September 10, 2003 | September 10, 2003 »
Pastor's Page
A few weeks ago, a dead tree on my property that was leaning over severely finally came down. With a little encouragement, the 40-foot tree surrendered to gravity with a mighty thud. While I was happy to get the tree down, I was left with the problem of what to do with it. My solution came when I purchased a used chain saw at the Hysinger Sunday School classes’ recent yard sale. A few purchases along with some “lumberjack-like” efforts, and the result is a neatly stacked assortment of wood ready for the winter fireplace! That simple process reinforces some basic lessons for church and life.
Get Some Fresh Fuel
My first efforts at firing up the chain saw resulted only in a tired, sore arm. But after dumping the old gas and putting in new fuel, the engine (to a bit of my surprise) came to life! You cannot accomplish today’s tasks on yesterday’s power. Today’s responsibilities require new strength. We need fresh passions to inspire us toward new goals. Simply stated: You cannot live in the past.
Sharpen Up
Test Driving the chain saw showed that the chain was not in optimal cutting condition. Its previous use had left it dull. No problem. A quick trip to Robinson Building Supply in Charleston and a new sharp edge was applied to the cutting links. Our process through life will inevitably wear us down and make us “dull.” Thus, we need to routinely experience sharpening activities. That is why we emphasize regular Bible Study, prayer, ministry, and worship to keep us spiritually sharp.
Get to Work
All the best preparations are in vain until we get busy. Even with the saw in working order, I spent a sweaty afternoon sawing
tree trunk and branches into small, manageable pieces. Good plans and preparations must evolve into solid actions. This is required for positive change.
Organize
My final step was to stack the sticks and logs into various sized groups. Budgets, plans, schedules, “to do” lists, etc, help structure our lives toward optimal usefulness.
See! You can learn a lot from a chain saw!
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Cleveland, TN 37312
423-476-8524
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This Week at NCBC
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30:
8:30 AM ... Early Worship
9:40 AM ... Old Fashioned Sing - Annex
9:45 AM ... Sunday School - Bible Study
11:00 AM ... Morning Worship
4:00 PM ... Handbells - Sanctuary
4:45 PM ... Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal - Sanctuary
5:30 PM ... All other H.O.G. participants meet in Sanctuary
6:00 PM ... Hanging of the Green
MONDAY, DECEMBER 1:
6:30 PM ... Drama Practice - Sanctuary
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2:
7:00 AM ... Coffee and Bible Study - Grissom
3:30 PM ... Contractor Meeting - Conference Room
6:00 PM ... Quilters - Annex
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3:
6:00 PM ... Bible Study - Prayer Meeting - Sanctuary
6:00 PM ... Children's Choir - Room 410
6:00 PM ... Preschool Choir - Room 310
6:30 PM ... Youth Activities - Annex
6:45 PM ... Preschool Mission Friends - Room 312
6:45 PM ... RAs & GAs - Upstairs Education Building
6:45 PM ... Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal - Choir Loft
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4:
9:30 AM ... Ladies Prayer Group - Annex
6:00 PM ... Willing Workers Christmas Party - Antonios
This Week in Worship
Welcome and Announcements ... Verlin Tucker
Prayer ... Verlin Tucker
Call To Worship ... Congregation
"Come, Now Is the Time to Worship"
"O Worship the King" (Hymn 16)
Children's Sermon ... Dr. Jay McCluskey
Scripture Reading ... Jason Cox
1 Corinthians 16:1-4
Scripture can be found on page 816 of the Bibles supplied in our Sanctuary
Choral Worship ... Sanctuary Choir
"How Beautiful"
Offertory Hymns ... Congregation
"Make Me a Blessing" (Hymn 569)
"Little Is Much When God Is in It"
Offertory Prayer ... Jeff Elliott
Offertory Music ... Instrumentalist
Giving of Tithes and Offerings ... Congregation
Special Music ... Rev. Lanny Green
Message from God's Word ... Dr. McCluskey
"Do You Need Some Gift Giving Advice?"
Invitation Hymn ... Congregation
"I Give You My Heart"
Recognition of Decisions ... Pastor
Closing Words ... Pastor
Benediction ... Pastor
Hanging of the Green
6:00 p.m., Sunday, November 30
Hanging of the Green is a worship service centered around the songs and symbols of the Holiday Season. As the Sanctuary is decorated with sights and sounds, worshipers see how candles, greenery, poinsettias, manger scenes, and other objects become part of our Christmas traditions.
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