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Standing on Their Shoulders |
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Location: Blogs Brad's BlogMid-Week Missive |
 | | Posted by: Brad Miller | 7/15/2010 3:02 PM | Greetings!
Yesterday we began the “Visioning” Process for BCC. We held the first of our five scheduled “cluster meetings” aimed at getting the input of the friends and members of BCC as to what they need from the church, what we are doing well and how we can move into the future serving God’s will and God’s people. It’s the kind of exercise that is necessary every once in a while, especially in the midst of changing times. Since I first arrived at BCC almost 9 years ago, we are a different church. Children have grown into young adults; some parents are now empty nesters; new members have joined; new babies have come along. The last year or so have brought added change, and not of the welcome variety. The changing economic situation has impacted us all, and that leads to new stresses and strains. So, now is a good time to take stock, to ask questions, to make plans for the future. And so, we are gathering in various groupings to do just that. Over the course of the next two weeks, you are invited and encouraged to participate in this process. The attached flier gives the date and time of the upcoming meetings and you will be informed as to where the meetings will be held. Take a look, fill it out and drop it in the offering plate this Sunday.
Yesterday, that process began when some 20 of our “Seniors” gathered at our house for a discussion of what they need from the church, and where they think we need to go. It was a wonderful couple of hours of fellowship and good discussion. I was reminded once again what a treasure our long time members are. These are the folks who not only remember so many of the important points in BCC’s history, but were integral parts of where we have come from and where we are today. These are the folks who have lived through the lean years and celebrated during the years we have thrived. They have said goodbye to too many people and been the first to greet the newest visitor each and every Sunday. These are folks who know what it means to be “church”. These are the folks who have done all this, always seeking to do God’s will and to do what is best for Christ’s church, in all things, in all ways, in all times. And for all of that, not only am I in awe, but I am grateful to their witness, their work, their faith. their friendship and their love.
Looking around at all the wonderful folks gathered in the living room yesterday got me thinking about all those people who have guided me over the years. As I sat and listened, it became clear that the important folks who taught and nurtured me shared one very important trait with the folks gathered together yesterday: their selflessness when it comes to sharing their love, their wisdom and their guidance. Even in those times when my pride or hubris didn’t make it easy to hear what they had to say, I have always knew that it was said out of love, and that makes all the difference. And yesterday, I felt their love of the church and their desire to do whatever is required to make the church prosper and thrive. Take some time today and think about some of the older folks in your life who have guided and led you. If you are lucky enough that they are still around, give them a call, drop by for a visit, and let them know what they mean to you. If they are no longer with us, lift a prayer to heaven and give thanks for all they have mean to you, still.
We did not get to this place, as a church or as individuals, by ourselves. We have stood on the shoulders of those who came before us, laying the foundation, paving the road. Take some time to remember who those people are, and what they wanted for our lives, and for the church. And most importantly, join with me in pledging to honor what has been done for us by doing for the next generation with just as much love, care and concern. Because that is how we are going to move forward.
For an updated prayer list and list of upcoming events, please go to www.brookhavenchristian.org
For your prayer list:
Please keep the family of Grace Parker in your prayers as they gather this Sunday for a memorial service honoring her life. The service will take place at 2:00 in our sanctuary on Sunday July 11th and will be officiated by Grace’s grandson-in-law, Nathan Murray. Grace is the mother of Mike Parker, and a former member of BCC.
Pray for all those who are suffering through the heat in the Northeast…they have endured record cold in the winter, record floods in the spring and now record heat.
Upcoming events:
Campbell Stone Service Day this Saturday afternoon. We will gather at the church at 12:30 to carpool to Campbell Stone Buckhead for a day of visiting and service ending with a great social fellowship. If you have not already signed up, please e-mail me at brad@brookhavenchristian.org and let me know you are coming.
I hope you can join us this Sunday morning for our “Praise on Peachtree” worship service at 11:00 a.m. in the fellowship hall. The service theme this month is “Gratitude”…bring your grateful hearts and worship with us! Have a great rest of the week.
Be peaceful,
Brad | | | Permalink | Trackback |
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