Sunday Flashback

I was really tired this morning, even as our first worship gathering was about to begin. A late night, returning from Ocracoke at 1230AM overpowered my coffee at the Pier. But the first worship song "Lord, You Are Good (and your mercy endureth forever)" woke me up!

Several people commented on how well everything flowed today in our gatherings. It's great when all the pieces of the puzzle come together to create a beautiful picture. When people realize that it takes prayer and work to put it all together - that we value giving God our best - that's a real encouragement.

We've never served communion to that many people at once since we don't typically have communion on Sunday mornings. So kudos to Mike H. and his team. They worked out all the logistics with precision. Both gatherings were full. Thanks to Ocean View and Kitty Hawk Baptist churches for loaning us extra communion trays! We own enough to serve about 200, but we had about 300 in each gathering. Thanks, too, to volunteers whose willingness to serve made it come together so well - from those who prepared the bread and the cups to the guys in both gatherings doing the serving and to Pastor Tom for leading us to the Lord's Table. Great job.

Exodus 19 tells how God expected Israel to prepare themselves for meeting with God. It worked well with our preparation for meeting Him in communion. God is a personal God who desires to meet with us. At the same time we can't come to Him on our terms. That requires a role reversal that He won't concede. And rightly so.

The Glocks (our missionaries to France) are in town! Also Sheila Benson was there. (Larry is home sick.) They're home from their mission in Honduras for the month. And Dale Hamilton, home for a brief break was in church today. He returns to Iraq Thursday.

Different band set up today, minus the keyboard. We're down to one keyboard player right now, and she deserved the week off. But we had two electric guitars going and the sound was...electric! The new acoustic panels and reappearance of the drum screen allowed Michelle to to magic with Chris' instruments. The kick drum was amazing. So that's how it's supposed to sound. (Now, if we can only crank up the bass a bit...) Songs were right on target about the cross. I love it when we do an old hymn like today's "Jesus Paid It All" with the band. And David Crowder's "Oh the Glory of It All" has been a great "theme song" for this series. Then they sent us off with "Let the Praises Ring!"

I was able to catch a good nap this afternoon! Thanks, God. I needed that. Now I'm about to enjoy a cup of decaf from The Front Porch.

Please consider praying for the people of Ocracoke Island. Yesterday's tragedy there will deeply impact their tiny population. I met some very brave but shaken heroes last night. And also pray for the families of those who died in that horrific explosion.

[The linked song videos were not from today, but pre-recorded from earlier NHC worship gatherings except for the David Crowder link.]

Happy Birthday USA

Celebrating the birth of the greatest nation on earth.

Praying for her to return to the God of her Fathers.

Idol Worship

In America we aren't superstitious or religious like many other, especially 3rd World countries where you can find statues and likenesses of gods in temples and churches or along the roads in shrines engraved into the sides of mountains. In America we're far too cultured and secular. In America we're Christians...well most of us claim to be.

So you won't find us worshipping idols; bowing down to them. We're far too sophisticated.

Until one of them dies. Then our true religion comes to the forefront and it seems we can't get enough.

Sunday Flashback

The effect of the economy on tourism here shows not only in the retail numbers, but we can see the difference in the numbers of vacationers at church. But while their numbers are down, their enthusiasm is not! Some of the best people I've ever met worship with us once a year when on vacation.

I still have to marvel at the occasional tourists who wait until our first song to get up and leave! Our greeters are very good at suggesting a church for them (if asked). But, come on...when you look on the stage and see a keyboard, electric guitars and drums it should give a clue we're not going to be old school in our music. Then, when they leave and even if they find a close church more to their liking, they walk in late to that service. All that to say, when you you go on vacation and want to go to church do your homework in advance!

NHC has the best Kids' church and nursery staff around. And the Kids' Zone volunteers look pretty sharp in their new team shirts.

Looked like lots of coffee was being consumed this morning. I had two cups myself. Thanks to our hospitality team for coming early and staying late every week.

Mike and his team were scrambling today both seating everyone and finding parking places. In a church where there are so many guests each week having a team dedicated to helping everyone find their way around is a necessity. I've been to churches as a visitor where no one welcomed me or gave me any direction at all. That's no fun!

The MP 13 Band sounds great with the third vocalist we usually don't have. I'm looking forward to hearing a sax with them sometime soon. "You are Welcome Here, mighty God" is an awesome opening song, setting the tone for the rest of the worship.

Matt, our intern has our podcast back in shape after some software problems. Thanks, Matt.

This week two of our missionary families arrive in town for extended stays. Welcome to the Glocks from France and the Bensons from Honduras.

Happy Anniversary #5

While I'm on the subject of marriages, a happy 5th anniversary to my son Nathan and his bride Tricia.

We're all so happy and frankly amazed that you've reached this milestone. Your marriage has touched more people than you'll ever know.

You can read Nate's post about their anniversary and see the video. If you don't know why this is so special, please visit here.

Sorry this is posted so late, but it's been a long day!

Open season on marriages

I'm blown away by what seems to be a rash of marriages crumbling around me. What's happening in the lives of South Carolina's governor and First Lady, even Jon and Kate seems to be part of an epidemic, especially among Christian couples. What gives?

This sounds so simple, but I can't overstate that you can't be too careful. Here are a few things to be careful about:

Friendships have to have proper boundaries.
Your spouse should have a key to every door in your life and permission to look inside at any time.
Work doesn't come first. Neither do your kids. God first. Spouse second. Then kids.
Have someone in your life who can ask you the tough questions and hold you accountable.
Finances and the stress they bring need to bring you together as a team, not divide you.
Don't wait until it's "too late" to seek help. Do you want to have a healthy marriage or keep your pride intact?

I'm aching inside for some couples I know, and praying for them to let God heal their fractured relationships. He can.

Sunday Flashback

Happy Fathers Day!

Using David as an example of a father, who like all of us was less than perfect, we saw how he learned from his faults and failures and somehow continued to pursue God. Then he left a legacy and a dream to his son.

Inserted in the message was a great cover by our band of the DC Talk song, "What if I Stumble?".

Ministry teams were busy serving today. Our volunteer staff is the best.

Hope you treated Dad special today!

Ocean Baptism Nags Head Style

Click here to see the video of our recent baptism Nags Head style!

Song "Carried Away" by Sonic Flood.

A Sign the Economic Stimulus is Working!

So this is how it works!

Thanks to my friend Terri in Tulsa. She actually went into the store and came out with a 32 oz. fountain drink for a penny. But she doesn't think they understand why.

(Click on the pic to enlarge it.)

Happy Anniversary!

It's hard to believe that it was thirty two years ago today this lady became my bride. We've been coast to coast and continue to have lots of adventures, especially as our family expands and changes.

At a slower pace, we continue to "Climb the Hill Together"*.

Love you, Gail!


*from the song "Let Us Climb the Hill Together" by Paul Clark that was sung by True Vine at our wedding. I also sang this song to Gail at our 25th anniversary celebration in Mt. Currie, BC.