Update on the livestream benefit for my mission trip to Alaska

Several of you have asked for an update on my mission trip to Alaska. We are leaving in mid-July 2017 to head to the mission site in Alaska from Tennessee. A friend and I are ditching our best guys to make the drive. We have done other fundraising with yard sales, cookbooks, an auction and such. But, a trip like this needs money to happen (even though it's for a fabulous cause).

We decided to turn to YouTube to reach the widest audience possible. My channel (Gayle Crabtree) meets the requirements set by YouTube to enable Superchat. This is where people can put their comment at the top of the chat window during a livestream. Google keeps 30% and we get 70%. That's a much higher profit margin than many other fundraising opportunities.

The vast majority of people don't donate. That's okay. The video still generates ad revenue and it will continue to do so indefinitely. So, with all this in mind, we decided to go for it.

My first ever Superchat-enabled livestream took place on June 18, 2017. The result is that we have roughly 100 views (so far) and 348 chat messages were exchanged. Of those, we had a couple of people donate monetarily through Superchat or via PayPal. I can't tell you about ad revenue yet because it's too early to get a total. I can say that a few people have offered meals or coffee shop visits along the way. These gifts are appreciated and important because money that we would spend on food can be shifted to cover gas costs.

I'll have another update soon. In the meantime, here's the livestream replay in case you missed it. Don't forget. If you like the livestream, be sure to click the subscribe button on the video. That way, you'll get all of our video updates from the road. Now, here's that livestream.

The original post about the livestream is here.
Articles about my previous trips to Alaska are on my other blog You've Been Reviewed.net.
Follow my vlog to get video updates here.

Livestream benefit for my mission trip to Alaska on June 18.

My mission trip to Alaska begins in less than a month! Yikes! It's coming up in a hurry. We'll be hosting a VBS in Seward in early August 2017. A friend and I will be driving team supplies from Tennessee to Alaska. This will be my third round trip on the Alaska Highway. I'm super excited but also a little nervous. Because no one knows what a journey will hold, I'm hosting a free fundraising livestream on my YouTube channel and hoping you will join me.

The channel livestream is June 18 from 8pm 10ish at this link. Helping us raise funds is as simple as streaming my channel on your phone or computer that night. You don't have to donate anything to help us raise money. However, if you insist on making a donation that night we'll gratefully accept your gift.

Superchat will be running during the livestream. The funds will go for transportation expenses (gas) unless you donate otherwise. The Superchat donations are subject to the regular Google cut, but will otherwise go toward the trip.

Drop in on June 18 from 8:00 pm - 10ish. Stay for a few minutes or an hour. My channel url is www.youtube.com/gaylecrabtree Please email me at gayle@gaylecrabtree.com if you have any questions or comment below. It should be lots of fun! Be sure to mark your calendars and subscribe to the channel.

We looking forward to seeing you on June 18. :-D

Autumn glory in the Appalachian Mountains

There is something about the Appalachian Mountains that soothes the soul. Driving through them is akin to answering the siren's call of nature. Today, the mountains are cloaked in the splendor of an autumn evening. The brilliant reds and gleaming golden leaves herald the transition from the hot summer into the coolness of winter. I gaze upon the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains as I drive into the interstate 40 in North Carolina and am at once touched and inspired by the beauty.

I am reminded that Jesus said if we do not praise Him, then the very rocks will cry out. And, they do. Looking at the Appalachian Mountains in North Carolina, it seems as though the trees are crying out. Each tree created individually, yet standing together as a giant chorus sing their own rendition of "It is Well with My Soul".

I drive through a road, cut into the side of a towering mountain. The cliff face rises as though it can touch the sky. I see rocks on the roadside, rocks being replaced, the grinding sound of equipment and roar of the road are a blur against my window as I pass by. It is a brief interruption in the otherwise quiet of the journey.

A rest area sign calls me to pause and I do. I sit on a bench at the North Carolina Welcome Center. The Saturday canopy provides a respite on sunny days.Today, I bask in the shadow of the mountain. Flowers at the rest area are in full bloom. It is as though they know their days are numbered and have chosen to go out in full glory. Birds twitter softly, a light breeze carries the sound. It is a good moment.

A car pulls up and children, full of the energy of youth and of being in the car too long, begin piling out of the car as if to escape confinement. Tablets and phones wave in the air. A harried mom and dad get out to stand in front of the minivan pondering the miles that lay before them.

They are heading to the beach they say. It is fall break for only a few more days. They need the break they tell me, as the kids rush up. Mom leaves kids with Dad for a few minutes then returns.

We chat for a minute. Then Dad leans back stretching and looks at the mountains. Mom does too. Together they stand for a minute, they too seem to be taking in the wonder. The kids notice and comes running up to see what's wrong. In their busy high tech world it doesn't occur to them to sit, be still, and see.

Mom sees this, and Dad. They exchange looks and Mom nods. Groaning kids put their tablets in the car and together they stomp down to follow dad down the side of the hill to the picnic area.

The mom looks my way and gives a small wave. She says that she wonders if the kids realized that they are on vacation or what that actually means.

We talk about the busyness of life, what that means for families and how adults and kids don't take time for each other even when they are on a trip. I said that as parents it's our job to teach them. She nods in agreement and says, that lesson can begin right now.

I couldn't agree more.

Podcasts of sermons are available online

My sermon podcasts are now available at Archive.org. The free sermon podcasts are usually shorter than 15 minutes and are free to download. All of the messages are recorded live at either of the churches that I serve. Copyright restrictions prohibit the distribution of music, so the full worship hour is not available at this time.

An attempt has been made to edit out some of the audible background noise. The substance of the sermon is unaltered, but breaks may be noticed in the message and an occasional word may be missing. Edits (if any) are made to provide you with a better listening experience. My goal is to remove noise caused by excess movement, coughing etc. The audio file is unaltered if it is unable to be edited without substantially changing the message.

It may take awhile for me to edit the Sermons, so the latest message may not be immediately available by podcast. During Advent, Holy Week and other busy times within the church it may be almost impossible for me to keep pace. I will do my best, but no promises.

Click the links below to listen to the podcasts. Feedback on the messages is always welcome. Please feel free to leave comments in the section below this blog post. Feedback on the messages is always welcome. Questions and comments are always welcome. Feel free to leave your comments in the section below this blog post. Reviews on the Archive.org page are also welcome.

Thank you for listening. The list of available podcasts is always in flux as more are added.

Available podcasts include:

Music in Worship

Church versus strippers: Hate is winning

We are hearing lots about an Ohio story about a church versus strippers. As a Christian, I feel a duty to live my life the best that I can to strippers, churchgoers and everyone else. My belief is that the Bible is the inherent word of God and that Jesus taught us how to live by word and deed.

What does this mean to me when it comes to a church versus strippers? Not everyone will appreciate my views and not everyone has to.

In the end, I am responsible for own thoughts and opinions as a Christian. Let me note that this is purely my point of view and do not represent any denomination. Open discussion is welcome in the comments section. Hatred is not.

Here are some examples that I found:

Posted to the wrong blog. Sorry folks.

Maintaining multiple blogs is rewarding, if challenging.Hence, my apollogy about posting my last mission trip article to You've Been Reviewed. Mission Trip Reflections is my musing about the trip and how it impacted my life. God certainly moved me beyond my comfort zone! The experience in Hungry Horse, Montana, touched me deeply in many ways.

I believe in local, national and international missions. Sure, the experiences give you a chance to help someone else. However; mission trips can remind yourself of who you are. They can help you reconnect with God on many levels. The reconnection and spiritual boost can be a profound unexpected experience.

If you take part in a mission trip, I would implore you to expect to see God. He is always at work but we don't always see His hands. Christian voluntourism can change that, if you let it. Don't miss the opportunity.

Puppet skits are in the works

Actually, a glitch caused this article to post early. The headline said that it was a skit based on a chapter and verse from Matthew. I'm going back through and rewriting the post so that it will make more sense. The skit is actually not completed yet.

Our church is on the lookout for free puppet skits that we can use in worship. I have written several over the years and have kept most of them. My plan is to go through, freshen them up and publish each one either here or on another writing site.nChurches will be free to use them but not repost them on their own website or distribute copies.

Easter Sunday sermon

Easter Sunday sermon notes based on Matthew 28:1-10

28 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

Jesus’ resurrection meant a new beginning. First day of the week, new week = new beginning. Dawn = traditional beginning of a new day. The timing of a new week and a new day reinforced the message of a new start.

Three days fulfilled the promise that God made in John 3:9 when Jesus said, "Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days." A new start that would be troubling to some, welcomed by others. To all, the world would never be the same.

Palm Sunday sermon based on Matthew 21:1-11

Jesus was traveling to Jerusalem for Passover when he made his triumphant entry. This was a route that he was familiar with as the one that he had taken before on many such travels. This experience would be far different from previous experiences. The route would have been as familiar to him as the route we take into work is for us.

We recognize the landmarks along our route to work. We know where the sharpest curves are and the best place to buy coffee. We have an idea of where the officers will be running radar and which potholes to avoid. We know that when we see a a certain sign, that our journey to work is coming to an end.

Jesus would have recognized landmarks on his route to Jerusalem. They would have brought comfort to him and excitement to his disciples. They were traveling a familiar route on the way to an exciting event. They were going to Passover! A celebration of the Jewish people. There was nothing to indicate anything but good tidings and joy.

The jubilant crowds gave Jesus celebrity status but they didn't understand that Jesus is Messiah. Coming “in the name of the Lord” isn't the same as recognizing him as the Messiah. The United States sends ambassadors to countries like China and Russia. Although they are empowered to represent the President, sign treaties and perform diplomatic duties.The ambassadors are representatives only.

Similarly, the crowds along the road to Jerusalem did not recognize Jesus as the Messiah. They recognized his as a prophet or a teacher. He was someone to be regarded with esteem and be respected but he was not seen as the Son of God or as a leader of the people.

Dry bones no longer

Today's sermon comes out of the Old Testament, Book of Ezekiel 37:1-14. Many of you may recognize the story of Ezekiel's vision of "Dry Bones" as we move forward.This portion of the Book of Ezekiel is his account of the dry bones of the people of Israel became reborn and filled anew with the breath of God.

To understand this passage of scripture it helps to understand that Ezekiel is a Hebrew prophet, a mere mortal but also a man of deep faith. He obeyed when he was told by God to prophesy to regarding the destruction of Jerusalem. He obeyed again when told to prophesy to the restoration to the land of Israel.

Bones that would become people who would live in their own land with the absurdity that God lives, speaks and acts on behalf of the people of Israel. It is a physical and spiritual awakening of a dead people and a dead church.

The coming together of the bones can be thought of as spiritual Phoenix. The mythological creature raises from the ashes of its death to be reborn. Similarly, the dry bones that Ezekiel spoke of  were again made whole so that they may worship and serve God. These are the bones of a people who said “Our bones are dried up and our hope is lost” but to whom God replies “Not so.”

A brief look at the Stations of the Cross

Scuttlebut surrounding the Son of God movie is overwhelmingly positive in my area. I have spoken with several people who have seen it themselves and recommend it to others. The buzz made me decide to create time to hit the theaters.

There are always parts of any movie that you will like or disagree with. Overall, I think that Son of God does a pretty good job of interpreting the events leading up to the death and resurrection of Jesus. The overarching meaning behind the movie is John 3:16 linked here.

Son of God seems to be based heavily upon the Stations of the Cross. Protestants who do not understand the stations may miss out on deeper meaning of several scenes from Son of  God.  For this reason, we are going to take a look at the Stations of the Cross this morning.

Overcoming Anger: Matthew 5:21-26

My sermon, Overcoming Anger is based on Matthew 5:21-26. Linked below are resources that may help you in your struggle to overcome and to mend relationships. 

This passage is about getting right with God and with family and friends. First Jesus reminds the crowd of what was told to them by Moses. The he goes on to claim his authority and tells us what he has to say. They already know not to kill. Jesus puts a deeper meaning onto the words.

The crowd is essentially told that it’s not enough to simply not kill a person. The vast majority of us withhold this impulse all of our lives. This should be enough to fulfill the law of the prophets right?

No.

The Magnificat: A devotion for the Third Sunday of Advent

Today is a look at the Magnificat found in Luke 1:46-55. The Magnificat is called Mary's for good reason. An angel has just paid a visit to tell Mary that she has been chosen to carry God's own son.

The Magnificat is her song of awe and praise to a loving God. Her words reveal her willingness to follow God’s plan for her life and her awe of being chosen for such a great honor.

Although she came from a family of deep faith (Elizabeth’s cousin) there was nothing to indicate that she had been set apart for a special reason. Mary was of marriageable age and betrothed to a man who would be her husband. She was likely involved in the pre-wedding customs of the time.

Yet, she willingly put it all aside when God called her to carry his child. One wonders if she gave a thought to the social stigma and possible ramifications that would come about because of her decision.

Would she be ostracized?
Would Joseph still marry her?
If not, then how would she support herself and her baby?

Keeping the Sabbath: Luke 13:10-17

The scripture Luke 13:10-17 finds Jesus healing a woman on the Sabbath. The Pharisees are adamant that there should be no work on the Sabbath and that it should be a day of rest. Jesus responds by healing the woman. Then He reminds the Pharisees that they tend to their livestock on the Sabbath and then follows by asking them if a woman should not be healed on this Holy day.

Chilhowee Mountain, TN

People around them rejoices but the Pharisees, as we know, did not have a sense of humor or good will.

The passage has raised questions on if Christians should keep the Sabbath. If so, then how should the Sabbath be kept. It also raises the question of what is work and what isn't.

In answer to the first question, the answer is yes. People should respect the Sabbath and keep it Holy. We need look no farther than Exodus 16:29 to receive this instruction.

Bear in mind that the Lord has given you the Sabbath; that is why on the sixth day he gives you bread for two days. Everyone is to stay where they are on the seventh day; no one is to go out.”

The command is reiterated in Hebrews 4:9-10.

There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his.

How the Sabbath should be kept is open to some debate. In truth, the answer may be slightly different for each of us. Certainly, Jesus gave us instruction in Matthew 12:12.

“How much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”

But what does it mean to keep the Sabbath? Just what is doing good?

Healing is the obvious answer and it's one that we like. Many of us recognize Sunday as a day of rest for ourselves. We use Sunday morning as a time to come together to worship with others. It's a special day that we set aside so that we may take a break from the daily grind.

Yet, even as we set aside this period of devotion there sometimes are people who keep an eye on their watches. Tick. Tick. Tick. The minutes slowly slide by. “Hurry up, preacher.” is the thought. “I can't wait to get out of here to get to the restaurant!”

We go and enjoy our day out but we enjoy the fruits of those who labor on the Sabbath.

Let's face it. There are people whom we actually want to have working on the Sabbath. The list isn't restricted to restaurant workers. How would we feel if doctors or nurses took the day off? What about the convenience store clerk who sold us gas this morning, the pharmacist behind the counter, or the person who delivers the Sunday paper?

In this day and age, more people are working on Sunday than ever before. If we are honest with ourselves, we have to face it that most of us like it when at least some people work on the Sabbath.

The complexities of our lives pull us away from the Sabbath. We are drawn into the secular work more and more. Life encourages us to be active. We are encouraged to get more done and to be on the go at all times. The problem is that we can't go 100 miles and hour without a break. 

So, how can we keep a Sabbath day of rest? What does it look like?

Before we can answer that we have to understand that the Sabbath was created for us and not the other way around. It is a gift that we were given so that we would have time to worship God. It is a day to rest from our labors and to recharge for the days that lie ahead.

As Jesus pointed out to the Pharisees, there is work that we sometimes must do on the Sabbath. It's very difficult to keep a day off without cooking or doing some kind of work. In general, there are five ways that we can set time apart from the rat race and catch our breath. Keeping a Sabbath may look different depending on your work or family obligations.These are just ideas. 

1. Worship

This is a non-negotiable part of the Sabbath. I have already mentioned that we come together on Sunday for a time of corporate worship (may also be called community worship). Sometimes we hold a special worship on Wednesday nights as a Bible study or youth group meeting.

If church isn't holding services, then it is acceptable to have a time of personal devotion or study. People sometimes prefer to spend the morning of their day off (Sabbath day) in devotion. The time you choose is less important than the act of being in worship. This is what keeps the day Holy.

2. Reading Christian material

How many of us have time to read anymore? The Sabbath is the perfect time to do just that. Reading Christian material will help keep us focused on God.

3. Listen to Christian music

Whether it's contemporary, Southern Gospel or Christian rock, listening to Christian music can keep us in a worship frame of mind.

4. Enjoy God's creation

Tell your stress to take a hike – literally! Go for a hike in the mountains and enjoy the beauty around you. Can't get to the mountains? Take a walk around your neighborhood. Soak in the sunshine. Listen to the rain on the umbrella if it's raining outside. Pay attention to the trees, the sky and all of God's creation.

5. Do good

Jesus tells us that it is okay to do good on a Sabbath. Why not spend some time helping others? Serve in a soup kitchen, become a hospital volunteer, take a meal to a neighbor, phone someone who needs it.

Then afterward, when you come home, spend a few minutes reflecting on your Sabbath. Spend time in prayer thanking God for your day.

There are many other ways to observe the sabbath. Which one will you choose?

Scripture and sermon today is based on Hebrews 11:29 - 12:2

Our scripture today is Hebrews 11:29 – 12:2.

Much  ado is being made today over cloud computing. It's a way to stay connected to the world around us. We're told to believe that life is simpler when you're connected to the cloud. It's easier to share documents and other information when you're hooked up to the cloud.

Long before we had cloud computing we had another way to stay connected. It's called cloud witnessing. The passage in Hebrews gives us examples and reassures us that we are surrounded by a "cloud of witnesses". What does that really mean? Does the cloud of witnesses exist solely in the Bible or are there people around us today who witness to us?

The answer is both. There are witnesses around us who bolster us spiritually. But, we can also look to the lives mentioned in Hebrews and be inspired. We essentially get the best of both the past and the present.

Have you ever needed a faith hero to bolster your courage? That's what this passage is all about. Never before have role models and faith heroes been needed. We are assaulted on all sides with the temptation to set aside our spiritual development. Work, soccer practice and the daily grind can take us away from our work to become stronger Christians.

Times when we are scared or just fed up with life can be overwhelming. The struggle can cause us to stumble with our relationships as well as our faith.

What this passage in Hebrews does is it reminds us that there are heroes of faith who have walked before us. Studying the scripture can also open our eyes to the people around us who walk in faith. There are people who put their lives on the line, people that we know or read about who have faith to inspire us.

When we talk about modern-day faith heroes we are talking about:.

• Firefighters, EMS workers, officers, soldiers who have faith are heroes that we can look up to. Sometimes they are recognized but often they are not. Their bravery and courage allows us to live our lives with security. We know that we can call firefighters to put out a house fire. EMS will respond if we need an ambulance. 
• Soldiers respond to needs that we don't even know about (or want to know about). Police officers catch the bad guys. Society wound't be the same without these heroes.
• Anyone who can face a group of kids everyday is a hero. I saw a t-shirt once that read: "Nothing scares me. I'm a teacher." That is probably pretty close to the truth. They have my admiration.

I have other heroes too. These are personal heroes who have inspired me in my journey.

• One of them is the mother of my best friend from middle school. Her mom returned to college after 50, survived breast cancer and volunteers with different groups. She is one strong lady. By the way, she was also a teacher. That makes her a double (or triple) hero in my book!
• My best friend from high school. She deserves to be called a hero for surviving our friendship for so long.
• A friend who lived with domestic violence and found the faith to walk away. Her life truly was in danger but she persevered.
• An elderly couple comes to my church every Sunday under their own power. They are in their upper 80's. I just hope to see 80.
• A young adult has been married for just over a year now. She has battled health challenges since infancy.  
• Another young adult who has overcome incredible odds. A doctor said that she might not be able to live independently but she proved them wrong.

The scripture of Hebrews 11:29 – 12:2 talks about "a great cloud of witnesses". It also talks about facing life with perseverance.

Sometimes the faith that we see in the passage is born in fear.

Can you imagine the terror felt by the Israelites when they crossed the Red Sea?

They were faced with what was almost a "Custer's last stand" kind of choice. They could choose between battling an advancing army or crossing the Red Sea that parted before them. What kind of choice is that? It is against nature for a raging sea that's teeming with wildlife to part.

The Israelites must have wondered how long it would last. Family members who were separated must have been concerned for each other. They must have been concerned that the army would catch them and that they would perish.

Yet, an entire nation pressed onward. Their faith was developed out of fear, desperation and the need to trust.

We typically fail to internalize stories like the parting of the Red Sea. Of course they had faith! God was with them! God is with us too. Would we cross the Red Sea? I hope so.

Then we have the story of Rahab, the prostitute. Oh Rahab! Don't you wonder what she was thinking? Men knocked on her door and she treated them as houseguests. When spies came later Rahab sent them in the wrong direction. She then went to her guests in faith to ask that her family be spared. The houseguests were scouts. An army would be coming. Would they save her family.

The answer was yes. But, there was a stipulation. She, a prostitute, was to hang a scarlet cord from her window. As long as brilliant red cloth was displayed in the window then she would be saved. Otherwise, when the invaders came the safety of her family would not be guaranteed.

Rahab, a prostitute who harbored the enemy and who lied to government officials did as she was told. It took weeks for the invaders to arrive. The cloth remained. Not only was her family saved but she became part of the lineage of Jesus!

Are Rahab and the Israelite nation not heroes of faith? Do they not form our understanding of what faith is and serve as role models in the development of our spiritual development. I hope that your answer is yes.

We find what we seek. When we look for heroes it's easier to see that they are all around us. Faith heroes are in the Bible and are all around us. Each one is part of the "cloud of witnesses" and each brings inspiration into our lives and push us on toward a deeper faith journey.

How about you? Who are your heroes? How have they shaped your life?

Mother's Day sermon based on John 19:26-27

Mother's Day is the one day of the year that we recognize and give thanks for the mothers among us who make our lives what they are. Today we celebrate the mothers who have loved us, nurtured us and cared for us, whether they are our biological mothers, adopted or acted as surrogate mothers in the place of our own. As we celebrate the mothers that we are or will be.

Me and my girls

This passage of John 19:26-27 speaks about mothers on very different levels. The first and most obvious is that in this passage, Jesus is taking care of the physical, earthly needs of his own mother. He is also giving John a mother to love and care for. From this point on, he is to be Mary's son and she is to be John's mother. It is task that John accepts for the rest of Mary's life.

This speaks to me because it speaks of a mother – child relationship on several levels. Some of us grew up with mothers that we love and would want to see cared for as Jesus did with Mary. Those with nurturing, loving mothers have much to be grateful for. They are are gifts to be treasured.

These are women who carried us home from the hospital and loved us despite our 3:00 a.m. hunger pangs, homework and were there for us through the heartbreak of our first young relationship. We are grateful for moms who taught us life skills and who loved us enough to discipline us. These are mothers to be cherished.

However; not all of us are so fortunate. Some of us grew up with mothers who were absent either in presence or emotionally. During this time period it was expected that a son would care for and provide for his mother in her old age. It is interesting that we don't hear anything about John's mother mentioned in the Gospels.

We do not know if she died an early age or if she had a relationship with John at all. What we do know is that she is not mentioned as the other women who were there. This may indicate a mother who was either emotionally or physically distant from her child or one who passed away. It is a passage that gives encouragement to those who had unhealthy relationship. John's life is an example that through God you can be blessed and a blessing to others.

The relationship between John and Mary is also an adoptive relationship. Jesus called upon John to take care of Mary, to adopt her into his home. He accepted and Mary did as well. We know this because John took her into his home for the rest of her life.

The love between adopted children and parents is often as strong (and sometimes stronger) than that of biological families. This too, is a gift to be celebrated.

This passage also speaks of women who do not have their own children. By living in John's home, Mary was agreeing to nurture any children that he may have. This is no small thing.

How many times have we been influenced by women chose to nurture and care for us in the place of their own children? I know many who have taught school, led Sunday School classes and worked in advocacy centers because they care about the lives of children. Surrogate mothers like these are to be celebrated.

This passage from John also speaks to women who have suffered a loss. Indeed, this was the case for Mary after Jesus perished on the cross. Nothing can replace the loss of a child. However; we know that through Jesus we have the hope of seeing our child again in the heavenly beyond.

Previous post: Jones Chapel Ladies Conference.

Becoming a Woman of Courage ladies conference

I'll be speaking at the Jones Chapel United Methodist Church Ladies Conference this Saturday, May 4, 2013. They asked me to do it almost two years ago and it's a honor to be there. Registrations are still being accepted. Email me if you'd like to attend. I'll get the directions and contact information to you.

Our topic is "Becoming a Woman of Courage". From abuse issues to seeing a child go off to school (or college) the first time, every woman has had obstacles and difficult moments to overcome. We're going to talk about how to do that.

Since this is a Christian conference, we'll be looking to the Bible for inspiration. It is filled with stories of women who displayed courage against formidable odds.

Who would tie a red ribbon in her window and stay steadfast with an advancing army approaching? Who dared to approach a King under fear of death for doing so? How about a woman who fought her way through the crowd for a healing touch? Then, what about a woman who was so outcast that she avoided others and felt rejected by her community?

Come find out. The ladies conference begins at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday. See you then.

Pastor's daughter who wrestled gun from dad is a hero

As the wife of a pastor and advocate, I am closely following media accounts of one very brave young woman. News is everywhere about the pastor who killed his wife. Although injured, the girl was able to wrestle the gun from her father and go for help. Adults don't always have the presence of mind to take such quick action. This girl is only 18 years old and should be applauded. She did everything that she could. To me, that makes Suzanna Greer a hero.

I cannot imagine the pain that she must be going through. Today, the media is reporting that the young woman buried her mother but she essentially lost both parents. Her father is in the hospital due to self-inflicted injuries and is expected to be arrested upon discharge.

News articles are not kind about toward at least one pastor who conducted the funeral. There is something about the media reports that haunts me. Nowhere, in any of the reports does it indicate that anyone walked with this young woman as she followed the casket out of the church. If this is true, then it breaks my heart a little bit more.

Isolation is common in families that are undergoing domestic violence. The journey through the court system is long. I pray that she will be surrounded with positive, uplifting friends and family members now and for the rest of her life. This young woman deserves that at the very least.

Reference
http://www.al.com/living/index.ssf/2013/01/slain_pastors_wife_lauded_for.html
http://www.sfgate.com/news/crime/article/Slain-pastor-s-wife-lauded-for-faith-friendship-4199154.php
http://www.decaturdaily.com/stories/Funeral-arrangements-announced-for-former-Decatur-pastors-wife,111001

Free music camp at Piney Grove UMC in Athens, TN

Piney Grove United Methodist Church in Athens, Tennessee is hosting its first ever free music camp. I'm very excited about it. This is the first time that something like this has been offered. Participants will be introduced to some basic music skills in vocals and handbells. Basic percussion rhythms on the tambourine will also be introduced. The camp is from August 17-19, 2012.

Best of all, the music camp at Piney Grove UMC is completely free. The only love offering that will be collected is the regular Sunday offering on the day of the performance. A hot dog lunch on Saturday is on the church. After the performance on Sunday morning, the church will be hosting a reception for all participants.

Alexandria Crabtree is our director for the free music camp. She holds a B.A. in music from Berea College and is currently working toward a Master of Divinity Degree with a fine arts emphasis. Among other performances, her impressive background includes the Lincoln Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery and private services at Tennessee Veterans Cemetery.

It should be a great time to have fun and learn something new. Registration for the free music camp is limited. Participants should email pineygroveumc@hopeforhealing.org to register. For lunch purposes, Piney Grove UMC is asking that registrations be turned in by Wednesday, August 15.

Small churches have a big Jesus

We hear a lot about how churches have low attendance these days. Sometimes we look at our own pews and count the empty seats. Frankly, it's easy for small churches to become discouraged. We aren't megachurches that draw people in by the thousands. Our youth group may be the 60-year-young Sunday School class. We look at all the things that we don't have and shake our heads.

What we fail to see is all the things that we do have to offer. Jesus didn't start out with a megachurch. He didn't have a big youth group that was all decked out in matching T-shirts or a fleet of donkeys to take them places.

Instead, Jesus started his ministry as One and then began calling people to him, He finally wound up with a core group of 12 people. For the most part, these were 'salt of the earth' type folks. They didn't have any money and chances are pretty good that they were short on worldly experience.

But, they saw something was different about Jesus and had the faith to follow Him. There were some rocky moments but eventually they got it right. When the group was overwhelmed Jesus had them focus on Him and not on what they didn't have. The stories of the loaves and the fishes give evidence to this.

When we look at what we don't have, then that's all we see. We don't feel that we have anything to offer as a small church, so we stop reaching out to people who are beyond the walls. We assume that people aren't seeking so we forget to find those who are. Pretty soon, we're in a vicious cycle that only Jesus can break.

The truth is that we have something that people want. We have Jesus and He has given us gifts and graces that can't be found anywhere else. We, at this church, have gifts that we can regularly give back to Jesus. This is the time to celebrate what we have been given and use the gifts to support each other and be excited about our faith.

The Jesus that we have is so powerful that people are looking for Him. People are looking for our combination of faith and action. Our job is to believe in our faith enough to live it and draw people to us.

People are seeking, we have to have the courage to follow Jesus to find them. Sometimes Jesus will put people directly into our lives and other times we have to work at little harder at finding others who seek Him.

Two things have happened in my life recently that bear this theory out. One takes a little work and the other was a person that God put directly in my path.

The first is about a letter to the editor in our local paper. It was clearly from a person who is looking for a place that will help fill their spiritual needs. The writer talked about moving to our area to be closer to her children.

According to the letter, she and her husband had visited “seven” churches but had yet to feel welcome in any of them as an older couple. The letter ended by asking “Is there somebody out there that knows some good churches that we can possibly go to because we don't seem to have found them?”

Finding this person may take some work. Indeed, it can even be argued that we may never find this exact person. While that may or may not be true the story does tell us that people are looking and with that, we have a beginning that we can work with.

The second thing that happened caught me totally off guard. I had written out some postcards to encourage a few people to come to a certain worship service. The bookstore had only one type of postcard in the quantity that I wanted and these just happened to be the cross and flame logo of the United Methodist Church.

With pen in hand I diligently filled out every postcard. I addressed each one and got them ready to mail except for one thing. I didn't have enough postcard stamps and that meant going to the post office. So, while muttering under my breath about the joys of summertime in the south I headed to the buy the stamps.

Everything was routine at the post office. I stood in line, bought my stamps and then stepped aside to adhere them. That's when it happened. A gentleman standing near me had seen the United Methodist Church logo and asked if he could talk with me about my faith and about salvation. He had heard of it, had studied up on different denominations but had not had the opportunity to talk with someone with the United Methodist Church – until now.

We stood there chatting for several minutes about “light” faith topics such as transubstantiation, Calvinism, different types of Baptism, the Eucharist and about the United Methodist view of Salvation.

I am still not sure which to be more shocked about. That someone was seeking and unable to find answers? Or, that no one had ever talked with him about God and about our denomination.

I spoke with a friend about this later that day. He made an off-handed comment that has stayed with me. He said that maybe big churches feel that they offer everything, that small churches feel that we don't have much to offer and that maybe the combination means that people are falling through the cracks.

Clearly people seeking. Clearly people are falling through the cracks. Clearly we have opportunities to find each other. The truth is that smaller churches like ours can feel that we don't have much to offer. So, let's take a few minutes to look at what we do have.

1. Building – We have already talked about how some congregations worldwide would be glad to have a safe structure in which to worship.
2. Our faith – Small churches are known to overcome the odds because of a strong faith in Jesus Christ.
3. The ability to get things done relatively quickly. If someone needs help or if something is broken we don't have to go through numerous committees to resolve the situation. A quick discussion after worship is generally all that it takes.
4. Friendliness – our congregation is friendly and open to others.
5. Comfort-ability – We have plenty of open space in the sanctuary where someone can come in, get comfortable and be ready to worship.
6. Willingness to try new experiences.

These are a few things that I have noticed. What else does our church have going for us that we can offer?

We can't use our gifts if we don't recognize what they are. People are looking for answers and seeking out places where they can feel comfortable to worship. Our job is to recognize our gifts so that we can be ready to use them as we find people who need them.

Let us pray.

Today's sermon was based on Matthew7: 7.

If you are in the Athens, Tennessee area and would like to visit our small church, then email me for directions. We would be glad to have you join us for Sunday morning worship services at 9:30 am. The people are friendly and welcoming. You may just feel right at home.