"Are you Serving or Complaining?"

Over the past few weeks we have implemented a concentrated effort to build up our small groups. It's amazing how healthy a family of faith can become whenever the congregation is teamed up with others in small groups - all at various stages of their own faith journey. Some folks aren't too keen on the idea, however, lamenting that they can't even take care of all the problems they have in their own life, much less try to join with other people who are struggling thru their own problems. You know, that excuse is really a profound statement of truth. God never intended for each of us to have all the answers for our own life. He didn't create us to be independent of others. He created us for community. And when we're in relationship with others - like in a small group - all the things you can't do or can't provide for yourself, He has given to someone else the talent, giftedness and ability to serve you & shore up your weak spots. In the same way, the strengths you have been given were never intended to be used simply for your own benefit. They were meant to be used as you serve and minister to the people God teams you up with on this journey of life. God designed us to need each other. And when each of us is doing his or her part, the "Body" of Christ is functioning according to His plan and purpose... The questions I have for you is: "Are you doing your part? Or are you just complaining about all the parts you'll never be able to do for yourself?" To make a friend, be a friend! Have a great week!

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Enduring

As a young boy I remember the conversations between my dad and my papaw about the Great Depression. Today as I look at the rising percentage of Americans that are unemployed as well as the seemingly incessant plunge of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, it's easy for me to start to draw comparisons to that time. Of course we're not at that level yet, but the lessons I learned could serve to help us all endure this storm. Papaw talked about how the entire community worked together to make sure everyone was taken care of and had enough to eat. The neighbors would gather at the church and bring a pot luck dish and share what they had with everyone else. A real sense of community was birthed and a desire to share with others was brought about by the hardship. They made it thru the toughest times by praying together and growing in faith together, trusting God could and would deliver them from their despair. 

Since that time, however, I believe that we've become a spoiled nation. We've enjoyed times of great wealth and blessings like never before. Almost everyone has a car or two. Most people don't have to grow a garden any more. We have enough money to buy everything we need from super markets and grocery stores. "Hand-me-downs" have become a thing of the past for most folks. We go buy a new outfit or new jeans or new shirts or new shoes every few weeks. And rarely have we heard of anyone going hungry and starving to death. Of course some of those things are changing with this down turn of the economy.

But I've got to tell you, even during the worst of times, I'm still not worried. We will ride out this storm with hope and faith in our hearts to sustain us. And I am convinced that God will bless us in our enduring. Even though we may find ourselves in deep water, struggling to keep from drowning, these desperate times have a way of drawing us closer to one another and closer to our Lord. So despite with the news might say, regardless of how low the Dow Jones may go, we must unite as one and allow God to draw us all near as we endure this crisis... And the best thing I believe we can do is to begin to share... Share provisions - like the community outreach we're doing right now... Share hope - as we meet in our small groups and encourage and strengthen one another... And Share love - as we reach out to our friends, relatives, associates and neighbors with the good news of God's sustaining love thru Jesus Christ. 

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Worthy Duck

Hey y'all. You know we're in the midst of 40 days of  community as a church! Well, I thought the best way I could help spur things along is to join a worthy group over at the Western Carolina Rescue Ministry. They have a huge need! Currently there are approximately 160 residents but the shelter only has enough beds for 100. There are plans to expand the facilities, but the needs are continually growing. Therefore, we have planned a ducky derby for May 2nd, 2009. You can adopt a duck for only $5.00. All of the proceeds go to help the homeless in your community! When the ducks are released down the French Broad River on May 2nd. the winning duck will claim a prize of a 2009 Subaru Impreza! There are also several other lucrative prizes after the new car! But win or lose, the mission is a winner as each of your dollars wiill go to feed the hungry and shelter the homeless. Won't you please help? You won't be sorry....

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