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.