YESTERDAY AND TODAY

Karen and I had most of the day "off" yesterday. I did do some studying and reading and walked 2.5 miles. We rested some during the day and went out to eat as our date for the week at Pizza Hut buffet last night. I don't think that is very wise to do very often since the buffet lends too much to eat. . . . .We had a good time and enjoyed each other's company. . . .

Karen was called, after applying several weeks ago and having an interview last week, and accepted part-time work at Wal-Mart. It reminds me of when I was in my early years of pastoring and she worked there for about 3 years, when we were both in junior college together. This is difficult for her since she has taught elementary school for 10 years but has been unable to find anything within an hour's drive. She has done two leaves of absence for a few months for a couple teachers and thats it for the last 19 months. Nothing was open this year and she called every school within an hour's drive. She is a trooper and I have been encouraging her. I told her, "think about the community people you will see at Wal-Mart and how you can make contact with them." She agreed but I know this is a difficult time for her. She begins Thursday afternoon and will work 25-30 hours a week until she can find something in her field. She has applied to sub. teach and has all her process completed to sub. since last November and has not had one call. We are still trusting God.

This morning I walked and then went and filled Jason's old car up with gasoline. It is running okay again but still has a small leak in the radiator.

By invitation, we attended a seminar today (3-6 pm with meal provided) at First Bank Community Room sponsored by our automobile insurance person. He is also a Senior Financial Adviser. Karen and I are not quite to that point (seniors) in our lives but it was a very helpful seminar. It was very interesting and informative on income tax, annuities, stock market and bank investment and retirement issues. We have a free consultation with Him later in the week. Do you think Pastor's need this kind of help too? After all, we are human and have those kinds of needs. I am almost 57 and technically could "retire" in 5.5 years but I don't think so. . . .

After we left there we came home for about 30 minutes and went to another seminar. This one was dealing with utility savings. The company sells and installs the space-engineered aluminum utility shield. It has proven to cut the cost of heating and cooling from 22-47%. It is not insulation. It is a "shield" that reflects radiant heat so that it stays cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. We met several people in this meeting including the parents of one of the couples, Chad and Kim Byars, who attends our church. It was a very informative meeting and also gave us opportunity to meet others in the community. I feel grateful to be a part of these type of community meetings, social events, school events, etc. to be involved with the people in the community.

I contacted the Huntingdon Rehab. Center to set up prayer meeting for tomorrow night. The person was out but she had already told us that we could have prayer meeting there any time. I will contact her again first thing in the morning.

Michigan Court: TV Indecency the Same as Indecent Exposure

"The Wolverine State is pioneering what could be a new approach to the prosecution of indecent material on cable television.

Michigan's Supreme Court has established that the state's indecent-exposure law includes the prosecution of indecent programming on cable television.

Through this law, the Michigan attorney general can prosecute national broadcasters that put indecent material on cable TV, according to Pat Trueman, senior counsel for the Alliance Defense Fund."


Read more. . .

CARTOON

FUND RAISER FOR YOUTH CAMP

We thank God for $200.00 dollars being raised for sponsoring youth in youth camp this coming summer in the Ham Breakfast/Brunch. Sister Karen and I really enjoyed cooking and serving this to raise funds for the children. We also thank the ones who donated so much to make this possible.

Sister Rita, church treasurer, told me that another $47.00 dollars came in for the youth during the service this morning. That makes almost $250.00 for youth camp this summer. We want to send as many youth as we can to Camp Hickory Hills this summer.

The camp is only 58 miles away, nestled in the rolling hills of Middle, TN. Over 230 acres of beautifully developed property, with cabins, staff house, chapel, gym, swimming pool, ball fields, and snack shack with pavillion and tables. There is a beautiful brook winding through the property and the Bears there are friendly, since Brother Terry Bear is the Camp Caretaker/Coordinator. Remember you have to feed the Bears to keep them happy.

INTERESTING SITES

Jihad Watch gives information on the activities of Muslims in the Middle East.

Here is part of their statement. You can read more on the site.

Why Jihad Watch?
"Because the West is facing a concerted effort by Islamic jihadists, the motives and goals of whom are largely ignored by the Western media, to destroy the West and bring it forcibly into the Islamic world -- and to commit violence to that end even while their overall goal remains out of reach. That effort goes under the general rubric of jihad. . . ."

Christian Who Was A Former Islam

This site has some awesome statistics and information abou the Middle East. Don't miss this site Middle East Info

Quote. "If the Arabs put down their weapons today, there would be no more violence. If the Jews put down their weapons today, there would be no more Israel."

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2006

Today was another great day in the Lord. It is great to see the newer people coming and being involved in the work of the Lord. We are also thankful for the faithful ones who continue to come and support the work of the Lord.

Today's message was the second in a series on stewarship entitled, "What Will You Pour Out To The Lord?" God is blessing the church as we continue to be faithful in our time, treasure and talent.

The service tonight was filled with worship and praises to the King of Kings. God blessed in an awesome way. We are so thankful for the great blessing of God on our lives and for knowing and experiencing the God of all the creation.

After the service for about an hour, I visited with Jimmy Davis, one of the newer attenders, he, his wife Virginia, daughter Carla and family, Jeff and family have attended in recent weeks. Brother Jimmy Sister Virginia and mother have come regular for the past several weeks. Brother Jimmy is asking more about the church and has been a great blessing to the ministry here. My God bless this family and help us to continue to minister to them.

CHURCH OF GOD OF PROPHECY COMMITTEE FOR DOCTRINE AND POLITY

Bible Doctrine and Polity web site, here you will find the upcoming issues and recommendations to the General Assemby which is scheduled for Nashville at Gaylord Entertainment Center in August. Previously I posted that the Acrobat Reader is needed, however the documents are in the WORD Microsoft program.

God Bless. . .Milton Gordon

SUNDAY, FEBRURARY 26, 2005 - MARCH 4, 2006

PRAYER AND FASTING WEEK FOR GENERAL OVERSEER SELECTION IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY: State Overseer E. C. McKinley in a letter to Pastors writes, "I am asking each of you join us in this time (Feb. 26 - Mar. 4, 2006) of prayer and fasting. . ."

This is a time of prayer and fasting for the next General Overseer of the Church of God of Prophecy since present General Overseer, Fred Fisher, has announced his retirement.

I am asking members and attenders of the church here in Huntingdon to pray and fast during this week as well.

FUND RAISER FOR YOUTH CAMP

Sister Karen and I arose early this morning and got the ham, biscuits, coffee, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, grits, and juices ready for serving. We are thankful for $165.00 being raised to send needy youth to youth camp this summer. We are thankful to those who donated items and for those who came to enjoy the food and fellowship. One couple donated over $100.oo in food items (15 dozen fresh eggs, 15 lb sausage, 3 large bags frozen biscuits, 3 gal. juices, 1 gal. milk, jellies, and a large commercial size coffee maker). The church now has the capacity to serve dozens of people with one brewing. One person also donated a large amount when paying for their breakfast. Both want to remain anonymous but God knows who they are - He blesses all we do for Him. We have plenty left to raise more funds and plan to serve early in the morning before Sunday School. We will serve from 8:30-9:30 am. No food will be served after 9:30 am since Sunday School will start at 10 am. Sister Gordon and I will be there early in the morning to get the breakfast ready.

LEADERSHIP QUOTES

"Persistence and concentration are the essence of discipline." James L. Fisher

"No disguise can long conceal love where it exists, or long feign it where it is lacking." Francios de la Rochefoucauld

"Fame is the beginning of the fall of greatness." Alexandre Rozanov

"If I have said something to hurt a man once, I shall not get the better of this by saying many things to please him." Dr. Samuel Johnson

FRIDAY FEB. 24, 2006 - VISITS AND PRAYER REQUESTS

After walking a couple miles this morning in prayer and meditation, I took Jason to college at Bethel in McKenzie. His old car is still having cooling system problems. I visited and prayed with Sister Lennie Mae Crossno at the McKenzie Nursing Facility. I also stopped by and visited with Brother J. E. Moore and prayed for Sister Moore who is still having problems getting up from sitting or lying down. Brother Moore told her that the lift chair would be coming today. She asked for prayer that she can get her strength back to come to church again.

I received an email from Rex Worman. He had some hear tests today and tests turned out okay except for they "found a slight mytral valve prolapse which is not serious." Remember to pray for Rex and for Lori.

The Ham Breakfast/Brunch is scheduled for tomorrow from 8-10 am. Please come and help us raise funds for needy youth to go to church youthcamp this summer.

JOURNALS & MAGAZINES

Excellent Christian articles (ex. after clicking on the link type in a word such as leadership, faith, etc and hit go) :
Discipleship Journal Archives

Leadership Journal

Christianity Today

Concordia Theological Quarterly

Cyberjournal for Pentecostal-Charismatic Research

Master's Seminary Journal Archives

McMaster Journal of Theology and Ministry

Touchstone Archives

Theology Today Archives

Register for free access to Sojourners

Quaker Theology

Modern Reformation

BLOG Commentary on Faith and Cultural Trends Between The Times

Journal of Grace Evangelical Society

TODAY & PRAYER REQUEST

This morning started with trying to get Jason off to college. His old car developed another malady - profusive leaking of coolant under the car. We finally got Jason off and now have to find other transportation or get the old car repaired.

I visited with Rev. Chuck Burks a couple hours again today. I am visiting with him weekly to discuss ministry plans. He continues to want to know more about the Church of God of Prophecy. Brother Burks and his wife Ragene are now attending our services and now want to become members of the local church here at Huntingdon. Covenant Sunday is planned for April 9th. There are others who are asking about coming into the church. We are praying for others who will come and join in the journey - loving, worshipping and serving the Lord - to reach others with the Gospel message of Jesus Christ.

Late this afternoon, Karen and I went to Bethel College and discussed some things with Jason for a while. We are continuing to work with him as he studies in the music field. We also went by the office in McKenzie where Sister Rita Moore works and got some church business taken care of.

We went to Wal-Mart to get some needed items and saw Stanley and Judy Reynolds there. We visited with them a few minutes. It is not unusual to see church members and/or attenders in this community at Wal-Mart or the few other places here.

I read some and studied some on the DMin. material later this afternoon and night. Karen is crocheting pillow cases and finishing them for different ones who have asked for her to make them something. She is more patient than I am doing something like that.

Karen and I both have interviews tomorrow. Much of my pastoral ministry has been BI-Vocational. We know God supplies and sometimes it is through opening doors for getting part-time and/or full-time secular employment. Your prayers are requested as we continue to seek the Lord in this. May His will be done and may He be glorified in our lives - I pray.

DISCUSSION ON MEASURING CHURCH GROWTH

The following is part of a discussion on measuring church growth. . .

Fong: I teach it this way: there are two parts of the Good News. First, everyone's a rat. There are no squirrels. I told my congregation, "Some of you think you're just a cute little squirrel sinner. Who hates a squirrel?" I said, "Have I got news for you. Everyone's a rat. God doesn't see any squirrels."

When I said this at the drug rehab place—"How many feel like a rat?"—everybody raised their hands right away. At seminary chapel, it was like, hmmm, some of the professors weren't sure. I said, "Some of you are raising your hands because you know I'm theologically correct, but you don't feel like a rat." I said, "Until you know that you're a rat, it's not good news to find out you're not the only rat in the room."

I said, "Some of us are rats because we're not convinced we're rats. We look around and think that someone else is a bigger rat, that someone else needs the cross more than I do.
"Only when you know you're a rat are you ready for the second part: God is not an exterminator."

Read the rest Measuring What Matters

PRAYER

These are unable to attend church on a regular basis or at all. Unable to attend at all are Lennie Mae Crossno and Bonnie (Curtis) Crossno. Those able to attend seldom are Lilly Grooms, Jennie Sanders and Mildred Stacy. These need our prayers and care. Pray for them, visit or call them.

PRAYER

Please pray for Donna Crossno. She is not feeling well in body today.

PRAYER AND SCRIPTURES

Heavenly Father, thank You for another time to come to You through Your Son Jesus. I pray for all men everywhere to come to the knowlege and experience of your salvation. I pray today for the leaders in the nations of this world. I ask for wisdom for President Bush and all of his staff. I pray for leaders throughout this world in nations, states, countries, cities and local areas. I pray for leaders in the church - International Leaders, state leaders, country and area leaders and local leaders. Thank you for these leaders. I ask that You undergird them with more grace. I ask for more widsom for leaders in nations, countries, states and local areas - for law enforcement, for government leaders and for church leaders. The Apostle Paul encourged prayer for all men and for all that are in authority. His words tell us in 1 Timothy 2:1-4 "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth."

I ask for greater stability in servant leadership thinking and for clearer directives in our daily tasks. Make us strong in our spirits and in our minds. Help our minds to be more and more like the mind of Christ. When pressures of work and ministry seem more than possible to bear, help us to lean on You - that moment and know that in our weakness You are still strong. Keep me free from the "superhuman" syndrome but instill in me the knowledge and wisdom to know that Your grace is sufficient for all ministry. Forgive me of the failures, faults, hidden sins and weights in my life that need to be confessed, forsaken and lain down at the foot of the Cross.
I ask these favors in the wonderful name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. AMEN!

UPDATE

It has been a couple days since I posted. Yesterday (2/20), was a day to relax, mostly, for Karen and I. I did do some reading in the doctoral studies.

Today Karen and I traveled to an interview that she had scheduled for a school teaching position. Karen has applied in many places since we have been in this rural area but has not secured a position teaching school within an hours drive. God knows our needs and He will supply - in more ways than we can ever imagine. We are seeking His direction.

The Ham Breakfast/Brunch has been rescheduled for this coming Saturday morning (02/26) from 8:00 - 10:00 am. We want to raise funds to help needy children go to church youth camp this summer. There are already several families talking about sending their children.

EMAIL FROM GIGI CUMMINS - WEST TN YOUTH DIRECTOR

Hello everyone....Please help me spread the word about Teen Talent...Unfortunately we had to change the dates for Tennessee Teen Talent Competitions----- Please make sure that the youth at your church have the correct information and tell any other church in your area who may not have received this information. We want all of our youth to have the opportunity to worship God with the talents He has given them.
Below you will find a list of the different categories of competition , age requirements , a TennesseeTeen Talent 2006 application, and the NEW dates. Please mail all applications at least 3 days before competition to :Gigi Cummings 1082 Wellsville Rd. Memphis, TN 38117).

Participants may participate in more than one category, simply indicate on the application all of the categories in which you plan to compete.

If you have any questions concerning Teen Talent..please do not hesitate to email ( gigi@tennesseeyouth.org ) or call me at (901)355-3211.

2006 Tennessee Teen Talent Application

Name _____________________________________________

Address ___________________________________________

___________________________________________

Phone # ___________________________________________

Birthday ___________________________ Age ________

Local Church ________________________________________

Category ___________________________________________

Please circle the location where you will be competing.

East TN - Arrowhead Church- March 25, 2006 - 1PM Middle TN - Crossroads Church April 1, 2006- 1PM West TN- Paris Church – April 8, 2006 - 1PM

Please ask your pastor to sign the statement below.

___________________________, regularly attends church at
(Applicant's Name)

________________________________.
Pastor’s Signature

No Application FeePlease return all applications to: Gigi Cummings 1082 Wellsville Rd. Memphis, TN 38117.Please mail all applications at least 3 days before competition.Questions? Call Gigi at 901-355-3211 or email me at gigi@tennesseeyouth.org.


Teen Talent2006

Please note the changes to the International Teen Talent Program.

One of the most exciting changes will be the requirements to participate in the International Program.In the past only the winners from each State were eligible to participate at the International level. However, this coming year all those who receive a Superior Rating with Invitation will be eligible to participate in Nashville for our International Finals. This will mean it would be possible to have more than one individual or group to participate from a local Church and or State. The Rationale is that we are focusing more on encouraging our Youth to develop their Talents realizing that ALL are WINNERS!

Age Groups:

Junior Talent: 7 – 12 Years Old

Art: Drawing, Painting and Photography.

Creative Writing: Essay and Poetry.

Drama: Mime (Solo and Group), Interpretative Dance (Solo and Group) Human Video (Solo and Group)

Music: Vocal Solo – Male and Female, Keyboard Solo, Percussion Solo, Instrumental Solo (Brass, Woodwind, Strings) Vocal Ensemble (2 to 11 People),Choir (12 or More) and Instrumental Group (2 or More)

Teen Talent: 12 – 19 (A Person who turns 12 1/2 by August 21st 2006 will be eligible to participate in this Division. A Person who has not reached their 20th Birthday before District, Regional or State Programs will be eligible to participate in this Division)

Art: Drawing, Painting, Mixed Media and Photography.

Creative Writing: Essay, Poetry and Short Stories.

Drama: Monologue, Mime (Solo and Group), Interpretative Dance (Solo and Group) Human Video (Solo and Group) Step Team, Drama Group Music: Vocal Solo – Male and Female, Keyboard Solo, Percussion Solo, Instrumental Solo in Brass, Woodwinds, Strings, Vocal Ensemble (2 to 11 People),Choir (12 or More) and Instrumental Group (2 or More).

NEW! Praise Band and Individual Artist (A Person who Sings and Plays an Instrument during their Selection NOTE: They must feature their instrument in at least 20% of their performance)

COMMUNICATION Division - Short Sermon (7 – 10 mins.), Sign Language

Young Adult Talent: Persons between the ages of 20 -35.

Art: Drawing, Painting and Photography.

Creative Writing: Essay and Poetry.

Drama: Mime (Solo and Group), Interpretative Dance (Solo and Group) Human Video (Solo and Group)

Music: Vocal Solo – Male and Female, Keyboard Solo, Percussion Solo, Instrumental Solo (Brass, Woodwind, Strings) Vocal Ensemble (2 to 11 People),and Instrumental Group (2 or More). NEW!!! Praise Band

Thank you so much for helping me spread the word about TN Teen Talent 2006!!!
Love ya'll Lots,
God Bless!!
Gigi
West Tennessee Youth Director

SUNDAY SERVICES & WINTER WEATHER

The winter weather has hit in this area. Temperatures were in the low double and high single digits early this morning. Icy, windy, cold weather is keeping most people inside most of the time - which is wise.

Sunday morning service went well but the attendance was down to about half of regular attendance. It is difficult for seniors, children and disabled congregants to get out in this weather.

We are thankful for those who braved the weather and came to the service. God blessed as we worshipped and exalted the Creator. We are so thankful for his blessings and all that He is!