THE EMPTYING NEST

I should be thankful that I can call this entry: "The emptying nest" rather than "The empty nest"! We are at the empty next stage yet, but the emptying nest stage is starting to hit me. Although our son left for Navy boot camp at the beginning of summer, it was 2 weeks ago that it seemed real, as he graduated and left for training school in Texas. It will be months before we see him again, and likely he will posted far away in the days to come.

Tomorrow, we take our daughter 6.5 hours away to college! Not sure if it will feel worse once we drop our daughter off, as opposed to our son, but we are about to find out. Once we drop her off, we are down to 3 kids, all pre-teens or teenagers, and the countdown begins (or continues). Time is flying by, and the nest, that just began to empty, is emptying fast. It is sad...and hard.

On the positive side, there are many things to be thankful for:

• Our son is serving God and country
• Our daughter is following God's call to train as a teacher where we both went to school
• Our children are growing up, and are putting into practice the things they have learned during all of their years in our home
• Our children are all incredible blessings from God, and we look forward to see what He has planned for their future

GO NAVY!

I haven't really had a reason to say that phrase...ever...until now. The Army/Navy football game has been on every year, but I only see part of it if I happen upon it by accident. It is pretty cool to see the guys in their uniforms, cheering on their team, and all the ceremony that goes along with it. But after 5 minutes, I've seen enough, and its time for a nap. However, something changed this past Friday, that will now capture my attention...not only during the traditional football game; but anytime I hear anything about the Navy.

Last Friday, we had the privilege of being at the Naval Training Center in Great Lakes, Illinois, to witness Alex's graduation from Navy boot camp! A week prior to that he had called us, all excited, telling us that he had passed his battle stations and all testing. He had made it as a sailor. But it was there, in Great Lakes, where we saw our son participate in what is called a "Pass in Review" ceremony. He came in with the other 85 or so guys in his division, and with all counted, in all divisions, it was close to 1,000 total that were moving on to the next stage of their military career. He had not been off the site for 8 weeks of training, but was able to spend several hours with us afterward. Then, he was off to the airport, where we met him at 3 a.m. (to give him his "stuff"); and then off to San Antonio, Texas for "A" school. This is where he begins to train for his "chosen" job in the Navy: hospital corpsman (medic). 

We are very proud of Alex. Most of all, over these past 8 weeks, we have seen Alex grow as a man, and as a follower of Jesus. He has communicated, more clearly and often than ever, his love for God, and his love for his family. He leaned on God to get him through each day, and to keep his mind clear throughout the process of boot camp. He spent time every day, praying and reading Scripture, on his "own time". He got involved in serving in the chapel, and had many opportunities to talk to guys about their relationship with God. It was so exciting to see God's grace at work in Alex's life during these weeks. Our prayer is that it will continue to be evident as he goes to "A" school, and faces more challenges to living out his faith. Good thing we have God to trust in!

I'll leave you with the chant some of the Navy guys marching by were saying. It was one of Alex's favorites:
"Hey Hey momma can't you see (echo)
What the Navy's done to me (echo)
Used to drive my Chevrolet (echo)
Now I'm marching everyday! (echo)"

MY FAVORITE MOMENTS DOING MY FAVORITE THING

There are many things I enjoy doing; and I have certainly had many wonderful experiences over my lifetime. When it comes to ministry, I don't know of anything I love more than preaching. I love every part of the process, and am humbled to have this privilege. But, there is something that I do in ministry that might be better...that could be my favorite thing. Because even when it comes to preaching, my real desire is to see people discipled - taking the next steps in their spiritual journey. As a pastor, I get to see that quite often, and I love it. But, when it comes to decisions people make as followers of Jesus, there is one that stands out above them all; and I get to see and hear the experience up close and personal.

Baptizing someone, or at least seeing someone baptized, from our church, that I know...someone we get to see grow in Christ...is my favorite thing. I love to interview them and hear how they came to Christ. I love to talk to them about what baptism is, and what it is not. I love to answer questions about it. I love to set up the experience for them, of publicly professing their faith in front of the church, friends and family. I love to see and hear how others celebrate and respond to those who are taking this very important next step.

This last Sunday, I experienced some of my favorite moments doing my favorite thing. I baptized my youngest 2 children: Caleb and Gabrielle. Previously, I had the privilege of baptizing my older 3 children; and now, I have baptized all of my children! In this case, it came up somewhat quickly, at least for me. We had planned a baptism, with over 12 people committed to be baptized after our morning service (2 were not able to make it). On the Friday night before, after a message they heard about listening to God and doing what He is calling them to do, both Caleb and Gabrielle told us they wanted to be baptized. It was great to see them, without any pressure from us, take this step forward and desire to follow Jesus in baptism.

And so it was, this past Sunday morning, after baptizing 10 others, I was privileged to baptize my children. What is better than that? I was front and center, and a part of the process...to see them stand as a testimony to their faith in Christ, identify with Jesus in His death, burial and resurrection, and to see their joy in doing what God has asked them to do. I'm trying to think of better moments doing my favorite thing...and right now, I can't think of one.

Taking NOTHING for granted

It is too easy in life to take almost everything for granted. We don't take the time to consider how blessed we are; and how things could be completely different...in a moment. Today, this thought hit me after my daughter informed me that a Chick-fil-a was robbed at gunpoint last night; and it was the Chick-fil-a she had worked at for almost a year while we lived in Georgia. To make matters worse, the young man that carried a gun into the store was a friend of hers, a fellow employee; and was the guy who had come, at her invitation, to the graduation party we held for her.

I just took it for granted that a Chick-fil-a would be safe from armed robbery, especially from employees; that no one we knew would ever do something like that; and that as my daughter worked there, her friends could be trusted. But today I am praising God for the things I often take for granted. I praise Him for: the fact that my daughter did not have a closer friendship with this guy; the fact that she was not there to work last night; the fact that no one was injured, and that he and his alleged accomplice were found and arrested; protecting my daughter; being the God who is always in charge and who can be truly trusted...always!

Hopefully, after today, I will not take as many things for granted as I usually do. Praise God for all He does, unnoticed, in our lives every day.

A NEW BEGINNING

Fresh starts are awesome, in any area of life. For me, to have a new beginning as a lead pastor means so much to me, it is beyond my ability to adequately describe. I am humbled and privileged to serve the Lord in this way. He has blessed me throughout the process of His leading; and to put me where He has put me, for ministry, is just incredible. There is no perfect church, but God has placed me with a perfect fit for ministry. The people of Weymouth Community Church have welcomed me with open arms, and have truly made our family feel special. Our first two weeks here have been filled with meals in different homes, and the blessing of getting to know some pretty special people.

There is already a freedom to approach ministry in the way God has wired me, and to be accepted for my God-given personality. I am diving in to investing in people and just getting to know as many as I can. More than any program, or ministry strategy, God will honor a people (a church) that is dedicated to Him and to one another. I want to be a part of what God has planned for this special group; and I desire that we will be moving forward, together, toward His divine plan. It is too easy for a church to get splintered, with everyone (including the pastors) having their own desires and going their own direction. My prayer is that we would all follow God's lead, as we take next steps together.

A new beginning allows me to focus on laying a good foundation for this fresh start. Over the years, I have learned more about what is really important as I begin a new role. First and foremost, it is all about staying connected with God, and intimately pursuing Him. If I am walking with Him, nothing else, including disappointments in ministry, are going to derail me, or cause me to lose my joy. There is nothing more important that walking with God each day, and being all about glorifying Him. My strength, endurance and guidance in ministry is going to come from Him; as well as any effectiveness in serving Him. And secondly, in the horizontal aspect, it is about investing in the lives of these precious people, and truly caring for them. It is my joy and privilege to do just that. Thank you, God, for new beginnings!

DEAR WEYMOUTH COMMUNITY CHURCH

Dear Weymouth Community Church,

You may never know how God has already used you to be an incredible encouragement to me. When we found out that you voted to invite me to be your next Lead Pastor, it was the culmination of over a year of praying, waiting, and hoping. God had some things He wanted to do in our lives first, but now He is bringing us together for what He has planned for the future. I could not be more excited about beginning this journey with you. You are an incredible answer to prayer.

I was praying for a church that had not been through a split, and that had a history of long-term pastors. I was praying for church that had solid doctrine, but was non-denominational. I was praying for a church that had elder leadership. I was praying for a church that might have some additional blessings added to it (and the fact that you  are in Ohio, and near where we were for 7 years is an incredible special blessing!). I was praying for a church that gave the first impression of being loving, welcoming and caring. I was praying for a church that desired to make disciples around the world. I was praying for a church that seemed to be a great fit for me. I was praying for a church that only God could lead us to and put us together. You were the answer to my prayers; and God went above and beyond my expectations.

There are no illusions, after 18 years of ministry, that any church is perfect. But I do believe in God's perfect will, in His perfect timing, and His perfect fit - to do in us and to do in you exactly what is needed to draw us closer to Him and to bring Him glory. So, it is with God's sovereignty in mind, that I am overflowing with joy, excitement, and anticipation of what He is going to do moving forward. After Teresa and I visited for the first time, we already began to love the people, and felt like we were home. God has given us a new home with you, and we praise Him for His wonderful gift!

Love,
Greg

THANK YOU CHICK-FIL-A

God has answered our prayers; and after 10 months of living in the Atlanta, Ga area with family, we are moving back to Ohio and I am taking on the role of Lead Pastor once again. But, before we "move on" and just focus on where we are going, I want to pause and thank God for where we have been. Teresa's brother has been awesome, as their family has allowed us to live with them; and God has really done some pretty amazing things over this past year. One that sticks out in my mind and heart today, is the blessing of Chick-fil-a.

Today was my last day at work, and it was a bitter/sweet day. I am so excited about following God's call back into pastoral ministry; but I will miss my chick-fil-a family, and am so grateful for their part in my life this year. Kevin, the owner/operator, has been incredible, in hiring me and being so kind throughout the process. The managers, team leaders, and team members have all been so welcoming and a joy to work with the entire time. I saw how God can use a business, to really care about people, and serve their community - for the glory of God.

Over these months, as I awaited God's next call, I was able to immerse myself in the chick-fil-a family, and it was a great blessing. Here are some of the things I am most thankful for:
1) A company that does not shy away from their mission statement that is about the glory of God.
2) An owner that truly loves his employees; and continually finds ways to demonstrate that love.
3) Team leaders and managers who also care, and are all about training, customer service and excellence. They really want everyone to grow and succeed.
4) Lots of laughter and fun in this working environment
5) To go to work each day, and not dread it. It was, sincerely, a joy to work there.

May God bless Chick-fil-a, Kevin, and all my wonderful friends at our store in Canton, Ga. And if you are ever traveling close by, stop off on exit 20 off of interstate 575, in Canton, ,GA; and perhaps you will see just a glimpse of what I am talking about. God has used this Chick-fil-a family in a special time in my life; and for that I am forever grateful.