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Connections |
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Location: Blogs Brad's BlogMid-Week Missive |
 | | Posted by: Brad Miller | 8/11/2010 8:06 AM | Greetings on this steamy day,
Today I was reminded of the importance of the connections in our lives. Too often, we don’t really think about how many ways we have been touched, and how many ways we are able to touch others. But today I was reminded again that among the greatest blessings we experience are the connections we have with so many people.
Today I spoke with an old friend. Someone who I haven’t talked to in a long time – maybe 3 years. Within minutes we got past the catching up part and it became clear that my call was well timed because he needed to talk. And while all I did was listened, our connection was a help. To both of us.
Today I had lunch with a friend that I see about 5 or 6 times a year. We were in the midst of a pleasant lunch when it dawned on me that I had something nagging at me that she was in a position to help with, because of her profession. And so I asked her professional opinion about something and, as I suspected, she was very helpful. The connection was, again, a help. To both of us.
Today I sat with Jim Knuckles as he dozed and woke up and dozed some more at the Peachtree Christian Hospice. I was thinking back to the time we first met: I gave him a ride to Epworth by the Sea on St. Simon’s Island for the Georgia Disciples Regional Assembly. Our acquaintance was renewed as he participated in Senior activities at Peachtree Christian when I was the Associate Pastor there. And then again when I arrived at BCC in November of 2001. We have sat together many times. We have sat together in funeral services for his grandchildren, and his son. We have prayed many prayers together. Once today, he opened his eyes, looked at me, smiled and asked how my vacation was. Then he took my hand and fell back asleep. Our connection was helpful. To both of us.
Today I met a young man who is struggling to make it. A skilled tradesman by training, he is doing anything and everything to get by. When we talked and I tried to figure out how I might be of help, it became clear that he had no one to lean on, no connections to serve him. As his story unfolded I was deeply saddened by that fact. No one to turn to. No one to seek comfort from. No one to ask advice. No one to reach out and hold his hand. And I have no earthly idea how he keeps going. But he came here, and I did what I could to help him find what he needed. But as he was leaving, I realized that my day was filled with connections that all came from one place: the church, and so, as I usually do, I invited him to come and worship with us. And I pray that he will. Because the church gave me my old friend that I talked with today: he and I were in seminary together. The church gave me my lunch friend. The church gave me Jim Knuckles. And the church is who I ultimately lean on when I need the strength of connection to see me through.
Today I made two pledges to myself: first, to never take for granted the people with whom I am connected. And second, to redouble my efforts to invite people to be part of this home we call the church. The place where connection – with Jesus Christ, with God, with other fellow travelers – is what it’s all about.
For an updated prayer list and list of upcoming events, please go to www.brookhavenchristian.org
For your prayer list:
Please keep Jim Knuckles in your prayers. He is currently at the Peachtree Christian Hospice in Duluth.
Please keep all those teachers, administrators, bus drivers, crossing guards, and oh yeah, students, who are returning to school in your prayers.
Please keep Betty Clark, aunt of Miki and Blake Morgan in your prayers. She is battling cancer and has entered hospice care.
Upcoming events – there’s a lot, so read carefully!
This Saturday at 5:00, two grandchildren of Worke Ejersa will be dedicated in our sanctuary. Following the dedication service, Worke invites you to a reception/dinner in the fellowship hall. Come celebrate the joy of new life!
This Sunday there will be a baby shower for Kathryn Sabol in the fellowship hall immediately following worship. All the ladies of the church are invited to join in the celebration. Contact Debbie Kinney at debbie@brookhavenchristian.org if you have questions.
The Suthers Center, a joint ministry of the Brookhaven Christian Ministries, is ready to open phase one of their operation on August 13th. Prior to that time, they need help with sorting, etc., in readiness for the opening of the thrift store. If you can help, just go to The Suthers Center for Christian Outreach at 3550 Broad St. in Chamblee from 10-5 any day except Sunday. To volunteer after the 13th, please contact the center at sutherscenter@gmail.com
Sunday August 15th is promotion Sunday, as well as the Fellowship Pot Luck Lunch. Bring a dish or two, and celebrate the teachers and students of Christian Education!
Sunday August 22nd marks the beginning of a new Special Topics Sunday school class for adults. The first special topic is “Your Bible: The Study Begins” a 7 week study looking at the history of the Bible, it’s contents, it’s transmission through the years and it’s place in our daily walk. Watch for more details.
In organizing our video library we have discovered we are missing several videos, including a couple of Philip Yancey studies and our “Parent to Parent” series. If you have borrowed them, please let us know. Thanks!
Mark your calendar for two important events and watch for more information: September 24 and 25: Fall Garden Club Yard Sale and October 10: The Pumpkins Arrive!
I hope to see you in worship this Sunday as we once again celebrate the Lord’s Day together. This week we begin a three part series called “Questions for God” based on questions that you submitted to me. This week’s sermon is titled “How Am I Doing?” and the scriptures are Micah 6:8 and Luke 6: 27-31. Before you come to worship this Sunday, I would ask you to think about the following question: “When it comes to trying to be the best you can be in God’s sight, what “yardstick” do you use to measure just how well you are doing?” Have a great rest of the week!
Be peaceful,
Brad | | | Permalink | Trackback |
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