Finally, the Red Plate ! At Grandpa Dick's house Bev has a special "red plate" that we bring out on occasions when it seems appropriate to say "atta boy" to someone in the family. When our daughter Janie finished an outstanding job overseeing the Vacation Bible School at the Cuyama church, she got the "red plate". When our grandson Caleb graduated into Jr. High he got the "red plate". Grandpa Dick got the "red plate" on his birthday, as does everyone on their day. When Kurt had a good month, when Phil did one of his good deeds like helping a stranded motorist,
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HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW! El Capitan State Park near Santa Barbara is situated on a bluff overlooking a white stretch of Pacific Ocean Beach. As we drove through the park to select our camp site I noticed that the bike/hiking path from the camping area toward the beach has a "T" intersection at the bluff, with the left branch leading to the Ranger's check in hut, and the right branch leading down a series of steps and landings toward the beach. Bev and I unloaded our gear and set up camp, and with our two girls (ages about 6 and 8), set out down the path to check things out. Big sister Joy went ahead on her bike, with Janie following close behind. Suddenly, I realized that Joy was picking up speed on the gently sloping path. I began to run. Janie Yelled out, "She can't stop"! As I ran past Janie, the last thing I saw of Joy was the back of her bike approaching the end of the path at the "T", and she disappeared over the edge of the bluff. I had visions of mangled bicycle parts and my sweet special first born sparrow laying all broken on the rocks below. My heart was in my throat as I came to the edge of the bluff. I could hardly bear to look to see how bad it was. I know the Bible says GOD is with us every minute of every day. Well, He was really with us that day, because there was Joy, sprawled on a ledge covered with ice plant about five feet below the bluff crest. I rushed down the slope, and to my utter surprise, Joy was not hurt, only bruised here and there. I thanked GOD then, and every time I think about how we survived that ordeal. Many times during our Christian walk, we come face to face with potential serious injury and death situations, some of which don't come out as well as this one did for us. In fact loved ones of our Church family have been lost or seriously injured, on many such occasions. Romans 8:28 says all things work together for good to those who love the Lord. So this is my closing wish, that each of us will continue to love God with all our hearts, and put our daily walk in HIS hands. And maybe also it would be good to check out your kid's bicycle brakes. Grandpa Dick
New Year Off and Running! As we start a new year, I have been thinking about how active our church is. Take a quick look at this: Worship, Samaritan's Purse, Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, Pastor Recognition, Children's Choir Ten Commandments Special, Hanging of the Greens, Missions Emphasis Program, Youth Conference, Rent a Youth Fund Raiser, Senior Fellowship, Wednesday Meals and Services, Men's and Women's Prayer Groups, Dynamic Sunday School, Food Collection for the Needy, I Love My Church Banquet, Shoe Boxes, Spiritual Preaching/ Teaching, Benevolent Work, Youth Musical, Staff Appreciation, Lord's Supper, Baptisms, Decisions for Christ, Bus Ministry, Spanish Bible Study, Building Repair Projects, Advent Candle Ceremony, Deaf Bible Study and Fellowship, Carden School on Campus, Children's Church, Awana, Poinsettias, Budget Preparation and Approval, Nursery Ministry, Outstanding Music Ministry, Philipino Ministry, Elderly, Sick and Shut In Ministry, Usher Ministry, Jesus' Birth Celebration, Missionary Speakers, and some others I have missed. And this is only for one month! Some are involved in many ministries, many are involved in some ministries, and most of us are involved in at least one ministry. Every one of us has an opportunity to serve the Lord through a ministry. The new Year brings multiple opportunities for us to get involved. "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord". (Josh. 24:15). Make 2003 the year you fit yourself into a ministry where God is at work. In fact, why don't you join me as I return to adult choir? Grandpa Dick
Busy Week for Deacons! Two of our Deacons are designated as “Deacons of the Week” each Sunday. Go with me as we follow a Deacon through his activities during his designated week.
Sunday: Early morning quiet/prayer time at home. Pray for the congregation and Pastor and for God’s presence as the word is taught and preached today. At Sunday School teach class as a substitute teacher. Take feedback from class about families with needs. Meet with Pastor for prayer in library before am service. Pray for decisions during alter call. Lead offertory prayer. Receive list of first time visitors to contact from ushers. Attend Deacon’s meeting. Attend evening worship service. Help Pastor during alter call. Monday: Morning quiet/prayer time. Pray for visitors that attended services yesterday. Call church office for list of members in hospital and coordinate visitation schedule with Pastor. Make hospital calls as needed. Tuesday: Pray for church staff and others on prayer list. Call church office and assist Pastor as needed. Attend men’s prayer group. Wednesday: Morning quiet/prayer time. Attend evening service. Lead in prayer. Pick up updated prayer list. Handle any benevolence issues. Thursday: After morning prayer, meet with another Deacon to help a church member move. Attend small group meeting at Pastor’s home. Friday: Morning prayer. On call to assist Pastor. Today relatively quiet. Study next Sunday’s Sunday School lesson. Saturday: Morning prayer time: Go to church for work day. Use physical talents as directed by maintenance committee. If baptism tomorrow, fill baptistery and make sure heater is working. Study SS lesson and pray for tomorrow’s services. Any particular week may not require all these activities. Some Deacons may have different duties as situations arise. The important thing is that your Deacons are ready to assist you and the Pastor at any time, in any way. Please join me in prayer for your Deacons as they serve the Lord here at Columbus Street. Grandpa Dick
