Lacey Goes to 100 Gum Hollow Road

A few times a week, Lacey goes with me to the new church to check out the progress. We walk around and look things over and it always seems that we forget to take the camera. Well, today, we took the camera and Lacey took time out of her exploration to pose for a few pictures.

Here is Lacey in my office looking around to see if there will be room for my furniture after we get all her stuff moved in. In case you did not know, Lacey's office hours are Monday - Thurdsay from 9:00 AM - 12:00 Noon.

Often, Lacey likes to check out some of the equipment. This scaffolding is one of her favorite's as she can be rolled around the church and take everything in without exerting any energy.

Sitting quietly, Lacey wonders if she is going to hear one of the stories from Children Worship & Wonder as she visits the Children's Worship Center.

Always looking forward to what comes next, Lacey takes a minute and looks out of the back door to the back of the property to see where the pavillon will be and where the future entrance of the phase 2 sanctuary will be located. She knows with all the enthusiasm and growth that is taking place, it won't be long before plans are made for the next phase.

Darn Carts

Have you ever gone to the grocery store and chosen a shopping cart that seems to have a mind of its own? This afternoon on my way home from the church, I thought I would stop by Kroger’s to pick up a few needed items. I walked in, got my shopping cart and began my journey through the store. However, the journey through the store was not turning out the way I had planned. My shopping cart was possessed. As I tried to push it down the aisle, it began to go where it wanted. Not where I wanted it to go.

As I made my way through the produce section, it would veer into other shopping carts, and each time I would say, “I am sorry, it seems I got a shopping cart with a mind of its own.” One lady, looked at me and smiled saying, “That’s ok, we all get those once in awhile.” As I began to turn down the cereal isle, it bumped into an end display of Pop-Tarts, knocking a dozen or more boxes off the display. I stopped to pick them up, as any courteous shopper would do, and there was that same lady just smiling at me. I immediately made my way down the aisle to get my box of Quaker Oatmeal Squares and headed to the other end of the store, to get the rest of the items on my list. I was on my way to get the last thing on my list, and as I was approaching the pimento cheese spread, the cart once again, went in the opposite direction from where I wanted it to go, bumping into another cart. Once again, I looked up to apologize and just my luck, it was the same lady I ran into in the produce section, the one who smiled at me when I ran into the pop-tart display. Before I could apologize again, she said, “Young man, most people would have went and got a different shopping cart, but it seems that thought never crossed your mind.” She was right. It never crossed my mind to go and get another cart.

Has something like that ever happened to you? Frustrating, isn’t it? It is a constant battle to get it to go where you want it to!

Welcome to the world of humanity. Both you and I can be so much like those headstrong shopping carts - going where we want, as opposed to where God desires! We often forget that when we confessed Jesus Christ as the Son of the Living God and accepted him as our personal savior, we began a new chapter in our life, one where we would be working with God and not against Him.

In what ways are you like that shopping cart? What are the areas in your life that you are going in a different direction than the one God is steering you? I cannot answer that question for you, but I can tell you that when you submit total control of your life to Christ, you will find absolute freedom, total fulfillment, and incredible blessing. Let me challenge you today, not to be like that stubborn shopping cart with a mind of its own, but to develop a mind of Christ and be able to say God as Jesus did in Matthew 26: 39 – “But do what you want, and not what I want."

Leave it to the Kids

Having just finished Pastor's class this past week, I am thankful that none of the kids in the class were like the kids in this video.

Something to Think About

In case you missed it, the Evangelism Team has solicited and received a list of possible slogans for First Christian Church. I have listed them for you below.

First Christian Church ...


... Becoming, Living, and Sharing the Good News

... Building a Better Tomorrow

... All People Are Welcomed

... Finding Balance in an UnBalanced World

... Where the Difference is . . . Relationships

... Share the Faith

... One Body with a Greater Heart

... Dedicated to the Glory of God

... Sincerity, Belief, and Faith

It was interesting to read these as they were submitted, as it proved to me that individuals were actually putting some thought into what First Christian Church is all about. But more interesting were the responses that came back after the team put them out for a vote. Via email, several individuals have shared their choices, by replying to all and some only replied to the evangelism chairs directly. I tried to get an idea from the one of the co-chairs if there were one or two that were in contention, but she would not give me a definite answer. I also wondered if anyone thought about these slogans theologically or did the words just sound nice?

I cannot answer that question, but I can share with you a teaching moment. I want to share with you why I selected the slogan I did. I am not saying you have to agree with me, just indulge me if you choose to read further.

In the Bible, Jesus tells us that the greatest command of all is, to Love God and to love our neighbors as our self. I am not sure about you, but implicitly and explicitly the greatest command from Jesus Christ is all about relationships. As a matter of fact, throughout the New Testament, we find most of the work that Jesus did was in building relationships. I could go on with more examples but I think you see where I am going. (I will be glad have a small group discussion on this topic if any are interested though) It is plain and simple if we are truly wanting to be Disciples and Followers Jesus Christ then there is only one choice. First Christian Church. Where the Difference is … Relationships.

Still not convinced. I found a study of new members who joined the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) form a few years ago, and it stated that 77.6% of them attended because of “relational influences.” Let’s bring it a little closer to home and look at what is on our website. I discovered the mission of our church and I could not believe that throughout the mission there was one word intertwined. Do you want to know what it was? You guessed it Relationship! Let me show you. Below you will find the mission of the church which I copied and pasted directly from our website. I made no changes to it, except you will notice in Red, I made some interesting discoveries.

In contrast to the purpose, whose scope is unending, the mission statement is a clear statement of this congregation's direction in this time and place. The mission describes what we are to do and what we are to be for the next part of our story -- for the coming five year period. The mission presented in the Ministry Vision Task Group's recommendation was developed during 2005, as we individually, as a committee, and as a congregation listened to God's call upon us. When this mission is accomplished, a new mission shall be revealed, as we continue to listen to God's call.The mission of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, for designing our new facility and for the years following our move into it shall be:
Strengthening the congregation’s faith by sharing our individual faith stories. RELATIONSHIPS
Closer bonding between members by more rapid communication. RELATIONSHIPS
Nurture the spiritual nature of the congregation through recognition and development of spiritual gifts that are vocalized and shared. RELATIONSHIPS
Encourage the individual ministries of the congregation’s members. RELATIONSHIPS
Adult education based on biblical studies.
Re-establish Sunday School for children based on a biblical curriculum.
Ensure that our elderly members feel valued by the care and love we show them. RELATIONSHIPS
Reach out to the community by offering classes that tutor children in their educational work and adults in obtaining their GED/life skills education. RELATIONSHIPS
Provide a welcoming atmosphere for families with children and/or individuals with disabilities. RELATIONSHIPS
Accept diversity in various forms of music. RELATIONSHIPS
Develop a program of intentional evangelism throughout the community. RELATIONSHIPS

I don’t know about you, but I did not need to read this mission statement to get that at First Christian Church, the difference is … Relationships. That was evident from the first time I came to visit Oak Ridge and meet with the pulpit committee and it has been re-affirmed over and over again.

I am not sure what slogan we will end with here at the church, and I am sure which ever one is selected, it will be true to who we are, but one thing for sure is from this side of pulpit I see that the difference is … the relationships.

A View From My Office....FCC Building Update

Things are moving right along at the corner of Oak Ridge Turnpike and Gum Hollow Road. Everyday more and more progress is made and is finally able to be seen by all who drive by. Enjoy the pictures posted and look for more to be added to the images on the right side of this blog.


To the left is a view from the front of the church taken on March 5. The picture below left is below is the same view and alot has changed in two weeks.

To the left is the view from the corner of my office taken on February 17, and below is the same view taken March 5. It won't be long and the only thing I will be able to see from my office is four walls.

To the left here, is looking from where the pulpit will be out into the multipurpose worship center. Below is another look at my office from about where the door will be on the inside.

Thus Sayeth The Lord...

I have never considered myself a prophet. However, recently as I have started to go back and read the eighth century prophets in more detail, I realize the message they had for the people of Israel and Judah is not that different from the one we need to hear today. I am especially drawn to this as we are now in the season of lent and we will soon celebrate and remember the resurrection of Jesus. But, what if Jesus were to come again today. Would we be prepared? Would Jesus be satisfied with us? I would have to answer both of the questions with a “NO”.

Why do I answer no to those questions? Well, it is mainly because we have more in common with those living in eighth century Judah and Israel than we think. While I could spend the next two years making those comparisons’s I want to share with you the one, which is most noticeable in our society today. One which has been present since the time of prophets like Amos and Isaiah. One which Jesus, being the faithful Jew that he was, taught about most often. As a matter of fact, it is even one of the Ten Commandments and we still do not get it. So with that, I want to put on my prophetic robe and speak what we need to hear.

“Thus sayeth the Lord. Remember the Sabbath and keep it Holy.” It is a simple prophecy, yet everywhere we look, we just do not get it. Kroger’s and Wal-Mart are full of people because those in there thought they could get all of their shopping done while everyone else was in church. Movie theaters and recreation centers are full of people who have been lured in by the Sunday specials that are advertised all throughout the week. Schools, who supposedly support family values, schedule extra-curricular activities on Sunday’s, pulling students away from both their biological and church families. And for others, they just don’t have the time, because they have work to get done.

No matter what the excuse we have for not remembering the Sabbath, we often forget that God is only asking us to give one day out of the week to Him. It is not asking a lot, as God also gave us six other days to accomplish what we need to do to prepare for the Sabbath. While God knows there are justifiable reasons not to be present on the Sabbath, God also knows a poor excuse.
As we prepare for the resurrection, won’t you please consider reaching out to those in our own flock and those who are not by inviting them to come out and remember the Sabbath and keep it Holy, with us here at First Christian Church.

FCC Lenten Service Schedule

First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Oak Ridge, Tennessee
2009 Lenten Worship Service Schedule

Wednesday February 25, 2009

6:00 PM Ash Wednesday Service

Sunday March 1, 2009

10:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship
6:00 PM Sunday Evening Service

Sunday March 8, 2009

10:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship
6:00 PM Sunday Evening Service

Sunday March 15, 2009

10:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship
6:00 PM Sunday Evening Service

Sunday March 22, 2009

10:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship
6:00 PM Sunday Evening Service

Sunday March 29, 2009

10:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship
6:00 PM Sunday Evening Service

Sunday April 5, 2009

10:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship

Thursday April 9, 2009

6:00 PM Maundy Thursday Service

Sunday April 12, 2009

Easter Sunday Celebration
9:45 AM Easter Cantata
10:30 AM Easter Worship Service

I Believe...

I believe in the power of small groups.

Just this past week, the Invitation to Psalms small group concluded their 10-week study the way they began, with a soup supper. From the beginning, I knew there was going to be something different about this study. I knew that this study would somehow build some excitement for additional small group offerings in the future. I also believed the topic for study would give each individual who participated a greater understanding of how to use and apply the Psalms in their everyday lives. What I did not know however, is that this small group study would be a catalyst for a series of Lenten worship services.

I believe in the power of small groups.

Beginning Sunday, March 1 at 6:00 PM, we will gather for our first of five Sunday evening Lenten services. These services are penitential services and offers all in attendance the invitation to reflect upon the mercy of God and on their own spiritual lives as well. The very thing we are called to do during the season of Lent. In addition, these services allow five individuals to take part in leading the service each week. If you are interested in reading a prayer or a scripture and taking part in one of the services, let me know. Please mark all of the Sunday’s in March on your calendar and plan on joining us and telling others about our Sunday evening Lenten services.

I believe in the power of small groups.

Amazing things happen in small groups. Relationships are formed and strengthened. An individual’s faith can grow or remain firmly grounded through the discussions that take place. New ideas for fellowship and worship are born. It is my hope and my prayer that everyone here at First Christian Church will consider getting involved in one of the many small groups that will be forming this year. Look for information that will be forthcoming on the various small groups that will be starting soon.

Yes, I believe in the power of small groups but I also believe in each of you as individuals. May you continue to open your hearts and open your minds to God’s presence in your life and allow God to use you in new exciting ways in the ministries here at First Christian Church.

A Table of Change

Last week, I was in Bethany, West Virginia where I had the opportunity to officiate at the wedding of one of my good friends from seminary. The ceremony was perfect and the minister did an amzazing job. But the best part of the wedding was in fact the wedding reception. Now, I say this because as we know from the life of Jesus, he loved to party and in fact the first miracle he performed was at a wedding feast.

At the reception, each guest was assigned to a table for the evening. When I arrived, I soon learned that I was assigned to Table 10. Looking around I happened to spot some friends of mine sitting at Tbale 14. Since one of our friends from Lexington could not make the wedding, they asked me to join them at their table, and since they would be leaving after the meal to drive back to Lexington, I wanted to spend some more time visiting with them.

Now, this is where it gets interesting. As we sat at Table 14, I noticed a few of Chris' sisters friends who we had met the night before sitting at Table 12, so I went over to say hello. Now, there were 5 seats at their table not being used as the guests assigned there could not make it due to bad weather. We were invited to join them, so my 3 friends and I moved from Table 14 to Table 12. Our small dinner group went from 4 to 7 and it is my belief that Table 12 became the life of the reception.

Soon, my friends from LTS would leave to make their drive back home, but I would remain at Table 12 with my new acquaintances. And while all of us around that table had something in common (the wedding), we were still strangers. However, by the end of the evening we had come to know each other and the dynamics around table 12 changed. No longer were we strangers. We all left having something in common, having established new relationships. By the end of the night, we had even added each other as Facebook friends and believe it or not, I learned a new dance move. Yes, that night relationships were formed around one table. I truly believe God brings people into others lives for a reason and looking back on those who were at table 12, I am so thankful for the presence of God at work that night.

As I thought about Table 12, I was reminded of another table were individuals leave with something in common and establish new relationships. It is the Lord's Table and each time we gather around it, our lives are changed. Those who gather as strangers leave with something in common, new relationships will be established because of that commonality (Jesus Christ) as we gather about the Table.

Each day I thank God for the realtionships formed and for the change that can take place around a table.

A View From My Office

Much is happening at the corner of Oak Ridge Turnpike and Gum Hollow Road. Often I go out and sit in my office and look around and this week I was excited in what I was seeing. The blocks of the founation have been laid, the plumbers have completed their work on all of the underground pipe. The electrician will soon finish their underground conduit and then the floor will be poured and the walls will start going up.

Soon, the view from my office will change and I will keep you updated as to the progress.

Blog More and Other Resolutions

Ok, so my last posting had to do with the corporate resolutions of the church. However, I failed to mention my resolutions. While I know that no one really cares, maybe if I put them up here, everyone will pray for me and I can see them through. So, in no order of importance here they are:

1. Blog more - I hope to update my blog a minimum of three times a week. It will be good discipline and get rid of some of these thoughts inside my head.
2. Lose 20 pounds. And there is extra incentive and motivation for doing this since those who read my blog have been made aware of this. (If you are going to pray for only one of my resolutions make it this one.)
3. Be more generous. I want to give more - time, talent, and treasures.
4. Get even with DG in at least one friendly competition.
5. Continue to find news ways to empower the people of First Christian Church in carrying out our mission and our call in my preaching and pastoral care.

Ok, these are the one's I have have made known and willing to share right now. Remember prayer is greatly appreciated.

A New Year's Thought

This past weekend as I drove back from Ohio, I had seven hours to think about the New Year. I thought about how excited I am to begin my first full year here at First Christian Church, and how I look forward to ministering alongside each of you as we respond to God’s call here in Oak Ridge and beyond.
However, in order to respond to God’s call and the new direction in which He is calling us, I think we could use a few New Years resolutions to help us maintain our focus. While I am sure your list of resolutions would be different from mine, I believe the one’s listed below will help us to know God and make Him known to others.
· To be so strong that nothing can disturb our peace of mind.
· To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person we meet.
· To make everyone around us feel that there is something unique in them.
· To look at the sunny side of everything and make our optimism come true.
· To think only the best, to work for only the best and expect only the best.
· To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as we are about our own.
· To be what God has called us to be.
I pray that each of you will make a conscious effort to make these resolutions a reality in your lives in 2009.
May God Bless all of you and grant you a happy, healthy, prosperous, and God-filled New Year.