I'm curious as to why it takes us ten minutes into a worship gathering for people to come in and get a seat? Are they just unable to get there on time, or what? Just wondering. The second gathering probably increased 20% after we began.
The best news yesterday was that two attenders indicated they were trusting Jesus as Savior. One of them was a first timeer who wrote on his card, "I'm new and need a church. You guys are very kind and I'll be back soon." The other was someone who has been attending regularly now for a couple of months. She commented, "I am not sure how to do this right...I have so much to be thankful to God and I want to make sure he knows how much I believe in Him and love Him." I think He knows!
Our band gave us a mixture of Christmas songs, including "Christmas Time is Here" (think Charlie Brown), and some non-seasonal worship songs that all worked great together. We don't think Nate will be able to be with us on Sundays much longer (read his blog for more info there), and he'll be greatly missed. But I'ma also very confident the band will do an excellent job w/o him for a while in leading us. Can't wait for them to get to work on a CD!
With all the Christmas decorations up the place looks great! And Sunday the kids decorated a tree just outside my office door. I'm looking for the plug to energize the lights.
Our first gathering had zero babies in the nursery! A first. I didn't hear a report on the second gathering, but suspect they had their hands/arms full.
I'm really appreciative of the dedication and work our other pastors do. Yesterday was an example of their commitment to shepherd the flock. No one other than a few knew what they were up to, but it sure is a blessing to me to know they're watching over us like they do. Thanks guys.
Sunday evening we hosted "Defy Conformity", with Keith Deltano. It was a pro-abstinence rally for the youth and parents in our community. Our band provided the music and rocked the house. We know of 6 churches who participated. Our local crisis pregnancy center sponsored the rally and it was well done. I hope will make a huge difference. A good group of parents also attended and heard some eye opening things. We're blessed now to be able to host events like this, and look forward to more of the same kinds of things in the future.
Only 3 Sundays left in '07! What a year it's been for NHC. Kinda like traveling on a jet. There's been some turbulence, but we're getting there quickly!
Monday, December 10, 2007
Friday, December 7, 2007
When history is forgotten
December 7, 1941 was truly a world changing day. But I think few Americans, especially Gen Xers and Millenials are even aware that today is a monumental anniversary.
The rapidly vanishing "Greatest Generation" who fought in WWII haven't forgotten (unless due to dementia or Alzheimers). My generation of boomers seems to remember, but chooses for the most part to ignore.
But isn't it true that if we forget history's lessons we're doomed to repeat them?
But, hey. We're the USA. No one will ever get close enough to invade us again.
Oh, I almost forgot a Tuesday in September six years ago.
The rapidly vanishing "Greatest Generation" who fought in WWII haven't forgotten (unless due to dementia or Alzheimers). My generation of boomers seems to remember, but chooses for the most part to ignore.
But isn't it true that if we forget history's lessons we're doomed to repeat them?
But, hey. We're the USA. No one will ever get close enough to invade us again.
Oh, I almost forgot a Tuesday in September six years ago.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
The lion roars
Peter wrote, "Be clear-minded and alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Resist him and be firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering." (1 Peter 5:8-9 ISV)
This week, actually it became ominous a week or two earlier, the lion has been roaring in our ears. Our elders have sensed an increase, a "surge" if you will, in the attack against our church and those we know and love in the last few days . This isn't some heeby-jeeby feeling. It comes from real battles people we care for are in. And some of them are losing.
It takes more than a three-legged stool, a whip and a gun firing blanks to protect yourself, too. Unfortunately some are willing to surrender to the roaring lion and be devoured, rather than to be firm in the faith of another, greater Lion.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
I'm in training
Watching the OBX Marathon a few weeks ago as it ran past us on Sunday morning gave me some inspiration. I mean, I know I'm in better shape than some of those guys! So why can't I participate?
I may never run a marathon (pain isn't my friend), but there's a little 5K run coming up on the 15th that I want to try. So Monday I went to the Y and ran 5Ks. First I walked for 5 minutes to warm up. Then I reset the machine for 5K and ran for 40 minutes and a few seconds. The last mile I was clocking 1 mile in 12 minutes. (I learned that 5K = 3.1 miles).
I'm going back today and do it again. This time I'll increase my speed a little.
But there's a price to be paid. Yesterday I was walking around like I needed hip and knee replacements! The soreness isn't so bad today, however.
Anyway, it's fun to be able to look at your son and sons in law and say, "I can run faster and farther than you, big boy". And they know it, too.
Oh yeah. Thank God for hot tubs and advil.
I may never run a marathon (pain isn't my friend), but there's a little 5K run coming up on the 15th that I want to try. So Monday I went to the Y and ran 5Ks. First I walked for 5 minutes to warm up. Then I reset the machine for 5K and ran for 40 minutes and a few seconds. The last mile I was clocking 1 mile in 12 minutes. (I learned that 5K = 3.1 miles).
I'm going back today and do it again. This time I'll increase my speed a little.
But there's a price to be paid. Yesterday I was walking around like I needed hip and knee replacements! The soreness isn't so bad today, however.
Anyway, it's fun to be able to look at your son and sons in law and say, "I can run faster and farther than you, big boy". And they know it, too.
Oh yeah. Thank God for hot tubs and advil.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
How you can pray for Tricia
At our communion Sunday night Nathan announced that Tricia is expecting a child. For her that brings a whole different scenario to her need for new lungs, due to her Cystic Fibrosis. He has written the following and asked me to send it to you so you can know specifically how to be praying for them. Please feel free to share this with others who will also pray. You can stay abreast of what’s happening with Tricia by going to Nate’s blog.
Thanks,
Rick
The doctors have taken Tricia off of several of her normal CF meds to protect the baby. They have replaced some of them with safe meds, but she is definitely missing out on the benefits of her usual meds. So far, everything about the baby is healthy, but Tricia is suffering because of it.
> Tricia now has Gestational Diabetes. Diabetes are common both in CF patients and in pregnancy, so she was almost guaranteed to deal with it at some point. She is currently taking three different kinds of Insulin (all shots) to counter her need for a high carb, high calorie diet. Counting carbs, pricking her finger every few hours to test her blood sugar level, thinking more about what and when she eats (and doesn't eat), etc. has added to the stress of her daily life.
> As the baby grows, the room for her lungs to expand shrinks. Tricia is now on oxygen almost 24/7. She carries an Oximeter with her everywhere so that she can always be sure her heart rate and oxygen intake are at a healthy level for both she and the baby. She also carries portable oxygen tanks everywhere. Even with the extra oxygen, her levels are constantly on the brink of being dangerous, especially for the baby.
> Because of her oxygen level, Tricia is very limited in what she is able to do, where she is able to go, etc. Things as common as folding laundry, fixing lunch and walking to the car have become very laborious for her. Her daily PT at the Center for Living is becoming more and more difficult, and more and more important. She is not able to travel much any more, and she may not be going home again until after the baby is here, which is not fun to think about, especially for her. More than likely, she will be on bed-rest in the hospital in the near future.
> Because of the new diet, diabetes, oxygen issues, etc., we have to get up several times in the middle of the night to tend to things, which makes our daily routines a little more difficult. I suppose that it's god preparation for the baby, but not really healthy, especially for Tricia. Needless to say, we've both been sleeping later and Tricia has been getting as many naps as she can.
That's all for now. We appreciate your prayers and sincere words of encouragement. We are relying on God more than ever for our strength and joy, and we are seeing Him provide all that we need. We're always open to phone calls and emails and even visits (for anyone who wants to make a trip to Durham). Thanks!
Nate
Thanks,
Rick
The doctors have taken Tricia off of several of her normal CF meds to protect the baby. They have replaced some of them with safe meds, but she is definitely missing out on the benefits of her usual meds. So far, everything about the baby is healthy, but Tricia is suffering because of it.
> Tricia now has Gestational Diabetes. Diabetes are common both in CF patients and in pregnancy, so she was almost guaranteed to deal with it at some point. She is currently taking three different kinds of Insulin (all shots) to counter her need for a high carb, high calorie diet. Counting carbs, pricking her finger every few hours to test her blood sugar level, thinking more about what and when she eats (and doesn't eat), etc. has added to the stress of her daily life.
> As the baby grows, the room for her lungs to expand shrinks. Tricia is now on oxygen almost 24/7. She carries an Oximeter with her everywhere so that she can always be sure her heart rate and oxygen intake are at a healthy level for both she and the baby. She also carries portable oxygen tanks everywhere. Even with the extra oxygen, her levels are constantly on the brink of being dangerous, especially for the baby.
> Because of her oxygen level, Tricia is very limited in what she is able to do, where she is able to go, etc. Things as common as folding laundry, fixing lunch and walking to the car have become very laborious for her. Her daily PT at the Center for Living is becoming more and more difficult, and more and more important. She is not able to travel much any more, and she may not be going home again until after the baby is here, which is not fun to think about, especially for her. More than likely, she will be on bed-rest in the hospital in the near future.
> Because of the new diet, diabetes, oxygen issues, etc., we have to get up several times in the middle of the night to tend to things, which makes our daily routines a little more difficult. I suppose that it's god preparation for the baby, but not really healthy, especially for Tricia. Needless to say, we've both been sleeping later and Tricia has been getting as many naps as she can.
That's all for now. We appreciate your prayers and sincere words of encouragement. We are relying on God more than ever for our strength and joy, and we are seeing Him provide all that we need. We're always open to phone calls and emails and even visits (for anyone who wants to make a trip to Durham). Thanks!
Nate
Monday, December 3, 2007
Every church needs a cheering squad
Last Sunday night at our annual budget conference when the church gives approval of our vision for the next year we had a smidgen representation of members present. In fact, had we a requirement for a percentage for a quorum, we likely would not have been able to make a decision.
And to some, that was not a positive sign. "Where are all the members?" Yet the following Sunday evening at our communion gathering and dinner we had an all time high attendance.
What does that say about us?
First, our church has learned that our leadership can be trusted to be seekers of God in making decisions and finding His vision.
Second, those who came out to the budget meeting are the core. And the core of any ministry are also the cheerleaders. They see better than most what God is doing and how He's doing it. They have truly bought into the vision of the church with their lives and their support. (The approval btw, was unanimous.)
Third, that so many come out to a communion worship/fellowship gathering shows where our priorities lie, and that's in drawing close to what really matters: the cross and one another.
I love our church!
And to some, that was not a positive sign. "Where are all the members?" Yet the following Sunday evening at our communion gathering and dinner we had an all time high attendance.
What does that say about us?
First, our church has learned that our leadership can be trusted to be seekers of God in making decisions and finding His vision.
Second, those who came out to the budget meeting are the core. And the core of any ministry are also the cheerleaders. They see better than most what God is doing and how He's doing it. They have truly bought into the vision of the church with their lives and their support. (The approval btw, was unanimous.)
Third, that so many come out to a communion worship/fellowship gathering shows where our priorities lie, and that's in drawing close to what really matters: the cross and one another.
I love our church!
Removing God from Christmas?
Here's the intro statement on a thread in a forum I frequent:
We have a family in our school that will not let their children sing "The first Noel" because, "El is the Hebrew word for God. No, mean no. So Noel is really saying there is no God."
How stupid is that?
Yes, "El" is a Hebrew name for God (ie. El Shaddai, Elohim...). That's Hebrew. And "No" is a word in some languages for negatory, but not in Hebrew. The fact is "Noel" comes from the French word for Christmas.
What was it Jesus said about straining at gnats? Spirituality doesn't equate being dumb.
Merry Xmas. Uh oh. I've done it now...
But the Greek symbol for Christ is...
We have a family in our school that will not let their children sing "The first Noel" because, "El is the Hebrew word for God. No, mean no. So Noel is really saying there is no God."
How stupid is that?
Yes, "El" is a Hebrew name for God (ie. El Shaddai, Elohim...). That's Hebrew. And "No" is a word in some languages for negatory, but not in Hebrew. The fact is "Noel" comes from the French word for Christmas.
What was it Jesus said about straining at gnats? Spirituality doesn't equate being dumb.
Merry Xmas. Uh oh. I've done it now...
But the Greek symbol for Christ is...
Sleeping with someone's grandma
Now that Nathan and Tricia have gone public with their announcement that she is expecting, I can talk about it, too.
I have to confess, my initial reaction when they gave us the news (back in September) was not joy-filled. Humanly speaking her pregnancy came at the very worst possible time for her. She was literally to begin PT the next day in preparation for her double lung transplant that is necessary for her life. A pregnancy eliminated her from being put on the transplant list at the time when she needs it most. So my mixed emotions stemmed from the very real possibility that the odds were against them big time.
At the same time, how can you not be elated with the news that your first grandchild is on the way? I know I have had the grandfatherly look now for several years. It's a genetic thing. But Gail (to me) will never look like a grandma. But trust me, she's ready to be one! And I'm getting more used to the idea myself, and it's not bad! - I mean of me being a grandfather, not her being granny.
A comment was made on Nathan's blog that I want to echo. "Tricia - you are the bravest, strongest woman i know! Nathan, keep holding strong!" These two young people are my heroes. I can't imagine being in their situation and being as strong and courageous. I'm humbled by their faith and their love. In fact, all my kids amaze me.
So I request your prayers for them.
In the meantime I'll get ready for the reality that my bride is a grandmother. My guess is she'll shine like never before.
I have to confess, my initial reaction when they gave us the news (back in September) was not joy-filled. Humanly speaking her pregnancy came at the very worst possible time for her. She was literally to begin PT the next day in preparation for her double lung transplant that is necessary for her life. A pregnancy eliminated her from being put on the transplant list at the time when she needs it most. So my mixed emotions stemmed from the very real possibility that the odds were against them big time.
At the same time, how can you not be elated with the news that your first grandchild is on the way? I know I have had the grandfatherly look now for several years. It's a genetic thing. But Gail (to me) will never look like a grandma. But trust me, she's ready to be one! And I'm getting more used to the idea myself, and it's not bad! - I mean of me being a grandfather, not her being granny.
A comment was made on Nathan's blog that I want to echo. "Tricia - you are the bravest, strongest woman i know! Nathan, keep holding strong!" These two young people are my heroes. I can't imagine being in their situation and being as strong and courageous. I'm humbled by their faith and their love. In fact, all my kids amaze me.
So I request your prayers for them.
In the meantime I'll get ready for the reality that my bride is a grandmother. My guess is she'll shine like never before.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Coaching 101: Learn the rules of the game
How many ways can the Redskins come up with to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. If you've read previous blogs, you know I'm not enamored with the coaching. And it hurts to say that, because like all real Skins fans, I'm a Joe Gibbs guy. But this year I'm thinking Joe needs to go back to NASCAR. Today was the worst.
The look on his face when he realized he made a bonehead timeout call that sealed their defeat was sad to see.
And if you can't play with more heart than that this Sunday in particular, something's bad wrong. I'm guessing the Dolphins could use a new fan.
The look on his face when he realized he made a bonehead timeout call that sealed their defeat was sad to see.
And if you can't play with more heart than that this Sunday in particular, something's bad wrong. I'm guessing the Dolphins could use a new fan.
Sunday flashback
It's great to hear Christmas music again in our worship gatherings! And our band does such a great job in making the old songs new.
The message today was about being prepared to follow Jesus into the darkness of the world. I really believe He's using this series to wake us up to the need to be a community of missionaries. And that's very exciting.
What do you say to people who consistently drive for an hour or more to come to your church? We have folks who drive from as far away as Elizabeth City (60 miles) and Columbia (45 miles) every week. That's encouraging. Maybe we should give them a gas card!
This afternoon our kids planned a movie lunch at home. We watched the movie "Hairspray" - yeah, the one where John Travolta is in drag. I confess, I slept through much of it, and what I was awake for...well, let's just say it wasn't my cup of tea.
But the day went out with a bang, for sure. The house was overflowing for our annual church Christmas dinner. We really were overwhelmed with the turnout. And my son, Nathan revealed to the church that he and Tricia are expectant parents. You can read more about that in his blog. I'd encourage you to do so.
It was in many ways a tough week last week. I'm hoping this one is a bit cheerier!
The message today was about being prepared to follow Jesus into the darkness of the world. I really believe He's using this series to wake us up to the need to be a community of missionaries. And that's very exciting.
What do you say to people who consistently drive for an hour or more to come to your church? We have folks who drive from as far away as Elizabeth City (60 miles) and Columbia (45 miles) every week. That's encouraging. Maybe we should give them a gas card!
This afternoon our kids planned a movie lunch at home. We watched the movie "Hairspray" - yeah, the one where John Travolta is in drag. I confess, I slept through much of it, and what I was awake for...well, let's just say it wasn't my cup of tea.
But the day went out with a bang, for sure. The house was overflowing for our annual church Christmas dinner. We really were overwhelmed with the turnout. And my son, Nathan revealed to the church that he and Tricia are expectant parents. You can read more about that in his blog. I'd encourage you to do so.
It was in many ways a tough week last week. I'm hoping this one is a bit cheerier!
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