Oh, The Possibilities!

Hey Church & Friends,
In the past two weeks I have made 10 visits to families that attended VBS or who have recently visited with us and all I can say is that inspite of what many think, the possibilities to share Christ, to bring more people into His Church, to minister to those who are our neighbors are unmeasueable! If you think that everyone you know is a "Practicing" Christian or is active in a Church then you and I are not looking very hard! The communities that we live in may be small, but in Christ's own words. the harevest is plentyful! Thanks to those of you who donated cookies over the past two weeks as I made these visits. the families were truly thankful! The Holy Spirit has aslo laid upon my heart to do this more often. To make contact with those who need to know Him and to those who need a Church Family like ours. So cookie makers keep your ovens warm for I will soon be asking again. I ask you now to pray for those I visited andfor those God's wants YOU and I to visit. Love you all Pastor Rick

A Place of our own

Many years ago I dreamed of a time and a place where Beckie and I could go on vacation together. And that once in a while, when it fit into thier schedule our kids and grandkids might join us. We are now blessed to say that we have found such a place. This coming Sunday after Church, we will pack-up my little SUV until we cannot put in it one more item and we will head off to a place called, White Tail Crossing. A place not far from Lake Shelbyville. A drive just long enough to say that, "We got away", but not so long as for the drive to wear on you. This is now the fourth year in a row that we have come to call this place, our place! A place for us to relax, swim, fish, read, antique, nap, a place to feel at home. A place we find Sabbath. I hope and pray that sometime this Summer you found a little time for a Sabbath rest beyond the place you call home. Or that you have on your calendar a time and a place that will grant this blessed rest and relaxation. My wife and I and our Church have a full Fall ahead of us. This time will be important to the two of us as we want to give our best to God and you when we come back. I look forward to writing more to you when we return. God's Blessings upon you Pastor Rick

For Guys Only!

Alright ladies, since I know that you opened this please make sure that the man in your life gets this as well. On Wednesday morning as I ran I re-aquinted myself with the music of Jonny Lang. I reccommend strongly that all you guys listen to his song "On My Feet Again". It will help as you seek to be the best dad, husband and man of God that you want to be. You can easily find this song @ JonnyLang/Free Music. It is song 25. As a matter of fact several of his songs speak to being a man of God! Happy listening! I will be on my knees in prayer for you all.
Love ya' Guys Pastor Rick

Financial Criss

Since I got home from Church Camp last week and heard about the melt down, once again in our Finalcial Markets. Both in our Nation & around the globe. And as we consider our own Dutchtown Financial outlook for this year and looking ahead to 2012 and beyond, I have been asking God how I might respond to you about it from a Christian perspective. And then guess what happened? I read today's, Tuesday August 9th's Upper Room devotional. GOD is GREAT!!! Please read it, and then re-read this Blog! No it is not the answer to all of our world's financial woes, but this is where we are to begin. One family at a time taking "Leap's of Faith" in Christ. Understanding that you cannot out give God. Understanding that our TRUE security is not found in money but in God's eternal love! Amen! Love You all, Pastor Rick

Motives

Have you ever done something because if you did not someone would make you feel guilty? Of course you have, we all have. But what a rotten feeling that is, feeling guilty! Especially when you are not! I once heard a person say, "Don't take a bullet not meant for you". In other words don't feel guilty about something that you are NOT responsible for. But why do we make people we care about feel guilty. Is it because someone has done it to us? And so we think it's our duty to do the same? The Bible is quite clear how we are to live out our faith in this world. That all we do or is to be done with the right motive. For the buliding up of the Church and it's people. Our motives are to be pure and Godlike. But when we operate out of guilt we not only do not do the best job that we can, but we do it with a stinky attitude as well. And believe me that will come through in the way you carry out the task. Every day a lot of bullets get shot your way in an attempt to make you feel rotten if you do not carry out that task that someone else thinks you should do. Many of us then carry out that task not wanting to feel guilty by not doing it. I feel as if I am rambling now, forgive me, I don't want to feel guilty! Please know this, Satan is the giver of guilt, Chirst the one that took all of that guilt upon Himself so that you and I could lead victorious and not guilt ridden lives! Love You All and so does Jesus Pastor Rick

Test

Test

Following up

In sports you here a lot about, "Following Through". Whether it be a golf or a tennis swing, rolling a bowling ball or shooting a basketball. Following through is a must if you want to do your best! The same holds true for us in the Church. We often times talk a lot about what we should do or what some should do, but then talk is cheap and putting the effort in takes work, patience and desire. Take last weeks Vacation Bible School for instance. We had a large number of children in attendence whose families do not know Christ or do not have a church family that they are active in. Oh, a few will claim membership somewhere because once upon a time they were baptized there as a kid, but they are rarely in attendence. Now it is time for me and I need your help to "Follow Through" with those families with the hope of bringing them to Christ and unto a Church family who will love them and cherish them. Hopefully we might that Church they consider. So when I get back from Church Camp, Phase II of Vacation Bible School begins for us. We can bask in the glow of a successful VBS by those who attended and what they learned that week and then leave it at that or we can do the work that Christ has called us too, to bring the Gospel to all. Please keep this new phase in your prayers and if you are interested in making a batch or two of cookies or brownies for me to take to VBS attenders, please let know.
Love You all, Pastor Rick