Yesterday was our unofficial kick-off for Vacation Bible School. It made for a very interesting day …

-Vacation Bible School begins tonight.

-Our unofficial kick-off to Vacation Bible School (VBS) was a success. The building was already decorated for VBS. The adults had to duck and dodge some of the decorations. You post and hang things a little lower for children. The platform had been transformed and the worship team and I ministered in the middle of the decorations and props. I loved it, not so sure about some of our adults. Oh well, it is for the kids anyway.

-I preached on the focus of our VBS, which is God’s love. God’s love is incredible, faithful, invincible, unconditional and real. I preached on God’s love is real and what that means for us.

-Maybe it was all the decorations, maybe it was the anticipation of VBS or maybe it was all of the pizza I ate last week but I got very fired up while preaching yesterday.

-We had some major sound issues again yesterday. We really must start addressing this problem.

-Even with the sound issues our worship team did a great job of creating a wonderful spirit during our time of worship.

-We had good attendance once again. This has been a very good summer. We have not had a Sunday with an attendance less than our yearly average from last year. Yeah for no summer slump.

-Not everything is roses. Besides the sound issues I received my first “anonymous complaint” yesterday. I learned a long time ago not to get worked up over anonymous complaints because I can do nothing to dialog with the person who does not put their name on something. I am open to discussing issues, big or small, but it is not possible without a name.

-I received a very encouraging text yesterday afternoon. The person was asking for prayer about a personal struggle in their life. Part of my message yesterday was about God’s love being able to break the chains in our lives. I described a chain as anything that holds you down and prevents you from doing, and being, what God is calling you to do and be. This person took a major step forward in following Christ. Admission is a huge part in overcoming any chain in a person’s life. I loved getting that text, and it had a name on it, so I can follow up with them.

-We are praying earnestly for VBS. For the workers to be able to do get here without work or illness stopping them. Praying for children to come. Praying for lives to be changed and impacted by the love of Jesus. Praying for no rain so the outdoor activities can take place. For the energy and attitudes of the workers to remain high. Praying for impact on unchurched families.

Here’s hoping that receive some reminders this week that God’s love is real.

Dennis

This has been a different summer up to this point. We have had a lot more rain than normal, until last week the temperatures have been well below normal, our summer attendance has been much higher than normal and we are seeing incredible spiritual growth in many people this summer. Oops, I think I already started my musings …

-Our church participated with 6 or 8 other churches, and our local police, to give away two or three hundred backpacks filled with school supplies to elementary and middle school students. Our group also provided a free evening of swimming at the city’s large swimming pool and thanks to a generous donation from a local business we were able to pay for a meal for the students and their families as well. The weather cooperated, people were gracious and the volunteers served with joy. Thanks to all who brought supplies, gave money for supplies, helped with backpacks or who helped give them away. What a great time of watching churches work together and make an impact in our community.

-Yesterday’s message was looking at what Jesus said about solid foundations in your life and making sure your walk matches your talk. No matter what you say, your true convictions are shown by your behavior. Not just your public behavior but what you do when no one is looking as well.

-We celebrated a great praise yesterday. A lady shared with us that her 4 year old great-grandson, for whom we have been praying fervently, is now seeing a shrinking of his cancer! The joy on she and her husband’s face was awesome and our people spontaneously cheered when this was shared.

-Our music was definitely blessed and really moved people during our worship service.

-There were people who came to the altar during our prayer time and there is much evidence that people are really praying throughout the week.

-The congregation was very engaged during the sermon. I even received a text last evening from a young man sharing how God spoke to him during the message. Those types of texts are awesome.

-In my reading through the Bible I am in the Psalms and I Corinthians. The words of the Psalms have been coming alive to me in fresh and powerful ways. Some of it is encouraging and some of it is convicting. But I believe this my most powerful time of reading the Psalms. God’s word is alive.

-We are in a full sprint to finish preparations for our Vacation Bible School which begins next Monday evening. No matter what happens with the children I know that it will change a lot of adults because so many people are working together, are praying and preparing together. For many years I missed the point that the most powerful part of any all church focus, such as Vacation Bible School or revival services, is often what happens among the people who serve side by side through the event.

-This week the church will be transformed with decorations and props for Vacation Bible School. I can’t wait for everyone to see it and to be able to preach next Sunday in midst of the decorations.

-I am working on a couple of future posts about what I have learned during 40 years of marriage. In 3 weeks my wife and I will celebrate the 40^th anniversary of our wedding day. I told her this week that I feel much better about us, our marriage and our future than I did on our wedding day. I am a 40 year member of the “Married Way Out of My League Club”.

Here’s hoping you have something to look forward to this week and that you will seek out someone to encourage today.

Dennis

This was a very good Sunday once again. There are so many positive things happening and I am praying that this momentum will carry us right through any attempts to slow things down that often come from those who feel their church is changing too quickly. As for yesterday’s musings …

-As soon as the worship service finished a lady walked up to me and said, “I am ready to be saved.” That is the start of a great conversation. In a little while she prayed to receive Christ as her personal savior! Moments like those never get old.

-We had a couple from our church celebrate 50 years of marriage yesterday afternoon. I love those kind of celebrations and the example of commitment and love that it is to our community.

-We had some sound issues again. I am praying that we can get our sound system overhauled before the end of this year.

-We had a tremendous time of prayer around the altar in the middle of our worship service. There seems to be more and more people who are really becoming praying people, instead of just people who sometimes pray. Only good things can result for this move in our congregation.

-There was a very good spirit throughout our time of worship. From the music, to the singing, in prayer, in the giving of tithes and offerings, in the message and the response time.

-Our attendance was down, but was still very good for the July 4^th weekend and it was right at our average attendance for last year. Not bad for a holiday weekend.

-I am very excited that we had 37 people who committed to be a part of our discipleship ministry. Some are looking to be discipled and a large number also expressed interest in learning to disciple others. That is very encouraging.

-Yesterday I was reflecting on how good our church lawn and building looked. I am so grateful for the 3 men who care for the lawn, and we have a lot of lawn. They sacrifice a lot of time and they often use their own equipment. I am also thankful for the 20+ people who volunteer to clean our building. They range in age from 5 years old to 75 years old. They do a great job. Thanks to all of those who give in these areas of ministry. You usually toil out of people’s sight. I want you to know that I see you and am so thankful for all you do. Your service makes a big difference in the life our church.

-With each passing week my wife and I feel more and more at home in Canton.

-I am more convinced than ever that God has great plans for our church. I believed this when I arrived a year and a half ago, but I believe it even stronger today.

Here’s hoping you believe that God is up to good things where you are serving.

Dennis

It is so exciting to be a part of a special move of God. We are in the midst of that here in Canton. Yesterday was more evidence of special things taking place in our church and community…

-The best part of yesterday was witnessing 3 people make a commitment to accept Jesus as their personal savior! Now we must walk alongside them as they grow in their relationship with Christ.

-We had a lot of children in attendance yesterday. Their energy was awesome. Our children’s workers are the best, but they were worn out when the morning was over. Thanks to all who serve in the ministries with our children.

-Our time of greeting and fellowship during the worship service was fun. People were all over the sanctuary greeting people, giving hugs and handshakes. The volume during the greeting time was loud. I loved it!

-We had a good time of testimonies during our worship service.

-Our worship attendance was outstanding. So far we are ignoring the typical summer slump.

-We have had a huge run of people with significant physical needs. We had 4 people have surgery last week. I am ready for this trend to change.

-My wife and I were out of town from Sunday afternoon to Friday afternoon. We were attending a conference on leading worship. Actually my wife was really the one attending the conference, I was along for the ride and went to the evening sessions. The trip allowed us to see quite a bit of family since the conference was near where many of them live.  I was able to spend some time with my Dad and Stepmom. We were able to spend time with our youngest daughter and son-in-law as well. They were attending the conference and brought 4 young adults from their church with them. It was great to watch them minister with this group.

-The evening times of worship at the conference last week were awesome. They were inspiring and encouraging.

-I am trying to spend some significant time praying and planning for the next year.

-We experienced more monsoon rains Sunday evening. We may not completely dry out until September. Maybe I need to preach on Noah.

-Being gone really messed with my prayer times. I have a routine of Bible reading and prayer when I am home and being gone and in a hotel threw me all out of rhythm. I am looking forward to getting back to my more lengthy times of prayer because I need it.

-It is so encouraging to see the genuine excitement among the core group of people as we continue to grow. They are joyful seeing the growth numerically and spiritually. They don’t seem bothered at all that they have had to sit in different places. This is happening because our new people don’t know the seating arrangements. I love it!!!

Here’s hoping that you are reminded that God is still God, no matter what is taking place around you.

Dennis

I am just getting a chance to sit down and write these musings because I traveled out of state for a conference. As for the musings …

-Driving 6 hours immediately after finishing a Sunday morning is not a relaxing exercise. Being able to see my Dad on Father’s Day made the drive worth it. I don’t remember the last time I was with my Dad on Father’s Day. We were also with a lot of other family, some of whom we hadn’t seen in 4 years. It was great to see everyone and catch up.

-We had another great Sunday. God really is doing some great things in Canton. This is a fun season of ministry.

-Our Father’s Day breakfast was tremendous. The food was great, they had real sausage gravy and biscuits, ‘nuff said.

-I loved hearing the sound of laughter, conversations and real fellowship taking place during the breakfast.

-We had great attendance. I love that people continue to invite and expect that we will have new people each week. I especially loved that instead of taking Dad somewhere else to celebrate so many of our families brought Dad to church for a real Father’s Day celebration.

-I took a moment in the service to honor two of our former pastors. I am blessed to have two retired ministers, who used to pastor this church, attending regularly. They are some of my biggest supporters, encouragers and prayer warriors. One of them prayers over me every Sunday before I go to preach and the other calls, or stops by periodically to encourage me and pray with me. So I took a couple of minutes out of my sermon to bring them up front, thank them and honor them.

-The message was on examples. For many people this is a point of pain in some relationships because they have either had no example or bad examples in their lives. We looked at healing from that pain and what to look for in examples that we can follow. There was also a challenge to become an example that others can follow.

-On Saturday there was a big birthday celebration for a sweet lady in our church who just turned 90! How cool is that? This week we have been invited to a birthday party for a girl who just turned 3, how is that for contrast?

-Our giving continues to do well. I am so encouraged by the faithfulness and vision that our people are exercising. Only good things can follow this type of commitment.

-I am really looking forward to having a little extra time to read, pray and maybe do a little writing this week. I will also be able to see my Dad a couple of more times before we head back home. Thanks to our church for allowing us to get away for this event and for covering things while we are gone.

Here’s hoping that you are finding things to encourage you and that you are finding people to encourage.

Dennis