Facebook Killed the Blogging Star

I have been thinking about a post by this title for some time now. The truth of the matter is, I have been thinking about it ever since Chris Kindle told me he was going to blog about this and I stole his idea! I have been on facebook for sometime now and I must admit that my blogging contributions have waned considerably since that time. There are so few precious moments available each day to mindless and pointless internet interaction, and facebook just seems to be even more mindless and pointless than blogging! So, I spend most of my creative energies there. Don't fret if you're not a facebooker, however. You know how us guys are...we get bored of things very quickly. And it just may be that when I tire of facebook, I'll be back here more frequently!

In Uncertain Times...

Remember Hebrews 13:8!!!

stress

How do you handle it? Carla and I, both for different reasons, have been under some stress lately. We have been talking together about how to, and not to, handle stress. We both long to just "let go and let God." But that is so much easier said than done. How do you just give it over to Him and get some sleep? How do you "cast your cares on Him" and walk by faith? Those are not rhetorical questions! Whaddya think?

Please help our outreach effort!

Carla and I have decided to reach out to help the Davidson family. They are really struggling with some family issues and so we've been looking for ways to help them out. After a lot of deep thought and prayer, we have decided to adopt one of the kids. They probably won't be moving in with us until January, but we've been working diligently to set up their own room in our garage. We are very excited, and we appreciate any financial help you might want to give to help us help the poor Davidson family. For the sake of anonymity, we won't share the first name here but it starts with an "H." Thanks for helping. We'll be sure to make certain that the money is only used to help this Davidson child in need. Below is a picture...please put this need on your fridge to remind you and you may make any contributions payable directly to us. Thank you.

Can I brag?

Our senior high student ministry, known as J-Walkers (Jesus-walkers...get it?) is making me mighty proud. For the past few years, our kids have been sitting around sharing in Bible studies and stuff about how to live a faithful Christian life. But we realized how selfish we were being...it became all about us.

So this year, we stepped out and decided that our youth ministry would consist of ministry to others. So every other Sunday afternoon, we load up and head to the streets of Beaver Falls to pick up trash, hang out with whomever we meet, serve a meal with the Salvation Army, and just love on people.

We have 12 of our high school students involved...which is almost all the high school students we have! You would think that young people wouldn't give up their snacks and games and comfort for this, but they have...BIG TIME. I am SO proud of them, and of their parents. This truly is Kingdom living...J-Walking, as it were. And as Jesus brother put it: "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

That's IT! We're Changing Our Name!!!!

I have decided, after much thought and prayer of course, that Cornerstone Church is changing our name. We are now....drumroll please....

CORNERSTONE CHURCH 3100!

I got this inspiration from the toilet paper dispenser in Panera's restroom.

This is the GP "Never Out 3000". The name caught my eye because it has a number after it...a big number! This must be one incredible toilet paper dispenser.

So I thought, hey, that's it! Name our church with a big number! Cornerstone 3100!!! I'll keep you posted on how new marketing approach works, but I have big hopes!

See, I am doing a new thing!

God, in Isaiah 43:18-19: "Forget the former things;do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."

He is always about doing new things. So it stands to reason that if we are His people, we should be all about doing new things! The question is how. A friend of mine attended the Catalyst event in Atlanta last week. He came home charged up and ready to lead forward. He is 20 years old, and he told me that Andy Stanley said that the new generation must lead the new generation forward. He also told me that he realized that his next 10 years or so would be his most productive for the kingdom and he didn't want to waste it. Now Andy Stanley is 50 years old, and I am 43. If what Andy says is true, perhaps Andy and I need to step aside so that the next generation can step in. And I'm serious.

In our denomination, United Methodism, we value age and experience. Now, we value that all-the-while seeing that our youngest pastors are generally doing the most kingdom-influencing work. That effectiveness wanes with age. For real. So when are we going to step aside to let the younger generation lead?

I have always prayed about what God has in store for me next. My friend's comments have really forced me to pray about that afresh and anew. What about you?

I gotsta do stuff with my hands...

You know, I'm increasingly realizing how important it is for me to be able to work with my hands. I'm not very much of a thinker unless I'm doing something at the same time. Yesterday, I was just beat tired. I went home early and did some reading, took a little nap, and continued looking at our candidates for the Director of Operations. But it wasn't long before I was climbing the walls. I went out and changed the oil in both cars, mowed the lawn, redd up the garage (ode to Pittsburgh), and tore the bathroom sink drain apart and cleaned it so that it would drain properly. Then, and only then, did I feel refreshed. Then did I feel like I was able to think straight again. I guess I'm a just a hopeless kinesthetic!!!!

Monday, Monday

Is it just me? I hope so...I have the Monday blues. Last week was a pretty exhausting week, and although I had Saturday off, I am starting this week off in the doldrums. I need to spend some time at the foot of the cross today, and I need to allow the joy of the Lord to be my strength.

So if you can't sleep...

Read Scripture. I was awake at about 3:15 this morning and couldn't get back to sleep. So I got up, went downstairs, and read the Bible for a while...just browsing through The Message to where God stopped me. Good times...I might be a little more tired than usual today, but I'm also a whole lot more blessed!

Help Me Dream

Isn't it fun to dream? Ya know, like to think about what could be? My current dream is to own a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Here's the one that Carla and I have picked out:

So what color should we get? I'm thinking Dark Turquoise and Antique White. Any other suggestions? Thanks for helping me dream!

Wipe That Smile Off Your Face!

So yesterday, I goes to the foot doctor because I have some kinda Elemenopee-itus going on. I'm trying to be friendly...you know I smile, joke around a little, nearly pass out when they inject my feet with cortisone...the normal stuff. And I realize something, something I notice a lot. 103% of all people alive today are unhappy. Where is the joy? Where is the fun? Why can't we loosen up a little bit?

And sadly, it just hain't in the world, but even among we the alleged Christ-followers. Didn't He say something about rejoicing? Sometimes as I look out over the folks who worship with me on Sunday, I am blown away by how frownish we are. Too bad, so sad.

And there are a few people in the church that totally avoid me. Some, I guess, just can't stand me. But I wonder if a few others just don't like to be around happy people. Whaddya think?

Great Weekend!

I had a busy weekend, but a great time. I was honored to perform a wedding for some new friends at Jumonville on Saturday. It was a beautiful time of celebration.

Cornerstone worshiped the Lord on Sunday...great stuff. We kicked off a September series called "Have We Forgotten" where we're remembering the events of 9/11 and the lessons God taught us through that. We're trying to recommit ourselves to loving God and one another more as we remember the days immediately after the tragedy. We interviewed one of our own, Kimberly, who is a flight attendant for American Airlines. She lost friends in two of the planes that went down that day. It was a moving testimony and a powerful reminder. We also had a "cookout" lunch after worship in our warehouse space. We had a blast...some new folks who even hung around to eat with us. Great times indeed and a great way to start the week.

Too Busy to Blog

In response to BARB, I have decided to blog that I cannot blog because I'm too busy to blog. I hope you enjoy my blog about not blogging.

Why Does It Take So Long...

...to figure some things out? Like just within the last week, I finally figured out that if you fold towels longways first, they unfold to hang right on the rack without having to refold them. Why did this take so long?

I love Jesus, but I hate the church...

Well we (aka "the church") better wake up. This seems to be the sentiment of a new generation. I have our leadership team reading "Unchristian" by David Kinnaman so that we can grasp the realities and the opportunities of this cultural statement. I would love to hear some of you weigh in on this and let me know your perspective, whether you "go to church" or not.

In brief, I think we have perverted the concept of church into our own image. I believe that Jesus never intended an institution. I realize that there is a need for purity in belief and preservation of the message of God as revealed in Jesus Christ and sustained by the Holy Spirit. But does it have to be through an institution? And is God bringing this institutional era to a merciful end? And would it be so bad if He is? Curious....curious indeed...

Stop, In the Name of Love!

In Psalm 46:10, God reminds us that we are to be still in order to know He is God. Well now that is easier said than done. I tend to be the kind of person who's foot is always shaking if I have to sit somewhere. I tend to have lots of thoughts rolling around in my head at one time. In brief, I find it very hard to be still.

And the nature of our society feeds my illness. We live in a busy, busy world these days and activity is often even associated with godliness. At least by us, it is. I'm not sure God sees it that way.

Have you ever thought that the answer to life's problems, and Kingdom issues, is not to do more, but to do less? Let's face it, doing more isn't helping! So maybe if we did less and just "were" more, we'd discover...rediscover perhaps...God. And then He can and will be God!!!

On Vacation...

Carla and I will be on vacation. We are leaving after worship on Sunday, August 3rd. I'll be back "to work" on Tuesday, August 12th. Peace out....

VBS starts!

Keep us in prayer as one of our summer outreach to kids begins this week. We're hoping to bless the socks off of some kids and to help them to desire a relationship with Jesus that is life changing. I'm so thankful for a huge group of helpers to make it happen!

12

Well I went out last evening in the incredible heat for my first real bike ride since my surgery. I went 12 miles and averaged over 14 mph so I was quite pleased with my first foray. And my bike still rocks!!! I'm just praisin' the Lord for His healing!

He's Back!

I have been traveling a lot in my ministry this summer...annual conference/summer camp/mission trip. God stuff, no doubt. But I'm glad to be able to put my hand to the Cornerstone plow for a season. We are at a very odd spot in our history. We are 8 years old, and in many ways we act like an 8 year old! We are trying to grow up, but we're also confused about what growing up means. We have some big dreams for the future, but we struggle to work toward them with real tenacity sometimes. We seem at times to be more concerned with what we're going to get for Christmas, as opposed to what we're going to give, if you know what I mean. Indeed a blessed time to be in ministry, and indeed, a challenging time as well. Our leadership team is meeting this evening to reconnect and to seek the Lord's face as we continue our journey. Pray for your leadership, whomever they may be, as they need your prayers more and more as the times change and we Jesus-followers seek to be faithful to Him and to the changing world!

A Few Days Off and Then On a Mission

Carla and I are taking Friday and Saturday off for some rest and relaxation. Sunday, after worship, 25 people called Cornerstone Church are going to Philippi WV for a week of remodeling and community children's ministry. Should be awesome. Keep us in prayer!!!!

Leaders...

...have to make decisions that people don't always understand. Leaders have to make decisions that, often times, people don't agree with. Leaders have to sort through the multitude of voices to hear the voice of Jesus in the midst. Leaders have to follow that Voice at any cost. Are you a leader?

I'll be at Camp Allegheny in Somerset County!

H20 Camp!!! I can't wait...should be a blast!!! I'll be gone from Sunday afternoon to Saturday afternoon. Have a great week and I'll touch base w/ ya when I gets back!!!

Web Article

Click Here to Read it Live

Youth Bring Heart to AC08

On a clear Friday morning at Grove City College, youth from across Western PA planned and led a special worship service filled with God’s spirit. At the conclusion, the congregation gave a standing ovation for the effort and heart poured out by the youth to honor and praise God. “That was amazing! Clearly God is at work here!” commented several people in the congregation of over 300 at the 6:30 a.m. gathering.

With a band of four acoustic, two electric and one bass guitars, a drum set, several flutes, an alto sax, a keyboard and over 20 vocalists, the youth band raised the roof of Harbison Chapel in passionate praise. Smiles of joy emanated from band members wearing the day’s red “Love” page shirt.

Janne Walters, a member of Wurtemburg UMC, offered the message on the AC2008 youth caucus theme of “Got Fish?” In an engaging style, she challenged all in attendance to share her Christian mission to invite others to be disciples of Jesus Christ – to go fish!

Featured was a beautiful skit depicting the struggles of a young woman (Rachel Pinkerton of Mars UMC) conflicted to “dance” with Jesus (Sam Richardson of First UMC in Bradford) in joy or succumb to the temptations of alcohol, violence, malice and sex. The poignant interpretation touched the hearts of young and old alike.

“That was a powerful testimony!” said the Rev. Steve Morse, chair of the Sessions Planning Worship Team. “I want even more people to experience what I have witnessed here this morning.”

The AC2008 youth band was coordinated by the Rev. Brett Probert, pastor of Cornerstone UMC in Cranberry Twp. He is always the first to point out that the youth direct the selection and sound of their music even though Probert directs the band.

Each year, the Youth Caucus serves annual conference through many services and hospitality such as:
• Distribution of sessions materials to the body
• Assistance on the plenary floor with microphones and flags
• Service with worship in communion, offerings and more
• Raising funds for the Youth Service Fund and Nothing But Nets campaigns that change lives around the world and here
• Offer snacks, drinks and other items in the YSF Snack Booth in the Display Area

In addition, the youth engage in a Bible study series, have pizza with the bishop, sing, play video games, sing karaoke, watch movies and make life-long friends.
For information on the youth ministries, contact Renaye Hoffman at 800-886-3382, ext. 227.

Highlights from AC

As you can see, I accomplished much this past week.

I'm out....

I'm going to be at Annual Conference at Grove City this week. I HATE the politics but I love working with our youth. They love Jesus...imagine that. Pray for us, and know we'll be praying for yins!

I graduated!

Today, another milestone in my life's journey. I graduated again!!! I now have a masters degree in right knee health. Of course I still have some limitations, but praise God, I'm about 97% there!

The people at OPT are fantismo. They are fun, personable, and mostly, they know what the hecks they are doing. Good stuff!

The Big 4-0!!!

I took a road trip to St. Alban's WV yesterday and for the first time in years, I kept track of my gas mileage (dad, please forgive me for I have sinned). I got 40 miles to the gallon on the trip. Sweet! She may be old, wrecked, small, dirty, have crank windows and manual door locks, and a 1.9 liter weedwacker engine, but I'll see you at the gas pumps! (or not!!!)

What a Great Weekend!

Carla and I had a great day off on Saturday, then we had an awesome worship service yesterday. To top it all off, we went with some people from Cornerstone to minister to kids whose parent's are battling cancer. We went to a member's farm and had singing, games, food, and horse rides for the kids and their families. What a great church....what a great time!!!