Tracie and Jon moved to Groton, Connecticut about twelve years ago. Eventually, they bought a home in Norwich. Then, along came Rylie in 2007, and Colton in 2009. 😀
Over those years, they have worshipped in a number of different churches. While in Groton, they attended a non-denominational church that was growing - particularly among younger families.
After moving they attended a more rural church with a very young pastor and a small congregation. They really liked this church, but struggled with some of the core, theological tenets.
Then, for a couple of years, they attended a small, United Methodist Church very close to their home. The children were adopted by the whole (older) congregation! 😊
But, again, something was missing.
About that time, Tracie saw signs at Wal-Mart about a new church in the area. Meanwhile, Jon also heard about the church from a friend in the Navy who was serving as a part time associate pastor there. He told Jon that the lead pastor was also former Navy. That settled it - they began attending (that was four years ago).
Jon immediately struck up a friendship with founding pastor, Matt Grohocki. Jon joined (and eventually led) the very essential parking team. In time, he was trained to lead groups and did so from their home. Soon, Tracie was also trained and joined him in leading a group for couples in their home.
As part of his training, Jon had already become a partner (and leader) in the ministry. When time allowed, Tracie also spoke with Pastor Matt indicating her readiness to become a partner in the church. Happily, he invited her to a special time when he trained people with such an interest.
That evening, he opened by saying: "You may think that Revelation Church is an independent church, but that's not the case. Although we never publish it or speak of it, we are associated with a denomination. Technically, we are a Free Methodist church."
And with that, Tracie's jaw dropped. He noticed her reaction and questioned her. She said, "I was raised in the Free Methodist Church all my life! My Dad is a Free Methodist pastor!"
Jon, Tracie and even Rylie now serve at REV Church on a regular basis. The church moved from a rented facility to a newer building at a former scout camp that they have purchased. They currently worship in four services; two on Saturday evening and two on Sunday morning.
Plans are underway to build an even newer worship facility on the grounds in the near future!
Debbie and I attended today on the sixth anniversary of their founding. In celebration, they opened a new campus this morning that is a five-hour-drive-away, in Saratoga Springs, New York. They incorporated a former Free Methodist campground into a renewed facility for this launch!
Pastor Matt gave a message today that launched a new series: “MONUMENTAL: Who are We Really?” A very relevant topic! Worth listening to at: http://myrevelationchurch.com
Sunday, September 30, 2018
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
THE FIRST RESORT!
For most of my adult life I've been a news consumer. I think I got that trait from my father; he was a faithful reader of the newspaper and systematically watched the evening news with Harry Reasoner (on both ABC and CBS).
Like many of you, I now take my news from a variety of sources. Debbie is a committed Fox News Channel devotee. She makes fun of me for watching the "liberal news". I have a hard time actually hearing that news because she is busy talking back to them during the broadcast! :-) I vividly recall the night several months ago when she turned to me and said: "I've always thought that you were really a closet Democrat!" We still laugh about that. [By the way, I have voted for Democrats along the way. ;-) ]
I suppose my TV news viewing has increased since I've retired.
A hallmark of my viewership through the years has been feedback! I write emails and letters frequently to news sources pointing out inequities and biases. It appalls me to see blatantly partisan reporting! One of my tell-tale comments in my feedback is: "I'm capable of forming my own opinions!"
But, I must confess that watching the news in recent years has become a source for depression - something I certainly don't need! The extreme partisan bickering and posturing has become painful and so discouraging.
The conservative/liberal polarization has become so embedded now that one wonders if it is possible to see us all pull together for anything. Occasionally we see these extremes blend, and how encouraging it is when it happens. A good recent example would be Senator John McCain's funeral ceremonies where Republicans and Democrats sat together, worshiped together and with common passion praised a great patriot!
I personally loved former Vice President Joe Biden's introductory remarks at John McCain's memorial service: "Hi. My name is Joe Biden, and I'm a Democrat." He went on to deliver an amazing tribute to a man who - for many years - sat across the aisle from him! [While Travis served as Flag Secretary at the United States Naval Academy, he spent a whole morning with then Vice President Biden. Travis commented to me later: "Dad, he is a REALLY nice guy!"]
These rare moments of genuine respect and commonality breathe hope into my heart - a much-needed refreshment!
The divisiveness I'm trying so carefully to describe and analyze has reached new levels of shock over the pivotal nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court.
While some escape the pain of this process through a willful neglect of national news, others of us suffer daily the new twists and turns of the maneuvering of the two sides. Succinctly, we long for it all to be over.
In a recent interview that Judge Kavanaugh (and his wife) had with Martha MacCallum, he REPEATEDLY expressed his strong desire for a "fair hearing". I was struck with sadness as I listened because this simple thing he desires is evidently NOT going to happen! The lines are drawn and minds are already made up. Sad!
This morning, I turned my hearing device off and left the room. I didn't want to hear any more...
I came to my small, home office and sat, reflecting on my disillusionment with our country. It was during this time that I heard a still, small voice. It was the Holy Spirit. He said, "Are you praying about these things?" He knew the answer already.
I'm ashamed to admit that my prayer life has diminished in frequency and power since returning from China and especially since my retirement. Throughout my years of pastoral leadership, I was strenuous in maintaining an active prayer life. Following my mother's example, I kept multiple lists and systematically worked through them with the determined belief that I could make a difference on my knees.
However, in reality, I had not lifted one prayer for the Senate Judiciary Committee, its chairman, Senator Chuck Grassley, or its members. Nor had I lifted a single prayer for Judge Kavanaugh, his wife or his precious family. Although I have prayed for President Trump, I must admit it is not with the frequency or fervency with which I have prayed for other presidents.
Why is it that prayer is so often our last resort instead of our first resort? Why do we have this attitude that says, "Well, I've done everything I can do; all that's left to do is pray."?
As I began to pray, my mind went to words from God recorded by the prophet, Amos. The part I could remember was, "...let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream." I opened my browser to Amos, chapter 5, to read the context. God is upset! He makes inflammatory remarks to His people:
And so, I prayed. I'm asking God for a fair hearing for Judge Kavanaugh and for his accusers. I'm praying for the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee to be given wisdom in their deliberations and civility in the way they transact their business. I'm praying for justice to roll on like a river! I'm praying for a restoration of respect in our government and among our people. And from there, I went on to pray for many other things related to our country.
Then, I decided to share my experience with you - in hopes that while you're reading you might hear the same still, small voice that spoke to me.
Like many of you, I now take my news from a variety of sources. Debbie is a committed Fox News Channel devotee. She makes fun of me for watching the "liberal news". I have a hard time actually hearing that news because she is busy talking back to them during the broadcast! :-) I vividly recall the night several months ago when she turned to me and said: "I've always thought that you were really a closet Democrat!" We still laugh about that. [By the way, I have voted for Democrats along the way. ;-) ]
I suppose my TV news viewing has increased since I've retired.
A hallmark of my viewership through the years has been feedback! I write emails and letters frequently to news sources pointing out inequities and biases. It appalls me to see blatantly partisan reporting! One of my tell-tale comments in my feedback is: "I'm capable of forming my own opinions!"
But, I must confess that watching the news in recent years has become a source for depression - something I certainly don't need! The extreme partisan bickering and posturing has become painful and so discouraging.
The conservative/liberal polarization has become so embedded now that one wonders if it is possible to see us all pull together for anything. Occasionally we see these extremes blend, and how encouraging it is when it happens. A good recent example would be Senator John McCain's funeral ceremonies where Republicans and Democrats sat together, worshiped together and with common passion praised a great patriot!
I personally loved former Vice President Joe Biden's introductory remarks at John McCain's memorial service: "Hi. My name is Joe Biden, and I'm a Democrat." He went on to deliver an amazing tribute to a man who - for many years - sat across the aisle from him! [While Travis served as Flag Secretary at the United States Naval Academy, he spent a whole morning with then Vice President Biden. Travis commented to me later: "Dad, he is a REALLY nice guy!"]
These rare moments of genuine respect and commonality breathe hope into my heart - a much-needed refreshment!
The divisiveness I'm trying so carefully to describe and analyze has reached new levels of shock over the pivotal nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court.
While some escape the pain of this process through a willful neglect of national news, others of us suffer daily the new twists and turns of the maneuvering of the two sides. Succinctly, we long for it all to be over.
In a recent interview that Judge Kavanaugh (and his wife) had with Martha MacCallum, he REPEATEDLY expressed his strong desire for a "fair hearing". I was struck with sadness as I listened because this simple thing he desires is evidently NOT going to happen! The lines are drawn and minds are already made up. Sad!
This morning, I turned my hearing device off and left the room. I didn't want to hear any more...
I came to my small, home office and sat, reflecting on my disillusionment with our country. It was during this time that I heard a still, small voice. It was the Holy Spirit. He said, "Are you praying about these things?" He knew the answer already.
I'm ashamed to admit that my prayer life has diminished in frequency and power since returning from China and especially since my retirement. Throughout my years of pastoral leadership, I was strenuous in maintaining an active prayer life. Following my mother's example, I kept multiple lists and systematically worked through them with the determined belief that I could make a difference on my knees.
However, in reality, I had not lifted one prayer for the Senate Judiciary Committee, its chairman, Senator Chuck Grassley, or its members. Nor had I lifted a single prayer for Judge Kavanaugh, his wife or his precious family. Although I have prayed for President Trump, I must admit it is not with the frequency or fervency with which I have prayed for other presidents.
Why is it that prayer is so often our last resort instead of our first resort? Why do we have this attitude that says, "Well, I've done everything I can do; all that's left to do is pray."?
As I began to pray, my mind went to words from God recorded by the prophet, Amos. The part I could remember was, "...let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream." I opened my browser to Amos, chapter 5, to read the context. God is upset! He makes inflammatory remarks to His people:
“I hate, I despise your religious festivals;God also wants justice! He sees the iniquities of His people and calls them to His standards!
your assemblies are a stench to me.
Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings,
I will not accept them.
Though you bring choice fellowship offerings,
I will have no regard for them.
Away with the noise of your songs!
I will not listen to the music of your harps.
But let justice roll on like a river,
righteousness like a never-failing stream!"
And so, I prayed. I'm asking God for a fair hearing for Judge Kavanaugh and for his accusers. I'm praying for the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee to be given wisdom in their deliberations and civility in the way they transact their business. I'm praying for justice to roll on like a river! I'm praying for a restoration of respect in our government and among our people. And from there, I went on to pray for many other things related to our country.
Then, I decided to share my experience with you - in hopes that while you're reading you might hear the same still, small voice that spoke to me.
Holy Spirit,
Thank You for the wake-up call! Thank You for Your faithfulness!
Thank You for never giving up on me.
Thank You for never giving up on our nation!
Your humble, obstinate servant,
Hal
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