HAPPY NEW YEAR???

I would expect to see !!! rather than ??? following the Happy New Year statement, wouldn't you? And just in case you wonder if my hangover from New Year's Eve celebrations have caused the mistake, let me assure you that this time, it was on purpose! Last night was a little different celebration for our family. Although we had all 7 of us home, 2 of us were sick (to the point of not sitting next to each other or being close to one another) and 2 of us seemed "on the edge" of sickness. We still were able to (from different rooms) talk about our highs and lows of 2013, and pray for one another as we enter a New Year (although the prayer time was around 6 p.m. rather than midnight - does that still count?). Normally, we have a lot of people over and play games, and then go watch the ball drop on TV, with about a minute left to midnight.
It was a little different this year.

The 2 "sickies" were in bed long before midnight, but the rest of us watched the last 10 minutes to the ball dropping, going back and forth between 3 different stations. I was not used to watching more than the last minute before the ball drops; and after watching several minutes from 3 different stations, I started placing question marks instead of exclamation points at the end of the phrase: Happy New Year. This is why (only based on the small sampling I viewed):

• No goals to shoot for in 2014. They lamented that setting goals makes no difference because no one keeps those goals (New Year's resolutions) very long. That may be true, but having nothing to shoot for in the New Year pretty much guarantees a year of "seeing what happens" and if anything, pursuing things that are not really important.
• Nothing to say - The channels I watched in those last 10 minutes were using commercials very freely; and when they weren't on commercial, in all 3 cases, they were having a very hard time finding anything substantive to say. It seemed odd to me, especially in a business where talking is what they are paid for, that they couldn't come up with a good conversation for the final minutes of 2013 and anticipating the new year. 
• Let's go with sex - It seemed like, in the last several minutes of the countdown to the new year, the best thing the stations could think of talking about and showing, had to do with sensual images and talk of girls kissing one another being the highlight of the night. I have nothing against sex. God created it and it is an awesome thing when used His way. I should not have been surprised, but when they didn't seem to know what to show or talk about, the default was sexuality.

These are the 3 things that come to my mind as I think about the final 10 minutes of the New Year, from the media's perspective. And, of course, with the actual ball dropping, there then came a lot of kissing, noise making and drinking. And unfortunately, because of 1 of the significant "sickies" in my household, there was no kissing for me! My limited view of how they perceived the end of last year and the beginning of this New Year caused me to place the question marks in my head, and now in this entry. 

Followers of Jesus have a much greater opportunity for a Happy New Year!!! 

• There are many blessings to praise God for from 2013
• The fact that we are still here means that God is still saving people and still using us
• Each new day brings opportunities to learn of God and to walk with Him
• There are many blessings to praise God for, already, in 2014 (family, friends, life, etc.)
• We can have peace and joy, in any circumstance (past, present or future) because we have Christ!
• Jesus may return in 2014!
• If our complete satisfaction is in Christ, then we are guaranteed a Happy New Year (because even death brings us a greater reward).

So, let's enter into 2014 with !!! even as there are many ??? as to what we might face in the New Year. The !!! are what we already have and know about who is in control of the future; and this allows us to !!! in the midst of many ??? that will arise. I don't feel I am making a whole lot of sense so far in 2014; but I am willing to continue to give full effort! May you find your happiness this year in the only source that provides true joy, peace, and eternal life!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

WHY 3 SERVICES?

Beginning January 5, 2014, Weymouth Community Church will go to 3 services, planned to go through May. As we approach the summer, we will re-evaluate, to see what God wants us to do.
On the last Sundays of September, October, and November, we tested 3 services. The feedback we received was very positive. There are many benefits in having 3 services, especially in our very unique, awesome, and tiny facility that God has blessed us with! Most of those who call WCC their home were not bothered by the 3 services; and most were very open to whatever the leadership decided to do. We have such a great spirit and wonderful people here at WCC. We have read, carefully, any comments (including any concerns), and have taken all the comments into consideration in making this decision. Let me share some of the main reasons we have decided to go to 3 services; and then please feel free to ask your questions and share your concerns with us!

We are a life saving station
On December 15, 2013, I preached a message entitled: "PRAY, INVEST, INVITE". It introduced an evangelism (sharing the good news about Jesus Christ) strategy, that will serve as the foundation of our outreach efforts as a church moving forward. If you have not heard that message as of yet, please get on our church website, www.weymouthchurch.com, and listen to it for more information. The basic reason we have an outreach strategy, is because God has called us to "make disciples", as our main purpose for existing. We are to go out, and in Christ's love, reach the "lost" (those who do not yet follow Jesus) for God's glory. The other option is to be inward focused, and become more like a social club. Going to 3 services, in our present circumstances, is a reminder that we are not here for ourselves, or to foster a small, safe, comfortable, fellowship. We are here to support and strengthen one another, by God's grace, to reach more people with God's love; and then to bring them here for the purpose of helping them take their next steps in Christ. We want to make more room for them.

We are full
If you were to come to 1 of our 2 present services, you could find some room still available, in the very front, in the corner of the balcony, in some other spots around the worship center, and even on people's laps! There is, presently, room to squeeze some more in there. And on days where more people are gone, on vacation, or because of sickness or weather, there are other empty seats where others could take their place. But, according to research and experience, there comes a time when those we are trying to reach see us as full. That normally comes at the 80% mark. When we are 80% full, in any service, it makes people feel like there is "no room" for them. It might not make sense to us, but it seems to play out that way in real life (most of the time). Our capacity is 110, and my unscientific test revealed that, including the balcony, with no extra chairs set up, we can "comfortably" (room for a regular sized adult to sit, plus room to put a Bible or purse, etc. next to them) seat about 100. That means that the 80% mark is 80 for any service (this is the kind of math I know how to do). Our average attendance in the first service (8:30 a.m.) has been 77 over the past several months; and in the 11 a.m. service, it has been 98. So, in the first service, we are just under the 80% mark, and in the 2nd service, we are very much over it. History has shown that if we do not make more room, we will probably continue to reach who we are reaching, but not many more. Our numbers will remain the same. We need to make more room.

We can all hit a "3" on Sunday mornings
Until God provides a new place for us to worship, we want to be thankful for what He has given us, and make the most of it. We also want to focus on a process of discipleship: how to help people be in environments, where they can take their next steps in Jesus. On Sunday mornings, with 3 services, everyone has the opportunity to participate in 2 key programs, and one other activity - all of which are a part of the discipleship process at WCC. Everyone can attend a worship service (8:30, 9:45, or 11:00 a.m.). We need those who attended one of the earlier services during our testing Sundays, to continue to do so; but most of all, everyone can choose their service based on what works best for their family and for those they will be bringing with them. Going to worship service allows for us, corporately, with all ages and stages of spiritual growth, to worship through fellowship; giving; singing; and the teaching and application of God's Word. With 3 services, you also have the opportunity to attend a Bible study (Sunday school class). This is provided for all ages. Unlike the large group setting, this is normally a smaller group, with those in your own stage of life; and you have the opportunity to learn about and discuss the Word of God together. Small groups is the 3rd program we will offer for everyone, but that will take place off site, in homes, and will re-start, officially, in the fall of 2014. The 3rd thing you can do, however, in another time slot, is to serve. Serving God and others at WCC is something we ask of everyone who calls WCC their home; and Sunday morning is one of the prime time slots for serving. You can do all 3 of these on a Sunday morning, if you choose. There will be some adjusting, and potentially some sacrifice on your part; but just remember why we are doing what we do, and that might help us all stay focused. Take advantage of this opportunity, while you have it; and let's grow together!

Our intention is not to become a mega church. We may always be "small", relative to larger churches in our area. We are already over twice as large as the average church in America. But, the goal for us is not to have a certain number of people. The goal is to help more people in our community take the next in their spiritual journey. For us to accomplish that goal, by God's power and grace, we have to structure ourselves so that more people feel like they can come and grow with us. It is with this goal in mind, that we want to fully test 3 services for several months, see if God will choose to bless it; and then prayerfully decide how to proceed from there. Please join us in this exciting journey!

I HAVE 5 TEENAGERS - LET'S CELEBRATE?

Tomorrow, on December 22nd, I will officially have 5 teenagers. Teresa and I are protesting. My question mark at the end of "celebrate" in the blog entry title is not a mistake. It seems like we are supposed to celebrate, but why do we feel like we want to go into a closet and cry? Our dilemma is not related to whether or not we like teenagers. We love teenagers - especially ours! They are awesome; and parenting them is a privilege. There are unique challenges to parenting teenagers; but then again, every stage of life and parenting has its challenges. I think the real question as to whether or not it should be a celebration has to do with the feeling of old age that it brings to us as parents with growing children. We know the time is short, and if they are all teenagers, it also means that they are soon going to living somewhere else, not with us - building their own families. It is sad. We miss the little ones (don't talk to me about grandchildren yet), and the feeling that this was just beginning. We now have the feeling that things are ending. Don't you feel sorry for us? Probably not. It is life, isn't it? We grow older, and things change. We don't think we are old enough to have 5 teenagers. Don't you agree?

Happy Birthday to Caleb and Gabrielle, our two youngest; and turning 13! I can still remember holding both of you, one in each hand, at the same time - soon after your birth. God had already given us 3 amazing children, and you were the two that filled up our family, as He designed it. We are so thankful for both of you, and have seen God's hand in your lives up to this point. God has used you both to bring us incredible joy over these 13 years. We look forward to seeing how God is going to keep working in and through you over the next several years. We are glad (deep down) that you are now teenagers, and will continue to enjoy the time God gives us to walk along side of you. Enjoy!

THE SPORTS ANNOUNCER'S FUMBLE

It is hard for sports announcers to fumble, since they no longer play the game. But, last night, Ray Lewis, the former Hall of Fame linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens, and current analyst on Monday Night Football, "coughed it up" big time. Rarely do announcers have the opportunity to talk about their faith openly, in that kind of setting. Ray Lewis did last night, on "Monday Night Countdown", which is the pre-game show for Monday Night Football, which airs on ESPN. There was an emotional segment done on a little 7 year old girl, who was an incredible Baltimore Ravens fan, but died in the Newtown, Connecticut shootings at a school. As most stories like this, it was heartwarming, and "tugged" at your heart.

In the story, the family had received a very inspirational, encouraging note on an autographed picture, sent by Ray Lewis, who was playing for the Ravens at the time of the shooting and loss of this young girl. The dad read the note during the story, and then the announcer who reported the story, turned to Ray Lewis, and asked him about his motivation for writing such a note - a very personal note to the family following the tragedy. The note had talked about having trust in God, and the belief that the little girl is in Heaven; and they will see her someday.

It was when Ray Lewis was asked the question and he answered, that I believe he "fumbled" - at least as it relates to the opportunity to speak the biblical truth about God and eternal life. Just as in the note, Ray Lewis talked about how everyone is going to Heaven someday; and that is the reason we can get through tragedies like this. That was the basic message he gave - in a very passionate, heart-felt way, as only Ray Lewis can do. I respect him as a hard nosed football player; but I feel badly for him, and for many who may take his words, and believe that their eternal destiny is already secured with God in Heaven forever.

That belief is usually called "universalism" - that everyone, eventually, will make it to Heaven. That allows for the Catholic belief in a place called "purgatory", where you might wait for awhile, pay for your sins, and then make it to Heaven. But the Bible gives a very different viewpoint - and speaks the truth in love. The only way to God is through Jesus Christ (John 14:6). There is no other way. We are all responsible to come to Jesus Christ, to confess Him as our Lord, and receive the free gift of eternal life. When it comes to children, who are young, or those who have handicaps that make it difficult to understand and express true faith, I leave that in God's merciful hands. I would not doubt if they, including this young girl in the story, were chosen by God "before the foundation of the world" (Ephesians 1), to be one of His children. But this does not mean that everyone, regardless of their faith, or lack of it, will make it to Heaven.

Romans 10:9 - "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart, that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."

It is a tragedy when anyone dies, and even more so when a 7 year old girl is struck down by a murderer. But, in the eyes of eternity, in the perspective of God, there is a greater tragedy coming: when people who thought everyone goes to Heaven will have to stand before a righteous God; and find out that it is simply not true. We only get to Heaven once we trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. Ray Lewis' plan sounds good to us; but it is not God's plan - it is not true. God, in His mercy and grace, is "desiring all to come to the knowledge of the truth" (I Timothy 2). This is your opportunity to embrace the truth found in Jesus, as stated in the Bible; and in this case, not to listen to a charismatic, passionate communicator - Hall of Famer Ray Lewis. Everyone fumbles; and this may have been one of his most costly ones.

HAPPY GIVINGTHANKS

I know, I know - I misspelled it. And I'm a day late. And there is technology that would help me change 

Givingthanks to Thanksgiving. I know. But as I think about Thanksgiving, I think we normally think about all the "wrong" things, such as Turkey, chocolate chip cookies (certainly chocolate can't be wrong in any context, but since I don't know how to use my delete button, I guess I'll keep it here), movies, football, and of course, going out late on Thanksgiving night, to stand in line for hours, so I can get $10 off on a Black Friday special! Certainly, the fact that most Thanksgivings include family we don't see all the time is still a highlight for many; and that is always a good thing (unless you don't like your family and you spend most of your time tolerating them, arguing with them, or just plain ignoring them - not your family of course - someone else's). 

Anyways...what I noticed is that Thanksgiving is rarely about what it is supposed to be about: Giving Thanks.

So, I decided to change the name of the Holiday. Is that o.k. with you? It just makes more sense to me. It seems like it might keep us on track, if we said each time: "Happy GivingThanks". I understand it may not be as catchy; and the term may not have people running to get in line for Black Friday sales as readily. But, perhaps, it would cause us to take a moment...to pause...and to consider that whatever else we enjoy during this Holiday, there has to be a good healthy portion of GIVING THANKS.

Shouldn't we actually be thankful during Thanksgiving? If not, certainly we must be thankful during the Holiday renamed "Givingthanks"! And during this time, we should actually consider what we are thankful for; and remember to tell God, and others, what we are thankful for; and that we are, truly, thankful. Have I convinced you? Are you already finding yourself changing the name? Perhaps not. But, it's worth a try. So....

HAPPY GIVINGTHANKS!

uh oh - the phone's for you

Too many times, in my pastoral experience, I have answered the phone in my office, only to be "greeted" by an unsatisfied "customer". Unfortunately, in many cases, these are people that by age and experience, ought to be mature in Christ; and yet, what they feel comfortable saying to their pastor, over the phone, is anything but spiritually mature. I suppose people feel more comfortable saying things over the phone rather than in person; but nevertheless, what comes out of our mouths reveals our hearts.

This week, as I took a phone call, I wondered what I was going to hear. But God, here in my new ministry, has continued to bless and amaze me with the spiritual maturity of many of our members here. This elderly woman called with a question; and it wasn't a question like: "Why are you such an idiot"?; or "Do you really think you can come in here as a pastor and do this to us"? It was a legitimate question (not statement); and it revealed a sincere heart to understand God's Word and follow it. I realize that I may be too hardened, after some years of difficult phone calls; but it was a sweet relief and incredible blessing to have someone truly desiring her pastor to give some spiritual and doctrinal guidance.

Her question was a great one; and it revealed the heart attitude of someone who studies Scripture; and who truly wants to know what God has to say about something. I happily answered her question and talked with her about the issue. And then this sweet lady said "thank you so much pastor! I have been losing sleep over this issue; but now I know what the Bible says about this. I feel so much better!" My answer was not anything new. I don't know everything. But what really made me feel great was that there is a woman in our church who doesn't pretend to have "arrived" or "know it all"; but instead, is continuing to take her next steps in Christ, and is willing to ask her pastor for help.

Thank you, God, for the blessing of this phone call!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD

The years have flown by, and as you celebrate (I'm assuming you are celebrating!) another birthday, I am thanking God for all the years I have had with you. And although I have been "out of the house" for many years now, your impact on my life has not lessened; and am I grateful for any time God gives us together. It is very difficult for many to grow old; and with age sometimes comes discouragement and anger. You are a great example as you appreciate the years and life God has given you; so that even if there are no more birthdays, you are gratefully living every moment for Him.

Today, on your birthday, I celebrate (in thankfulness to God) your:

• faithfulness to God
• loyalty to family
• hard work
• determination
• godliness
• good example
• willingness to serve others
• never give up attitude
• prayers
• life

Have a wonderful day dad; and may God give you another blessed year of living for Him!

I love you!

Greg