When God wants you to get His message, He often sends it in various ways. We are in this series Fearless. The scriptures in my devotional time this morning spoke directly to this. The first was from Psalm 121:1-2: “I will lift up my eyes to the hills - from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”
Jim Coleman, one of the pastors on staff with Dr. Robert Schuler, wrote on that passage:
When we're bombarded or buried with all of our problems, challenges, financial losses, daily pressures, health concerns - the list goes on and on and on - look up! We have a big God. His love, His joy, His mercy is looming in front of you right now. Stop whatever you're doing. Take your focus off your problems. Look up to God - YOU'VE ARRIVED! Your destination, God, is with you always!
I don’t know about you, but I need reminders like that. We have a very Big, Great God. Sometime I allow the situation to blind me of God. Yet, God is always there, if I simply look up.
Then to reinforce His message to me, God sent it again in the Upper Room Scripture of Wednesday, August 18: “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:2) In order to do that, I have to spend time in God’s Word and Presence each day.
The challenges and fears of this world come at each of us regularly. God has given us a pattern for life that is designed to help us face these challenges. That pattern includes weekly worship with the Body of Christ, personal time in prayer and Bible study, and acts of service in Jesus name. As I worship Christ and spend time with Christ, I am able to lift my eyes to the hills in the confidence that my help does come from the Lord.
Our Children’s Ministry Team has begun a new ministry to help parents and grandparents look up. They have established a Parent’s Book Club and Discussion Blog. The Discussion Blog began this week. It is not too late to pick up a copy of George Barna’s Revolutionary Parenting. You can purchase a copy for $14.00 in the Child Enrichment Center Office or you can order on line at http://tiny.cc/revolutionaryparenting. As you read the book, go on line and join in the on-line discussion. Here is the link to the online discussion Blog: www.kidsrevolutionatgmv.blogspot.com
Some of us are presently participating in a month of prayer for the children. If you picked up a prayer card for a child or teacher, don’t forget to write the child a Prayer Note. Return the Prayer Note to the office, so they can be delivered to the children by the end of the month.
Children’s Choirs and Bible Study begin today. And it’s not too late to join in one the adult studies on Wednesday. Come on out and experience a mid-week recharge.
As always, your responses to these Reflections are welcome. You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Bring the Children to Jesus
Every time a child is baptized in our church, these words of Jesus are read; “Let the children come to me, do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” (Matthew 19:14; RSV) Jesus words remind me of the wonderful privilege and awesome responsibility that we have. The Body of Christ joins with the parents of the child to bring the child to Jesus.
Some of you know that God laid it on my heart to intentionally pray for the children connected to our Church Family. Each morning I pray for a child or two, specifically praying for that child to come to know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. As I began this journey of prayer for the children back in May, God quickly reminded me that I needed to pray for parents as well. While the Body of Christ has a vital role in a child’s coming to faith in Jesus Christ, parents have an even larger role.
To help parents in their role, our Children’s Ministry Team has begun a new ministry. They have begun a Parent’s Book Club and Discussion Blog. The Discussion Blog will begin this coming Monday, August 16. Parent’s are encouraged to read George Barna’s Revolutionary Parenting. You can purchase a copy for $14.00 in the Child Enrichment Center Office or you can order on line at http://tiny.cc/revolutionaryparenting. Then on August 16, you can join in the on-line discussion of chapter 1. Here link to the online discussion Blog: www.kidsrevolutionatgmv.blogspot.com
Some of us are presently participating in a month of prayer for the children. If you picked up a prayer card for a child or teacher, don’t forget to write the child a Prayer Note. Return the Prayer Note to the office, so they can be delivered to the children by the end of the month. The goal was to have the Prayer Notes in the office by August 15.
I’m not sure we realize how many children we presently have the potential of influencing for Christ. We again have over 350 children registered in our Child Enrichment Center. Their classes actually begin August 16th. Some of those children are part of our church family and others are not. In addition, we have some 250 children and youth who are part of our children who will be in elementary, middle or high school. That is 600 children we are praying for this August. Thank you to all who have made the commitment to pray for the children. We do have a few cards that have not been picked up. If you have missed the opportunity to get a Prayer Card for the Children, or would be willing to take another one or two, come by the office.
I was blessed with the opportunity to participate in the Prayer Walk at Snow Rogers School this past Sunday afternoon. I have not heard how it went at every school, but we were greeted` by our own Karen White, who is the principal there. She shared some specific requests for the start of the school year and then we covered the entire facility in prayer. I understand some of our church family made the news Sunday night as ABC 33/40 did a segment on the Prayer Walk at Gardendale High School.
This Monday, August 16, we will have a Prayer Walk before our Child Enrichment Center classes begin. You are invited to join us at 6:30 in the Children’s Dining Room (First Floor) to begin the Prayer Walk. We will finish by 6:55, so the doors can open at 7:00 for the early birds. This is another opportunity to cover children in prayer.
Today, Wednesday, August 11, kicks-off Wednesday Grow. Classes begin at 6:30. There are a variety of growth opportunities in addition to the Fearless Small Groups. Come and join in this time of fellowship and growing. It is another way we participate in building up the body of Christ.
I leave you with thought that was passed on to me by Karen Smith: GOD can turn a MESS into a MESSage, a TEST into a TESTimony, a TRIal into a TRIumph, a VICtim into a VICtory. GOD is GOOD...all the time.
As always, your responses to these Reflections are welcome. You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.
Some of you know that God laid it on my heart to intentionally pray for the children connected to our Church Family. Each morning I pray for a child or two, specifically praying for that child to come to know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. As I began this journey of prayer for the children back in May, God quickly reminded me that I needed to pray for parents as well. While the Body of Christ has a vital role in a child’s coming to faith in Jesus Christ, parents have an even larger role.
To help parents in their role, our Children’s Ministry Team has begun a new ministry. They have begun a Parent’s Book Club and Discussion Blog. The Discussion Blog will begin this coming Monday, August 16. Parent’s are encouraged to read George Barna’s Revolutionary Parenting. You can purchase a copy for $14.00 in the Child Enrichment Center Office or you can order on line at http://tiny.cc/revolutionaryparenting. Then on August 16, you can join in the on-line discussion of chapter 1. Here link to the online discussion Blog: www.kidsrevolutionatgmv.blogspot.com
Some of us are presently participating in a month of prayer for the children. If you picked up a prayer card for a child or teacher, don’t forget to write the child a Prayer Note. Return the Prayer Note to the office, so they can be delivered to the children by the end of the month. The goal was to have the Prayer Notes in the office by August 15.
I’m not sure we realize how many children we presently have the potential of influencing for Christ. We again have over 350 children registered in our Child Enrichment Center. Their classes actually begin August 16th. Some of those children are part of our church family and others are not. In addition, we have some 250 children and youth who are part of our children who will be in elementary, middle or high school. That is 600 children we are praying for this August. Thank you to all who have made the commitment to pray for the children. We do have a few cards that have not been picked up. If you have missed the opportunity to get a Prayer Card for the Children, or would be willing to take another one or two, come by the office.
I was blessed with the opportunity to participate in the Prayer Walk at Snow Rogers School this past Sunday afternoon. I have not heard how it went at every school, but we were greeted` by our own Karen White, who is the principal there. She shared some specific requests for the start of the school year and then we covered the entire facility in prayer. I understand some of our church family made the news Sunday night as ABC 33/40 did a segment on the Prayer Walk at Gardendale High School.
This Monday, August 16, we will have a Prayer Walk before our Child Enrichment Center classes begin. You are invited to join us at 6:30 in the Children’s Dining Room (First Floor) to begin the Prayer Walk. We will finish by 6:55, so the doors can open at 7:00 for the early birds. This is another opportunity to cover children in prayer.
Today, Wednesday, August 11, kicks-off Wednesday Grow. Classes begin at 6:30. There are a variety of growth opportunities in addition to the Fearless Small Groups. Come and join in this time of fellowship and growing. It is another way we participate in building up the body of Christ.
I leave you with thought that was passed on to me by Karen Smith: GOD can turn a MESS into a MESSage, a TEST into a TESTimony, a TRIal into a TRIumph, a VICtim into a VICtory. GOD is GOOD...all the time.
As always, your responses to these Reflections are welcome. You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Can We Put Anything Else into a Weekend?
As the staff prayed this morning, (Wednesday), I found myself feeling a little overwhelmed as we prayed about this weekend. We have a lot going on. Friday night and Saturday morning is the North Jefferson Ministry Association Men’s Conference at the Church Revived. I’m teaching on Family Order from Ephesians 5 and 6. Men, there is still room.
Sunday morning we kick off our August Camp Meeting – August Reach 2010. This year’s message theme is Fearless. As I was feeling a little overwhelmed thinking of everything I have this weekend, Jesus’ question for this Sunday’s message came back to my mind, “Why are you afraid?” It is a question that all of us face sometime in our lives.
I received an email this week from one who shared some of her fears. Visiting in the hospital, I heard another express some fears. Fears come at us from many angles. The question is, how do you deal with your fears? Read Matthew 8:23-27 in preparation for Sunday morning’s message. The disciples were suddenly faced with the fear of a storm and there are some important messages for us in that story.
Sunday afternoon we are having a Back To School Rally for the Hispanic Community of 100 Oaks. This is an opportunity to build relationships with the Hispanic community as we move toward English as a Second Language Classes and Spanish Bible Study and Worship in 2011. This event begins at 3:00 PM. We could still use some homemade goodies for the Rally. If you would provide some homemade cookies, finger sandwiches, chips & dip, please contact Jennifer Lindholm jlindholm@gmvumc.org. You can bring them Sunday morning. If you would like to help with this outreach, please let Jennifer know. We will need some people to help with food tables and handout school and family packets.
Sunday evening we kick off BODY BUILDING: Connecting, Growing, Equipping the Body of Christ. Intergenerational Worship begins at 6:00 PM in the sanctuary. This Sunday some of our children will be leading our worship. Then at 6:30 PM there will be a variety of opportunities. Our Youth Ministries have restructured their Sunday evening to be part of the worship time. After worship they will have their small groups and children will have growth studies.
Adult options are as follows:
• Connecting Group: Jesus 101, led by Bob Brewis. This is a look at Jesus in the Gospel of John. Read the first chapter of John before the class.
• Growing Groups:
o Fearless Groups, led by Paul Wiegert and Judy Shepherd
o Disciple Bible I led by Billie Sue Hulsey
• Equipping Group: Discover Your Serve, led by Pam Ansardi
• Chasing Rabbits: Faith Conversation with the Pastor.
I’m looking forward to our Chasing Rabbits conversations. Sunday night we’re going to begin with the question, Why did the people of Israel have so much fear in their journey to the Promise Land, when God kept working miracles? Which leads to the question, why do we let fear grip us? If you have some faith questions you would like to discuss, drop me an email.
Sunday also kicks off a Month of Prayer for the Children. You are invited to be a Prayer Warrior for one or more children or for a teacher as they begin the school year. Cards with all the children enrolled in our Child Enrichment Center and all the school aged children of our Church Family will be on the altars on Sunday. They will be color coded according to age. There will be instructions on the prayer card about praying for the child/teenager for the month of August and writing the child/teenager a note to let them know you have been praying for them.
Then on August 8th, at 3:30 PM, there will be a Prayer Walk at all of the schools in North Jefferson County. In most of the schools we will have the opportunity to walk the halls of the school and pray for students, teaches, administrators and staff. You might go to the school closest to you, or the school that your children/grandchildren will be attending. There will be a leader at each campus with information on how you might pray as you walk through or around the facilities.
I’m excited about what God has planned for us in the month of August. Be in prayer and be present as we grow together in Christ. As always, your responses to these Reflections are welcome. You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.
Sunday morning we kick off our August Camp Meeting – August Reach 2010. This year’s message theme is Fearless. As I was feeling a little overwhelmed thinking of everything I have this weekend, Jesus’ question for this Sunday’s message came back to my mind, “Why are you afraid?” It is a question that all of us face sometime in our lives.
I received an email this week from one who shared some of her fears. Visiting in the hospital, I heard another express some fears. Fears come at us from many angles. The question is, how do you deal with your fears? Read Matthew 8:23-27 in preparation for Sunday morning’s message. The disciples were suddenly faced with the fear of a storm and there are some important messages for us in that story.
Sunday afternoon we are having a Back To School Rally for the Hispanic Community of 100 Oaks. This is an opportunity to build relationships with the Hispanic community as we move toward English as a Second Language Classes and Spanish Bible Study and Worship in 2011. This event begins at 3:00 PM. We could still use some homemade goodies for the Rally. If you would provide some homemade cookies, finger sandwiches, chips & dip, please contact Jennifer Lindholm jlindholm@gmvumc.org. You can bring them Sunday morning. If you would like to help with this outreach, please let Jennifer know. We will need some people to help with food tables and handout school and family packets.
Sunday evening we kick off BODY BUILDING: Connecting, Growing, Equipping the Body of Christ. Intergenerational Worship begins at 6:00 PM in the sanctuary. This Sunday some of our children will be leading our worship. Then at 6:30 PM there will be a variety of opportunities. Our Youth Ministries have restructured their Sunday evening to be part of the worship time. After worship they will have their small groups and children will have growth studies.
Adult options are as follows:
• Connecting Group: Jesus 101, led by Bob Brewis. This is a look at Jesus in the Gospel of John. Read the first chapter of John before the class.
• Growing Groups:
o Fearless Groups, led by Paul Wiegert and Judy Shepherd
o Disciple Bible I led by Billie Sue Hulsey
• Equipping Group: Discover Your Serve, led by Pam Ansardi
• Chasing Rabbits: Faith Conversation with the Pastor.
I’m looking forward to our Chasing Rabbits conversations. Sunday night we’re going to begin with the question, Why did the people of Israel have so much fear in their journey to the Promise Land, when God kept working miracles? Which leads to the question, why do we let fear grip us? If you have some faith questions you would like to discuss, drop me an email.
Sunday also kicks off a Month of Prayer for the Children. You are invited to be a Prayer Warrior for one or more children or for a teacher as they begin the school year. Cards with all the children enrolled in our Child Enrichment Center and all the school aged children of our Church Family will be on the altars on Sunday. They will be color coded according to age. There will be instructions on the prayer card about praying for the child/teenager for the month of August and writing the child/teenager a note to let them know you have been praying for them.
Then on August 8th, at 3:30 PM, there will be a Prayer Walk at all of the schools in North Jefferson County. In most of the schools we will have the opportunity to walk the halls of the school and pray for students, teaches, administrators and staff. You might go to the school closest to you, or the school that your children/grandchildren will be attending. There will be a leader at each campus with information on how you might pray as you walk through or around the facilities.
I’m excited about what God has planned for us in the month of August. Be in prayer and be present as we grow together in Christ. As always, your responses to these Reflections are welcome. You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Finishing Strong
Something happened with last week’s reflection. It went out blank. Jennifer resent it later in the week, but apparently it still did not get out. So, here are my reflections from last week, along with some thoughts for this week.
I was reading a devotional this week that used Carl Lewis as an illustration. Carl Lewis is the record holder when it comes to the most Individual Gold Medals in Track & Field in a single Olympics. He won four Gold Medals in one Olympics. In the devotional, it was pointed out that Carl Lewis was not a good starter. If you look at recordings of his races, it was very rare for him to be the first off the starting line. Carl Lewis was a stronger finisher. He knew how to finish strong.
Finishing strong must be a message God wants me to learn. It was the theme of the message at Gina’s parent’s church on Sunday (Father’s Day). The title of the message was, “Daddy, Please Finish Well.” It was taken from these words of Paul to Timothy: “I have fought to good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8; NRSV) Paul was approaching the end of his life. He writes to Timothy, “I’m committed to finishing well.”
A little over a week ago, Gina and I celebrated the homegoing of one who finished strong. Gina’s Uncle Bud Yoakum died on Friday and his funeral was Saturday. During the service it was shared that Uncle Bud had introduced a nurse to Jesus in his final days. As he approached the end of his life, he was still thinking of others and concerned about their salvation. He finished strong the race of faith and has received his crown.
Some of you know that Gina’s mother (Sue Yoakum) is in a battle with cancer. She was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer this spring. This weekend I heard her say; “I’m not afraid of dying, but I am afraid I will not see some of those I love after I die.” Think about that for a moment, “I am afraid I will not see some of those I love after I die.” She was referring to some of her children, grandchildren, brothers and sisters who do not know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. They are not all like Uncle Bud, committed to finishing strong the race of faith.
I imagine that most of us have ones we love who are not ready to enter eternity with Jesus. That fact should concern us. It should be a part of our prayer life. And we should be looking for opportunities to share Jesus.
One way I’m doing that is praying for the children related to our church who have not made a public profession of faith in Jesus Christ. Each day I pray for three to five children and their parents. For young children, parents are the key to their faith development. So, I’m praying that parents will model for their kids what it means to be a Christ Follower. And I’m praying that children will be open to the pull of Christ at their heart. I know that Jesus is seeking them.
Back to the pastor’s message: He pointed out that in Sevier County, Tennessee, only about 20% of the people are actively involved in the Body of Christ, a Church. I’m not sure that Jefferson County is much better. We don’t have to go overseas to find the mission field. We live every day in our mission field. The question is; are we committed to reaching those persons we know who are traveling through life without Jesus? Does it concern us that they may go into eternity without Jesus?
I think we need some of that fear that Gina’s mother expressed. Maybe it would motivate us to make sharing our faith a priority. I know her words have challenged me to pray more faithfully for undiscipled people and ask the Holy Spirit to give me eyes to see open doors through which I can share Jesus.
This Sunday we will celebrate our nation’s Declaration of Independence. I encourage you not to leave worship out of the July 4th activities. America was birthed by people who were committed to worshipping the Living God. It has been pointed out the majority of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were committed Christians, active in their local Church. I’m convinced that was what made America strong. And that is still the key to strong America.
As always, your responses to these Reflections are welcome. You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.
I was reading a devotional this week that used Carl Lewis as an illustration. Carl Lewis is the record holder when it comes to the most Individual Gold Medals in Track & Field in a single Olympics. He won four Gold Medals in one Olympics. In the devotional, it was pointed out that Carl Lewis was not a good starter. If you look at recordings of his races, it was very rare for him to be the first off the starting line. Carl Lewis was a stronger finisher. He knew how to finish strong.
Finishing strong must be a message God wants me to learn. It was the theme of the message at Gina’s parent’s church on Sunday (Father’s Day). The title of the message was, “Daddy, Please Finish Well.” It was taken from these words of Paul to Timothy: “I have fought to good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8; NRSV) Paul was approaching the end of his life. He writes to Timothy, “I’m committed to finishing well.”
A little over a week ago, Gina and I celebrated the homegoing of one who finished strong. Gina’s Uncle Bud Yoakum died on Friday and his funeral was Saturday. During the service it was shared that Uncle Bud had introduced a nurse to Jesus in his final days. As he approached the end of his life, he was still thinking of others and concerned about their salvation. He finished strong the race of faith and has received his crown.
Some of you know that Gina’s mother (Sue Yoakum) is in a battle with cancer. She was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer this spring. This weekend I heard her say; “I’m not afraid of dying, but I am afraid I will not see some of those I love after I die.” Think about that for a moment, “I am afraid I will not see some of those I love after I die.” She was referring to some of her children, grandchildren, brothers and sisters who do not know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. They are not all like Uncle Bud, committed to finishing strong the race of faith.
I imagine that most of us have ones we love who are not ready to enter eternity with Jesus. That fact should concern us. It should be a part of our prayer life. And we should be looking for opportunities to share Jesus.
One way I’m doing that is praying for the children related to our church who have not made a public profession of faith in Jesus Christ. Each day I pray for three to five children and their parents. For young children, parents are the key to their faith development. So, I’m praying that parents will model for their kids what it means to be a Christ Follower. And I’m praying that children will be open to the pull of Christ at their heart. I know that Jesus is seeking them.
Back to the pastor’s message: He pointed out that in Sevier County, Tennessee, only about 20% of the people are actively involved in the Body of Christ, a Church. I’m not sure that Jefferson County is much better. We don’t have to go overseas to find the mission field. We live every day in our mission field. The question is; are we committed to reaching those persons we know who are traveling through life without Jesus? Does it concern us that they may go into eternity without Jesus?
I think we need some of that fear that Gina’s mother expressed. Maybe it would motivate us to make sharing our faith a priority. I know her words have challenged me to pray more faithfully for undiscipled people and ask the Holy Spirit to give me eyes to see open doors through which I can share Jesus.
This Sunday we will celebrate our nation’s Declaration of Independence. I encourage you not to leave worship out of the July 4th activities. America was birthed by people who were committed to worshipping the Living God. It has been pointed out the majority of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were committed Christians, active in their local Church. I’m convinced that was what made America strong. And that is still the key to strong America.
As always, your responses to these Reflections are welcome. You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
The Power of Character
A “Perfect Game” in baseball is very rare. There have been only 20 pitchers to pitch a perfect game in the 135 years of professional baseball. On June 2, Armando Galarraga, of the Detroit Tigers, actually was the 21st pitcher to accomplish that feat. But Galarraga was denied his perfect game because of a bad call by the umpire.
For those who do not know what a Perfect Game is, it is a pitcher who faces only 3 batters each inning, 27 for the game. That is 3 up and 3 outs each inning, with no base runners. It is very rare in baseball.
Armando Galarraga pitched such a game but it was taken away from him by a bad call. He had gotten the first 26 batters out. Only one more batter and he would have been memorialized in Baseball’s Hall of Fame. It happened, but the First Base Umpire made a bad call. He called that 27th batter safe at first, when replays showed he was out. After the game Umpire James Joyce acknowledged that he blew the call, but the perfect game had been lost.
Instead of a Perfect Game, Galarraga will be remembered for something else – his character. He looked in disbelief as the Umpire called the runner safe at first and smiled. Steve May, wrote of the moment, “But Galarraga just smiled – albeit a sardonic ‘you’ve go to be kidding me’ smile – and then he went back to the mound and got the last out. Even after the game, he refused to lash out at the umpire’s mistake.” Armando Galarraga demonstrated character that is kind of a rarity these days, especially in the world of sports.
Steve May, in his “Monday Morning Memo” reminded readers that blown calls are a fact of life. “They come at us in different ways: The boss who gives credit to the wrong guy, the teenager who blames everyone else for their own insolence, the church member who finds fault in everything the pastor does. The result is that sometimes you get short-changed. You deserve credit, but credit doesn’t come your way, thanks to someone else’s bad judgment.”
In those moments, how do you respond? Do you have the mind of Christ, that looked at his betrayers and forgave them? I don’t know anything about Galarraga’s faith, but he demonstrated a Christ-like character. What about you and me? When you are hurt by the bad judgment of others, do you lash out? Do you get mad? Or, do you smile and get back to work?
Galarraga did not get the Perfect Game he deserved. But he did show baseball fans how a true sportsman plays the game. What about you and me? Do we show those who are watching us how a Christ-Follower plays the game of life? Do those around us see a Christ-like character in the way we respond in those times we are hurt?
The Apostle Paul commended the Thessalonians for such character. He wrote: “So, when you accepted the message, you followed our example and the example of the Lord. You suffered, but the Holy Spirit made you glad. You became an example for all the Lord's followers in Macedonia and Achaia.” (1 Thessalonians 1:6-7; CEV)
Remember to lift the Youth Mission Team in your prayers. They are in Tennessee, serving others in Jesus’ name. They will be returning on Saturday.
Sunday morning, our Family and Leisure Team, is having a Pancake Breakfast for dads. Bring your father to breakfast before Worship and Sunday School. Breakfast will be served in the Fellowship Hall from 8:00 AM until 10:00 AM.
Some have asked me if I have read Max Lucado’s new book, Fearless? I am reading it and planning a message series related to it for our August Camp Meeting. We will also be having Small Groups that will be studying the book. If you would be interested in hosting a small group or leading one, you can email me. Most of these groups will kick off the first week in August. Some may wait until the second week. Either way, they will run five weeks.
As always, your responses to these Reflections are welcome. You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.
For those who do not know what a Perfect Game is, it is a pitcher who faces only 3 batters each inning, 27 for the game. That is 3 up and 3 outs each inning, with no base runners. It is very rare in baseball.
Armando Galarraga pitched such a game but it was taken away from him by a bad call. He had gotten the first 26 batters out. Only one more batter and he would have been memorialized in Baseball’s Hall of Fame. It happened, but the First Base Umpire made a bad call. He called that 27th batter safe at first, when replays showed he was out. After the game Umpire James Joyce acknowledged that he blew the call, but the perfect game had been lost.
Instead of a Perfect Game, Galarraga will be remembered for something else – his character. He looked in disbelief as the Umpire called the runner safe at first and smiled. Steve May, wrote of the moment, “But Galarraga just smiled – albeit a sardonic ‘you’ve go to be kidding me’ smile – and then he went back to the mound and got the last out. Even after the game, he refused to lash out at the umpire’s mistake.” Armando Galarraga demonstrated character that is kind of a rarity these days, especially in the world of sports.
Steve May, in his “Monday Morning Memo” reminded readers that blown calls are a fact of life. “They come at us in different ways: The boss who gives credit to the wrong guy, the teenager who blames everyone else for their own insolence, the church member who finds fault in everything the pastor does. The result is that sometimes you get short-changed. You deserve credit, but credit doesn’t come your way, thanks to someone else’s bad judgment.”
In those moments, how do you respond? Do you have the mind of Christ, that looked at his betrayers and forgave them? I don’t know anything about Galarraga’s faith, but he demonstrated a Christ-like character. What about you and me? When you are hurt by the bad judgment of others, do you lash out? Do you get mad? Or, do you smile and get back to work?
Galarraga did not get the Perfect Game he deserved. But he did show baseball fans how a true sportsman plays the game. What about you and me? Do we show those who are watching us how a Christ-Follower plays the game of life? Do those around us see a Christ-like character in the way we respond in those times we are hurt?
The Apostle Paul commended the Thessalonians for such character. He wrote: “So, when you accepted the message, you followed our example and the example of the Lord. You suffered, but the Holy Spirit made you glad. You became an example for all the Lord's followers in Macedonia and Achaia.” (1 Thessalonians 1:6-7; CEV)
Remember to lift the Youth Mission Team in your prayers. They are in Tennessee, serving others in Jesus’ name. They will be returning on Saturday.
Sunday morning, our Family and Leisure Team, is having a Pancake Breakfast for dads. Bring your father to breakfast before Worship and Sunday School. Breakfast will be served in the Fellowship Hall from 8:00 AM until 10:00 AM.
Some have asked me if I have read Max Lucado’s new book, Fearless? I am reading it and planning a message series related to it for our August Camp Meeting. We will also be having Small Groups that will be studying the book. If you would be interested in hosting a small group or leading one, you can email me. Most of these groups will kick off the first week in August. Some may wait until the second week. Either way, they will run five weeks.
As always, your responses to these Reflections are welcome. You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Church Wins Beautification Award
The Gardendale Beautification Committee had their annual awards banquet last Thursday night. Our church received the Church Garden Beautification award for our Prayer Garden. Lem Green and I received the award on behalf of the church.
Did you know we have a Prayer Garden? It is located between the Chapel and the Sanctuary. There are two entrances to the Prayer Garden, one in the hall at the Chapel entrance and the other off the Glass Narthex, just past the Giving Tree.
There is always a danger thanking persons for their work for you risk missing someone. But I want to thank those who serve God through their yard and garden work here at the church. Robbie and Lem Green gave leadership to the re-working of the Prayer Garden. They and their helpers have done a great job. Take a look the next time you are on the campus.
There are several families who work faithfully to keep the yards and flower beds of the church looking good. I regularly see Wallace and Jo Dickinson laboring in the flower shrub beds of the church. They spent hours getting ready for Homecoming. And they were back this week, working in front of the sanctuary. Jackie and Kathy Phelps, who chair our Grounds Committee, also give a lot of time working on the beautification of our grounds.
Wayne Duncan saw a need for someone to keep the Fountain Clean. So he accepted that responsibility and regularly cleans the fountain and the area around it.
Ernie Brown is our yardman. For him, it is a family labor of love. His son Neil got home this week from college and Ernie had him on the lawnmower, cutting the grounds. The other day I saw his dad, Glenn Brown watering the sod that had been laid on the area where the sign had been moved.
All of these and many others help us honor God with their labors on the grounds of this church. I hope you will join me in thanking them.
We do have one area that does not look very beautiful at this time – the north end of our campus. Work has begun on the Erosion problem. We should know more about the depth of this problem sometime Thursday, when they anticipate exposing the foundation to check it for any damage. If there is no damage to the foundation, and the engineering firm does not believe there is any, the cost of the Erosion Project will be in the $120,000 to $140,000 range.
Our Erosion Fund continues to grow. $39,117.00 has now been given. The first payment on the project will be made this week.
Friday night is Graduation for the 4 and 5 year olds in our Child Enrichment Ministry. This week they are working very hard on the program they will present for their parents and friends. If you are at the church you might take a look in the sanctuary to see the set that the Child Enrichment staff has put up. It is another example of a commitment to excellence.
Children’s Prayer Warriors, have you turned in your Prayer Notes. Today is the deadline. The Prayer Notes have to be sorted by classes and then given to the teachers to include in each child’s graduation bag.
In my hospital rounds yesterday, the receptionist at Lakeshore thanked our Church for offering the Shred Day. She had her papers already boxed, ready to bring them Saturday. Shred Day is this Saturday, May 22. It is a ministry we offer to the community.
Also on Saturday, our Youth will have a Car Wash. They will be in the front parking lot, ready to clean your cars. And they will accept any donation you offer. Money will help the youth who are going on the Mission Trip in June.
Sunday is Pentecost. It is the day we remember the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the followers of Jesus. This year we are offering something different to celebrate the Birthday of the Church. We are having a Pentecost Party in place of our traditional Sunday night service. It will be at 6:30 in the Gym. There will be Intergenerational worship and a variety of activities for persons of all ages. Come and join the party, as we celebrate the Birthday of the Church.
As always, your responses to these Reflections are welcome. You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.
Did you know we have a Prayer Garden? It is located between the Chapel and the Sanctuary. There are two entrances to the Prayer Garden, one in the hall at the Chapel entrance and the other off the Glass Narthex, just past the Giving Tree.
There is always a danger thanking persons for their work for you risk missing someone. But I want to thank those who serve God through their yard and garden work here at the church. Robbie and Lem Green gave leadership to the re-working of the Prayer Garden. They and their helpers have done a great job. Take a look the next time you are on the campus.
There are several families who work faithfully to keep the yards and flower beds of the church looking good. I regularly see Wallace and Jo Dickinson laboring in the flower shrub beds of the church. They spent hours getting ready for Homecoming. And they were back this week, working in front of the sanctuary. Jackie and Kathy Phelps, who chair our Grounds Committee, also give a lot of time working on the beautification of our grounds.
Wayne Duncan saw a need for someone to keep the Fountain Clean. So he accepted that responsibility and regularly cleans the fountain and the area around it.
Ernie Brown is our yardman. For him, it is a family labor of love. His son Neil got home this week from college and Ernie had him on the lawnmower, cutting the grounds. The other day I saw his dad, Glenn Brown watering the sod that had been laid on the area where the sign had been moved.
All of these and many others help us honor God with their labors on the grounds of this church. I hope you will join me in thanking them.
We do have one area that does not look very beautiful at this time – the north end of our campus. Work has begun on the Erosion problem. We should know more about the depth of this problem sometime Thursday, when they anticipate exposing the foundation to check it for any damage. If there is no damage to the foundation, and the engineering firm does not believe there is any, the cost of the Erosion Project will be in the $120,000 to $140,000 range.
Our Erosion Fund continues to grow. $39,117.00 has now been given. The first payment on the project will be made this week.
Friday night is Graduation for the 4 and 5 year olds in our Child Enrichment Ministry. This week they are working very hard on the program they will present for their parents and friends. If you are at the church you might take a look in the sanctuary to see the set that the Child Enrichment staff has put up. It is another example of a commitment to excellence.
Children’s Prayer Warriors, have you turned in your Prayer Notes. Today is the deadline. The Prayer Notes have to be sorted by classes and then given to the teachers to include in each child’s graduation bag.
In my hospital rounds yesterday, the receptionist at Lakeshore thanked our Church for offering the Shred Day. She had her papers already boxed, ready to bring them Saturday. Shred Day is this Saturday, May 22. It is a ministry we offer to the community.
Also on Saturday, our Youth will have a Car Wash. They will be in the front parking lot, ready to clean your cars. And they will accept any donation you offer. Money will help the youth who are going on the Mission Trip in June.
Sunday is Pentecost. It is the day we remember the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the followers of Jesus. This year we are offering something different to celebrate the Birthday of the Church. We are having a Pentecost Party in place of our traditional Sunday night service. It will be at 6:30 in the Gym. There will be Intergenerational worship and a variety of activities for persons of all ages. Come and join the party, as we celebrate the Birthday of the Church.
As always, your responses to these Reflections are welcome. You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Reflections from Bro. Rudy –
May 5, 2010
Recognition for Growth
As I was beginning to write this week’s Reflection, I received a phone called from The Foundation of Evangelism for the United Methodist Church. The late Harry Denman, a Birmingham businessman, was instrumental in the establishment of The Foundation of Evangelism. Its purpose is to advance the ministry of evangelism in the United Methodist Church.
The reason for the phone call was, in looking over the statuses for the last five years, our church stood out because of our growth in worship. They wanted to know what we thought were the reasons for our growth. How would you answer that question?
Here are some of the answers I gave:
• The diversity in styles of worship.
• Cultural relevant message series.
• Very intentional Evangelism System
• Invitations by Lay Persons
I was asked to write an article about this for the Foundation of Evangelism’s web page. That is the second such article I have been asked to write this week. I got an email from our national United Methodist Men asking me to write an article on scouting. They had a representative at the Bishop’s Dinner on Scouting, which we hosted a few weeks ago. They wanted me share, as I did that night, about some of the ways scouting has opened the doors of evangelism for us. I shared some of that in a previous email.
As Brother Lambert and I talked this morning, I was reminded that one of the keys to our growth and the growth of any church is “people inviting people.” God is growing His Church Family here at Gardendale-Mt. Vernon. One of the keys to this growth is servants of Jesus who take seriously the opportunity to invite their friends, neighbors and associates.
I believe prayer is the foundation for anything we do as the Church. God leads His praying people into areas that He wants to move and bless. I believe we have witnessed many examples of this. The most recent was the call to pray for the Children.
Sunday, I shared a conviction that God laid upon my heart to pray for the children connected to the Church Family. Out of that came a call for at least 100 Children’s Prayer Warriors who would pray specifically for the children graduating from our Child Enrichment Ministry. I was blown away with the response. We had the 100 needed commitments in our 9:45 Crossfire service alone. With the other two services we were able not only to give each child one Prayer Warrior, but each child was given two Prayer Warriors. Thank you for that kind of commitment to pray for the children.
Those who made a commitment to pray for a child should have gotten the child’s name on Monday. I thank Mary Smith and Amy Sizemore for getting that information out that afternoon. If you made a commitment to pray, remember you are to pray for your child each day through graduation on May 21. Of course, you can certainly continue after that time. Also, you are to write a Prayer Note which will be given to the child at graduation. There is a box in the Reception Area of the Office where you can place your Prayer Notes. We need them by Wednesday, May 19th. You can bring them Sunday or any other time you are by the office.
We have had a little hold up on the Erosion Project. The city wanted some additional information from the engineers. That should be in their hands before this week is out and work should begin as soon as we get the go ahead from the city. Our Erosion fund continues to grow. We now have $30,617.00. If there is no damage to the foundation, we are getting close to being able to fund this without having to borrow any money. That, however, would still mean depleting two emergency funds that are there for other purposes. If you have not made a gift, prayerfully consider making one. One shared that he was making a gift, but could do more later. If we have to take out a loan, those gifts that come in after the project begins will go to reduce the debt as quickly as possible.
ATTENTION GOLFERS – There are two opportunities coming up for you to play golf and support some important ministries. The Fourth Annual Camp Sumatanga Golf Tournament is Monday, May 24. Shotgun start at 12:30, with lunch provided before hand. It is held at Grayson Valley Country Club. The cost is $100 per person. You can get two mulligans for an additional $20.00. We’ve had a team or two participate each year in this tournament. I will be happy to again draw names for our teams. I will need your $100 and your HDC or Average Score by tomorrow, May 13. Our deadline to register is this Friday.
The Second Annual Joyce Sanford Memorial Benefit Golf Tournament will be Saturday, May 22, at Green Briar, in Morris. This Tournament is sponsored by the Church Revived and funds go to families in need. This is a 2 person scramble. Cost is $25 per person and includes breakfast and lunch. Deadline to register is also Friday, May 14th. You can contact The Church Revived to register or come by the church office for a registration form.
As always, your responses to these Reflections are welcome. You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.
May 5, 2010
Recognition for Growth
As I was beginning to write this week’s Reflection, I received a phone called from The Foundation of Evangelism for the United Methodist Church. The late Harry Denman, a Birmingham businessman, was instrumental in the establishment of The Foundation of Evangelism. Its purpose is to advance the ministry of evangelism in the United Methodist Church.
The reason for the phone call was, in looking over the statuses for the last five years, our church stood out because of our growth in worship. They wanted to know what we thought were the reasons for our growth. How would you answer that question?
Here are some of the answers I gave:
• The diversity in styles of worship.
• Cultural relevant message series.
• Very intentional Evangelism System
• Invitations by Lay Persons
I was asked to write an article about this for the Foundation of Evangelism’s web page. That is the second such article I have been asked to write this week. I got an email from our national United Methodist Men asking me to write an article on scouting. They had a representative at the Bishop’s Dinner on Scouting, which we hosted a few weeks ago. They wanted me share, as I did that night, about some of the ways scouting has opened the doors of evangelism for us. I shared some of that in a previous email.
As Brother Lambert and I talked this morning, I was reminded that one of the keys to our growth and the growth of any church is “people inviting people.” God is growing His Church Family here at Gardendale-Mt. Vernon. One of the keys to this growth is servants of Jesus who take seriously the opportunity to invite their friends, neighbors and associates.
I believe prayer is the foundation for anything we do as the Church. God leads His praying people into areas that He wants to move and bless. I believe we have witnessed many examples of this. The most recent was the call to pray for the Children.
Sunday, I shared a conviction that God laid upon my heart to pray for the children connected to the Church Family. Out of that came a call for at least 100 Children’s Prayer Warriors who would pray specifically for the children graduating from our Child Enrichment Ministry. I was blown away with the response. We had the 100 needed commitments in our 9:45 Crossfire service alone. With the other two services we were able not only to give each child one Prayer Warrior, but each child was given two Prayer Warriors. Thank you for that kind of commitment to pray for the children.
Those who made a commitment to pray for a child should have gotten the child’s name on Monday. I thank Mary Smith and Amy Sizemore for getting that information out that afternoon. If you made a commitment to pray, remember you are to pray for your child each day through graduation on May 21. Of course, you can certainly continue after that time. Also, you are to write a Prayer Note which will be given to the child at graduation. There is a box in the Reception Area of the Office where you can place your Prayer Notes. We need them by Wednesday, May 19th. You can bring them Sunday or any other time you are by the office.
We have had a little hold up on the Erosion Project. The city wanted some additional information from the engineers. That should be in their hands before this week is out and work should begin as soon as we get the go ahead from the city. Our Erosion fund continues to grow. We now have $30,617.00. If there is no damage to the foundation, we are getting close to being able to fund this without having to borrow any money. That, however, would still mean depleting two emergency funds that are there for other purposes. If you have not made a gift, prayerfully consider making one. One shared that he was making a gift, but could do more later. If we have to take out a loan, those gifts that come in after the project begins will go to reduce the debt as quickly as possible.
ATTENTION GOLFERS – There are two opportunities coming up for you to play golf and support some important ministries. The Fourth Annual Camp Sumatanga Golf Tournament is Monday, May 24. Shotgun start at 12:30, with lunch provided before hand. It is held at Grayson Valley Country Club. The cost is $100 per person. You can get two mulligans for an additional $20.00. We’ve had a team or two participate each year in this tournament. I will be happy to again draw names for our teams. I will need your $100 and your HDC or Average Score by tomorrow, May 13. Our deadline to register is this Friday.
The Second Annual Joyce Sanford Memorial Benefit Golf Tournament will be Saturday, May 22, at Green Briar, in Morris. This Tournament is sponsored by the Church Revived and funds go to families in need. This is a 2 person scramble. Cost is $25 per person and includes breakfast and lunch. Deadline to register is also Friday, May 14th. You can contact The Church Revived to register or come by the church office for a registration form.
As always, your responses to these Reflections are welcome. You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.
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