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Resignation Letter
May 24, 2009
Precious church family,
My family and I have enjoyed a seven year walk with the Lord together as Canyon Creek family. In the previous months we have realized that God has invited us into some new experiences. He has made it clear that the next step for our family will be in missions. We will be working with other missionaries to start new churches in Wisconsin. We hope to be sent by a congregation that well knows the need for every person to have a good church family; a church family whose dream it is to see that new churches are planted in all sorts of places especially those with less of a Christian witness than we have enjoyed. The Turner family has been blessed by such a warm and wonderful church as Canyon Creek has been. The blessing of this church staff and lay leadership has made me a better Christian, I could not have found better partners in ministry. They have also laid a strong foundation for my family. We pray that the next chapters of Canyon Creek’s story continue to be a tribute to God and his faithfulness. We will make July 12th, 2009 our last. May God truly guide each new step.
With sincerest love and prayers,
Trey Turner
Building Relationships, Making Disciples
The strong and lasting connections made during deliberate fellowships are undeniable. Many families who have participated and served alongside us had their beginnings at Canyon Creek as a direct result of these special times. We wanted to give opportunities for those this summer and grow into a new Fall schedule. You will notice the summer schedule includes, time for worship as a group, time for whole church outreach and fellowship, and time for class outreach and fellowship. The newsletter says:
Not only will the Sunday morning schedule change for the summer, but the Sunday night schedule will changes as well. Canyon Creek has enjoyed a great first semester of Engage discipleship and looks forward to beginning a new semester in September. But for the summer, the schedule will look as follows:June 7 Worship Service June 14 Sunday School Parties June 21 No Services June 28 Church-wide Fellowship July 5 No Services July 12 Worship Service July 19 Church-wide Fellowship July 26 Sunday School Parties August 2 No Services August 9 Worship Service August 16 Church-wide Fellowship August 23 Sunday School Parties August 30 To Be Determined … look forward to a great summer of fulfilling our mission statement.
Mark Millman’s visit from Central Baptist Association, Wisconsin
I wanted to give you some resources from what Dr. Mark Millman spoke about in services Palm Sunday. He gave two websites. The first one was about the different people groups we have in our city or area. It is called http://www.peoplegroups.info/. The next one was research available at http://www.missionalresearch.info/ Both of these sites can help us understand our culture better and how to pray and reach them.
Other helpful sites are the Family Fest, which supports the church start in the Wisconsin Dells. Here is the website for the Central Baptist Association of Wisconsin and the Minnesota Wisconsin Baptist Convention site.
‘One Another’ in the Bible
Want to do some Bible reading on the computer? Here is a list of references for the One Another verses in the Bible. Our website gives scripture references links so that you can read each of these verses without even clicking a button. Hover your mouse over the verse and read. To put the verse in its context, you can press the button and go to the Bible site. It is worth the time. This depth of relationship is the church. Enjoy.
- Love one another
- Be in harmony with one another
- Submit to one another
- Don’t judge one another
- Accept one another
- Comfort one another
- Don’t lie to each other
- Greet one another
- Serve one another
- Don’t hate one another
- Pray for one another
- Wait for one another
- Don’t slander one another
- Speak the truth in love
- Forgive one another
- Bear with each other
- Don’t grumble against each other
- Encourage and build up each other
- Reconcile with one another
- Live in peace with each other
- Be patient with everyone
- Be kind to each other
- Spur one another on toward love and good deeds
- Don’t give up meeting together
- Confess your sins to each other
- Walk in the light to have fellowship with one another
- Be devoted to one another
- Honor one another above yourselves
- Be humble toward one another
- Offer hospitality to one another
- Instruct one another
- Teach one another
- Admonish one another
Wisconsin summary
Robert Knepp wrote about the Wisconsin trip. It will appear in the newsletter, but I wanted to post it here. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement along the way.
We began our trip early on Saturday morning as we flew out of Killeen at 8:30am. We had a short flight to Dallas and then a little bit longer trip from Dallas to Madison, Wisconsin. The flights were uneventful, which is what you look for in a good airplane trip with 12 people. The people that went on the trip were Kim and Caleb Reid, the Knepps and the Turners. The rest of the day one was spent getting settled in to our new “home” for the next week, the Big Red Barn. We were able to stay in an old dairy barn that has been converted into a great place to stay. The kids and the adults enjoyed exploring all of the rooms, hiding places and the giant spiral stair case that was inside of an old silo. We could not have found a better place to stay with this many people, God really provided us with a perfect place.
The next day was Sunday and we were able to get to the business that we were sent to do. Trey preached at the Campus Community Church and gave a great message about David and Goliath and how to stand up to the giants that we face in today’s world. Trey was able to preach in the morning and afternoon service as their church has just began a second service focused on their college ministry. After the morning worship, we were treated to some outstanding Korean food provided by the members of the church.
That afternoon we started the Network program which began the church member’s journey to finding their spiritual gifts, personal style and ministry passions. Trey started the program by giving them an overview as to why spiritual gift are important. I (Robert) completed the evening by telling them a little more about what the spiritual gifts are and getting them started on their personal spiritual gift inventory. The people were very receptive and were excited about what God had designed and equipped them to do.
Monday was a day of fun as we went about one hour north to a ski area called the Cascade Mountain. We spent the majority of the day going up and down the “magic carpet,” a moving side walk that took us to the top of the 80 foot hill. When we reached the top we would ride tubes as fast as possible back to the bottom. We had a great day of fun and relaxation.
Tuesday we were able to finish the Network program with the church members. We had two sessions, one in the morning and one in the evening. Both sessions went very well as Teresa, LeaAnn and Kim presented how the church members’ personal style can have a major impact on how you use your Spiritual gifts. Trey finished the last session by giving the people a general summary of the Network program and giving the people an opportunity to express what they had learned. He had the participants share what they felt that their spiritual gifts, personal style and mission passions are. This allowed the people a chance to see what area of ministry other people of the church might be interested in.
In the afternoon, DW Feaster, the Campus Community college minister took us on the campus of the University of Wisconsin and gave us a tour of the campus. While we were there, the student were on Spring Break, but we were able to get a feel for how liberal minded the campus is by the obscene writing that was on the sidewalk and the presence of alcohol all around.
Wednesday, we had another day of rest and celebrated Zachary’s birthday. In the evening, we had a fellowship at the Big Red Barn with about 15 of the members of the Campus Community Church. We were able to return some of the hospitality that they had shown to us. We had some good ol’ Texas tacos, salsa, guacamole, and cheese dip. Then we had a campfire and enjoyed smores under a perfectly clear Wisconsin sky. The evening was a great fellowship that was a great way to end our time with our new found friends from the Campus Community Church.
Thursday we took about a two and a half our drive north to an amazing retreat called Green Lake conference center, where they were having a conference called Empower. For the rest of Thursday and all of Friday we provided child care and teaching for several age groups so that the adults could enjoy worship and a conference centered around Phillipians 4:13. The people were very appreciative for the extra set of hands and the knowledgeable teachers that we were able to provide.
Friday night we drove home late in the evening as a nice rain snow mix began pouring out of the sky. It made for a beautiful yet challenging ride back to the barn where we would spend one more night.
Saturday we spent the day in and out of airports until our return late Saturday afternoon. As we look back on the experience, we see how God was able to use simple people like us to encourage and motivate more people in a distant land even if we never left the country. God also brought the three families closer together as we spent a week together working as one large family. Robert Knepp
Saturday in Madison
Would you believe that it is warmer in Madison, Wisconsin than it was this morning in Dallas? I didn’t think you would believe me, but it is. Still, while we were flying over and saw lakes still covered with ice that hasn’t quite thawed. Our team is staying in a place called the red barn located north west of Madison about 20 minutes. When you see the pictures, you will be jealous. Part of the team went to get groceries and others are dropping off luggage and getting set up for dinner. Since this is a family trip, the younger travelers are getting pretty tired. Our prayers are with you in church tomorrow, remember us as well.
North American Missionary Visit to Temple
D.W. Feaster made a Wednesday appearance at Canyon Creek on the 4th. He told about his church where I will be preaching Sunday 15th. He told about the difficult work in an area which is not too welcoming of the Christian message, especially among college students. The team will prayer walk UW-Madison and hope to find young men and women who can connect to Campus Community Church. Pray for us, D. W. Feaster, and pray for Pastor Mark Hong.
Spring Break: Wisconsin
Those going to Wisconsin for mission trip will likely get to play in the snow. What a contrast to those going to Arizona during the same week. The Turners, Knepps, and Reid families will work with Campus Community Church in the shadow of the University of Wisconsin, Madison. They will lead the spiritual gift discovery material Network to a multicultural church on Sunday and Monday. Trey Turner will get to preach that Sunday morning and then Mark Hong, the pastor, hopes to get the team into some dorms on campus for some bridge building and witnessing opportunities. The group will get to take a day for ski lessons and a day to host women at wonderful facilities where they are staying. Thursday and Friday of that week will be spent in Green Lake, Wisconsin. This is a Christian resort where the Minnesota Wisconsin Baptist Convention will host an evangelism conference. The team will provide activities for kindergartners and sixth graders while their minister, leader, and church planter families are in sessions designed to inspire and give them tools for more effective ministry in their contexts. God has provided some great opportunities for this team and we anticipate being able to return and to tell how God is at work.
Mission Trip to Temple, Texas
Also known as Mission Trip without the Flying… or Language Barriers
As you may know, Jason has PhD level background and training in Missiology. I am glad he taught the foundations for missions. If you took that class on Sunday nights, then this is the next logical step for that work. Note that you do not have to have been in his class to do this mission trip to Temple. Beginning in March, I will lead a team of people to develop a mission project that will grow out of our own findings and prayer. We will do this by:
Look at scriptures that talk about what God is doing (John 5:19; 14:12). Look at the nature of the church (ecclesia) (Mt. 16:18; Eph 4:12-13). Look at the types of soils and understand receptive hearts (Luke 8:5-8)
- * Pray to see God at work
- * Become a team by team building events to show how each person has strengths for service
- * Build deliberate bridges to church from hosting events, building relationships, providing activities, offering services (as the group determines)
- * Foster and deepen relationships
- * Evaluate efforts
This will be the process we follow from March 1-May 24 (team will not meet on 15th (spring break), April 12 (Easter), May 10 (Mother’s Day))
Comfortably Numb
I would be surprised if very many who read this title, Comfortably Numb, will immediately think of the classic Rock group cover song by Pink Floyd. Let me tell you the story. The rocker in the song feels the pressures to perform the next show and collapses in his dressing room. A doctor is called in to give him an injection for the energy he needs to perform.
I would remake the video to show three disciples leaning against a tree when Jesus comes over to ask them, “Could you not pray with me for one hour!” Matthew 26:37-46 show disciples who do not have the same motivation or concern for seeing the kingdom of God be made reality… Jesus bears his burden alone. In high anxiety you would like God to be more chatty– more assuring. You ask your friends to be there and pray– support you in your struggle. They are comfortably numb.
Many churches have a point where there is no burden because they feel full enough… or a point where they give a feeling of discomfort for not being full enough. This mirage is dangerous because it has no point of origin in the heart of God.
80% of American churches are in decline or have plateaued. US churches lose more than 2.8 million people each year. Between 3,500 and 4,000 churches close their doors each year while at best 1,500 churches are started. No County in the whole US can say it has seen a 1% increase in church attendance in 20 years. In most churches it take 89 people to reach one person for Christ 1988 approximately 44% of Americans did not have a church. 1998 that number grew to 55% it is believed that today 75% of people are not identified with any Christian church. America is the third largest mission field in the world.
Barna research in part from 1996 The disciples were comfortable enough with the world around them, they slept. Still, Jesus carries a burden waiting for his people to pray. I believe we will begin to carry this burden for the lost when we pray… or we can stay comfortably numb.
What a Great Chili Community
I had a great time at the chili cook-off yesterday. How great it was to see so many smiling faces, revealing those orange teeth from a recently swallowed glob of unique chilies. I enjoy being stationed between the Buckner’s and hearing the interaction between that loving family. I was proud to see my own two boys eagerly serving their exquisite creation. Looking around the room at the competition, I thought to myself how creative are the people of Canyon Creek!
The chili cook-off does more than raise money for the students (I believe nearly $700 was raised btw). I creates that wonderful sense of community among those who attend. If you were unable to come this year, you missed out on something that is special. I hope that in the coming future, not to be redundant, you will consider attending similar events. It has been stated that people are concerned about the reality of two different churches within these walls. It is events like the chili cook-off that help bridge that existing gap.
I want to say thanks to Trey and the youth for hosting this event. I know that as you serve us, the church is also serving you. I also know that money was not the only thing raised yesterday. Yesterday, a sense of community was raised. And we can all use more of that.
Give your faith away… for free– Conference Engage XP
Here is a great opportunity for some training in evangelism. It is organized by the Baptist General Convention of Texas and hosted at the First Baptist, Belton and :
Engage XP will be held on February 2, 2009 from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Engage XP is a one day jolt of inspiration, encouragement and training in the lifestyle of intentional and relational evangelism. The conference is designed to help leaders and all believers develop and sharpen their commitment to reaching central Texas for Christ. The conference is provided through your giving to the Cooperative Program and is offered to you at no cost. Worship will be led by the Justin Cofield Band. Additionally, there will be a mass area choir during the 6:30 p.m. session. Anyone who desires is welcome to sing with the choir. Practice will be held from 5:30 - 6:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. Please park in the west or south parking lots of the church. Registration for the conference begins at 8:30 a.m. and will take place at the west entrance (Pearl Street) near the Family Life Center. If you have a disability, please enter through the south entrance. Childcare is available during the conference and reservations are required by January 26, no later than 5 p.m. Call Treasure Hanna at (254) 939-0705 to make a reservation for childcare. Note: Children that are in childcare during the morning sessions will need to be picked up for lunch and then returned after lunch for the afternoon sessions. The same for the evening meal.
You artistic types!
For those of you who would enjoy connecting to our new message theme Heroes I want to give you a chance to interpret biblical story in visual arts. We will display them, to the degree that we can (note… computer animation would be difficult to display, 14 foot art pieces would not work for us to display). Below are the dates and message titles and themes:
18th a.m “HEROES: Runners” Gen. 39:1-23 - Joseph ran away from sin 25th a.m. “HEROES: Risk Takers” Ruth 1:15-19 - Ruth: Guiding hand of God directs you when you are faithful and dependent on him February 1st “HEROES: Strong” Judges 16 - Sampson strengths were matched by his spiritual weakness 15th “HEROES: Radical” John 20:18 (and various) - Mary Magdalene is anything but a traditional woman, being the first witness to the resurrection of Jesus 22nd “HEROES: Rock” Matthew 16:13-20 - Peter is not the foundation rock the church will be built on… he failed and had to be restored
What came home from Christmas with the Turners?
It is so wonderful to see the exhausted children giving up the last bit of wakefulness into at least 7 contiguous hours of parental rest. Going to west Texas and smelling the oil pumping and processing smells become signs that we are almost there. Children had Christmas celebrations with their grandparents, were served the Lord’s Supper by their deacon grandfather, and played with cousins until aggravation outweighed fun. It was the other thing we came home with that I have to mention. We hit a skunk and part of it must still exist like a haunt under our van. We will doubtless experience the unintended gift for a few more days. Just like that skunk, there are unintended things, both good and bad, we will bring into 2009. Determine that you will let God’s word transform 2009 by opening doors for deeper discipleship. Remember that discipleship involves being taught to obey what the Lord commands and not simply learning what the God’s word says. 2009 may just become the year of ‘God with us’ from the inside out. I hope you came home with something special from Christmas.
Inn Keeper
For more about how to understand the first century place where Mary and Joseph stayed look at Kenneth Bailey’s book Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes: Cultural Studies in the Gospels He is still a great model for making room for people who are shut out without any options. Christians can learn to be ‘make a way’ kind of people. If Canyon Creek looked at our community and asked, “What would it take?” nothing would be impossible. Right now, lets give 100 families a new church home.
The pastor has no idea, does he?
How can we grow our church and give a hundred families a new church home and keep our Sunday School class intimate and sharing openly? New people always change that. That is right. What changes and what stays the same? I want to encourage you to push to accomplish this great vision of personally helping give one family a new church home. If you like it, you may want to do it again. Below is a method to use. Josh Hunt has been with us, and I hope to bring him back.
Fasten your seat belt, friend, because this is the most high powered approach we have. I do not know anything that works better than giving Friday nights to Jesus. Giving Friday nights to Jesus will reach more people in less time than any method I know. In fact, if you give Friday nights to Jesus and your class does not double in two years or less, it probably can’t be done. The really unbelievable thing is that giving Friday nights to Jesus is more fun than Six Flags. You wouldn’t think a ministry could be so effective and be so much fun. But isn’t it just like God to make something so enjoyable and so effective at the same time. Sometimes, he makes it easy for us to “Rejoice in the Lord always.” (Philippians 4:4) We didn’t dream this ministry up, God lead us into it through his sovereign working out of the circumstances of our lives. And if I had not seen it in action, I may have never been convinced of its effectiveness. Here is how it works. We used to have our friends over on Friday nights to play cards. We would have dessert, tell jokes, and play games together. One day I suggested to my wife that we invite a couple who had visited the church to join us on Friday night. We did, and we had a good time in the process. During the entire evening, we never said anything about church or Sunday school or the Bible or anything remotely religious. But, do you know what? They joined the church in a few weeks. Now, he is teaching a class himself. And they would both tell you that they were not living the disciple’s life before they played cards and ate dessert with us that night. A few weeks later, we invited another couple over. We played cards, we laughed, we ate dessert, we had a good time. Guess what? After a few weeks, they joined the church and became very active in the group now. They too would tell you they were not living the disciple’s life before we played cards with them. After six months of this, I did a little research. I discovered that forty-five couples who would have been prospects for out class had visited the church during that time. We were able to have ten couples to our house to play cards. Nine out of these ten joined the church and became involved in the class. Out of the remaining thirty-five, only three had joined. I don’t know of any method more effective in assimilating visitors than this hospitality ministry. That is why I say, if you want to double your class every two years or less, give Friday nights to Jesus. Have your friends over. Play cards. Eat dessert. Tell jokes. Laugh. Have a good time. But most of all, include an outsider couple. Ministry has never been so much fun. (copied from www.joshhunt.com)
Here is a PDF of the brocure we will make available for Sunday Night Engage
Who forgot the bread?
The things we church people get concerned about are frustrating to God… you can see that in Mark 8:14-21. The disciples had already seen Jesus feed more than 5000 people, go to another area, and then feed 4000 people. Jesus said to beware of two fatal flaws as it relates to God’s work: 1. Hording something gives you more of it. God uses what we bring him to feed the nations… to the glory of God. 2. Measure the resources to see what you can do. Jesus observed God at work before he did anything else. When God wanted to do something, Jesus noted the need, took the resources in his hand, prayed, and God met the overwhelming need with his abundant resources.
What should we pray as a church: God what do you want to do with us? If we do not understand, I am afraid Jesus will have to say the same thing… Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them:
17″Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember? 19When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” “Twelve,” they replied. 20″And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” They answered, “Seven.” 21He said to them, “Do you still not understand?” (Mark 8:17-21; NIV)
Lord, are we arguing about who forgot the bread or are we really convinced that in you we have all the resources we need?
New Church Home
I would like to set a focus before all of our groups for the coming year. We have a Vision which reads,
Canyon Creek Baptist is a family Canyon Creek Baptist is a family of believers with a primary ministry focus in the southern area of Temple, striving to reflect its ethnic diversity. It is a place where Christ’s Great Commission will be fulfilled in the context of nurturing small groups. Canyon Creek is committed to serving an ever-increasing number of families and individuals through visionary leadership by sharing responsibility with competent ministry based teams. The church expects and assists members in finding their places for personal growth and service within the body of Christ
Let us also set a 2 year goal of growth for our church. By December 2010 lets give 100 families a new church home. For a goal like this it will have to be the effort of our various ministries, classes, and age groups. The Strategic Planning team, our coordinators, and other leaders will help coordinate a plan of attack. When it comes down action, each person and each family must be individually won to Christ and won to our fellowship. I talked with a woman who lives in an East Texas town, but who comes when she is in town. Her experience with Canyon Creek has been great. She loves the worship services and has found an extremely welcoming family. This reminds me that Canyon Creek loves people. This goal may be a helpful reminder that the church’s ministry is giving people a savior and giving them a new church home.
SUNDAY NIGHT ENGAGE
The attendance trend for Sunday evenings at Canyon Creek has shifted downward over the past several years and has gained a larger momentum over the last 18 months. Despite the temptation to change Sunday evenings to something that would simply increase attendance, the better approach is to provide a ministry that gives opportunity for people to glorify God by being a growing disciple of Jesus Christ. This approach reaches far beyond the needs of adults only and includes all, from preschoolers to senior adults. The purpose of Sunday Night Engage is to help believers mature in their faith, encouraging them to takes steps in their faith, to grow into their ministries, and to become disciples who make disciples. Canyon Creek will see several benefits from this new approach to Sunday evenings. 1. This change in schedule and ministry allows CCBC to fulfill its mission statement of being a church that glorifies God by helping its members be and make disciples. 2. This change in schedule maintains a tie to what is known as the current Sunday evening worship while shaping the evening for focused discipleship needs. 3. This change in schedule enhances the visitor friendly atmosphere by providing appropriate age-based discipleship and open worship and bible study at the same time. 4. Because discipleship needs are most often unrelated to age, the schedule provides opportunity for a variety of ages to participate in a small group setting, helping bridge the gap between generations. With the church’s goal to reach 100 families by the end of 2010, Sunday Night Engage will prove to be a vital ministry in making it happen. It is the staff’s hope and prayer that Engage will become not simply a way for people to put new notches on their belts which represent completed bible studies, but that it will also become an avenue for outreach or onramps for new people to become involved in the life of the church.
Reason to Celebrate
This weekend the church reached a milestone we have to celebrate. Gifts to the building fund surpassed $75,000. In fact, gifts to the building through United We Build reached $86,000. I have to call the church’s attention to this great milestone and say thank you for your faithfulness. The Lord bless you for your faithfulness.
His best,
Trey Turner
Story of God; New Testament Give Away Stories
Sunday Nov. 30th the Pastor gave a message that talked about the 72 being sent throughout Judea to get people ready for Jesus’ visit. The church was challenged to pray for the person of peace, go with undivided attention to the task to saturate the world with the gospel.
Being sent out, the church was given New Testaments to give away to those God would lead them to. Some of you have already given those New Testaments and have stories. Would you post them here so we can begin to collect and share them?
Question of Leadership
I read today about 4 different types of leaders in church. These are not to be limited to staff members. See if you recognize anyone in these descriptions.
Relational leaders: These care about people and have amazing people skills. People will follow them because they know that these leaders genuinely care about them. These people can be either quiet or loud and aggressive.
Teaching leaders: These leaders help people grow in their knowledge about whatever they teach. These people are also tired with other responsibilities such as caring or detail management.
Managerial leaders: Managers organize and keep track of details. They follow careful plans and will work well assuming there are details to keep up with, people to be managed, or plans to accomplish. These are definitely task oriented people.
Catalyzing leaders: Catalysts are sometimes hard to keep if relational people or managers squelch creativity. Author Todd Rhodes says these are the “pioneers and strategists.” Catalysts take risks, solve problems, and step out sometimes making people uncomfortable. These people do not sit still long and will not stick around if there seems to be no room for what they feel is moving toward the cutting edge. Canyon Creek needs all four types of leaders. Which type(s) do we have? Which ones are missing from leadership?
International Missions Creekside
Here is Sandy Wanner’s reminder to us about our missions emphasis:
We are excited about Ron and Sue Ballard’s visit to Canyon Creek Baptist Church! Here’s information on the activities. Mark your calendars and plan to attend if you can fit it into your holiday schedules. We would love to see everybody again. CCBC’s Plans for the Week of Prayer for International Missions and the Lottie Moon Christmas offering: 1. The theme for this year’s emphasis is GO TELL the story of Jesus. 2. The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering goal is $5,000.00. The national goal is $170 Million. 3. Morelia, Mexico missionaries Ron & Sue Ballard will be our guests on Saturday and Sunday, December 6 and 7, 2008, for our International Mission and Lottie Moon Christmas Offering emphasis. They will speak in both morning services on December 7, 2008. They will share the needs of the churches we are working with in Morelia and give us insight for our second mission trip to Morelia. 4. On Saturday, December 6, 2008, from 7:00 until 8:30 PM the Missions Ministry Team will host a Get-together for the Ballard’s, the MMT, those who went to Morelia on the first mission trip and anyone interested in future mission trips to Morelia, Mexico. Refreshments (Christmas goodies) will be provided. Spouses and significant others are invited. The theme is The Five Ms – Morelia, Mexico, Missions, Munchies & More. 5. A Mission Trip Reunion luncheon will be held in the fellowship hall after the second service on Sunday, December 7, 2008. The menu includes taco soup, cornbread, dips and chips, salad, and Mexican fruit cake for dessert. (Church staff and families are also invited.) Blessings, SandyPhilippians 4:13
The Skinny on south Temple
What a great bit of information. The tabs on this website help us to see the zipcodes around our church and particularly our part of south Temple… which is the beginning place for our ministries. What stands out with meaning for you?
Sunday Evenings in the Spring
We are talking with various people about some options for Sunday evenings at Canyon Creek. Here are some guiding factors: 1. Options for all age groups some of which will include, mission preparation, discipleship class study, and need-based support. 2. Desire to connect to our neighborhood and make such a night welcoming to newcomers. 3. Belief that meaningful relationships can be fostered Sunday Evenings building deliberate bridges to those outside our church. It is my belief that this can be the growing edge of our church if we can throw open doors to the traditional time for Sunday Evening discipleship. We will still have a Pastor’s class for those who do not opt for one of the other tracks. The schedule will look like: 5:45 Begin worship time together 6:10 Start time with the group you choose 7:15 Dismiss group (Begin Business Meeting if 3rd Sunday of Month)
Video I have been eyeing…
I am giving a message Sunday about sharing the gospel. It feels confrontational and judgmental so many people avoid it. It is central, not just to the Christian belief, but core to the Christian’s existence. 2 Corinthians 5:17-20. I am showing a video that I have enjoyed for years from Sermonspice It is Evangelism Linebacker.Watch Evangelism Linebacker video Sermonspice is a great source for creative video arts. This is where we got the video clip for Facing the Giants.
My Prayers Through Haggai
You know I have been praying through the book of Haggai. (And no, those pages were not stuck together in my Bible.) I have to say that the book takes on special significance for me and I wanted to offer it to you for your thoughts and responses. Here is the text I gave to the staff last week. Below the text is some of my observations
I have been reading and praying through Haggai. I feel that I have been given permission to pray and claim promises from the book. I think it is profound that in the New Living Translation the dates have been ‘translated’ into the calendar we are more familiar with. That puts these events within the time frame of our prayers and UWB campaign. For me this was another confirmation. I am, as a general practice, careful the promises that were not intended for me, but in pray-reading scripture I feel I have been given permission to claim these promises. Would you pray with me through the chapters of this book. It doesn’t have to be your Bible study, but for your church, and for UWB and its leadership please commit to pray for the church and leaders as you read. I am working to create a list of promises I read in this book. I will let you know what I find. I am praying for you as I read these things, that God will give you particular insight and a spirituality to see and bring the Kingdom and reign of God in your area of influence; praying also for you to be protected from the evil one. Trey Haggai 1 A Call to Rebuild the Temple 1 On August 29[a] of the second year of King Darius’s reign, the Lord gave a message through the prophet Haggai to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Jeshua[b] son of Jehozadak, the high priest. 2 “This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: The people are saying, ‘The time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the Lord.’” 3 Then the Lord sent this message through the prophet Haggai: 4 “Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins? 5 This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Look at what’s happening to you! 6 You have planted much but harvest little. You eat but are not satisfied. You drink but are still thirsty. You put on clothes but cannot keep warm. Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes! 7 “This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Look at what’s happening to you! 8 Now go up into the hills, bring down timber, and rebuild my house. Then I will take pleasure in it and be honored, says the Lord. 9 You hoped for rich harvests, but they were poor. And when you brought your harvest home, I blew it away. Why? Because my house lies in ruins, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, while all of you are busy building your own fine houses. 10 It’s because of you that the heavens withhold the dew and the earth produces no crops. 11 I have called for a drought on your fields and hills—a drought to wither the grain and grapes and olive trees and all your other crops, a drought to starve you and your livestock and to ruin everything you have worked so hard to get.” Obedience to God’s Call 12 Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the whole remnant of God’s people began to obey the message from the Lord their God. When they heard the words of the prophet Haggai, whom the Lord their God had sent, the people feared the Lord. 13 Then Haggai, the Lord’s messenger, gave the people this message from the Lord: “I am with you, says the Lord!” 14 So the Lord sparked the enthusiasm of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the enthusiasm of Jeshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the enthusiasm of the whole remnant of God’s people. They began to work on the house of their God, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, 15 on September 21[c] of the second year of King Darius’s reign. Haggai 2 The New Temple’s Diminished Splendor 1 Then on October 17 of that same year,[a] the Lord sent another message through the prophet Haggai. 2 “Say this to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Jeshua[b] son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of God’s people there in the land: 3 ‘Does anyone remember this house—this Temple—in its former splendor? How, in comparison, does it look to you now? It must seem like nothing at all! 4 But now the Lord says: Be strong, Zerubbabel. Be strong, Jeshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people still left in the land. And now get to work, for I am with you, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 5 My Spirit remains among you, just as I promised when you came out of Egypt. So do not be afraid.’ 6 “For this is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: In just a little while I will again shake the heavens and the earth, the oceans and the dry land. 7 I will shake all the nations, and the treasures of all the nations will be brought to this Temple. I will fill this place with glory, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 9 The future glory of this Temple will be greater than its past glory, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. And in this place I will bring peace. I, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, have spoken!” Blessings Promised for Obedience 10 On December 18[c] of the second year of King Darius’s reign, the Lord sent this message to the prophet Haggai: 11 “This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says. Ask the priests this question about the law: 12 ‘If one of you is carrying some meat from a holy sacrifice in his robes and his robe happens to brush against some bread or stew, wine or olive oil, or any other kind of food, will it also become holy?’” The priests replied, “No.” 13 Then Haggai asked, “If someone becomes ceremonially unclean by touching a dead person and then touches any of these foods, will the food be defiled?” And the priests answered, “Yes.” 14 Then Haggai responded, “That is how it is with this people and this nation, says the Lord. Everything they do and everything they offer is defiled by their sin. 15 Look at what was happening to you before you began to lay the foundation of the Lord’s Temple. 16 When you hoped for a twenty-bushel crop, you harvested only ten. When you expected to draw fifty gallons from the winepress, you found only twenty. 17 I sent blight and mildew and hail to destroy everything you worked so hard to produce. Even so, you refused to return to me, says the Lord. 18 “Think about this eighteenth day of December, the day[d] when the foundation of the Lord’s Temple was laid. Think carefully. 19 I am giving you a promise now while the seed is still in the barn.[e] You have not yet harvested your grain, and your grapevines, fig trees, pomegranates, and olive trees have not yet produced their crops. But from this day onward I will bless you.” Promises for Zerubbabel 20 On that same day, December 18,[f] the Lord sent this second message to Haggai: 21 “Tell Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, that I am about to shake the heavens and the earth. 22 I will overthrow royal thrones and destroy the power of foreign kingdoms. I will overturn their chariots and riders. The horses will fall, and their riders will kill each other. 23 “But when this happens, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, I will honor you, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, my servant. I will make you like a signet ring on my finger, says the Lord, for I have chosen you. I, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, have spoken!”
Promises from Haggai 1. God will speak specific messages to his people. (Haggai 1:1) 2. God will tell us when specific circumstances are caused by spiritual failures and invites us to correct them with obedient change in behavior. (Haggai 1:6-8, 10) 3. God responds to obedience to these instructions: “I am with you.) (Haggai 1:13) 4. God will give enthusiasm. (Haggai 1:14) 5. God will allow us to begin. (Haggai 1:14) 6. God will bring encouragement when needed. (Haggai 2:4-5) 7. God will ‘shake the nations’, but even world circumstances will not negatively affect these promises. (Haggai 2:6-7) 8. God will fill this church with glory. (Haggai 2:7) 9. God will provide us the resources we need. (Haggai 2:7-8) 10. Our future will greatly surpass our past. (Haggai 2:9) 11. We will have the ‘shalom’ of God. (Haggai 2:9) 12. God will call us back from sinful old habits and expect us to respond in this new way of obedience. (Haggai 2:14-15, 17b) 13. Seems that staff/leadership will have a choice before we carry through with commitment, in the face of what seems to be a critical time, but God gives promises that he will see them through. (Haggai 2:20-23)
If I had one message…
If I had one message about our election … it might read something like this. This is a message from the ivotevalues.com website, a Southern Baptist website also giving biblical values and a party platform comparison chart
How You Can Have Maximum Patriotic Impact - Brief Introduction On July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia, our Founding Fathers signed a document declaring our independence from the tyranny of those who would enslave the minds, the souls, the lives of men. But what many Americans don’t realize is that with the same document, we not only declared our independence from Great Britain, we just as strongly declared our dependence upon Almighty God. For the Declaration of Independence begins by proclaiming that we are subject only to the “laws of nature and nature’s God1.” Do you remember how it ends? It ends with these words: “With a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.” Do you know what the word reliance means? It means dependence. The signers of the Declaration were staking everything on God watching over them and seeing them through in their struggle for freedom: “With a firm reliance upon the protection of Divine Providence2.” Hear this statement well: Our Founding Fathers did not believe in the separation of God from government. They believed that this nation was founded by God, protected by God, preserved by God, and blessed by God. It all depends on God! And based on that belief, they were willing to pledge their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. They put it all on the line. Of those fifty-six men who signed the Declaration of Independence, nine died of wounds or hardships during the war. Five were captured and imprisoned, and in each case subjected to torture. Several lost wives, children or entire families. One lost his thirteen children. Two wives were brutalized by the British. All were at one time or another victims of manhunts and driven from their homes. Twelve signers had their homes completely burned. Seventeen lost everything they owned. Indeed these men not only pledged but gave their lives, and their fortunes, and not one went back on his sacred honor3. The nation they sacrificed so much to help found is still intact for us to enjoy on her 228th birthday. May God bless America! That brings us to you and me, here and now. If these patriots willingly laid it all on the line for this nation, don’t you think we should do more than simply sing patriotic songs, wave the flag, barbeque burgers, and watch fireworks? I think so. Not only that, but Jesus said so. Look at our text (Matt. 22:15-21): The religious leaders were trying to trap Jesus on the issue of paying taxes, but Jesus turned the tables on them. He asked them for a coin, and then asked whose portrait and inscription was stamped on it. They replied: “Caesar’s.” Jesus responded: “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s” (v. 21). His point: All citizens—including His followers—are obligated to support their government. Unlike the Roman Empire, Americans are blessed to have, as Abraham Lincoln put it, a “government of the people, by the people, and for the people4.” Our form of government requires our active involvement. How can we “give to Caesar what is Caesar’s” in America today? Well I want to mention 5 things that every Christian ought to give his government, 5 things that every Christian can do to have maximum patriotic impact as we think about what that meant then, what it means now, and what it means to you and me personally. First… 1. Seek God For Your Government Scripture: (1Tim. 2:1-4). Notice Paul says: “First of all.” Focus on praying for your elected officials at two points: Pray for their wisdom to lead our nation according to the Judeo-Christian principles this nation was founded upon. Pray that they would come to know Christ and be saved (v 4). The only way our nation will be changed is through the Gospel. It is only through a relationship with Jesus as Lord that our elected officials will lead in such a way that we will be able to live “peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (v 2). Point out that the biggest burden for the health of our nation does not rest on the White House, or on the State House, but on the Church House, it rests on you and on me. Scripture: (2 Chron. 7:14). If we do not pray for our nation and our leaders, not only will we continue to have little impact on the direction of America, but we are sinning against God. First of all, pray. Seek God for Your Government. 2. Support Your Government There are a couple of ways we can support our government: First, pay taxes to your government. Scripture: (Jesus teaching – Matt. 22:21 and example – Matt. 17:24-27; Paul’s teaching Rom. 13:6). Point out that even though there is a lot of waste and questionable spending, we do benefit from the goods and services provided by the government, such as military defense, law enforcement, roads, schools, libraries, parks, etc. Take pride in your government. Scripture: Teaching – Rom. 13:7 and Example: Ps. 137:5. Point out that it’s good to be patriotic. You can take pride in your country as well as pay taxes to your country and in that way support your government. 3. Submit To Your Government Scripture: (1 Pet. 2:13-14, 17; cf. Rom. 13:2-5). Point out that the Greek word for “submit” means to fall in rank under an authority. Government exists to keep order, and we must submit to the rule of law. Christians of all citizens ought to be model citizens. If we rebel against the rule of law, we are in fact rebelling against the God who ordained it (Rom. 13:1-2). Point out that we are to show these authorities respect, even when they are less than perfect. Example: Nero. We may not have much respect for the man of the office, but we must respect the office of the man. Submit to your government. That said, sometimes you must – 4. Stand Up To Your Government Point out that George Washington reportedly said that “Government… is a troublesome servant and a fearful Master5.” Sometimes, we must stand up to our government. There’s a time and place for civil disobedience, but it should come only as a last resort. However, if the government commands what God condemns, then you are obligated to disobey. Examples: Midwives > Pharaoh (Exod. 2:15-21). Daniel > King Darius (Dan. 6:1-23). Christians > Imperial edict to swear: “Caesar is Lord” instead declared: Christ is Lord!” (Rev. 2:8-10; 2:13). Peter > Religious Rulers (Acts 5:29). They were all blessed by God for their civil disobedience. Point out: As Citizen Christians, we need to use our freedom to defend our freedom or we may lose our freedom. Scriptures: Matt. 5:13-16; Ps. 107:2 Isa. 58:1. Examples: Examples: Moses > Pharaoh; Nathan > David; Elijah > Ahab; Daniel > Nebuchadnezzar; John the Baptist > Herod. Point out: We must stand up and let our voices be heard in the same way. We must persuade our government of the truths of God’s word as they apply to the policies and laws of our nation. Sometimes we must stand up to our government and say: Enough is enough. Finally – 5. Select Your Government Point out: There are many ways we can participate in our government, such as helping with a voter registration drive, commenting on legislation and public policy, speaking out on moral and social issues, holding public office, campaigning for a candidate, volunteering for the election commission, etc. Perhaps the most basic form of participation is voting—selecting our government. Voting is a simple act with a significant impact. When we vote, we help determine who will lead our nation, make our laws, and protect our freedoms. Quote: Founding Father Samuel Adams said: “Let each citizen remember at the moment he is offering his vote… that he is executing one of the most solemn trusts in human society for which he is accountable to God and his country6.” On iVoteValues.com you will find four action steps on voting. Register To Vote: Statistics: According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as many as 25-35% of the voting age population are not registered. That translates to between 45 and 65 million Americans! What’s worse is that less than half of those registered actually vote in a given election! Registering to vote is easy to do. Fill out the Voter Registration Form and return it to the county election office. We have people who are here to help. Step 2: Vote Your Values: Statistics: In 2000, a little over half of eligible Americans voted (53%). In 2002’s mid‑term elections, the numbers were even worse when only 39.3% of eligible Americans voted! Saying: Old proverb that is still true: “Bad politicians are elected by good people who don’t vote.” Point out: simply voting is not enough, you must vote your values. Every candidate has his or her own set of values and positions on important issues. Questions to ponder: Don’t you think that where a candidate stands on the issues is far more important than the party he or she belongs to? Shouldn’t we vote for candidates who share our values? Point out: Many believers don’t even consider their values when voting, often choosing candidates whose positions are at odds with their own beliefs, convictions, and values. Statistic: A recent study by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life shows that nearly two-thirds of Americans say their faith has little to do with their voting decisions. Action Points: Jesus expects us to let our faith influence every part of our decision making—including the democratic process (Matt. 5:13-16). • Be informed on the issues. • Study the party platform statements. • Know what the candidates stand for. • Check out the candidate’s website. • Find out their friends and their enemies. • Weigh the candidates’ values against biblical values. Quote: Our nation’s first Supreme Court Justice, John Jay, said: “It is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation, to select and prefer Christians for their rulers7.” Caution: Aligning ourselves too closely with a political party or a politician is unwise, because we need to be free to call all political parties and politicians to repentance when they step outside of biblical morality and principle. Quote: Founding Father Benjamin Rush is quoted as saying: “I have been alternately called an Aristocrat and a Democrat. I am neither. I am a Christocrat8.” Point Out: Our loyalty needs to be with the Lord Jesus Christ. Strongly consider voting for candidates who believe like you do. Don’t just vote—vote your values! Question: Examine your core values as we approach Election Day 2008. Would your list include the Economy? National Security? Health-Care? Education? As important as those issues are, think about what your core values should be as a follower of Jesus and how they apply to your patriotic impact on the leadership and laws of our nation. Mention three: Life, Family, and Freedom. Life: Life is precious. Miraculous. Delicate. Created by a loving God who makes every human being unique (Ps. 139:15-16). Life made in the image of God is a fundamental, God-given right. According to the Declaration of Independence, “All men are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights. Among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness9.” Therefore, human life should be protected. Defended. Rescued10. Scripture: Prov. 24:11. Statistics: 1.3 million Abortions per year; 25% of all pregnancies end in Abortion11. Action Points: Find out where the candidates stand on the value of life. Ask what their position is on abortion, cloning, embryonic stem cell research, and euthanasia. We value life. Second, we value – Family: Family is essential. Basic. Necessary. The family is the basic building block of society, and the first institution created by God (Example: Gen. 1-2). As goes the family, so goes the nation. Unfortunately, the family as God intended it is an endangered species in America. Statistics: U.S. Census figures from 2000 show that the traditional family is in a statistical free-fall12. Families consisting of a husband and wife in their first marriage with children dropped below 25% percent of all homes13. Households with unmarried partners grew by 72%14. In fact, cohabitation has increased by close to 1,000% from 1960 to 199815. A third of all babies were born to unmarried women, (33%) compared to only 3.8% in 194016. The number of same-sex homes skyrocketed over 400% since 199017. Point Out: Last year, the U. S. Supreme Court declared state laws against sodomy illegal and essentially established homosexuality as a constitutionally protected lifestyle18. The Massachusetts Supreme Court followed by ruling that same sex “marriage” should be legalized, and that state has been issuing marriage licenses by the thousands. Problem: If gay “marriage” is legalized in one state, the “full faith and credit” clause of the U.S. Constitution would dictate that the rest of the states must recognize gay marriages as legal. Result: The time-honored definition of the family in general and of marriage in particular is in mortal danger. Action Points: Find out where the candidates stand on the issue of family. Find out how they voted on the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Ask for their position on the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment (FMA) defining marriage as only between one man and one woman. Christians ought to stand against any and all efforts to undermine and redefine marriage, which is the foundation for a healthy society. We value family. Third, we value – Freedom: Freedom is priceless. Cherished. Fragile. Scripture: Gal. 5:1. Freedom must be nurtured, defended, and protected, which is the original intent of the First Amendment: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof19.” Point Out: The Supreme Court has ignored the original intent of the Founding Fathers, trashed three centuries of America’s Judeo-Christian heritage, and turned a statement in one of Jefferson’s private letters on its head in declaring a two-way “Wall of Separation” between church and state. Result: All religious influences must be removed from public institutions. The Court outlawed public prayer in the schools in 196220, out went public Bible reading in 196321, and in 1980, down came the Ten Commandments from school house walls22! This agenda of radical secularization has not only been zealously prosecuted by the activist courts, but by extension, the various public entities, school boards, educators, and teachers. Action Points: Find out where the candidates stand on religious liberty issues. Find out if they are aligned with groups who seek to remove our freedoms. Find out which candidates are in favor of protecting and even restoring our Judeo-Christian heritage. Reminder: If we don’t use our freedom to defend our freedom we will lose our freedom. Find out where the candidates stand on our First Amendment right to public religious expression. We value Life, Family, and Freedom! Step 3: Tell Your Friend Take your friend a Voter Registration Form and help them fill it out and send it in. Send your friends an e-Card from iVoteValues.com where they can fill out their form online, print it, and mail it in. Help organize a voter registration drive in your service club, school, place of business, etc. Reminder: Be sure to get permission. Step 4: Pray for the Election and Our Nation Scripture: Prov. 29:2. Conclusion After our Founding Fathers unanimously approved the Declaration of Independence, on July 8 they said, “Let’s celebrate! Let the cannons fire! Let fireworks fill the sky! Let the bells ring! And the very first bell they rang was in the belfry of the very hall where they approved the Declaration of Independence to summon the people to hear the first public reading of our founding document. They rang that bell—we know it as the “Liberty Bell.” Where did it get its name? From July the fourth? From the Declaration of Independence? No. The name comes from the Scripture imprinted on that bell (Lev. 25:10), which says: “Proclaim liberty throughout the land unto all the inhabitants thereof!” Proclaim liberty throughout the land. Let Freedom Ring! Freedom will ring louder, freedom will ring clearer, if Christians all across America will do these 5 things and “give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” Just imagine the impact Christians could have on the direction of our government, the character of its leadership, and the moral health of our nation if we all simply applied biblical principles to every aspect of our lives—including our patriotic duty as Citizen Christians. Make a commitment today to register to vote, register a friend, vote your values, live your values, share your Savior, and pray for God to bless America! 1 As found in One Nation Under God: Our Founding Documents (Nashville: For Faith & Family Publishing), 10. 2 Ibid., 18. 3 Summarized from Paul Harvey, Our Lives, Our Fortunes, Our Sacred Honor (Waco, TX: Word Books, 1976). See also, D. James Kennedy and Jerry Newcombe, What If America Were a Christian Nation Again? (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2003), 37-40. 4 Abraham Lincoln, “Address at Gettysburg,” delivered on November 19, 1863 as found in The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln, edited by Roy P. Basler (Rutgers University Press, 1953), 7:22. 5 Attributed to George Washington by Frank J. Wilstach, A Dictionary of Similes, 2d ed., (New York: Bonanza, 1924), 526. 6 Samuel Adams, The Writings of Samuel Adams, Harry Alonzo Cushing, editor (New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1907), 4:256, originally in the Boston Gazette on April 16, 1781. 7 John Jay, The Correspondence and Public Papers of John Jay, Henry P. Johnston, ed. (New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1890), 4:365. 8 David Ramsay, An Eulogium upon Benjamin Rush, M.D. (Philadelphia: Bradford and Inskeep, 1813), 103. 9 Founding Documents, 10. 10 Obviously those who are justly sentenced to death by Capital Punishment are another story (See Genesis 9:5-6). 11 2003 Statistics from the Alan Guttmacher Institute. See http://www.agi-usa.org/pubs/abslides/abort_slides.pdf . 12 See http://www.census.gov . 13 Eric Schmitt, “For First Time, Nuclear Families Drop Below 25 Percent of Households,” The New York Times, May 15, 2001, A1. 14 Barbara Kantrowitz and Pat Wingert, “Unmarried, with Children,” Newsweek, May 28, 2001, 46. 15 David Popenoe and Barbara Dafoe Whitehead, “The State of Our Unions 2000,” The National Marriage Project, Rutgers University. See http://www.marriage.rutgers.edu . 16 “Unmarried, with Children,” 46. 17 Genaro C. Armas ”Census…most comprehensive count yet of gays and lesbians,” Associated Press, August 21, 2001. 18 Lawrence et al. v. Texas, No. 02-102 (U.S. Supreme Court, 2003). 19 Founding Documents, 46. 20 Engel v. Vitale 370 U.S. 421, (1962). 21 Abingdon School District v. Schempp 374 U.S. 203, 220-221 (1963). 22 Stone v. Graham 449 U.S. 39 (1980).
Who Would Have Thought It Was Possible
From the very beginning, nobody gave this bunch much of a chance to succeed. After all, it had been quite a while since they had any success whatsoever. As a matter of fact, some might say that the only success they had was simply in being created. They hadn’t been around for very long, especially compared to most of the other groups that do what they do. This particular group has a few veterans helping guide the way and a stable of youngsters who have dreamed of this for a long time. Their accomplishment to this date is amazing and yet they still have a long way to go to be “on the top.”
Congratulations to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for an amazing baseball season. Last year they were in last place in their division. No body gave them a chance to win anything at all, much less an American League Pennant. Yet, with the careful guidance of their manager, and with the tender care by the trainer of many of their young hitters and pitchers, the Rays now see themselves with a chance to win won of sports most heralded championships, the World Series. Just as the Texas Rangers how difficult it is to make it all the way.
Maybe our church is a bit like this. Could this small bunch of believers do something that no one has thought possible? Yes we can. Yes we can, if we place ourselves in the hands of God. Yes we can, if we commit together. Yes we can, if we be sure to take care of one another along the way. Yes we can, if we keep our eyes looking forward and upward.
Who thinks it’s possible?
The initial Faith Promise commitments show excitement
Let me be the first to say how much fun last night’s banquet was. Highlights of the day for me were Kim Reid’s commitment to the Preschool / Childrens building as a single mom and Blanche Bearor’s answers to Jon Mark’s questions about what she saw God do in those early days at Canyon Creek along with what she expected God to do in the future. Blanche showed confidence saying that she expected God to do great things because he had already done so much.
Jon Mark had the great privilege of announcing what the deacons, staff, and United We Build leadership had promised to give. I hope the congregation is encouraged that before any of the rest of the church receive their faith promise cards, these leaders have promised $138,000. To God be the glory.
GFPF-God Focused Reflection
Time to be God Focused
Take a moment to remember when you were first able to see God with corrected focus through Jesus. (This would be when you became a believer.)
Take some time to read over the following Scriptures about God. Feel free to read some of your favorites as well.
Psalm 27:1 Psalm 3:5-9 Psalm 18:1-3; 28-31 Job 38:4-38 Psalm 71:19 Psalm 89:5-14 Psalm 103 Psalm 111 Psalm 113 Psalm 136 Psalm 145 Isaiah 6:1-4 Hebrews 12:28-29 I John 1:5 I John 4:8-10 Revelation 21
Ask God to show you any sins in your life. Agree with Him that it is sin. Repent/choose to turn from that sin. Thank Him for His forgiveness.
Ephesians 4:22-24 “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Read Ps. 24: 3-6; 139:1-18; 23-24
Spend a few moments asking the Holy Spirit to help you focus only on God alone.
Psalm 25:4-5 “Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.”
Psalm 33:20-22 “We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.”
Hebrews 4:14-16 “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
Now be quiet for 3-5 minutes. No requests, no plans, no agenda. Just allow God to speak to you as you focus on Him. Write down what He tells you…big or small.
GFPF-People Focused Refelection
Time to be People Focused
Take a few moments to “de-plank”. Is there any sin in your life that will keep you from seeing people the way God does? Ask God to help you die to yourself and look at people like He does. Ask Him to give you a heart that cares for the people around you no matter who they are.
Believers
Read the following passages: Colossians 3:12-14; I Peter 3:8-9, 4:8; I John 3:16-18, 4:7-21. List some believers in your life that are easy to love and ways you chose to focus on them:
List some believers that are harder to love (for whatever reason) and ways you can choose to focus on them with the love so they experience the verses above:
Nonbelievers Read the following passages:
I Corinthians 10:31-11:1; Luke 15; 19:1-10; I Peter 2:11-12; Romans 12:9-21
List some nonbelievers in your life that are easy to love and ways you chose to focus on them:
List some nonbelievers that are harder to love (for whatever reason) and ways you can choose to focus on them with the love so they experience the verses above
Carnal Believers Read the following passages:
I Thessalonians 5:14-15; Romans 12:9-21; Luke 15
List some carnal believers in your life that are easy to love and ways you chose to focus on them:
List some carnal believers that are harder to love (for whatever reason) and ways you can choose to focus on them with the love so they experience the verses above
From the ‘Country of the Blind’
Lee Eclov takes a piece from H. G. Wells short story called “The Country of the Blind.” The story is about an inaccessible, luxurious valley in Ecuador where everyone is blinded by a particular disease. Fifteen generations of blindness has erased the memory of sight or color. Finally a sighted man from the outside fell from a high cliff, survived, only to stumble into their forgotten country.
When he realized that everyone else was blind, he remembered the old adage: “In the country of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.” Wells writes:
He tried at first on several occasions to tell them of sight. “Look you here, you people,” he said. “There are things you do not understand in me.” Once or twice one or two of them attended to him; they sat with faces downcast and ears turned intelligently towards him, and he did his best to tell them what it was to see.
But they never believed him. They thought he was crazy. The man fell in love with a girl there and the girl’s father, Yacob, went to talk to a doctor about him. A conversation ensued:
[The doctor said]: “I think I may say with reasonable certainty that, in order to cure him complete, all that we need to do is a simple and easy surgical operation—namely, to remove these irritant bodies [his eyes!].”
"And then he will be sane?" [they asked].
"Then he will be perfectly sane, and a quite admirable citizen."
"Thank Heaven for science!" said old Yacob.
Wells goes on to point out that the man would not be allowed to marry Yacob’s daughter unless he submitted to an operation that would blind him. So what would the man do? Wells writes:
He had fully meant to go to a lonely place where the meadows were beautiful with white narcissus, and there remain until the hour of his sacrifice should come, but as he walked he lifted up his eyes and saw the morning, the morning like an angel in golden armour, marching down the steeps… It seemed to him that before this splendour, he and this blind world in the valley, and his love and all, were no more than a pit of sin. And the man who could see escaped the country of the blind with his life.
Christians will live differently from other people. Jesus makes a new creation out of the old. The old and new still have some things in common, but they are not the same. Not all will welcome the invitation to see. Not all who want to see will go through the trouble, but will be content to live among the seeing without the foggiest idea that they do not see.
I want to ask you to pray, some Christians do not see that there is spiritual warfare regarding the progress churches want to make. May God’s kingdom come and may the enemy be thwarted. Lord, hear that prayer.
Pastor talks about giving to the new Children’s building
Psalm 33:11 says, “But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.” This is our church’s prayer. We trust that God has laid a great plan on our hearts. The Turner family has prayed just as you have about what we are to give. We still have not decided on an amount, but are listening to the Lord.
There were two scriptures which spoke to me during the Spiritual Preparation Weekend. The first one I identified with because the people were being brought out of slavery from Egypt. They were slaves with slave habits. They would have had nothing except the Lord provided for them everything they needed, even providing for an extensive worship center in the wilderness. Right now, I feel that our family does not have much extra to commit. Like most families, we have committed money to school, insurance, up keep on houses and vehicles. Still I know that the Lord will provide. The second scripture is 2 Corinthians 8:9 “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he be came poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.” (NIV)
Lea Ann and I have prayed about the amount we are to commit for these three years. We anticipate that whatever it is, God will provide because this is the project he has laid on the heart of his people at Canyon Creek.
Perspective Matters
Two mothers were talking about their sons. The first said, “My son is such a saint. He works hard, doesn’t smoke, and he hasn’t so much as looked at a woman in over two years.” The other woman said, “Well, my son is a saint himself. Not only hasn’t he not looked at a woman in over three years, but he hasn’t touched a drop of liquor in all that time.” “My word,” the first mother said. “You must be so proud.” “I am,” the second mother replied. “And when he’s paroled next month, I’m going to throw him a big party.”
How we choose to see things matters. Not sure what God has been doing in your life lately, but remember His perspective allows for Him to know the entire outcome. There is so much going on in the families of The Creek, some “off-the-chart” exciting and some so tragic as to cause your heart physical pain when you hear about it. I encourage you in either circumstance and every one in between, “Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (The Message).
“I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. “When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I’ll listen. “When you come looking for me, you’ll find me. “Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.” God’s Decree. Jeremiah 29:11-13 (The Message).
“Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.” I Peter 5:8-11 (The Message).
“My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit—not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength—that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God. God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.
Glory to God in the church! Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus! Glory down all the generations! Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes!“
Ephesians 3:14-21 (The Message).
In greatest joy or deepest fears, like Paul, my prayer is that God’s Spirit will be at work “deeply and gently within us.”
Ministries that go to work
Sunday we saw a video about how the Mary Hill Davis offering goes to help churches begin the Christian Men’s and Women’s Job Corps ministries. I wanted you to be able to see some more and visit links to the program. I know we have some people for whom this kind of service is their passion. Tell me what you think.
Tom Henderson’s Note about Ministry Opportunities in Bell County
Dear Pastors, Staff, and Church Leaders;
First I want to thank the Lord for His protection for our area during Hurricane Ike. As you know, the southeastern part of our state sustained a lot of damage. We also have a lot of evacuees in shelters in Bell County from Brazoria County. As you may know, after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, the Texas Emergency Preparedness Team linked up coastal counties with inland counties in the event that evacuations were implemented. This was the first time that this plan was used. I have received a Situation Report from Brazoria County and the following section gives information regarding the evacuees in Bell County shelters:
The Bell County Evacuation Shelters reported that their guests appeared to be in good spirits. There are 988 registered evacuees in Bell County. They report 925 were transported by bus and 63 went by private vehicle. Of those, 20-30 of the private individuals have left the shelter. There are no plans yet to return the evacuees due to the fragile infrastructure
We appreciate all that FBC Belton and Miller Heights BC are doing to provide shelter. I also want to thank Randy Carder and the FBC Salado family along with Lowell Coates and the Immanuel BC for assisting with meals and ministry over the weekend. There were others involved as well and many have been praying for the safety and encouragement of the evacuees and volunteers.
The devastation was widespread and the evacuees will not be able to go home anytime soon. We have had one estimate that they may not be able to return until September 28th. This gives us opportunities to minister to visitors to our county for two weeks. We have several opportunities for you and your church family to help;
We need people who would be willing to help the Salvation Army prepare food for the evacuees in Temple. They are serving 1,200 meals three times a day. We need people who are willing to help prepare meals and clean up in three shifts. We need people from 10am to 1 pm; from 1 pm to 4 pm; and from 4 pm to 7 pm. This can be youth and adults from your church. It can be Sunday School classes, small groups, youth groups , committees, teams, etc. Even if you can only staff one shift once a week, this will be a big help. You can also make monetary donations to the Salvation Army for the food. They are asking for people to send money and not food since they are buying the food in bulk. The address to send you checks is: P. O. Box 1884 Temple, Texas 76503. The Salvation Army is the only national organization providing food in our county. I have worked with Captain Martha Burtchett and the Salvation Army in our area and know that this group does a great job and is deserving of our support.
FBC Belton has asked for small groups to come and work with the children. They have approximately 10 children and need help providing activities. They have approximately 80 evacuees in their shelter. They also need either two married couples or two men and two women to stay and assist the evacuees during the evening shift from 10 pm until 6 am.
Miller Heights BC has approximately 40 in their shelter and needs two couples or two men and two women from 6 pm to 10 pm. They also have needs for others to assist at various times.
We have also been asked to help at First Methodist Church in Belton. They have 80 evacuees and need help at night.
I appreciate Nan Shannon calling to help coordinate this list of needs. Our Good Neighbor Team will be coordinating our response. Please call Wayne Spinn from FBC Holland at (cell) 718-5329 or (home) 657-2462. He is our Good Neighbor Team representative.
The Lord have provided an opportunity for us to share His love in very tangible ways over the next two weeks. I want to challenge each of our churches to get involved with this ministry. I keep thinking how I would feel if the tables were reversed and I was in a strange place wondering when I would be able to go back to my home. I know I would appreciate someone ministering to me and showing me God’s love in tangible ways. Let us know how you can help.
I look forward to hearing from you. If you would like to help coordinate the effort, we are meeting with Wayne Spinn and the Shannons on Tueday morning at 8 am here at the BBA Mission Center.
In Christ’s Love; Tom Henderson, DoM Bell Baptist Association 1-254-493-0545
I Thess. 1:2-3
New Way to Tell Old Old Story
What can I say to James Choung except, thanks. I am much more happy with the opportunities that the Four Circles presentation gives me for sharing the gospel with people. My opportunities to share Jesus sometimes involve a revulsion of the church establishment. People are polite with their, “Thanks but no thanks” responses. I have to admit that I am often not creative enough to make the leap from people’s disinterest (at least) with the established church to a presentation of, “Don’t you want to be a part of it?” The Four Circles help me to address what is wrong in the world while inviting people to be a part of the solution. If you are interested in learning how, here is a link to how to present the Four Circles.
Wednesday Evenings at the Creek
Wednesday nights in adult Bible Study we will start a new focus called The Jesus Prayer. It will be a close look at his prayer in John 17. We will also be back in the Fellowship Hall to share space between cleaning and the special friends class. The transition to the choir room was not as good an idea as hoped… you understand…
Below is a sample of the types of questions we will ask and the discussion of Jesus Prayer in John 17.
In John 17:4, Jesus says the work the Father gave him is completed. What work was completed when he had yet to go to the Cross? Could it be that he was speaking of God’s will in his own life as though it has already happened? Do we determine that we will obey God to that great degree. When we get a glimpse of what God is doing we are obedient so that it is a an accomplished fact. Lord, let my obedience be swift and total.
Really? Jesus not the only way?
Isn’t it a definition of Evangelical that people who call themselves Christian believe the words Jesus spoke? “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” (John 14:6; NIV) Still, Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life reports that 57% of evangelical church goers said they believe many religions can lead to eternal life. 70% of Americans with any religious affiliation hold that view. What do you believe? Why do you hold that view? 68% said there are different ways to interpret the teachings of their religion. (adapted from On Mission Magazine)Only way
I Double Dog Dare You…
Our students are headed back to school last week…many of them with renewed passion for Christ. They are going to face opposition, frustration, and even defeat. One student encountered this experience even before school started.
“Today I had a volleyball tournament, and well as me and my friends we’re having a good time… talking, and joking around, somehow we got on the subject of reading the bible. Sadly one of my friends doesnt read the bible, so the rest of us tried to explain it to her so she would be able to understand what we were talking about. All she had to say was ” dang why is the bible so bossy?” wow really makes you think about this generation, doesnt it? As the day went on i sat and watched everybody buying chocolate bars, and i was reading the labels to see the brands. My friend had got a mars brand bar. So i got the nerve to tell them ” you know.. um that chocolate isnt free trade, its slave trade” she took a bite and said ” well i think the forced labor makes its all the much better” it made me want to cry. Another friend replied saying ” ….shutup, your so depressing” im thinking to myself.. no your the depressing ones, how could you not care? your the people i thought i could talk to about this because all i ever hear from ya’ll is ” man i want to go on a mission trip to africa one day” and ” i think you should support invisible children, its the right thing to do” Ya i guess its true that people can be deceiving.”
Make it a point to begin praying for them if you don’t already. We have a great group of students. They exist in a world that most often sees things differently than you or I. They are doing their best to be light in a very dark place…to be different in the midst of indifference. What would it be like if maybe thirty or forty of our adult, seasoned church members agreed to pray daily for our students for the entire upcoming school year? In the old days this might be considered a double dog dare…so I double dog dare you… Choose to make a difference on a global scale because you never know where these students will go and who they will encounter in the coming days. And one day, they may tell stories of the 2008-2009 school year and how it lead God to use them to influence the world.
What does 100 new families look like?
100 new families… what does that look like? We have an extremely large challenge before the congregation– that is, by the end of 2010, give 100 families a new church home. Simply stated, but not simply done, this means every family will help welcome another family into our fellowship. One of our most immediate problems will be the need for parking. It is the ceiling the church has bumped for 12 years or more. We have parking for 230 people on this property at one time. That capacity is reached every time we have a big event… I have always wondered if anyone has circled through our parking lot, not finding a place and then driving home. If every age group will have growth then every Sunday school class will have to make plans for new people. What will that mean for the choir? For worship services? For Wednesdays?
What do you think will be the best part of reaching a goal like this?
What do you think will be the hardest part of reaching this goal?
Up a Creek?
How do you know what you have been created for. One person describes where someone fits in the kingdom of God in this way:
* Your <strong>walk </strong>motivates you for ministry.
* Your <strong>spiritual gifts</strong> enable you for ministry.
* Your <strong>passions</strong> give focus to ministry.
* Your <strong>personality </strong>expresses itself in ministry.
* Your <strong>experiences </strong>help develop you for ministry.
How should a church family care for one another?
The sermon series we are in is called Family Days. We talked Sunday about a threat to being family. The ancient church listed one of the seven deadly sins as acedia. The English translation of that word is sloth. It might better be understood as “I don’t care.” Apathy keeps a church from being the family it should be. So how should love be demonstrated in a congregation? What does it look like when a church or church members do not care? (Oh, this probably isn’t a place to go and name names. Let’s talk in the realm of hypothetical.)
Turning 30 means…
It is a privilege to be at Canyon Creek and celebrate the 30th anniversary. Maybe we can ask those who were part of the charter group what their hopes were in 1980 as the church constituted… no longer a mission of Immanuel Baptist. Doubtless members would include elements of our mission statement to make disciples. Doubtless they would talk about reaching Temple for Christ. They would be proud of the steps we are taking toward the next 30 years.
AWANA Enlistment and More
This summer has been a whirlwind of fun, discipling, and fellowship. As we look forward to a new school year, it is my prayer that these kiddos remember all that we have been doing this summer and all that they have learned at WorshipZone and FUNdamentals. We have finished our FUNdamentals bible study over the first eleven chapters in Genesis. We are also closing up our WorshipZone sessions concluding with the study on Fellowship. Both of these programs have been very meaningful to our kids, and it is my prayer that we can look forward to more great events and programs during the school year.
We have a back to school and AWANA enlistment event on August 20th from 6pm - 8pm. This will be a great time to get questions answered about the AWANA ministry, to celebrate the conclusion of the summer and the start of a new school year, and to preview some events going on during the school year. Everyone is invited to celebrate with us!
Let us all continue to pray and seek God’s guidance in the growth and program opportunities for this children’s ministry in preparation for the upcoming children’s and preschool building. Thank you church for allowing me to be apart of this wonderful ministry.
God in Us Musical This Sunday Evening!
Please make time in your schedule for the musical this Sunday evening. Our choir has been working hard this summer and we want to share this time with you. It promises to be an exciting time of worship for all ages. Even if you do not regularly come to evening worship, you will not want to miss this evening.
Our choir loft will be full of singers from Canyon Creek and First Baptist Church, Salado. We want all of our pews to be full as well, so we are asking our Creek family members to come out and support our choir and music ministry. The congregation from Salado will be gathering with us as we celebrate and worship together. Following the musical, we will have a time to gather in the fellowship hall allowing us to meet the members from Salado.
If only I could answer tough questions
Have you ever wondered where you could get good information about tough questions. Some people might be scared to ask questions, afraid they will get reasons not to believe. Here is a trustworthy site that, in the years I have used it, has always given me answers to tough questions. www.probe.org is a ministry connected to Kirby Anderson. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
Next Step Toward Building
Let me give you a letter by Jon Mark Allen about the fall schedule which will take us closer toward building:
Last month we voted to move ahead with building a new children’s building. How very appropriate as we approach our 30 year anniversary as a church! To that end, we have enlisted the help of the United We Build a ministry of the BGCT. Ivan Potter and Jeremy Austin are consultants who will assist us through this process.
We have already created a Campaign Leadership Team, which is composed of Tom Buckner, Ken and Brenda Camp, Marcine Chambers, Robert Knepp, Mary Beth Morris, Julia Walker, Michelle Wolf, myself, with the pastor and staff. We have already met together and are excited about the events coming up in the next few months.
Please mark your calendars now for the Spiritual Preparation weekend on September 6-7. This time together will be for laying a spiritual foundation for the big plans ahead of us. Ivan Potter will talk about God’s plan for financing his work and practical advice for the Christian looking at money as an area of spiritual discipleship. Soon you will be hearing about a Prayer Vigil and for later in the fall, a church-wide Banquet to celebrate God’s great blessing of Canyon Creek.
I truly believe at the conclusion of this process we will have a better idea of God’s view on finances and we will have grown together in a significant way, both spiritually and in our commitment to Canyon Creek’s mission to make disciples. Please begin praying now about how God would have you participate in the next 30 years of ministry, especially in the raising of this new preschool and children’s facility.
Jon Mark Allen, United We Build Campaign Team Leader
Destroying a National Treasure
Recently, my family and I had the privilege of spending nine days in Washington, D.C. It was an amazing adventure. I saw so many things that I had only read and studied about in my history classes in school. I experienced history, art, tradition, national pride, family, and a whole lot of walking. As great as it all was, one of those experiences caused me great embarrassment.
After waiting in line for what seemed like forever, my wife, our moms, and our four children finally made it into the National Archives. We wanted to see the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution among many other amazing documents from our history. Of course by we, I mean I pushed pretty hard to go there knowing full well my kids were not interested at all and I would cause my wife and our moms to have to endure their constant reminder of how boring it was and questions of how much longer. We finally get to the front of the line, along the way seeing a golden version of the Magna Cartaway cool. We get into three lines as we prepare to enter the dimly lit area. We are given a few rules, but one most important one. Under no circumstances at all, ever, in any way, shape, or form, are we to use flash photography. This is of course because light will hasten the deterioration of paper. No problem. I had my wifes camera and had turned the flash off, but was now adjusting the camera to try to let more light in so I could get a better picture than a tan fuzzy image that I would have to later explain was the Declaration of IndependenceI promise. So we make our way around the room looking at all kinds of other documents from our history. I take a few pictures of the Declaration of Independenceno lucktan fuzzy. So as we come to the Constitution, I decide to just go back to the default setting. This was not big deal the picture would be darker but at least it would be focused. I zoomed in on the words We the Peopleman what a cool picture this was going to bethen FLASH!!! AAUUGGHHH!!! What in the world happenedI was just trying to get a clearer picture? But in my haste to change the settings, I had forgotten to go back and turn off the flash. Everyone in the room probably had the same thoughtIDIOT! I am thinkingWant to get away? (Southwest Airlines commercials). Immediately (as in can reach out and beat me with his baton kind of immediately) to my left was a security guard. He calmly but firmly asked me if that was my camera. I sheepishly replied, yes. He told me to turn it offwhich I had already done almost immediately anyway like that would make it ok. I stood there in that moment as embarrassed as I have felt in a long time, and that is saying a lot for one who regularly finds ways to look stupid. What was I to do now? I just put the camera in my pocket and walked out trying not to make eye contact with anyone. I could not get out of that room fast enough. I had just hastened the destruction of a National Treasure. Good thing Nicholas Cage wasn’t around. It took me 15-20 minutes to get over how embarrassed and stupid I felt in that moment.
I knew the rules and was even trying to obey. The guard knew I didnt do it on purpose. He knew I had just made a mistake, but man I just felt terrible. In thinking about this experience, I began to examine how I respond when I dont obey God. He has given me clear rules and guidance in how to live the life that Jesus describes in John 10:10 as abundant, overflowing, beyond what I can imagine on my best imagining day. And unlike my unintentional rule breaking in the National Archives, I do it on purpose most often. Most of the time, I respond the same way though. I run away, but not out of embarrassment. Probably it is more just a lack of not wanting to deal with it. I really just want to get on with things when I should be totally embarrassed by the fact that I just selfishly rejected Jesus for my own plans and desires.
I dont know about you, but I need less callousness and more brokenness, humbling, and embarrassment over my sin before God.
But then, as 1 John 1:9 reminds us, I need to move forward in grace and restoration and not wallow in my embarrassment as I did at the museum. Thanks Lord for the freedom You give through Christ.
How to love someone just a little different…
There is a great free resource if you always wanted to see the love language materials but just haven’t. Some sessions are online and some online handouts are there. Beyond that, the church library has Love Language books and video study materials available. I would expect that learning to love others better makes you more love-ly.
Biblical Budgeting?
According to Crown Financial… most people spend 10% more than they make. That puts us in a real bind. Click here to enter access a free spreadsheet to begin a family budgeting process.
The righteous scare me
I had one of those encounters any of us could have had. Mine just happened to be at the gym. A man who works out at the same time I do has become one of those acquaintances you just speak to periodically. I crossed the gym to go to my next machine and passed him, he quoted some verse of poetry appropriate to his exertion level… knowing no poetry apart from that which I read at funerals I came back with a verse of scripture. “The righteous are as bold as a lion.” (Pro. 28:1; NIV) To me that meant… keep it up, you are not as old as you feel. But this man reacted to all of his pent-up anger at the church. He said, “The righteous scare me.”
Well, if I try to defend the institutional religious I am going to put on a bit of a false front myself. Though I am a part of institutional Christianity, I remember that Jesus used some of his sharpest challenges to the religious. I am equally sickened when religious leaders use and enjoy political footsies. My friend in the gym was calling them righteous. The Old Testament and New Testament both speak of internal quality and standing with God as righteous. I hope for the opportunity to both agree with the man in the gym and nudge him toward a biblical look at the righteous.
Four-Eyed Christians
For lack of a better metaphor right now… let me explain to you my vision (no pun intended, but still kinda funny…). It is crucial for Christians to acknowledge our time-pressured society. I do not want to make people feel guilty for not participating with everything the church does. Anyone can see that some people already feel guilty and back off from any further participation, dropping out. It becomes that much more important for Creeksters to be deliberate about their own participation level. 1. They must have a worship service they participate in. “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another– and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25; NIV) People do not have to come to all of our worship services in order to be good church members, especially noting three other responsibilities of a Christian disciple. 2. They must participate in a small group for support and accountability. “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” (Acts 2:42; NIV) 3. They must find a ministry service. “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith.” (Romans 12:6; NIV) 4. Develop and bring another person into faith and into maturity where they are doing these four things as well. “…So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people…” (Acts 11:26; NIV) Discipleship will be having an eye on each of these four areas. In a Christianity Today article John R. W. Stott is quoted concerning the problem of the church having numerical growth but not corresponding growth in discipleship. Stott says, “God is not pleased.” May God find Canyon Creek faithful making disciples!
… this is your captain speaking…
These are words we are going to hear way too soon after our alarm goes off Friday morning. No doubt we will all be excited and adrenalin will pulsate through our bodies until we get to Morelia… or at least get to Houston. Church family, thank you for your prayers. We are praying for Pastor Danny and Pastor Abraham, they and their churches are making preparation so that we can have about 150 children at a local neighborhood site in the areas their churches have a vision of planting a new church. Can a church of about 30 people have the vision of planting a new church? Yes, and may God bless that vision with workers.
Sunday Morning, the last Sunday in June, those who gave, served, packed, brought or bought materials stood up with those who were going on the trip. It was encouraging to pray for the work of all those hands. So we pray that new churches are planted and that the team can see a number of nationals come to know Jesus Christ personally during the time we are in country July 4-11. Lord, bless this great city, Morelia! Amen!
England Day 8- York
We spent the day in York with the rest of our whole team. It was a beautiful day to be there. We celebrate all the birthdays on the trip, including Talyor Davis. We went all through the minster this time because Fiona hooked us up to go throughout the whole church for free. All in all it was a good day.
This evening Ryan, Daniel, Kasia, and Kimberly joined Ryan and Daniel’s hosts for coffee with their neighbors as an outreach event. It went well.
Pray again for us today as we are in the Bishopsgarth school and then for the 4th Wednesday of the crusade with J John tonight.
Thank you for your prayers. They are making a difference.
England Day 7- I “Pledge” this church with allegiance to Christ
What a day! We spent almost all day in an old Anglican church called Stockton Parish. It was a beautiful old, old church with a new vicar. He is very evangelistic and has a desire to help this church grow again. It probably has room for 500+, but only about 25 or so attend. They can’t even meet in their main sanctuary during the winter because the heater went out and it will cost them a small fortune to have it replaced. We spent a lot of time with Nikki, the vicar’s wife. She is great and has such great hope for the church. Dorene, a member for 41 years was also of great help.
We cleaned out lots of cabinets and compartments to help get rid of things that are not any use and are just rotting for two hours before lunch. After lunch we polished as much of the wood work as was possible. We became very attached to our Pledge cans. We also reset all the pews to look nice and swept and mopped the entire floor. It truly looked and smelled beautiful like a church with this rich history should. The team did a great job and worked very hard to serve Christ by doing the lowest of jobs for a place many have forgotten.
Later that night Ryan, Daniel, and I were given a tour of St. John’s Church, built in the 11th century. The vicar’s wife gave us and one of our host home dads an amazing and rich tour of this church that looks like a castle looking out over the area known as Yarm. It was truly enriching to see it all and spend time with such a lovely saint.
England Day 6- Church, church and church
Our team was split up today. Four attended an Anglican church and the rest Tabernacle Baptist, fondly known as “The Tab”. The first group was able to celebrate Pentecost with their church, but spent a majority of their time at church working with a small group of kids/youth. It was an interesting experience for them. The Tab group spent the entire worship service time working with the youth, something new their youth leaders are attempting. One of our girls, Jena Coulson, taught about Esther. A story many of them had never heard. She did a great job! We closed that time with a discussion dealing with had they ever been in a situation that seemed small/insignificant at the time but later God showed them that it was actually something big as a part of His plan. It was a very good discussion. We then filled them full of sugar and sent them on their way.
We split up to go to lunch with different families. Ken and Fiona, my host home, took us to lunch at the Beefeater…need I say more. The restaurant was by the Tees River and directly in front of the restaurant was an Olympic style competitive kayaking course. It was impressive, but even more impressive were those in it…the water had to be freezing. The girls went in pairs to join families for lunch. Jena and Michelle were taken to sight see as well…including an ancient monastery. After lunch, Ken, Jason, and I went to find Jason some new shoes. He blew out the toe kicking the soccer ball on Saturday. Its not easy finding size 13 shoes here.
We rested in the afternoon and then returned to The Tab for evening worship. It reminded me of our church..except I didn’t recognize a lot of the hymns. Kasia was interviewed by the pastor during the service. It was very David Lettermanesque. She did a great job on short notice.
Later that night we joined a group of believers from the Stockton area lead by Jon Burns, the Youth For Christ leader in the North East and Fiona’s boss, for a worship service called Vintage. It took place in an old church meeting hall. It was very sensory and focused on the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, tied to Pentecost. It was a great time of worship and fellowship. The five minutes of silence was much needed to stop and converse with God. When we finished we met Hope and Amy from Arkansas and Louisiana. There were great.
It was a great day of worship!
England Day 5- Parmesans and the BBQ guys
Because of a change of plans, the morning started slow. However, one group was able to meet up with a team from the Texas A&M BSM and help them pass out cookies and do some gardening at a church in the poorer part of town. Some were chewed out, while passing out cookies, by people for trying to make them sick with sugary treats. The other group went back to the Just 10 tent and helped clean up. They also played a little football (England style). It was very entertaining to say the least.
We all met up for lunch and finally had a parmesan (a delicacy only found in northeast England). It was good but the Middlesbrough parmesans are the best.
The team then went to pass out flyers and more cookies and get ready for the BBQ. I went to Nunthorpe to meet up with one of the other teams. This team has Janie and Taylor in it. They have had a good experience and it was great to hear about some of it. They have worked very hard in their school and truly opened closed doors by doing acts of kindness in the school (like helping file papers and clean). There I met their leaders Ste and Emma. Two top notch believers serving Jesus.
I brought back a couple of their team to help with our BBQ event. It was crazy when we got there. There were about 150 people milling around eating, dancing to the music, and enjoying their favorite “non-carbonated” beverages. Some were face painting children. The church had some senior adults doing a lot of the serving and cooking. Their BBQ guys reminded me of ours. I guess every church has these wonderful guys. It truly turned out to be a very productive evening for the ministry in those housing projects. The people were asking about when it would happen again. Our team did a great job!
We finished the evening at Fiona’s playing cards and laughing. Tomorrow we split to go to two churches. Tabernacle Baptist (The Tab) and St. Mary’s (an Anglican church). The group at St. Mary’s will be in for a treat because it is Pentecost and unlike us, they celebrate that event in a big way.
Pray that we will be a source of encouragement to those we worship with on Sunday…actually later this morning.
England Day 4- Lord’s Stone and 15 seconds of fame
We left this morning to go to Lord’s Stone. It is a special place where you can see the entire Tees Valley. It was a breath taking view. We drove up as far as we could and then hiked up a stone path to the top. We came down a different way, traversing bike trails, running as fast as we could without falling. A few of us found a small pond with a bench to sit on and watch the mallards and look out over the valley. Easily one of the most serene places I have ever been. It was hard to leave and meet up with the rest of the group. We ate at the cafe on the mountain and then headed back into town. We split into two groups. One group did interviews and fun with the hosts of their new Christian radio station. It was hilarious!! They definitely received their fifteen seconds of fame. One of the girls even made up a language that she called Zuhili. The other group went back to Ken and Fiona Toop’s home (where I am staying) and helping bag cookies to hand out to people in the lower income housing where we will be having a BBQ on Saturday night. We met back together later and spent the evening at Fiona’s because our original plans had been canceled that day. We played a fun game together and called it a night after painting Ryan Arnold’s toe nails silver and orange while he slept. He was so tired he did not even wake up and even when he did he was too tired to care.
England Day 3- A Great Day in the School
What a great day in Stokesly school. The Youth For Christ leaders and Religious Education teachers were wonderful to work with. They really do a lot for students and try to find creative ways to include faith in their discussion. We met with students in the morning and talked about America, why we were there, and how faith affects their life daily. Many don’t go to church…some ever. They were curious about meeting “practicing” Christians. We walked into Stokesly town for lunch and ate sandwiches from Fatso’s. I had a chicken tikka sandwich…kinda like chicken salad with Indian spices. We sat by a beautiful creek and enjoyed the amazing weather. We went back to the school for more discussion and then took a walking road trip with a class back into town to see an old but active church. The students were challenged to figure out what the stained glass depictions from Jesus’ life represented. They were given opportunity to explore and some took leaflets about the ministries of the church. We even learned some things about church tradition that we had never heard. It was a beautiful campus, including the tombstones from as far back as the 1700’s all around the building.
Thursday night we walked into a close part of Stockon and saw a very old bridge used in the early days of trains. We found out that the first ever train traveled from Stockon to Darlington. We looked in some shops around town, walked along the river, and then had a debriefing time on the back porch of a pub called The Blue Bell…seemed appropriate…too bad no ice cream though…just sodas and coffee.
It was a great day!
England Day 2- Just 10 and you gotta be kiddin me…
Day 2 has been a great but long day. All the groups were in schools today. Our group spoke in two classes to about 40 students. We talked about America, Texas, and about believing in God and making moral choices. Most students do not believe there is a God and think of church as boring and unnecessary. There were a few who had good questions and seemed to be genuinely seeking. Pray for a young girl named Lauren. She seemed to be sincere in here questions about faith and God. Janie and Taylor’s group went with their school for their special Wednesday activities…like horseback riding, shooting pellet guns (Olympic style), sailing, tennis, etc. When we heard that, we thought they were kidding…but no…Janie is definitely saddle sore.
My group then helped set up for the Just 10 event tonight. It was just good ol’ fashioned grunt work. We had a great time working with some very servant hearted men and women. After a wonderful dinner at our host home, we returned to the tent for Just 10. Just 10 is ten weeks of going through the 10 Commandments one at at time in reverse order. Tonight in week three, we looked at stealing. Gram Seed told his amazing testimony and then, Evangelist J John, who reminded us of Mr. Beane because of his mannerism and looks, did a great job communicating the Gospel. There were probably about 3 or 4 thousand people there. Many made decisions including one deaf young lady who one of our new friends had been signing for earlier in the evening.
For those that came last year, I saw Steve Jackson (the painting guy) and Sharon. They pass along a “Cheerio”. We hope to connect up with some of the others from Middlesborough soon.
We will be in a school all day tomorrow. Please continue to pray for our teams as they connect with students and open doors for future groups to follow.
England Day 1- Here minus some luggage and the big blue
We made it safely here and hopefully Kasia and Taylor’s luggage will too. Yep…it got left in Newark when we left. It should be here Wednesday afternoon. They are doing fine and are well taken care of. Thank you for your prayers.
The day was tiring but good. Nobody was able to get great sleep on the plane so all were tired. We had a great bus driver…Joe. He was fun and took very good care of us. He even made a side trip to allow our group to see some beautiful scenery.
My group, with Kasia and Kimberly, had fun prayer walking around the GINORMOUS blue tent (seats 6000) and then walking around a beautiful park with cool bird and butterfly exhibits. I and another guy on our team were able to talk with some junior high boys about coming to the Just 10 even on Wednesday night. This will be the giant youth evangelism event. It goes through each of the Ten Commandments one at a time for ten weeks.
As you pray tonight and Wednesday, pray for the groups that will be in the schools and for the Just 10 event. Also pray for us to be rested so that nothing hinders us from serving however we are needed.
And with that in mind…it is midnight and I am going to sleep.
Goodnight.
PICTURES OF A MOTHER
One mom sleeps quietly away, engulfed in clouds with dreams of her child growing up and growing strong. Her husband is on the other side of the house, cuddling their three month old whos cough has lasted for almost a week. Hes tired and hungry just like the baby, but he knows that his wife will have a long day once she awakes a couple hours later. Love abounds in the home between the parents and the children. Life is hectic.
One mom dresses her newborn in the prettiest outfit she has. She herself is dressed in that one dress that he loves most. He comes around the corner. Its time. He looked so handsome in his uniform. On the way, not much is spoken. They didnt have to. The ceremony was beautiful. The hugs lasted a lifetime. The tears could have filled the ocean. Once he is out of sight, she holds her little girl. She whispers, Its okay. Hell be back. . . He will. Life if fragile.
One mom sits at the kitchen table in her one-bedroom apartment. Its past midnight and she wonders where her seventh grader is. Will he walk through the door soon? Is he at a friends place? Is he walking the streets? Will the phone ring again with the law on the other end? She wonders how it all happened. Just a year ago she had a perfect marriage, a perfect family. His death was so sudden; they had been unprepared. Everything is falling apart. Life is fleeting.
One mom sits behind the wheel with three younglings in the back. The rain on the windshield makes it hard to see in the moonlit night, let alone the tears that flow, dripping from her cheeks. Piercing the darkness comes a small voice, Mommy, where are we going? She had been asking herself that same question, yet answers were elusive. The one thing she did know was that she couldnt go back. She wouldnt. Never! But, where to now? Life is scary.
Four moms. They live in different worlds though they breathe the same air, travel the same roads. They hurt. They struggle.
Four moms enter through the doors. They sit in different places though they hug the same people, sing the same songs, hear the same message. They dream. They hope. Their faith carries them through, clinging to his promise, never will I leave you, never will I forsake you. Life is hectic, but at peace. Life is fragile, but so precious. Life is fleeting, but full. Life is scary, but endurable. The message brings hope. The songs provide faith. The hugs supply love.
April 27th; Bledsoe Anniversary
This is the week we will celebrate Trey Bledsoe’s 10 year anniversary. We will do so with a big lunch at the church after the 11:00 Water’s Edge worship service. I am glad we can come to this time and celebrate as a church consistent loving leadership to waves of incoming and outgoing young people in their formative years. Lea Ann and I are thrilled that our children (beginning this year) will have the solid ministry Trey has built over these years.
Not only has Trey influenced students, but he has also set a foundation for those who will continue ministry in the churches they serve scattered all over. Pick up one of the colorful sheets and write down your perceptions and recollections– not just to bless Trey, but it will also bless the church and give us more reason to thank God for these 10 years.
Trey Bledsoe’s Anniversary
We are approaching a very significant anniversary at Canyon Creek. In May, Trey Bledsoe will have been serving this church for 10 years. Look at this from another perspective. A lot of years ago now, God whispered an invitation for Trey to be a minister. The world was in front of him, but in 1998, Trey would bring all of his love for the Lord, his passion for service, as well as a 92 hour Masters degree in Divinity, and give himself for ministry here. Coming straight from Baylor and then graduation from Southwestern Seminary, Canyon Creek has exclusively received his ministerial attention. In today’s hyperactive world, there is a lot to say for that kind of longevity. We are blessed.
You know that it has not always been easy. Along the way God has whispered to him words of affirmation. Many of you know that Trey helped see Canyon Creek through some tough transitions. Personally, he cut out a bunch of time from other work he could have done to help me get oriented to Temple and to life at Canyon Creek. At the time I did not realize how unutterably invaluable that was. Trey, a reminder to myself that I owe you!
This year, we get to say audibly:
* for your skill as a minister,
* for your friendship-- and the M&Ms you keep in your office,
* for the service you give to us,
* for your guiding pastoral direction,
* for the strength of your character,
* for your quiet devotion when no one is looking,
* for your humor,
* for the demands of a student ministry's crazy schedule and what it demands from your family,
* for the impact on our children, youth, and burgeoning adults, we might not not readily perceive,
... we thank you. And we are proud of you!
April 27th we will have a Luncheon at 12:00 p.m. We are doing this in April so that college students can also come and participate.
Mission Trip Details
Having come back from a trip in which we explored our ministry possibilities in Morelia, Michoacn. With the belief that every person deserves access to a New Testament church, we will be partnering with a local church to plant new congregations in one of the many colonias (read neighborhoods). When Jerry Raines, Danny Crosby, and I met with pastors we met some who were familiar with the Church Starts International materials even if they were not conversant about the CSI strategy for church planting. On Wednesday morning several pastors gathered to view an introduction and heard the strategy presented. That is when we received our commitments from the pastors we will be working with in partnership. Our team will be sent to two locations to conduct children’s events for two days and then two more locations to do the same. While working with the children, we will have opportunity to begin Bible Studies with their parent(s). This is the heart of what we will be doing. Sandy Wanner will be working with Sue Ballard detailing the arts, crafts, and stories to be done with the children. April 11th and 12th, Jerry will come down to train us in the CSI church planting strategy and how to use the Bible study books. Because we have been gifted with so many Spanish speakers, I want to encourage them especially to use their skills by going to Morelia with us. Since we have made a three year commitment to these churches in Morelia, these eternal friendships will be strongest with those who do not have to bridge a language gap.
The cost for the trip will be $1200 with the church being asked in the next business meeting paying $200. That will make an even $1000 for each person. We are trying to find better than the $700 round-trip ticket rate that is factored in now. To help with the cost, we will be working a fundraiser at some time between now and July. We will encourage each person to seek support by writing partnership letters with friends and relatives both in and outside of the congregation. All of this will be discussed in meetings beginning with the April 11th training in the Fellowship Hall.
This may be enough information now, knowing that you will have much more information coming month by month. If you have not signed up on our original ‘interest’ list… interested in more information about going to Morelia… call the church office. Meanwhile, go to www.creekfamily.org and look in the photo album at the pictures of the church and town. Pray for a burgeoning desire to people outside of Christ to meet Jesus.
His best, Trey Turner
Mexico Mission Trip with Church Starts International
When we had our information meeting about a mission trip to Mexico, I was overwhelmed at the church family’s interest. Your response made me realize just how much God is at work in this project… and how willing the people of Canyon Creek are to go out of their way for training and service if it glorifies God.
July 4 - 11th Canyon Creek will partner with Hampton Road in DeSoto to help a church in the Guanajuato area to plant churches. Some of those details will be worked out with our would-be host, a retired missionary couple Sandy Wanner and I (Trey Turner) will meet at the Church Starts International board meeting in early February. I am anxious to tell you more information. I anticipate a total cost of $1000 to $1500 a person. Still, that is a ballpark figure for you to begin planning. This may not all come out of your pockets, but writing letters asking for partnership support will be a part of our activities. This lets friends and church family be a part of your experience as well. The Mission Team will help guide our practice in this matter. Training will be April 11th and 12th for those who will be going. Exact times will be made available at a later date.
I hope this meager information is enough for planning so that you can arrange vacation schedules and passport information. Please call if you have any other questions.
His best,
Trey Turner
January Bible Study Class
Sunday Nights in January we will have a special January Bible Study. Bruce Wilkinson wrote about the importance of personal faith in The Three Chairs. The metaphor of chairs graphically shows the difference between knowing the Lord and knowing of the Lord… especially the implications on our families. The books will be $12. That intensive time together on Sunday nights through January will be a great boost for your personal faith into the coming year. January 6th - February 3, 2008. Sign up in the church foyer and we will have a book ready. We will be working on a children’s program during this time for families who need that. For more information see The Three Chairs by Bruce Wilkinson.
To Romania and Now Beyond…
What drives people to go around the world when there are so many needs right here in Temple? Why be so generous to give time and money when we have ongoing projects and needs at the church? The questions are both answered with an historical view and a view toward a future hope. The historical view is that the church was born in mission. Scripture describes the disciples looking with jaws dropped open at the resurrected Jesus that stood in front of them saying, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8; NIV) The birth of the church was into the ongoing work of Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit. The future the church is ready to experience is described in Revelation. “After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: ‘Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.’” (Revelation 7:9-10; NIV)
Canyon Creek will be hosting Bill Davis from Church Starts International (CSI) on December 2nd. He was the man who had a vision for reaching Romania back in the 90’s. Now, some places in Romania, CSI has lost track of how many churches were started directly and indirectly through this work. Canyon Creek was the first church that worked with CSI to start churches in Romania. Davis says, “Canyon Creek has always been on leading edge of Church Starts International work, like they were in Romania.” Now, there is an opportunity opened up in a new mission field. Church Starts wants see churches planted between Mexico City and Guadalajara. They have asked if Canyon Creek and Hampton Road Baptist, Desoto will work with some local contacts to begin that process. Some from each church will go in January or February on a discovery trip to be better prepared for our summer trip. Please consider being a part of the information meeting December 2nd at 1:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Bill Davis will show some of the CSI church planting materials and process. We are expecting God-sized connections with this three year commitment to CSI. Lord, hear that prayer.
I Like What I See
It has been exciting to see how many of the adult Sunday School classes have embraced the vision that Josh Hunt shared with us about growing and dividing. Josh reminded us that church is not about us. It never has been and it never will be. In fact, if church is about us, then it has ceased to be church. One may call it whatever he or she wants, but it would be in error to call it church. Church is about God. Church was established by God. Church is for His honor, His glory, His majesty. Church is for reaching His world, His children. Again, many of our classes are getting it now.
Of course, most of the people in our church would probably agree to the statements above or to something very similar to them. If someone, however, is not driven to action because of his belief, then the belief comes into question. A belief derived from Scripture, inspired by God, heard by the person, understood in the heart is not a belief unless it is expressed through faith in action.
By October 7, the adult Sunday School division will be on track to create four new classes. These classes are or will be healthy, enjoyable, meaningful, vibrant, spiritual, social groups that intend on growing and dividing. The people in these classes look forward to meeting new people, having incredible relationships with people theyve not yet met. In doing so, these classes will have been obedient to Gods desire in bringing His world into the fold of His people.
Each of the other three divisions, preschool, children, and youth, are also looking to expand by adding at least one class each. There are two hurdles to making this happen space and workers. Pray that God will unfold His ideal and His ideas to those in leadership and those who should be in leadership.
In addition to all of this, God has also seen fit to entrust to our care for brief periods of time on Sunday morning and Wednesday evening special needs adults from three area group homes. What a gift from God! The work in this area may be difficult, but it is certainly rewarding for those involved with this ministry. It seems that with this ministry, the parable of the talents holds true. Should one remain faithful with a little, God will grant much more.
Lets pray together for Gods desire to be our desire. May they become so one together that we no longer realize the difference between His and ours.
God Bless, Jason
Communication
In an effort to make sure people know the scheduled events please be aware of the following locations for passing information. Information will be duplicated in these places:
1. Sunday morning bulletin, both announcement section and upcoming schedule2. Sunday morning verbal announcements
3. Sunday morning powerpoint announcement loop on the screen before the worship services
4. Up-to-date calendar on the churchs website
5. Schedule of events on a website called Mychurch
6. Wednesday prayer guide
7. Newsletter articles written by area leaders and staff
We work with teams and coordinators and sometimes plan for an imminent event so as only to make an announcement a couple of times. We will continue to communicate in these various ways depending on church members to take advantage of these means and verbally communicate events within their classes and groups.
Surely He Didn’t Mean That
Just over a week ago Josh Hunt said, that if a group is not working to start new groups it is caught up in its own self-centeredness. His exact words (as fast as I could write) were, “get out of the self-centered model to the doubling model… which is a service model.” Could one of our groups really be identified as ’self-centered’? But, we do love Jesus, we do love each other… and if people come we will welcome them.
Friendly and open may be different from building into your group’s DNA the expectation that we will have a goal of starting a new group and then having this many people again by August next year.
There are probably a people new to your group this year. You have come to really like them and cannot imagine your group without them. Imagine this, there is another couple, or another person who is just like that. You haven’t met them yet, and they need your group.
Can you see to it that your makes doubling a part of its DNA.
Look at the article http://www.joshhunt.com/friday.html and talk about it with a friend at church.
Doing Life and Growth Together
Over the last months, we have had over 50 people involved in a formal discipleship relationship. Some call it mentoring, some call it discipleship– what it is amounts to growing in the basics so you can be ready to help someone else in those relationships. It is time for others to begin in one of these regular relationships. It should not be any secret, the Destined booklets are very good. The first book, Destined for Security, is to help a person become grounded in their relationship with God. The second book, Destined for Intimacy, helps a person deepen that relationship. Destined for Ministry helps a person connect to God’s mission of redeeming people around you. Finally, Destined for Eternity may best be described as making sure a person has the tools they need as they are commissioned into that ministry life.
We have identified as our central mission to ‘Make Disciples’. Is this out of most people’s comfort zone? Absolutely. First, it can be intimidating. Second, it takes time to do the book. Third, it really takes time and energy to commit to a process with another person. Jesus told his disciples, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” (John 20:21; NIV) He shows us that disciples also share their lives in making other disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). Consider a discipleship relationship with someone. Pray for God to set up a divine appointment. Watch to see who God brings into view.Then, lets grin together knowing that we are a part of something big. (read an article about how it looks in the life of Ron Proctor, the man who developed the materials. Some of you remember Ron when he taught the material here.)
Interractive community
We have had a church website for years. It has been maintained by the church staff. Guests have said it was helpful when they were looking for a church to visit, but for participation it has been non-existent. www.creekfamily.org has been a repository for calendars, podcast messages, a few blogs, and big event details. Last week, however, a few people began to connect together at http://www.mychurch.org/thecreek. There are now 27 Canyon Creek people who have updated information, pictures, and profiles. They share events, comments, and more interestingly– share their lives together online. Great tool. I wonder how it will develop.
Baptist Identity Links
General information about Baptists (wikipedia style)
Baptist Distinctives Our relationships with other Baptists:
- Baptist World Alliance
- Southern Baptist Convention
- Cooperative Baptist Fellowship
- Baptist General Convention of Texas
- Bell Baptist Association
(other great links to Texas Baptist and other resources) History and general articles about Southern Baptists… specifically Texas Baptists (PDF 154 pgs)
Related to the messages on Baptist Identity (pdf).
"Deacons, Dunkin’ and Dancing with Disney":
- Biblical Authority (Matthew 24:35; 1 Peter 1:23; 2 Timothy 3:16-17)
- Autonomy of the Local Church (Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Corinthians 6:1-3)
» Cooperation
» Difficulties - Priesthood of All Believers (1 Peter 2:5-9; 1 Timothy 5)
- Two Ordinances (Believer’s Baptism and the Lord’s Supper) (Acts 2:41-47; 1 Corinthians 11:23-32)
- Individual Soul Liberty article (Romans 14:5-12)
- Separation of Church and State (Matthew 22:15-22)
» Champions of Religious Freedom - Two Offices of the Church (pastor and deacon) (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1-2)
My Comfortable Room
I sit here in my comfortable room
I wonder if youre okay
As you show the Way
Sewing, digging wells, teaching, living life far away
You choose the road less traveled
To bring Light to the dark
One day at time, one heart at a time
Peoples lives are changed
Priorities rearranged
Because by faith, hope, and love
You have made yourself available to plans
Bigger than any guidance counselor could offer
As I think of you and pray
My comfortable room becomes less
My heart more restless
My mind races to possibilities
I gotta do something
All around me is hopelessness
I dont have to go very far
Dressed fine and in a nice car
Or in rags, scruffy, in old shoes
Are those who need someone
One day at time, One heart at a time
To care enough to offer faith, hope, and love
As I think of them and pray
My comfortable room becomes less
My heart more restless
My mind races to possibilities
I gotta be something to do something
Jesus help me be more like You
So that I can see people like You
And do that for which Im made
Giving away faith, hope, and love
To a world tired of hearing about another
Loaded cup of red Kool-Aid
I think of You and pray
Comfort has lost its appeal
My heart is pounding
My minds about to blow
No more sitting around
Here I go…
Why Are We Baptist?
I agree with others who have pointed out that it is much more important to be a Christian than a Baptist. Baptist has been my heritage partially because my friend Bryan, who asked me to his church when I was a teenager, went to Southside Baptist Church. It was because Martha poured her life into us teens. I remain a Baptist by choice within conviction.
Several things have made me begin reading about my identity as a Baptist. Baptists are unified around a few critical practices and beliefs which are not dictated to us from some authority– they are voluntarily recognized. Therefore if some Baptist says that for you to relate to him you have to attend worship with yellow bow ties… then there is no one who can keep them from that (and it will indeed be a small fellowship).
There will be a gathering of men and women in Atlanta, Georgia January 2008. It is being called a New Baptist Covenant. Theologically liberal leaning Baptists will participate, Theologically conservative Baptists will participate, politically moderate, liberal, conservative, and etc. Even Southern Baptists will participate (Though not from the Southern Baptist Convention officially because they say they haven’t been invited). African American fellowships, Baptist World Alliance, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Baptist Convention of Ontario & Quebec, and our own Baptist General Convention of Texas. For me the question which is hard to answer is ‘what makes a Baptist?’ Some have defined some narrow parameters for beliefs (i.e., certain views of the Bible, atonement, and women in ministry). Others have only listed some practices (i.e., baptism by immersion, autonomous local church). What would you say makes a Baptist?
I will be preparing messages for July and August which address our distinctive Baptist beliefs. This will help us sort out questions like, ‘Why am I Baptist?’ or ‘Am I a Baptist?’ ‘Am I a Baptist because I agree with certain people or am I a Baptist because I hold certain beliefs and practices?’
I think I might die…the second half of the England Mission
Wow…this is way overdue. So sorry for the delay in relaying details about the last week in Middlesbrough. Almost everyday of the last week we went from 8am to 10 or 11pm. Each day was filled with great experiences but exhausting as well.
I believe I left off with prayer requests for Monday and Tuesday. Monday was a great yet quite depressing experience. We were in five classes from 9am to 3pm. Their schools are similar to our magnet schools here. King’s Manor is a sports magnet school. We worked with two teachers. They were both very kind to let us help in their Religious Education studies. I believe one of the teachers had a greater understanding of Christian faith than the other. This made the experiences in both classes very different. We talked about making moral choices, sports and religion, where people find God, and of course life in America. This allowed us great opportunity in most cases to use the Romans 6:23 one-verse evangelism diagram to explain how a person can have a personal relationship with God. Many had never even been in a church much less had any exposure to the Truth of Jesus. One said he just knew Jesus was stretched in a rack before being crucified. Some were silly, some really paid attention, and some were flat out hostile. By in large though, they listened. More than 100 students had the seed of the Gospel cast into their lives. We also believe this may have provided more opportunity for Matt, Youth for Christ leader, to build relationships with students and teachers.
Monday afternoon we prayer-walked an area where Middlesbrough Community Church (MCC) is feeling lead to start a new church. It was a beautiful time of prayer and vision. That evening, some of us joined with Taylor to celebrate her birthday at George and Avril’s home. They are so generous. We then split up into three homes for tea (dinner) and home group bible studies. All had genuine times of worship and fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ. They accepted us like we were their own…just with funny accents. Later that night we all came together with our English friends and celebrated Taylor’s birthday in traditional English fashion at a nearby pub called The Yellow Rose (very appropriate for a Texan girl). They kindly treated us to a round of Cokes and Sprites.
Tuesday we had the privilege of praying before school with the small group teachers who are believers. Their five and our ten crammed into a 10×10 room. They were so appreciative. I believe it definitely was a shot in the arm to them. We then led in two more classes again discussing religion and sports. That afternoon, we all went to Pastor Ken’s home and had lunch. He took time to invest in us and encourage us. When we finished some went with him to the local park and city museum while others got much needed rest. We all then went to Terry and Anne’s for dinner. They are so much fun! Luke was wrestled to the ground by two of their seven kids and Colin and I took them on in football (soccer). It’s amazing how good you can look versus little kids. That evening, we hung out with the college student from their Christian Union at Teeside University, a campus as pagan as any in America…25,000 students and only a handful of faithful Christians. It was encouraging to hear their passion to affect their campus for Jesus.
Wednesday we worked with the Toddlers ministry again. We helped play with the kids and talk with the moms, Christian and non-Christian. That afternoon Marcine, Ryan, and Kasia went to the prison to minister. The rest of the team went to the college dorms and helped clean community kitchens and meet people. I had a great time talking with their Christian Union co-leader about how to help the CU become an impacting ministry on campus. She has great passion and vision. Others had opportunities to invite students to church and a Life Group. That evening we joined the students in their Life Group in Peter and Anya’s home. It was a great time to be with other university students. We sang, prayed, and broke bread together.
Thursday we spent the day in York. What a magnificent city. The York Minster is truly one of the most beautiful structures I have ever seen. Most of us climbed all 275 steps to the top…I thought I was going to die. The city was a joy to walk around. The wall around parts of the original town were amazing. Some of the team even made it to the castle as well. That evening we met our new family and friends at the Banana Leaf for some Chinese food and great fellowship. It was a very special goodbye.
Friday we left at 5am to catch the train to Manchester. Then left Manchester headed home around noon. We landed in Atlanta and made a beeline for the Chili’s Too to get some chips and salsa. After a three hour layover, we headed to Dallas. There we said our team goodbyes and went our different ways. Finally, those going back to Temple arrived around 11:30pm. It was good to be home.
God was truly faithful from beginning to end…from Kaisa’s passport to getting home safely late Friday night after being awake pretty much for 26 hours…from not being in schools on Tuesday to being in schools five of the days we were there…from almost being hit from behind at every corner (because they drive on the opposite side of the road and we were always looking the wrong way) to protection from some possibly rough situations…from Him revealing Himself through worship experiences to seeing Him in how we just fit right in with people we had never met. God, as He always does, proved Himself faithful to us throughout the mission.
My greatest lesson learned was something I was told before I went but could only understand once we had experienced it. When you go, you will be ready. Over and over situations arose and team member’s gifts and experiences proved to be exactly what was needed in the moment. We never once had to be anxious about something that was asked of our team because someone was always able to step and be what was needed. This not something new to me, just something I need to be reminded of..and I was…over and over.
Thank you for your gifts, your prayers, and your faithfulness. We are planning to go back for a major evangelistic event next year. Be in prayer even now how you might could be a part of that.
Grace and peace to you.
England Mission-Shopping, prayer meeting, and Sunday worship
The last couple of days have been brilliant (we would say great)! Saturday morning we went shopping in the local outdoor mall for friends, family, and ourselves. Marcine discover an incredible cherry scone. Others have enjoyed finding new ways to enjoy chocolate. Later that day, the heroes event went off very well. There were lots of children and the students did well. It was a very creative idea. We split up for dinner. Marcine and I happen to be at the youth minister’s home, Terry. His wife Anne fixed us fajitas. VERY GOOD fajitas, I might add. They have seven kids who are all great kids. Some of the students came over later and participated in a youth prayer meeting which they said was amazing. The other students stayed at the church and helped lead a Saturday youth event called IG-nite. They did a great job and connect with the youth well. Marcine and I went to Avril and George Gregory’s home for 2nd desserts and a time of fellowship. They are leaders in the church with truly one of the most amazing testimonies of the goodness of God I have ever heard. I hope to share it with you later. I was an encouraging time together.
This morning we went to church. Some helped with the children while the reast stayed in the service. It was an amazing time of worship and praise. That afternoon all but Marcine went to a Middlesbrough Football Club match. That would be soccer to us. It was a blast. We learned a lot…some good…some not so good. That evening some helped with the Teen Challenge time at the church while the rest went to the evening prayer meeting. You were prayed over with passion and fervor. They truly prayed down heaven on our church and especially Trey Turner. If what they prayed for our church should come to pass, and I believe it will…hang on cuz God is going to take Canyon Creek places it has never been. They don’t know you personally, but they love you geniunely.
After the prayer meeting, we sat around and shared about what has impacted us most. After all had been shared, the most important thing to let you know is this team is not the same team that came over here and will not be the same people you knew. We can’t be. God has done too much in us.
That being said. We love and miss you.
Pray for us on Monday 9am-3pm (we are six hours ahead of you so you might pray tonight or wait until you wake up). We will be in a tougher high school with some amazing opportunities to talk about God, morality, faith and sports and I am sure a lot more. We will be there Tuesday morning as well. Monday evening we will be joining the cell groups that meet in the area. And Tuesday afternoon, the pastor has asked us to his house to spend some time investing in us. Then Tuesday evening we will be at Teeside University meeting with some college students.
Grace and peace to you. Trey Bledsoe
Passion Ignited in England!
We continue to see God using us to love people where they are in a variety of situations. Thursday morning we were treated to a sweet treat–lemon tops. It is basically soft serve ice cream with a lemon flavored swirl of goodness on top. We also visited Redcar and Saltburn-by-the-sea. I believe the wind was blowing about 35-40 mph. We honestly had trouble standing at times. Saltburn has beautiful seaside cliffs. Truly a majesty of God’s creation. Another great creation is fish and chips. WOW! It was so good.
Later in the morning we left the coast and went back to the school to speak to 7-9 year olds at Archibald primary school. We split into three groups to speak to the three classes. Everyone did a great job answering questions from “do you all have and ride horses?” to “do have limosines?” to a teacher asking if we still have bandits that wear bandanas. It was hilarious and fun. We then played the game “electricity” with them. Maybe we can teach it to you some Sunday night. Then we lead an assembly about the Lord’s Prayer. Six students took turns talking about aspects of the Lord’s Prayer and then we sang two worship songs, explaining that both are ways to worship God.
We returned to Margaret and Steve Jackson’s home. Margaret was the teacher who helped us get into the school. We had a restful time of fellowship and eating. Their family is beautiful. We then returne to Karina’s house where we have our team meetings where we planned events for the weekend. We actually went to bed before midnight that night.
Today, was equally an amazing day. We helped paint a couple of rooms in the church in the morning. While they were painting, Ryan and I joined Fiona Toop and Jon Burns at a local coffee shop and discussed Hope 2008 (see www.hope08.com). What they have planned for Great Britain sounds absolutely brilliant (an English term for something that you really like). When we all finished, Garrett, Taylor, Erica, and myself went with the pastor, Ken Whiteway, to the prison to give testimony and share God’s love. It was an amazing time and the Gospel was definitely presented more than once. Taylor didn’t get a chance to share but did a great job contributing while there. We may let her go back again. The rest of the group went back and worked with the students from Thursday. They really had more opportunities to talk about Christianity and faith in Jesus today. All were even more excited about how much more they were able to share about Jesus today.
We split the girls and guys up for dinner at two homes. The guys had “toad in the hole”. You will have to wait to hear about that. It was delicious. We split into three groups tonight. Two groups went to different home cell groups and lead with songs, games, and testimony. Marcine, Garrett, and myself went to work the Teen Challenge group in a double decker bus that serves meals to people in need and the Gospel to all. It was an amazing adventure. Marcine’s passion was truly ignited about what they do and how to help in the future. We all were able to talk to a few people and share Texas and Jesus as often as allowed.
I will let you know about the other groups later. We got home about 11:30pm so I missed them.
Pray for us Saturday. The morning will be shopping locally for gifts for family and friends. After lunch we will help lead a youth event with the theme of “Heroes” and sharing testimony and the “sin” skit we did in church a couple of weeks ago. In the evening we will be helping in their youth event called “Ignite” and participating in a prayer time at the youth minister’s home. Also begin praying now for Monday and Tuesday morning. We will be in a rough high school addressing the issues of making moral choices, sports and faith, and how to know God. The opportunities to share the Gospel will be endless. Pray for open hearts and attentive ears.
Grace and peace. We love you.
Trey Bledsoe
We made it to England!
Thanks to all who prayed us through. After many days of trying to get Kasia’s passport so that she could make the flight to England with us, God had different plans. Kasia received her passport about ten minutes after our flight left. So we worked it out for her to fly in the next day. We all had a nice flight to Atlanta and then as we rushed to make it to our connecting flight, we found out it would be two hours late. So we relaxed at the Atlanta airport. Eventually we made it to Manchester. We left Marcine there at a hotel to wait for Kasia to arrive on Wednesday and the rest of traveled three hours by train to reach Middlesbrough.
We were exhausted but excited to be here. We met Terry, Fiona, Craig, Matt, Sharon, Karina, Dave, and a few others. The families and young singles hosting us are great! We love them already. Today, Wednesday (we are six hours ahead and it is almost one in the morning), we helped the church with its ministry to young mothers by fellowshiping with the moms and playing with the kids. All had a good time, but it made me miss my own kids, and of course Christie. We ate a quick lunch, then headed to a school to play with four and five year olds. We answered questions, sang songs, and played games. It was a lot of fun. I taught them what a “high five” is. It is a great story that I will share when we get back.
We went back to Doug and Trina’s home, where Luke and Garrett are staying. We stayed there while we waited for Kasia and Marcine to arrive. It was a great celebration to all be together. Kasia had a wonderful first time flying and did everything perfect in getting here. I am really proud of her because not only was this her first time to fly, but she also handled it very well. Tonight the girls went to a ladies bible study and Erica and Kimberly shared with them. The guys hung out with some of the guys from the Middlesbrough Community Church. We had a lot of fun together.
Through all the difficulties in getting here, I believe that God has proven Himself faithful even when we couldn’t understand why things were going the way they were. I know as a leader I have learned a lot. I know our team feels their faith has been strengthened as well. It is my prayer that Philippians 4:6-7 and 13 will become more real and lived out in my life as a result of all God has proven to me over the last few days.
It is long past my bedtime. Keep praying for us as we share with the 7-9 year old children on Thursday and Friday. We will have the opportunity to talk abou the Lord’s Prayer and what worship means to us. It should be an amazing experience. Also, Thursday morning we will be traveling to Saltburn-by-the-sea to visit and get what is supposed to be the best fish and chips around. mmmmm…I have to say I am very much looking forward to that as well.
Grace and peace. We love you all.
Building Sandcastles
I was reading my Bible again (yes I have read it quite a bit since my last posting). I had another one of those “wow…I never noticed that before” Bible reading moments in John 20:19-30. In v. 20, Jesus shows Himself to the disciples and then they believe. Growing up in church, Thomas was always introduced as the doubter…one who lacked faith because he had “to see it to believe it.” And the other 10 disciples were the ones who had solid faith because they were where they were supposed to be in that locked room (interesting how such great men of faith hid in locked rooms in fear). I know that Thomas was willing to go die with Jesus in Jerusalem (John 11:16). So that tells me that he had faith in Jesus as well. So with those thoughts, I come to wonder:
1) were the disciples hiding in that room because they didn’t believe Mary Magdalene’s testimony (John 20:18) anymore than Thomas believed theirs (John 20:25)?
2) the point where they believed comes after Jesus shows His scars to them, not when others who had seen Jesus tell them He is alive (Mary, other women, and two disciples on the road to Emmaus). so why aren’t they considered just as much doubters as Thomas?
3) what was the week like between the first time the disciples saw Jesus and the next time they saw Him with Thomas? did they hound Thomas to believe? did the just let him be…give him space? did Thomas wrestle with it or just let it go? did he make fun of them…did they make fun of him? did they go around talking smugly like he wasn’t there, when he actually was, saying things like, “he’ll come around just give him time” or “just wait when He sees Jesus, then he will believe.”? or did they show their brother grace and offer encouragement?
4)did they have to talk Thomas into being in that room a week later? or were they just hanging out together like they used to? the doors are not noted to be locked any more…did encountering the living Jesus give them a new boldness?
5)oh yeah, and why in the world was Thomas not with the guys when Jesus revealed Himself the week before? my brain wanders in all kinds of directions with what excuses/reasons he might have had. maybe it was just God working it to give us a guy we can relate with.
Doubting is part of a growing faith. I get scared by those that never have any doubts at all. It tells me they don’t wrestle with what they believe. I would even go so far as to question whether their faith is truly their own. It is much easier to trust other’s opinions and ideas than to wrestle with our own and seek Truth found in God’s Word. A friend of mine says “faith is choosing to live as though God’s Word is true regardless of circumstances, emotions, and cultural trends.” This tells me two things. One, I choose to live this way…no one can do it for me. Two, there are voices all around and inside telling me that my faith in God’s Word and choosing to live by it is a big waste of time.
I am grateful that I live among a community of believers that makes room for doubts and doubters, those that get it and those that will in time, frustrations and failures. Be sure to have patience with those that “need to see to believe.” In time, they might also say of Jesus “My Lord, my God.”
The eleven disciples had to see Jesus in the flesh to believe that He had truly resurrected and they went on to flip the world upside down. You and I will see Jesus physically some day, but until then, not unlike Thomas during that in between week, we wrestle with our faith and doubts and choose to live by faith, building on the rock that is Jesus, because all else is building sandcastles. And, I don’t know about you, but I am tired of watching sandcastle lives get knocked down. What are you building your life on?
I don’t know what you are wrestling with today, but I would encourage you to seek Truth that can only be found in Jesus.
2007’s Top 5
2007 will be a year of on purpose ministry at Canyon Creek. Legend has
recalled Pro Football’s Coach Vince Lombardi’s speech to both rookies
and veterans of the game… every season he would begin, “This is a
football.” He would describe its feel, its shape, its size, how it can
be kicked, carried, or passed. He took them out on the field again
telling, “This is a football field.” He would tell the dimensions,
shape, and begin telling some of the rules. I imagine to some degree
this was embarrassing to some of the veterans of the game, but Lombardi
wanted people ingest the basics. If the basics were digested, then
winning would be how the team metabolized them.
On purpose ministry at Canyon Creek will be best demonstrated when we focus on and measure five basic areas.
1. Worship participation. It is our goal to have 140 people in
each of our morning services (280 total morning worship). That is a
goal we can only make when we take opportunities to expand our small
groups and tie guests those not yet our guests to the various events.
2. Sunday School average attendance with new units. In Sunday
School we want to see 250 by the end of 2007. This will mean working
toward and then creating 1 new Senior Adult class, 1 Median Adult
class, 1 Young Adult class, 1 Youth class, 1 Children’s class, and then
1 Preschool class. We will talk further about why new classes are
amazing tools for new growth.
3. Baptisms. Canyon Creek will bring 30 people to and then through baptism by the end of this year.
4. Discipleship. By the end of 2007 Canyon Creek will have 40
people who are mentors (walking with someone through some basic
discipleship materials) and 40 others who are being mentored.
5. Individual mission activity through the Sunday School. 50 people will participate with their class in some mission project.
These five measurable areas will help us to keep the challenge of
Christ’s Great Commission in front of us. It will call us to be
accountable to one another for the results of basic ministry as Jesus
outlined. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I
am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20,
NIV) If we are disciplined in doing what is right, we will be able to
see people come to Christ and begin to grow up in him. Vince Lombardi
also said “Winning is not a sometime thing; it’s an all time
thing. You don’t win once in a while, you don’t do things right once in
a while, you do them right all the time. Winning is habit.
Unfortunately, so is losing.” Church, let’s make disciples.
Show Me the Money
In the last four years, I have not preached a series on tithing. I will not make an apology simply because of the baggage which comes with churches and money issues. There will need to be an apology given if a minister never speaks about giving, especially given that it is a reoccurring responsibility of the believer in scripture. 
I will begin a three part series called ‘Show Me the Money’ which will tackle
1. Stewardship
2. Tithing
3. Grace giving.
What has been the most helpful teaching about money been for you? What has been the best biblical teaching on money for you? Who gave you those messages?
Getting Ready For Sunday… Luke 10:38-42
I am looking over the text for Sunday. I have preached about Mary and Martha at least four other times in my ministry, not including verse-by-verse Bible studies through Luke. Luke 10:38-42 is so much more confusing that it was when I first preached it… you know, when I had it all figured out. Today, I will show Martha personality traits of doing things to serve people and serve Jesus while missing that Jesus came to give us the gift of himself.
Things might go undone if Mary stays back to sit and listen to Jesus. Jesus seems ok with that. John 4:32 says that Jesus is completely comfortable being engrossed in what God wants him to do while letting the ordinary things go. Though, those things are important– who would say that food is not important? Obviously not me.
To take the question a little further, when is sitting at the foot of Jesus become sin as we watch opportunities go by? It seems that Peter wanted to do that in Matthew 17:4. Jesus’ clothes had been changed and looked white like lightning. Peter had seen the great heroes of the faith, Moses and Elijah. He said in essence, “Lord, give me permission and we will stay here and set up a shrine…” (my dynamic equivelent version). Jesus did not have to say anything, the Father spoke and said, “This is my son, listen to him.” And they fell down like dead. Here it would be wrong to simply stay and not go.
The staying (with Jesus) gives meaning to the going (for Jesus).
Please help me prepare for Sunday… give me your thoughts, fruit of your study, examples.
Sometimes Breathing is Hard…
I should be singing songs about being jolly (fa la la la la la la la la and stuff), how fun it must be to ride in a open sleigh with one horse pulling me and friends around (no personal experience to base this on…unless hayrides count), reindeer being mean to poor Rudolph and then all flying together to save Christmas with formerly exiled Rudolph in the lead (gotta love claymation cartoons), a snowman that comes to life with a magical hat, and so on. And I should be all into Joy to the World and Come all Ye Faithful. But honestly, I am just not there yet. We put the tree up right after Thanksgiving like always. I have watched all the Christmas “kid movies” with my kids and had a great time doing it. I have been to a few Christmas musicals and Christmas parties. All of the traditional up-to-Christmas Day things we do. And each of these, in the moment, were exactly what they were supposed to be and I am grateful.
But, I sit here five days before Christmas listening to the Jars of Clay song Work, instead of Christmas songs. I keep listening to the lines that say, “I have no fear of drowning, it’s the breathing that’s taking all this work…do you know what I mean when I say, ‘I don’t want to be alone’?” I find myself resonating with these words. In the last two weeks, I had a friend have to lose most of a leg, watched students and their extended family worry if their mom/wife/daughter/sister/friend was going to have to go through a liver transplant or just “surgery”, watched a decorated POW bury his wife/life of 57 years yesterday (she was my friend and truly loved my family…I will dance the penguin dance with my kids in memory of you, Elsie), watched my pastor and friend grieve with a very heavy heart over each of these as he walked through the pain with them (far more than me) and then have to bury his own cousin today, and then throw in a mix of my own personal, “daily life” frustrations. Stir them all together and my heart struggles to give a “Merry Christmas!” with much joy and integrity. I know many others (most others, if I think globally) have it so much worse than I do, but that is not enough right now to make me “buck up, camper.”
Instead of being drawn to the cheery Christmas songs (which are great when your heart is into them), I find myself drawn to the last lines of Away in a Manger.
Be near me, Lord Jesus,
I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever
And love me I pray
Bless all the dear children
In Thy tender care
And take us to heaven
To live with Thee there
Our youth group sang this to my friend who died last week. It has stuck with me since. As I struggle to “breathe”, these are the words I find my heart singing. At times I have found myself envying my friend Elsie, face to face with Jesus. She has reached where I long to be. She has gone “further up and further in” (must read all the Chronicles of Narnia to understand) and I find myself wanting to run with her. But…these feelings pass because I know I am here exactly where I am supposed to be. I have been given a wife to love, cherish, hope, and grow old with. Children to love and lead into godliness. Extended family to love and encourage and care for. Students to love, minister to and with, and watch go far beyond me (too many to list). Church family to love and journey with. Friends to be there for and call upon. Places near and far to take the Gospel to. And most importantly, a God, Savior, King, Lord, Father, and Friend who through the birth of His Son became Immanuel, God with us, and now calls me to walk with Him on a journey he has already mapped out for us. These are the thoughts that make it easier to “breathe”.
Statistically, I know my life has more advantages and blessings than most of the world. But, I get lost and overwhelmed in the immensity of statistics. On the other hand, relationships, with all their joy…and pain, give my breath meaning…life. My relationship with Jesus and how it overflows into all my other relationships give purpose to my breathing. And in the end, I am not alone…I am alive.
In Philippians 1:20-26, I think Paul writes some of what I feel.
“I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.”
If I could give you but one gift, like Paul, it is that your joy in Christ Jesus would overflow on account of me.
Merry Christmas…really…I mean it with all honesty and integrity. Joy to your World because Jesus came…All Ye Faithful…Come and worship…breathe…live.
My turn to blog or try the loaf…
It was brought to my attention that for some reason there is great need for my thoughts on a myriad of subjects on our site. Actually, I was told that if I didn’t write soon I would be in big trouble mister (yes, they do talk to me like this and make me sit at the kids table at Thanksgiving)…hence, I begin…the comic relief amidst the depth of Jason and Trey.
Do you ever read the Bible and come across words that make you do a double take because they just don’t seem to fit?
John 6:16-21
“16When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, 17where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. 18A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. 19When they had rowed three or three and a half miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were terrified. 20But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” 21Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.”
I read this and the word “immediately” just does not seem to fit. I mean take it out and they let Jesus in the boat and then they get where they are going. This would be fine and dandy and require no pondering. But, it says “immediately”. I want to know why. I mean did they just pop out of the water like a hover craft and fly on over? Did Jesus do a Dash from The Incredibles and kick his feet real fast? Were they in a dense fog and then just happen to come out of it and whammo they were there? I really am curious without an answer.
On a more serious note, I also wonder if in the midst of my storms (God-induced, Others-induced, or Self-induced…often the latter) if I am even able to see Jesus walking into them or am I even more self-absorbed than usual? Then, should I actually recognize him in my storm, would I let him in the boat, be afraid, or just keep trying to fix it myself? Does it take him speaking “I AM” into my storms before I finally stop trying so hard (the answer is most often yes)? And finally, once I have allowed him to be Lord over my storm, as he is and should be, what do I expect? Do I expect to immediately have my storm ended and to have arrived at my destination without having endured or even noticed the journey? I don’t know that Jesus typically works in our lives this way. I don’t really remember him doing this another time. Typically, it seems the journey is necessary for the intended growth. But often, I sure do wish I could arrive immediately out of the storm and move on to “easier” stuff.
I thank God for the storms. It was this particular storm that Peter walked on water and showed us all that it is possible to set our gaze so intently on Jesus that we can do what he did and more. Then in the next moment, focus on the storms around us and sink into the chaos, as we so often do. And then, cry out to Jesus and know that he answers…no warm fuzzies, no sparkling lights, no alleluia chorus, just a heavenly hand meeting us where we are, bringing us to where we are meant to be.
Just one more thought on this passage. As I looked at the same events in Matthew and Mark, they also used the word immediately, but in different ways. Jesus put them in the boat and sent them to the other side “immediately”. He spoke to them “immediately” in their terror. He reached his hand to catch Peter “immediately”. I wonder if Jesus’ “immediacy” in our storms comes when he knows we need it most; not so much when we wish it would come, so we can get through it quicker or even avoid it all together.
I hope that something in all this connects to you. I hope you will ask questions as you read God’s Word and seek Truth. I know I have friends that are in these storms and need to keep their focus on Jesus lest the chaos overwhelm them. Pray for the Gentry family as they are losing a treasured part of their family and ours. Pray for my friend Tim as he tries to bring his family back together against all odds.
If there are storms we can pray for you about, let us know. It would be our privilege.
And should you come by the office, make sure to try the loaf…mmmmmm
Islamic Faith Questions
I have some questions about practicing Quranic teachings. I am not an authority. I have only learned enough to ask some questions. I will leave the answers to those who have lived within its system. First, is it true that some later teachings of Muhammad supersede the earlier scriptures? This would include And slay them wherever you catch them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out, for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter. (surah 2:191) This is jihad. It was quoted in the Fatwa signed by 5 Islamic caliphates on February 23, 1998 and sent to all Muslims. There are differing opinions about what various verses mean and how they are used. Christians also struggle with scriptures and practice applications which differ from the way others apply them.
O ye who believe! Choose not My enemy and your enemy for allies. Do ye give them friendship when they disbelieve in that truth which hath come unto you, driving out the messenger and you because ye believe in Allah, your Lord ? If ye have come forth to strive in My way and seeking My good pleasure, (show them not friendship). Do ye show friendship unto them in secret, when I am Best Aware of what ye hide and what ye proclaim ? And whosoever doeth it among you, he verily hath strayed from the right way. (surah 60:1)
Ergun and Emir Caner, in their book Unveiling Islam say, Muslims must not trust others who seek to harm the cause of Allah. The worst thing the enemies of Allah can do is persuade Muslims to reject the Truth. Therefore, the Muslim is called to hate the enemies of Islam in order to achieve more hope of Paradise. Nor may a Muslim covertly love people although seeming to hate them outwardly. (Unveiling Islam, 35-36) This understanding puts Muslims everywhere in a position of being offensive toward Allahs enemies. Meanwhile, surah 60:1 is understood by other Muslims as a statement about marriage. Part of their explanation of the verse is stated as, Here the point is: what social relations are possible with the Unbelievers? A distinction is made between those who persecute you for your Faith and want to destroy you and your Faith, and those who have shown no such rancor. For the latter there is hope of mercy and forgiveness.
Is Islam peace? George Bush and Tony Blair both insist that a good religion has been hijacked by extremists. The word Islam means submission. Salam means peace. It is related in cognate form to Shalom the Jewish expression of peace. I believe the next several years will show which views will be most prominent in our world and in our country. I hope that Jews, Christians, and Muslims will be able to respectfully dialogue about their faith traditions.