How do you get ready for church?
April 15, 2007
April 12, 2007
A good type of loan
We are honored to have this art piece loaned to us. The artist is Danny Mann (Don and Ruth's son). He is an art major and I hear that this work took a whole semester to complete. It is approx. 3 X 8 feet in size and will be hanging in the sanctuary for a few more weeks. Take the time to get close enough to really look into the face of Jesus in this painting. A powerful portrayal for sure. Thanks to Danny for sharing this with us; especially during this season of the year. It added great depth to our Good Friday and Easter services.
April 11, 2007
Gather 'round the Campfire and join in the discussion.
Now that the concept seems solidified I wanted to share the vision for this blog. It was created not as an outlet for one or two people to post about the church. The name of the blog refers to the fact that the campfire has always been the center of the camp. For info, meals, fellowship, news. That's what I want to see from this blog. The main things that I want to happen here are:
- Information on the happenings at CRMC
- Highlights of events/ volunteers
- Encouragement of the body
- Discussion of topics that pertain to the church and the Church
- a weekly recap of the weekend service
The best way to make this happen is to have multiple posters/ participants. You can do this bt commenting on current posts or if you would like to make a post or become a regular poster, contact me by email and we can make that happen. I would like to find someone who would be willing to make a weekly recap post of the service (songs we sing, important announcements, sermon highlights/ topic, etc), you know, the kind of stuff that will let people know what they missed out on if they have to be away for some reason. If you're interested, let me know. For now, huddle a little closer to the campfire, it's supposed to snow tonight!
April 10, 2007
Endeavor
I have never gotten so much feedback from a message. Here are some stories people have shared with me recently.
1. Just this morning I got a phone call from individual who is involved in hunting pheasants and ducks and also is involved in a Golden Retriever Club. Dave's endeavor is to lead Bible Studies with men in pick up trucks as they meet in the these Clubs. They all ready have their dogs in common. He thought he would call it "Retrievers for Christ." Creative and awesome! Evangelism outside of our Church building walls! What an encouraging call.
2. Yesterday at Church a lady after service shared with me her endeavor. She realized her first endeavor is to make things right in her relationship with God. Incredible! God spoke to her heart!
3. Stan Myers feels his endeavor is to start a home Bible Study with Guys at work and with families here at Church.
4. My grandmother who was in the service feels led to spearhead a prayer ministry in her church.
5. Another person feels led to train and equip people to reach this neighborhood for Christ.
What is your endeavor? What has God placed on your heart? I would love to hear your endeavor stories!
Pastor Matt
1. Just this morning I got a phone call from individual who is involved in hunting pheasants and ducks and also is involved in a Golden Retriever Club. Dave's endeavor is to lead Bible Studies with men in pick up trucks as they meet in the these Clubs. They all ready have their dogs in common. He thought he would call it "Retrievers for Christ." Creative and awesome! Evangelism outside of our Church building walls! What an encouraging call.
2. Yesterday at Church a lady after service shared with me her endeavor. She realized her first endeavor is to make things right in her relationship with God. Incredible! God spoke to her heart!
3. Stan Myers feels his endeavor is to start a home Bible Study with Guys at work and with families here at Church.
4. My grandmother who was in the service feels led to spearhead a prayer ministry in her church.
5. Another person feels led to train and equip people to reach this neighborhood for Christ.
What is your endeavor? What has God placed on your heart? I would love to hear your endeavor stories!
Pastor Matt
Recital Night is coming...
Whether you are participating or just want to come to watch/ support your fellow CRMC family members; make sure you come this Sunday evening (April 15th) for the latest Recital Night. You never know what you will see. Vocalists, comedy, instrumentals, drama, speeches, iterpretive dance... The snack time that follows is always great too!
Stopping that Gunky buildup
Tony Morgan posted this article in his blog over the weekend. The idea is that just like cars, we have gunk that builds up on us and we cannot run efficiently. Here are the lies and realities that he posted. We all need to take inventory from time to time and ask God if it's time to get the gunk out.
-Sometimes I believe the lie that I can't afford to take a break and rest. The reality is that I'm far less effective in my family and leadership roles when I'm tired and grumpy.
-Sometimes I believe the lie that I'll spend quality time with my wife at the end of the day after everything else is done. The reality is that the last things on my priority list rarely get done.
-Sometimes I believe the lie that I'll get to the big projects after I knock out the more routine tasks. The reality is that there will always be other routine tasks to complete.
-Sometimes I believe the lie that the more I do the more valuable I am to the team. The reality is that I'm not being effective if I'm busy doing the wrong things.
-Sometimes I believe the lie that the little problem I have isn't jeopardizing my leadership. The reality is that most times everyone else is already being impacted by my little problem.
-Sometimes I believe the lie that I need to correct every false statement and negative comment. The reality is that many times those faint voices become a distraction when I draw attention and make them loud.
-Sometimes I believe the lie that goals will be accomplished without a plan if I'm just patient and faithful. The reality is that most goals worth pursuing require counsel and strategy and hard work and commitment.
-Sometimes I believe the lie that I need to jump at a good opportunity. The reality is that someone will always have a good opportunity for me to pursue, and many times those good opportunities squeeze out time and energy to fulfill a great mission and calling.
-Sometimes I believe the lie that I can't afford to take a break and rest. The reality is that I'm far less effective in my family and leadership roles when I'm tired and grumpy.
-Sometimes I believe the lie that I'll spend quality time with my wife at the end of the day after everything else is done. The reality is that the last things on my priority list rarely get done.
-Sometimes I believe the lie that I'll get to the big projects after I knock out the more routine tasks. The reality is that there will always be other routine tasks to complete.
-Sometimes I believe the lie that the more I do the more valuable I am to the team. The reality is that I'm not being effective if I'm busy doing the wrong things.
-Sometimes I believe the lie that the little problem I have isn't jeopardizing my leadership. The reality is that most times everyone else is already being impacted by my little problem.
-Sometimes I believe the lie that I need to correct every false statement and negative comment. The reality is that many times those faint voices become a distraction when I draw attention and make them loud.
-Sometimes I believe the lie that goals will be accomplished without a plan if I'm just patient and faithful. The reality is that most goals worth pursuing require counsel and strategy and hard work and commitment.
-Sometimes I believe the lie that I need to jump at a good opportunity. The reality is that someone will always have a good opportunity for me to pursue, and many times those good opportunities squeeze out time and energy to fulfill a great mission and calling.
HOLD FAST
The old saying states that when you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on. Stand your ground in the face of the enemy and He will send the help you need; right on time!
April 8, 2007
I used this picture with a previous post but the image is just way to appropriate for today.HE IS RISEN INDEED!!
How will you respond to the resurrection and Jesus? The fact is you have to respond in some way, even of that response is to be indifferent... I can't personally see how that is possible. Happy Resurrection Day!
April 6, 2007
Invite someone to church!!
A pastor's blog that I read included the following story that he recieved in an email. Who have you been putting off inviting to church?
Almost 30 years ago, I was a pastor’s wife, living in a small town in NC.Every day a man would walk past our house with his small Pomeranian dog. Astime went by, I would have occasion to talk with him when I would be outsidewith my young children. After some time, I came to realize that Fred was analcoholic. Sometimes it was very obvious that he had been drinking, othertimes not so obvious.
One morning the word spread through the community that Fred had been foundin the park not far from our house, passed out, and having spent the night(a cold one) on the ground there. In my “protected little world,” I hadjust never known anyone “up close and personal” who lived in that world.
Several weeks later, Easter was approaching. One day, I saw Fred walkingdown the street, and as I watched him, I clearly felt, heard, or whatever .. . I knew God was telling me to invite Fred to church. My first thought .. . “He’ll never come to church.”
But I went out the door and stopped him and began to talk to him, somethingwe had been doing for a couple of years now. I finally asked him if he’dlike to come to church with me on Easter. He asked what time I would beleaving and said that if he was going, he’d be waiting on my front steps.
Easter Sunday morning,as I was getting the children ready to go out thedoor, I saw Fred walking across the yard and then sitting down on the steps.I was amazed!
Now my concern was, “What in the world will the folks at church think?”(This was not a NewSpring environment, if you know what I mean.) This was asmall town, everyone knew Fred was the neighborhood drunk, and I becamereally worried that this was going to be awkward.
We got to church and when we walked in . . . the miracle began! I wasright, just about everyone did know Fred . . . and they were thrilled to seehim! He was warmly greeted, given hugs, and I just stood there . . .amazed!
Fred came to church every Sunday after that, and just a few weeks later, heaccepted Jesus Christ into his heart!!! The transformation began! Later, Icame to learn that during the week leading up to that Easter Sunday, Fredhad begun attending AA. I was just one link in a chain that God had begunputting together to rescue this man.
Fred was a fixture at the church, doing anything he could to help. Hebecame one of our most effective greeters. What a testimony to the grace ofGod! He was absolutely devoted to me, inviting every new person thatattended to come to the Sunday School class I taught. The class grew tomore than 60 people (in a church of less than 300).
And here’s the rest of the story . . .A few years later, my husband and I moved away to plant a church inOklahoma. There was some ongoing contact with the church there in NC . . .enough to know that Fred was continuing to serve Christ there in thatchurch. What I didn’t realize, until his death a few years later, was theimpact he had beyond the walls of that church.
At his funeral, it was revealed that Fred had, through the ministry of AA,been responsible for leading more than 160 people into a relationship withJesus Christ, and getting them plugged into the “church of their choice.”Baptist deacons, Methodist elders, and numerous others had been impacted bythe transformed life of Fred.
Perry, I can’t tell you how many times I think about that “nudge” from God.Don’t stop telling your NewSpring’ers to invite, invite, invite. There arelots of “Freds” out there.
Almost 30 years ago, I was a pastor’s wife, living in a small town in NC.Every day a man would walk past our house with his small Pomeranian dog. Astime went by, I would have occasion to talk with him when I would be outsidewith my young children. After some time, I came to realize that Fred was analcoholic. Sometimes it was very obvious that he had been drinking, othertimes not so obvious.
One morning the word spread through the community that Fred had been foundin the park not far from our house, passed out, and having spent the night(a cold one) on the ground there. In my “protected little world,” I hadjust never known anyone “up close and personal” who lived in that world.
Several weeks later, Easter was approaching. One day, I saw Fred walkingdown the street, and as I watched him, I clearly felt, heard, or whatever .. . I knew God was telling me to invite Fred to church. My first thought .. . “He’ll never come to church.”
But I went out the door and stopped him and began to talk to him, somethingwe had been doing for a couple of years now. I finally asked him if he’dlike to come to church with me on Easter. He asked what time I would beleaving and said that if he was going, he’d be waiting on my front steps.
Easter Sunday morning,as I was getting the children ready to go out thedoor, I saw Fred walking across the yard and then sitting down on the steps.I was amazed!
Now my concern was, “What in the world will the folks at church think?”(This was not a NewSpring environment, if you know what I mean.) This was asmall town, everyone knew Fred was the neighborhood drunk, and I becamereally worried that this was going to be awkward.
We got to church and when we walked in . . . the miracle began! I wasright, just about everyone did know Fred . . . and they were thrilled to seehim! He was warmly greeted, given hugs, and I just stood there . . .amazed!
Fred came to church every Sunday after that, and just a few weeks later, heaccepted Jesus Christ into his heart!!! The transformation began! Later, Icame to learn that during the week leading up to that Easter Sunday, Fredhad begun attending AA. I was just one link in a chain that God had begunputting together to rescue this man.
Fred was a fixture at the church, doing anything he could to help. Hebecame one of our most effective greeters. What a testimony to the grace ofGod! He was absolutely devoted to me, inviting every new person thatattended to come to the Sunday School class I taught. The class grew tomore than 60 people (in a church of less than 300).
And here’s the rest of the story . . .A few years later, my husband and I moved away to plant a church inOklahoma. There was some ongoing contact with the church there in NC . . .enough to know that Fred was continuing to serve Christ there in thatchurch. What I didn’t realize, until his death a few years later, was theimpact he had beyond the walls of that church.
At his funeral, it was revealed that Fred had, through the ministry of AA,been responsible for leading more than 160 people into a relationship withJesus Christ, and getting them plugged into the “church of their choice.”Baptist deacons, Methodist elders, and numerous others had been impacted bythe transformed life of Fred.
Perry, I can’t tell you how many times I think about that “nudge” from God.Don’t stop telling your NewSpring’ers to invite, invite, invite. There arelots of “Freds” out there.
It's Friday... But Sunday's Comin'!
I've been thinking about this sermonette all day and this is the first chance I've had to post it. The Good Friday service was great. 7 persepctives on the last 7 phrases of Christ, topped off with a powerful video segment from The Passion of the Christ and communion taken by families. A wonderful way to focus on the power and meaning of the cross. Anyway... these words are here to encourage and challenge. The tough part of our faith is waiting. These thoughts will get you through tonight and tommorrow. See you all on Sunday morning!!It's Friday. Jesus is arrested in the garden where He was praying. But Sunday's coming.
It's Friday. The disciples are hiding and Peter's denying that he knows the Lord. But Sunday's coming.
It's Friday. Jesus is standing before the high priest of Israel, silent as a lamb before the slaughter. But Sunday's coming.
It's Friday. Jesus is beaten, mocked, and spit upon. But Sunday's coming.
It's Friday. Those Roman soldiers are flogging our Lord with a leather scourge that has bits of bones and glass and metal, tearing at his flesh. But Sunday's coming.
It's Friday. The Son of man stands firm as they press the crown of thorns down into his brow. But Sunday's coming.
It's Friday. See Him walking to Calvary, the blood dripping from His body. See the cross crashing down on His back as He stumbles beneath the load. It's Friday; but Sunday's a coming.
It's Friday. See those Roman soldiers driving the nails into the feet and hands of my Lord. Hear my Jesus cry, "Father, forgive them." It's Friday; but Sunday's coming.
It's Friday. Jesus is hanging on the cross, bloody and dying. But Sunday's coming.
It's Friday. The sky grows dark, the earth begins to tremble, and He who knew no sin became sin for us. Holy God who will not abide with sin pours out His wrath on that perfect sacrificial lamb who cries out, "My God, My God. Why hast thou forsaken me?" What a horrible cry. But Sunday's coming.It's Friday. And at the moment of Jesus' death, the veil of the Temple that separates sinful man from Holy God was torn from the top to the bottom because Sunday's coming.
It's Friday. The disciples are hiding and Peter's denying that he knows the Lord. But Sunday's coming.
It's Friday. Jesus is standing before the high priest of Israel, silent as a lamb before the slaughter. But Sunday's coming.
It's Friday. Jesus is beaten, mocked, and spit upon. But Sunday's coming.
It's Friday. Those Roman soldiers are flogging our Lord with a leather scourge that has bits of bones and glass and metal, tearing at his flesh. But Sunday's coming.
It's Friday. The Son of man stands firm as they press the crown of thorns down into his brow. But Sunday's coming.
It's Friday. See Him walking to Calvary, the blood dripping from His body. See the cross crashing down on His back as He stumbles beneath the load. It's Friday; but Sunday's a coming.
It's Friday. See those Roman soldiers driving the nails into the feet and hands of my Lord. Hear my Jesus cry, "Father, forgive them." It's Friday; but Sunday's coming.
It's Friday. Jesus is hanging on the cross, bloody and dying. But Sunday's coming.
It's Friday. The sky grows dark, the earth begins to tremble, and He who knew no sin became sin for us. Holy God who will not abide with sin pours out His wrath on that perfect sacrificial lamb who cries out, "My God, My God. Why hast thou forsaken me?" What a horrible cry. But Sunday's coming.It's Friday. And at the moment of Jesus' death, the veil of the Temple that separates sinful man from Holy God was torn from the top to the bottom because Sunday's coming.
It's Friday. Jesus is hanging on the cross, heaven is weeping and hell is partying. But that's because it's Friday, and they don't know it, but Sunday's a coming.
And on that horrible day 2000 years ago, Jesus the Christ, the Lord of glory, the only begotten Son of God, the only perfect man died on the cross of Calvary. Satan thought that he had won the victory. Surely he had destroyed the Son of God. Finally he had disproved the prophecy God had uttered in the Garden and the one who was to crush his head had been destroyed. But that was Friday.
Now it's Sunday. And just about dawn on that first day of the week, there was a great earthquake. But that wasn't the only thing that was shaking because now it's Sunday. And the angel of the Lord is coming down out of heaven and rolling the stone away from the door of the tomb. Yes, it's Sunday, and the angel of the Lord is sitting on that stone and the guards posted at the tomb to keep the body from disappearing were shaking in their boots because it's Sunday, and the lamb that was silent before the slaughter is now the resurrected lion from the tribe of Judah, for He is not here, the angel says. He is risen indeed.It's Sunday, and the crucified/resurrected Christ has defeated death, hell, sin and the grave. It's Sunday. And now everything has changed. It's the age of grace, God's grace poured out on all who would look to that crucified lamb of Calvary. Grace freely given to all who would believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross of Calvary was buried and rose again. All because it's Sunday.
And on that horrible day 2000 years ago, Jesus the Christ, the Lord of glory, the only begotten Son of God, the only perfect man died on the cross of Calvary. Satan thought that he had won the victory. Surely he had destroyed the Son of God. Finally he had disproved the prophecy God had uttered in the Garden and the one who was to crush his head had been destroyed. But that was Friday.
Now it's Sunday. And just about dawn on that first day of the week, there was a great earthquake. But that wasn't the only thing that was shaking because now it's Sunday. And the angel of the Lord is coming down out of heaven and rolling the stone away from the door of the tomb. Yes, it's Sunday, and the angel of the Lord is sitting on that stone and the guards posted at the tomb to keep the body from disappearing were shaking in their boots because it's Sunday, and the lamb that was silent before the slaughter is now the resurrected lion from the tribe of Judah, for He is not here, the angel says. He is risen indeed.It's Sunday, and the crucified/resurrected Christ has defeated death, hell, sin and the grave. It's Sunday. And now everything has changed. It's the age of grace, God's grace poured out on all who would look to that crucified lamb of Calvary. Grace freely given to all who would believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross of Calvary was buried and rose again. All because it's Sunday.
April 3, 2007
Things to do on Easter
So in a moment of semi-boredom I decided to type "things to do on Easter" into Google. The majority of links had to do with crafts and the like. The one that stood out to me was this one from the Telegraph in the UK. They list 101 things to do over the holiday weekend. Funny thing, the only thing I saw closely related to God was that the movie "Amazing Grace" is playing. Art shows, concerts, plays, and the like. You can even catch a performance by the Official Muslim Comedy Tour entitled, "Allah Made Me Funny". Ladies and Gents, the world is passing along it's merry way and does not often any more stop to make even the token notice of God and what He did for us. The art show and Bob Dylan will still be here on Monday (well, Bob is getting old). What are you going to let distract you from the 2 church services that we have this week ? Friday (7PM) is a chance to reflect on the cross. The horror, loss, and grief. But with the caveat that we know the Celebration Sunday (10:15AM) is coming. Ressurection, life, power, eternal life and victory over the enemy. I'm getting excited just typing it. Make your plans and get your friends, family, neighbors, or just the lady you see in the checkout lane to the services this weekend. It IS that important!!
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