After the wedding I'm off with my best friend (Debbie) to celebrate our 26th Anniversary and enjoy a week of golf as well as eat at three of our favorite restaurants in the Mid-West: AQ Chicken (Springdale), the Catfish Wharf (Harrison) and Bubbas BBQ (Eureka Springs) in Arkansas.
Please pray that my arm will not fall off after five straight days of golf from sunrise to sunset.
Our goal is to average about 48 holes of golf each day.
I just can't forget the bio-freeze and Tylenol!
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Friday, July 20, 2007
A Special Wedding
A special day tomorrow at the Central Church.
Kristen and Kevin's Wedding Day.
May God bless you and keep you, may his face shine upon both of you, as you begin your new life together with HIM.
Kristen and Kevin's Wedding Day.
May God bless you and keep you, may his face shine upon both of you, as you begin your new life together with HIM.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Unity and Love
Many churches across the brotherhood today are reaching out and finding ways to minister to all types of people and in many innovative ways.
The success stories are numerous throughout the world of congregations that are reaching out and baptizing hundreds of people each year. God is blessing several congregations with growth and energy to do even more for the cause of Christ.
We should be celebrating and rejoicing with these congregations, but are we?
A few congregations see growth and success at some congregations and they tend to be afraid that a congregation is doing something not "Biblical" or they are classified as "Liberal" and then the rumors begin to fly.
Where is the unity and love found described in God's Word for our brothers and sisters?
I am thankful that we have Churches of Christ that are baptizing 200+ a year. I am thankful that we have preachers and leaders that are "thinking outside the box" on ways to minister to a new society. I am thankful that our new generation will do even more to hopefully build unity and love than we ever tried to do.
Our young people of today don't look at skin color. They don't look at a congregation if they are classified as "Conservative" or "Liberal". They don't look at the building or facilities that they worship in. They don't hold 100 year animosities from splits and disputes.
They are accepting, loving and forgiving.
Like I say in education....the kids are the easiest group to work with, its the parents that cause all the problems, concerns and headaches.
Maybe we can learn a few things from our new generation on building unity and love as a Church?
The success stories are numerous throughout the world of congregations that are reaching out and baptizing hundreds of people each year. God is blessing several congregations with growth and energy to do even more for the cause of Christ.
We should be celebrating and rejoicing with these congregations, but are we?
A few congregations see growth and success at some congregations and they tend to be afraid that a congregation is doing something not "Biblical" or they are classified as "Liberal" and then the rumors begin to fly.
Where is the unity and love found described in God's Word for our brothers and sisters?
I am thankful that we have Churches of Christ that are baptizing 200+ a year. I am thankful that we have preachers and leaders that are "thinking outside the box" on ways to minister to a new society. I am thankful that our new generation will do even more to hopefully build unity and love than we ever tried to do.
Our young people of today don't look at skin color. They don't look at a congregation if they are classified as "Conservative" or "Liberal". They don't look at the building or facilities that they worship in. They don't hold 100 year animosities from splits and disputes.
They are accepting, loving and forgiving.
Like I say in education....the kids are the easiest group to work with, its the parents that cause all the problems, concerns and headaches.
Maybe we can learn a few things from our new generation on building unity and love as a Church?
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
A Faith Lesson
God expands our horizons, pushes boundaries and forces us to live outside the box. God gives us the capacity to dream and develop visions for our lives. A vision operates like a compass helping direct our choices and decisions. Vision allows dreams to materialize and become reality. Developing a vision takes time, prayer, and wise counsel, but it makes a tremendous difference.
When we connect our vision with God’s vision, we accomplish so much more in life.
Abel reminds us of our Legacy.
Enoch inspired us to Faithwalk.
Noah challenged us to Obey.
Abraham’s life teaches us to follow God’s vision across boundaries.
A boundary is anything making a limit.
Abraham lived on the limit between the known and the unknown, the seen and the unseen. He learned that faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable, and receives the impossible.
“By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the Promised Land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God”
Hebrews 11:8-10
When we connect our vision with God’s vision, we accomplish so much more in life.
Abel reminds us of our Legacy.
Enoch inspired us to Faithwalk.
Noah challenged us to Obey.
Abraham’s life teaches us to follow God’s vision across boundaries.
A boundary is anything making a limit.
Abraham lived on the limit between the known and the unknown, the seen and the unseen. He learned that faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable, and receives the impossible.
“By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the Promised Land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God”
Hebrews 11:8-10
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Losing 75%
I read a report this week which stated 75% of all Christian youth will renounce their faith or lose their faith in their first year after leaving home....college-bound or not. Wow!
The report went on to say that two of the reasons we are losing our young people are:
This generation sees little relevance between the church and real life.
The church lacks adventure.
Think about how much time and money Churches spend the first 17 years on our kids. Then what happens? Maybe we need to examine those earlier years and evaluate our spiritual instruction?
Any thoughts?
The report went on to say that two of the reasons we are losing our young people are:
This generation sees little relevance between the church and real life.
The church lacks adventure.
Think about how much time and money Churches spend the first 17 years on our kids. Then what happens? Maybe we need to examine those earlier years and evaluate our spiritual instruction?
Any thoughts?
Monday, July 16, 2007
1 Samuel 8
1 Samuel 8
The Israelites wanted something?
They wanted a King.
The people wanted a King because they couldn’t depend on Samuel’s corrupt sons for guidance. Their request was painful to Samuel, although he knew there were problems within his family.
Samuel knew what a King would symbolize. A rejection of God as the true King.
So this was a serious request that would have eternal consequences.
When I read this passage last week, I was thinking about all those things I have placed in my life that prevents me from really serving the true King. Like the Children of Israel seeking their personal needs and wants we do the same.
The children of Israel were reminded continuously to keep God at the center of their lives. Exodus 20:3 (No other God’s before me).
We have been reminded to keep him number 1. But what happens? Selfishness and desires get in the way.
We would rather have the stuff, the status, things my way instead of his way.
Who do you want as king of your life? Is it the busyness and stuff of life or is where true happiness is found?
God can provide everything.
He can continuously bless us in ways that we can’t even start to describe.
Matthew 22:37 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind”
When we develop that kind of love God rules as king in our lives, our decisions and in our every day relationships.
The Israelites wanted something?
They wanted a King.
The people wanted a King because they couldn’t depend on Samuel’s corrupt sons for guidance. Their request was painful to Samuel, although he knew there were problems within his family.
Samuel knew what a King would symbolize. A rejection of God as the true King.
So this was a serious request that would have eternal consequences.
When I read this passage last week, I was thinking about all those things I have placed in my life that prevents me from really serving the true King. Like the Children of Israel seeking their personal needs and wants we do the same.
The children of Israel were reminded continuously to keep God at the center of their lives. Exodus 20:3 (No other God’s before me).
We have been reminded to keep him number 1. But what happens? Selfishness and desires get in the way.
We would rather have the stuff, the status, things my way instead of his way.
Who do you want as king of your life? Is it the busyness and stuff of life or is where true happiness is found?
God can provide everything.
He can continuously bless us in ways that we can’t even start to describe.
Matthew 22:37 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind”
When we develop that kind of love God rules as king in our lives, our decisions and in our every day relationships.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Numbers
What a month of numbers. We had 7-7-07 last Saturday. A day of weddings and lovers luck. Today its Friday the 13th. A day the world says is unlucky.
Numbers are part of our lives. Some use them more than others in business and everyday situations.
The numbers that really concern me are the number of young people that are dropping out of the Church across the United States. The numbers are staggering.
Why is this happening?
Numbers are part of our lives. Some use them more than others in business and everyday situations.
The numbers that really concern me are the number of young people that are dropping out of the Church across the United States. The numbers are staggering.
Why is this happening?
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Re-Energize
This is my busiest time of the year at work. Closing out a fiscal year. Building a new budget for the 2007-08 school year. Negotiations. Facility projects. Textbooks and supplies being ordered. Summer school. New board member orientation. New staff orientation.
Not enough time in the day to get everything accomplished.
I do have something to look forward to. That is what keeps me going. Vacation. Our annual golf trip to Arkansas. All day golf for four days. We get out on the course at 7:30 a.m. and usually come off the course around 6:00 p.m. We always try to top our previous record of holes per day (63 in 2006).
We need to have positive things to look forward too. That helps us get through the up's and down's of life.
We need spiritual retreats from time to time as well.
Jesus had to get away at times to refocus and re-energize his personal life as well as his ministry. What are you doing to re-energize your spiritual life?
Not enough time in the day to get everything accomplished.
I do have something to look forward to. That is what keeps me going. Vacation. Our annual golf trip to Arkansas. All day golf for four days. We get out on the course at 7:30 a.m. and usually come off the course around 6:00 p.m. We always try to top our previous record of holes per day (63 in 2006).
We need to have positive things to look forward too. That helps us get through the up's and down's of life.
We need spiritual retreats from time to time as well.
Jesus had to get away at times to refocus and re-energize his personal life as well as his ministry. What are you doing to re-energize your spiritual life?
Monday, July 09, 2007
Finding the Church Ahead of the World
During my term in the church some have noted that the church stays ten years behind the world. Much can be assumed as to the breadth of such a generality. It bugs ambitious leaders to believe we are directly tied to the Living Lord and constantly run a distant second. Erwin McManus wrote in An Unstoppable Force a most surprising comment. My goal is not to keep up with the changing world, but to be standing there waiting for it when it arrives. McManus continues that we need to be showing the world the way.His sentence inspired me to adventure into thinking how it might appear if the church were ahead of the world. And then......I began to wonder if, indeed, we are ahead of the world. I think we are. Here are ten items I see the kingdom already knows while the world lags behind:
To live, die to self.
To keep, give away.
To be strong, use your weaknesses.
To win, lose.
To perpetually preserve in memory, consume weekly (Lord's Supper).
To win an argument, don't argue.
To get a lot done, don't engage in a lot of things. Focus.
To be effectively active, be still and know He is God.
To lead well, care about the reject.
To care about the reject, remember if it weren't for His mercy you would still be one.
Maybe we aren't so far behind after all. What would you add to the list?
Terry Rush
During my term in the church some have noted that the church stays ten years behind the world. Much can be assumed as to the breadth of such a generality. It bugs ambitious leaders to believe we are directly tied to the Living Lord and constantly run a distant second. Erwin McManus wrote in An Unstoppable Force a most surprising comment. My goal is not to keep up with the changing world, but to be standing there waiting for it when it arrives. McManus continues that we need to be showing the world the way.His sentence inspired me to adventure into thinking how it might appear if the church were ahead of the world. And then......I began to wonder if, indeed, we are ahead of the world. I think we are. Here are ten items I see the kingdom already knows while the world lags behind:
To live, die to self.
To keep, give away.
To be strong, use your weaknesses.
To win, lose.
To perpetually preserve in memory, consume weekly (Lord's Supper).
To win an argument, don't argue.
To get a lot done, don't engage in a lot of things. Focus.
To be effectively active, be still and know He is God.
To lead well, care about the reject.
To care about the reject, remember if it weren't for His mercy you would still be one.
Maybe we aren't so far behind after all. What would you add to the list?
Terry Rush
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Order of Worship
Sunday, July 8, 2009
Welcome
202 Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee (Verse 1 and 4)
15 Step By Step
63 I Will Call Upon the Lord
Prayer
365 How Beautiful (Verse 1 and 2 Only, NO BRIDGE)
383 Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross (Verse 1,2 and 4)
Communion
Contribution
517 Heaven Came Down
Message
Invitation 635 Freely, Freely
Announcements
616 The Way of the Cross (Verse 1 and 3)
Closing Prayer
Sunday, July 8, 2009
Welcome
202 Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee (Verse 1 and 4)
15 Step By Step
63 I Will Call Upon the Lord
Prayer
365 How Beautiful (Verse 1 and 2 Only, NO BRIDGE)
383 Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross (Verse 1,2 and 4)
Communion
Contribution
517 Heaven Came Down
Message
Invitation 635 Freely, Freely
Announcements
616 The Way of the Cross (Verse 1 and 3)
Closing Prayer
Friday, July 06, 2007
Contentment
"Realizing that true happiness does not depend on material conditions"
Contentment is the word of the month in the Capital Journal for July.
When all character qualities are Incorporated into our lives in balance, we are at our best. One character quality should not overshadow or ignore other qualities.
Practical suggestions to incorporate contentment into our lives:
Contentment is the word of the month in the Capital Journal for July.
When all character qualities are Incorporated into our lives in balance, we are at our best. One character quality should not overshadow or ignore other qualities.
Practical suggestions to incorporate contentment into our lives:
- Be thankful for what you have
- Don't complain about what you don't have
- Don't always ask for "one more"
- Value people above things
- Want less and give more
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Zoe Conference
October 4 – 6, 2007
“Overflow”
What would God’s kingdom look like if our individual journey into the heart of God was fully reflected in our assemblies resulting in a missional outpouring of Christ into our communities, our workplaces and our churches?
On the occasion of ZOE’s ten year anniversary, we reflected on the journey our conferences have taken from recognizing the celebrational elements of our Sunday morning assemblies, to connecting better with a post-modern world view and to understanding the missional centrality of our community of faith.
With the growth of ZOE’s spiritual formation ministry, we felt that a complete circle had been completed, but not adequately connected and integrated into our conference focus. Thus, in 2007 we want to fully connect and integrate the circle of worship: formational (inward), missional (outward) and celebrational (upward). Without creating three separate, but related streams, we desire to develop a worship experience that is interrelated, integrated and intentionally unified.
We want to become infected with the Spirit of Christ and become his contagious aroma in our world.
Please join us October 4 through 6, 2007 in Nashville for “Overflow”.
Among other resources, Brian McLaren will join us again. Brian’s own journey has mirrored the overflowing of God’s Spirit into post-modern relevance and worship. Mike Cope, Randy Harris, Jeff Walling and Dean Barham will also serve to keynote this intentional exploration of God’s desire for his people in our age. The newest recording of worship music, “Overflow” will be available in advance of our time together.
We look forward to seeing you in Nashville.
In Christ alone,
Larry W. Bridgesmith
“Overflow”
What would God’s kingdom look like if our individual journey into the heart of God was fully reflected in our assemblies resulting in a missional outpouring of Christ into our communities, our workplaces and our churches?
On the occasion of ZOE’s ten year anniversary, we reflected on the journey our conferences have taken from recognizing the celebrational elements of our Sunday morning assemblies, to connecting better with a post-modern world view and to understanding the missional centrality of our community of faith.
With the growth of ZOE’s spiritual formation ministry, we felt that a complete circle had been completed, but not adequately connected and integrated into our conference focus. Thus, in 2007 we want to fully connect and integrate the circle of worship: formational (inward), missional (outward) and celebrational (upward). Without creating three separate, but related streams, we desire to develop a worship experience that is interrelated, integrated and intentionally unified.
We want to become infected with the Spirit of Christ and become his contagious aroma in our world.
Please join us October 4 through 6, 2007 in Nashville for “Overflow”.
Among other resources, Brian McLaren will join us again. Brian’s own journey has mirrored the overflowing of God’s Spirit into post-modern relevance and worship. Mike Cope, Randy Harris, Jeff Walling and Dean Barham will also serve to keynote this intentional exploration of God’s desire for his people in our age. The newest recording of worship music, “Overflow” will be available in advance of our time together.
We look forward to seeing you in Nashville.
In Christ alone,
Larry W. Bridgesmith
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
4th of July
The 4th of July has become a very special holiday for our family the past few years. The Carriger Family has made it an annual occasion to get together as a family and enjoy trying to “blow up” the east side of Osage City. We smoke ribs, pork, fry up catfish, play games, fish and play golf. It’s a great family time.
I appreciate the founding Fathers of our democracy that gave their lives to allow us to live in a free country. A country that is blessed beyond all comprehension. A country that allows us to travel from border to border. A country that allows an individual to become whatever they wish to become. A country that I believe is the most beautiful country in all the word. A country that believes in freedom of expression, and guarantees all citizens special rights.
Most of all I appreciate the freedom to worship God. That is the best freedom we have as a nation.
I appreciate the founding Fathers of our democracy that gave their lives to allow us to live in a free country. A country that is blessed beyond all comprehension. A country that allows us to travel from border to border. A country that allows an individual to become whatever they wish to become. A country that I believe is the most beautiful country in all the word. A country that believes in freedom of expression, and guarantees all citizens special rights.
Most of all I appreciate the freedom to worship God. That is the best freedom we have as a nation.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Does God Loves Me?
The YP/College Class at Central has been looking at "Why" questions the last few weeks. One of the questions this past week was Why does God love me?
As we cry out from time to time: "does God love me," and suffer because we feel unable to know God's love, Jesus understands.
Jesus felt similar pain when He cried from the cross, "My God, my God why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46).
Jesus, who was sinless, went to the cross carrying the burden of our sins in obedience to the will of the Father. At that moment He felt the separation from His Father, God. As He cried out, "why have you forsaken me," maybe even Jesus felt as if God didn't love Him at that moment.
God longs for the relationship He created with us to have with Him (Genesis 2:7-8). He even provided the way, through the work of the cross, for us to be reconciled with Him and gave us the opportunity to make the choice.
Consider the following truths about God's love:
As we cry out from time to time: "does God love me," and suffer because we feel unable to know God's love, Jesus understands.
Jesus felt similar pain when He cried from the cross, "My God, my God why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46).
Jesus, who was sinless, went to the cross carrying the burden of our sins in obedience to the will of the Father. At that moment He felt the separation from His Father, God. As He cried out, "why have you forsaken me," maybe even Jesus felt as if God didn't love Him at that moment.
God longs for the relationship He created with us to have with Him (Genesis 2:7-8). He even provided the way, through the work of the cross, for us to be reconciled with Him and gave us the opportunity to make the choice.
Consider the following truths about God's love:
God is love and God loves you (2 Corinthians 13:11)
Nothing can separate you from the love of God (Romans 8:35, 38-39)
God loves you even while you are still a sinner (Ephesians 2:4-5)
God created you for His pleasure (Revelation 4:11)
God knew you before you were born, even as you were "knitted in your mother's womb" (Isaiah 43:7)
God gave His only Son so that you can live forever with Him (John 3:16)
God calls you His friend (John 15:15)
God disciplines those whom He loves (Hebrews 12:5-6)
God's sovereignty limits your crisis and gives meaning to your problems (Job 1:12; 2:6)
God comforts you in your troubles, not necessarily from your troubles (2 Corinthians 1:4)
God says in His word, "For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope" (Jeremiah 29:11) The Lord is your helper (Hebrews 13:6).
Monday, July 02, 2007
Golf at Bay Hills
You can't see it but down on the left side of this hole is a large body of water......believe me I know!
Friday, June 29, 2007
Living Like Jesus
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.
(Philippians 2:3-7).
(Philippians 2:3-7).
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Welcome Nathan
The Central Church of Christ announces the hiring of Nathan McBroom as Youth Minister effective Sunday, August 5, 2007.
Nathan accepted the position yesterday and is excited to begin his work with the youth at Central. Nathan will be looking for an apartment in Topeka. Any help anyone could provide he would appreciate it.
A big thank you to Scott-Angie Smith, and the Central COC Youth Search Committee.
Nathan accepted the position yesterday and is excited to begin his work with the youth at Central. Nathan will be looking for an apartment in Topeka. Any help anyone could provide he would appreciate it.
A big thank you to Scott-Angie Smith, and the Central COC Youth Search Committee.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
The Folded Napkin
In the Young Professional Class this summer we are examining "Why" questions from God's Word as well as those "Why" questions that come up during our spiritual walk from time to time.
I read the following article the other day, thought it was interesting:
Why Did Jesus Fold The Linen Cloth After His Resurrection?
The Gospel of John (20: 7) tells us that the napkin, which was placed over the face of Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the grave clothes.The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded, and was placed at the head of that stony coffin. Is that important?You'd better believe it! Is that significant? Absolutely! Is it really significant? Yes! In order to understand the significance of the folded napkin, you have to understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day. The folded napkin had to do with the Master and Servant, and every Jewish boy knew this tradition. When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure that it was exactly the way the master wanted it. The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait,just out of sight, until the master had finished eating, and the servant would not dare touch that table, until the master was finished. Now if the master was done eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers, his mouth, and clean his beard, and would wad up that napkin and toss it onto the table. The servant would then know to clear the table. For in those days, the wadded napkin meant, "I'm done". But if the master got up from the table, and folded his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table, because the servant knew that the folded napkin meant, "I'm not finished yet." The folded napkin meant, I'm coming back!"
I read the following article the other day, thought it was interesting:
Why Did Jesus Fold The Linen Cloth After His Resurrection?
The Gospel of John (20: 7) tells us that the napkin, which was placed over the face of Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the grave clothes.The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded, and was placed at the head of that stony coffin. Is that important?You'd better believe it! Is that significant? Absolutely! Is it really significant? Yes! In order to understand the significance of the folded napkin, you have to understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day. The folded napkin had to do with the Master and Servant, and every Jewish boy knew this tradition. When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure that it was exactly the way the master wanted it. The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait,just out of sight, until the master had finished eating, and the servant would not dare touch that table, until the master was finished. Now if the master was done eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers, his mouth, and clean his beard, and would wad up that napkin and toss it onto the table. The servant would then know to clear the table. For in those days, the wadded napkin meant, "I'm done". But if the master got up from the table, and folded his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table, because the servant knew that the folded napkin meant, "I'm not finished yet." The folded napkin meant, I'm coming back!"
Monday, June 25, 2007
Psalm 95
Psalm 95
1 Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.
3 For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods.
4 In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him.
5 The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.
6 Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;
7 for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.
1 Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.
3 For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods.
4 In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him.
5 The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.
6 Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;
7 for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Newness in Life
I started a new hobby last week. Fishing.
It all started at the beginning of the summer when I told Brian I would go fishing with him. As someone who grew up in the inner city, I’m not the outdoor type. I think roughing it is a night at the Holiday Inn. I don’t care to camp, hunt or fish but thought well I guess I could take him fishing ever once in a while.
Last week we began our fishing experience. My main goal in this fishing quest was to find something to do with Brian this summer when we both had some time off. He doesn’t care to golf so thought it would be fun to do something that he enjoyed.
Our first week was a pretty good one. We have caught several catfish that we have frozen for our 4th of July Family Gathering.
I really don’t know what I’m doing, or how I'm catching the fish, but I am having a good time.
I really have learned something every time I go out to the lake.
I feel so inexperienced but I love the “newness” that it brings to my normal everyday life. I really look forward to our fishing times.
My spiritual life needs newness also. Sometimes I get so busy doing Church that I forget about the Church.
I forget about God.
I forget about the spiritual aspect of my life.
I forget about the heart I need in worship.
I forgot about the responsibilities that I have as a follower of God.
Sometimes we just need new spiritual experiences to keep us fresh and on track for Christ.
It all started at the beginning of the summer when I told Brian I would go fishing with him. As someone who grew up in the inner city, I’m not the outdoor type. I think roughing it is a night at the Holiday Inn. I don’t care to camp, hunt or fish but thought well I guess I could take him fishing ever once in a while.
Last week we began our fishing experience. My main goal in this fishing quest was to find something to do with Brian this summer when we both had some time off. He doesn’t care to golf so thought it would be fun to do something that he enjoyed.
Our first week was a pretty good one. We have caught several catfish that we have frozen for our 4th of July Family Gathering.
I really don’t know what I’m doing, or how I'm catching the fish, but I am having a good time.
I really have learned something every time I go out to the lake.
I feel so inexperienced but I love the “newness” that it brings to my normal everyday life. I really look forward to our fishing times.
My spiritual life needs newness also. Sometimes I get so busy doing Church that I forget about the Church.
I forget about God.
I forget about the spiritual aspect of my life.
I forget about the heart I need in worship.
I forgot about the responsibilities that I have as a follower of God.
Sometimes we just need new spiritual experiences to keep us fresh and on track for Christ.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Microphones
Many churches are experimenting with changes in worship. From worship teams that lead on stage to groups in the audience that have microphones so you can hear the parts as well as learn new worship music.
Just thought about another concept on Sunday when I was sitting at Central in worship. Did you know that everyone in worship has microphones? We are all on stage and under the spotlight when we give our worship to God. The way you express your heart in worship glorifies God as well as encourages and builds up the people around you.
Just thought about another concept on Sunday when I was sitting at Central in worship. Did you know that everyone in worship has microphones? We are all on stage and under the spotlight when we give our worship to God. The way you express your heart in worship glorifies God as well as encourages and builds up the people around you.
Monday, June 18, 2007
No More Suits in Church?
By Reuters
Tue, 12 Jun 2007, 09:59AM
TORONTO (Reuters) -
Workers of Ontario: ditch the pinstripes and save the planet.
The premier of Canada's most energy-thirsty province has urged government workers to dress down and leave their business attire at home to cut air conditioning costs and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
"We're asking everyone to do their part to protect the environment," Premier Dalton McGuinty said in a news release on the go-casual recommendation, which will be in effect through early September.
"Wearing more comfortable clothing during the warmer months cuts down on the air conditioning we use and increases awareness about how important it is that we address the challenge of climate change."
Ontario wants provincial government offices to crank their thermostats up to 26 degrees Celsius (79 degrees Fahrenheit), from 23C (73F) in previous summers. That should reduce electricity use and ease the need for costly imports.
"When electricity demands rise, often we have to import electricity from the U.S., which often comes from coal-fired plants, which are quite dirty and costly," said Jessica Zippin, from the Clean Air Foundation environmental group.
"Every move toward making people more aware about being more energy efficient is really important ... turning up the thermostat, even one or two degrees is extremely important because that has a cumulative effect."
Tue, 12 Jun 2007, 09:59AM
TORONTO (Reuters) -
Workers of Ontario: ditch the pinstripes and save the planet.
The premier of Canada's most energy-thirsty province has urged government workers to dress down and leave their business attire at home to cut air conditioning costs and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
"We're asking everyone to do their part to protect the environment," Premier Dalton McGuinty said in a news release on the go-casual recommendation, which will be in effect through early September.
"Wearing more comfortable clothing during the warmer months cuts down on the air conditioning we use and increases awareness about how important it is that we address the challenge of climate change."
Ontario wants provincial government offices to crank their thermostats up to 26 degrees Celsius (79 degrees Fahrenheit), from 23C (73F) in previous summers. That should reduce electricity use and ease the need for costly imports.
"When electricity demands rise, often we have to import electricity from the U.S., which often comes from coal-fired plants, which are quite dirty and costly," said Jessica Zippin, from the Clean Air Foundation environmental group.
"Every move toward making people more aware about being more energy efficient is really important ... turning up the thermostat, even one or two degrees is extremely important because that has a cumulative effect."
Thursday, June 14, 2007
The Coat Hanger
A woman was at work when she received a phone call that her small daughter was very sick with a fever. She left her work and stopped by the pharmacy to get some medication. She got back to her car and found that she had locked her keys in the car. She didn't know What to do, so she called home and told the baby sitter what had happened. The baby sitter told her that the fever was getting worse. She said, "You might find a coat Hanger and use that to open the door."The woman looked around and found an old rusty coat hanger that had been left on the ground, possibly by someone else who at some time had locked their keys in their car. She looked at the hanger and said, "I don't know how to use this."She bowed her head and asked God to send her help. Within five minutes a beat up old Motorcycle pulled up, with a dirty, greasy, bearded man who was wearing an old biker skull rag on his head. The woman thought, "This is what you sent to help me?" But, she was desperate, so she was also very thankful.The man got off of his cycle and asked if he could help. She said, "Yes, my daughter is very sick. I stopped to get her some medication and I locked my keys in my car. I must get home to her. Please, can you use this hanger to unlock my car?He said, "Sure." He walked over to the car, and in less than a minute the car was opened. She hugged the man and through her tears she said, "Thank You So Much! You are a very nice man."The man replied, "Lady, I am not a nice man. I just got out of prison today. I was in prison For car theft and have only been out for about an hour."The woman hugged the man again and with sobbing tears cried out loud, "Oh, Thank you God! You even sent me a Professional!"Is - GOD GOOD - or what!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
I Am Thankful For
I am Thankful for…
*The smell of bbq in the air when I walk out of my office each afternoon downtown (my office is right behind a bbq restaurant)
*The health of my family
*Being able to see the sun rise as Debbie and I run each morning
*Hitting one good drive each round of golf
*Unity at Central
*My job
*Family
*The Central Family
*Walks with Debbie each evening
*The dogs walking me each evening
*Root beer Floats at Sonic (Why did I start drinking them this summer?)
*Golf trips with Debbie to Arkansas and Nebraska each summer
*My boys
*Watching young people grow each year in their academic and extra curricular abilities
*My YP Class at Central
*Rex, Bill, Roger, Jerry and Gary
*Playing golf with my dad
*Brian only needing 7 hours to graduate this fall
*Craig realizing his dream
*A God who loves me even when I am not very lovable
*The smell of bbq in the air when I walk out of my office each afternoon downtown (my office is right behind a bbq restaurant)
*The health of my family
*Being able to see the sun rise as Debbie and I run each morning
*Hitting one good drive each round of golf
*Unity at Central
*My job
*Family
*The Central Family
*Walks with Debbie each evening
*The dogs walking me each evening
*Root beer Floats at Sonic (Why did I start drinking them this summer?)
*Golf trips with Debbie to Arkansas and Nebraska each summer
*My boys
*Watching young people grow each year in their academic and extra curricular abilities
*My YP Class at Central
*Rex, Bill, Roger, Jerry and Gary
*Playing golf with my dad
*Brian only needing 7 hours to graduate this fall
*Craig realizing his dream
*A God who loves me even when I am not very lovable
Monday, June 11, 2007
When I Fell In Love With You
One of my favorite song writers is Dennis Jernigan. He has powerful words for our daily lives.
'When I Fell In Love With You'
When I fell in love with You
I fell hard, what else could I do
You took the old and left me new
Then I fell in love with You
My heart broken, all hope lost
Cold and hard, ravaged, wounded, tossed
Heard Your love song from the cross
And then I fell in love with You
Chorus
When I fell in love with
YouYou swept me off my feet
Washed me clean and made me new
In You I was made complete
When I fell in love with You
My heart embraced what You already knew
When I fell in love with You
Sin had bound me through and through
With every failure the darkness grew
Your love fell down with crimson hue
And then I gave my heart to You
You were waiting, Your love true
Me, debating just what to do
My heart was healed when You broke through
And then I fell in love with You
Repeat Chorus
'When I Fell In Love With You'
When I fell in love with You
I fell hard, what else could I do
You took the old and left me new
Then I fell in love with You
My heart broken, all hope lost
Cold and hard, ravaged, wounded, tossed
Heard Your love song from the cross
And then I fell in love with You
Chorus
When I fell in love with
YouYou swept me off my feet
Washed me clean and made me new
In You I was made complete
When I fell in love with You
My heart embraced what You already knew
When I fell in love with You
Sin had bound me through and through
With every failure the darkness grew
Your love fell down with crimson hue
And then I gave my heart to You
You were waiting, Your love true
Me, debating just what to do
My heart was healed when You broke through
And then I fell in love with You
Repeat Chorus
Friday, June 08, 2007
Order of Worship
Order of Worship
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Welcome:
2 We Praise Thee O God (Verse 1, 2 and 5)
27 Blessed Be Your Name
72 Blessed Be The Lord God Almighty
Prayer:
Oft We Come Together
Lords Supper
Contribution
Scripture: Matthew 9:36-38 (Read Kurt)
639 Rescue the Perishing (Verse 1 and 2)
650 Send the Light (Verse 1 and 4)
Message Evan Burdan
Invitation 701 My Jesus I Love Thee
Announcements
Video
Closing Prayer
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Welcome:
2 We Praise Thee O God (Verse 1, 2 and 5)
27 Blessed Be Your Name
72 Blessed Be The Lord God Almighty
Prayer:
Oft We Come Together
Lords Supper
Contribution
Scripture: Matthew 9:36-38 (Read Kurt)
639 Rescue the Perishing (Verse 1 and 2)
650 Send the Light (Verse 1 and 4)
Message Evan Burdan
Invitation 701 My Jesus I Love Thee
Announcements
Video
Closing Prayer
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Run the Race
"let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart"
Hebrews 12:1-3
Hebrews 12:1-3
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Unity
[Jesus prayed] "I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me because of their testimony. My prayer for all of them is that they will be one, just as you and I are one, Father — that just as you are in me and I am in you, so they will be in us, and the world will believe you sent me." (John 17:20-21 NLT, Ed. 1)
Unity, empowered by love, is that ever-elusive characteristic that Jesus prayed would define his followers (John 13:34-35; John 17:1-26). Jesus' prayer for his follower’s unity emphasized two primary results of that unity.
First, Jesus prayed that the world would believe that the Father had sent Jesus to earth (John 17:21).
Second, he prayed this unity would show that the Father loved both the Son and his followers (John 17:23). Jesus prayed his prayer for unity and protection for his followers shortly before being arrested, falsely tried, and crucified. In other words, this unity was the great passion of his last few hours before his death!
We should not be surprised, then, that the great battle in the early life of the church was for unity. The collision of a faith born in Judaism and the heritage of the Old Covenant of God with Israel as the Jesus movement transitioned into the Gentile world of paganism must not be underestimated. The future of the Jesus movement — his passion for unity for his followers — all hinged on the hugely important meeting of Jewish Christians, their elders, the apostles, and other church leaders in Jerusalem (Acts 15:1-41). What would be the basis of unity? Did the Gentiles have to keep the Law of Moses? Would the signs and symbols of Judaism be required of them? What would faithful Jews have to give up to maintain this fellowship? How could these widely differing peoples who all called themselves followers of Jesus share common table fellowship as well as the weekly fellowship of the Lord’s Supper? These and a host of other practical questions were on the line as they met. And, what can we learn from this meeting?
I’d like to share some things I believe I’ve learned about maintaining unity from this crucial event in the life of the early church.
The whole discussion was handled in the open with church leaders and church members — nothing was hidden and there were no “backroom deals" by a group who considered themselves the powerbrokers of the church (Acts 15:6; Acts 15:22).
The issue was discussed respectfully. Each group listened to the others and they focused on what God had accomplished among them and the implications of these things (Acts 15:12-13).
The truth of Scripture was honestly used to evaluate what had happened (Acts 15:13-18).
The conclusions, while definitely believed to be God-inspired, were shared with genuine humility (Acts 15:19; Acts 15:23-25).
Seriously work toward this passionate desire of Jesus! The conclusions were clear and simply articulated, requiring certain moral standards and certain social accommodations to the Jewish way of life learned from Moses by Gentile Christians while calling on Jewish Christians to welcome their new brothers and sisters in Christ into God’s family without them having to fully become Jewish proselytes (Acts 15:19-21) (It is clear that the sexual morality focus was universally required in the new life of all Christians, but that the food restrictions were applied primarily in the regions where Jews and Gentiles regularly had fellowship with one another in the early days of the church — I believe that a careful reading of 1 Corinthians 6:1 — 10:33 andRomans 12:1 — 15:13 gives similar, but not exactly the same guidelines on these matters in regions mostly characterized by Gentile Christians.).
In addition to a letter to explain the basis of fellowship, real people representing both "sides" of the concern were sent with this letter to communicate and demonstrate this unity in person (Acts 15:22).
There was great joy in the celebration of a clear foundation for unity among believers with radically different backgrounds who built their new lives together in Jesus (Acts 15:30-31).
Unity doesn’t mean, however, that we will always agree on everything all the time. Paul and Barnabas' sharp disagreement on missions strategy that centered on the use of John Mark is a great reminder that unity does not mean uniformity in everything (Acts 15:32-41). Paul’s respect for Barnabas (1 Corinthians 9:6; Galatians 2:1-9) and Paul’s later use of John Mark (Colossians 4:10; Philemon 1:24; 2 Timothy 4:11) all testify to the importance of seeing ourselves as friends and partners in the Lord even after we have disagreements over strategy, procedure, and people.
Working toward unity among Jesus’ followers today is an awesome and seemingly insurmountable challenge. As denominational brand name loyalty continues to diminish, I pray that we can turn back to Scripture and seriously work toward this passionate desire of Jesus for his followers. Clearly other Scriptures must be applied to these principles (e.g.,Ephesians 4:1-16; the book of 1 John); we must commit to share the passion of our dying Savior for unity. In a world increasingly without Jesus, there will not be enough light to illuminate the darkest corners if we do not find a better way of living out unity our Lord so much desires to see in us, his followers.
"I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are — I in them and you in me, all being perfected into one. Then the world will know that you sent me and will understand that you love them as much as you love me. Father, I want these whom you've given me to be with me, so they can see my glory. You gave me the glory because you loved me even before the world began!" (John 17:22-24)
Phil Ware
Heartlight
Unity, empowered by love, is that ever-elusive characteristic that Jesus prayed would define his followers (John 13:34-35; John 17:1-26). Jesus' prayer for his follower’s unity emphasized two primary results of that unity.
First, Jesus prayed that the world would believe that the Father had sent Jesus to earth (John 17:21).
Second, he prayed this unity would show that the Father loved both the Son and his followers (John 17:23). Jesus prayed his prayer for unity and protection for his followers shortly before being arrested, falsely tried, and crucified. In other words, this unity was the great passion of his last few hours before his death!
We should not be surprised, then, that the great battle in the early life of the church was for unity. The collision of a faith born in Judaism and the heritage of the Old Covenant of God with Israel as the Jesus movement transitioned into the Gentile world of paganism must not be underestimated. The future of the Jesus movement — his passion for unity for his followers — all hinged on the hugely important meeting of Jewish Christians, their elders, the apostles, and other church leaders in Jerusalem (Acts 15:1-41). What would be the basis of unity? Did the Gentiles have to keep the Law of Moses? Would the signs and symbols of Judaism be required of them? What would faithful Jews have to give up to maintain this fellowship? How could these widely differing peoples who all called themselves followers of Jesus share common table fellowship as well as the weekly fellowship of the Lord’s Supper? These and a host of other practical questions were on the line as they met. And, what can we learn from this meeting?
I’d like to share some things I believe I’ve learned about maintaining unity from this crucial event in the life of the early church.
The whole discussion was handled in the open with church leaders and church members — nothing was hidden and there were no “backroom deals" by a group who considered themselves the powerbrokers of the church (Acts 15:6; Acts 15:22).
The issue was discussed respectfully. Each group listened to the others and they focused on what God had accomplished among them and the implications of these things (Acts 15:12-13).
The truth of Scripture was honestly used to evaluate what had happened (Acts 15:13-18).
The conclusions, while definitely believed to be God-inspired, were shared with genuine humility (Acts 15:19; Acts 15:23-25).
Seriously work toward this passionate desire of Jesus! The conclusions were clear and simply articulated, requiring certain moral standards and certain social accommodations to the Jewish way of life learned from Moses by Gentile Christians while calling on Jewish Christians to welcome their new brothers and sisters in Christ into God’s family without them having to fully become Jewish proselytes (Acts 15:19-21) (It is clear that the sexual morality focus was universally required in the new life of all Christians, but that the food restrictions were applied primarily in the regions where Jews and Gentiles regularly had fellowship with one another in the early days of the church — I believe that a careful reading of 1 Corinthians 6:1 — 10:33 andRomans 12:1 — 15:13 gives similar, but not exactly the same guidelines on these matters in regions mostly characterized by Gentile Christians.).
In addition to a letter to explain the basis of fellowship, real people representing both "sides" of the concern were sent with this letter to communicate and demonstrate this unity in person (Acts 15:22).
There was great joy in the celebration of a clear foundation for unity among believers with radically different backgrounds who built their new lives together in Jesus (Acts 15:30-31).
Unity doesn’t mean, however, that we will always agree on everything all the time. Paul and Barnabas' sharp disagreement on missions strategy that centered on the use of John Mark is a great reminder that unity does not mean uniformity in everything (Acts 15:32-41). Paul’s respect for Barnabas (1 Corinthians 9:6; Galatians 2:1-9) and Paul’s later use of John Mark (Colossians 4:10; Philemon 1:24; 2 Timothy 4:11) all testify to the importance of seeing ourselves as friends and partners in the Lord even after we have disagreements over strategy, procedure, and people.
Working toward unity among Jesus’ followers today is an awesome and seemingly insurmountable challenge. As denominational brand name loyalty continues to diminish, I pray that we can turn back to Scripture and seriously work toward this passionate desire of Jesus for his followers. Clearly other Scriptures must be applied to these principles (e.g.,Ephesians 4:1-16; the book of 1 John); we must commit to share the passion of our dying Savior for unity. In a world increasingly without Jesus, there will not be enough light to illuminate the darkest corners if we do not find a better way of living out unity our Lord so much desires to see in us, his followers.
"I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are — I in them and you in me, all being perfected into one. Then the world will know that you sent me and will understand that you love them as much as you love me. Father, I want these whom you've given me to be with me, so they can see my glory. You gave me the glory because you loved me even before the world began!" (John 17:22-24)
Phil Ware
Heartlight
Monday, June 04, 2007
He Knows My Name
HE KNOWS MY NAME
I love to watch people. I don’t mind just sitting in a shopping mall or airport and wonder about where people are going and the stories of their lives. Many challenging lives. Happy people, angry people and many hurting people.
While I was in the airport a few weeks ago I saw a father and his son. The father was placing his 10 year old boy on an airplane by himself to fly him back to his mother for the week.
The boy looked very sad.
The boy never said a word as the dad kissed his son on the head and sent him on his way.
Immediately as the boy got to the gate to board the plane, the dad got on his cell phone to tell his ex-wife that the boy was on the plane.
As the dad walked away the boy at the gate turned and looked at his dad.
I might never forget that look the boy gave his father as he walked away being left alone to board the plane with 150 strangers.
I was thinking afterwards that our Father never walks away from us. He holds us and is always close as we need him to be.
I am thankful that I have a Father that knows my name.
Sometimes I have a difficult time with names.
With 125 staff members, 700 kids, parents, my church family, community of Osage City I sometimes forget names.
But God knows us all individually.
2 Timothy 2:19
Says the Lord knows those who are His.
Psalm 147
If he can number the stars and knows them by name surely he knows us individually and all the concerns that we have in our lives.
Many times when we are going through tough difficult times we feel alone. We feel neglected, totally cut off from God. We don’t feel the presence of God. But He is with us if we open our eyes and really look for the blessings He has promised.
In the movie Chariots of Fire it was a classic tale of Eric Liddell, a missionary and a runner who was competing in the Olympic trials. Most aspiring moment in the movie was when after all his physical work to get to this qualifying race he fell running the race. Most runners would have been finished. They would have stayed down. What did he do? He got up and started to run. He ran so fast that he began to pass each runner one by one until he crossed the finish line in first place.
He was determined.
We have a God that is determined to watch over us in all the good times and all the difficult times.
Deuteronomy 20:4
“For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory”
I’m glad he knows me personally.
Remember He knows our name.
He knows our every thought.
He sees each tear that falls and he hears us when we call.
God will not give up on you.
He loves you very much.
He is determined to watch over you today and every day if you allow Him to be part of your life.
I love to watch people. I don’t mind just sitting in a shopping mall or airport and wonder about where people are going and the stories of their lives. Many challenging lives. Happy people, angry people and many hurting people.
While I was in the airport a few weeks ago I saw a father and his son. The father was placing his 10 year old boy on an airplane by himself to fly him back to his mother for the week.
The boy looked very sad.
The boy never said a word as the dad kissed his son on the head and sent him on his way.
Immediately as the boy got to the gate to board the plane, the dad got on his cell phone to tell his ex-wife that the boy was on the plane.
As the dad walked away the boy at the gate turned and looked at his dad.
I might never forget that look the boy gave his father as he walked away being left alone to board the plane with 150 strangers.
I was thinking afterwards that our Father never walks away from us. He holds us and is always close as we need him to be.
I am thankful that I have a Father that knows my name.
Sometimes I have a difficult time with names.
With 125 staff members, 700 kids, parents, my church family, community of Osage City I sometimes forget names.
But God knows us all individually.
2 Timothy 2:19
Says the Lord knows those who are His.
Psalm 147
If he can number the stars and knows them by name surely he knows us individually and all the concerns that we have in our lives.
Many times when we are going through tough difficult times we feel alone. We feel neglected, totally cut off from God. We don’t feel the presence of God. But He is with us if we open our eyes and really look for the blessings He has promised.
In the movie Chariots of Fire it was a classic tale of Eric Liddell, a missionary and a runner who was competing in the Olympic trials. Most aspiring moment in the movie was when after all his physical work to get to this qualifying race he fell running the race. Most runners would have been finished. They would have stayed down. What did he do? He got up and started to run. He ran so fast that he began to pass each runner one by one until he crossed the finish line in first place.
He was determined.
We have a God that is determined to watch over us in all the good times and all the difficult times.
Deuteronomy 20:4
“For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory”
I’m glad he knows me personally.
Remember He knows our name.
He knows our every thought.
He sees each tear that falls and he hears us when we call.
God will not give up on you.
He loves you very much.
He is determined to watch over you today and every day if you allow Him to be part of your life.
Friday, June 01, 2007
Elders Meeting
May 23, 2007
Scripture-Eph. 4:11-16.
key theme..UNITY
Prayer-Gary Souder
Discussion Items..A) David met with Scott Smith, Josh Yoho and LeAnn Valerius to plan summeractivities/schedules for our youth. Much progress made.
B) Bill and Roger visited with Ammaji and Rao Gandu Monday night andencouraged them during her battle with cancer.C) Paul Clark and Gary S visited with the Merryman's and loved on them fortheir faithful service and 65 years of marriage..WOW!!!!!!!!D) Gary and Ruthann also visited Bill and Evelyn Higgs. They also havebeen married 65 years..WOW 2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!E) Barry Bergstrem will speak July 15 concerning the prison effort atEllsworthF) Jerry talked with Richard McClellan at Northside about their prison workat our Topeka Women's prison on SE 6th st. They need helpers and Richardwill talk with us in the next 3 weeks about the requirements, needs, etc.G) We rejoiced again about the baptisms of Samantha Goodrich and AliciaNegrete. Alicia is in the process of deciding whether she will worship withus at Central or the saints at California Acres.H) Dave Jamieson has offered to facilitate a personal evangelism classbased on a format he and Braunice used successfully in California. We willtalk more with him about this ASAP.J) We spent much time addressing personal matters of the members andcongregation that will not be listed here.Roger Hamm led the closing prayer with mention of restoration of friends,travel safety for many over the Memorial Day Holiday, spiritual growth ofthe congregation, asking for continued blessings on our Youth and Children'sMinistries, peace and unity for all as we re-dedicate to be moreevangelistic and apply our ABC's and a clear sense of God's leading of usall as we go about our daily lives.
Respectfully Submitted, Jerry Myers
Scripture-Eph. 4:11-16.
key theme..UNITY
Prayer-Gary Souder
Discussion Items..A) David met with Scott Smith, Josh Yoho and LeAnn Valerius to plan summeractivities/schedules for our youth. Much progress made.
B) Bill and Roger visited with Ammaji and Rao Gandu Monday night andencouraged them during her battle with cancer.C) Paul Clark and Gary S visited with the Merryman's and loved on them fortheir faithful service and 65 years of marriage..WOW!!!!!!!!D) Gary and Ruthann also visited Bill and Evelyn Higgs. They also havebeen married 65 years..WOW 2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!E) Barry Bergstrem will speak July 15 concerning the prison effort atEllsworthF) Jerry talked with Richard McClellan at Northside about their prison workat our Topeka Women's prison on SE 6th st. They need helpers and Richardwill talk with us in the next 3 weeks about the requirements, needs, etc.G) We rejoiced again about the baptisms of Samantha Goodrich and AliciaNegrete. Alicia is in the process of deciding whether she will worship withus at Central or the saints at California Acres.H) Dave Jamieson has offered to facilitate a personal evangelism classbased on a format he and Braunice used successfully in California. We willtalk more with him about this ASAP.J) We spent much time addressing personal matters of the members andcongregation that will not be listed here.Roger Hamm led the closing prayer with mention of restoration of friends,travel safety for many over the Memorial Day Holiday, spiritual growth ofthe congregation, asking for continued blessings on our Youth and Children'sMinistries, peace and unity for all as we re-dedicate to be moreevangelistic and apply our ABC's and a clear sense of God's leading of usall as we go about our daily lives.
Respectfully Submitted, Jerry Myers
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Rejoice
“I rejoice in the Lord, I delight, gladden myself in Him; again I say rejoice! I do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, I continue to make my wants known to God. Then God's peace is mine. I have that quiet state of a mind assured of its salvation through Christ. I fear nothing from God and am content with Gods goals for me in life. I have that peace which goes beyond all human understanding and it guards my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. I think on those things that are true, worthy of reverence, are honorable, and seemly, just, pure, lovely and loveable, kind and winsome and gracious, whatever has virtue and excellence, those things worthy of praise. I think on and weigh and take account of these things. I fix my mind on them. I practice these things and the God of peace is with me.”
Philippians 4:4-9
Philippians 4:4-9
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
10 Things You Might Not Know About Me
1. When I was a kid, my favorite movies were Airport, Earth Quake, Towering Inferno and Jaws.
2. In college I was a Psychology Major. Lasted 2 Years.
3. My favorite colors are red and black.
4. When I retire (9 years from now) I want to open a Daylight Donut Shop.
5. I’m a clean freak according to my boys.
6. If I weren’t a school superintendent, I would own a fleet of trash trucks.
7. I grew up on chocolate ice cream, potato chips and pretzels.
8. I went to over 20 schools growing up from coast to coast.
9. Debbie was my high school sweetheart.
10. My dream retirement is a home in the desert and playing golf with Debbie.
2. In college I was a Psychology Major. Lasted 2 Years.
3. My favorite colors are red and black.
4. When I retire (9 years from now) I want to open a Daylight Donut Shop.
5. I’m a clean freak according to my boys.
6. If I weren’t a school superintendent, I would own a fleet of trash trucks.
7. I grew up on chocolate ice cream, potato chips and pretzels.
8. I went to over 20 schools growing up from coast to coast.
9. Debbie was my high school sweetheart.
10. My dream retirement is a home in the desert and playing golf with Debbie.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Memorial Day
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. There are many stories as to its actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities and towns laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day. There is also evidence that organized women's groups in the South were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War: a hymn published in 1867, "Kneel Where Our Loves are Sleeping" by Nella L. Sweet carried the dedication "To The Ladies of the South who are Decorating the Graves of the Confederate Dead".
While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it's difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day. It is more likely that it had many separate beginnings; each of those towns and every planned or spontaneous gathering of people to honor the war dead in the 1860's tapped into the general human need to honor our dead, each contributed honorably to the growing movement that culminated in Gen Logan giving his official proclamation in 1868. It is not important who was the very first, what is important is that Memorial Day was established. Memorial Day is not about division. It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all.
I'm thankful for the freedom we have because of the men and women that gave their lives for the United States of America!
While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it's difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day. It is more likely that it had many separate beginnings; each of those towns and every planned or spontaneous gathering of people to honor the war dead in the 1860's tapped into the general human need to honor our dead, each contributed honorably to the growing movement that culminated in Gen Logan giving his official proclamation in 1868. It is not important who was the very first, what is important is that Memorial Day was established. Memorial Day is not about division. It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all.
I'm thankful for the freedom we have because of the men and women that gave their lives for the United States of America!
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Order of Worship
Welcome
23 Our God He is Alive
60 He Is Exalted
286 Wonderful Story of Love
288 Fairest Lord Jesus
Prayer
290 Shine, Jesus, Shine
382 Why did My Savior Come to Earth
Lord's Supper
Offering
122 The Love of God
Lesson
Inv.- 907 Hark the Gentle Voice
Announcements
Closing song- 801 Where No One Stands Alone
Closing prayer
23 Our God He is Alive
60 He Is Exalted
286 Wonderful Story of Love
288 Fairest Lord Jesus
Prayer
290 Shine, Jesus, Shine
382 Why did My Savior Come to Earth
Lord's Supper
Offering
122 The Love of God
Lesson
Inv.- 907 Hark the Gentle Voice
Announcements
Closing song- 801 Where No One Stands Alone
Closing prayer
Friday, May 25, 2007
What Must Be The Worshipper's Attitude?
What must be the worshipper’s attitude? Great responsibility has always rested upon the worshiper, in the Old Testament as well as in the New. Not only must one have the right object, but he must have certain attitudes.
First, the True Worshiper Feels the Desire To Worship. “Both young men, and virgins; Old men, and children: Let them praise the name of Jehovah; For his name alone is exalted; His glory is above the earth and the heavens” (Psalm 148:12-13). “These things I remember, and pour out my soul within me, how I went with the throng, and led them to the house of God, With the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude keeping holyday” (Psalm 42:4). David exclaimed, “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go unto the house of Jehovah” (Psalm 122:1). Man needs to realize his need for His maker and thirst for Him. “As the heart panteth after the water brooks, So panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God; When shall I come and appear before God” (Psalm 42:1-2)? Job cried, “Oh that I knew where I might find him! That I might come even to his seat” (Job 23:3)!
Second, the True Worshiper Feels Profound Gratitude for the Wonderful Grace of God. He seeks every opportunity to acknowledge his dependence upon God and his awareness that without God’s blessings, he could not live. “O praise Jehovah, all ye nations; Laud him, all ye peoples. For his lovingkindness is great toward us” (Psalm 117:1-2). “What shall I render unto Jehovah for all his benefits toward me” (116:12)? “I will pay my vows before them that fear him” (22:25). “Praise ye Jehovah. O give thanks unto Jehovah; for he is good; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever” (106:1).
Third, the True Worshiper Feels Reverence in and Worships God from the Heart. It is genuine: the emotions are involved. "These things I remember [what God has done for me and that my soul pants after God, CAC], and pour out my soul within me” (Psalm 42:4). “Glory ye in his holy name; Let the heart of them rejoice that seek Jehovah” (1 Chronicles 16:10). “Him shall ye fear [reverence, CACj, and unto him shall ye bow yourselves, and to him shall ye sacrifice” (2 Kings 17:36). “I will give thee thanks with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praises unto thee” (Psalm 138:1). The worshiper is not passive in his worship, awaiting some entertainment or mystical uplift to result from the “performance” of the song leader, the preacher, and others. We actively lift up praise and adoration to God within His prescribed way out of a heart filled with reverence, gratitude, confession, praise, and supplication.
Fourth, the True Worshiper Realizes that God Is Close at Hand. Unlike many who think that God is so remote that He cannot see, know, or be concerned with our needs, thoughts, prayers, and joys, men need to realize that “. . . they should seek God, if haply they might feel after him, and find him [through His Word, of course, CAC], though he is not far from each one of us” (Acts 17:27). With the Israelites, God’s glory filled the tabernacle (Exodus 40:33-38), from whence He spoke to the people (Leviticus 1:1). Here we see the marvel of His condescension; He would later dwell among the people when the Word would tabernacle in the flesh (John 1:1-3, 14) and when He would dwell in His holy temple, the church (1 Corinthians 3:16-17). He is with His people in the worship (Matthew 26:28-29; 1 Corinthians 10:16-21; 11:23ff). The righteous people of the Old Testament walked with God, building a close relationship with Him (not the type of “buddy-buddy,” “daddy” relationship as some shallow, flippant souls would aver today). Study the faith and reverence demonstrated in the worship of Abraham, Moses, David, and others. Enoch walked with God: David was a man after God’s own heart; Daniel was greatly beloved.
—Curtis A. Cates
First, the True Worshiper Feels the Desire To Worship. “Both young men, and virgins; Old men, and children: Let them praise the name of Jehovah; For his name alone is exalted; His glory is above the earth and the heavens” (Psalm 148:12-13). “These things I remember, and pour out my soul within me, how I went with the throng, and led them to the house of God, With the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude keeping holyday” (Psalm 42:4). David exclaimed, “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go unto the house of Jehovah” (Psalm 122:1). Man needs to realize his need for His maker and thirst for Him. “As the heart panteth after the water brooks, So panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God; When shall I come and appear before God” (Psalm 42:1-2)? Job cried, “Oh that I knew where I might find him! That I might come even to his seat” (Job 23:3)!
Second, the True Worshiper Feels Profound Gratitude for the Wonderful Grace of God. He seeks every opportunity to acknowledge his dependence upon God and his awareness that without God’s blessings, he could not live. “O praise Jehovah, all ye nations; Laud him, all ye peoples. For his lovingkindness is great toward us” (Psalm 117:1-2). “What shall I render unto Jehovah for all his benefits toward me” (116:12)? “I will pay my vows before them that fear him” (22:25). “Praise ye Jehovah. O give thanks unto Jehovah; for he is good; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever” (106:1).
Third, the True Worshiper Feels Reverence in and Worships God from the Heart. It is genuine: the emotions are involved. "These things I remember [what God has done for me and that my soul pants after God, CAC], and pour out my soul within me” (Psalm 42:4). “Glory ye in his holy name; Let the heart of them rejoice that seek Jehovah” (1 Chronicles 16:10). “Him shall ye fear [reverence, CACj, and unto him shall ye bow yourselves, and to him shall ye sacrifice” (2 Kings 17:36). “I will give thee thanks with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praises unto thee” (Psalm 138:1). The worshiper is not passive in his worship, awaiting some entertainment or mystical uplift to result from the “performance” of the song leader, the preacher, and others. We actively lift up praise and adoration to God within His prescribed way out of a heart filled with reverence, gratitude, confession, praise, and supplication.
Fourth, the True Worshiper Realizes that God Is Close at Hand. Unlike many who think that God is so remote that He cannot see, know, or be concerned with our needs, thoughts, prayers, and joys, men need to realize that “. . . they should seek God, if haply they might feel after him, and find him [through His Word, of course, CAC], though he is not far from each one of us” (Acts 17:27). With the Israelites, God’s glory filled the tabernacle (Exodus 40:33-38), from whence He spoke to the people (Leviticus 1:1). Here we see the marvel of His condescension; He would later dwell among the people when the Word would tabernacle in the flesh (John 1:1-3, 14) and when He would dwell in His holy temple, the church (1 Corinthians 3:16-17). He is with His people in the worship (Matthew 26:28-29; 1 Corinthians 10:16-21; 11:23ff). The righteous people of the Old Testament walked with God, building a close relationship with Him (not the type of “buddy-buddy,” “daddy” relationship as some shallow, flippant souls would aver today). Study the faith and reverence demonstrated in the worship of Abraham, Moses, David, and others. Enoch walked with God: David was a man after God’s own heart; Daniel was greatly beloved.
—Curtis A. Cates
Thursday, May 24, 2007
How Many Times Shall I Forgive?
A psychologist wrote once, that Christians, he felt, were very much like porcupines on a cold winter's night. The cold drives them to huddle together to keep warm, but as soon as they get close to another they start jabbing each other with their spines and that forces them to move apart; thus they are forever coming together and moving apart in a kind of slow dance.
Sadly, there may be some truth to that observation
Matthew 18:21-35
21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?"
22 Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
23 "Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.
24 As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. 25 Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.
26 "The servant fell on his knees before him. `Be patient with me,' he begged, `and I will pay back everything.'
27 The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
28 "But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him. `Pay back what you owe me!' he demanded.
29 "His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, `Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.'
30 "But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt.
31 When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened.
32 "Then the master called the servant in. `You wicked servant,' he said, `I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to.
33 Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?'
34 In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.
35 "This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart." (NIV)
Sadly, there may be some truth to that observation
Matthew 18:21-35
21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?"
22 Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
23 "Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.
24 As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. 25 Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.
26 "The servant fell on his knees before him. `Be patient with me,' he begged, `and I will pay back everything.'
27 The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
28 "But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him. `Pay back what you owe me!' he demanded.
29 "His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, `Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.'
30 "But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt.
31 When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened.
32 "Then the master called the servant in. `You wicked servant,' he said, `I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to.
33 Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?'
34 In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.
35 "This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart." (NIV)
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
It's All About You
Tomorrow concludes another school year in Osage City. My teachers and staff members will now prepare for a new year as we look ahead at the 2007-08 school year in August.
At Kindergarten Promotion on Tuesday, my Elementary Principal introduced the class as the graduating class of 2019. Wow! Had to think about that one. Where will I be in 2019? What will I be doing in 2019?
Then I thought not me, but where will God have me in his great plan? What will I be doing for the Lord? Will I be serving him in Topeka or some other location?
I needed to be reminded it’s not about me, it needs to be all about Him!
Jesus Lover of My Soul (It’s All About You)
Passion
It's all about You, Jesus
And all this is for You
For Your glory and your fame
It's not about me
As if You should do things my way
You alone are God
And I surrender to your ways
Jesus, lover of my soul
All consuming fire is in Your gaze
Jesus, I want you to know
I will follow you all my days
For no one else in history is like you
And history itself belongs to you
Alpha and Omega,
You have loved me
And I will share eternity with You
At Kindergarten Promotion on Tuesday, my Elementary Principal introduced the class as the graduating class of 2019. Wow! Had to think about that one. Where will I be in 2019? What will I be doing in 2019?
Then I thought not me, but where will God have me in his great plan? What will I be doing for the Lord? Will I be serving him in Topeka or some other location?
I needed to be reminded it’s not about me, it needs to be all about Him!
Jesus Lover of My Soul (It’s All About You)
Passion
It's all about You, Jesus
And all this is for You
For Your glory and your fame
It's not about me
As if You should do things my way
You alone are God
And I surrender to your ways
Jesus, lover of my soul
All consuming fire is in Your gaze
Jesus, I want you to know
I will follow you all my days
For no one else in history is like you
And history itself belongs to you
Alpha and Omega,
You have loved me
And I will share eternity with You
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
The Prayer
"The Prayer"
I pray you'll be our eyes,
and watch us where we go.
And help us to be wise
in times when we don't know
Let this be our prayer,
when we lose our way
Lead us to the place,
guide us with your grace
To a place where we'll be safe.
I pray you'll be our eyes,
and watch us where we go.
And help us to be wise
in times when we don't know
Let this be our prayer,
when we lose our way
Lead us to the place,
guide us with your grace
To a place where we'll be safe.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Craig Graduation 2007
On Sunday, May 20, I had the the honor as the Superintendent of Schools in Osage City and as a Father to give a high school diploma to Craig Sterling Carriger.
I did OK throughout the entire ceremony. Watching him walk down the aisle. Hearing him sing in the OCHS Chorus for the last time. Even the solo he sang. The standing ovation he got from his class. I was still doing OK. Then, when he walked to the stage so I could present his diploma he grabbed me for the hug, that was too much.
My heart broke with memories of the 18 years that God has given me watching Craig grow as a child into a young adult.
His dreams will take him far away from the small community in the Flint Hills to a fast paced city that never sleeps.
A part of me will go with him as he studies and builds his own faith and life in the Big Apple!
Craig, thank you for your love, your ability to bring joy to peoples lives and so many great memories that you gave your mother and I.
We love you and ask that you keep God number 1 in your life!
Love,
Dad
Thursday, May 17, 2007
I Surrender All
The song I Surrender All was written in 1896 by Judson Van de Venter when he was conducting a meeting at East Palestine, Ohio, in the home of George Sebring (founder of the Sebring Campmeeting Bible Conference in Sebring, Ohio, and later developer of the town of Sebring, Florida). For some time, he had struggled between developing his talents in the field of art and going into full-time evangelistic work. At last the pivotal hour of his life came, and he surrendered all. A new day was ushered into his life. He became an evangelist and discovered down deep in his soul a special song God blessed him with.
This song is still a very special hymn for many.
One that needs to be sung many times reminding us to surrender all the problems of this life to the one who loves us the most!
All to Jesus, I surrender;
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.
Refrain
I surrender all,
I surrender all,
All to Thee, my blessèd Savior,
I surrender all.
All to Jesus I surrender;
Humbly at His feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures all forsaken;
Take me, Jesus, take me now.
Refrain
All to Jesus, I surrender;
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel the Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine.
Refrain
All to Jesus, I surrender;
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power;
Let Thy blessing fall on me.
Refrain
All to Jesus I surrender;
Now I feel the sacred flame.
O the joy of full salvation!
Glory, glory, to His Name!
Refrain
This song is still a very special hymn for many.
One that needs to be sung many times reminding us to surrender all the problems of this life to the one who loves us the most!
All to Jesus, I surrender;
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.
Refrain
I surrender all,
I surrender all,
All to Thee, my blessèd Savior,
I surrender all.
All to Jesus I surrender;
Humbly at His feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures all forsaken;
Take me, Jesus, take me now.
Refrain
All to Jesus, I surrender;
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel the Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine.
Refrain
All to Jesus, I surrender;
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power;
Let Thy blessing fall on me.
Refrain
All to Jesus I surrender;
Now I feel the sacred flame.
O the joy of full salvation!
Glory, glory, to His Name!
Refrain
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
How Do You Treat Others?
A lady in a faded gingham dress and her husband, dressed in a homespun threadbare suit, stepped off the train in Boston , and walked timidly without an appointment into the Harvard University President's outer office. The secretary could tell in a moment that such backwoods, country hicks had no business at Harvard and probably didn't even deserve to be in Cambridge . "We'd like to see the president," the man said softly. "He'll be busy all day," the secretary snapped."We'll wait," the lady replied. For hours the secretary ignored them, hoping that the couple would finally become discouraged and go away. They didn't, and the secretary grew frustrated and finally decided to disturb the president, even though it was a chore she always regretted. "Maybe if you see them for a few minutes, they'll leave," she said to him! He sighed in exasperation and nodded. Someone of his importance obviously didn't have the time to spend with them, and he detested gingham dresses and homespun suits cluttering up his outer office. The president, stern faced and with dignity, strutted toward the couple. The lady told him, "We had a son who attended Harvard for one year. He loved Harvard. He was happy here. But about a year ago, he was accidentally killed. My husband and I would like to erect a memorial to him, somewhere on campus." The president wasn't touched. He was shocked. "Madam," he said, gruffly, "we can't put up a statue for every person who attended Harvard and died.. If we did, this place would look like a cemetery." "Oh, no," the lady explained quickly. "We don't want to erect a statue. We thought we would like to give a building to Harvard." The president rolled his eyes. He glanced at the gingham dress and homespun suit, and then exclaimed, "A building! Do you have any earthly idea how much a building costs? We have over seven and a half million dollars in the physical buildings here at Harvard." For a moment the lady was silent.The president was pleased. Maybe he could get rid of them now.The lady turned to her husband and said quietly, "Is that all it costs to start a university? Why don't we just start our own?" Her husband nodded. The president's face wilted in confusion and bewilderment. Mr. and Mrs. Leland Stanford got up and walked away, traveling to Palo Alto, California where they established the university that bears their name, Stanford University, a memorial to a son that Harvard no longer cared about. You can easily judge the character of others by how they treat those who they think can do nothing for them.
by Malcolm Forbes
by Malcolm Forbes
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Kansas Tornado Update
Kansas Tornado Destroys Homes of 11 Church Families
Date: Monday, May 07 @ 16:56:24 EDT
Erik TryggestadThe Christian Chronicle
Eleven families who attend the Mullinville, Kan., church lost their homes when a tornado demolished the nearby town of Greensburg, claiming 10 lives.The Friday night storm, more than a mile wide, tore the carpet from floors and destroyed about 95 percent of the buildings in the southern Kansas town of about 1,500 people, said Mullinville church member Sandy Mosshart, who is coordinating her congregation’s response. Most of the church members in Greensburg rode out the storm in their basements or shelters. One of the church’s deacons donned a motorcycle helmet and gave his wife a construction hardhat as the storm moved overhead, Mosshart said.Though no members were injured, the families emerged after the storm to find their homes reduced to concrete slabs. “It just cleaned off their homes,” Mullinville minister Russell Scott said.Only one of the members’ homes was left mostly intact by the storm — a mobile home, oddly enough, Mosshart said. As disaster workers sifted through the rubble Monday, displaced church members stayed in the homes of relatives or fellow members in Mullinville, about 10 miles west of Greensburg. Several church-supported relief agencies are sending assistance.Workers with Nashville, Tenn.-based Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort delivered water and food to the area late Saturday, executive director Joe Dudney said. A tractor-trailer truck of cleaning supplies, blankets and other necessities is due to arrive at the Mullinville church Tuesday, with additional trucks of supplies, including generators, to follow, Dudney said.The Churches of Christ Disaster Response Team is sending a mobile kitchen to feed displaced Greensburg residents and relief workers. The 30-foot kitchen, capable of feeding 5,000 people per day, should arrive in Greensburg later this week, said Laura Cremeans, a coordinator of the West Melbourne, Fla.-based ministry. The ministry also is sending supply trailers filled with tools and new clothing, Cremeans said.“The response has just been astronomical,” Mosshart said. Though the ministries are helping the church members and other Greensburg residents with their immediate needs, “we’ll need help from the brotherhood to rebuild,” she said.
Donations to rebuild homes destroyed by May 4 tornado may be sent to: Mullinville Church of Christ, P.O. Box 184, Mullinville, KS 67109-0184.
Date: Monday, May 07 @ 16:56:24 EDT
Erik TryggestadThe Christian Chronicle
Eleven families who attend the Mullinville, Kan., church lost their homes when a tornado demolished the nearby town of Greensburg, claiming 10 lives.The Friday night storm, more than a mile wide, tore the carpet from floors and destroyed about 95 percent of the buildings in the southern Kansas town of about 1,500 people, said Mullinville church member Sandy Mosshart, who is coordinating her congregation’s response. Most of the church members in Greensburg rode out the storm in their basements or shelters. One of the church’s deacons donned a motorcycle helmet and gave his wife a construction hardhat as the storm moved overhead, Mosshart said.Though no members were injured, the families emerged after the storm to find their homes reduced to concrete slabs. “It just cleaned off their homes,” Mullinville minister Russell Scott said.Only one of the members’ homes was left mostly intact by the storm — a mobile home, oddly enough, Mosshart said. As disaster workers sifted through the rubble Monday, displaced church members stayed in the homes of relatives or fellow members in Mullinville, about 10 miles west of Greensburg. Several church-supported relief agencies are sending assistance.Workers with Nashville, Tenn.-based Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort delivered water and food to the area late Saturday, executive director Joe Dudney said. A tractor-trailer truck of cleaning supplies, blankets and other necessities is due to arrive at the Mullinville church Tuesday, with additional trucks of supplies, including generators, to follow, Dudney said.The Churches of Christ Disaster Response Team is sending a mobile kitchen to feed displaced Greensburg residents and relief workers. The 30-foot kitchen, capable of feeding 5,000 people per day, should arrive in Greensburg later this week, said Laura Cremeans, a coordinator of the West Melbourne, Fla.-based ministry. The ministry also is sending supply trailers filled with tools and new clothing, Cremeans said.“The response has just been astronomical,” Mosshart said. Though the ministries are helping the church members and other Greensburg residents with their immediate needs, “we’ll need help from the brotherhood to rebuild,” she said.
Donations to rebuild homes destroyed by May 4 tornado may be sent to: Mullinville Church of Christ, P.O. Box 184, Mullinville, KS 67109-0184.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Young Professional Class Study
We begin a new series on Sunday asking the big question.....Why?
Many times we question God's actions in our lives. This coming Sunday we will ask the question, Why don't I always feel God? Has he left us? Did I leave Him?
Make this a week of service to others. Look for ways to reach out to those hurting and in need.
Knowing the Father's Presence by Jim Clark
Some mornings I wake up not feeling very close to God. It was one of those mornings earlier this week. I read some Scripture and prayed a bit before hopping in the shower. But as I said goodbye to my wife, I admitted that I didn’t feel much intimacy with Christ. There were no major problems at home or work. My ministry was going well. Jesus was Lord of my life. And yet there was this spiritual dryness that made me long for another drink of the living water of Jesus. How could I sense that closeness to Him once more?
That morning I wrote in my diary:
I long for that Father/son relationship with You, Lord, where I know You are there for me. Where I weep when reading the story of the cross, knowing that my Savior died for me. But today I feel so dry and distant from You. Please show me the way. I read of one believer who said that when he struggles he’s learning to run to You, not away from You. I want to do the same. I’m running to You, Jesus, because I desperately need You. Please reveal Yourself to me in a powerful way and give me faith to trust You even when I don’t feel You near me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Our standing before God depends entirely upon His mercy. Later in the week I read these encouraging word from Michael Horton about the work of the Holy Spirit: “So much of contemporary spirituality and piety is focused on self. ‘How am I doing spiritually’ ‘How is my walk?’ ‘Am I living in victory?’ Reformation spirituality lifted people out of a purely introspective, inward-looking piety and directed them outside of themselves to Christ and the cross, from which vista they could now look out across the needy world.“ (In the Face of God, Word Publishing, 1996)
What a great reminder to continually come back to the cross and know that my salvation is not based on my feelings, how much I surrender, or how “spiritual” I may be that day. Our standing before God depends entirely upon His mercy displayed to us through the shed blood of Jesus. As we rest in that forgiveness by faith, the Holy Spirit frees us to love God and love others with vigor and joy. As God promises us in Romans 8:
Absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.
Not even a bad mood.
"Knowing the Father's Presence"
Author: Jim Clark
Publication Date: April 7, 2002
Many times we question God's actions in our lives. This coming Sunday we will ask the question, Why don't I always feel God? Has he left us? Did I leave Him?
Make this a week of service to others. Look for ways to reach out to those hurting and in need.
Knowing the Father's Presence by Jim Clark
Some mornings I wake up not feeling very close to God. It was one of those mornings earlier this week. I read some Scripture and prayed a bit before hopping in the shower. But as I said goodbye to my wife, I admitted that I didn’t feel much intimacy with Christ. There were no major problems at home or work. My ministry was going well. Jesus was Lord of my life. And yet there was this spiritual dryness that made me long for another drink of the living water of Jesus. How could I sense that closeness to Him once more?
That morning I wrote in my diary:
I long for that Father/son relationship with You, Lord, where I know You are there for me. Where I weep when reading the story of the cross, knowing that my Savior died for me. But today I feel so dry and distant from You. Please show me the way. I read of one believer who said that when he struggles he’s learning to run to You, not away from You. I want to do the same. I’m running to You, Jesus, because I desperately need You. Please reveal Yourself to me in a powerful way and give me faith to trust You even when I don’t feel You near me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Our standing before God depends entirely upon His mercy. Later in the week I read these encouraging word from Michael Horton about the work of the Holy Spirit: “So much of contemporary spirituality and piety is focused on self. ‘How am I doing spiritually’ ‘How is my walk?’ ‘Am I living in victory?’ Reformation spirituality lifted people out of a purely introspective, inward-looking piety and directed them outside of themselves to Christ and the cross, from which vista they could now look out across the needy world.“ (In the Face of God, Word Publishing, 1996)
What a great reminder to continually come back to the cross and know that my salvation is not based on my feelings, how much I surrender, or how “spiritual” I may be that day. Our standing before God depends entirely upon His mercy displayed to us through the shed blood of Jesus. As we rest in that forgiveness by faith, the Holy Spirit frees us to love God and love others with vigor and joy. As God promises us in Romans 8:
Absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.
Not even a bad mood.
"Knowing the Father's Presence"
Author: Jim Clark
Publication Date: April 7, 2002
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Order of Worship
Order of Worship
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Worship Leader: Craig Carriger
Welcome
I Will Worship
Jesus You’re My Firm Foundation
Prayer
376 He Paid a Debt
377 He Still Came
Communion
Contribution
Holy Lord
Light the Fire
Message (Evan Burdan)
Invitation: 768 Jesus, Let Us Come to Know You
Announcements
446 Here, O Israel
Closing Prayer
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Worship Leader: Craig Carriger
Welcome
I Will Worship
Jesus You’re My Firm Foundation
Prayer
376 He Paid a Debt
377 He Still Came
Communion
Contribution
Holy Lord
Light the Fire
Message (Evan Burdan)
Invitation: 768 Jesus, Let Us Come to Know You
Announcements
446 Here, O Israel
Closing Prayer
Friday, May 11, 2007
The Power of Music in Worship
People are influenced by music because it has the power to transport them into God's presence. It can awaken them to dimensions beyond their ordinary experience and kindle in them a love for God's majesty, power, and splendor. Though this can also happen in prayer, Scripture reading, or a sermon, for most people it happens in music. It leads us into sacred space, sacred time.
According to George Herbert, England's greatest devotional poet and an accomplished musician, church music is "the way to heaven's door." Contemporary composers, worship leaders, and theologians make similar points. "Worship thrives on wonder," explains Matt Redman, who, with his wife Beth, authored the popular contemporary hymn "Blessed Be Your Name".
We can admire, appreciate, and perhaps even adore someone without a sense of wonder. But we cannot worship without wonder. For worship to be worship, it must contain something of the otherness of God. . . . [God] is altogether glorious–unequalled in splendor and unrivalled in power. He is beyond the grasp of human reason–far above the reach of even the loftiest scientific mind. Inexhaustible, immeasurable and unfathomable–eternal, immortal and invisible.
by Darryl Tippens,Chapter 12 excerpted from Pilgrim Heart: The Way of Jesus in Everyday Life
According to George Herbert, England's greatest devotional poet and an accomplished musician, church music is "the way to heaven's door." Contemporary composers, worship leaders, and theologians make similar points. "Worship thrives on wonder," explains Matt Redman, who, with his wife Beth, authored the popular contemporary hymn "Blessed Be Your Name".
We can admire, appreciate, and perhaps even adore someone without a sense of wonder. But we cannot worship without wonder. For worship to be worship, it must contain something of the otherness of God. . . . [God] is altogether glorious–unequalled in splendor and unrivalled in power. He is beyond the grasp of human reason–far above the reach of even the loftiest scientific mind. Inexhaustible, immeasurable and unfathomable–eternal, immortal and invisible.
by Darryl Tippens,Chapter 12 excerpted from Pilgrim Heart: The Way of Jesus in Everyday Life
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
BBQ
I have a confession to make. I'm an amateur smoker. That is BBQ smoker and connoisseur. I love to smoke meat and have the family over for our summer celebrations and get togethers. My pulled pork is pretty good.
I love to find great BBQ wherever Debbie and I travel to play golf.
Summer is almost here, so here are my top BBQ places throughout the Mid-West:
Central's own Lon Weaver-Henry's BBQ (Topeka) best turkey and cheesy potatoes.
Arthur Bryant's (Kansas City), best beef sandwich anywhere.
Arthur Bryant's (Kansas City), best beef sandwich anywhere.
Bubba's BBQ (Eureka Springs, Arkansas), best ribs in the world!
Buffalo Bob's (Lawrence, Kansas), good St. Louis style ribs.
Brothers BBQ (Denver, Colorado), great ribs.
Corky's (Memphis), great dry pork.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Disaster Relief for Kansas
Kansas weather in the spring is often unpredictable . . . and we've once again witnessed the disasters that can occur from acts of nature here in Kansas. Our hearts and prayers go out to the students, families and the entire community of Greensburg as they work toward rebuilding their town and to the families around the state who have been displaced by flooding or other related events the past few days.
We have contacted the local Red Cross office in Topeka and were told the best thing anyone can do is to make monetary donations for assistance to those affected by the tornado in Greensburg or the flooding in Northeast Kansas or other related natural disasters. Checks should be made payable to the American Red Cross. Designate the recipient (i.e., Greensburg tornado, Northeast Kansas flood victims, etc.) and mail checks to:
American Red Cross
1221 SW 17thTopeka, KS 66604
The local red cross will make sure the money gets to the appropriate place.
The following note was taken from the Greensburg School District website (http://www.usd422.org/):
The administration of Greensburg High School would like to send the message of hope and perseverance. In the spirit of not dropping our heads and letting this tragedy get us down, GHS would like to encourage the Ranger student athletes to continue to compete in their respective sports. We would also like to relay to seniors that we will hold a graduation ceremony. Details about graduation will be posted as soon as we get everything arranged.
Due to the fact that everyone is scattered, we will attempt to keep as many people up to date right here on usd422.org.
UPDATE
FROM THE INFORMATION WE'VE RECEIVED SO FAR, THERE ARE AT LEAST 10 FAMILES THAT ARE MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH THAT LOST THEIR HOMES IN THE TORNADO FRIDAY NIGHT THAT STRUCK GREENSBURG. WE ARE SENDING TEAMS TO THE AREA AND WILL KEEP YOU UPDATED. PLEASE CONTINUE TO KEEP THOSE AFFECTED AS WELL AS THOSE MINISTERING TO THEM IN YOUR PRAYERS.
FUNDING IS ALSO NEEDED FOR THIS DISASTER. IF IT IS IN YOUR HEART TO HELP IN THIS WAY, YOU MAY DO SO ONLINE OR BY POSTAL MAIL TO: CHURCHES OF CHRIST DISASTER RESPONSE TEAMC/O MELBOURNE CHURCH OF CHRIST810 HOLLYWOOD BLVD.WEST MELBOURNE, FLORIDA 32904
We have contacted the local Red Cross office in Topeka and were told the best thing anyone can do is to make monetary donations for assistance to those affected by the tornado in Greensburg or the flooding in Northeast Kansas or other related natural disasters. Checks should be made payable to the American Red Cross. Designate the recipient (i.e., Greensburg tornado, Northeast Kansas flood victims, etc.) and mail checks to:
American Red Cross
1221 SW 17thTopeka, KS 66604
The local red cross will make sure the money gets to the appropriate place.
The following note was taken from the Greensburg School District website (http://www.usd422.org/):
The administration of Greensburg High School would like to send the message of hope and perseverance. In the spirit of not dropping our heads and letting this tragedy get us down, GHS would like to encourage the Ranger student athletes to continue to compete in their respective sports. We would also like to relay to seniors that we will hold a graduation ceremony. Details about graduation will be posted as soon as we get everything arranged.
Due to the fact that everyone is scattered, we will attempt to keep as many people up to date right here on usd422.org.
UPDATE
FROM THE INFORMATION WE'VE RECEIVED SO FAR, THERE ARE AT LEAST 10 FAMILES THAT ARE MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH THAT LOST THEIR HOMES IN THE TORNADO FRIDAY NIGHT THAT STRUCK GREENSBURG. WE ARE SENDING TEAMS TO THE AREA AND WILL KEEP YOU UPDATED. PLEASE CONTINUE TO KEEP THOSE AFFECTED AS WELL AS THOSE MINISTERING TO THEM IN YOUR PRAYERS.
FUNDING IS ALSO NEEDED FOR THIS DISASTER. IF IT IS IN YOUR HEART TO HELP IN THIS WAY, YOU MAY DO SO ONLINE OR BY POSTAL MAIL TO: CHURCHES OF CHRIST DISASTER RESPONSE TEAMC/O MELBOURNE CHURCH OF CHRIST810 HOLLYWOOD BLVD.WEST MELBOURNE, FLORIDA 32904
Monday, May 07, 2007
Elders Meeting Minutes (May 2)
Central Church of Christ Elders Meeting Minutes, May 2, 2007
Opening Prayer-Roger Hamm Scripture-I John 5:13
We interviewed Josh Yoho for our summer intern for guys position. Josh agreed to serve and will coordinate many activities with LeAnn Valerius. He will have routine devos with the guys on a night to be determined best for all. He will be under contract from May 29 until Aug. 5 (same as LeAnn). We had much discussion of expectations and accountability and are optimistic Josh will be a huge help to our Youth Program.
Scott Smith reported at our request on continuing communication with Twig McBroom from the Park Plaza congregation in Tulsa. Twig comes highly recommended and we plan to invite him to come at his earliest convenience.
We continue to try to meet with Brad and Kelly McPhail about their membership interest. Their work schedules pose problems, but we will get this done in the next few days.
Some discussion followed about the upcoming visit to the States of Max and Prisca Dauner from France.
Steven McClelland will be in town this summer and wants to speak on Sunday nights that might be available. We told Carl to check our schedule and then contact Steven and get him on the schedule.
Doug Goslin tells us help is needed at the Women's Prison ministry helping Richard McClelland from Northside. Jerry will contact Richard and get specific information about who, what and when. More info will be coming, but interested members should be thinking about this important work.
Roundtable items were addressed and closing prayer was led by Bill Carriger at 10:00.
Respectfully submitted,
Jerry Myers 5/2/07
Opening Prayer-Roger Hamm Scripture-I John 5:13
We interviewed Josh Yoho for our summer intern for guys position. Josh agreed to serve and will coordinate many activities with LeAnn Valerius. He will have routine devos with the guys on a night to be determined best for all. He will be under contract from May 29 until Aug. 5 (same as LeAnn). We had much discussion of expectations and accountability and are optimistic Josh will be a huge help to our Youth Program.
Scott Smith reported at our request on continuing communication with Twig McBroom from the Park Plaza congregation in Tulsa. Twig comes highly recommended and we plan to invite him to come at his earliest convenience.
We continue to try to meet with Brad and Kelly McPhail about their membership interest. Their work schedules pose problems, but we will get this done in the next few days.
Some discussion followed about the upcoming visit to the States of Max and Prisca Dauner from France.
Steven McClelland will be in town this summer and wants to speak on Sunday nights that might be available. We told Carl to check our schedule and then contact Steven and get him on the schedule.
Doug Goslin tells us help is needed at the Women's Prison ministry helping Richard McClelland from Northside. Jerry will contact Richard and get specific information about who, what and when. More info will be coming, but interested members should be thinking about this important work.
Roundtable items were addressed and closing prayer was led by Bill Carriger at 10:00.
Respectfully submitted,
Jerry Myers 5/2/07
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Order of Worship
Order of Worship
Sunday, May 6, 2007
Welcome:
144 O Worship the King
153 Come, Let Us Worship and Bow Down
66 Doxology
96 I Stand in Awe
Prayer:
364 Come Share the Lord
Lords Supper
Contribution
Dismiss 2x2
452 Standing on the Promises (Verse 1 and 2)
453 Love Lifted Me (Verse 1 and 2)
Message Evan Burdan
Invitation 567 Restore My Soul
Announcements
Closing Prayer
611 Heavenly Sunlight (Verse 1 Only)
Sunday, May 6, 2007
Welcome:
144 O Worship the King
153 Come, Let Us Worship and Bow Down
66 Doxology
96 I Stand in Awe
Prayer:
364 Come Share the Lord
Lords Supper
Contribution
Dismiss 2x2
452 Standing on the Promises (Verse 1 and 2)
453 Love Lifted Me (Verse 1 and 2)
Message Evan Burdan
Invitation 567 Restore My Soul
Announcements
Closing Prayer
611 Heavenly Sunlight (Verse 1 Only)
Friday, May 04, 2007
Hands
Ever think about how Jesus blessed people by touching them. The hands are important instruments in our daily ministry with people.
Jesus used his hands and touched the poor, the needy, the sick, even the dead.
When we touch a person it shows our compassion and love for people. A simple touch means so much to hurting people.
Try using that simple touch this week as you minister to those around you.
A hand shake, a hug, holding a baby, holding a friend you needs encouragement.
Last week, a hug that I gave to encourage and tell the person I was really concerned gave me more encouragement than what I probably gave to them.
A caring Church is a Church that touches peoples lives.
Jesus used his hands and touched the poor, the needy, the sick, even the dead.
When we touch a person it shows our compassion and love for people. A simple touch means so much to hurting people.
Try using that simple touch this week as you minister to those around you.
A hand shake, a hug, holding a baby, holding a friend you needs encouragement.
Last week, a hug that I gave to encourage and tell the person I was really concerned gave me more encouragement than what I probably gave to them.
A caring Church is a Church that touches peoples lives.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Clapping in Worship
I have appreciated the spirit of love and unity that continues to flow from the Central Family. We each have our personal preferences and beliefs (new songs/old songs) but appreciate each others differences. The following article discusses clapping in worship. I appreciate the love that is displayed at Central for those that wish to clap and those that don't desire to clap.
Churchgoers Disagree On Clapping in Worship
By ANITA WADHWANI
Staff Writer. Published: 03/31/07
In the larger scheme of the “worship wars,” it may be but a minor skirmish.But among many churchgoers, clapping — as in applause, putting one’s hands together in an audible display of appreciation — elicits opinions as passionate as those on the idea of replacing traditional hymns with Christian rock or wearing flip-flops and shorts to church.“Clapping isn’t reverent, and we’re told by the Bible to worship with reverent awe,” said Cindy House, 49.She’s a resolute non-hand-clapper during worship services at Tulip Grove Baptist Church in Old Hickory, where the pastor — an occasional church clapper — last month wrote an article in the church newsletter giving a biblical justification for applause in church.It didn’t sway House. “Clapping is something we do at sporting events or for political speeches or concerts,” she said. Clapping in church, she said, is “irritating. It often times ruins it for me.”It’s one small chapter in the ongoing saga of the so-called worship wars, a struggle over the best way to praise God that has generally divided churchgoers into two camps. Traditionalists view some of the more modern trappings — such as guitars and drums, casual dress, and a more relaxed church atmosphere — as inappropriate, secular, even sacrilegious. Clapping, they say, is one more sign of the secular entertainment world creeping into churches.Those interested in more contemporary worship styles say there are many ways to praise God and the younger generation find some more appealing. Clapping, if it’s a genuine expression of worship, is a fine way to praise God, they say.Ken Clayton is the pastor of Tulip Grove Baptist Church who wrote the newsletter article. He said applause is a fine way to worship — when it’s a genuine expression of faith, rather than a response to the performance quality of a singer or choir.“Some of the same people who would praise and clap at concerts and games would come to church and sit on their hands,” he said. “But it’s a natural thing to clap. I think we’ve allowed the world to take over a natural thing.”Clayton cited several Scriptural passages to support applause as appropriate during worship.• There’s Psalm 98:8, “Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills sing together for the joy at the presence of the Lord, for he is coming.” • And this one: Isaiah 55:12: “For you shall go out in joy and be led back in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall burst into song, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.”“I think some people are worried that if you do that, the next step is you’re speaking in tongues or standing up and dancing in the pews,” Clayton said.In some denominations, applause is rare or non-existent. In Catholic or Episcopal churches, for example, applause is infrequent, generally reserved for announcements or accomplishments at the end of a service. In Churches of Christ, which, as a rule, don’t have musical instruments of any kind during church services, it’s also rare. In Southern Baptist churches — the largest denomination in Tennessee — “you hear it in places where you never heard it before,” said Paul Clark, a worship specialist with the Tennessee Baptist Convention. “It would have been almost unheard of twenty or thirty years ago.”At Victory Baptist Church in Mt. Juliet, in the midst of a particularly uplifting hymn, Glenda Burch, 46, said she was moved to spontaneous applause.“I clapped and several other people started clapping, too,” she said. “The music was beautiful. But no one else did.” Feeling awkward, she laid her hands in her lap, as did the other clappers.“I grew up in Southern Baptist churches all my life,” Burch said. “When I was growing up, women were kind of hush, hush. Men would sometimes say amen but women wouldn’t speak out in church. I think times change and people should change too.”Several months ago, Burch approached her pastor to say she thought applause was okay in church. But her pastor, Chuck Groover, disagrees, and has said so from the pulpit.“Part of what we’re dealing with in the church at this time in history is that we’re trying to maintain our uniqueness in helping people understand there is a difference between worship and what we experience at the symphony hall,” Groover said. “Quite frankly, we’ve reached the point whenever anyone shares anything in a gathering, it’s as if we must respond with applause.“Look at how popular American Idol is and if you ever listen to any of those folks, people clap. And some of them probably don’t deserve a clap.”Harriet Moore, 85, didn’t want to identify her Methodist church by name, saying she didn’t want to offend. But she called the clapping and all the amens “just distracting.“I guess I feel like there should be more listening to the sermons and that sort of thing instead of bringing in all these extra sorts of things. It seems like there’s not much message, just 15 minutes. Then you’ve got this group singing and that group singing. They’re trying to be active all the time,” she said.“When I was a child, it wasn’t that way. You just sat and you listened.”
Churchgoers Disagree On Clapping in Worship
By ANITA WADHWANI
Staff Writer. Published: 03/31/07
In the larger scheme of the “worship wars,” it may be but a minor skirmish.But among many churchgoers, clapping — as in applause, putting one’s hands together in an audible display of appreciation — elicits opinions as passionate as those on the idea of replacing traditional hymns with Christian rock or wearing flip-flops and shorts to church.“Clapping isn’t reverent, and we’re told by the Bible to worship with reverent awe,” said Cindy House, 49.She’s a resolute non-hand-clapper during worship services at Tulip Grove Baptist Church in Old Hickory, where the pastor — an occasional church clapper — last month wrote an article in the church newsletter giving a biblical justification for applause in church.It didn’t sway House. “Clapping is something we do at sporting events or for political speeches or concerts,” she said. Clapping in church, she said, is “irritating. It often times ruins it for me.”It’s one small chapter in the ongoing saga of the so-called worship wars, a struggle over the best way to praise God that has generally divided churchgoers into two camps. Traditionalists view some of the more modern trappings — such as guitars and drums, casual dress, and a more relaxed church atmosphere — as inappropriate, secular, even sacrilegious. Clapping, they say, is one more sign of the secular entertainment world creeping into churches.Those interested in more contemporary worship styles say there are many ways to praise God and the younger generation find some more appealing. Clapping, if it’s a genuine expression of worship, is a fine way to praise God, they say.Ken Clayton is the pastor of Tulip Grove Baptist Church who wrote the newsletter article. He said applause is a fine way to worship — when it’s a genuine expression of faith, rather than a response to the performance quality of a singer or choir.“Some of the same people who would praise and clap at concerts and games would come to church and sit on their hands,” he said. “But it’s a natural thing to clap. I think we’ve allowed the world to take over a natural thing.”Clayton cited several Scriptural passages to support applause as appropriate during worship.• There’s Psalm 98:8, “Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills sing together for the joy at the presence of the Lord, for he is coming.” • And this one: Isaiah 55:12: “For you shall go out in joy and be led back in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall burst into song, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.”“I think some people are worried that if you do that, the next step is you’re speaking in tongues or standing up and dancing in the pews,” Clayton said.In some denominations, applause is rare or non-existent. In Catholic or Episcopal churches, for example, applause is infrequent, generally reserved for announcements or accomplishments at the end of a service. In Churches of Christ, which, as a rule, don’t have musical instruments of any kind during church services, it’s also rare. In Southern Baptist churches — the largest denomination in Tennessee — “you hear it in places where you never heard it before,” said Paul Clark, a worship specialist with the Tennessee Baptist Convention. “It would have been almost unheard of twenty or thirty years ago.”At Victory Baptist Church in Mt. Juliet, in the midst of a particularly uplifting hymn, Glenda Burch, 46, said she was moved to spontaneous applause.“I clapped and several other people started clapping, too,” she said. “The music was beautiful. But no one else did.” Feeling awkward, she laid her hands in her lap, as did the other clappers.“I grew up in Southern Baptist churches all my life,” Burch said. “When I was growing up, women were kind of hush, hush. Men would sometimes say amen but women wouldn’t speak out in church. I think times change and people should change too.”Several months ago, Burch approached her pastor to say she thought applause was okay in church. But her pastor, Chuck Groover, disagrees, and has said so from the pulpit.“Part of what we’re dealing with in the church at this time in history is that we’re trying to maintain our uniqueness in helping people understand there is a difference between worship and what we experience at the symphony hall,” Groover said. “Quite frankly, we’ve reached the point whenever anyone shares anything in a gathering, it’s as if we must respond with applause.“Look at how popular American Idol is and if you ever listen to any of those folks, people clap. And some of them probably don’t deserve a clap.”Harriet Moore, 85, didn’t want to identify her Methodist church by name, saying she didn’t want to offend. But she called the clapping and all the amens “just distracting.“I guess I feel like there should be more listening to the sermons and that sort of thing instead of bringing in all these extra sorts of things. It seems like there’s not much message, just 15 minutes. Then you’ve got this group singing and that group singing. They’re trying to be active all the time,” she said.“When I was a child, it wasn’t that way. You just sat and you listened.”
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Unity
The spirit of unity Sunday evening at Central was a true blessing. With the many area congregations that were present the love, fellowship and time of worship was a beautiful blessing to be a part of.
We are very fortunate at Central to have that unified spirit that is so adamantly spoken about in Ephesians 4.
Many Churches unfortunately fight and bicker over items that just are not important. Many times individuals say things and do things “in the heat of the battle” that split churches and destroy friendships. When it happens it takes sometimes years for the healing to occur.
So today, I am thankful that we have a loving and caring group of Saints that put up with the good and the bad in all our lives who encourage and build each other up and who praise our Heavenly Father for giving each one of us the hope of salvation that can only be found in Christ.
We are very fortunate at Central to have that unified spirit that is so adamantly spoken about in Ephesians 4.
Many Churches unfortunately fight and bicker over items that just are not important. Many times individuals say things and do things “in the heat of the battle” that split churches and destroy friendships. When it happens it takes sometimes years for the healing to occur.
So today, I am thankful that we have a loving and caring group of Saints that put up with the good and the bad in all our lives who encourage and build each other up and who praise our Heavenly Father for giving each one of us the hope of salvation that can only be found in Christ.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Reflections from a Virginia Tech Campus Minister
Here is an email that has been circulating the past week.
It is from Seth Terrell, a Campus Minister at Virginia Tech:
Hello everyone,We now know names of classmates, professors, and friends. Our tears now have been specific ones. Our hearts are still very heavy. Last night at church we all just had to take a deep breath and realize we will move on. Also last night, we rejoice that one of our students gave her life to Jesus and was baptized. She is such a wonderful person. This has definitely been a light in the midst of darkness. Apparently the shooter felt he was standing up for the oppressed and mistreated. As a minister here on campus that really hit me hard. Of course the first thought was 'Why couldn't God have led me to him to show him that Jesus' love is the only thing that can overcome oppression and mistreatment?' or 'God did you lead me to him and I just didn't take the oppurtunity to talk to him about you?' It is questions like these that twist my mind. We now need specific prayers to learn forgiveness. Let me also encourage everyone to realize that we can not 'fix' what has happened. We can only suffer and move on. So please just suffer with us all. As I told students, The sun came up today, we have a new sister in Christ and God's love never fails. Once again I thank you all.
--SETHV
It is from Seth Terrell, a Campus Minister at Virginia Tech:
Hello everyone,We now know names of classmates, professors, and friends. Our tears now have been specific ones. Our hearts are still very heavy. Last night at church we all just had to take a deep breath and realize we will move on. Also last night, we rejoice that one of our students gave her life to Jesus and was baptized. She is such a wonderful person. This has definitely been a light in the midst of darkness. Apparently the shooter felt he was standing up for the oppressed and mistreated. As a minister here on campus that really hit me hard. Of course the first thought was 'Why couldn't God have led me to him to show him that Jesus' love is the only thing that can overcome oppression and mistreatment?' or 'God did you lead me to him and I just didn't take the oppurtunity to talk to him about you?' It is questions like these that twist my mind. We now need specific prayers to learn forgiveness. Let me also encourage everyone to realize that we can not 'fix' what has happened. We can only suffer and move on. So please just suffer with us all. As I told students, The sun came up today, we have a new sister in Christ and God's love never fails. Once again I thank you all.
--SETHV
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Order of Worship
Welcome
Worship Leader: Carl Wheeler
Here I am to Worship
435 Come Into His Presence (1x)
827 Sweet Hour of Prayer (1,2)
Prayer
365 How Beautiful
314 Beneath the Cross of Jesus (1,3)
Communion
You're Worthy of My Praise
709 How Sweet, How Heavenly (all)
162 All Hail the Power of Jesus Name (all)
543 Wonderful Words of Life (1,3)
Lesson: Evan Burdan
Here Is My Heart (2x)
Announcements
Pick up Children
853 When We all Get to Heaven (1,3)
Worship Leader: Carl Wheeler
Here I am to Worship
435 Come Into His Presence (1x)
827 Sweet Hour of Prayer (1,2)
Prayer
365 How Beautiful
314 Beneath the Cross of Jesus (1,3)
Communion
You're Worthy of My Praise
709 How Sweet, How Heavenly (all)
162 All Hail the Power of Jesus Name (all)
543 Wonderful Words of Life (1,3)
Lesson: Evan Burdan
Here Is My Heart (2x)
Announcements
Pick up Children
853 When We all Get to Heaven (1,3)
Friday, April 27, 2007
A Friday Thought
"While you are wondering whether you are "cutting" it any longer in your particular ministry or field, God may be producing a harvest in areas you once worked and have long forgotten about.
Don't forget that as you till and water, God is giving the increase whether you recall all you've done to contribute.You are more than okay. You are co-laborers with the Owner!"
Terry Rush
Don't forget that as you till and water, God is giving the increase whether you recall all you've done to contribute.You are more than okay. You are co-laborers with the Owner!"
Terry Rush
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday to my sweetheart. She turns ___ today.
She is..... the love of my life, my closest friend, my golf partner, my partner for life, the mother of my boys, a loving and caring person, a patient and content individual, a teacher, my Christian Sister, a beautiful person, the one that makes me laugh and smile.
Have a great birthday!
Remember you are now older than I am until November.
Love,
David
She is..... the love of my life, my closest friend, my golf partner, my partner for life, the mother of my boys, a loving and caring person, a patient and content individual, a teacher, my Christian Sister, a beautiful person, the one that makes me laugh and smile.
Have a great birthday!
Remember you are now older than I am until November.
Love,
David
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Teachers
One of the most important job responsibilities that a school superintendent has is to hire the most effective classroom teachers that they can find.
I enjoy the process of interviewing over 100 teachers a year and trying to find just the right ones to motivate our kids to become the very best possible students.
Finding those individuals is becoming a very difficult task. We spend many days each year at career fairs, interview days and on college and university campuses trying to find the very best candidates as the teacher shortage increases.
Being a teacher is a wonderful but grueling profession. Being a teacher, you must be an entertainer, motivator, disciplinarian, expert in all curricular areas, negotiator, referee, compassionate, caring, love kids, work 12-15 hours a day and enjoy being ridiculed and second- guessed by patrons, legislators and the media.
I appreciate my teachers in Osage City. They are working harder than they ever have with the requirements of No Child Left Behind, Adequate Yearly Progress, and the Kansas State Assessment program.
Another group of individuals that work extremely hard are the teachers at Central. They give up their time to instruct our children in the most important life lessons of God’s Word. A big thank you to all those who give so much to help give our children the knowledge of knowing who God is and what He can do for our lives.
Also, thank you Kathy, Sherrill and Sharon for your commitment to our Children’s Ministry program for looking for ways to excite and energize our students in their walk with God.
I enjoy the process of interviewing over 100 teachers a year and trying to find just the right ones to motivate our kids to become the very best possible students.
Finding those individuals is becoming a very difficult task. We spend many days each year at career fairs, interview days and on college and university campuses trying to find the very best candidates as the teacher shortage increases.
Being a teacher is a wonderful but grueling profession. Being a teacher, you must be an entertainer, motivator, disciplinarian, expert in all curricular areas, negotiator, referee, compassionate, caring, love kids, work 12-15 hours a day and enjoy being ridiculed and second- guessed by patrons, legislators and the media.
I appreciate my teachers in Osage City. They are working harder than they ever have with the requirements of No Child Left Behind, Adequate Yearly Progress, and the Kansas State Assessment program.
Another group of individuals that work extremely hard are the teachers at Central. They give up their time to instruct our children in the most important life lessons of God’s Word. A big thank you to all those who give so much to help give our children the knowledge of knowing who God is and what He can do for our lives.
Also, thank you Kathy, Sherrill and Sharon for your commitment to our Children’s Ministry program for looking for ways to excite and energize our students in their walk with God.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Each Morning
Each morning, at approximately 5:25 a.m. after Debbie and I have run our three miles, I turn my radio on to 610 Sports out of Kansas City. Then I begin shaving and listening to my favorite morning sports anchor, DA, trash everyone in sports and complain about overpaid coaches.
This morning I heard an interesting interview with one of the KC Royals pitchers, who blew a save opportunity a couple of nights ago, talk about the terrible outing that he experienced. He made the following comments, “Just didn’t have my stuff tonight”, “I thought too much pitching against the Tigers”, “Just had an off night”.
I was thinking about those comments and asking myself, who else can work for a living and go 10-10 on a season and be called a success story, except a KC Royals Baseball Player?
As a Superintendent, I’m expected to have 100% graduation rates, 100% proficiency on state assessments, no students failing courses, 100% highly qualified teachers, balance a $8 million dollar budget, and provide for all the needs of our students in Osage City.
If I fail, there are consequences. If I had 50% rates, I would be classified a failure. I would be fired.
In our spiritual life, I am so glad that we have a Savior that gives us grace in the most needed situations of life. During those failures and out-right sin, we have a Savior that loves us and heals us when were not very lovable.
This morning I heard an interesting interview with one of the KC Royals pitchers, who blew a save opportunity a couple of nights ago, talk about the terrible outing that he experienced. He made the following comments, “Just didn’t have my stuff tonight”, “I thought too much pitching against the Tigers”, “Just had an off night”.
I was thinking about those comments and asking myself, who else can work for a living and go 10-10 on a season and be called a success story, except a KC Royals Baseball Player?
As a Superintendent, I’m expected to have 100% graduation rates, 100% proficiency on state assessments, no students failing courses, 100% highly qualified teachers, balance a $8 million dollar budget, and provide for all the needs of our students in Osage City.
If I fail, there are consequences. If I had 50% rates, I would be classified a failure. I would be fired.
In our spiritual life, I am so glad that we have a Savior that gives us grace in the most needed situations of life. During those failures and out-right sin, we have a Savior that loves us and heals us when were not very lovable.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Why People Leave Church
More people switch churches because their old church wasn't meeting their spiritual needs than any other reason, a recent survey found. The latest findings from the LifeWay Research area of LifeWay Christian Resources give the top 10 reasons adults switch churches. This study builds on LifeWay Research's 2006 study of the formerly churched, which explored the reasons adults stop going to church. The current findings explain why people change churches and how these situations differ from those in which the individual does not resume church attendance at all.
Related Posts:
Here are the top ten reasons they found that people switch churches:
1. The church was not helping me to develop spiritually. (28%)
2. I did not feel engaged or involved in meaningful church work (20%)
3. Church members were judgmental of others (18%)
4. Minister was not a good preacher (16%)
5. Too many changes (16%)
6. Members seemed hypocritical (15%)
7. Church didn’t seem to be a place where God was at work (14%)
8. Church was run by a clique that discouraged involvement (14%)
9. Minister was judgmental of others (14%)
10. Minister and Leadership seemed hypocritical (13%)
Related Posts:
Here are the top ten reasons they found that people switch churches:
1. The church was not helping me to develop spiritually. (28%)
2. I did not feel engaged or involved in meaningful church work (20%)
3. Church members were judgmental of others (18%)
4. Minister was not a good preacher (16%)
5. Too many changes (16%)
6. Members seemed hypocritical (15%)
7. Church didn’t seem to be a place where God was at work (14%)
8. Church was run by a clique that discouraged involvement (14%)
9. Minister was judgmental of others (14%)
10. Minister and Leadership seemed hypocritical (13%)
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Order of Worship
Order of Worship
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Welcome
47 Holy, Holy, Holy (Verse 1 Only)
Holy, Lord
167 Hosanna
155 Highest Place
Prayer
Scripture: Isaiah 9:6-7, Acts 4:11-12, Revelation 19:16 (217)
318 O Sacred Head
332 Lead Me to Calvary (Verse 1 Only)
Lords Supper
Contribution
659 I Love to Tell The Story (Verse 1 Only)
Ancient Words
Message Evan Burdan
Invitation 513 I Will Sing of My Redeemer (Verse 1 and 3)
Announcements
These are the Days of Elijah
Closing Prayer
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Welcome
47 Holy, Holy, Holy (Verse 1 Only)
Holy, Lord
167 Hosanna
155 Highest Place
Prayer
Scripture: Isaiah 9:6-7, Acts 4:11-12, Revelation 19:16 (217)
318 O Sacred Head
332 Lead Me to Calvary (Verse 1 Only)
Lords Supper
Contribution
659 I Love to Tell The Story (Verse 1 Only)
Ancient Words
Message Evan Burdan
Invitation 513 I Will Sing of My Redeemer (Verse 1 and 3)
Announcements
These are the Days of Elijah
Closing Prayer
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Max Lucado Stepping Down as Senior Pastor
Max Lucado Announces He’s Stepping Down as Senior Pastor
The best-selling author of Christian inspiration and advice books has heart problems. He plans to stay at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, but not as pastor. Here's the letter he wrote the church:
March 5, 2007
Dear Oak Hills Family,
I pray this letter finds you in the midst of the greatest day and sweetest season of your life! Our God is indeed faithful.
I’d like to update you on some recent health developments and a resulting decision from the Oak Hills elders. While my spiritual heart is in a wonderful state, my physical heart has developed some irregularities. We have high hopes for complete healing; yet, I need to make some lifestyle adjustments. I have already begun reducing my leadership responsibilities. I still plan to bring the weekend messages, but will opt out of some of the weekly meetings.
My health concerns have also prompted a decision to inaugurate a succession plan. Though I have always known that, at some point my responsibilities would change, I had envisioned this happening years from now. However, these health concerns have moved up the timetable. I wholeheartedly (excuse the pun) feel it is time to identify and invite the next Senior Minister.
Oak Hills needs a healthy, full-time servant in this position. Upon his selection, I will turn my attention to doing more what I love to do the most: writing and preaching.
I have no intention of leaving this great church, but simply altering my role in it. Yes, this is a major step, but one that will benefit the health of us all.
Would you pray for God’s guidance in this process? I know you will. Of course, we will keep you apprised of any developments. Thank you for being a lighthouse to San Antonio. May God bless you richly.
Your brother,
Max Lucado
The best-selling author of Christian inspiration and advice books has heart problems. He plans to stay at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, but not as pastor. Here's the letter he wrote the church:
March 5, 2007
Dear Oak Hills Family,
I pray this letter finds you in the midst of the greatest day and sweetest season of your life! Our God is indeed faithful.
I’d like to update you on some recent health developments and a resulting decision from the Oak Hills elders. While my spiritual heart is in a wonderful state, my physical heart has developed some irregularities. We have high hopes for complete healing; yet, I need to make some lifestyle adjustments. I have already begun reducing my leadership responsibilities. I still plan to bring the weekend messages, but will opt out of some of the weekly meetings.
My health concerns have also prompted a decision to inaugurate a succession plan. Though I have always known that, at some point my responsibilities would change, I had envisioned this happening years from now. However, these health concerns have moved up the timetable. I wholeheartedly (excuse the pun) feel it is time to identify and invite the next Senior Minister.
Oak Hills needs a healthy, full-time servant in this position. Upon his selection, I will turn my attention to doing more what I love to do the most: writing and preaching.
I have no intention of leaving this great church, but simply altering my role in it. Yes, this is a major step, but one that will benefit the health of us all.
Would you pray for God’s guidance in this process? I know you will. Of course, we will keep you apprised of any developments. Thank you for being a lighthouse to San Antonio. May God bless you richly.
Your brother,
Max Lucado
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Hurting People
The shootings at Virginia Tech University yesterday remind us that this world has many hurting individuals.
Drive by shootings in Topeka.
Drug overdose in Wichita.
Child abuse in Overland Park.
Suicide in Salina.
The news is full of stories of hurting people.
What can we do? Make a considerable effort to reach out to those that might need a smile, a hug, a hot cup of coffee. Spend time with those that need the Savior the most!
Be in prayer today for those at Central that are hurting with physical, emotional and spiritual pain.
Drive by shootings in Topeka.
Drug overdose in Wichita.
Child abuse in Overland Park.
Suicide in Salina.
The news is full of stories of hurting people.
What can we do? Make a considerable effort to reach out to those that might need a smile, a hug, a hot cup of coffee. Spend time with those that need the Savior the most!
Be in prayer today for those at Central that are hurting with physical, emotional and spiritual pain.
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