I Just Had to Share This

I have seen hundreds of pictures since the Christmas Party and Dance, but this one I just had to share. I've never seen Santa and Mrs. Claus looking so cute!

Do you have some pictures to share? If so, send them to me.

Thanks everyone for a wonderful Christmas.

And a Little Child Will Lead Them

It just wouldn't be Christmas without babies!

I'm not sure if more people bring babies to church during the holidays or if I am more aware of their presence, but what a joy it is to share Christmas with the children God has placed among us. Miss Jada made the party Saturday night, all dressed up and ready to dance.

And then yesterday was one of those days when you're not really sure what is going to happen next...not due to a lack of planning, but just because it is one of those days. I almost lost it when I looked up during Communion and saw little Houston in his Santa outfit...right as Don, who played Santa this year was coming for the Sacrament. I had an image of "me and little me" and I had to laugh.

Children were special to Jesus. When others tried to send them away Jesus called them to come even closer. I want to encourage you to take note of the children around you...for often God will bless your life through them if you will stop, look, and listen.

Merry, Merry Christmas!

Let's Go Fishing

Christmas is one of two times in the year when unchurched people are more receptive to attending a church function or service. And it helps if they are invited! So take a moment to think of a few people you can invite to Holy Cross this Christmas. In addition to our regular worship at 10:00am on Sundays, we have these special events:

Saturday, December 15th at 7:oopm, Christmas Party and Dance; Santa will be with us as well as a professional photographer with reasonable rates. Bring a finger food if you can and celebrate the season with us.

Sunday, December 23rd at 2:00pm, Hand Bell Concert with Danny Lyons; free with a Love Offering taken.

Monday, December 24th at 7:00pm and 11:00pm, Christmas Eve Services; candlelight with Holy Communion in both services; special music.

Okay, did you think of someone? Great, now go fishing and good luck!!!

Season's Greetings!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...all we need now is some cooler weather to make it feel that way too.

As with all of life, the key is to enjoy whatever you have while you're having it. Often we look back on difficult times with a measure of appreciation, if for nothing more than we survived and learned something. But how often do we appreciate difficult times while they are happening?

The ability to "consider it all joy" brings a measure of serenity to our lives as we undergo what James called "the trial of your faith". That's what today's devotional is about. It is exciting to know that over 100 people connected to Holy Cross are reading the same daily devotional. [By the way, if you need one they are in the church foyer and for special needs contact the church office to have one mailed to you.] I am excited about how God will speak to more of us this year through The Word for You Today. We cannot help but grow by spending time in God's Word.

James 1:2 says, "Consider it all joy...when you encounter various trials." Not only will God work our trials together for our good, but God will use our trials to teach us so that we will grow and mature. Day by day, trial by trial, we become more like Jesus.

But what about the reason for the trials? Paul says as for himself it was to keep him from being conceited! Now that's honesty for you.

The truth is that bad things do happen to good people, and good things happen to bad people. I don't know why that surprises us so. God is in control. Therefore we do not have to fear... whatever comes our way...for God is with us and all is well. Christmas is another reminder of this good news.

Rejoice and be glad!

The Gift of Jesus

This week I came across a list of the names of Jesus and I was reminded of just how marvelous God's gift of Jesus is to us. There are at least 100 names ascribed to Jesus in the Bible. If you will take the time to read this list I know you will be encouraged as I have been in reading it.
I want to challenge you to read about at least one name of Jesus each day over these next 100 days. This is a great way to get to know the gift of Jesus this Christmas.

Advocate (1 John 2:1)
Almighty (Rev. 1:8; Mt. 28:18)
Alpha and Omega (Rev. 1:8; 22:13)
Amen (Rev. 3:14)
Apostle of our Profession (Heb. 3:1)
Atoning Sacrifice for our Sins (1 John 2:2)
Author of Life (Acts 3:15)
Author and Perfecter of our Faith (Heb. 12:2)
Author of Salvation (Heb. 2:10)
Beginning and End (Rev. 22:13)
Blessed and only Ruler (1 Tim. 6:15)
Bread of God (John 6:33)
Bread of Life (John 6:35; 6:48)
Bridegroom (Mt. 9:15)
Capstone (Acts 4:11; 1 Pet. 2:7)
Chief Cornerstone (Eph. 2:20)
Chief Shepherd (1 Pet. 5:4)
Christ (1 John 2:22)
Creator (John 1:3)
Deliverer (Rom. 11:26)
Eternal Life (1 John 1:2; 5:20)
Gate (John 10:9)
Faithful and True (Rev. 19:11)
Faithful Witness (Rev. 1:5)
Faithful and True Witness (Rev. 3:14)
First and Last (Rev. 1:17; 2:8; 22:13)
Firstborn From the Dead (Rev. 1:5)
Firstborn over all creation (Col. 1:15)
Gate (John 10:9)
God (John 1:1; 20:28; Heb. 1:8; Rom. 9:5; 2 Pet. 1:1;1 John 5:20; etc.)
Good Shepherd (John 10:11,14)
Great Shepherd (Heb. 13:20)
Great High Priest (Heb. 4:14)
Head of the Church (Eph. 1:22; 4:15; 5:23)
Heir of all things (Heb. 1:2)
High Priest (Heb. 2:17)
Holy and True (Rev. 3:7)
Holy One (Acts 3:14)
Hope (1 Tim. 1:1)
Hope of Glory (Col. 1:27)
Horn of Salvation (Luke 1:69)
I Am (John 8:58)
Image of God (2 Cor. 4:4)
Immanuel (Mt. 1:23)
Judge of the living and the dead (Acts 10:42)
King Eternal (1 Tim. 1:17)
King of Israel (John 1:49)
King of the Jews (Mt. 27:11)
King of kings (1 Tim 6:15; Rev. 19:16)
King of the Ages (Rev. 15:3)
Lamb (Rev. 13:8)
Lamb of God (John 1:29)
Lamb Without Blemish (1 Pet. 1:19)
Last Adam (1 Cor. 15:45)
Life (John 14:6; Col. 3:4)
Light of the World (John 8:12)
Lion of the Tribe of Judah (Rev. 5:5)
Living One (Rev. 1:18)
Living Stone (1 Pet. 2:4)
Lord (2 Pet. 2:20)
Lord of All (Acts 10:36)
Lord of Glory (1 Cor. 2:8)
Lord of lords (Rev. 19:16)
Man from Heaven (1 Cor. 15:48)
Mediator of the New Covenant (Heb. 9:15)
Mighty God (Isa. 9:6)
Morning Star (Rev. 22:16)
Offspring of David (Rev. 22:16)
Only Begotten Son of God (John 1:18; 1 John 4:9)
Our Great God and Savior (Titus 2:13)
Our Holiness (1 Cor. 1:30)
Our Husband (2 Cor. 11:2)
Our Protection (2 Thess. 3:3)
Our Redemption (1 Cor. 1:30)
Our Righteousness (1 Cor. 1:30)
Our Sacrificed Passover Lamb (1 Cor. 5:7)
Power of God (1 Cor. 1:24)
Precious Cornerstone (1 Pet. 2:6)
Prophet (Acts 3:22)
Rabbi (Mt. 26:25)
Resurrection and Life (John 11:25)
Righteous Branch (Jer. 23:5)
Righteous One (Acts 7:52; 1 John 2:1)
Rock (1 Cor. 10:4)
Root of David (Rev. 5:5; 22:16)
Ruler of God’s Creation (Rev. 3:14)
Ruler of the Kings of the Earth (Rev. 1:5)
Savior (Eph. 5:23; Titus 1:4; 3:6; 2 Pet. 2:20)
Son of David (Lk. 18:39)
Son of God (John 1:49; Heb. 4:14)
Son of Man (Mt. 8:20)
Son of the Most High God (Lk. 1:32)
Source of Eternal Salvation for all who obey him (Heb. 5:9)
The One Mediator (1 Tim. 2:5)
The Stone the builders rejected (Acts 4:11)
True Bread (John 6:32)
True Light (John 1:9)
True Vine (John 15:1)
Truth (John 1:14; 14:6)
Way (John 14:6)
Wisdom of God (1 Cor. 1:24)
Word (John 1:1)
Word of God (Rev. 19:13)

Who could need, want, or ask for anything more!?!

My Cup Runneth Over

What an incredible week of blessing for me and Holy Cross MCC. God is awesome!!!

Beginning with our Thanksgiving service last Wednesday, we have received blessing upon blessing. The meal on Thursday was delicious and the food was abundant. Praise God for new people as well as some we had not seen in a while. I was especially blessed to have all of my family but one brother who could not be with us. I think more people brought family this year than ever before. What a blessing it was to be in our home for the holiday.

I would like to thank all who came out for the work day on Saturday. Can you believe how wonderful it looks to take that fence down and trim the trees? I had to walk back and look at it a number of times yesterday. The love and appreciation we have for our property is becoming more evident with each work day.

The worship service left me in the clouds for hours yesterday. Not only did we have the energy of a full house, but the blessing of David Suhor to sing and play. And then the Shawn Thomas concert last night....my cup runneth over. Join me in giving thanks for abundant blessings.

As I planned worship services for the rest of this year, I caught a glimpse of the new thing God is doing with us this Christmas. It is powerful and life changing...not only for us but for the people God has called us to help. All I can say is hold your cup out there and it will be filled to over-flowing as well. This is a time of great blessing...be sure to get yours!

Thanksgiving Isn't Over Yet

Well, most of the leftovers are gone and some of the company has left for home, but Thanksgiving is not over yet. That's the title of the sermon for tomorrow so set your clocks and join us at 10:00am. We will be blessed to have special music by David Suhor and you will not want to miss it. So have a blessed evening and I hope to see you at church in the morning.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Every year at this time our hearts are filled with thanksgiving and praise, but this year our hearts are overflowing! After three years of waiting, finally we are home for the holidays.

Last night after our service as people were busy transforming the sanctuary into a dining room, I was thinking back to the first Thanksgiving at Fairfield. It was a lot cooler than today, maybe even a little rain came our way; we had no electricity, no water, no rest rooms, and what is now a lovely Fellowship Hall was but a shell of a room. Yet there we were, sharing Thanksgiving together. Eighty-five people came for a sit-down meal and we had the best time!

The following two years we had similar experiences but the weather was nice and we were able to eat outside....with rented portable toilets and a hand washing station. There we were, happy to be together as we awaited the renovation of our building.

Today we will eat in the comfort of our new home. What a mighty God we serve!!! God has done for us what many predicted could not and would not happen. What a testimony of God's grace, mercy and power. And how humbling it is for us to be the recipients of such blessings!

Praise be to God, who brings forth blessings in spite of us and others. Today we will break bread with a number of new people who are now a part of our church as well as some of our neighbors. Today some of us will miss the people who were here last year but are now gone. Today we will do what scripture teaches in I Thessalonians 5:16-18,

"Be joyful always; pray continually;give thanks in all circumstances,

for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

Last night we focused on that scripture and the little word "in". Today I want to encourage you to be thankful no matter what circumstance you are in today. It is God's will for us to give thanks in the midst of blessings and even in the midst of troubles.

In case you need some help getting started, here are some things for which we can all be thankful...some things that will remain no matter how much life and people let us down, and no matter what circumstance comes our way. F. E. Marsh has enumerated some of these blessings:

· An acceptance that can never be questioned. (Ephesians 1:6).

· An inheritance that can never be lost (1 Peter 1:3-5).

· A deliverance that can never be excelled (2 Corinthians l:10).

· A grace that can never be limited (2 Corinthians 12:9).

· A hope that can never be disappointed. (Hebrews 6:18, 19).

· A bounty that can never be withdrawn. (1 Corinthians 3:21-23).

· A joy that need never be diminished (John 15:11).

· A nearness to God that can never be reversed (Ephesians 2:13).

· A peace that can never be disturbed (John 14:27).

· A righteousness that can never be tarnished (2 Corinthians 5:21).

· A salvation that can never be canceled (Hebrews 5:9). (http://www.bible.org.)

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Thank you for being a part of my life and ministry.

Busy and Busier Are on the Way

Today I was looking at the activities and events scheduled for the next Quarter and we have some exciting things coming our way. It's easy to get too busy during the holidays and miss out on the some of the greatest gifts God has placed right around us.

One of the many things we will do this Sunday is consider our holiday pace. We have a short video that will challenge us to slow down the pace this Christmas. In preparation why don't you take a deep breath...yes, right now....and then let it out slowly. Do that a few times and then be sure to add church to your busy schedule this week. I'll be preaching on one of my favorite subjects...the return of Jesus.

We'll be working on the grounds Saturday so stop by and lend a hand. It's a great way to get to know people. And as you give back some of your time and talent, our building and grounds become even more beautiful. To God be the glory! And thanks to everyone else.

Disregard Appeal for Christmas Cards

Thanks to Ralph, I now know this is not a good idea!
Sandy


IT WAS A NICE THOUGHT BUT THE TERRORISTS IN OUR MIDST MAKE IT IMPOSSIBLE....
Walter Reed Army Medical Center officials want to remind those individuals who want to show their appreciation through mail to include packages, letters, and holiday cards addressed to 'Any Wounded Soldier' or 'A Recovering American Soldier' that Walter Reed cannot accept these packages in support of the decision by then Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Transportation Policy in 2001.
This decision was made to ensure the safety and well being of patients and staff at medical centers throughout the Department of Defense.In addition, the U.S. Postal Service is no longer accepting "Any Service Member" or "A Recovering American Soldier" letters or packages.
Mail to "Any Service Member" that is deposited into any post office collection box will not be delivered.
Click the link for more info.
http://www.wramc.amedd.army.mil/Lists/WRNews/DispForm.aspx?Id=24&

Happy Veteran's Day!

It was a joy yesterday to acknowledge the Vet's among us with our annual slide show. Thank God, we ask...we tell...and we show. Yesterday we also had all Vet's and Active Duty to stand so we could thank them. Folks were surprised at the number of military among us. How wonderful it is that people no longer have to fear attending church. I can remember the days when that was not true.

In case you missed it, here is a simple and inexpensive way we can all say thanks to those who are wounded and in the hospital right now. Let's do it.

Subject: A great Christmas card idea

When you are making out your Christmas card list this year, please include
a card to the following:

A Recovering American soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue,NW
Washington,D.C. 20307-5001

Happy Veteran's Day!
Sandy

A More Excellent Way

How exciting it is that we're going to change how we celebrate Christmas and make it less about us and more about sharing Jesus. If you weren't at church last Sunday, be sure to visit

www.adventconspiracy.org

so you can get excited too. What an opportunity to come together as the Body of Christ and change the world. Rather than dreading the stress of the upcoming holidays, I am looking forward to joy we are about to bring to the world.

Each Sunday we will learn more and more of how we are going to be part of a miracle this Christmas. So SYS

So What Do You Think?

Okay Church, having had the night to think it over...what do you think about being a part of changing the world this Christmas? Let me know your thoughts and feelings.

Have a blessed week!

God's Ways Still Surprise Me

Isn't is wonderful when God works in ways greater than we can imagine? The pumpkin patch and the Yard Sale have brought so many new people to our property. Through the kindness and friendliness of those who worked these events, new people will worship with us tomorrow as they have been for the last two or three weeks.

Some are "our people" and they did not even know what MCC is. Some do not go to church anywhere and they're going to give us a try. Some aren't ready to come right now but you can tell they're thinking about it. How interesting it is to hear their stories of watching our building renovation over the last few years. It's as though they know us from driving by everyday.

I sat there Wednesday night and looked around and commented to Bobby, "What an interesting group of people God has gathered here at Holy Cross MCC!" I'm not sure what God is up to but there is more diversity in our church right now than since I have been serving as pastor. Let us be mindful of our new people and show them nothing but the love of Christ. If we do that, this building will not hold the people God will draw to this place.

There's so much going on in the service tomorrow. Birthdays and Anniversaries, Stewardship Campaign, and a seven minute special during the offering. Not to mention exciting announcements. So I'm off to shorten my sermon.

SET YOUR CLOCK BACK!

SYS

You Have an Extra Hour

It's that time of the year again. Time to take the fall. So what shall we do with the hour we gain with the time change? Think about it and if you do something special, let me know.

Greetings!

Well it's been a while since I posted anything so I thought I would say hello to everyone.

What a busy, busy time with Pride Fest and then Carmen's service, a Board meeting and our regular Wed. night service last week! I must say it wore me out.

Thanks for all of the prayers for me. I can feel them. And with Bea and Kevin on the cruise I need more prayer this week than last!!!

Hopefully things will slow down next week and I can post more. Until then, keep trusting in God who causes all things to work together for good. SYS

Face Painting Anyone?

Let's hear it for Donna!!! She was the hit of the Festival today. And it was her first time. I think she has a whole new career awaiting her.

What a great day it was. The weather was lovely and we met many new friends. How great it was to have so many youth and children there today.

Thanks to all who helped Holy Cross have a strong presence in the park today. Know that I truly appreciate each of you............and you know who you are!!!

The Pumpkins Are Here!

All the way from Arizona, the pumpkins have arrived!
Thanks to everyone who came and helped unload the truck. Many arrived after I had put my camera away....and people where in the truck that I didn't even know were there until the end!

Here's to our First Annual Pumpkin Patch! All proceeds will be used for the installation of our stained glass Jesus window.

Happy National Coming Out Day!

I want to remind you of tonight's celebration with our guest Jade Esteban Estrada and ICONS: Lesbian and Gay History of the World Vol.1

Tickets are $20.00 and will be available at the door. Proceeds will be shared equally with Gulf Coast TIDE and Holy Cross MCC.

The show begins at 7:00 and I hope to see you there.

Sorrow and Rejoicing

I just learned that our sister Carmen Conley passed this morning. She survived her surgery and seemed to be doing well but became weak last night. Our hearts are full of sorrow for our lose of our sister and friend, but heaven is rejoicing that Carmen is now home. As soon as arrangements are made known to us, we will post them on our website.

Please pray for Carmen's two grown children,for Wade and James and those who attended to her. Thank God we knew and loved Carmen and that she knew and loved us. Thank God for the hope of the resurrection and the gift of life eternal through Jesus Christ.

Happy October!

October is here and Fall is in the air. Pets will soon be blessed and the pumpkins are on the way. And what a great way to say good-bye to Summer yesterday. We were fed spiritually then physically before taking on volleyball, horse shoes, football, Scrabble and the big hit - Pictionary!

I was reminded of how blessed we are to finally be home. I was also reminded of the people we love who are not here with us. I thought of those who are yet to come. It was a day of mixed emotions for me. I drove away from the church giving God thanks and praise that we are home.

The vision of this church is bold! It it also old. It is one of the things that attracted me to Holy Cross MCC. My prayer is that God will draw to our church the people who are needed to move us closer to God's vision...and that as we work together we learn to love and care for each other even more.

Thanks to everyone who made yesterday such a good time. Please continue to pray for God's dominion to come and God's will to be done.

5th Sunday Food and Fun

Thank God for the four months that have five Sunday's. That means it's time to enjoy some good cooking and a time of fellowship. Great progress was made today!

Three horse shoe pits are ready for action.
A new volley ball and net ready for you.
Big screen set up in the warehouse with Wii... and ready for a football game

So make me something good to eat and stay for pot-luck after our worship service at 10:00. Food will be inside and eating will be inside and out. There will be games inside, games outside and football in the warehouse. There's something for everyone so come on out and enjoy.

P.S. There's plenty of room for walking, meditating and enjoying the land in many ways. We are so blessed to have a peaceful place in the midst of our busy world.
SYS - See You Sunday!

I Survived and Had Fun!

I not only survived Square Dancing yesterday, but I had fun! If you want to get some exercise and have fun, join us next Sunday at 4:00 for another "Open House". We have three opportunities left to try this for free and decide if we want to take the classes. Come on out and give it a try....you might like it.

Thanks Everyone - for Everything!

Thanks for the big crowd we had on Wednesday night for our new study on the book of Romans. The music was great and everyone seems eager to learn. If you would like to offer special music at that service please let me or Bobby know.

Thanks for all of the prayers for my boy. His surgery went well and he seems to be healing quickly. His pain has been minimal and when he prayed over breakfast today he gave God thanks for that.

And last but no least, thanks to everyone who showed up for our work day today. With the inclement weather I wasn't expecting many to make it. But much to my surprise, there you were! Thanks to those who worked inside and outside. And special thanks to Larry and Andrew for finishing out the kitchen. Now we have our ice machine and a faster way to make coffee.

Holy Cross MCC - you rock!!!

It Gets Better and Better

I am excited about moving to our new format on Wednesday nights. Not only will we have the gift of the Praise Team leading the music, we are beginning an exciting verse-by-verse study of the book of Romans. The format will be more like a worship service with the study in the place of a sermon.

As I prepare for the study I am reminded of the treasures that are found in Romans. This is the most powerful of all Paul's letter to the church. It contains timeless information for all who wish to follow Jesus. I know our lives will be forever changed as we focus on this in-depth study of God's word.

I encourage you to arrange you schedule so you can be at church on Wednesday nights. Come and recieve what God has prepared for you!

Wow.........

What a wonderful concert we had last night! Orgena was so much more than I had anticipated. She is so talented and she radiates the presence of Christ. We were blessed by her and she was blessed by us. Thanks to everyone who came and gave so generously to our guest.

I'm thinking she would rock the beach Memorial Day Weekend...what do you think?

Enjoy this beautiful day! It's my day off so I know I will.

SYS See you Sunday!

Back in the Saddle Again

Hello everyone. It's great to be back. I am sorting through messages and e-mails and hope to be caught up soon. Until I have time to write more, I just want to invite you to the concert tonight at church. It begins at 7:00. Blessings are awaiting you so be sure to come and get them!

Keep listening to God - for God is speaking!

Dominiontide

Tomorrow we enter into a new season in the church year, the season of Dominiontide. For the next 13 weeks we will be focusing on the kingdom or dominion of God. This year we will study some of the parables of Jesus and once again we will be reminded that often we have things all wrong. Just as Jesus challenged the religious leaders of his day to check themselves, so we too will be challenged to look into the mirror and see ourselves in comparision to God's word.

I have come to see Dominiontide much like Lent....a time of preparation. What are we preparing for now? Advent. More importantly, we are preparing to make this Advent different than any other. This Advent we will have an opportunity to make a difference in our world....and much to everyone's surprise, it will be in a way differnt than expected.

So be sure to make it to church so you do not miss this time of preparation. God's word is powerful. God's word will accomplish what God has purposed. That's a promise. All you have to do is show up and allow it to happen. I'll see you tomorrow.

Being Thankful For One Another

As I prepare for Wednesday night's lesson I am reminded of all the people in my life for whom I am grateful. People that I may often seem to take for granted, but people who make me smile when I think of them...people who challenge me so that I might grow...people with the rare ability to love me unconditionally...people who pray for me...people who respect me... people who walk with me....people who follow me....and thank God, people who lead me.

I encourage you to take some time and give thanks to God for the people in your life for whom you are grateful. Then be sure to let them know how you feel. We are going to take some time to do that Wednesday night. I hope you'll join us.

Anonymous Comments

I prefer not to post anonymous comments on my blog. I prefer direct dealing. If you have something worth saying, please own it and send me an e-mail....if you want a response anyway. You can reach me at revsandy@holycrossmcc.com or at 469-9090.

Silence is Golden

It is amazing what a couple of moments of silence can bring forth! I will be sharing more details soon but I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who listened and shared. God is good!

Praying for One Another

That's the topic of tonight's study and I want to share this for those who will not be at church tonight.

Often people ask me why they keep praying and do not get what they prayed for, or they tell me prayer does no good. The truth is, prayer can change things!

"The intense prayer of the righteous is very powerful." James 5:16

So what's up with unanswered prayers? Like other spiritual matters, prayer is a partnership with God. We often pray for our will to be done without praying for God's will to be done. The key then is to connect prayer's power with submission to God's will.

Once you begin to pray for God's will to be done in your life - even if you do not know exactly what God's will for you is - then you will find your prayer answered and you will know God's will for you. Try it and let me know how it works.

What a Weekend!!!

Praise be to God who makes all things possible! Our Dedication Celebration was all I had hoped for and more. Here is a picture I recieved today. I'm sure many others will follow. If you have some to share please send them to me. What an awesome God!
Thanks everyone.

In God's Time

Okay church, the day we have longed for so long
that day is almost here!

What a great weekend this has been so far. The Board spent some very valuable time with Elder Brock on Friday night and today's workshop was wonderful. At least we passed 1/2 of the TP test! How great is was to be challenged to enjoy our time of celebration and to remember that the work of the church never is done...and that change will always be with us.

Tomorrow is sure to be a true celebration.It feels a lot like Christmas Eve all over again. I hope to see you tomorrow at 10 and 2.

More Than Wonderful

Wow, how blessed we were on Sunday with a baptism, nine new members and the sending forth of Nancy to seminary! It was such a great day that folks did not want the service to end and then they did not want to go home!! God is so good to us!!!

I want to thank everyone for all of the extra work in preparation for our upcoming celebration. Jackie is making old equipment look like new, Rick is getting rid of left-overs from the construction project, Debbie is working on getting the parking lot finished, Chris, Jes and Carrie are tackeling the yard, Bea is learning how to program the sign, and Louis sent out a press release that rocks. These are just some of the thngs happening at Holy Cross MCC this week.

It is so nice to be home! It's more than wonderful!! Praise be to God!!!

Opportunities to grow in grace

There's a new devotional resource I am previewing and I want to share part of today's scripture reading with you. It comes from Colossians 3:14 TM.

"Dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing."

God has designed the garment of love so that it fits each of us perfectly. The challenge is to get in shape and stay in shape so that we wear it well. If you are like me you may have trouble spots that need some work. Today I am going to focus on "quiet strength" and "even-tempered".

What about you?

May we seize the opportunities we have to grow in grace today. May this day move us closer to being more like Jesus I pray. Amen.

Old Book but Good Information

M. Scott Peck, M.D. wrote the book People of the Lie, The Hope For Healing Human Evil, published in 1983 by Simon & Schuster. It’s a study of human evil. Peck said he chose the title “because lying is both a cause and a manifestation of evil. It is partly by their lying that we recognize the evil.”

Peck draws a profile of the evil: they have no regard for the truth; they lie and live in a world of lies. They are masters of disguise and cloak themselves with masks of respectability, goodness and often piety.

Peck writes of “enemy creation,” or “hatred of the ‘out-group.’” If a group does not have an enemy, “it will most likely create one in short order.” Peck wrote, “The groups become cliques. Those who do not belong to the group are despised as being inferior or evil or both.”

He also writes, “It is almost common knowledge that the best way to cement group cohesiveness is to ferment the group’s hatred of an external enemy. Deficiencies within the group can be easily and painlessly overlooked by focusing attention on the deficiencies or ‘sins’ of the out-group. Thus the Germans under Hitler could ignore their domestic problems by scapegoating the Jews.”

In contrast to the sickness of evil, Peck defines mental health as “an ongoing process of dedication to reality at all costs.”

I have used this book from time to time to remind me that evil is real and to help me recognize it. When evil tries to come against you, remember what Jesus taught the disciples to pray, "Deliver me from evil." May that be our prayer each and every day.

Planning Brings Thanks

For the last few nights I have been working on the plans for our dedication service. The program booklet has some of the history of Holy Cross, in particular our last three years. Wow, talk about intense! If you take the time to think about it, you'll be amazed at all that God has brought us through. It reminds me of the song Through it All. The chorus goes like this:

Through it all, through it all, I've learned to trust in Jesus, I've learned to trust in God.
Through it all, through it all, I've learned to depend upon God's word.

As we gather to dedicate our building, we gather trusting and depending on God as never before! Now that's a lesson worth learning.

Praise be to God who is faithful in and through all things!!!

Is Summer Almost Over?

Not really, but it feels that way to me every year when Ryan returns from his Texas Tour. It's time for me to put on my mommy hat and pay attention once again. What a summer it has been. Our Holy Union, honeymoon, conferences and the completion of our building project! Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

On August 19th we will gather to officially dedicate our new building to God. I know that is going to be a great day in so many ways. God has truly done great things for us and we are filled with joy! Let us rejoice and be glad!!

Pray for me and my household as we say good-bye to summer travels and enjoy the rest of our time together. Have a blessed week.

Sandy

More Than Wonderful

Words cannot describe the joy we experienced in our first service in the new building! It was more than wonderful. I am just beginning to come down from the clouds. I was expecting it to be a great day, but once again, God out did my expectations.

What about that introit by Dillon? It was flawless! Who knew Larry could sing like that!?! And our new keyboard player, Bobby! Does God love us or what? As I stood in the back waiting for the processional my eyes moved from the choir to the praise team and I could not believe my eyes. That stage that seemed so big to us was suddenly full of spirit and talent offered to the glory and honor of God. I could not help but cry...as so many were doing. Tears of joy filled the new sanctuary. The service was almost an hour and a half long and people cried out for more.
To God be the glory!

With very little notice and no advertising, the new sanctuary was almost full. Already we are making plans to add more chairs and how we can over-flow into the fellowship hall. It seems we will be going back to two services a lot sooner than we thought a few weeks ago. But for now, we shall enjoy being together as one.

The response to adult Sunday School was amazing as well. That class will now meet in the sanctuary from 9:00 to 9:45. The sound will be better and the video projector can be used. How exciting that our children, youth, and adults are studying the same lesson. I look forward to the spiritual growth and unity this will bring to our church.

I enjoyed my day off as well as the many calls and e-mails expressing gratitude for last Sunday. We have only just begun to experience the new thing God is doing at Holy Cross MCC. Let us enter into this season of joy because God knows we deserve it. And let's make it last as long as we can. Our church has a fantastic future....and if there was any doubt, surely it was removed on Sunday. Thank you for your faithfulness to God and to Holy Cross MCC. I'll see you Wed. night or Sunday morning.

Come on Children, Let's Have Church!

Some of you may know of an evangelist from the 50's and 60's named Brother Allen. Land in the desert was donated to him. He and some of his followers moved there, began holding services in a tent and developing the land. The ministry was blessed much like the Brownsville Revival here in Pensacola. Miracles of healing occurred and people from all over the country made their way to the desert. A community of people lived there. When it was time to go to services, Brother Allen would excitedly say to the kids, "Come on children, let's have church."

It is with excitement, joy, gratitude, humility, pride, and peace that I say to our church and community, "Come on over and let's have church!" At last our building is ready and our first service is tomorrow, July 22nd at 10:00 am. There's still some landscaping and parking lot work to be completed and we need a data cable from the sign so we can program it. But it's ready enough for worship and we're more than ready to go home. Praise be to God!

This is a time of completion for us and the dawn of a brand new day. Already you can sense our new beginning as you enter the building. As we were working Thursday night someone came to me and said, "Pastor, I feel an anointing in this place." Later a couple came to me and shared the vision they saw as they helped make the building ready for Sunday. They saw people being healed. That is the same vision God gave me when I first drove our Jeep around this property. As we are faithful in fulfilling our mission to offer hope and healing, God is faithful and makes good on our offer by giving hope and healing. It's a win-win-win situation.

Tomorrow is going to be a great day! And that's no matter what happens. So come on over...let's have church.

Sandy

God is Doing a New Thing!

Isaiah 43:19 records God as saying, "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.

God is doing a new thing at Holy Cross MCC, and what a blessing it is to see it springing up.

Even though we have experienced great loss in terms of our old property and some of our people, each day I see God's hand at work in all of it. What we see as loss, God turns to gain.
I wonder when we are going to learn to trust God in all things?

As we walk into our new building, I urge you to lay aside all worries of the past and embrace the new thing God is doing. You will understand what I mean at the very first service.

As scripture teaches, forgetting what lies behind, and straining to what lies ahead, we press on toward our high calling in Christ Jesus.

Have a blessed day and get ready for the new thing God is doing!

So Much So Fast

There is so much happening so fast that it's hard to keep up. If you have passed by Fairfield then you know what I'm talking about. Inside and out, God is bringing everything to a state of completion. If you want to see for yourself, come on by.

Thursday at 5:00 we will begin cleaning and preparing God's house for our first service. There's plenty to do and everyone is welcome.

Saturday at 10:00 we will offer training for worship in our new building. Again, there's plenty to do and everyone is welcome.

Sandy

It's Crying Time

Not to worry, it's tears of joy. God is so awesome, and just when we need it the most. Today has been an incredible day. It started off less than the best but then I walked into the new sanctuary and heard the most beautiful sound. It brought tears to my eyes! Then, during Staff meeting we were interrupted with the good news that our electronic sign had power!! I have never seen us jump and run so fast. There it was.....the date, the temperature and our church name for all to see. We tried to return to our meeting only to be interrupted again with good news that our new keyboard player had arrived. Talk about talent. We are so blessed. The choir is going to have a wonderful surprise when they arrive for practice tonight. The day is not over as we have a Board meeting tonight. I know it will be joyful as we give God thanks and praise fro bringing things together. What a mighty God we serve.

Thursday at Five

Come and join us in making ready our new sanctuary.

If you are new to Holy Cross MCC, work projects such as this are great opportunities to get to know others while helping the church. I want to encourage you to join us.

We have waited so long for this moment to arrive. Join in the celebration. I'll see you there.

Sandy

Praise be to God!

As you can see, this weeks goal was met. We have a smooth road and paved handicap parking! How refreshing to have a week where everything on the building project went the way it was planned. Inspections were passed and we are close to being finished. Praise be to God and God's people!!!

Sometimes when fear and doubt and rumors try to get us down, God gives us a sign that all is well. God really is in control and we can continue to trust in God no matter what comes our way. Walking with God is the way to go. And if you want to learn more about what that's like, be sure to join us this Sunday at 10:00am...for one of our last services in the bingo hall.

God is good! Let us give thanks and praise to God!!

A Time of Refreshing

What a blessing the concert was last night! Susie and Linda have a ministry that refreshes and renews ones spirit. Even the rain was refreshing. But the thunder and lightening I could have lived without. I had vivid memories of our Easter Sun Rise service!!!

Speaking of refreshing, we passed our water pressure inspection yesterday. Praise the Lord! Now those last finishing details can be done on the inside while they're finishing the outside. The asphalt is scheduled for Friday. We should be able to see our sign at work next week as well.

Be sure to mark your calendar for Sunday, August 19th at 2:00pm. Rev. Elder Lillie Brock, Rev. Steve Urie, Rev. Lee Carlton, Rev. Jo Crisco and maybe even Rev. Jennifer Patty will be with us to share in our joy.

On a more personal note, I want to share one of the things I do to help me stayed refreshed on my journey. I learned to do this many years ago and it changed the way I handle life...and especially difficult times. I encourage you to try it and let it lift you to a new perspective.

Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - think and meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

This is God's word and God's way. Following God's way will remove untruth, mean, impure, ugly, bad reports from your mind. When you encounter garbage, you do not have to store it in your heart and mind. Throw it out instead. Keeping it will only stink up your journey. And passing it on to others only stinks too. In case you need some help getting started, begin to make a list of God's blessings in your life and in our church. Then think on this things. Also, think about God's character and think on that. Find the promises of God and think on those.
I promise you a time of refreshing will be yours. It's a gift you give to yourself.

If you want to learn more of the ways of God, join us this Sunday (15th). The sermon will focus on some specific ways in which God invites us to walk...ways in which we find that abundant life Jesus promised. The sky is not falling Chicken Little.....God is still in control.

I hope to see you Sunday.

There's No Place Like Home!

Get aways are great and conferences afford many wonderful benefits, but it is so good to be home! There's nothing like the feeling of ones own bed and pillow.

It was a blessing to worship with Holy Cross yesterday too. In spite of the technical difficulties we had at the beginning of the service, what a sweet spirit flowed through that bingo hall. Thank you Choir for covering the whole service so the Praise Team could sit and worship. And thank you for the song you sang during the offering. Praise God, there is enough love for all of us! God knows we need lots of it right now.

The darkest hour is just before dawn...and the darkness cannot keep the dawn from breaking forth! We are so close to a new dawn and I want to encourage you to keep on keeping on.

While it is true that our Minister of Music resigned today, some of the things in his letter addressed to the Members of Holy Cross MCC are inaccurate. I agree with the statement, "God's people, given the right information, will make the right decision." I want you to know that I am available to give you accuarate information for your concerns, comments and/or questions. You can make an appointment to meet with me at the office, you can call me, or e-mail me.

I love Michael and appreciate his service to Holy Cross over the last two years. Being displaced over the last two years and ten months has been most difficult for our church, especially for the staff and leadership team. Faced with amazing challenges, the stress has taken its toll on many of us. The good news is that by God's grace and mercy we have continued to remain focused on our vision and soon we will have the luxary of a permanant place in which to worship and do ministry.

Let us keep our eyes upon Jesus and cast our cares on Him, for He cares for us. Listen to His beautiful invitation: Come unto me all you who labor and are heavy ladden and I will give you rest. Let us say yes to Jesus so that we might find rest and peace. Let us respond to each other with love and mercy as God has so responded to us.

I hope to see you at the concert Wednesday night. It will be at Fairfield....somewhere on our property....there's no place like home so come on out and join us!

Conference Update

I have had trouble getting on to update my blog. Come to find out, the trouble was with me!





We are having a blessed time at General Conference. Other than the heat wave, this is a lovely place to be. The workshops are great and the worship services are spirit-filled. It is a joy to gather with sisters and brothers from around the globe. It is amazing what God is doing in churches outside the US and Canada. The good news of the gospel is going forth and many are coming to know of God's love for them.



DVD's of the services and workshops are available and I hope to bring a set back so you can experience some of what we are enjoying this week.



I hope to see you all on Sunday!

Clergy, Clergy and More Clergy

Well, this is day two of MCC's Clergy Conference and we are having a great time. Debbie is enjoying the pool while I am learning how to care for self and souls. The sermon this morning was so funny....which is hard to believe since church begins at 8:00am. And for those who think conferences are vacations, the evening service begins at 7:00pm. So we begin and end each day with worship and the only free time in between is for meals. But what a unique opportunity to set and worship and to network with others.

Yes, it is very hot here. And forget that nonsense about "dry heat" as that does not seem to make it any better. I am glad I had a tan already or I would be sun burned from walking to and from the meetings. Every now and then we get lucky and little carts comes by offering rides to the meeting places. Believe it or not, people are out playing golf in this heat as well.

Last night's sermon was delivered by Rev. Pat Bumgardner, Pastor of MCC New York. She did a great job reminding us of the promise from scripture that when two or more of us agree something, it shall be done. She also challenged us to look at the situations in which we do not agree and to consider how agreements could be reached if everyone involved was willing to give up something. That really made me think. So many possibilities would become realities if all parties were willing to give a little.

The next time you face a situation in which you and someone else are not in agreement, stop and think about ways in which you might be willing to give in so that agreement can be reached. Just think how our world would be different if we learned this as a life skill as children. Maybe there could be peace on earth.

But as with the tango, it takes two....or more, never just one. This is not about giving in to the wishes or ways of another, but finding common ground on which all parties involved give up something for the good of all. I know I am going to try harder to do this at home, work, and even play. That may mean I have to learn a new Wii game...but so will Ryan.

Back to this mornings sermon. Our scripture reading was from 1 Chronicles 23:25-32. We were reminded that it more than okay to ask for help, it's the right thing to do. When super-pastors try to do it all, they deprive others of opportunities to serve. So, even though I have the delegation thing going, I am going to look at areas in which I can give more ministry away. Particularly in the area of worship.

As we move into our new worship space, more help is going to be needed in the ministry of worship. If you have served in the past, please pray about serving again. If you have wanted to serve but weren't ready, pray and see if this may be your time. Training will be offered soon and I hope we have a record number of people willing to train and serve.

I just looked at the clock and it's time for me to return to the meeting room. We are going to learn more about forgiveness this afternoon. I hope to post more this evening or in the morning.
Most of all, I hope to return with a renewed spirit and new information to share.

Peace and blessings,
Sandy

On the Road Again!

Well, we had a great week in Pensacola before hitting the road again. And believe it or not, a plane ride in between! Having not be on a plane in 10 years, I appreciate all of the prayers...once again, prayer works. We had a good flight to Phoenix and then drove to Williams, AZ for two wonderful nights at a lovely B&B. Yesterday we ventured to the Grand Canyon for a day of awe. God as Creator did a fabulous job! I wish I had pictures but someone forgot the camera patch cord so those will come later. We are about to check out and head for Phoenix for Clergy and then General Conference.





Here is a picture of our Unity candle from our Holy Union. I have many more but not in digital format. This is the only one that does not have my bride in it. You should see the incredible scrap book Serena made for us with the photos she and Michelle took. I will be sure to pass it around when we return. Which will be Saturday, July 7th. I will try and keep you posted along the way.

Remember, you don't want to miss church this Sunday. My friend and colleague the Rev. Gerald Munday, will be preaching. Don't miss this rare opportunity to hear him and to say good-bye to the bingo hall. Join me Sunday, July 8th in our new building and then to play bingo in the afternoon to say thanks to Bonanza for their hospitality. What a fun day the 8th will be.

Peace and blessing from the second leg of an incredible honeymoon!

Doing the Right Thing

I just read something I want to share with you.

"Whatever comes our way, whatever battle we have raging inside us, we always have a choice. It's the choices that make us who we are, and we can always choose to do what's right." - Peter Parker in Spiderman 3

The funny thing is that I took Ryan to see the movie recently but did not associate this with the movie. Thank God, TRUTH IS UNIVERSAL! Here's to choosing to do the right thing....no matter what comes our way.

Building News

At last, the time has come for the move into our new worship space! Praise be to God!!

Our first worship service will be Sunday, July 8th at 10:00am. I will be returning from General Conference on the 7th. and hope to see all of you there. Also, as a way of saying thanks to Bonanza Bingo I would like a group of us to go play bingo that afternoon. I will check on the exact time and get back to you with the details. This is not an official church event, but rather something I would like to do and hope others will join me.

Our "Dedication Celebration" will be Sunday, August 19th at 2:00pm. Rev. Elder Lillie Brock will be our guest for that weekend and I know we are going to have a blessed time.
She will be offering a workshop for our congregation on Saturday and we will share in a pot-luck. I will get back to you with more details but be sure to save the dates as you will not want to miss this opportunity to rejoice and celebrate.

It has been almost three years since hurricane Ivan blew through our city and turned our church world upside down. A lot of things both good and bad have happened to our faith community since then. The miracle is that we have survived! And now God's vision is coming to pass for us. Soon we will be in a larger space that is accessible to all and worthy to be called a house of prayer for all people.

3130 W Fairfield is a place that we can be proud of, a place where we can gather and celebrate God's love for all people, a place where many will come to and find God ready to receive them with open arms. Rejoice church! Our time has come and our church is about to experience incredible growth. Let us be ready to show them Jesus living is us when they arrive.

Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching for what lies ahead, let us press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us in Christ Jesus. Philippains 3:13,14

I hope to see you all in church this Sunday....at the bingo hall. I will be leaving for AZ on Monday (6/25) and the following Sunday (7/1), the last time in the bingo hall, a good freind and colleauge, Rev. Gerald Munday, will be preaching in my absence. You don't want to miss his message...and saying good-bye to Bonanza Bongo!

I Did It

Much to the surprise of some skeptics, I did it! I finally found the right one for me and we were joined in Holy Union, Friday, June 15th. And guess what? I like being committed, especially to my new bride. Here's a picture she took of me showing off my rings.

We spent three nights at a B&B on the beach and we had a great time. The weather was perfect, the accommodations were more than adequate, the breakfast was yummy and we enjoyed some much needed down time together. As a matter of fact, we spent a lot of our time right here......on these.

But we also ventured off our private deck......and down the many stairs across the walk...........and then onto the beach.

We are back home now and I am about to go back to work. But I had the best time while I was gone. I am rested, relaxed and ready......for whatever God has planned. Thanks to everyone who made this such a special time for us.

AND NOW FOR THE HOLY UNION..........Believe it or not, I have yet to see one picture from that incredible night. So if you were there and you have some, send them on over. I would love to see them....and share some of them on my blog. My bride has a job to protect so that's why she is absent from the pictures. But she looks as happy as me.

It's So Exciting!!!

Wow, what an exciting week! It's like the week before Christmas. The building is looking so good. I can't wait for the doors to open for all to come and see how good God is! Speaking of doors, the beautiful cross doors we purchased so long ago are being stained and they are beautiful. When you see those doors installed you will know the time is near.

While giving someone a tour of the building Sunday afternoon they remarked that it is simple, yet elegant. I liked that. It is clean and crisp and so worth the long wait. Soon the waiting will be over and we will enter into a time of great rejoicing. Praise be to God!!!

Almost as exciting is this week before the Holy Union. What some have tried to interpret as my having second thoughts is really my feeling like a kid the week before Christmas. I have no second thoughts. I am confident of the love Debbie and I share and I am so ready to make this commitment before God, our families and friends.

As I said Sunday, everyone is invited to the ceremony Friday, June 15th at 7:oopm. We only mailed invitations to a few people out of town so please do not think you are not invited....you are. The dress is casual, a reception will follow, and the gift of your presence is all that is needed.

Pray for the building, that the remaining work will be completed as scheduled...and pray for me and Debbie, that the plans we have made will go forth without obstacles. It's funny, I have performed so many marriages and Holy Unions and for the first time I understand the other side of the coin.

Here's to completion and commitment!

Out with the old and in with the new!

After waiting and waiting for my old blog to to updated, I decided to let it go and embrace something new! What a concept.

Speaking of "in with the new" I am happy to report that the new building is near completion. I think it will be like the pain of delivering a baby....all the frustration and headaches will be worth it all when open the doors and walk in.

So, be sure to join Debbie and me on Friday, June 15th at 7:00pm....in the new building....for our Holy Union. Everyone who wants to attend is invited. Invitations were only sent to family and friends who live out of town. The dress is casual; a reception will follow the ceremony.

Hopefully we can begin holding church services in the new building on Sunday, June 17th. I will keep you posted. What a blessing and joy it will be to finally have our new home! God has great things planned for Holy Cross MCC. Do not be discouraged and do not dispair....for God is with us and our church has a fantastic future.

Peace and blessings,

Sandy