Deep Thoughts by Mr. G

I wrote a few years ago a parody about "twas the Nite before Youth Ministry" and revised for ministry and from a preacher perspective ...Here is the Result: 'Twas the Nite Before Ministry, When all through the church Not a person was stirring, not even a preacher. The budget minutes were done for the year with care. In hopes that funds for the ministry next year would be there. The church-goers had gone. All full of themselves. With visions of only thinking of Thyself. Some people wanted the last say on everything. And there was alaways that one person that had to be right on every theological thing. When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter. Several of us had sprung out of the church to see what was the matter. As we entered the church parking lot What did we see? But Angry people wanted everything for FREE! More rapid than insults, the crowd made demands. They had expectations of what they thought ministry looked like and added their demands.

So Sunday night we had our Children's Christmas Play at our congregation. Great job by all the children and Heather for directing it. The play was Star of Wonder. Seeing the Christmas Story through the Stars' view. On Monday night we had our children's public school put on a choral performance for the holidays. It was called Once Upon a Housetop. Very amusing play - goes through a lot of the holiday traditions ....... interesting how it presented Jesus as well. May all we do this season and throughout the year always point to Jesus.

There are alot of assumptions and misconceptions about Christmas and Christ's birth. The facts are we don't know where exactly Jesus was born other than Bethlehem. We know the magi didn't arrive the night Jesus was born. And sometimes we mix up some of the traditions and legends with facts. (Donkeys, drummer boy, angels singing were added) Here is the simple fact that is summed up in scripture though: Matt. 1:21 "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins."

I get this question a lot. In fact I ask it myself. Why? why is there sin? Why do bad things happen? Things I've asked myself: 1. Why did my friend have to die? 2. Why was my friend murdered? 3. Why did my Dad die? 4. Why did this disaster happen? (And the several I've helped with from 9-11 to several natural disasters) 5. Why do Christians sometimes shoot their own? 6. Why is this person going through this? (Social, mental, physical, spiritual issue) And in answering I'm careful to not use some pat answer and say I. It was for the best. II. It was God's will. III. It was for God's purpose and quote Romans 8:28 IV. I understand how you feel (Because really you don't) One can empathize and relate but you are not that person; nor had that relationship that person did with the other. So what is the answer: I. I don't know. II. I'm here for you. III. I'll be praying. IV. I know God's in control and will be praying

With lots going on the last couple of weeks. Let's review: In-law Family Christmas Gathering. Brian's Cub Scout events: space derby, Fire House visit. Nicole's Christmas Concert at the mall. Throw in there Church events, school events, girl scouts, and preparing for Christmas ... it sure has been a busy time of year. Let's hope 2012 is less clutter and mess and less about Me ... and more about HIM!!

These are just some of the stickers I've used in my ole sticker Bible to hold it together. Had this Bible (NIV) for years. I've seen people use duct tape etc ... I just used a few stickers.

Yesterday we had the honor of having the Peace Light from Bethlehem lit during our services. Here is how it came to Hagerstown Story and so Troop 252 (Our Church's Troop) presented the peace light to us. Kind of cool reminder of how the Light of the World came to us over 2000 years ago and how we are to share that light with others.

Respect God Respect Each other. Respect the Property. And "No dying" (Don't do anything stupid that would have others (MOM, DAD, spouse - kill you or me for - thus sums up dumb behabiour - drugs, drinking etc.) Any others to add or do the 4 rules pretty much sum it up??

Seek Self Improvement. Be proficient. Be responsible. Set the Example And Communicate. I'm still lrearning these ...how about you?

Here are 4 things that you can do that can improve your church and its mission: 1. Pray daily for the church, its leaders, your preacher. 2. Be there. Don't forsake the assembly. Encourage others to come. 3. Contribute your time, talents, and treasure. Nothing says improvement when you invest in something to improve. 4. Apply the teaching to your everyday life. Be the Church .... don't just go. Be Jesus' hands and feet everyday.

10. Biblical Eldership - Strauch 9. The Present Future - McNeal. 8. The Christian Minister - Sam Stone 7. Pastors at Greater Risk - HB London Jr. N. Wiseman 6. Brothers, We are not Professionals - Piper. 5. 10 Things Every Minister Needs to know - ronnie Floyd 4. The Painful side of Leadership - Jeff Iorg 3. Toolbox for (Busy) Pastors - Barry Campbell. 2. The Healthy Pastor - Dennis Bickers 1. They smell Like sheep - Anderson. Honorable mention: Top 10 Mistakes Leaders Make Leading on Empty - Cordeiro Your wife is not your Momma - Boone.

Besides the Bible (A Given) What are the 10 books Christians should read? Here is a list I thought of: 10. Mere Christianity - C.S. Lewis 9. The Peacemaker - Ken Sande 8. The Power of Loving your Church - David Hansen 7. I'd rather see a Sermon - Dave Stone. 6. Find Us Faithful - Bob Russell 5. Stumbling Toward Faith - Renee Altson. 4. Celebration of Discipline - Foster 3. 10 Dumbest Things Christians Do - Mark Atteberry 2. Four Things That Matter Most - Ira Byock 1. Who Stole My Church? - Gordan MacDonald What ones did you not know? what ones would you add? Honorable Mention: Newcomer Guide's to the Bible - Armour The Story Tracks of a Fellow Struggler - Claypool.

This poem was written 17 years ago when I did an internship for this congregation in Sterling, VA. The author was "Harry Butts" On a personal note: it is ok to have "Harry" as your reference just next time put "Harold".

So how are you impacting your community? If your church ever left the community would it be missed? How are you being transformed? Transforming others? How are you leading? Others leading you? What would you say is your impact factor? Around this time of year is the ever important evaluations. People evaluate the leaders, the ministry, see what we done, and where we are going. How is it measured? People's stories. This past year we had 11 baptisms, 5 funerals, 2 renewing of vowes ceremonies, several dedications, and one oil annointing. As I reflect back on the past year I think of several events: Easter Balloon Launch, VBS, Harvest Party, and the several Bible readings we did this past year. I think of being with several families who lost loved ones: Myers, Huntsberrys, Reeds, Peli, and their stories. And of course of newborns: Ava, Harlem, Lilah, David and others ... But it comes down to my own self evaluation ... How am I doing? How am I being Jesu

Troop 252 Boy Scouts honored for accomplishments

Saw this writing and thought to post here: (Quote I've come across) "I am ... I am only one but I am One! I can't do everything but I can do something! I will not let what I can't do interfere with what I CAN do!" from Edward Everett Hale