Grace Givers May 10, 2010
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Good morning,
Wasn’t Sunday wonderful! Even though I wasn’t able to be there as Ben shared I felt as if I was there! Such a joy to have the hearts and insights of so many people! To Anita – our “angel among us”- who shared her gift of making cookies and the story behind it. To Deb who reminded us that the frayed, torn scraps of our life were what God used to make the beautiful quilt! To James who affirmed the mission of One Morgan County. To Pastor Ben who wove it all together and challenged us to be grace-givers to the world! To target others with the focused love of God… taking frayed, torn scraps of “fabric” and being a part of God’s grace to others so that it can be made into a beautiful “quilt” in their life! (more…)
Go – For a Lifetime May 5, 2010
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Greetings Family!
Sunday- it was so fun to gain God insight — about being people of The Way… about doing God’s will – and what that is! Here are a few reminders to jog your thinking for the week … well for a LIFETIME!! (more…)
What If…? December 24, 2009
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Hi Everybody,
“I’m dreaming of a White Christmas…” What a view out my window. I’m in awe!
Don’t forget our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service will start at 5PM tonight. This one hour of remembering the incredible story that we still celebrate two millenniums later is a wonderful way to start your Christmas holiday. Come early as seating fills fast!
What if God hadn’t sent Jesus? What if He had just sent us another set of laws?…or a business plan?…or an ultimatum?…or a dictator that would make us do His will?…or, or…or… . Aren’t you glad He sent us Jesus? And aren’t you glad He sent him as a baby? And in a manger? And announced it to shepherds? (more…)
Hmmm… December 18, 2009
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Pastor Roger had sent this to Brenda and me by e-mail in response to our recommending “The Shack” as a great read. It was so interesting and insightful I asked if I could pass it on to all of you. Enjoy!
Hmmm…
“The Shack” you say, yes that’s a strange one. It sure makes you think.
I had mixed feeling as I read it. But it was strange; it’s one of those rare books that’s hard to put down. For what ever it’s worth here’s what I got out of it. The Bible begins with this thought. “So God created man in His image.” And I began to wonder, “Are we trying to create a God in our image?
But then who could swallow a large black woman who made everyone pancakes for breakfast as being God? (more…)
Longing…? December 15, 2009
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Have you ever noticed how many people in the Christmas Story are unknown? Some of them are named and some of them are not, but most of them are pretty much nobodies historically. It seems to me He appears to people who have two characteristics, regardless of their earthly stature. (more…)
Treasures December 8, 2009
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If I could open my treasures right now and give something directly to Jesus, I wonder what it would be. I know, I know, we can spiritualize this and say “I’d give him my life” or something like that, but here were three guys we call wise who gave him these gifts we would deem less spiritual. Gold, Frankincense and myrrh. Sounds more like the gifts we give each other. (more…)
Starlit Nights December 1, 2009
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One of the songs for our second Sunday evening of Advent is “I Need A Silent Night”. I won’t share the words here, but the title itself speaks volumes. So much busyness. So much shopping. So many parties. So much noise. I can’t hear the angels singing. I can’t see the heavens light up.
It seems to me that most of us go from noise and flashing lights to either crashing into instant sleep, or, into fitful, worry-filled insomnia. (more…)
Stories November 25, 2009
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As I stood in front of the “Wall of Fame” at The Sanctuary this morning I was overwhelmed with the stories. Every note on the board had a story behind it. Somebody loved somebody, or was wise, or spoke up for someone, or gave generously, or befriended, or was sensitive to a need. It occurred to me that life is meaningful because we remember stories; stories that have laughter and difficulty and doubt and tension and love and romance and sad or happy endings. Stories that we don’t forget because they’ve become etched in the meaning of life itself; of our lives in particular. (more…)
Alive Traditions November 3, 2009
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Hi Everybody,
I think traditions get a bad rap! And for years I was one of those giving them one. Brenda, my incredible wife, has taught me the error of my ways with her ability to create traditions that make important things come alive. Advent is an example of a tradition that made my eyes gloss over until she made it live. We’ll spend more time on that in a month or so, but I have become a great proponent of “alive” traditions. I would describe “alive” as simply meaning a tradition that has not languished into the realm of “duty” in our lives. One we constantly use to bring the reason behind it to life so that we don’t lose its importance.
So I’d like to rebuild an old tradition in a fresh way. (more…)
Sister Phoebe Brother Tychicus October 27, 2009
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Hi Everybody,
Before I share this week’s blog, I just want to say thanks. Last Sunday’s celebration of my #60 left me speechless. I AM GRATEFUL AND LOVE YOU ALL!
Even if we had to move it inside, wasn’t the pig roast fun. Thanks so much to all of you that made it happen!
I love the fall rhythms we sing to. Harvest songs, grateful songs, ballads of susceptibility and vulnerability if it weren’t for the sun and the rain in their hoped for times. (more…)
