Wow!

Today we had a taste of how wonderful the Choir's Christmas musical is going to sound. You have got to hear it! You will be blessed. It is very uplifting and the choir sounds fabulous. So be sure to attend either at 11:00 next Sunday and/or at 7:00pm.

And as Ty reminded us, Christmas is one of those times when non-church people are more likely to say yes to an invitation to attend. So look around your world and find someone to invite to join you next Sunday. Offer to pick them up or meet them in the parking lot. I believe that God is going to use this musical to touch and change lives...beginning with me!

Have a blessed week and I hope to see you Sunday!

Relational Gifts

Okay, now that we are not buying gifts for each other on the birthday of Jesus, we are giving "relational gifts". What are those? Gifts that cost little or no money....but show that you know and love the person who's getting the gift. I got two today already. One was an e-mail affirming my ministry. What a great way to begin my day!

The other gift was a visit from my friend Don. He brought me a pair of gloves, an apple fritter, and a delicious cup of coffee! In turn I gave him two old CD's I came across the other day....with Sax music on them. He's learning to play the sax. Those are relational gifts. I hope next year we have a workshop where people can come and make relational gifts for their loved ones. And then the money we would have spent on each other can be used to change our world - in Jesus name!

Remember, people all around the globe are praying for clean water. Help us dig another well this year.

Merry Christmas everyone!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

What makes it most wonderful is God's greatest gift - Jesus! So why do we celebrate the birthday of Jesus by giving gifts to one another? How messed up is that! If you honestly ask yourself that question you will know in your heart that there has to be a better way. For many of us that way is to take the money we would spend on Christmas and give it so that people around the world can have the gift of clean water - in Jesus name!

Holy Cross has participated in Advent Conspiracy for the last four years and we have funded the drilling of four wells in remote villages around the world.I think that makes Jesus smile. It also takes the stress out of Christmas. No visits to the Mall, no gifts to select, no wrapping is needed. Just designate your gift "AC" or "Living Water"and drop it in the offering plate now through December 26th. For you folks out of town you can mail your check to us.

If you have time go on the Living Water site and check them out and you will see the good work they are doing. If Christians would change the way we celebrate Christmas we could solve the water crisis on planet earth. Then we could solve other problems in our world. Perhaps this is what Jesus meant as recorded in John 14:12, "Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I am doing, and they will do even greater things....".

None of us can solve the needs in our world on our own. But just think of what we can do as we come together as one! How will you celebrate the birth of Jesus this year? If you are worried about what your family and friends will think - fear not - it will make sense to them too. And then on their birthday go all out and buy them as many gifts as you want. They will feel more special than before. Try it and see for yourself. Merry Christmas to you and Happy Birthday Jesus!!!

Do You Need a Hug?

I just opened an e-mail with a drawing of a woman getting a hug from Jesus! I wanted to share it but couldn't copy it so if you need a hug today, find a private place and close your eyes and ask Jesus to give you a hug; then be still and allow yourself to feel those loving arms wrapped around you. Jesus is always there, by your side, and you can get a hug anytime you need one.

I remember when I was in Corpus, a lady who had been attending for a few months came to the office to talk with me; she said it seemed like when I prayed that I thought God was right there listening to me and she wanted to feel God that close to her. It was a joy to help her learn to experience God's presence right there with her too.

Give it a try; if you can lay down and close your eyes and pay attention to the outline of your body; it will begin to feel like warm electricity surrounding you.....guess what it really is?

Saved By Grace Circle of Grace

This is what that COG came up with based on the recent parables:

Resources (talents) + Labor (work) + Time = God's Profit

Thanks SBG!!!

National Coming Out Day!

Here in P'cola we have been coming out all week! What a great time at Seville Square on Saturday and what a FABULOUS concert with Daphne that night! And how about all of the media coverage? I am so proud of those who went public. I try to remember that I get paid to be out and I do not expect everyone to do the same - but if you can, come out to someone today. Knowing a LGBTQ person is what changes people's minds most about us so come out as often as we can....because to know us is to love us!

Thanks Holy Cross MCC for shining the light last week - you did a most excellent job!

Help is on the Way - Just Not Who We Thought!!!

It's official, Rev. Patrick Rogers will not be joining the staff of Holy Cross MCC. He loved our church but does not feel called to come here. He feels his call is to be the pastor of a church, not an associate. While that saddens me as I thought he would be a good match for us, I am glad he decided that now and not after coming here.

My guess is that it would hard to transition from being a pastor to an associate - although there are days I long to try it and see. If only God would allow it. So we are back to square one in seeking God's person to come and join the staff of Holy Cross MCC. It will happen - but in God's time only. Until then let us not grow weary in our well doing... for we will reap God's harvest if we faint not!

Follow-up from Yesterday

Here's the cartoon I promised those in the 11:00 service.

Here's a picture I like of the Good Samaritan and one he stopped to help.

Don't forget to help someone get up this week.

Wow, what a powerful time of worship yesterday, especially in the early service! And the revival hasn't even begun.

Have a blessed week.

Hold On, Help is on the Way!

Negotiations with Rev. Patrick are in process and I feel confident that he will be joining our staff in November. Just knowing that help is on the way has been a tremendous blessing to me. I feel encouraged and hopeful about the future.

And to update you on my health, the problem was low blood pressure! Imagine that. I told someone that just knowing help was on the way made my blood pressure go down. So I am almost back to normal....health wise that is anyway.

What an exciting time for Holy Cross MCC! I hope to see you in church tomorrow as we celebrate God's love and provision.

The Week and Weekend

Last week was one of the busiest weeks I have had since I arrived at Holy Cross MCC. I share this not to show how busy I was but for you to know how may lives we are touching through the ministry of our church. In addition to the regular happenings, I officiated at three funeral/memorial services, one of which was for someone I had never met and it was in Alabama. As I listened to this man's story it was difficult to believe that one person could have so many health issues.

He was diagnosed with diabetes at age 5; he had two kidney transplants with two brothers donating the kidneys. He had been blind for the last 20 years. He also had a pancreas transplant and he died at age 42 from complications. Yet he was described as never complaining and always having a positive attitude. Can you imagine that?

His dear, sweet mother had buried three sons and my heart went out to her. They say there is not pain greater than the death of a child and she has experienced that pain three time now. Yet she was one of the most loving and kind people I have ever met. And she had to ask a stranger to conduct her son's funeral. This reminds me of how separated people are from the faith community and how important it is that we are that bridge between people and God.

Wednesday, Rev. Patrick arrived and what a great time we had getting to know each other a little. We talked and laughed and of course we shared some great meals together. If I had to choose one word to describe him it would be "real"....what you see is what you get. That is so important in doing the Lord's work. People need us to be real. People need us to mean what we say and say what we mean. People need to be able to trust in people of faith and not be unpleasantly surprised as time goes by. Rev. Patrick is one such person and I am excited that God may be calling him to come and work here at Holy Cross MCC.

On Saturday we went to Cornerstone MCC in Mobile and I enjoyed the workshop he conducted on Giving the Jesus Way. It was not your usual stewardship workshop. He made me think and I learned some new ways to look at my giving and the giving of the church. And he held my attention and I did not doodle once the entire day!

While I could not be at church Sunday, I have heard nothing but good comments about Rev. Patrick. People enjoyed him and his sermon and he enjoyed Holy Cross MCC. I think he is a good match for me and a good match for our church. And what about that energy!?! Wow. Things are looking up. Exciting possibilities are on the horizon. This is another example of God having people....with the resources we need....all lined up to help us....at the right time for God's glory!

What a week, and what a weekend. Thank you Holy Cross for being there for Scott in the death of his father, Don in the death of his wife Ava, and a little old lady in Alabama whose son died. Thanks for the food that was prepared and the words of comfort that were expressed. Thanks for being the hands and feet of Jesus - thanks for being the church alive! I hope to see you Sunday. Invite someone to join you for we truly are blessed with an incredible church.

The Gift of Life

Life is so very fragile - yet we often act as though we think we control when we say good-bye to life. I just came from Don and Ava's and I need to let you know that Ava passed from this life today at 5:35PM. It was a peaceful passing as she slept - in her own bed with her beloved Don and four dogs there with her. None of us had any idea Ava would pass so quickly. We just never know. This picture was last December, shortly after Ava was diagnosed.

As I sat with Don awaiting the funeral home to arrive I smiled as I saw the AC someone from church funded last Sunday, and I am so glad Ryan and I went to purchase it and deliver it. Ava said her house had never felt that cool in the many years she had lived there. Thank you Holy Cross for making a difference.

As people arrived and questioned were asked, Don was proud to share how our church had made a difference in his life and in Ava's, especially since she over the last few months. He spoke of those who came and helped him mow his yard and all of those yummy casseroles we provided over the last week or so, not to mention the many prayers that were said in Ava's behalf.

Pray for Don and Ava's children as they deal with the suddenness of Ava's passing. Thank you Holy Cross for being the hands, feet and heart of Jesus to this family. A memorial service will be held at our church and as soon as I know the details we will post it on our web site.

Enjoy each day - for every day is truly a gift from God. I hope to see you in church tomorrow.

I Love Saturday!

Saturday is back to work for me after having Thursday and Friday off. It's a good day to meet with people, I almost always see one or more people working on the grounds, and others are busy cleaning the church. The phone rarely rings and I am able to get a lot of work done.

I just met with a woman who has lived in the area two years and she just recently found out about our church. Again I am reminded that we are one of the best kept secrets in town - even though we do not want to be. I think it's easy for us to think we have "saturated the market" when in fact we may have only saturated our friends. So here's to thinking outside our circle of family and friends and taking note of the strangers God brings into our paths. As scripture says, the harvest is plentiful - the workers are few. How about being a worker for God today....invite a friend or a stranger to meet you at church tomorrow. It's going to be a glorious day!

Baptism

Sunday we witnessed the baptism of one of our youth and we were reminded of what the church is all about.....learning to love....and making disciples. I went home thinking about my baptism. I was twelve, which back then was the magical age of accountability. I think we can all agree that it's a sooner than twelve these days. My mind went back to that trip to the muddy Trout River in Jacksonville. We wore white robes...that served a dual purpose as we used them when playing angels in the Easter and Christmas plays.

What about you? Do you remember your baptism? And what did it mean to you? I would love to hear about your experiences if you would like to share. And if you do share but you don't want them posted on my blog just let me know.

Back to our children and youth. If you can engage them in a conversation you may be amazed at what they say. Last night I asked Ryan when he was going to be baptized. And he proceeded to tell me about his baptism even though he was just months old when he was baptized. Even though I made baptismal vows in his behalf he believes in his baptism and seems secure in that covenant relationship with God and the church. I guess they really are listening - even when we think they are not!

As you go about your day, remember your baptism. Remember God loves you with an everlasting love. Remember that you belong to the church of Jesus Christ. Remember your life has a holy and sacred purpose. Remember you are never alone. Remember your baptism and smile at the God who uses water to remind us of who we are and whose we are!

Monday, Monday

It's been a great day, especially for a Monday. Of course for this type A personality that means it was a productive day. I finished some tasks, moved a project forward and met with a number of people - one who learned about us at Memorial Day Weekend. She plans to come to church on Sunday. It still amazes me when people who have lived here many years have never heard of our church. You add those to the new ones who move to Pensacola and you realize our work will never be done. That's a good thing.

Yesterday I had the joy of meeting with our Circle leaders and apprentices. It is amazing what God is doing in the Circles of Grace. In a short amount of time we have 49 people regularly attending a weekly meeting. People are connecting, getting to know each other better, ministering to one another and growing spiritually. In a few weeks we will begin a new cycle and new groups will be forming. If you are not in a Circle please pray about visiting one.

And if you feel led to be an apprentice or a leader just let your Circle leader know. People have expressed interest in having a Circle in Alabama, Milton, Crestview, and Ft. Walton. On the recent Membership survey we conducted over 50 people indicated they might be interested in trying a Circle. I must say that brings me great joy. August 1st will be Circle Sunday and I know we will enjoy a time of celebration.

Thanks for all of your prayers for the crisis in the Gulf. The cap seems to be working and the local beaches are beautiful and oil free. Let us continue to pray for other areas, especially Louisiana. As Channel Three News is reminding us, we are a tough and resilient people here on the Gulf Coast. We will bounce back. Memorial Day Weekend will continue to happen and we will be right there letting people know about one of the best kept secrets in town - Holy Cross MCC.

Feeling Better Today

Wow, I feel like I had "Montezuma's Revenge" and I didn't even go to Mexico!!! It came upon me so fast. I was having a great day off Friday. It was a "self-care" day. I was about to leave to go get my pedicure and then my hair done and as I got in the car I knew I was in trouble. But I am much better today.

Thanks to Jess for stepping up to preach for me - I have already heard she did a great job. And thanks to the congregation for all of your prayers. I don't do sick very well and I rejoice when I am well. Praise be to God for health and healing!

Have a great week and I'll see you on Sunday.

God Grant Me the Serenity...

...to accept the things I cannot change...

While I would never wish a hurricane on any populated area, there is some relief in knowing one is not headed here. But the winds and rain are already here. And my family is at a condo at the beach and they just called to tell me how much oil this storm is bringing in and how sad it is. While BP has people on the beach cleaning it up, we all know that it will be years and years - if ever - before the beaches are completely clean.

As the oil continues to gush and the situation worsens, let us take comfort in knowing that God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble. While we cannot change what is happening, Almighty God can still bring forth good from this bad situation. Join with all of those around the globe who are praying for God's help in the Gulf of Mexico.

In case you haven't heard, we have a guest singer int he 11:00AM service this Sunday and a cookout to follow. If you want to bring anything bring something to go with hot dogs and apple pie. I hope to see you Sunday.

We Made It

Well, we made it through our first week without Bea! At least I almost have. We have new office hours [Monday - Friday from 10:00 to 3:00]. Miriam will now be working on Wed, Thursday and Friday and my days off remain the same [thank you Jesus] I am off on Thursday and Friday.

We also have a new voice-mail system so that when the phone is not answered you can choose the voice mail box of the person you are calling and leave a private message for them. I think you will like it once you get used to it.

And last but not least, thank you for a great offering on Sunday. I said I didn't want to have to worry about money this week and you came through! I am grateful. To those of you out-of-towners who keep up with our church, if you have thought about sending an offering to the church this would be a great time to do so. Like most other churches in the USA, money is tight right now and it's usually tighter in the summer when the utilities are at the highest. So, if you love my ministry and/or the ministry of Holy Cross MCC, pray about giving an offering to the church.

Thanks for the many prayers you offer up for me and Holy Cross. There are days I feel those prayers helping to sustain me. There is nothing like the Body of Christ and the people of God. Thank you for being a part of our church.

Milestones

Well last Sunday I celebrated surviving 10 Memorial Day Weekends on Pensacola Beach. And what a great time we had.

Yesterday I survived my son's first date! I wonder how many people in our city have had that first date at the same place....the Silver Screen?

Yes, Ryan is growing up and I am growing older and life is good. Praise be to God!!!

Memorial Day - Wed Update

A picture is worth a thousand words..........these were taken this afternoon....the beach is beautiful....no oil has reached our beaches and we are going to have a great time this weekend. We will be in the same place as usual and we could use some help Friday and Saturday if you are out there and can spare an hour or two.

Bring lots of sunscreen and be sure to stop by and say hello. For you out-of-towner's, we will be having a special service Sunday at 10:00 at the MCC campus [3130 W Fairfield Drive] followed by a cook-out and some games. Please join us before you head out to the beach on Sunday.

Okay folks, I am about to be busy, busy, busy so if I do not post you will know why. Have a safe and fun weekend.

Pentecost Sunday!

Wow! It was a powerful day at Holy Cross, especially in the first service. God bless the Praise Team as they played and sang for almost three hours. Dozens of people were anointed with the laying on of hands. I can't wait to hear some of the testimonies on Sunday.

Remember, we are having one big blended service at 10:00 this Sunday followed by a cook-out after the service. Maybe we can even set-up the volley ball net and the horse shoes. Just bring a side item to go with hamburgers and hot dogs or a dessert.

Thanks to those who fasted and prayed for last week's service, those who came to the special time of prayer on Saturday and every one who welcomed the Holy Spirit to abide within us and rest upon us! May this be the beginning of a revival in our midst.

Code Red

In celebration of Pentecost, the birthday of the church, consider wearing something red on Sunday. We are praying for a fresh anointing as we worship together. As with all celebrations, there is a time of preparation. Sunday I asked that we examine ourselves in the following areas:

1. Devotion to Jesus and to His church. For a quick check of where you are on this just look at your calendar for last month and your expenditures. There you will find your priorities. If they are in not line with devotion to Jesus and to His church then consider changing that and making Jesus number one in your life.

2. Unity in the church. Nothing will invite a fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit than a church in one accord. That's not to say we all have to be the same - but that we are willing to lay down our way and take on the way the Lord leads the church as expressed in the will of the body. If you are at odds with anyone, especially anyone in our church, make a list of all of their shortcomings, failures, mistakes and things you just don't like about them and begin to pray for them. God will change them and/or you and open the door to reconciliation.

3. Keep the main thing the main thing.....remember the purpose of the church. While there are thousands of good things the church could be doing, the purpose of the church is to teach how to love God and others, and to take the good news of the gospel to all people. It is so easy to become distracted and loose focus. It's all about Jesus and making him known to others.

As the disciples obeyed Jesus and went back to that upper room to wait for the gift of the Holy Spirit they devoted themselves to pray and they took care of business. As we wait for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Sunday, let us devote ourselves to those same two things. If there is anyone you need to forgive, or anyone you need to ask for forgiveness this would be a great time to take that step and make right that wrong.

You've heard me say, "Be careful what you ask for." I have been reminded of that yesterday and today as people are coming to me to take care of out hurts, wounds and misunderstandings. While I found it to be somewhat draining - it has been more of a blessing than I could expected. So, I am extending an open invitation to anyone who I have offended to contact me and let's sit down and talk and pray and work through it. I want to come ready to receive a blessing Sunday and I want you to be ready too.

Pray, pray, and pray some more. Come expecting a move of the Holy Spirit Sunday....and wear red if you can. Have a blessed week.

Memorial Day Plan

The question of the last two weeks has been, "What's happening for Memorial Day?"

I wish I knew the answer to that question but someone borrowed my crystal ball!

Our plan is to have a presence on the beach Friday and Saturday to pass out water and oranges as usual. Prior to the oil spill we had already decided to have a special service on Fairfield this year instead of one on the beach. The reason for this was the same as last year, just not enough beach for our big tent. The plan is to have one service at 10:00am followed by a pot-luck cookout and maybe some games and music. The church will provide the hamburgers and hot dogs and people can bring side items to go with that. Also the grill will be hot and ready to go if anyone does not want hot dogs and burgers and they want to bring something else to grill.

This plan is based on the beach being open for the weekend. If something happens and the beach is not an option, we will have festivities here on Saturday as well as Sunday. At this point in time it appears we will be able to be at the beach on Friday and Saturday.

So, keep checking our website and we will post what's happening closer to that weekend. In the meantime why not order a nice MDW towel for you and a friend? Details are on our website.

I look forward to seeing you either at the beach near Parking Lot 11-B or right here at Holy Cross MCC on Fairfield.

Thank Bart and Thanks God

I appreciate the reminder that I have not blogged in a long time! But not for the reasons you suggested in your comment that I will not publish.

I remember when I was a pastor in Texas and a member of the church gave me this cute sign with a mother bird feeding her babies; the sign read, "Lord, give me strength to endure your many blessings!" That's how I have felt lately. This is such an exciting time and I apologize for not taking the time to give God thanks and praise.

• We had record attendance (post Ivan) on Easter Sunday.
• We have more children and youth in the church than ever before.
• We have a new Church Strategy Team and what an exciting group of people.
• We recently completed small group training for our new Circles of Grace Ministry that begins in a few weeks.
• We were able to apply over $4,000.00 (20%)in an additional principle payment from gifts to The Next Step.
• Not only that, but the member who gave $10,000.00 as an extra principle payment in 2009 did it again in 2010.
• Better than all of that is the baptisms and new members we have been blessed to receive already this year.

So thank you for the reminder to give God praise and glory!

Am I saying our church is without trouble? Not at all. I'll close with one of my favorite passages from the Bible.

John 16:33 (New International Version)

³³"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Another Great Example of the Sermon

Someone sent me an email that is another example of how God loves and cares for us. Enjoy!

Well, I could not copy the pictures so use your imagination and if you want to see the pictures e-mail me and I will forward the e-mail to you.

Noah the Dove

These little bunnies, about 6 days old, were attacked by a dog and orphaned. Two out of the litter of five did not survive, and these three were not doing very well.

Noah is a non-releasable, one-legged homing pigeon/rock dove that is in the rehab centre. Noah kept going over to the bunny cage and looking in -- even sleeping in front of the door to the cage.

Then, suddenly, there were only two bunnies in the cage. But when Noah moved a bit from the front of the cage to every one's surprise...there was the tiny bunny...under Noah's wing...sound asleep! That little bunny rabbit had crawled through the cage, preferring a feather bed, no doubt to snuggling up with its litter mates!

Now, they are all together and the bunnies are doing GREAT. When the bunnies scoot underneath Noah's feathers, he carefully extends his wings out to surround them and then they snuggle. When one of them moves and they start sticking out here and there, he gently pushes them back under him with his beak! It is beautiful and amazing to see...

This is what God does with us when we need the warmth and love He offers. He gathers us under His loving wings to a warm cradle of protection. All we need do in return is give Him the thanks and praise for being with us.

Follow-up to Sermon

Yesterday I preached on the analogy Jesus gave comparing himself to a mother hen. Today I recieved a video that clearly shows how the mother hen protects her chicks from a hawk. If you have five minutes, check it out. Jesus will always protect the chicks in His care!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXXUPK-OvtQ

Have a blessed week!

How Are Those Resolutions Going?

So how is 2010 going so far? I would have to say it is great! The sun is shinning and it's sixty-eight degrees so today is a lovely day. I have enjoyed hearing many resolutions and to already see how some of them are paying off. So be encouraged today if you are one of many who seek to make positive changes in their lives right now. Even if at times you have been unsuccessful, don't give in to the temptation to abandon your plan. Try adjusting your plan before giving it up.

Last year someone handed me a book one Sunday at church and I have tried for months now to remember who it was. It's Thin Within" by Judy and Arthur Halliday. She's a nurse and he's a doctor. If you loaned/gave that book to me please remind me so i can thank you. I am finding it to be very helpful. Nothing new really but presented in such a way that it speaks to me spirit.

One of the first things to change is to stop saying, "I want to loose weight." For when we loose something we often find it. So a better phrase to say is "I want to release weight." It's simple by effective. Another thing, actually the first change to make is to only eat when hungry. Duh! When I first read that I had an epiphany. In all my days and ways of "dieting" I can not remember learning that one simple thing. I ate when I wanted to, when I was supposed to, when I saw something yummy, when people gave me food to eat, and for a hundred other reasons, especially when I wanted comfort - after all, we have comfort food just for that.

I hope to finish the book - It's a thirty day process and I began on January 1st - and then offer it in some format at church.

What about you - do you have a resource that is helping you and are you willing to post it here? If so I would like to know about it.

And if you're day is not going so well right now then go to youtube and watch "He is with You". I guarantee you it will life your spirit. What a glorious truth: no matter what, Jesus is with us!