Getting Started

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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.

What Would You Ask For?

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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.

Well Said

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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.

Editing Life

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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!

Somethin' Is Cookin' in the Kitchen

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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.

Did you miss it?

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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

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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!

Humpty Dumpty

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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!

What/who do you worship?

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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!

Location, Location, Location

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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.