Question of the day ??

I will be moving on Monday. What color should we paint the new parsonage? And should we go with the pink flamingo look for the yard, or the old broken down car? My wife says she thinks the broken down car look is just way overdone. What do you think?


...you might be a redneck if you answer these questions!

Thought of the Day !!

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

There is a time for everything and my time at my present charge is nearing it's end. As churches go, there have been some things here that are probably normal to every church. There has been a time for ups and downs...a time for arguments and glad tidings...a time for marriages and funerals...a time for baby baptisms and profession of faith baptisms...a time for work and play...worship and fellowship.

My time here at Avon and Glen Allan has been filled mostly with great joy, with a painful occasion or two along the road as well. But with all that's gone on here, I've learned. I've matured in my Christian faith. And I've matured as a pastor. It's a good thing that we Methodists are not ordained right out of seminary because to be truthful, we just aren't ready. My first church was Mount Pleasant. I began there when I entered seminary. They were great to me. They let me try stuff out and listened to at least a year's worth of lousy sermons that gradually got somewhat better. But they loved me and helped my to improve as a caring pastoral care giver.

Then I came to the Avon/Glen Allan charge. I entered my probationary work here. The best thing about this charge has been the people. I have fallen in love them. With some of them I made mistakes and was forgiven. Through others I learned hard lessons. Through others I learned that even as I taught not to judge others that I was guilty of it myself. And through these salt-of-the-earth folks I have experienced the gift of love and acceptance. At Christmas when we couldn't go home because it was on a Sunday, Michelle and I were invited to be a part of the family of no less than three families. When I was ordained, no less than eighteen people showed up. And I could go on and on. Sure, some of us have had our problems, but that happens. In family there is a time for it all.

Now I travel on to the next leg of my journey. It is Gibson Memorial UMC in Vicksburg, MS. There I will learn even more about myself and my role as pastor (as we never actually quit learning). But through the trials and through the joyful experiences of my last two charges, God has been preparing me for my next step. He taught me how to be a caring pastor at Mount Pleasant. He taught me the real definition of missions and that I am called to be a missional pastor at Avon and Glen Allan. And He is preparing me to be a leader at Vicksburg.

There really is a time for everything. And with everything's time comes a change. Change is difficult for most of us. But don't let it get you down. God made each of us as beings capable of overcoming and adapting to change. Don't worry about the times to come. Embrace them, and find the good in each one. That's what I plan to do as I say a sad good-bye and a happy hello.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Question of the day ??

If you have no kids or youth in your church, what's the first thing you do to try to pull them in?

Thought of the Day !!

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Romans 12:10 (NIV)

Do this, and this world just might be a better place to live.

In the love of Christ,
greg

How much like Monk are you?

I was over at 4 Simpsons Blog and came across a link to a Monk quiz. If you've ever seen the show Monk on USA, you'll know how obsessive and compulsive this detective is. Take the Monk quiz to see just how Monk-ish you are.

Click Here

Question of the day ??

I was watching a movie Sunday starring Bruce Willis entitled 16 Blocks. In it he was asked a question. It was supposed to be some kind of riddle to show where you were in life at the time. Whether or not that's true, I have no idea. But I liked the question. So here it is.

A Hurricane is coming your way. You drive up to the curb where there's an old lady, your best friend who saved your life once and your girlfriend. Your car will only carry two people. Who do you take?

Thought of the Day !!

I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God.
Luke 12:8

We acknowledge Jesus on Sunday morning when we go to church. We acknowledge him at choir practice or some evening service. We acknowledge him when we work on some mission project such as Habitat for Humanity or Society of St. Andrew. We acknowledge him when we write a check out for disaster relief or St. Jude. These are but a few ways that we acknowledge Jesus. And I believe that each and every one brings a smile to God's face.

But let us not fall into the trap that Peter fell into. He acknowledged Jesus before friends, but denied him before enemies. He spoke loudly in front of the other disciples, but cowered in the midst of the world that night before the cock crowed.

In other words, let our acknowledgement of him be as strong at work, in the field, at the doctor's office, at Wal-Mart, in traffic, on the phone with telemarketers (yes, even them), at our kid's sporting event, at the mall, at the theater, when we're out to eat, in our business meetings, etc. - let our acknowledgement of Jesus be the same in these times as it is on Sunday morning when we worship or before we go to bed when we pray.

Do this, and Jesus will acknowledge you. In the end, that's the best we can ask for...for Christ to acknowledge us as one of His own to His Father. And God will be proud to call us sons and daughters who were proud to acknowledge Him and His Son while on earth.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Thought of the Day !!

When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.
Psalms 94:19(NLT)

Is there any turmoil in your life today? If there is, take a few moments and ask God to bring you His promised comfort and hope.

I there isn't, pray for someone else who may need these gifts today.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Annual Conference / Ordination

I told my wife yesterday that this has been the longest week that's flown by. What I meant by it was that I was spent. So much had gone on, and I had been very busy. Yet I don't remember half of it and it seemed like we just got to Jackson for the opening day of Annual Conference. It's kind of like going to bed at night and waking up the next morning totally unrefreshed and thinking it can't be time to get up already, while looking at 9:00 am on the bedside clock.

As always, Conference is a wonderful time to get to see old friends...and even make a few new ones from time to time. I did both. From catching up in the halls to playing some game I still don't understand one evening until 12:30. I enjoyed every minute of this facet of Annual Conference.

But the most important, and most memorable part of sharing friendship at Conference came when we were ordained. I was ordained with one of my best friends, Rev. Andy Stoddard. And there were others like Cynthia and Harold and others that I have gone through so much with. We were all ordained. It wasn't like college where I didn't know the people on my row. This was much more intimate. And we had 20 or 21 of us ordained. And the greatest thing that I will ever be able to say is that I've been an elder longer than Andy Stoddard...by at least 5-10 minutes. :) By the way, congratulations Andy, Harold, Cynthia, Toby, and all the rest.

The one downside to ordination was that three of my good friends were not there. Two had some personal problems during the process and most likely will be there next year. One lost his life to cancer last year. Jerry Salley was a dear friend who meant a lot to a lot of people. He was a great pastor and a true friend. I saw his wife at Conference. It was good that she could be there. I give thanks to God for Jerry and pray for Peggy to continue on without her favorite person in the world.

One final thought. I walked up the steps when my name was called. I kneeled at the rail. And I looked up at Bishop Hope Morgan Ward. Her smile was so big it made me grin from ear to ear. It was almost like she was proud of me. Whether or not that's true...well...who cares, it's my memory. And I'm gonna go with that feeling. But anyway, she laid her hands on me, and that's really the last thing I remember. It's almost like a blacked out. I believe something happened to me Tuesday evening. I believe I took the next step and that God was proud of me (of all of us) that night. And it is my intention to do my best to keep on making Him proud. What a feeling that night! God was truly present. The Holy Spirit truly came down and in to us. And I believe I was created anew...Again. May God bless each one of the newly ordained elders in the Mississippi Conference, as well as all those from other Conferences like Beth. And may God use each one of us for a long time to come to make disciples for Jesus Christ.

My thanks to all those who came Tuesday evening. It meant more to me than you will ever know.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Thought of the Day !!

And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."
Mark 11:25

Jesus tells us that the forgiveness of our sins by God is highly dependant upon our forgiveness of others. In the Sermon on the Mount he tells us that if we do not forgive others that our Heavenly Father won't forgive us. When you pray the Lord's Prayer every Sunday morning in church you ask for God to forgive your trespasses as you forgive others.

Forgiving is often very difficult. But the good news is that God wants to help us. He will empower you by sharing His kind of love with you so that you can share it with others. Are you ready to receive this kind of love from your Heavenly Father? If so, your life will change forever.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Question of the day ??

What would you pay more to see?

a. World Cup
b. World Series
c. World Domination game of Risk
d. Star Trek convention (for John the Methodist)
e. Presidential Inaguration (for the person you voted for)
f. Rolling Stones in Concert
g. C.A.T.S. on Broadway
h. The newest movie with Jennifer Anniston
i. The newest movie with Brad Pitt
j. A day at the spa
k. Me being ordained next week !!!!!!!!!!! :)

Thought of the Day !!

The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."
John 3:8 (NIV)

We know not where the wind comes from or where it goes, but we know it's there by its effects. What can we say about the wind? It's mysterious. It can come up on us without us knowing it. It comes when it pleases. We cannot control it. And it can become very powerful.

The Holy Spirit is the like the wind in these ways, but the last two (control and power) are what frightens many people. And because of this they can never take that next step in totally accepting Christ.

We've seen the powerful affects of wind in tornadoes and hurricanes. People on the gulf coast and in New Orleans and even farther inland are still feeling the effects of Hurricane Katrina.

Though the Holy Spirit is not a destructive force in our lives, it's more powerful than even Katrina. God wants to share this power with us. This is not a power to be lorded over others as Jesus reminded his disciples. This is a power over fear. A power to be who God wants us to be. But many are afraid of what that might be and never allow themselves to accept this power.

The Spirit also is an uncontrollable phenomenon. We cannot tame it. And this fact makes it impossible for those who have to have control in their lives and over their lives to truly accept Christ as LORD. They are fine with claiming the blood of Jesus as their salvation, but still want to control what they do and say. But those born of the Spirit will be controlled by the Spirit. For this reason, many cannot take that next step in faith.

Think about your own life. Are you trying to control it. Or are you allowing God to work through you by the power of His Holy Spirit? Can you let go and let God control you?

In the love of Christ,
greg

Question of the day ??

What would you like to see changed about our government?

Thought of the Day !!

The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful.
Proverbs 12:22 (NIV)

God sees when no one else does. This means that when we lie or are deceitful in any way, even though we may think we get away with it, we don't. You can fool some of the people all the time. But you can never pull a fast one over on God. He knows what you do, what you say, and what's in your heart.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Question of the day ??

What has influenced American Culture the most over the past couple of generations?

Thought of the Day !!

Today's "Thought of the Day !!" comes from an email that the clergy of Mississippi was sent yesterday by our bishop, Bishop Hope Morgan Ward. Seeing as how I am just now reading it...and as how I think it's a wonderful lesson...I am using it as my Thought today. Enjoy. And be blessed.

In the love of Christ,
greg


June 6, 2006

"God Wins!"



It is I, Jesus. . .I am the bright morning star. - Revelation 22:16


June 6, 2006. . .even CNN turned to the scriptures this morning to acknowledge the mysterious number 666, mentioned in Revelation and capturing the fearful imagination of people for centuries.


A great preacher was asked, “What is the meaning of the Revelation?” He answered simply, “God wins.”


Yes, God wins. Revelation was written as a book of comfort to persecuted, suffering Christians. This time of trial, now endured, will end. God will be victorious over every evil power. Revelation is grand poetry, truth beautifully articulated. It is like a huge, detailed painting. The message of the whole is the intent, rather than the examination of the detail.


In every generation there have been those who sought to decipher Revelation, to predict the time of the end. Jesus told his followers that such things will be unknown to us, a mystery known only to God who loves and cares for us.


So June 6, 2006, is not a day to fear. It is a day to praise God the Victorious.


This Victorious God gathers the faithful into victory. Christ, the Bright and Morning Star, shines. We who trust in Christ are safe in their strong care.


Blessings to each of you on this beautiful day, the sixth of June in the year of our Lord 2006,


Hope

Question of the day ??

What's the greatest dessert ever made?

Thought of the Day !!

The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
Psalms 145:18 (NIV)

Have you called on the LORD lately for:
1. Guidance
2. Support
3. Encouragement
4. Accountability
5. Strength
6. Forgiveness
7. Joy
8. Wisdom
9. Patience
10. Help in troubles
11. Help in sharing Christ
12. Help in being loved
13. Help in being LOVE
14. (You add in your own needs here)?

Call on Him daily and He will listen. Listen patiently for Him and He will respond. But always remember that He may not answer the way you want Him to or as immediately as you would choose.

God is not like a parent who spoils the child by giving it anything it wants whenever it wants. Instead He is like the parent who teaches the child to be a better person. And sometimes that comes through our suffering. And sometimes it comes through our being taught patience. But in all the times, even when it seems as though God is not listening, He is near (just as the Psalmist promises us).

In the love of Christ,
greg

Question of the day ??

If you couldn't be a Methodist, what denomination would you join? If you're not a Methodist, where would you go if you couldn't belong to your denomination anymore?

Thought of the Day !!

And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each.
Acts 2:6

The day of Pentecost has arrived and God's Holy Spirit has been poured out into all the disciples who were waiting in the Upper Room. When filled with the Spirit of God, they began to speak of the power of God. "The crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each."

The miracle here was that all the people heard about God's power this day. They came from all over and spoke different languages. And even those who spoke two or three languages heard this proclamation in their own native tongues. You might say that it was a reverse of the curse of Babel. If you remember your Old Testament story of the Tower of Babel, you will remember that God was not pleased with the people building this huge tower that would reach the heavens. So he scattered them by making them speak different languages. If they couldn't communicate, they couldn't finish their project.

At Babel God divided. But at Pentecost He united. And the church began.

Our Church should look back at her beginnings to get a little help for the way to live today. We are supposed to be a Church that is united as Christians in Christian love. Yet it sometimes seems that we do more dividing than we do uniting. We argue over hot-topic issues such as homosexuality or abortion or the authority of Scripture or whether or not a woman can be a pastor. These, along with many other issues, divide us. Denominations are started while others are just split.

The same type of things can happen in our local churches too. We can argue over who's in control or who's got the power to do this or that or even what color the carpet will be. And when our love isn't strong enough to survive these battles, we divide.

The Holy Spirit came down at Pentecost to unite us, not to divide us. Let us learn from God's Word that tells us this wonderful story and be uniters instead of dividers. When we unite, we work with the Holy Spirit. When we divide, we allow the devil to work with us.

In the love of Christ,
greg

Question of the day ??

A secret agent shows up at your home around midnight. He's got blood on his clothes and is being chased by the bad guys. He tells you that he needs a place to hide out and crash for the evening. What do you do?

Thought of the Day !!

Part 3 of 3 - Where to Witness

So when they had come together, they asked him, "Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?" He replied, "It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Acts 1:6-8

If you're willing to allow the Holy Spirit to empower you to be a witness, then the question is where will you go? And the answer is simple. It's the same places that the disciples were told that they would go; Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth.

First there's Jerusalem. This was the city near them. This was the place that they traveled to at least fairly regularly for Passover if nothing else. This would be like going into town for us. We probably go into town much more often than the disciples did. We go to the grocery store, to Wal-Mart, to the bank or Pharmacy or out to eat. We are called to be witnesses for Christ when we go into town, wherever in town we may go and wherever our town may be.

Then there's Judea. That's the whole countryside. When you go to a ball game, when you go to a wedding, when you go to political rally, when you go to the local school, when you go to a friend's house. Are you displaying Christ in a positive or negative way to your neighbors? Are you conforming to the world or trying to change your own little section of it.

Now Samaria is a little tougher place for us to go. Samarians and Jews didn't get along. They were different races, different cultures, different kinds of people. Yet Jesus intentionally traveled through Samaria so that he could encounter the woman at the well. And he tells his disciples that they will witness there. Should we believe that we're excused from this particular mission field?

Samaria is wherever there are people that are different. And in our case, our Samaria's are places where there is much need. Are we willing to go there and witness in word and deed? Or will we sit back and let someone else receive God's praise for doing what we were called to do?

Then there are the ends of the earth. There may be someone reading this right now who feels led to go on a mission trip. But I don't expect that we're all called to be missionaries and take off to Africa or Russia or Honduras or someplace like that. But we can be witnesses to the ends of the earth by supporting those people who are through our gifts and our prayers.

Just like the disciples, we have a job to do. We are to witness to people through what we say and through the actions we take. If we're willing to do this, God's Holy Spirit will take over and give us the power to complete the task. And this task of witnessing is to be done everywhere, not just in our homes, with our families or in our churches.

So how about it? Are you willing to let go and let God take control? Are you willing to be a witness for Jesus in a world that needs a positive witness so desperately?

In the love of Christ,
greg

Question of the day ??

What are ways that our churches can reach out to the youth and bring them in to church today?

Thought of the Day !!

Part 2 of 3 - How to Witness

So when they had come together, they asked him, "Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?" He replied, "It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and the ends of the earth.
Acts 1:6-8

The disciples were called to be Jesus' witnesses. But how would they go about doing this? Jesus says that they will receive POWER when the Holy Spirit comes upon them. We need to remember that they did nothing on their own. In the Gospel of John, Jesus teaches us that he is the true vine and that we are the branches. He also states that the branches can do nothing outside of the vine. Through abiding in the vine, branches can produce fruit. The witnessing that the disciples were being called to do would produce fruit through the power of the Holy Spirit .


What about us? When was the last time you witnessed to someone in either word or deed? When was the last time you shared what Jesus had done for you with someone? When was the last time you helped a person in need and made it known that you were doing so because it was the will of God? Remember, even atheists can do good deeds. So we need to make sure people know why we do what we do.

Jesus said that the disciples would receive power. And I know in my heart that we, who are willing, can and will receive that same power. It's not the kind of power that men and women of the world reach out for. In the Gospel of Mark Jesus tells his disciples that if they want to be great, they must serve. The great ones among them will not lord it over others as earthly rulers do. So this kind of power is not the kind that gives us the ability to order others around (even though many Christians still try to do this).

The Power that Jesus is speaking of in this Scripture comes from the Holy Spirit and is the power to do God's will. It's the power over fear and uncomfortableness. It's power to overcome our own shortcomings and produce fruit for the Kingdom. Many will receive it and increase the Kingdom of God. Others will stay away from it because it's different, and it may make them seem different to the people of the world.

Have you received this power lately? Do you want it? Or are you scared of it?

In the love of Christ,
greg