The joint Thanksgiving service at Back Creek Presbyterian Sunday night was once again thoroughly enjoyable. The church building itself is 150 years old this year and the church has been there for over 200 years. The building is beautiful, but the church is far better still!
It is funny, though, how insular we are even as brothers and sisters in Christ. At the start of the service we had to be desegregated from our individual congregations. Self-consciously, we had huddled in our little familiar groups. I am glad Pastor Thrailkill had the courage to shake things up a little at the beginning of the service and force us to mingle. In fact, he did it again right before the fellowship, challenging each of us to sit at a table with someone who wasn't from our church. I met some wonderful people as a result - people that I'll look forward to seeing again. Once again it was proved that we (Christians) ARE all family.
The text for the sermon Sunday night was Psalm 118. It begins and ends, "Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever." What a great place to begin our meditation during this Thanksgiving holiday! It must have been on the Lord's mind, for in my daily Psalm reading in the One Year Bible the past two days has been in Psalm 118. Funny, huh? I wonder if He is trying to tell me something?
Well, seeing how God seems to be speaking this Psalm to His people right now (or at least to me), I plan to make it my meditation this week. I pray that God will help you to reflect on all of the things that you have to be thankful for in the midst of all of the holiday's chaos. Have a wonderful, blessed day of Thanksgiving.
Showing posts with label Thanksgiving. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thanksgiving. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Friday, November 16, 2007
Don't Forget!
NO OASIS SUNDAY NIGHT.
INSTEAD...
Sunday night at 6:30 the area PCA churches are gathering at Back Creek Presbyterian Church for our annual joint Thanksgiving service. (Can you believe Thanksgiving is THURSDAY?) I have enjoyed this gathering each time I have attended. There will be a reception following the service so bring some kind of hors d'oeuvre (that's "finger foods" in the vernacular) to share.
INSTEAD...
Sunday night at 6:30 the area PCA churches are gathering at Back Creek Presbyterian Church for our annual joint Thanksgiving service. (Can you believe Thanksgiving is THURSDAY?) I have enjoyed this gathering each time I have attended. There will be a reception following the service so bring some kind of hors d'oeuvre (that's "finger foods" in the vernacular) to share.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Reformation Day 2007
History was made today.
In some ways, history began today.
Some of us will never forget today.
While fully expecting to post a message about our 490 years of Protestant heritage since Brother Martin Luther posted those historic "95 Theses" on the door of Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany on this date in 1517, I must defer to a more timely and ultimately more important event which occurred this very day.
It seems that another was even MORE fully expecting!
In Salisbury, North Carolina, at precisely 10:45 am Eastern Time, within the comfortable confines of the Rowan Regional Medical Center, a marvelous arrival was heralded as LYDIA MARIE VRIESEMA was welcomed into the arms and lives of her delighted, humbled, and pretty much exhausted parents, Katherine and Chad. These three along with the staff in the birthing suite pulled an "all-niter" as the labor progressed for almost twelve hours. All are doing well. Amen.
The Numbers.
First child of Katherine & Chad Vriesema.
Weight: 8 pounds.
Length: 20 inches.
Future: eternal.
That's a pretty grand miracle to be wrapped in so diminutive a package! She is a series of miracles, really. Every child is. Your parents thought the same of you all those years ago. At least, I hope they did, because they would have been right.
Before Lydia moved into her third hour of brighter light, louder sounds, and breathing air I was afforded the memorable privilege of holding this perfect angel in my arms. Thank you, Katherine and Chad, I shall never forget the honor or the awe I experienced when you placed the mother of your grandchildren into my ready hands today. Okay, that may seem like I am rushing things a good bit.
Nevertheless, Lydia is tangible evidence that our Creator God is exceedingly loving towards His people, as He has entrusted the care and nurture of this precious little one primarily to Katherine and Chad, yet additionally to her extended family, and her extended faith family as well. We are ready. We are eager. We are able to assist loving and shaping her in the years ahead because Christ has placed within us the desire and granted the permission to love her in His name.
I could not help myself from singing a phrase or two of "Jesus Loves YOU" as she peacefully looked up at me. If memory serves, I also said something like this to Katherine, "Perfect! Beautiful! And so is your daughter!"
Prior to holding her, with the proud Papa and maternal Grandmother along side, I watched through the Newborn Nursery glass as Lydia passed all her neonatal tests with flying colors, and donned her very first piece of clothing, a fairly sporty and casual tiny tee shirt, followed quickly by a hand-knitted pink cap made especially for her. Not surprisingly, both were perfect fits.
Okay, StillWaters, let's allow the Vriesema family to establish their own "normal" routine before we inundate them with our presence and our presents. They all need their rest right now, and for the foreseeable future. Each of us wants to be, and will offer to be available to help in various ways, no doubt, so let's be sensitive to their needs, wants and desires now. Sandy, Katherine's mother, is here from Durham until next Tuesday, so let's coordinate with her on things such as meals and helps of all kinds, including visits simply to see the baby.
Nearly five hundred years ago today the spiritual world was influenced for change by an event which would reverberate throughout human history forever onward. Today in Salisbury, North Carolina the lives of the Vriesema family members were forever changed for the better, too. A covenant child birthed on Reformation Day -- how memorably wonderful. And, while the Reformation teachings will fade away when time and space are concluded on this old earth, Lydia will continue in her eternal spirit in paradise for all eternity! (Told you this was a more ultimately important event.) What an honor to pronounce the first benediction over her, knowing that our Lord will continue the choruses of blessing and joy over her for eternity. His song is already resounding through the halls of heaven over Lydia. (Zephaniah 3:17)
Welcome Baby Lydia.
Well done Katherine (and Chad, too).
We worship You, oh God, for this marvelous gift.
History was made today.
History began today for the "Three Vriesemas." We will never forget.
God's best to you, dear ones. . . is that the sound of baahing from a new sheep I hear?
In some ways, history began today.
Some of us will never forget today.
While fully expecting to post a message about our 490 years of Protestant heritage since Brother Martin Luther posted those historic "95 Theses" on the door of Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany on this date in 1517, I must defer to a more timely and ultimately more important event which occurred this very day.
It seems that another was even MORE fully expecting!
In Salisbury, North Carolina, at precisely 10:45 am Eastern Time, within the comfortable confines of the Rowan Regional Medical Center, a marvelous arrival was heralded as LYDIA MARIE VRIESEMA was welcomed into the arms and lives of her delighted, humbled, and pretty much exhausted parents, Katherine and Chad. These three along with the staff in the birthing suite pulled an "all-niter" as the labor progressed for almost twelve hours. All are doing well. Amen.
The Numbers.
First child of Katherine & Chad Vriesema.
Weight: 8 pounds.
Length: 20 inches.
Future: eternal.
That's a pretty grand miracle to be wrapped in so diminutive a package! She is a series of miracles, really. Every child is. Your parents thought the same of you all those years ago. At least, I hope they did, because they would have been right.
Before Lydia moved into her third hour of brighter light, louder sounds, and breathing air I was afforded the memorable privilege of holding this perfect angel in my arms. Thank you, Katherine and Chad, I shall never forget the honor or the awe I experienced when you placed the mother of your grandchildren into my ready hands today. Okay, that may seem like I am rushing things a good bit.
Nevertheless, Lydia is tangible evidence that our Creator God is exceedingly loving towards His people, as He has entrusted the care and nurture of this precious little one primarily to Katherine and Chad, yet additionally to her extended family, and her extended faith family as well. We are ready. We are eager. We are able to assist loving and shaping her in the years ahead because Christ has placed within us the desire and granted the permission to love her in His name.
I could not help myself from singing a phrase or two of "Jesus Loves YOU" as she peacefully looked up at me. If memory serves, I also said something like this to Katherine, "Perfect! Beautiful! And so is your daughter!"
Prior to holding her, with the proud Papa and maternal Grandmother along side, I watched through the Newborn Nursery glass as Lydia passed all her neonatal tests with flying colors, and donned her very first piece of clothing, a fairly sporty and casual tiny tee shirt, followed quickly by a hand-knitted pink cap made especially for her. Not surprisingly, both were perfect fits.
Okay, StillWaters, let's allow the Vriesema family to establish their own "normal" routine before we inundate them with our presence and our presents. They all need their rest right now, and for the foreseeable future. Each of us wants to be, and will offer to be available to help in various ways, no doubt, so let's be sensitive to their needs, wants and desires now. Sandy, Katherine's mother, is here from Durham until next Tuesday, so let's coordinate with her on things such as meals and helps of all kinds, including visits simply to see the baby.
Nearly five hundred years ago today the spiritual world was influenced for change by an event which would reverberate throughout human history forever onward. Today in Salisbury, North Carolina the lives of the Vriesema family members were forever changed for the better, too. A covenant child birthed on Reformation Day -- how memorably wonderful. And, while the Reformation teachings will fade away when time and space are concluded on this old earth, Lydia will continue in her eternal spirit in paradise for all eternity! (Told you this was a more ultimately important event.) What an honor to pronounce the first benediction over her, knowing that our Lord will continue the choruses of blessing and joy over her for eternity. His song is already resounding through the halls of heaven over Lydia. (Zephaniah 3:17)
Welcome Baby Lydia.
Well done Katherine (and Chad, too).
We worship You, oh God, for this marvelous gift.
History was made today.
History began today for the "Three Vriesemas." We will never forget.
God's best to you, dear ones. . . is that the sound of baahing from a new sheep I hear?
Friday, October 19, 2007
A Message From The Skipper
Dear Friends
The God of grace is the God of your reality.
The Lord of glory is the Lord of your heart and spirit.
The King of Kings and Lord of Lords is your strength and help.
That is why He is so approachable, even though He is holy and sovereign. It is His desire that each of us have our heart's desire to delight in Him. It is my heart's desire to be a leader among many who do exactly that... daily.
This Sunday morning and evening should prove to be important in our corporate life as a congregation after God's own heart.
I will make my plea here: please join the gatherings on Sunday as they may well set the course for our immediate and longer range future as an extended family of faith. It is important to me, and I hope you will join me and Carol, and the rest on Sunday.
Worship gathering at KidSports 10:30 am,
"What Happened to THEM?"
Oasis Diner at Kirker home 5:30 pm,
"Christmas in October" - Carol is roasting Turkey and you may bring all the trimmin's! Rick and I will present some of the opportunities relating to parties in the months to come.
God's best to you, now and always,
Cameron
Romans 1:16,17
"Even now, declares the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity." Joel 2:13 NIV
The God of grace is the God of your reality.
The Lord of glory is the Lord of your heart and spirit.
The King of Kings and Lord of Lords is your strength and help.
That is why He is so approachable, even though He is holy and sovereign. It is His desire that each of us have our heart's desire to delight in Him. It is my heart's desire to be a leader among many who do exactly that... daily.
This Sunday morning and evening should prove to be important in our corporate life as a congregation after God's own heart.
I will make my plea here: please join the gatherings on Sunday as they may well set the course for our immediate and longer range future as an extended family of faith. It is important to me, and I hope you will join me and Carol, and the rest on Sunday.
Worship gathering at KidSports 10:30 am,
"What Happened to THEM?"
Oasis Diner at Kirker home 5:30 pm,
"Christmas in October" - Carol is roasting Turkey and you may bring all the trimmin's! Rick and I will present some of the opportunities relating to parties in the months to come.
God's best to you, now and always,
Cameron
Romans 1:16,17
Friday, September 14, 2007
Happy Birthday!
I woke up this morning to discover that I had been given the most wonderful birthday present that I could imagine! And it came from someone who rarely packages gifts for special days. That isn't to say that this person is not generous - just the opposite. He gives gifts to everyone every day. He is so generous that we often take His gifts for granted.
This morning I woke up to discover that God gave me rain for my birthday!
I have been begging for rain for the past few weeks. And I begged in earnest yesterday. But God made the rain wait for my birthday. I had even said earlier this week that that would be the best birthday present ever! What an old softie!
This morning I woke up to discover that God gave me rain for my birthday!
I have been begging for rain for the past few weeks. And I begged in earnest yesterday. But God made the rain wait for my birthday. I had even said earlier this week that that would be the best birthday present ever! What an old softie!
Jesus loves me
This I know
For the Bible
Tells me so.
Little ones
To Him belong;
They are weak,
But He is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
