I don't know why, but I feel compelled to make some confessions to you today. No, not the kind of positive faith filled ones, but the ones that "spill the beans" on my life. I want to warn you in advance that some of you may question my ability to lead a pentecostal/charismaniac, er, I mean charismatic church after this. Nevertheless, I need to "cleanse my soul" as the old saying goes, so here it is-- in no certain order of importance.
1. I watched American Idol on TV. I don't know why I've been so hooked, I really don't listen to the music they sing, but I have a strong competitive urge, so I tend to enjoy contests.
2. Same with Can You Duet?, which is now airing on one of the country music channels. Although I no longer listen to country music, back in my younger days when all the kids my age were listening to rock, I was listening to Conway and Loretta.
3. I cry at sad movies. Please don't tell my friends about this, as I don't want them to question my masculinity.
4. I didn't go on the diet I had planned to at the first of the year. I know you noticed, and I noticed you noticing.
5. My dear friend, Pastor Joey Turner and I like to "beat" each other... again, it's the competitive juices we have. We did the go cart thing at one of the fun tracks a few years ago, and he beat me. But I slowed down so that I would be in front of him, and had one of my guys take a picture, with my hand held up showing a 1. We put it on the overhead and I claimed I had won. But in reality I didn't. He almost lapped me. The reason I bring this up after several years have passed is that we continue to rehearse it as if it were yesterday, and I feel I must come clean. I must get this load off me, but only to you. *If Pastor Joey finds out, it will be another 5 years of constant bragging. He doesn't read blogs, nor emails. I am not sure he even reads at all. So if he finds out about my confessional, I will know you told him.
That's it for today. No more confessions for another day or so. I hope you don't disown me for not being so perfect. But I must tell you, I feel a hundred pounds lighter now. Maybe I won't have to worry about that diet after all.
Be Blessed,
Pastor Ronnie
*Upon thinking about this "confession" I decided I might need to follow up on this particular one. Pastor Joey Turner and I are dearest friends. Our hearts are knit, and I would never do anything or say anything to dishonor him. This blog is just an attempt to inject some humor into my world, and to the readers of my blog. However, I realize that not all those who read know me personally, so I wanted to address this particular comment.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
KOINONIA
We've been having some great koinonia lately. That's the word used in the new testament for fellowship. The word in the biblical setting indicates partnership, communication, to share, partake with, and have intimate relationships with.
As we wrap up the spring calendar at NHC, we had several koinonia events: The Easter Eggstravaganza- a community event, free of charge to the families. We had a great turnout, and it was a great outreach for the kids and families of the area. We also have our first ever car show. Wow, another great opportunity of outreach. This event was planned as a fundraiser for our building renovations, but what a tool for community relationship building. The event exceeded my imagination, and brought a great crowd to our doorstep- some of who are now attending church here. Then, a couple of weeks ago, the ladies had another great koinonia event- Their second annual ladies brunch. Although I did not attend the event, I do have access through the pictures. It is very apparent that more great fellowship resulted in this event, which was also a fundraiser.
Our kick off to summer activities began this past Sunday, when we took a group to Spartanburg, to Funbees Park. Everyone seemed to enjoy their time together there-- another opportunity to fellowship, and also to invite guests who came with their kids to attend New Harvest. There are plenty more events in the planning right now, so stay tuned!
In addition to the fellowship opportunities through activities and events, there is some Divine Fellowship going on right now. There seems to be something brewing in the Spirit, and I believe God is doing something intimately among us. Testimonies in the past few days go like, "the church prayed, and the report that had indicated something came back negative." Another one like, "I saw an angel in church Wednesday night", and "there seemed to be so much unity in the service Sunday. It was as if we were one." God is bringing us together in the Spirit. There is a Holy Spirit koinonia taking place.
I am excited about the fellowship of the saints, and the fellowship of the Spirit. Come and join us for some kononia.
Blessings,
Pastor Ronnie
As we wrap up the spring calendar at NHC, we had several koinonia events: The Easter Eggstravaganza- a community event, free of charge to the families. We had a great turnout, and it was a great outreach for the kids and families of the area. We also have our first ever car show. Wow, another great opportunity of outreach. This event was planned as a fundraiser for our building renovations, but what a tool for community relationship building. The event exceeded my imagination, and brought a great crowd to our doorstep- some of who are now attending church here. Then, a couple of weeks ago, the ladies had another great koinonia event- Their second annual ladies brunch. Although I did not attend the event, I do have access through the pictures. It is very apparent that more great fellowship resulted in this event, which was also a fundraiser.
Our kick off to summer activities began this past Sunday, when we took a group to Spartanburg, to Funbees Park. Everyone seemed to enjoy their time together there-- another opportunity to fellowship, and also to invite guests who came with their kids to attend New Harvest. There are plenty more events in the planning right now, so stay tuned!
In addition to the fellowship opportunities through activities and events, there is some Divine Fellowship going on right now. There seems to be something brewing in the Spirit, and I believe God is doing something intimately among us. Testimonies in the past few days go like, "the church prayed, and the report that had indicated something came back negative." Another one like, "I saw an angel in church Wednesday night", and "there seemed to be so much unity in the service Sunday. It was as if we were one." God is bringing us together in the Spirit. There is a Holy Spirit koinonia taking place.
I am excited about the fellowship of the saints, and the fellowship of the Spirit. Come and join us for some kononia.
Blessings,
Pastor Ronnie
Sunday, May 25, 2008
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
I am excited about today's services and activities from New Harvest Church. But before I share what I am enthused about, let me first pause to observe Memorial Day.
This is Memorial Day weekend. It is called the kick off to Summer, although summer doesn't officially begin until 3 more weeks. Memorial Day is tomorrow. The day is set aside to honor those who have served our nation in the military, and who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. We honor them today and tomorrow, and we pay our respects. We are here today because of brave men and women who have laid their all on the line.
We have some special things going on today at NHC. The Kondas Family, from Statesville NC, will be with us again, ministering in song. Jim and Karen are special friends. I had asked them to come in the absence of our worship leader, Dan Thomas. He and his wife Kelly (and little Emily) have been out of town on some family business and recreation the last couple of Sundays. The Kondas' have helped us in both filling in on the praise team, and leading and singing songs of their own. They told us that there is a possibility today that their son and daughter in law, Daniel and Holly, may be with them. YAY!!!
Today also begins an exciting adventure for us. We will introduce Mrs. Jenny Smith to the church as our kids church and youth director. Miss Jenny will work oversee the direction of the teams. She will work with our groups and will strengthen their hands in what they are doing, while at the same time bring new ideas to the table. We believe this step will build the present team to another level, and will bring great excitement to all involved. Get ready to see our kids and youth grow!
I am also doing an illustrated sermon this morning. There is something about visually doing something, that we retain what we see, I think 7 times more. This has been unnannounced, and has been a last minute planning, but I believe it will have an effect. So, I hope you read the blog in the morning, so that you'll be sure to come on and see the illustrated sermon.
Last, and not least, we are going to Funbees Park tonight at 6. Our dear friend, Pastor Ricky Eason, owns and operates this park, in Spartanburg, SC. From inflateables, fishing pond, batting cage, mini golf, go carts, and more-- there will be plenty of fun for everyone. We'll leave from the church at 5:15 PM, and begin with a picnic once there (around 6). The food is free, the cost of the activities is $10 each. Y'all come on out.
Be blessed!
Pastor Ronnie
This is Memorial Day weekend. It is called the kick off to Summer, although summer doesn't officially begin until 3 more weeks. Memorial Day is tomorrow. The day is set aside to honor those who have served our nation in the military, and who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. We honor them today and tomorrow, and we pay our respects. We are here today because of brave men and women who have laid their all on the line.
We have some special things going on today at NHC. The Kondas Family, from Statesville NC, will be with us again, ministering in song. Jim and Karen are special friends. I had asked them to come in the absence of our worship leader, Dan Thomas. He and his wife Kelly (and little Emily) have been out of town on some family business and recreation the last couple of Sundays. The Kondas' have helped us in both filling in on the praise team, and leading and singing songs of their own. They told us that there is a possibility today that their son and daughter in law, Daniel and Holly, may be with them. YAY!!!
Today also begins an exciting adventure for us. We will introduce Mrs. Jenny Smith to the church as our kids church and youth director. Miss Jenny will work oversee the direction of the teams. She will work with our groups and will strengthen their hands in what they are doing, while at the same time bring new ideas to the table. We believe this step will build the present team to another level, and will bring great excitement to all involved. Get ready to see our kids and youth grow!
I am also doing an illustrated sermon this morning. There is something about visually doing something, that we retain what we see, I think 7 times more. This has been unnannounced, and has been a last minute planning, but I believe it will have an effect. So, I hope you read the blog in the morning, so that you'll be sure to come on and see the illustrated sermon.
Last, and not least, we are going to Funbees Park tonight at 6. Our dear friend, Pastor Ricky Eason, owns and operates this park, in Spartanburg, SC. From inflateables, fishing pond, batting cage, mini golf, go carts, and more-- there will be plenty of fun for everyone. We'll leave from the church at 5:15 PM, and begin with a picnic once there (around 6). The food is free, the cost of the activities is $10 each. Y'all come on out.
Be blessed!
Pastor Ronnie
Friday, May 23, 2008
THE VISION LEVEL
I must confess that some of the things I write about, preach about, and advertise of are not at the level of what you can see. I have been tempted at times to take something down from the website because in an honest evaluation, things are not as described. Things are described as our vision has purposed them to be.
What if, for example, in the praise and worship link, instead of saying something like vibrant and lively, it said something like, predictable and without fire. I don't think ours is, I am only making a point. There are some pages of our over 40 plus web pages that I have considered altering, adjusting, or simply deleting. And some of them I have. Others are getting there- the men's group might not be the mighty warriors advertized, but I believe we're moving in that direction.
So instead of altering things to the level of productivity, we maintain our vision level, our faith level. No, we are not perfect. Yes, we may be somewhat less than advertised in the natural in some areas. But this is our purpose, our passion, our resolve. We will settle for nothing less.
We are called to a spirit of excellence. We purpose to be second to none. Our kids deserve it, our youth deserve it, every area of church life deserves it. So we keep reaching, keep adjusting, and make changes when needed.
As the old sign says, Be patient. God isn't finished with me (us) yet. We're not coming down to the what is level, we're progressing to the vision of God level.
We invite you to visit with us. If, upon attending, you see something not as advertised, it is because all of the parts have not yet come in- you are a link and a part of the part that makes us complete. Welcome aboard, and get ready to work:)
Y'all be blessed!
Pastor Ronnie
What if, for example, in the praise and worship link, instead of saying something like vibrant and lively, it said something like, predictable and without fire. I don't think ours is, I am only making a point. There are some pages of our over 40 plus web pages that I have considered altering, adjusting, or simply deleting. And some of them I have. Others are getting there- the men's group might not be the mighty warriors advertized, but I believe we're moving in that direction.
So instead of altering things to the level of productivity, we maintain our vision level, our faith level. No, we are not perfect. Yes, we may be somewhat less than advertised in the natural in some areas. But this is our purpose, our passion, our resolve. We will settle for nothing less.
We are called to a spirit of excellence. We purpose to be second to none. Our kids deserve it, our youth deserve it, every area of church life deserves it. So we keep reaching, keep adjusting, and make changes when needed.
As the old sign says, Be patient. God isn't finished with me (us) yet. We're not coming down to the what is level, we're progressing to the vision of God level.
We invite you to visit with us. If, upon attending, you see something not as advertised, it is because all of the parts have not yet come in- you are a link and a part of the part that makes us complete. Welcome aboard, and get ready to work:)
Y'all be blessed!
Pastor Ronnie
Thursday, May 22, 2008
STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN LOSES DAUGHTER IN TRAGIC ACCIDENT
Sad news out of Nashville regarding the Steven Curtis Chapman family:
A horrible tragedy befell the family of Christian music singer Steven Curtis Chapman on Tuesday when the Grammy-winner's five-year-old daughter Maria was killed in a tragic accident at their Nashville-area home.According to reports, Chapman's daughter Maria Sue was struck in the driveway by an SUV driven by the singer's teen son, who apparently did not see the child. The injured child was rushed to nearby Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where she was later declared deceased.Maria Sue was the youngest of Steven and wife Mary Beth's six children. Like two of her other siblings, Maria had been adopted by the family from China. The couple founded the charitable organization Shaohannah's Hope to help assist others in giving second chances to children around the world in need of adoption.
Steven's songs have been gospel music lover favorites for the past 2 decades. He has modeled Christian love and living. Our prayers go out to the Steven Curtis Chapman family.
A horrible tragedy befell the family of Christian music singer Steven Curtis Chapman on Tuesday when the Grammy-winner's five-year-old daughter Maria was killed in a tragic accident at their Nashville-area home.According to reports, Chapman's daughter Maria Sue was struck in the driveway by an SUV driven by the singer's teen son, who apparently did not see the child. The injured child was rushed to nearby Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where she was later declared deceased.Maria Sue was the youngest of Steven and wife Mary Beth's six children. Like two of her other siblings, Maria had been adopted by the family from China. The couple founded the charitable organization Shaohannah's Hope to help assist others in giving second chances to children around the world in need of adoption.
Steven's songs have been gospel music lover favorites for the past 2 decades. He has modeled Christian love and living. Our prayers go out to the Steven Curtis Chapman family.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
JON LESTER'S COMEBACK STORY
Sometimes I go several days, even a week, without blogging. Part of the reason is the busy schedule, partly because I am physically and emotionally drained, and also because I have nothing to say. That's the thing about blogs- there are no set rules as what or when.
So today I have a second blog, and it's only 9 AM. Watching SportCenter and catching up on overnight sports news, I saw where Jon Lester pitched a no hitter last night for the Boston Red Sox. If you are not up on baseball, you may not know that pitching a no hitter is a rare feat. Some of the greatest pitchers of all time never produced a no hitter. What is more amazing is the story behind this story.
Somewhere in the late summer/early fall of 2006, it was discovered that Jon had lymphoma cancer. The name cancer is one of the most feared that I know. It takes young and old. It's grasp has no boundaries. My mother in law passed away 9 years ago with cancer. Our church participates annually in the National Cancer Society Relay for Life. We have had members pass away with cancer, and we have had survivors of cancer. We have some who are presently battling the disease. Now, back to Jon.
He received treatments for his lymphoma. Lymphoma has several stages, I think 4, but I am not sure. Each higher stage means the risk factor is higher and the percentage of survival is lower. I am not sure what stage Jon had, but he went through his treatment, and it was successful. Last year during the World Series, he was scheduled to pitch when Boston's scheduled pitcher, Tim Wakefield, could not because of an ailing shoulder. Lester was injected into the game, and won the clinching game of the World Series. And now, the no hitter.
Talk about a comeback! I just felt inspired to blog today to those of you who may have gone through something that set you back. It might have been a relationship that went bad, a marriage or friendship. It may have been loss of job, loss of loved ones to premature death. You may feel emotionally, physically, and spiritually bankrupt. You may be facing a disease that threatens your existence. But God allows comebacks. It is not over for you. As long as you have faith and determination, you can arise again, and succeed.
While thinking about Jon Lester, I can't help but thinking about my son in law, Michael Armstrong. 3 years ago Michael discovered he had lymphoma, stage 4. He underwent numerous treatments, with very little success. He and my daughter Tina have had ups and downs through the process, but have fought and endured. Through a lot of trials and tears, prayers and fears, they have withstood this thing. Michael continues to receive treatment, but treatment has now been positive, and the outlook is looking better each day!
I just want to tell you that comebacks are possible. Dreams can come true. They did for Jon Lester. They can for you!
Blessings,
Pastor Ronnie
So today I have a second blog, and it's only 9 AM. Watching SportCenter and catching up on overnight sports news, I saw where Jon Lester pitched a no hitter last night for the Boston Red Sox. If you are not up on baseball, you may not know that pitching a no hitter is a rare feat. Some of the greatest pitchers of all time never produced a no hitter. What is more amazing is the story behind this story.
Somewhere in the late summer/early fall of 2006, it was discovered that Jon had lymphoma cancer. The name cancer is one of the most feared that I know. It takes young and old. It's grasp has no boundaries. My mother in law passed away 9 years ago with cancer. Our church participates annually in the National Cancer Society Relay for Life. We have had members pass away with cancer, and we have had survivors of cancer. We have some who are presently battling the disease. Now, back to Jon.
He received treatments for his lymphoma. Lymphoma has several stages, I think 4, but I am not sure. Each higher stage means the risk factor is higher and the percentage of survival is lower. I am not sure what stage Jon had, but he went through his treatment, and it was successful. Last year during the World Series, he was scheduled to pitch when Boston's scheduled pitcher, Tim Wakefield, could not because of an ailing shoulder. Lester was injected into the game, and won the clinching game of the World Series. And now, the no hitter.
Talk about a comeback! I just felt inspired to blog today to those of you who may have gone through something that set you back. It might have been a relationship that went bad, a marriage or friendship. It may have been loss of job, loss of loved ones to premature death. You may feel emotionally, physically, and spiritually bankrupt. You may be facing a disease that threatens your existence. But God allows comebacks. It is not over for you. As long as you have faith and determination, you can arise again, and succeed.
While thinking about Jon Lester, I can't help but thinking about my son in law, Michael Armstrong. 3 years ago Michael discovered he had lymphoma, stage 4. He underwent numerous treatments, with very little success. He and my daughter Tina have had ups and downs through the process, but have fought and endured. Through a lot of trials and tears, prayers and fears, they have withstood this thing. Michael continues to receive treatment, but treatment has now been positive, and the outlook is looking better each day!
I just want to tell you that comebacks are possible. Dreams can come true. They did for Jon Lester. They can for you!
Blessings,
Pastor Ronnie
$35 MILLION LOTTERY WINNER
A guy in South Carolina just won a $35 million powerball lottery. He said it was his first time to play the lottery, and God told him the numbers. Wow, I didn't know God was into the lottery.
It reminds me of a couple or so years ago when a member of the Church of God, I think somewhere in Illinois, won the lottery. He was going to tithe to his church. Several pastors were heard to say that it was tainted money, and a church member shouldn't be gambling. Ron Carpenter, of Redemption World Outreach, said, "It 'taint enough".
Channel 7 morning news, where I heard the story, said that after taxes, the man would receive around $17 million. That is over half that goes to Uncle Sam. Now, I know Uncle Sam needs his money to run the government and keep the roads going, but I think he may be spending too much of our hard earned money to protect spotted owls or assist in some pork barrell project. People grumble in church about giving 10%, and yet the government gets 50. At any rate, seventeen million is a lot more than I will see in a lifetime, and I wouldn't mind inheriting or winning that kind of loot. I probably won't ever gamble, other than buying a raffle ticket for a civic or church event. I did win $50 one time back a number of years ago when Pepsi was having that thing with winning numbers on bottle caps. But I was drinking the pepsi with or without the bottle cap number, so I didn't consider it gambling.
I'm not sure if the lottery winner is in church, but if not, and you can send him this blog, I would gladly accept the tenth. I don't care if it is tainted money or not, cause I 'taint got enough. I would prefer him to tithe off the top, but if he wants to tithe off the net, I will accept that. Just send the check to New Harvest, at....
Y'all be blessed!
Pastor Ronnie
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