It’s all in how you see it

A little girl walked to and from school daily. Though the weather that morning was questionable and clouds were forming, she made her daily trek to the elementary school. As the afternoon progressed, the winds whipped up, along with thunder and lightning. The mother of the little girl felt concerned that her daughter would be frightened as she walked home from school and she herself feared that the electrical storm might harm her child. Following the roar of thunder, lightning, like a flaming sword, would cut through the sky. Full of concern, the mother quickly got into her car and drove along the route to her child's school. As she did so, she saw her little girl walking along, but at each flash of lightning, the child would stop, look up and smile. Another and another were to follow quickly and with each, the little girl would look at the streak of light and smile. When the mother's car drew up beside the child she lowered the window and called to her, "What are you doing? Why do you keep stopping?" The child answered, "I am trying to look pretty. God keeps taking my picture."

What worried the mother was only pleasing to the little girl. All this came from a different point of view. How would the following perspective affect our attitude in live? “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28).

 

1 John 4:16“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) NIV. All Rights Reserved.

Faith reality check

A red-haired, freckle-faced, six-year-old girl was shopping with her mom. It was pouring outside, rain gushing over the top of gutters. Several people stood under the awning patiently waiting. Others irritated because nature was interfering with their hurried day. The little girl’s voice rose above the downpour, “Mom, let’s run through the rain.”

“What?” Mom asked.

“Let’s run through the rain!” She repeated.

“No, honey, we’ll wait until it slows down a bit.”

The young child waited a minute and repeated, “Mom, let’s run through the rain.”

“We’ll get soaked if we do,” Mom admonished.

“No, we won’t! That’s not what you said this morning,” the young girl said tugging at her arm.

“This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet?”

“Don’t you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said, ‘If God can get us through this, He can get us through anything!’ ”

The entire crowd was struck silent. Not a sound was heard but the rain. Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say. Some might have laughed it off or scolded the child for being silly. Some might have even ignored her. But this mom chose to affirm her little girl’s faith.

“Honey, you are absolutely right. Let’s run through the rain. If God let’s us get wet, well maybe we just needed washing.” And off they ran, smiling and laughing as they darted past the cars and right through the puddles. They got soaked. But they were followed by a few others who screamed and laughed like children all the way to their cars. Suddenly, getting wet didn’t seem like such a bad idea.

 

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Isaiah 26:3“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) NIV. All Rights Reserved.

Search for happiness

What does it take to make you happy? Many of us run into a mess of unhappy people. It seems to them that their condition is based upon something they lost or don’t have. And if whatever they perceive is missing is not found their lives are miserable. We are constantly measuring our lot in life with someone else’s lot in love. We feel a need to be elevated from the doldrums we find ourselves. We understand that something is not right and therefore we will brood about it.

NBC News set out to discover how joyous people found happiness. During one brief segment, a reporter interviewed several nuns who lived in a convent. They portrayed happiness, and their life expectancy was 10 years beyond that of the average woman.

One nun, Sister Genevieve Kunkel, felt hope was the clue to inner joy. She said, "If you hope, you cope. If you don't, you mope."

Anne Frank, a young Jewish girl captured by the German Nazi army in World War II, died in a concentration camp. Before her death she wrote that “the best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature.”

It is often true that what we thought would make us happy will not? Only when we think beyond our little world to see God’s big picture can we begin to experience happiness. Taco Bell theology, “Think outside the Bun.”

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Making a day count

Summer days are fleeting. Soon we’ll face the cool crisp autumn air. Time stops for no one. The reality is that no matter what you do today will soon be history and what we looked forward will soon be over. What do we make of this situation? The Bible is clear about our plight and offers help and hope from the One who created time and us.

We know it well, but it’s worth repeating, “This is the day the Lord has made. Let us be glad and rejoice in it.” It something like “eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die.” But as Christ’s disciples our outlook is not so fatalistic.

Our first perspective of any day is that it is a created gift of God. Though we are allotted so many days, each day must be faced with the right attitude, in our case with a celebratory joy. Surely this reflects upon the goodness and love of God who proclaims in promise “that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Rest assured each day is not just any other day. God has a vested interest in your day. He wants each day to be productive and to make a difference. The only problem is our will. Will we allow each day to center in God or ourselves? Let’s make each day an opportunity for God to use our lives.

In conclusion, remember that every day is a gift, every day passes quickly, and every day is an opportunity.

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A life that counts, Part 2

Last week we told about Dr. Cecil Murray who was once a U.S. Air Force pilot and who tried to save another pilot covered with flames from a jet gas tank explosion. Unfortunately the pilot died, but Murray later became a pastor and an effective leader for social causes. He was compelled to live the life for two- the pilot who died and the life God directed him to live.

This week friends and family members gathered in memorial of another life suddenly snatched from us. Luke Miller, gifted by God in music, wrote lyrics that revealed deep understanding into the mystery of life, a life which seems to be more mysterious at Luke’s passing. Why should a young aspiring man with much to offer suddenly be taken? There seems to be no logic to this illogical event.

Jesus’ why from the cross never received any consolation. The mystery of life mixed with the suffering of evil jolts us like a lightning bolt. Life is not fair. Though there seems to be no satisfactory solution, we do have the Solution.

God Himself condescended to human form in order to suffer the agony of evil and death. Jesus agony in suffering death, hell, and the grave vanquished them forever.

We don’t have to tell God how big our problem is when we tell our problem how big our God is. Let us remember God’s promise: “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior” (Isaiah 43:2-3)

http://hagerstownnazarene.org/

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A life that counts, July 15th 2007

Dr. Cecil Murray was once a U.S. Air Force pilot. One day, he was filling the role of intercept officer in the jet’s rear seat when the nose gas tank exploded just before takeoff. The pilot got out of the plane but was covered in flames. Murray’s cockpit cover wouldn’t open, but with a great struggle, he was able to enlarge a hole and crawl out. On the ground, he saw the pilot completely aflame. Murray rolled the man over several times until the flames were out.

Unfortunately, the pilot died from the burns. That horrible experience compelled Murray to reevaluate his life. He’d been in the service for nearly 10 years. But now he felt led to live for two — for his pilot friend who died and for the life God would direct him to live.

Soon Murray resigned so he could attend seminary. He served for 27 years as pastor of the First African Methodist Episcopal Church in Los Angeles, a church with more than 7,000 members. He became known throughout the area as one of the most effective leaders of social causes.

When something bad happens, we don’t immediately know how it will shape our lives. But bad events can change us for the better, and as a result, help us help others.

Recycle your printer cartridges by bringing them to the church and placing them in the white box in the foyer. These are sent to a company for recycling in return for a check.

Exercise aerobics will not meet this Monday but will Wednesday 6:00p.m. Pastor Bob and Carol are in Lexington with their grandchildren.

District Missionary Convention is this Saturday. Members are Pastor Fannin, Pastor Ames, Melissa Sutton, Mike and Nancy Bonanza, and Joe and Lois Rosolino. We’ll leave Saturday morning at 7:00 a.m.

Our teens and young adults are important to us. Please let Carolyn Talbott (teens) or Tina Limburg (young adults) know if you are available for some casual or informal times of fellowship. These young groups feel an especial attraction for the senior generation.

Tina’s College/Career Sunday School Class has been leading the Chronicles of Narnia lessons each Sunday evening at 6:00 p.m. Before the lessons they meet at 6:00 p.m. for Extreme Games.

Thank you for your donations to the church van/bus fund. Other items for tire maintenance and a new paint need attention. You may mark your offering “church van/bus.”

Also, our “Building Fund” needs a little maintenance. We came up a little short last month for our loan payment.

July Church Events:

Sat, July 21, District Missionary Convention, 8:30 a.m.

Williamsburg Softball Game, 3:15 p.m.

Sun, July 22, Pre-district Assembly Rally, 5:00 p.m.

Mon. July 23: District Assembly, 8:30 a.m.

Tue. July 24: Ladies Craft/non-craft Fellowship, 6:30 p.m.

Sat. July 28: Children’s Campout

Eileen Hultz’s new address:

Glen Oakes Health Campus

601 W. County Rd. 200 S

New Castle, IN 47346

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America’s Powerful Document

A newspaper reporter asked a few citizens why the Declaration of Independence was still relevant today. Here is a summary of their comments: "It is like a Bible that as been in the family for generations." "It is one of the world's most precious documents." "It is a living breathing document with basic values underlying it." "It began with some rabble-rousers who believed we should be free, that we should be able to choose our own destiny." "The

Document is very much alive. It's organic. It is not archival material. It's real." "I think the overwhelming message of the declaration is that it's okay to disagree with the government."

A pastor, William H. Stewart, of the First Institutional Baptist Church, summarized the general consensus with these words: "It is one of the greatest documents that has ever been written about people seeking freedom from an oppressive power."

While political and personal freedoms are not the equivalent of spiritual freedom in Christ, they are blessings that should be available to all. Jesus, after all, identified himself as one coming to "proclaim release to the captives" (Luke 4:18).

Prayer Petitions: Our beloved, Eileen Hultz, has been moved the Glen Oakes Nursing Home in New Castle. She is slowly making progress. The nursing home is located South of New Castle on State Route 3. Turn right at the intersection of Riley Road (at Tractor Supply). It's located about 3 miles on the left. Ernie and Faye Barnard. Wade Fletcher. Susan Combes. Moriah Stout. Bob Hofer. Dwayne Hill. Marilyn Burgess. Elsie Hall. Marie Wilson. Albert Pence. Terry York. Joetta Wilkinson. Alice Hunt. Henry Overbay. Nick Paul. Ed McCraken. Don Talbott. Mark Ballenger. Adam Pinnick. Olive Bruner. Olive Berkebile. George and Helen York. Hailey Blevins. Jan Townsend. Rex Anderson. Amazing Angels Child Care Ministry. Persecuted Christians in communistic and Muslim countries. Ashley Longfellow in the Navy. Kyle Sparks in Iraq. All our soldiers in Iraq.

Missionaries: Robert Pickle- Set Free Ministries. Dan & Sheri Miller. Dana Harding. Daniel Duke. Bob & Janet Miller. Dee Sudnig. Lindell & Kay Browning. Bill & Kay Swesay. Ken & Linda Walker. Greg & Amy Crofford. Wayne & Connie LaForce. Mark Ryan. Dan & Margaret Clark. Scott and Emily Armstrong.

Nursing Home: Mabel Miller. Bonnie McLain. Phyllis Lambert. Franklin White. Eileen Hultz.

Happy Birthdays & Anniversaries:

Today: Johnnie McCormick, Mike & Nancy Bonanza 7^th

Mon. July 2^nd: Marie Wilson

Tue. July 3^rd: Seth Stomm

Wed. July 4^th: Russell & Elsie Hall

Thu. July 5^th: Faithe Haeck 30^th

Sat. July 7^th: Bob & Carol Fannin 34^th

"A cheerful heart is good medicine" Proverbs 17:22

Little Johnny watched, fascinated, as his mother smoothed cold cream on her face. "Why do you do that, Mommy?" he asked.

"To make myself beautiful," said his mother, who then began removing the cream with a tissue.

"What's the matter?" asked Little Johnny. "Giving up?"

Our Softball Team won their 6^th and 7^th games yesterday. Next Saturday there are no games.

Garage Sale is set for July 5^th - 7^th, Thursday through Saturday. Don Talbott will be setting up this Monday at the parsonage. Bring your items anytime.

Recycle your printer cartridges by bringing them to the church and placing them in the white box in the foyer. These are sent to a company for recycling in return for a check.

Exercise aerobics Monday and Wednesday 6:00p.m.

Our teens and young adults are important to us. Please let Carolyn Talbott (teens) or Tina Limburg (young adults) know if you are available for some casual or informal times of fellowship. These young groups feel an especial attraction for the senior generation.

You may have noticed our new drum set donated to the church by an anonymous giver who loves the Lord's work in music. Josh Funkhouser is a drummer in the Hagerstown High School marching band and will be playing our drum set. This set is definitely not a toy and needs special care.

Our church van has a new radiator. The old was corroded and causing engine overheating. We appreciate any extra giving to help cover the $600 repair. Thank you to those who have given.

Mission is everywhere The word "mission" often implies traveling to another country to teach and work. The work done in foreign missions is important, of course, but we can't all make the trip. What we can do, however, is be faithful servants where we live. Mission is about putting the face and name of Jesus in front of those who don't know him. We can do that in many ways — any place and any day.

A prayer for July 4

"Almighty and ever-living God, we humbly praise you for the nation in which you have allowed us to live. We cherish its wonder and its beauty. We are thankful for its fruitful lands, its bountiful waters, its great resources and its unlimited opportunities.

"We thank you for our founding fathers and mothers, and for their foresight, special wisdom, and steadfast courage in establishing freedom and a lasting document of fairness.

"Stir up within each of us the will to be good stewards of all the blessings of the land we love. Amen.

July Church Events:

Mon-Fri. July 2-6, Child Care Ministry Closed

Thu. July 5, Garage Sale begins

Sat. July 7, Men's Prayer Breakfast, 8:00 a.m.

Sat. July 14, Ladies Fellowship Breakfast, 8:30 a.m.

Williamsburg Softball Games, 12:40 & 2:00 p.m.

Sat, July 21, District Missionary Convention, 8:30 a.m.

Williamsburg Softball Game, 3:15 p.m.

Sun, July 22, Pre-district Assembly Rally, 5:00 p.m.

Mon. July 23: District Assembly, 8:30 a.m.

Tue. July 24: Ladies Craft/non-craft Fellowship, 6:30 p.m.

Sat. July 28: Children's Campout

Final June Finances
MONTHLY GIVING	Received for Sunday the 24th	Received for the Month	Disbursed for the Month
Tithes and Offerings	1,715.50	6,245.73	5,348.44
Building Fund Loan	117.00	610.00	728.77
Missions	36.00	569.96	573.96

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Father's Day

The image of a father

Father’s Day was created to take the time to recognize the unique contribution that fathers offer the family. When a man becomes a father he realizes responsibility in a whole new way.

Fatherhood means provision. In the traditional sense dad brings home the bacon. While the mother is the hub for family nurture, father provides the security and protection necessary for the family to exist. Due to his physical prowess the father looks on the outside of the home while the mother tends to focus on the inside of the home.

Fatherhood means leadership. Due to the nature of a man, risk is one of the ingredients he takes. In most cases a male will tend to pass a car, speed through a yellow traffic light, pull out sooner in oncoming line of traffic than the female driver. This innate nature of the male provides leadership for the family in new ways.

Fatherhood forms an image of our heavenly Father. Whether he realizes it or not, dear old dad produces an image that reflects the nature and character of God. What a child sees in their dad will influence their relationship with God. Dad takes the lead to bring the family to God.

Our Softball Team won their 3^rd game yesterday. Next Saturday is a double-header with the first game beginning at 9:00 a.m. Players need to be there ½ half early.

Each player needs to pay their fee of $10 for the game and $7 for their shirt. We appreciate any extra giving to make up for those who can’t. Place your money in the church offering and mark it “softball.” Our fund is $121 short.

Recycle your printer cartridges by bringing them to the church and placing them in the white box in the foyer. These are sent to a company for recycling in return for a check.

Vacation Bible School begins tomorrow 9:00 a.m. Please stay following the morning service to help Director Lanelle Stitt set up for the VBS program.

Garage Sale is set for July 5^th & 6^th, Thursday and Friday. Don Talbott will be heading up the sale at the parsonage garage. You may bring your items anytime.

A baptismal service is planned for those who wish to be water-baptized in the Christian faith Sunday evening, June 17^th, at Richmond Southview. Please see Pastor following the morning service.

Exercise aerobics Monday and Wednesday 6:00p.m.

Our teens and young adults are important to us. Please let Carolyn Talbott (teens) or Tina Limburg (young adults) know if you are available for some casual or informal times of fellowship. These young groups feel an especial attraction for the senior generation.

Our church van has a new radiator. The old was corroded and causing engine overheating. We appreciate any extra giving to help cover the $600 repair. Thank you to those who have been giving. We are getting there.

District Campmeeting at Camby Camp begins this Monday, June 18^th, and continues through Sunday, June 24^th, with great inspirational services. Let pastor know if you can attend any evening. Evening services begin at 7:30 p.m.

The Friday night speaker, Lori Salinero, is a well-known national speaker. We want to take as many as possible for this special “Youth Night” service.

Sunday School Convention meets this Saturday at Camby Camp beginning 12 noon. Members include Pastor, Kevin Rogers, Melissa Sutton, and Carolyn Talbott.

An urban family study by Professor W. Brad Wilcox of the University of Virginia confirms what many have already suspected--religious fathers tend to have better relationships with their spouses and children than unbelieving men. Among the highlights of Wilcox's research, churchgoing fathers are 95% more likely to be married when their child is born, significantly more likely to rate their partner as “supportive” and more likely to have “excellent” relationships with their spouse and children. Up to this point, no studies had zeroed in on the effect that religious beliefs have on the marriages and relationships of African-American and Latino parents in urban America. Research has already established that marriage is the most effective antidote to poverty. Now we can say with scientific certainty that church is the social glue that holds most of those marriages together. As Wilcox says, “Men, more than women, it would seem, turn their hearts and minds to the needs of their spouses when they are regular churchgoers, in large part because churches foster a code of decency that makes them more responsible and considerate.” He added, “When mom is happy, everybody is happy. This study suggests that mom is more likely to be happy when dad is in church.”

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