I want to take just a second to welcome Russell to the church staff.  I’m looking forward to working with Russell and I’m excited about his vision for the music ministry of our church.  I appreciate his understanding of worship, the role of music within the worship of the church and his commitment and desire to equip and engage the whole congregation.  A desire and commitment to use the choir, and...  Read More

What are we to do when we disagree?  How are we to handle problems that arise within the church?  Is every issue the same?  Is there “a” way to approach every situation?  What is “the” governing issue?  Is it truth?  Is it love?  Is it the integrity or wholeness of the gospel or is it fellowship and harmony among the members?  These are not merely rhetorical questions.  I don’t know if you are awa...  Read More

It’s true.  The older you get the faster life moves.  I blinked and it is September!  Of course, kids are back in school, sports programs are kicking off, a new church year is looming.  Busy times.As we look at a new year, we have a couple of pressing needs.  One, we have need of someone to coordinate our funeral dinners.  This person will be responsible of overseeing the work of the benevolence c...  Read More

Have you ever been so discouraged you just wanted to give up?  Ever been so depressed that you just felt like you wanted to die?  Ever found yourself in an unbearable situation in which you saw no way out and you just didn’t care anymore?  Has life ever dumped on you?  Have you ever had your worst nightmare become your reality?  When that happens life becomes overwhelming, even for those who are t...  Read More

Most of us want life to be like an amusement park.  We want “safe” thrills.  Oh, we like it when the adrenaline is pumping, the heart is racing, we struggle to catch our breath – so long as we know it is all in fun and nothing is really going to happen.  We like the idea that something can happen suddenly that will dramatically alter our lives – provided that it is for our “good.”  And by the way ...  Read More

When you think of worship, what comes to your mind?  Is it a certain kind of music?  Do you think Handel, Gaither, Gettys, Third Day or George Beverly Shea?  When you hear “worship” do you think primarily of music?  Maybe you think about what happens at church on Sunday morning and evening.  Do you think of a choir, congregational singing and a sermon.  Of course, those of you who are really godly...  Read More