Thursday, Jan 19


HERE!

December 2, 2011

Good Morn!  I hope you are having a great week . . .

This week has been one of "lessons" for me . . .

The first lesson is my cell phone seems to be eating my voicemail messages because they come in about 4 days after they are left . . . not sure what that is about!

But the second lesson - and by far the most important - is I am reminded how important people are.  And not just "people" in the community . . .

Each other.

As I shared Scott's grandfather died on Sunday and we celebrated his life on Wednesday. This was a man that has had my utmost respect and admiration in the 21 years I've known Scott.  I didn't realize until I was working on my remarks for the funeral that he had nothing more than an 8th grade education.  Yet he was one of the most astute businessmen I've ever known. He had the respect of the entire town - and apparently the greater Greensboro area. 

After the funeral a lady walked up to me that I thought looked familiar yet I couldn't put my finger on it.  She did not fit the normal stereotype of a country church goer so I kept racking my brain . . .  then she spoke . . . "Girl, God is with you!!!" and she hugged me.  Then I got it! 

It was Arnetta Beverly, a former District Superintendent and now a pastor in the Greensboro area, a PHENOMENAL preacher!  As she walked away I felt like I had to confirm that it was indeed who I thought it was (She is a pastor that I have admired for years - she commands an amazing presence in the pulpit!)

To confirm my suspicions I called after her and yes, it was indeed Arnetta.  I couldn't understand why she would be at Papaw's funeral . . . but I figured it was tacky to ask! 

So . . I shared my tackiness with the pastor. I asked AC, the Pastor of Papaw's church, why Arnetta was there . . .

He shared with me that a couple of years ago Arnetta came and preached their "camp meeting" at Bethlehem and she met Richard (S's grandfather).  Her experience with Richard for those few days left such an impact in her life and AC knew that . . . so he called her to tell of his death. 

That night as I drove home I received word that Laura Scrugg's father had died earlier that morning.   Laura, Kevin, Kyle, and Hannah are a part of the West family so I went by Laura's mom's house to share my sympathies and condolences. 

As I sat there and learned about Laura's dad I was fascinated.  He was a type of biologist (the kind that hunts spiders and scorpions and researches them).  Laura and her mom were so humble about their loved one yet there was no doubt he was brilliant!

As I drove home later that evening I was reflecting on the lives of the two men . . . two folks who left huge impacts on our society but each in unique ways. 

And this morning, as I take my "day off" and am actually out of town today and early tomorrow, will be back for Sunday, I find myself thinking about you.  Each of you who make up the West Faith Community . . .

And I am going to charge you with the task of getting to know each other!

Part of the joy of a faith community is having a safe place to support and love one another in the love that Jesus shared with all people. 

Folks, it's time to take a step and get out of the seats @ 10am on Sunday morning and take a step towards getting to know one another. 

It is in those relationships that you will receive true care that leaves a lasting impact . . . because the church is far too big already for great pastoral care to come from just me . .  Care that will sustain you will is supposed to come from one another.  It was the model Jesus taught.  He didn't have "preachers" . . . they were ALL disciples and cared for each other . . .

There are so many things and lessons we can learn from our brothers and sisters in faith BUT we have to take the time and risk to get to know each other.

LifeGroups are the way we have laid out a path for that to happen.

I am NOT just blowing hot air and trying to get you to sign up for a group. . . if you want to lead a life that is blessed . . . look around . . there are brilliant, caring, compassionate, and life-changing people sitting in that auditorium on Sunday morning with YOU.  To truly BE the church not only do we serve outside the walls but we love one another within them. 

I am reminded this week HOW ABSOLUTELY critical that is . . .
for one reason, I saw how you cared for my husband this week as his family has lived through QUITE some transitions this week! 

Consider it . . 
Sunday @ 11am . . stay for the LifeGroup . . . or Wed @ 6 or Thursday morning at 6:30 @ Panera . .  see what ways God can reveal God's self to you through each other!

Have a day that makes a difference!!!!

Grace and Peace,
Andrea

 

• Saturday, December 10!
• Four Shifts to choose from! 
• Two Hour Time Slots!
• All Ages Welcome! 
• Be a wrapper or a helper!

For more info, or to sign up,
Click Here!

Confirmation is a time when youth beginning ages 11 and up become intentional about preparing to walk daily with Christ.

Classes will be taught by Andrea and will begin January 8, 2012 on Sundays following worship!

Click HERE to register online and have your teen answer the questions.


Each confirmation participant will be matched with an adult coach. Coaches are a resource to the students as they take this walk of faith. If you are interested in being coach, please sign up HERE!

Next summer's mission trip to the Jamaica Deaf Village will be July 1-July 8.  This is a great first time global mission trip during which we work with and develop relationships with the residents of the Deaf Village.  We have the opportunity to help with construction in the village and staff a VBS that serves the Deaf Village children as well as children from the surrounding communities.  We also serve the residents of a local infirmary during our trip.

The cost of the trip will be $1250, which includes airfare, lodging at the village as well as the hotel room in Montego Bay the last night of the trip.  Youth must be in 9th grade to travel without a parent.  The minimum age requirement with parent is 12 years old and completion of the 6th grade.

Contact LuAnne Gatlin at jgatlin@windstream.net  to sign up or to get further information.