Monday Morning Musings ... I'm Back

That's right, after a 2 week vacation, I am back and had an incredibly busy reentry and weekend. Our vacation time was so relaxing and refreshing, exactly what we needed. I will post more about that later. Got back in the office on Tuesday, then gone most of Wednesday and then a very busy and emotional rest of the week.

Our community had a tragic house fire that claimed the lives of a father and son. The Dad was in his 30's and the son not yet a teenager. The son attended our children's ministry some and the mom (who survived with a couple of other children) attended here as a teen. I was asked to do the funeral, the service and dinner were at our church. I met with the family on Thursday, a very emotional and difficult time as you can imagine. They have great support from family and friends which will help. Friday was the visitation and that first moment in the Funeral Home is always tough and this one was especially difficult for the family. Saturday morning was the funeral and over 300 people attended and then around 200 came to the dinner. Our church came through with flying colors in set up, tear down, clean up, preparing and serving food and showing great care and compassion. I am so pleased with how our people ministered to the family and community.

Sunday was a good day. I don't remember the last time I missed 2 Sundays in a row, so it felt a little strange. Things went well while we were gone, as I expected they would, my Associate did a great job. We had a good time of singing as we worshipped and people were engaged on most of the songs. My wife sang a special and did a great job. Sunday was our 34th wedding anniversary and the church had collected a love offering while we were gone and presented us with a card and check, it was very generous and we are so grateful.

I began a new series of messages Sunday entitled "Character(s) of Faith" using Hebrews 11 as the foundation. Sunday was just focusing on the first 3 verses to lay the groundwork for studying the people mentioned in Hebrews 11. We looked at the definition/description of faith in verse 1. Also, the fact that the people listed in the chapter were "commended for their faith". How awesome to be recognized, or known, for your faith. We looked at the fact that faith is evidence in our action, otherwise it is just our theory of faith not our living faith.

Sunday evening began our 2nd session of children's sports camp/Bible school. This week is basketball. We had a decent number for the first night and the kids all seemed to have a lot fun as well. We have a "Big Word" each night and a lesson to emphasize it, we will present the Gospel later in the week. During our first week of this, which was cheerleading, there were 6 first time decisions for Christ. We just trying whatever it takes to share the good news and impact our community.

It was great to be gone and it is very good to be back. I will post more this week on vacation and the anniversary. Here's hoping you find someone to encourage today.