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Reflections on the Weekend

Wow what a weekend!!!   But it is all good.  I have to say that this has been a Easter weekend to remember.

• Friday was a day of preparation for our communty Kidz Eggtravaganza.  All the planning and energy put into making this event happen was WELL worth it.  Jesus had to be smiling.  Why?  I believe it was because this event went well outside the walls of Unity to touch this community with His love.  To everyone who made this event happen, blessings and keep praying for God to continue to use this investment to reach the souls of those who only see Easter as a time for eggs, bunnies and candy.  
• Kudo's has to go out to all our volunteers that stayed up all night smoking over 1600 lbs. of boston butts Friday night into Saturday afternoon.  Again, Jesus had to be smiling seeing His followers working and sacrificing together to see our students grow as His disciples through mission activity.  So thanks again to our grillin' team and let each of us pray for our students as June approaches and they go serve Jesus in Vero Beach Florida.
• Ah, Sunday...Ressurection Sunday was a Jesus proclaiming, resurrection shouting day.  To top it all off we were able to see God at work growing His family and Kingdom in those making professions of faith in Christ Jesus.  Knowing God's Word never returns void, I know that there are many more decisions to be made for Christ, but in the mean time I want to say thanks to all those who participated and prayed with fasting that Resurrection Sunday would be an Easter Sunday to remember.  Prayers were answered!
• I trust everyone had a great time with family and friends the remainder of the day.   Too, despite the busyness of the weekend I pray the attitdue of your heart and soul blessed our Heavenly Father for the gift of His Son, the resurrected Christ Jesus.

This Sunday we wrap up our series on TWILIGHT - Jesus Last Week and should the Lord tarry we will kick off our new series "Skittles" on May 8th.  Yep, Mothers Day!

Reflections on the Weekend

Great day at Unity yesterday...but I think everyday at Unity is a great day.  But I am a bit biased.

• I can't speak for the other Adult Bible study groups but I can say that my group (Discover) had some great discussion and insights as we fellowshiped over God's Word in the Gospel of Mark.  Again, if you aren't in a Bible study group you're depriving yourself of a vital part of your life.
• Ah, Sunday's spirit of Worship was great...I can never get enough of God's people lifting their voices in unison to say, "thank you Father!"  I was especially blessed to see some new faces on the worship team...God is working.
• We focused on Jesus' High Priestly Prayer of John chapter 17 in our "Twilight" series.  I don't know about you but I am absolutely pumped to know Jesus not only thought about me before Calvary, He prayed for us as well.  Now that's encouraging!
• Again, to all our guests thank you for joining us Sunday.  I trust your experience with Unity was positive and God is ministering to you through your time with us.  Please join us again next Sunday as we gather together again and celebrate the absolute GREATEST gift God ever, I mean ever gave us.  God has a "word" for you!

Blessings....

Reflections on the Weekend

What at beautiful weekend.  It really motivates me to appreciate the out pouring of God's gracious blessings.

• Aw, Saturday I was able to put up our new kitchen light fixtures.  They look great, though I do have a bit of adjusting to do...but they do look great!
• Sunday was an incredible day of worship and joy to be a part of the body of Christ.  Where do I start?
• To start off there is nothing short of Jesus coming that tops the excitement of seeing new members of our faith family following in believers baptism...its AWESOME!  Not to mention the excitement Ann and I were able to witness from a certain family member.  The emotions were running high and so they should.
• Oh and the Elevate Kidz singing was priceless.  If you missed Sunday, again all I can say is "sorry."  But for a ministry idea, anyone feeling lead to purchase a video camera for the church we could capture such precious moments and share them with family who were unable to attend.  Just a thought...
• Once again, Pastor Rick's worship team provided the leadership and energy to usher us before the Throne of God and sing "hallelujah, He reigns."  It was a sweet time in Jesus.
• I finished up our series on "ONE Thing" with "ONE Church."  I echo my challenge that if you aren't plugged into a local church you need to prayerfully do so.  As a follower of Christ you were meant to be a functioning member of Christ Jesus body and so make a mark on those around us.  So, what are you waiting for?

I also want to ask you to be praying for our upcoming "Family Driven Faith Conference."  Pray for parents to humble themselves by swallowing their pride.  Its okay to admit one isn't a perfect parent and that learning about being a better parent is SMART!  Parenting isn't an exact science, but God's Word has instruction to build you up as a parent.  So pray parents will register and bless the family God has blessed them with. 

Reflections on the Weekend

It was one of those week-ends when things didn't go as "I" planned.  However, God's hands was all over my weekend so I must conclude what "I" had in mind wan't exactly what the Lord had in store.  And after all who are we to be following, ourselves or our King Jesus?

Sunday at Unity was an amazing day.

• I can't say enough about the value of being involved in a group.  We had some great discussion, not to mention excellent questions in our Bible study group.  We are working our way through the gospel of Mark up through Easter.  If you're not in a Bible study let me challenge you to make it a part of your schedule.  God works through the community of faith!
• A Shout out to Pastor Rick and the praise team.  What  a morning of worship and I know it isn't about the music and actually I am giving the shout out for the spirit of Rick and His team.  The right spirit in the leadership is what most honor's our Savior Jesus.
• Sunday was also "Sanctity of Life Sunday" and Carla Yawn spoke on the behalf of our local Save A Life ministry.  Again thank you Carla.  And everyone, at least be in prayer for this powerful ministry and your getting involved would be a great help as well.
• We are coming to the end of our series "ONE Thing."  This Sunday's focus was on "ONE Faith," a much needed reminder of the way Christ alone prepared the way for man to be united  in fellowship with his Creator, Almighty God.  Sad to say, it isn't always a welcomed truth, but it stands on the testimony of Christ's resurrection, the testimony countless martyrs who for centuries willingly died and many are still dying for the "ONE Faith" a
  nd the testimony of changed lives of those who have committed themselves to "faith" in Christ Jesus.
• Next week we'll finish the series with the message "ONE Church."  Don't miss it and if you missed any of the messages of the series, they should all be online shortly.

Remember this week is full of opportunities to share and show the Love of Christ Jesus - expect the  
m and engage every opportunity God offers you.

Reflections on the Weekend

This weekend was crazy full, but a blast.  It is so exciting to be a part of the Lord's work through Unity Baptist.

• Saturday was COLD and FROSTY but a hot day of Upward ministry.  It was our last game of the season and though is was windy and cold, it was kicking with enthusiasm.  I can only say, PRAISE Jesus for another GREAT season of ministry.  However, if you missed out on being a part of this life changing ministry begin praying about how you'll partner with us in 2011.
• Saturday night Ann and I lit our first fireplace fire since last winter.  I know I may be a bit over the top with my fixation on fire, but I'm not a pyro but a fire can provide a soothing sort of warmth, not to mention it's mesmerizing properties.  Oh and it can enhance the romance levels as well....
• Sunday was a great day.  Our Bible study group talked about the "abundance" nature of God and how Jesus demonstrated that in many of His miracles.  Great discussion - I love our fellowship!
• We were also blessed with the ministry and message from David and Teesha Laflin.  They keep everyone so fixed on there hands, but more importantly on the message of Christ Jesus.   They are our Upward Award night speakers who presented God's message of love powerfully and so clearly.  If you missed them you can see them tonight at our Award's night, 6:30 PM in Unity's Worship Center.  
• We wrapped up the evening with a great time of fellowship around God's Word as we finished our study "Know that You Know."  Our next Sunday night focus is going to be on three fronts, 1.  Christianity, Cults and Religions   2.  Intercessory Prayer and 3. I Was Broke and Now I'm Not (finance).  So watch for your opportunity to get more details and sign up.
• Tonight we will wrap up this years Upward Flag football and Cheerleading ministry.  It's going to be a great night of celebration and thank yous.  Thank yous for all the volunteers efforts to work with the Lord in this life changing ministry and parent's willingness to allow their kids to be a part.  So I hope you can join us as we rejoice together in what the Lord Jesus has done and know He will do with our investment.

 

Reflections on the Weekend

What a great weekend.  I can't stop being amazed at what God is doing around us and so graciously through us.

• Saturday's Upward games were very exciting and the weather; let me just say PRAISE JESUS!.  It was perfect, not to cold nor to hot just right for impacting the community through a great sports ministry.  If you haven't been to one of our games, you have to come.  We only have two more in the season.  It's fun, the food is great and the Spirit of the Lord speaks so clearly through each testimony.  You don't want to miss it...so come on!!!
• Sunday was a great day, I finished our series through the book of Judges with Micah and his mom (chp. 17).  Two people of the nation of Israel who had moved far from God's Word and revealed a state of moral bankruptcy that fell far short of lives that we meant to honor the LORD GOD.
• The point at the end was "Having bad vision, leads to bad values that will result in moral bankruptcy."  I was so wrapped up on the role of parents in the family I totally stepped over "the point" and moved right into "the next steps."  Forgive me!
• The Worship Band and singers should get a great "shout out"  for their leadership in our worship experience.  Thanks Pastor Rick!
• I have to also confess it was nice, no fantastic to have a quite relaxing Sunday afternoon at home with my beautiful wife.  God is so GOOD to me, I can't help but Praise Him!
• Unity family, keep praying for all of Unity's leadership as we prayerfully finalize 2011's ministry plan of action...I am praying that 2011 will be a pivotal year for Unity (should Jesus delay another year).

 

Reflections on the Weekend

I know I have been blog-less lately, no excuse just pray I will be more consistent.   Anyway, what a week end to get back to it... I mean:

SATURDAY:  What a day!  It was our Upward Flag football and Cheerleading opening game day.  It was sooooo hot.  Weather wise yes, but the excitement of the kids, the testimonies and lives touched by all was smok'in.  Part of me would love to relive that morning all over again, but apart from God's sustaining grace my body wouldn't hold up.

Seriously though I can't say enough to express my appreciation for the tireless efforts of ALL the volunteers that helped make Saturday a Kingdom size event.  I know God's blessings will rain down on each of our volunteers.  Your dedication and Christlikeness are powerful tools in the hands of God the Holy Spirit.

So, I am praying for an even bigger day this coming Saturday ; not hotter weather wise mind you, but definitely a day to build on the last as we seek to serve and save those who are lost without Christ Jesus.

Oh and go Bears!!!

SUNDAY:  Another GREAT day in the Lord.  Fellowshipping with the Unity family around God's Word and our collective worship of Christ Jesus.

I must give a shout out to Pastor Rick and Unity's worship team for another moving and compelling time of worship.  For those of you who are late you are robbing yourself of a soul stirring praise and worship experience.

It was good to be back from our trip to Dallas.  It is always a joy to see our son and his family, but we always look forward to regathering with our Unity family.  We love you guys!  Too, thanks Chuck for filling in for me last Sunday...I have nothing but good comments.

 We kicked off our new series "V" a close look at the book of Judges.  Our first message was "The Value of Good Vision."  I am excited about this series, so excited I failed to even mention our opening Upward game day.  Sorry volunteers...I am human too!

MEMORY VERSE: "Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve...But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."  Joshua 24:15

Reflections on the Weekend

What a great week-end, some down town with my wonderful wife and a great week-end of ministry.  It was marvelous!!!!

• A special shout out to all the faithful volunteers for Second Saturday.  Because of these faithful men we ministered to needs in our community, to the single parents branch of our Unity family and to some much needed items on Unity's campus.  Thank you again men!
• We almost had standing room only in our Bible study Sunday morning.  I must say if you aren't taking advantage of one our our Sunday morning study groups you are ROBBING yourself!  Come on we have room or we'll make room.  
• Pastor Rick brought an excellent skit to open our worship time - "Refresh!"  If you missed him in his warm up suit, well you just MISSED OUT!
• Thanks to all our worship team members for an excellent lead to the throne of our heavenly Father.  Oh and the choir, your expressions as you sang were inspiring.  Especially the front row!
• I am really enjoying our series "REFRESH" from Nehemiah 10. Sunday we talked about, "Restoring the Family" which should be on the web shortly if not already, should you missed it in person.
• However the highlight of the morning was knowing that God's Kingdom, our family in Christ Jesus grew.  Glory!  We've already set baptism for the 29th and love, love, love when God allows us to see His handiwork.  And especially when He allows us to have a hand in "The Work."  Again, glory!

Presently working towards this coming Sunday.  Make you plans to join us, especially if you're a member of Unity!  

Reflections on the Weekend

Something I was reminded of this week-end, ministry in the middle of summer is not only HOT it can be a great character builder.  God the Holy Spirit had some great opportunities to work on me.  But you know it is ALL good.

•  Great week of Back Yard Bible Club at the apartments.  We followed it up with a "fun in the Son" water event at the church.  We had water events and offered our own through "sweat."  I know that may be more than you want to hear, but it is what it is.  
• Despite the challenges of weather and personalities it was a GREAT day.  We saw many of the families we ministered to at the apartments come and enroll in other kidz ministries here at Unity.  Now, that is what it is ALL about.
• Sunday was Unity's 17th Anniversary.  It wasn't a full house number wise, but the spirit was so present.  If you missed out, as always sorry...but join us this Sunday for BIG DAY and expect something BIG and you'll receive.
• It was the last day for Pastor Rick's kidz to join him in leading worship.  So pray for him and them.  
• Nicole and Vicky's sign offering was AWESOME!  I only wish Unity had a video ministry to share such occasions with the world.  One day, yes Lord!
• I enjoyed bring a lesson from Ephesians 4:14-16.  I so love what God has to say about the Church in Ephesians.  It is one of my favs to study and teach from.
• Sunday we kick off a new series "REFRESH."  It all comes out of the book of Nehemiah and we are looking for this coming Sunday being a "BIG DAY."
• Back to last Sunday, great fellowship and food following our morning worship.  God has so blessed Unity with some exceptional cooks and generous with their food goods.

Remember stay faithful in your time with Jesus in His Word.!  You'll be glad you did...

Reflections on the Weekend

It was a great weekend at our house this weekend as it always is when we have family come stay with us.  Its always special when you have one of your children come home, not to mention the special time to spend with your Momma, who lives out of state.  Anyway the week end was filled with good times and...

• A great time of discussion in Bible Study over Romans 12:1-2.  Why more don't get up and join a Bible study group I just don't know.  If you are one of those that haven't connected with a group, you are robbing yourself - so get connected, soon!
• We were missing a few of our worship band members, but those who were here did an awesome job.  We are so blessed with the gifted talent God has provided for us.  Kudos to you guys and ladies.
• A highlight for me and I believe for others was the opportunity to experience the passion and giftedness of Daniel Crews.  He is my nephew, but I must say God's hand is on him and his wife Angela.  To quote some of the feedback I received from his concert, "phenomenal."  All I can say to that is "ditto!"
• We wound up our series on "God at the Movies" with a focus of what makes the Bible so valuable and worth our reading daily.  If you missed out Sunday, it should be on our website soon.

This coming Sunday is our 17th anniversary at Unity.  It is going to be a great time of worship, truth from God's Word (Ephesians 4:14-16) and tasty fellowship with our covered dish lunch.  I trust you'll be there and bring a friend - its going to be great!