Elkins Elks continue to win...

 Last night we watched the Elkins Elks win their game against rival Greenland.  Nathaniel Smith is the coach.  He happens to be my son-in-law. ( I have two phenomenal son-in-laws.). 

I watched the Elks last year.  They were decent, but overmatched most of the time. I only saw a couple games, but it was not pretty.   This year, they have a personality. It is the personality of their coach.  Work hard...take good shots, effort, and consistency. They have learned to win. That goes along way.

They got behind last night...but there was no panic on the players faces... and none from the coach.  It was like, "Do what you do best, and we will be fine."  They were... they won by 12 or so.  That makes them 5-0 in conference.

I told Nathaniel after the game, "Now that you have won that game, the real coaching begins." It is one thing to learn how to win when you are losing.  It is another thing to learn to continue to win when you are winning.   He is up to it.  I like their team alot. They have a nice blend of shooting, inside game.  They defend.  They are not big, but they scrap and play hard. 

On another note...last week I went to Portland. Spent the afternoon with Joel.  It is interesting.  He is a guy who moved across the country with a company from Tulsa. They laid 1/3 of the company off six week later. I would be mad....really mad.  ( I was to be honest with you.)

But not Joel. He is figuring out how to live on alot less...looking for work, doing things to earn money, keeping his apartment, building new friends, working out, and trying to do somethings while he can. He does not have alot of financial commitments, so he just keeps on doing what he does. 

It was good for me to see him. He is fine. I admire what he is doing, because he has not let adversity derail him. That is a good life quality to have.

God is providing for him.

God is providing for my dad.  Although the surgery did not go well, he has a good attitude.  Mom and Dad keep plugging away.

Well, its just Pam and I at home.  Guess what... We are watching figure skating. ( I know girls, you are wondering "where that was when you were at home".)  

Go figure.....Dad watching Figure skating...Hmmmmmm.....

Stuff

This and that....

- Got to see Gracie this weekend...  Sooooo fun! She is recognize Pam and me, and giggling... 

- Watched Nathaniel's team win a big ballgame this Friday.  The Elkins Elks are 5-7 and on the rise....  

- Church was incredible today.  So many new people....full parking lots.... people could not find seats... I saw one guy who brought his basketball team to church- they had to sit on the front row.Matt Proctor, President of Ozark Christian College preached... He hit a home run...

- We are in a series called "the truth, laying the foundations of our faith".  Where do preaching ideas come from?  God lays them on our hearts, sometimes they are collaborative efforts with other staff... and sometimes they are tucked in a conversation. This one came from Rib Crib... lunch with Bill Odom... who just shared his heart about people needing to know what we believe and why.  Thanks Bill....

- I love our building...but I am wondering if we built too small. ( Okay I just said it... I know some of you are thinking it.)  Thanks to Eric B... who stopped me and said, "Look at this, it is full!"  It was not what he said, it was his eyes... so excited as he sees God working.  What do we do about it?  Pray, strategically plan , pray some more and remember that God knows exactly what we have, and what we need to accomplish His mission for us. 

- I am heading to Oregon this week... Dad is having eye surgery this week. ( prayers are always appreciated.)  I love his optimistic attitude. I can learn alot from Him.  And my mom...she is amazing...inspite of her own health issues, she is right there for him! 

- Also looking forward to seeing Joel in Portland for a few hours....  He is still looking for work ( prayers please....).  I admire him because he is managing a difficult situation with alot of strength...

- I will be back in the pulpit Sunday ( Jan 18th). It's "the truth about Jesus Christ." 

- On a cultural note- there is a huge battle going on in our culture right now. On the one side are the people who say,  "Pay off your debts and save your money."  The other side says, "the way out of this economic trouble is for all of you to spend the money that you have."  I wonder who will win? There is alot at stake here.

- 8 Days to Inauguration.  I will talk about it later this week.

- 

"A bit terrified..."

Today, we ( FCC) began a year long quest to go "DEEPER" with God. It come from Luke 5 where Jesus told Peter to "Put out into deep water and let your nets down for a catch."

"Going deeper" can be pretty subjective for most people. For our purposes today we concentrated on "going deeper in the Word, "  and "going deep in our mission as a church." I believe that if we do those two things, all the measurements, goals etc that a new year brings will take care itself.

I was reading a blog by a preacher in Ohio...one I read regularly. He made a statement that got my attention.  Here it is...

"I am excited, and a bit terrified to deepen my walk with God." 

That is a very honest statement...one I can identify with.   I relate to it because I know, at least in part, that growth comes from perseverance through hard times.  Is that a prayer that I want to pray? Hmnnnn.... I do want to grow deeper...

Maybe my problem is that I want to "grow deeper" on my own terms...If that is my priority, my life is not totally surrendered.

Do you want to grow "deeper?"  If so, is there anything that terrifies you about deepening your relationship with God? 

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED: Study guides for the previous weeks sermons are online at www.fccowasso.com.  Could be a good too for you to "go deeper."

Three Words

Three words that give me hope for the future. 

Take a peak at Genesis 1.   The three words are 

"AND IT HAPPENED"   NCV

Over and over again, you read the words, "And it happened."   

I thought about this in light of something I heard a long time a go...

"God said it and that settles it." 

No matter what happens in the future, remember that from the beginning of time, God has kept His Word.  There is nothing to suggest that the future will be any different.

NEW YEAR REFLECTIONS AND POSSIBILITIES

 I am one who looks forward to a New Year.  I know it is just a calendar page and all that...but a new year does a  couple things for me. 

One, it causes me to reflect on the previous year.

Two, it raises my thinking about the possibilities of the coming year. 

Since I have only had 50 or so of these "new years", I feel a little bit like a novice.  Both of the aforementioned items can happen any time, and should not be limited to the end of December or first of January...

Sooooo.... reflections...

* Another year of life...I am 50! ( I already mentioned that )

* A new life in my life- Baby Grace ( See pictures from earlier blogs)

* A year of improving health ( Its slow but progressing)

* A year of massive change at the church ( Relocation was just the tip of the iceberg)

* FCC finished Phase I, and finished Phase II in the same year. ( Way to go church, building 

    team , staff and Mike)

* Joel moved to Portland (kind of ironic when you think about it)

* Lydia and James moved back to Owasso (nice......very nice)

* Abigail grew up .... and has an awesome boyfriend ( She blows me away)

* Elizabeth became a mom...  ( She and Nathaniel are great parents)

* Pam is a natural grandmother...so good to her kids and so loving to me. 

* Broadcasting OHS basketball on the radio with my friend Steve.

* Pam and I went to Israel in May- Amazing trip!

* We ( FCC) gained four new staff members ( Jared, James, Teri and Nancy)

* We (FCC)  lost ( we know where she is...) a wonderful Early Childhood Director ( Cathy).  8 

   years in that position is almost unheard of....

*  We ( FCC) added lots and lots of new people.... some wonderful people who God has touched.

* On a personal note  2008 also saw my parents move from out into the country to the city.  I 

   am proud of them for making a "hard" move...

Soooo.... Possibilities.....

* Preaching messages that move people DEEPER  ( Luke 5:11) - With God's amazing help

* Traveling more in 09 to churches  to learn about vision, processes and leadership

*  Spending more time with Pam....pursuing some of her dreams for the future. 

* Taking the Perspectives class

* Broadcasting OHS basketball ( Blaine's Sr. Year...)

*  Better health... more efficient exercise... learning to eat better, and staying out of bad 

   lifestyle habits (Those closest to me know what they are).

* Watching Gracie grow... ( a secret... she is spending a week with us next summer...woo hoo!) 

* Visiting Joel and my parents in Oregon

* Writing study guides for each sermon in 09. ( I am enjoying this... 10 down, 42 to go!)

* Influencing my neighbors for Christ. ( There are real opportunities there)

* Watching God work in the lives of people I have not even met yet. ( Every year, there are new 

    people....)

* Going to Florida with Pam for two weeks.

* More love from God.... everyday...

It's shaping up to be a great year...

Bowl-a-rama

Watching   Oklahoma State  Vs. Oregon in Holiday Bowl.... This creates tension in my life....It is a great game.. (4th  qtr   31-28  Cowboys...but the ducks are driving )  Can Ducks drive? 

THE DUCKS DROVE.... BOYS LOST-= but a good game...

I vote for games to be played on fields where they have quality turf that has not been mauled by the NFL two days before....  Both teams have injuries because of the lousy grass.

Lots of bowl games to watch... Kind of fun....

On another super spiritual note..... Several of my fans gathered in the new gym today for the first shot .... It was a free throw.... The tight rims were a problem....but the ball bounced around and WENT IN !  The crowd erupted... and then we went back to work

Fun

Christmas 2008 ( Catching up from a month long blogging break)

Its been a while since the last post... nearly a month.  Why?  Several have asked (my mom included).  Thank you to all who care. A few have wondered if I was sick. Nope.  Others have wondered if I was worn down and tired.  Maybe.  Others even wondered if I had given up on blogging... no.

I have been in a major effort with writing study guides for next year, articles, bulletin greetings and a some other things. So the first thing to go is blogging for a while.  Its really nothing more than that. 

So what's up? Well, here is my own personal Christmas  Letter for 2008. 

CHRISTMAS HAS BEEN  GREAT.  Our church tried something different this year.  The Christian group AVALON came to the church for two Christmas concerts. They were incredible.  What made it even more special was the participation of our own worship choir.  It was alot of fun, well attended, and a significant investment in our church family and community. 

On Sunday, we had our annual Christmas Services which were excellent.  I really felt like we worshipped Christ.  Our Worship teams were so engaged and full of joy. 

Our Christmas Eve Services were also very good. Interestingly we combined communion, candle-lighting, Charlie Brown Peanuts, Grandpa Tom reading the Christmas story to dozens and dozens of children, and the singing of Christmas Carols. 

These events were our first  Christmas events in our new building. Simply decorated, the building reflected the joy of our congregation as we celebrate the birth of Christ.  The preaching series concentrated on the three word phrase, " God with us."

What else is going on?  Well, Christmas continued today with our family here in Owasso.  Baby Grace is so beautiful.  Having James, Lydia, Elizabeth, Nathaniel, Abigail and Grace here was so good for Pam and me.   We did miss having Joel here ( He is in Portland).  But It sounds like was going to have a good day too. 

At the church, we are just a few days from opening our Phase II. It contains a great gymnasium, Kitchen, gathering area and a state of the art Youth and children's worship area. 

As I reflect on the opening, I am amazed that it is done. Just 9 months ago we were pushing hard to get into Phase I.  I am grateful to those who have worked so hard to get this phase done.  It will add so much to our ability to expand our ministry to youth and children, the development of sports ministries and give us much needed space for other activities in the church. 

When I consider 2008, it has been a year of tremendous challenge and change for our church. ( I will probably write more about this later).  But as we have come through the year and all of these changes, I notice that one thing has not changed.  Christ is the head of our Church. May it always stay that way!

2009 brings a new emphasis for our church. The theme for 2009 is "DEEPER".  For the coming year we will be looking specifically at foundations of our faith. The teaching and preaching will focus on the Bible and its trustworthiness, Jesus, God , Salvation and much more.  Some years we spend more time looking at what the Bible says about specific life situations. This year, it is much more about the foundations.  Along the way we will provide study guides for each message, which will include some more passages to study and read, group questions and Bible reading plans. I have the first 8 of the new year written, and am working on March.  Our hope is that people in the congregation will take these and make it their own personal responsibility to study the Word and apply it to their lives.   We have many many people who do, but we want to increase the numbers of people doing this on a regular basis. 

Some are asking about my health. Right now I am doing pretty well. I can tell when I have had along and intense season of preaching, leadership etc.  This fall has been pretty hectic. So in January , February and March, I will be doing a little less of the preaching and taking advantage of some vacation time, conference time and just some down time. 

Since I had the two strokes, I have gotten better at recognizing when I need to "dial it down." However, many years  of working too much and too long, with too much intensity has created unhealthy life patterns that I constantly have to fight against.  Sometimes I have to just shut it down... My body , mind and soul  tells me when that is... and that is definitely is now. So in the coming weeks, I will read alot  more, write more, preach a little less, and spend some time reflecting on God's work and call in my life. 

I am blessed beyond imagination. The church I serve has been so considerate in understanding my limitations and still encouraging me to press on, lead on, and serve on.  I know many who do not serve such a congregation.  On days I wake up and feel crummy, foggy and empty, I do not fear that someone will be on my doorstep, or at my desk wondering what I am doing or not doing.  Some of those days have become more numerous in last few weeks. When it happens, I retreat to rest and re-charge. And if I don't  then I have people around me who remind me of what I should be doing... and then tell me, "Get out of here." My family and our church want me around for the long haul.  In order to do this, you have to have a great staff. I have a great team that serves with me. 

At the top of the list is my wonderful wife.  This last week I was standing with one my friends at church, along with our wives.  I said, "We both have married way over our heads."  He agreed. 

So did our wives.  :-)   But we all know the score.  How could I even begin to say what the last 27 years, 9 months has meant to me?  These last 2 and 1/2 years have been a challenge for her, but she continues to work at the mid-high, be a great mom, be a "great"  grandmother, pastor's wife, and so much more. ( That is quite a job description isn't it.) She is awesome!

God is so good to me.  

 Well, that is my Christmas letter for 2008.  I would have sent it to you, except that "sending" stuff is not something I am really great at. So for those of you who read the blog...

 Merry Christmas! 

Charlie

 

More Pictures

Each of our children are a blessing to Pam and me.  
Grandparenting is cool...
It is really something to see what a blessing Grace has been for Lizzie and Nathaniel... and the rest of us.
Both of our Son in laws are tremendous people...Our girls are blessed.  It is so good to see men in both of our girls lives that complete them in many ways. 

We had a great Thanksgiving! Everyone was home. Lots of turkey, sports, fun, and laughter.  

AND PICTURES! 

Baby Grace's First Thanksgiving

Not so happy....
That's better. 

What a blessing to have Grace in our lives... We are thankful. 

Rapping at Thanksgiving Banquet 08

The staff convinced me to pursue another career  at the Thanksgiving banquet!  LL COOL CHARLIE is my name... and rap is my game.

Rapping with Tim... He is cooler than me. But I am still his boss.

Groovin and movin'.... The crowd went crazy

More Pictures

FOUR PRETTY GREAT KIDS !

GRACIE, NATHANIEL AND LIZZIE!

GRACIE GOING FOR A RIDE

I MARRIED WAY OVER MY HEAD! THANKS PAM!

WHAT A CREW!

Family pictures

This is our happy family....  Nathaniel, Lizzie, Gracie, Joel, Me, Pam, Abigail, Lydia and James. 

We are very blessed!  

Happy Thanksgiving!

Charlie

My Opinion on Playoffs

I live in Oklahoma.

I have a son that graduated from Oklahoma State

My closest friend graduated from Oklahoma

The church I serve is full of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State fans.... many of them serious...far too serious.

With all that said.... here are some observations about College football. ( I know you did not ask for them, but it is my blog and I can decide what I want to write about.)

#1- A playoff is the only thing that makes sense. And in the days leading up the election, it was about the only thing either
one of that candidates said that made sense- WE NEED A PLAYOFF. If the President of the United States wants to get
started on the right foot, he should use his executive order power on something that counts.... Ordering the College
Presidents to get the dollar signs out of their eyeballs and create a PLAYOFF.

#2- This year, the Oregon/Oregon State game means something. Both are 8-3. OSU ( Not cowboys), is playing for a chance to
go to the Rose Bowl. That is due to the fact that they smashed USC early in the year.

#3- This year the OU/OSU game means something. OU wins and they go to Big 12 championship ( if tiebreakers break right).
If OSU wins, they get to say all year long, "na, na, na, na! We won! We Won!" Prediction? One of the two teams will win.

#4- It is tough to see teams like Michigan, Notre Dame, Auburn, Tennesee, Texas A&M, go through tough seasons ( Not
really- remember coaches, Adversity makes us better. You may not get to keep your jobs for long, but you will be better
for it)

#5- There are several "one loss teams" screaming for a playoff. ( OU, Florida, Texas, Texas Tech, USC). To them I say,
"WAAAAAAAAAHHHHH." What about Boise State, Utah, Ball State and Alabama? They are undefeated at this point of the
season. Maybe the playoff should be the 4 undefeated teams meeting in a warm weather site...Now there is a playoff.

AND BEST OF ALL... It is feast week on ESPN... which means there is basketball galore! Now there is a real sport.

Commitment Sunday

This month we have been talking about "the offering." The study is from II Cor 8-9. Its been a good study. As is usually the case, our congregation welcomes Bible teaching that challenges us to a deeper walk with Christ.

I used to dislike this month every year. But more and more I enjoy the challenge of teaching this subject, and the encouraging response of the people. I don't get alot of negative for talking about resources/money/stewardship. The practical nature of the Bible and its simple approach to how we manage what God lets us use, helps with this. But our people have such good hearts. Most of them are givers, not just consumers. The vast majority of people coming are grateful for what God has done in their lives. Even those going through tough times know that God is providing for them.

Today was Commitment Sunday. We take cards given to us and make a commitment for the coming year. It is between each individual and the Lord. It is as the Lord leads and blesses. In the past we have had a large cross at the front of the stage and people would pass by and lay their cards at the cross.

This year, new building and all, we had to do it different. Tim and his creative team came up with a very good idea, having stations across the front which would include the cross, communion and a basket for the cross. It worked very well. Connecting the commitment that Christ made with us, to the commitment we make to support the work of God across the world made sense.

It was a good day. I was encouraged as I saw hundreds and hundreds of people come to the front.

I love our church.

"DID I JUST SAY THAT?"

Barak Obama has been President-Elect for eight days. In those eight days, He has met with President Bush, been criticized heavily by Iran and their crazy president, seen the economy get significantly worse, and had his national security briefings (there is no doubt that he learned alot there), and had his first press conference.

The press conference was interesting in the fact that somehow he managed to work Nancy Reagan into the conversation. Even being the great communicator that he is, he has a lot to learn about not saying exactly what he is thinking to the whole world, being very careful about his words and all that. With no tele-prompter and speech writer at his side, things can get a little dicy.

The press conference actually encouraged me. Everyone talks about Him being "on message." He is known to be incredibly disciplined in many areas of life. When it comes to words, that is very useful, especially when every one of them is scrutinized by the entire world. So these small gaffe's that he made in a fifteen minute press conference actually made him seem a bit more human, less robotic, and a little more like me. You could be sure that when he said "Nancy Reagn and seance" in the same sentence that there were "handlers" that were cringing behind the curtain.

When I am preaching, many thoughts "scoot" across my mind . They are not in my notes. I don't preach from a manuscript any more, so I am a little bit more free to "catch" one of those thoughts and use it. But in a split second I have decisions to make. Does it fit? Is it really something that God would want me to say? Is it something that "someone else" wants me to say? Even if it is the right thing to say, is it the right time to say it? All of that comes at once, and then it is gone. I have made the decision. Either I say it, or I let it go.

Most weeks I have a list of those things in my mind at the end of the morning. And I play the game. "Oh, I should have said that!" Or, "Did I really say that?" It is a challenge to turn off my mind and move on. What was said is said. If I need to clean up something, I am usually pretty good at that. I have trusted friends who tell me, "Hey Charlie, that did not come out they way you intended." What is not said, is not said. I can't call all 1100 people back and say, "By the way I forgot to say something very important...so would you meet me at the church at 2PM?


The difference between the President Elect and me is that I have help. I pray that the Holy Spirit will guide my words. And when I play the "what if " game at the end of the day, I rest in the fact that I have prayed and believe that God is guiding my words. I also rest in the fact that many people pray for me every day, asking God to guide me as work to prepare messages from His Word each week. That is so reassuring. I am not saying that God guides the President Elects words, or that he doesn't. I just know that I and others ask Him to give me the words to say. And somehow, each week, there is something to say.

The President Elect Obama made a big deal about "change you can believe in." I think he was very wise to tap into the restlessness of our country. He knew that the "change" was going to be the big deal. And now, instead of campaigning, he has to deliver. And that is a totally different deal. He is no longer playing on the sandlots of Chicago illinois... he is the big leagues now. The White House is a long way from the Illinois State House or even the Senate Chambers in Washington D.C. Which means that for the next four or eight years, there is not a word that will be forgotten. There is not a word that will not be examined. Every single word he says and writes will be under scrutiny.

So he needs to watch what he says.... and in that way he is just like the rest of us. Words convey powerful messages. They have many unintended consequences.

I see that in the church . We go through seasons where people, myself included get a little "chatty." And most of the time it is not a big deal, but sometimes it is. But I also see that when things get out of sorts, most people are willing to clean it up.

That is one thing that I will give Obama credit for. . He called Nancy Reagan that night and apologized. I thought that was a pretty good deal. You see, whether you are a preacher, a parent, a principal, physician, President, or President-elect, our words do hurt people. Written, spoken, even thought, words can hurt people. So along with the joy of getting to speak them, sometimes you get the joy of cleaning up the mess too.

As long as you are willing to do that, you get the privilege of speaking some more words...and probably making a mistake or two along the way.

So some advice from Proverbs for all of us... "When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise." ( Prov. 10:19) .

I think I have said enough for now.

Economy hits

One week ago, we got the news that Joel had gone into work and was laid off, along with 25% of the company. It was a shock for him. He had just moved up to Portland 6 weeks ago. Almost immediately he started networking and has two meetings scheduled with people who make be able to hook him up with potential careers.

His spirits are high. He is a very confident person, He loves Portland and has every intention of staying there.

I on the other hand, did not have high spirits after that call. I told him it would be okay... God would take care of Him. I loved him. All of those things I believed and still do. But after I hung up the phone, I had a tear or two. And I struggled to understand the decision of the higher-ups... and the plan God has for him. This economy is tough. And it has hit us. ''

I found myself thinking, "I wish it had been me." I would rather have to go through it, than him. I have never been without a job since 1981. But I would have taken it rather than him.

I guess that is what a parent does.

I am proud of all my kids. they have high character, good work ethic and a love for family and God. But they are not immune to hard times... layoffs, and other things. That is why parenting never stops. For those of you think , "Man, they are out of the house, and out of my hair." Surprise, they really dont go away... and you dont want them to. the last thing I said to Joel tonight was, "Let me know if you need anything." It is really code for, "if you need to come home, there is a place here for you."

My gut is that he will land on his feet...

I am glad I get to his Father... a father for all of them.

What we do as parents is just a touch of what God does as our Heavenly Father. I am amazed at what He does for us..

Real Life

I am watching election results. Crazy stuff. I love politics , so it is interesting to see the reactions as the numbers come in. Lots of change in the air.

But along the way... real life is happening to:

- the couple that I visited today who lost their little baby at birth.

- the lady I talked to today whose husband said, "I don't love you any more."

- the friend who called me last night because he has a family member who has lost the will to live.

There was more.

All in the last 24 hours.

That is real life. Its where people live.

I said to a friend, "I am constantly reminded that so many people have so much to deal with in life."

I am thankful that God is a personal God who love people where they are, comforting, strengthening, and moving in their lives.

I believe that.

I also believe that tomorrow will be a better day.

Rambling Thoughts....

- No matter who wins the election Tuesday, God reigns.

- I am reading a good book. FAITH AND DOUBT by John Ortberg is an honest approach to the questions about faith that we all have. Yes, we all have doubts.It is not an easy read like some of his other books. it takes some brain power...but I think it will be worth it. i will let you know more as I finish the book. I like the fact that Ortberg has written about Faith and Doubt in light of all the press that Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens and Richard Dawkins have accumulated with their atheistic writings in the past couple years.

- I came across this passage in some reading. It spoke to me.

" You've kept track of my every toss and turn through the sleepless nights, Each tear entered in your legder, each ache written in your book." Psalm 56:8 ( The Message)

Lots of tears in people's lives around me. Lots of tossing and turning. Financial woes, election concerns, parenting issues, marriage struggles,health problems, job layoffs, retirement accounts taking a hit.... I am sure there are alot more than I know. I find comfort and strength in the fact that there is not a tear that comes from our eyes that is unnoticed by God. Not one!


- I have been writing study guides for 2009 Sermons. I finished January's today. I am finding this to be very exciting and am hopeful that the guides will challenge our congregation to "go deep." it will be available on Sundays and on the website after the first of the year.

- We get to see Baby Grace, Elizabeth and Nathaniel this weekend. There is a rumor that she will be a ladybug for Halloween. Maybe I will get a picture next week.

- I am very proud of all four of our kids. They have all turned out to be fantastic adults.

- Last night we had our second FIGHT NIGHT at the church. It was great to see families of all ages worshipping and then playing games. Our staff and their teams were awesome. It was a great night.

- I start a series on Stewardship this Sunday. "THE OFFERING." May seem like a bad time to talk money..but God's ways of handling money are recession proof. The problem is not what He says. The problem is what we do.

VOTE ON NOV. 4th. Its your privilege and responsibility.

TOGETHER

The church is a body... a living, breathing body. It is full of people, people who love God, love the mission, love the purpose and love its people.

The church has a head. The bible says, "...Christ is the head of the church." ( Eph. 5:22) It is good for everyone who attends a church to remind themselves of this one simple fact. Christ is the Head of the church. It is HIS Church.

The Church has leaders that the Bible calls "Elders". They are men. Men who seek God, shepherd the flock, guard the doctrine of the church, work to guide christians through tough times, disputes, and difficulty. They are not perfect men by an stretch. But they are godly.

I will put our 9 Elders up against any group of leaders anywhere. I trust them completely. We do not always agree. Sometimes our conversations are spirited and passionate. But they respect and love me. They love my family. And I respect and love them. and their families.

Last night we had one of "those meetings." One friend who has served on the Eldership would often say, "It was a bag of cheetos" meeting. I did not eat any cheetos, last night but I stayed up late, thinking through the evenings discussions. The more I thought, the more I was encouraged. They made some good decisions. I felt heard... respected... and I felt like we covered some things that needed to get out on the table.

If you are a member of our church, you should know that these men are great leaders who need our prayers. I need your prayers. Our staff needs your prayers. Why? Its pretty simple really. We are in a war with the Spirit of Darkness for the souls of so many who are lost. We are living in a time where people are feeling the crunch of bad economics, debt, loosing jobs and houses. We live in a community where marriages are under attack... even in the church.

What do we have to fight this battle with. Prayer. The Word of God. Good Godly leadership. And our own unity. Life is better together... and our unity is essential as we tackle the issues of our day.

I am proud to say that as I talked with a member today, I saw the love for God come out. It was a difficult conversation, but one comment caught my attention. "I will serve the Lord at this Church... that is what I will do." It was said with humility.. It was said with a commitment to our leaders. And I believe this person, because they are alot like you... is a person who just wants to obey Christ by helping others know, love, serve and share Him." That is who we are.

Blessings

Charlie

Whatever you do....

I am on a blogging roll!!!

Today I had the pleasure of eating lunch with 2 other leaders from our church along with a banker who has helped us with our relocation. We talked about life, business, and church. He took a tour of our building and was very impressed. But as we talked I think I was drawn to his heart for God and how God could use his influence to build the kingdom.

Along the way, he shared some "God-moments" in his business, Later I reflected on how there are so many Christians who are in business, being used by God to help people, to lift people up , and to give God glory.

You know, the power of the gospel extends far beyond what happens in church buildings on Sunday Mornings or Wednesday nights. That is just a fraction of what it means to extend the Kingdom of God here on earth. Wherever you are, whatever you are doing, because of your faith, you are a conduit for God's blessing. In business, in your community, in your neighborhood, you have such an opportunity for influence. So go for it! Let people know that you are a child of God... that you have been blessed by God and see where it goes. Remember, we do not go to church...we are the church! Wherever we are, whatever we are doing!

I am reminded of what Paul said in I Corinthians- "So whatever you do, whether you eat or you drink, do it all for the glory of God." You don't need a Bible College education to do that. Awesome opportunities await you!