Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Getting Started
Sometimes getting started is the hardest part of any job. Take my office, for example. I really need to do a thorough cleaning, but I can never get around to starting--it is such a big job, I'm not sure exactly where to begin--so I don't!
That isn't the case with our kitchen remodel. I was at the church on Saturday afternoon, preparing things for Sunday. I went into the hall way next to the kitchen and into fellowship hall, but I never looked in the kitchen. When I got to church on Sunday, someone asked if I had seen the kitchen. No....I hadn't. Why? Well, some little elf had come and removed the ceiling tile and grid. He came in on Saturday morning and did the work. I just didn't look into the kitchen on Saturday, so I missed it. But there it was (is). Exposed steel girders, wire and sheet metal. It looks very industrial--and no, it isn't going to stay that way. One of the very last projects will be to install a new grid system, drop in new light fixtures and put in the new tile. But, as of today (actually, as of Saturday), we can announce that the project has begun. I plan to take pictures as we go and post them on the Internet--so you can keep track of our progress (hopefully, not our lack of progress).
I guess I should take my cue from the kitchen project and just get started. Maybe you are like me; you have something in your life you need to be working on, but you keep putting it off. Let's make a pact to begin today...OK, maybe we can put it off until tomorrow, but let's get started.
Friday, December 22, 2006
What Would You Ask For?
My Bible reading yesterday took me to the beginning of I Kings. I read how David placed his son Solomon onto the throne--and then went on to be with his ancestors. I read how Solomon took care of his adversaries. Then I read about the vision.
God appeared to Solomon in a dream. He offered Solomon one wish--anything he asked for would be granted. Solomon, being a young man, acknowledged that he really wasn't ready to rule a kingdom. So he asked for a discerning heart, that he might understand what it is that God wants for His kingdom on earth. God was pleased with this request. Rather than ask for wealth or power, Solomon asked for a trait of character that would make him a better ruler. God granted the request and then gave Solomon what he hadn't asked for--wealth and power.
This Biblical story hit me hard. Right now, we are three days before Christmas. The Malls are crowded with throngs of people looking for the "right" gift. Our economy rests on the wanton desires of people who want, want, want--and other's willingness to buy, buy, buy to fulfill those wants. In Biblical terms, we desire only wealth and power. Santa might be fine with it, but I believe that God would be disappointed.
O that we might be more like Solomon, whose only desire was to have a heart that recognized the will of God. When Christmas morning dawns, I pray that all of us--and specifically our church (Ridgecrest) will have a new heart. That in all we do, our heart will be in tune with God and our one and only desire will be to do His will.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Well Said
I received a message from Rev. Dan Pulver, the North Oklahoma City District Superintendent today. Here is what it said:
I was just reading about a Superintendent in Nevada who was successfully turning churches in his district around. These are the things he's doing:
1. Find a group of people in the church who will commit to intentional intercessory prayer for the church. Pastor will give specific instruction on what to be praying for.
2. Fix worship. Make worship spirited and experiential.
3. Get the church to dream and get beyond themselves. Find a meaningful vision and mission.
4. Prepare the church for change: changing the underlying philosophy of the congregation. Usually this means moving them from a "scarcity" mentality toward an approach that asks God what God wants to see happen, and then trusting God for the means to do it.
5. Claim early successes to build momentum. If people see themselves succeeding in the small steps that lead to the future, they will trust to take bigger steps.
6. Develop ministries that connect with the greater community. (Many churches try this first instead of last, never having gone through the other steps, and they do not experience good results.)
When I finished reading this message, I responded back and told him that I agreed whole heartedly! This is exactly what we have been doing at Ridgecrest--and it is working!!!!! Pat youselves on the back and give praise to God.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Editing Life
I am writing this on Tuesday morning. Monday was chaos at the church--it almost always is. Lots of "stuff" to finish up from Sunday. I was finally able to set down at the computer and work on the recording of the Choir Christmas Cantata. About a year ago, we started recording the service using an MP3 recorder. Because it is a little tricky to work, I am always concerned that we will not get a good recording. So, as I copied the file, I held my breathe to see if it recorded correctly--and it did!!! (The Cantata should be on the net within about a week)
Once the recording of the entire service is copied onto the computer, I then use an audio editing software to create the segments that I want to post on our website. Normally, I only copy the special music and sermon. But for the Cantata, it was all special.
Now, in case you weren't here on Sunday, you should know that I made a boo-boo. I misread my bulletin and stood up to do the offering--one song too early! As always, I made a joke out of it and went on. Of course, it didn't help that Rev. Dan Pulver, the District Superintendent (read "My Boss") was in the congregation. But anyway, I proved once again that I'm just like everyone else. I (we) are human and make mistakes.
If you listen to the Cantata on the Internet, you will not know that I messed up. You see, when I went to edit the recording, I just eliminated the part where I goofed. Not only did I get rid of the part where I spoke too early, but I also eliminated the reference I made to it when it was time to take the offering. All I had to do was highlight those sections, click on the right mouse button and then click on "CUT". And that was it. Mistake gone.
Wouldn't it be nice if life was like that. If when you made a mistake, all you had to do was click a few buttons and the mistake would disappear--as if it never happened. Of course, in one way, it does. When we make the big mistakes--what we refer to as sin--and confess to God, asking for forgiveness, they are gone. The Bible says that they are cast as far away from us as if they were sunk in the deepest part of the deepest ocean. That's how the blood of Christ works. Because of the work on the cross, our sins are washed away, as if they never existed.
But things don't work that way with our fellow humans. The mistakes we make sometimes hurt other people. There is nothing we can say--no button you can push--to make them go away. Wounds can heal, over time. But there is almost always a scar. While this is a time of great joy for many, the Christmas season is also a time of pain for some. Families come together, even the parts that don't get along. Past events get replayed and old wounds get reopened.
Yesterday, someone was in my office who talked with me about a friend who was recently diagnosed with a deadly form of cancer. This friend was fairly young--only about 60. She had planned to retire at 62 and write a book--something she may not get the opportunity to start or finish. One of the lessons learned: Don't put it off! Start writing that book today!
I would say the same for you, this holiday season. If there are things that need to be said-- wounds that need to be mended--then say them. Don't put it off until 2007 because you just don't think it is the right time. There may never be a right time. Today is the only thing that is certain. Tomorrow--the future--is only a possibility. During this season, reach out and say "I Love You" to someone that needs to hear it from you. And remember to pray for all those who are hurting and grieving this season. The Christ Child comes especially for those who are in need. Pray that they might experience healing as they stand in the miraculous light of the guiding star and kneel at the manger. Worship Christ the Newborn King!
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Somethin' Is Cookin' in the Kitchen
www.ridgecrestumc.com
The Trustees met last night and made the final decisions for kitchen remodel. Here is what is going to happen.
1. The kitchen will be completed gutted. The pantry on the South wall (the one with the bi-fold doors where we store our paper products) will come out. This is not the Mobile Meals pantry. The ceiling will come down, the appliances will come out, the floor will come up. It will just be bare walls.
2. The floor will be different from a normal floor. It will be a poured epoxy resin with quartz stone added for texture and color. It will have the texture of an orange peel and will be a light brown in color with some grey. It will be not skid/non slip.
3. The layout of the kitchen will be basically the same, except that the refrigerator, freezer, coffee cart and, perhaps, a hot box will go into the alcove that is now the pantry (where paper goods are stored). On the wall where the fridge now sits will be floor to ceiling, wall to wall pantry cabinets. There will be a small dish pass through window on the wall where the sinks are located and there will be a commercial grade dishwasher under that counter.
4. All the cabinets will be custom wood stained fruitwood. All counter tops will be custom stainless steel with a small rolled edge to contain spills and keep things from rolling off of the counter top. The counter tops in the center of the room and where the sinks/dishwasher will be will be divided into three units. The "T" is the current food prep counter and the serving counter. Those will be separate units and will be on casters. This will allow us to move them around in the kitchen for cleaning. Also, the top of the "T" (the serving counter) could be rolled out into the Fellowship Hall to use for serving. They probably won't move around a lot, but it will provide us with that ability. All other cabinets, including the pantry, will be off the ground on stainless steel legs, to insure that they don't get wet. Also, it will allow us to clean under them, on occasion.
5. There will be a new refrigerator and freezer (stainless steel, commercial grade). Also, there will be a stainless steel microwave oven, mounted under a cabinet that will hang next to the stove. Under the microwave, between the stove and pantry cabinet, will be a stainless steel counter top, open underneath for parking of rolling cart(s). We are keeping our current stove, but do plan to do some work on it, perhaps to add an electronic ignition on the ovens.
6. The ceiling will be raised about 7 inches. The new drop down ceiling will be 2' X 2', instead of the 2' X 4' --which is how most of the ceilings are done. The tiles will have a bevelled edge that will allow them to set down in the grid (a more decorative look). The lights will be the standard lay in fluorescence four feet long (2' X 2' U tube lights are available, but tubes are pretty expensive to replace). We are going to keep the same ceiling fans and don't plan to clean off any of the dust or dirt. Just kidding!!! We will have new ceiling fans as well.
Well, that's about it. We will begin demo on Friday, Dec. 29. Most of the work on the remodel will be done by contractors. But demo is the one major thing that we are doing. So, if you want to help tear out the kitchen, plan to be here early on Friday. We will probably still be working on Saturday, so plan to come then as well.
The Trustees met last night and made the final decisions for kitchen remodel. Here is what is going to happen.
1. The kitchen will be completed gutted. The pantry on the South wall (the one with the bi-fold doors where we store our paper products) will come out. This is not the Mobile Meals pantry. The ceiling will come down, the appliances will come out, the floor will come up. It will just be bare walls.
2. The floor will be different from a normal floor. It will be a poured epoxy resin with quartz stone added for texture and color. It will have the texture of an orange peel and will be a light brown in color with some grey. It will be not skid/non slip.
3. The layout of the kitchen will be basically the same, except that the refrigerator, freezer, coffee cart and, perhaps, a hot box will go into the alcove that is now the pantry (where paper goods are stored). On the wall where the fridge now sits will be floor to ceiling, wall to wall pantry cabinets. There will be a small dish pass through window on the wall where the sinks are located and there will be a commercial grade dishwasher under that counter.
4. All the cabinets will be custom wood stained fruitwood. All counter tops will be custom stainless steel with a small rolled edge to contain spills and keep things from rolling off of the counter top. The counter tops in the center of the room and where the sinks/dishwasher will be will be divided into three units. The "T" is the current food prep counter and the serving counter. Those will be separate units and will be on casters. This will allow us to move them around in the kitchen for cleaning. Also, the top of the "T" (the serving counter) could be rolled out into the Fellowship Hall to use for serving. They probably won't move around a lot, but it will provide us with that ability. All other cabinets, including the pantry, will be off the ground on stainless steel legs, to insure that they don't get wet. Also, it will allow us to clean under them, on occasion.
5. There will be a new refrigerator and freezer (stainless steel, commercial grade). Also, there will be a stainless steel microwave oven, mounted under a cabinet that will hang next to the stove. Under the microwave, between the stove and pantry cabinet, will be a stainless steel counter top, open underneath for parking of rolling cart(s). We are keeping our current stove, but do plan to do some work on it, perhaps to add an electronic ignition on the ovens.
6. The ceiling will be raised about 7 inches. The new drop down ceiling will be 2' X 2', instead of the 2' X 4' --which is how most of the ceilings are done. The tiles will have a bevelled edge that will allow them to set down in the grid (a more decorative look). The lights will be the standard lay in fluorescence four feet long (2' X 2' U tube lights are available, but tubes are pretty expensive to replace). We are going to keep the same ceiling fans and don't plan to clean off any of the dust or dirt. Just kidding!!! We will have new ceiling fans as well.
Well, that's about it. We will begin demo on Friday, Dec. 29. Most of the work on the remodel will be done by contractors. But demo is the one major thing that we are doing. So, if you want to help tear out the kitchen, plan to be here early on Friday. We will probably still be working on Saturday, so plan to come then as well.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Did you miss it?
Christmas is about children. It is about God, in the form of the Son, coming to earth as a newborn infant. It is about the look in a small child's eyes when they see the Christmas tree all lit up, with presents scattered around under the tree.
Last Sunday night we had our Children's Christmas Celebration at Ridgecrest. If you weren't there, then you missed a great night. We had lots of kids who shared their musical ability with us, by singing the time honored carols of the season. Then, all the children in the audience (at least those old enough to participate) played a part in our Nativity drama. We heard the Christmas story, as told in scripture, and finished with a living Nativity scene, filled with angels, shepherds, the wise persons, Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus (a blond haired, blue eyed doll that isn't anywhere close to accurate, but does the job).
Not only were there lots of kids who performed/participated, but the audience was also full of younger kids who are a year or two away from singing themselves. I was at the back of the sanctuary for the singing part of the celebration. When Ginny brought Sam to the back, he came to me to let me hold him. It's been about 7 years since my little ones where holding age, so I relished that time (and Buck was a little jealous that I was stealing his little man).
I believe that at the Children's Christmas Celebration, we experienced the hope of Ridgecrest. We have lots of young adults with kids. They are the present hope and future promise of what Ridgecrest will be. Like a child who sleeps restlessly on Christmas Eve, I have visions of Sugar Plums (or of a growing, thriving church) dancing in my head. I can't wait for tomorrow to come, so that I can experience the reality of the Christ Child born anew in the world--and His church (Ridgecrest), committed to His mission--to make disciples for Jesus Christ.
It Is a Small World, After All
When I came into the office on Sunday morning, I discovered that there was a phone message from a local funeral home. Gladys Watters, a member of the church who was 98 years young, had passed away. The family wanted me to conduct the funeral service on Tuesday afternoon. I contacted Gladys' niece later on Sunday and made arrangements to meet with them on Monday afternoon.
When I got to the home, I sat down with Connie and Ralph (Gladys' niece and her husband). They told me about Gladys and her life, since I really didn't know much about her. She had a stroke 11 years ago and Connie and Ralph were able to come and live with her so that she wouldn't have to go into a nursing home. As a part of that discussion, Ralph commented that he worked in the oil industry.
Connie left the room for a few minutes and so I tried to make conversation with Ralph. I asked what he did in the oil industry and he told me. I said that my family had been in the oil business and that I was born in Hobbs, NM. He said, "I was born in Hobbs, to." I expressed surprise and told him that my dad had owned an engine repair business called "Hills Engine" and asked if he knew of it. He then said, "Do you know Bobby Hall?" Well, Bobby is my brother (well, technically half brother, but who is counting?). It wound up that Ralph is a very good friend and customer of my brother. He had lunch with Bobby a few weeks ago and talks to Bobby on a regular basis. When I left the house, I called my brother to let him know. He was blown away!
What I was reminded of is how interconnected we all are. Our families and friends don't live in a vacuum. They have families and friends--and so forth, down the line. And in many cases, those connections ultimately circle back around and you randomly meet a good friend of your brother--a friend that you didn't know existed (especially living in the home of one of your church members). Because of the interconnectedness of our lives, we have an unbelievable opportunity to influence (positively, I hope) the lives of others. The fabric of our relationships is like a spider's web. If anything lands in the web, the spider knows about it because of the vibrations that move out across the web. When we influence some one's life--by helping them or offering them comfort during a time of need--we set off vibrations throughout their web of family and friends. When we minister in the name of Jesus Christ, it is like a rock thrown into a pond. The affects are seen beyond where the rock lands--they move out in ripples to affect the entire pond.
Why don't you work to make some ripples today--in the name of the Christ Child!
Friday, December 8, 2006
Humpty Dumpty
I have had a couple of days of excitement on the road. Yesterday, I pulled up to the corner of NW 39th and Meridian (going north on Meridian). A car pulled up into the lane on my left, which is the left turn lane. About 3 seconds later, the car turned right across my lane and the lane to my right and began traveling east on 39th. The driver to my right look at me--I looked at him--and we both shrugged. There is sometimes no logic to what people do.
This morning, I went to the grocery store. As I was leaving the parking lot, I got distracted. I looked right but failed to look left--and as I pulled out, I discovered that there was a car coming towards me from the left. I thank God that the driver of the other car was going slowly and paying good attention. She was able to stop (with a strong blast on the horn), so there wasn't an accident. I shrugged and tried to show that I was sorry for the problem (I wish there was a universal sign for "sorry").
As my life flashed before my eyes, I was reminded how fragile this life is. The person who made a right turn from the left turn lane--that person could have lost their life. And pulling out of that parking lot, I could have faced the end. Every day, we go about our lives thinking that we are safe. But that is simply an illusion. Any of us could be facing our final hour, without knowing it. And we need to live that out in our lives. We should live as if this is the last hour we have. Anything that needs to be done or said need to be taken care of. During this special holiday season, I would challenge everyone to take care of unfinished business.
Remember, Humpty Dumpty was on the wall one minute and one the ground the next--without a moments notice. You may not receive any either. So.....git-r-done!
Thursday, December 7, 2006
What/who do you worship?
I haven't written much this week. I think it is a case of either not much to write about or too busy to pull my thoughts together and put them on the electronic paper.
I had an encounter with a pastor of another Methodist church this week. This person was very frustrated with their congregation. They were in the process of remodeling their sanctuary and the people (or at least a few vocal leaders) have voiced the concern that those kids (the 20 or so kids that ride the bus to church on Sunday morning, without an adult with them in worship) will tear up the upholstery on the new pews. They are more concerned about the quality of the seats than they are about the quality of the lives of those 20 or so kids who need to hear about the Gospel of Jesus.
At the same time, this church was approached by a non-profit that wanted to lease space from them to operate a Christian pre-school program. They would have about 80 kids in the building every weekday (and their parents, when they drop them off and pick them up). What a great opportunity to impact the lives of a huge number of families. And it would cost the church nothing. In fact, they would receive rent and utility assistance. But some leaders of the church don't want to do it, because the rooms they would need are used for Sunday School and they might mess them up.
We sing a song that says "The church is not a building, the church is not a steeple, the church is not a resting place, the church is the people". Some people haven't learned that yet. Some people have put their building in the place of God. They worship the bricks and mortar, rather than worshipping the One who can build something that really matters. I pray that as we remodel our kitchen and, perhaps do some other much needed remodeling, we don't fall into the same trap. We improve the building to make it more comfortable and enjoyable so that we can better attract those who need to hear the Gospel.
Please be praying for this other pastor. He is frustrated and needs a word of encouragement from the Lord. And remember:
It is all about making disciples for Jesus!
Monday, December 4, 2006
Location, Location, Location
The last five days have been soooooooo strange. Snowed/iced in for two solid days is almost surreal. I actually slept in on Thursday, Friday and Saturday (until 10:00 one day). I am normally up and going at 5:30...yes, that's correct, I said 5:30 am!!!!
I was very impressed with the Ridgecrest family yesterday (Sunday, Dec. 3rd). I expected our attendance to be way down. But we had 72 (about normal) in Sunday School and 103 in worship (just a few less than average). As bad as the north parking lot was (ice), I am impressed by the family's commitment to God and worship.
When I got to the church this morning, I had an unusual job ahead of me. I decided to move all of the plants from the hall way (next to the office door) into one of the offices up stairs. While the big window by the office door provided a lot of light, the cold temperatures (especially when the office door opens) were hurting the plants. Hopefully, up stairs in a warm room with lots of sun, the plants will bounce back.
As I was lugging the plants up the stairs, it hit me that we are kind of like the plants. We can get plenty of sun (or Son) and lots of water (the Word), but if we are in the wrong location or climate, we won't thrive. We need to be surrounded by warm, caring people who will love us into health, wellness and spiritual growth. I pray that Ridgecrest will always be a place of warm, caring, friendly people. If the climate ever turns cold, we will all die! I have heard recently about a number of people who won't come to church (any church) because of the wounds and abuse they received from a church experience. I encourage you to insure that we aren't a family of faith that turns our back on anyone--visitor or member--or is rude or cold. We are seeing lots and lots of visitors each week. And many of them come back. The major reason they give is that the people are genuinely loving and caring. The church--the people, not the building--is a place they feel comfortable and loved. Don't ever let that change.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
The Nativity
I heard a story on the news that caught my attention. I only heard the very end of it, so I went on the web to make sure what I heard was correct. Sure enough, it was.
On Tuesday, it was reported that the City of Chicago had pressured a German Chamber of Commerce to reject the movie "The Nativity" as a sponsor of their Christmas market in Daley Plaza. The movie was paying to be a sponsor of the market. In return, there would be posters of the movie on display, fliers for the movie handed out and trailers for the film would play on TV's at the market. All of this would be side by side with all the other advertisements used to promote sponsors of the event. The City of Chicago said that their request was to insure that no one thought the city was endorsing or promoting one religion over another. In the plaza, they have a Nativity scene, along side symbols from other religions.
This is it. A city has now decided that a Christmas event can't show a depiction of the Christmas event. How can the German Chamber of Commerce have a "Christmas" market if someone is going to be offended that they mention Christmas. Is the city going to require them to rename it a holiday market? It wouldn't surprise me. But the funny thing is this: New Line Cinema was going to pay $12,000 for the sponsorship. They received their money back--and received national/international publicity worth far more than $12,000. Thanks, City of Chicago. And estimates are that up to one million Christians in the Chicago area may go to see The Nativity. I hope that those people who might have been offended by the movies sponsorship won't be offended by how much business the movie does---O, I'm sorry, I actually don't care if they are offended. In fact, I hope they are offended. I'm tired of it being OK to offend Christians, but not OK to offend everyone else. It is time that followers of Christ stand up for our rights and show that we are proud of our faith. JUST DO IT!!!!
Kind Of Strange
www.ridgecrestumc.com
I am writing this from home, sitting at my laptop, in the early afternoon. Like pretty much everyone else in Oklahoma City, I am iced in. The big storm dumped a sheet of ice on the roads and is now covering that with a thick layer of snow. On Monday, the temperature was in the 60's--now we are locked in an ice box. Nature/weather is never boring.
One of the bad things about being stuck at home is that I can't get the church work done that is supposed to be done on Thursday. At the office, we have a schedule. On Thursday, we run and fold the bulletin and get the slides on the computer in the balcony. I guess that will happen either on Friday or Saturday.
I don't know if anyone who has read this blog has noticed, but the page has evolved. It started out with a black background and is now light. The reason for the change is that I have gotten feedback from friends that make suggestions about how to improve the blog. Some refer to aesthetic issues--how the page looks and how easy it is to read. Others relate to security issues--if you want to post a comment, you have to read a weird word and type it in the box (to keep computer generated spam from being loaded into the blog). Also, any comments will come to my e-mail address and I will have to approve them before they can be posted.
The small changes remind me of the way we do ministry at Ridgecrest. We pray and ask God what to do. Once we feel that God has pointed us in a specific way, we take off. But, we don't always get where we want to go without making course corrections. It is like sailing a ship. You don't actually sail directly for a destination. Instead, you tack; you head in the general direction you want to go, then change course to correct you line. You wind up traveling in a zig zag pattern that gets you where you need to be. As we do ministry, we make small corrections as we go along, to help make sure we are on track. We are not afraid of change--we embrace it as necessary to fulfilling our God given mission: To Make Disciples for Christ!
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
It's About Time!
www.ridgecrestumc.com
It wasn't supposed to hit until noon, but the Great Northerly appears to have roared into town at about 8:00 this morning. I stood outside for just a few minutes, with my heavy coat on, at about 10:00 and nearly froze to death. And while I'm not sure I am ready for the howling, biting wind--I am ready for winter to be here.
This Sunday is the first week of Advent. Advent is the season when we prepare for the birth of the Christ child. With Christmas just around the corner, I am ready for a little winter weather. I don't know how people in tropical climates celebrate Christmas--I guess they do it with a tan. But for me, I don't mind seeing a little of the white stuff. How can you dream of a white Christmas if you don't see any white?
I was excited last Sunday. The Sunday after Thanksgiving is traditionally down a little in terms of attendance. But we had over 120 in worship--that's about 10 above normal. And of those 120, about 17 were visitors. I believe that we are seeing God working in the life of our congregation. I think that this Sunday we will have someone joining the church by profession of faith (assuming that things don't change). This will be 3 weeks out of 4 that we have had someone joining the church. If you or someone you know is thinking about joining our family of faith, this would be a great time to take the plunge.
At my pastor's prayer meeting, we discussed our individual prayer times. Like many of my pastor friends, I have difficulty blocking out time for dedicated prayer. I am committing to being more intentional about a scheduled prayer time. I don't know if you have the same problem--but if you do, there is no better time than now to start a good habit.
Our good friends at Covenant Life Church are providing Christmas Food boxes for families in the Whiz Kids program (many are the same families we deal with in PT). If you would like to purchase a Heartland Share box for a Whiz Kids family, let Linda know. CLC will deliver them for us. The price is $23.00 per box.
Prayer Update:
In case you missed Mark's comment, Joyce is doing a little better. Also, received word that Maxine appears to be doing better and Carol is home after surgery. Also, Ian got good results from his tests and David (the 20 something young man with cancer) is doing better. Thank the Lord for healing.
Be in prayer for Jackie, the sister of Maureen. She has been diagnosed with a large tumor in her brain. They are still running tests to decide if they can do surgery. Pray that healing might come, in what ever way possible. Also, pray for the family. Losing a sibling is very difficult. Maureen definitely needs our prayers.
It wasn't supposed to hit until noon, but the Great Northerly appears to have roared into town at about 8:00 this morning. I stood outside for just a few minutes, with my heavy coat on, at about 10:00 and nearly froze to death. And while I'm not sure I am ready for the howling, biting wind--I am ready for winter to be here.
This Sunday is the first week of Advent. Advent is the season when we prepare for the birth of the Christ child. With Christmas just around the corner, I am ready for a little winter weather. I don't know how people in tropical climates celebrate Christmas--I guess they do it with a tan. But for me, I don't mind seeing a little of the white stuff. How can you dream of a white Christmas if you don't see any white?
I was excited last Sunday. The Sunday after Thanksgiving is traditionally down a little in terms of attendance. But we had over 120 in worship--that's about 10 above normal. And of those 120, about 17 were visitors. I believe that we are seeing God working in the life of our congregation. I think that this Sunday we will have someone joining the church by profession of faith (assuming that things don't change). This will be 3 weeks out of 4 that we have had someone joining the church. If you or someone you know is thinking about joining our family of faith, this would be a great time to take the plunge.
At my pastor's prayer meeting, we discussed our individual prayer times. Like many of my pastor friends, I have difficulty blocking out time for dedicated prayer. I am committing to being more intentional about a scheduled prayer time. I don't know if you have the same problem--but if you do, there is no better time than now to start a good habit.
Our good friends at Covenant Life Church are providing Christmas Food boxes for families in the Whiz Kids program (many are the same families we deal with in PT). If you would like to purchase a Heartland Share box for a Whiz Kids family, let Linda know. CLC will deliver them for us. The price is $23.00 per box.
Prayer Update:
In case you missed Mark's comment, Joyce is doing a little better. Also, received word that Maxine appears to be doing better and Carol is home after surgery. Also, Ian got good results from his tests and David (the 20 something young man with cancer) is doing better. Thank the Lord for healing.
Be in prayer for Jackie, the sister of Maureen. She has been diagnosed with a large tumor in her brain. They are still running tests to decide if they can do surgery. Pray that healing might come, in what ever way possible. Also, pray for the family. Losing a sibling is very difficult. Maureen definitely needs our prayers.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Let Us Pray
I was at Oklahoma City Hall bright and early this morning to deliver the invocation for the City Council Meeting. Here is an approximate text of what I prayed:
Most Holy God, we bow our heads in praise and thanksgiving to You. We thank you for the blessings you give us each day. We thank you for the place your have put us--for the City of Oklahoma City--and for the blessings you have rained down upon our city. We thank you for new businesses that have relocated or open. We thank you for jobs that have been created. We thank you for buildings and homes that have been built. We thank you for the increasing level of prosperity that our city has received.
Yet at the same time, O God, we recognize that all have not shared in the blessing. While there are new jobs, there are still those that can't find work and those who must work two jobs just to make ends meet. While there are new homes, we recognize that there are those who have no place to call home, who live on the streets or in a shelter. While the city is more prosperous, we know that there are still those who struggle every day to make it. And while the city is more prosperous and we live in the greatest nation in the world, we are ashamed that there are children in our city who go to bed hungry. As these, you servants, O Lord, deliberate and do the business of the city, help them to hold these two contrasting realities in their hearts.
O God, you anoint those in leadership. When the people of Israel cried out for the king, you anointed first Saul and then David to be their king. I pray, O God, that you might send your Ruach/Holy Spirit to anoint these men and women once again--that they might feel your guidance and direction. As they deliberate, help them to remember that it isn't about their interests or the interests of a select few--but it is about "What is in the best interest for the people of Oklahoma City". Bless their decisions, that they might be within your will. That as decisions are made by those elected and carried out by the staff assigned to do that job, that our city might be made into a place of Shalom--of your peace. For it is in your glorious and mighty name we pray. Amen
After I finished praying, Willa Johnson (one of the city council persons), came out meet me. She said that my prayer was "The best prayer that she had ever heard"--I bet she says that to all the ministers who pray. (Ha, Ha!) I'm just pleased that someone, other than God, was actually listening. But who am I to say. Maybe everyone there was listening and praying along with me. That would be my hope.
As I drove around down town looking for the parking lot and then as I left, I was struck by the number of homeless who are shuffling around on the streets. And I am reminded that the forecast for Wednesday night through at least Friday calls for very cold night time temperatures. I call on you to pray for all those living on the streets, that they might be protected from the danger of subfreezing nights.
When I got to the Mayor's office, I asked his assistant how I was chosen. He said that they go through the Yellow Pages and select pastors from churches in different Wards and from different denominations. I said, "You through a dart at the map and see where it sticks." He said it isn't quite that random, but some what. They took a picture of me with the Mayor. I am supposed to get a signed copy in the mail. When it arrives, I will scan it and put it on the web site, so that you can relish in my celebrity status (Ha, Ha!) The Mayor said that he had been on Reid Mullin's show this morning and Reid had mentioned that I was going to be praying at the meeting. With all this publicity, I may have to hire an agent.
When the officials walked in, the lights came up--that's correct, TV lights. And then I looked up and saw that there was a camera looking down on the podium where I would be standing. If any of you were watching, I hope that you weren't blinded by the lights reflecting off of the top of my head. I don't know about you, but I don't really see myself as a TV evangelist. To do that, I think God would need to bless me with the miracle of new hair--and I don't really think it is going to happen.
Well, I have to get busy. The work of the kingdom never ceases.
Yours in Christ,
Jim
Monday, November 27, 2006
New Beginnings
After reading a story in the local paper, I decided it was time for me to jump into the realm of the blog. My goal is to use this space, on a daily basis, to organize the professional events in my life and the random thoughts that come as a result of those events. I have promised myself that my family is off limits on this blog. They are in the public eye enough, what with me having a pulpit every Sunday. So, if anyone actually reads this, make sure and help me keep that promise.
Tomorrow will be a little different for me. I have been invited to give the invocation for the Oklahoma City Council Meeting. I'm not sure why I was chosen, but I look forward to the opportunity. I have great respect for the men and women who have been elected to lead our city. We are making great strides, but much is still left to be done. As I pray, I will ask God to be with the leaders and help keep them focused on their true job--to act in the best interest of the people of the city. May God help me and them!
Devotions: Every day I read a couple of different devotional books. Every now and then, I may comment on them. One is an historical devotion. It tells about something that happened in history on this day and then creates a devotion from that event. The second a general devotional book aimed at men.
Today, November 27, in 1095 AD, at the Council of Clermont, Pope Urban II preached the most persuasive sermon ever preached. He noted the damage and destruction that the Turks had brought to Jerusalem and called on the military leaders present to make things right, in the name of Christ. He promised direct passage to heaven to any who died in the fight and assured his hearers that it was God's will that the Turks be expelled. As a result of this sermon, the crusades began. The second reading for today noted that in Acts 17, Paul and Silas were in Berea. As they taught and preached, the learned men went to scripture to see if what they preached/taught was true. Wouldn't the world be better off if those at Clermont had been learned men of faith, who went to scripture to see if Urban was speaking truth. Nations may go to war and, in limited instances, may be justified in doing so. But for the church of wage war in the name of Christ, except in a spiritual sense, is contrary to scripture and the teachings of our Lord and Savior. May God have mercy on Urban II for the damage he did to the church universal on that day in 1095.
Prayer: Be praying for: Maxine, who appears to have lost the will to live; Carol, who has surgery on Tuesday; and for Joyce, who is suffering from a condition that is not serious and is probably temporary, but that causes a great deal of discomfort.
Tomorrow will be a little different for me. I have been invited to give the invocation for the Oklahoma City Council Meeting. I'm not sure why I was chosen, but I look forward to the opportunity. I have great respect for the men and women who have been elected to lead our city. We are making great strides, but much is still left to be done. As I pray, I will ask God to be with the leaders and help keep them focused on their true job--to act in the best interest of the people of the city. May God help me and them!
Devotions: Every day I read a couple of different devotional books. Every now and then, I may comment on them. One is an historical devotion. It tells about something that happened in history on this day and then creates a devotion from that event. The second a general devotional book aimed at men.
Today, November 27, in 1095 AD, at the Council of Clermont, Pope Urban II preached the most persuasive sermon ever preached. He noted the damage and destruction that the Turks had brought to Jerusalem and called on the military leaders present to make things right, in the name of Christ. He promised direct passage to heaven to any who died in the fight and assured his hearers that it was God's will that the Turks be expelled. As a result of this sermon, the crusades began. The second reading for today noted that in Acts 17, Paul and Silas were in Berea. As they taught and preached, the learned men went to scripture to see if what they preached/taught was true. Wouldn't the world be better off if those at Clermont had been learned men of faith, who went to scripture to see if Urban was speaking truth. Nations may go to war and, in limited instances, may be justified in doing so. But for the church of wage war in the name of Christ, except in a spiritual sense, is contrary to scripture and the teachings of our Lord and Savior. May God have mercy on Urban II for the damage he did to the church universal on that day in 1095.
Prayer: Be praying for: Maxine, who appears to have lost the will to live; Carol, who has surgery on Tuesday; and for Joyce, who is suffering from a condition that is not serious and is probably temporary, but that causes a great deal of discomfort.
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