It is always exciting for us when somebody new comes to Calvary. We love visitors because we like to meet new people who might potentially turn into active members! Now, when somebody joins it is like Christmas all over again. This is what happened last Sunday...welcome John & Pam Suder!
We want to get down that isle and hug their neck or shake their hand; we want to shout "Hallelujah"; we want to shed tears of joy. Why all the emotion? We are emotional about people joining because they have come to know us, and they want to be a part of what God is us to at Calvary Church, and that brings joy to our souls. It touches a spiritual nerve deep inside us.
We must never take new people for granted. Whether someone is visiting or joining, it is our responsibility to make them feel like they've come home. God has enough "cold fish" churches out there that He is trying to light a fire under, let's not be one of them. Let's strive to be warm and loving to the sisters and brothers who come our way.
With the same breath I also want to say we must never take each other for granted...you know, the old people. Calvary is a family, and one of the characteristics that make us who we are is the way we treat one another week after week. This sense of family has always existed here. I'm not sure how it got started, but it is imperative that we keep it going. No matter what God does to us numerically in the future we must strive to maintain our family atmosphere.
What will you do now that you've read this? Not everyone who reads this electronically or in The Calvarette attends Calvary Baptist Church, but the lesson is still the same. You will make a difference where God has placed you. You can be the one who brings warmth to a cold place. We never know what people are going through, and it may just be the warmth of our embrace that lifts their spirits out of the pit of despair.
Grace & Peace,
Scott
We had another great day worshipping the Lord this past Sunday at Calvary. We had a few visitors and that is always nice. I guess seeing new people means that we are getting the word out about the awesome work that God is still doing in His church. It gives me pause to give thanks to God for calling me to pastor this group of followers, and it gives me hope for the future. We will still be passionately serving the Lord in the years to come!
I want to spend just a few minutes talking about one family that came this past Sunday. I have been in contact with them for almost a year. They are missionaries going to Cambodia. The purpose of their visit was to share with us their biblical vision and godly desire to go to a foreign land with their five precious children. The family I am talking about is the Farmers (Jeremy, Bonnie Ruth, Abby, Isobel, Gloria, Eden and Judson). You learn a lot about a couple's character by watching them as a family, and I can say without hesitation that this is a family of great integrity. Everyone at Calvary thoroughly enjoyed interacting with their well-behaved and fun children. In all, the day spent with the Farmers gave me hope. They were a joy to have with us!
At the evening fellowship and Bible study Jeremy shared his family's vision for not only God's calling on their lives but also how the Church is involved in this great task. He handled the Word well and he wove their mission to Cambodia into the presentation flawlessly. I was both encouraged and challenged at the end of the night. As a family they definitely evidenced the call of God on their lives, and they have the "coupons" to get the job done right.
In the days since I have had a few people approach me about how we can partner with them now! First, we must be praying for them. We can do this most effectively by picking up their prayer card, visiting their website (www.solidjoys.org), and friending them on facebook (Solid Joys - The Farmers in Cambodia). Second, begin praying about supporting them financially. I am praying for wisdom about how as a church we can do this without waiting. Pray with me and I am sure the Lord will show us the way.
Grace & Peace,
Scott
We all forget about things from time-to-time. Sometimes when we forget it is not a big deal, but at other times it can be earth shattering. For instance, if I forget to stop at the store and pick up the gallon of milk Barb asked me to get I can put that in the "no big deal" category. However, if I forget about our anniversary it is pretty much of a guarantee that I can put that in the "you are in big trouble and sleeping on the couch tonight" category!
If you are like me you need reminders, and so I surround myself with stickie notes on my desk (yes, I have them on my computer too) and a white board in my office and alarms that go off on my phone...I even have reminders to remind me to look at my reminders just in case I forget. Does that sound familiar? I hope I'm not the only one.
Now one thing I certainly don't want to forget about is to pray. And so, I try to put things in my office, on my computer and in my car to remind me to pray for family, church and myself (to mention a few). Let me talk about "stuff in my office." Through the years people have given me things for my office and I can basically tell you who gave me what and when. The pictures and paperweights may not match the decor but they definitely serve a purpose. Let me explain...
As I walk around my office something will catch my eye and when I look at it I am reminded of somebody and that in turn reminds me to pray for them. I have found it to be a pretty cool thing to do and it has helped me in my walk with God by praying for you. This is not a solicitation to get "stuff" for my office unless you want to turn a five dollar bill in a pant suit; it is just something I thought I would pass on to you. Maybe you could use it, may be not...I was just thinking.
For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers... (Romans 1:9-10a).
Grace & Peace,
Scott
