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.