What Does Christmas Mean?

Advent marks the beginning of the new Christian year.   Despite the way we act right after Thanksgiving, if not sooner, Advent is not a season for pomp or decoration, but for simplicity. Advent, historically, has been to Christmas what Lent is to Easter: a season of solemn simplicity. 

A season of simplicity isn’t the message we get from the world.  The world has taken the celebration of the Christ cild and turned it into the largest consumer holiday of the year.  Americans will spend billions of dollars on gifts, food, travel, and decorations this Christmas!  The message of the consumer has become how much are you spending on me.  The sad part of the whole thing is that researchers have found that a high percentage of the billions spent on all those gifts don’t bring about any real satisfaction. In fact, many aren’t even wanted and are thrown away or given to someone else- regifting- who know who you are!

As we move through this crazy holiday season, Christ calls us to a simpler time.  A time of reflection and preparation for the ultimate gift that is on it’s way and the ultimate purpose of that gift that we celebrate at Easter.  Like Lent, Advent remains a time for getting back to the basics.  

I challenge of you to take a step back this year and focus on what the gift of Christ truly means to you.  Then focus on ways that you can show that love to someone else!  The message of God’s love is the true meaning of Christmas and you need to share that message with someone this season- who will it be?

Merry Christmas 

Pastor Lance

Praying the Psalms

     Since coming to St. Paul, I have mentioned to several people that they might try “praying the Psalms” during times of spiritual dryness or trials.  Really, you can pray all scripture in this manner.  Some of the earliest forms of prayer in the ancient church were praying through scripture, especially the Psalms.

       All the emotions anyone could ever experience are in the Psalms and often reading and praying through them in out times of need is an excellent form of release.  It is also a way to put words to our emotions when we are having trouble expressing ourselves.   

       When you pray the Psalms, first read the entire Psalm through.  Then read each individual line putting yourself into the words and filling in your emotions before moving to the next line.  For Example, if I were to pray the 23rd Psalm, it might start something like this:

1  The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want:  Lord you are my leader.  I know that as long as I depend on you all of my needs will be met.  It doesn’t matter how hard times are in my life right now, you are there shepherding me through this.  Thank you.

 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters:  Lord my life is chaotic right now.  I need to know your peace and have that come over me. 

And so on.  There are no set words, just say what you are feeling based on what the Psalmist is writing and trust the Holy Spirit to guide your words and thoughts!  Other ways of praying scripture include reading a line or two and meditating on it all day asking the Holy Spirit to show you how that particular verse affects your life.

       One of my frustrations has been finding a Psalm that addresses how I am feeling at the moment.  You can either work your way through each one over six months time, just pick one and at least get started, or try to find a Psalm that addresses how you are feeling.  I copied the following pages to help guide you to specific topics in the Psalms.  Realize that many of them address multiple topics and there are a lot of ways to divide them, but I thought this might be a good starting point.

I hope you find this information helpful.  I pray that you will use different forms of prayer and reflection to help enrich and deepen your spiritual walk with the Lord!

Shalom

Pastor Lance

Adapted from:  http://www.esvstudybible.org

       Scholars have tended to identify psalms according to their types (praise, lament, etc.). Unfortunately, scholars vary in their list of types, and it is easy to multiply categories to account for the particularities of each psalm—and soon one can end up with 150 categories! Nevertheless, used reasonably, this approach can shed light on the different purposes of the various psalms. The basic categories include:

• Laments,whose primary function is to lay a troubled situation before the Lord, asking him for help. There are community laments, dealing with trouble faced by the people of God as a whole (e.g., Psalm 12), and individual laments, where the troubles face a particular member of the people (e.g., Psalm 13). This category is the largest by far, including as much as a third of the whole Psalter.

•Hymns of Praise and Worship,whose primary goal is to call and enable God’s people to admire God’s great attributes and deeds. These can focus, e.g., on a particular set of attributes (e.g., on God’s benevolence in Psalm 145), on God’s universal kingship over his creation (e.g., Psalm 93), or on God’s works of creation (e.g., Psalm 8).

• Hymns of Thanksgiving, which thank God for his answer to a petition; sometimes the petition can be identified as one of the lament psalms. Like laments, there are community (e.g., Psalm 9) and individual (e.g., Psalm 30) thanksgiving psalms.

• Hymns Celebrating God’s law, which speak of the wonders of the Torah(the Law of Moses) and help worshipers to aspire to obey it more fully (e.g., Psalm 119).

• Wisdom Psalms, which take themes from theWisdomBooks(Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon) and make them the topic of song (e.g., Psalms 1; 37).

•Songs of Confidence, which enable worshipers to deepen their trust in God through all manner of difficult circumstances (e.g., Psalm 23).

•Royal Psalms, which are concerned with the Davidic monarchy as the vehicle of blessing for the people of God. Some of these are prayers (e.g., Psalm 20), some are thanksgivings (e.g., Psalm 21). All relate to the Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, either by setting a pattern (Psalms 20–21) or by portraying the king’s reign in such a way that only the Messiah can completely fulfill it (e.g., Psalms 2; 72), or by focusing primarily on the future aspect (e.g., Psalm 110).

•Historical Psalms, which take a lesson from the history of God’s dealings with his people; these are generally corporate in their focus (e.g., Psalm 78).

•Prophetic Hymns, which echo themes found in the Prophets, especially calling the people to covenant faithfulness (e.g., Psalm 81).

There are other elements in the psalms, such as penitence (see Psalms 6; 25; 32; 38; 51; 130; 143), claims of innocence (e.g., Psalm 26), yearning for God (e.g., Psalm 27) among others. 

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch. The psalm that ends each book finishes with a doxology, and Psalm 150 as a whole is the conclusion both of Book 5 and of the entire Psalter.

Book Divisions:

Book 1: Psalms 1–41

Psalms 1–2 have no titles that attribute authorship (but see Acts 4:25 for Psalm 2); they provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. The remainder of Book 1 is made up almost entirely of psalms of David: only Psalms 10 and 33 lack a Davidic superscription. Prayers issuing from a situation of distress dominate, punctuated by statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship with integrity are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.

Book 2: Psalms 42–72

From the Davidic voice of Book 1, Book 2 introduces the first Korah collection, with a single Asaph psalm at Psalm 50. A further Davidic collection is found in Psalms 51–65 and 68–69, including the bulk of the “historical” superscriptions (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate the content of these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., Psalm 44; cf. Psalms 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with the Psalms’ pinnacle of royal theology.

Book 3: Psalms 73–89

The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence; that light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., Psalms 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (Psalms 73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (Psalms 84–85; 87–88).

Book 4: Psalms 90–106

Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by the third book (Psalms 72–89). Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.

Book 5: Psalms 107–150

The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (Psalm 107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (Psalms 110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–45); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of the law (Psalm 119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (Psalms 120–134).

Forgiveness

     Forgiveness is one of those things that we all know in our mind we are supposed to do, but deep down inside it is one of the most difficult things possible.  One of the last words spoken by Jesus were "Father forgive them."  God wanted us to know that Jesus had no feelings of bitterness for what happened to him.  It was a pure act of love when Jesus gave himself up.  It is that same model of love that we, as Christians, are to follow.

     According to the Mayo Clinic, unforgiveness contributes to things like:  alcohol and drug abuse, mental depression, chronic pain, High Blood pressure, and poor overall quality of life.  People who practice forgiveness are happier, healthier, feel better and generally enjoy life to a greater degree than those who hold on to feelings of being hurt and bitterness toward others.  I think God knew what he was doing when he commanded us to forgive one another!

Forgiveness is not excusing the action.  The same Mayo study continues: “Forgiveness doesn't mean that you deny the other person's responsibility for hurting you, and it doesn't minimize or justify the wrong. You can forgive the person without excusing the act. Forgiveness brings a kind of peace that helps you go on with life.”  And that is really what we are talking about.  Being able to go on with life. 

Once we forgive someone, those actions no longer hold us hostage to the past.  That painful event doesn’t define us.  Who is it that you need to forgive?  What event from your past is keeping you from experiencing the fullness of life Christ would have for each one of us?  Take some time over the next month and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal people that you need to forgive.  It is a very freeing feeling to get rid of the bitterness that too many of us needlessly carry around!

Pray Minsters and Covenant Groups

That's the theme for the next couple of months.  I feel strongly that the prayer ministry needs to be strengthened if St. Paul is going to step where God leads.  Starting in October, we will have a covenant group (s??) form that will help lead us in that direction.  Call me if you have questions.

The purpose of a covenant group is to get 10-12 people together who will covenant to be together for the next 6 months.  The commitment is basically if you aren't dying- you come.  It's a serious commitment to one hour per week.  During that time we will pray, have a short lesson, and ask Wesley's covenant questions.  Hopefully it will lead to a longer term commitment for some people!!

Shalom,
Lance

PS:  On the music quest- Laurie suggested I contact Pensacola College and ask them.  I contacted the seminary by email over the weekend, we'll see where that leads!  Be in prayer that the right opportunity will present itself so our contemporary service can have live music once again!!

Two Months Already?

As we move into fall, I was thinking about all of the changes that have been going on in my own life as well as the life of St. Paul.  I was talking with Laurie the other night and we can not believe we have only been at St. Paul for only two months.  We have felt so welcomed by the church that we feel like we have been here much longer.  Seminary seems like the distant past (that’s not all bad!) as we continue to grow and learn from our new friends here at St. Paul!

I have enjoyed the opportunity to get to know you during various meetings over the past few weeks. I have also received a lot of positive feedback from those who attended the pastoral meetings at the church.  One question that was consistently asked during the meetings centered around the direction I think the Church needs to go as we move forward.  

   

Most importantly, I feel we need to be a church that is grounded in prayer.  Psalm 34:10 promises us that those who seek the Lord will “not be in want of any good thing.”  Prayer has to be the foundation of who we are both individually and as St. Paul United Methodist Church.  If we humbly and faithfully seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I know he will be faithful in giving us the direction we seek both as a church and in our individual lives.  

I have been pleased by the response to the prayer covering calendar.  I think it is a good place to start!  If you have been praying for us, thank you!  If you have not had the opportunity to sign up, there are still openings available!  We are also putting together a prayer covering for those serving in the military.  Please pray for their protection and safe return as well as for their families while they are gone.

Spend some time just talking to God and let’s see where he takes us!  I know it’s going to be a fun ride!

Shalom,

Pastor Lance

I've Been Thinking....

Proverbs 12:11 says that if you till the land, you will have plenty of bread, but "he who follows worthless pursuit lacks sense."

What is it in our lives that we pursue that maybe we shouldn't be pursuing?  There is a huge difference between dreams and fantasies.  Everyone should have dreams- every great person I know sets goals and dreams, goals are not worthless ambitions.

But unrealistic goals are worthless.  They can consume time and resources and not give any return on the investment.  I might have a goal of being the best brain surgeon on the planet, but at my age and educational level, it is not realistic.  It doesn't mean it is bad, it just isn't realistic for me.  If I was younger, then it might be a realistic goal.  So your goals have to match your situation in order to be realistic.

When you write a business plan, you start with a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis.  I think it is good to do a similar assessment of our lives individually and as a church when we begin to set goals.  God can and does do miraculous things, but I think when we seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, he will open our eyes to the direction he would have us go.  It is our job to be humble enough to accept the guidance and form a plan in that direction.

One Month Already

I can't believe we have been in FL for 1 month already.  This weekend some friends from seminary were in Destin and we got to spend some time with them.  It was great to see old friends again, but it seems like an eternity since we were in Wilmore and at the same time it seems like yesterday.

We are settling into a routine, Laurie is still waiting on her number from the state so she can start work.  Other than that, life is pretty well normal.

I also found out that I have to be a resident for 6 months before I can buy a resident fishing permit!  That seems really strange to me, usually if you have a license- you're a resident.  Oh well, at least I have the pier.  We used some graduation money today to buy a yard cart that I converted into a fishing cart/yard cart/beach tote.  Multipurpose and about 1/3 the cost of a fishing cart!  Now to get one of those King Mackerels!

Biting off more than I can chew!

Today we announced the coming partnership between Navarre and St Paul.  I think there is tremendous opportunity if we do this right.  Over the next several weeks we will have more information and we'll keep everyone informed as we can.

I also changed the order of service a little today.  I have been spending some time looking into why we do what we do in worship and there are some things that make liturgical sense to do in a certain order.  Traditionally there is a prayer of thanksgiving given after the offeratory and I would like to move toward prayer requests during the service.  There is always discussion around whether or not to do this, I think it helps the congregation stay connected and I also see it as a way to connect the two services since we can keep each other informed of joys and concerns.

And to top the whole thing off, the new DS showed up this morning!  I was already a little nervous about the sermon and how the announcement would be accepted and just for a little extra stress the DS shows up for the first service.  He's a very nice guy, it just caught me a little off guard!

Quite a morning at St. Paul to say the least.

Green Days

It's been awhile since I posted.  I'm trying to get settled into a routine at church.  It is different not having my life scheduled in 15 minute increments.  For nearly 20 years I had a schedule and lived by 15 minutes, now some days it is nearly 11 am and I don't feel like I've gotten much accomplished.  It's been an adjustment, but I think I'm starting to settle in.

Yesterday and today were the first green flag days at the beach we've seen.  I like the waves, but it was also nice not to have to fight them in water.  Jordan collected a bucket full of shells and I found a couple of whole sand dollars.  I'm also getting fishing fever,  I'm getting stuff to fish off the pier, it's weird to think about catching stuff in the 30 lb range without being in a boat.  I'll see how it goes, maybe I'll get out next weekend.

A week of firsts

Man I feel like I had baptism by fire this week!  Visited my first family at the hospital for surgery (who I had never met), received a request to visit a relative of one of our congregants who was in the hospital (who I had never met), did some counseling, and today did my first funeral for Klaus (who I had never met)!  I feel like the whole week has been a whirlwind.

Everyone at the church came through and the service today went well I think.  I was proud of the staff and the members who put in so much effort!

Laurie, Jordan, and I feel blessed to have this appointment.  With the group of people I have to work with, I can see great things ahead!

One Week Down

Well the first week in Florida is under our belts and all I can say is WOW!

Everyone has been extremely nice and welcoming, Jordan seems to be adapting better than we anticipated and my first Sunday was great.  Met a lot of good people and enjoyed some fantastic food! I may gain some weight if that keeps up!

We are getting settled in here at the house.  About 2/3 of the way unpacked, refrigerators are worked out (we just need to get the one we bought that didn't fit sold now) and Jordan's room is almost put together.  Other than the fact we might have rats in the attic, it is going well.

Laurie and Jordan gave me a little excitement for the week.  I got a call Friday afternoon from Laurie.  She and Jordan got caught in a riptide and the lifeguard had to come pull them out!  I was glad for God's protection and some nearby surfers who lent them a hand until the lifeguard got there!  Saturday at the beach was much better and uneventful.  Tonight we just returned from a free concert and fireworks show on Navarre beach.  I think we are really going to like it here!

Thanks to all that have helped us feel so welcome!

We're Here

Well after many tears and 11 hours of driving, we arrived safely in Navarre this evening!  We are sitting in front of the Comfort Inn for internet access and will spend the night at the house.  Our truck will deliver on Tuesday and everything should be up and running by Wed!

The choir and others at the church surprised us with a great welcome basket, it was very thoughtful and thanks to all who pitched in!

We're looking forward to meeting everyone and getting settled in!

Finally Here

Our time is Kentucky has come to an end.  The truck came yesterday and loaded our stuff.  Today we will spend doing some odds and ends and tonight dinner with our Brazilian friends.  We'll be in Navarre next week.  We have known this day was coming for four years now, but it seems very strange that today is the day.  Saying goodbye to all of our friends has been difficult and yet, we all know that we are going where God has called us to serve.

The next time I post, it will be from Navarre.

End of the Week

Well, Ichthus is over tonight.  What a great (and exhausting) few days.  We did prayer ministry and the festival was a little short on volunteers so we ran back and forth between two tents about a quarter of a mile apart for the past to days.  Last night I stayed for the last call which happened about 12:30 am- very short nights!

In all I was able to pray with 12 teens, one adult and lead 8 of them in accepting Christ!  It always amazes me how much the kids will open up to a complete stranger.  It's humbling really.

The highlight of the weekend is always communion.  We served and took communion with about 18,000 people tonight.  I cried like a baby as I looked out over the crowd!  I wish everyone could see and experience this at least once in their life.  I think a lot of changes would occur in how we see others.  There was someone from about every group: hard core rockers, goth dressers, bikers, all races, numerous states and countries, the youngest was a few months old and the oldest in their eighties!  Everyone came together and celebrated Christ's love for us!  It MUST be a small glimpse of heaven- at least that's what I thought as tears streamed down my face.

Icthus Week

With our time in Wilmore winding down and the summer heat cranking up, it's time for Icthus.  This is a great summer concert/festival that is held annually in Wilmore.  Bands from all over the country come to our tiny little town and about 20,000 youth camp in a pasture from Wed to Sunday while being treated to some great music, fellowship and worship.

Laurie and I will be working with the prayer ministry again.  Each night the main speaker gives an altar call and we pray with anyone who wants it.  Last year on Saturday night there were between 3 and 4000 youth who accepted Christ!  It is an amazing week.  One of my favorite times is Saturday evening communion.  All 20,000 are served communion and take it simultaneously!  What a special time.  We will definitely miss Icthus next summer, but we're glad we are able to be here this last time.

Check out more at:  www.ichthusfestival.org

It's Official

Sorry I haven't posted for awhile, we just got back from Annual Conference last night.  We had minimal time and poor internet connection so I didn't get to post.

I was commissioned Monday evening so I am officially a provisional elder in the UMC!  Now I only have to finish my CPE in the next year and in three years I can be ordained!

It was a beautiful service at First UMC in Montgomery.  The message was given by the Bishop from Tenn and he gave a great and challenging message.  There were also several occasions during the weekend that we took time to pray for the Gulf Coast.  My heart broke over the weekend when I heard of oil washing up on Navarre Beach.  My old church in Ill is praying for us all and we are asked constantly how the area and people are doing.

I have been praying and thinking about this situation.  I know it has a huge impact, but the one good I can see coming from this is:  If this rig disaster causes safety regulations to actually be enforced, maybe this one accident will save us from suffering similar problems with more rigs.  It would be unthinkable to have 3 or 4 wells gushing uncontrollably!  So in the midst of our heartache, pain and concern, I feel God's grace playing a role.  Phil 4:7 promises us that the peace of God will transcend understanding.  I don't understand a lot about what is going on, but I know where my trust must lie.
Shalom
Lance

Thank You

As we enjoy our Memorial Day weekend, let's remember to show our gratitude for those that have served our great country.  One of the things that always amazes me about America is the way we can pull together during times of turmoil.  Despite differences in political views, heritage or religious beliefs; we still have a way of helping each other during the difficult seasons.

Thanks to the families of those who gave their lives in service and thanks to those serving our country so we can enjoy weekends like this one with our families.

Graduation

Yesterday was Graduation day here in Wilmore!  It was a lot of fun, but we are worn out after all the festivities of the weekend!

It is a time of mixed emotions for us.  When I graduated with my undergrad degree, it marked a beginning of my transition into being an adult, there wasn't really anyone else involved.  For many of us here at Asbury, graduation marks the end of a journey which began by stepping out into faith with the support of our families and is ending the same way.  I would have never made it this far without the love and support of Laurie, Jordan, our family and friends.  I have been blessed to have a wonderful wife and daughter.

The move is coming quickly now, it seems like everything was waiting until after graduation and now that time is here.  Our house is half packed and our friends are beginning to depart.  We jokingly said that if everyone comes to visit in Florida that says they are coming, we will need a schedule like a hotel to keep up!

Jordan update- she cried for about 30 minutes when we got to graduation yesterday, I think the reality of everything is sinking in. She is excited to come to Florida, but would be much more excited if her best friend (Abbey) could come with us!

Shalom
Lance

Just a Warm UP

We just got back in Wilmore from Illinois today.  My in-laws moved across town and we spent the past weekend moving them.  Laurie and I decided we are not looking forward to packing everything on a truck again in a few weeks.  Maybe we'll have muscle amnesia by then!

It was a good weekend, I had to get used to no internet for a few days, that was strange.  It's amazing how dependent we have become on the internet in just a few years!

Graduation is Saturday and then we have to seriously focus on getting ready for the move.  It's going to be a busy few weeks around the Whorton house.

For any prayer warriors out there, we are praying specifically for God to provide a friend for our daughter, Jordan.  Her best friend lives next door and they are connected at the hip.  Jordan is excited about the area, but is not looking forward to leaving Abbey.  We are praying God will guard her heart during the transition and raise up a good friend for her in Navarre.

Shalom,
Lance

It is Finished!

I just left my last seminary class!  All I have to do now is wait for graduation- no exams and the papers are all written!

It's a strange feeling.  Four years ago I left my first class wondering what I had gotten myself into and convinced there was no way I was going to be able to handle four years of seminary.  Tonight, I leave class feeling like I need another four years because I still don't know enough.

Along the way, I have had classes that I liked and didn't like.  Professors I agreed with and some that I thought were nuts.  My faith has been challenged both by what I was learning and by what I was not learning.  I intentionally took Spiritual Warfare and Spiritual Formation my last semester.  These two classes have helped synthesize all of the doctrine, Biblical studies and pastoral care classes that I have had.  They were not nearly as challenging intellectually; but they confirmed, formed, and challenged me spiritually at a time when I needed it most.

Isaiah 40:31 tells us that we will run, soar, and walk.  Seminary has been a time of walking for me.  The slower pace forced me to listen more and see things that I had been missing.  It is in the walk that relationships can be built, memories created and disciples made.  While the soaring and running are more exciting, it is in the walk that we have the time to truly soak in God's love.  My time of walking here at Asbury taught me that.  I pray the Holy Spirit will lead me in how to share that knowledge with others.

LOOONG Trip!

We were in Pensacola for a couple of days this weekend.  Laurie needed to fill out some paperwork with the state, we set up a bank account and got to see the area a little bit (very pretty!).

On the way home we were caught in Nashville flooding.  Got diverted off of 65 onto 40 west (completely wrong direction) and then apparently there was a MAJOR accident.  We sat for nearly 6 hours in standstill traffic.  We never even saw where the accident was.  In a little over 5 hours we moved 1 mile.  Jordan thought it was funny, but it made for a long drive home.  Turned a 10 hour trip into a 17 hour one.

We pray everyone is OK, we made it back to Wilmore about 2 am.  We're looking forward to meeting everyone in a few months and excited about moving to the area.

It's kind of strange

This is the time of year all of us at seminary have been waiting so long for.  We are all getting our appointments!

I have been thinking the last couple of days about how strange it is going to be this summer.  We all moved to Wilmore from different parts of the country and found friendship in this quirky little town.  Over the years we have all grown, been challenged, and generally feel like family.  Now we will go our separate ways in a few months and be spread out over many states and regions.  While we are all excited to serve, we are also a little sad to leave.

On a high note, I have pretty well finished all my papers for the semester and only have to go to class for the next couple of weeks!  No final exams is a beautiful thing when we're trying to get ready to move!

Senioritis

It is interesting how our mind plays tricks on us. I was already getting tired of the monotony of writing papers, etc as the semester winds down. Now that I have learned of my appointment, I have pretty well checked out of classes. I find myself thinking about the people we will serve and asking the Holy Spirit to guide us and have little interest in writing papers! I guess if I don't write, I won't be able to come the St. Paul so I better get back to work!

We just found out!

Friday afternoon I received the phone call we've been waiting for since we left for seminary- I will be appointed to St. Paul UMC in Midway Florida! Saturday I spoke with Rob (PPR chair) and it sounds like a great place for an appointment. I was also shocked that someone from Florida lived about 30 minutes from the town we used to live in and was born in Hannibal, MO. Laurie and I lived in Hannibal the first four years of our marriage! Some might call this a coincidence, but I think God's hand was at work!

I thought it would be a good idea to start a blog so the congregation could get to know us and follow us during our transition to Florida. We are looking forward to meeting everyone and getting settled in.