The Long Week Ahead - John 12

This week's sermon talks about The Long Week ahead -

I. The Reason we have to Praise Jesus.

II. The Hunger is Satisfied

III. The great Exchange that we can learn from.

In all things Give God the Glory.

See you Sunday.

My Ordination: 15 years Ago.

15 years ago I was a young naive, zealous young minister - wanting to be ordained.
My Home church ordained me May 28, 1995.  8 Church leaders from that congregation participated along with 2 others from Ohio.

As I reflect on the past 15 yrs: With 5 different locations; several funerals; 3 weddings; lots of baptisms; one marriage; 3 children .... What would I do differently? 

I think I would admit my weakenesses.

I would pray more.

I would be myself more. (There were times ministry was like walking on eggshells)

I would laugh.

I would thank those I worked with more.

Do I regret? Sure. Do I look back? Sure. But am I glad where God has me? You bet.

I look back at my life and how God has molded me and still isn't done; and think; what a ride ...with much more in store.

21 Days Prayer Guide for Vacation Bible School 2010

21 Days Prayer Guide.

Our VBS is coming up fast. June 20 -25th. 6 - 8:30pm. Here are some things you can pray for. Thanks.


 Pray for:


Day 1 – May 31 Those doing Publicity

2 – June 1 For supplies provided

3 – June 2 Those doing decorations

4 – June 3 Registration

5 – June 4 Crafts

6 – June 5 Our greeters

7 – June 6 Providing transportation

8 – June 7 Teachers

9 – June 8 Song leaders

10 – June 9 Photographers

11 – June 10 Missions $$$

12 – June 11 Directors

13 – June 12 Game leaders

14 – June 13 Follow-up

15 – June 14 Discipleship

16 – June 15 Children/Teens

17 – June 16 Adults

18 – June 17 Organizers

19 – June 18 Snacks.

20 – June 19 Behind the scene workers

21 – June 21 –Kickoff today.

The Battle Against Cancer.

I hate Cancer. I really do. It is such a dirty word or tends to be. I've known people who have recently died from it. Know people who have struggled with it; and people currently struggling with it.

I don't know what to say or do. Even a lot of the people on my own prayer list are struggling with Cancer. I just wish I had the answer. I'm thankful for things like Relay for Life. (If you don't participate in Relay for Life - now is your chance)

I'm thankful for the Hope we have in Christ.

If you can pray for those struggling with Cancer. Be the hands and feet of Jesus. Don't say. But just be there for people. Sometimes it is the lack of Words and your presence that counts. May we give all those that struggle with Cancer the Hope of the Great Physician - to heal and for His Will to be Done.

AMEN.

Ralph the Wabbit

So outside our church facility is a fairly young rabbit - surviving in the bushes and seen now and then by the Church. So this week, my wife, Valerie and I have come up with a name. His name (Though I didn't look to see if girl or boy bunny) shall be Ralph. So if around our facility - be careful driving because Ralph is hopping about.

Religion Saves - + Nine other misconceptions. Book Review.

I just finished reading this book by Mark Driscoll. I like some of Driscoll's books. He comes straight to the point and this book is one of them.

He discusses Nine questions (From a sermon series) that were asked most often about church, life, and what the Bible says about that. Most of the questions and reasons can be somewhat controversial but very insightful. Theologically I would differ with Driscoll in his Reformed - Calvinistic theology and other theological implications.

One of the Greatest things about Driscoll's book actually is about "Emerging Church" and how he just simplifies the concepts and misconceptions. Though sometimes simplifying - things tend to get misunderstood or mislabelled in the process. An insightful text which even if you don't agree with all of Driscoll's conclusions - gives some food for thought on why you believe in what you believe in. My struggles where his on salvation, predestination.  (Remember he is more Reformed theologically)

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I Did It His Way - Collection of B.C. Comics.

I admit I was a comic book collector growing up. Fact is I still have Peanuts, Calvin and Hobbes, and B.C. in my personal library.

This book features all the strips I've come to love by Hart. It was heartwarming and brought back memories.  B.C. truly was a classic comic which gave you food for thought.

One of my favorite strips is posted here.

The Church Leader for Career Day?

Last week I had the opportunity to present what I do as a career. Actually I view it more as a Calling, living, investment in the Kingdom.  I did get to present in a public school setting the work of a minister. I was competing with puppies, guns, gators (No kidding), postal workers, pro-golfers, and marital artists (Though I didn't see Chuck Norris).

Why did I do it? Gave me an opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus to young people and really tell them what Church people do. (and to tell my own children what DAD does)

So what do I do? Basically I get paid to be a Christian. (How cool is that?) I get to love God and love others. And got to present the calling of God in such a way to make it fun, exciting, and yet requires alot of work, study, and patience.

From what I heard - having some candy during your speech isn't bad either.

If you ever get a chance to tell young people what you do in the church, don't turn the offer down. Tell them how God has taken you from where you are and is still using and working on you.

Who Ministers to the Minister?

So who ministers to those that are working on the front lines of ministry?

To me it is other people - hopefully within the church you are serving.

Ministry is hard. Last week - I had one of the GREATEST but toughest weeks. I got to speak at my kids' school, and then also had to talk to a young woman who maybe dying ..(But rejoice that She knows  our Lord)

I've been ordained in ministry for over 15 yrs. (In fact this weekend marks that anniversary).

I've done more funerals than weddings. Having more people baptize than just myself ... and celebrate my family.

So who ministers to those that minister? Hopefully you have a Great Church Family that does. If not, let them know you care and hopefully they care about you. I know I have several within the congregation I'm serving that do care, pray and invest in me and my family.

A sign explaining another Sign?

Interesting little sign as you get ready to get onto I-81 here in Hagerstown. Guess it had to be translated.

Happy Anniversary

Feels like 93

The Good Shepherd - John 10.

This Sunday's sermon comes from John 10.

A little Irony.

Being Responsible for the smaller things.

So this past weekend, I saw a $1 on the ground in a CVS store. I decided to turn it in. The cashier said "You can have it." My response: "IF I'm not honest with the smaller things in life; how can people trust me in the bigger things?" So I left it there, and the store with customers looking at me kind of puzzled.

What would you of done?

My April – May 2010 Reading list.

Currently I’ve been reading several books. Here is a glimpse into several I just finished.




I. Taking Your Church to the Next Level. What Got you here, won’t get you there. By Gary L. McIntosh. Baker Books. 2009.



Fact was this was recommended to me to read. Another fact was I really hated reading this book? Why? Not because of the practicality of it, just it spoke volumes to my situation. It talked about the different barriers, and getting your church to the next level. Something I’m praying and seeking God about with the rest of our church body.



II. The second book I read was: The Gospel According to Peanuts. By Robert L. Short. Bantam Books. Reprint. 1965 edition. This book looked good at first, but took me no time to read. It was rather too simplistic look into the Peanuts gang and Schultz theology. If I were you skip the book … buy the Peanut comic strips instead. I think one can be articulate enough to read into the Gospel according to whoever by reading the source first, and then forming one’s opinion. I think Short tries to read into too much of the Peanuts gang and takes away some of the animation skills of the late Charles Schultz.

III. God is closer than you think. By John Ortberg. Zondervan. 2005. This short almost devotional book has you look for places God might be working in your life. The author uses some great modern analogies – fits some principles from scripture and talks about How God is with us. A good real deal relationship, not meant to be an abstract theological concept book. The author tends to be very laid back and down to earth with his approach to how God interacts with His people.



IV. Currently I’m reading “Religion Saves” and Nine other Misconceptions by Mark Driscoll.



V. Two other projects I’m working on: Finding new discipleship material: Reviewing NAVpress’s Growing Strong in God’s Family resource. Which looks good for discipleship.



Secondly writing a small kids publication based upon the 2008 Publications Int’l kids series “Let’s Go” They have Let’s Go to the airport, hospital, dentist, get a haircut, but nothing about going to Jesus or Church. (Work in progress). I’ll blog about it when I can.

Having a Social Media Policy for your Church or Ministry.

Here
is a sample of one.

And the article:
10 Must Haves for your Social media policy


With Web 2.0 and getting into Web 3.0 and beyond ... it is good to think about your church having a social media and internet policy.

Here are some guidelines I would suggest for any church, ministry etc.


I. Use common sense. There are just some things that are not meant to be posted online and shared with the world. (I've learned this recently). Write and post things as if your Mom is reading it. (Actually my Mom does ..she recently joined facebook , and follows that, my blog and several websites.)

II. Be a Christian at all times. Love your neighbour. Remember the Golden Rule. On forums, social media sites, email, etc. Treat others as you would like to be treated. Love people and love God.

III. Have a Disclaimer. Sure you are a leader and it reflects that, but also make sure that people know that not everyone believes or has the same opinions as you do.

IV. Have Fun. Some suggest don't have your parishioners as your followers etc. I disagree. Have fun with it, build those relationships. That is what Ministry is about.

V. Be authentic. Be as real as you are online as you are off.

VI. Be safe. Be aware of your security settings, privacy issues, confidentiality. Don't share everything. I'm careful with those underage. I personally don't bank online or use credit cards online due to being hacked and try to be safe. I have firewalls, make sure my protection software is updated etc. In other words surf online as if Jesus is typing for you.

VII. Get permission. Sometimes it is nice to post pictures of children in your ministry - get the parents input. Have them in groups. Don't have individual pictures with the child's full name on it. Protect their identity and be safe as well. See what schools do. We had to sign a waiver for release of the pictures for our local school.

VIII. Know copyright. Try your best to obey copyright laws. There are lots of good venues, and Christian bands that allow their music to be used .. and pictures but also make sure you buy it - get permission etc.

IX. Google is your friend. Google your name, ministry to find out what others are saying about you. Google resources, and other policies and see what fits best in your context.

X. Think before you post. There are some posts and things I wish I never posted for the whole world to see, and other times I'm glad I posted. Edit, delete, and copy and paste are your friends. Pray about what you put online. Afterall it is posted for all to see ... there isn't alot you can do to change it - even if you delete it or deactivate your account. Sometimes the damage has already been done.  Here are some good guidelines

People have been fired, not hired, and damage to their own lives over things they posted online. Sport figures fined for twitter status. Teachers for inappropriate photos etc.

Makes sure your internet activity honors God. That in all you do whether in work or deed honors Christ.
Be productive. Be safe. think. Pray. People in the congregation I serve over 3/4s are online. Over 60% are on facebook. Set limits.  Some people think I'm online all the time but due to RSS feeds, and timing my blog entries helps. Be wise and discerning in all you do.

Friends in Haiti

I have a few friends that are helping out in Haiti the next few weeks. You might want to follow their adventures Here
If anything .... Keep Jim and Kim Dewar in your prayers. Thanks.

Info on where I went on my Missions' Trip!

Sunday Morning. - Gotta love Satire!

"Sunday's Coming" Movie Trailer from North Point Media on Vimeo.

Carpet, An Organ, and What God is doing.

I leave for a few days and great things with our facility have happened. Remember the church "Facility" is just a tool - the church is the people.

Let me list a few things though:

1. Our classroom wing hallway got painted and updated. (One of our deacons helped paint)

2. New carpet is being installed in the foyer and hallway down the classroom wing. (Someone decided to donate $$ to get it done)

3. We got $$ to repair the damage for our breakin a few mths back.

4. The teen room got new seating donating. A Great new long sectional couch. (Looks new and matches the new paint job there)

5. We donated our organ and piano to a ministry that was just sitting there in the back Music room (Next to my office). Story was we had an organ and piano for over 2yrs sitting there doing nothing and we tried to sell with no luck. Out of the blue we get a call. A man, named Jim was interested (Heard about it from the guy who use to service our organ). He came and checked out the organ. (Played it - first time I heard it played). They wanted an organ for their fellowship Hall - willing to haul it away, service it, and give us a donation. So it will be used in a church building and ministry.,\

Jim had mentioned that he might have someone interested in the piano as well. Long story short: His wife was the one who wanted the piano for their Nursing Home (where she works). She called me. After introducing over the phone ... I figured out who she was. (We recently donated 3 dozen hymnals to her "Chapel" there where one of our congregation's members is residing at that home in Chambersburg, PA) So the piano is going to a place where a lady who has been in a Nursing home for some time. What a small world, yet God is doing some great things.

6. One of our young men, DJ, did a great job preaching yesterday.

I'm still recovering from my trip. We gave an update on Hope Missions, Diamond Willow Ministries and this Sunday will give the church a glimpse into Jeff and I's perspective and how God used us.

God is amazing.

Almost end of the Journey

This  week has  gone by fast.

Here are several questions I've been asked.


Who did you go with? I went with Hope Missions (Supported and based out of the Cogan Station Christian Church in Cogan Station, PA)
This included that church, one from Reading, and the people from NY and near Pittsburgh, PA. There is about 30+ people in all.

What were you doing? Basic construction and ministry. We helped build an addition for classrooms with Diamond Willow Ministries
and basically our job was to lay the foundation and concrete basement walls. (Other groups throughout the summer will come in after us to help finish the build)

We can basically say we helped build a foundation.

We had daily meal devotions, nightly Bible studies, and lots of good fellowship. Friday and Saturday were travel days. Sunday - Worship (We even sang a song in dakota), Monday concrete floor (I helped with playground, tipi poles, and other errands) Tuesday - Thursday were days working on the walls and we finished today. Friday and Saturday will be travel days back.

This area has great potential for ministry for people that need the transformation only found in Jesus.

I did get to have some T-shirts and make a bracelet. God has been doing some amazing things.

Check out Diamond Willow Ministries website for the History, Vision and how you can be involved. Continue to keep this ministry, the staff in your prayers.

I did get to help out with social media aspects and how they can further spread the Word.

Greetings from a Short Term Missions Trip in S.D.

So this week I'm helping as a work team with a Great Mission. My friend, Jeff and I drove to near Williamsport, PA (3hrs) to go on a 24 hr Bus trip to South Dakota.

Great trip so far. Had dinner Friday nite near my first ministry (By one mile). Saturday was a day of travel. We arrived Saturday and staying in a bunk house.

We have another preacher, a widower, a retired preacher, police officer, engineer, minister's wife and people from MD, PA,  and NY.  (about 30 in all representing Hope Missions) (Even wonderful people from Pittsburgh)

Each meal we have a devotional thought and a song. There is great opportunity for ministry here.  Lots of pictures, building construction and prayer. We had services today and also a quick history of the area and ministry. God is doing some great things. Remember me and the team this week.