Deep Thoughts by Mr. G

I have to tell you one of the hardest but greatest honors is ministering to people at the end of life. It is emotionally draining and rewarding. There are great ministries and people out there that do this in Nursing homes, assisted living and of course the great ministry of Hospice. I cannot speak more about how great they are. Even in learning some of this the hard way through some of my CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) classes through Western Maryland Hospital. (HT to Chaplain Bower) Here are just a few things one can do for End of Life Ministry: I. Be praying. Pray with the person, family. Pray sincerely. Have others pray. Add them to your prayer list. Be praying. The power of God and communicating to Him. Pray His will not ours be done. II. Be prepared. Be prepared that the end will come. Help the family to be available to talk, or listen and be a shoulder ... be prepared to say final good-byes. III. Be present. So often it isn't what you say but that your prese

My rant from earlier this year Those opposing it If Project advances ... Possible private contribution Agreement by mid-August? Here are a couple issues: 1. The Winchester "Moving" seems to be out of the picture. 2. The Funding? Where is it coming from? Some from local but still haven't got all the funding in place from Suns nor State and making plans for $30 Million dollar facility ... without all the funding ... 3. Has it ever been looked at a feasibility study and master plan at the current location and expansion around? 4. Who benefits from the sale of land ? What is the Herald-mail's role since the "new stadium" is basically next door to them? 5. If you build it they will come mentality doesn't work ...what makes oyu think if people aren't coming to the Suns now they will later with teams like the Keys and MLB teams like Baltimore and the Nats nearby? 6. What about the History factor? Willie Mays, Bryce Harper, Mussina etc

We have several in our congregation that are struggling with Cancer ... and some that have beaten it ... and some have been lost due to cancer. I'm so glad the family supports great causes like Relay for Life. I recently was given this bracelet as a reminder of what cancer cannot do. It also reminds me to pray for those in the midst of the battle. What Cancer Cannot Do Author: Unknown Cancer is so limited... It cannot cripple love. It cannot shatter hope. It cannot corrode faith. It cannot eat away peace. It cannot destroy confidence. It cannot kill friendship. It cannot shut out memories. It cannot silence courage. It cannot reduce eternal life. It cannot quench the Spirit.

A Famous singer. Popular. Cutting edge. Teens, young adults, and society likes her but what would God say to her? Come this Sunday to find out ....

Our small group study continues on what it means to be a follower of Jesus.

The more I do ministry from the administration to the lessons, preaching, hands on ... one of the biggest ministry priorities is prayer. I need to spend more time on my knees - talking with God. I need to spend more time praying for others, praying for direction, praying to do what is right. I need to listen to God's voice. I need to hear what He is saying in His Word. And ultimately I need God. So one of the priorities for ministry isn't all the social media time as much as it is the God-time. How about you?

If you are in ministry long enough - you know a thing or 2 about moving. Since College I've been in a small home (Where you can do several things at same time) a shared home in Indiana, an older small home in Virginia ...a townhome, and bought our first home in NC and then a small rancher in MD until we went to keedysville with a 110 yr old home. People ask: "How you like it?" We respond is it has character. We're learning a crash course in this house, and repairs from electrical to water issues, to fixer upper type things. It is an adventure but feel like we're home. Pray that God continues to bless our Home! Thanks.

One of my children did this and had on a table that said: To DAD.

How are you being Jesus' Hands and Feet? Maybe it is just serving in the little things ... May you go Where He sends you ....

People ask how do you do missions? What are you doing in your missions program? What "Missions" do you support? Fact is and it might be semantics but there is no where in the Bible where we are told to "Do missions" We are to be the mission ...We are to be Jesus' hands and feet. We are to love one another, love God and make disciples .... some might say well that is doing missions. Fact is that is being a Christian and disciple and follower of Christ is about. Going into all the world, starting with judea, samaria, and the out most parts of the world. Taking the Good News of Jesus with you. So instead of being caught up in a program ... how about we just be the mission instead of saying we're going to "do missions" Here are some examples from our own congregation of people not coming up with a program and to do, but also be the missions. 1. Our clothes closet - Free clothes to those in need. Several of our ladies coordinate this effort.

In the past few weeks, we've had an anonymous giver in our church. Sends a card with $$$ or gift card to help others in our church. I've even received one .... The funny thing about our anonymous giver is this has been happening for years here. 1. Person gave in the right time for others. 2. Know they are praying for that person. 3. I've been accused of being this person. (Though it isn't me nor do I know who it is but they have attempted my bad hand writing though) 4. So what's the point? Maybe we all should "Pay it forward" and be that anonymous giver as well ....Who are you going to bless this week?

This is from one reviewer "I am a big fan of Gordon MacDonald. This book is one of his best. The primary intended audience for this book is young pastors. If you know one, buy this book for them. They will be eternally grateful. It contains great wisdom and discernment from a successful, seasoned, 60+ year old pastor." In the early pages of the book, Gordon recalls the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge, which took 13 yrs to complete. The public had thought that nothing was being done for the first 3yrs because some of the patient, daring work was in process: building the bridge's foundation hundreds of feet beneath the water's surface. The same can be said about a Christian leader and the foundation of which we base it upon. Gordon gives us some hard lessons on what makes strong Christian leaders. A must for any leader to have in their library.

Here is some things I've learned from the TV show: America's Got Talent. I. Everyone supposedly has a talent. II. Some have better talents than others. III. There is always a story to tell. IV. It isn't so much as when you get judged, but how one is judged. V. It is good to know WHO the ultimate Judge is. VI. Everyone is a critic. VII. Knowing your limitations helps. VIII. Having a sense of humour goes a long ways. IX. Overcoming obstacles and trials helps make one stronger. Perservance. X. The "HOST" helps calm things down.

I. There is conflict. II. Body posture says as much as your words. III. Attitudes speak volumes. IV. One needs to stop and listen to the ONE in charge. V. Things are unique. VI. There is a story behind every item. VII. Stuff is only temporary. VIII. It isn't so much as to what you have. IX. Things have a price. X. Sometimes you win, other times you lose. It is all in how oyu handle it.