LGC JOURNAL
The new year holds much promise! After seeking God more in 2004, we are more alive in 2005! It's a landmark year for Locust Grove Church. 150 years ago the doors opened for the first time and ever since God's Word has prevailed in this community because of His faithfulness. Many plans are in the making to commemorate our aniversary and give God all the glory. Pastor Tom has challenged our congregation to join in a national fasting experience on every 8th day throughout the year. Each week there have been wonderful stories of challenges and answers to prayer. According to scripture in Mark 9:29...this kind can come forth by nothing but prayer and fasting.....and we are counting on it!
Our youth has really stepped up their involvement in worship. In January they once again planned and executed the whole evening service. Rachel, Katie and team led in worship, some put on skits, others lead sword drills, and Fred from Germany gave an "adult" message (as opposed to children's message!). There are always vocal solos or instrumentals (flute, accordion or piano) and a Bible story delivered by Josh. This is always a good experience for the youth as they become more at ease at using their talents. The adults also are encouraged to see their growth and unlimited energy being used to glorify God.
Thanks, Bob, for giving encouragement to the residents at the January 23rd nursing home service. We are finding our difficult circumstances (valleys) often are preparing us to be used by God to help someone else in their struggles. We've also enjoyed hearing Bob's stories about his wonder dog and cell phones! God sometimes answers prayers in the most unusual ways!
For some time now, Nola and Gina have had a women's ministry weighing on their hearts. After the Joyce Meyer conference last fall, the idea took shape in the form of a women's bible study. Although the first two meetings were postponed due to so much illness and bad weather, several women finally met in Nola's home on February 2 to watch Janette Oake's Love Comes Softly. In subsequent monthly meetings we will be studying the Women of Faith guide on Managing Your Moods. This ministry has great hope of bringing women of all ages closer together and closer to God.
The whole church was invited to the parsonage for a Super Bowl party on February 6. The youth bought all their favorite munchies and Tom and Gina set up two TV viewing rooms, even a play station tournament in the midst of the cheering and chewing! The Eagles and the Patriots traded touchdowns till half of us went home happy! It was wall-to-wall fun and fellowship...thanks Cox family and our youth! The following Sunday was our annual oyster supper which seems to grow each year. We are either converting some folks to seafood or we just like making a few people with peculiar palates happy once a year!
One of the newly-formed drama team's first appearances was a phone conversation from God. Kevin took the call, literally, and humorously but politely (Sir?) made excuses for every question about his so-called Christian living. Believe me, Kevin was a good actor as he portrayed a poor excuse for a Christian but a good lesson for us all!
In March we had visiting speakers Charlie Jordan and Kevin Wolf. It is always good to hear Charlie and the added benefit of hearing the New Life Quartet again. They also gave a concert at the Shelbyville Senior Center on March 12. Kevin Wolf challenged us to join him in getting off the injured reserve list as he shared his own personal hurts and recent call off the bench and back into the game for God. We are to forgive as God forgave us to become useful vessels for His service.
The drama team continues to enhance our worship with a variety of talents. Linda D and Lori B were cleaning ladies with a purpose, four tithers' thoughts were revealed as the plate was passed, the Love Loaves spoke about world hunger, Linda C portrayed four stages of a woman for Mother's Day, Gene F and Jon B were fathers-in-waiting, and Linda D honored our veterans with a patriotic display in July culminating with a tribute to our country in word and song. Sometimes humorous, sometimes serious, all have a message that touches the heart.
Welcome to the family--wedding bells rang for Sarah Harley and Jonathan Aleshire who were married May 27 in Kentucky. They will be making their home there as Sarah continues college and Jonathan serves his country. Marilyn Harley joined our church in May and it is a joy to see her in our services. We were also privileged to baptize Anna Taylor in August as she accepted Jesus and wanted to follow His example. Amazing grace, how sweet the sound!
Welcome to parenthood! On June 10 Ross and Kathy Forlines were blessed with a baby boy, Ryan Emerson. On June 12 Joel and Dusty brought Kolby Brent into the world. God's been doubly good!
Months ago a committee of four couples were appointed to plan activities to commemorate our 150th year of ministry. The celebration began on June 11 with a morning cemetery walk. Around 60 people walked from one stone to another as 18 presenters told about their relatives and influence in the church and community followed by refreshments. On Sunday, June 12 we were blessed with many visitors and pastors who wanted to share in our celebration. Worship was especially moving as the Holy Spirit was the guest of honor. The altar was adorned with flower garland, antique picture frames, old songbooks, hand fans, and hymnal angels. The dining tables were decorated with hymn page runners with black and white accents. Glass vases held individual red roses among old frames holding pictures of saints who helped make the church what it is today. The choir sang "Get Out of the Boat", a challenge to the church body and every Christian. After a bountiful meal, the afternoon program was well-attended starting with a chimechoir concert, followed with choruses and thoughts on the past, present and future from Rev Glenn Huffman, Pastor Tom Cox and Joshua Cox. Many of the congregation present shared precious memories, how the church helped mold them, and testimonies of God's faithfulness. The highlight of the afternoon was an historical 250-slide powerpoint program set to music. Weddings, families, fellowship and changes in the building itself proved Jesus built this church on love. Ray and Sharon Finney concluded the program by singing "The Lighthouse". May our light so shine in this community until Jesus comes. Thanks to the Adrians, Coles, Forlines, and Woods for arranging the weekend and other projects throughout the year. May God receive all the glory!
During the week of June 18-25 with airline tickets in hand, 12 youth and adults began a memorable trip to Flagstaff Mission to the Navajos in AZ. They would be responsible for conducting children's VBS twice a day. They shared the challenges, rewards and scenery they experienced with the congregation through pictures and stories in July. Lives were forever changed in the children and our missionaries. Thanks go to Gina C for taking the lead to organize the logistics to make the trip such a success. More than one said, "where can we go next!"
It's been a long, dry summer and even our waterhauler dried up! So our trustees decided it was time to drill a well to replace our cistern. Marvin used his reliable willow stick to locate a good spot and the drilling began in June. Although a small, cloudy stream initially, with prayer and patience, it cleared up and would be ample supply using a holding tank. The bathrooms in the parsonage and church basement were remodeled, lights were cleaned, shrubs were trimmed, miniblinds and curtains were hung, all in anticipation of the 150th weekend. Besides, cleanliness is next to godliness!
On July 17 a good crowd made the trek to Shelbyville Park for our Sunday School picnic. Kevin led us in a great time of worship and Pastor Tom gave us a good word on trust and faith. Special missionary guests were Brett and Angie Bundy and their young family, who shared about their work in Haiti. We will keep them in our prayers as they tie up family business and lean on God for the next chapter in their lives. After filling up on fried chicken and all the fixin's, many swarmed to the pool to cool off while others stayed inside for a shuffleboard contest. Good fun, good friends, great God!
As always, VBS was a fast and furious week July 25-29. This year's theme was Kingdom of the Son, Prayer Safari. There were tents, ATV's, and jungle animals at every turn, even a monkey poised to ring the church bell! Each lesson, memory verse, song and craft helped teach the model prayer as Jesus did for His disciples. Thanks, Dusty, Rhonda and many others who helped plant little seeds of faith.
The reunion continues as Aug 14 Chuck Travis came to us from his FL home to preach from the pulpit he stood behind 35 years ago as pastor here. White-haired but energetic as always, Chuck was full of praise and thanks as he recalled the state of his life and our church in the 1970's. God knew that we needed his influence, and that Chuck needed our influence and the rest is....history! Many faithful friends from the Koinina Coffeehouse came for morning services and shared a potluck meal with us afterwards. We twisted his arm to tell old Duster stories and play the piano! How wonderful to hear how God has led him into a most rewarding life of reaching others for Christ. It was so refreshing to know some things (and people) never change, especially our mutual friend, Jesus!
Many from the church and community joined the Woods' family in their backyard to celebrate Kevin's birthday on Sept 24. New Life Quartet sang several numbers in the great outdoors followed by a potluck/weiner roast. It was a great evening of fellowship that primed us for the Lord's Day. The balloons and cake icing were black, but no matter, many more, Kevin!
On Oct 2 some of the ladies that went on the mission trip made Navajo tacos, deep-fried bread so we could experience the real thing as they did in AZ. There were many new clothes, toys, and other items brought to send to Flagstaff mission for the Christmas meetings. A skit called Ten Little Christians made us laugh and think twice about how we either build up or tear down the body of believers. Just like missions, the great commission calls us to draw others to Christ.
The farmer's wife was honored this year on Farmer's Day, Oct 30. A clothesline was strung across the stage with vintage aprons and washday tubs displayed. Jesus blood DOES wash whiter than snow. A reading was given by Linda Draper in honor of Helen Jordan. Bulletin boards had aprons full of hen's eggs and the tables were decorated with rollings pins, hens and chicks of all kinds. The worship service was planned with old-fashioned hymns, doxology, and cardboard fans in the pews. The memories made us glad to have that old-time religion that is still good for today. We were privileged to have Laurel Jean perform on the keyboard and in song. Blind since birth, she gave a great testimony of God's goodness. The food was plentiful as we remembered how things used to be, and were thankful that at least God never changes.
The chime choir asked the congregation to give them a hand on the evening of Nov 6. Each player asked someone in the pews to play alongside them, some using wooden spoons to get the feel of the instruments. Each one that had the nerve to try received a badge of courage! The audience participation gave them an appreciation for the players and sparked some interest in future members. It sounded like music to God's ears!
Everyone was challenged to write short stories to compile our own advent devotional. Each author included a title, scripture or song lyrics to go with the life experience they shared. These booklets were given out on Nov 27, the first day of advent for daily reading, and made available to give to others outside the church during visitation. We were encouraged to pray for the writer on that day in particular. We learned alot about each other as our feelings were put on paper. Thanks to all the contributors for helping bring our church family closer together during this season of love.
Bringing people together--that is what New Life Quartet and Morningstar did on Dec 1 when they were in concert together at the Macon Civic Center. Both groups provided a free chili and sandwich supper, and more than that, fed the soul with good old gospel music. Despite the wintry weather, there were nearly 100 in attendance.
Dec 4 was a full day of worship in many forms. The missionary march offering was received that morning and the prelude was "Some Children See Him"--how the baby Jesus looks to different races but He came for all. Charlie Jordan gave the sermon on What God Wants for Christmas from Micah 6:8. Several joined to sing and share with the nursing home residents that afternoon. That evening we enjoyed a singspiration with Fame Church bringing a great variety of special numbers as well as Ray & Sharon Finney joining us. It was a worshipful evening as we focused on the season of Christ's birth. Many stayed for sandwiches and desserts afterward.
The Women United had their Christmas Dinner Party at Bruce's Place on Dec 5. After a delicious meal we listened to guest speaker Beth Hu on her experiences smuggling bibles into China. She showed many pictures of how this was accomplished, and shared about the persecution some go through in that country. One story she told was about a man who was imprisoned for his faith who spent his days assembling stringed Christmas lights. She lowered the lights in the restaurant and played the song "My Deliverer Has Come" as we watched the lights of Christmas around us. We are so blessed to live in a free country where we can worship openly.
Folks came early Dec 18 for a Christmas brunch of muffins, bagels, even eggnog in anticipation of the day ahead. The children put on their Christmas program with hands uplifted! Yes, they must hold their puppets high as they perform to the taped musical program. It is always a delight to see their enthusiasm and occasional miscues, but there is joy on every face. "The Gift Goes On" was the cantata performed by our choir later during the worship service. Joel, Dusty and Kolby portrayed the holy family as we sang "Isn't He Beautiful?" That evening we had special family night potluck to say goodbye to Pastor Tom and his family. We are thankful for his teaching over the last two years and wish them the best as they follow God's leading.
Congratulations to new grandparents Bob and Joan Jordan. Caleb Mark was born to Mark and Brenda Seboldt on Dec 19 just in time for Christmas. What a great time to experience new birth when Christ was born--"This Baby made the angels sing!"
Christmas morning's service began with a mini-concert by our choirchimes. They played the traditional Ring the Bells, Let the Whole World Know, Christ was born in Bethlehem, many years ago. Not only were the angels singing, our worship time included a variety of musical specials by solo, duet, trio and quartet. Charlie Jordan gave the message on the gifts of Christmas. The last reading in our advent devotional was entitled The Greatest Gift, and we thank God for Him.
