It's Been a While

It's been a while since my last posting- over six weeks, in fact. I don't know what this blog does for those who read it (assuming there are those who do!) but for me- writing the blog is mostly a time for reflection- which is probably why I haven't been here in so long.

I haven't had- haven't found- haven't taken much time for reflecting since December 7. In that time I've had weddings, funerals, advent services, more sick people to visit than I can remember, made a trip to Florida for my Dad's 80th birthday, a 21-year old son to get his tonsils removed, and Christmas happened somewhere in there! Oh yeah, now someone wants to buy our church land and help us move-up the street. Time for reflection... puh-leeze!

Then, late this afternoon I heard a gentle pleading... "Be still and know that I am God."(NIV,KJV,RSV)

But God, we just elected three new committees and have a huge decision to make as a church... "Calm down, and learn that I am God!"(CEV)

But God, one of the kids is sick, there are bills to be paid, and the mechanic just called with bad news..."Cease striving and know that I am God/Let go, relax, and know that I am God."

But God... "Stop fighting and know that I am God." (TEV)

Be still...calm down...cease striving...let go... stop fighting... He is God!

Change of View

I've always liked the worship space in our church. I like it's openness and especially the windows. I enjoy the light the windows welcome and the views that they provide.

While nursing a cup of coffee this morning I looked towards the windows and was confronted with the change in decor we incorporate during Advent. Instead of the sights of green shrubs, blue skies(okay, they're gray today!, and passing cars I was greeted by the rich purple, gold, and blue images of shepherds, Mary and Joseph, and, of course, Jesus. Two years ago Trey took an idea, improved on it, and Chuck Smith's production team transformed that idea into our beautiful window inserts.

The window inserts shield our view of the outside while forcing us to focus our attention on the nativity. Not a bad idea for this time of year!

Our inserts remind us that Advent is a time to change what we see... how we see... and ultimately, Who we see.

Hope

I've never been big on poetry- except when my English teacher in ninth grade had us study the music of Simon and Garfunkel! I am however, big on hope- and the poem below pictures it as thoughfully and beautifully as possible.

Hope is the thing with feathers- that perches on the soul-
And sings the tune without the words- and never stops- at all.

And sweetest- in the gale- is heard- and sore must be the storm-
That could abash the little Bird that kept so many warm.

I've heard it in the chillest land- and on the strangest Sea-
Yet, never, in extremity, it asked a crumb of me.

by Emily Dickinson
(found in Keeping Hope Alive by Lewis Smedes

October has been quite a month for our part of the family of God.

The month began with ten of our folks traveling to New Orleans to support the work of Global Maritime Ministries. We assisted GMM with their annual fundraising banquet/silent auction and fed and built friendships with seafarers at the center. We also managed to find time for lots of laughter, plenty of good seafood, and a visit to the National Worl War II Museum.

Later in the month two of our older adult Sunday School classes combined forces to prepare a meal and serve about 75 guests at MUST Ministries.

Last Thursday 28 of us traveled to Blue Ridge to enjoy the fall scenery, grab some apples, and enjoy food and fellowship. This was our largest group ever for this outing!

Saturday night 45... or was it 48? youth and friends enjoyed a night at
Cagle's Dairy Farm as we wandered in the corn maze and enjoyed the hayride and bonfire.

Last night's Fall Family Fun Fair was a huge success. Around 200-225 children and families enjoyed a great night of activities and food.

Now, none of these "successes" change the facts that our giving is substantially below budget needs, attendance has been so-so in October, and we have critical leadership needs to be filled. But they do remind me that-
*real fellowship occurs as we share life in service
*others may do things "bigger" but not necessarily "better" and "glitz" can't hold a candle to "genuine"
*we have a tremdous collection of talented and energetic people who love serving
*I love being called "pastor" by this family of faith!

Reformation Day Prayer

This Sunday, October 30, is Reformation Day. We baptists are ultimately products (our roots can be traced to England where baptists moved away from the Anglican Church- which was a product of the English reformation- which wouldn't have happened without the protestant reformation) of the faith and tenacity of men like German monk Martin Luther.

Behold, Lord, an empty vessel that needs to be filled. My Lord, fill it.
I am weak in the faith; strengthen me.
I am cold in love; warm me and make me fervent, that my love may go out to my neighbor.
I do not have a strong and firm faith; at times I doubt and am unable to trust you altogether. O Lord, help me. Strengthen my faith and trust in you.
In you I have sealed the treasure of all I have. I am poor; you are rich and came to be merciful to the poor.
I am a sinner; you are upright. With me, there is an an abundance of sin; in you is the fullness of righteousness.
Therefore, I will remain with you, of whom I can receive, but to whom I may not give.

"The Empty Vessel", a prayer by Martin Luther (Eerdman's Book of Famous Prayers)