We're Family

I answered the phone the other day and it was my cousin. I have several dozen cousins in my family, but if you’ve heard me preach about adventures with my cousin - this is the guy. It’s amazing we both survived childhood.

We now live in different states, so it was the first time I had spoken to him in several years, but it was almost like we were kids again. We caught up on each other’s families, on life in general, and a few stories from “the good ‘ol days.” It’s nice to have those folks that, even when separated by miles and years, you’re still “family.” Lasting relationships are vital in life.

That’s the idea behind small groups. This week, we are starting several new small groups throughout the week meeting in various locations around the community. They will meet in homes, in meeting rooms, in apartments; they will include men, women, and students; they will all have the same purpose - to connect with God and with people. For information, see the September newsletter, or call the church office at 833-4111. We will also continue to have our exciting small groups on Sunday; you probably know them as Sunday School classes! Find a small group this week and get connected to a “family of faith.” The relationships will be vital for you, too!

Football!

I love football. I always wanted to play, but never had quite the size required to be on an organized team. Still, whenever I could get a neighborhood game together, I played. I even tried to play when I couldn’t find anyone else. I went out in the backyard and attempted to be the quarterback, fullback, wide receiver, field goal kicker, and coach. Basically, I threw the ball in the air, caught it, and ran. I made lots of touchdowns, but somehow the game just wasn’t the same. It’s much better when you have an actual team.
Paul said the same thing about the church. Every member of the team is important. Using the imagery of the body, he describes the importance of every member working together in Christ:

Ephesians 4:16
From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Your part is important in the kingdom of God. Without you, the team just isn’t the same. Get off the bench and into the game!

All Access Pass

We (the youth group and I) recently went on a mission trip. We helped a family and visited veterans in St. James, we worked on a house of a family who was unchurched but because of our labor went to a local church that week in Moberly MO, we then helped clean up a church and a community center in Pittsburg Mo. The last day of the trip we went to Worlds of Fun in Kansas City where they were hosting a Christian music festival with a variety of great preaching and musical acts including Third Day.

I got to thinking about how great it would be if I were able to acquire all access passes for our youth group so we could go back stage and talk with those in the bands and the preachers. These are famous people and our students would enjoy the opportunity to meet with them and get to know them.

We all have an all access pass to go back stage in the greatest story ever. You see, your Bible allows you a great deal of access into the thoughts and motives of God. Want to get to know the Creator of the Universe? Want to gain wisdom? Want to become the person God created you to be? It all starts with reading your Bible.

How do you study your Bible?
When do you study your Bible?
Any insights that may help others dig into the Word?

Kids On a Mission

We are having a great time with our Kids On a Mission group this summer. We have been meeting every other Sunday evening from 6-7pm with the 1st-5th graders and have been doing various mission activities.

Most recently, we weeded a garden for an elderly lady. All the kids jumped right in and pulled weeds, raked, and then bagged the weeds. The kids really surprised me at how hard they worked. We only had about 40 minutes to work on our task but they attacked those weeds with a vengeance and we were pleased with the finished product.

Normally I despise pulling weeds as my own flower beds are testimony to, but the time flew by and the task which I often avoided was completed. It was actually quite enjoyable and we found ourselves visiting, joking and encouraging each other during the process. When our time was up, we all were dirty, bug bit and sweaty but each of us had a smile on our faces.

I'm so glad for those of you that have been joining us and for those of you that haven't yet, there is plenty more activities to come!

School Days

I remember Mrs. Edler. She was my first grade teacher, for my first experience in public school. I was a kindergarten dropout - but that’s a completely different story. I remember the fear and anxiety of that first day of school. Actually, as I recall, my mother literally dragged me screaming down the sidewalk to the classroom. The screaming worked for kindergarten, but apparently wasn’t going to work in the first grade. My mother was going to make sure I attended school even if she had to attend it with me.

My anxiety was totally unfounded. Mrs. Edler opened my eyes to a whole new world of words and arithmetic. Who knew Jane and Dick could run so gracefully across the page, or that one plus one always equals two - every time. That first grade experience opened the doors of learning and opportunity - and we had recess!

Join me in praying for our teachers and administrators in school systems across America. They deserve our thanks and need our prayer support in this important endeavor. Remember, that screaming kid in the third row may be your pastor twenty years from now.

Great Party NHBC

It sure was fun celebrating our church's birthday with you yesterday. I loved hearing about our history and the legacy of faith that has been a common thread in the life of our church. I was tickled pink to hear church members reminisce about the influence of members and leaders from our church's past and look forward together to a bright and fruitful future. To top it off, it was great to share a meal with the people I have learned to love so much at NHBC (what a spread!).

I can't wait to see what God has in store for us in the years to come. I trust that we will continue to look for ways to love God, love people and grow together. I look forward to celebrating the next birthday with you (and digging in to another feast!).

Help Wanted

Okay-I have a confession...I don't really like using the computer. My daughter calls me a computer "nay-sayer". I realize that this kind of admission can open me up to all kinds of criticism , but using the computer is just not my thing.

Because of my aversion to the computer, I am not one to want to search out information for myself , so I am asking for your help. The Preschool & Children's Department at our church has been issuing a Parent's Newsletter for a couple of years and we recently changed our format on our E-Newsletter. I would like to know if you have discovered any websites that would provide great information & resources for parents that I can share in our church newsletter? Topics could be anything, so make it happen!

And "thanks" from one computer "nay-sayer"!