I'm a goin' to camp!

Right after worship on Sunday the 24th, I'm heading to Camp Allegheny (near Somerset) to dean the Counselor In Training camp. I'll be working with 15-17 year olds and the week is a training ground for being a counselor. It is always a BLAST! I'll be back on Saturday the 30th, and keep me in prayer as I'm away. Also, please pray for the young people I'm working with...they're the greatest!

The Big 3

Here is my latest attempt to figure out the "Big 3." You know, the 3 priorities I need to focus on as a pastor, and specifically of Cornerstone? What do you think?

I need input here...

Brainstorming!

Last evening our Ministry Management Team met for a fantastic brainstorming session. We tried to meet at the North Park Deckhouse for dinner but the wait was 30 minutes so we moved the session to Dairy Queen! DQ was equally crowded, but we managed to snag a booth.

What a great time...we focused the entire evening's discussion around one issue: Christian discipleship. We talked about what we're trying to accomplish in that and how to best approach it. We came up with an approach that melts together small groups, our Stepping Stones discipling ministry, and community outreach.

I am so excited...I could hardly sleep last night. I am surrounded by some great people who help me to think clearly and to keep my focus. I am a way better pastor because of the people God puts in my path...thank you Lord, and thank you my friends!

God says through Solomon in Proverbs 11:14 "For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure." I'm thankful for those who are helping to make the victory...HIS victory...sure!

Took a Break!

Here is a picture I took on our mini vacation. OK...that was a joke.

I was at Annual Conference for a week...a great time was had by working with the youth. I was frustrated as usual with the politics and a incessant penchant for talking about ministry instead of doing it. No wonder the United Methodist Church is losing people instead of building the Kingdom. When will we learn? When will we stop doing the same things while expecting different results? Lord, have mercy.

Then I took 5 days off to just rest and goof. Here are the highlights:

I almost finished the backyard dirt leveling project. Woohoo! Just a little grass seed, straw, and rain and I am good to go.

I slept!

I played my guitars A LOT!

Carla and I did an overnight tent camping trip to the place you see pictured...NOT! Actually we went to Raccoon Creek State Park and had a wonderful time. We hiked and talked and just reconnected with one another, the creation, and the Creator. What a great time.

Now I'm back...refreshed...and ready to go. Thank you Lord for your refreshing Spirit....

A mini vacation

I'll be on vacation through Saturday of this week. I promise to return to blogland in earnest on Monday the 18th.

Life is Good

As you can see, I love to play guitar. And today should be fun...me and a few of my jammin' buds are playing a 'gig' at College Hill UMC for their 100th anniversary celebration. The church celebrated last night with a throwback service...they worshiped i the style of 1907 when CHUMC was founded. Tonight after a street fair, they are having a more modern service to reflect how the times have changed and how the church needs to as well. I praise God for their fine pastor and friend who will lead them into their second century. Make Jesus smile guys!