2008-11-04T15:29:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, November 04, 2008

This Sunday I will be formally installed as senior pastor at Immanuel. I'm really excited about this installation and hope that the Church sees this not so much as a celebration of an individual but as a celebration of all that God does and continues to do in our community. I am not one to enjoy the spotlight even though I stand in front of hundreds of people each weekend. I would much rather sit in the back and clap and enjoy other people's day. But it's a small price to pay to be a pastor.

And now I'll be able to blog regularly. At least that's my intention. I've been hesitant in the past because serving as an interim gave me a feeling that it would be inappropriate to do much blogging and share what was on my mind. I didn't want to influence the call process at all or do anything that just would seem to question my integrity.

Integrity is very important to me. The last thing this church needs is a leader who is less than honest and upright in all his dealings. We still have some healing to do with the church. This healing will take place if everyone can continue to grow in faith, seek resolution from God for any difficulty, and continue to put the past in the past. That sounds so easy to do but for some of us, the pain one experiences dates back many years. We all get into a habit of living with what we are comfortable even if it's not healthy. We all form and bad habits over time. Sometimes those habits include living with bad experiences. Even though memories from the past can be difficult and influence us in the present, sometimes we become comfortable even with bad memories and don’t make much of an effort to change.

On another topic, we are beginning an intentional process of cleanup around the church. We're taking a look at the office area and setting aside some time to reorganize, toss out, decide what's important, and just make things look a little a bit better. We have some other areas of the church that need some attention and we’re going to be asking for some volunteers to help us when we organize and clean up some of these areas. First impressions are so important and sometimes a church can get in the habit of just accumulating lots of stuff. I think if we do not use something for the last 15 years or so it can probably be tossed out.

So that's my ramblings for the moment. If there's something you would like me to talk about just let me know. Blogs are supposed to be just what's around my mind at the moment so that's what you get -- -- unedited, unscripted, and perhaps a little unprofessional at times.

Blessings to all of you

pastor

Number One

2008-07-15T10:25:00.000-07:00

July 14, 2008

Monday’s are typically difficult days for many people as they begin their work week. For me it is a little different because I have “worked” all day Saturday and Sunday so Monday has become just another day of the work week. However in the future that will change because beginning next week I will schedule Monday as my day away from the office, technically a “Day Off”. Maybe Tuesday will become my Monday …

Worship on the weekend was tremendous in spite of my shortcomings. The music at Immanuel is always well preformed and includes an amply variety for many personal preferences. Lately musicians have literally been appearing unscheduled before the worship to volunteer their time and expertise. Not only do they practice and coordinate their contributions with the other musicians but they can even adapt to changes in their planned repertoire to emphasize a point in the sermon.

Our worship prayer leaders serve as Christian models for others in the congregation. While many people may hesitate to publically pray especially during a worship service, those who lead prayers at Immanuel work through any stage fright or nervousness and effectively bring the concerns of the community to God.

Looking forward to next weekend ---- preaching at Immanuel is very special and as physically tired as I become on Sunday afternoon, I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to lead worship very soon.

Pastor Tom's Blog

Number One