VBS CONTINUES

VBS continued tonight with four more new attendees - one middle school and two cradlers. Casey Duncan also joined in to help tonight.
Just thinking if we can get up and hit it again.
Children enjoy the songs with lyrics and motions on video.
The small children class really get into the songs.

The Call 07/07/07

Below is information for the above event. You can click here for more information. Sister Karen and I are planning to participate.

What: A silent prayer walk from the Parthenon to LP Field -2.7 miles No signs, no flags, no banners

When: July 7, 2007 – Kicking off the Call Nashville 7am-9am (be sure to arrive early so we can keep on schedule)

Where: Begins at Centennial Park Band Shell next to the Parthenon and marches up Church Street, through the heart of the city and into the stadium

Transportation: We suggest you have a driver designated to drop off your group at Centennial Park for the Repentance Walk. Parking will not be available at Centennial Park.

Why: For 40 years our nation has been reeling under the influence of the sexual revolution. The fruit has been the disintegrating family unit, divorce skyrocketing, sexual abuse is everywhere, pornography is the norm, and gross perversion, rape and violence ravage our land.

Quote

"I've learned that my struggles last a lifetime but that God's grace lasts for eternity." Ken Davis

PRAYER REQUESTS

Sister Mildred Stacy continues in the hospital and rehab for her knee replacement. She desires prayer for her and her husband, Ralph.

Sister Virginia Davis's grandmother was taken to the ER this evening. She desire prayer.

Prayer is desired for the workers and the children in VBS.

Sister Marie Moore's sister and brother both desire prayer. Sister Marie also desires prayer.

TODAY

This morning I went to the Huntingdon Ministerial Alliance monthly breakfast and meeting. It is enjoyable to meet with other ministers and fellowship and share together. This coming September will begin my fourth year as a Volunteer Chaplain at Huntingdon Baptist Memorial Hospital. Hospital Chaplain, Jerry Leggett, has been very helpful and is a great minister friend.

Karen and I left for Jackson after that and went to get some things for VBS.

This afternoon we continued working on some things to help Sister Donna in VBS. VBS was great tonight with two more added to the attendance. The children are getting into the worship with the use of the laptop and projector and staff working with them as they learn the songs. The theme "Game Day Central" has given great opportunity to show the different team members and the roles each serves. More pictures and stuff later.

Rick Warren Blog

Pastor Rick Warren's blog has a discussion group on minister authenticity and vulnerability that is especially pertinent for Pastors. Click on the topic below. Then click on the play button tab just under Warren's picture.

How to Minister From Your Weaknesses

Cartoon

From churchlaughs.com. . . .

GREAT VBS KICKOFF

What a great evening of VBS. The worship songs, crafts, classes, refreshments, fun and fellowship was awesome. Thank God for the opportunity to minister to these children.
Kindergartners and Pre-K enjoy worship time.
Young children's class in snack time. The middle school children enjoy the songs of worship.
Continuing in worship.
Ladies who helped with crafts.
Sister Virginia Davis, Refreshment Coordinator in back middle.
Jonah Davis enjoyed himself but is ready to crash!

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

VBS begins tonight at 6:30 pm with the theme, "Game Day Central." This VBS material looks exiting and connective for the children. The director, faculty and staff are finalizing last minute preparations for this time of intense ministry to the children. Following are those ministering in VBS (as of this post).

NEW ITEM: This year we have a projector to use in our VBS for the video skits and worship time.

NOTE: Other staff and faculty will be added as needed.

Director: Donna Crossno
Director Assist. and Worship Team: Delilah Mummel
Music and Worship: Jason Gordon
Music and Worship: Casey Duncan
Crafts: Cathy Coleman, Tricia Smith
Refreshments: Virginia Davis, Carla Lawton
Roving Assistant: Montana Maness
Kindergarten and Pre-K Class: Joyce Grace
Elementary Ages Class: Karen Gordon
Middle School & Lower High School: Milton Gordon

We are praying for a great time of ministry.

SUNDAY SERVICES, JUNE 17, 2007

Yesterday's services were both blessed of the Lord. In the morning service each father and father-to-be or possible father-to-be was given and pair of Dickie work gloves. The message centered around the text from 2 Thess. 3:6-12. Each man was encouraged to "be not weary in well doing" and to keep working for the Lord and family.

Last night the worship was great! We continue to express our appreciation for new Praise and Worship team member, Casey Duncan. The message dealt with unhealthy church symptoms and healthy church attitudes. Thank the Lord for several who came out. Others took time with their families and being with their fathers.

OUR 25TH ANNIVERSARY WITH THE CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN IN MONTGOMERY BELL PARK

PICTURES OF OUR 25TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY & RENEWING WEDDING VOWS & FAMILY

NOTICE: Double click on any picture to bring up a large copy.

FATHERS DAY

I have received cards
from my children
already. To all the fathers have a great day this coming Sunday, June 17, 2007

Today

This morning early, I met with Deacon J. E. Moore to discuss plans for the development of the Northwood Property and some other pressing issues. We had a productive meeting and enjoyed the morning meal together.

Later in the morning I did some further study on Sunday's message and also did some things around the parsonage and sanctuary.

While out doing some work around the sanctuary late this evening, Brother Luther Massengale and Sister Massengale drove by. It was good to see them. He asked about Sister Peggy Heath and wondered about visiting her. I told him to visit any of the members any time he was in the area and gave him directions to her place and also told him Sister Jennie lives in the same place. We enjoyed a short conversation since he said he was pressed for time.

Tonight I am continuing in studying and doing some work on my web pages.

VBS & Youth Camp

Let us love and minister to our youth - teens, pre-teens, juniors, toddlers and cradlers.

One or our teens, Montana Maness, is in Youth Camp this week. There are others set to go. We pray God blesses and empowers Montana in a greater measure.

VBS will begin here next Monday evening at 6:30 pm with the theme "Game Day Central." Pray for our youth and children and those ministering in camp and VBS.

TOPDAY AND VISITS

This morning I visited Sister Mildred Stacy who is now beginning to get up on her knee replacement. She continues to request prayer.

Karen and I worked some on reviewing VBS material and checking on getting a projector to use with our laptop for VBS during the day.

This evening we went to visit Leon Reynolds and family but they were not home. We then visited with Deacon J. E. and Marie Moore and had a great visit and prayer. I enjoyed the slaw and cooked fresh cabbage from their garden.

We got back home around 6:30 pm and ate a late supper. I have been reading some since. Time to turn in. . . .

UPDATE, VISITS & PRAYER REQUESTS

The visit with Sister Mildred Stacy yesterday around noon went well as I was given the opportunity to pray for her and her husband. God blessed to open the door to witness to him and share the gospel. He says he asked the Lord to save him but he is still not sure - remember to pray for Ralph Stacy. The knee surgery went well according to the sugeon. She will be in the hospital and rehabilitation for several days. She desires continued prayer. Her son was also there and was very cordial.

Karen and I visited several yesterday afternoon, including Sister Ruth King and daughter Rita in Hollow Rock. We enjoyed the fellowship there. Sister King reqeuests prayer. She has shingles and is having some severe pain. Also continue to pray for Rita.

Then, we dropped by Jeff and April Davis's home in Buena Vista just outside of Hollow Rock, but no one was there.

We then visited Sister JoAnn Blow and her husband in McLemoresville. She has been attending church at Huntingdon for about 8-9 months. She has been a tremendous blessing to us. Her son-in-law pastors a church (AOG) in Kansas. Her husband is a retired lawyer for the State of Tennessee Dept. of Transportation. He was very friendly and receptive.

We then dropped by Ridgely Auction where Donna and Delilah works - about 6 miles out of McLemoresville. We enjoyed the few minutes visit with them. Then we travelled Old Stage Road back to Huntingdon.

Our travels took us about 75 miles total today. We got back home around 5 pm and I fell out in the recliner. I am feeling some better today but continue to desire prayer for healing. A recent kidney infection (Started late Sunday evening) has left me weak. I am on another round of antibiotics.

Prayer Request

Sister Mildred Stacy is having knee surgery this morning in Huntingdon, Baptist Memorial Hospital. Pray for her and for her recovery.

TODAY - SUNDAY, JUNE 10, 2007

Today (both services) was some of the most glorious worship and the presence of the Lord continues to amaze us. Some were in the altar. Others were being prayed for, for their healing. We praise the Lord!

Thank the Lord for new visitors, Doug and Kim Jones.

BISHOP WAYNE HALL

Brother Hall had a serious fall from a tractor this past Friday while mowing Ten Commandment Mountain in Fields of the Wood. A wheel of the tractor hit a fairly deep hole and the jerk threw him from the tractor. First indication was broken bones and possibly being paralyzed since he did not or seemed to be unable to move. Later after hospital exams and xrays it was determined that no bones were broken and that he had some very deep bruises. He is resting and will be sore for a while. Thank the Lord for protecting him. We believe the Lord answered prayer.

New Little Ones At Huntingdon Church

Tricia Smith and baby boy Kenau.
Jessica Smith and baby girl Nastasia.

VISIT

Karen and I were invited to a meal out with Kelly and Beth Moore and Dee and Sammy Walker. We enjoyed the visit and the food at Craig's Pizza. Below are pictures.
Kelly and Beth Moore's little baby girl, Annisyn Brooke.
Beth and baby Annisyn Brooke.
Annisyn Brooke with proud Paw, Sammy Walker.
Karen, Sammy and Dee Walker and Dee's Niece, Nicole.
Kelly and Beth Moore and baby Annisyn Brooks sleeping in Momee's arms.

Quote

"Do not imagine that if you meet a really ‘humble’ man he will be what most people call ‘humble’ nowadays: he will not be a sort of greasy, smarmy, person, who is always telling you that, of course, he is nobody. . .He will not be thinking about humility: he will not be thinking of himself at all. . .If anyone would like to acquire humility, I can, I think, tell him the first step The first step is realise that one is proud. And a biggish step, too. At least, nothing whatever can be done before it. If you think you are not conceited, it means you are very conceited indeed."

From Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis

TODAY

This morning, I did some study for Sunday and also got my monthly minister's report completed and sent in.


Sister Judy Reynolds came by and brought copies of DVD's of the renewing of our wedding vows. We enjoyed Sister Judy's visit and Brother Stanley is very active and faithful in his work of videoing and reproducing DVD's and videos. Thank you Brother Stanley. Stanley is seeing much better now that the cataract has been removed from his eye. The doctor told him he has 20/20 vision now in his one eye. He is blind in the other.


Stanley is very involved in ministry. He also makes DVD's of gospel presentations and other special events.


This evening Karen and I enjoyed visiting with Kelly and Beth Moore and their little sweet baby girl, Annisyn Brooke. She is a little doll. We enjoyed a good time of holding the baby and conversing with Beth and Kelly. Beth's mother, Dee Walker, came by for a few minutes and it was good to see her as well. I hope to get some pictures of the baby to post later.

LIFE OF KING DAVID

Thank the Lord for a great time of worship. The series on the Life of King David started with an overview of his life. Thank the Lord for the group who came out to study together. It is amazing how the life and writings of this "man after God's own heart" speaks to us today.

Patsy (Bear) Duncan visited with her son Casey and daughter-in-law Cindy. Of course, Pat enjoyed holding her new little grandson, Ethan. She also sang with Casey. Pat was on my care group back in the seventies at the Burns local church. It was good to see her and hear her playing the piano and singing.

LIFE OF KING DAVID

Tonight will begin the series on the study of the Life of King David. David's life was one that included many personal and family struggles, victories and defeats. David had a heart for God and was known as "a man after God's own heart." This series will continue for several weeks on Wednesday evening.

VISITS TODAY AND PRAYER REQUESTS

Karen and I visited some today. Visits included Brother and Sister Lambert, Cindy Duncan and new baby Ethan, Jennie Sanders, Peggy Heath and Willodene Davis. Each home made us welcome and the fellowship was great. Prayer was offered in each home. Thank the Lord for each one that we have the opportunity to minister to here.

Sister Jennie continues to request prayer for healing of edema in her legs. Sister Peggy continues to request prayer for healing of severe arthritis in her hands and neck.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Vacation Bible School is scheduled for June 18-22, from 6:30 - 8:30 pm. The theme is based around sports. The VBS theme is "Game Day Central." Teachers and workers have their materials and preparations are underway for a great time in ministry to the children and youth.

Sister Donna Crossno is still open for any volunteers who would help in VBS.

YOUTH CAMPS

Youth Camps are well underway. We have at least three going from Huntingdon. Camp Hickory Hills is about 60 miles from Huntingdon and is an awesome place for youth of all ages to have great fun, fellowship and spiritual emphasis. This year the Senior and Teen Camps will have a gentleman coming who rents inflatibles and other games and activities. You can read more on the State BLOG by clicking here

I have posted Youth Camp several times. Below are the dates and ages for camp. Encounter camp is Thursday evening through Saturday for those older campers who want a taste of camp with a powerful spiritual emphasis.

Make plans to go or send your child/granchild. It will be a great experience for them.

Encounter Camp - ages 19+ May 31 - June 2, 2007

Senior: ages 15-18 June 9 - 14, 2007

Teen: ages 12-14 June 29 - July 4, 2007

Pre-teen: ages 10 - 12 June 15 -20, 2007

Junior: ages 8 - 10 June 22 - 27, 2007

Big Shot: ages 6 - 8 June 5 - 9, 2007

NOTE: The dates and ages are taken from the state web site application download.

Applications are available from the pastor, youth director or state web site.

TWO VISITS

This morning, Karen and I attended two church services. We went to church with our oldest daughter near Mt. Juliet, TN where they attend Harvest Fellowship. Ron Hamm is the Pastor. We surprised them. We had told Danita that we would come to visit them in church sometime and today we did just that. They have an early service (8:30 am) that we attended. We enjoyed the worship and being with Danita, our oldest daughter, and Shane, our son-in-law.

Later this morning, we attended the 51st Homecoming Celebration at East Nashville Church of God of Prophecy, where we pastored for over four years. It was good to see old friends and some new faces as well. Pastor George McDowell, Jr. welcomed one and all. Dr. McDowell is completing his 5th year at East Nashville. The Mathis Family Singers did a fantastic job of singing. Bishop H. Wayne Hall, former State Overseer of TN and Fields of the Wood Director, preached an inspirational message. It was good to be with Deacon Binkley Beasley and his wife, Sister Helen Beasley. She has served as clerk and treasurer for many years - over 30 I am sure. It was good to see many others. Sister Creasy, one of our church mothers, was there. She told me she will be 87 years young this coming October. There were many others too numerous to remember and, my memory would fail to name them all. The food and fellowship were great. We are thankful for the opportunity to visit where we have ministered and see the work of the ministry continuing. Praise the Lord!

Huntingdon

We are praying for the folks at Huntingdon today. We will not be there but Brother Gerald Scott is scheduled to minister there as we continue with our time off.

Yesterday & Today

I took Karen back to the area where we first dated and over some roads we travelled when we were dating. Then I took her to Montgomery Bell Park where our children and grandchildren were waiting with an anniversary cake and lunch. We had a great time visiting and being with our family. We then went to Thunder Alley and played some games with the grandchildren. Our week is about up.

Today we are looking forward to visiting with one of our children in their church. We have not been with Danita in church before. She goes to the early service at 8:30 am at Harvest Outreach. Then we are going to the East Nashville Church of God of Prophecy Homecoming service, where we pastored a few years ago.

VACATION

Karen and I are enjoying our time together. Our time has included mostly nearby area attractions and places to visit. We took a mid-day General Jackson boat cruise (by Opry Mills) on Wednesday with buffet. The cruise was nice and relaxing. Yesterday we were at Lost River Cave near Bowling Green, KY. The area is very rustic with a lot of trails and historical interests (old mill buildings and an old black walnut processing factory). We enjoyed the boat trip in the cave. We also enjoyed the trail with the butterfly house - full of flowers and butterflies. We then went to Beech Bend Park in Bowling Green. Some of the rides (especially the water rides) were invigorating. We rode the large roller coaster only once and also the "Bunji Drop" ride only once - that was enough for me! We felt a little like teenagers again, but alas, the bodies were ready to leave after about four hours, even though the park was open another three hours. Last night we stopped by "River Jam" in Nashville (down on first avenue by the Cumberland River). The country music was enjoyable. We left there about nine when the last group was getting started.

This morning we are resting. We learned on Tuesday of this week that one of our previous member's mother died and we are going to the funeral home this afternoon.

Tomorrow is our 25th anniversary and I have the day especially planned to surprise Karen. More later.

NO PICTURES: I forgot my camera and it is at home (duh). We are enjoying our time and I don't have to deal with a camera. . .

TIME TOGETHER - KAREN'S SURPRISE IS COMING

Karen and I are leaving in a little while for our week of time together and "time away" on vacation - Saturday June 2 is our 25th wedding anniversary.. She surprised me Sunday (see previous post). Now it is my turn for the next several days. I will post more later.

Jason will be here for those who call and my cell phone will be on for any emergencies.

SUNDAY SURPRISE

What a surprise! Karen pulled one on me. Next Saturday is our 25th wedding anniversary. She contacted her family and my family. They came in to our worship service today - all twenty four of them. Karen's Mom, three Brothers and their wives. My Mom, my brother, his wife and twins, and my sister. Our four children and four grandchildren. Jason and Sarah sang. My Brother, Tony, and family sang. Mom, Joyce, Tony and Myself sang - then came the surprise which totally floored me.

Karen had it set up for us to renew our wedding vows. After the praise and worship time, our grandson, Caleb, came up with a card for me. I opened to read that Karen "proposed" and, of course, I accepted. It was a reversal of roles on that matter, but since it was a surprise to me, what could I say? Our two granddaughters were flower girls. Karen's Brother, Steven, gave her away. My Brother, Tony, did the minister's part. My son Jason sang, "Wind Beneath My Wings." The atmosphere was full of laughter and a great family feeling. The church also gave us a card with $115.00. Thanks to all who made this a great surprise. We love each of you.

Hope to have pictures later. I was not prepared to take pictures and will have to borrow some.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Sister Susie Reynolds requests continued prayer. Her knee surgery went well today and now she will be in rehab for several weeks. There was no knee replacement since the doctor felt she would recover and do well without one.

Brother Stanley Reynolds will be having cataract surgery tomorrow at 10:00 am. He requests prayer.

Sister Jenny Sanders requests prayer for healing of edema in her legs.

Sister Lilly Grooms requests prayer for strength. She has a weak heart and shortness of breath.

Sister Mildred Stacey requests prayer for upcoming knee surgery and also for her husband Ralph who is having some severe anxiety attacks.

Continued prayer for VBS coming June 18-22 and for Youth Camps that begin the last weekend in May and through June and the first few days of July.

Prayer for the State Convention which convenes the last weekend in July at the Chattanooga Convention Center. Prayer for Overseer McKinley as he moderated and all the guest speakers and others who minister.

POSTS

Due to continued work on the doctorate degree and deadlines to finish the work and pastoral responsibilities, I will be posting only a couple times a week. I will post the previous few days before the post date so that I will not be spending time getting on the site every day. Thanks for understanding.

Sunday, May 20, 2007 - NEW FAMILY

Today's service was great. Thank God for the great worship time. The Praise and Worship team led the praise and worship with great fervor and skill. We are thankful for a new member on the praise team - Casey Duncan. He plays the bass and also sings solos. The service was great!


We are thankful for a new family who attended today. Roger and Brenda Christian and their son and daughter visited today.

Sister Donna met with the VBS volunteers today. VBS is scheduled for the week of June 18.

Tonight was another great time in the Lord. Testimonies, worship and the word.

FIELD DAY AT KAREN'S SCHOOL

The school where Karen teaches, Creswell Middle Arts Magnet, had their field day today. The parents, teachers and staff donate hamburgers, hotdogs and all the rest for the meal. I was invited to come eat with them. I also helped with some of the set-up.

Karen with Principal, Dr. Dorothy Gunn.
In the center is Karen's 5th grade team leader Mrs. Rhodes.
In the field with the children taking care of some business.

In the back center is Mrs. Wilson. She is on Karen's team. Her family was displaced from the Katrina hurricane. We visited in their home this past week - per invitation. The visit was great and the food was excellent.

Wednesday Evening & Prayer Requests

Tonight was prayer and study in the fellowship hall. We ordered pizza. The time together was great as we prayed and studied the topic - "My Sufferings For His Glory." It was a time of great discussion and soul searching. Thank God for a special presence of God.

MOTHER'S DAY 2007

Cindy Duncan was the newest mother present with her five day old little son, Ethan Cole. Casey and Cindy Duncan brought their little son to church for the first time today. Casey and Cindy are now coming and Casey has joined the praise team. Cindy is pictured below holding the new little gift from God. The doctors had advised that there would likely be complications with the birth and that labor would need to be induced and done by c-section. However, the baby came naturally and healthy weighing 6 lb 9 oz. Cindy is doing well too. Thank the Lord!
Karen made chocolate, peanut butter, & chocolate covered cherry flower like bouquets for the mothers today. She worked about seven hours completing them yesterday. She also told us that she prayed for each one as she made the bouquets. There were fifteen mothers and grandmothers present and about 10 out visiting with their families in other places. We love each of these precious ladies.

Jason and I also presented Karen with a flower bouquet after she gave the mother's their appreciation gift.

Aviana's Birthday Pictures

Sunday, May 6, 2006

Thank the Lord for another great Sunday. God is continuing to be present in our services in a powerful way. Several were in the altar today.

Prayer requests.

Sister Marie Moore's sister is in Paris hospital with cancer. The doctors have said she may go at any time. We prayed with her today. Keep this family in your prayers.

Sister Susie Reynolds continues to desire prayer. She is in considerable pain and is scheduled for knee replacement surgery on May 23.

Lori Rivera is in need of prayer.

Jason Gordon is in need of prayer.

Shiloh (Sister Cathey Coleman's daughter) is in need of prayer.

Delilah Mummel desires prayer.

Our Youngest Grandchild's Birthday

Aviana turned four this week (05/02/07) and will have a Birthday party tomorrow (05/05/07). She is one of our GRANDS and we love her very much! We plan to be there.