| |
|
|
 |
Compiled by the Faith Newsletter editor: Burt Pearson
Contents:
From your Pastor
Update from Germany
Congratulations to Our Graduates
Faith Youth Group
Friends and Family Day
Banner Update
Father’s Love Letter
Pray to God but Row to Shore Proverb
The Message of the Penny
|
| |
From your Pastor |
In last month’s newsletter I shared a few thoughts on Mother’s Day, so for this month, I put together a few thoughts for Fathers. The other day I ran across one particular father’s list of reasons why he loved being a dad….and an older one at that. He writes:
I love the privilege of praying for my children.
I love the privilege of seeking to inspire, encourage and help my children.
I love loving their mother.
I love the home movies I experience. The live ones. The in house "reality shows" if you please. Kids raggin' on each other, telling mom and dad stories one more time, hugs at the door, serious discussions begun spontaneously, phone calls to say "Hi, I love you," and small hands pressed on a glass door to see the wonder of all wonders: the neighbor's black cat.
I love happy birthday songs: songs sung in love and received the same way -- in love.
I love watching my kids with their kids.
I love the smiles of children and grandchildren.
I love good memories, family pictures on the walls, and cards from "Father's Days past."
I love the journey of growing with my children.
I love the honor of discovering God and his grace with my children.
I love helping when I can, and hurting when I can't. No, I don't enjoy the pain. It's the honor of trying to help because "I'm a dad" that I enjoy.
I love being able to say, "Please forgive me" -- and the corresponding joy of experiencing forgiveness from both my children and the Lord.
I love hearing "Mammaw" sing songs to her grandchildren.
I love trying to model the Fatherhood of God to my children. Falling way, way too short, of course: but I love the privilege of making the attempt.
I love walking with my God throughout the "dad and granddad days" of my life.
I love being called "Pap."
I love sharing the lives of the kids with their mother.
I love watching the joy in the eyes of my wife as she talks on the phone with her children.
I love giving the grandkids back to my kids just about the moment I think I'm going under (or moments thereafter!).
I love hearing the laughter of family in the other room.
I love being a friend as well as being a dad.
I love being a father-in-law.
I love memories of my dad loving me.
I love being challenged by my wife's love for each child, grandchild, and son-in-law.
Did I mention...I love being a dad?
It is a time in our history when it’s increasingly difficult to feel optimistic about the state of the world. And it’s a time of the year when we are flooded by the memories of the years past, and by the hope of a better year to come. There is no better time than now to reflect on our life. And there is no better time to examine the state of our important relationships. In a survey of over 2,000 primary school-age kids by Fathers Direct, kids were very clear on what they wanted from their fathers. They did not want expensive holidays, new bikes, or computers. They wanted their father’s time. They wanted to play ball, to chat at bedtime, to get help with their homework, and to spend time “plain just hanging out” together. They wanted to be “known” and accepted by their fathers, and they wanted to know their fathers. This can be difficult in a country in which, according to the Family and Work Institute, the average man works 49 hours per week, and the average woman works 43.5 hours per week. It’s difficult to do in a country in which a large majority of employees at American businesses (67%) say they don’t have enough time with their children. It is interesting to note that what kids want from their fathers is the same thing that fathers want for their kids. And it is the same thing researchers say is best for kids. It is not just pockets of time devoted to the kids that we call “quality time.”
It is time, PERIOD. And as you look ahead at the choices you’ll make about your family, what are your priorities? What would you like your relationship with your kids to look like? For fathers who would like to keep their child’s heart, the choices will be clear.
And they’ll be clear to your children, who will remember them forever.
And even if your children are grown and have children of their own, it’s never too late to work on your relationship with them, or to tell them, and show them how much you love them.
|
Grace and peace,
Pastor Adams |
| Back to top |
| |
Update from Germany |
The Faith Newsletter editor requested a short article on my trip to visit Alik and Crystal Smith in Germany. What a treat! I flew into Nurnberg (we call it Nuremburg) on April 15 at noon. Crystal, Sean (17 months) and little Jade (3 weeks old) met me at the airport, driven by her friend Kim. What a blessing Kim has been to the Smiths. She’s a sincere Christian who has driven them (and me) many places, including to her church, while the Smiths were without a car. Never underestimate the blessing you can be offering to drive (or pick up) someone who has no other option than a (very expensive) taxi!
Alik and Crystal have a beautiful brand new duplex in the Grafenwoehr Army base housing area that is currently off-base about 3 miles. Their fenced backyard looks out over a park and rolling hills beyond. There’s another park ½ block from their front door so plenty of places to let Sean run and slide and run and have fun. A brand new K – 12 school, BX shop, and strip mall are being built down the street. When the school opens this fall, the base gates will move and they will officially be on-base.
Alik puts in long days, getting up at 5 a.m. for 2 hrs. of physical training. He comes back to the house to shower, breakfast, and then goes to the motor pool (he is a mechanic on large vehicles) from 8:30 to whenever – generally 6:30 or 7:30 in the evening. Crystal stays busy with the babies, making meals and keeping her home nice. It was a real joy to see what pride they both take in their place and how they have settled in and made new friends quickly. The Army offers a fair number of services; Weekly, Crystal hosts a marvelous social worker who visits families with new babies just to make sure all is going well in a place that is so new to these young kids. So far only one other lady comes over but I enjoyed the hour each week listening to the two young mothers talking to her about some of the challenges they face getting to know their way around the German “economy”, the Army base, getting to pediatrician appointments with no car, dealing with Army gossip and stresses as men ready to deploy for long absences, etc.
As Grandma, I was there to spend as much time with the children as possible which included long walks to the villages of Grafenwoehr and Eschenbach. The double-stroller was marvelous. It took the many hours of up and down hills, loading and unloading into busses and an occasional taxi, without a hitch. The weather ranged from waking one morning to 8 inches of snow and icy roads to 60 degree days, a few drizzles a couple days and only one short walk where the stroller had to be quickly covered with a tarp to keep the children from getting drenched.
While I was there Crys and I took the train to Nurnberg for a day-trip. Crystal did make me laugh when she noted that the busses and trains in Germany don’t wait for you! We were able to walk right from the train station into the old town area. The cathedrals, market square and castle were all amazing. Of course the pastries were great too. The children were marvelous travelers, seemingly enjoying long hours in the stroller with virtually no fussing.
The second week I was there, Crystal was able to buy a ’93 Dodge Dynasty, with 6 seat belts! What a great blessing to have transportation. They have a wonderful base chapel where I heard a thoroughly reformed sermon and the people were extremely open and friendly. With a car, they can now attend there without having to find a ride or walk 3 miles.
The plans at this point are for Alik to deploy to Iraq ~ June 20. He will be gone for 15 months. Since arriving there in January, Crystal is firmly ensconced in the Army family where everyone knows many families who are currently separated. Please pray for them as this time nears for them. (So much for keeping this short…)
|
Submitted by Marilou Richardson |
| Back to top |
| |
Congratulations to Our Graduates |
Michael Ryan Chambers graduated May 15, 2008 from Brevard Community College with an Associate of Arts Degree, and will graduate from Brevard Christian Home Educators on May 31, 2008.
Christina Leigh Ferraro graduated May 3, 2008 from University of South Florida College of Visual and Performing Arts, with a B.A. in Dance with Ballet Concentration.
Danae Diller received her Master's Degree from Eastern University, Philadelphia, PA.
Laurel Barron received a Masters of Arts in Practical Ministry from Erskine Seminary
on May 18, 2008
|
A pot luck dinner will be held in honor of our graduates on June 1 |
| Back to top |
| |
Faith Youth Group |
What We Did
May 15: Merritt Island High Spring Concert
Participants: Chris Fallows and Todd McInerney
May 16: Jefferson Middle School Spring Concert
Participants: Corie Fallows and Dillon McInerney
May 17: Car Wash for Teen Missions
Ms. Kathrin Grey and her crew raised a whopping $750.00 plus dollars! Way to go! God is so good!
May 31st: End of School Beach Blast (details to follow in July newsletter)
What We Are Going to Do
Summer is fast approaching! Our students are very busy and request your prayers as they embark on their many summer adventures!
Some include:
• Teen Missions: Lindsay Kostner, Caleb Lemons, Chris Fallows, Corie Fallows
• Sea Cadet Boot Camp: Caleb Lemons
• ROTC: Todd McInerney
• Police Training: Martin Syms
• Vacation Bible School: various students assisting before and during the week
Stewart Bailey, assistant youth leader, is heading overseas on a mission trip with Frontiers. Please pray for safety and the spread of the Gospel to the uttermost parts of the Earth! |
| |
| Back to top |
| |
Friends and Family Day |
| On Saturday, May 17, over 100 children and adults enjoyed a time of fun and fellowship at our first “Friends and Family Day” The food was great and the little bit of rain didn’t dampen anyone’s spirit. Many said it was the nicest outing we have ever had. |
| |
| Back to top |
| |
Banner Update |
Since Easter was so very early this year, both Ascension Day and Pentecost also were early. This past month, the companion Ascension Day and Pentecost banners have been displayed on the south and north walls of the sanctuary.
The three persons on each banner represent the Disciples but also all of world Christianity. On Ascension Day, their attention is turned away from the world and its cities and up the mountain. Their hands and eyes are raised to Heaven to watch Jesus’ ascension into his true home.
On Pentecost, those same Christians are able to turn their focus from Jesus, who has gone, back to the world and its cities. This is only possible because the Holy Spirit now empowers them to live lives that are a light to draw others to the Lord without Jesus’ physical presence being with them.
The current banner under construction is entitled I Am and should be ready by mid-June. Since one member of the banner committee moved to Germany, another went up to Michigan, and still another went to Germany to visit, progress has been a bit slow… Many thanks to Bud and Flo McKelvey for their help with the patterns for both I Am and the following banner, Out of Egypt. |
Submitted by Marilou Richardson |
| Back to top |
| |
Father’s Love Letter |
My Child…
You may not know me, but I know everything about you… Psalm 139:1
I know when you sit down and when you rise up… Psalm 139:2
I am familiar with all your ways…
Psalm 139:3
Even the hairs on your head are numbered
Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in my image…
Genesis 1:27
In me you live and move and have your being… Acts 17:28
For you are my offspring… Acts 17:28
I knew you even before you were conceived… Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation…
Ephesians 1:11-12
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book… Psalm 139:15-16
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live… Acts 17:26
You are fearfully and wonderfully made…
Psalm 139:14
I knit you together in your mother’s womb… Psalm 139:13
And brought you forth on the day you were born… Psalm 71:6
I have been misrepresented by those who don’t know me… John 8:41-44
I am not distant and angry but am the complete expression of love… 1 John 4:16
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you… 1 John 3:1
Simply because you are my child and I am your father… 1 John 3:1
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could… Matthew 7:11
For I am the perfect father… Matthew 5:48
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand…James 1:17
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs… Matthew 6:31-33
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope… Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love… Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore… Psalm 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing… Zephaniah 3:17
I will never stop doing good to you… Jeremiah 32:40
For you are my treasured possession… Exodus 19:5
I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul…Jeremiah 32:41
And I want to show you great and marvelous… Jeremiah 33:3
If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me… Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart… Psalm 37:4
For it is I who give you those desires… Philippians 2:13
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine… Ephesians 3:20
For I am your greatest encourager…
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles… 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you… Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart… Isaiah 40:11
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes… Revelation 21:3-4
And I’ll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth… Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son Jesus… John 17:23
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed… John 17:26
He is the exact representation of my being… Hebrews 1:3
He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you… Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins… 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled… 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you… 1 John 4:10
I gave everything I loved that I might gain your love… Romans 8:31-32
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me…1 John 2:23
And nothing will ever separate you from my love again… Romans 8:38-39
Come home and I’ll throw the biggest party heave3n has ever seen… Luke 15:7
I have always been Father, and will always be Father… Ephesians 3:14-15
My question is… Will you be my child?… John 1:12-13
I am waiting for you… Luke 15:11-32
Love, your Dad,
Almighty God
|
From “The Fishwrapper”
Submitted by Marian Sweigart |
| Back to top |
| |
Pray to God but Row to Shore Proverb |
As each of us gets in touch with the specific ways to serve, it is tempting to judge the importance of our work by comparing it to someone else's achievements. And when that person or group earns more money, receives more praise and recognition, or influences more people, our efforts may feel diminished in stature.
But the truth of the matter is that the spiritual path is not a "numbers game." Ways of serving cannot be compared to one another. In God's eyes, each mission is just as important as the next. All assignments are equal.
A director of a school for emotionally handicapped children says about her work, "My job is to serve with joy and to let God work through me. It is up to God, not me, to determine how many kids I actually reach. Ultimately, the numbers are not important; for if only one soul's life has been changed through this work, it has been worth it."
Like this woman, your job is to discover what your purpose is - and then fulfill it. It does not matter how small your contribution may seem. You have a special part to play that no one else can duplicate. In God's eyes, all assignments are equal.
|
Submitted by Dawn Gallogly |
| Back to top |
| |
The Message of the Penny |
You always hear the usual stories of pennies on the sidewalk being good luck, gifts from angels, etc. Here is a new twist.
Several years ago, a friend of mine and her husband were invited to spend the weekend at the husband’s employer’s home. The wife was nervous about the weekend. The boss was very wealthy, with a fine home on the waterway and cars costing more than her house.
The first day and evening went well and the wife was delighted to have this rare glimpse into how the very wealthy live. The husband’s employer was quite generous as a host and took them to the finest restaurants. The wife knew she would never have the opportunity to indulge in this kind of extravagance again, so was enjoying herself immensely.
As the three of them were about to enter an exclusive restaurant that evening, the boss was walking slightly ahead of the couple. He stopped suddenly, looking down on the pavement for a long, silent moment. The wife wondered if she was supposed to pass him. There was nothing on the ground except a single darkened penny that someone had dropped and a few cigarette butts. Still silent, the boss reached down and picked up the penny.
He held it up and smiled, then put it in his pocket as if he had found a great treasure. What need did this man have for a single penny? Why would he even take the time to stop and pick it up?
Throughout dinner, the entire scene nagged at the wife. Finally, she could stand it no longer. She casually mentioned that her daughter once had a coin collection and asked if the penny he had found had been of some value.
A smile crept across the man’s face as he reached into his pocket for the penny and held it out for her to see. She had seen many pennies before. What was the point of this?
“Look at it,” he said. “Read what it says.”
She read the words, “United States of America.”
“No, not that, read further.”
“One cent?”
“No, keep reading.”
“In God we Trust?”
“Yes!”
“And?”
“And if I trust in God, the name of God is holy, even on a coin. Whenever I find a coin, I see that inscription. It is written on every single United States coin, but we never seem to notice it! God drops a message right in front of me telling me to trust Him. Who am I to pass it by? When I see a coin, I pray and stop to see if my trust IS in God at that moment. I pick the coin up as a response to God; that I do trust in Him. For a short time, at least, I cherish it as if it were gold. I think it is God’s way of starting a conversation with me. Lucky for me, God is patient and pennies are plentiful!”
|
Submitted by Dawn Gallogly |
| Back to top |
|
|
|
