of lately... I'm going to take off! Yep, I am going to leave the office behind and spend a day or two or three care-free! It's muzzleloader season for deer and I have to fill the freezer for the year, so I will be out on the Island tomorrow looking for sika and then Friday and Saturday, I will head to the white-tail woods at my parents. Hope the weather cools down some! Looking forward to getting away!

Homeless Shelter...

Today was our second meeting with some folks from the city and county emergency services departments about life safety issues in our Community Emergency Shelter Program (CESP). It went fairly well! I truly believe that they desire to be helpful and not adversarial.

They will begin doing safety evaluations at our churches soon. We should be fine in this regard.

Community of Joy is co-hosting with Bethany Lutheran Church the week of Feb. 16-22. And we expect to have up to 80 (total) homeless men using our facilities as an emergency shelter. We will feed them a meal at supper time and provide a place to sleep and breakfast as well as a packed lunch. We are excited to be part of this important effort!

In addition the Wicomico Homeless Coalition is starting a "code blue" shelter for women and children in the coldest nights of the winter. They are seeking volunteers for this effort. Contact me if you might be interested in volunteering.

Another homeless related issue... CESP is hosting a fundraising blues concert on Nov. 2 at Christ United Methodist Church ... tickets are $10 and can be obtained from Jack's Religious Gift Shop, The Gospel Shop, or St. Peter's Episcopal Church. And the following day, Nov. 3, from 8:30 a.m. to noon is a volunteer training event for CESP.

The reason I stayed out of the woods today...

It was to see my lovely daughter, Caroline get all gussied up for Homecoming 07.... and to see all the other lovelies get gussied up and for their guys... It was a FUN time with the crowd here.

What a Blessing Mrs. T. is....

Mrs. T came to our house this afternoon to share her gifts with Caroline! She has been a hairdresser for years and came to help Caroline get her hair ready for the big homecoming dance. She arrived around 3 and stayed till 5 or so. Not only did she do Caroline's hair, but she helped with a friend's hair as well! What makes this really special is that Mrs. T. hasn't been able to do hair for some time due to health concerns... she deals with extreme pain constantly and in spite of that... she came to help out! THANKS Mrs. T.!

Today's job that is huge....

Today, several of us worked hard to begin the process of reclaiming the lot. Almost half the lot is grown up in multi-flora roses and briars and ivy and sapplings. My friend Wil and Carol, Frank, and myself worked this morning cutting and hauling two loads away. There are many more loads ready to haul and lots more to cut.

Next we will get a chainsaw going and cut bigger trees and then Wil and I have a friend who will come to bush hog for us! YEAH!

Tight Quarters....

The window wells in the front are tight quarters, yet Jim has been in them painting the original metal frames that we left in so as not to damage the brick. They sure look nice!

The New Doors...

Actually they aren't new... but they sure look new! Jim and Carol did a great job painting them and look at the brass handles... they cleaned up well!

Now we won't be known as the church with pink doors!

A beautiful day and what I needed....

After several weeks of feeling overwhelmed with schedule and projects, I finally got out for a hunting experience and what a renewing time it was/is!

I really enjoy hunting sika deer on Assateague Island and this morning a friend and I left the K-mart shopping center parking lot at 5 a.m. for the trip to the island. We saw several sika deer including a really nice stag on our way in... neither of us saw a thing while hunting. But we both enjoyed watching the sun come up over the ocean and getting away from the hustle and bustle.

On our way off the island we saw the snowy igrets roosted in a quiet cove and couldn't resist a couple pics. Also saw this 8 pt white-tail buck and snapped a few of him.

It is so important to take time off and get away... Next week I hope to do more!

Another room almost complete....

I've been working for the leaders of our Kids ministry to get the children's room up and ready for their use. Put up a bulletin board and a wide screen tv! Thanks to a couple donors, the wide screen is about half paid for... still looking for some extra dollars to cover it all! Confident that they will come in!

The curriculum that they use is video driven. So is the youth's, that's why we needed two spaces to use a television and dvd player.

Things are shaping up!

Let your yes be yes....

I know I don't always do everything when and as I say I plan to... but, I sure try to and when I can't, I call or let the person know I can't. Like today, I was supposed to go hunting with a friend in the late afternoon, and Sharon's work situation dictated that I cancel so that I could taxi the girls... so, I called my friend at once to tell him I couldn't go and to apologize for letting him down!

This ramp railing thing is getting the best of me! I keep getting the same song and dance every week. Last Friday, I was told that it would be installed on Monday or Tuesday. Today (Thursday), I was told that it would be installed early next week. But when I tried to pin her down to a day, she would only say by week's end. I highly doubt that it was as far along as I was told it was last week. In fact, I hope it is as far along as I am told this week. It sure would be nice to have it installed by next week!

The final windows are being installed!

The final windows are being installed in the basement! They look great! They are the same as the ones in the sanctuary and are awnings that turn out! What a BIG difference that will make in the heating bill. The old ones you could see daylight in many places.

These still need to be trimmed but that will happen tomorrow!

Disappointment, Frustration, and Life Goes On...

Today, I picked Caroline up from school at 3 p.m. and we went to the MVA to get her learner's permit. You already know what we did... we stood in line. And after the long wait, we learned that on October 1 the state passed a new law that means that kids under 16 must have a paper signed by their school saying they didn't miss more than 10 days of school. So, we got the paper and rushed over to the High School to find that the guidance counsellor was still there and was willing to fill it out and she was even willing to do the required sealed envelope. Then we went back to the MVA and got a number and then the real WAIT began... three-quarters of an hour... only to find out that when our number was called, we didn't have her birth certificate and social security card! So, we rushed out of there and got the required papers and rushed back ... they close the doors at 4:30 p.m. NOT 4:31 or 4:32! As I pulled up to the front door to let Caroline out and the man was locking the door... He mouthed the words... sorry! And I shouted..."THANKS!" to that he opened the door and we had a conversation, but he wouldn't let us in. So, I promised Caroline that we would go back tomorrow a.m. bright and early! Actually for the MVA that is 8:30 a.m.

She is handling the disappointment very well!

While we were doing this waiting, another classmate came in... only to find out the very same thing about the new law... she only had this day this week...and she was very disappointed!

The other neat thing... Caroline got some extra forms and will take them to her high school for the guidance office to have on hand for others in her situation. (We asked when we were there and they didn't have the papers). She will also work with the Regional Student Leader Association to get the papers in other high schools!

Life goes on and hopefully tomorrow, Caroline will get to drive me to her school!

Life is FULL...

Right now, life is too full! I am way too busy and am struggling with keeping my head above water and not being able to do some hunting... so, will be making some adjustments to schedule and saying no to some things so that I can get things back in perspective!

I know this is a reality all of us deal with, especially in our world today! Too many things calling our names. We must learn to make choices and to say no to things... even good things! Last night I agreed to go hunting with a friend of mine this morning... and after finding that it was stressing me out...because I had been out of town all day Friday and Saturday and yesterday was FULL with three worship gatherings at church and helping a new friend -- who has a drug addiction and wants to break free... I was basically gone yesterday from 8 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. So, I called my friend back and told him I just could NOT go hunting in the morning... Hunting should be something I enjoy, not something I dread or that puts stress on me. Saying no to good things is a necessary thing!

Today I am working hard to get my to do list knocked out... so I can feel relief from it's weight.

Jesus taught and modeled the sabbath principle... he often went away to pray by himself and seemed to have a healthy rhythm of doing and being. He also encouraged us to observe a sabbath. It's a day of rest and rejuvenation!

Known for our doors....

Earlier this summer, I blogged about a connection Caroline and I had made, who knew our ministry center by it's doors... at that time, I said, that I sure hoped we would not be known for our doors... that we would be known by the love we share and the impact we have on our community and world for Jesus... BUT NOW, I guess we WILL BE KNOWN by our doors... How do you like the pink doors???!!! Just in time for our big open house and dedication! We are the only church in town with PINK doors GUARANTEED!

A Change in plans...

We are going to postpone the "Did Jesus really mean what he said?" question from this week to the end of October and first 3 weeks in November. We will turn it into a 4 part mini-series in the overall series... Better Questions.

The topics will be October 28 Better Questions Series: Did Jesus really mean what he said when he said, "the greatest will be a servant"?

November 4 Better Questions Series: Did Jesus really mean what he said when he said, "the cost of being a disciple is to deny self"?

November 11 Better Questions Series: Did Jesus really mean what he said when he said, "to forgive someone 70 x 7 times"?

November 18 Better Questions Series: Did Jesus really mean what he said when he said, "to Love our enemies"?

This week we will ask... Better Questions Series: Do we have to defend the faith or share it?

In our worship design team gathering last night we realized that the question Did Jesus really mean what he said when he said... was much bigger than one week! Thus the change.

Next week will be Better Questions: If it's hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, why do we work so hard to get rich?

Then on October 21 for our Ministry Center Dedication, we will ask "what is the church supposed to look like?"

And the final question of the series will be November 25 and it will be "Can there be peace on earth?"

This week's topic...

This week we will ask... Did Jesus really mean what he said? Stay tuned...

This Better Questions series will spark your thoughts and hopefully cause you to go deeper in your connection with and love for God!

Some times we have better questions than answers and some times, there are better questions we could ask than the ones we are asking.

Last week we looked at the question... Does Prayer work? Let me go on record as saying YES! I believe prayer works... but not often in the way we try to make it work... Prayer is NOT a method to manipulate God by or a way to get all that we want... prayer is a way to grow deeper in our connection with God in a mysterious way. And prayer is a way that God transforms our lives as we connect deeper with him and gain his perspective, will, wisdom, love, healing, hope, peace, strength.

GREAT DAY>>>

Each week, I wonder how God will top the last... yesterday was again another great day for Community of Joy!!!!

We launched our two worship gatherings with adding one at 9 a.m. -- a traditional one. And the response was phenominal! And then had our 10:30 gathering -- a contemporary one!

Attendance was up -- after taking out the 11 who went to both. Attendance was up by about 50%! WOW!!!!

Tomorrow, we launch our two worship services!

Tomorrow, I get to do something I've always wanted to help a church do... go to multiple worship gatherings. It's a hard shift... but one that is so helpful for growth.

The second church that Sharon and I pastored had two worship services, but the first one we pastored didn't and we worked hard to get them to that point so that the steady growth we were seeing would continue, but the core value of community was like a snake... it kept us from going to two worship gatheirngs and shortly after we left, the growth went the other way!

I am so proud of Community of Joy leaders and folks... we are making a HUGE step for us to go this route and I pray that it will pay off in a big way immediately!

Yes, there are some trade offs, but they are worth it to see Kingdom growth!

Other great items for sale on ebay...

Here are some original painted and pen and ink turkey calls that I have for sale on ebay... all artwork done by my friend, nationally know wildlife artist, Wilhelm Goebel!

For Wil and Chris

One of the prints that we are selling on Ebay by nationally known wildlife artist and friend, Wilhelm J. Goebel! You can find these prints, originals, and turkey calls on ebay by going to my store... do a community search for bwhnter83 and you will find the store!

Time to Throw in the Towel....!

Time to Throw In the Towel….

Yes, you read that right! It is time for us to throw in the towel already!

October is a big month for us at Community of Joy! We are throwing in the towel in many ways! It will be the first full month since we threw in the towel on one worship gathering… we now have two! One at 9 a.m. and one at 10:30 a.m.

On October 7 @ 6:30 p.m. you are invited to come to the ministry center to participate in a special worship gathering called the Love Feast, which is modeled after Jesus’ last supper with his disciples recorded in John 13. In this meal that Jesus shared with his followers, he threw in the towel as a way of reminding us that we are called to serve the world. Come join us for this special time… childcare provided as well as a simple meal, an opportunity to serve one another by washing feet, and an opportunity to receive communion.

On October 21, in both of our morning worship gatherings we will have a special time of dedication for our ministry center and then an Open House from 2-5 p.m. Our District Executive Don Booz will be on hand for the festivities. We have invited area Church of the Brethren congregations and the community to come and see what God has done! This day will mark the official day when we throw in the towel on the MAJOR renovations we will do to the ministry center! We hope to have only small punch list items left to do after this date!

It’s time for each of us to throw in the towel! Read John 13:1-17 and consider how you can throw in the towel by serving others in the name of Jesus and with the love of Jesus. We truly want this building that we purchased to be a ministry center and we want to be good neighbors… so, how can you/ we throw in the towel and make an impact in the life of our community and neighbors? How can we share Jesus’ love?

Won’t you join me in throwing in the towel as we humbly love and serve Jesus?

Together on the Journey….

WOW! Gotta appreciate Earl Holland!

Just yesterday, I was thinking that I needed to call or email Earl Holland from The Daily Times concerning our Open House at the Ministry Center in October... and when the phone rang just a few moments ago... it was Earl Holland beating me to the punch... he called to check on the progress of things.

What a great reporter he is! What follow up! Thanks Earl!

The above article was Earl's first one on CoJ!

Do you know that Sunday we go to TWO worship gatherings...!

Just don't want any one to miss the fact that on Sunday we go to two worship gatherings!

We will do our more traditional flavor at 9 a.m. and it will only be an hour!

We will do our more contemporary flavor at 10:30 and who knows how long it will be???! Actually it will be no more than an hour and a half sometimes... but most times closer to an hour and fifteen!

New Series to begin Sunday....

I am again, taking a title from one of my favorite musicians... Todd Agnew's new CD is titled "Better Questions". In it he says that he has come to discover that he often has better questions than answers when it comes to his life as a follower of Jesus.

I find the same is true for me!

However this series will not only raise questions, it will ask some tough questions and hope to stimulate our lives for following Jesus on the road of mission where everything is not black and white, but often gray and cloudy.

This week's question... "Does Prayer Work?" Just asking the question project some pretty heavy baggage! Stay tuned....

Five days to go...

until our history making event of going to 2 worship gatherings!

Keep praying that this will be a huge success!

Two Worship Gatherings begin on Sunday...

This Sunday, we will make history in the life of our congregation... we will begin two worship gatherings. The first will be at 9 a.m. and will be more traditional in flavor. The second will be at 10:30 a.m. and will be more contemporary in flavor. The first is guaranteed to be an hour and the second makes no promises as to length... except that it will be less than an hour and a half... most likely closer to and hour and fifteen!