May is one of my favorite months, and this May promises to be very special indeed. Not only is the weather usually sublime, the explosion of lush greenery reminds me once again of God’s glorious creation. It is also the month of Mother’s Day, on which I give thanks for my mother, Jean’s mother and Jean as the mother of our children. Moreover, it is a time of transition, as school ends and summer begins. May! What a month!

This May we will experience in worship some extraordinary celebrations of  God’s presence among us. On Sunday, May 6, we will celebrate our Stephen Ministry and commission our new class of eighteen people. We began SM at Covenant in 1990; we are now twenty-two years strong. I rejoice when I think of the people whose lives have been touched in one on one relationships with our Stephen Ministers. In addition, our Bereavement/Grief Ministry (which meets Thursday nights at 6pm) grew out of SM. A special thank you to Peggy Hase, Janet Szofran, Jean Oakley and Mark Looyenga for their leadership. I hope you will join us in encouraging these who have the gift of compassion and have accepted the call to care for others in Jesus’ name.

On Sunday, May 13 (Mother’s Day) we will celebrate God’s gift of Motherhood, recognize our mothers and we will extend a Blessing on the more than 200 dresses and 100 shorts that will be sent to Zambia. Over fifty people have made these clothes. We will pray for the children who will wear these dresses and shorts and give thanks for those who gave generously of their time and energy in making them. This ministry grew out of the hearts of Biddie Royster, Martha Lehmann, Nita Maddox, and Jean Roberts. Join us as we celebrate what God is doing among us. (II Timothy 3:17)

On Sunday, May 20, we will celebrate under the leadership of our High School Seniors. Soon you will get to know them from their Senior Boards which will be set up in the hallway outside our worship center. God has grown and shaped these young people into faithful followers of Jesus Christ. Just think about the churches that will be blessed by their presence and leadership as they move into the wider world. Furthermore, we will celebrate the lives and professions of faith of our Confirmation Group. Under the leadership of Don and Alice Searcy, David and Jennifer Simms, Marian Woerner, Dave Reiss, and many other adult leaders (who have taught classes and mentored confirmands), these young people have participated in this confirmation process since last August. They probably know as much or more about the Christian faith and its history than most of us. I hope you will join us as we surround them in love and affirmation as they profess their faith.

On Sunday, May 27, we will, well, just celebrate God’s gift of Sabbath worship and rest. We will remember those who have sacrificed their lives in order to provide our freedom—something we often take for granted. We will remember their gift to us and consider what that might mean for our lives today.

Worship is the most distinctive thing we Christians do. God provided a seven day rhythm for us to work, rest and worship. Join us as we worship and serve the One and Only—The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is present with us through the Holy Spirit.

Blessed to be a Blessing,

Hal

 

 

 

 

 

Jean and I are overwhelmed with gratitude as we reflect on Shelton and Scott’s Blessing of Marriage.  Last May, we were trying to figure out how to celebrate their upcoming marriage. Should they hold it here at Covenant where Shelton grew up? Or, should they have it in California where they enjoy a close and supportive community? It was a difficult dilemma for Shelton and Scott, and for us as parents. We all had to sort through our hopes and dreams, and our expectations of one another. Fortunately, God gave precious wisdom to Jean and Shelton.

Why not have two celebrations? One in California and one in Huntsville? So we began planning the wedding and the blessing. In late October we celebrated with family, a few friends, and Shelton and Scott’s community in Pasadena. The wedding experience was more than we could have imagined, a very special memory of worship and fellowship.

And then, on to the blessing. First of all, we could not have pulled it off—both financially and logistically- without the help of so many people. One wedding requires a monumental effort. Two weddings (blessing) was more than we could have afforded or handled. Thank you to so many who helped plan and implement the reception, making food and drink, stocking tables, decorating, housing family and friends, hosting meals, and assisting in worship leadership. Thank you to all who joined us with your presence and/or your prayers.

In all honesty, the week prior to the blessing, the thought crossed our mind: did we make a mistake in doing this twice? We felt overwhelmed and we knew so many were working hard to help pull this off. We were struggling to received such gifts of time and effort, all offered in love.

Looking back, we know it was good and right to have had two celebrations. You have been a rich part of our lives. You have helped shape and mold our children in faith; you have mentored us in our marriage relationship. We hold you in highest esteem and now could not imagine not having enjoyed such a celebration as we had a few weeks ago. So many of you have confirmed our decision, telling us how much it meant to you. We wanted it to be a celebration of God’s love for all of us. Thank you for your support and encouragement. We trust and hope that God was glorified and that all were strengthened in fellowship and love.

Once again, we are reminded that we know and serve a great God “who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. To God be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever.” (Ephesians 3:20-21).

Truly Blessed,

Hal and Jean

P.S. We are giving a special gift to Second Mile Development as a tangible expression of our gratitude for your help with the Blessing

 

Don Searcy and I recently attended the Fellowship of Presbyterians (FOP) gathering in Orlando (January 21-22, 2012).  Over 2100 people representing 765 Presbyterian congregations took part in the two-day event.  The conference consisted of enthusiastic worship, plenary speakers, small group conversations around our tables, learning seminars, and informal fellowship and conversation.  Personal highlights for us included time with Rocky Stone (former associated pastor) and Jill Williams (former director of Youth Ministry).

What is the FOP and why does it exist?  The FOP being in January 2011 as a conversation between seven Presbyterian pastors who wanted to find new ways to encourage on another in faith and mission.  They were concerned that the Presbyterian Church USA had become dangerously ill as a denomination as membership has declined every year since 1965.  They shared their desire to gather a community of Presbyterian Churches who want to live within a covenanted biblical community where unity is derived from a shared mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ.

From this small beginning, 2000 people form 900+ Presbyterian congregations gathered in Minneapolis last August.  We sent Earl and Kay Eastin, Bob Barnes, Art Woodling, and myself to that conference.  The FOP’s mission is to build flourishing churches that make disciples of Jesus Christ.  Presently it is functioning as a gathering poin and resource for Presbyterian congregations who desire to stimulate and encourage each other in ministry and mission.  It is NOT a denomination, new or otherwise.  It is an ordered community that includes hundreds of Presbyterian Churches who are focused on making disciples of Jesus Christ, who desire to be stimulated and held accountable in our common mission.

What is or will be Covenant’s relationship with the FOP?  Presently we have no official relationship.  The six Covenant representatives who have attended one of the conferences have discussed our experiences and informally recommended that we, Covenant, remain a part of the Presbyterian Church USA and affiliate with FOP.  We see our affiliation as a resource for helping us explore new ways to make disciples of Jesus Christ.  Our session received their informal recommendation, had an initial conversation, and will pray about whether we affiliate with FOP, using them as an encouraging resource.  We would likely make a decision about this in April or May.  We welcome your feedback.

In addition to the FOP, which is an umbrella organization serving Presbyterian churches, a new denomination has emerged for those who desire to leave the Presbyterian Church USA at this time.  It is called ECO or ECOop (Evangelical Covenant Order of Presbyterians).  Presently several dozen churches are preparing to leave the Presbyterian Church USA to join ECO.  ECO is in its beginning stage and is currently working out its polity and theology.

At this time Covenant’s session is praying for God’s wisdom and strength as we discern how best to go forward.  We are currently considering affiliation with FOP, but have no plans to join ECO.  We plan to hold informational meetings in the near future.

Even as we observe and participate in the FOP, as we walk into the future, we are keeping our eyes on the main thing:

Making disciples of Jesus Christ, who love God, love one another, and serve in the world.

In Christ’s Service,

Hal

This past weekend twenty-two people met in retreat at the Snoddy’s farm (January 13-15). They met for the purpose of training for an important ministry of Covenant: Stephen Ministry. What is Stephen Ministry? It is a compassionate caring ministry through which people care about others. People who have the gift of compassion commit to learning and growing to become better listeners and more effective caregivers. They are assigned one on one with others who might be going through a life crisis. They carefully guard the confidentiality of their conversations, communicate God’s and their genuine love for the person, actively listen and convey acceptance of the person wherever that person may be. Our desire is to be instruments of God’s amazing grace, so that others will experience the gracious love of God.

Stephen Ministry began at Covenant in 1990 and Stephen Ministers have cared for numerous people in ways I as a pastor would never have had time to do. The idea is that God has bestowed spiritual gifts upon all of us and in Stephen Ministry, we help people to develop and grow their gifts of compassionate love. When someone is going through a crisis (death of loved one, illness, divorce, anxiety, loss of job, any stressful time) they can contact Peggy Hase, Janet Szofran, Jean Oakley, Mark or me, and we will match them with one of our Stephen Ministers. Generally, the Stephen Ministers will meet personally with someone on a weekly or biweekly basis. As the relationship matures, they might change to meeting monthly; after a while, they decide they no longer need to meet. Quite often, they become friends and continue to relate in a friendship.

Jesus commanded us to “love one another. As I have loved you, love one another. By this all will know that you are my disciples, IF you love one another.” (capitals mine). (John 13:34-35). The Apostle Paul said we are to “bear one anothers’ burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)

Stephen Ministry is one important way we are trying to follow Jesus. Please pray for our Stephen Ministers and their leaders as they undergo training to serve God more effectively.

Leaders: Janet Szofran, Peggy Hase, Mark Looyenga, and Jean Oakley

Active Stephen Ministers: Susan Pendergrass, Martha Lehmann, Alice Horn, Mary Gray, Frieda Howell, Isabel Blue, Wanda Baumgartner, Grace Dailey, Betty Collins, Betty Hopper, Ted Lehmann, Larry Lawson, Don Searcy

Stephen Minister Trainees:  Liza Avery, Susan Bailey, Deborah Bailey, Vicki Cape, Fran Gibbons, Ashley Huttula, Suzanne Lai, Phil Maddox, Nita Maddox, Bonnie Moore, Bryan Stone, Debbie Stone, Esther Thornton, Beth Vest, Peggy Walker, Liz Zeman

To God Be The Glory

Hal

As I write, Thanksgiving is approaching; Advent, Christmas and the New Year are waiting in line just behind it. Life moves at a steady pace, reminding us how precious is each moment. Beginning our twenty-sixth year in Covenant, we are counting our blessings.

We would like to thank you for your heartfelt prayers and support of our family in the context of Shelton and Scott’s wedding. That evening as we were celebrating their union among their friends in California, we wished we could have stopped time, pushed the pause button. We realized that life doesn’t work that way; at the same time, we remembered that we get to do it all over again on March 10, the blessing of their marriage among our Covenant community. How thrilled we are! And thankful, too, for the many who will be helping with the event.

To prepare our hearts for the celebration of Jesus’ birth, we are practicing gratitude. Thank you for loving our family during these past twenty-five years. We well remember the first, and most important, item on my job description: to nurture our relationship with God, and to nurture our family. With your blessing and encouragement, we have tried to do that. Our marriage has benefitted from your love, and our children have been blessed to see numerous examples of faithful obedience to Jesus Christ in you. Thank you for making clear to all of us the importance and value of growing as Christ’s disciples.

Thank you for serving alongside us and joining us in mission. You have been and continue to be delightful witnesses to our Lord and Savior. We have been strengthened in our faith by your dedicated service. You have inspired us to worship as you served in our choirs, praise and tech teams. You have taught our children about the love of God in Jesus Christ, and you have helped them experience His love. You have rubbed elbows with them in youth events and helped them see what a disciple looks like. Thank you.

Thank you for allowing us to serve together. You have cared for us as a couple and accepted our ministry. We enjoy being and serving together and you have supported our efforts. In so doing, you have strengthened our marriage. We hope our team-oriented ministry has helped you grow as well.

Thank you for accepting a young, inexperienced pastor (I had just turned 34 years of age when we arrived.), exercising patience with my many flaws, and for those moments of encouragement, counsel and love that you gave to me. I can remember moments of discouragement when some of you came alongside me and gave me a word of encouragement that lifted me and gave me the strength to go another day. You have given me grace when I needed it and your commitment to Christ has challenged me to resist mediocrity, and strive for excellence. Thank you for loving and growing us well. You stand as a shining example of a church that loves and grows its leaders well. We believe this is the kind of church Jesus envisions.

Thank you for being a church that offers gracious love to each other and to those outside our fellowship. In moments of failure and weakness, you have extended the gracious love of Jesus Christ to those who are hurting. In doing so, you confirmed for us that Jesus is alive within and among us. You have championed our efforts to move beyond our walls into our community and world. Thank you. You have favored opening doors to everyone who has come to live and serve among us. In your grace, you remind us of Jesus, who surprised many religious leaders when he accepted Zacchaeus, the Samaritan woman at the well, and many others who were different and often outcast. Once again, you remind us of our heavenly Father, who crawled over every barrier in Jesus to love us, even when we were not (or are not) easy to love. Thank you.

As we walk through this Advent journey, we will not be thinking of the gifts we will receive on Christmas Day. Rather, we will be keeping our eyes on the gifts we have already received.

“O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.”

Sing with us one of our favorite hymns: “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.”

 Come, thou Fount of every blessing, Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;

Streams of mercy, never ceasing, Call for songs of loudest praise.

Teach me some melodious sonnet, Sung by flaming tongues above;

Praise His name-I’m fixed upon it-Name of God’s redeeming love.

Hither to Thy love has blest me; Thou hast brought me to this place;

And I know Thy hand will bring me Safely home by Thy good grace.

Jesus sought me when a stranger, Wandering from the fold of God;

He, to rescue me from danger, Bought me with His precious blood.

O to grace how great a debtor Daily I’m constrained to be!

Let Thy goodness, like a fetter, Bind my wandering heart to Thee:

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love;

Here’s my heart, O take and seal it; Seal it for Thy courts above.

Have a Blessed Thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas,

 

Hal and Jean

Nathan, Chantel, Peyton, Brooks and McClain

Hayden, Jennifer, Camden and McCoy

Scott and Shelton

 

 

In Plato’s Dialogues, Socrates says, “The unexamined life is not worth living.”  What do you think this means?  Is it a valid statement?  As we approach the end of 2011, this is a good opportunity to reflect upon life, our lives as followers of Christ, and our life together as the Church of Jesus Christ.

 

What is life worth?  How do we value life itself?  Are we taking life for granted?  Or, do we understand and accept life as a gift of God?

 

What am I doing with this life God has given me?  Is it my life to live as only I desire?  Is my life positively impacting the lives of those around me?  In what ways?  Are there things I would like to change?  Is my life glorifying God?  Do others see Christ alive in me?  What will be my greatest legacy?  What do I want my legacy to be?

 

How have I experienced God in my life at Covenant?  Where or in what ways do I see God at work?  What part am I playing in help to grow disciples of Jesus Christ who love God, love others, and serve in the world?  How am I growing in faithfulness to the Lord Jesus Christ?  How does my relationship with God impact my other relationships?  My marriage?  My family?  My friends?  My co-workers?

 

How are we, Covenant, making a positive impact on our community?  Our world?  What difference does it make that we welcome groups like AA, Al-Anon, Al-A-Teen into God’s facility?  What do we communicate to those whom we welcome into this building?  If we were to close Covenant, board up the windows and go away, what would our community think? Would they miss us?  Would they even notice?

 

As you approach the end of 2011, I encourage you to take time to reflect, to examine your life.

 

1. What are you doing to grow disciples of Jesus Christ in your family/home?  Within Covenant’s community? Outside Covenant?

2. What passions, skills, talents, time might you offer to God for building his kingdom?

3. How can I walk more closely with God?  As a husband or wife?  As a father or mother or grandparent?

4. What will I give financially to the building of God’s kingdom?  What will I give toward Covenant’s 2012 Ministry Budget?  Covenant’s Building Fund?

 

Karl Pelachuk, in his book, Relax, Focus, Succeed, suggests that people who “examine their lives, who think about where they’ve been, how they got there, and where they’re going, are much happier people.”

 

Join me in some reflection, some self-examination.  For me, this is a pathway to a grateful and generous life.

 

To the Glory of God,

 Hal

 

Our culture is changing.  One of the changes we are seeing, according to a recent Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life Survey, is that the number of adults who claim no religious affiliation is growing.  In 2000, approximately 8% of Americans claimed no religious affiliation.  In comparison, today 16.1% claim no religious affiliation.

Another change we see is that most people have no qualms about moving from one church to another, e.g., one denomination to another, or one religion to another.

Some of the highlights of this study are as follows:

78.4% claim to be Christian

51.3% claim to be Protestant Christian

23.9% claim to be Catholic Christian

1.9% claim Judaism

0.7% claim Buddhism

0.6% claim Islam

What are the implications for us, the Church of Jesus Christ – or, the Christians?  These are options:

1. We can become anxious and fearful, turn our backs upon those different from us, put our heads in the sand, and keep doing church the way we always have done it.  Many, if not most, Christian churches appear to be following this path.  In my opinion, if we continue this direction, we will not grow and we will continue to lose our joy in Christ.
2. We can grieve some of the changes in healthy ways, but then see in this emerging culture opportunities to extend God’s kingdom.  We can embrace opportunities to change the way we do church.  (Not the theological and biblical foundations).  What adaptive changes might we make?
   1. Renew our dedication to model and teach the gracious love of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.  This would transform bad and mediocre marriages into good ones, and serve as winsome examples to our children.
   2. Renew our dedication to reach our children for Jesus Christ, loving them into faithful discipleship.
   3. Choose to see the world, and all the diverse people groups in it as God see it/them.  Remember John 3:16 teaches that “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son.”  Rather than become anxious, fearful, and disrespectful toward those who are different from us, why not choose to love them?  More than that, we could find ways to show them the love of God.
   4.  See the Church as a lighthouse for lost people, not just a protective haven for Christians.  Sometimes we act like the Church is an exclusive club.  Rather, we could keep one eye on the lookout for those in our families and community who do not know or follow God.  We could love them into Christ’s Church.
   5. As a community of faith, we could look for opportunities to reach our neighbors in the name of Christ.

One of the findings of this Pew survey was that a substantial number of people (4% of overall adult population) say that as children they were unaffiliated with any particular religion but have since come to identify with a religious group.  This means that more than half of people who were unaffiliated with a particular religious group as a child now say they are associated with a religious group.  What might this mean for us?

It’s a good idea to be on the lookout and invite people to church, and/or engage in a spiritual conversation.

Our American culture is changing.  As a result of these changes God is laying before us opportunities.  What we do with these opportunities will affect our families, our children, our neighbors, our communities, our country, and ultimately, the world.

Will we be found faithful followers of Jesus Christ?

To God’s Glory,

Hal