Over the past few weeks, a very dear friend and I have been doing a little political razzing of one another. It all started with a life size cut out of John McCain and has escalated to decorating each other's homes and it has reached a level of decorating genius just shy of that of Clark Griswold's in Christmas Vacation. In the midst of all this back and forth, I have realized one thing.
Change is not going to come from electing one person or another to some government office. Change can only come when we remember that all of us are called by God to bring about change to this broken world, by living a life modeled by Jesus Christ. Following his teachings and his examples, and caring about the other, will prove to bring about more change than any candidate could ever promise.
John Ortberg wrote a great book entitled, When the Game is Over, It All Goes Back in the Box, and like the title of that book, when November 4th comes, the game my friend and I have been playing too, will go back in the box. However, we realize that it is just that a game. And while it may appear that we are very different, we actually have alot in common and may make our own run in 2012. But we also realize that we can come together to bring about change and make a difference in the lives of those we come in contact with each day.
I thank God each day for friends like DG who may not know it, but have helped inspire me and helped to keep me focused on making a difference in the lives of others. Next Tuesday night when the game is over, I pray that everyone, like my friend and I, will be able to put aside thier differences, and realize they are more alike than they are different. I also pray that everyone will realize that only God is able to bring about the change we so desperately need and we can all play a part of being difference makers in this world.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Real Change
One of the requirements I once had for a class while in seminary class was to watch several movies and reflect theologically on each one. Now, these movies are not one’s that I would go see or pick up and rent at the video store. However, by the end of the movies, I found that I would watch them again and recommend them to others. This past week, I found myself watching one of those movies again. The movie is titled Ikiru.
This is a Japanese movie, with subtitles, made in 1952. It is about a government bureaucrat, Mr. Watanabe, who spends 30 years accomplishing nothing. One day he finds out that he has gastric cancer and begins seeking out how to live life. He never told anyone of his condition though. He would venture out and go to taverns and nightclubs but found nothing there. He began talking with a young woman who had worked for him at one time and found that she left her government job for a menial job in a factory making kids toys. When she showed him one of the toys that she makes, he finally realized that he could enjoy doing something and found out how to get the most out of life.
He went back to work with enthusiasm and began working to turn a mosquito infested neighborhood field into a park for children. He began working and doing things that were unheard of in government. He went to every department to make things happen, and would not give up, until the project came to its completion. The movie ends with all of those he worked for mourning his death. He went out to visit the park that he worked so hard for and died sitting in a swing.
As his fellow workers discussed his life and the changes in him they realized that he must of known of his illness. One man made the comment that “this goes to show us that life is short and we could die tomorrow.” Everyone decided that each of them would change their ways and begin working for the people trying to make a difference everyday. About a week later, the movie shows everyone back to work in their government jobs, back to the way it had always been.
When the movie was over, I found myself once again reflecting on the events that transpired. I realized that so many of us live our Christian lives in the same way. How many times have you got inspired from a church service or from the way someone in the church is living his or her life and vow to make a change? How many times has it taken a painful situation to make you change your ways? How long is it going to take you to go back to the way you were living and forget the reason you began to live again in the first place? These are questions that only you and I can answer ourselves.
This is a Japanese movie, with subtitles, made in 1952. It is about a government bureaucrat, Mr. Watanabe, who spends 30 years accomplishing nothing. One day he finds out that he has gastric cancer and begins seeking out how to live life. He never told anyone of his condition though. He would venture out and go to taverns and nightclubs but found nothing there. He began talking with a young woman who had worked for him at one time and found that she left her government job for a menial job in a factory making kids toys. When she showed him one of the toys that she makes, he finally realized that he could enjoy doing something and found out how to get the most out of life.
He went back to work with enthusiasm and began working to turn a mosquito infested neighborhood field into a park for children. He began working and doing things that were unheard of in government. He went to every department to make things happen, and would not give up, until the project came to its completion. The movie ends with all of those he worked for mourning his death. He went out to visit the park that he worked so hard for and died sitting in a swing.
As his fellow workers discussed his life and the changes in him they realized that he must of known of his illness. One man made the comment that “this goes to show us that life is short and we could die tomorrow.” Everyone decided that each of them would change their ways and begin working for the people trying to make a difference everyday. About a week later, the movie shows everyone back to work in their government jobs, back to the way it had always been.
When the movie was over, I found myself once again reflecting on the events that transpired. I realized that so many of us live our Christian lives in the same way. How many times have you got inspired from a church service or from the way someone in the church is living his or her life and vow to make a change? How many times has it taken a painful situation to make you change your ways? How long is it going to take you to go back to the way you were living and forget the reason you began to live again in the first place? These are questions that only you and I can answer ourselves.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
A Look Back
Recently, someone asked me what I looked like before I started loosing my hair. See for yourself.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
FCC Adding New Ministry
And Jesus said, “Let the children come to me for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Friends like Jesus, we too are making FCC a place for children. Yesterday, there was such an overwhelming response to the Children Worship & Wonder experience, that we are moving forward with this exciting ministry.
“Truly amazing.”
“When can we start?”
“I want to buy a story.”
“I want to be a greeter.”
“When can I go through the story-teller training?”
“Every adult in the room was drawn into the experience, I can only imagine how the children will respond.”
“Everyone stayed after church and no one was in a hurry to leave. This just doesn’t happen that often. There is definitely something good happening here.”
These are just a few of the comments I have heard and to be honest, it makes me proud to be a part of a church that truly sees the benefit of, and has the passion for ministry to our children.
If you remember, yesterday the message was on stepping up our stewardship of time and so right now, I challenge you to do just that. If you are interested in being a part of the Children Worship & Wonder ministry here at FCC I am asking you to give of your time and join us on Monday October 27th at 7:00 PM for an organizational meeting. For those of you who want to be a part of this and have children, there will be child care provided at this meeting.
In this new ministry, there will be opportunities to give as little or as much time as you want. Please prayerfully consider your role in the Children Worship & Wonder ministry here at FCC and then join us next Monday.
“Truly amazing.”
“When can we start?”
“I want to buy a story.”
“I want to be a greeter.”
“When can I go through the story-teller training?”
“Every adult in the room was drawn into the experience, I can only imagine how the children will respond.”
“Everyone stayed after church and no one was in a hurry to leave. This just doesn’t happen that often. There is definitely something good happening here.”
These are just a few of the comments I have heard and to be honest, it makes me proud to be a part of a church that truly sees the benefit of, and has the passion for ministry to our children.
If you remember, yesterday the message was on stepping up our stewardship of time and so right now, I challenge you to do just that. If you are interested in being a part of the Children Worship & Wonder ministry here at FCC I am asking you to give of your time and join us on Monday October 27th at 7:00 PM for an organizational meeting. For those of you who want to be a part of this and have children, there will be child care provided at this meeting.
In this new ministry, there will be opportunities to give as little or as much time as you want. Please prayerfully consider your role in the Children Worship & Wonder ministry here at FCC and then join us next Monday.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Weekly FCC Update
What a great time to be a part of First Christian Church. There is a great excitement in the air as our calendar is full of ministry and fellowship opportunities. So here we go……..
Starting this Sunday, October 19th we will begin a month long series on Stewardship entitled “Stepping Up”. The word Stewardship often makes us uncomfortable as the first thing that comes to mind is money. However, stewardship is so much more than money and that is why I encourage everyone to be here each Sunday as we look at what stewardship really is. We will be focusing our attention on Time, Talents, Earth, and Treasures. Stay tuned for more information for upcoming events that will be part of our Stewardship month.
Also this Sunday, after a special fellowship hour, there will be a presentation for the adults of the church on the Children Worship & Wonder program. This program is a Montessori based program that allows children from the ages of 3 to those in the fifth grade to hear Bible stories and learn about God while experiencing the presence of God. The stories are told in a way that allows the listeners to enter into the stories and form responses from their own life experiences. Following the presentation we will take time to discern if this is a ministry that God is calling us to begin here at First Christian Church.
If you have not heard it said yet, “Everything is happening on the 19th.” Also this Sunday at 5:30 PM is the youth bonfire at the Plaster’s new home. Directions are available at the church.
In addition to the bonfire, First Christian Church has also been invited as new neighbors to attend the Country Club Estates Neighborhood Association’s picnic this Sunday at 4:30 PM. More information is available on the bulletin board at the church. IF you may be interested, please notify Bill McMillan and let him know you will be attending so that he can give those in charge an idea of how many to expect. Let us join our new neighbors in a time of fellowship and show our appreciation for their hospitality.
On Sunday afternoon October 26th, we will be going golfing. Everyone is invited to join and for those of you who are non-golfers, we are in desperate need of caddies. A sign up sheet is on the bulletin board or contact Rex Harris for more information.
Finally, beginning Monday November 3, we will begin a small group study on the Psalms. There is an afternoon group that will meet at the church at 1:00PM each Monday and one that will be meeting at the church at 6:30PM. If you are interested, there is still time to sign up and if Monday’s are not good for you I am more than willing to start a third group to accommodate the schedules of others. For more information, please see me by October 26th so the books can be ordered.
Like I said, it is a great time to be a part of First Christian Church. Make sure to mark your calendars for these ministry and fellowship opportunities and share this excitement with everyone you know. May God bless each of you in all that you do.
Starting this Sunday, October 19th we will begin a month long series on Stewardship entitled “Stepping Up”. The word Stewardship often makes us uncomfortable as the first thing that comes to mind is money. However, stewardship is so much more than money and that is why I encourage everyone to be here each Sunday as we look at what stewardship really is. We will be focusing our attention on Time, Talents, Earth, and Treasures. Stay tuned for more information for upcoming events that will be part of our Stewardship month.
Also this Sunday, after a special fellowship hour, there will be a presentation for the adults of the church on the Children Worship & Wonder program. This program is a Montessori based program that allows children from the ages of 3 to those in the fifth grade to hear Bible stories and learn about God while experiencing the presence of God. The stories are told in a way that allows the listeners to enter into the stories and form responses from their own life experiences. Following the presentation we will take time to discern if this is a ministry that God is calling us to begin here at First Christian Church.
If you have not heard it said yet, “Everything is happening on the 19th.” Also this Sunday at 5:30 PM is the youth bonfire at the Plaster’s new home. Directions are available at the church.
In addition to the bonfire, First Christian Church has also been invited as new neighbors to attend the Country Club Estates Neighborhood Association’s picnic this Sunday at 4:30 PM. More information is available on the bulletin board at the church. IF you may be interested, please notify Bill McMillan and let him know you will be attending so that he can give those in charge an idea of how many to expect. Let us join our new neighbors in a time of fellowship and show our appreciation for their hospitality.
On Sunday afternoon October 26th, we will be going golfing. Everyone is invited to join and for those of you who are non-golfers, we are in desperate need of caddies. A sign up sheet is on the bulletin board or contact Rex Harris for more information.
Finally, beginning Monday November 3, we will begin a small group study on the Psalms. There is an afternoon group that will meet at the church at 1:00PM each Monday and one that will be meeting at the church at 6:30PM. If you are interested, there is still time to sign up and if Monday’s are not good for you I am more than willing to start a third group to accommodate the schedules of others. For more information, please see me by October 26th so the books can be ordered.
Like I said, it is a great time to be a part of First Christian Church. Make sure to mark your calendars for these ministry and fellowship opportunities and share this excitement with everyone you know. May God bless each of you in all that you do.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Soup & Psalms
Tonight was a very exciting evening here in the church. To kick off our study on the book of Psalms, we had a soup supper and an introduction to the Psalter itself. Following both, TWO small groups, one day and one evening, were organized.
The excitement, energy, and interest of everyone here is contagious. It is amazing to see how much God has done here in the last two months. Each day I look forward to see what amazing thing God is going to do next in the life of First Christian Church.
The excitement, energy, and interest of everyone here is contagious. It is amazing to see how much God has done here in the last two months. Each day I look forward to see what amazing thing God is going to do next in the life of First Christian Church.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
FCCOR Weekly Building Update
In case you have not heard, the grading of the lot has started. As I sit here and type this update, the choir is practicing their anthem for Sunday entitled Joy In The House, and that is so appropriate for what is going on in here at First Christian Church. There is a sense of renewed energy and excitement among the congregation, and I have been told it is an the energy and excitement which has not been experienced here in many years.
While I am sure everyone is eager to stop by the new site and watch our new church take shape, it is important that we follow some guidelines. It is absolutely vital due to insurance and safety guidelines, that anyone who is visiting the site remain behind the silt fencing and not make their way on to the actual work site. There will be several times throughout the next several months that the congregation will be able to view the progress up close and those times will be communicated to all of you at the appropriate times.
In addition to driving out and observing the progress, be sure to visit the church website at www.fccor.org and view the pictures which will be updated each day that work is taking place.
Again, we are moving dirt and there definitely is JOY IN THE HOUSE!
While I am sure everyone is eager to stop by the new site and watch our new church take shape, it is important that we follow some guidelines. It is absolutely vital due to insurance and safety guidelines, that anyone who is visiting the site remain behind the silt fencing and not make their way on to the actual work site. There will be several times throughout the next several months that the congregation will be able to view the progress up close and those times will be communicated to all of you at the appropriate times.
In addition to driving out and observing the progress, be sure to visit the church website at www.fccor.org and view the pictures which will be updated each day that work is taking place.
Again, we are moving dirt and there definitely is JOY IN THE HOUSE!
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