LGC JOURNAL
If hindsight is always 20/20, a new prescription for 2008 will help us chart a course pleasing to God as we look forward to a new year. Pastor Ray quoted Proverbs 29:18, "Where there is no vision, the people perish." We must have a vision as individuals and a church to glorify God and build up His church. If we are intentional in our worship and service to others, we can expect to see growth for the kingdom. Regular checkups will ensure our spiritual eyes are focused on God's plan for our lives. If we had a theme song for 2008, it might be Day By Day, O dear Lord, three things we pray--to see Thee more clearly, love Thee more dearly, follow Thee more nearly, day by day.
Out of sight, out of mind? Not when it comes to our troops! On Jan 31, our Women United brought gifts of reading materials, snack foods and personal items to send thru Pride Packages. Dawn read an article about a young pen pal and how her letters impacted a soldier far from home. In response to the vision challenge, we brainstormed on several ideas to put our faith in action. On Feb 9 in like fashion, our men had breakfast, talked about goals and encouraged each other. With renewed hope and energy, we can make a difference!
Super Bowl weekend at Locust Grove means more than a football championship showdown. We moved family potluck night to Sat, Feb 2 with another contest on the line. Lara and Dawn prepared a wide range of trivia categories to challenge young and old. Teams chose names and racked up points until a winner was declared. The prize went to the Four Musketeers who happened to be loaded with a teacher, two music lovers, and a mechanic. The Know Nothings lived up their name as well but vowed a comeback! It was a great time and something for everyone. We ALL need to pray for more wisdom before the next match-up!!
The church is to be about our Father's business, so annually we have a review of programs, services, missions, and finances. On Feb 10, Jerry and Lisa "sent out" for pizza for our family night meal as we listened to reports, looked where we've been, and where we are going. Pastor Ray encouraged us to keep on believing, keep reaching out, keep on praying, keep our eyes on the goal. Every day is precious as we let our light so shine before men. Keep on keepin' on!
GOD IS LOVE and Valentine's Day is a great time to demonstrate His love to one another. Since we couldn't celebrate in a Hawaiian paradise, Linda and Norma used their imaginations and brought paradise to us. Couples and friends dressed in tropical shirts, were greeted with a kiss and lei of friendship. Ray & Deb planned the catered meal with a taste of Texas thrown in, and Dawn even made fruit smoothies with little umbrellas. King Bud and Queen Linda were royalty for the evening. The choir provided the appetizer with a sound from the islands, The Love Feast, where God provides all good things at His table. Opening entertainment was a hula dance by three unlikely grass-skirted dancers...yes, Kevin, your moves DID tell a story for sure! Impromtpu karoke performances were led off by Ray & Deb singing "I Got You Babe" made popular by Sonny & Cher. Volunteer groups selected the song of their choice from a wide choice of styles and spanning the decades, songs that were special to them or brought back special memories. To the delight of the crowd, some were hilarious, some sweet, some touching. When the lights went down, the romantically inclined even danced the slow ones. The evening helped us understand what Pastor Ray had been preaching about loving one another deeply, it was an "unforgettable" evening.
Ladies Night Out was hosted by Nola on Feb 20. Popcorn and cocoa in hand, we watched an Anita Renfro video that made us laugh and cry about issues we could all relate to. And despite her silly delivery and way of looking at things, she made us realize truths like....it's OK to rest. And "it's not my gift" is really a copout! In March we began a study on How to have a Mary Heart in a Martha World. There is some of both of these women in all of us....what we must do is examine ourselves and unlock the characteristics that God wants us to have that makes sitting at the feet of Jesus our priority. All women are welcome to find the right combination right along with us.
Hope abounds each time someone comes forward for baptism. On Feb 24, Kaylee took the sinners' plunge and joined our growing group of youth for Christ. It all begins with parents raising God's gift of their children to know Him. Four-month old Kolton was dedicated to the Lord on Mar 2. The whole church family plays a vital part in spiritual nurturing of His precious jewels.
As if Easter wasn't early enough on the calendar, our Ash Wednesday service on Feb 6 was a reminder that 40 days before should be a time of repentance and anticipation. With Holy Week upon us, children led the way on Palm Sunday as we remembered Christ's entry to Jerusalem. Maundy Thursday services on March 20 turned our thoughts to Christ's sacrifice. Seated around tables in the shape of a cross, we sang hymns and listened to solos by Al and John Bob taking us back to that first "last supper"--"Come, Let Us Break Bread" and "Suppertime". Communion and readings about the passion took us to that upper room. Community services were held at Fame with great congregational singing. Pastor Phillips gave a non-traditional message that spoke volumes. As the song goes, "Does He still feel the nails every time we fail?" Easter morning dawned like the very first. Brunch was provided as the church began to fill. Glorious music rose from the congregation as the standard "Christ Arose" rang heavenward. A message of hope and love helped us realize Easter should be celebrated every day....and Christ should always be high and lifted up for what He did for us.
On the stormy night of March 27, the ladies met together in the church basement. We turned in our boxtops for education, and brought personal and household supplies to deliver to Grace House. Next month we will be making clothing protectors for the local nursing home. The missionary handout of charitable projects and contacts has helped us put our faith in action. Dawn and Sheila had lily pads covered with frogs of all kinds. The lesson was on F.R.O.G.--Fully Rely on God. We got a short biology lesson then compared frog characteristics to Christian living. Everyone got a frog coaster to take home to remind them of the lesson. The lights went out once but the blinking lighted frogs kept going, a reminder He is our light when we are surrounded by darkness.
Spring cleaning at God's house was March 29. A good group of workers of all ages picked their areas and deep-cleaned, cleaned out, and cleaned up the building. These days always make us mindful of cleaning our own "house" when we have unforgiven sin. What peace and joy follows when the cobwebs of sin are wiped away, better than the smell of Irish Spring!
Pastor Ray got a new toy, more like a necessity these days! As most of us have experienced, when a computer crashes we feel lost, like our hands are tied and even cut off from the world! Considering his did just that the week before Easter with all his files involved, Pastor Ray most definitely depended on divine direction for the upcoming services. Now with powerpoint at his fingertips, he is letting his creative juices flow evidenced in his visual aids for announcements and sermon illustrations. Always remember, Jesus saves and now so does Ray!
After supper on Family Fun Night April 6, the B-I-N-G-O cards came out and the tumbler started rolling. Wouldn't say it was fixed but let's say a couple of people were just happy for the free space! Before the night was over every man, woman and child made it to the prize table. The seniors helped the youngsters and vise versa! Homemade Easter and Christmas Bingo is a favorite game in our young S.S. classes which help teach facts of these events of His story. J-E-S-U-S, J-E-S-U-S, J-E-S-U-S, and Jesus was His name.
The morning sermon on Apr 20 was anything but ordinary. Being an election year, just as the pastor started, the supt asked permission for Ms. Know-It-All to speak her peace (NOT) on a few topics. The apparently hard-of-hearing woman was rather heated on several points the pastor had made....Shirley (surely), medicate (meditate), lice (life). What conflict can arise from misunderstandings! Pastor Ray took over and explained four wrong ways to deal with such matters, then the right way--taking the initiative to clear the air when we've been hurt. Jumping to conclusions is not a biblical exercise....walking the path of righteousness will keep us in good shape and love will abound.
Speaking of knowing it all, did you know that every time you open the Bible it can be fresh and new? Especially lately Pastor Ray has had challenging bible studies about blessings and cursings influenced by ourselves, another on growing old gracefully, and even the five touches of Jesus, all lessons found in the pages of God's Word. We are now being given a series of messages on stewardship which started strangely with the familiar story of the Good Samaritan. A whole new angle on this parable showed the characters representing three attitudes: what's yours is mine (the robbers), what's mine is mine (the priest and Levite), and what's mine is yours (the Samaritan). We must make good use of all God has given us, our time, resources, even our salvation. Evening services have been focused on Give Me That Old Time Religion. Pastor Ray actually read a sermon given decades ago by a revered pastor--showing the Word of God never changes. It is the one constant in an ever-changing world. We appreciate a pastor who believes in the living, breathing Word of God.
It is no secret what God can do. But our congregation kept a secret from our pastor for weeks. Soon to turn 60 (May 19), Pastor Ray was anxious for a big celebration. What better surprise than to celebrate early? May 4 had been announced as Pack the Pew Sunday Potluck. Ray reminded us to have a vision of a packed house. The service oddly included all his favorite hymns and choruses. The choir sang Love Brought Me Back (to an old rugged cross), one song he would tell anyone could be his life song. Pastor Ray challenged us on checking our stewardship of our salvation. After the benediction as we all made our way to the fellowship hall, the gig was up as streamers and balloons left him speechless. Imagine that! All his favorites were prepared from fried chicken to red cake with black icing of course. Happy Birthday, God bless you, Happy Birthday to you!
Another school year over, we recognized the achievements of our graduates on May 25. Sarah Burch & Corey Reeves (8th) and Wade Burch, Tim Woods, and Elliot Tom, seniors. With very little coaxing and just a little coaching, the young people of the church traded places with the adults for a Sunday morning. From the ages of 3 to 20, they chose the music, led worship, read scripture, received the offering and did a puppet special. They even ran the sound system and powerpoint with ease. Trenton began to sweat as Wade brought a putter for his object lesson to the grownups about honesty in the game of golf and who it's easy to cheat on placing the ball, but how God sees every move we make. No, Wade just hit the proverbial ball off the tee. Trenton went to the pulpit prepared to play, golf bag, clubs and all. He talked about sand traps, level greens, and eagles in the game of life. How awesome that God spoke to both these young men with His message to us for this day! The truths we learn from our children. Their reward for serving the Lord was a "kids' meal" potluck. Everybody's favorites were on the menu--pancakes, tacos, chicken nuggets, ice cream sundaes, i.e. sugar and calories! Tiger Woods never had it so good!!
A dream come true wasn't a bad Father's Day adventure for Pastor Ray. On June 14 Macon Speedway promoted a Faster Pastor race. Several area congregations turned out in force to cheer on their driver. Pastor Ray was given the keys to an orange Hornet, slapped on his "helmet of salvation", crawled in the window, and put the pedal to the metal! NOT!! Despite the encouragement from the stands, the corners were taken as if he was driving Miss Daisy, brake lights even!! Kidding aside, we all got a thrill and were reminded of the song Kathy sang on Mother's Day--Jesus Take the Wheel....and we will be winners!
Inspired messages are worth sharing. What does Johnny Cash, Walt Disney, and The Nativity have in common? They were all videoclips Pastor Ray used to illustrate sermons lately. Most movies have scenes we never forget, and scenes that can emphasize a spiritual truth. I Walk the Line (passion for what you do), Nativitiy (fear of the unknown), and Robots (setting standard for and giving wings to our children) certainly made points we will remember. Admission was free, only God can edit Hollywood films for His glory. Then one June Sunday Pastor Ray asked people in the congregation to stand as he named off licenses they possessed--for teaching, fishing, nursing, insurance, senior citizens card and more until everyone was on their feet. The point is that when we have been entitled with the right to do something, it means we have the training and permission to perform service. In the same way, as a Christian we have the authority in Jesus Christ to live a holy life, expect miracles, and keep the devil under our feet!
The musical call to "Let's Get Started" kicked off every night of VBS Friendship Trek June 23-27. Special thanks to Lisa, Deb, Tami and others for all their hard work. The sanctuary was transformed into a woodsy campsite with fir trees, tents, backpacks and furry friends. Each evening Pastor Ray gave an overview of the night's lesson with the help of kids and their leaders, which involved whipped topping, bobbing for letters, and eating "worms"! Buddy, the porcupine, peeked out of his tent centerstage to talk things over with Ray (good preparation for Trenton for his upcoming Philmont scout adventure!) Bible stories on the friendship characteristics of reaching out, loving, giving, caring and sharing were illustrated by a different teacher each night. Lots of paint, glue and patience produced theme crafts. It was evident at our closing program the kids had learned what a Friend they have in Jesus, a Friend that sticks closer than a brother, who was perfect but died in our place to save us from our sin, and friend, that's GRACE!
There is nothing like worship in candlelight for a time of refreshing. June 29 everyone brought their own candle and the service opened with each one receiving the light from a center pillar. As the room brightened, the Holy Spirit filled the room and worship was open and warm. He is our all in all, and we can cast our burdens on Him, for He cares for us. Something special about being in the presence of Jehovah....not only inside the walls of a church, but inside the rooms of our hearts each moment of every day.
2008 is the year of the XXIX Olympics in Beijing, China so on July 20 the obvious theme for our S.S. picnic was a "Very Special Olympics". It was a beautiful summer's day under the shade and the high temps even let up for this family faith & fun day. We even had a special chorus for the occasion to a familiar tune--"I may never ride on a pommel horse, but I'm on God's Special Team". And symbolic of the Olympic torch, we sang a medley of This Little Light of Mine and Brighten the Corner Where You Are. Pastor Ray gave a gold medal sermon on being overcomers, more than conquerors, not just survivors. Salvation is just the beginning of the Christian race. The mouth-watering picnic was perfect (without ants!) with grilled burgers and all the fixings. Jerry, Lisa, Nick & Trenton had a schedule of events for all ages which included frisbee throw, obstacle course, water balloon toss, water glass relay, sled-towing relay, and ladder ball. There was a honorary award given to the family who wiped out most as they headed for the finish lines, but we won't mention any names.......! Win or lose, we all had fun particularly the kids who were smiling from ear to ear.....eager for the next challenge. Talk about competitive--a good sign of staying the course and never giving up when you have the power of the Holy Spirit living in you!
Sing praises to the Lord! That's the reason we enjoy singspiration nights with our sister church Fame. On Aug 17 it was our turn to host this time of worship and fellowship. With the opening congregational song we joined our voices in giving God blessing, honor and glory. This is not some kind of variety show but no where else could you get a better mix of gifted singers and pianists, with sprinkles of humor and showers of testimony throughout. Choirs, solos, duets, trios, singing in a round, singing acapella, choirchimes, contemporary, traditional, old spirituals, country re-writes, and more, there was something for everyone. Refreshments were shared afterward as always (recipes too!) And in our desire to bless God and encourage one another, we could hardly count how many ways there are to PRAISE HIM!
Gulf storm HURRICANE IKE even made his presence known in central Illinois on Sunday Sept 15!!! As the Texas coast was assessing their own damages, we felt the storm's monsoon-like punch with heavy rains, winds and flooded roads. Even though a few braved the weather and made it to the church, they were not long in deciding it was safer to get back home and stay safe. So our services were cancelled for the day. Guests Art & Nancy Butler were scheduled to speak about their work among the Native Americans at Southwest Indian Ministries in Peoria, AZ but as most missionaries readily say, they are very flexible when it comes to where they lay their heads and where their calendar puts them. So like water off a duck's back, they accepted the change of plans and waited out the storm with Gene & Sheila. What was supposed to be a stop on their way back to AZ turned out to be a special trip since Art's only living sister had been diagnosed with a brain tumor that very week and they needed to take care of her affairs in IN. The four did more than share about family......true to the Indian culture, Art & Nancy's storytelling of alumni counseling and events they had been a part of made it easy to understand their love for the people and their love for God's plan for their lives. As they mentioned William, Jasper, Mike and many others, we could imagine being there as they interacted with them over all kinds of experiences. As things turned out that morning, they decided this was part of God's plan for them to have time away from the hospital and become better acquainted with Locust Grove prayer concerns as well. Nancy donated an autographed copy of her own cookbook to the church with a loving message on the inside cover thanking us for supporting them over the years allowing them to continue the Lord's work. Their conversations will be shared with those in the church soon after "the rains came down and the floods came up". The house on the Rock stands firm on the mission field.
"Will the circle be unbroken round the campfire by and by?" Not when family time like this warms the heart! We had a perfect evening for the Sept 7 wiener roast and a good turnout. S-mores galore, warm jackets, and hot topics made for a great time in God's backyard. We are thankful for the natural setting of the church property where we can enjoy the great outdoors in the sunshine or under the stars.
Forty years ago Bev Dugan and Don Lanter were married in western wear, cowboy hats and all. The ceremony took place on horseback and made headlines in the local paper. They celebrated the occasion on Sept 13 with family and friends at Moweaqua's central park. And another loving couple celebrated 70 years together with a quiet family dinner. Pastor George & Levon Constant were married Sept 1, 1938 on George's birthday. Turning 92 was reason to party in itself. All who know this couple also know the secret to their marital success--God is the glue.
For the third year now One-In-Christ youth and adults worked for months to pay for their mission trip. This year their destination was Onancock, VA to help repair storm damage and teach bible school for a week. The team including the Yoder family, Nick White, Melvin Adrian, Alex Tomm and others from the UMYF left in vans on July 5 ready to make a difference. As the team shared their experiences with us on Sept 21, they discovered they would never be the same. Many emotions came to the surface in remembering a child's smile, a senior's thanks, the weary bodies, and the sad goodbyes. No doubt the pattern is set in these volunteers to continue putting their faith in action.
Everyone looks forward to the Haystack Supper held every year for Flagstaff Mission to the Navajos. Taco fixings, sandwiches and desserts were provided on Sept 28 and everyone made their own haystack to their liking. Before the meal, a skit "How Indeed" gave us food for thought on the purpose of the AZ mission. Lara and three little Indians asked the questions and Craig gave the answers according to the great commission. How will they know of God's love? We must go, show and tell. Six full boxes of new toys, clothes, blankets, and personal items were brought that night to be given as Christmas gifts at December parties on the reservation where the gospel will be presented. It is our prayer that the Navajo people hear the good news and accept His free gift of salvation.
After a recent celebration of long life and an enduring marriage, Pastor George Constant met his Savior face-to-face on Oct 5. Anyone who ever met this man of God would know without a doubt where his allegiance was. Many churches over his pastoral years grew in numbers and spirit from his godly wisdom, compassion and teachings. The love of music that George and Levon shared helped to spread the gospel in countless revivals and congregations. From baptisms and funerals to building projects and counseling, George was trusted and trustworthy. While at Locust Grove, he coined the phrase "the rural church with a world vision" and we still stand by that mission statement today. It was Pastor George who suggested the first Farmer's Day, was the first to get his tie cut off, and the first to kiss a goat. He never really retired but remained active encouraging all age groups. Our loss is heaven's gain....not only would he hear the words "Well done, good and faithful servant" but "your banquet table is now ready".
On the evening of Oct 12 we joined a packed Grace Baptist Church to hear the Chosen Ones. This family travels by bus and shares wonderful family harmony, humor and testimony. Dad, mom, son and two daughters sang a variety of styles but always a message of grace and hope. Even the youngest grandson and his soundman dad got a chance to use the mikes and turn on the charm. The teenage daughter played the violin as a free-will offering was received. There is an immediate warmth to this group, moving hearts and minds closer to God. Erica Dowd (granddaughter of Florence Ann and also Norma) sang with them last summer, so the Dowd trio sang a few songs too. We look forward to hosting them at our church next year. They help remind us that we are all among God's chosen people whose purpose is to serve and glorify God.
The Old Testament has great lessons for us today. In Genesis 26 Isaac's story of redigging the ancient wells of his father that had been filled in by the enemy Philistines would become the basis of Pastor Ray's sermon series starting Sept 28. The pulpit was replaced with a well "clogged" with the things that stop the flow of living water in our lives. Recirculating water ran over the cupped hands of Christ in one display as a another focal point. One by one, week by week, bitterness, loss of faith, anger, pride, unforgiven sin, spiritual blindness, apathy, and greed were drawn out of the well and nailed to the cross at center stage. Every service became an opportunity to clean out the junk and fill up with more of God. The altar once again became a familiar place of comfort to turn over the debris and come away renewed.
By Farmers' Day on Oct 26, the water was not just trickling but a steady flow. As the theme song for the day went, "bring your vessels, not a few" meant coming prepared to receive and be filled. Pitchers, crocks, pots, and pumps of all shapes and colors lined the altar, symbolic of all mankind. And metallic "water" was flowing over the sides of the well, a sure sign digging was producing results. Every farmer knows what drought can do to a crop. And the same thing occurs to a dry soul. The choir sang "Who can satisfy my soul like You?" There is a fountain Who is a King! Over the course of this series, "wet" music was dug out also. So much is written about springs of living water, thirsting for God, fill our cups, water of life, come Thou fount of every blessing--just like the woman at the well, it is possible to thirst no more. The noon meal was plentiful and nourishing, enjoyed by a big crowd of family and friends. A love offering was given to Pastor Ray & Debbie to show our appreciation even when he steps on our toes. As the deer pants for the water, and corn roots grow deep for moisture, we ask the Holy Spirit to rain down on us.
Even on the Sunday before our presidential election, the topic of double-mindedness was appropriately dug out of the well. It is not only a privilege but a responsibility for every Christian to vote in line with biblical truth. Not only because the clocks fell back this weekend, our Nov 2 evening service was by candlelight dedicated to prayer for our nation, leaders, citizens and church. When we humble ourselves before God and call upon Him, we can count on His promises to restore our land. America, bless God. After a history-making election week, Fame hosted the Nov 9 singspiration. This coincided with IDOP anniversary of the persecuted church so upon arriving, the sanctuary was dark with only a few lights, and hushed talking similar to the early church that worshipped in hiding. Reverent songs sung quietly soon gave way to an illuminated room and voices raised in hope and praise. We thank God we can reach across the aisle (or pew in this case) to have joint services as citizens of a heavenly country.
Our newly formed children's chime choir is gaining competence and confidence. Their debut was on a Sunday morning with selections Jesus Loves Me and Jacob's Ladder. If you sit in on a practice session, you might find them "ringing in" to answer quiz questions about technique and purpose. On Nov 9 they played for the nursing home residents bringing smiles to everyone in the room. This Christmas they will no doubt be invited to join with the adult chime choir as we ring the bells of the season. The mission outreach replaced tattered songbooks at the nursing home with 20 new ones with their same old favorites. Music seems to bring the ages together and gives us a hint of the sounds heard in heaven.
For the third year now we participated with Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child. On Nov 27 over 20 shoeboxes were packed, wrapped and delivered on their way into the hands of children all over the world who otherwise would not have a Christmas. The best part of the gift is that the gospel is presented on their level. Lyrics to a song the choir is working on this year says, "Hope has hands, freedom has feet, truth will stand, the Word will speak. The holy and lowly will finally embrace, for love has a heartbeat, and grace has a face." May these children see Jesus as the Savior of the world that He is.
This year we experienced THANKSGIVING with a hands-on project. Our mission outreach committee challenged us to Pass-It-On. Each family was given the assignment to give away $20 from the mission fund. The responsibility was great and as we began to share our stories of who, why, and where we passed it on....the opportunities were endless. It was clear the project set us on a path of thinking of others, listening for God's voice to get God's money in the right hands. And it didn't stop there, as givers we felt blessed and it fueled a desire to do more ourselves. The song goes, "it only takes a spark to get a candle glowing...that's how it is with God's love once you've experienced it, you spread His love to everyone, you want to pass it on." Money well spent, lessons well learned.
By Christmas we were well into the giving habit. Every arm of the church celebrated the birth of Jesus. The whole church--decorated the sanctuary and classrooms for the season in a unique way. Two focal points adorned the stage. The beautiful Christmas tree soon became a memorial. The tree itself reminded us of Calvary's tree where the Savior was crucified so many years ago and His everlasting love. In a special ceremony each family put pictures of family members in ornament frames and hung them from it's branches in remembrance. The women's group--learned the lesson from Mary and Martha not to busy ourselves with holiday preparation so much that we missed sitting at the feet of Jesus. We enjoyed a Dawn-home-cooked Christmas dinner together on Dec 12 with devotions from Debbie, putting ourselves in the shoes of Jesus' mother Mary. Linda and Bev set lovely tables, using their gifts for our enjoyment. We even dug out the old record player to hear a white elephant gift album from Christmas' past. On Dec 21 the children--presented their program, One Small Child. Puppets, piano and praise offered up as gifts for the Christ Child. The holy family lighted nativity was a prominent reminder of the Guest of honor. The choir--celebrated earlier than anyone as they practiced for their cantata That Little Baby. On Dec 14 the congregation heard one song after another all about Him, each one with thoughts to ponder about God's plan to save the world. Favorties included Mary Rocks the Rock, Ordinary Baby, Mary Did You Know, and Something to Shout About. And finally on Christmas Eve, many families--attended a precious, holy time of worship in candlelight. Communion meant even more as we desire His presence to make our Christmas complete. This was a time of rededication as we recalled the words of another cantata song. Even though "Mary was the first one to carry the Gospel", we now carry Him with us everywhere we go. May our lives reflect His love as we urge people to "come and believe, come receive God's only begotten Son, come!"
