Common Ground

Many of you know that I am a Keith Drury fan. This author has the ability to take something we know and restate it, so that we look freshly at its truths.

Common Ground is a new release from the Wesleyan Publishing House. Drury takes us back to the Apostle's Creed to see the truths that bind all orthodox churches together...to see what we all have in common. Most denominations talk about their differences; Drury is reflecting on how we are the same, where it really counts.

No. This is not a paid endorsement. I have told him that I am financially poorer for knowing him. His books are irresistable. However, I am spiritually richer for reading and thinking about what Drury says. I trust you will say the same. Note that I have Keith Drury's blog site on my recommended list; there is a lot more information about his book there. Blessings. Pastor Al

Steph's Big Ride

Talk about a meaningful adventure! Check out my newest blog link for the real scoop on Stephanie's big ride. She can say it better that I can.

We are very proud of her and her accomplishments. We are excitied for her...this is an amazing trip! Words like: Awesome...Wow...Cool (you forget I'm old) come to mind.

I know the your mom and dad have given you advise...so I won't go that way. But, I can't help asking that you do your best to come home safe! We know YOU can do it! We will miss you...but we are also so very proud of you. I'll be praying that God surrounds you for each and every mile...that will be one of the longest prayers I have ever prayed (figuratively and literally). See... you are stretching us all by your example.

Down Hill Isn't Always Bad

Memorial Day weekend signals the start of summer. The early morning rain challenged our resolve for Family Fun Day this past weekend. Goldsboro is a military town and we are thankful for the families now serving in harm's way. Saturday was a time to laugh and enjoy each other. We paused to remember those who gave their lives in present and past military conflicts on Sunday.

This blog isn't about me...so my picture will usually remain out of the foreground. However, this is a picture of me hard at work during last year's Fun Day. These activities have become traditions at our faith community.

Up hill or down hill...the "Joy of the Lord is our strength." May God bless you and your family as the days get longer and the sun shines brighter. Pastor Al

When Retirement is NOT Retirement!

Ken Caver, our man on the right, has had a special purpose, a Divine call on his life...for some time now. Pastors have to wait and listen for mutual confirmation; is God telling Ken what I think He is telling me? We rejoice that Ken is now officially retired from the Air Force. Thanks for serving in our military! We are also glad that He has accepted the call to be our Youth Pastor.

Ken may have retired from the Air Force, but he is far from retirement. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV) God has plans and a purpose for his life that exceed his wildest dreams. And...he has a young family to keep him young at heart. Please pray for Ken, his family, and his ministry. You honor God by praying for Ken. You will be glad you did...as you are being blessed by his ministry!

Thanks Ken, may I say...Pastor Ken, for stepping up in faith. Welcome aboard. Pastor Al

Don't Get Caught by a Fisherman

Fishermen and fisherwomen are known for a lot of reasons. First, they are natural tellers of tall tales. Pictures are important when documenting the size of their catch. Avid anglers are noted for patience. Most people who fish have a sense of time and place, for when and where, their catch is located. They select their bait with uncanny wisdom. Never forget, those who fish...are born to catch!

"One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret,with the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God, he saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets." (Luke 5:1-2, NIV). This is the beginning narrative of a fishing story, about the greatest Fisherman who ever lived. Jesus was out catching disciples. A full one third of his twelve disciples were professional fishermen. Jesus would catch his world by surprise with a motley crew of anglers. Wouldn't it make sense to capture the qualities of those who fish, to grasp the hearts and minds of the people?

If you can catch fish...you can learn there is more game in the pond. "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him." (Luke 5:10b-11, NIV). Fish? Men? What's the difference?
It could mean all the difference in the world. The disciples left their fishing business, to follow Him.

Jesus continues to hang around the waters edge, looking for anglers returning empty. Larry was one of those fishermen, caught by the Lord. Larry still sports on the water, but his eyes have been opened to fields beyond. The Kingdom of God has come to these waters...in the Person of Jesus the Christ.

Did I say, 'don't get caught by a fisherman?' If Jesus has transformed them into fishers of men, they are not just any old fisherman. They have been sent to you, by the Lord himself, because YOU are a worthy catch! Read the rest of this fish story in the Gospel of Luke, chapter five...it gets even better. Pastor Al

LOOKING THROUGH THE GLASS

You are looking at one of my favorite sights at our church. Stained glass speaks to me in powerful ways...non-verbally. The glass is beautiful, but its radiance comes from the sunlight that flows through it. The combination of art and sunlight moves me beyond myself; I tend to loose my train of thought, staring at its beauty. Like anyone else, I get absorbed in my own issues and I need a lift. Worship lifts me.

Worship, at its best, changes our present focus to the Eternal. Worship should be an experience of transcendence. In that sense, it is a removal from our context to be with God. Paul shared one of his transcending experiences this way: "I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows—was caught up to paradise. He heard inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to tell." (2 Corinthians 12:2-4,NIV). Perhaps Paul was needing his spirits lifted...he needed to be alone with God. Paul lost sight of his surroundings as he focused upon God's greatness. Worship strengthened Paul to return and face his issues.

This stained glass window was given in honor of Dan Campbell, by family and friends. Worship is also a gift...from God to us. Let the Light of God's love flow through you as you spend time with Him. Blessings, Pastor Al

Am I Missing Something?

Will there be a Mongolian restaurant in Goldsboro, NC? Two years ago, I would have said it will never happen. Now...there are two viable Mongolian resturants. Never say never!

I can remember eating Mongolian food for the first time. It was different. But I had to try it at least once. You never know what you are missing...if you don't try it. Most people in our town haven't eaten a Mongolian dish. They drive by these places and stick with choices that are familiar. Some, who choose to drive by, would really like Mongolian...if they just gave it a chance.

Church is like that, for a lot of people. Maybe they went to one or two...a long long time ago. They got the idea that the're all alike. So some pass by an experience they might really like. Many have never bothered to check it out for themselves.

Much like restaurants, churches have their own distinctive flavors. If you really looked, one of them serves nourishment that suits your taste and hunger. This returns us to the original question, "Am I missing something?" Churches exist to worship God...He meets us there in satisfying ways. Try it...you'll like it.