Positivity

I sing because I'm happy;
I sing because I'm free.
His eye is on the sparrow.
And I know He's watching me.

Well, our State finally passed a budget and sent it to the Gov to sign. That's good and that's not so good.

It's good because the $$$ will finally get to the social service agencies that need them to take care of the less fortunate among us.

It's not so good because it means my Son will lose his job. The state legislature is robbing Peter to pay Paul by taking the money it needs from designated funds.

I'm sad, but my Son is OK. He keeps reminding me that when he and Daughter-in-Love got married, they were both jobless and homeless. God opened the doors then and Son is sure God will open other doors now.

This is the child who prayed for a blue jean jacket with a leather collar when he was six years old. We were in seminary at the time, blue jean jackets were all the rage and we couldn't afford one - even at the Goodwill.

But God heard his prayer and provided a blue jean jacket with a leather collar. It was a little big, having been bought "on sale" at Sears by an classmate acquaintence for her grandson. It was too small for her grandchild and she couldn't take it back, so she asked me if my son could wear it.

He could and he did - for two more years.

It's in my closet, hanging there to remind me that God does indeed answer prayer. Maybe I need to go pull it out and put it where I can see it and remember His eye is on the sparrow and He watches over my Son.

All Coming Together

It starting to all come together!

CATC's Leadership "Dream Team" has been set up! Church Council Chair will be a retired CEO. LayLeader has already proven to be a good leader. PPRC Chair is an awesome people person. And Treasurer just rocks. He can find money from just about anywhere! These folks are such an asset to my ministry and CATC's ministry!

Our Early Church Summer Experiment is now become a permament part of the schedule. In fact, we've grown out of our Sunday School Room into an unused room with dividers. Between the two services, we have a lot of folks in worship! Praise God!

Started a coffee time between early service and Sunday School. Usually carries over after second service.

Pastor's Partners in Prayer have a blooming and blessed prayer ministry with a healing service after second worship the first Sunday of the month and a Service of Evening Prayer and Praise the last Sunday of the month.

Every Member in Ministry starts this month. Women's Bible Study Group starts next week. Giving is up and we're seeing new faces.

Praise be to God!

Not a Good Thing

Do NOT use this business! They have a POOR track record of charging your credit card and NOT delivering the merchandise!!!!!


Name:
Songs and Creations, Inc.
Phone:
(415) 457-6610
Address:
18 Mariposa Ave
San Anselmo, CA 94960-2809

It's been really frustrating!

Busy

Wow! I can't believe it's been so long since I've blogged! What can I say - I've been really busy.

The Committee on Lay Ministry and I are trying to get the church's Leadership Team in place. If folks agree to serve, it should be a strong team. Once it gets in place, we'll be studying Five Faithful Practices of Fruitful Congregations by Bishop Schnase. I'm excited!

I'm in the middle of a six wedding stretch. I'll be glad when they're over!

I'm now the District's NCD co-ordinator. Since the Conference has mandated that all churches be involved in NCD or some other self-assessment by 2011, it's getting a bit busy. Not enough coaches.

CATC has started an early, non-traditional worship service. It's been well-received and well-attended. The second service is traditional - and well-received and well-attended. We have a fellowship time between first service and Sunday School and after second Worship. Lots of good comments!

I've also started a new adult Sunday School class. It's going well too!

Vacation in a week! Can't wait!

Incollegiality

Annual Conference starts tomorrow. I've been trying to tie up loose end and for every one I get tied, it seems three more come loose. Asi es la vida.

I had better not see Previous Pastor at AC. Found out last night that he is doing the baptism after all - not in worship, but at a local park outside Small Town.

I've been told over and over again that he's a maverick - anti-Discipline and anti-Conference. But this is just plain rude.

On a practical note - do we record it in our records? He's not acting on behalf of Church Around the Corner.

I hate rewarding bad behavior.

Updates from Chez Grace

I rescued a little gray kitten from the storm water drain in front of the church. She's about 8 weeks old. Hubby and I adopted her. Her name is Jael and she's a real cutie. It's been four years since we've had a kitten. Her big brothers are getting terrorized by her.

It's summer. Both of our Bible Studies have ended until fall. That clears the way for more visiting and new projects.

This Sunday starts our new early Non-Traditional Worship. I've found a 17 year old guitar player who'll work for cheap, along with some canned music. I must confess, I'm a little nervous about the whole thing. It's not a praise band - but hey - "Where two or three are gathered ...".

In between early worship and Sunday School, we'll have a fellowship time. That will provide a fellowship time for the two worshipping congregations ... sorta.

I'm also starting a new Sunday School Class for young and middle age adults. The "Bible for Dummies" is the textbook.

The Partners in Prayer Group are starting a Prayer Ministry. The first Sunday of the month, if you would like to be anointed and prayed over, all you have to do is make your way up to the chancel rail after church. This group has been such a blessing!

Today is self-care day ... I get my nails done and a deep tissue massage. Yeah!

A Word

Facebook.

It's the bane of blogging.