Life Transformation

This morning I received the following information about the opening weekend of FIREPROOF:


"You made FIREPROOF the No. 4 overall movie in America this past weekend!


In fact, if you look at per-screen average (and Hollywood does), you made FIREPROOF the second-leading per-screen film this weekend. You puzzled Hollywood pundits and prognosticators. You boggled movie-based bloggers. You showed the movie industry that there not only is interest in good, wholesome films, but there is also an audience for them. You made an impact. And in case you're wondering, people noticed.



This is what USA Today said: “The surprise of the weekend, though, was the Christian-themed Fireproof. Made for $500,000 and released on 839 screens, the Kirk Cameron drama did $6.5 million and took fourth place.“Most analysts did not expect the film to crack the top 10, yet it enjoyed the second-largest debut this year for a film opening on fewer than 1,000 screens; the biggest was Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour, which debuted to $31 million on 683 screens.”




After winning the championship game in Facing the Giants, Coach Grant Taylor asks the members of his football team, “What is impossible with God?” To a player, they all answered: “Nothing.”

Thank you for your overwhelming support of

FIREPROOF on opening weekend!

This past week was filled with opportunities to serve the Lord and enjoy life. On Sunday I preached a message entitled "What is a Nazarene?" I have been encouraged from the response. One person contacted me and said: "Pastor, First, I really enjoyed Sunday's sermon. Thank you for your clarity on our most identifiable doctrine." You can download the message notes and listen to the podcast at our website. My eyes filled with tears as people responded to the invitation to come forward to an altar for prayer and the people responded. I have already heard reports of life transformation taking place!

We had the privilege to honor Faith Carlton for 36 years of faithful service in our worship ministry. In earlier years Faith played the church organ and then moved forward as worship styles developed to play the electric keyboard. We honor Faith for her ministry as she now steps down from the worship team.

We also welcomed new members into the fellowship our our local church and into membership in the Church of the Nazarene. We welcome Wilma Cordova, Lisa Murphy, Katie Mulhammer, Matt and Alexandra De Jong into membership!

I knew we were ready for a great service on Sunday when people gathered on the platform to assist in leading the worship on Sunday. We welcomed a new member to the worship band as a young man is now playing the drums. A portion of the Celebration Choir came early for Sunday morning rehearsal. They will join with others to establish a large choir for the Centennial Service next weekend.

Next Sunday we join with area churches for a great Centennial Celebration of the Church of the Nazarene. I look forward to standing before over 1,000 people and serving communion.

FIREPROOF Opening weekend

On this day, September 26, 2008, the FIREPROOF movement takes hold in 839 theaters across the country. Churches, ministries, businesses, and individuals have brought the movie to 98 different communities by committing to purchasing 1,000 tickets. Other churches, ministries, businesses, and individuals have purchased hundreds of show times.

FIREPROOF has consistently been the top-selling ticket on Fandango this week. The Love Dare, originally a plot device in the film, has become one of the 25 best-selling books on all of Amazon.

The movie has been highlighted this week on FamilyLife Today ... and The Today Show. It's been the subject of conversation with Dr. Dobson ... and Dr. Phil.

Welcome to FIREPROOF ... Opening Weekend!

As you experience FIREPROOF this weekend, please pray for each and every couple and single person in the theater with you. Ask God to do exceedingly abundantly more than they could ever hope or imagine in their relationships.

Now ... who's ready to go see a movie?

I look forward to reading your comments after you see the movie this weekend.

SYATP 2008

As the sun rose over Raleigh, NC there were 17 people gathered around the flag pole at North Raleigh Church of the Nazarene. Pastor Brittany Cottle presented each participant with a sheet of paper with the prayer request for the 30 active students of our church.


We prayed for students at Carroll Middle School, West Millbrook, Durant Middle, Leesville Middle, Wakefield Middle, East Wake Middle, Rejoice Academy, Heritage Middle School, Millbrook High School, Sanderson High School, Knightdale High School, Friendship Christian School and Leesville High School.










As we spent the hour in prayer there were prayers offered for students, parents, teachers, administrators and school staff members. Tears were shed as we prayed for each student by name.


All across our area students gathered around the flag pole of their local school to pray. SYATP is a nationwide event. We believe God is pleased and this is going to be a life changing year for some of our students.

Our gathering around the flag pole at NRN was a sign of unity for our students and parents. This is NOT a one time event. We commit to pray for our students at least once a week during the school year. If you do not have a prayer card with a student name and picture - please contact Pastor Brittany to obtain one.

What does it mean to our students to SYATP?

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV

This, my friends, is a trustworthy saying...

In preparation to celebrate 100 years

The Church of the Nazarene will celebrate it's 100th anniversary on October 5, 2008. In preparation of this historic event, next week at North Raleigh Church of the Nazarene I will bring a unique message entitled "What is a Nazarene?" We will also welcome several individuals into membership in the Church of the Nazarene.

I hope you enjoy the promotional clip we were unable to view this past Sunday at NRN.

Coming this Sunday at NRN

On July 28th I had the opportunity to view an advance screening of the movie FIREPROOF. I was so moved by this presentation that I posted a blog about it. CLICK HERE

This coming Sunday at NRN I plan to bring a message entitled Fireproof your relationships. I will be endorsing this movie and encouring everyone to go next weekend to see the movie. As you consider why I would endorse and promote a movie so strongly - here is a short summary of the movie by ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide:

A heroic fireman locked in a failing marriage accepts his father's challenge to take part in a 40-day experiment designed to teach both husband and wife the true meaning of commitment in this faith-based marriage drama starring Kirk Cameron and Erin Bethea. When he's battling blazes, Capt. Caleb Holt (Cameron) adheres to the old firefighter's adage about never leaving your partner behind; back at home, it's an altogether different story. Caleb and his wife Catherine (Bethea) have been married for seven years, but lately arguments over career, housework, finances, and outside interests have driven the once-happy couple hopelessly apart. Just as Caleb and Catherine prepare to officially dissolve their marriage, Caleb's father John (Harris Malcolm) presents his son with a most unusual challenge: commit to a 40-day experiment called "The Love Dare," and take one last shot at saving his marriage.

While at first Caleb agrees to take a chance on "The Love Dare," the discovery that it's closely tied in with his parent's newfound faith causes him to momentarily reconsider. Still, Caleb carries on with the experiment despite being constantly rejected by his skeptical, embittered wife. When Caleb asks his father how he can be expected to love someone who refuses to give him a fair chance, John tells his son that this is precisely the same love that God shows for humankind. Now, with a little help from above, the man who makes headlines for saving lives will fight to be a hero to the one person who matters most -- his wife.




Copies of the LOVE DARE book will be available in foyer following the service.

MY first visit to Friendship Cafe

Tonight began the 5th season of Friendship Cafe!

Friendship Cafe is a outreach program for teens and adults in our community with special needs. The Cafe is open on the third Friday of each month from September thru April (except December) in the Community Room at North Raleigh Church of the Nazarene. It's a night of entertainment, friendship and fun! We always need volunteers to chaperone, help set up and tear down or provide snacks or two-liter drinks. Please contact Bob and Sandy Floyd to if you'd like to help.

I was able to attend Friendship Cafe for the very first time this evening. It was fantastic! I enjoyed the "open mic" as individuals performed some of their favorite songs. The pizza and salad along with popcorn and dessert made for a great evening. I laughed out loud several times with the group as we cheered the accomplishments of the performers.

All eyes were on the "special guest" of the evening as the one and only "Sonny and Cher" presented a moving rendition of "I've got you babe". I feel it is my best interest not to reveal who was behind the outfits - but look long enough and you may figure it out:

It was quite moving when they concluded their song with a kiss....

I can tell you - my heart filled with encouragement as I departed the church thanking God for the privilege to pastor such a great church! This outreach to families with special needs is unique. The volunteer staff who came to give of their time and labor of love is a tribute of their love for the Lord. I appreciate Bob and Sandy Floyd - Bob Ulman - Marsha Cook - Kathy Muller and others. Seeing this ministry with my own eyes has given me a great appreciation for those who sacrifice for this service. This is truly faith in action.

TWO LITTLE BOYS

TWO LITTLE BOYS

After a hardy rainstorm filled all the potholes

in the streets and alleys,
a young mother watched her two little boys playing in the puddle
through her kitchen window.

The older of the two, a five year old lad,
grabbed his sibling by the back of his head and shoved his face into the water hole.

As the boy recovered and stood laughing and dripping,

the mother runs to the yard in a panic.
Why on earth did you do that to your little brother?!'
she asks as she shook the older boy in anger.

'We were just playing 'church' mommy, ' he said.

'And I was just baptizing him.....in the name of the Father,
the Son and in...the hole-he-goes.'

This was sent to me today from my friend Paula Lewis - and then forwarded to me from another friend Joanie Richards.

Thought you would enjoy it!

Reflections from Sunday at NRN

If you missed last Sunday at NRN - WOW - You missed a great time! I want to express my appreciation to Karen DeSollar for teaching our "Spotlight" Connections Class on the history and doctrine of the Church of the Nazarene. As we prepare to celebrate the Centennial of the Church of the Nazarene - this is an excellent time to learn the answer to the question: "What is a Nazarene." It's not to late to get in on this excellent class - each Sunday in September in the Community Room beginning at 9:30am.

This past Sunday was Student Ministries Sunday at North Raleigh.

When our Family Pastor - Pastor Brittany Cottle - asked the students is any were interested in leading the worship- over a dozen students responded.

They selected the songs and did a great job in leading us in authentic worship!

We especially appreciated the trumpet solo from Sean Baker for the offertory:

Pastor Brittany shared an excellent message. The service closed with a time of prayer with the students at the altars and people taking prayer cards to remember our students in prayer throughout this school year. The closing challenge was simple: Plan to join Pastor Brittany as we See You At The Pole - at 7:00am on Wednesday September 24th around the flag pole at North Raleigh Church of the Nazarene. This is an opportunity to let our students know that we are praying for them. On Sunday evening our students participated in ONE. Be sure and check out this clip: ONE

Be sure and check out the 2nd picture and see the guy in the brown shirt...

Recently I preached a message at NRN entitled "GREAT EXPECTATIONS". The response has been amazing. (You can download the message notes and hear the message on our web site.) Due the high response of those desiring to go through a Focused Living Retreat we are revising our schedule and planning to add another FLR in the near future. Our goal is that we will not leave anyone behind in our refocus process. The last FLR was one of the most meaningful retreats I have led. The Holy Spirit met with us in a tremendous way as we reached a point of surrender to God. Contact the church office if you are intrested in attend the next FLR.

This coming Friday [ Sept. 19th] we will begin this season of FRIENDSHIP CAFE at NRN.

Friendship Cafe is a outreach program for teens and adults in our community with special needs. The Cafe is open on the third Friday of each month from September thru April (except December) in the Community Room at North Raleigh Church of the Nazarene. It's a night of entertainment, friendship and fun! This is our fourth year and our ministry is growing! We always need volunteers to chaperone, help set up and tear down or provide snacks or two-liter drinks. Please contact Bob and Sandy Floyd to if you'd like to help

This ministry is meeting in our Community Room this Friday night at 7:00 p.m.

It’s “Open Mic Night.”

These are exciting days for us a NRN! I look forward to being back in the pulpit (that means I'm going to preach this coming Sunday!) after several Sundays of special emphasis and guest.

More about that later this week.

A great week at the beach

As our family vacation at North Topsail Beach is coming to an end, we are enjoying a beautiful day at the beach. Josh, Steph, and Danielle are down at the water soaking in the sun. I just held Alyse as we watched a VeggieTales sing a long DVD. She fell asleep (and I did not even say "take your Bibles...") and I carried her upstairs to her pack and play. Sharron and I are enjoying a quiet day or relaxing at the beach.



This has been a great week at the beach! There are many things we have enjoyed and I will miss about this time at the beach. Here is one thing I will definitely miss:

On Saturday we pack the vehicles and make our way home. I am looking forward to Sunday at NRN as Pastor Brittany will be speaking and we celebrate our Student Ministry Sunday at North Raleigh as students lead our worship and share testimonies of life changing decisions. This is a Sunday I do not want to miss. It is a clear message that God is at work!

Remembering 9.11.01

On this anniversary of September 11, 2001

- May we never forget -

Here is a 4 minute reminder of the events of September 11, 2001. It features gripping photos to Greenday's "Wake Me Up When September Ends":

Day two of the Hudgens' Family Vacation

Day two of the Hudgens' Vacation at North Topsail Island.


Last evening the family gathered for a delicious meal as me use the new grill at Dolphin View and prepared one of my favorite meals - steaks, potatoes, corn on the cob. This meal was also in honor of Josh as we celebrated his belated birthday.


The fatigue of the last several weeks began to show it's toll as I slept in on day two of our vacation. I am so refreshed already after coming to the ocean. To hear the waves crash , smell the salt air, pause and give thanks to God, and then turn too see my family together is awesome!


Following lunch we headed for the beach. Danielle, Stephanie, Josh and Alyse enjoyed it during the morning as the weather was beautiful. The clouds begin to darken and sprinkles began to fall so I came up to the house but the family remained at the beach. Thought this would be a perfect time to post. One BIG difference at the house this year is the ability to connect to the Internet.

If you want to see more pictures check out Stephanie's blog.

Anticipating a great family vacation

We had a great service at church today! I really enjoyed the presentation of Doug Whitley as James - the brother of Jesus. Thanks Doug for your ministry today. Also, I really enjoyed our lunch together with you and Cheri.

After lunch and running a few errands - I headed to North Topsail Beach for our family vacation! Sharron, Danielle and Alyse arrived in Topsail on Saturday. Soon after I arrived on Sunday afternoon - Josh and Stephanie arrived. The dogs were ready to run - and Alyse smiled with glee!

We love staying at the beautiful home in Topsail. It is hard to believe that this home was boared for the protection of the winds from Tropical Storm Hanna on Saturday morning. The weather here is beautiful! As I walked into the house I had a sense of memories from last year. This is a place we feel so at home. As I stood on the porch and looked at the ocean waves I just soaked up the moment. Sharron prepared a great Sunday afternoon meal featuring a pot roast with potatoes and carrots - just the way I love them.

I am anticipating a great week with family. I have my sunscreen and two books I hope to read this week. One goal is to relax. That is why I am in sitting in a comfortable chair, watching TV with Josh. I think I hear snoring ... oh it's just the dog...

Oh, by the way, that is a trustworthy statement.

Live long and Prosper

According to this article the Primetime Emmy Awards will celebrate some of TV's most memorable lines from the past six decades in honor of the ceremony's 60th anniversary.The lines, which may include "Good night, John Boy" or "Live long and prosper," will be recited by such TV stars as Alec Baldwin, William Baldwin, Ricky Gervais, Kelsey Grammer, Heidi Klum, Denis Leary, Helen Mirren, Jeremy Piven, Doris Roberts, William Shatner, James Spader and Donald Trump during the ceremony, which airs from 8-11 p.m. Sept. 21 on ABC


This got me to thinking about great lines of days gone by. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Bang, Zoom, to the moon Alice!! [Ralph - Honeymooners]
• Live long and propser! [Spock - Star Trek]
• Wilmaaaaaa! [Fred - Flintstones]
• This is the big one! I’m coming Elizabeth. [Fred - Sanford & Son]
• Norm! [All - Cheers]
• Sock it it me! [All - Laugh In]
• Heeeey! [Fonzie - Happy Days]
• What you talkin’ about Willis [Arnold - Different Strokes]
• Engage [Picard - Star Trek TNG]
• Up your nose with a rubber hose. [Vinne Barberino - Welcome back Kotter]
  
  
  What about you? Any favorites that you'd like to share?