Connection - A Christian Imperative

Last Sunday at NRN I continued in my series of messages from the book of First Peter. We took time to look at chapter five and I gave the antidote of a stress filled life.

A fundamental truth that I shared is that as believers in the Lord we really do need each other. I have discovered over my years of ministry that the majority of people who become disgruntled and depart the church were usually Sunday morning attendees only and did not connect in a small group. Connection with others is imperative in your Christian walk.

On Sunday evening Sharron and I hosted another Birthday Fellowship at our home. This is a practice we began during our first year at North Raleigh Church of the Nazarene. It is an opportunity for every person at our church to be invited to our home for a dessert fellowship. Sharron prepares a variety of desserts and people come to our home for laughter, stories, and getting to connect with new friends.

On Sunday we were privileged to host 30 people for an evening of strawberry desserts and plenty of laughter.

The next evening, Sharron and I visited one of our small groups that meets across the area. This group meets on Monday evenings - usually twice a month - in the Durham area. This group is a good example of the church in action. Everyone was greeted warmly. They sat around a room and just talked about life. Then the time came for prayer request and the group paused as a number shared personal request. It was very evident the God's presence was there as people prayed for each other. The prayer time was followed by viewing an eight minute DVD clip and then a lively discussion on forgiveness and the Biblical exhortation not to take revenge on others.

The meeting time concluded with refreshments and more laughter. One couple brought their grand daughter with them to the meeting and she was very observant to what was happening around her. As they departed for the evening she shook my hand, smiled and said to me: "You're awesome". I think she is very discerning and a very intelligent child!

Now - Don't you wish you were part of a small group?

New York Mission Team Departs NRN

NEW YORK MISSIONS TRIP

It was my privilege this morning to pray with the students and some of the adults who be be serving this week on a missions trip to New York.

The team will be traveling today to Milan, NY. They will be minister at Camp Taconic Retreat and Conference Center.

This camp is the Metro New York Church of the Nazarene Campground.

We encourage you to remember this team in prayer throughout this week. The team consist of the following individuals:

Julie Bryant

Ash Cottle

Kathryn Floyd

Annalise Brown

Tali Major

Bob Ulman

Lance Irwin

Zack Irwin

Sue Baker

Sean Baker

Andrew Christian

Michal Christian

Tyler Legget

Dawn Stroupe

Mike Stroupe

Pastor Brittany Cottle

Brian Cottle

Pastor Ryan Walker

Bill Tafel

Dillon Tafel

Danielle Tafel

Plan now to join us on Sunday July 5th at NRN as the team will take a short portion of the service to share testimonies of this past week!

A day at the Museum

Over the weekend we enjoyed the visit from our daughter Stephanie, Josh and Alyse. It was a fun time together as we took time on Saturday to visit a children's museum near our home.

Marbles Kids Museum is an eye opening experience of fun and play. The admission price is very reasonable for the several hours of laughter and fun. I was amazed how busy Alyse was as she experienced a number of exhibits.

Alyse worked on some fashion designs as her mom assisted her:

As she worked to deliver packages - I wondered what was on her mind?

Alyse and her dad enjoyed many time of playing and looking toward the future.

I think the exhibit Alyse enjoyed the most was the water area. She learned the secret of making the toys move quickly through the water by placing them in the water near the jet valve.

Saturday was a day of making memories with our family. Our daughter Danielle was with friends visiting Atlanta. We hope to join with her soon for more family times. It was so special for Sharron and I to have Josh, Stephanie and Alyse visit us in Raleigh. We cherish these moments.

A herd of buffalo, a pride of lions, 2 crocodiles and a spiritual application

As I sit at my desk and pray for the worship experience at NRN tomorrow I spend time to worship and then jump into the Word of God and ask the Holy Spirit to give me the right words to share. I have studied and prepared. The powerpoint is prepared - the sermon notes are printed and placed in the worship folders. Now - I focus on preparing my soul and spirit to be receptive to the leading of God as I stand before His people.

Here is part of my worship:








As I preach from 1 Peter chapter 5 I am moved by a powerful example found on youtube.

Let me set it up:

Soon to be featured on NBC's Dateline! It has been featured on National Geographic, Animal Planet and ABC.

It is a battle between a pride of lions, a herd of buffalo, and 2 crocodiles at a watering hole in South Africa's Kruger National Park while on safari.

This is an 8 minute -yet captivating video.

Here is the spiritual application:

1. We need each other - It is never wise to go solo in the world today.

2. Satan is like a lion - seeking whom he may destroy.

3. When things in life are difficult - they can always get worse ( here comes the crocodiles)

4. Just when it looks like the end is near - the herd can come to your rescue.

Find a local church and join the herd in order to escape the lions and crocodiles of life.


If you are looking for a great church in the Raleigh NC area - check us out at NRN.

A little chuckle

When I feel really busy and face a "brain freeze" about posting a blog - I usually think of this little clip that seems to always make me chuckle.




My understanding that there were no models injured during this taping.

I am also reminded by this clip that before I criticize anyone I should consider walking a mile in their shoes.

Thoughts about Father's Day

Last Sunday we took a few moments to honor men in our church for Father's Day. This year my wife was at the home of my daughter Stephanie and Josh. She was able to spend some time with them - have time with Alyse and spent the afternoon with our daughter Danielle as they went to a Broadway show.

As I awoke on Sunday I admit, I was a little lonely. I had thoughts of my dad who passed away in 1984. I wish there had been more time to spend with my dad. There are so many questions I would like to ask. Yes - I sensed a time of sorrow as I prepared for Sunday morning.

Sunday turned out to be a great day. As I took my cell phone following church I read a text message from Danielle that brought tears to my eyes as she wished me a happy Father's Day!

On Monday I met Sharron, Stephanie and Alyse in Lexington NC to bring Sharron home.

Alyse is feeling much better following her sickness over the weekend. She even felt at home at the Cracker Barrel to challenge Sharron to checkers...

I think she does quite well ...

Stephanie gave me a Father's Day card from her and Josh. Later, in a quiet moment I read the words which touched my heart:

Thanks for being a Great Dad

It's your heart for God that guides your steps and leaves a path of wisdom to follow.

Your encouragement and example are valuable gifts, but your love is the greatest inspiration - steady, strong, and willing to express itself generous, whether it be in a word of advice or a helping hand.

You might not hear "thank you" and "I love you" as often as they come to mind, but you are appreciated and loved deeply today and always.

Happy Father's Day WITH LOVE

"He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor."

Proverbs 21:21 NIV

WOW! I feel so unworthy of such kind words - but they are a challenge I accept to live up to, with the help of the Lord. May my life be found trustworthy....

James and the Chicken Dance

Well - I am finally back. I have missed posting for the last week but the week was full of events and I was away from the computer when I wanted to post. Here is a posting on our Vacation Bible School which concluded on Sunday morning:

Vacation Bible School at NRN

Here is the video presentation Pastor Brittany prepared for last Sunday. VBS was great at NRN this year. Special appreciation to Sandy Floyd and those who helped paint and prepare the backdrops and to Brian Cottle for the craftsmanship on the set. Also to ALL the volunteers - Thank you for your service to the Lord. We rejoice in the number of changed lives and for the 8 children who accepted Christ as their Savior!

This past Sunday at NRN was filled with shouts of praise and laughter!

James Cook demonstrated his servant spirit by allowing the chocolate syrup to cover him to hold the feathers applied and enjoy the "chicken dance" as we applauded!