My dear partners in ministry,
It was a solid week of study and preparation but I am disappointed at what I got accomplished outside of that. We did have a nice COGS luncheon on Tuesday. Our group of 18 dwindled down to a dozen for various reasons. But we had a very enjoyable time at the Longhorn Steak House. We were joined by Steve Bearle who made the group think of several others that ought to be invited. We had a marvelous study on Wednesday night. We have a couple neighbors who like to sit in the prayer garden in the evening. They sat outside the windows and listened through the whole study! I did get to visit with Tammi Wilds, Mary Camfield, Hal Duke, Sharon Koast and Michael Sarver this week. We did get Michael set up in an efficiency across Egypt Lake and back to work at the Furniture Outlet. If you know of someone that is thinking of buying some furniture make sure to ask them to give Michael a shot. Friday JoAnn was in to clean and straighten. She was headed to meet Linda Cox for a Stephen’s ministry meeting with the administration of Lake Shore Villas. It looks like there will be some furniture to be had for Stephen ministry from them!!
This week there were several robberies in the neighborhood and a shooting on Armenia. So for several days we were headquarters for the sheriff’s dept and undercover police. And Saturday was a very exciting day that lives our message and our purpose. Saturday morning was enrollment for another semester of Canzion. We are a part of training musicians and worship leaders for the next generation. I think it is a very unselfish, kingdom-minded endeavor. At noon Pastor Karen helped facilitate a funeral for a family that is associated with us but not really active membership. And Saturday evening Narcotics Anonymous had a big event that included speakers and a spaghetti dinner. I watch a young man arrive who was overdosing on ecstasy. The members of NA knew just what to do and talked with him and gently walked him around the property. They brought me in on the consultation, called the police and dealt with the boy, his grandparents (who didn’t speak English) and the authorities all with great care and integrity. It was a late night for them I am sure but Ira made sure we were ready for Sunday morning.
When I arrived at church Sunday morning the roof was white with frost. I got the fire’s started in the ministry house and moved Adam’s heater down to the chapel. Both Trevor and Vaughn were at work getting the day ready. Vaughn was having serious problems with the computer system that are yet unsolved. He just found a way to make it all work yesterday. Pastor Karen has felt called to work at ‘worship design’ and took the lead yesterday in worship team preparations. She is going to try to add some depth and flow to our worship. It was a good day for it with Judy on the piano and Luis on bass to broaden our instrumental punch. We got them prayed for and Pastor Diana and Johnny got me prayed for. Then I enjoyed communion and a nice meditation on the ongoing learning process of the disciple by Michele Pass from Isaiah 45.
We had a fair crowd for worship Sunday morning. Jessica and Javier Pan brought their neighbor. Michael Sarver was back. Sharon Koast’s sister Joyce is a regular feature. Several of our Spanish families were with us. We went from welcome (without the mic on because I had hit the wrong switch) to prayer to “Majesty” and our praise set. Jon Foster did the offertory, a song he wrote himself – Woop woop!! Get job Jonathan! Pastor Karen gathered the children and showed them her computer. She explained to them that though it is very helpful and does so very many things for her, it still cannot take the place of Jesus. Though there are lots of good things and great people there is still only one Jesus. Sharon and Nyssa took the kids to children’s church and we shared some announcements. Remember to hook up with a small group for “Not A Fan”. Remember to get tickets from our youth for the Valentines Banquet. It was very exciting to me to get a picture of the blankets we bought for our Christ birthday offering! I started our series on Hebrews with chapter 1. We looked at the comparison of Christ to the prophet and to the angels. We talked about who Christ is and that His being should cause both confidence and reverence to be in our lives. We took those attributes with us to a serious time of prayer. As we concluded we walked out thumping the chorus of “What A Mighty God We Serve”!
Sunday night was again filled with change. We sang one song and then the children were dismissed to Renee, Elaine and Emily. Then Pastor Jorge preached. He was again dealing with end times but under the idea of this being a time of faith. He expressed how important it was for us to really know God, to grasp the hope that is ours, and a third point that eludes me at the moment. We had a powerful time of prayer that led into 45 minutes of praise introduced by Pastor Karen. It was very different and very interesting. All in all another good Sunday of worship and service.
Notes I can remember:
1. Get your tickets for the Valentines Day Dinner and Entertainment.
2. 2011 Giving Statements are in your mailbox.
3. Get in a small group for “Not A Fan”.
4. Red Calling Concert on Friday
5. Pastor Karen is on vacation until January 27th
That’s all for today, except to say thank you to you again for all you do – continue to connect with God, each other and the world.
Know that I love you – Denny