Sunday, January 11, 2009

Sunday Flashback


What do we mean by "Catch the Wave"? Today I talked about how as a church we have to be ready for the waves (whatever God does) He sends our way this year and sieze the opportunities for ministry and mission. That means while we can't plan for them or predict them, we can be prepared and we can pray. We can't be passive, because God isn't passive. While I'm just as concerned about the days ahead, I also believe "greater things are yet to come".

As we sang "Let the Praises Ring" at the end of the second gathering I thought about my first January eighteen years ago and the difference. It's hard to imagine what God has done here over the years, and keeps on doing them. Earlier we sang "I Stand Amazed". Exactly. Here it is January (the slowest time on the Outer Banks) and our ushers are having to set up extra chairs.

Yesterday in my "Discovering NHC" class, which introduces new attenders to who we are and what we're all about, I think it was the biggest class we've had in the past 10 or 11 years teaching the class. Tonight we launched Divorce Care and I'm totally stoked about it and can't wait to get a report. I'll bet it explodes. Thursday and Saturday mornings First Appointment - small groups for men - got our new year start. We're beginning a study called "Being a Godly Man in Troubled Times". There's always room for more guys to join us!

Next week we start "The Journey: Start to Finish", and we'll track the life of Moses. Helping us launch the series Sunday will be our friend Doug Whitley. Doug's an actor who uses his extraordinary talent to portray biblical characters and great preachers of the past. This will be Doug's first ever appearance as Moses. He'll be telling Moses' life story. It will be a "don't miss" Sunday for sure.

Now, I'm watching an episode of "Extreme Home Makeover" that looks to be a real tear jerker.

5 comments:

Brenda said...

When I think back six years or so, as we began to pray about building, and see how God has provided for all of our needs, I am overwhelmed all over again. What a journey in faith-building this has been. And I know that we will continue to see God's power even more in the scary days to come. "...and greater things are still to be done in this city."

CFHusband said...

I think yesterday's worship gathering was great...you can preach that same sermon every week for all I care...

LA said...

As I was reading the first wee bit of your Sunday flashback, I could almost see this big giant wave in my minds eye, and one word comes to mind:

Kairos.

In one sense to me Kairos is like grabbing hold of those opportune moments before they go by, but also that those moments where God is just there - almighty and powerful in the midst of those waves fulfilling his purpose.

The other day I was driving with 2 friends listening to Chris Tomlin 'God of this City' as we drove back from the city where I spent my first 5 years as a Christian to the city where I grew up (and now live)....suddenly I realised all 3 of us were singing along like we were declaring it, praying for it.

God has a plan, and there are great things to come, and great things to be done (because we're part of that plan - how exciting!)

I think your church may have some Kairos moments this year. :)

Sorry, i'm totally barging in on your blog again but I do love hearing about the things God is doing in NC and pray for you guys often.

Rick Lawrenson said...

@BK

Barge in all you want, as long as what you say is relevant! And thanks for your prayers!!

BTW, I'd love to hear you talk. That Scottish accent is way too cool.

LA said...

@Rick thanks :)

I never realised my accent was so interesting until I posted this video for one of my American blogging friends...

So if you really want to hear it you can go to this post on my old blog...!

http://brunettekoala.wordpress.com/2008/12/06/how-to-use-a-duvet-cover/