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.