Pastor Fred's Blog

Stressful Days

2012-02-28T08:09:00.000-06:00

Take a look around you. No, I mean really take a look at the life situation of people today. Do you see the struggle, the heavy load of life that so many are feeling? If you watch the news, if you listen to people talk, if you just stop and look around, it is not long before you feel the weight of the load of stress people are experiencing today. You might even say one of the great struggles today is moving through each day under the oppression of some difficult times. I was reading in the Psalms when a verse just stood up and brought peace and joy to my spirit, and I want to share that with you: Psalm 9:9 The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. 10 Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.

It seems we have grown accustomed to looking to the government to solve our problems; and to some degree that happens. BUT, we should never lose sight of the real source of help for our lives…the LORD.

Verse 10 is speaking about a personal relationship that is kept vital through contact. Do you know the Lord by name? Is your relationship one that is close enough to live in that trust? Oh, this has such great meaning for you and I…the Lord has never forsaken those who SEEK him. That word, “seek,” is an active verb, not a passive one. It is your call to pursue, to seek, to commit to an intimate relationship with God. That is found in prayer. It is found in worship. SEEK, daily! Seek in those moments when you lack peace. Seek in those times when you feel discouraged. The Lord has never, never, never, forsaken those who seek him.

A Distinguished Church

2012-02-21T11:26:00.003-06:00

Asa pastor I often think about what it is about the church that distinguishes itfrom any other organization. People comeinto the group, set regular times to meet, follow certain customs, and soforth. The same could be said about thepretty much any civic organization or club. What is it that sets the church apart from any other group?

In my early morning reading one day lastweek, I read a statement that just answered that question in a powerfulway. It points to an incredible truththat could revitalize the life of any church, or perhaps even your personalfaith. The statement was made during adialogue between Moses and the Lord:

Exodus 33:12 Moses said to the LORD,"You have been telling me, `Lead these people,' but you have not let meknow whom you will send with me. You have said, `I know you by name and youhave found favor with me.' 13 If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways soI may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nationis your people." 14 The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you,and I will give you rest." 15 Then Moses said to him, "If yourPresence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. 16 How will anyoneknow that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us?What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on theface of the earth?" 17 And the LORD said to Moses, "I will do thevery thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you byname."

Ifanything will truly distinguish the church from other group it is in this…thepresence of the Lord. It is not programsor styles of worship. It is a peoplegathered around one central factor…God’s presence. And, it begins with one person in an intimateconnection to the Lord, the kind of relationship that says I know you, and Iknow your name. Today…have a blessed daywalking in the Presence.

It's Monday Morning

2012-02-20T09:55:00.000-06:00

Let me share a “brief” “short” word with you today. I’m not sure what your Monday mornings are like, but if you are like most people…well, it’s Monday. The weekend is gone…the busy-ness of the new week is facing you. Maybe you feel overloaded with responsibilities, maybe stressed about some situation at work, or at home or church, maybe you feel a little discouraged. Whatever that weight you are carrying may be, listen to these words and take a few moments to connect with God:

Psalm 5:1- Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my sighing. 2 Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. 3 In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.

Your relationship with God is the greatest source of strength you have…don’t neglect it. Prayer is your contact point to share your needs, but also to listen. Begin your day with God. AND…don’t miss one great action step for you to take from these brief verses… develop a focus to "wait in expectation." Have a wonderful day, living each moment in the expectancy of God’s grace and blessing.

Prayer

2011-07-27T11:38:00.000-05:00

We have a team of persons who are involved in prayer ministry. We have recently begun a way to receive prayer requests by e-mail. It is part of a way to move out of the four walls and seek to minister directly to the needs being experienced by those in this local community, while at the same time extending beyond that local outreach. We treat prayer requests with sensitivity, confidentiality, and with a serious call to pray for the needs that come to our attention. How can we pray for you? Send us an e-mail: myprayerteam@hotmail.com

Do you see that visitor?

2011-07-26T08:53:00.000-05:00

When someone sends a note to the church it is opened at the secretary’s desk. Sometimes Carolyn calls it to my attention, and many times it is posted on the bulletin board so those who stop by there may also read it’s contents. This week one of those notes was brought to my attention. The author of the note just wanted to say thank-you, but her expression of gratitude was a reminder to me of more than that. Take a moment to read her note:

Dear Sullivan Church of God,

Some time ago I attended your church with my sister. First time in years, and what a blessing to me! You made me feel welcome. My life had been missing something, or should I say, someone. Being in God’s house made me realize how much I was missing and needing Him. I started attending a church of a friend, but it didn’t feel like this was where I needed to be. A new branch of Orchardville Church opened in Fairfield. I went the first Sunday service by myself! The Lord was leading me. He has shown me where he wants me to be. I volunteer and I’m trying out for Praise and Worship team. I give God all the glory and thank him for all the blessings. I am growing in his Word and walking by faith. Thank-you for being the first needed step in my life, back to my Lord and Savior, my Father God.

May God bless you all!

I was thinking…I do that you know. As I reflected on these kind words of gratitude there were some observations I would like to share with you:

First of all, the reason I wanted to share this note is that I want that “Thank-you” to be heard (or read). Something occurred to me while I reflected on her kind words. I felt a sense of the good kind of pride—that her experience with you as a congregation was that she sensed your friendliness. When you come to visit a church for the first few times it is usually a time of anxiety. You do not really know the people, you are not sure of how they conduct themselves, you may be a little apprehensive that you will in some way be singled out or embarrassed if you do something that makes you stand out. Can you feel the apprehension as you walk into a room full of strangers, that all eyes are on you, watching your every move. Now, imagine that feeling of anxiety being met with a friendly smile, perhaps a greeting of handshake...and words of welcome. We have ushers and greeters that do that very thing, but I have also seen several others who make their way over to express greeting to visitors in our services. Please realize this is an important tool in reducing the anxiety visitors experience.

Another observation involves the perspective of the visitor as well. We have visitors who come to our congregation at various times. Sometimes they have come at the invitation of one of our regular attenders. Others come simply as a walk-in, not really knowing anyone, just testing the waters of the church. In either case, they come looking for something, expecting something. Some visitors continue to come, some may visit only one time as in the case of the author of this note. What stands out to me is the importance that every visitor who walks through the doors and into our fellowship should experience that kind of positive, friendly atmosphere. We never really know what is going on inside the mind or heart of that visitor, but perhaps it might be an important step in their faith journey. What if that visit did not go well. Imagine that no one smiles, no one greets, they overhear private conversations of a negative nature, the visit was not a positive experience and they abandon hope that the church is the kind of place for them. No, a better model is that the visit is one that encourages faith through a friendly smile and greeting. We have to realize that when a person visits our fellowship, we may have only one time to make an impression for the church of Jesus Christ.

Let me say to you, “Nice work church!” Without even being aware of it, God used you in an important step along the faith journey of one visitor. Make it a priority to do that with every person who makes their way to visit our congregation, and the kingdom of God will be enriched.

June 10, 2011

2011-06-10T16:54:00.000-05:00

     This is a special day for me. Sarah and I were joined in marriage thirty-nine years ago. It doesn't seem like that many years. I still can see her as she entered the door to the church in her wedding dress. It was a windy day, her veil got caught on the handrails as she ascended the steps. But it was not humor of that moment that is embedded in my memory so clearly. I remember seeing her face and realizing that in just a few moments I would be marrying this beautiful girl. My eyes glistened with joyful tears as she made her way down the aisle.
     For the last three years we have celebrated our anniversary by going out, making hospital calls on the way. We laughed at that repeating cycle. This year, no hospital calls! No, this year I am officiating a wedding for a young couple. Tonight is the rehearsal. Sarah and I celebrated our anniversary today at noon by going our for a dinner.
     Life gets busy, ministry makes demands...I thank God for the blessing of a great wife who enjoys the ministry as much as I.

My first blog

2011-06-01T13:09:00.000-05:00

I remember the first trip I took out of the US and into a foreign country. Stepping off the plane I immediately was aware that I had entered a different culture. I had taken Spanish in high school (1967), but the language was moving quicker than my translator could handle. I felt my every word and action would stand out and come under close scrutiny by those in that culture and language group.

That is closely related to how I feel right now entering a blog for the first time. It is a whole new world to me, a new culture, and yes even language differences. Well, every journey begins with the first step ... hello blog.