New Beginnings...

***This post is taken from Morning Praise and written by Terrie Ruff****

Behold I make all things new. Revelations 21:5

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17

The warmth from the October sun felt good as a I walked in a nearby park.  The gentle breeze made the weather seem perfect and refreshing as I soaked in nature's abundance.  With each lap I smiled as I felt the hardened brown leaves under my feet, each making a unique crunching sound.  Very soon these leaves, which looked so fragile and lifeless, would be replaced by the new, green, lively leaves of spring.
New beginnings.Those who don't have a relationship with Christ come to mind.  They too seem hardened, fragile, and lifeless as the brown leaves of fall.  They too are often stepped upon by the weight of our uncaring, unloving, and lack of acceptance, or, as one pastor stated, the weight of our "long memories"- our unwillingness to forgive and forget mistakes of the past.  They are often treated like the brown leaves we gather and disregard because there is no use for something in which we so no potential.  Yet Jesus commissions us to love unconditionally and see the good, the potential in others.  We should see others through His eyes, who knows that failures are never final!  He always wants us, and as His ambassadors we must follow His example.  We must gather into our arms those without a relationship with Him, and provide a covering, a shelter of safety, love and acceptance.
A special friend reminds me daily of how such a covering can aid in rebuilding and reconciliation.  Many have seen him as a failure because of past mistakes made before he had a committed walk with God.  But now he has a circle of Christian friends who love and accept him just as he is, no strings attached.  He has friends who believe in the God of second chances, the God of new beginnings.  Although it's fall and the leaves of nature are brown, fragile and lifeless, in the life of my precious friend it's spring!
I'm smiling again and walking with more rapid stride, my eyes filled with tears of joy as I witness God's gift of restoration and reconciliation.  What an awesome privilege to have been chosen to be a part of such an experience!  My friend is becoming a new creature in Christ!  I marvel at God's gift of a new beginning.
By Terrie Ruff

He is the Vine...

Many times as I have traveled through the image on the front of the current bulletin for this sermon series, I have started a blog post.  Well at least in my head I have.  The image reminds me of what I see almost on a daily basis, fields.  My children already know how to spot grapes growing in the fields or vineyards and as the corn grows higher and the soy beans grow lush, the grapes grow beautiful, green and thick.  Growing up in Southwest Michigan the smell of grapes in the fall is something you come to know and possibly expect.  I even now excitedly await for the first time.  The first time in September when you drive by and catch that beautiful whiff of grapes!  It is almost indescribable. 

But do you know how to care for grapes?  How you must prune then back every year in order for more fruit to produce and so there is not too much shade in the following year.  The most common mistake made is not pruning enough or hard enough.  Knowing how to prune grapes can make the difference between a good crop and a bad one. When pruning grapes, you’ll want to cut off as much of the old wood as possible. This will encourage the growth of new wood, which is where the fruit is produced.  Grapes should be pruned during their dormancy, usually in late winter. When it comes to pruning grapes, the most common mistake people make is not pruning hard enough. Light pruning doesn’t promote adequate fruiting whereas heavy pruning provides the greatest quality of grapes.

Okay, so I am not going to teach you how to plant or take care of your own vineyard, but when I read this I could not help but think how this applies to our faith.  In John 15:1 Jesus says “I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener.”  Have you ever found yourself stuck in your faith?  Maybe not stuck but unsure of what to do next, or perhaps you are perfectly comfortable in where you are in your relationship with God.  I have found that when I am comfortable, it is my dormant season and time for a pruning.  The tricky part is when I reach this place is that I have to wait.  Because you see, I am not my own gardener.  I have to wait to see how, where and when the Lord is going to prune me.   Many times this pruning bends me, stretches me, sometimes it hurts me.  However, the Lord knows how to prune that I may heal and bear more fruit.  I must be patient, while waiting to be pruned and while I heal or grow from the pruning.  I also have to trust that God knows what he is doing, loves me, will do what is best for me and that he will be by my side during this time.  See the branch does not just grow plentiful fruit on its own.  If left to its own, it actually continues to grow less and less fruit.  I am that way as well.  I need my master gardener, THE MASTER GARDENER.  Not so that I may produce the most or taste the best or even look the best, but so I may share him through me.  So that by looking at me or knowing me they also know him.  Truly KNOW him, not just of him. 

I challenge you to take a step back and look at where God may have pruned in your life recently or in the past.  He is encouraging new growth and fruit in and through you, but you have to let him.

Prayer:  Dear Father, my Master Gardener please help me to allow you to encourage new growth and fruit through me.  Lord help me to be patient and also to trust you. Help me to rest and find peace when pruning is not welcome or understood, Lord when it hurts help me to turn to you.  Father help me to receive your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control so that I may know you and make you known. Amen

Written and submitted by Jodie Wilson 

Interruptions

Have you ever had one of those days where you can't seem to finish anything, even a thought or sentence without being interrupted?  Maybe the doorbell or timer goes off.  Maybe the phone is ringing, or someone keeps texting you or maybe a child needs your help or needs to "just to tell you something."  Sometimes interruptions happen.  It can become frustrating when all you need to do or finish is this one thing.  Right now my life feels like this more than I would like to admit. In the constant doing for someone or chores that need to be done, I feel like I am on this hamster wheel, but I am not going very fast I am just spinning in circles.  The interruptions are like a reset button and I have to climb back on the wheel to get it spinning again and start all over.  

As Pentecost is coming I wonder what the apostles thought when the violent wind came in and what appeared to be tongues of fire where suddenly over their heads.  I can picture Peter looking at John and James about to say,"Who forgot to close the window?" as the fire appeared. And then what an amazing thing happened they were able to speak so that all gathered in Jerusalem could understand. "But wait, Lord!  This language thing is great but we had things to do, to discuss, to plan." I wonder if this thought crossed any of the apostles' minds. I wonder how many time I have said "But wait, Lord!" myself.

Sometimes I welcome those interruptions.  That smiling face so sweet and excited about the tower that he just built all by himself or that phone call from a friend I haven't spoken to in too long.  I am trying to fully enjoy the blessings and gifts God has given me.  But sometimes I fill my schedule with so many things that I think God interrupts my plans to remind me that I need to be present in the now.  I believe this is God's way of telling me to scale back a bit. So this summer that is my goal.  I am going to try to step off the hamster wheel, quiet that constant whirring that has been in my head and be fully present not only in my life but with him.  I am sure I will still be interrupted, but I am going to try to see the daily constant interruptions as opportunities that God has given to me.  
How about you?  What is God trying to tell you in the daily interruptions? 


Prayer
Lord, please help me to turn every interruption into an opportunity to show and share your love.  Forgive me for putting my wants first.  Help me to fully enjoy every day as a gift from you and to be patient, while I listen and wait for you to lead me.

Written by Jodie Wilson

Acts 2 - When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[g] as the Spirit enabled them.

5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,[h] 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”

Check out the other pages to see what is new and check out the calendar at harbertcommunitychurch.org

Preparing...

Many of you know that I am expecting a baby in just a few weeks.  As the due date becomes closer and closer am preparing for the upcoming somewhat upheaval of our household and daily lives.  While some preparing or "nesting," as it is referred to in the 'pregnancy guidebooks,' has been fun and exciting, at times I start to let it become overbearing and overwhelming.  I feel like this is a common feeling when we prepare.  Almost any event, be it a holiday, a marriage, pregnancy, a new job or a big move can start off with excitement and anticipation, but often times that can turn into this feeling of "There are SO MANY preparations (things) to do!!!"  Personally this happens to me and I often realize it is because I have forgotten to ask for help.  I have forgotten to ask for His help.  When I begin to feel that overwhelming weight and pressure of "I can't do it all!" I have come to realize that I have not asked my Heavenly Father for help.  I cannot do 'it all,' but I especially cannot without his help and guidance.  There is an amazing relief that I feel after I ask for help from the Lord. I still may not accomplish my entire "to do" list, but what I do accomplish is with his help and I find that I am not nearly as concerned at what may not have gotten done.  

One of my favorite hymns is "What a Friend We Have in Jesus."*  This song truly speaks to me.  Why must I continue to think I can do this on my own.  God does not expect or even want me to try to go it alone.  The opposite actually.  God still wants us to prepare.  And there are many things that we should prepare for, but I would challenge you approach preparing for whatever may be next in your life, with Hebrews 12:1-3 in mind.  When I read Hebrews 12:1-3; I picture throwing off these chains that have been weighing me down and holding me back and running full force, feeling so light, the wind in my hair, with my eyes fixed on Jesus as he is standing arms outstretched waiting for me.    I pray that you will run as well, light and free and fast straight into the arms of our Savior.

- written by Jodie Wilson

*reimagined and arranged by Jamin Bradley

Hebrews 12 (NIV) "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

1 Peter 5:7 (NET) "...by casting all your cares on him because he cares for you."

Take a look around see what is new and updated.  We hope to see you soon at Harbert Community Church!

Not a House but a Home...

Lately I have been feeling like a house of cards.  If I am balanced ever so carefully, I can be beautifully intricate, rise to amazing heights and simply amaze.  But that balance is so easily upset one breeze, however faint or shake of the table and I fall, hard, fast and into a messy heap(and most of the time my heap includes tears).  I feel flat, defeated, inadequate and so unorganized.  Like a mess of cards scattered every which way some facing up, others facing down, not good for anything except to sort through, clean up and possibly start (building or playing with) again.  Normally I find that one of many things have happened in order for my house to fall.  My foundation is not where it should be, or maybe I am building for the wrong reasons or maybe I am not supposed to be building at all and instead God has something for me in the clean up, the sorting through or the slow process of starting again. 

A few weeks ago Pastor Britta asked the children during the children's message what a church is?  The response was that is was a building to keep us safe.  Did you catch that?  A building. Sometimes I find that I am to concerned about my "House" and I neglect, ignore or don't even bother with my HOME.  My home is in Christ, with the Lord and my Savior.  When my focus is on other things, worldly things or even (gasp!) church ministry things, if my foundation is not in God and I am not based in the word, I am not home.  When I do not start where I should I become so unstable and the enemy can easily knock me down.

Harbert Community Church is in a time of transition.  Now more than ever we need to work on our home.  When we as a church family are hurting we need to take special care for each other.  A hymn came to my mind when that children's sermon took place and later during another sermon and discussion.  The hymn is "We Are theChurch" by Richard Avery and Donald Marsh.  I encourage you to follow the link and read or sing through the song. I encourage you (and me!) to focus on our HOME and not worry so much about the house.  Houses will eventually be destroyed, but our Home in Christ is Forever!

- written by Jodie Wilson

Isaiah 32:18-20 My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest. Though hail flattens the forest and the city is leveled completely, how blessed you will be...

So will you please join us as we try to continue building not a house, but a Home at Harbert Community Church.  Reach out to someone new, or that you don't know very well, step out of your comfort zone and offer to volunteer, but most importantly welcome everyone into our HOME.

Don't forget to check out what is going on this fall at HCC!

Women's Morning Bible Study        HCC Women's Luncheon
Holiday Bazaar

May We Run

Isaiah 41:10  "Fear not, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Many runners will tell you if you ask them, what they repeat as their mantra when they run long distances to help them along.  Sometimes I repeat, "Forward. Upward. Forward. Upward.". The visualization of those two things propels me well, forward and upward.  But more often than not, I recite Bible passages. These passages don't necessarily have anything to do with running, but are good to ponder and focus on instead of the discomfort of running for hours.  A common passage I like to recite is Isaiah 41:10. I have always been motivated by it and like to repeat it a few times and really dwell on what this passage means.

Often in our lives we are fearful of things to come or things that are happening.  We are dismayed when we think about the predicaments of our lives. But God tells us not to fear!  He is with us. We aren't alone in our trials.  He is handling this for us.  Don't dismay. Be hopeful.  He is our God.  He strengthens us and helps us through all difficulties in our lives.  He holds us up with his righteous right hand.  We are carried in the palm of his amazing hand.

When I'm running I visualize him literally holding me in his hand.  I picture him strengthening me and running that distance with me.  It is a metaphor for my life.  He doesn't just carry me on my runs, he carries me through my entire life- parenting my children, interacting with my community, working on my relationship with my husband, caring for and loving my parents and friends.  He is with me and I need not fear in any circumstance. He is my God.

-written by Kristen Kaspar

May we learn to run.  Not in fear but fully trusting that the Lord is with us, providing strength and holding us up with his hand.

In the Midst...

            I heard the mom’s tight voice just down the aisle from me in the store.  Speaking to her toddler, who was seated in a shopping cart being pushed by his grandmother, the mom said, “You better be nice in here, or you’ll be sorry!” 

            Whenever I’m out in a public place and hear a child on the receiving end of an adult’s anger, it makes me cringe.  If this is what goes on when they are out in public, what is life like in the privacy of their own home?  On this particular day, it was as if I could not escape the situation.  They were practically following me around the store.

            The cute little guy was giggling and having a great time with his grandma, who was doing a good job of entertaining him while the mom shopped.  His legs flipping back and forth, he jabbered and pointed, while grandma toured the store with him.  In his tiny hands he held a Kindle, which his mother had given him to “play” with.  A moment later, there was a clunk, followed by crying.

            The grandmother soothingly said, “That’s okay, honey.  It was an accident.”  The little boy whimpered, “I sorry.”  The mom’s voice rose as she reprimanded her son for dropping the Kindle, while the grandma came to his defense.  “He said he was sorry, honey.  If it slips out of his hands, what is he supposed to do?”

            “Mom!  I just got this back after having it repaired the first time!”  And then, turning to her sobbing son, she said, “Quit your crying or I’ll give you something to cry about!”

            Meanwhile, my brain evaluated several exit ramps.  Should I saunter over to the mom and say, perhaps in a smooth Laura Dean accent, “Love him when he’s little, ma’am; he’s gonna grow up before you know it.”  Or, should I go grab one of those cute tractor books I saw on the way in to the store and place it in the boy’s chunky hands, flash the mom a beautiful Lindsay Small smile and wink at the grandma?  I also considered using my own mother’s reaction to such a scene, which would be an audible tsk of the tongue, followed by a heavy sigh and departure.

            But unfortunately, I did nothing.  I stopped long enough to notice the worn, dirty coat the mom was wearing, the exasperation in her voice.  I noticed too the gentle hands of the grandma.  Who was I to think I knew exactly what was going on here?  More often than not, there is much more to a story.

            Instead I found myself saying a prayer for the little boy, the grandma, and the frustrated mother.  God was right here in the midst of all this drama.  Just as He has always been with me in my times of frustration, fatigue, and impatience as a mother.  I remember well those times when my children were the least lovable, because it was at those times that they needed my love the most. 

            All three of these people needed Jesus at that point.  And, quite frankly, so did I.  

- written by Debbie Reith

Romans 14:13 "Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister."

I would like to add that Debbie did not "do nothing," as said above.  

She prayed.  May we remember the "I sorry" of the little boy and pray instead of passing judgement on others.  May we also learn to fully rest in the Lord.

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.