The Simple Things

In the midst of the COVID 19 coronavirus pandemic, life has been turned upside down.  Illinois, as most other states, has a Shelter In Place order in effect mandating people to stay home unless they have to go out for food, medicine, medical appointments or are deemed "essential workers". There have been many restrictions placed on businesses (who can and who cannot be open) as well as individual rights. Many agree with the mandates and restrictions while others do not. Arguments abound.

My wife, Cindy, has been very compliant in regards to not going out. She has stayed in due to underlying respiratory medical issues that have been ongoing for years. The time or two she has gone out she has worn a mask for her own personal protection. I, on the other hand, look for reasons to go out and go somewhere - anywhere! I often ask if we need anything from anywhere. I am the one who does the shopping at this point in time. It gets me out of the house. I think Cindy likes for me to get out of the house so I get out of her hair for a bit. But that's another story.

We are accustomed to being on the road singing twenty times or more a month So this has been a huge change for us. Admittedly, the first week was rather enjoyable. We caught up on rest and relaxed. Now, I'm over it. I'm ready to get back to doing what we love to do and what God has called us to do. Don't get me wrong, we are still doing ministry. We have found other ways of doing ministry. We are doing a gospel sing live from our living room weekly on Thursdays via Facebook Live as well as online church on Sunday mornings on Facebook Live. I am doing a weekly podcast and weekly blog post, as well.

Due to ongoing health issues Cindy and I have, late last summer we purchased two mobility scooters. Let me tell you this was a life changing purchase. These allow us to be mobile and to get out and about without hurting our bodies. We used them a few times locally last year and even took them to the St. Louis Zoo last fall. I would never have been able to walk the zoo so these scooters were a blessing.

Earlier this week I charged the batteries, inflated the tires and got them ready for the year. We took them out and went to our son's house and visited for a bit. we took a ride around town before stopping to grab a sandwich. Then we came home.

That's a simple sounding thing but it meant so much to us. This was the first time Cindy had been out in weeks. She enjoyed it very much, as did I.

Sometimes it's the simple things that mean a lot. We have some friends we haven't seen in over two weeks due to illness. We hope to see them Sunday. It will be great to see them and fellowship with them. Of course, there will be food involved. Again, the simple things mean a lot.

I think sometimes we take the simple things in life for granted. When you find yourself under a Shelter In Place order and you don't get out and go like you are accustomed to doing, you don't see friends like you usually do, the restaurants are closed for dining in and some stores are not even open you begin to appreciate the simple things.

I encourage you not to take life for granted. Thank God every day you wake up. Don't take the little or simple things for granted either. The simple things are just as important to our quality of life as the "bigger" things.

Keep your chin up. Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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So Much To Praise God For

We sing a song that says in part:

I am blessed, I am blessed
Everyday that I live I am blessed.
When I wake up in the morning
'Til I lay my head to rest
I am blessed, oh, I am blessed!

This has been on my heart and in my spirit the last few days. In the midst of this COVID 19 pandemic that has been declared, I am blessed!

We have had 37 singings cancelled so far since all this started last month and likely more to cancel early next month. Yet, I declare and believe I am blessed!

While I do not like this down time I have no choice but to accept it. Or shall I say make some adaptations to how we do ministry. We are not on the road singing but we are still ministering. We have just gone virtual. We host a gospel sing live from our living room every Thursday afternoon at the present time and online church every Sunday morning. We are reaching more people doing this than we were when we were on the road. When one door closes God opens up other opportunities we had not even considered. Yes, I am blessed!

With this downtime I am getting on schedule to blog once a week as well as do a podcast once a week. Two more outreaches on a more consistent basis. Yes, I am am blessed.

I have the opportunity to post what I call "Something To Ponder" as well as "Thought For The Day" brief videos on Facebook. Yes, I am blessed.

I truly do have so much to praise God for. There are so many opportunities and doors God has opened for us during this "down time".

You know what? I've even started taking naps almost every day. Yes, I truly do have so much to praise God for.

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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How Are You Coping?

In the midst of this pandemic how are you coping? In the midst of this quarantine how are you coping? In the midst of the "Shelter in Place" order so much of the United States is under, how are you coping? In the midst of being cooped up how are you coping?

Are you hunkering down and obeying the rules? Or are you being a rebel and coming and going as you desire? Are you considered an "essential" employee for job purposes or are you off work? Is your work location shuttered for the moment?

Are you bored and about to go crazy? Perhaps you are a creative person and have been able to find fun and interesting ways to occupy your time.

Are you fed up with it all and feel like you are coming apart at the seams? Personally, I am ready for things to get back to normal. We are generally quite busy singing several times a week. We sing to seniors during the week and gospel sings and churches on weekends. Not only do we love doing this, it is our passion. Just to touch the heart of even one person with that special song or word spoken in between songs makes it worth it all.

We have been able to find some ways to stay occupied. One thing Cindy did not want at home was a "bored" Ray. Nothing good ever comes of that. So...I had some ideas. This time they didn't cost money! That is good since money is running a little tight right now. I thought we could do a "Gospel Sing Live From Our Living Room". Cool idea, huh? We do it via Facebook live as well as recording it to put on the New Jerusalem Singers YouTube Channel. We have been doing Pubic Domain songs as well as original songs. We are doing this each Thursday at 2 pm on New Jerusalem Singers Facebook page until we can get back on the road again singing.

On top of the singings, we have been doing "Online Church" from our living room, as well. We do that Sunday mornings at 11 am on my personal Facebook page. We invite you to come and join us for one or both of these events. each week. If you can't be with us "live" there's no need to fret. We save them to the Facebook pages they are recorded on.

In addition to these two things I am blogging and hope to do some more podcasts soon, so stay tuned.

Instead of coming apart at the seams I am trying to occupy myself in a productive way. I encourage you to find some creative ways to pass the time whether its playing games with the kids, chatting with your spouse, taking the dog for a walk, walking to exercise, putting together puzzles...or whatever activity will help you to cope during these unprecedented times.

Here's an even better thing to do...spend time with God! Read the Bible! Pray! I realize these may sound like radical ideas to many of you but I challenge you to give it a try. See what a difference working on your relationship with Jesus makes in your life.

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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Nothing We Do For God Is Insignificant

Have you ever thought that what you have to offer to God doesn't amount to much? Have you ever thought why would God even bother with you? Have you ever thought you have few, if any, talents or abilities God can use? 

Consider the poor widow and what little she had to give.

Mark 12:41-13:1 (CSB)
41 Sitting across from the temple treasury, he watched how the crowd dropped money into the treasury. Many rich people were putting in large sums. 42 Then a poor widow came and dropped in two tiny coins worth very little. 43 Summoning his disciples, he said to them,“Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 For they all gave out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had ​— ​all she had to live on.”

I remember a chorus we used to sing in church titled "Little Is Much When God Is In It". How true I have found this to me in my service to God. I grew up poor. I didn't have much to give and never thought what I had would matter much to God in the large scheme of things. I still have few talents or abilities but what I have I want to give to Him. 

There are so many areas we can give to God. It's not always all about money. Many are prayer warriors and they can give to God this way. Many have time they can give to God in doing things God has called them to do. Many are Aarons who can stand with others God is using. Some may be like Barnabas and be encouragers. There are some who have the financial means to help and that is much appreciated and needed. 

I believe everyone can give something to God - little or much. Let it come from the heart. Do what you can for the cause of Christ. Do keep in mind nothing we do for God is insignificant.

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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Church Visit - Non-Denominational

Since leaving the pastorate last year, we have been visiting various churches as we have opportunity and am, once again, blogging about our experiences. I did this one other time before getting involved in another church. 

This is a continuation of a series of blog posts I am doing on our experiences visiting churches of various denominational labels, sizes and different styles of services. It is not my intent to be critical, but rather to be real and honest in our experiences. We have established criteria we are looking for at all of the institutional churches we are visiting. I do not intend to mention the church specifically by name.

I have blogged in the past about Christians who have left and are leaving the institutional church in large numbers. They are leaving for their own spiritual welfare. Most still love God but have become disillusioned or fed up with the institutional church today. I believe this is a timely series. May it open our eyes and our hearts to a deeper personal relationship with Jesus.

CHURCH CRITERIA

~DENOMINATIONAL LABEL - According to their website this church has had a number of denominational affiliations over the years. 

~TYPE OF SERVICE

*Traditional 

*Contemporary XXX

*Blended 

~SIZE OF CHURCH - This church has three services. They have a Saturday evening service as well as two Sunday morning services.We attended the Saturday evening service. There appeared to be around 300 in attendance that evening. I do not know how the Sunday morning services are attended so I can only speak to the Saturday evening service. 

~FRIENDLINESS - We were greeted by a greeter and given a bulletin upon entering. Wasn't greeted by anyone else once inside the sanctuary.

~AVERAGE AGE OF CONGREGATION - Ages ran the spectrum. I would say the average age was in the 30's.

~DRESS ATTIRE - Casual

~GREETING - None

~MUSIC - Praise & Worship led by a worship team. They had a six piece band with three people singing. They did a good job.

~BALANCE OF MUSIC VS WORD - 30 minutes of music including worship and offering. Pastor preached just over 30 minutes

~TECHNOLOGY UTILIZED - They utilized PowerPoint. You also have the option for online giving.

ALTAR CALL/INVITATION - Pastor prayed pausing for a time of silent prayer then he concluded with prayer.

~ACTIVITIES/PROGRAMS OFFERED - Sunday School, nursery, Bible studies, classes, life groups, sports, youth services (Kids & Students). They are very involved in the community. They make meals twice a month for the homeless at Contact Ministries and at the Bread line. Other programs they offer are Single Mom's group andRooted (to get rooted in the church). They appear to be involved in a good deal of mission type work.

~BIBLE VERSION USED - NIV

~PREACHING STYLE - Pastor's preaching style was conversational. He had a good and relevant message. It was very timely. I found it challenged me, personally.

~USE OF SCRIPTURE - It was an expository sermon. Used one passage of Scripture. They provided a sermon handout with Scripture and key points of the message.

~RELEVANT MESSAGE - It was a relevant message for our daily journey as we enter the new year.

~LENGTH OF SERVICE - 1 hour 15 minutes

~OBSERVATIONS/COMMENTS - This was a good sized church. People actively sang and worshiped. Overall this was a good experience at what appears to be a good church. 

I think offering a Saturday evening service is a great option for a church. 

We will most likely return for a follow up visit at some point, perhaps on a Sunday. 

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

Thanks for taking your time to read and share this blog. If you know of someone who would be encouraged by this blog, please feel free to forward  a link or use the icons below to repost or forward this blog.

Church Visit - Non Denominational

Since leaving the pastorate last year, we have been visiting various churches as we have opportunity and am, once again, blogging about our experiences. I did this one other time before getting involved in another church. 

This is a continuation of a series of blog posts I am doing on our experiences visiting churches of various denominational labels, sizes and different styles of services. It is not my intent to be critical, but rather to be real and honest in our experiences. We have established criteria we are looking for at all of the institutional churches we are visiting. I do not intend to mention the church specifically by name.

I have blogged in the past about Christians who have left and are leaving the institutional church in large numbers. They are leaving for their own spiritual welfare. Most still love God but have become disillusioned or fed up with the institutional church today. I believe this is a timely series. May it open our eyes and our hearts to a deeper personal relationship with Jesus.

CHURCH CRITERIA

~DENOMINATIONAL LABEL - This church was formerly a Baptist church. They recently dropped the Baptist designation from their name. I see on their website where they refer to themselves as a Non-Denominational church

~TYPE OF SERVICE

*Traditional 

*Contemporary XXX

*Blended 

~SIZE OF CHURCH - This church has three services. We attended the middle service which started at 9:30 am. 750 people were in attendance at this service plus kids and staff we did not see.

~FRIENDLINESS - We were greeted by a greeter and given a bulletin upon entering. Wasn't greeted by anyone else once inside the sanctuary until a brief greeting time.

~AVERAGE AGE OF CONGREGATION - Ages ran the spectrum. I would say the average age was 35-40

~DRESS ATTIRE - Mostly casual

~GREETING - Less than a minute

~MUSIC - Praise & Worship led by a worship team. They had a six piece band. They did a great job.

~BALANCE OF MUSIC VS WORD - 30 minutes including worship, offering and brief greeting. Pastor preached just over 40 minutes

~TECHNOLOGY UTILIZED - They utilized PowerPoint. You also have the option for online giving.

ALTAR CALL/INVITATION - At the end of the service the prayer team came forward and pastor said if anyone needed prayer or needed to talk with a member of the prayer team they could come forward.

~ACTIVITIES/PROGRAMS OFFERED - Sunday School, nursery, Student programs on Sunday and Wednesday evenings. They have Connect Groups as well as various classes for those interested in the church

~BIBLE VERSION USED - ESV though the pew Bible was NIV

~PREACHING STYLE - Pastor's preaching style was conversational. I recall thinking the message was good and timely but the delivery was rather boring for my taste.

~USE OF SCRIPTURE - Very good. You had to follow in your Bible as they didn't put many verses on the screen. 

~RELEVANT MESSAGE - It was a relevant message for the new year

~LENGTH OF SERVICE - 1 hour 15 minutes

~OBSERVATIONS/COMMENTS - This was the largest church we have attended to date. This church has three services on Sunday morning. I am unsure how many attend the first and last service. Lots of staff. At least three pastors who, as I understand it, rotate preaching/teaching responsibilities. 

Due to the parking lot being so large, the church does offer shuttle service to and from the front door. I thought that was a nice feature. There were ample handicap parking spots in front. 

While I did not find this church to be particularly friendly, their follow up was great. A lady delivered a pie to us that Sunday afternoon. I received a follow up e-mail thanking us for our visit and one asking if I would complete a four question survey - which I did. We also received a card thanking us for our visit. Overall, very good follow up.

We may or may not return for a follow up visit at some point. 

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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MICRO-MANAGING

Have you ever been in a situation where someone wants to micro-manage you? It happens frequently, unfortunately. For me, at least, its not a pleasant experience. In fact, it can be down right frustrating.

Micro-managing can happen anywhere and in any setting. It happens at work when your boss gives you a project or an assignment to complete. Then they come around to check on you and begin to tell you how to do the task they gave you to do. I found that to be quite frustrating in the work place. I dealt with it by listening the boss and then doing it my way. I got the job done and most of the time more efficiently than the way the boss wanted to micro-manage me to do it. 

I don't know if you realize it or not but micro-managing has made its way into the organized church. The structure we see in what passes for church these days is certainly foreign to the New Testament Church. 

Today, many pastors or board members want to control - even micro-manage what goes on in the services. They appear to give no thought to what the Holy Spirit desires to do. Frankly, the institutional church today is in a sad state. 

While the New Testament Christians were participants, today's congregations have been lulled into being nothing more than spectators. Sadly, those in the congregation have come to not only expect this but most like it this way. It takes the responsibility off of them. 

We wonder why we don't see today's church having the impact the early church had. Too often God is not given freedom and liberty to do what He desires. Christians have stunted growth because they are not given opportunities the early church had to be involved in the services - to ask questions, to give their thoughts. In essence they are not permitted to participate - only to watch while the pastor or a select few control all that goes on. 

Let's break free and enjoy the liberty God has given us! Let's be "doers of the Word, not hearers only". Let's not be mere spectators. Let's get involved!

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

Thanks for taking your time to read and share this blog. If you know of someone who would be encouraged by this blog, please feel free to forward  a link or use the icons below to repost or forward this blog.