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.
February 10, 2009
February 3, 2009
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.
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.
January 19, 2009
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.
January 13, 2009
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!!!
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!!!
December 31, 2008
New Year's Eve
It's only 5:48PM and already I hear firecrackers going off as people begin celebrating. In case you cannot make it to church tonight, here's a condensed version of what we'll be doing. Using the text from Philippians 3:13,14 we are going to list things in the past we need to celebrate as well as those we need to forget. We are going to listen for God's call to us individually and then set goals and steps to take to reach our goals.
I hope you will take the time to do this exercise so you can walk freely and purposely into the New Year.
"I am still not all that I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13 and 14
I hope you will take the time to do this exercise so you can walk freely and purposely into the New Year.
"I am still not all that I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13 and 14
December 30, 2008
We Come With Joy!
Sunday our choir presented the Christmas cantata and I must tell you I have never experienced anything like that. Usually the people in the congregation are spectators but not so this time. What an incredible time of worship we had as Davie led us into the presence of God! People were on their feet, hands were raised in praise and most of us were weeping tears of joy.
If you missed it Sunday you may want to order a CD so you will know what the rest of us are talking about.
Thank you Choir, Bobby, David and Miriam. You made my Christmas over the top for sure.
Happy New Year to each and everyone of you.
If you missed it Sunday you may want to order a CD so you will know what the rest of us are talking about.
Thank you Choir, Bobby, David and Miriam. You made my Christmas over the top for sure.
Happy New Year to each and everyone of you.
December 12, 2008
Colors of the Season
In this week of Advent I have been intentionally looking for the wonder and awe of God's creation. And I do not know if it is me or if something has changed but I have never noticed so much color change in the scenery here in Pensacola. Ryan and I were noticing it again this morning as I took him to school. God is so awesome and all we have to do is stop and notice it all around us. So slow down and look around and you may be surprised with what you see.
Someone told me I need a better picture on my blog; I looked but just did not find one so in the spirit of the season I am posting a graphic of Mary and the Baby Jesus.
I will leave you with this question: how would Jesus have you celebrate his birth? Certainly not by buying gifts for each other but by giving so that the world may come to know of him. The average American family spends between $700 and $900 dollars on Christmas. I challenge you to join in the Advent Conspiracy and give that money to make a difference in Jesus name. 100% of AC offerings will be given to Living Water; they build and service wells in countries where the leading cause of death is no clean water. Knowing that we can no longer ask: when did we see you thirsty Lord and not give you something to drink?
Someone told me I need a better picture on my blog; I looked but just did not find one so in the spirit of the season I am posting a graphic of Mary and the Baby Jesus.
I will leave you with this question: how would Jesus have you celebrate his birth? Certainly not by buying gifts for each other but by giving so that the world may come to know of him. The average American family spends between $700 and $900 dollars on Christmas. I challenge you to join in the Advent Conspiracy and give that money to make a difference in Jesus name. 100% of AC offerings will be given to Living Water; they build and service wells in countries where the leading cause of death is no clean water. Knowing that we can no longer ask: when did we see you thirsty Lord and not give you something to drink?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)