The Five Amigos

We tried for six...but ended up with our five amigos. This was a first time trip for Dale, Ken and Joshua. FLAME is a mobile bible college experience/ministerial training that takes place at several of our Wesleyan camps throughout the year. Larry and Ken mastered the Old Testament survey. Dale and Josh (and myself) took personal evangelism with Pastor Mark Wilson. Pastor Mark has one of my recommended blog sites. [Check it out!] This is a repeat course for me; Pastor Mark realizes that I don't 'get it all' the first time around!
Larry and Josh stunned us with their awesome participation, as musicians, in group worship. We pray for more amigos for the January FLAME! Sure is nice to team pastor with these men. Lord, we pray that you bless us...as we serve you together.
Pastor Al

Setting the Connecting Vision

Vision casting might be described as dialog between God and His human spiritual leader/servants. Like most spiritual activies...this is impossible without Divine intervention. We prayerfully ask, "Where do we go from here?" "What direction and what steps must we take to please God and fulfill His purposes...not only for ourselves...but those who follow our leadership?

This year the word--Connection --speaks of that needed direction. The first thought is 'Connecting with God' or worship. For those of us committed to spiritual journey, nothing else matters if this connection isn't both real and well maintained. Focusing on our personal relationship will be the first and foremost key to everything else we might accomplish. We can't lead without being connected...in prayer, Bible reading, and particularly with obedience. We demonstrate how much God means to us, when we hear His voice and follow Him.

Why pray for vision, if we are not willing to follow?

Pastor Al

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