Second Update of the Month

I guess I don't update this as often as I should, so let me give a recap of what has been going on and is going on.

Here's what's going on at Bessemer. Worship in the park on July 15th with Bessemer Church went extremely well. It really was a wonderful day. As for what else is happening at Bessemer, I've been really busy there this month, trying to get as much done as possible before I start school. I've read several books, trying to find ideas to help with our ministry at Bessemer, and the best one I've come across is by a pastor from Zelienople named Graham Standish, who wrote the book _Becoming a Blessed Church_. I think it will prove to be extremely helpful in renewing our church, and already I've seen many signs of renewed life and vitality which I know is a sign of the presence of God's Holy Spirit among us. It's exciting.

We met last Wednesday for a time of worship and prayer, followed by an hour meeting to discuss what we would like to do as a church. It went very well, and we came up with a mission statement, which I will post on here after it is approved on Wednesday at the official session meeting. They have many great ideas, and I know we're on the same page, which is great. Saturday we sold pie and ice cream at the Bessemer Community Days and had an opportunity to make our presence known in the community that way. It was wondeful.

I preached Sunday on the Fruit of the Spirit, with texts from Hosea 1:2-10, Luke 1:1-13, and Galatians 5:16-25. I preached for the first time with only an outline, some quotations written down, and the Bible in front of me. This was quite an accomplishment, since to this point I've only used manuscripts. This makes me happy! In our confirmation Sunday School class, we talked about the Holy Spirit, and had a good discussion. It was a good morning of spiritual nourishment.

So that's about it. Today I'm installing a new toilet in the house since the other one cracked (and I'm not sure how I did that, but whatever). Blessings to you wherever you are, and once I get sermon info for Sunday, I'll pass that along.

In brief...

First of all, last Sunday with Dr. Curtis was wonderful. It was very meaningful and Sunday School is going remarkably well also.

This Sunday, worship will not be at Bessemer Church - rather, it will be at the Bessemer Lake Park, which is a little farther up Main Street/Hillsville Road toward Hillsville. Worship is at 10AM with a picnic lunch to follow. If you want to come by chance, call me and I'll make sure to give you more directions.

Seriously, if you are a friend and you ever read this, you should come hear me preach at Bessemer. I will be there on Jul. 29, Aug. 5, 19, 26, Sept. 9, 23, 30, Oct. 14, 28, Nov. 4 & 25, Dec. 9, Dec. 23, 24 and 30. Worship is at 9:30 from now until Sept. 9, when it goes back to the 10:45AM worship time.

This weeks theme for the service is God's creation. The sermon is done, although my laptop is under the weather right now. Thank God for my dad's ever-faithful MacBook laptop, which has saved the day.

Other interesting story of the day...had to help save the custodian from a raccoon who made his nest in a garbage can outside the church. Actually, I wouldn't touch it - thought it could be rabid. So she got some of the guys from the Bessemer Boro Bldg. to come and take care of it. We are grateful to them for their help (Even though they laughed at us).

Well, it's late and I have to be at church at 8AM (well, 9AM but I go in early). So goodnight and God bless.

Week off from Preaching

Well, it's been a month since that last happened, but I felt it was time those Bessemerites had some communion action going on. haha. But seriously, because they are having the Eucharist this week, I do not have to preach. Dr. Byron G. Curtis of Geneva College is coming to preach and administer the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper this Sunday, and he's really quite good.

So that's really all that is on tap for me this week. I don't have to go into the office today either, since our secretary and I decided to take the day off. But I do have to work tonight at Supportive Services (3:30-11:30 - it's my other summer job). At least we have the client picnic this afternoon, so that will be fun.

Then I am off Wednesday from both jobs for my family's renown Fourth of July picnic. I work Thursday morning at the church, and Friday at the church and at Supportive, then I'm off from both until next Tuesday. Why share that with you? I don't know, but I guess so that you can see what my life is like right now - busy.

So now that I've bored you with useless stuff, I suppose I'll go now. Just thought I'd share what was going on for anyone who is actually interested.