July 29, 2010

SENIOR PASTOR'S NOTE

Five Smooth Stones of Ministry

Each week, I am usually in the middle of reading two to three books at a time.  One book is for fun, probably a novel, autobiography or a work of history or politics.  The value of such works are minimal except that they entertain and keep my mind off of other things.

I also spend a great deal of time with books devoted to deepening your personal spiritual walk.  I love authors such as Brennan Manning, Dallas Willard, John Ortberg, Frances Chan and N.T. Wright.

But, invariably, I am always reading at least one book about leadership and about developing a 21st century church using a 1st Century Model.  And, each week, I make a list of sayings, phrases or comments that impress, challenge, confound or push me and, I hope, will push the church.

Over the past couple of weeks, I have marked three "sayings" or "principles" that not only caught my eye but pricked my soul, both as a leader in the church at large but also for GBUMC in particular.

Here are these principles…read more...

OTHER STUFF...
Click here for more details...

NEW programs for youth begin August 1st at Fairpoint Campus
“Crosswalk Services and Gatherings on Sundays”...

Pirates overtook the Fairpoint Campus this week....

The Prayer Shawl Ministry welcomes all who like to knit or crochet, or would like to learn how. ...

Travel to the Holy Land in February of next year...

Total attendance in worship on Sunday, July 25 was 2,311 .

COMING UP…

What’s for Dinner?     

We’ll be serving up a delicious dinner on Wednesday, August 4, 5:00-6:00 pm at  the Fairpoint Campus. Bring your appetite and a friend then plan to stay afterward for The Table service in the Chapel at 6:00 pm.

Naomi’s Table (a support group for widows of any age)         

Join with others who know your pain on August 8 at the Fairpoint Campus at 5:00 pm for a great dinner served with hope, support and encouragement.   Call Gail at 932-3594 for more information.

Senior Adults’ Luncheon       

The Sharing and Caring luncheon will be held on Monday, August 9 at 11:00 am in the Fellowship Hall of the Fairpoint campus.  The cost is only $4.00 and no reservation is needed to enjoy the program provided this month by Holly Shelton.  Organ music by Maxine Gray will entertain you as you dine on roast pork, rice and gravy, broccoli casserole and chocolate cake.

THE SUMMIT is August 5-6.   

The 2010 Leadership Summit is fast approaching with its outstanding line up of speakers, who are not just tops in their fields; but “revolutionary” in their thinking, skills and accomplishments.  From the “old standards” of Bill Hybels and Andy Stanley (two of the country’s most innovative pastors) to business legends Jack Welch (General Electric) and Terri Kelly (Gore Company) to innovators and motivators Tony Dungy (NFL Coach and Author) and Jim Collins (Author, Good to Great), this year’s Summit is beyond anything we have experienced in the past.  Download  a copy of THE SUMMIT schedule.

Children (ages 3 and up) can go to the Fun-Plex for only $15 a day from 7:15am-6:00 pm for parents attending THE SUMMIT.  They have asked that anyone interested call 932-2297 and put their name on a list, just for a head count, though it is not necessary you may just show up on Thursday or Friday of the Summit.  All those participating will need to complete a class registration form and a student participation waiver.  They can be completed in advance or whenever you arrive.  The forms can be downloaded at gulfbreezefunplex.com. 

LEND A HAND...

Volunteers for CRAM THE VAN

United Way of Santa Rosa County is looking for volunteers on THURSDAY, AUGUST 5,  to help collect school supplies & monetary donations to be used to purchase school supplies for children in need. Children ages 10 & up, teens, adults and large groups of volunteers are needed to hold signs, hand out flyers, collect school supplies & donations, take inventory of supplies collected and help load the van.

THANK YOU...

Thanks to all of you who volunteered to be one of the “Good Neighbors” on Pensacola Beach, in Pensacola and all the way down Highway 98 to Navarre. If you have already been contacted by a member of the Good Neighbor Network, thanks for your cooperation and if you have not, the Good Neighbor network will be contacting YOU soon! Your Good Neighbor is a resident of your neighborhood who has volunteered to contact every church attendee in their area in the event of a storm or disaster. They will be sharing information about preparation for natural disasters and determining if you should have any evacuation special needs. Our church reaches far and wide and it’s through the good work of our good neighbors we are able to reach out to everyone.

Thanks to GBUMC for supporting the University of Mobile this year.  Your friendship, loyalty and generosity is deeply appreciated.
From “the Voices of Mobile”