Reflections from a family vacation

Sorry for the long delay in my posting. On September 9th I preached during the morning service at North Raleigh Church of the Nazarene. You can hear this message at http://www.nrnazarene.org/services/services/servicepodcasts.html Soon after the worship service Sharron, Danielle, Alyse and I departed for North Topsail Beach on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I did not have Internet access for almost a week.

When we arrived at the house we rented "Dolphin View" we were thrilled! Josh and Stephanie had gone ahead on Saturday and opened the house ready for our arrival.

The next five days established the memories I had longed for. Each morning Josh, Stephanie and Danielle made their way across the dunes and laid out on the beach. They enjoyed the time splashing in the Atlantic Ocean!

Sharron and I spent very little time at the beach - but lots of time holding our granddaughter and enjoying quiet moments together. We needed this time together. The separation caused in our current situation has caused a stress in our lives that we have not experienced since the early days of beginning ministry.


We appreciate the linens, beach chairs and "stuff" loaned to us by Phil and Joanie Richards. Once again they have expressed kindness to our family. A deep sense of loneliness came over me when the vacation ended by driving to Raleigh to retrieve Danielle's car and then see her, Alyse and Sharron depart for Indian Trail. On Sunday morning I struggled to go to church (wow - that's being transparent) -but God reminded me that I am the PASTOR. When I stood to preach on Sunday I felt an unusual anointing of the Holy Spirit and a real freedom to preach.


I remained in Raleigh through Thursday of this week. I jumped in with both feet to tackle several administrative task and responsibilities in the office. It was good to meet with each pastoral staff member individually and then together at our weekly staff meeting. The church board meeting on Tuesday evening began with 45 minutes in prayer. I departed the Richards' home on Thursday and today I am at Josh and Stephanie's house in Indian Trail. It is good to be with Sharron again and to enjoy our family. I am looking forward to preaching on Sunday as we continue in our series of messages entitled The Church That God Designed as we survey the book of 1 Thessalonians.


On Sunday we will look at First Thessalonians 2:17 - 3:13 As Sharron and I have gone through the experience of not have a home of our own and my commuting twice a week between Raleigh and Indian Trail we have faced tensions. stress and obstacles that we have not faced before. It has been difficult to stay content in these times, but God is continually proving His faithfulness to us. Paul said to those in the church " Night and day we pray most earnestly that God will supply that which is lacking in your faith." ( 1 Thess. 3:10b) There are three aspects to the prayer Paul prays for us. He prays that we might have a strong relationship with God; an ever-growing love for all people; and steadfastness in faith.


WOW! These my friends, are truly Trustworthy Statements! Check back again after Sunday!

Oh, by the way, now this my blog site is linked to the web site of the church http://www.nrnazarene.org/index.html - please post a comment that let me know you stopped by. Thanks PR

A TIME FOR TEARS

TEARS OF PAIN - TEARS OF JOY. Over the past few weeks I have found tears flowing. I always get emotional when I see my grand daughter Alyse. We call this picture "Warm Sheets"
- Think about it !

Sorry for the long delay in returning to my blog. As I shared in my last blog entry, Sharron and I were in Concordia, KS for the trail of Pastor Brian Sprung. One aspect of this experience was that I was sequestered for two days. When I was able to testify the time on the stand was very brief. Sharron and I departed Kansas to return to North Carolina for an expected time of great service at North Raleigh. Then came a time for tears.

My heart was deeply saddened by the news of death of Greg Wright. Greg Wright, 44, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, August 22, 2007. Greg is survived by his wife, Suellen Russo Wright and children, Kevin and Erin. He was known for his quick wit and great sense of humor. He was an avid woodworker and tennis player. His love for Christ was expressed in his role as an outstanding husband and father. He provided never ending support for those in need. He was most proud of watching his children play sports, and his ability to provide for his family. The funeral for Greg took place on Sunday August 26th at North Raleigh. I had only spoken to Greg once. Truly, I was moved by the memorial service. I was thankful to have the opportunity to pray with Suellen and the family on that day. I was also very moved by the response of the members of their small group and the family of North Raleigh. The installation service by Dr. Mark Barnes has been rescheduled for last Sunday of October.

Another time for tears occurred after hearing the news of the verdict in the Brian Sprung case. I received a phone call from Kansas District Superintendent Ed Rotz notifying me that the jury found Brain guilty on four felony counts. Brian is current incarcerated in the Cloud County Jail awaiting his sentencing hearing on October 1st. Brian has served in pastoral ministry for over 25 years. I have only known him as a person living above reproach. This decision of the justice system is very disturbing. My heart breaks for Brian and his family during this difficult time. I also pray for those who brought these charges against him. It is a reminder to me as a pastor how fragile ministry really is. I thank God every day for the privilege to serve Him and ask God to protect me and keep my heart and mind pure in Him. I strive daily to live to the praise of my Savior.

I am very thankful for the privilege of serving as Lead Pastor of North Raleigh Church of the Nazarene. When I think of the journey Sharron and I have been on for the past 6 months I am so happy to be in pastoral ministry. Sharron told me recently that she has seen the joy in my preaching at North Raleigh. As I prayed last evening tears came to my eyes as I shared my thanks to God. If you would like to hear my most recent message click here:http://www.nrnazarene.org/services/services/servicepodcasts.html

TEARS OF JOY came forth on September 1st as our grand daughter Alyse celebrated her six month birth day. Sharron, Stephanie and Alyse met me last Friday in Lexington, NC saving me the drive to Indian Trail. We met at one of our favorite "grandpa" spots - Cracker Barrel.

YES - That is a BIG SMILE on my face as I hold Alyse. Of course she is looking around at other "stuff". She is very observant but when she looks up at me with those deep blue eyes - tears of joy often fill my eyes. I love my family so much.

Finally - the reason I shared with entry with the title of A Time for Tears.

I am sitting in the family room of my new friends - Phil and Joanne Richards. They are in Richmond, Va. and have opened their home to provide me a place to stay in the Raleigh area. (Thanks for the chocolate ice cream!) Sharron, Danielle and Alyse arrive in Raleigh tomorrow as Josh and Stephanie travel to Topsail Beach to open the rental house for our vacation. On Sunday I begin a new series of messages at North Raleigh. We plan to depart after the service for a family vacation on Topsail Beach, NC. When I asked the home owner how close the house we have rented is to the water of the Atlantic Ocean - I was pleased with her response of "only 19 paces!"

Tonight - Friday evening - I am alone and for the first time in several weeks watching a fresh episode of MONK on USA network. YES - tears were in my eyes as I laughed out loud. It never fails - Monk always makes me laugh! This episode reminds me that we all make mistakes - we are only human.

"There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven: ...a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance..." Ecclesiastes 3:1,4

These my friends are trustworthy sayings...

Time to re-Wesleyanize

On Sunday August 12 there was a reception for Sharron and me at North Raleigh Church of the Nazarene. The office manager - Donna - took several pictures to document this event. You can view the slide show at the church web site (note the post below and click on the web site).


On Tuesday the 14th I conducted my first church board meeting as Lead Pastor. As the meeting was coming to a close a board member shared with me that it was really good to laugh at a board meeting. I am greatly encouraged by the great leadership team at NRN (North Raleigh Nazarene).


God truly met with us on Sunday morning August 19th as Tom Alsbury and Crystal Bennett with the praise team lead us in worship. I enjoyed preaching the message entitled "Why are we here?" You can hear this message on the church web site - just click on the worship podcast.


An emotional event took place later in the week when we finally secured auto insurance and placed North Carolina license plate on our vehicle. This sounds so simple, but I had NC tags on every car I had until God lead Sharron and I to Christian Fellowship Church in April 1981. Now, 26 years later, we celebrate going home with the reality of NC tags on our vehicle.

When Sharron and I departed from Josh and Stephanie's on Saturday morning we knew we would not be back in Indian Trail for 10 days. I couldn't believe that Stephanie accused us of trying to pack Alyse in our suitcase to take her to Kansas with us!
Why would she ever think we would do that?


The pastoral team departed Sunday afternoon for our first Pastoral Team Advance. We enjoyed a time of sharing, praying, planning and of course pigging out! I believe God has placed a great team together!


A short note of appreciation to Phil and Joanie Richards for their hospitality as Sharron and I stayed in their home on Tuesday evening. I am thankful for the Richards and their open hearts and open home to provide a place for me to stay when in the Raleigh area. I enjoy the laughter with each visit! It was Joanie that gave me a recent copy of Holiness Today - the magazine of the Church of the Nazarene. In this edition I read comments from General Superintendent Nina Gunter as she addressed the M7 conference in Kansas City. She was quoted as saying the following:


"Gunter warned that the rate of change in our culture has increased so quickly that what used to take a generation now changes every 5 years, which presents challenges for our church, some of the biggest challenges in our 100-year history.

Gunter called upon her hearers to rise to those challenges, to re-Wesleyanize the Church of the Nazarene. She asserted that this church is a vigorous 100-year-old, who can still give birth! “We can embrace new methods, new structures, and new ways to connect, serve, and resource our church, all for the ultimate work God has called us to, the work of making Christlike disciples in the nations.”

I shared with the Richards that I am doing my part in this challenge to re-Wesleyanize the Church of the Nazarene!


Today, Sharron and I are in Concordia, KS in compliance to a subpoena I received to testify on behalf of Rev. Bryan Sprung in the entitled action pending in the Cloud County district court. I did not testify today but will be called upon tomorrow. Sharron and I will return to NC on Saturday.


We look forward to Sunday with special guest Dr. Mark Barnes - District Superintendent of the North Carolina Church of the Nazarene. Dr. Barnes will be preaching and conducting an installation service. Next Sunday (September 2) I am planning to preach from Acts 17:1-9 as we explore the establishment of the church in Thessalonica. In the days ahead I plan to preach through the book of First Thessalonians. My heart is stirring as I prepare my first series of messages for NRN. My desire is to preach with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit and share the message of Christ clearly.


Acts 17:3b says "This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ." This my friends, is truly a trustworthy statement.

FIRST THOUGHTS AS A LEAD PASTOR

On Sunday August 5, 2007 I preached my first sermon as Lead Pastor at North Raleigh Church of the Nazarene. To read more about this and even hear the message I preached on the podcast simply click : http://www.nrnazarene.org/ You can also hear for yourself why I am not the senior pastor - but the lead pastor of the church! Pictures will be posted soon!

I appreciate Crystal Bennett and the worship team leading us into the presence of the Lord. I was especially honored when I looked upon the congregation and saw my dear friends - Doug and Joy Huber with their children, Mac, Jacob and Emma Grace, and Joyce Ford. When I surprised Sharron by asking her to sit with someone for me, she broke into tears when she saw Joyce and the family!

As I shared the message entitled "The Marks of a Healthy Church" the spirit of God moved upon us. At the close of the service I invited people to come forward to the altars to pray and "give this church back to God.". The prayers of many in leadership and then prayers of long time members brought tears to my eyes. People prayed for forgiveness. Many prayed for unity. I believe God was pleased with the many decisions made.


I had the privilege of meeting many new people prior to the service. It was good to be in the foyer to welcome people!

This coming Sunday - August 12th - a 15 minute reception is scheduled for me to meet everyone!

(Cartoon: Copyright Christianity Today International/BuildingChurchLeaders.com. Used with permission.)
http://www.christianitytoday.com/bcl/features/cartoons/

In the office during the week I attending my first meeting with the Steward Committee. This team consist of leaders responsible for outreach, membership and spiritual life in the church. I also met with pastoral staff members and filled the days with meetings and pastoral responsibilities.

I appreciate the hospitality of John and Janet LaLone. They opened their home for my use while they were out of town for the week.

I am really excited about this coming Sunday. Zack Whiteside is leading our worship with the worship team before he heads back to Appalachian University in the beautiful mountains near Boone, NC. His brother Brandon recently graduated from Trevecca Nazarene University. http://www.trevecca.edu/

God has moved upon my spirit to change the message I had planned and follow up on the message from last week. I am putting the strategy together for my first 100 days as pastor.

Sharron is enjoying the time with our family in Indian Trail, NC. I enjoy the days I spend there each week and hold my grand daughter. Her smiles at me are worth the round trip commute to Raleigh each week. We are still praying for the sell of our home in Topeka and look forward to establishing a new home in the Raleigh area.

Sharron noted that the emotional stress was evident by my demeanor last Friday and Saturday. It greatly encouraged me when Sharron told our close friends that "Rick seemed so anxious Saturday afternoon, but after his prayer time at the church late that evening, he seemed like the Rick I haven't seen in quite a while." I admit, it was good to be back into the pulpit as pastor again. I am crying out to God to increase my love for the people at NRN (North Raleigh Nazarene) as I desire to be the best pastor I could possibly be.

This past week I have been thinking each day about what I believe will be the measure of success as pastor at NRN. I know many people are hoping for numerical and financial growth of the church. I trust God for those things. I desire to base my work on the simple definition of success: "Finding out what is on Jesus' heart and then doing it, when and how he says."

I will be sharing these words of missionary Jim Elliott, who gave his life for the cause of Christ in the remote jungles of Ecuador:

"He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep,

for that which he cannot lose."

I believe this, my friends, is a trustworthy saying.

I've been tagged

I have been tagged by my friend Amy. Here we go.....

Places I've Lived:
1) Charlotte, NC
2) Herndon, VA (right outside of DC)
3) Bartlesville, OK
4) Marion, IN
5) Sturgis, MI
6) Topeka, KS
7) Raleigh, NC (I'm on my way.)

Favorite TV Shows:
1) Monk
2) Psych
3) Hell's Kitchen
4) Law and Order (Criminal Intent)

Favorite Food:
1) Anything chocolate
2) BBQ
3) I like my Momma's Pancake breakfast at Cracker Barrel (blueberry's in the pancakes)
4) Chicken and rice

Places I'd rather be:
1) My wife says- Church
2) My daughter says - asleep
3) I say- alone
4) Ricar, Ecuador

Favorite movies:
1) Star Wars (The 1st trilogy)
2) Field of Dreams
3) Bourne series (I am going to see the new one asap)
4) Home movies of Alyse

Tag Time:
1) Stephanie
2) If you are reading this and you attend NRN then you are tagged!

We're not in Kansas anymore

I realize I am not the originator of that phrase. In 1930 those words were penned by Frank L. Baum in his children's book entitled "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz". This book was later made into a film in 1939 by MGM - in Technicolor -(released August 23, 1939) and as soon as "Dorothy" (played by 17 year old Judy Garland) arrived in the fantasy word of Oz the first words she spoke were: "Toto. I I've got a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore." Those words were echoed more recently in the 1996 song by Jo Dee Messina - "You're not in Kansas anymore." For Rick and Sharron Hudgens - these are more than quaint words - truly - We are not in Kansas anymore!

On Saturday July 28 Sharron and I arose early from a short sleepless night. The toll from the physical work in the house and vacating our personal items from the Kansas District Ministry Center became evident. The emotional toll was even greater. We departed from our house at 10:00am as a realtor arrive to show the house to a young couple. Sharron and I went for our last meal at Cracker Barrel and said goodbye to several there who have become friends. We then returned home and packed the car for our trip to Charlotte, NC. As we departed Topeka our hearts and minds were filled with good thoughts and memories of a time well spent and the blessings of ministry. No large fanfare to say goodbye, we felt it we just slipped away into the next stage of the transition.

With each mile we travelled we became more excited about the reality that we were returning home to North Carolina. We departed NC on April 1, 1981 to never hold residence there again until now. What does it mean to us to go home?

FIRST - and most important - is the call of God upon our lives to continue in the Lord's service. I am excited about my newly established position with New Church Specialities and the opportunity to make an impact in the lives of pastors and churches. I admit - I am anxious about full time pastoral ministry again. My heart is burring to preach and I believe God is giving me a clear vision for the direction of North Raleigh Church of the Nazarene. The welcome from the Church as already begun. (I invite you to click on the web site - look to your right- and check out the welcome for us!) Tomorrow is my first day in the office and Sunday my first message as Lead Pastor. I am believing for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit during the service. I pray the altars will be lined with people praying as the service comes to a close.

SECOND - Family. I am trying to grasp the reality that Sharron and I will be less than 2 hours from our family. When Josh and Stephanie moved to Charlotte, North Carolina Sharron and I began to think about when we should return to NC. When Danielle made the decision to relocate to North Carolina, Sharron and I once again began to think about when we should relocate. In 2005 my mother passed away and for the first time in my adult life my two brothers met with me individually and asked if I would ever return to NC. They had missed seeing our girls grow up into adulthood and Sharron and I had missed seeing my niece and nephews growing up.

Our closest friends - Joyce Ford, and Doug and Joy Huber and family began to ask if we were thinking about ever coming back to North Carolina. On March 1, 2007 Alyse Nicole came into the world. When I returned to Kansas the next week and met with Dr. Jerry Pence - General Superintendent of the Wesleyan Church about my upcoming election for the continuing of my service as DS - the emotions were high. Sharron and I prayerfully decided that now was the time to bring our ministry to a close in Kansas so I withdrew my name from consideration as DS.

With that, the journey began which brought us to this moment. We're not in Kansas anymore.

We are now living in the guest room of our daughter and son-in-law Josh. We are not homeless - it's just all our belongings and our house for sell is still in Topeka, Kansas. As Sharron and I discussed this today we were reminded that when we accepted the position as DS in Kansas (July 30, 2001) we did not actually arrive to our new home in Kansas until the morning of September 11th. We believe we will be moving into our new home in Raleigh before the middle of September 2007. Until that time, "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want, I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." ( Philippians 4:11-13 NIV)

My faith and trust are in Him who continually proves Himself faithful to us. I speak of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, These, my friends, are indeed, trustworthy sayings.

Oh, by the way: the final words the character Dorothy said in the movie "The Wizard of Oz" was..."There's no place like home". As we crossed the state line into North Carolina, Sharron looked at me and asked , "Do you feel like you're home". I smiled, and with tears in my eyes responded, "YES". A few hours later we held Alyse in our arms and knew we had made the right decision to relocate to NC.

The Great Adventure

The time is quickly approaching for our departure from Kansas. We are facing the great adventure!



Sharron and I found our schedule full as we prepare the last minute responsibilities at our house in Topeka. We took time on Thursday to meet with Pastor Alfredo Barreno and his son Christian. Sharron and I are constantly blessed by Pastor Alfredo and his family. Our ministry opportunities were great and our friendship has deeply grown over the past six years.

It was a happy moment when we signed the title of our 1993 Ford Festiva to Pastor Alfredo for his son Christian. This is his first car. They had been looking for a vehicle for Chris and when they indicated interest in purchasing our car - it was a joy to sell it to them for Chris.

Sharron and I worked until late last evening and then concluded the work of packing my office and personal items at the District Ministry Center today. It was an emotional moment as I surrendered my keys to the facility. We have now vacated the Ministry Center. No one else was there today because this is the day of the annual district conference. Today was the election for a new District Superintendent. My thoughts and prayers are with the pastors and delegates. I appreciate the leadership of Dr. Jerry Pence as General Superintendent and believe the conference will go well today and the celebration to follow will be great!

I have counted it a privilege to serve as District Superintendent of the Kansas District of the Wesleyan Church since July 2001. I believe this experience has continued to mold and shape me into the man of God and minister of the gospel that God intends me to be. I am very thankful for this opportunity. It is with deep love for the pastors and churches that I step away from this position. As you may have read this blog in the past; now is the time to face the simple priorities that Sharron and I established for our life and ministry together 29 years ago. God is first - family and close friends are second - and ministry (church) is third. We are confident in our decision to return home to North Carolina to be near family and life long friends.

It was disappointing during these past three months as doors of opportunity closed before us. It is also amazing how God opened the door to return me to pastoral ministry at a great church. I begin my responsibilities at North Raleigh Church of the Nazarene next week. Check out their web site about our arrival http://www.nrnazarene.org/

We are departing for NC on Saturday July 28th. Stephanie and Josh say they are ready for our arrival. The church is reaching out to us to assist us in our time of transition. We are excited about the new adventure and the journey of faith God is taking us on. I am reminded of one of my favorite songs:

The Great Adventure

(by:Steven Curtis Chapman, Geoff Moore)

Saddle up your horses!
Yeah a ah, Yeah a ah (saddle up your)
Saddle up your horses we've got a trail to blaze
through the wild blue yonder of God's amazing grace
let's follow our leader into the glorious unknown
this is a life like no other whoa ooh
this is the Great Adventure

Saddle up your horses we've got a trail to blaze
through the wild blue yonder of God's amazing grace
let's follow our leader into the glorious unknown
this is a life like no other ooh

Saddle up your horses we've got a trail to blaze
through the wild blue yonder of God's amazing grace
let's follow our leader into the glorious unknown
this is a life like no other whoa ooh
this is the Great Adventure

The great adventure, the great adventure
The great adventure, the great adventure

These truly are trustworthy sayings.....