Talking about being encouraged.....I was on Sunday evening. The Young Professional guys did a great job leading our thoughts about our Faithful God. I appreciated the personal stories that were shared with us and powerful scriptures and songs. These guys have unbelievable hearts centered on God and spiritual things. I'm blessed that they let me "hang out" with them!
Keep up the great work guys.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Thought for the Day
Be not angry that you cannot make others as you want them to be, since you cannot make yourself as you wish to be.
—Thomas à Kempis
—Thomas à Kempis
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Tough Times Ahead
I will be out of town at a state conference in Wichita the next 3 days. School finance will be the central discussion item as we look ahead to the future.
It doesn't look good for children's services as well as education the next few years.
It doesn't look good for children's services as well as education the next few years.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
What is a Church of Christ?
FOUR CONGREGATIONS with a cappella and instrumental Sunday worship services are excluded from 2009 directory
By Erik Tryggestad The Christian Chronicle
Each edition of Churches of Christ in the United States contains a chart of congregations with the largest weekly attendance. In the 2009 version of the directory, the Memorial Road Church of Christ in Oklahoma City and the Highland Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas, share that position. Both reported a weekly attendance of about 2,200.Conspicuously absent from the new directory is the congregation that has occupied the top spot on the list since 2000 — the Richland Hills Church of Christ in Texas.
In the past six months, the Richland Hills church averaged between 4,100 and 4,200 people combined in its three weekend services, executive minister Mike Washburn said. But the Texas church was one of 21 congregations omitted from the latest edition of the directory for using instrumental music in at least one Sunday morning service, said Carl Royster, the volume’s compiler.“The one unifying constant that defines whether or not such a congregation is included in this document is the practice of a cappella worship services,” Royster wrote in the directory’s introduction.
‘SADDENED AND DISAPPOINTED’
In the past, compilers have excluded congregations as they broke ties with Churches of Christ. In 2003 the Oak Hills Church of Christ in San Antonio, then with about 3,500 members, added instrumental worship services and dropped “of Christ” from its name. The church was excluded from the next directory, published in 2006.But Richland Hills’ elders have not broken ties with Churches of Christ, nor did they ask to be excluded from the 2009 directory, Washburn said.“From a church standpoint, we’re saddened and disappointed,” Washburn said of Richland Hills’ removal from the book. “We strongly feel like we are a part of Churches of Christ and continue a strong love for — and commitment to — excellent a cappella worship.“However, we are a part of a huge movement in our fellowship who do not believe a cappella worship is the sole way of defining who Churches of Christ are,” Washburn said.In 2007 Richland Hills added an instrumental worship service on Saturday nights. A few months ago the church added instruments to one of its two Sunday morning services. The church’s 9 a.m. worship remains a cappella, and on a recent Sunday 2,347 people attended that service, Washburn said. Like Richland Hills, three of the other 20 churches excluded from the directory have instrumental and a cappella services: the Farmers Branch church in Dallas, the Jenks, Okla., church and the Redwood church in Redwood City, Calif. The other 17 are entirely instrumental.Many of the entirely-instrumental churches have cut ties with Churches of Christ, Royster said.That doesn’t necessarily mean the 12,629 churches listed in the directory are entirely a cappella. The Quail Springs church in Oklahoma City, for example, added an instrumental Sunday morning service last year, but is listed in the 2009 directory. So are churches that sponsor instrumental events on weekdays or added instruments after the reporting period. “Instrumental congregations are not knowingly included in the data, but it is impossible to guarantee that one cannot be found,” according to the directory’s introduction. “Therefore, it is suggested that, as needs arise, the reader use the information provided in Churches of Christ in the United States to contact a congregation in order to learn more details about it.”
WHY NO ‘INSTRUMENTAL’ LABEL?
Instrumental worship is not the only issue on which Churches of Christ differ. Since its beginning the directory has denoted subgroups within the fellowship, including churches that use one cup in communion or practice mutual edification and oppose the use of paid ministers.When asked why the 2009 directory didn’t simply adopt an “instrumental” designation instead of excluding churches, Royster said that doing so would compromise the accuracy of the publication as a statistical record of a cappella churches.The directory’s original compiler, Mac Lynn, began gathering information from Churches of Christ three decades ago. At the time two other branches of the Restoration Movement — the Disciples of Christ and the Christian Church/Churches of Christ, both of which use instruments — had directories. But there was no comprehensive directory for the movement’s third branch — a cappella Churches of Christ. “The most recent issue of a cappella churches going instrumental was not an issue at the time,” said Lynn, who turned compilation duties over to Nashville, Tenn.-based 21st Century Christian after the 2003 edition and is no longer officially involved with the publication. Including churches with instruments is problematic because “the directory has always been a list of a cappella congregations,” Lynn said. “The exclusion of instrumental churches has not been on theological grounds.”When a cappella churches add instruments, they resemble the instrumental churches of the Restoration Movement, which have separate directories. “What’s happened is you’ve got a few churches in no man’s land,” Lynn said.
DIRECTORY NOT ‘OFFICIAL LIST’
Washburn said he’s concerned that church members will see Richland Hills’ exclusion as a sign that the church has broken ties with its fellowship. That’s not the case, he said, noting his congregation’s involvement with a cappella churches, ministries and schools associated with Churches of Christ.“We have great love for the people in our heritage,” he said. “We want to be a part of this fellowship.”Royster said that readers should use the directory as a simple resource, not a theological document denoting which churches are — and which aren’t — in the brotherhood.“This publication has never been intended to be any kind of an ‘official list of authorized congregations,’” he said. “I am saddened when I hear of people attempting to use it as such.”
Largest congregations by attendance, according to the 2009 edition of Churches of Christ in the United States.
1. (tie) Memorial Road Church of Christ, Oklahoma City
Attendance 2009: 2,200
Members 2009: 2,667
Rank 2006: 21.
(tie) Highland Church of Christ, Abilene, Texas
Attendance 2009: 2,200
Members 2009: 2,000
Rank 2006: 3
3. The Family of God at Woodmont Hills
Attendance 2009: 1,750
Members 2009: 1,550
Rank 2006: 4
4. Madison Church of Christ, Madison, Tenn.
Attendance 2009: 1,740
Members 2009: 3,102
Rank 2006: 5
5. Saturn Road Church of Christ, Garland, Texas
Attendance 2009: 1,731
Members 2009: 1,707
Rank 2006: 6
By Erik Tryggestad The Christian Chronicle
Each edition of Churches of Christ in the United States contains a chart of congregations with the largest weekly attendance. In the 2009 version of the directory, the Memorial Road Church of Christ in Oklahoma City and the Highland Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas, share that position. Both reported a weekly attendance of about 2,200.Conspicuously absent from the new directory is the congregation that has occupied the top spot on the list since 2000 — the Richland Hills Church of Christ in Texas.
In the past six months, the Richland Hills church averaged between 4,100 and 4,200 people combined in its three weekend services, executive minister Mike Washburn said. But the Texas church was one of 21 congregations omitted from the latest edition of the directory for using instrumental music in at least one Sunday morning service, said Carl Royster, the volume’s compiler.“The one unifying constant that defines whether or not such a congregation is included in this document is the practice of a cappella worship services,” Royster wrote in the directory’s introduction.
‘SADDENED AND DISAPPOINTED’
In the past, compilers have excluded congregations as they broke ties with Churches of Christ. In 2003 the Oak Hills Church of Christ in San Antonio, then with about 3,500 members, added instrumental worship services and dropped “of Christ” from its name. The church was excluded from the next directory, published in 2006.But Richland Hills’ elders have not broken ties with Churches of Christ, nor did they ask to be excluded from the 2009 directory, Washburn said.“From a church standpoint, we’re saddened and disappointed,” Washburn said of Richland Hills’ removal from the book. “We strongly feel like we are a part of Churches of Christ and continue a strong love for — and commitment to — excellent a cappella worship.“However, we are a part of a huge movement in our fellowship who do not believe a cappella worship is the sole way of defining who Churches of Christ are,” Washburn said.In 2007 Richland Hills added an instrumental worship service on Saturday nights. A few months ago the church added instruments to one of its two Sunday morning services. The church’s 9 a.m. worship remains a cappella, and on a recent Sunday 2,347 people attended that service, Washburn said. Like Richland Hills, three of the other 20 churches excluded from the directory have instrumental and a cappella services: the Farmers Branch church in Dallas, the Jenks, Okla., church and the Redwood church in Redwood City, Calif. The other 17 are entirely instrumental.Many of the entirely-instrumental churches have cut ties with Churches of Christ, Royster said.That doesn’t necessarily mean the 12,629 churches listed in the directory are entirely a cappella. The Quail Springs church in Oklahoma City, for example, added an instrumental Sunday morning service last year, but is listed in the 2009 directory. So are churches that sponsor instrumental events on weekdays or added instruments after the reporting period. “Instrumental congregations are not knowingly included in the data, but it is impossible to guarantee that one cannot be found,” according to the directory’s introduction. “Therefore, it is suggested that, as needs arise, the reader use the information provided in Churches of Christ in the United States to contact a congregation in order to learn more details about it.”
WHY NO ‘INSTRUMENTAL’ LABEL?
Instrumental worship is not the only issue on which Churches of Christ differ. Since its beginning the directory has denoted subgroups within the fellowship, including churches that use one cup in communion or practice mutual edification and oppose the use of paid ministers.When asked why the 2009 directory didn’t simply adopt an “instrumental” designation instead of excluding churches, Royster said that doing so would compromise the accuracy of the publication as a statistical record of a cappella churches.The directory’s original compiler, Mac Lynn, began gathering information from Churches of Christ three decades ago. At the time two other branches of the Restoration Movement — the Disciples of Christ and the Christian Church/Churches of Christ, both of which use instruments — had directories. But there was no comprehensive directory for the movement’s third branch — a cappella Churches of Christ. “The most recent issue of a cappella churches going instrumental was not an issue at the time,” said Lynn, who turned compilation duties over to Nashville, Tenn.-based 21st Century Christian after the 2003 edition and is no longer officially involved with the publication. Including churches with instruments is problematic because “the directory has always been a list of a cappella congregations,” Lynn said. “The exclusion of instrumental churches has not been on theological grounds.”When a cappella churches add instruments, they resemble the instrumental churches of the Restoration Movement, which have separate directories. “What’s happened is you’ve got a few churches in no man’s land,” Lynn said.
DIRECTORY NOT ‘OFFICIAL LIST’
Washburn said he’s concerned that church members will see Richland Hills’ exclusion as a sign that the church has broken ties with its fellowship. That’s not the case, he said, noting his congregation’s involvement with a cappella churches, ministries and schools associated with Churches of Christ.“We have great love for the people in our heritage,” he said. “We want to be a part of this fellowship.”Royster said that readers should use the directory as a simple resource, not a theological document denoting which churches are — and which aren’t — in the brotherhood.“This publication has never been intended to be any kind of an ‘official list of authorized congregations,’” he said. “I am saddened when I hear of people attempting to use it as such.”
Largest congregations by attendance, according to the 2009 edition of Churches of Christ in the United States.
1. (tie) Memorial Road Church of Christ, Oklahoma City
Attendance 2009: 2,200
Members 2009: 2,667
Rank 2006: 21.
(tie) Highland Church of Christ, Abilene, Texas
Attendance 2009: 2,200
Members 2009: 2,000
Rank 2006: 3
3. The Family of God at Woodmont Hills
Attendance 2009: 1,750
Members 2009: 1,550
Rank 2006: 4
4. Madison Church of Christ, Madison, Tenn.
Attendance 2009: 1,740
Members 2009: 3,102
Rank 2006: 5
5. Saturn Road Church of Christ, Garland, Texas
Attendance 2009: 1,731
Members 2009: 1,707
Rank 2006: 6
Monday, January 26, 2009
Still
I always like to share new worship music that I really enjoy. This new song Still is one of those new classics.....................
Still
Hide me now,
under Your wings.
Cover me within Your mighty hand.
Chorus:
When the oceans rise and thunders roar.
I will soar with You, above the storm
Father You are king over the flood,
I will be still and know You are God.
Find rest my soul
in Christ alone,
Know his power, in quietness and trust.
When the oceans rise and thunders roar.
I will soar with You, above the storm
Father You are king over the flood,
I will be still and know You are God.
Find rest my soul
in Christ alone,
Know his power, in quietness and trust.
When the oceans rise and thunders roar.
I will soar with You, above the storm
Father You are king over the flood,
I will be still and know You are God.
When the oceans rise and thunders roar.
I will soar with You, above the storm
Father You are king over the flood,
I will be still and know You are God.
Lyrics of still by Reuben Morgan
Still
Hide me now,
under Your wings.
Cover me within Your mighty hand.
Chorus:
When the oceans rise and thunders roar.
I will soar with You, above the storm
Father You are king over the flood,
I will be still and know You are God.
Find rest my soul
in Christ alone,
Know his power, in quietness and trust.
When the oceans rise and thunders roar.
I will soar with You, above the storm
Father You are king over the flood,
I will be still and know You are God.
Find rest my soul
in Christ alone,
Know his power, in quietness and trust.
When the oceans rise and thunders roar.
I will soar with You, above the storm
Father You are king over the flood,
I will be still and know You are God.
When the oceans rise and thunders roar.
I will soar with You, above the storm
Father You are king over the flood,
I will be still and know You are God.
Lyrics of still by Reuben Morgan
Friday, January 23, 2009
100th Anniversary Dates Set
The 100th Anniversary Celebration for the Central Church of Christ in Topeka, Kansas, will take place April 25 & 26, 2009. If you know of a former member, or you are a former member, please contact the Church office for further details: 1250 SW College,Topeka, Kansas 66604.
(785) 233-6157 or centcofc@swbell.net
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Former York College Professor Passes Away
Former Professor Passes Jim L. Brock, 1949 - 2009
The York College community is saddened by the sudden passing of alumnus and former YC faculty member, Jim "JB" Brock. JB passed away unexpectedly Thursday afternoon (Jan. 15) after being hospitalized only the day before. JB was a long-time housing administrator at Pepperdine University, serving the university for more than twenty years. He was 59.
"JB made everyone he met feel like they were special… and that's because he was the special one," said Mark Davis, Seaver College Dean of Student Affairs. "He put people first, and as a result he made us a stronger and more loving community."
JB graduated from York College in 1969, majoring in speech and drama. He was president of the Sigma Tau social club and performed in many of the theatre productions while at YC, including Merchant of Venice where he was awarded Best Supporting Actor for his role as the Prince of Arragon.
He returned to campus to head the communications department and direct the YC theatre productions (1977-1982). He sponsored Soul Concern, taught speech, and directed the forensics team in his seven years on the faculty. He also helped to direct Songfest and was a co-sponsor of Sigma Tau.
JB began his career at Pepperdine in 1984 in the Seaver College Career Development Center. He went on to serve as Director of Residential Life, Associate Dean of Students in Student Affairs, and Director of Housing
The York College community is saddened by the sudden passing of alumnus and former YC faculty member, Jim "JB" Brock. JB passed away unexpectedly Thursday afternoon (Jan. 15) after being hospitalized only the day before. JB was a long-time housing administrator at Pepperdine University, serving the university for more than twenty years. He was 59.
"JB made everyone he met feel like they were special… and that's because he was the special one," said Mark Davis, Seaver College Dean of Student Affairs. "He put people first, and as a result he made us a stronger and more loving community."
JB graduated from York College in 1969, majoring in speech and drama. He was president of the Sigma Tau social club and performed in many of the theatre productions while at YC, including Merchant of Venice where he was awarded Best Supporting Actor for his role as the Prince of Arragon.
He returned to campus to head the communications department and direct the YC theatre productions (1977-1982). He sponsored Soul Concern, taught speech, and directed the forensics team in his seven years on the faculty. He also helped to direct Songfest and was a co-sponsor of Sigma Tau.
JB began his career at Pepperdine in 1984 in the Seaver College Career Development Center. He went on to serve as Director of Residential Life, Associate Dean of Students in Student Affairs, and Director of Housing
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Mabrey Miller Goes Home
Dr. Mabrey L. Miller passed away at his home in York in the late evening hours, Sunday, January 18. Longtime member of the YC faculty and elder at the East Hill Church of Christ in York, "Doc" will be missed terribly by the college community.
He and Madge have been a part of the YC family for more than fifty years. Mabrey was among the first faculty members in 1956 when the college reopened. He would assume a number of duties through the years including teaching math, Dean of Students, Academic Dean, and Bible professor. Raising six children and serving the congregation at East Hill went hand in hand with his work on campus.
The 2005 academic year was dedicated to Madge and Mabrey for their Kingdom work and the 50 years of leadership they provided York College. Click here to read the tribute that was written at that time of their love for this place and its people.
Mabrey hired me for my first teaching and coaching job on a cold, late April night at Chances R Restaurant in York in 1985. After graduating from Newman University in December of 1984 he was recruiting me to come back to be a part of the faculty. It didn't take much pleading just a big bear hug from one of my all-time Heroes of Faith. Mabrey encouraged me to go into administration and always shared with me his insights on being a Christian leader. Mabrey, you will always be Mr. York College and your spirit will live on in the lives of hundreds of students you touched the past 50 years. Enjoy your eternal reward!
Funeral arrangements have been made for Saturday (Jan. 23) at 2:00 p.m. at the East Hill Church of Christ in York.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
President Barack Obama
Craig has been looking forward to this day for sometime. Best wishes to our new president and may he seek God's wisdom as he leads our nation.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Practical Atheist
In our Young Professional Class this month we are examining a study called Practical Atheist. Its a unusual title, but a very needed study in today's world. A practical atheist is someone who believes in God, but lives as if He doesn't exist. All of us at times don't actually live the life that a follower of God should live.
In our first week, we examined that many of us believe in God, but we don't fear Him like we should.
In 2 Timothy 3 it states..... There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God-having a form of godliness but denying its power…
How easy it is to believe in God but live an entirely different self centered life style.
When you believe in God and when you truly fear Him you will want to do two specific things. One is you will want to serve him wholeheartedly without any conditions.
The example that comes to my mind is the individual that we are studying on Sunday mornings during our assembly time......Abraham. He believed in God and he served Him without any conditions. He believed in His God with all his heart that he would even sacrifice His own son. God saw this faith in action in Genesis 22
"Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son."
Genesis 22:12.
In our first week, we examined that many of us believe in God, but we don't fear Him like we should.
In 2 Timothy 3 it states..... There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God-having a form of godliness but denying its power…
How easy it is to believe in God but live an entirely different self centered life style.
When you believe in God and when you truly fear Him you will want to do two specific things. One is you will want to serve him wholeheartedly without any conditions.
The example that comes to my mind is the individual that we are studying on Sunday mornings during our assembly time......Abraham. He believed in God and he served Him without any conditions. He believed in His God with all his heart that he would even sacrifice His own son. God saw this faith in action in Genesis 22
"Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son."
Genesis 22:12.
The second thing that will happen when we fear God is we will be forever ruined.
Isaiah is a great example of a man that was ruined because he actually saw God in all His glory. When we allow God to change us and as we see Him we are ruined.
"Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty." Isaiah 6:5
True obedience is found in the love we have for our God and the love that is showered upon us each day. When we believe in Him and when we fear Him, the blessings continue to flow continually.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Warm Weather
Most of my friends and family know that I hate winter! I love 100 degree days where you sweat and the sun beats down. 1 degree and a wind chill of minus 20 is not for me.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Pray for our Kansas Leaders
Please be in prayer for our Kansas leaders as they begin the 2009 Legislative session this week. Many serious decisions and discussions will take place in this building during the next five months.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
A Growing Church Even When We Have Differences
In Acts 8, we see Saul persecuting the Church in Jerusalem. It’s a very interesting series of verses that describe an important event that led the churches expansion to take place throughout the world. Was this positive or negative for the early church?
“On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. 2Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. 3But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison. 4Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.”
If you lived during this trying and difficult time, you might think, “how could this ever be a positive thing?” If you were running for your life because you were being persecuted for worshipping a God who had sent his only Son to live among the people and then died for all humanity and then arose……the political leaders were looking for ways to stop this church expanding in any possible way.
Three thousand years later I believe it was the turning point in the history of the church. It allowed the church to move and grow in different ways among the many cultures of the time. The church grew and prospered.
One of the reasons some churches experience peace and productivity today is because the shepherds allow those who are unhappy about issues to move on without disturbance. They don’t chase after nor cater to dislikes for it is clear they can’t please everybody. They don’t carry ill-will toward any for not preferring the way we do things, but they gently refuse to hold court night after night in effort to appease the disgruntled. They strongly believe those special ones leaving are called to do so by God to bless, richly bless, other congregations. The spreading of believers has always been a mark of God’s move in the early church. Why is it we applaud the results of Acts 2 likeness among us, but criticize Acts 8 likeness among us as if some strange thing was happening? His ways have always been higher than ours and always will be.
“On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. 2Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. 3But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison. 4Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.”
If you lived during this trying and difficult time, you might think, “how could this ever be a positive thing?” If you were running for your life because you were being persecuted for worshipping a God who had sent his only Son to live among the people and then died for all humanity and then arose……the political leaders were looking for ways to stop this church expanding in any possible way.
Three thousand years later I believe it was the turning point in the history of the church. It allowed the church to move and grow in different ways among the many cultures of the time. The church grew and prospered.
One of the reasons some churches experience peace and productivity today is because the shepherds allow those who are unhappy about issues to move on without disturbance. They don’t chase after nor cater to dislikes for it is clear they can’t please everybody. They don’t carry ill-will toward any for not preferring the way we do things, but they gently refuse to hold court night after night in effort to appease the disgruntled. They strongly believe those special ones leaving are called to do so by God to bless, richly bless, other congregations. The spreading of believers has always been a mark of God’s move in the early church. Why is it we applaud the results of Acts 2 likeness among us, but criticize Acts 8 likeness among us as if some strange thing was happening? His ways have always been higher than ours and always will be.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Make A Difference
Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work. One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up. As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a little boy, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.He came closer still and called out "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?" The little boy paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean." "I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" asked the somewhat startled wise man. To this, the little boy replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die." Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, "But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!" Discouraged he began to walk away. Suddenly the little boy bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, "It made a difference for that one." The man looked at the little boy inquisitively and thought about what he had said and had done. Inspired, he joined the little boy in throwing the starfish back into the ocean.
This is such a great story. There is so MUCH truth in this story! It is so easy to focus on reaching the masses (which is important). The problem is that we can get discouraged and we can forget the power of just reaching one person at a time - making a difference in one person at a time. We can make a difference in our neighbour's life. We can make a difference in our child's teacher's life. We can make a difference in the homeless man's life. We can make a difference in the grocery store clerk's life. We can make a difference in our child's life. We can make a difference in a friend's life. All we have to do is focus on the one and making a difference in their life. We need to show one person at a time that they are valuable and loved by an almighty and loving God .
Are you willing to make a difference for one?
This is such a great story. There is so MUCH truth in this story! It is so easy to focus on reaching the masses (which is important). The problem is that we can get discouraged and we can forget the power of just reaching one person at a time - making a difference in one person at a time. We can make a difference in our neighbour's life. We can make a difference in our child's teacher's life. We can make a difference in the homeless man's life. We can make a difference in the grocery store clerk's life. We can make a difference in our child's life. We can make a difference in a friend's life. All we have to do is focus on the one and making a difference in their life. We need to show one person at a time that they are valuable and loved by an almighty and loving God .
Are you willing to make a difference for one?
Monday, January 12, 2009
Engagement Announcement
Jim and Jacque Carroll of Burleson, Texas, announce the engagement and upcoming wedding of their daughter, Allison Elaine, to Brian Lee Carriger, son of David and Debbie Carriger of Osage City. Allison is a graduate of Burleson High School ('04) and Oklahoma Christian University with a degree in early childhood education. Brian is a graduate of Osage City High School ('04) and Oklahoma Christian University. Brian resides in Garnett and is a deputy with the Anderson County Sheriff's Department. A Feb. 28, 2009, wedding in Ft. Worth, Texas, is planned. A reception in Kansas will honor the couple at a later date.
Friday, January 09, 2009
Good Eggshells
I really enjoyed the following article from Terry Rush that was sent to me. Has many great reminders.............
My flaws are many, several, and numerous. Worse yet, God knows more of them than even I am aware of. Walking on eggshells is usually a negative connotation. But there is one positive one, at least, where all need to tread very carefully. We must perpetually guard against our own pride. The good eggshells are being terribly careful not to slip onto the trail of pride. I fear my gear of operation is usually set there.
Pride ruins all of us. I suppose it is mankind's true nemesis as pride insists upon hitching a ride to every event. Two guys were praying. One was tickled to death--- possibly died in it---that he was not as bad as the other while they both prayed. The other knew his counterpart wasn't lying. He was bad. Yet, God justified the humble one and would not do the same for the one full of self-satisfaction.Have you ever been proud you are Church of Christ and not Baptist? Have you ever been proud you are not like those in the certain-kind-of Church of Christ? Have you ever thanked God you aren't as dumb and foolish and ridiculous as others? We see this trait as a terrible mistake in political government. The audacity that others are fools when we are not finds politicians in need of a good dose of eggshell walking. The same mistake is made in the church....any brand.I guess this pride thing will be a burden for me all the way to my grave. But I don't want it to be. We must be alert to the sting of this villain who insists upon driving our lives. And should you be one who is proud that you aren't proud, you too need good eggshells.
Pride: a real problem for believers. Walk more carefully.
Terry Rush
My flaws are many, several, and numerous. Worse yet, God knows more of them than even I am aware of. Walking on eggshells is usually a negative connotation. But there is one positive one, at least, where all need to tread very carefully. We must perpetually guard against our own pride. The good eggshells are being terribly careful not to slip onto the trail of pride. I fear my gear of operation is usually set there.
Pride ruins all of us. I suppose it is mankind's true nemesis as pride insists upon hitching a ride to every event. Two guys were praying. One was tickled to death--- possibly died in it---that he was not as bad as the other while they both prayed. The other knew his counterpart wasn't lying. He was bad. Yet, God justified the humble one and would not do the same for the one full of self-satisfaction.Have you ever been proud you are Church of Christ and not Baptist? Have you ever been proud you are not like those in the certain-kind-of Church of Christ? Have you ever thanked God you aren't as dumb and foolish and ridiculous as others? We see this trait as a terrible mistake in political government. The audacity that others are fools when we are not finds politicians in need of a good dose of eggshell walking. The same mistake is made in the church....any brand.I guess this pride thing will be a burden for me all the way to my grave. But I don't want it to be. We must be alert to the sting of this villain who insists upon driving our lives. And should you be one who is proud that you aren't proud, you too need good eggshells.
Pride: a real problem for believers. Walk more carefully.
Terry Rush
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Special Request
A Letter from Max Lucado
Dear Friends,
I am a pastor, not a politician, so I can only speculate as to what awaits President-elect Barack Obama. The long-lasting benefits of good choices…the fearful consequences of poor ones…complicated social issues and relentless international problems.
He needs our prayers. And it’s our privilege to pray for him. The Bible says: Pray for rulers and for all who have authority so that we can have quiet and peaceful lives full of worship and respect for God. (1 Timothy 2:2)
For that reason, I invite you to set aside a few minutes on Inauguration Day, Tuesday, January 20, and ask God to bless Barack Obama and his family. Join me and urge as many people as possible to speak to God on behalf on our incoming president.
Good things happen when people pray.
A few years ago I attended a meeting in the White House. While standing in the State Room, I noticed some words engraved on the fireplace: a message from John Adams to his wife Abigail. “I pray heaven to bestow the best of blessings on this house and all that shall hereafter inhabit it. May none but honest and wise men ever rule under this roof.”
Here’s hoping that same prayer is offered and answered again.
Warmly,
Max Lucado
Dear Friends,
I am a pastor, not a politician, so I can only speculate as to what awaits President-elect Barack Obama. The long-lasting benefits of good choices…the fearful consequences of poor ones…complicated social issues and relentless international problems.
He needs our prayers. And it’s our privilege to pray for him. The Bible says: Pray for rulers and for all who have authority so that we can have quiet and peaceful lives full of worship and respect for God. (1 Timothy 2:2)
For that reason, I invite you to set aside a few minutes on Inauguration Day, Tuesday, January 20, and ask God to bless Barack Obama and his family. Join me and urge as many people as possible to speak to God on behalf on our incoming president.
Good things happen when people pray.
A few years ago I attended a meeting in the White House. While standing in the State Room, I noticed some words engraved on the fireplace: a message from John Adams to his wife Abigail. “I pray heaven to bestow the best of blessings on this house and all that shall hereafter inhabit it. May none but honest and wise men ever rule under this roof.”
Here’s hoping that same prayer is offered and answered again.
Warmly,
Max Lucado
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Craig Back to NYC
Craig returned to his home away from home yesterday. Not a bad view Craig from your apartment!
Monday, January 05, 2009
Craig Returns to the Big Apple
Craig returns to NYC today. He will work all month at Ug Australia and start second semester classes on January 26. Sure was nice having our little boy home for three weeks!
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Order of Worship
Order of Worship
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Welcome: Roger Hamm
Worship Leaders: Craig Carriger and David Carriger
Reading of the Word: Kevin Johnston
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 29:11-13
Jesus You’re my Firm Foundation
63 I Will Call Upon the Lord
718 We Shall Assemble
Prayer
Scripture: Mark 15:33-37
324 Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed (Verse 1 and 2 Only)
Scripture: Matthew 28:1-8a
344 Low in the Grave He Lay (Verses 1-3 then Chorus)
Lords Supper
Contribution
Dismiss Children
Scripture: 1 John 4:14-16
286 Wonderful Story of Love (Verse 1 Only)
18 Faithful Love
Message Evan Burdan
Invitation 790 Lord, Take Control (Sing Twice)
Announcements
Scripture: Psalm 143:9-12
693 Heart of a Servant
694 Servant Song
Closing Prayer
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Welcome: Roger Hamm
Worship Leaders: Craig Carriger and David Carriger
Reading of the Word: Kevin Johnston
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 29:11-13
Jesus You’re my Firm Foundation
63 I Will Call Upon the Lord
718 We Shall Assemble
Prayer
Scripture: Mark 15:33-37
324 Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed (Verse 1 and 2 Only)
Scripture: Matthew 28:1-8a
344 Low in the Grave He Lay (Verses 1-3 then Chorus)
Lords Supper
Contribution
Dismiss Children
Scripture: 1 John 4:14-16
286 Wonderful Story of Love (Verse 1 Only)
18 Faithful Love
Message Evan Burdan
Invitation 790 Lord, Take Control (Sing Twice)
Announcements
Scripture: Psalm 143:9-12
693 Heart of a Servant
694 Servant Song
Closing Prayer
Friday, January 02, 2009
A Thought for Today
Bless all who guide youth’s footsteps,
as they seek the light of truth.
That through them
You may be revealed in all your plenitude;
For only when youth’s quest shall be at length fulfilled in You,
Shall they know inner harmony such as earth cannot give.
Oh, Wisdom of all ages, speak through all who would proclaim
The glory of your kingdom!
Be, O Lord, the way through which
Each morning’s verdant promise may be splendidly fulfilled.
As You, Yourself shall fashion in human hearts.
Margaret Roese
as they seek the light of truth.
That through them
You may be revealed in all your plenitude;
For only when youth’s quest shall be at length fulfilled in You,
Shall they know inner harmony such as earth cannot give.
Oh, Wisdom of all ages, speak through all who would proclaim
The glory of your kingdom!
Be, O Lord, the way through which
Each morning’s verdant promise may be splendidly fulfilled.
As You, Yourself shall fashion in human hearts.
Margaret Roese
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Happy New Year
Happy New Year!
Just One Request
Dear Master
for this coming year
Just one request I bring:
I do not pray for happiness,
Or any earthly thing—
I do not ask to understand
The way Thou leadest me,
But this I ask:
Teach me to do
The thing that pleaseth Thee.
I want to know
Thy guiding voice,
To walk with Thee each day.
Dear Master make me swift to hear
And ready to obey.
And thus the year I now begin
A happy year will be—
If I am seeking just to do
The thing that pleaseth Thee.
--Unknown Author
Just One Request
Dear Master
for this coming year
Just one request I bring:
I do not pray for happiness,
Or any earthly thing—
I do not ask to understand
The way Thou leadest me,
But this I ask:
Teach me to do
The thing that pleaseth Thee.
I want to know
Thy guiding voice,
To walk with Thee each day.
Dear Master make me swift to hear
And ready to obey.
And thus the year I now begin
A happy year will be—
If I am seeking just to do
The thing that pleaseth Thee.
--Unknown Author
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