"It's TIME!"
I am so excited! This is one of my favorite times of the year. Friday Night Lights! (Congratulations Fairview Yellow Jackets on your big win last night.) Then on Saturday, for years we would hear the "Voice of the Vols", John Ward, announce that "It's Football Time In Tennessee!" (I still get chills of excitement when I hear recordings of his announcement of this " special coming of Fall event".) There is a really good chance that you are thinking that I am nuts! Especially for those of you who may have not grown up in the South. For you see, Fall (even though it's over 100 degrees) means football. And football is more than just a game, again especially in the south, it is almost a way of life - definitely an obsession. But it is not the game. It is so much more. It is the getting together with like minded folks, even giving each other the freedom to be goofy, for a little bit. Tailgating and enjoying food and fellowship. Then the pageantry of the event. For our team, the Vols, it is the tradition of the goose stepping drum major going through the Pride of the Southland Band. And of the making of the "Power T" in Neyland Stadium and the players and coaches running through it being led by the Flags, the "Davy Crockett" Volunteer, the Cheerleaders, and Smoky, the Blue Tick Hound mascot, all while the band plays Rocky Top. Yes, it's a game, but more than that...it's an Event. It's Time!
Last week I asked you about your Passion? Wouldn't it be awesome if every time we gathered together as a Church Family we felt the same excitement, fervor, and joy. The writer of Hebrews reminds us:
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." Hebrews 10:23-25 (ESV).
"He", our Heavenly Father is faithful to His promises, and because of that we have the ultimate in Hope, Love, LIFE, and Joy! So as the Hebrew author reminds us, let us "stir up" one another to love and to do good. And get together - regularly. To fellowship, Worship, and Do Good. Being Doers of the Word and not just folks who hear and do nothing. I love our Church Family - and any one who talks to me knows that. We have so many "Doers". Several are listed above, but there are even more who are constantly serving behind the scenes. Thank you Family for being you! And for our Family members or guests that we haven't seen in a while - please know " You ARE missed! And you ARE wanted!"
This Thursday, Matt Blount, will be heading to Uganda for a first hand visit of the Ministry that he helped start and that we as a Church support. Let's keep Matt and his Team in our prayers. We pray for a transformational, exciting experience as this Team shows and receive the love of Christ. We look forward to hearing all about what is happening with the Jesus Prince of Peace Ministries.
Also, this Wednesday night, Michael Card will begin a study on the oldest book of the Bible, Job. This is going to be a great study on the life of one of the true Old Testament heroes who gives us all hope - even in the most difficult situations. This study is at 6:30 in the Worship Center. All are invited.
And, in just a few weeks, on Saturday, September 28, it will be time for our Annual Celebration of Music In the Vale. We will need everyone's help to make this special event, a thank you to our community, the best it can be. There is a place for everyone: donations, cooks, desserts, food, drink, greeting, set up, clean up, music, and more. Remember - you are needed!
Also,Bobby Nesser is continuing to take pictures of our Family and Friends. He will be taking pictures for the next two Sundays. If you still need to get yours made, please head to the Grace Center immediately following Worship for a quick picture.
On a personal note, our own "BAT - Born Again Tennessean", Patti Morena, is participating in the "Bike to Jack and Back" Fundraiser for MS. This awesome event is a two day bike ride, of 45 and 75 miles. It will culminate in Lynchburg, the home of Jack Daniels. Patti and I know several who have or had MS, and are personally supporting and thanking Patti for allowing us to do so. Just another example of how our FCC Family continues to be difference makers making a positive impact in our world!
(Here is the link for the ride if you want more information: 30th Annual MS Bike to Jack and Back. https://events.nationalmssociety.org/participant/474670)
I am so excited about what God is doing at FCC. There is a lot happening. As the writer of Hebrews reminds us..."It's time!" Time to rejoice. Time to worship. Time to love and share. Time for us to meet and gather. And time for each of us to be involved! I hope you will join us Sunday. It's Time! And, Always Remember...
You ARE Loved!
Pastor Lonnie
"More in '24"
(You can reach Pastor Lonnie by calling or text 615-496-2502 or send an email to lonniecastle@gmail.com)