You are the average of the 5 people you hang around most!
I heard that the other day... and it is probably true!
Think about it!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Last Night's Benefit Blues Concert....
Hill Street Blues and Mike Truitt and others joined togther last night in a concert to benefit the Community Emergency Shelter Project for homeless men in Salisbury and raised $1500. It was a nice concert and a great way to spend a Friday night!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Some more quotes...
From the book ReJesus by Frost and Hirsch.
"We believe that Christology is the key to the renewal of the church in every age and in every possible situation it might find itself in. The church must always return to Jesus in order to renew itself. When, for whatever reason, the church gets stuck or loses it's way in the world, it needs to recover it's primal identity in its founder."
"One of the most urgent reasons why we need to re-envison ourselves around Jesus is that our imaginations so easily become captive to the dominant forces in our culture, whether those forces are economic, political, religious, or ideological."
"In fact, we can sum up the task of discipleship as the lifelong project of literally becoming like Jesus, of becoming a little Jesus."
"At stake at the heart of discipleship is nothing less than the embodiment and transmission of the gospel."
And this quote from Soren Kierkegaard, "Christ is the Truth inasmuch as He is the way. He who does not follow in the way also abandons the truth. We possess Christ's truth only by imitating him, not by speculating about him."
"We believe that Christology is the key to the renewal of the church in every age and in every possible situation it might find itself in. The church must always return to Jesus in order to renew itself. When, for whatever reason, the church gets stuck or loses it's way in the world, it needs to recover it's primal identity in its founder."
"One of the most urgent reasons why we need to re-envison ourselves around Jesus is that our imaginations so easily become captive to the dominant forces in our culture, whether those forces are economic, political, religious, or ideological."
"In fact, we can sum up the task of discipleship as the lifelong project of literally becoming like Jesus, of becoming a little Jesus."
"At stake at the heart of discipleship is nothing less than the embodiment and transmission of the gospel."
And this quote from Soren Kierkegaard, "Christ is the Truth inasmuch as He is the way. He who does not follow in the way also abandons the truth. We possess Christ's truth only by imitating him, not by speculating about him."
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Some Quotes....
Here are some quotes from a current book I am reading.. "ReJesus: A wild Messiah for a Missional Church" by Alan Hirsch and Michael Frost. I think this is going to be a very helpful book in understanding the huge shifts that are taking place in our world and especially as they relate to the church and following Jesus.
Fannie Lou Hamer says, "It isn't enough just to claim to be a Christian. If you are not putting that claim to the test where the rubber meets the road, then it's high time to stop talking about being a Christian."
"It appears that a good church upbringing will do many marvelous things for you, but one of the unfortunate things it also does is convince you that Jesus is to be worshipped but not followed."
"When our imaginations are taken captive by Jesus, we will see God differently. Rather than seeing God as a loving but distant Father who calls us to himself and directs the affairs of history from on high, we will begin to see God as near, as integrally involved in our lives; in effect, as one who sends himself to us rather than waiting for us to come to him."
"To do what pleases God is not simply a matter of morality but of sharing in God's life and mission. It's another way of saying that Christ does what he sees the Father doing and speaks what he hears from the Father. He is devoted to the mission of God. As such he is the model of all discipleship. The life Jesus is offering involves being taken up into the mission of the Father."
"Through Jesus' eyes the church is the sent people of God. A church is not a building or an organization. It is an organic collection of believers, centered on Jesus and sent out into the world to serve others in his name."
"{Jesus} is anti religious, offering his followers direct access to the Father, forgiveness in his name, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, to be rejesused is to come to the recognition that the church as the New Testament defines it is not a religious institution, but rather a dynamic community of believers who participate int he way of Jesus and his work in the world."
Fannie Lou Hamer says, "It isn't enough just to claim to be a Christian. If you are not putting that claim to the test where the rubber meets the road, then it's high time to stop talking about being a Christian."
"It appears that a good church upbringing will do many marvelous things for you, but one of the unfortunate things it also does is convince you that Jesus is to be worshipped but not followed."
"When our imaginations are taken captive by Jesus, we will see God differently. Rather than seeing God as a loving but distant Father who calls us to himself and directs the affairs of history from on high, we will begin to see God as near, as integrally involved in our lives; in effect, as one who sends himself to us rather than waiting for us to come to him."
"To do what pleases God is not simply a matter of morality but of sharing in God's life and mission. It's another way of saying that Christ does what he sees the Father doing and speaks what he hears from the Father. He is devoted to the mission of God. As such he is the model of all discipleship. The life Jesus is offering involves being taken up into the mission of the Father."
"Through Jesus' eyes the church is the sent people of God. A church is not a building or an organization. It is an organic collection of believers, centered on Jesus and sent out into the world to serve others in his name."
"{Jesus} is anti religious, offering his followers direct access to the Father, forgiveness in his name, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, to be rejesused is to come to the recognition that the church as the New Testament defines it is not a religious institution, but rather a dynamic community of believers who participate int he way of Jesus and his work in the world."
A Book Recommendation...
I read lots of books in a years time and I am constantly recommending some to friends and fellow collegues... but this book, I want to recommend to you.
I found the book deeply challenging and helpful in thinking about how I read the Bible. You might find it helpful and challenging. It just might make you think about how you read the Bible and what you do with what you read.
I highly recommend Scot McKnight's book, The Blue Parakeet: Rethinking how you read the Bible. And it might be helpful if you read the last chapter first ("Now What?") and then read the book from cover to cover.
I found the book deeply challenging and helpful in thinking about how I read the Bible. You might find it helpful and challenging. It just might make you think about how you read the Bible and what you do with what you read.
I highly recommend Scot McKnight's book, The Blue Parakeet: Rethinking how you read the Bible. And it might be helpful if you read the last chapter first ("Now What?") and then read the book from cover to cover.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
How Far....
I spent some time yesterday, shoveling the snow at the ministry center. And as I did, I remembered a sermon I heard nearly 20 years ago... that asked the question about raking leaves, but you could also ask it about shoveling snow! In fact, I did ask it yesterday... how far do you shovel on the sidewalk? Our property adjoins Bethany Lutheran's property, and by law, we are required to address the sidewalks in front of our property within 24 hours of a snow. But no one had done Bethany Lutheran's... so do I stop at the line? Or do I shovel past the line a bit? Or do I shovel all of their sidewalk?
And interesting question.... with no right answer!
I ended up shoveling beyond our line a good ways, but not all of their sidewalk. If I had more time and my back wasn't bothering me, I would have gone farther.
How far do you shovel?
And interesting question.... with no right answer!
I ended up shoveling beyond our line a good ways, but not all of their sidewalk. If I had more time and my back wasn't bothering me, I would have gone farther.
How far do you shovel?
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Snow...
I love snow... especially before it gets tainted by humans.
Some biblical thoughts about snow....
Job 37:5-7 "God's voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. He says to the snow, 'Fall on the earth,' and to the rain shower, 'Be a mighty downpour.' So that all men he has made may know his work, he stops every man from his labor."
Psalm 51:6-8 Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
Isaiah 1:18 "Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlel they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. "
Isaiah 55:9-11 "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Monday, January 26, 2009
The Gift of this day!
Yesterday in the second service, Mike shared his thanks for the gift of this day! I hate mondays! But it is a gift to be alive and able to enjoy whatever this day holds! So, today, I am thankful to God for the gift that today is and I pray that I will make the most of it and not take it for granted!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
So Grateful!
As I sit here in the warmth of my studio... with outside temperatures below 20 degrees, I am so grateful that I am part of a church that is one of many who are opening their facilities for the cold winter months to the homeless men of Salisbury! Last year was the first we were able to host the shelter, since it was the first we had a building. Last year we hosted a week. This year we will host for two weeks. There are about 10 or so churches that are participating in this city wide effort and so far it is going smoothly.
We will host the guys February 14-28 and will be joined by three other churches assisting us with our site and another church will run a second site to hold the other half of the guys. The goal of the program is to keep people from dying on the streets. We will show them God's love in many ways... by hosting them in a warm environment, giving them a hot supper, cooked breakfast and bag lunch for the day. They are in our facility from 5 p.m. until 7 a.m.
It is so wonderful to be part of a church that is eager to serve and steps up to the plate well! This ministry pushes some people out of their comfort zones, but they do it anyway! So awesome!
I am also thankful that another group in Salisbury is operating a shelter for women and children!
I pray that one day we will be able to do more than a cold weather shelter, but for now I am grateful that we are doing that!
We will host the guys February 14-28 and will be joined by three other churches assisting us with our site and another church will run a second site to hold the other half of the guys. The goal of the program is to keep people from dying on the streets. We will show them God's love in many ways... by hosting them in a warm environment, giving them a hot supper, cooked breakfast and bag lunch for the day. They are in our facility from 5 p.m. until 7 a.m.
It is so wonderful to be part of a church that is eager to serve and steps up to the plate well! This ministry pushes some people out of their comfort zones, but they do it anyway! So awesome!
I am also thankful that another group in Salisbury is operating a shelter for women and children!
I pray that one day we will be able to do more than a cold weather shelter, but for now I am grateful that we are doing that!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Some Need to Know Facts for a Friday!
I found these facts in a recent edition of World Ark Magazine which is published by Heifer International...
"Toilets come in many varieties - flush, composting, squat, latrine. While most would consider it merely a convenience, a toilet is a luxury in many parts of the world. (It is called a throne, after all!)
-- 40% of the worlds population does not have access to a toilet. That's 2.6 billion people.
-- half of the hospital beds in sub-Saharan Africa are occupied by people afflicted with fecal-borne diseases.
-- 12% of the total health budget in sub-Saharan Africa is used to treat preventable infectious diarrhea.
-- November 19 is designated at World Toilet Day.
-- 2500 is the number of times the average person uses the toilet each year, about 6 to 8 times a day. Each flush uses 2 to 7 gallons of water.
The above picture is from our visit to Union Victoria, Guatemala. It is the latrine that the family had who we stayed with. The one side is open to the hill side... the latrine was the bottom part of a toilet with no seat over a hole in the ground. Some people just had a hole in the ground and a pole nearby to hold onto while you squatted to do your business. In all of Guatemala, you do not flush the toilet paper you use... it is put in a trash can next to the toilet... even if there is a flushable toilet!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
The beauty of God's word....
It's amazing how something written thousands of years ago can make an impact in your life today! But that's why it is called the Living Word.
I've read the Bible many times through in my life... and each time I read it, something new jumps out at me... today, I was reading in I Chronicles -- a passage, I have read many times for sure... but today... I saw it in a whole new light! Amazing!
Even more amazing was that I had been working on a sermon and lifted themes from various biblical stories that were all present in this passage from I Chronicles. Looking forward to sharing it on Sunday as we begin a three part series... Economic Stability!
I've read the Bible many times through in my life... and each time I read it, something new jumps out at me... today, I was reading in I Chronicles -- a passage, I have read many times for sure... but today... I saw it in a whole new light! Amazing!
Even more amazing was that I had been working on a sermon and lifted themes from various biblical stories that were all present in this passage from I Chronicles. Looking forward to sharing it on Sunday as we begin a three part series... Economic Stability!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Remembering, Anticipating, and Celebrating...
As I sit here and watch history being made today with the inaguration of President Barack Obama, watching the dignitaries walk down the steps out onto the stage at the Capitol, I am reminded of our youth group this summer walking down those same steps and looking out at the Washington Monument just as they are doing now!
Sure some things are different. No crowd that day, no blue and red carpet, no stage, but we did walk down those steps! What an experience that was.
And what an experience it was to join the world in watching the events of this historic day! So touching and so long in coming!
Enjoying the day...
I am going to try to take in as much of today as I can! It is an exciting day for our country and a historic day too. I will be working in front of the television for parts of the day.
I am praying for our new president!
I am praying for our new president!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
An interesting note....
Our congregation has a Renewing Joy Fund that is a pastor's discretionary fund... it is used to meet emergency needs of folks in and outside of our congregation. It is well supported by our folks and is used with the utmost of confidentiality... no one knows who benefits. I do report types of uses and provide receipts to the treasurer. One of the nice things about this fund is that needs can be met almost immediately if that is helpful... no committee to call together or approve. Just quick action.
The interesting note.... is that today after our congregational forum where we reported the current balance of the fund and the income and expenses it incurred last year, one of the social workers in our congregation shared with me that there are only 2 churches in our county and two others in neighboring counties that will help her meet needs she finds. She further said, what a joy it was to be part of one that is willing to meet needs!
I agree!
The interesting note.... is that today after our congregational forum where we reported the current balance of the fund and the income and expenses it incurred last year, one of the social workers in our congregation shared with me that there are only 2 churches in our county and two others in neighboring counties that will help her meet needs she finds. She further said, what a joy it was to be part of one that is willing to meet needs!
I agree!
Absolutely the best!
We just had our annual congregational forum at Community of Joy today! This is the first congregation that I have been part of that can have a forum and not dread it! In most of the congregations that I have been part of the forum is the most dreaded gathering in the congregation... even more so than a funeral!
But it doesn't surprise me.... when you have great leaders who lead, you create an enviroment of trust and from there... great things happen! It is so awesome to be part of such an awesome congregation!
It has indeed been an exciting year... can't wait to see what happens next year!
But it doesn't surprise me.... when you have great leaders who lead, you create an enviroment of trust and from there... great things happen! It is so awesome to be part of such an awesome congregation!
It has indeed been an exciting year... can't wait to see what happens next year!
Friday, January 16, 2009
My 2009 Mantra....
Out of last week's sermon... looking at the John 15 passage where Jesus talks about staying connected to him and drawing our strength from that connection. And where he talks about the need to prune (allow God to prune) things in our lives... two things that are being pruned in my life....
With my family (especially the kids!) my new 2009 mantra is "Let Go!" -- It's time to stop guiding so much with the reigns and to let the foundation I have spent all these years laying be built upon! And if along the way they learn some important lessons by experience, then so be it!
With my role as Pastor at Community of Joy, my new 2009 mantra is "Let Others!" -- It's time for me to stop being at the heart and center of everything and time to work more intentionally at empowering others. If that means that things aren't done the way I would do them, then so be it!
When these things change... it will be evident that God did the changing!
I have pasted the mantras in my office in visible locations, and as my screen saver. As well as I am telling others about them... that way they can hold me accountable!
More and better fruit will grow when I live into these two!
With my family (especially the kids!) my new 2009 mantra is "Let Go!" -- It's time to stop guiding so much with the reigns and to let the foundation I have spent all these years laying be built upon! And if along the way they learn some important lessons by experience, then so be it!
With my role as Pastor at Community of Joy, my new 2009 mantra is "Let Others!" -- It's time for me to stop being at the heart and center of everything and time to work more intentionally at empowering others. If that means that things aren't done the way I would do them, then so be it!
When these things change... it will be evident that God did the changing!
I have pasted the mantras in my office in visible locations, and as my screen saver. As well as I am telling others about them... that way they can hold me accountable!
More and better fruit will grow when I live into these two!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Praise God for Each New Day!
Every day is filled with possibility... God gives us a new day every 24 hours! The new day is a new beginning, an opportunity to do better or different. It is an opportunity to make new choices and travel new paths!
I praise God for each new day that he gives me! These pictures were taken by me today as I enjoyed the sunrise over Assateague Island from Kelly Point in Snow Hill with a new friend. We had lots of time to talk and get to know each other better! What a beautiful morning it was!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Looking forward to Saturday!
Saturday will be our first gathering of men for a men's group! It's been a long time since we have had one and it will be good to get a group up and going! Begins at 8:30 a.m. with coffee and donughts provided at the Ministry Center!
Looking forward to being with some guys who want to follow Jesus and support each other in the process!
Should be a good time!
Looking forward to being with some guys who want to follow Jesus and support each other in the process!
Should be a good time!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Relationships....
I am really enjoying my new facebook page and see lots of ways that it can be used to continue the work of Jesus!
Last night, I connected with a guy I went to high school with and through his connections, I made some new online friends... he is on the west coast now, but some of his friends are on the east coast... who knows I just might find some in Salisbury.
Yesterday, after mentioning it in my sermon... I got several friend requests from people that I don't know too well... and that opens their whole network of friends to me. This morning... I got a link to the new facebook page from Common GroundS -- a Fair Trade Coffee House... and I used Facebook's invite system to invite my list of local friends to our Coffee House on February 6. I hope others in the congregation will do the same with their friends... and who knows what happens...and who you touch.
And from that request to the coffee house, three have already responded that they will be attending! Wow!
At lunch time, I loaded the pics of our ministry center transformation... and who knows what will happen when folks see what God is doing!
Technology can be a great tool for sharing the love of Jesus and the salvation he offers!
Last night, I connected with a guy I went to high school with and through his connections, I made some new online friends... he is on the west coast now, but some of his friends are on the east coast... who knows I just might find some in Salisbury.
Yesterday, after mentioning it in my sermon... I got several friend requests from people that I don't know too well... and that opens their whole network of friends to me. This morning... I got a link to the new facebook page from Common GroundS -- a Fair Trade Coffee House... and I used Facebook's invite system to invite my list of local friends to our Coffee House on February 6. I hope others in the congregation will do the same with their friends... and who knows what happens...and who you touch.
And from that request to the coffee house, three have already responded that they will be attending! Wow!
At lunch time, I loaded the pics of our ministry center transformation... and who knows what will happen when folks see what God is doing!
Technology can be a great tool for sharing the love of Jesus and the salvation he offers!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
It's Comming soon!!!!!
http://www.sbycommongrounds.com/Site/Coming Soon.html
That's right... Commond GroundS, a Fair Trade Coffee House is coming soon to Salisbury... and I will be hanging there alot! So Excited!
That's right... Commond GroundS, a Fair Trade Coffee House is coming soon to Salisbury... and I will be hanging there alot! So Excited!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Returned....
A couple of years ago, I was able to convince my friend, Wil to stop duck hunting and start deer hunting... we both enjoyed hunting turkeys. I loved hunting deer and he loved hunting ducks... I hated duck hunting with kayaks in the dark nights and cold waters....so, he started deer hunting and we got out of duck hunting... well today, we both returned to ducks!
We have a mutual friend, Paul, who has a great place on the bay below Snow Hill who emailed me on Thursday wondering if Wil and I wanted to join him. We jumped at that chance. Besides spending time with good friends, it was awesome... to be able to WALK to the spot on DRY land... no boats necessary! And to top it off, we had lots of ducks flying and a BEAUTIFUL sunrise over Assateague Island. Too bad I didn't take my camera!
I was the only one the bagged a duck as most of what came in were buffleheads and we don't like to eat them... I wanted a male bufflehead to mount... so, I have it skinned out already and in the freezer until the form comes and then I will give it eternal life in my office!
We have a mutual friend, Paul, who has a great place on the bay below Snow Hill who emailed me on Thursday wondering if Wil and I wanted to join him. We jumped at that chance. Besides spending time with good friends, it was awesome... to be able to WALK to the spot on DRY land... no boats necessary! And to top it off, we had lots of ducks flying and a BEAUTIFUL sunrise over Assateague Island. Too bad I didn't take my camera!
I was the only one the bagged a duck as most of what came in were buffleheads and we don't like to eat them... I wanted a male bufflehead to mount... so, I have it skinned out already and in the freezer until the form comes and then I will give it eternal life in my office!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
The Story told by numbers...
Was talking to my friend the other day who happened to see our latest church newsletter... JOYLINE. He saw the article about the year end numbers and how positive they are. In fact, it is the first year since becoming a congregation that we ended with a giving surplus as compared to budget! Usually we end in the black as we never fully expend our budget, but this year, we had more given than we budgeted for in both the general fund and the building fund and had over $13,000 in extra giving to special efforts as well! That is awesome!
But even more awesome than that is the story that those numbers tell! I've known this for years, but my friend reminded me that these numbers tell a spiritual story... they tell a story of a group of people who are spiritually connected enough to be giving sacrificially to the Lord. They tell the story of a group of people who love serving the Lord and give so that mission can be accomplished! That's a GREAT story!
I've also said for years, that if every Christ Follower would tithe (give 10%) of their income to the ministries of the church, ALL CHURCHES WOULD HAVE TO HOLD A MEETING TO DECIDE WHAT TO DO WITH THE MONEY.... you know how it usually is... churches meet to decide where to cut... but that would NOT be the case if all of us gave a minimum of a tithe!
I've been tithing for years and actually Sharon and I give more than a tithe (13-14%) most years. And while we don't have the latest and greatest of everything, and we sometimes need to wrestle with how to spend our resources... we don't lack a thing! You see, I believe that we are most like God when we give... generously and sacrificially!
But even more awesome than that is the story that those numbers tell! I've known this for years, but my friend reminded me that these numbers tell a spiritual story... they tell a story of a group of people who are spiritually connected enough to be giving sacrificially to the Lord. They tell the story of a group of people who love serving the Lord and give so that mission can be accomplished! That's a GREAT story!
I've also said for years, that if every Christ Follower would tithe (give 10%) of their income to the ministries of the church, ALL CHURCHES WOULD HAVE TO HOLD A MEETING TO DECIDE WHAT TO DO WITH THE MONEY.... you know how it usually is... churches meet to decide where to cut... but that would NOT be the case if all of us gave a minimum of a tithe!
I've been tithing for years and actually Sharon and I give more than a tithe (13-14%) most years. And while we don't have the latest and greatest of everything, and we sometimes need to wrestle with how to spend our resources... we don't lack a thing! You see, I believe that we are most like God when we give... generously and sacrificially!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
It's a SPECIAL Day at our house...
Seventeen years ago today, Caroline entered our lives in a big way! We have had some great years and look forward to seeing her grow up and become the person God created her to be!
Last night her friend Brittany helped us pull off a surprise celebration! Friends from church and school came... it was FUN!
Earlier in the afternoon, Caroline took Connie to the movies because it yesterday was Connie's birthday and we invited Connie to come back for a shrimp supper and cheesecake...not a birthday for Caroline without cheesecake! Then Brittany came and took her away to the mall and the crowd gathered... it was FUN! And the best part was we SURPRISED her! She had NO clue!
I have taken a pic of her in her bed (started in the crib) on her birthday every year since the first one... she is resisting that more now than ever! But I love the curlers and her mom loves the pics for her scrapbook!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Still Marveling....
I am still marveling at the power of the Holy Spirit! On Sunday, I asked my friend, Stephen, to share a little about what God has done in his life in the past few years as he and I and another mutual friend have particpated in an accountablilty Life Transformation Group and read the Bible Daily. I did not show him the sermon or tell him what the sermon would be about... and when he got up to share after the sermon... he was amazed at all of the places that what Wayne Cordiero (the preacher) and Stephen had to say were the same! It was like they had worked together to prepare what each of them said. And further, I chose to use some scriptures in the worship that Stephen also chose to use to share part of his story... each of us totally unaware of the fact that the other was planning to use those scriptures! NOT coincidence! But Holy Spirit!
Yesterday, my friend, Stephen made a comment to me about how I trusted him to share and how did I know he would do a good job. I had a hunch he would, but beyond that, I KNEW that the Holy Spirit would enter the equation... because I knew that both Stephen and I would pray that the worship would be helpful to others!
I've learned over the years and still need to remind myself... that sometimes it is best to get out of God's way and let the Holy Spirit work! When people are spiritually connected with God... look out... often times what happens is inspiring and something to marvel at!
This week we will look at "Connected".... sharing from John 15:1-17. It is an awesome journey when we are connected to God!
And this year at CoJ, I want to help us deepen our connections in three arenas... 1. with God, 2. with each other, and 3. with our community!
Yesterday, my friend, Stephen made a comment to me about how I trusted him to share and how did I know he would do a good job. I had a hunch he would, but beyond that, I KNEW that the Holy Spirit would enter the equation... because I knew that both Stephen and I would pray that the worship would be helpful to others!
I've learned over the years and still need to remind myself... that sometimes it is best to get out of God's way and let the Holy Spirit work! When people are spiritually connected with God... look out... often times what happens is inspiring and something to marvel at!
This week we will look at "Connected".... sharing from John 15:1-17. It is an awesome journey when we are connected to God!
And this year at CoJ, I want to help us deepen our connections in three arenas... 1. with God, 2. with each other, and 3. with our community!
Monday, January 5, 2009
Excited, Excited, Excited!
Lots of great things happening with folks at Community of Joy!
First there is the opening (soon, I hope) of a coffee shop... Common Grounds Fair Trade Coffee... by the Potvins and the Townsends! It will be in the Mill Pond Village Shopping Center... can't wait to hang out there and meet new people! Until then, I am enjoying their Ma Sue's Blend of coffee each morning!
Second, Joy Miller announced the beginning of her "Sandpaper Project" recording of her original worship songs! She began the work over the Christmas Break and is hard at it! Can't wait to get a copy of that in my ipod playlist!
Third, combine the two and you have a great event on February 6 @ Community of Joy Ministry Center @ 7:07 p.m. ... a coffeehouse featuring the great fair trade coffee of Common Grounds and the awesome music of our very own Joy Miller! It will be a benefit to help underwrite the costs of recording a CD. Tell your friends!
First there is the opening (soon, I hope) of a coffee shop... Common Grounds Fair Trade Coffee... by the Potvins and the Townsends! It will be in the Mill Pond Village Shopping Center... can't wait to hang out there and meet new people! Until then, I am enjoying their Ma Sue's Blend of coffee each morning!
Second, Joy Miller announced the beginning of her "Sandpaper Project" recording of her original worship songs! She began the work over the Christmas Break and is hard at it! Can't wait to get a copy of that in my ipod playlist!
Third, combine the two and you have a great event on February 6 @ Community of Joy Ministry Center @ 7:07 p.m. ... a coffeehouse featuring the great fair trade coffee of Common Grounds and the awesome music of our very own Joy Miller! It will be a benefit to help underwrite the costs of recording a CD. Tell your friends!
Friday, January 2, 2009
Back in the Saddle....
And it feels good! Had a restful and relaxing vacation and now am back in the saddle! It was great to get back in the routine of daily Bible Reading this morning... this has been a life-transforming habit for me over the years and in the past few months it slipped away to infrequent at best! But with the new year... and our Life Transformation Group regrouping... it will be a daily or almost daily habit once again! Going to emphasis this on Sunday at both worship gatherings as well as have my friend Stephen share his powerful testimony of how this practice transformed his life and relationship with the Lord.
It was nice to see Walt, Karen, and Cathy today too!
Looking forward to a great 2009!
It was nice to see Walt, Karen, and Cathy today too!
Looking forward to a great 2009!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Out with the Old and In with the New!
That's what New Year's Day is for... getting rid of the old and making room for the new!
Sharon and I started the day picking up all the old that the winds blew down in our neighbor's yard... got a truck load and had to stop because the dump is not open today... more at a later date.
Then I headed up to the office to rearrange... but couldn't find another way that suited me... so, I started pitching and cleaning up... about half done.... want to go through the file cabinets and pitch more later... gotta make space for the new things that are ahead.
It's been a great vacation! Tomorrow... back in the saddle!
Sharon and I started the day picking up all the old that the winds blew down in our neighbor's yard... got a truck load and had to stop because the dump is not open today... more at a later date.
Then I headed up to the office to rearrange... but couldn't find another way that suited me... so, I started pitching and cleaning up... about half done.... want to go through the file cabinets and pitch more later... gotta make space for the new things that are ahead.
It's been a great vacation! Tomorrow... back in the saddle!
Happy New Year!
Love the new opportunities that 2009 will bring... can't wait! Happy New Year to all!
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