Bethel College Madrigal Chorale

Yesterday evening, Karen and I enjoyed hearing the Bethel College Chorale singing some of the older songs of our US history. Songs such as Oh Suzanna, Let Me Call You Sweetheart, Nelly Bly, Shenandoah and others were sung. There were songs of faith as well, such as Amazing Grace, Shall We Gather At The River and others. It was a great evening of memorable songs. The Chorale dressed in early American regalia and sang and acted some of the songs out with a brief skit. Our son Jason continues in the Music Education degree studies at Bethel College.

Jason and some of the others in the Chorale.
More of the Chorale and the guitar player.
More of the Chorale.

Men's Day at Camp Hickory Hills

Friday, April 13 and Saturday April 14 is scheduled for Men's Day at Camp Hickory Hills in Dickson. Applications are on the bulletin board at the entrance of the church sanctuary. Men, make plans now to attend.

Applications can also be found on the state web site. Click here for an application. Also click here for the Men's Ministry Web Site.

Quote

"The church needs to know what the world wants to hear, and yet also find a way to give what it needs to hear in a sermon." Calvin Miller

GRANDPARENT'S DAY

Yesterday, I so much enjoyed going to Grandparent's Day at Westmoreland School where my Grandaughter, Courtney, attends. She is a happy third grader and is making straight A's. I enjoyed being with her and eating lunch with her. I also visited with my Daughter, Heather, Courtney's mother, who was substituting in the first grade.

Sister Shenna McCaleb and Brother and Sister Weakley were also there. Sister McCaleb showed me wedding pictures of one of her daughter's wedding. We enjoyed sharing about our children and my grandchildren (she does not have any yet). It was good to see Brother and Sister Weakly who were there to be with Sister McCaleb's young son as his "Grandparents."

It was a very special day being with my oldest grandchild.

Prayer Request

Sister Helen Beasley is in Baptist Hospital diagnosed with cancer. The prognosis is a type of cancer with no cure and surgery is not recommended at this time. Please pray for Sister Beasley and for the family. Brother Beasley serves as a Deacon and Sister Beasley is the treasurer of the East Nashville Church of God of Prophecy. Dr. George McDowell is the pastor. I prayed with Brother and Sister Beasley during the day on Monday. Dr. McDowell came in while I was there.

I served this church for over four years in the late 90's and early 2000's. Brother Beasley called for prayer for all who will pray. Karen and I visited later that evening.

Tested, Tried, Tortued and To Heaven

The faith and fidelity of one woman to Jesus Christ. click here

QUOTE

"It was not good that the minister be worshipped and made an oracle. It is still worse that he should be flattered and made a pet." Phillips Brooks

REVIVAL

Tonight was the last night of scheduled revival but the revival spirit continues. Thank God for a great time tonight with Brother Gerald Scott as the guest minister. The message was Choose. It was a great message emphasizing the choice of life or death and encouragement to choose life.

The songs by Delilah Mummel, Shiloh Hernandez, Summer and Austin Mummel were a blessing. Sister Scott also sung The Anchor Holds.

The altar service was a great blessing. Shiloh prayed and testified of how God is dealing with her and she wants to follow Him. She prayed and we prayed with her. She testified of how God has helped her get her life stable and to keep her children. She said that God has helped her get her life clean and she is wanting to know what God's purpose is for her life.

God is moving among us. To God be the Glory.

REVIVAL CONTINUES

Thank God for another great time of revival service. God's presence was felt especially as each expressed their love to the Lord and each other. The message was from Jude 22-25. Thank God for the blessed Holy Ghost and the way He helps us pray. God help us to have compassion and "snatch those nearest to eternity out of the flames."

SUNDAY SCHOOL TEEN CLASS

The teen class is growing. This is part of the class. Two were out today. We are having a great time learning together. This quarter has been on Relationships thus far and the teens are really getting into the studies. Today's lesson was Purity in Relationships.

On the left in the back is Wesley Spangler and in front is Montanna Maness. On the right in back is Blair Pinson, she is the newest member of the class. In front on the right is B. J. Lawrence. We are growing for the Lord.

Currently, I am teaching this class and we are praying for someone to feel the call to teach and minister to this class.

REVIVAL

Thank the Lord for another great night of revival. Pastor Don Lawrence came and delivered a great message from the book of Philemon. We were challenged to be "profitable servants" to the Lord.

Several came to hear him that have not been to church for a while to renew "old friendships." Brother Lawrence attended and ministered at the Huntingdon church for about 13 years in the youth ministry and as assistant pastor. It was good to see Kelly and Beth Moore and their new little daughter also the grandparents, James and Rita Moore and Sammy and Dee Walker. We were glad to see them in church. Brother J. E. Moore and Sister Marie Moore are "proud" great-grandparents of the little daughter, Annison.


We were also very happy to see several new youth present along with some of our regulars. Names not included since I did not get them all and would make a mess if I tried to list them.

Sister Lori Rivera sang "My Redeemer Lives" which was a great blessing. Sister Delilah sang a very encourging song that is one of my favorites. Brother Don sang a couple songs, "I Can't Even Walk" and "Looking For The Messiah."

Revival continues tonight with Brother Gerald Scott of Paris, TN. He pastored in Missouri and Arkansas for some time.

REVIVAL

What a great time in revival tonight. We were blessed to hear State Overseer, E. C. McKinley. His message encouraged us to realize that each one goes through a "cutting time" in their spiritual walk. This "cutting" brings out the character that God wants in each one. He used the passages found in 2 Kings 16:31-33 & 17:1-9. The message was timely. . . .

Brother Randy Crowder sang a powerful rendition of "I'd Rather Have Jesus." Sister Delilah Mummel sang "I Don't Have Closet Religion" and her dad, Alton, sang, "Cooling Water" and "Greater Is He". These songs were a great blessing.

Brother C. C. Winchester and the Paris church were a great blessing to us by coming and attending Thursday and Friday evening and also Brother Winchester's message on Thursday evening was a great blessing.

Some folks from the Solid Rock church were also present. We enjoyed so much their presence and participation.

The revival continues tonight with Pastor Donald Lawrence. We will be encouraging and focusing on youth ministry. Brother Donald attended Huntingdon and ministered here some before going into pastoral work.

REVIVAL

Thank God for another great night of revival! We enjoyed the visits of the folks from Paris Church of God of Prophecy and from Solid Rock Church here in Huntingdon. Bishop C. C. Winchester preached a great message using the text from Matthew 14:22-33. We were encouraged to be like Peter when we are sinking from the storms of life. Peter cried, "Lord, save me." The singing, worship, testimonies and special songs were great!

REVIVAL

The first night of the revival was great! The Solid Rock Church folks came, along with Pastor Bobby Jordan. The worship, singing, testimonies and preaching were great! Thank the Lord for His presence. Several were in the altar. There was great fellowhip. We appreciate the folks and Pastor Jordan from the Solid Rock Church. Several testified to God's blessings and healing in their bodies. Sister Marie Moore was there and gave a wonderful testimony of God's healing. She had been diagnosed with bone marrow cancer a few months ago, but recent bone marrow testing showed no signs of cancer. PRAISE THE LORD!

Pastor C. C. Winchester of Paris Church of God of Prophecy will be the guest minister on Thursday evening.

UPDATED REVIVAL ANNOUNCEMENT

REVIVAL

CHURCH OF GOD OF PROPHECY
272 HIGH STREET
HUNTINGDON, TN

MARCH 21-25: WEDNESDAY-SATURDAY 7 PM
MARCH 26, SUNDAY 11 AM AND 6:30 PM

SCRIPTURE THEME: Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

WEDNESDAY EVENING: BOBBY JORDAN, PASTOR

SOLID ROCK CHURCH, HUNTINGDON, TN
THEME: SERVANTHOOD

THURSDAY: C. C. WINCHESTER
PARIS CHURCH OF GOD OF PROPHECY PASTOR
THEME: FELLOWSHIP

FRIDAY: DR. E. C. McKINLEY
TENNESSEE CHURCH OF GOD OF PROPHECY
STATE OVERSEER
THEME: LEADERSHIP

SATURDAY: DONALD LAWRENCE

ADAMSVILLE, TN

CHURCH OF GOD OF PROPHECY PASTOR
THEME: NEW BEGINNINGS, (YOUTH EMPHASIS)

SUNDAY MORNING: TO BE ANNOUNCED
THEME: STEDFASTNESS

SUNDAY EVENING: 6:30 PM, GERALD SCOTT
PASTORED IN MISSOURI FOR MANY YEARS
THEME: FAITH

Humor

PICTURES FROM REELFOOT LAKE TRIP

The lake is 5.5 ft. average depth with a small area that is 20 feet deep. There is some proof that the lake is slowly being taken over by land that is breaking away and falling in upon it from boats that cause waves to beat the shore and there is no water feed other than rain and two very small streams. The prediction is that 100 years from now it will be a very small body of water since it will mostly evaporate and the land will continue to break away and come in on it. The lake has receeded considerably over the past 190 plus years according to records.

Karen enjoys the fresh daffodills or butter cups or whatever you like to call them, on the boardwalk entrance to the rooms of the Airline State Park Motel built over the Reelfoot Lake.
A Falcon Hawk and an Eagle are caged together for treatment. Both are birds of prey that inhabit the Reelfoot lake area.
A little chili out on the State Park Boardwalk. Notice how the roots and small tree stumps are left from the earthquake.
Two fishermen who spoke to us. They are from Ohio and asked us what to do to get the fish to bite. Of course, Karen and I did not have a clue. They said they were enjoying the quite, peaceful environment and glad to not have large, speeding motor boats disturbing them. Only small flatbottom boats can travel on the lake because of a large amount of fallen trees and stumps. There is also a special boat built for the lake by a local builder who builds them by hand. It can easily slide over underwater trees and stumps. It has a shield built over the small motor that propels the boat. Other boats have to stay in the areas that are deep enough to stay away from the stumps. Bald Eagle being being kept caged and treated. We were told there are twelve-thirteen couples who nest there during the nesting season - late December-February - but no new little ones this year. We did not see any flying over the lake but were told they stay in the general area and are not migrating birds.
Fox squirrel that I got very close to. Park Information Center in background where we saw a historical film about the lake and also viewed some animals that are in the park - mostly snakes and aquatic life. There are some other animals - deer, beaver, racoons, mink, coyotes, red and gray fox. . .
Outside the room on the balcony. Suites in the background. Motel built over the lake.
A view at the very end of the walk at State Park Airline Motel.
Another balcony view. . .
A view of the lake, which is the largest lake in Tennessee. The lake formed from a huge earthquake back in Feb. of 1811. A little cool early in the morning. . .
Anther picture out on the balcony of our room.

Headed Back Home

Karen and I are headed back home. She is driving and I'm. . .well you know. We had an awesome 24 hour retreat and revitalizing time. We enjoyed the scenery and the historical type presentation at the State Park info center. We are passing through Dresden right now.

The white, pink, yellow and lavender buds are showing God's handiwork. Karen says, "I had a good time relaxing and sitting on the balcony watching the wildlife and reflexions in the water.

I'll post some pictures later.

SUNDAY MARCH 17

Thank the Lord for another great Sunday. Several were back to church and several others were out. If everyone was present each Sunday for a full month our average would be 50 plus but since some are traveling and some are out for other reasons. . .well

The Lord was very present in our midst. Several came around the altar to pray for the revival that is beginning Wednesday evening this week at 7 pm.

Our family night changed to 3rd Sunday instead of 4th for the revival.

Karen and I headed to Reelfoot Lake at 3:30 Sunday evening for a 24 hour get away. We've never been and also wanted to have some time to relax, meditate and pray for the upcoming revival. More later. . .

PICTURES OF MOM'S BIRTHDAY SURPRISE

Aviana and Courtney, giddy-up horsey. . .at Great Granny's Birthday surprise.
I love you Mom from Sarah, our youngest.
Stacey and Granny enjoying the Birthday surprise.

My Sister Joyce and Karen share some women talk.
My oldest daughter, Danita, enjoying the conversation.
Grandmother and granddaughter.
Danita and Shane's newest little friend, Saber.
Stacey, my Sister Joyce's, daughter and Karen enjoying the time together.
Mom and great-grandson Jacob, Stacey's little son.
Mom opens her birthday cards and presents.
The Birthday Lady looking at some of hercards and gifts.
Granddaughter, Heather, my second child and daughter, with her two children, Caleb on the left, Courtney on the right and Aviana, Sarah's little one - three great-grandchildren of the Birthday Lady.

Sorry, no pictures of the men were taken but we still love Jason, Shane, Sammy, Ronnie, Chris and Tony. I wanted some of Tony's family but they were heading out when I asked them to pose and he said, next time. Sorry, we love you Anna and Carrie and Pascha! I guess I was too busy enjoying the family time, the fun and the food.

My brother, Tony, works as a Florist and Caterer. He made Mom's two cakes. The cakes were awesomely delicious. One was an Italian Creme and the other was a Vanilla with Strawberry Creme in the layers. Both were decorated beatuifully. Thanks Tony!

Birthday Surprise for Mom

All mom's children (3), grandchildren (7) and great-grandchildren (9) were present for Mom's 77th birthday surprise today at my oldest Daughter's (Danita) house. It was a joyous occasion. It was good to see all of our families together and to sing happy Birthday to Mom. She has been a "trooper." We love you Mom (Anna Beatrice Cathey)! She is a great, loving mother who loves the Lord.

Pictures later. . .hopefully

Leadership

John Maxwell's Leadership Wired contains some helpful and interesting information. Go here to read more.

PRAISE REPORT

Brother J. E. Moore called today and reported that the bone marrow exam of Sister Moore came back negative. PRAISE THE LORD! The initial diagnosis was positive. the Doctor advised that she should continue as if nothing ever happened but they do want to re-test in six months. Thank God for this report!

Wednesday Evening & Prayer Requests

We were blessed with the presence of the Lord tonight. We were encouraged to "be not weary (don't loose heart) in well doing for in due season we shall reap if we faint not." Gal. 6:9 Several prayer requests were given. Some are listed below.

Pray for Leon Reynolds oldest sister. She is in intensive care at the Huntingdon Baptist Hospital. I visited with her tonight and Brother Leon and myself offered prayer. She was resting when I left.

Pray for Sister Lori Rivera.

Pray for Sister Marie Moore who was diagnosed with bone marrow cancer.

Pray for revival and for the lost in our families and in the community.

Pray for the development of the new church property.

Pray for the leaders and each ministry - Adult, Family, Youth, Children, Womens and Mens ministry.

Pray for a spirit of outreach.

TODAY

Pardon some personal notes here. For those who read this and will, your prayers are appreciated.

My days are full of reading multiple books, studying various biblical themes and historical theories, and writing 2000-5000 word papers. My time to complete the first five courses in the DMin. ends the last day of July. I have completed two and part of two others but it has been a year and half since I started. I need to accelerate my studies so as not to loose the credits that are not finished or have to pay an extension. That is why, so far today, I have given 7 hours into these studies.

I have also registered for four other courses to be completed by the end of November.

These studies are very helpful and focused on ministry on the DMin level and they take considerable time, effort and energy.

My prayer is that these studies, Theology of Ministry, Advanced Leadership, Themes and Modalities that Affect Today's Preacher, Advanced Contemporary Apologetics, Advanced Contemporary Hermeneutics, and four doctoral level counseling courses (Crisis, Youth, Family, and Church Counseling Ministry) will enhance my ability to minister more affectively and skilfully in the pastoral ministry and/or other ministries that may be in the future.

More Time. . .???

The song Wait a Little Longer Please Jesus, used to be sung quite often among Christians. Later there was the song, My House Is Full But My Fields are Empty, emphasizing the need for workers to enter the harvest outside their comfort zones of inward focus and inward maintenance. Some are ready to say strongly, "even so come Lord Jesus." Evidence leads Christian scholars to believe that the fulfillment of time for Christ to return is close - even at the door. Do Christians continue to cry for more time or, does His cry for more involvement in the last of the last days work before His return drown out every attempt to raise a voice more prominent than His? More time. . . .??? How much more. . .??? ". . .the devil has come down to you (the world), having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time" (Rev. 12:12b). The Almighty will signal a halt to time as we know it. . . . "Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. . .", said the Apostle Paul some 1950 years ago. Do Christians see where we are in time? Do Christians need more reminders? More time. . .??? "Time shall be no longer," (Rev. 10:6b) he will say on that final day. Wait a little longer or get involved in the harvest? The fields are ripe, ripe ripe! Milton Gordon

FEATURING SUNDAY SCHOOL

Brother Leon Reynolds is the Sunday School Superintendant. Our Sunday School teachers and students are an integral part of the Church at Huntingdon.Sister Joyce Grace, newest teacher, and the Children's class.
Sister Cathy Coleman and the Young Adult class
Sister Donna Crossno teaches the Senior Adult Class. . .

I teach the teen class and will include a picture later. . .

GLORIOUS TIME IN THE LORD!

Thank the Lord for anothe great Sunday Morning. Communion was served after the message. Several were in the altar before communion. One new face who attended the church as a small lad was there - Jason Hollowell. He came in need of a touch from the Lord. Several gathered around and prayed as the Lord came and blessed mightily. We were blessed to help Jason with some needed temporal items as well. He requests prayer as he enters a time of rehabilitation. He said, "I have been on drugs for several years and once had to go into reahab when I was 18 but this time I am going in with the prayers and salvation of the Lord." Let us continue to pray for Jason.

Sunday evening was our monthly gospel singing. Songs of praise and worship, poems, testimonies and scripture reading came forth in worship to the Lord. The last part of a DVD by the Crabb Family was played near the end of the service. The Crabb Family along with the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir blessed us by way of DVD. There were praises, shouts and tears of victory all through the service. TGBTG!

NOTICE: The Crabb Family will be in Jackson, TN Civic Center onf March 30th on their final tour before seperating into various ministries.

WEDNESDAY EVENING MEETING & Prayer Requests

Great time of emphasis in worship and preperation for revival. Sister Joyce Grace came by early to clean the children's room and prepare for her class Sunday.

Prayer Request: Sister Marie Moore is having tests today concerning the recent diagnosis of bone marrow cancer. Lets pray for her and let her know we care.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Continue to pray for Marie Moore who is scheduled to have further testing concerning the diagnosis of bone marrow cancer.

Jennie Sanders requests prayer.

Prayer for Leon and Susie Reynolds as they travel out West to see relatives.

Prayer for Paul and Josie Rivera who are traveling.

Prayer for Lori Rivera.

Continued prayer for the Ray Crossno family.

Prayer for revival and for the lost in our families and communities.

Prayer for the ministers who will be ministering in our revival.
(Click here to review dates, times and guest ministers)

Prayer for local leaders (Sunday School, Youth, Children, Womens, Mens, Family, Heritage, Outreach)

Ray Crossno Interment

Family and friends gathered at Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens for the final resting place of Ray Crossno's body. Of course, as Christians, we have assurance through Jesus Christ that Ray is now in paradise with his other family members. Ray will be missed greatly. The Graveside Service was conducted by Ron Hamm and assisted by Milton Gordon. Ray is gone on but his memory lives on in our hearts. . . .

Digress, Regress, Confess and Progress

The Christian maturation process either digresses, regresses or progresses. The life of a Christian can be compared to a stream of water. If it flows freely and has a continual inflow source it continues as a life-giving source to the plant life and marine life in and around it. If there is no source of inflow or refill the stream becomes stagnant, full of scum and bacteria, eventually dries up and cannot sustain life. Whatever blocks the inflow or refill needs to be removed for the free flow of the stream. A Christian needs the continual flow of the life-giving water of the Holy Spirit and the Word of Christ.

The admonition to the new Christian found in 1Peter 2:2 says, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby. . .” God’s purposes for each newborn Christian is to “grow” or mature in Christ. There should be a continual growth throughout the Christian life. To move away from the things of Christ or to think one has “arrived” and there is no more growth is to digress or regress. Second Peter chapter one gives a challenge to Christians by encouraging them to add virtues to what God has already given (all things that pertain unto life and godliness) to us.

Digressing is to deviate or stray. All that is needed to grow is found in Christ, His Word and the power of the Holy Spirit. Some folks in the Galatian church were being led to digress by being taught that Christ plus certain ordinances and rites observed and practiced in the Old Testament were necessary for salvation along with believing in Christ. Paul’s cry to them is, “My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you. . . “ Gal. 4:19 They had digressed from the pure salvation that is only in Christ and were being strongly influenced by teachers who insisted that circumcision was necessary for salvation.

Regress is to go back. The writer of Hebrews challenges, “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat” Heb. 5:12 The writer of Hebrews addresses those who were looking and going back to the ordinances, sacrifices, in brief, to the system that God ordered under the leadership of Moses. That system was ordained for that time but a new covenant had been established by Christ. The writer assured them that “Jesus [is] the author and finisher of our faith. . .”12:2 and the writer also assured them “by so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. .”(Heb. 7:22) Respect for the past movements of God and Christian heritage is commendable but becoming entangled in past methods, past customs, biblically unsound interpretations and past irrelevant, lacking systems for this day and time are not the answer for today’s ministry.

As humans we fail. We fail to devote ourselves to worship, prayer, Bible reading and study, etc. We fail to stay focused on Christ and His relevancy for today. We become like Peter who saw Christ as the Messiah in one instance and later began rebuking Him and saying, "You're not going to be crucified." We are like him in some ways when he walked out on the water. We walk steadily for a while with Christ then see and fear the raging tempest and storms of life and begin to sink. We want to stay in past comfort zones that will not work now. There are times we desire to do good and the ability to perform the good is lacking as Paul said of himself. Blaise Pascal wrote of man’s nature, “Does he exalt himself? I lay him low; does he humble himself? I exalt him, and continue to contradict him until he comprehends that he is an incomprehensible monstrosity (Pensees, Concerning True Religion no. 13). Without Christ man is hopelessly lost and without salvation. No system of man, no custom, no past tradition, no method will save anyone. Salvation comes to those whose hearts are broken over their sin, their lack of seeking God and their lack of being involved in what He is doing in their present world and confessing their need of the Savior.

We come to the need of confession. Some have suggested that approaching God could be done with the ACTS acronym (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving and Supplication). This is certainly a good way. Further, Jesus taught to pray, “Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name (divine recognition and adoration), thy kingdom come, thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven (petition and submission), give us this day our daily bread (simple petition for daily needs), and forgive us our debts (confession), as we forgive our debtors (restitution), lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil (providence/sovereignty) for thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory for ever (worship) Amen.

Confession is often overlooked in our praying. There are areas of weakness, failure and sin that we do not even see that God desires for us to seek forgiveness. Moses sought God to deliver him from hidden or secret sins (Psalm. 90:8). Confession is needed to be drawn into the presence of God to pray in His will as one should. The Psalmist also was aware that if he regarded iniquity (wickedness, vanity, sin) in his heart, God would not hear him (Psalm. 66:18). The admonition from 1 John is, 1:8 “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” Some would say, "I confessed when I first got saved some time ago." The question is, “Has that person sinned or failed God in any way since that time?” The answer is obvious. The Bible says Job was a righteous man - one who feared God and shunned evil. Yet his final words to God near the end of his devil inflicted debacle were, " I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes" (Job 42:6). He did not come with any of his righteousness to God but approached the awesome, holy, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent God with repentance and self-abhorrence. Do we live a life of purposeful sinfulness so that God's grace will automatically cleanse us, no! But there is need of confession.

To progress with Christ is see how far one is from being like Christ and how utterly abhorring one is in comparison to Christ and to continue reaching toward Him who is perfect and complete in every aspect and part of that progression is confession. . .The Holy Spirit will do his work of convicting and reproving. . .confession comes from a broken, contrite spirit knowing that Christ is the only victory over any sin. . . then the grace of God flows, refills and cleanses by the Power of the Holy Spirit. . .Christ the only victory in our daily lives. . .Milton Gordon

RAY CROSSNO MEMORIAL SERVICE

Manuel, Ray's brother, did a great job of getting Ray's memorial service together. There were several songs including Daddy's Hands, The First Day In Heaven and many others that spoke of Ray's delight in hearing and singing gospel music. His granddaughter, Renee's daughter, read a very pertinent poem for her grandfather and the family. Vernon Caruthers did the obituary and also shared some. Ronnie Hamm shared some from his memories of Ray when he and Ray were still very young (8, 9, 10). I offered some memories and some of Ray's humorous moments. It was a great memorial service and Manuel said, "I believe this is just what Ray would have wanted." There was a host of family and friends there. His wife Brenda and several of her family and also Renee and Lavonne his two daughters and their family, of course, were present.

I was blessed to know Ray and count it an honor to have served in the funeral.
We sang together for several years and now he is singing with the heavenly choir. Till we meet again in that heavenly realm where the blessed Savior is. . .Bye for now. . .Love you and your family. . . .

ANOTHER GREAT SUNDAY MORING!

Thank God for His continued presence among us. We are so blessed to be serving an awesome, mighty God. It was good to the see the Davis' back today as well as some others that have been out.

NEW SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER! Sister Joyce Grace is now the Small Children's Sunday School Teacher. When we asked her, she said, "You know I've been thinking and praying about that!" Siste Joyce, we thank you and pray for you in this great ministry for the Lord. Children are so much in need of ministry and being involved in the work of the church. A big GOD BLESS YOU! To Sister Joyce.

God is doing a great work among us and we are seeing people getting involved and working for the King and His Kingdom and Church! TGBTG!

Revival is coming, click here to see dates, times, themes and guest ministers.

UPDATED EMAIL EMAIL AND DAILY CALENDAR

My new email addresses are milt.gordon@gmail.com personal email and milton.gordon@yahoo.com for ministry email NOTICE the dot between my first and last name and the short first name on the gmail address.

Click on these links for My Ministry Calendar . and My Personal Calendar Click on tabs for day, week, month, etc.

DEATH OF RAY CROSSNO - UPDATE

Karen and I received a call this morning from Kevin Crossno, Ray Crossno's nephew. Ray died last night. He had been sick the past few months and had fallen several times. A recent fall caused a cut on his leg which may have resulted in an aneurysm (I spoke to Manuel tonight and this appears to be the cause of death). Cause of death is uncertain at this time. Kevin informed us that Ray's daughter, Lavonne, was with him yesterday and she had told them that Ray seemed to be doing okay. Then he passed away during the night at a Rehab Health Center. This is a sudden death. Ray's mother Bonnie (Crossno) Curtis died just a few months back. Ray grew up in the Huntingdon area and attended the Church of God of Prophecy at Huntingdon for several years. He attended my home church at Burns, TN Church of God of Prophecy for about 5 years during the late sixties and early seventies when he worked in Nashville as a Glazier with Pittsburgh Plate Glass. We traveled together for about four years in a singing group during this time. More information will be posted later. Ray will be missed but is resting with the Lord now.

Dilday Funeral Home of Huntingdon, TN will provide services. The Memorial Service is set to be conducted at Dilday Funeral Home on Sunday, March 4, 2007 at 6:00 pm. Visitation is from 12 noon until the Memorial Service at 6 p.m. The interment is scheduled for 10 a. m., Monday, March 5th at the Harpeth Hills Memorial Gardens in Nashville, TN. Reverend Milton Gordon will be officiating.

Ray was a friend of mine. We sang together in a gospel quartet (Original Triumphant Quartet not connected with the one now) from 1968-1972. We traveled middle Tennessee, and other states singing the gospel together. Ray was an exceptional baritone singer and the main catalyst for the group. We entered the Ralph Emory amateur program and was given a spot on his, then WSM TV Chanel four show in the early 70's. We had been approached about doing a recording when two members of the group went into evangelistic and pastoral ministry.

TODAY

Several hours (5-6) today, I worked on the DMin. reading and writing. I am actively involved in this work since I only have until the end of July to finish three more courses and then until the end of November to finish four more or I will have to pay for an extension.

Karen and I visited with Sister Marie Moore this evening. She is scheduled to have more testing next Thursday in regards to the bone marrow cancer diagnosis. Brother and Sister Moore always make us very welcome. The visit was great. We had a good season of prayer. Let us continue to pray for her and contact her and let her know we care.

Part of the Praise and Worship team were practicing when we got home around 8 pm. When Jason finished practicing he came over to the parsonage for a few mintes and told us bye. He is going with the Bethel Renaissance Choir to minister and sing on the Spring Tour - Mississippi and Louisana. They will be doing some benevolent work in New Orleans by helping to build a house and doing some singing in a shelter and in some other arenas. We are thankful for Jason and that he is back in full force in his Music Education/Ministry major for his Bachelor's degree. He was out last fall after going through some difficulties but has worked through the problems and doing well now.