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.