LGC JOURNAL
2010 and counting. Yes, the census will be taken this year. Makes one think of the old hymn "I want to be there at the roll call, to hear when my name will be read". Each year the Lord tarries is more time for us to share the gospel with our friends, family, coworkers, and strangers. We should make a daily practice of putting on our spiritual armor and let our light shine 24/7--let's make every moment count for Christ!
On the first Sunday of the new year we looked back. After a family night potluck, many shared their Pass It On stories. Before Christmas each family was given $20 to pass on as the Spirit led and a variety of needs were met. We find ourselves looking for opportunities everyday to help others financially, or even with a kind word or deed. We also just finished collecting change in baby bottles for Crisis Pregnancy Center this month. We sang the Lord's Prayer to the tune of Auld Lang Syne....Lord, teach us to give also.
The world was shaken when Haiti was hit by a 7.0 earthquake on Jan 12. Missionaries Brett & Angie Bundy who we support were unharmed being north of the epicenter, but the devastation was heavy and widespread with some 230,000 lives lost in an already poverty-stricken country. Just weeks later Chile was also hit with a powerful earthquake. The first response is to pray. The world responded and so did we with donations to World Vision and Habitat for Humanity for immediate needs. Some say it is God's way of bringing people to their knees, and their has been a great revival there. We continue to lift up the many that are ministering to the physical and spiritual needs of these people. God care and comforts the hurting.
The church is in the God business, but also ought to look at the state of the church annually. We did just that on Jan 24 after a pizza party. Financial and activity records for all organizations were given by officers. It is always interesting to remember what we accomplished which encourages us for the coming year. At the same time we see things we could have done better which challenges us to improve. Pastor Ray put 2009 in perspective--only look in the rearview mirror long enough to learn from it, then keep looking forward to the goals set before us--building our Sunday School and youth group, encouraging sincere worship, keeping God first in everything, and loving one another deeply. As for our "house", we will continue to serve the Lord.
We went into action quickly. About 18 young people and adults went to Winter Jam at the Assembly Hall in Champaign. They heard Christian groups like Newsong and Third Day perform, and even a rock band that they couldn't quite understand but it was LOUD. A new song soon to hit the charts talked about in 1000 steps, Jesus took 999--what a message! The youth group began meeting every Sunday night with games and snacks. Gretchen is becoming very accomplished on the violin and her special music is a treat. Melvin put together a S.S. questionaire and we began having brunch every Sunday before going to classes. The worship team started meeting once a month to rehearse new and old music. It actually becomes a time of praise in itself and we are primed to draw the congregation into worship on Sunday morning. In Feb volunteers manned the food pantry and held a service at the nursing home. We are happy in the service of the King.
Valentine's Day may have been named after a saint, but all agree it is a celebration of love, especially God's love that we hear about in John 3:16. It was in this spirit, Nola and Sheila planned our Heart-to-Heart Banquet on Feb 13. Over 40 singles and couples came arm in arm to the fellowship hall anticipating Chef Charlie's menu that would stand up against the best restaurant. Everyone got favors as they arrived and found their place at the decorated tables. Background music by Kenny G and Barry Manilow serenaded us as we topped the meal off with red velvet cake and cobblers. The show was about to begin--The Newlywed Game that is. Everyone was divided into three groups: the Not-Weds, the Newlyweds, and Goldyweds. We played three games drawing out names of four couples for each game. Charlie was our Bob Eubanks and Val was his co-host/scorekeeper. There were even commercial breaks while partners moved in and out of our "soundproof room". Needless to say, the couples learned alot about each other, and so did the audience! The phrases mashed potatoes, Holland MI, pink toothbrush, Fruit Loops, Superwoman, and green eyes will forever bring a smile since that night. Prizes ranged from dinner for two for the winners to Hamburger Helper for the losers. Losers? There were none that evening. Charlie shared the Love Chapter with us in closing and Ray gave a dismissal prayer. Bind us together in love....for love is of God.
The Lenten season began on Feb 17 Ash Wednesday. Traditionally this is a quiet, almost sad, service with a desire for cleansing and vow to sacrifice something to think more on Jesus' sacrifice for us. But this year many songs of celebration and hope were sung before a cross of ashes was made on every forehead. If it wasn't for the cross, we would not have victory in Jesus. The following Sunday was the first in a series of messages on our Journey to An Empty Tomb. Al had made a road sign with arrows pointing to Jerusalem, Cana, Bethlehem, and Galilee. Three tree-hewn crosses, one draped in royal purple, were spotlighted to the right of the stage. Center stage was a table covered with golden cloth and wooden dish and cup inviting one to partake. Morning and evening teachings were about much of Jesus' ministry and miracles in the 40 days before His crucifixion. Well-known accounts like turning water into wine, cleansing the temple, sermon on the mount, walking on the water, calming the storm, feeding the multitudes, and raising Lazarus from the dead all had more to contemplate than meets the eye. We are all on this journey of knowing Christ better by trying to stay on the straight and narrow road. That is where we grow in grace--God's righteousness at Christ's Expense.
Thanks to Nola's hospitality we are continuing our "girl talks" on the first Wed night of each month. January was cancelled because of frigid temps but at out Feb meeting we focused on the 23rd Psalm. Most of us thought we could repeat it from memory but when given the passage in puzzle pieces, we got some of the verses in the wrong order. So Nola dissected it for us giving us "clues" to help keep it straight. Verse 4 begins "Yea" and we want to cheer knowing we don't have to fear because He is always with us. It continues mentioning "comfort" which reminds us of comfort food which reminds of Verse 5 where a table is prepared for us. God has a life plan for each of us and if we are seeking His purpose, "surely goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our lives!" In March our topic for discussion was "purse-anality". We watched a video with Anita Renfro who told it like it is when it comes to what kind of purse we carry and why. Nola went a step further and talked about how some of the things we carry can remind us of spiritual things. A cell phone (prayer), keys (faith unlocks the door to heaven), driver's license (our identity as children of God), money (lay up treasures in heaven), sunglasses (focus on the things of Christ and to look at others through His eyes). Tissues remind us to have a tender heart, and hand cream keeps our skin soft as our words should be. Of course we all tend to let our purse become a catch-all for unnecessary things and the same goes for the things that clutter our spiritual lives. Our personality might be more pleasing if we keep our purses in order!
Move over Long John Silver--you don't have the corner on the oyster market! Thanks to Terry & Bev we had the freshest pearl-makers ever for our annual supper on Mar 14. Young and old, brave and coward, every fried patty was devoured and there was plenty of other soup and sandwich choices for those who aren't fish fans. Of course dessert helped everything slide down. For once we had mild weather for the event instead of scenes from the Deadliest Catch! Thank God and shiver me timbers, our sins are buried as deep as the ocean!
How appropriate for the first day of spring--Mar 20 was church-cleaning day. Armed with mops, fuzzbusters, swiffers, dustcloths, vacuums, and a little elbow grease, we tackled the sanctuary and classroom areas that don't get weekly attention. The kids even worked the baseboards on their level. The biggest challenge was those onery orange Asian beetles. If only we could get people to swarm into God's house the way they do! vThe vacuum got it's belly full and then some, and the next day it was like they had been resurrected but others had only come in for the spring reunion! We'll stay in the battle though and be glad they aren't locusts or grasshoppers! Thanks to Karen who does weekly housekeeping, Gene who scrubbed some of the siding down, and to all who reported for duty.
Cross Country is the ministry born from the calling of Robert Richardson of Decatur to the Ogalala Indians in South Dakota. Witnessing to a man set on taking his own life made it clear to Robert that he had to keep coming back to help. On May 11, Robert and wife Glenda joined us for potluck supper and shared a visual presentation of the people and places they minister to twice a year. The area is one of the poorest in the US and trucking furniture, clothes and food to the area is only the beginning. The goal is to bring Hope to the hopeless and the Person of Jesus.
Shape up or ship out? Zumba exercise is becoming the craze these days. On May 3 while instructor Lauri from Florida was visiting mom Nola, she demonstrated the workout for 20 or so ladies at the Macon Community Center. It sure isn't jumping jacks! Salsa music and no muscle at rest, it is advertised to burn 1000 calories/hr. WE did it for fun, but it reminded us that even David danced before the Lord and we want to keep our temples in good condition.
LIVE IN DECATUR--Anita Renfro! A dozen or more ladies joined a packed church house on May 8 looking forward to hearing this once-pastor's wife turned Christian comedian in person. The place was buzzing even before she was introduced as upbeat music filled the place. Out she came in a sparkly gold blouse and slacks armed only with a microphone and keyboard. So many stories, so many songs in her own kookie style. Videos to popular songs she had made up her own words to were supported with her own videos which made for even more fun. Most famous were her William Tell overture versions for moms, dads, and grandparents. We were all sore from laughing. Her gift of spreading joy was contagious!
We are getting out of the boat and we have begun to step into the water--Water Street Mission that is. Dawn contacted the director and we served an evening meal on May 4. The Word is always served up first and then 20-30 people who might be out of job, homeless or hungry but always appreciative are fed. Plans are being made now for our church to lead worship and serve meals every few weeks. The Yoders marinated steaks for sandwiches, the youth are planning a pizza party and plenty of the Bread of Life. Each time we go we learn more names and hear more stories of people we can reach out to and pray for. Their time of joys and concerns are uplifting. It would be hard to say who is blessed more, those who receive or those who give.
Sunrise breakfast on Easter morning was provided by the Yoders and Adrians. Because He Lives, this is the greatest Sunday of celebration all year. The choir sang selections from the Crimson Bridge, the blood He shed to bridge the sin gap between God and man. The youth and their leaders had baked dozens of cookies they decorated and served at Water Street Mission that afternoon. Praise God, we serve a risen Savior and showing His love can build a bridge so others might receive him as Lord.
Congratulations to Brice Hennings and his bride Monica Just on their marriage April 10. Brice is the son of Kevan and Kim Hennings. Brice keeps our church grounds neat as a pin so we know he'll be sure their new home will be handled with care. May the love grow deeper every day in this special couple. The Hennings family continues to grow as as anticipate the pitter-patter of little feet in Daren and Tara Hennings' home in a few months. Welcome to the family, there's always room for more.
Over the years, many of our saints have been promoted to heaven, and often memorials are left to the church. In the last six months, we received very unexpected gifts from the Primmer and Horn families. To God be the glory, great things He has and WILL do as we give in return. May it change US and those around us proving God is good all the time. The abundant life is for now!
May brings Mother's Day and graduations. The good book says to honor your father and your mother, so we did by putting pictures of mothers past and present on display. May 12th brought special twins Colby & Brooklyn into Matt & Crystal Sewell's home. We had been praqying for months for healthy mom and babies during this risky pregnancy. Beauty is more than skin deep when we think of a mother's love. We were pleased to honor Katie and Trenton upon their high school graduation. Wisdom is more than passing a test, it's putting your future in God's hands.
On May 20 we were privileged to have guests Lynn & Betsy Ragsdale of Christian Haven orphanage. We recently begin supporting a young teen Mary Jane who is part of that special family in the Phillipines. Lynn's enthusiasm was evident as he told about his calling under dangerous circumstances that was nothing but a clear sign from God. And how one little girl stole his heart and they adopted her after the tragedy of losing their own teenage daughter. We can make such a difference for the street children to keep them on the narrow road. Betsy sang a lovely song to challenge us even more. The ministry is named right, a haven, a safe place for His children.
GoFish--no not the card game, this was the theme for VBS this year June 14-18. After 5" of rain in 3 days, we could have fished in a ditch but we had a bigger mission. Every child got his own "air guitar" to rock with the music "backstage with the Bible". Favorites were Ten Commandment Boogie, Saved By Grace and something that went Na,na,na,na,na,na,na,na--no problem memorizing that one! Oh, and the one where we could grunt "it's in the Book -huh!". The actions were fun to follow on the oversized screen. The youth class did a skit every evening to introduce the lesson and had WAY too much fun doing it! We learned we were made in God's image, what made us good enough, what the cross is all about, what grace has to do with faith, and that we must share the good news. The real lesson for young and old was to go fishing for men like the first disciples.
We'd read an article called Garage Sale for Missions that gave us an idea. Everyone cleans closets and has rummage sales in the summer. Why not donate those unneeded items so they can be resold to support women's shelters? So in July three carloads of clothes and household items were delivered to Blessingdale's and Hope's Attic. At the same time each home was collecting loose change for World Missionary Press. It all adds up and was sent to IN to help print and distribute tracts worldwide. Get creative, "make us a blessing to someone today"
Happy Days was the theme for the women united meeting on July 22. Mary and Sheila did their best to simulate Arnold's soda shop, menus and all. Ice cream floats were made to order with popcorn by the handfuls. The lesson started with trivia from the sitcom and Dawn was the winner of a "signed" photo of the stars. We tried to sing the theme song, it was a catchy one. Then we talked about all the main characters, their quirks, their weaknesses, their strengths. Many made us think of people out of the bible, heros and dropouts. One thing for sure, despite the mess they got into, by the end of the show everyone was happy. Happiness is a choice and having JESUS in your life is key. We all same the old hymn, O Happy Day......when we chose Jesus!
On July 24, it was an honor for friends and family to attend the commissioning of 2nd Lieutenant Nicholas Wiseman. The ceremony was solemn and grand with US and Marine flags on either side of uniformed men standing at attention. Traditions were observed such as the passing of the silver dollar as the enlisted man "pays" for his first salute and the rest are free. Mom Lisa looked on as dad Jerry pinned on his son's stripes. As Lt Wiseman took his oath it made us feel safer with such devoted young men defending our land. In Nick's case, we can be sure in God he trusts. And he can be sure he is in our prayers.
Picnics, reunions, camping out--that's summer and it was hot, hot, hot. We enjoyed pulled pork and lots more before taking to the outdoors. On July 25, Mevlin and Dawn planned outdoor games for kids and young at heart. The big hit was the 2-liter water cannons powered by an air compressor! Call it what you will, it was wet, fun, loud and abit unpredictable. If that wsn't enough, they brought out the water balloons, egg toss, and classic softball. Sitting under the shade tree suited some but cheering from the sidelines is always a good thing--enourage one another!
Orin & Sandy Linden from JAARS center in NC were our guests on Aug 1. This couple has been with Wycliffe for many years and we have been able to support them much of that time. It is always good to hear their progress, their day-to-day responsibilities, and needs to accomplish them. It doesn't take long as we visit about life in general that we are more alike than we are different. And we are all missionaries right where we are.
New Life Quartet touched many people during their song ministry. Kevin's voice problems and Charlie's career move had the group praying for direction. Both guys felt led to drop out of the group at this time, and after much prayer and practice, Sheila joined Al & Nola and the group literally became a "New Creation". That scripture in II Cor 5:17 became their mission statement. John Bob continues to make them "sound" their best. As an extension of the church, they are anxious to share God's love through song. Pray they can schedule programs at the right places at the right time for those that need a touch from God.
More or Less--that was the theme for the One-In-Christ mission trip to New Orleans July 3-12. More of Him, less of us. On Aug 8, Terry, Bev, and Katie Yoder along with many others that made the trip, shared moving stories from people they met still struggling after the Hurricane Katrina disaster years ago. Inner City was alittle scary for some but hearts were changed on both sides, especially they day they fed the homeless under a viaduct. A pair of new reading glasses were just what one man needed to read the small bible he had; one homeless woman cried just because someone asked what her name was; a disruptive child suddenly wanting to cling to a storyteller. You had to be there......maybe you can be next year.
Our youth and brave chaperones went slipping and sliding at Grafton Water Park Aug 21. Rumor was Pastor Ray was more concerned about losing his hat than riding the rapids. Only a baptismal service could get more people wet from head to toe! The next evening several couples drove to the Westfield Village Park to hear the Whistnants in concert. Their secret blend made for easy listening and the introduction of their sons' own solos only added to a great message. The perfect fall evening was followed with a stop at Steak-n-Shake.
Grab your fork, pitchfork that is, for a unique Sunday meal on Sept 5. We invited Fame Church to join us for morning worship under blue skies with not a cloud in sight. Many guests added their lawn chairs to the make-shift sanctuary on the grounds. Susan led praise and worship, then Wanda and New Creation brought special music. Pastor Ray and Pastor Tom brought a 2-part sermon encouraging us to listen to the voice of truth. Meanwhile Dave Barrett was preparing marinated meat skewered on clean pitchforks in hot oil! We had more side dishes and desserts than the eye could behold. After chowing down, State of Grace gave their testimony and concert as we soaked up the sun. The day will long be remembered as a time of enjoying creation around us, good food, good music, good preaching and a good God!
Most of us drive 4-wheelers to church every Sunday, we're talking cars. But on Sept 19, we put the call out for all bikers "born to be wild about God" to join our worship. A small shower of rain didn't discourage many, and Al directed riders to park their motorcycles in a reserved parking area. There was alot of black leather in the pews and alot of "praise the Lord"s in the air. After hearing God's word, there was a blessing of the bikes--each rider attached a bell to his machine after a prayer of protection. Several caravaned to Ryan's Buffet in Effingham. We look forward to another service next spring as the hogs get "on the road again"!
Our annual haystack supper was at noon Oct 3. Taco fixings and more was shared and new clothes, toys, books, personal items were collected and boxed up for Flagstaff Mission to the Navajos. Jean is our chief packer using all the space wisely and cushioning items where needed. When they have the Christmas meetings, those gifts will be among many others so every person will received something, but hearing the Christmas story for the first time is priceless. That evening we dismissed to support a benefit for Aaron Potsick at the park. Even though it turned unseasonably cold, many kids' games, tractor pull, auctions, rides, food, and music (including New Creation) showed how the community feels about this young man and his family.
Seasons come and seasons go. After nearly 5 years with us, Pastor Ray announced his retirement at our council meeting. We are very thankful for the work he and Debbie have done during that time, being true to the first and most important task of preaching from the living Word of God. We were also thankful he agreed to stay with us as long as it took to find a new pastor. A search committee was appointed and a day of prayer set for churchwide focus on the future. God knows who our next shepherd will be and God knows the plans ahead for Ray & Debbie too. Let us stand still and let God move in His time.
Harvest time was a sheer pleasure this year with few weather breaks. Since the farmers finished their work in record time, we set our sights on a crop of friends for our traditional Farmers' Day Oct 31. Homecoming invitations were mailed to folks we hadn't seen in years. What a reunion it was--tables were decked with red and white tableclothes, red gingham napkins, picnic baskets and old photos. There was plenty of good fried chicken and green bean casserole, family favorites. Old friendships renewed, old memories relived, older and wiser in the ways of the Lord. Though many things had changed over the years, one thing remained the same--where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is love. That evening New Creation gave their first concert at West Decatur Church of God and sowed some seeds of their own.
We got a jump on advent by sending off our Samaritan's Purse shoeboxes on Nov 22. A week later we decked the church halls for the season. God took care of the outside with a blanket of snow early and often. At their Christmas party Dec 10 our women's group tried their hands at making snowflakes as we learned how unique we are to God. No sugar plums for us, we had pizza and ice cream sundaes! Dec 15 the bible study group had supper at DQ then drove through the Festival of Lights at the Shelbyville Park. With the snow cover it was truly a winter wonderland. Our youth honored Jesus' birthday on Dec 19 with their version of Holiday Squares. Kaley was emcee asking questions to contestants Lara & Melvin. They chose X or O youth "squares" that tested their knowledge of the Christmas story. That evening our choir performed their cantata Star Light, Star Bright set to powerpoint visuals. Since some visitors got lost and missed part of the program, an encore of Al & Lori's duet was given just for them--and we hear they put it on YouTube (THE good news CAN travel fast). On that starry night, the Bright and Morning Star was born--see how bright He shines!
