2009 Christmas Wish List

some ideas for your gift giving and wish list consideration...

first, let me begin by saying that i distinguish between a wish and a prayer -- a wish is merely a hope that may be frivolous that i'd like someone to surprise me with; on the other hand, in prayer, i release my hope for God to fulfill.

this Christmas, i pray for peace for my friends ministering in the Philippines after all the rain and tsunami's they've incurred. i pray for health for Ms Jane, and Sarah, and Ken W, and so many others who've seen difficulty and scares increase within their current health. i pray for greater ability and resources to fulfill our mission to Touch the World for Christ--like a jet :) - but that could also be a wish, so it's in the box, too.

as for wishes, here's a few recommendations for you in giving or in seeking to receive:

1. the ESV Study Bible - i believe Andrew (our Worship leader) got one of these early, but it looks like it has great reference and study helps for really getting into the Scripture, along with a translation that is a nice mix of the literal and thematic
2. Bill Hybel's 2007 release of Holy Discontent was a great read for our staff in recent weeks -- it's great for anyone who in their desire for following Christ may feel that they're missing something. and, at $1.99 at Christianbook.com, it'll make a great stocking stuffer :)
3. Donald Miller's book Blue Like Jazz is growing in popularity as a new classic. His wit and honesty are refreshing as he confesses his way into leading the reader to re-think faith in Christ and the application of His teachings in our complicated world--i've found it to be widely appreciated by those young adults who are struggling with their faith or the current "traditional" church
4. Donald Miller's latest book A Million Miles In A Thousand Years is what Keli and i are currently reading--it begins slow, and random, and suddenly builds with reflective confessions of what it means to live a "good story" according to the design of the "author and perfector of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2).

as for me, i have all the above, but there are a couple of reads i've been hoping to get to...

• Made to Stick by Chip Heath looks like it will be helpful for developing and articulating vision and strategy
• and i find Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell increasingly quoted by different leaders

i know, that's a pretty boring wish list -- no video games or gadgets, nothing that requires batteries (outside of the airliner), no mind numbing entertainment.

but, look on the bright side: no calories, no worry of breaking, no confusing instructions for assembly, you don't have to worry if it fits, and you won't even have to fight the Black Friday mobs if you buy online.

no matter what your Christmas wish or prayer, may you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, a blessed Christmas, and a faith-filled New Year!

God's Agents of Renewal

every fall since becoming the pastor at 6th Avenue, i've shared messages as a part of an Old Testament series. we've studied:

• Nehemiah
• The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
• Joseph
• Moses and the Exodus
• Joshua

this fall, we're continuing from that previous progression into the book of Judges. the Judges arrived individually throughout Israel's history with the same annointing or purpose: to lead Israel back to God.

Israel had this up and down spiritual, and resulting national, history. at one time they're all following after God with all their heart, keeping His law for living well in community together--then, before you know it, they're all chasing after idols and pursuing the very things that were contrary to God's law.

enter the Judge--divinely raised up by God to bring the heart of God's people back to an awareness and submission to God's will. some were willing, others needed time to accept that role.

the point was, without that Judge, it wasn't long before the people settled back into selfish and shameful practices.

we are so like Israel...

left to ourselves, we settle into selfish, even shameful practices. we need leadership--His divinely appointed leadership within our lives.

enter the Spirit--Jesus says to his disciples, "It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you...But when he comes, He will guide you into all truth." ( from John 16:7, 13). The Spirit is given by our Savior to continue to be God's divine and guiding presence in our lives so we will not fall back into selfish practices, but continue in knowing and following God's will.

the Judges were people, filled with their own imperfections and faults--yet the Spirit of God is perfect, ever-present, able to intercede, as well as intervene in our behalf so that we are truly "blessed in the heavenly realms with every Spiritual blessing in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3).

we invite you to join us any Sunday morning (9:30) this fall for our journey into understanding and applying the lessons of the Judges--for more information, visit us on the web at Visit6th.com

Favorite Psalms

note: the blog posts here now correspond with our church's website Visit6th.com and the polls or events which are highlighted there. in this way, we hope to gain a better interaction between the user and the site, .

So, What's Your Favorite Psalm?

With a 150 to choose from, that's a difficult multiple choice question--i'm guessing the answer "other" will gain the most votes! Psalms were songs, though we're not certain of all their melodies or different instrumental parts, they were likely originally written to be sung and heard. in the current context, we may ask, "what's on your ipod?" or, "what song is stuck in your head?"

the Psalms are among the favorite books of the Bible, and a collection of some the Hebrew people's favorite songs for worship, celebration, inspiration, and instruction. the book of Psalms may be likened to a church's hymn book. their lyrical value has been admired from beyond the religious context and are often quoted and remembered in the best and worst of times.

as we began a series of messages on this topic, it's given me time to reflect on quite a few in preparation for messages & related discussions. in such preparations, i've had a lot of inspiration and challenge from 2 in particular--Psalm 22 and Psalm 23.

Psalm 22 is the one Jesus began to quote from the cross--the perfect place to start our series after Easter. given the excruciating nature of the crucifixion, it's possible that the entire Psalm may have been "playing" through the mind of our Savior--encouraging him to finish the redemption task for which He had been sent. the prophetic references are amazing in their own right, but contemplating how the emotion and inspiration may have aided our Savior on our behalf is truly awe-some.

Psalm 23 is perhaps the most quoted, beloved, and recognizable Psalm. it's often used in the context of comfort in times of challenge or grief (like in funerals). however, in my recent contemplation in preparation for a message on Psalm 23, i considered the source of it's inspiration--David's days as a Shepherd. that is, the days in David's job, his 9-5, his mundane routine. could it be that history's most comforting song grew out of one's work experience? as we contemplate the value the Scriptures place on work, and God's continuing presence with us (even at work), perhaps God has something truly comforting and encouraging for us within our own work context. perhaps, God has an enduring song that can transcend our 9-5 routine--and even bring hope to others

so, what's your favorite Psalm? we've explored several Psalms from Books I & II (that is, through Psalm 72) in our Sunday morning worship at 6th Avenue. this series (which began with Psalm 22 on April 19 and will continue through the end of July), obviously, won't be able to cover them all during this time, but we'll cover quite a few more.

we encourage you to join us each Sunday morning at 9:30 am as we discuss these psalms--you can also listen online at our website's "listen" page as the messages are uploaded. and consider taking time this summer to reload the "Psalms playlist" by reading one per day, and meditating on each one. leave your comments, thoughts, and questions from your readings here for others to read, be inspired, or to share answers from their experiences and studies.

as always, in all things, let us continue to serve, love, and pray to bring God glory...

nearly home...

Keli, the kids, Cheryl, and Zach are all home safe and sound...and me, well...i stayed behind from our final leg home. we flew from Manchester to JFK just fine. getting through customs in New York was a little difficult--not for us--but for a guy who tried to bully his way through security, resulting in shutting down an area that our flight and 4 other international flights needed to access. so, we were re-routed back up through ticketing and through security, and to our gate, with just a few moments to spare before loading up for Cincinnati.

into Cincy was no problem (i think we taxied at JFK for as long as the flight was). once we found our gate, we heard "we need a volunteer for the Huntsville flight to take a flight tomorrow" -- having just heard a wonderful testimony of how such a moment prepared the way for a divine moment for Jim Lyon, we investigated. though it would have been nice to be home, i stayed behind with perks from Delta to allow me the opportunity for a future flight and a few extra skymiles.

knowing now that the family has made it safely. i too can call it a night and get some rest before the adventure re-begins tomorrow morning. sometime this week, i'll be posting some further updates, as well as some pictures, and a review of Chad Davenport's sharing with our church on Wednesday, June 3 about the Westside Christian Fellowship in Auckland, New Zealand.

worship, unity, and mission

updating my previous Sunday update...We had a wonderful time of worship with our brothers and sisters at Egan Road. Pastor John began with reflections on this Pentecost Sunday, and led us in a few hymns and chouses highlighting the wonderful gift and person of the holy Spirit. Pastor John Larmar, who previously pastured the congregation, as did his father before him, led us in a Scripture meditation followed by prayer. Pastor Larmar has an amazingly sweet and tender spirit about him that just exudes peace.

I shared a message of encouragement for the congregation from Ephesians 3:14-21, Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians. We made it our prayer for Egan Road: 1) to Know Christ by faith and Grown in Him by the Spirit; 2) to experience and express His love fully; and 3) the blessing to dream.

The real encouragement is within that 3^rd element in the wonderful blessing of imagination—and that the Lord must be a bigger dreamer than we are—He doesn’t want any to perish, but all to come to life through His Son. It’s okay to dream, to hope for bigger and greater things, and to set our hearts and efforts to prepare the soil, plant the seeds, and providing the necessary water and Son necessary for growth—and in time, as we are faithful in His faithfulness, we will see a harvest (Galatians 6:9).

Sister Linda prepared a wonderful roast lamb and plum tart pudding (dessert) that filled us after a wonderful morning—a brief afternoon rest for most of us, but Cheryl and Linda took the boys to a local fair where they could see some local farm animals.

Sunday evening, 4 other congregations came to worship together at Egan Road--4 other congregations from across the Wirral area. 2 were different Baptist churches, 1 was a Chinese church (including Missionaries Daniel & Hannah Ng), and a 4th congregation. now, you'd expect quite a crowd for 5 churches meeting in one place--and they thought it was a lot of people and good to get that many together, even better than expected. i estimate about 65 were in attendance. it was just another indicator of how church attendance is declining in the UK.

Daniel Ng attended Emmanuel Bible College in the area with Pastor John years ago--though he previously pastored a Chinese church in Liverpool, he now spends his time in UK raising funds and awareness for continued trips into mainland China to encourage and share with the underground church. he is able to do this as a Hong Kong native, and as a marriage counselor--he shared with me that divorce and separation rates are extremely high and of great concern to Communist China, so he has access through his workshops. the information and inspiration he shared with us all in about 30 minutes was great--i'm going to be looking into more of what he shared, and be sure to share with others what the Lord is doing in China.

i spoke a message on Ascension to Revelation--reading from Acts 1 and Revelation 7, i shared the realization that the promise of the Holy Spirit was given to 1 small group of 1 small, insignificant nation--a group that most likely only spoke 1 language and had never likely been out of their own country. yet, from these who received and obeyed, the Gospel has extended into nearly every nation, tribe, and tongue. i also shared the application that it's our turn to come together for mission and to continue that work. i concluded with my own motivation, to be a disciple who comes back full of joy, and in turn fills Jesus with Joy (as the 72 did in Luke 10).

the message was well received, as was the singing and the fellowship afterwards. we all talked with more of our new English friends who said they loved our accents!

through this day, talks between Zach and John continued--continuing from conversations we've had over the years and through the convention, and through the week together. talks that i cannot rightly share here--that's Zach's story to Tell.

but let's just say this: the Lord is working in our continuing partnership--and we've much great work to do together for the Lord!

off to the airport -- pray for our safe return -- more updates and concluding thoughts to follow!

one last Saturday together...

a Saturday in Chester was the recipe for inspiration and time together...Chester is located about 30 miles to the southeast of Birkenhead. originally founded as Dewa, a Roman outpost, more than a thousand years ago. the city wall nearly remains in tact after these thousand years, still surrounding about 3/4 of the original city. perhaps most famously known for the Rows, these Tudor style, 2 story shopping area is perhaps the birth of the modern mall as the variety of shops provide a galleria up and down several streets

what's great about this outdoor shoppers paradise is the artistry of the old colliding with the new--within the ancient walls that tourists can still walk upon, there's Gap, Starbucks, Apple, along with hundreds of quaint and posh British retailers. after the Town Crier gives the days announcements, commentary and comedy, the air is filled with the sounds of musicians performing throughout the city, as well as a variety of Christian groups proclaiming the Gospel, songs, or prayers

at the cities heart is the Chester Cathedral, dating back nearly a thousand years as well--Zach took some pictures of original walls that have been added to through the centuries. The Cathedral is a very active parish ministry with an emphasis on the arts, mission, and sanctuary worship.

we stopped into the bookstore to pick up a gift for our hosts, and then sat down in the Refectory that has been refurbished as a grand cafe to ''nourish the body and soul''. i had not previously been in this room, but was deeply inspired from the moment i walked in. here in this amazingly beautiful, ancient hall previously used for education and chapel services was now a modern food service area that still ministered to the spirit ever so uniquely. above you as you enter the room is a large tapestry, easily 10feet by 20feet, originally created for the Sistine Chapel in the 1500's, moved to Chester in the 1700's -- above that is a recently commissioned stained glass called ''Creation'' to commemorate the dawn of the 3rd millenium. as in the grand sanctuary, ever so discreetly along the walls, wiring had been added to provide lighting, sound system needs, etc.

so many other wonderful and inspiring sites within this one room--but i was reminded again, as i was upon the first visit, how we would rather create a monument to the past in such a place, rather than allow it to be changed as a vehicle for present and future ministry. Chester Cathedral continues to minister effectively today because it remains a movement of ongoing ministry, willing to change and be recreated for continuing needs and creating opportunity.

Wonderful Wales

due south of the Wirral is Wales...the southwest corner of the United Kingdom--a land full of beautiful and majestic countryside, breathtaking views, quaint towns, and a lot of sheep! we took the road trip with Pastor John, Linda, Janet, Terri & Audrey--Pastor John and Janet are both at home in Wales as they are indeed Welsh.

2 years ago, John took us on a similar journey, but extended it this oast Sunday--and what a wonderul day--my first day in England where i desired sunglasses and bathing suit! so hot and sunny i forgot that i was in the UK

we began with a brief break at Bala lake--a nice ''photy'' (picture opportunity) as Linda would say. we then continued due south (2 years ago, we went inward to the west to Mt. Snowden) down to a panaromic view where a river emptied into the sea below us

i'll insert the names of these locations later :) -- the Welsh don't skimp on their use of letters, especially consonants which can double in all sorts of tricky pronunciations.

after lunch at that majestic point, we continued around the coast to H______ castle along the sea--we were so hot that we had to put our feet in and wade a bit, as well as looking for rocks and shells.

from their, we moved along the coast to yet another town and Cricketh castle (time for ice cream for the kids and tea for the adults) -- on from their to Caernaervon, the largest of the castles. we skipped Beaumaris castle as it was getting late in the evening and we were eager for our tea (dinner). but we had to stop in Conwy and take a walk on the Town Wall that wrapped around this beautiful town leading up to the majestic castle.

we soon stopped at a wonderful fish & chip restaurant for a late tea--but once overly filled, had to make our way to the Promenade--a very wide boardwalk type area along the east coast of the town of Londonier (?). as we watched the sun set we took more photies, collected more rocks, and refelcted on a marvelous day

my reflections began to consider this area of Wales--then of Northern Ireland, and Scotland, too. it's like whole states where we don't have a church work, along with declining church influence.

especially Wales, so close to the Wirral. once the site of the historic Welsh Revival, leaving a chapel in every community--unfortunately now, few active chapels remain.

surely, something can be done--surely, in the States, we would do something. why can't we? what if?

(pictures to come...)

concluding the UK convention...

i didn't realize that i hadn't updated on the conclusion of the conference...the Sunday night with youth emphasis service was great--all the youth (children-teens) led us in songs, prayers, skits, dance and more -- Grace began the evening with a wonderful prayer (i got it on video and hope to post soon!) Pastor Jim continued to challenge the churches on the theme for the weekend, getting into his own history as an adopted son.



Monday morning, we quickly ate breakfast, packed and loaded up. we then hurried through a mens, WCG, and youth meeting prior to our last session. it was good to see the number of men in the session improve since last year. Keli shared as a part of the WCG meeting. Pastor Jim ended a wonderful weekend of challenge and inspiration, and we were off to one last meal together (we did A LOT of eating) -- then it was a long series of goodbyes to all our London friends

our record of this event won't be the only record -- we were thrilled to watch Pastor Jim and his son Andrew recording several of the participants for the CBH Viewpoint program. this broadcast is heard all over the world and streamed on the internet--these particular recordings will be heard beginning in July. among the interviews and subjects, me and the unique 6th Avenue mission and vision of Touching the World for Christ through global partnerships. i'm sure we'll put a link from our website when it comes up!


the journey to Birkenhead was not too difficult--of course, most of us slept most of the way. upon our arrival, we ordered tea (dinner) in -- Chinese, of course ;) it appears that sweet and sour chicken is a universal treat after a long drive.

from the west coast...

things have been great and busy since our arrival to Birkenhead...we arrived on Monday evening, May 25 at the Manse (parsonage) where nearly all of us are staying with Pastor John and Linda -- Cheryl is staying around the corner at Linda's best friend's home (Audrey's).



we're being spoiled rotten--can't hardly lift a finger to do anything, and we can't buy anything so far either--Linda won't let us! they're beginning to plan to come and stay with us for a week next year in Alabama so turn about will be fair play!



Tuesday, we were taken up to the Lake District, specifically to Conniston on Lake Windemere -- just a beautiful area. more importantly, we were able to meet and spend some time with John & Linda's oldest Son Garreth, his wife Emma, and their two boys Noah and Isaac. Emma is the manager for the Sycamore Project's Christian Pub called Zac's (think Zacheaus) -- Garreth works there through the week helping a variety of different youth projects and needs. i've wanted to meet them for awhile so it was a delight to stop in on the way and talk with them--Emma is an amazing artist too with a home filled with wonderful photo's of her family and a few beautiful paintings. Garreth invited us back through for tea (dinner) -- and we took them up on it :) two types of wonderful lasagna and loads of laughter were a great end to the day.



yesterday, rain carried through the morning--Cheryl went to the WCG lunch club while Keli and the boys waited out the rain, giving her a chance to do some work. later, Keli and the boys went to a nearby park that actually has a view of the Liverpool skyline on the horizon. Zach and i walked through the town to the temporary home of Thompson's Mission to see Pastor John serving a few of the homeless men in the area.



last night, we took the boys to kids club where they had some good interaction with some English children--Grace came later for the youth meeting with Zach and i playing ping pong, billiards for an hour together after a great lesson.



today, i rested in the morning from all our coming and going. but Keli, Cheryl, Linda, Terry & Audrey took the boys to New Brighton--a retro beach area that reminded me of pictures of Coney Island. the boys loved the beach and the waves --no swimming, much too cold.

after some lunch, we hopped on the bus and over to Liverpool where John & Linda spoiled the boys and Grace at the ''home of world football'' (soccer) -- Anfield, home of the Liverpool Football Club. i didn't realize it on our last trip, but the club's biggest rival is in the same town (Everton Football Club--Pastor John wouldn't dare speak their name!) you can actually see their equally huge stadium across the park from Anfield! we also took a walk along the pier and near one of the more recognizable buildings, the Royal Liver (the two Liver Birds, like Griffins, are like a mascot to the city).



this evening, we gathered in a small room of the church and had prayer meeting. John led a song on the guitar, i shared a devotion, we prayed for the better part of the hour, and then we concluded with a hymn. it was a nice time together reminding us of the verse, ''my house will be a house of prayer for all nations''



so, tomorrow, we're off down into Wales for a day trip with Pastor John, Linda, Audrey and her husband Terry, and Janet. it will be a great opportunity to talk, encourage, and share together.



i'll work at getting some pictures here in the next couple nights. continue to pray for us (the Lord is hearing your prayers, blessing us abundantly, protecting and providing wonderfully for us--even down to the weather!)

Sunday morning worship and conferences...

last year, Zach and i led a conference together...this year, we were each in charge of different conferences. Zach, caught by surprise, led the youth conference when the planned presenters were unable to be here. as i understand it, his leadership was great as different youth told me of their response and the responses of others.

i was asked to lead a conference on "winning through testimony," which was perfect, because i only teach evangelism by relationship and testimony. my participants represented a variety of backgrounds, ages, and church experiences -- but they all participated well and were encouraged through the process of learning to share their testimonies together.

now we're about to begin the feedback sessions. these conferences were not random subjects, but chosen that the participants may bring back to the national church action points that could be applied by the individual and larger church ministries in the UK. i find this to be unique--every conference that i've attended were usually for the benefit of the participants, with application points for the individual, not the larger group. but here, the group is eager to learn from one another and to figure out how to hold each other accountable to applying the lessons they heard.

as i finish this post, i'm aware that worship home at 6th Avenue is nearing a conclusion. i've prayed that Jacob and James' leadership and sharing were inspirational and encouraging to the gathering congregation.

here, earlier this morning, the worship was full and the time together was great. the choir shared another great song (Keli took some video last night and today--this post includes video from the Saturday night service). Pastor Lyon shared another great message, challenging us to help the blind to see--using the amazing story of Helen Keller (referencing Alabama in the process). once again, all were equipped and inspired to take the word of the Lord forward into our own communities and relationships.

i'll write more later based on our evening services--continue to keep us in prayer...

Saturday evening at the UK Convention

what a wonderful time of worship we shared...the choir from Tottenham blessed us with an enthusiastic song, after the congregation warmed them up with great joy in praise, then Pastor Jim shared a powerful word and several related testimonies with us.

we are a part of celebrating 20 years of national conventions here in the UK. what a great time to continue our desire for partnership and cementing our relationships as being involved with the churches here to Advance the Kingdom throughout the UK and into Europe and beyond. the gathering wonderfully received greeting from 6th Avenue and cheered when i shared we also now will begin contributing to their national ministries budget. as i shared, we may not be a large congregation, but we have a large Mission & Vision. they have sincerely accepted our willingness to be in partnership and some are eagerly planning to visit us in Alabama as soon as next year.

then Zach shared a powerful testimony of what God is teaching him through all of this in the midst of his call. all were so glad to see and welcome Zach back to the UK--there may be a ministry here for him, yet ;)

i have to brag on how well the group is doing, not huddling together but reaching out in new conversations and experiences. even our kids are behaving :) and politely engaging in our conversations, kisses, and hugs with the saints.

Pastor Jim shared again from Isaiah 61/Luke 4 -- tonight on "preaching and proclaiming." all were inspired, challenged, convicted, and made aware of the divine responsibility we all have to carry the Good News, by the power of the Holy Spirit, beyond ourselves to our neighbors, neighborhoods, and the world. a great message for the Church at large, but truly timely in light of the meetings earlier today.

also, completely in line with the book i'm reading and processing on this trip -- The Forgotten Ways by Alan Hirsch (sp?) -- perfectly what i need to complement what the Spirit is saying within my understanding and in our own stages of leadership at 6th Avenue and in partnerships around the world.

oh well, it's getting even later again--time to begin thinking of bed! i'll have more to share after a busy Sunday tomorrow, complete with a grand worship & communion service, workshops (i'm leading one on evangelism), an evening service, and so much more!

continue to keep us in prayer as we serve encouragement; love with our presence and not just words; and pray with and for the work of the Lord within and through our brothers and sisters here in the UK.

church meetings

church meetings are universal--as surely as we gather for worship, there seems to also be a need to gather for business...and the Church in the UK is not different there. so today, i've sat in on much of their "general assembly" meetings with all 5 churches represented (there were only 4 at the time of my last visit, so the addition of the church at Kennington is good news).

and, like our church meetings in the states, there seems to be a continual question of purpose--not just for the meetings, but of the convention, and as a the larger church--what is our purpose? what are we here for? how often then should we meet? why do we need to meet again?

now, to the credit of the Church here in the UK, their meetings were much more mission and outreach focused: questioning the fruit of each congregations activity over the past year and whether or not they had anything to share for the benefit of the others, or any need for which they need help. Sister Theresa asked of my impressions--i told her that we never had individual church reports in our regional meetings, nor did we (and i doubt we would) feel comfortable offering correction, direction, and challenge from the larger Church to our individual congregations! not that this is bad--for there exists a much more family connection between these churches as they have historically birthed, rejoiced, prayed for, and mourned for one another over these past several years.

as for the meetings of this type, and i would agree, the purpose of the convention is for retreat, revival, and advance -- that we retreat away from our regular routines and surroundings that we may have a time to be refreshed, revived, and if necessary to repent. in the course of such activity, it's not to remain in the retreat, but to prepare to advance back out onto individual local church fronts again to carry the Kingdom forward.

Pastor John gave a great and impassioned plea for the larger gathering not to forsake meeting together annually for this purpose. but, an agreement was made that though they should nor forsake the annual meeting, the expense of full retreat and conference center would be every other year--in the even years, they would all gather in London (where 4 of the churches exist). but what about that 5th church, the Birkenhead congregation nearly 6 hours away? well, the other 4 churches would give not to their own convention fees, but to give to support the attendees of that church to be with them by helping with their travel, lodging, and meal expense.

now that's care unprecedented in our Alabama context. we usually just dismiss the fact that many from our furthest churches just won't come because of distance and cost. i venture to say that not once has the thought even crossed any one of our individual minds to supplement someone who is further. no, we think, "it's good that i live close so i can get there easily--too bad they live so far away." how sad for us that we do not know such community that we would sacrifice for a distant brother or sister to have fellowship with us.

the Church does exist for mission--to express the Gospel tangibly through and beyond ourselves that all may be saved. and the Church here wrestled with that as they considered, what is our vision? who is responsible to receive it and pass it on to us? and how can we select that group and have them present the goals for us all to aim for? the discussions were important, and i believe this group is on their way to accomplish this task of articulating how their mission will be accomplished in the next few years.

why all these meetings? the work of the church is organized so all can contribute and all can advance the Kingdom in an agreeable manner--this is good, but the organization of the church should never trump the church as a living expression of the life, love, and purpose of Christ. Pastor Jim spoke to this in the introductory address earlier this morning, and we're eager to hear him continue on this and related topics tonight and through the weekend.

so, more to come...and, once i get the camera back :), i'll attach pictures to these posts...

good to be back in the UK

we arrived at Heathrow airport safe and sound...with no problems through immigration, we were on to make our currency exchange. that's when we found the rate had jumped about 20 cents away from our favor. that may not sound like much, but it may have cost us a lot multiplied over the entire trip. but, no worries, off into the city...

we found our hotel in a nice part of down town London--even though we made arrangements with the hotel staff in advance to let our large group use only 2 rooms, this was apparently against fire codes. but since we had already paid, they willingly gave us a 45pound upgrade to one of the rooms to better accommodate us--that was quite the blessing.

we parted with our luggage and went on a quick tour of London--first to Big Ben, House of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, the Cavalry yard, Nelson's Monument and Trafalgar Square--back on the Tube and to the South Bank of the River Thames, where we walked up on the London eye and took in an evening view of all we had just seen. a walk back across the river and the Tube back to the hotel made for a quick, memorable and exhausting trip. just what we needed to get to sleep and get onto this new time zone's schedule.

there was so much more i wish we could have shown my family & Cheryl, but that will have to do for this trip. early this morning, Keli went walking to get me some Starbucks--we were able to sit together before i went out to get everyone doughnuts and pastries. everyone else slept till 9 am or later, local time--we took our time eating, repacking and getting ready for the trip back into London.

we were able to get on the Tube and up to north London without much trouble, just a lot of walking. we made our way to the Community (Tottenham) Church of God--sister Theresa saw us and informed us that we just missed the early groups going to the conference, but we knew we were to ride at 2:15. she informed us that the next group (due to a minibus breakdown) wouldn't be until around 4. so, we got lunch nearby and returned for a picnic lunch on the side of the church.

Pastor Mascall came by to let us in; helping him in the process as he needed to go get Pastor Jim Lyon--we could stay and let others arriving for the conference trip. while we waited, we were entertained by a family of foxes that came into the church's back courtyard. really quite amazing to see them so large and so close. the time also gave us the opportunity to meet and reacquaint with several members of the church.

Pastor Jim showed up eventually, and we were able to reacquaint with him [pray for the family of one of Pastor Jim's friends (Howard) who came for this convention, but now has to go back tomorrow as his father passed away this morning. the rest of Jim's group will join us after they get him to the airport.]

sometime after 5, the bus arrived and we were off to the conference--crammed into the minibus and into Pastor Mascall's car. but--not so fast--it was rush hour through town, then the Motorway (similar to our interstate) had a traffic jam, then we got lost, and lost, and lost. sometime after 9:30pm, we arrived at the conference center.

the ride was draining--the arrival was invigorating--everyone eager to greet our groups with smiles and hugs, and a wonderful reunion with all our UK brothers and sisters--they were so glad to meet Keli, Cheryl and the kids. we were served a tea (dinner) and then plenty of sweeties (cadbury chocolate an a variety of gummies) and lots of laughter as we quickly caught back up. though all were glad to see us, Janet and Linda did not like my new hair and beard combo ;)

now, most are in bed--but i know i needed to get in this entry. check back and i will post some pics with this article

early tomorrow, we'll participate in prayer meeting and business meetings. the groups are eager for sharing and inspiration.

favorite sites in the UK

returning to U.K. May 20-June 1!!! this will be my third trip to the United Kingdom, but my first trip with my family. i've overly enjoyed each trip in beginning relationships with the churches in the UK--i've been able to see some beautiful sites in the process--so which stand out to me? which do i want to be sure to share with my wife and children? which would i recommend to you?

all things London - in corresponding with my friend Nick Fiedler recently, he said that London is favorite city in the world. now Nick has just finished a year of travel in, i think, 14 different countries--a much more expansive experience base than i have--but i've been saying the same thing ever since returning from my first visit. there's so much to see and experience along the River Thames--the Globe theatre, Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, Big Ben, the Tate Modern--and within a brief walk you could be at Picadilly Circus, the National Gallery, Buckingham Palace, Soho, and the list goes on and on. the ease of transportation through the London Underground (Mind the Gap!) subway system is unparalleled, allowing you to move freely through a city that has so much character and charm.

The Liverpool Cathedral, aka The Great Space -- AND -- the Chester Cathedral -- not too far from each other, these two represent one of the oldest (Chester) and one of the latest (Liverpool) Cathedrals constructed in the English Isles. Both have found a way to minister to the contemporary society even as tourist icons. Both have an appreciation for the arts, displayed by older and newer artists. Both have a continuing sense and sacrifice for Mission beyond themselves. Both were amazingly inspiring--not just personally, but as a pastor--not just as a pastor, but as a follower of Christ. their grandeur, and at the same time their simplicity, were refreshing.

Abby Road -- yes, the intersection made famous by the Beattles is worth the effort and the time to find (you won't find it on many, if any, tourist maps) -- but once you're there, you'll be trying to imitate the famous crosswalk album scene with your friends as many other nationalities all try to do the same thing. then, take a moment to read and sign the wall in front of Abby Road Studios--it's okay, they've allowed it to become a monument to the band ahead of their time.

and, a walk along the Thames Path -- on the north and south side of the River Thames is a wonderfully broad path allowing you to experience the unique London skyline, from Big Ben, Westminster Abby, Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, the Globe Theatre, the Tate Modern, etc. But also along the paths are an international gathering of tourists and locals, artisans and musicians, rich and poor, busy to loafing--the paths are alive and just a great place to get lost in thought.

we're leaving soon -- keep checking back for pictures and updates on our travels...