Chinese Articles in CT

Christianity Today has a number of Articles on China in it's online addition.

I was reading them and thought I would share them with a larger audience.

I lived in China in the mid 1990s, and times have certainly changed. I hope for the better and the advancement of the gospel to the Chinese people.

SNL Topic: Leadership => Choosing & Qualities

Last Sunday Night Live ( SNL) we began our first 10 week course on Leadership.

Over the next year, we will have 5 of these 10 week courses. All focused on developing and preparing to ordain elders and deacons for ministry at CPC. We had a good start last Sunday, and we meet again at the church office at 6:30 pm this coming Sunday.

The topic, to finish the lecture and seminar on Leadership Qualities and how to choose a Leader. The folks last week found it interesting, come check it out!

Prayer for Myanmar

Just want to encourage folks to be praying for the people who have been devastated by the cyclone in SE Asia.

The PCA is getting ready to respond, go to this link for more information.

Sermon Text: Nahum 3:8-13

Nah. 3:8 Are you better than No-amon,
Which was situated by the waters of the Nile,
With water surrounding her,
Whose rampart was the sea,
Whose wall consisted of the sea?
Nah. 3:9 Ethiopia was her might,
And Egypt too, without limits.
Put and Lubim were among her helpers.
Nah. 3:10 Yet she became an exile,
She went into captivity;
Also her small children were dashed to pieces
At the head of every street;
They cast lots for her honorable men,
And all her great men were bound with fetters.
Nah. 3:11 You too will become drunk,
You will be hidden.
You too will search for a refuge from the enemy.
Nah. 3:12 All your fortifications are fig trees with ripe fruit—
When shaken, they fall into the eater’s mouth.
Nah. 3:13 Behold, your people are women in your midst!
The gates of your land are opened wide to your enemies;
Fire consumes your gate bars.

Sermon Text: Nahum 3:1-7

Nah. 3:1 Woe to the bloody city, completely full of lies and pillage;
Her prey never departs.
Nah. 3:2 The noise of the whip,
The noise of the rattling of the wheel,
Galloping horses
And bounding chariots!
Nah. 3:3 Horsemen charging,
Swords flashing, spears gleaming,
Many slain, a mass of corpses,
And countless dead bodies—
They stumble over the dead bodies!
Nah. 3:4 All because of the many harlotries of the harlot,
The charming one, the mistress of sorceries,
Who sells nations by her harlotries
And families by her sorceries.
Nah. 3:5 “Behold, I am against you,” declares the LORD of hosts;
“And I will lift up your skirts over your face,
And show to the nations your nakedness
And to the kingdoms your disgrace.
Nah. 3:6 “I will throw filth on you
And make you vile,
And set you up as a spectacle.
Nah. 3:7 “And it will come about that all who see you
Will shrink from you and say,
‘Nineveh is devastated!
Who will grieve for her?’
Where will I seek comforters for you?”

Guest Speaker: Brent Cotton

We are fortunate enough to have our very own Brent Cotton preaching this coming Lord's Day. Brent is going to give us a break from Nahum, and take us into the Gospel of John.

Brent has been teaching on the Westminster Confession in Sunday School and I am certain it is going to be a great Sunday. Hope you are able to come!

Sermon Text: John 15:1-17

John 15:1 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.
John 15:2 “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit.
John 15:3 “You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.
John 15:4 “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.
John 15:5 “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.
John 15:6 “If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned.
John 15:7 “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
John 15:8 “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.
John 15:9 “Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love.
John 15:10 “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.
John 15:11 “These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.
John 15:12 “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.
John 15:13 “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:14 “You are My friends if you do what I command you.
John 15:15 “No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.
John 15:16 “You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you.
John 15:17 “This I command you, that you love one another.

Dear Disillusioned Generation @ CT

Found this read interesting, and I wanted to pass it on.

D.A. Carson touched on this at the Mission's Conference, and I know I have heard Piper say something similar. The current younger generations are so "me focused" that it is difficult for them to understand the need to do missions, or simply worship God.

Certainly the church needs to be relevant, but Sunday Morning is not for me primarily, it is first and foremost for the Worship of God.

2008 Mission's Conference

The Northern New England Presbytery is hosting it's second Mission's Conference this Friday and Saturday. 2 years ago, it was in Portland, ME and Dr. Richard Pratt was the guest speaker. It was a great and very encouraging time to think about the call to missions.

This year, it is going to be held right up the road in Manchester, NH. Manchester Christian Church is letting us use it's facilities, and for directions, click here.

The Conference starts with dinner on Friday at 6:00 pm, and will conclude at 2:30 pm on Saturday.

For more information, go to www.nashuapca.org, and there is a link to the conference brochure.

The Guest Speaker is D.A. Carson. Should be a great time!

Guest Speaker : D.A. Carson

Yep, it is a big week here in NNE. And I will say more about that in other blogs, but for now I just want to mention that church will be a little different this coming Lord's Day.

This Sunday, April 20 we will NOT be meeting in our usual location in Nashua, but will be having a joint service with First Baptist in Manchester and Church of the Redeemer (PCA) in Manchester. The Worship Service will begin at 10:00 am. For directions, click here.

D.A. Carson is the guest speaker. I am really looking forward to it and should be a great weekend. Hope to see you there!

Red Sox & Yankees...the rivalry continues!

One of the joys of living in New England is a membership in Red Sox Nation. This past weekend the Yanks visited the Sox for a quick series, the Red Sox came out on top.

But the real story catching every one's attention in this part of the nation is what happened at the New Yankee Stadium.

If you have no idea what I am talking about, click on this link.

Got to love Red Sox Fans, and certainly the rivalry is alive and well!

Sermon Text: Nahum 2:11-13

Nah. 2:11 Where is the den of the lions
And the feeding place of the young lions,
Where the lion, lioness and lion’s cub prowled,
With nothing to disturb them?
Nah. 2:12 The lion tore enough for his cubs,
Killed enough for his lionesses,
And filled his lairs with prey
And his dens with torn flesh.
Nah. 2:13 ¶ “Behold, I am against you,” declares the LORD of hosts. “I will burn up her chariots in smoke, a sword will devour your young lions; I will cut off your prey from the land, and no longer will the voice of your messengers be heard.”

Last of the Snow

Snow has indeed become a 4 letter word in this part of the country. Most everyone I talk to is so wanting Spring to happen.

For the last couple of weeks, we have been seeing melting everywhere. And I had decided that when the last of the snow was about to disappear from our home, I would blog it. April 9, 2008 looks like it is that day.

Pictured is the last bit of snow in the backyard. Kinda ugly, not as inviting as when it first fell in December. When the kids came hope, they kicked it, and that indicates that they like most everyone is excited about Spring. Can't wait to see the leaves return and warmer days. Goodbye Winter, it has been a very long and busy season!

Sermon Text: Nahum 2:8-10

Nah. 2:8 Though Nineveh was like a pool of water throughout her days,
Now they are fleeing;
“Stop, stop,”
But no one turns back.
Nah. 2:9 Plunder the silver!
Plunder the gold!
For there is no limit to the treasure—
Wealth from every kind of desirable object.
Nah. 2:10 She is emptied! Yes, she is desolate and waste!
Hearts are melting and knees knocking!
Also anguish is in the whole body
And all their faces are grown pale!

This Sunday: Historical Sermon

I have heard of other churches doing this from time to time and I thought we would try it out as a church.

As many of you know, I like Church History, particularly the history surrounding New England. I have gotten to know George Whitefield and Jonathan Edwards in new ways since living in Nashua.

Anyhow, we are going to read a sermon from George Whitefield entitled: "The Almost Christian" based on Acts 26 and the conversation Paul had with King Agrippa.

We will read the sermon in its entirety on Sunday as it was delivered for the first time in 1738, some 270 years ago in England. It was one of Whitefield's most well known sermons and is in my opinion, a very applicable one. If your interested, come and visit us this Sunday, and let us know what you think of our historical sermon .

Sermon Text: Acts 26:19-29

Acts 26:19 "So, King Agrippa, I did not prove disobedient to the heavenly vision,
Acts 26:20 but kept declaring both to those of Damascus first, and also at Jerusalem and then throughout all the region of Judea, and even to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds appropriate to repentance.
Acts 26:21 "For this reason some Jews seized me in the temple and tried to put me to death.
Acts 26:22 "So, having obtained help from God, I stand to this day testifying both to small and great, stating nothing but what the Prophets and Moses said was going to take place;
Acts 26:23 that the Christ was to suffer, and that by reason of His resurrection from the dead He would be the first to proclaim light both to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles."
Acts 26:24 While Paul was saying this in his defense, Festus *said in a loud voice, "Paul, you are out of your mind! Your great learning is driving you mad."
Acts 26:25 But Paul *said, "I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I utter words of sober truth.
Acts 26:26 "For the king knows about these matters, and I speak to him also with confidence, since I am persuaded that none of these things escape his notice; for this has not been done in a corner.
Acts 26:27 "King Agrippa, do you believe the Prophets? I know that you do."
Acts 26:28 Agrippa replied to Paul, "In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian."
Acts 26:29 And Paul said, "I would wish to God, that whether in a short or long time, not only you, but also all who hear me this day, might become such as I am, except for these chains."

JI Packer and the Anglican Church

I saw this over the weekend, but decided to post it after the holiday.

I am fairly aware of this whole situation, it is fairly simple. The Bishop wants to control the churches in his charge and St. Johns in Vancouver is not cooperating. So the Bishop needs to strip the church of its ministers, including JI Packer.

It is an awful situation, and I have very little nice to say about the Bishop. All I can say, is that he is on the losing end. Click here to read the full article.

We need to be praying for our brothers and sisters in this situation. It is not an easy time to be a minister in the Anglican Church who embraces the gospel.

Tim Keller @ Google Campus

If you go to www.youtube.com, and type Tim Keller there are a lot of video clips about his recent book tour. I am watching one right now that was recorded at UC Berkley.

I watched his talk at Google Campus earlier, and it was very good. Check it out!

Tim Keller @ Google Campus

Christianity Today Article on Packer

Just read a nice article on J.I. Packer. Click on the link to read more.

Holy Week Activities

Good Friday Service
SDA Church Nashua
10 Robinson Rd.
Nashua, NH

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

The Good Friday Service will feature readings, music, brief devotional and the Lord's Supper.

There will be no child care Friday Night, but the informal nature of the service can include the children.

Resurrection Sunday Worship Service
NO Sunday School, Refreshments after the Worship Service.

Hope to see you all on Friday and Sunday. Here are the readings I suggested last Sunday.
.
Jesus Last Week on Earth
Matthew 21 - 27
Mark 11 - 15
Luke 19 - 23
John 12 – 19

NT Sermon Text: Romans 10:5-15

Rom. 10:5 For Moses writes that the man who practices the righteousness which is based on law shall live by that righteousness.
Rom. 10:6 But the righteousness based on faith speaks as follows: “DO NOT SAY IN YOUR HEART, ‘WHO WILL ASCEND INTO HEAVEN?’ (that is, to bring Christ down),
Rom. 10:7 or ‘WHO WILL DESCEND INTO THE ABYSS?’ (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).”
Rom. 10:8 But what does it say? “THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, in your mouth and in your heart”—that is, the word of faith which we are preaching,
Rom. 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;
Rom. 10:10 for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.
Rom. 10:11 For the Scripture says, “WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.”
Rom. 10:12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him;
Rom. 10:13 for “WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.”
Rom. 10:14 How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?
Rom. 10:15 How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!”

OT Sermon Text : Isaiah 52:3-8

Is. 52:3 For thus says the LORD, “You were sold for nothing and you will be redeemed without money.”
Is. 52:4 For thus says the Lord GOD, “My people went down at the first into Egypt to reside there; then the Assyrian oppressed them without cause.
Is. 52:5 “Now therefore, what do I have here,” declares the LORD, “seeing that My people have been taken away without cause?” Again the LORD declares, “Those who rule over them howl, and My name is continually blasphemed all day long.
Is. 52:6 “Therefore My people shall know My name; therefore in that day I am the one who is speaking, ‘Here I am.’”
Is. 52:7 How lovely on the mountains
Are the feet of him who brings good news,
Who announces peace
And brings good news of happiness,
Who announces salvation,
And says to Zion, “Your God reigns!”
Is. 52:8 Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices,
They shout joyfully together;
For they will see with their own eyes
When the LORD restores Zion.

Sermon Text: Nahum 1:15

Nah. 1:15 Behold, on the mountains the feet of him who brings good news,
Who announces peace!
Celebrate your feasts, O Judah;
Pay your vows.
For never again will the wicked one pass through you;
He is cut off completely.

Spring Forward Saturday!

In the Fall, ministers are not worried, it just means you might have more people at Sunday School than normal. Which is not a problem.

But Springtime is a Minister's worse Nightmare. Folks coming after the sermon and after the Worship Service. It happens every year.

So folks, remember, Spring Forward, turn those clocks ahead one hour tomorrow. And get a good night sleep!

A Sunny Spring Day in New Hampshire

I was waiting for the kids after school and enjoying a break from the relentless snow. I saw a student walking home in shorts. Finally, a Sunny Spring Day in NH.

We have had one of the wildest winters in a long time in NH. The highest snowfall in New Hampshire in recent History, 4th on the list of all time most snow in one season. And we still have a good chance of more snow before the season ends.

Every week, every few days it seems like we are digging out. But today was a break.

50s, Sunny, snow melting everywhere. It was great.

Hymn for Jean Calvin

Just read this on the wire......

"The Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches (FSPC) and the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) are looking for a hymn and a sermon for the festivities marking the 500th anniversary of the Reformer John Calvin."

Click on this link to read the entire article.

Do you think it is a good idea? I am a fan of Calvin, but not sure I would be composing hymns to honor him. What do you think?

Sermon Text: Nahum 2:1-7

Nah. 2:1 The one who scatters has come up against you.
Man the fortress, watch the road;
Strengthen your back, summon all your strength.
Nah. 2:2 For the LORD will restore the splendor of Jacob
Like the splendor of Israel,
Even though devastators have devastated them
And destroyed their vine branches.
Nah. 2:3 The shields of his mighty men are colored red,
The warriors are dressed in scarlet,
The chariots are enveloped in flashing steel
When he is prepared to march,
And the cypress spears are brandished.
Nah. 2:4 The chariots race madly in the streets,
They rush wildly in the squares,
Their appearance is like torches,
They dash to and fro like lightning flashes.
Nah. 2:5 He remembers his nobles;
They stumble in their march,
They hurry to her wall,
And the mantelet is set up.
Nah. 2:6 The gates of the rivers are opened
And the palace is dissolved.
Nah. 2:7 It is fixed:
She is stripped, she is carried away,
And her handmaids are moaning like the sound of doves,
Beating on their breasts.

Sermon Text: Nahum 1:12-14

Nah. 1:12 Thus says the LORD,
“Though they are at full strength and likewise many,
Even so, they will be cut off and pass away.
Though I have afflicted you,
I will afflict you no longer.
Nah. 1:13 “So now, I will break his yoke bar from upon you,
And I will tear off your shackles.”
Nah. 1:14 The LORD has issued a command concerning you:
“Your name will no longer be perpetuated.
I will cut off idol and image
From the house of your gods.
I will prepare your grave,
For you are contemptible.”

Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life

There was a recent survey done by the Pew Forum that was very comprehensive and interesting to read. After interviewing 35,000 folks and going through large amounts of data, they have developed a picture of the religious landscape of America in 2008.

Anyhow, I am reading through their findings, and thought you might be interested as well.

Fun on the Weekends

So some of you know that Drew got me interested in NASCAR last year and now both Drew & I look forward to the weekends and watching our favorite drivers.

Mine is Ryan Newman #12, and he just won the Daytona 500 for the 1st time last week. Drew is a Dale Jr. fan, and if you have no idea who he is, then you are really clueless about NASCAR. Dale Jr. is the most popular driver on the track.

Anyhow, thought I would share one of the ways we relax on the weekend!

Stats on North American Churches

I like statistics.......cold hard facts that tell us how things really look.

The 2008 stats are out in regards to the church in North America. Click on this link to read an article that gives us the breakdown.

No real surprises, except for who is growing the fastest, the Mormon Church and the Jehovah Witnesses. The big mainline churches continue to drop in membership very quickly.

Sermon Text: Nahum 1:7-11

Nah. 1:7 The LORD is good,
A stronghold in the day of trouble,
And He knows those who take refuge in Him.
Nah. 1:8 But with an overflowing flood
He will make a complete end of its site,
And will pursue His enemies into darkness.
Nah. 1:9 Whatever you devise against the LORD,
He will make a complete end of it.
Distress will not rise up twice.
Nah. 1:10 Like tangled thorns,
And like those who are drunken with their drink,
They are consumed
As stubble completely withered.
Nah. 1:11 From you has gone forth
One who plotted evil against the LORD,
A wicked counselor.

We are going to look at why God is angry with Nineveh at this particular point in time, and it has a lot to do with what is said in verse 11. Should be interesting.

Refugees in Africa

I was reading an article in Christianity Today that was extremely encouraging.

It was about the problems in Chad, the church and many how some refugees are dealing with the chaos.

There are some great pictures and stories and I thought I would share with folks who read the blog.

New Book by Tim Keller

Hey folks!

Pete a church planter in WA alerted me to this on his blog. Tim Keller has a new book out entitled The Reason for God. There is a website with information you should check out.

I think I am going to order the book, it looks interesting and worthwhile to read. He will be in Boston next week if you want to to meet him in person.

Done!

With some help from my neighbors, our remodeling project is done! Whooo Hooo!

New =>

Sermon Text: Nahum 1:2-6

Nah. 1:2 A jealous and avenging God is the LORD;
The LORD is avenging and wrathful.
The LORD takes vengeance on His adversaries,
And He reserves wrath for His enemies.
Nah. 1:3 The LORD is slow to anger and great in power,
And the LORD will by no means leave the guilty unpunished.
In whirlwind and storm is His way,
And clouds are the dust beneath His feet.
Nah. 1:4 He rebukes the sea and makes it dry;
He dries up all the rivers.
Bashan and Carmel wither;
The blossoms of Lebanon wither.
Nah. 1:5 Mountains quake because of Him
And the hills dissolve;
Indeed the earth is upheaved by His presence,
The world and all the inhabitants in it.
Nah. 1:6 Who can stand before His indignation?
Who can endure the burning of His anger?
His wrath is poured out like fire
And the rocks are broken up by Him.


The Sermon Title is The Terror of God's Judgment. Yes, we start out with a bang. Nahum gives us a stark picture of God's Power & Wrath.

Follow up on Christians & Muslim Letters

I mentioned earlier in January about 2 letters that are being circulated between Muslims and Christians. A good idea for sure, but not everyone is thrilled with the wording and intent of the Christian Response.

Al Mohler & John Piper have expressed concern over the Christian Response and it has caused some folks to back away from the letter.

To read the details, click on this link.

Sermon: Intro to Nahum (Part 2)

Like I said earlier, my blogging would suffer while I work on the bathroom. It is coming along, not done, but getting there. Should be working in a week or so.

As the title suggests, we are dividing up the introduction of Nahum. A short book, but little is known about it, or the author. So I am taking my time and hoping to make it interesting. From what I heard on Sunday from church folks, so far so good.

If you have not figured this out, sermons from Christ Presbyterian can be found at this link if you want to hear more.

Sermon: Intro to Nahum (Part 1)

Nahum 1:1The oracle of Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.

As I always do, before starting a new series we do some prep work. I want to answer questions like....

When was the book of Nahum written?
Who is Nahum?
What are the themes of Nahum?
What was going on in the world at the time Nahum had his vision?

These and other questions help us place Nahum in the context of the Redemptive Story of the Bible. In the past I have done this in one sermon, but I have decided on a new approach, to divide it up over 2 sermons, instead of one major sermon. I hope it helps.

New Sermon Series: Nahum

I am certain that some of my professors at Regent College would be surprised that I would attempt to start a new sermon series in the dead of Winter in New England on the book of Nahum. I must admit, I am a little nervous, it is not an Old Testament book that is often used in preaching.

Last Winter, I organized the sermons on First Corinthians in such a way that covered the more lively topics in First Corinthians. (Worship, Speaking in Tongues, Prophecy, etc...) This was to keep folks awake and on their toes.

So this Winter I seem to be doing the very opposite. Doom and gloom is the feel of the book of Nahum, and there is no getting past that. Yet, I feel excited to begin this series. Nahum is very different from Jonah, yet there are also similarities. Nineveh is the obvious connection, but also themes of God Sovereignty come into play as well. I think it will be interesting, but if you are still on the fence, come and visit us and find out!

Bathroom Remodeling

I have been dreading for some time the remodeling of our upstairs bathroom. The Toilet was rusting and getting old, the tile was cracking. It was time to fix up our main bath.

But I kept putting it off, thinking it through, not really motivated to get on my hands and knees and begin the project. We had picked out the tile, made all the major decision on purchases, even started acquiring some of the needed fixtures. But I still was in no mood to get started.

So the Bathroom made the first move.

The toilet broke last week, forcing me to make the decision to get this bathroom updated. So without further delay, I will begin tearing out the bathroom floor and fixtures. Lord willing, I hope to have it done in a few weeks. We will see.

In part I am telling everyone on the blog so as to explain why my blog posts maybe a little scarce in the coming days. Pray for me, for the family. Any remodeling project has its unexpected moments. I am hoping they will be only a few, and will be easy to overcome. Fun fun fun.

Edwards & Whitefield Quotes

Press forward. Do not stop, do not linger in your journey, but strive for the mark set before you.
George Whitefield

Take care of your life and the Lord will take care of your death.
George Whitefield

Resolution One: I will live for God. Resolution Two: If no one else does, I still will.
Jonathan Edwards

To go to heaven, fully to enjoy God, is infinitely better than the most pleasant accommodations here.
Jonathan Edwards

Hats off to Dartmouth!

Here is New England we are surrounded by a lot of choices in Higher Education. Some of the best colleges in the US are found here in New England. Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth, etc....

For some time, Higher Education has been harder and harder to accomplish, given tuition costs. Most students graduate from college with a huge debt and many do not apply simply because they know they can not afford it.

George Washington University $37,000+
Bucknell College $36,000+
Columbia Univ. $35,000+

Dartmouth College in NH has decided to do something about it. In a Press Release this week, they are making a radical decision. If you are from a family that makes less than $75,000, and have the grades to get into Dartmouth, your tuition will be $0. I am not kidding.

They have over $3.2 Billion in reserves and are using that to make this happen. They are challenging other schools to make similar decisions.

Hats off to Dartmouth, very very impressive.

Church Planting in Lewiston, ME

We had Presbytery on Saturday and for those of you who do not know what that means, it is simply a quarterly gathering of churches in our denomination from VT, NH & ME. Our Church hosted it, and it went well.

Anyhow, the newest church ministry in our Presbytery, is in Lewiston, ME. The Church Planter is a friend of mine, Per Almquist, good guy and I think he will do well.

If your interested in what they are doing, click here for more information.

Sermon Text: Jonah 4:9-11

We are finishing our last Sermon on Jonah.

Feeling a bit sad.....I have really enjoyed our time with Jonah. But it is time to move on. New Sermon Series, Starting Feb. 3

9Then God said to Jonah, "Do you have good reason to be angry about the plant?" And he said, "I have good reason to be angry, even to death."

10Then the LORD said, "You had compassion on the plant for which you did not work and which you did not cause to grow, which came up overnight and perished overnight.

11"Should I not have compassion on Nineveh, the great city in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know the difference between their right and left hand, as well as many animals?"

Sermon text: Jonah 4:5-8

Jonah 4:5 Then Jonah went out from the city and sat east of it. There he made a shelter for himself and sat under it in the shade until he could see what would happen in the city.
Jonah 4:6 So the LORD God appointed a plant and it grew up over Jonah to be a shade over his head to deliver him from his discomfort. And Jonah was extremely happy about the plant.
Jonah 4:7 But God appointed a worm when dawn came the next day and it attacked the plant and it withered.
Jonah 4:8 When the sun came up God appointed a scorching east wind, and the sun beat down on Jonah’s head so that he became faint and begged with all his soul to die, saying, “Death is better to me than life.”

This is Huge....Christians & Muslims Together

I am still sifting through this, but I wanted to put this out there for folks to read and respond.

A number of prominent Muslim Scholars wrote a letter to Christians, A Common Word Between Us and You Some very prominent Christian Leaders responded. Where I went for my MDiv, a prof from Regent College, has signed it as well as some other well know individuals and intuitions.

I first read about this here. Click Here

Here is the Muslim Link to the letter, Click Here

And here is the Christian Response. Click Here

Methodist Anti-Credit Card

I thought this was an interesting idea. To get folks thinking about how they spend their money, the Methodist Church in the UK has come up with this gimmick.

Here is the press release from the Methodist Church.

I first heard about it while reading this article.

I like this quote

"The Methodist Church is encouraging people to buy less and live more this Lent, with their new alternative Buy Less: Live More credit card.

The card cannot be used to make purchases, but is designed to be placed in a wallet in front of other credit and debit cards to remind people to think twice before they spend.

Buy Less: Live More aims to challenge people to curb their spending and shrink their carbon footprint."

Anyone knows I am anti-consumerist. So this is right up my alley. What do you think?

Younglife Staff Fired in NC

I heard about this Tuesday and a ministers gathering, seems the staff in NC did not want to be proclaiming the gospel.

So the Younglife Leadership fired them. Click here to read the article.

Picts from Hong Kong / China

Sermon Text: Jonah 4:1-4

Jonah 4:1 But it greatly displeased Jonah and he became angry.
Jonah 4:2 He prayed to the LORD and said, “Please LORD, was not this what I said while I was still in my own country? Therefore in order to forestall this I fled to Tarshish, for I knew that You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, and one who relents concerning calamity.
Jonah 4:3 “Therefore now, O LORD, please take my life from me, for death is better to me than life.”
Jonah 4:4 The LORD said, “Do you have good reason to be angry?”

If this looks like Deja vu, you would be right. I posted this text before, but never got a chance to preach the sermon because of a snowstorm. So for the month of January, we will finish of Chapter 4 in Jonah and then on to Nahum!

New Hampshire Primary

We got back in time for the insanity of the New Hampshire Primary. And insanity is the right term. The phone ringing off the hook, doorbells ringing, more banners and posters that you can imagine stuck in the snow. Yes, it is the big event of the year in NH.

For those who are interested, the NH TV station does a great job covering the event.

Go to http://www.wmur.com/index.html

We are back from the other side of the planet

Many of you know about this, but I am sure not everyone. The Wakefield Family spent New Years Eve and the 1st week of January in Hong Kong and Southern China. Literally, the other side of the planet.

This was a family trip with Allison's side of the family. We met up with 24 other cousins, aunts and grandparents for an opportunity to see the village where the family originated from in China. The highlights for me on the trip, were.......

Going to the Village where Allison's father was born
Making our way from the Airport to the Hotel on New Year's Eve
New Year's Eve Celebration in Hong Kong
Touring Repulse Bay, Aberdeen & Stanley Market
Riding the Star Ferry to Dinner on Hong Kong Island
Watching Heavies ( Jumbo Jets) land at LAX at In & Out Burger

I will post some pictures later, it was a trip of a lifetime, so glad we went. It did mean however 40+ hours of flying time in a week. Whew, glad to be off a plane.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Hey folks. Things have calmed down here in New Hampshire as far as the snow and bad weather. Tonight we have a Carol Sing at a church member's home which will be nice.

I will most likely be absent from blogging over the holidays. I probably will not be active until the first week of January. January 8th is the New Hampshire Primary, and I may comment on that given it is the biggest thing to happen in the New Hampshire in January.

So until then, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Guest Preacher - Dec. 30 & Jan. 6

Rev. Tim Andrews will be giving me a break over the holidays. Thanks Tim, I really appreciate it!

Living in Narnia

I would send more photos, but they all look the same. Just with more snow. We have had 5 storms in less than 2 weeks and over 2 feet of snow in the backyard. The next time we see our grass will probably be March.

Yesterday it kept snowing and snowing and snowing and snowing. Nothing real heavy, but a constant snow shower off of the ocean. The expected 2-4 inches turned into 8-9 inches.

I very much felt like I was living in Narnia, where it is always Winter and never Christmas. Christmas is only a few days away, and at least in the immediate forecast, no more snow. Thank goodness! We could use the break.

Sermon Text: Isaiah 9:6-7

Isaiah 9:6-7 (New American Standard Bible)

6For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;
And the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
7There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace,
On the throne of David and over his kingdom,
To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness
From then on and forevermore
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this.

I-35 & Isaiah 35

Anyone else read this article? Wow, how some people interpret the Bible. I have no problem praying and I admire the faithfulness of the people. But I do wonder about receiving a "revelation" from God.

Any thoughts?

A Return to Tradition - US News & World Article

I just got my latest issue of US New & World Report to see on the front cover, A Return to Ritual, Why modern worshipers, including Catholics & Jews and evangelicals, are embracing tradition. To read the online article, click here.

It features the emergent church, which I am not a fan of, but not surprised they are mentioned. They are a sub article entitled, Mixing Jesus with Java. Sounds like an emergent title.

Anyhow, I found it interesting that Communion and using Creeds is becoming important. I am not surprised, but I guess some are. One of the flaws of the contemporary worship is the elimination of liturgy. This article simply affirms that people find it helpful. I would agree. What do you think?

The Morning After

Just to give some perspective, a week ago their was not a pile of snow in front of the house. Now my reflector to tell the plow truck where the curb is almost gone! Since the first snowfall on Dec. 3, we have been covered in the white stuff.
I love it, and so do the kids. The only problem has been that ice dams have been building up on the edge of the house. Very annoying. It is going to be a White Christmas in Nashua, that is for sure!

NO Sunday Services

No surprise here, but Sunday Worship Services are cancelled because of the Nor'Easter. Stay home and stay safe.

Sermon Text: Jonah 4:1-4

Jonah 4:1 But it greatly displeased Jonah and he became angry.
Jonah 4:2 He prayed to the LORD and said, “Please LORD, was not this what I said while I was still in my own country? Therefore in order to forestall this I fled to Tarshish, for I knew that You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, and one who relents concerning calamity.
Jonah 4:3 “Therefore now, O LORD, please take my life from me, for death is better to me than life.”
Jonah 4:4 The LORD said, “Do you have good reason to be angry?”

Prayer for Colorado

Just thought it would be important to remind everyone to pray for the Youth with a Mission (YWAM) and the folks at New Life Church in Colorado.

I have visited the church in the past on a trip to Colorado Springs, and I have known teens get involved in YWAM.

Very sad time for these folks during the holiday season.

I am ready!

At the risk of sounding like Anthony Smith, and if you do not know what I am talking about, read this article, I just wanted to let everyone know who I will be cheering for on Sunday when the Patriots & Steelers meet in Foxboro.

This is somewhat dangerous, but I am a risk taker. I live in New England, I like the Patriots, I would like to see them get a perfect season. But when it comes to loyalty, I will be pulling for the Steelers this Sunday as they play the Patriots.

I guess the old adage is right, You can take the boy out of Steeler Country, but you can't take the Steeler Country out of the boy.

You can be sure, I will be waving my terrible towel at 4:15 pm Sunday Afternoon.

Go Steelers!

Sermon Text: Jonah 3:5-10

Jonah 3:5 Then the people of Nineveh believed in God; and they called a fast and put on sackcloth from the greatest to the least of them.
Jonah 3:6 When the word reached the king of Nineveh, he arose from his throne, laid aside his robe from him, covered himself with sackcloth and sat on the ashes.
Jonah 3:7 He issued a proclamation and it said, “In Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles: Do not let man, beast, herd, or flock taste a thing. Do not let them eat or drink water.
Jonah 3:8 “But both man and beast must be covered with sackcloth; and let men call on God earnestly that each may turn from his wicked way and from the violence which is in his hands.
Jonah 3:9 “Who knows, God may turn and relent and withdraw His burning anger so that we will not perish.”
Jonah 3:10 When God saw their deeds, that they turned from their wicked way, then God relented concerning the calamity which He had declared He would bring upon them. And He did not do it.

This is one of the more annoying texts in Jonah from the perspective of the preacher. Here is a golden opportunity and Jonah seems disinterested and probably wishes they would not repent. I would love to have an opportunity like this! We will deal with this as well as God changing His mind. Should be interesting.

Can I get an amen from my ministry friends out there in cyberspace!

1st Winter Storm

It was only a couple of inches, but still nice to see! Last year snow did not come until mid January. It is still coming down, but very lightly. Here is a picture of the dog, "Aspen" playing in the snow in the backyard. She loves it!

Quote from Steve W. Brown

I am not sure how many of you know Steve Brown, but I think he is worth listening too and read. I have known about him for years, and it occurred to me that not too many folks outside the PCA have heard of Steve.

His conversion is interesting to say the least. A minister in a mainline church and was saved through the witness of several men. He is a very unconventional speaker, maybe too rough for some folks, but I have found him insightful.

Anyhow, from that time in his life, Steve began preaching from the Word of God. And on the back of his first ministry tapes was this quote. I have kept these tapes for years and I thought you might be interested to read it.

“A number of years ago I was a preacher without a message. I talked a lot, and had what I thought were some very good “ideas” But I was empty and shallow...ready to leave the ministry because I (and the people to whom I spoke) were tired of my ideas. My problem was that I had no authority except myself.

And then a sovereign, loving God through some obedient, loving brothers took the time to help me discover an absolute and reliable authority. That authority is the Bible. That discovery changed my life, and gave me a message. The message isn't mine, it is the message of God through His written Word. It is a high privilege to share that message with you in these tapes.

I would ask you to remember that the Father has only one perfect preacher. His name is Jesus. It is my prayer that you would meet Him in these tapes.”

Sunday Quote

A couple of people commented on this quote I had in the reflections page of the church bulletin. Our theme last Sunday was Thanksgiving.

Scottish minister Alexander Whyte was known for his uplifting prayers in the pulpit. He always found something for which to be grateful. One Sunday morning the weather was so gloomy that one church member thought to himself, "Certainly the preacher won't think of anything for which to thank the Lord on a wretched day like this." Much to his surprise, however, Whyte began by praying, "We thank Thee, O God, that it is not always like this."

Nashua Telegraph Article

A church member read this article in the local newspaper. I may give these guys a call, just to see what there results have been and where they got their research and ideas to do this project.

They are trying to reach young adults in the Nashua area by meeting in Mezzanine locations, Barnes & Noble, Unos, Panera Bread.

I have heard of groups trying this, I was surprised to find out that here in Nashua someone was trying it. Very interesting.

Sermon Text: Jonah 2:10-3:4

Jonah 2:10 Then the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah up onto the dry land.
Jonah 3:1 Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah the second time, saying,
Jonah 3:2 “Arise, go to Nineveh the great city and proclaim to it the proclamation which I am going to tell you.”
Jonah 3:3 So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, a three days’ walk.
Jonah 3:4 Then Jonah began to go through the city one day’s walk; and he cried out and said, “Yet forty days and Nineveh will be overthrown.”

Sacred Places - US News & World Report

This past Sunday I mentioned that Jonah was thinking of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem while in the belly of the great fish.

Jonah was probably wishing he was there, and as I have mentioned already, Jonah saw his homeland as a sacred place. Its one of the reasons he is trying to get so far away from Israel.

Anyhow, I talked about sacred places and I was surprised to see in my pile of unread mail this article by US News and World Report.

Very very interesting. Let me know what you think.

Sermon Text: Jonah 2:1-9

Jonah 2:1 Then Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from the stomach of the fish,
Jonah 2:2 and he said,
“I called out of my distress to the LORD,
And He answered me.
I cried for help from the depth of Sheol;
You heard my voice.
Jonah 2:3 “For You had cast me into the deep,
Into the heart of the seas,
And the current engulfed me.
All Your breakers and billows passed over me.
Jonah 2:4 “So I said, ‘I have been expelled from Your sight.
Nevertheless I will look again toward Your holy temple.’
Jonah 2:5 “Water encompassed me to the point of death.
The great deep engulfed me,
Weeds were wrapped around my head.
Jonah 2:6 “I descended to the roots of the mountains.
The earth with its bars was around me forever,
But You have brought up my life from the pit, O LORD my God.
Jonah 2:7 “While I was fainting away,
I remembered the LORD,
And my prayer came to You,
Into Your holy temple.
Jonah 2:8 “Those who regard vain idols
Forsake their faithfulness,
Jonah 2:9 But I will sacrifice to You
With the voice of thanksgiving.
That which I have vowed I will pay.
Salvation is from the LORD.”

Quotes

Given the nature of the text this Sunday, it seems appropriate to discuss the supernatural in the Bible. I found C.S. Lewis helpful as we look at the event of Jonah being swallowed by a fish.


Quotes from Miracles, C.S. Lewis

“A miracle is empathically not an event without cause or without results. Its cause is the activity of God”

“If the ultimate Fact is not an abstraction but the living God, opaque by the very fullness of His binding actuality, then He might do things. He might work miracles. But would He? Many people of sincere piety feel He would not.”

“To be sure, God might be expected to make a better story than my friend. But it is a very long story, with a complicated plot; and we are not, perhaps, very attentive readers.”

“The central miracle asserted by Christians is the Incarnation. They say that God became Man. Every other miracle prepares for this, or exhibits this, or results from this.”

Leopard is Here!

Upgraded the Church's Computer, to the new MAC OS X Operating system.

Very cool, and I am getting to know the new features, and so far I think it is great.

You think you had a bad weekend (part 2)

Strange.

I posted a few days ago about an Airbus 340-600 that over ran the runway. Today another new Airbus 340-600 had a terrible accident in France. Click on this link to read the story.

http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/flightblogger/

The picture is incredible. A $210 million dollar plane ruined, not to mention the people who were hurt. This plane in France was 8 days from being delivered.

Strange

Sermon Text: Jonah 1:17-2:1

Jonah 1:17 And the LORD appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the stomach of the fish three days and three nights.
Jonah 2:1 Then Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from the stomach of the fish,

The theme of this passage is very simple => redemption. Come Sunday to find out more!

You think you had a bad weekend

Here is the link to the original photo.

So over the weekend this Spanish plane was trying to land in Quito, Ecuador in heavy rains when it overshot the runway.

At least 3 engines were damaged, a wing was broke, landing gear collapsed, and the plane is stuck in the mud at the end of the runway. They have no idea yet how to get it out, it is still sitting there as of today.

What a mess, and a very new and expensive aircraft, only 20 months old. Too bad.

The Nashua Commission

Christ Presbyterian Church has a "borrowed session". Meaning we have elders from outside of Nashua that help give oversight to the work in Nashua with the PCA. These men are mostly from the PCA church in Concord, NH and one church planter in Manchester.

These guys already have other responsibilities in their own churches, so there work with Nashua is over and above normal duties of elders. I am very thankful for their help and oversight with CPC, and glad I do not make decision on my own.

Tuesday, Morning is our stated meeting and I just wanted folks to be aware of their presence. They may not attend CPC, but they certainly are concerned and prayerful about CPC future. Remember to pray for them, and for their ministries in Manchester and Concord.

Sacred Space?

I read this article on the CBC.ca website, the Canadian Network. Here is an excerpt.

A Winnipeg church prevented aboriginal dancers from performing at a Habitat for Humanity event this week, saying the performance was not an expression of Christian faith.

"Native spiritual dancing has its roots in a different spiritual belief system that is incongruent with traditional Christian worship," Hughes said in an e-mail.

"I don't think a Buddhist temple would allow a Christian pastor to speak about Jesus."

I would tend to agree with the church. When I lived in Vancouver, we had similar experiences of outside groups renting our facilities and setting up shrines to represent other spiritual entities.

It is sad today that folks do not realize there is something sacred about a church, a place of worship. I do think that comes about for several reasons.

Sometimes the church advertises it has a multi-purpose room, and folks do not think of it as a worship space. Others locations look no different than a high school auditorium or a local theatre. I also think that people have become more to the thinking that spirituality is anything and everything. Christianity, Buddhism, New Age Spirituality, it is all the same.

Our casual attitude towards God in this regard could get us into trouble. And I do think as Christians, we need to take a stand at time. I think this was the right choice. What do you think?

Sermon Text: Jonah 1:11-16

Jonah 1:11 So they said to him, “What should we do to you that the sea may become calm for us?”—for the sea was becoming increasingly stormy.
Jonah 1:12 He said to them, “Pick me up and throw me into the sea. Then the sea will become calm for you, for I know that on account of me this great storm has come upon you.”
Jonah 1:13 However, the men rowed desperately to return to land but they could not, for the sea was becoming even stormier against them.
Jonah 1:14 Then they called on the LORD and said, “We earnestly pray, O LORD, do not let us perish on account of this man’s life and do not put innocent blood on us; for You, O LORD, have done as You have pleased.”
Jonah 1:15 So they picked up Jonah, threw him into the sea, and the sea stopped its raging.
Jonah 1:16 Then the men feared the LORD greatly, and they offered a sacrifice to the LORD and made vows.

Last week, we discovered that Jonah was the reason for the storm, this week he comes up with a solution. The solution is tough to swallow, and the sailors are not certain it will work. But in the end they throw Jonah in. But it does raise questions.

Why did the sailors have to throw Jonah overboard? Why did he not just jump? What was Jonah hoping to accomplish by being thrown in the sea?

We will answer these questions, so join us this Lord's Day!

Televangelists in Trouble?

I saw this on our local news. U.S. Congress is looking into the ministries of Televangelists and questioning their management and ministry. Some of the names are very well know. Joyce Meyer, Benny Hinn, Kenneth Copeland, etc....

Anyone else hear about this? I am wondering what tipped them off?

Anyway, here is the article. Let me know what you think.

Crunch Time

I realized as I was heading to work today that the next 2 weeks will be extremely busy before Thanksgiving Break. We will be doing our traditional family trip for Thanksgiving and that means I need to work ahead. Instead of 2 sermons, 3 sermons. Instead of 2 Sunday School Lessons, 3 Sunday School Lessons. Busy, busy busy.

It is times like this when I am thankful for Scriptures such as these.....

Prov. 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
Prov. 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.


AMEN!

Happy Reformation Day!

So anyone who knows me knows that I am not a big fan of the other holiday celebrated today. I choose to highlight another significant event, one that took place 490 years ago today.

Oct. 31, 1517 marks the beginning of the Protestant Reformation. It is wild to think in 10 years it will be the 500 anniversary. Anyhow, it is my humble opinion that this event is certainly more significant than that other holiday.

So Happy Reformation Day!

Earthquake!

Allison was chatting with her sister in California last night and in the middle of the conversation, her sister yells, "Earthquake!". It was quite a jolt for Allison, but nothing compared to what they were feeling in CA. Sure enough, 10 minutes later the news was reporting the 5.6 quake.

We were glad to hear nothing serious was damaged and no one was hurt.

Sermon Text: Jonah 1:7-10

Jonah 1:7 Each man said to his mate, “Come, let us cast lots so we may learn on whose account this calamity has struck us.” So they cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah.
Jonah 1:8 Then they said to him, “Tell us, now! On whose account has this calamity struck us? What is your occupation? And where do you come from? What is your country? From what people are you?”
Jonah 1:9 He said to them, “I am a Hebrew, and I fear the LORD God of heaven who made the sea and the dry land.”
Jonah 1:10 Then the men became extremely frightened and they said to him, “How could you do this?” For the men knew that he was fleeing from the presence of the LORD, because he had told them.
______________________________________________________________
I have a number of favorite passages in Jonah and this is one of them. Jonah finally comes clean with his plans to flee from God and the people on the boat are caught up in his rebellion. This Sunday we will look this passage and the implications of sin and how that affects othes. It should be interesting.

Guest Speaker this Sunday

Mark Saltsman, from the Concord, NH PCA church and is going to preach this Sunday. Mark is one of the members of the Nashua Commission, the men who are overseeing the work in Nashua.

Mark is the most recent member to join the commission and the only one that has not visited the church on a Sunday Morning. We are looking forward to him being with us this Lord's Day.

Willow Creek Repents?

There is an interesting blog on Christianity Today's website. Check it out.

I would not say I am anti-mega church, but it is for reasons such as describe that make me wonder if it is a good model. Let me know what you think.

Red Sox Nation

Most of the rest of the country is watching new Fall TV Programs, College Football, NFL and preparing for Halloween. But in New England, baseball is what is on every one's mind.

The Boston Red Sox are headed to the World Series to face the Colorado Rockies. It has been an exciting series against the Cleveland Indians, and I think the World Series will be very exciting as well.

Living in Red Sox Nation is one special place and I am glad I can say I am a resident. Go Sox!

Presbytery

4 times a year I gather with my fellow presbyters ( elders) to discuss the affairs of the church in VT, NH & ME. Christ Presbyterian Church and I are apart of the Presbytery of Northern New England.

It is an all day meeting and we cover a number of topics from church issues to budget items to minister's callings. Sometimes the meeting can be routine, sometimes there can be serious issues to consider. This Saturday, we will be gathering in Portsmouth, NH for one of our stated meetings.

I would encourage you to pray for us, it is an important time and given we come together only 4 times a year, it is important that it is productive, and glorifying to God.

Sermon: Jonah Flees from God

Sermon Text: Jonah 1:2-6
Jonah 1:2 “Arise, go to Nineveh the great city and cry against it, for their wickedness has come up before Me.”
Jonah 1:3 But Jonah rose up to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. So he went down to Joppa, found a ship which was going to Tarshish, paid the fare and went down into it to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.
Jonah 1:4 The LORD hurled a great wind on the sea and there was a great storm on the sea so that the ship was about to break up.
Jonah 1:5 Then the sailors became afraid and every man cried to his god, and they threw the cargo which was in the ship into the sea to lighten it for them. But Jonah had gone below into the hold of the ship, lain down and fallen sound asleep.
Jonah 1:6 So the captain approached him and said, “How is it that you are sleeping? Get up, call on your god. Perhaps your god will be concerned about us so that we will not perish.”

Have you ever wondered, why would Jonah try and run from God? Wouldn't he know better? After all he was a a prophet, Jonah would have known God is omnipotent and sovereign. So why flee? That is what we are going to look at on Sunday. Join us!

Fall Colors: Woodstock, VT

I have not done a great job documenting the fall colors here in New England this year. The peak season has passed for us in Northern New England. Campgrounds have closed, Winter Resorts are gearing up, People are raking leaves everywhere.

We as a family have tried to enjoy the colors every year. This year we made a trip to Woodstock, VT. It is in central Vermont, about 2 hours from our home. We had a great time visiting shops, seeing the sites and enjoying small town New England living. The drive was the real treat, and we had a great time enjoying the colors.

If you want to come to New England, make sure Vermont is apart of your itinerary. The sugar maples are what make it special, they turn a vibrant red. And as a bonus, their by product is Maple Syrup. Its a win win!

Sermon: Intro to Jonah

Jonah 1:1 The word of the LORD came to Jonah the son of Amittai saying,

Jonah 1:2 “Arise, go to Nineveh the great city and cry against it, for their wickedness has come up before Me.”

So we begin this Sunday with an overview of Jonah. We will be answer questions like:

Who is Jonah?
Dating / Setting
Genre / Book Outline
Themes / Theology

The most fun part is the Genre. Jonah is a Sensational, Didactic, Prophetic Narrative Book.

To figure out what that means, come Sunday.

Back in the Saddle

Most folks at the church know this, but last week, from Oct. 1 - 7, I was very very very ill. I have not been this sick in a long time. I lost 12 lbs, which is actually a good thing, but indicates how bad I was doing. Fever, headache, sour throat, etc..... It was a lot of fun, and I say that quite sarcastically.

Anyhow, I am feeling a lot better, and I am indeed, back in the saddle.