CHURCH REPORT FOR OCTOBER 31, 2021: end of another month

Disclaimer (because someone will say something): although I am actively involved in my church, all opinions and observations are mine alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the leadership, staff, or congregation.

CHURCH REPORT FOR October 31, 2021

Ahhhh, Reformation Day, October 31, 2021. The day Martin Luther nailed the 95 Theses on the Wittenberg Door in Germany, an event that triggered the Reformation. 

Oh, yeah, it's that other day too. Hallo...something.  More on that in a second.

Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study was back in full swing after our missionary break last week. We began the second half of Romans 8 with a section about groaning. We looked at how all creation is groaning. Next time, we'll start with believers groaning, followed by the Holy Spirit groaning. Who would have thought groaning could be so exciting? 

Pastor Dick brought the message from Joel entitled "Wake Up!" There were two parts to the book: The Day of the Locusts and the Day of the Lord. I remember telling a group of preschoolers that a locust was a grasshopper with a bad attitude. And the swarm attacking Israel was indeed that. But there was coming another swarm--the Assyrians--and they would foreshadow something even worse.

My favorite quote from the message was, "Demons don't flee at the name of a denomination, but at the name of Jesus." What a great truth! No matter what tribulation may come, we can and should walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, being filled or controlled by the Spirit day by day, moment by moment. 

photo courtesy of Alex Grichenko

In the evening, the church hosted a community event called "Trunk or Treat." We've had many such events over the years, with varying success, but this year, with our event coordinator coordinating (way to go, Chris A.!) and our elder board showing their support (hooray, elders!), the evening was a hit. The purpose, as it is every year, is to provide a fun, safe, family-friendly alternative to the usual Halloween celebrations. It could be considered an "onramp" event, a non-threatening way to welcome the community to our church. And from all indications, it served its purpose.

So October closes and November starts. And as prophetic trends unfold around us, we have to wonder if the return of Jesus is near. Stay tuned.

So, how was your church service this weekend?

CHURCH REPORT FOR OCTOBER 24, 2021: We yield to missionaries!

 Disclaimer (because someone will say something): although I am actively involved in my church, all opinions and observations are mine alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the leadership, staff, or congregation.

CHURCH REPORT FOR October 24, 2021

In all the years I have had the privilege of guiding the Adult Bible Study, one phrase has stuck in my mind:

"We yield to missionaries."

I first heard this phrase from a fellow facilitator from the "class next door." We agreed early on that visiting missionaries would have the entire period to do a presentation to our combined classes regarding their field. 

Even though we no longer have two classes, we've continued the tradition of letting missionaries have the class. We still "yield" to missionaries.

Last Sunday, we had the honor of having John and Dee Cook with us. The Cooks have a ministry in parts of the world that, under regular thinking, would be considered dangerous. And while some would think those regions deserve to be blown up, their heart is to see the gospel spread to as many as possible. 

The challenge, of course, is with what we are doing in our own, arguably less dangerous, neighborhoods to share the gospel. it was an enjoyable, challenging time. The Cooks also took a few minutes to share in the Morning Service which followed.

Mike Bull wrapped up the book of Hosea with a topical message. In my opinion, it was an unusual approach. But, as per usual, it was a Biblical message--which is the point, right?

The morning did not end after the last song. First we had a special business meeting to talk about some property and then there was a Q&A luncheon with the Cooks.

So it was busy, active, unusual, and blessed day.

So how was your church service this weekend? 

CHURCH REPORT FOR OCTOBER 10 2021: Hosea, can you see? (groan!)

Disclaimer (because someone will say something): although I am actively involved in my church, all opinions and observations are mine alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the leadership, staff, or congregation.

CHURCH REPORT FOR October 10, 2021

Those who are familiar with the books of the Bible, or who did "Bible drills" in Sunday School, or even those who have access to the table of contents in their Bible know that after the book of Daniel comes the book of Hosea. And since our series on Daniel wrapped up last week (I know, I know, I didn't do a church report post!), it was time to start this brand new series.

Mike Bull was our speaker this Sunday. He handled the overview of Hosea, titled, appropriately enough, "Overview of Hosea."  For those who haven't read Hosea in a while, it is the account of a prophet of God who is told to marry a prostitute as a living object lesson of Israel's unfaithfulness to God. I won't give any spoilers, but the book develops a beautiful theme of God's love and redemption in spite of the wife's sin--indeed, in spite of OUR sin--indeed, in spite of MY sin. 

Practically speaking, the overview was concise and to the point and about half as long as last week's wrap up of Daniel, which was also to the point--seriously, Mike addressed some very timely and instructional things last week--but not quite as concise. 

Also launching this week was our annual foray into "Operation Christmas Child," a ministry of Samaritan's Purse, which seeks to fill shoe boxes with small gifts  and send it to children around the world. It's fun to be a part of this ministry each year, knowing how these boxes will be used. 

Adult Bible Study went well. Lately, we've been able to finish complete sections of our outline. While nobody minds having to stop in the middle of a verse, I really enjoy being able to finish the parts of whatever segment we are exploring. Hoping this trend continues.

So, how was your church service this weekend?

CHURCH REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER 26, 2021: History is happening

 Disclaimer (because someone will say something): although I am actively involved in my church, all opinions and observations are mine alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the leadership, staff, or congregation.

CHURCH REPORT FOR September 26, 2021

In the hit musical Hamilton, one of the refrains says, "History is happening in Manhattan and we just happen to be in the greatest city in the world." 

After Sunday, I would like to suggest that the theme of Daniel 11 is that history will be happening in the world and we just happen to be in the greatest time of all. I know, it doesn't have the same rhythm, but it's certainly true.

Pastor Dick brought the message on Sunday (two Sundays in a row!) with a survey of Daniel 11 entitled "A Storm is Coming." It is always amazing to see the details of prophetic Scriptures and how those details play out in real history. From the rise of Alexander the Great's generals to the pre-figurement of the Antichrist, there are items for which we have the benefit of historical hindsight, but which would have been impossible for Daniel to have known when he wrote. That's what makes Daniel so amazing.

Being pre-millennial and pre-tribulational in my eschatology, I really appreciated Pastor's treatment of the chapter. It was solid without being sensationalistic. And in these troublesome times, it's good to have a reminder of the hope we have in Christ's return.

Before the service, of course, we had the Adult Bible Study. Romans 8:5-8, comparing being in the flesh with being in the Spirit. Good time of interaction. And then, after the service, was the annual Church picnic. We've had to cancel it the last couple of years for assorted reasons, but it happened this time. I did not stay, but the reports coming in have said it was a success. 

Yup, we just happen to be in the greatest time of all.

So, how was your church service this weekend?

CHURCH REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER 19, 2021: A rainy weekend

 Disclaimer (because someone will say something): although I am actively involved in my church, all opinions and observations are mine alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the leadership, staff, or congregation.

CHURCH REPORT FOR September 19, 2021

It was a rainy weekend in the city of the eagle. A steady rain. A heavy rain. A rain that made me glad that I wasn't a lump of sugar left outside on the sidewalk. . 

With apologies for that little film noir introduction, we did have a rainy weekend. It helped wash out the smoke from the air and add some much needed moisture to our drought-stricken region. It also made for a refreshing atmosphere as we headed to church.

The Adult Bible Study went well. We started chapter 8 last week and got all the way through verse 4 this morning. I know that doesn't sound like much, but the way we all like to share insights and questions, that is an accomplishment. I was given a suggestion on how to arrange the class so we can have more Bible study time, so it's something to consider.

Pastor Dick spoke from Daniel 10 this morning about the spiritual warfare that we are in and the vital importance of prayer. It is a reminder that the battle we are in is a spiritual one. Closing the message, Pastor brought up a group of folks to lift us up corporately in prayer. 

I had a good time visiting shortly with a couple of folks after the service. One asked me a Bible question during the last song--my brain went blank, but I assured her I would find the answer.  I know a few folks in our congregation that are hurting or going through some issues. One gentleman shared a difficulty he was facing. And as I was leaving, I glanced out a door and saw a couple of our ladies comforting another woman. It made me happy, but it did not surprise me either--I've seen these ladies do this before. It's part of being in a family.

Prayer, support, encouragement, and time in the Word.  What a great place to be on a rainy weekend!

And how was your church service this weekend?

CHURCH REPORT FOR JUNE 27, 2021: Hot Day, Cool Service!

 Disclaimer (because someone will say something): although I am actively involved in my church, all opinions and observations are mine alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the leadership, staff, or congregation.

CHURCH REPORT FOR JUNE 27, 2021

Another hot day in southern Oregon. So thankful for an air-conditioned building in
which the church can gather. And we were blessed to have our senior Pastor, Dr. Richard Bull speaking today. 

I like it when Pastor Dick is in the pulpit. And the fact that he is kicking us off in chapter 1 of the book of Daniel is even better!

We had a decent turnout in our Adult Bible Study, as we explored Romans 6. One of our newest group attendees made an excellent observation about the good works that unbelievers do--stating that they are "horizontal" good works, they often will benefit friends, family, our fellow man, but they cannot do "vertical" good works, those works done to please the Lord. One of the greatest blessings of our Sunday Morning study is that I learn and am enriched from the others in the group. Great way to start the morning.

And then came the service, with Pastor Dick speaking on "A Test of Character." It was a breakdown of chapter 1, with Daniel's deportation, his education in the Babylonian system, and his commitment to live for the Lord in spite of his surroundings. 

A little "behind the scenes" info: when talking about the food and diet set before the Hebrew youths, Pastor Dick had thought about showing the famous "Dinner of Doom" banquet scene from the movie Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (you know, the one where they're eating snakes, and bugs, and monkey brains, and so on!). But after consultation with wise counsel, he decided against it (it probably would have been fun for a a middle school group, though!).

The theme of focus of the message was this: "How can we live in Babylon without being a part of Babylon?  By living our inner convictions." Great lesson, great reminder.

So how was your church service this weekend?

CHURCH REPORT FOR JUNE 13, 2021: Outside In

Disclaimer (because someone will say something): although I am actively involved in my church, all opinions and observations are mine alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the leadership, staff, or congregation.

CHURCH REPORT FOR JUNE 13, 2021

As always, my Sunday morning began with the 9:00 Adult Bible Study. We've been going through Romans and, as I mentioned in the class, we're moving at the speed of the Holy Spirit, which means we sometimes only get to one or two verses. Discussions, questions, "rabbit trails," and laughter all contribute to what is a very enjoyable 45 minutes. But in-depth diving into the text does not always mean moving forward a chapter at a time. 

This week, however, we went a little further in chapter 6, emphasizing the point the apostle Paul makes in the chapter that we are dead to sin and alive to God. Good group too (but then it always is...shout out to the folks in the class: if you're reading this, thank you for ministering to me each week!)

I hung out in the foyer for the main service. It's always risky doing that, because there are folks chatting, visiting, or walking through. So if it's so distracting, why do I do it? Three reasons: 1) Sometimes, when I'm putting away my gear from the ABS, I don't get into the main sanctuary in time to grab a "good seat." Granted, nobody would care if I stepped over them, but I don't want to be a distraction. 2) Sometimes, I check and make sure the sound and video on our monitor screens is working right. Nobody asked me to do it, it's just something I do to report on the service from a "layman's" perspective. 3) The main reason is because I really want to get into the sermon. I take notes on the message and sometimes, I'm looking up other references. And it is a lot easier to do this when I can spread my Bible, note sheet, note pad, and cell phone with the Bible app on a flat surface, as the little tables in the foyer provide. 

In the sanctuary or in the foyer, we have a cool praise and worship team. Every week, they bring newer and older songs in what, in my opinion, is a good blend. The service is divided into two song sets, sandwiching the message in the middle. Not my favorite arrangement, but it's growing on me. 

Pastor Dick finished up the book of Ezekiel this morning with a sweeping look at chapters 40-48 in a message entitled "Holy Ground." I loved the main theme of the message; namely, 48:35 that the name of the city is "THE LORD IS THERE." God will never leave us, nor forsake us. How evident is it that I know and believe the Lord is with me?  Good application.

If I could call out one observation: this was not a deep verse-by-verse examination of the millennial temple and its worship. Obviously, because covering nine chapters in 30-40 minute time span would be extremely difficult. I also got the impression that Pastor did not want to wade into some of the controversies surrounding the interpretation of these passages. I'm not talking about compromising, but about choosing the battle to emphasize. Zeroing in on the Lord's abiding presence with His people in all generations was THE point he chose to drive home. Cannot argue with that.

Would I have tackled Ezekiel 40-48 differently? Probably--and it might have been a two hour message! But now that we are finished with Ezekiel, it's time to head into Daniel, with its dreams and visions and eschatology and all sorts of exciting stuff. I can hardly wait.

And how was your church service this weekend?.