Sunday Flashback

Today I'm wrapping up a week of vacation. With the exception of a 24 hour visit to Durham, I've stayed home, getting some spring stuff done. So I wasn't teaching today. In fact, I just came and worshipped - twice. I believe in the Ernie Banks philosophy: "Let's play two!" And I got to sit anywhere I wanted!

In the first gathering when we turned around to greet someone new, I saw a familiar face a couple rows behind me. Richard said it was his first time to visit our church. He was alone, so I moved back to sit with him. I hope he makes it back again. He's one of our local firefighters.

Andy brought the teaching today. I asked him to piggyback on my current series on the armor of God and zero in on the leaders of families - especially the men - and talk about our role as family protector. He did a great job. Someone told me, "I was disappointed when I heard you weren't teaching today, but Andy was great!" Her husband said, "Like father, like son". Said I, "He's my brother, not my son." That's getting old...

Speaking of my son, Nathan surprised everyone by leading our worship today for the first time since right before Christmas. How cool was it to have him back today? He adds more horsepower to our worship which today was fabulous. Here's a fresh look into what goes on at NHC from someone who recently discovered us and has begun to regularly attend.

It was good to see one of our families who are off at seminary back today. We don't get to see them often.

After lunch with us and Rachel and Ramon, he and Meka headed back to Duke. Hopefully this week Tricia will be released from the hospital, where she's been since December 27.

I didn't get to meet them, but I know there was a group of folks from MA down for vacation who frequent Nate's blog. Yesterday they called the church and I happened to be there to pick up the phone. Nate said he got to meet them.

It's so cool to see people at church walk in smiling and expecting something great to happen. Because I was off today, I spent time before the gatherings outside greeting folks as they pulled into the parking lot. I really like doing that.

Chuck Girard had a song back in the 70's called "The Full Immersion Ocean Water Baptism By the Sea". That's what we did today under the threat of bad weather. In fact, just as Steve began baptizing the 5 brave souls who got into the 50something degree water, it started to rain. So he baptized them rapid fire! Steve, Stephanie and Chad were wearing wetsuits, but the 3 Carson girls weren't! BRRRRRR!!! Now walk in newness of life! But warm up first.

This afternoon 120 parents are at NHC for parenting seminar called "Understanding Your Teenager". It's sponsored by the OBX Youth Ministry Network, a group of local church youth ministers. We're glad to host events like this that will make families stronger.