Enduring Grace and Mercy
07/12/11 14:11
On Tuesday December 6, Ronda and I picked up her parents (Claude & Corene Spilman) for an appointment with a cardiologist. The cardiologist updated us on the results from Claude’s lab tests.
The initial report from the family doctor was that Claude’s heart muscle is deteriorating and only functioning at about fifteen percent of its capacity. Our first response to this news was denial and after a week of information it continues to be denial. This is because Claude Spilman is the most disciplined person we know. He eats the right food at the right time in the right amounts. He takes all kinds of vitamins and supplements and he exercises regularly. The consensus among us is that we would be less in denial if it was anyone else in the family with this diagnosis.
Like all families, we have to face bad news. It is at these times the light of Christmas reality seems to shine with greater brightness. While we were coming home from the cardiologist, we received a call from John Wiebe with the news that our precious Aunt Violet Wiebe passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are certainly with this wonderful family. The viewing will be at Greenlawn North on Friday, December 9 from 6:00-8:00 PM and the funeral service will be held the next morning at 10:00 am at Brighton Assembly. It is because of the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ that we face our hardships with the assurance that God is faithful and rich in mercy and grace.
The light of Christmas reality will be shining here at Brighton over the next two weeks. On December 11, during both morning services there will be a wonderful variety of voices, instruments, and drama presenting one message about the majesty and wonder of Christmas. On December 18, during both morning services the children will be presenting, “It All Happened in the Country.”
I’ll see you there.
With Love,
Pastor Jim
p.s. Don’t forget that the first person who finds a spelling or grammatical error in this blog will receive a complimentary specialty drink from Coffee on The Boulevard.
The initial report from the family doctor was that Claude’s heart muscle is deteriorating and only functioning at about fifteen percent of its capacity. Our first response to this news was denial and after a week of information it continues to be denial. This is because Claude Spilman is the most disciplined person we know. He eats the right food at the right time in the right amounts. He takes all kinds of vitamins and supplements and he exercises regularly. The consensus among us is that we would be less in denial if it was anyone else in the family with this diagnosis.
Like all families, we have to face bad news. It is at these times the light of Christmas reality seems to shine with greater brightness. While we were coming home from the cardiologist, we received a call from John Wiebe with the news that our precious Aunt Violet Wiebe passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are certainly with this wonderful family. The viewing will be at Greenlawn North on Friday, December 9 from 6:00-8:00 PM and the funeral service will be held the next morning at 10:00 am at Brighton Assembly. It is because of the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ that we face our hardships with the assurance that God is faithful and rich in mercy and grace.
The light of Christmas reality will be shining here at Brighton over the next two weeks. On December 11, during both morning services there will be a wonderful variety of voices, instruments, and drama presenting one message about the majesty and wonder of Christmas. On December 18, during both morning services the children will be presenting, “It All Happened in the Country.”
I’ll see you there.
With Love,
Pastor Jim
p.s. Don’t forget that the first person who finds a spelling or grammatical error in this blog will receive a complimentary specialty drink from Coffee on The Boulevard.
Giving Thanks
23/11/11 10:52
At our church family thanksgiving dinner last Sunday, I discovered a whole new definition of stepping up to the plate. I have to admit that I first stepped up to the plate that held the amazing desserts provided by our church people. Then I stepped up to the plate that held the tasteful handiwork of Ethel Fisher and Betty Skidmore including turkey, dressing, gravy, and real mashed potatoes. Finally I completed my meal with corn casserole, salads of all kinds, and a dinner roll. We all had the joy of stepping up to the plate and sharing in one of the most organized and best tasting meals that I have ever been involved in.
The reason we all had such a good experience at our church family gathering is that many people stepped up to the plate in the traditional definition. Ethel and Betty with preparation, Ann Floyd and Mary Hitchcock with set up and clean up. So many helped in so many areas that space would not allow me to elaborate. I am thankful to be part of the community of Brighton Assembly.
The report on my hunting escapades for 2011 is as follows:
I killed a buck and a doe this year. I asked Pastor Mark if I should begin a picture album of my hunting prowess and he suggested that I wait a year or two.
I am looking forward to seeing you this Sunday as we continue to be thankful to God for his unspeakable gift.
Remember the first one to find a grammatical or spelling error in this blog will be treated to one of Joy Clapper’s famous drinks at Coffee on the Boulevard.
Giving Thanks,
Pastor Jim
The reason we all had such a good experience at our church family gathering is that many people stepped up to the plate in the traditional definition. Ethel and Betty with preparation, Ann Floyd and Mary Hitchcock with set up and clean up. So many helped in so many areas that space would not allow me to elaborate. I am thankful to be part of the community of Brighton Assembly.
The report on my hunting escapades for 2011 is as follows:
I killed a buck and a doe this year. I asked Pastor Mark if I should begin a picture album of my hunting prowess and he suggested that I wait a year or two.
I am looking forward to seeing you this Sunday as we continue to be thankful to God for his unspeakable gift.
Remember the first one to find a grammatical or spelling error in this blog will be treated to one of Joy Clapper’s famous drinks at Coffee on the Boulevard.
Giving Thanks,
Pastor Jim
Coffee Talk (Smoothie)
10/11/11 10:52
I just finished the first ever peach mango smoothie from Coffee on the Boulevard. I think it was the best smoothie I have ever enjoyed! Thanks Joy and all of your team for insuring that the beginning of our coffee house, “Coffee on the Boulevard” runs SMOOTHLY!!!
Remember the first person to find a grammatical or spelling error in this blog will be entitled to one of Joy’s famous drinks, which now includes our fruit smoothies.
We enjoyed having Rhonda’s sister and husband visit with us last week. They were in church on Sunday and really enjoyed the service. They were impressed with the people who call Brighton Assembly home.
Also visiting last Sunday, were Pastor and Mrs. Goins from Jefferson, Texas. Their church in Jefferson recently purchased ten acres of property. They will soon begin a building program. Gil and Susie Thurman attended this church in Jefferson when they lived there, before coming HOME to Missouri. We pray that God will bless this amazing church and their amazing pastors.
We are looking forward to our missions trip to Wentworth, MO this coming Sunday evening. We are honored to participate with Convoy of Hope, Rural Compassion and the local church in Wentworth to bring a little relief to this forgotten area. This small town suffered severe damage from the tornado in May. We will help serve a Thanksgiving Dinner and pass out over 300 food baskets. This seems like something Jesus would be pleased with and pleasing Jesus is my greatest aspiration. This outreach will be our evening service so we will not have a Sunday Evening service in Brighton this week.
Thank for reading this blog. I will see you Sunday with Bible in hand and anticipation in my heart.
Love,
Pastor Jim
Remember the first person to find a grammatical or spelling error in this blog will be entitled to one of Joy’s famous drinks, which now includes our fruit smoothies.
We enjoyed having Rhonda’s sister and husband visit with us last week. They were in church on Sunday and really enjoyed the service. They were impressed with the people who call Brighton Assembly home.
Also visiting last Sunday, were Pastor and Mrs. Goins from Jefferson, Texas. Their church in Jefferson recently purchased ten acres of property. They will soon begin a building program. Gil and Susie Thurman attended this church in Jefferson when they lived there, before coming HOME to Missouri. We pray that God will bless this amazing church and their amazing pastors.
We are looking forward to our missions trip to Wentworth, MO this coming Sunday evening. We are honored to participate with Convoy of Hope, Rural Compassion and the local church in Wentworth to bring a little relief to this forgotten area. This small town suffered severe damage from the tornado in May. We will help serve a Thanksgiving Dinner and pass out over 300 food baskets. This seems like something Jesus would be pleased with and pleasing Jesus is my greatest aspiration. This outreach will be our evening service so we will not have a Sunday Evening service in Brighton this week.
Thank for reading this blog. I will see you Sunday with Bible in hand and anticipation in my heart.
Love,
Pastor Jim
Thankful
04/11/11 12:00
Thankful
I am sorry to be a little late posting my blog. I have truly been running around like a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs. In the hustle and bustle of what is my life, I had an interesting revelation this past week. I was in Branson following a car from out of state that was going too slow and looked to be weaving on the road. When I finally was able to get around the car, I noticed that the person in the passenger seat was excitedly taking picture of the area we were driving through. I realized that I was in Branson, Missouri, the center of family value fun and one of the most beautiful places on earth. The little delay gave me pause to reflect on how thankful I am to live where I live. Within 30 minutes of my home; I can go to an opera at Juanita K. Hammons Hall, go deer hunting in a tree stand (erected by Mark Cross), enjoy fishing at Stockton Lake, shopping at the Landing in Branson and on and on. The revelation I got was, on this the first week of Thanksgiving month, I am thankful for where I live and the people that live around me.
I am thankful for you and that you took time to read this blog. I will see you Sunday.
Once again, if you are the first to find a grammatical or spelling error in this blog, I will buy you one of Joy Clapper’s famous drinks at Coffee on the Boulevard. Last week’s winner was Katie Miller.
Thankfully,
Pastor Jim
I am sorry to be a little late posting my blog. I have truly been running around like a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs. In the hustle and bustle of what is my life, I had an interesting revelation this past week. I was in Branson following a car from out of state that was going too slow and looked to be weaving on the road. When I finally was able to get around the car, I noticed that the person in the passenger seat was excitedly taking picture of the area we were driving through. I realized that I was in Branson, Missouri, the center of family value fun and one of the most beautiful places on earth. The little delay gave me pause to reflect on how thankful I am to live where I live. Within 30 minutes of my home; I can go to an opera at Juanita K. Hammons Hall, go deer hunting in a tree stand (erected by Mark Cross), enjoy fishing at Stockton Lake, shopping at the Landing in Branson and on and on. The revelation I got was, on this the first week of Thanksgiving month, I am thankful for where I live and the people that live around me.
I am thankful for you and that you took time to read this blog. I will see you Sunday.
Once again, if you are the first to find a grammatical or spelling error in this blog, I will buy you one of Joy Clapper’s famous drinks at Coffee on the Boulevard. Last week’s winner was Katie Miller.
Thankfully,
Pastor Jim
Churches Working Together
28/10/11 11:29
Yesterday Rhonda and I were privileged to sit at a pastor appreciation banquet sponsored by three Christian radio stations in Springfield area; Bott Radio Network, KWFC and The Wind FM. Seated around us were pastors representing many different denominations I left that meeting full from a wonderful meal, especially the dessert, and motivated by an outstanding message by Dr. Charles Lowry. I was encouraged by the spirit of cooperation in the room.
As I reflect on that luncheon today, the lasting sentiment I have taken from that meeting, is that it is necessary not optional for us to work together with other Evangelical groups who want to insure that the message of the love of Jesus is communicated to our lost world before He returns.
I hope you can imagine the joy I feel this morning as I look over our church usage information and find that just last Sunday Sonrise Community church in Pleasant Hope used our baptistry for new converts. I also notice that Eudora Baptist Church Men’s group used our Fellowship Hall for their Men’s meeting last Tuesday. These churches are our partners and we are honored to work in the harvest field with them. Also our Good News Bible Club at Willard East and Truman Elementary are supported by several churches in those areas. If I look back during the last year on our church calendar I see many different instances where we have worked with, communicated with and had fellowship with other churches in our area.
On another note in our area, last Friday, I had the opportunity to attend the State Semi Final Softball Game which was won by our Pleasant Hope Lady Pirates. They lost in the championship game taking home the Second Place State Trophy, but they are certainly first place in our hearts.
If you find some grammatical or spelling error in my blog and you are the first to report it, I will buy you a specialty drink in our newly opened “Coffee on the Boulevard” coffee house. There is a chance that I will make a mistake on purpose so that someone will be able to sample one of Ms. Joy Clapper’s wonderful concoctions.
Good bye for now, we will visit again next week. In the meantime, I hope to see you Sunday with Bible in hand and God in your heart.
Thanks for your prayers,
Pastor Jim.