Saturday, August 31, 2013
Friday, August 30, 2013
But Now I See
Is it possible for a person with perfectly good eyesight to be blind, unable to see the obvious? Absolutely! Come and learn more this Sunday at Life in Christ. Worship takes place at 8 and 10:45 am with Christian LIFE (Learning Is For Everyone) Hour and study opportunities for everyone beginning at 9:20 am. See you Sunday at LICL!
Thursday, August 29, 2013
I'm having a baby!
Today is sermon writing day. Of everything I do, this is the hardest task, without a doubt. I love preaching and I'm growing more confident in my ability to write. Still, sermon writing is a daunting task. So it's no wonder that the following comment from one of Jan Karon's "Mitford" books really resonated with me,
(Father Tim) had just written and delivered a sermon and now it was time to write another. A priest whose name he couldn't remember had nailed it: "It's like having a baby on Sunday and waking up pregnant on Monday."
From "In This Mountain," chapter 16.
(Father Tim) had just written and delivered a sermon and now it was time to write another. A priest whose name he couldn't remember had nailed it: "It's like having a baby on Sunday and waking up pregnant on Monday."
From "In This Mountain," chapter 16.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Scooter Kanzler - Comfort Dog
Our Administrative Assistant, Connie, brings her dog, Scooter, to work with her most days each week.
It's kind of unusual to find a dog inside a working office. But the area where we work is not easily seen from 75th Avenue so it seemed appropriate to let Connie bring Scooter with her. There are times when there aren't a lot of people around and, when a stranger appears at the door, Scooter lets them know he's not to be messed with.
But it finally dawned on me yesterday that Scooter plays a more important role in our office. He provides comfort for people.
I see lots of people every week. Many of them are hurting. Hurting over a broken relationship...the loss of a loved one...a cutback a work and a loss of income...a struggle with depression.
They come into our office with long, sad faces and heavy hearts. And then Scooter greets them.
Basically, Scooter goes nuts. He welcomes every person like they are his new best friend. He barks. He jumps. He wiggles around like he's doing the rumba. To be greeted by our comfort dog is to be made to feel very important.
Sad faces grow smiles. Folks rub Scooter's head and scratch his back. He responds with kisses and his famous, "Oooooooh!" greeting (that means you're a real friend).
By the time these folks get to my office, some of the tension has been lifted. We talk and read Scripture and pray. People leave with the hope and peace of Christ planted in their hearts through the Holy Spirit's effective work. And Scooter has helped to pave the way.
I was over at Phoenix Children's Hospital earlier in the week and I ran into a couple of comfort dogs. They were just coming out of a room. I peaked inside and saw what was probably an 8 year old, no hair, perhaps suffering from cancer.
The little girl had a big smile on her face. Her Mom said, "When you get home, we're going to get you your own dog."
Man's best friend does have the ability to lift the spirits of hurting people like no other. I'm glad that I finally figured out what Scooter's role is at our church. He is not the "head of security," as I have jokingly said. He is our comfort dog.
It's kind of unusual to find a dog inside a working office. But the area where we work is not easily seen from 75th Avenue so it seemed appropriate to let Connie bring Scooter with her. There are times when there aren't a lot of people around and, when a stranger appears at the door, Scooter lets them know he's not to be messed with.
But it finally dawned on me yesterday that Scooter plays a more important role in our office. He provides comfort for people.
I see lots of people every week. Many of them are hurting. Hurting over a broken relationship...the loss of a loved one...a cutback a work and a loss of income...a struggle with depression.
They come into our office with long, sad faces and heavy hearts. And then Scooter greets them.
Basically, Scooter goes nuts. He welcomes every person like they are his new best friend. He barks. He jumps. He wiggles around like he's doing the rumba. To be greeted by our comfort dog is to be made to feel very important.
Sad faces grow smiles. Folks rub Scooter's head and scratch his back. He responds with kisses and his famous, "Oooooooh!" greeting (that means you're a real friend).
By the time these folks get to my office, some of the tension has been lifted. We talk and read Scripture and pray. People leave with the hope and peace of Christ planted in their hearts through the Holy Spirit's effective work. And Scooter has helped to pave the way.
I was over at Phoenix Children's Hospital earlier in the week and I ran into a couple of comfort dogs. They were just coming out of a room. I peaked inside and saw what was probably an 8 year old, no hair, perhaps suffering from cancer.
The little girl had a big smile on her face. Her Mom said, "When you get home, we're going to get you your own dog."
Man's best friend does have the ability to lift the spirits of hurting people like no other. I'm glad that I finally figured out what Scooter's role is at our church. He is not the "head of security," as I have jokingly said. He is our comfort dog.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
True Believer
In my first career I spent 17 years in the radio broadcasting business. I began as a part-time weekend announcer and ultimately became an owner in a partnership that acquired a group of stations.
My radio career did not go as I had envisioned. I thought for sure I was headed for stardom as a rock n roll disc jockey. Instead, I spent the entire time in religious broadcasting. Some of our speakers were folks like James Dobson and Jerry Falwell and a whole bunch of people that I'd just rather forget. When I started out our stations played Southern Gospel music and featured the Blackwood Brothers, The Cathedrals and The Hinsons, just to name a few.
We received from time to time promotional copies of albums from the newer contemporary artists and that's how I was introduced to Phil Keaggy. His first solo album, "What a Day," was like a breath of fresh air. He had a slightly McCartneyesque sound and his guitar playing was simply amazing. I became a huge fan and have followed Keaggy ever since.
1995's "True Believer" was his first release for Sparrow Records. At that time Sparrow was probably the dominate label in Contemporary Christian Music so I was hopeful that the new partnership would give Keaggy's career a real boost.
I don't think that "True Believer" achieved the level of success that Sparrow was looking for and Keaggy did not remain with the label for very long. But I remember liking the CD a lot and while driving around yesterday, I pulled "True Believer" off the rack for another listen. I'm glad I did.
"The True Believers" opened the CD, a song Keaggy still performs regularly in his concerts. Keaggy sings the song like a true believer and his guitar playing sets the tone for the entire CD. "Salvation Army Band" features one of the best vocals that Keaggy has ever turned in. Also featured is a rocking version of "Be Thou My Vision" and a blues infused rocker called, "Have Mercy Lord."
I was two years into Seminary when "True Believer" was released. Listening to the CD yesterday reminded me of how hard those years were. I worked pretty much six and a half days a week. My only time off was Friday afternoon & evening. During that little block of time, I dug out the music and let it blast away. "True Believer" kept finding its way onto my CD player every week. It encouraged me and made me feel good. It's cool when your favorite musical artist is a true believer.
My radio career did not go as I had envisioned. I thought for sure I was headed for stardom as a rock n roll disc jockey. Instead, I spent the entire time in religious broadcasting. Some of our speakers were folks like James Dobson and Jerry Falwell and a whole bunch of people that I'd just rather forget. When I started out our stations played Southern Gospel music and featured the Blackwood Brothers, The Cathedrals and The Hinsons, just to name a few.
We received from time to time promotional copies of albums from the newer contemporary artists and that's how I was introduced to Phil Keaggy. His first solo album, "What a Day," was like a breath of fresh air. He had a slightly McCartneyesque sound and his guitar playing was simply amazing. I became a huge fan and have followed Keaggy ever since.
1995's "True Believer" was his first release for Sparrow Records. At that time Sparrow was probably the dominate label in Contemporary Christian Music so I was hopeful that the new partnership would give Keaggy's career a real boost.
I don't think that "True Believer" achieved the level of success that Sparrow was looking for and Keaggy did not remain with the label for very long. But I remember liking the CD a lot and while driving around yesterday, I pulled "True Believer" off the rack for another listen. I'm glad I did.
"The True Believers" opened the CD, a song Keaggy still performs regularly in his concerts. Keaggy sings the song like a true believer and his guitar playing sets the tone for the entire CD. "Salvation Army Band" features one of the best vocals that Keaggy has ever turned in. Also featured is a rocking version of "Be Thou My Vision" and a blues infused rocker called, "Have Mercy Lord."
I was two years into Seminary when "True Believer" was released. Listening to the CD yesterday reminded me of how hard those years were. I worked pretty much six and a half days a week. My only time off was Friday afternoon & evening. During that little block of time, I dug out the music and let it blast away. "True Believer" kept finding its way onto my CD player every week. It encouraged me and made me feel good. It's cool when your favorite musical artist is a true believer.
Monday, August 26, 2013
Many thanks!
Many thanks to our Fellowship Committee for hosting such a fun event on Saturday evening. An extra special blessing was discovering a new volunteer to assist with our senior high ministry. PTL!
Many thanks to our Greeters who also do such a great job of welcoming both guests and members of the church family to worship each Sunday. People appreciate the spirit of friendliness they find at LICL.
Many thanks to our Sunday School and Senior High teachers and leaders. We began a new year of study yesterday and our kids are being taught by the cream of the crop, in my humble opinion:-).
Many thanks to our Nurturing Committee who made the day truly special for the 33 new members we received yesterday. A highlight was the huge reception that was held following the second service. A delicious meal was served and folks heard from a number of our ministry leaders.
Many thanks to our gracious God who blessed us with His gifts of forgiveness, peace and hope during worship yesterday. The Lord gives us just what we need each time we gather in His house. We left worship yesterday with the powerful name of the Lord on our heads, His peace the perfect cure for anxious hearts.
Many thanks to our Greeters who also do such a great job of welcoming both guests and members of the church family to worship each Sunday. People appreciate the spirit of friendliness they find at LICL.
Many thanks to our Sunday School and Senior High teachers and leaders. We began a new year of study yesterday and our kids are being taught by the cream of the crop, in my humble opinion:-).
Many thanks to our Nurturing Committee who made the day truly special for the 33 new members we received yesterday. A highlight was the huge reception that was held following the second service. A delicious meal was served and folks heard from a number of our ministry leaders.
Many thanks to our gracious God who blessed us with His gifts of forgiveness, peace and hope during worship yesterday. The Lord gives us just what we need each time we gather in His house. We left worship yesterday with the powerful name of the Lord on our heads, His peace the perfect cure for anxious hearts.
Friday, August 23, 2013
Life on the Mountain
Our recent visit to the White Mountains caused me to wonder, "What would life be like on the mountain?" This Sunday at LICL we'll ponder that question as we look at the text in Hebrews 12:18-24. Sunday will also be a day of celebration as we receive another group of new members who will become a part of our church family. Sunday school classes resume and a new two part study on the life of Joseph is on tap for our Adult class. Come and join us for worship and study at LICL. Services take place at 8 and 10:45 am and Christian LIFE (Learning Is For Everyone) begins at 9:15 am.
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