Christmas Eve

Wow, it's finally here! Christmas Eve. We can see the finish line and soon we can slow down and celebrate Jesus - our God with us. Do you ever stop and allow your mind to think about what Christmas really means? Usually what would follow would be my answer to that question. But as a gift to you, I invite you to ask yourself that question. And continue thinking until you reach a place of wonder!

Merry Christmas

Christmas Eve Service 7PM

Laugh a Little

Wow, it's been a month since I posted to my blog...what have I been doing?

In reading e-mails this morning and then logging onto our site, I have had some good laughs. Maybe you need to laugh this morning so here goes.

See how blessed you are to have my concise, bottom-line sermons!

So I have very little voice today...which some will count as a blessing as well. Working from home always allows me to catch up on things...like this!

Have a blessed day and take some time today to prepare for Jesus...He is coming!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Christmas is right around the corner and now is the time to consider celebrating the birth of Jesus in a way that will truly honor His birth. The first thing to consider is why we give each other gifts at Christmas instead of giving gifts in Jesus name? Sure, we make Christmas baskets and participate in Angel Trees but that's just a drop in the bucket compared to what we give to each other.

The average American family spends $750.00 on Christmas. With the bad economy that figure may drop to $500.00 but still that will mean hundreds of billions will be spent on gifts no one really wants, gifts that will be returned the day after Christmas, gifts that only a few will remember at this time next year.

There is a more excellent way. This is the third year our church is participating in Advent Conspiracy. Last year our offering to Living Water actually dug a well so a remote village now has clean drinking water...many cups of water given in Jesus name!

So before you make your list and check it twice I ask that you pray about what God would have you do this Christmas. Consider changing the way you celebrate the birth of Jesus and help us provide clean drinking water so those who need it most. For more information go to

www.adventconspiracy.org

You can make a difference and together we can make a big difference. If Christians will make this change in Christmas we can make sure everyone has clean water within ten years! What a gift of love that will be!!!

Wednesday Night - The Other Side of Pride

We just finished a week long celebration of Pensacola Pride. It was indeed a great time. Tonight at 7PM I will be speaking on "The Other Side of Pride". The Bible has a lot to say about pride so come out tonight as we balance last week with this look at the downside of pride.

Saturday, in the Park

There we are, me and Ray Boltz, chatting in the park at the festival on Saturday. What a great time we had there and then in both services on Sunday. Franco and Ray loved our church and told me they will be back to see us when we least expect it. One day I will look up and see them walking in the door. I warned Ray that if I see him he will have to sing!

Pensacola Pride was a huge success. And we had many new visitors on Sunday that met us in the park on Saturday. So for all of the hard work it took to work the week, it was will work it.

I especially want to thank Doug and Donna and of course Tami for handling the Kids Korner.

All in all it was a great weekend.

Life, Abundant Life and Eternal Life

It's sad that so many people think that our time on earth is all there is to life - when just the opposite is true. The Bible says our days on this earth are but like a vapor. Yet we spend most of our resources on living in the here and now with little if any thought about eternity.
The last few weeks have been filled with death. We had three people in our church who had a parent die in the last two weeks, as well as a member who died very unexpectedly. And today a member sits by the bed of her mom who is dying.
Why do we see death as such a tragedy when in fact it is death that takes us back to God? Perhaps we need to focus more on eternal life. We are created to not only serve a purpose while we are on this earth, but more importantly to spend eternity with God.
So enjoy each day for truly it is a gift from God. But live with eternity in mind. Jesus came that we might have life...abundant life...and eternal life. May that truth make a difference in how you live your life today.

The Age of Accountabilty

When I was a kid the magical age of accountability was 12. One could be baptized and even though I did not understand how being dipped in that dirty Trout river was going to make me clean, I put on that while robe and down to the river I went with others who had turned 12.

It's a different world now. Ryan turned 12 yesterday, but Ryan has baptized when he was just months old. He cooks and cleans and can do his own laundry. He has a laptop, a Wii, a Play Station 2, a PSP and of course a cell phone. Just think how the world will be when Ryan has children...and I'm a grandma.

The cycle of life continues no matter what. Praise be to God!

Now that Summer is officially over, we prepare for a busy Fall. There's a different energy in the air. So before you get too busy find a place in nature, take a few minutes and breathe in and out. Then you will find your mind drifting to pleasant thoughts of colored leaves, apple cider, pumpkins, footballs games and getting together with family and friends.

Love, joy and peace are found in the moment.
Let go of yesterday
Do not worry about tomorrow
Enjoy this day that God has made for YOU!

What a Glorious Day!

Yesterday was like a little taste of heaven! We saw old friends and made some new ones. We had two great worship services followed by a feast of delicious food. And then Rev. Lee jumped for joy as he preached about his love and passion for Jesus the Christ. And how about news of Cornerstones new building which will seat 450 people! Thanks also to Alton and the Cornerstone choir for joining our choir for the re dedication service. That was some powerful singing!!!

I know God is an overwhelming God and was I overwhelmed yesterday!

Thanks to everyone who attended any and all of our glorious day. To God be the glory!

More Than Cool

Future quarterback!








The watermelon was so good Cindy had to have two! Thanks Maria!

Okay, so I thought I wanted to jump into 68 degree water but I was wrong! I made it up to my knees and I had to retreat back to dry land.

But for those who were brave enough to jump in, a good time was had by all.

Then there was the father/daughter bonding that took place!

And those who broke the rules!

And the beautiful bug we really didn't need to see!

All in all, it was a fun day! Thanks Outreach, we had a good time.

What Does God Want From Me?

If you find yourself asking that question then you need to be at church tonight as we begin a new Bible Study on Secrets of the Vine from the little book written by Bruce Wilkinson. He also wrote The Prayer of Jabez. We begin at 7PM and are finished by 8PM so take an hour out of your evening and come learn what it is that God wants from you.
I hope to see you tonight.

Vacations Are Good - Coming Home is Great!

Today I returned to work after my two week vacation. How marvelous is was to see the Christ window installed. What a difference you will see and feel when you walk back in. I know we are going to have a great day in worship tomorrow. There is so much to celebrate.

One of the joys of vacation for me anyway is the opportunity to read. I read three books that truly spoke to my heart and mind. I look forward to sharing bits and pieces over the weeks that lie ahead. One of them I hope to use as our next Wed. night series. Even while on vacation God speaks to my heart and leads me to resources we can use.

One of the off-the-road stops we made was to see Carrie's mom, Mrs. Hardwick. I promised her if I ever went to Arkansas I would stop and see her. It was only about two hours out of the way and we could only stay an hour but I am so glad we did it. She hugged and hugged me. Tears came to her eyes as she again thanked me for all Holy Cross did for her when Carrie died. She's excited about coming to worship with us when she come to visit Pensacola. Through our love in action she was reminded of God's love for her and her daughter. That's what it's all about.

I can't remember when I have been so excited about returning from a vacation. Maybe that's because I came back early and rested some. I know we will have a special time of worship together tomorrow. I thank God those who worked so hard to move things around and get things right today. After the finishing touches were complete and everyone was gone, I just wanted to sit with my eyes on Jesus and fall in love all over again. Never will anyone have to question if we are the church of Jesus Christ. It's obvious in a big and beautiful way. Thanks Ralph!

Take Time to Laugh

Tonight we have an opportunity to not only learn about the importance of living in the present moment but to laugh as we do so! Freddie Webber will be with us at 7PM so invite a friend and come laugh and learn with us. She performed at Cornerstone last week and Rev. Lee called to say we are in for a treat.
I hope you had a good 4th of July and that you have a blessed week.

Joy and Sorrow

It's unanimous, our sisters and brothers from MCC's Regions 7 and 2 who met here last weekend love our building! Having enjoyed it for almost two years now it's easy to forget how very blessed we are. I was reminded time time again. Not only from the voices of people but also from the ebb and flow of the entire weekend. The meals were great, the building was nice and cool (despite record high temperatures) and of course the sound and video are state of the art. Yes, we are blessed.

It was a time of joy and sorrow as we learned of the death of "Big Andy". What a celebration of life we had for him Sunday at his visitation and then at the wake. Thanks to all of the choir members who were present to sing the songs he had requested. His family was blown away with the 11Am service and then celebration. My heart has been sad all week as Andy was like a big brother to Ryan. Not to mention that he stopped by to visit with my dad often.

So this last week has been a quiet time with Ryan in Texas and everyone tired from the last weekend. I have had a chance to regroup and I am ready to go again. I have my garment of praise on and the armor of God and I am ready to do the work of the Lord...which is love. No matter how complicated people try to make it, God's way is love. It is the most important gift we can bring to our little corner of the world. So take the time to express love to someone today. And then go to church on Sunday and express your love to God. When you have the chance to choose - always choose love because that's what it's all about.

The Birthday of the Church

Do you recognize any of these folks? They all worked hard to make our grounds more beautiful on Saturday. Thanks everyone.

And thanks to everyone who wore red Sunday, especially those who came at 11:00 to support our new service. The music was great in both services as well as the sweet, sweet, Spirit that was in our sanctuary.

Have a great week and I'll see you again on Sunday. And if you have not clicked on to read and see more pictures from Living Water then you are missing a blessing. You can see the well that Holy Cross dug and you can see the faces of the beautiful children drinking clean water in Jesus name. We can and are making a difference in our city and around the globe.

Memorial Day Weekend

Every year MDW is a unique experience. Outreach went to the beach Thursday and set up our two tents to secure a place. We arrived early and despite strong winds we decorated our tent near our usual spot. When we went to the other location our tent had some wind damage and we were one of two or three tents at that spot. So we made a decision to modify our plan and go with just one tent back at 11-B.

Water was iced down, oranges were chilled and sliced and slowly folks began to come to us and ask for the refreshments. I think our new signs "FREE WATER & ORANGES" helped. As the weather improved Louis and Cathy made their way to the edge of the walking area and continued with that Holy Cross MCC hospitality. We did meet a number of people and answered a lot of questions. Other volunteers joined us and since it was slow we had the opportunity to get to know each other better.

But the weather did not cooperate. And by this morning, Tiff, who was sleeping in her car in the parking was awakened to the news that waves were washing away tents and belongings! She was able to pull almost all of our stuff to the boardwalk and she did it in wind and rain. But God has people...with the resources we need...all lined up to help us...at the right time for God's glory!
Some of our sisters from New Hope MCC in Montgomery, AL arrived just in time to help Tiff get our stuff to the truck.

Now we are faced with bad weather again tomorrow and we have a 10AM worship service scheduled at the Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach. So here is the plan. Booth and Cindy will go to that location in the morning and if the weather allows, a modified service will take place.

The 11AM service will also be modified as we will not be re-dedicating the Christ Window and Rev. Lee Carlton will not be preaching. When they arrived to install the unit they had built at the shop, it had been built incorrectly. Larry from the Board of Trustees can explain that more if you have questions. While it would have been awesome to dedicate the window on Ascension Sunday, it is more important that the job is done right.

So join us at the beach if you wake up and the sun is shining, or join us at 11Am on Fairfield. Booth will be preaching at the beach and I will be preaching at the church. YOUR PLACE IS SAVED and we would love to see you.

Happy Memorial Day Weekend Rainbow People!

An Answer

Hi Pastor Sandy, this is Carlos. Being a blogger myself, I read yours regularly. I have an answer to your Easter lily question.

You are right that it has more to do with the way the lilies are grown than the plant itself that seems to time its bloom just in time for Easter. Known in botany as Lilium longiforum, the Easter lily is a plant native to Japan where it’s growth has no connection to Easter whatsoever with Shinto having been the religious ideology of that country.

While planting a bulb in mid autumn will supply these lilies in time for Easter, there is another reason why your plants are being so proliferous at the moment. It has to do with Florida’s warm climate. As long as the climate is warm, the plant will continue to grow. While in cooler parts of the world it is known as an annual (meaning it only blooms once a year), in warming climates it can bloom twice each year (biennial). This is where it gets its second name, the November lily.

A footnote: Japan was the main source for this plant to the United States until the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. There was limited growth in this country after that, and the Eater lily became so valuable in the United States that it was often referred to as “white gold.”

THANKS Carlos.

Why, Why, Why?

Okay, first I want to share the picture from last time that never made it to my blog. This is a picture of a tree between the church building and the office. It shows the Easter Lillie's from 2008 that were used to make the lawn cross. Bea donated them in memory of her mother and Robert planted them. Now when Bea comes to work she can see them and remember her mom. And the rest of us can enjoy them as well. Even more are in bloom since I took this picture last week and when I walked over there this morning what a lovely smell. So the question is, Why do Easter Lillie's bloom after Easter? At least the ones we plant in our yards?

Let's get some answers to that question going. My guess is that like the poinsettia's we use at Christmas, professional grower's do certain things to help them bloom earlier to coincide with the holiday. If that's not why please let me know.

Yesterday Uncle Sonny and I went to Montgomery to minister at New Hope MCC. He sang and I preached and we had a good time. That congregation sends their greetings and thanks for all of the help Holy Cross has been to them over the last six months. A number of them will be joining us for our Regional Gathering next month.

All energy must now be devoted to preparation for Memorial Day Weekend. Our early service will be at the pavilion at Pensacola Beach. Our 11am service will include the re dedication of the Christ window. So pick at least one to attend and I'll see you Sunday. Also we still need volunteers for the beach on Friday and Saturday. Please let us know if you can help.

Have a blessed week.

Where Has the Last Month Gone

Thanks to our San Francisco Charles, I have just been reminded that I have not posted to my blog in a long time. I must admit that I do think about it almost everyday but life seems to get int he way before I log on and get it done.
We returned to two worship service in April so join me in praying for new folks in the 11AM service. We started off slowly but last Sunday we had nine new people in that service so I know we are doing the right thing. God bless the Choir for their dedication to the new service. Just like I preach as though 200 people are present, they sing as though 1000 are present. Do not grow weary in your well doing for in due season (in God's time) you will reap the harvest.
I took a few pictures yesterday that I wanted to post today but I cannot find the right cord so I will send those later. The grounds here are looking better and better. The children's play ground is almost complete and Iris Park is slowly being developed. As I look around our property I am reminded of how very blessed we are!
The hottest project of the moment is the installation of our stained glass Christ window. We have raised over half of the funds needed so if you have not contributed please do so as the project is to be completed by May 22nd. As one of my favorite sayings goes, "God's timing is perfect!" So on Ascension Sunday, May 24th, which is also Memorial Day Weekend, we will celebrate the installation and Rev. Lee Carlton will be our special guest. I can't think of anyone more passionate about that glass than Rev. Lee. So whether one goes to the service at the beach or the one in town it will be a day of rejoicing for all.
Speaking of Memorial Day Weekend, we are working that event differently this year. The erosion from last season has shortened the beach area. There is no way we can set-up our large tent this year. Therefore, we have reserved the main Pavilion at Pensacola Beach for Sunday morning from 8:30 until noon. Talk about visibility! I just love how God brings forth a blessing from an obstacle. We will be distributing the water and oranges from three small canopy locations along the beach on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We need many volunteers to make this happen so please help us if you can. And if you are not a beach person then consider helping us load the truck on Thursday or unload it on Sunday afternoon. And if you can't help in that way then pray for God's blessing on this outreach opportunity.
Next month MCCer's will gather here for a conference. Another great opportunity to be blessed and to be a blessing to our sisters and brothers from LA, AL and FL. Of course we will need lots of volunteers for that event as well. There is always much to be done here as we continue to build a church and community campus here. To attend the conference you must register; to attend only the worship services you do not have to register. The registration fee is only $50.00 and it includes snacks on Friday night and three meals on Saturday. I hope many from Holy Cross will register and/or attend the services.
Be sure to check out our entrance page for information on a great raffle we are having. And if you can help sell tickets that would be great as well.
Thanks to each of you for your dedication and support of Holy Cross MCC. Together we are making a difference in the lives of many. And in this time of financial crisis in our world, it's good to know that our investment in God's work has eternal dividends!
Let us pray for one another, that we may be faithful witnesses to our risen Lord. And let us add action to our prayers. Have a blessed week.

After Easter

What a glorious Easter it is! Resurrection power is at work all around us - giving us hope and encouraging us on. How exciting is was to see everyone on Easter Sunday. And to all of you "Secret Agents" we hope to see you again - before Christmas!!!

The church and grounds were just beautiful as people gathered around the Lilly Cross for the Sun Rise Service! And who knew Booth could preach that early!?! And how beautiful it was as peopled walked into the Sanctuary for both the 9 and 11 services. We are truly blessed with so many who give so much to make our church all that it is today.

As I drove up to the office this morning people were there for Excel, the BOT was busy building the two new classrooms in the warehouse and Katy was working in Iris Park. And I thought to myself, "Isn't it great to be a part of a church that's so full of life?" Yes it is.

For those of you who met my uncle Sonny a few weeks ago, he's back! On Friday morning I was getting dressed and I thought I heard his voice talking to my dad. I looked out the window and it was him. He enjoyed our church so much that he sold his furniture and loaded his car and he is here to stay. We found him a nice apartment and he should be able to move in next week. God is full of surprises! And this is a good one.

So here we are, almost a week after Easter, wondering what comes next. I have good news! And I will be sharing it in the 9AM service. Then in the 11AM service we will celebrate Earth Day so I hope some can stay over for that. It will be another great day for sure. I hope you will be a part of it. And remember to let your friends know that we have two services now - and there's more room in the second one. Either service, YOUR PLACE IS SAVED! Come and allow God's resurrection power to work in your life, transforming you day by day.

Baseball, Hot Dogs and Apple Pie

What could be more American than that!?!
Now that I have your attention I want to remind you that Sunday is going to be a great day at Holy Cross MCC. Instead of hot dogs and apple pie we have something better - Family and Friends, Pot-luck and Southern Gospel. So cook me something good to eat and join us as we say good-bye to one worship service and prepare to return to two services the following Sunday.
In addition to my friend Ray Vester, my uncle Sonny will be here to sing and our very own Southern Gospel groups from right here at Holy Cross MCC. I
t will be a day of great blessing so I hope to see you Sunday.

Spring Forward

It's that time of the year again! It comforts me to know that Spring is on the way. Year after year, no matter how long or hard the Winter, Spring returns to remind us that there is a time and season for everything.

This is also the season of Lent. Once again we are asked to focus on our spiritual journey, to evaluate our priorities and to choose God's way over ours. If we are honest, we all can benefit from such a season. So set your clock ahead, jump out of bed and I'll see you at church tomorrow.

For those who made New Year's resolutions to get healthier - there's still time. For those who wanted to give up or take on something for Lent - there's still time. Join us in the sanctuary on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8:30 am for Heart and Soul. Jo Ann is our leader and if I can do it (and enjoy it) so can you! We are beginning with Walk Aerobics and it is so easy. The DVD instructor is on the big screen and the time goes by so fast. It's designed to accommodate people of varying abilities.....like I said, if I can do you you can do it. At least give it a try if your schedule allows. Our bodies are the temple of the Lord and this is one way to help take care of them.

Fat Tuesday and Ash Wednesday

It's that time of the year again. The cold is on the way out and warmth is on the way in. Party, party, party for tomorrow the party will end - at least for a while anyway. We will have our annual Ash Wednesday service tomorrow night at 7PM. Here's a picture, see if you can figure out what I will be preaching on. I hope to see you at the service.

A Few Thoughts

What a great time we had at "An Evening of Love Songs" ! One lady who attended told me she's always amazed at the talent we have at Holy Cross. I am too. We definitely know how to have a good time and enjoy ourselves. A lot of people gave a lot of time and talent to prepare for that show and I thank them from the bottom of my heart. I can't wait until we do it again next year.

The celebration continued as we worshipped together on Sunday. 32 years of ministry for Holy Cross MCC! What a witness and light in our community and city. I preached on the scripture from I Cor. about how the church is the body of Christ. On Saturday I had a vision of actually making a giant body out of people. Using the image of our stained glass of Jesus, I asked those who were on the Pastoral Search Committee that brought me in as a candidate to come forward and make the neck; those who were members before I arrived came up next,and then the Worship Team made up the shoulders. Then the BOD came forward and we installed Stephen. The Board of Trustees and the Council of Ministries each went to one side to make the arms. And then I asked for anyone who was doing anything at Holy Cross to make the legs, feet and hands of the body. As I walked to the back to look at this awesome site I heard someone say what a great picture that would make. We are the Body of Christ and everyone is equally important and very much needed.

It was also a celebration of my 8th Anniversary as Pastor at Holy Cross MCC. As I thought back to when I first came here I could see the tremendous growth in me and in the church. Over the 8 years we faced a number of tragedies and God has faithfully seen us through them and to a place of victory. What a mighty God we serve! I can't think of any place I would rather be than right here at Holy Cross MCC.

I thank everyone who made my anniversary special. Know that I love and appreciate each of you and I thank you for calling me to be part of the Body of Christ here in Pensacola, Florida.

Life and Death

Life and death, such deep subjects to address so early in the morning! Let me begin with death. Since becoming a pastor I have changed or expanded my concept of healing. Currently I view death as the ultimate healing, for in dying our spirits are set free from this world with it's evil and we once again live in the light without the darkness.

January was a month of death and grief and once again God used Holy Cross to offer hope and healing to the dying and to their grieving families. Carrie's death was unexpected and we had never met her family. Her mother and sister welcomed our help and felt comforted by our care and concern. Her other sister is homophobic and even though she did it with good intent I am sure, at Carrie's funeral she handed me a piece of paper with an add from a ministry that helps people overcome homosexuality! So let us pray for her that she might come to know the truth that homosexuality is not a sickness nor a sin.

Immediately following that I had to make an emergency trip to Texas to see about Phillip. He went in the hospital weighing 97 pounds. He seemed to be on that fine line between life and death. I have never seen anyone that thin. I now have a vivid image of "skin and bones". Ryan and I spent a week with him and he weighed 102.3 when we left. The good news is that if he can gain 20 pounds he can have a surgery that could make his life so much better. I ask that you lift him in prayer too.

While I was in Texas, Grace died. Her death was expected. As a matter of fact, I am surprised she lived as long as she did. I had visited with her the day before I was called to Texas. She loved our church. He attended with her daughter Lisa and her partner Candice. And it was her desire for me to do her funeral. As God would have it her service was on Friday so I was able to be back in time for that honor. Her family and friends embraced me and shared how she had told them about our church and how much she enjoyed it.

When I went to church on Sunday I was tired and my heart was grieving for Carrie, Grace, and even for Phillip. I was especially concerned for Jack, Grace's husband of 43 years. But as we began to worship my spirit was lifted up and when I preached I felt such an anointing. And then when we offered prayer for healing in body, mind and spirit so many people lined up that we prayed for many even after the service had ended. No longer did I feel tired but instead like I was walking on clouds. I had energy to teach the Membership Class and once again, on our anniversary we will receive new members.

Until Jesus returns we live in a world of good and evil. As God's servants we often walk that fine line between life and death. And God uses us to give hope and healing...and as we give we receive all that we need. Isn't God awesome? Yes, God is! So do not be afraid when you walk through the valley of the shadow of death with your family and friends. Death is just part of the cycle of life and you do not have to fear for God is with you.

May God's blessings be upon you as you make Jesus the authority in your life. And if you missed church on Sunday you can listen to the sermon on that on our Worship page.

Help Name our Garden/Park Area

A few years back we purchased an additional parcel of land and designated it to be our garden/park area. The time has come for us to choose a name for this place of retreat from the noisy world around us. In the center of this acre is a fountain on a pad that extends in four directions. In Genesis the Garden of Eden is described as having four rivers in flow into the center. We will have four areas that come together in the center where the pad and fountain are. One area is for a Memorial or Prayer Garden, one will have a Gazebo and at this moment I do not remember the plan for the other two areas!

I have included some pictures as they may inspire you in suggesting a name. We will vote at our upcoming annual meeting on Wed. the 28th so send in your ideas as soon as possible.

Remember Your Baptism

What an incredible day is was Sunday, when almost everyone present came forward to renew their baptismal vows! I always enjoy the Baptism of Jesus Sunday each January. It's a great way to begin again and to remember who we are and whose we are.

If you missed the service I would encourage you to get some water, bless it, and apply some to your forehead and renew your commitment to walk in newness of life. Invite the Holy Spirit to empower you to do God's will. But before you do any of that, participate in John's baptism of repentance. Think of the ways you missed God's best for you in 2008 and step back on the road that leads back to God. We all get off track and we can all get back on. It is as simple as it sounds. Change you mind and change your direction and you will find God waiting with open arms to receive you.

I have a new feature under my pastor's blog on our website; check it out and let me know what you think. I am always glad to find more ways to communicate. Now I just need someone to chat with me so I can learn how to use it!!!