Thanks for the Welcome

My family was deeply touched by the welcome to town gifts of bagged groceries, gift cards, and cash given to us by members of the church. As I mentioned last week, it was the custom of my family to always give a bag of home canned food and other groceries to a family member who was visiting. As a young man, my grandfather would always fill up my gas tank and leave a bag of groceries in my car just as I left to return “down below”. So, when I saw boxes and bags of groceries I felt like I was being greeted by family. (that is, unless they were expected me to return “down below” and I just didn’t get the hint!)
I read in the book of Acts that the followers of Christ had all things in common. It is a beautiful concept and one that has practical results. For instance, our house now has a more than a month’s supply of toilet paper as a result of the grocery shower!
We are not only touched by this gesture, we intend to follow the example. Thank you congregation for your warm welcome.

It Feels Like Coming Home

We are on our way home from accepting the pastorate of Living Water Assembly of God. I am relieved to be done with the interviewing process and at peace knowing that we are where God wants us to be.

This move feels different to me than when I had been called before. This call is as much for me as it is for the congregation. This congregation isn't struggling to stay in existence. In fact, thier love for each other is obvious. I know that I need thier ministry as much as they need my ministry. This time, I don't get to wear the Superman emblem under my pinstriped suit.

I am excited to be called there...rather, here. But I am above all grateful to be called, to be remembered by the Lord, and to have been elected by a congregation that heard my vision, my ambition, and my heart and voted to call is here. God bless them.