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!!!