Loving life

The past several days have been filled with joy and laughter. I have to admit - it was a GREAT weekend! On Saturday night the worship center at NRN was filled with loud music and worship to the Lord.

The Saturday evening concert with

was fantastic. Special thanks goes to Brain and Pastor Brittany Cottle for their hard work in bringing this concert to NRN.

Sunday was a great day at church. I really appreciated the many comments following the service. To God be the GLORY! It was very encouraging to have a visiting family pause to introduce themselves and as we stood talking in the foyer the father of the family shared with me he is a pastor and took a moment to lay his hands upon my shoulder and pray for me. It was a joy to meet Pastor Mike Schutz and his family visiting from West Grove, PA.

I think one of the main reasons I have been so upbeat this past weekend is because Alyse has been visiting. One evening Sharron prepared dinner for us and Alyse really enjoyed it:

As she was loved by the people at our church on Sunday and especially at the Birthday Fellowship she smiled and enjoyed herself. We are now getting ready to travel to meet her mom and dad. I told her how beautiful she is and she gave a simple look:

Sharron and I always enjoy the visits from Alyse. We are so thankful for Stephanie and Josh. We love our daughter Danielle. We are loving life given my such a loving God.

Trustworthy Sayings

Today at NRN we continued the series of message from the Book of James. I asked that people check my blog for several reasons.

First - to view this clip featuring on of my favorite songs by Mercy Me:

Another reason is for this clip about why we can trust the Bible:

Finally, I hope you have decided to spend time in God's Word today. I challenged people to take time to read the Bible for only 10 minutes every day for 30 days. Did you commit to try the 30 day test? The words of the Bible are truly trustworthy sayings. Please comment to let me know how it is going.

Family and Friends

On Monday June 23rd Sharron and I traveled to Hickory NC for the Annual District Conference for the North Carolina West District of the Wesleyan Church. The last time I attended the District Conference for the NC West District was in 1980 for my ordination in the Wesleyan Church. It is hard to believe that it has been 28 years since I attended my home district conference!



On Monday evening we enjoyed the service with evangelist Rev. David Gallimore. David is an evangelist with the Church of the Nazarene. On Tuesday morning the day began with a service on remembrance which included a beautiful communion service. Dr. Thomas Armiger is the General Superintendent for the area and presided over the business of the day. By late morning it was time for the election of District Superintendent due to the retirement of Rev. Henry Williams. Rev. Willimas has served the district faithfully for 20 years as DS.

The report of the nominating process took place and then nominations were made from the floor. There were two nominations made from the floor and it seemed the nominations were about to conclude when a good friend of mine stood to addressed the conference. When I heard the words " and now one of our favorite sons have returned to North Carolina, I place into nomination Rev. Rick Hudgens." My head dropped in prayer. When I addressed the conference I simply shared my spiritual journey and ministry record. I made a decision to share about who I am and not what I have done ( for it is God that works within me to accomplish His will).



The election took place on one ballot and I congratulate Rev. Jerry Lumston, Jr. newly elected District Superintendent of the NC West District of the Wesleyan Church! Later that day Jerry reminded me that I was his counsellor at youth camp many years ago. I am honored to have been considered for this position and believe with all my heart God's plan is at work. I have a peace within my heart that God has me right where I am suppose to be in ministry.


It was a privilege to take part in the ordination service on Tuesday evening. I entered the auditorium with the other ordained ministers of the district. I striking moment came when I realized that we entered the auditorium in order by the year of our ordination, with the most recent last and the most years in ministry first. It was striking when we were seated that I found myself on the second row from the front. I am glad that I was in good company - including a roommate from college - Doug Dennis - who walked in front of me.



Sharron and I departed Wednesday morning and made out way to Indian Trail, NC to see family. We enjoyed the lunch today with Josh, Stephanie and Alyse. Josh was able to join us before heading to work. Alyse loves to check out the fountains! Sharron and I are really glad that Alyse has come to Raleigh with Grammy and Papa - for a visit at our house. Those coming to Hudgen's Haven for the June birthday fellowship will have the added joy of spending some time with Alyse.

This week has had quite a bit of emotion attached to it as I revisited the past with many good friends at the NC West District Conference. People came up to me with memories that I had long forgotten. As I reflected on this this week I am amazed at the goodness of God. This week has been filled with family and friends. I feel very blessed to be called into ministry. I strive for my ministry and my life to be growing closer to God each day. I have sensed God's guidance and direction upon my life this week!

A God thing on the horizon

Today at North Raleigh Church of the Nazarene we began a new series of messages entitled Action Required as we study a portion from the Book of James each Sunday for the next 7 weeks. I am very encouraged by the comments following the morning worship experience and especially by the number of spiritual decisions made today. I encourage you to check out the posting on the church web site in order to see the video clip from the movie "Facing the Giants" about a WHOLE HEARTED STAND. It is very evident to me that God is at work in our midst at North Raleigh. Do you sense a God thing on the horizon?

Next Sunday we will continue in our study by looking at James 1: 19-25 with a message entitled: Is it in you?

On Monday Sharron and I will depart for Hickory North Carolina to attend the District Conference of the North Carolina West District of the Wesleyan Church. I feel that it is important that I keep my ordination in the Wesleyan Church valid and in good standing in order to complete my recognition of ordination by the Church of the Nazarene. This will be my first District Conference in the NC West District since attending in 1980. In the spring of 1981 Sharron and I relocated our family to Northern Virginia to serve at Christan Fellowship Church.

ApologetiX (That Christian Parody Band) will be performing in concert at North Raleigh Church of the Nazarene on Saturday, June 28, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. ApologetiX specializes in Biblical parodies of rock hits from yesterday and today, including everything from Elvis to Eminem.
The band has received the American Christian Music award for Alternative Artist of the Year and Alternative Song of the Year. ApologetiX was also named Favorite Indie Artist in CCM Magazine's Readers’ Choice Awards and won the Best Album award in Christianity Today's Readers’ Choice Christian Music Awards. The band also has a fast-growing online fan club with over 90,000 members.

Read more about ApologetiX at North Raleigh

:: ApologetiX.com (all about the band) ::

Purchase tickets online::

Download a ticket order form::

Directions to North Raleigh Nazarene
© North Raleigh Church of the Nazarene 2008

WOWS

Last evening Sharron and I joined with friends at the Element student fundraiser: Food and Funnies. It was a very enjoyable time.

Element is the name of our student ministry at North Raleigh Church of the Nazarene. (Links to Element and North Raleigh are on the side of this site.) I wore about this on June 4th when we premiered the logo. We learned tonight that the 6.12 stands for 6th through 12th grade.

The evening consisted of a meal prepared by the students ( salad, spaghetti, drink and dessert); served by the students, and entertainment provided by the Unintentionals (a plumb line players production.) This live improv comedy brought laughter throughout the room.

I tried to add my fair share when the skit about the "panel of experts" took place when I asked "If Rogaine really works?" In the final skit the teams were battling for the points to win the game if a game using props. I decided to let them use my cams - which is a really old model of a digital camera. On of the first to grab the camera was Sandy Floyd. She attempted to take a picture of herself - however in her haste and the difficulty to operate my camera, she put the camera back on the chair. In order to easy her pain - I took this picture of her after the hectic evening on stage:

The fund raiser was to help our students raise money to attend the District Youth Camp. The cost of camp has increased quite over the years but is a get deal considering the life of a student could be changed forever. If you would like to scholarship a student to camp it is only $185.00. I would be thrilled to hear that someone who read this on my blog, sensed a leading of the Lord to sponsor a student and gave a check to Pastor Brittany to pay the way for a student to camp. WOW!

AND another WOW. Did you see, hear or read the report about UNC in the College Baseball World Series?

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Tim Federowicz's grand slam in the top of the ninth inning Friday night sent North Carolina to a 7-3 victory over LSU in a College World Series elimination game disrupted twice by rain in two days.
Louis Coleman had intentionally walked Tim Fedroff to load the bases with two outs before Federowicz turned on a 1-1 pitch and drove it into the middle of the stands in left field.
Carolina (53-13) moved to the Bracket 1 final against Fresno State on Saturday. The Tar Heels must beat the Bulldogs twice to return to the best-of-three championship series for the third straight year.

To read the rest of the story click HERE

I thank God for each and every day of life. It is always good to thank the Lord.

My Mentor

This evening Sharron and I made our way to Burlington, NC to meet our dear and loved friends Dr. Forbis and Raynita Kivett.




We met at a favorite restaurant
- Cracker Barrel - the place to meet
on a road trip.



Forbis is the pastor that performed the wedding ceremony for Sharron and I over 30 years ago. He held our daughters when they were 4 weeks old to dedicate them to the Lord. It was Forbis that conducted the funeral for my father in 1984. He has been our pastor, our friend, my mentor and my spiritual shepherd for over 30 years.

When Sharron and I were first married I served as Assistant Pastor at St. Paul Wesleyan Church in Charlotte, NC. Forbis was the senior pastor. He was the one who first modeled for me what pastoral ministry was all about. I was right out of college ready to jump off the deep end of the pool - but Forbis was the one who let me made mistakes I could learn from and encouraged me in developing my pastoral skills. It was Forbis who took me to a ministry conference at Faith Memorial Church in Lancaster, Ohio to hear an up and coming pastor named John Maxwell.

Across the years Forbis and Raynita have been a constant source of love and encouragement for Sharron and I. When we have needed a listening ear or good perspective in facing situations of life - Forbis and Raynita have been there. Now, being back in North Carolina provides for us a chance to be close together again.

Tonight we joined them in celebrating their 49th wedding anniversary!
They hold a special place in our hearts and we appreciate them so much. As we brought our time together to a close this evening it was so appropriate the Raynita shared with us recent workings of our awesome God.

She reminded us tonight what God says in Isaiah 43:2 " When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you."

And in the Old Testament - 2 Chronicles 32:8: " ...but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles."

These are indeed - Trustworthy sayings...

The Conference report in 10 seconds

I have been praying about events and decisions taken at the General Conference of the Wesleyan Church. You may note my previous blog about when this Conference took place.

Recently I was able to check a posting on a blog by a friend

and find the overview of the results. Here they are:

General Conference just ended (we’re talking minutes, not hours-ago!)

I had the privilege of having a back-row “seat” via a live-chat with my buddy Glen Robinson who pastors in West Virginia. He gave me the last few minutes in play-by-play as we discussed some of the significant things that took place at this conference.

Here’s his top-10:

1. First-female GS elected - JoAnn Lyons (President of WHI).

2. All statements on social dancing removed (page 21) from Discipline.

3. Prohibition of merchandising on the Sabbath Day (page 21) was removed and now allows for this matter to be according to “personal conviction” as referenced to in Romans 14:5-6.

4. Prohibition of the motion picture theater (page 22) was removed.

5. All community members have full-voting rights on all issues (except for voting on covenant members). In addition, community members are not allowed to serve in specified leadership positions until they become covenant members.

6. Approved position statement on global poverty.

7. Approved position statement on human trafficking (page 110).

8. Approved position statement on immigration (page 101).

9. Approved position on domestic violence (page 98).

10. USF for global funding passed.

There’s three days of Conference into 10-seconds!

Dr. Jo Anne Lyon and Dr. Nina G. Gunter, the first women to be elected general superintendent in The Wesleyan Church and Church of the Nazarene, respectively.

As the Wesleyan Church was concluding the General Conference I was attending my first District Assembly with the North Carolina District of the Church of the Nazarene. On Friday evening Sharron and I stood before the Assembly as Dr. Nina Gunter - General Superintendent in the Church of the Nazarene conducted the Ordination Service which included a short ceremony of recognition of my ordination credentials with the Wesleyan Church to allow me to serve in the Church of the Nazarene. It was a privilege to share the platform with the newly ordained ministers and spouses. Prior to the service a picture was taken of this group including Dr. Mark Barnes - District Superintendent of the North Carolina District of the Church of the Nazarene and also the District Secretary Rev. Sherman Walters.

We congratulate Beth Bleadingheiser ( a member at North Raleigh) on her ordination and Rev.Geoffrey and Dawn LaLone who serve as pastor of Winston Salem First Church of the Nazarene. Geoffrey is the son of John and Jan LaLone who are members of North Raleigh.

Next week Sharron and I are planning to attend the District Conference of the North Carolina West District of the Wesleyan Church in order for me to keep my credentials with the Wesleyan Church in good standing.

One Year of Blogging

On this date - just one year ago .... My daughter Stephanie helped me to establish my first blog.

As I reflect over the past year it has great to look back over the blog postings to see the faithfulness and blessings of the Lord.

I can't help but think - What is the purpose of a blog?

Here is a good definition from the American Heritage Dictionary:

(wěb'lôg', -lŏg') n. A website that displays in chronological order the postings by one or more individuals and usually has links to comments on specific postings.

Later I chose to call my blog - TRUSTWORTHY SAYINGS - and I posted this:

I think about the people who read this blog. People like you. Normal. Everyday. Coffee drinking/Diet Coke sipping kind of people who are just trying to deal with life. Maybe just trying to deal with the day. From the outside, some of us appear to be people who are whole. That is, we appear to have it together. Others of us appear to be struggling. Still others of us may appear to be a mess.

The truth? What you see on the outside can be deceiving. Regardless of the way we may appear on the outside, on the inside, we all are lacking. We have fears and inadequacies that many of us go to great lengths to mask. At the core of our being is a great need for God. Yet, we often try our best to make it on our own. So I want you to know that when I post (about four to five days a week), I am thinking about people just like you. In fact, I sometimes picture people just like you, turning on their computer and finding this blog.

You may be single.
You may be a young father or mother.
You may be a widow.
You may be a church leader.
You may not see yourself as very "religious."
You may feel very connected with some special people in your life.
You may feel very alone.

Regardless, we have much in common.What we have in common, however, may not be what you see on the outside. What we have in common is what is real and what may be lacking on the inside. Some days you might read this blog and come away encouraged or helped in some way. Some days--well, it just didn't do much for you. Regardless, I really pray that in some way God would bless you and provide just what you need. Please feel free to comment at any time.

I hope my blog is a source of laughter - inspiration - information and sharing God's Word as practical trustworthy sayings for our every day life. Thanks for your comments and words of encouragement.

Oh - I also love to "steal" from my daughter's blog - like this picture:

It was GREAT to have Josh - Stephanie - Danielle and Alyse to "surprise" me with a visit for Father's Day 2008. Holding Alyse is one of the greatest joys of my life. Hey - That's also a trustworthy saying.....

Escape to the Mountains

ESCAPE TO THE

MOUNTIANS

Over the past few days Sharron and I have escaped to the mountains for a personal get a way and a time to celebrate our 30th Wedding Anniversary.

We love the beaches of North Carolina but also have a real love for the beautiful mountains.


On Sunday afternoon - I kidnapped Sharron to have time together. We later headed to beautiful Boone, NC. We left the 100 degree temperature in Raleigh and drove to Boone.


As we entered into the town the sky opened with a thunderstorm and we watched the gauge in our car showing the temperature dropping to 63 degrees.



The next day we spend some time in the town of Boone and then traveled down to Linville Caverns. For more information about this natural beauty also visit a site HERE about the history and significance of Linville Caverns.




On Wednesday we spent some time on the Blue Ridge Parkway .

In a serendipitous decision we decided to stop at Linville Falls and hiked the Erwins View Trail for a great view of the waterfall. Here, the Linville River spills gently over the upper falls where it widens and pauses. Drifting into a narrow canyon, the water suddenly spirals out of sight and plunges 45 feet over the lower falls.


We are really glad we took the time to enjoy this afternoon adventure.


We drove back to Boone and spent some time in Mast General Store - which opened in 1883. Sharron and I walked through the store and of course stopped at the candy counter.... WOW! As we made our purchase the salesperson entered into a short conversation with me - asking where I lived. When I replied Raleigh, I then added that my wife and I were visiting Boone on our 30th wedding anniversary. She commented how special that was. I told her we are blessed and as Sharron says: "We have been happily married for 26 years and 26 out of 30 ain't too bad!"


One more reflection from our time in Boone. I feel no visit to Boone, NC is complete without a meal at the famous:


Sharron and I have made some great memories of our 30th anniversary.

The Pink Wave

THE PINK WAVE IS HERE!

ELEMENT - The student ministry at North Raleigh has started the fund raising to help our youth earn money for Youth Camp and Summer activities.

What is this? Well, if you are not at home the students may come into your yard and leave a flock of plastic pink flamingos. It will provide you an opportunity to make a financial investment in our student ministry.

If you find this sign in your yard along with a flock of plastic pink flamingos - then the PINK WAVE is upon you.

Question: Where did the student ministry feel was a good place to begin this fundraiser?

Answer: At the home of Pastor Rick and Sharron Hudgens .....

BEWARE - THE PINK WAVE IS HERE!

On this date in 1978

On this date in 1978

Sharron Marie Wiltshire and
Richard W. Hudgens were declared
husband and wife
by Rev. Forbis Kivett
as family and
friends gathered
in the sanctuary of
St. Paul Wesleyan Church in Charlotte, NC.

Though in many ways it seems almost like yesterday - it is with a deep gratitude that we celebrate today what God has done! The special gift I gave to my wife Sharron today was that I did not talk about anything having to do with the church. Our entire focus for today was spending time with each other. We enjoyed a great day and a fantastic meal this evening.

I have kidnapped Sharron to an undisclosed destination. We plan to arrive at the District Assembly for the NC District of the Church of the Nazarene early Thursday afternoon.

Sharron and I are aware that we have spent more years together than we did separately. As we reflect over the past 30 years we are overwhelmed with the
sense of thankfulness for each other and for our marriage.

Proverbs 18:22 says: "Find a good spouse, you find a good life— and even more: the favor of God!"

We have found this true in our life. And yes ~ this is a trustworthy saying.

Hold on to the rope

This evening the General Conference of the Wesleyan Church will convene. From the Wesleyan Church web site:


Delegates and guests representing nearly 400,000 members of The Wesleyan Church fellowship in over 80 countries of the world are meeting in Orlando, Florida to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Church and set its course for the next quadrennium. "Believing in our Future, and Building on our Past" is the theme of the five-day event, which combines legislative sessions, forums on Wesleyan beliefs, ministry reports, and position statements on social issues. The eleventh General Conference will also celebrate The Wesleyan Church's mission to proclaim the gospel message worldwide, helping to fulfill the Great Commission in the spirit of the Great Commandment.
Today is a time of reflecting upon my spiritual journey within the Wesleyan Church. As a teenager growing up in Charlotte, NC a good friend - Allen Newell - invited me to church. Soon First Wesleyan Church also became my church home. It was through the influence of the youth ministry that I attended my first youth conference in 1972. As a result of that youth conference and especially the words spoken by Jimmy Johnson; I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior. My parents and two younger brothers were not believers yet my spiritual journey began. Graduating from East Mecklenburg High School in June of 1973 I was working at NAPA auto parts and wanting to go to college. The opportunity came in August when a scholarship became available and I enrolled at Central Wesleyan College (Now Southern Wesleyan University) in Central, SC. It was there my spiritual life solidified and I sensed a call into ministry. Shortly after beginning college I felt a call into ministry and received my first license in the Wesleyan Church in 1973. I held my first ministry position as Minister of youth and music at Bethel Wesleyan Church in Flat Rock, NC. I was later granted a district license in 1975 by the North Carolina West District of the Wesleyan Church. My wife Sharron and I were married in 1978 in the sanctuary of St. Paul Wesleyan Church and our daughters were dedicated to the Lord during a Sunday morning worship service at St. Paul Wesleyan in 1980.

Over the years I have served on staff at four churches; was a church planter; served as senior pastor at two churches: College Wesleyan Church in Marion, IN. and Strugis Wesleyan Church in Sturgis, MI. In 2001 I was honored to be elected as District Superintendent of the Kansas District of the Wesleyan Church. In 2007 I withdrew my name for consideration to continue as DS. With the birth of our first grand daughter and a clear leading of the Lord, Sharron and I decided to step out in faith and relocate to North Carolina to be near family and close friends.

In moving to North Carolina I prayed that God would clarify His call upon my life with a door of opportunity to continue serving in the Wesleyan Church. His providence and His plan God had another direction for me. I was just trying to hold on to the rope of faith! When no opportunity arose after presenting myself as available to the area district superintendents in the Wesleyan Church I took the initiative to introduce my self to Dr. Mark Barnes - District Superintendent of the North Carolina District of the Church of the Church of the Nazarene. God has opened a great door of opportunity as I now serve as Lead Pastor of North Raleigh Church of the Nazarene. I believe that God has prepared me for this task of refocusing this great church and leading her through the revitalization that is necessary for her future. God is stirring my "pastor's heart" as I seek His will in leading NRN.

Today I miss my Wesleyan connection. I think of the many friends across the years and places of ministry. Over the past 30 years most of my friendships have been forged with people in the Wesleyan Church - I have felt my denomination was like family. I miss being at General Conference to re-connect with those of my church family. My heart is filled with gratitude for over 30 years of ministry to the Wesleyan Church.

I am thankful for my time of service in the Wesleyan Church. As I look back, I have no regrets.

Sharron and I love the people of North Raleigh and we have felt very welcomed into the Church of the Nazarene. It is with excitement I have faith for the future! We are trusting the Lord with all our hearts seeking His wisdom and direction.

As close as family

On Thursday afternoon the Huber family from Charlotte arrived at our home in Raleigh. It was GREAT to welcome Doug and Joy and their family. Mac is the oldest - then comes Jacob - and in front is the lovely Emma Grace.

I have known Joy since she was in elementary school. Her mother Joyce is our dearest and best friend. I was privileged to pray with Joy when she accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior. It was an honor to perform the wedding ceremony for her and Doug and pronounce them husband and wife. What a privilege to hold Mac in my arms when he was very young in his public dedication service as his parents dedicated him to the Lord. They had driven from North Carolina to Sturgis Michigan in order for this service to take place.


This family is one of many reasons why Sharron and I felt it time to relocate back to North Carolina. We want to be a part of the life of the family that is so precious to us.


Sharron and I really enjoyed the visit with Huber family. Over the past several years Doug and I have grown very close as Doug joined me for a couple of trips to Ecuador to serve on mission work teams. Our friendship has deepened through the years. It was great to welcome Doug for his first visit to Hudgens' Haven in Raleigh. We hope he and his family will come for another visit soon.

Friends as close as family are to be held

close and dear to your heart.

Honoring our graduates

This coming Sunday at North Raleigh I plan to conclude the four part series of Extreme Home Makeover for Families. I have received many positive comments about this series and especially the subject matter. In this final message of this series I will be sharing a message entitled
Pitfalls of Parenting.

Also on this Sunday we are going to honor our recent graduates. We will celebrate the recent graduation of the following students:

Jake Funke -Enloe High School
Amy Stewart - Sanderson High School
James Cogan- Enloe High School
Erin Wetzel- Leesville High School
Caitlin Watson - Millbrook High School
Zack Siler - Sanderson High School
Leah Ulman - Leesville High School

Dora Grollimund - Graduate, University of St. Francis Bachelors in Health Administration
Tosha Costabile - Doctor of Physical Therapy from Slippery Rock University of PA.
Adam Furry - Bachelors in Meteorology from NC State University
Jenna Alexander - Trevecca Nazarene University

In addition to honoring these graduates I am looking forward to introducing the changes in our students ministries at North Raleigh. These are exciting days with the launch of ELEMENT Student Ministries. We will even expose the meaning of the PINK WAVE announcements!

Element - are you in it?

As our church continues in it's process of refocus and revitalization one major change is in our youth ministry. Over the past 6 week many developments have taken place. I had a time with our students last month (Pizza with the Pastor) which gave me a lot of insight about the needs of our student ministry. A parent's meeting took place the following Sunday as we discussed the strategy of change and development in our student ministry.

The first big development was to allow the youth ministry to change it's name and develop a logo. The students chose the name ELEMENT and a student designed the logo (with a little help from Andy Joslin to polish it up!) Next, the "youth room" is being transformed by the students to reflect their taste and likes. I stopped by the room yesterday where I found Danielle Shannon painting the design on the wall - it looks fantastic!

The group has established a blog site - Click HERE to visit it. Soon there will a link on my page so you can easily go there.

A beach retreat was on the calendar for the youth but the rumors began to circulate that the youth ministry had really suffered and the retreat would be cancelled. I am so excited to report that 27 students and 8 adults (35) went on the retreat this past weekend. I was able to show this picture of the group to our congregation on Sunday morning as we prayed for the group on their retreat.

These are the beginning days of the revitalization of our youth ministry. I am very excited about the plans and strategy for the days ahead. The parents meeting this past Sunday went well but was limited in participation from the parents. A great activities calendar was distributed. This is going to be a GREAT SUMMER for our youth ministry!

I believe it's time to bring our head out of the sand and begin to see the works that God is going to do around us. We can't do it alone, we need friends around us to sometime help sweep the sand away.

These are new days at North Raleigh. I am excited about what I believe God is doing.

This coming Sunday I am planning to bring the final message in our series on Extreme Home Makeovers for Families with a message entitled THE PITFALLS OF PARENTING. It's going to be a great day at NRN!

His strength is perfect

This is a follow up from the posting on May 22 regarding the passing of Maria Sue Chapman.

Here is a short video of the news covarage of the memorial service:



This service reminded me of one of my favorite songs from Steven Curtis Chapman:

His Strength is Perfect by Steven Curtis Chapman

I can do all things Through Christ who gives me strength,

But sometimes I wonder what He can do through me;

No great success to show, No glory on my own,
Yet in my weakness He is there to let me know . . .

CHORUS:
His strength is perfect when our strength is gone;
He’ll carry us when we can’t carry on.
Raised in His power, the weak become strong;
His strength is perfect, His strength is perfect.

We can only know The power that He holds
When we truly see how deep our weakness goes;
His strength in us begins Where ours comes to an end.
He hears our humble cry and proves again . . .