ON THE RUN...
With Pastor Pat
February 21, 2021
Beginning in January of this year, a mentor of mine asked me if I would help facilitate a discipleship group of pastors. We come from many different places – 3 from Virginia, one from Arizona, one from Oakland, CA and one from Melbourne, Australia. Most of them are quite a bit younger than me, although Phil from Oakland is in his mid-70’s. Each one has committed for a 22-week study and discussion.
We’re only in the fifth week, but several common themes have emerged. First, we all want to be noticed, but we don’t want to push ourselves forward. You would think that with a group of guys who communicate for a living that discussion would be easy. Not so! Each one is trying not to use up all the time so they defer to the others. We sometimes have to “call each other out” because we’re so deferential that we don’t get anywhere.
The second thing I’ve noticed is that – like most everyone else – pastors are not really trained to take care of their inner life. In seminary, we get trained in telling people facts and telling people what to do. We spend little time on our own emotional world … what Paul calls the “deeds of the flesh” and the “fruit of the Spirit.” I found that the only real challenge in one’s inner world came from the counseling classes where we were forced to engage and did so reluctantly.
Another common thread is the great feelings of inadequacy. Again, because we’ve never been trained to look at how we feel about the Father, ourselves and others, we find ourselves ill-prepared to deal with the vagaries of people. More than one pastor has noted they are more comfortable with their books in their study than meeting with the people they are to shepherd.
This was best expressed by one participant who got a startled look on his face and then blurted out, “This joy we’re supposed to have; we’re supposed to feel it and have it shown in our lives!”
My friend is exactly right. Emotions don’t authenticate truth, but they do authenticate our understanding of the truth. The importance of Christ’s death and resurrection is a reality, even if I don’t feel anything. But, my emotions tell me if I’ve really grasped the magnitude and the importance of Christ’s work and made it a part of my life.
I guess this is why I focus so much on Paul’s description in Galatians 5 of the deeds of the flesh (vv. 19-21) and the Fruit of the Spirit (22-24). God the Father has given us an instant indicator of the compelling force in our life … just by looking at how we feel and how we behave. Sadly, when people find themselves exhibiting more of the deeds of the flesh, there is a giving up or a litany of excuses come out. Instead, this should be like your alarm clock in the morning. It wakes you up to this reality of life and you can go and make it different. You can connect with this Father who is compassionate and emotionally connected with you. You can tell Him in complete confidence and safety the struggle you’re having and ask Him for help. As you immerse yourself in this powerful relationship with the Father, you’ll find – as the old hymn says – “the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”
… Pastor Pat
We’re only in the fifth week, but several common themes have emerged. First, we all want to be noticed, but we don’t want to push ourselves forward. You would think that with a group of guys who communicate for a living that discussion would be easy. Not so! Each one is trying not to use up all the time so they defer to the others. We sometimes have to “call each other out” because we’re so deferential that we don’t get anywhere.
The second thing I’ve noticed is that – like most everyone else – pastors are not really trained to take care of their inner life. In seminary, we get trained in telling people facts and telling people what to do. We spend little time on our own emotional world … what Paul calls the “deeds of the flesh” and the “fruit of the Spirit.” I found that the only real challenge in one’s inner world came from the counseling classes where we were forced to engage and did so reluctantly.
Another common thread is the great feelings of inadequacy. Again, because we’ve never been trained to look at how we feel about the Father, ourselves and others, we find ourselves ill-prepared to deal with the vagaries of people. More than one pastor has noted they are more comfortable with their books in their study than meeting with the people they are to shepherd.
This was best expressed by one participant who got a startled look on his face and then blurted out, “This joy we’re supposed to have; we’re supposed to feel it and have it shown in our lives!”
My friend is exactly right. Emotions don’t authenticate truth, but they do authenticate our understanding of the truth. The importance of Christ’s death and resurrection is a reality, even if I don’t feel anything. But, my emotions tell me if I’ve really grasped the magnitude and the importance of Christ’s work and made it a part of my life.
I guess this is why I focus so much on Paul’s description in Galatians 5 of the deeds of the flesh (vv. 19-21) and the Fruit of the Spirit (22-24). God the Father has given us an instant indicator of the compelling force in our life … just by looking at how we feel and how we behave. Sadly, when people find themselves exhibiting more of the deeds of the flesh, there is a giving up or a litany of excuses come out. Instead, this should be like your alarm clock in the morning. It wakes you up to this reality of life and you can go and make it different. You can connect with this Father who is compassionate and emotionally connected with you. You can tell Him in complete confidence and safety the struggle you’re having and ask Him for help. As you immerse yourself in this powerful relationship with the Father, you’ll find – as the old hymn says – “the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”
… Pastor Pat
February 14, 2021
I killed him. I murdered him and it didn’t really register with me until much later. I will never be convicted in any human court, but I am a murderer nevertheless.
I didn’t think I had done anything wrong. It was that he just wasn’t of my “tribe”, my theological persuasion. His views about spiritual things weren’t unbiblical; they just didn’t mesh well with what I “knew” to be the truth of God’s Word. His flavor of Christianity was a bit different than mine. He was, in my opinion, just not as doctrinally astute and precise as I was. I felt he had overlooked some important concepts and ideas.
So I murdered him. I didn’t think I did, but Jesus had a different view. Matthew 5:21 (ESV) “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. 23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”
Okay, so I didn’t run up to him, shake a finger in his face and say “You’re a fool!” But, I treated him that way. I didn’t think I insulted him (at least not to his face), but I did roll my eyes and sigh heavily when he started to speak. I wasn’t angry with him, but I found myself wishing he would just be quiet so the people who really knew about issues could get the discussion going.
I didn’t see myself as arrogant, but I didn’t linger long in conversations with him. I was always ready to tell him what I thought, but didn’t have the patience to listen to what he was saying. I worshipped in the same building with him on Sunday mornings, but I never sought him out to pray with him. I certainly didn’t think it was important enough to stop all the ministry tasks I was doing.
I didn’t think I did any of those things until it was done to me. When I was the “murder victim”, I became acutely aware of how I was dismissed and disdained. I felt not just tolerated but marginalized. I was suddenly viewed as someone not worth the price Christ paid on the cross. And it hurt to see my efforts dismissed and degraded.
And it reminded me that I, in no uncertain terms, was a “serial killer”. I had done this a number of times down through the decades – at school, in the marketplace, in the church and even at home to my own family. I got away with it because I was, in Isaiah’s words, “a man of unclean lips who lived among a people of unclean lips.” People – my tribe – didn’t see if as actually killing a person, like watching the blood seep from a body. Nevertheless, that’s what Jesus called it.
Have I reformed? Have I been rehabilitated? I’d like to think so. But, like the alcoholic who is one bad decision from falling off the wagon, I am one careless thought away from doing again that what I despise. I have to keep bringing both the people I encounter and my own inner world to the Father, to have Him exam it and tell if there be “any wicked way in me.”
I am learning. I am being changed into the image of Jesus Christ. It’s just that there are times when I feel I have such a long way to go. Thankfully, my Heavenly Father is intensely loyal. His love never fades and never gives up on me.
...Pastor Pat
I didn’t think I had done anything wrong. It was that he just wasn’t of my “tribe”, my theological persuasion. His views about spiritual things weren’t unbiblical; they just didn’t mesh well with what I “knew” to be the truth of God’s Word. His flavor of Christianity was a bit different than mine. He was, in my opinion, just not as doctrinally astute and precise as I was. I felt he had overlooked some important concepts and ideas.
So I murdered him. I didn’t think I did, but Jesus had a different view. Matthew 5:21 (ESV) “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. 23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”
Okay, so I didn’t run up to him, shake a finger in his face and say “You’re a fool!” But, I treated him that way. I didn’t think I insulted him (at least not to his face), but I did roll my eyes and sigh heavily when he started to speak. I wasn’t angry with him, but I found myself wishing he would just be quiet so the people who really knew about issues could get the discussion going.
I didn’t see myself as arrogant, but I didn’t linger long in conversations with him. I was always ready to tell him what I thought, but didn’t have the patience to listen to what he was saying. I worshipped in the same building with him on Sunday mornings, but I never sought him out to pray with him. I certainly didn’t think it was important enough to stop all the ministry tasks I was doing.
I didn’t think I did any of those things until it was done to me. When I was the “murder victim”, I became acutely aware of how I was dismissed and disdained. I felt not just tolerated but marginalized. I was suddenly viewed as someone not worth the price Christ paid on the cross. And it hurt to see my efforts dismissed and degraded.
And it reminded me that I, in no uncertain terms, was a “serial killer”. I had done this a number of times down through the decades – at school, in the marketplace, in the church and even at home to my own family. I got away with it because I was, in Isaiah’s words, “a man of unclean lips who lived among a people of unclean lips.” People – my tribe – didn’t see if as actually killing a person, like watching the blood seep from a body. Nevertheless, that’s what Jesus called it.
Have I reformed? Have I been rehabilitated? I’d like to think so. But, like the alcoholic who is one bad decision from falling off the wagon, I am one careless thought away from doing again that what I despise. I have to keep bringing both the people I encounter and my own inner world to the Father, to have Him exam it and tell if there be “any wicked way in me.”
I am learning. I am being changed into the image of Jesus Christ. It’s just that there are times when I feel I have such a long way to go. Thankfully, my Heavenly Father is intensely loyal. His love never fades and never gives up on me.
...Pastor Pat
February 7, 2021
So, what do you do after you’ve heard the Church Assessment Report? For those who listened and read the report, there will be all sorts of reactions. Some may have to take a little more time to digest it. Some have been able to grasp the gist of it. Others have pondered what was shared and now have questions.
If you do have questions, I hope you’ll join me for an “Indoor Picnic” today (Sunday, February 7) at 12noon in the Fellowship Hall. Bring a lunch – brown bag or picnic, it’s your choice – and let’s talk about your observations and questions.
The question that is foremost in some people’s minds is “When are we going to get a new senior pastor?” I can appreciate people’s desire to have a more definitive timeline. But, for me, as the interim pastor, this is not the most critical issue. The issue I’m working on is how to help Hydesville Community Church become a healthier church and position themselves to receive a senior pastor that is a good fit for them and for whom this is God’s calling.
Now that I’m not compiling a huge assessment, what do I do next? I start working on some of the recommendations that were made. My major focus has been to encourage the pastoral staff and to begin to train our present Elders. As you might imagine, this won’t be an overnight process. Rather, it is one that will unfold over many months.
I also want to identify some future Elders (your suggestions have been terrific) and begin preparing them for this role. I’ve developed a course of learning that includes a deep dive into the Biblical issues concerning leadership, a discussion of many of the practical issues of being an Elder, and a closer examination of how Elders work and minister at HCC.
With our pastoral staff, we discovered that many were working with outdated or non-existent job descriptions. This makes it very hard for these individuals to know if they are heading in the right direction. Along with these individual roles, I’m leading our staff and Elders through a time of fashioning a structure for ministry.
Using the image of a human body –with its 11 systems – we’re identifying the systems of ministry that contribute to a healthy church. With each system, we’re looking to establish some mature leaders to help guide and direct each system.
Perhaps my hardest chore is to help folks see that we cannot do church “as we’ve always done it before.” The last 5 years and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us the futility of trying to go back to the “good old days.”
So, what’s the alternative? The alternative is to find out where God the Father is working and join Him in what He is doing. Despite all that has gone on in the last few years, God is still at work in and through HCC. People are still hearing about Jesus. Folks are still being cared for and encouraged. Hearts are still being stirred as we meet on Sunday mornings to listen, sing and pray.
Perhaps the biggest change is moving from a ministry where the professional staff initiates all ministry to a place where they are fulfilling their God-directed roles of discipling and equipping believers (Eph. 4:11ff). It is time for the saints to take up the critical role of initiating and sustaining the ministry of HCC.
I believe that years ahead for Hydesville Community Church will be both challenging and productive. As we do the hard work of preparing ourselves spiritually for the tasks ahead, God will be working in and through us for His glory.
… Pastor Pat
If you do have questions, I hope you’ll join me for an “Indoor Picnic” today (Sunday, February 7) at 12noon in the Fellowship Hall. Bring a lunch – brown bag or picnic, it’s your choice – and let’s talk about your observations and questions.
The question that is foremost in some people’s minds is “When are we going to get a new senior pastor?” I can appreciate people’s desire to have a more definitive timeline. But, for me, as the interim pastor, this is not the most critical issue. The issue I’m working on is how to help Hydesville Community Church become a healthier church and position themselves to receive a senior pastor that is a good fit for them and for whom this is God’s calling.
Now that I’m not compiling a huge assessment, what do I do next? I start working on some of the recommendations that were made. My major focus has been to encourage the pastoral staff and to begin to train our present Elders. As you might imagine, this won’t be an overnight process. Rather, it is one that will unfold over many months.
I also want to identify some future Elders (your suggestions have been terrific) and begin preparing them for this role. I’ve developed a course of learning that includes a deep dive into the Biblical issues concerning leadership, a discussion of many of the practical issues of being an Elder, and a closer examination of how Elders work and minister at HCC.
With our pastoral staff, we discovered that many were working with outdated or non-existent job descriptions. This makes it very hard for these individuals to know if they are heading in the right direction. Along with these individual roles, I’m leading our staff and Elders through a time of fashioning a structure for ministry.
Using the image of a human body –with its 11 systems – we’re identifying the systems of ministry that contribute to a healthy church. With each system, we’re looking to establish some mature leaders to help guide and direct each system.
Perhaps my hardest chore is to help folks see that we cannot do church “as we’ve always done it before.” The last 5 years and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us the futility of trying to go back to the “good old days.”
So, what’s the alternative? The alternative is to find out where God the Father is working and join Him in what He is doing. Despite all that has gone on in the last few years, God is still at work in and through HCC. People are still hearing about Jesus. Folks are still being cared for and encouraged. Hearts are still being stirred as we meet on Sunday mornings to listen, sing and pray.
Perhaps the biggest change is moving from a ministry where the professional staff initiates all ministry to a place where they are fulfilling their God-directed roles of discipling and equipping believers (Eph. 4:11ff). It is time for the saints to take up the critical role of initiating and sustaining the ministry of HCC.
I believe that years ahead for Hydesville Community Church will be both challenging and productive. As we do the hard work of preparing ourselves spiritually for the tasks ahead, God will be working in and through us for His glory.
… Pastor Pat
January 31, 2021
Over the years, I have done a lot of research and study in the area of family dynamics. Families break down into three areas (there are scores of iterations of each area, but in general): A healthy family, a performance-driven family and a dysfunctional family.
The healthy family is not a “perfect” family. They still have flaws and issues that must be addressed. But, in general, they have at its center affection and love. Problems are addressed rather than ignored. They help each other grow and trust each other.
The performance-based or confused family believes that love and affection is earned. Emotions are mismanaged and relational skills are ineffective. But, there is an inconsistency due to confused relational skills. Trust comes slowly and only after a proven track record.
The dysfunctional family has unaddressed pain at the center resulting in the presence of addictive behaviors. Disappointment and failures result in deep suspicion within the family and an absence of health affection and love. Trust for them is just a lower level of suspicion. Love and affection is misunderstood or not present at all.
I also recall this passage from The Living Bible paraphrase: Ephesians 2:19 Now you are no longer strangers to God and foreigners to heaven, but you are members of God’s very own family, citizens of God’s country, and you belong in God’s household with every other Christian.
When I trust in Christ and His work to get me to heaven, the Holy Spirit places me into the body of Christ – the universal Church. I then make a decision to join a local expression of that universal Church … in this case, Hydesville Community Church. I am now part of both a universal family and a local family.
I write all this because I’ve been asked what our Annual Meeting is going to be like tonight. I’ve drawn the picture that it’s going to be like a family gathering together. One of my favorite memories is that of growing up in Long Beach, CA and having dinner with my family. Each of us would share in turn about what happened that day. As I grew older, I learned to share well and to listen well (as opposed to gobbling my food while waiting for my turn to talk).
This is how I picture our time together this evening. We will be sitting with our Father (er … that’s God the Father and not me … right?) and speaking about what has happened in the previous year and where God might be leading us in the future. Some of it will be encouraging and some of it thought-provoking. Some we will get right away and some will take some time to digest and think through.
Yet, I take hope in what was recorded about another meeting by the prophet, Malachi. We read in Malachi 3:16 (NASB) Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD gave attention and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who esteem His name. 17 "They will be Mine," says the LORD of hosts, "on the day that I prepare My own possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him." 18 So you will again distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.
So, as our Heavenly Father listens to us tonight, may He be glorified and may each of you be encouraged!
… Pastor Pat
The healthy family is not a “perfect” family. They still have flaws and issues that must be addressed. But, in general, they have at its center affection and love. Problems are addressed rather than ignored. They help each other grow and trust each other.
The performance-based or confused family believes that love and affection is earned. Emotions are mismanaged and relational skills are ineffective. But, there is an inconsistency due to confused relational skills. Trust comes slowly and only after a proven track record.
The dysfunctional family has unaddressed pain at the center resulting in the presence of addictive behaviors. Disappointment and failures result in deep suspicion within the family and an absence of health affection and love. Trust for them is just a lower level of suspicion. Love and affection is misunderstood or not present at all.
I also recall this passage from The Living Bible paraphrase: Ephesians 2:19 Now you are no longer strangers to God and foreigners to heaven, but you are members of God’s very own family, citizens of God’s country, and you belong in God’s household with every other Christian.
When I trust in Christ and His work to get me to heaven, the Holy Spirit places me into the body of Christ – the universal Church. I then make a decision to join a local expression of that universal Church … in this case, Hydesville Community Church. I am now part of both a universal family and a local family.
I write all this because I’ve been asked what our Annual Meeting is going to be like tonight. I’ve drawn the picture that it’s going to be like a family gathering together. One of my favorite memories is that of growing up in Long Beach, CA and having dinner with my family. Each of us would share in turn about what happened that day. As I grew older, I learned to share well and to listen well (as opposed to gobbling my food while waiting for my turn to talk).
This is how I picture our time together this evening. We will be sitting with our Father (er … that’s God the Father and not me … right?) and speaking about what has happened in the previous year and where God might be leading us in the future. Some of it will be encouraging and some of it thought-provoking. Some we will get right away and some will take some time to digest and think through.
Yet, I take hope in what was recorded about another meeting by the prophet, Malachi. We read in Malachi 3:16 (NASB) Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD gave attention and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who esteem His name. 17 "They will be Mine," says the LORD of hosts, "on the day that I prepare My own possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him." 18 So you will again distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.
So, as our Heavenly Father listens to us tonight, may He be glorified and may each of you be encouraged!
… Pastor Pat
January 24, 2021
I was having trouble writing my “On the Run” column for this week. I had started three or four topics only to backspace through the whole thing to erase it. I’d start with some bold words and ideas, but they would slowly seep away when I recognized frustration behind the words. And then I thought, “What brought joy to my heart this week?” The obvious answer was actually spending a whole weekend with my wife. She came up late Friday and was able to stay through noon on Monday. So, there were plenty of conversations and long walks.
On one of these walks I asked a question that should have had husbands everywhere asking me to turn in my “husband card.” I asked, “In 37 years of marriage, have you seen any change in me?” I assured her that I was really interested in what she had to say and wanted to grow from her words.
Her most profound insight was simple this: “You were always a ‘thinky’ person, but you’ve worked on becoming a more ‘thoughtful’ person.” I couldn’t find a flaw in her words. I had always been an introspective soul, but the introspection often didn’t lead to a change in behavior. But, in recent decades, I’ve worked at being a more caring person, developing my ability to listen and to empathize.
On Wednesday, I had one of those computer-irritating experiences. Participants in our weekly Zoom prayer meeting had trouble logging on. I tried a few things but couldn’t break through. Frustrated, I was ready to give up. But, not so my prayer partners. One of them set up another link, rounded up the other people, and I got to again be encouraged by these faithful servants of Jesus … people who wouldn’t give up.
Then, last Sunday, as I was picking stuff up after the last worship celebration, a young boy came up the aisle towards me. I couldn’t – for the life of me – remember his name, but I did remember the attentive way he listened as he sat with others in our time of worship.
I said “Hello” and was ready to engage him on some superficial level. To my surprise, he simple said, “Pastor Pat, I like the way you pray and I like the way you preach.” I didn’t realize I was in the presence of a servant of the Most High God, brilliantly disguised as an elementary-school age boy.
I stumbled for words and finally blurted out, “Friend, your kind words make me want to work even harder to preach good sermons and to be a better person. Thank you.”
I have awards and certificates and diplomas on my wall at home. I have more “degrees” than a thermometer. Yet, no greater honor have I ever received than listening to this young man as he brought the encouragement of the Heavenly Father to my heart. There’s no other way to respond except to gratefully say to the Father and to my young friend, “Thank you!”
… Pastor Pat
On one of these walks I asked a question that should have had husbands everywhere asking me to turn in my “husband card.” I asked, “In 37 years of marriage, have you seen any change in me?” I assured her that I was really interested in what she had to say and wanted to grow from her words.
Her most profound insight was simple this: “You were always a ‘thinky’ person, but you’ve worked on becoming a more ‘thoughtful’ person.” I couldn’t find a flaw in her words. I had always been an introspective soul, but the introspection often didn’t lead to a change in behavior. But, in recent decades, I’ve worked at being a more caring person, developing my ability to listen and to empathize.
On Wednesday, I had one of those computer-irritating experiences. Participants in our weekly Zoom prayer meeting had trouble logging on. I tried a few things but couldn’t break through. Frustrated, I was ready to give up. But, not so my prayer partners. One of them set up another link, rounded up the other people, and I got to again be encouraged by these faithful servants of Jesus … people who wouldn’t give up.
Then, last Sunday, as I was picking stuff up after the last worship celebration, a young boy came up the aisle towards me. I couldn’t – for the life of me – remember his name, but I did remember the attentive way he listened as he sat with others in our time of worship.
I said “Hello” and was ready to engage him on some superficial level. To my surprise, he simple said, “Pastor Pat, I like the way you pray and I like the way you preach.” I didn’t realize I was in the presence of a servant of the Most High God, brilliantly disguised as an elementary-school age boy.
I stumbled for words and finally blurted out, “Friend, your kind words make me want to work even harder to preach good sermons and to be a better person. Thank you.”
I have awards and certificates and diplomas on my wall at home. I have more “degrees” than a thermometer. Yet, no greater honor have I ever received than listening to this young man as he brought the encouragement of the Heavenly Father to my heart. There’s no other way to respond except to gratefully say to the Father and to my young friend, “Thank you!”
… Pastor Pat
January 17, 2021
I’ve made a delightful discovery these last six months up here behind the Redwood Curtain. As I’ve gone back through my journal entries for the past decade, I’m seeing a pattern of unprecedented spiritual growth.
I’m not sure if that’s a good thing for a pastor to admit or not. Nevertheless, I’m finding myself in this COVID-19 season actually making strides in my understanding, appreciation and participation with God the Father. It’s not like I’m learning a new theological term or a new definition of a Hebrew word, instead, it is much more subtle.
Most of it is on the inside as I actually see myself making more room for God to work. I am still a polite and amiable person, but it is coming more from the inside than just being a social construct. It reminds me of John’s account of Jesus at the great feast in Jerusalem in John 7:37 (NASB) Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'"
There is a scene in the movie Ben-Hur where the main character – Judah Ben-Hur – has been assigned to be a galley rower. As he is shoved rudely into his position in the bowels of the galley, the galley master intones, “Row well and live!”
That was the tone of my Christian life from my early childhood – a performance-based faith that was really not faith at all. I was the sum total of what I did. If I did everything that was expected of me (who knows what standard I was focusing on), then I was acceptable to God … a grudging acceptance.
But, over thirty years ago, I had the privilege of sitting in a class with Dr. David Eckman, who at that time was Dean of the San Jose campus of Western Seminary. His class on the trinity focused on the relationship of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. I began to discover that the atmosphere of the trinity is one of joy, acceptance, love, and encouragement. It blew me away when I finally realized that I had been invited into this relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. My trust in Jesus Christ decades before had opened the door, but I didn’t know how to get inside.
When it finally clicked that the Father loves all of me – not just the part that performs well … when I integrated the reality that God the Father enjoys me … delights in me … and even likes me; it was like chains falling from my wrists and a jail door being swung open.
The Fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace and those other attributes we forget – became a reality in my life. I could actually use these emotions to discern where my relationship with God was at.
I’m realistic enough to know that the emotions of a moment are up-for-grabs … that at any moment the atmosphere around me can turn. But, I am also confident enough in my heavenly Father that my relationship with Him does not need to be shaken.
… Pastor Pat
I’m not sure if that’s a good thing for a pastor to admit or not. Nevertheless, I’m finding myself in this COVID-19 season actually making strides in my understanding, appreciation and participation with God the Father. It’s not like I’m learning a new theological term or a new definition of a Hebrew word, instead, it is much more subtle.
Most of it is on the inside as I actually see myself making more room for God to work. I am still a polite and amiable person, but it is coming more from the inside than just being a social construct. It reminds me of John’s account of Jesus at the great feast in Jerusalem in John 7:37 (NASB) Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'"
There is a scene in the movie Ben-Hur where the main character – Judah Ben-Hur – has been assigned to be a galley rower. As he is shoved rudely into his position in the bowels of the galley, the galley master intones, “Row well and live!”
That was the tone of my Christian life from my early childhood – a performance-based faith that was really not faith at all. I was the sum total of what I did. If I did everything that was expected of me (who knows what standard I was focusing on), then I was acceptable to God … a grudging acceptance.
But, over thirty years ago, I had the privilege of sitting in a class with Dr. David Eckman, who at that time was Dean of the San Jose campus of Western Seminary. His class on the trinity focused on the relationship of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. I began to discover that the atmosphere of the trinity is one of joy, acceptance, love, and encouragement. It blew me away when I finally realized that I had been invited into this relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. My trust in Jesus Christ decades before had opened the door, but I didn’t know how to get inside.
When it finally clicked that the Father loves all of me – not just the part that performs well … when I integrated the reality that God the Father enjoys me … delights in me … and even likes me; it was like chains falling from my wrists and a jail door being swung open.
The Fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace and those other attributes we forget – became a reality in my life. I could actually use these emotions to discern where my relationship with God was at.
I’m realistic enough to know that the emotions of a moment are up-for-grabs … that at any moment the atmosphere around me can turn. But, I am also confident enough in my heavenly Father that my relationship with Him does not need to be shaken.
… Pastor Pat
January 10, 2021
I’m afraid I’m attracting the attention of the locals with my driving. I have about a 3-mile drive to and from the church from my cozy little apartment. I know the speed limits and where it changes on the route, but there’s something about the journey that always catches my attention.
As I leave in the morning, I catch the edge of Fortuna receding in my rear-view mirror. There’s a gentle climb through open fields into the hills (something I never had growing up in Long Beach, California). I greet the sheep grazing on my right with a salute and the thought “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.”
Sometimes, the fog hides little pockets and as I come around a curve I’ll descend into one, testing to see if it indeed “comes in on little cat’s paws.” I continue downward to the hairpin turn for the next ascent looking for that little gap in the hills. Sometimes, it’s full on sunshine. At other times, fog plays hide-n-seek. Today, although rainy, there was a clearing of the air.
Then, it’s an uphill climb to the final curve for entry into Hydesville. I rejoice at the speed limit sign at the edge of town that tells me to slow down to 35 … and also reminds me to slow down as I involve myself in the Father’s kingdom business.
I slowly approach the intersection and linger a bit too long at the bucolic setting of post office, market and deli, and the declaration of the good news of Jesus Christ – Hydesville Community Church.
In the evening, the drive back to the apartment is equally engaging. The wait at the corner reminds me to set my heart in order. If it was a great day, I rejoice. If there were struggles, I remind myself I have a Father in heaven who is eager to hear and enter into these issues with me.
The ride is a little faster going home. The hairpin turn leads to a climb where I inevitably slow down. Who wouldn’t want to linger in those stately green trees? This is usually where I see some beleaguered Humboltian moving faster than me to get to his or home. I speed up, glide around the corner for a gaze at the sunset. Many evenings the colors and tones call for me to stop and look. Even on those cloudy, rain-filled days, there’s a wideness and depth to this look. On really clear days, I imagine if I slow to a crawl, “Can I see the bay from here?”
Then, it’s a swoop down hill and a quick turn into the driveway. I am greeted by a trio of barking dogs who remind me that frolicking is a great way to worship God.
So, if you come up behind a slow moving silver car on Rohnerville Road, extend some grace. He’s just taking advantage of this terrific opportunity to learn from you and grow with you. Pull around him, if you must. Tap the horn gently, I will respond.
And, please remind me next Sunday, if I had my blinker on all during the drive home!!
… Pastor Pat
As I leave in the morning, I catch the edge of Fortuna receding in my rear-view mirror. There’s a gentle climb through open fields into the hills (something I never had growing up in Long Beach, California). I greet the sheep grazing on my right with a salute and the thought “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.”
Sometimes, the fog hides little pockets and as I come around a curve I’ll descend into one, testing to see if it indeed “comes in on little cat’s paws.” I continue downward to the hairpin turn for the next ascent looking for that little gap in the hills. Sometimes, it’s full on sunshine. At other times, fog plays hide-n-seek. Today, although rainy, there was a clearing of the air.
Then, it’s an uphill climb to the final curve for entry into Hydesville. I rejoice at the speed limit sign at the edge of town that tells me to slow down to 35 … and also reminds me to slow down as I involve myself in the Father’s kingdom business.
I slowly approach the intersection and linger a bit too long at the bucolic setting of post office, market and deli, and the declaration of the good news of Jesus Christ – Hydesville Community Church.
In the evening, the drive back to the apartment is equally engaging. The wait at the corner reminds me to set my heart in order. If it was a great day, I rejoice. If there were struggles, I remind myself I have a Father in heaven who is eager to hear and enter into these issues with me.
The ride is a little faster going home. The hairpin turn leads to a climb where I inevitably slow down. Who wouldn’t want to linger in those stately green trees? This is usually where I see some beleaguered Humboltian moving faster than me to get to his or home. I speed up, glide around the corner for a gaze at the sunset. Many evenings the colors and tones call for me to stop and look. Even on those cloudy, rain-filled days, there’s a wideness and depth to this look. On really clear days, I imagine if I slow to a crawl, “Can I see the bay from here?”
Then, it’s a swoop down hill and a quick turn into the driveway. I am greeted by a trio of barking dogs who remind me that frolicking is a great way to worship God.
So, if you come up behind a slow moving silver car on Rohnerville Road, extend some grace. He’s just taking advantage of this terrific opportunity to learn from you and grow with you. Pull around him, if you must. Tap the horn gently, I will respond.
And, please remind me next Sunday, if I had my blinker on all during the drive home!!
… Pastor Pat
January 3, 2021
I hope you had the proverbial Merry Christmas and Happy New Year’s celebration. Perhaps like yours, ours was scattered about the country and the annual opening of Christmas gifts were done via Zoom conferencing. We were still able to indulge in the annual nonsense that seems to poke its head out during this season (Although both my sons had friends with them and our “family weirdness” is now public knowledge).
But, I also spent a lot of this time thanking God for the COVID-19 pandemic! Now, it didn’t start out that way. I initially submerged myself in grumbling and grousing about all the people who didn’t see things my way. I developed brilliant and decisive arguments to have those critics falling to their knees in repentance, acknowledging my theological acumen.
Then that small, soft voice in my heart and mind whispered, “Would you like Me to treat you in a similar fashion?” Isaiah’s words popped into my mind – “All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him.” Isaiah 53:6 (NASB)
2020 was a watershed year used by God to show us what’s going on inside of us. It’s like the old story of the guy who had a coffee cup filled to the brim. When he is jostled or bumped, what’s on the inside is going to spill out. Sadly, there were many saints who allowed the attitudes of the flesh to creep into their thoughts, words and actions.
It doesn’t matter if you wear a mask or not … it doesn’t matter if you prefer on-line worship or in-person worship. What really matters is who is at the center of your thoughts and conversations? During this last year, I heard way too many Christians around our country talk about rights, government overreach, conspiracy theories, and the like. But, these same voices said little about the Gospel.
One of the reasons those without Christ ignore we who claim to be Jesus followers is that we are more known for what we are against than what we are for. I’ve listened to pastors decry from their pulpits churches who chose to serve their people using an online platform rather than an in-person format. I can only guess that their words were meant to shame those brothers and sisters for whom Christ died and, frankly, I don’t care.
I care more about what our community says about us. I’ve listened to medical workers, educators, law enforcement officials and even government officials say “thank you” for our stand in taking this pandemic seriously. As one person put it, “It shows that you really do care about the community.”
Now, do we have plans to “open back up?” Absolutely NOT …because we’ve never been closed! The Gospel of Jesus Christ still is proclaimed by every individual who calls Hydesville Community Church “home.” So the “open” or “closed” debate is the proverbial straw man argument.
What we are doing is continuing serious discussions on when we add an in-person format to our worship celebrations. COVID-19 has shown churches that an online presence is an absolute necessity. We will continue to stream our worship celebrations to folks who, for whatever reason, can’t join us in person.
As far as an in-person format, your Elders and staff have been discussing this every week. We are eager to resume meeting in-person as soon as we can do it safely. Our plans presently are to resume our in-person worship celebrations at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings sometime in the latter half of January.
What are we waiting for? First, even though as of December 30 2020, Humboldt County was dropped into the “red tier” a closer look at the reason for doing this needs to come out. The state made this decision because the number of cases in the poorer parts of our county (including Native American and Hispanic families) flattened out. The overall trend has not gone down. In fact (and I’m no prophet, just a pastor who has been researching the trends), there will probably be a rise in active cases after the beginning of 2021 due to all the Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.
Second, we need to get our worship center back in shape to receive people. Right now, it’s more like a television studio. Thanks to the expertise of our Director of Worship and Youth Ministries, Zack Armentrout, we’ve been able to bring you an ever-improving internet feed each week. We’re going to need a week to 10 days to make the change over – moving things back into the right place.
Third, there are some cautions that must be in place before we resume in-person worship. We need to set up a system of “contract tracing.” Each Sunday, you’ll be asked to put down your name and phone number so if we do have someone with COVID-19 we can quickly inform you (so you can get tested) and the county (which is required by law).
We’ll also be asking you to be masked and remain at least 6-feet apart from non-family members from the moment you get out of your car until the time you climb back in. We realize that “catching up” is an important part of the Sunday experience, but we want to be more diligent at protecting those who decide to come.
The Elders have graciously decided that accommodations will be made for Elders and staff who don’t feel comfortable meeting in an in-person setting. As we’ve already seen in the last few months, we can creatively contribute to each of our worship experiences through different venues without being directly in the room. The staff chuckles at those who think they are “taking it easy” during this time. Reality is that we are working even harder to fulfill the responsibilities given to us by Jesus.
Finally, if you are in an “at risk” group – you are over 65 or have some co-morbidity issues – we encourage you to stay home and be with us online. Penny Fregeau and her team is leading the charge in identifying and encouraging those who, for health reasons – need to remained sheltered-in-place.
I am greatly encouraged as I talk with our Elders and staff. They have not lost sight of our commission to share the Gospel and encourage the saints. I appreciate their long view of the situation and their tender hearts as they listen to the feedback from the church. I look forward to Sunday, January 31 when I can present to you my assessment report at our Annual Meeting. It’s designed to celebrate the past, analyze the present and point the way to a positive future.
Thank you for letting me be your Interim Pastor!
… Pastor Pat
But, I also spent a lot of this time thanking God for the COVID-19 pandemic! Now, it didn’t start out that way. I initially submerged myself in grumbling and grousing about all the people who didn’t see things my way. I developed brilliant and decisive arguments to have those critics falling to their knees in repentance, acknowledging my theological acumen.
Then that small, soft voice in my heart and mind whispered, “Would you like Me to treat you in a similar fashion?” Isaiah’s words popped into my mind – “All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him.” Isaiah 53:6 (NASB)
2020 was a watershed year used by God to show us what’s going on inside of us. It’s like the old story of the guy who had a coffee cup filled to the brim. When he is jostled or bumped, what’s on the inside is going to spill out. Sadly, there were many saints who allowed the attitudes of the flesh to creep into their thoughts, words and actions.
It doesn’t matter if you wear a mask or not … it doesn’t matter if you prefer on-line worship or in-person worship. What really matters is who is at the center of your thoughts and conversations? During this last year, I heard way too many Christians around our country talk about rights, government overreach, conspiracy theories, and the like. But, these same voices said little about the Gospel.
One of the reasons those without Christ ignore we who claim to be Jesus followers is that we are more known for what we are against than what we are for. I’ve listened to pastors decry from their pulpits churches who chose to serve their people using an online platform rather than an in-person format. I can only guess that their words were meant to shame those brothers and sisters for whom Christ died and, frankly, I don’t care.
I care more about what our community says about us. I’ve listened to medical workers, educators, law enforcement officials and even government officials say “thank you” for our stand in taking this pandemic seriously. As one person put it, “It shows that you really do care about the community.”
Now, do we have plans to “open back up?” Absolutely NOT …because we’ve never been closed! The Gospel of Jesus Christ still is proclaimed by every individual who calls Hydesville Community Church “home.” So the “open” or “closed” debate is the proverbial straw man argument.
What we are doing is continuing serious discussions on when we add an in-person format to our worship celebrations. COVID-19 has shown churches that an online presence is an absolute necessity. We will continue to stream our worship celebrations to folks who, for whatever reason, can’t join us in person.
As far as an in-person format, your Elders and staff have been discussing this every week. We are eager to resume meeting in-person as soon as we can do it safely. Our plans presently are to resume our in-person worship celebrations at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings sometime in the latter half of January.
What are we waiting for? First, even though as of December 30 2020, Humboldt County was dropped into the “red tier” a closer look at the reason for doing this needs to come out. The state made this decision because the number of cases in the poorer parts of our county (including Native American and Hispanic families) flattened out. The overall trend has not gone down. In fact (and I’m no prophet, just a pastor who has been researching the trends), there will probably be a rise in active cases after the beginning of 2021 due to all the Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.
Second, we need to get our worship center back in shape to receive people. Right now, it’s more like a television studio. Thanks to the expertise of our Director of Worship and Youth Ministries, Zack Armentrout, we’ve been able to bring you an ever-improving internet feed each week. We’re going to need a week to 10 days to make the change over – moving things back into the right place.
Third, there are some cautions that must be in place before we resume in-person worship. We need to set up a system of “contract tracing.” Each Sunday, you’ll be asked to put down your name and phone number so if we do have someone with COVID-19 we can quickly inform you (so you can get tested) and the county (which is required by law).
We’ll also be asking you to be masked and remain at least 6-feet apart from non-family members from the moment you get out of your car until the time you climb back in. We realize that “catching up” is an important part of the Sunday experience, but we want to be more diligent at protecting those who decide to come.
The Elders have graciously decided that accommodations will be made for Elders and staff who don’t feel comfortable meeting in an in-person setting. As we’ve already seen in the last few months, we can creatively contribute to each of our worship experiences through different venues without being directly in the room. The staff chuckles at those who think they are “taking it easy” during this time. Reality is that we are working even harder to fulfill the responsibilities given to us by Jesus.
Finally, if you are in an “at risk” group – you are over 65 or have some co-morbidity issues – we encourage you to stay home and be with us online. Penny Fregeau and her team is leading the charge in identifying and encouraging those who, for health reasons – need to remained sheltered-in-place.
I am greatly encouraged as I talk with our Elders and staff. They have not lost sight of our commission to share the Gospel and encourage the saints. I appreciate their long view of the situation and their tender hearts as they listen to the feedback from the church. I look forward to Sunday, January 31 when I can present to you my assessment report at our Annual Meeting. It’s designed to celebrate the past, analyze the present and point the way to a positive future.
Thank you for letting me be your Interim Pastor!
… Pastor Pat
December 20, 2020
I wrote this over 25 years ago…
I had gone into the hardware store to get some stuff to help me stave off the ravages of the season. Trash bags for the hordes of leaves that would soon sweep across my lawn. Things to clean, scrape, buff, or polish to keep my little abode from succumbing to the icy tendrils of winter. Even as I was getting my “almost” four-year-old out of the car, I was mentally getting ready to race up and down the aisles in record time.
But, just three steps into the store I stopped dead in my tracks. There it was – looming big and green in front of me. Colored lights flashed on and off. Ornaments brightly reflecting the artificial light of the store. Tinsel streaming down from each branch. A fresh pine scent tickling the noses of all who passed.
I groaned in frustration. I had barely finished Halloween with reminders of costumes and candy. Thanksgiving was just now starting to put its holiday pressure on me: Where to go? What to do? What to eat? Thoughts of Christmas were just an impudent intrusion. I grumbled about the commercialization of Christmas and the greediness of retailers.
But, after a few more steps, I found I was walking alone. I looked back. There a small boy, my son, stood transfixed by the sights and sounds. His eyes didn’t see sales gimmicks and charge cards with exorbitant interest rates. His eyes were drinking in the sights and sounds of Christmas.
“Daddy, Daddy, look at the snowmen! Look at the lights!” He carefully pointed out each new item as I felt the chance to make a “quick” trip to the store slip from my grasp. I think it was one of the last phrases that finally got me. “Daddy, Daddy, look … angels …angels!”
He and his little brother like angels. I’m not sure if it’s the wings, the white robes or the cute faces. All I know is that any angel in the vicinity is immediately pointed out to me. For a few seconds, it became his mantra, “Daddy, they’re angels … angels.”
Like most of God’s gentle reminders, it just quietly crept up on me. I must be getting old. I don’t see angels too often. I see bills and deadlines … decisions and tasks. I see places to go … people to see … things to do.
And so, I miss them. I miss the chance to see an angel. Sure, it’s made out of high-tech, space-age plastics. But, couldn’t I just stop and see the reality behind the symbol just this one time? Perhaps, if I could look with the eyes of a child.
A few steps further and he saw something else. He tugged at my sleeve and we headed down a side aisle, out of the normal flow of traffic.
“Look Daddy, its Jesus!” There between the Duraflame logs and the bargain sale patio chairs was a small manger scene. He eagerly named all the participants of the scene. Although I did help him with the names of the three wise men – Balthazar, Melcher, and Casper – after all, I am a seminary graduate. Then, it was off to finish our errands.
Later, when we got home, we had different responses to Mom’s inquiry about what we did. I had to say, “We picked up leaf bags and some insulation for the pipes.” The “almost” four-year-old piped up, “Mommy, I got to see Jesus and angels!”
I think I’ll take him and his brother shopping with me more often. I just seem to miss all the important stuff when they’re not around to point it out for me! … Pastor Pat
I had gone into the hardware store to get some stuff to help me stave off the ravages of the season. Trash bags for the hordes of leaves that would soon sweep across my lawn. Things to clean, scrape, buff, or polish to keep my little abode from succumbing to the icy tendrils of winter. Even as I was getting my “almost” four-year-old out of the car, I was mentally getting ready to race up and down the aisles in record time.
But, just three steps into the store I stopped dead in my tracks. There it was – looming big and green in front of me. Colored lights flashed on and off. Ornaments brightly reflecting the artificial light of the store. Tinsel streaming down from each branch. A fresh pine scent tickling the noses of all who passed.
I groaned in frustration. I had barely finished Halloween with reminders of costumes and candy. Thanksgiving was just now starting to put its holiday pressure on me: Where to go? What to do? What to eat? Thoughts of Christmas were just an impudent intrusion. I grumbled about the commercialization of Christmas and the greediness of retailers.
But, after a few more steps, I found I was walking alone. I looked back. There a small boy, my son, stood transfixed by the sights and sounds. His eyes didn’t see sales gimmicks and charge cards with exorbitant interest rates. His eyes were drinking in the sights and sounds of Christmas.
“Daddy, Daddy, look at the snowmen! Look at the lights!” He carefully pointed out each new item as I felt the chance to make a “quick” trip to the store slip from my grasp. I think it was one of the last phrases that finally got me. “Daddy, Daddy, look … angels …angels!”
He and his little brother like angels. I’m not sure if it’s the wings, the white robes or the cute faces. All I know is that any angel in the vicinity is immediately pointed out to me. For a few seconds, it became his mantra, “Daddy, they’re angels … angels.”
Like most of God’s gentle reminders, it just quietly crept up on me. I must be getting old. I don’t see angels too often. I see bills and deadlines … decisions and tasks. I see places to go … people to see … things to do.
And so, I miss them. I miss the chance to see an angel. Sure, it’s made out of high-tech, space-age plastics. But, couldn’t I just stop and see the reality behind the symbol just this one time? Perhaps, if I could look with the eyes of a child.
A few steps further and he saw something else. He tugged at my sleeve and we headed down a side aisle, out of the normal flow of traffic.
“Look Daddy, its Jesus!” There between the Duraflame logs and the bargain sale patio chairs was a small manger scene. He eagerly named all the participants of the scene. Although I did help him with the names of the three wise men – Balthazar, Melcher, and Casper – after all, I am a seminary graduate. Then, it was off to finish our errands.
Later, when we got home, we had different responses to Mom’s inquiry about what we did. I had to say, “We picked up leaf bags and some insulation for the pipes.” The “almost” four-year-old piped up, “Mommy, I got to see Jesus and angels!”
I think I’ll take him and his brother shopping with me more often. I just seem to miss all the important stuff when they’re not around to point it out for me! … Pastor Pat
December 13, 2020
One of the saving graces in coaching youth soccer was having young and energetic assistant coaches. For a number of years, Tim and Laurin helped me coach the Citrus Heights Dolphins. Tim was the typical athletic dad who just needed a little exposure and coaching himself to become a terrific coach. Laurin had played soccer in high school and college. I would often call on him to demonstrate a technique or skill for these young players.
We were working with the youngsters on what we called their on-the-ball defense – how to stay balanced and make the attacker go the way you wanted them to go. I’m demonstrating the defensive technique and Laurin has the ball. But, in the blink of an eye, he had rolled the ball between my legs and gone around me to get it. In soccer, it’s called a “nutmeg” and is one of the most enjoyable and humiliating experiences on the soccer pitch (depending on whether you are doing it or having it done to you).
Laurin salved my wound by pointing out to the players that he was successful because he got me looking at the wrong thing. It’s called “misdirection” and it’s used in a number of activities including soccer, magic tricks and by Satan!
In these days of COVID-19, and all the restrictions surrounding it, it is easy to be consumed by the wrong issues. Satan would have Christians in an uproar about how and when they can meet as a church and totally forget the inner, personal disciplines that each Christians need. He gets our attention on what governments and politicians are doing, so that we neglect our own spiritual health and our call to be salt and light in this world.
Spiritual warfare for us at HCC is not so much government oppression (if you want to look at real government oppression, talk to a brother or sister from China) as it is getting us so twisted up in the periphery that we forget the main thing.
Here’s how Paul describes it in Ephesians 4:1 (NASB) Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love,
3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
So, sisters and brothers, please be on guard. Strengthen your own walk with God. Be engaged in using your gifts and calling. We’ll be awed by how God takes care of the rest.
… Pastor Pat
We were working with the youngsters on what we called their on-the-ball defense – how to stay balanced and make the attacker go the way you wanted them to go. I’m demonstrating the defensive technique and Laurin has the ball. But, in the blink of an eye, he had rolled the ball between my legs and gone around me to get it. In soccer, it’s called a “nutmeg” and is one of the most enjoyable and humiliating experiences on the soccer pitch (depending on whether you are doing it or having it done to you).
Laurin salved my wound by pointing out to the players that he was successful because he got me looking at the wrong thing. It’s called “misdirection” and it’s used in a number of activities including soccer, magic tricks and by Satan!
In these days of COVID-19, and all the restrictions surrounding it, it is easy to be consumed by the wrong issues. Satan would have Christians in an uproar about how and when they can meet as a church and totally forget the inner, personal disciplines that each Christians need. He gets our attention on what governments and politicians are doing, so that we neglect our own spiritual health and our call to be salt and light in this world.
Spiritual warfare for us at HCC is not so much government oppression (if you want to look at real government oppression, talk to a brother or sister from China) as it is getting us so twisted up in the periphery that we forget the main thing.
Here’s how Paul describes it in Ephesians 4:1 (NASB) Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love,
3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
So, sisters and brothers, please be on guard. Strengthen your own walk with God. Be engaged in using your gifts and calling. We’ll be awed by how God takes care of the rest.
… Pastor Pat
December 6, 2020
Wow! We’re in December! It seemed like only yesterday we were out with the chickens and baby goats, worshipping in the field. Today, we’re wondering how to navigate through what will be the weirdest Christmas, perhaps, of our lifetimes. The crowds will, for the most part, be gone or at least masked and six-feet apart. The large Christmas productions will be put off for another year. Caroling with be curtailed. Parties will be passé. Traveling will be put off. So, what’s going to be “normal” about Christmas this year?
I’ve got good news for you. God has said, “I am the Lord and I change not.” It has been written of Jesus that He will be the same “yesterday, today and forever.” Our mission as a church remains the same … to help people become followers of Jesus Christ and welcome them into God’s family.
In addition, our “transition” as a church continues on schedule. We are rapidly approaching the end of Stage 2 of our Road Map (Assessing Church Health). With the tremendous help of our Transition Team, we’ve been accumulating data and insights regarding the history and ministry of Hydesville Community Church. We’ve been exploring the tough questions of “How did we get to where we are today?”
In the next few weeks, the Transition Team will be doing a demographic study, looking at the type of people who attend HCC and the type of people in the Eel River Valley who still need to be reached with the Gospel.
With the help of the Transition Team, Pastoral Staff and Elders, I will be putting together a Church Assessment Report. This will be a distillation of all the information we’ve gathered. We’ll be putting into a report all the perspectives you’ve given us over these last few months. Then, in late January, Lord willing, I will be sharing this report with our Elders and with you. It will include the findings of the assessment tools we’ve used to discover our real values. I will be presenting the strengths, concerns and some recommendations for our days ahead.
What happens after this? We move into Stage 3 of our journey – Facilitating Action. Together, we will determine how we will address the recommendations specified in this report. We can’t work on all of them, but we can certainly get off to a good start so that when “Pastor Next” arrives … we will be well on our way to becoming a healthier church!
… Pastor Pat
I’ve got good news for you. God has said, “I am the Lord and I change not.” It has been written of Jesus that He will be the same “yesterday, today and forever.” Our mission as a church remains the same … to help people become followers of Jesus Christ and welcome them into God’s family.
In addition, our “transition” as a church continues on schedule. We are rapidly approaching the end of Stage 2 of our Road Map (Assessing Church Health). With the tremendous help of our Transition Team, we’ve been accumulating data and insights regarding the history and ministry of Hydesville Community Church. We’ve been exploring the tough questions of “How did we get to where we are today?”
In the next few weeks, the Transition Team will be doing a demographic study, looking at the type of people who attend HCC and the type of people in the Eel River Valley who still need to be reached with the Gospel.
With the help of the Transition Team, Pastoral Staff and Elders, I will be putting together a Church Assessment Report. This will be a distillation of all the information we’ve gathered. We’ll be putting into a report all the perspectives you’ve given us over these last few months. Then, in late January, Lord willing, I will be sharing this report with our Elders and with you. It will include the findings of the assessment tools we’ve used to discover our real values. I will be presenting the strengths, concerns and some recommendations for our days ahead.
What happens after this? We move into Stage 3 of our journey – Facilitating Action. Together, we will determine how we will address the recommendations specified in this report. We can’t work on all of them, but we can certainly get off to a good start so that when “Pastor Next” arrives … we will be well on our way to becoming a healthier church!
… Pastor Pat
November 29, 2020
Wow! This the last time I leave Humboldt County for a few days. Judy and I took off Sunday afternoon for our home in Citrus Heights (I spent Monday visiting all the folks with “Doctor” as their first name). Who knew that on Monday Humboldt County would jump up into the COVIID-19 “Purple Tier!” I remember thinking that I don’t want to be in the purple tier because I don’t look good in that color. And, one of my more sarcastic friends noted, “Big deal, here in Sacramento County, we’ve never gotten out of the purple tier!”
I appreciated the calm response of our Elders and pastoral staff. There was no one running around with their hair on fire, predicting the end of Christianity. Instead, they got right to work notifying the saints at Hydesville Community Church about our change of plans. I loved how they phrased it … “We’re NOT closing the church, we’re just moving to another platform on Sunday mornings!”
For you who have been sheltering-in-place all this time, it will be no big deal. For the rest of us, we’ll be posting our worship celebrations on Sunday mornings on both our HCC Facebook page and on YouTube. Just log on at either 9:00 or 10:30 and we’ll be worshipping our God together. We’ll still have all the elements there to help you make your Sunday a “Sabbath”-day. Pastor Dave will be letting us know what is still happening in the ministry of HCC. Zack and the Worship Team will still have great music to turn our hearts and minds to God. We’ll focus a few minutes on the theme of Advent as we prepare for Christmas. We’ll be praying together as a congregation and spending time in God’s Word. This week, we’re wrapping up our series “Eternal Realities” with a look at what the Bible says about heaven.
By the way, if you didn’t get a chance to listen to last week’s message from Pastor Dave … run, do not walk … to our website and listen to it. It was probably one of the most encouraging and uplifting messages about hell you will ever hear!
My heart was encouraged on Wednesday morning at our Virtual Prayer Meeting. I was reflecting that even just 10-15 years ago an obstacle like COVID-19 would have brought church to a halt. Instead, we have a wonderful opportunity to be creative and still stay connected!
And, as far as staying connected during this time, let me encourage you to call a couple of people each week … just to let them know they’re loved and not forgotten!
… Pastor Pat
I appreciated the calm response of our Elders and pastoral staff. There was no one running around with their hair on fire, predicting the end of Christianity. Instead, they got right to work notifying the saints at Hydesville Community Church about our change of plans. I loved how they phrased it … “We’re NOT closing the church, we’re just moving to another platform on Sunday mornings!”
For you who have been sheltering-in-place all this time, it will be no big deal. For the rest of us, we’ll be posting our worship celebrations on Sunday mornings on both our HCC Facebook page and on YouTube. Just log on at either 9:00 or 10:30 and we’ll be worshipping our God together. We’ll still have all the elements there to help you make your Sunday a “Sabbath”-day. Pastor Dave will be letting us know what is still happening in the ministry of HCC. Zack and the Worship Team will still have great music to turn our hearts and minds to God. We’ll focus a few minutes on the theme of Advent as we prepare for Christmas. We’ll be praying together as a congregation and spending time in God’s Word. This week, we’re wrapping up our series “Eternal Realities” with a look at what the Bible says about heaven.
By the way, if you didn’t get a chance to listen to last week’s message from Pastor Dave … run, do not walk … to our website and listen to it. It was probably one of the most encouraging and uplifting messages about hell you will ever hear!
My heart was encouraged on Wednesday morning at our Virtual Prayer Meeting. I was reflecting that even just 10-15 years ago an obstacle like COVID-19 would have brought church to a halt. Instead, we have a wonderful opportunity to be creative and still stay connected!
And, as far as staying connected during this time, let me encourage you to call a couple of people each week … just to let them know they’re loved and not forgotten!
… Pastor Pat
November 15, 2020
Twitter is one of those social media platforms that brings both joy and sadness. As a soapbox for political rants, I’m easily tired of all the partisan wrangling. The “Twitter Trolls” and other beings that infest the internet swamp makes one just scroll on by.
But, I also get an encouraging word from a number of believers who have had time to reflect deeply. Here’s one from Tim Keller, former pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan and a prolific author. He wrote: “The reason you are enslaved to bitterness is not what that person did to you – even though that was wrong. The reason for the bitterness is usually because of what your heart is making of the thing you lost.”
Whoops! Before I noticed, my mind had jumped to the words of the writer of Hebrews from Hebrews 12:14 (NASB) Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled…
Bitterness is often unconsciously nurtured because, like all strong emotions, it makes us feel strong. We feel that we have a direction and purpose, even if it is to just grind our teeth. But, notice the consequences. Bitterness interrupts God’s process of sanctification (making us more like Jesus) in us. We are – spiritually – stuck in one place.
We also “come short of the grace of God”. I know it’s a silly analogy, but it’s like when I order a Diet Coke from the drive-through at McDonald’s. The servers never quite get it to the top (as when I do it myself). I realize they don’t want to spill all over themselves or the customer. But, I always feel shorted.
Even the “root” of bitterness causes problems. Like a noxious weed in a beautiful garden, it keeps coming back and not only ruins that plot of land, but its seeds spread to other parts.
How do you know if you’re bitter? The people or circumstances keep easily coming to our mind. We nurture those thoughts rather than forgiving and committing them to God again.
Has bitterness got a grip on you today? How about deliberately letting it go? If you need help or prayer, talk to me, one of our staff or one of the elders. We’d love to see your garden flourishing again!
… Pastor Pat
But, I also get an encouraging word from a number of believers who have had time to reflect deeply. Here’s one from Tim Keller, former pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan and a prolific author. He wrote: “The reason you are enslaved to bitterness is not what that person did to you – even though that was wrong. The reason for the bitterness is usually because of what your heart is making of the thing you lost.”
Whoops! Before I noticed, my mind had jumped to the words of the writer of Hebrews from Hebrews 12:14 (NASB) Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled…
Bitterness is often unconsciously nurtured because, like all strong emotions, it makes us feel strong. We feel that we have a direction and purpose, even if it is to just grind our teeth. But, notice the consequences. Bitterness interrupts God’s process of sanctification (making us more like Jesus) in us. We are – spiritually – stuck in one place.
We also “come short of the grace of God”. I know it’s a silly analogy, but it’s like when I order a Diet Coke from the drive-through at McDonald’s. The servers never quite get it to the top (as when I do it myself). I realize they don’t want to spill all over themselves or the customer. But, I always feel shorted.
Even the “root” of bitterness causes problems. Like a noxious weed in a beautiful garden, it keeps coming back and not only ruins that plot of land, but its seeds spread to other parts.
How do you know if you’re bitter? The people or circumstances keep easily coming to our mind. We nurture those thoughts rather than forgiving and committing them to God again.
Has bitterness got a grip on you today? How about deliberately letting it go? If you need help or prayer, talk to me, one of our staff or one of the elders. We’d love to see your garden flourishing again!
… Pastor Pat
November 8, 2020
During our Virtual Prayer Meeting on Wednesday mornings (7:30-8:00 a.m. see the bulletin on how to join), we prayed through Ephesians 4. The first part of this passage really caught my attention. Paul writes in Ephesians 4:1 (NASB) Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, 3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
When Paul uses the term “walk” in his letters, he is referring to how one navigates through life. He urges we who follow Jesus to navigate through life in a manner “worthy of the calling with which you have been called.” We normally associate “calling” with the decision of an individual to become a pastor or a missionary. Yet, Paul uses it here to describe every Christian.
We see the same word used in Romans 8:28 (NASB) And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Sadly, when most Christians read this verse they never get beyond the promise of God working 100% of everything in their lives for good – even the crummy stuff. Yet, he emphasizes that we who love God are called “according to His purpose.” And we see that purpose in the very next verse Romans 8:29 (NASB) For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son… So if our calling is to be conformed to the image of the Son, then to navigate through life will be characterized by humility, gentleness, patience, tolerance, love, unity, and peace.
I ask churches and pastors “When people drive by your facility what do you want them to think? What do you want to be known for?”
The responses run the gamut. “We want to be known as the biggest church in town.” “We’re the church that’s for people who don’t like church.” “We want to be known as the friendliest church in town.”
What would it be like if the folks in the Eel River Valley drove by our church and we heard … “That’s the church that joins in with our community” … “That’s the church that takes care of people inside and outside its walls” … “That’s the church where I am seen and recognized as a person of worth” … “That’s the church where I can experience a little bit of the atmosphere of heaven!”
… Pastor Pat
When Paul uses the term “walk” in his letters, he is referring to how one navigates through life. He urges we who follow Jesus to navigate through life in a manner “worthy of the calling with which you have been called.” We normally associate “calling” with the decision of an individual to become a pastor or a missionary. Yet, Paul uses it here to describe every Christian.
We see the same word used in Romans 8:28 (NASB) And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Sadly, when most Christians read this verse they never get beyond the promise of God working 100% of everything in their lives for good – even the crummy stuff. Yet, he emphasizes that we who love God are called “according to His purpose.” And we see that purpose in the very next verse Romans 8:29 (NASB) For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son… So if our calling is to be conformed to the image of the Son, then to navigate through life will be characterized by humility, gentleness, patience, tolerance, love, unity, and peace.
I ask churches and pastors “When people drive by your facility what do you want them to think? What do you want to be known for?”
The responses run the gamut. “We want to be known as the biggest church in town.” “We’re the church that’s for people who don’t like church.” “We want to be known as the friendliest church in town.”
What would it be like if the folks in the Eel River Valley drove by our church and we heard … “That’s the church that joins in with our community” … “That’s the church that takes care of people inside and outside its walls” … “That’s the church where I am seen and recognized as a person of worth” … “That’s the church where I can experience a little bit of the atmosphere of heaven!”
… Pastor Pat
October 25, 2020
I’ve been thinking about the COVID-19 induced comment “I can hardly wait to get back to normal!” Christian humorist, Patsy Clairmont once noted “‘Normal’ is just a setting on my dryer!” Why are we as Christians so enamored with getting back to a time that actually might dull our sensitivity toward God?
Here’s what I mean: It seems that God uses the calamities of life – be they natural or man-made disasters – to turn our attention from the finite to the eternal. Our eyes, our perspective, is easily captivated by the horizontal. We make plans and then frantically execute them to produce the best “here-and-now” that we can. Comfort, success and convenience seem to be the goals to which we aim.
But, what if God has been using COVID-19 to actually further His kingdom designs? We already know what Paul wrote in Romans 8:28 (ESV) And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. He has already promised that He will use 100% of what happens to us – even the crummy stuff – to make us more like His Son, Jesus Christ.
So what if God is using this pandemic to pry our fingers off habits that have lost their meaning or spiritual disciplines that no longer bring life to our souls? What if, as Christian philosopher Dallas Willard noted “This will be a test of your joyful confidence in God”?
Each generation of Jesus-followers go through similar crucibles. God uses the conditions of each generation to remind His children that our ultimate hope is not in the cleverness or ingenuity of humanity, but in a God who is overall, whose very presence sustains all that we know of as life.
What then is our challenge? I believe our challenge is to look around and see what God is doing. Rejoice in what has gone on in the past and look for the indicators of what God is doing.
This week I received a wonderful reminder of what God is doing in the midst of our pastoral transition. God’s words spoken by the prophet Isaiah remind us of what lies ahead.
Isaiah 43:18 (NLT) “But forget all that - it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. 19 For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”
Let’s watch together what our God will do!!!
… Pastor Pat
Here’s what I mean: It seems that God uses the calamities of life – be they natural or man-made disasters – to turn our attention from the finite to the eternal. Our eyes, our perspective, is easily captivated by the horizontal. We make plans and then frantically execute them to produce the best “here-and-now” that we can. Comfort, success and convenience seem to be the goals to which we aim.
But, what if God has been using COVID-19 to actually further His kingdom designs? We already know what Paul wrote in Romans 8:28 (ESV) And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. He has already promised that He will use 100% of what happens to us – even the crummy stuff – to make us more like His Son, Jesus Christ.
So what if God is using this pandemic to pry our fingers off habits that have lost their meaning or spiritual disciplines that no longer bring life to our souls? What if, as Christian philosopher Dallas Willard noted “This will be a test of your joyful confidence in God”?
Each generation of Jesus-followers go through similar crucibles. God uses the conditions of each generation to remind His children that our ultimate hope is not in the cleverness or ingenuity of humanity, but in a God who is overall, whose very presence sustains all that we know of as life.
What then is our challenge? I believe our challenge is to look around and see what God is doing. Rejoice in what has gone on in the past and look for the indicators of what God is doing.
This week I received a wonderful reminder of what God is doing in the midst of our pastoral transition. God’s words spoken by the prophet Isaiah remind us of what lies ahead.
Isaiah 43:18 (NLT) “But forget all that - it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. 19 For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”
Let’s watch together what our God will do!!!
… Pastor Pat
October 18, 2020
We’ll, we went back inside last Sunday to worship … and Christianity did not fall!
Okay, I do realize I’m being a bit snarky here, but over my years in ministry I’ve found the church often fighting battles on the wrong battlefield. Churches will boldly stand up for issues and ideas that really don’t matter. Now, the adherents of those issues and ideas see them as hills to die on, but in the work of a biblically based church they are not that important.
I do find it quite interesting how we can be pulled away from our call to make disciples – fully functioning followers of Jesus Christ – and fiercely guard that which is secondary. Like you, I’ve been through the battles … rock and roll music … long hair … using instruments other than a piano or organ … how we dress when going to church … how “saved” do you have to be to be a Christian … and many more issues. They just wear individual Christians and churches out.
I am reminded of Paul’s words to the Christians in Galatia. Galatians 3:1 (NASB) You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified? 2 This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? 4 Did you suffer so many things in vain - if indeed it was in vain? 5 So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? He later chides them in Galatians 5:7 (NASB) You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?
The image here is of runners in a race. The circle the track hugging the inside lane in order to cut the distance down. Suddenly, one runner crowds into another. The runner loses their stride and falters. They may even fall to the track in a heap with the rest of the runners leaving them in the dust.
To the church in Corinth, Paul extends this picture. 1 Corinthians 9:24 (NASB) Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.
As has been shared in many venues, the Christian life is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. The cool thing about marathons is that all finishers get a medal. So … don’t quit. Don’t give up in the middle of your race. It may be tiring, but it will all be worth it at the finish line!
Besides … you’re a great group of people to run with!!!!
… Pastor Pat
Okay, I do realize I’m being a bit snarky here, but over my years in ministry I’ve found the church often fighting battles on the wrong battlefield. Churches will boldly stand up for issues and ideas that really don’t matter. Now, the adherents of those issues and ideas see them as hills to die on, but in the work of a biblically based church they are not that important.
I do find it quite interesting how we can be pulled away from our call to make disciples – fully functioning followers of Jesus Christ – and fiercely guard that which is secondary. Like you, I’ve been through the battles … rock and roll music … long hair … using instruments other than a piano or organ … how we dress when going to church … how “saved” do you have to be to be a Christian … and many more issues. They just wear individual Christians and churches out.
I am reminded of Paul’s words to the Christians in Galatia. Galatians 3:1 (NASB) You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified? 2 This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? 4 Did you suffer so many things in vain - if indeed it was in vain? 5 So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? He later chides them in Galatians 5:7 (NASB) You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?
The image here is of runners in a race. The circle the track hugging the inside lane in order to cut the distance down. Suddenly, one runner crowds into another. The runner loses their stride and falters. They may even fall to the track in a heap with the rest of the runners leaving them in the dust.
To the church in Corinth, Paul extends this picture. 1 Corinthians 9:24 (NASB) Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.
As has been shared in many venues, the Christian life is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. The cool thing about marathons is that all finishers get a medal. So … don’t quit. Don’t give up in the middle of your race. It may be tiring, but it will all be worth it at the finish line!
Besides … you’re a great group of people to run with!!!!
… Pastor Pat
October 11, 2020
There is a bit of “weirdness” as I work on this article because I don’t know where you will be reading it. The weather forecast for the weekend is “iffy” at best. Yes, Sunday might be clear, but the ground may be so soaked that God’s gracious field will be unusable.
Isn’t it great thought that God in His goodness has already provided us a place to worship when the weather turns ugly?
Yup … I’m referring to the worship center we abandoned back in July but that God has graciously provided for our use. I realize it will be a hassle. We’ll be back to 6-foot spacing and wearing masks. And, yes, the most disappointing aspect of all is we won’t get to see everyone en masse as we have over the last three months.
Yet, let me stop right here and ask you a question. What really matters? What is really important as we have to again shift gears in these changing times?
We can make it about all the externals … the masks, the social distancing, the hand sanitizer. We can get all political and start talking about our rights as citizens of this country.
Or, we can get after what is important to God. We can still worship Him in the beauty of His holiness. We can still consider the sacrifice of His beloved Son for our sins. We can still call on the Holy Spirit to empower and guide us.
We can still encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ. We can still pray and petition the God of heaven. We can still share the gospel in word and deed to cities, to a county, to a state, to a nation, to a world that so desperately need Him.
The words of the prophet Haggai are tucked away in the Minor Prophets. It’s just two chapters out of the Old Testament. But, in the second chapter, God challenges the people who looked with disdain on the humble beginnings of the people returning from captivity. Some had put down the work of the new place of worship by comparing it to the old. They yearned for the glory days, but did not have eyes to see what God was going to do.
Haggai 2:5 (ESV) “My Spirit remains in your midst. Fear not. 6 For thus says the LORD of hosts: Yet once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land. 7 And I will shake all nations, so that the treasures of all nations shall come in, and I will fill this house with glory, says the LORD of hosts. 8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the LORD of hosts. 9 The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, says the LORD of hosts. And in this place I will give peace, declares the LORD of hosts.’”
… Pastor Pat
Isn’t it great thought that God in His goodness has already provided us a place to worship when the weather turns ugly?
Yup … I’m referring to the worship center we abandoned back in July but that God has graciously provided for our use. I realize it will be a hassle. We’ll be back to 6-foot spacing and wearing masks. And, yes, the most disappointing aspect of all is we won’t get to see everyone en masse as we have over the last three months.
Yet, let me stop right here and ask you a question. What really matters? What is really important as we have to again shift gears in these changing times?
We can make it about all the externals … the masks, the social distancing, the hand sanitizer. We can get all political and start talking about our rights as citizens of this country.
Or, we can get after what is important to God. We can still worship Him in the beauty of His holiness. We can still consider the sacrifice of His beloved Son for our sins. We can still call on the Holy Spirit to empower and guide us.
We can still encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ. We can still pray and petition the God of heaven. We can still share the gospel in word and deed to cities, to a county, to a state, to a nation, to a world that so desperately need Him.
The words of the prophet Haggai are tucked away in the Minor Prophets. It’s just two chapters out of the Old Testament. But, in the second chapter, God challenges the people who looked with disdain on the humble beginnings of the people returning from captivity. Some had put down the work of the new place of worship by comparing it to the old. They yearned for the glory days, but did not have eyes to see what God was going to do.
Haggai 2:5 (ESV) “My Spirit remains in your midst. Fear not. 6 For thus says the LORD of hosts: Yet once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land. 7 And I will shake all nations, so that the treasures of all nations shall come in, and I will fill this house with glory, says the LORD of hosts. 8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the LORD of hosts. 9 The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, says the LORD of hosts. And in this place I will give peace, declares the LORD of hosts.’”
… Pastor Pat
October 4, 2020
When God lays a passage on my heart, I’ve learned over these decades not to ignore it (And, yes, there were times when I tried to ignore it). I’m not sure where this will land, but it is a good reminder no matter what the church or who the Christian is.
The writer to the Hebrews penned this chilling passage: Hebrews 2:14 (NASB) Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled; 16 that there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. 17 For you know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears.
The writer gives three commands (two are positive and one is negative), along with a historical example. We, as Jesus followers, are commanded to pursue peace and our personal sanctification. Peace was not the absence of strife, but the “shalom” of God – a settled right relationship with God and with others.
The second command reminds us that we have been set apart from sin and set apart to God. We belong to another as Paul notes in 1 Corinthians 6:20 (NASB) For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.
But, for a church in transition, this third command is the most critical. In any change of pastors – short-term or long, well-loved or generally disdained – resentment and bitterness can raise their ugly heads. We finally feel free to say – and even do – those things that, quite frankly, should have been presented to and talked over with God.
Resentment and bitterness is a root of a weed that is hard to extract and has long-term consequences. It hinders us from fully enjoying God’s grace. It causes trouble far beyond what is done to the individual for it can spread throughout a church. And, in the case of Esau, the consequences can be permanent. Take a look at the rest of Esau’s life in the Old Testament to see what bitterness and resentment did to him.
Whenever I right reminders like this, I picture Jesus in the upper room with His disciples, revealing that one of them would betray Him. “Is it I” is echoed all over the room and a guilty silence prevails. I may be the only one who needs to hear these words … and I want to receive them with gladness, thanking God that I don’t tumble over the edge.
But, what about you? Would you take some time to ask God to search your own heart and soul? The result will be some weed removal so that His beautiful garden may bring forth fruit!
… Pastor Pat
The writer to the Hebrews penned this chilling passage: Hebrews 2:14 (NASB) Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled; 16 that there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. 17 For you know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears.
The writer gives three commands (two are positive and one is negative), along with a historical example. We, as Jesus followers, are commanded to pursue peace and our personal sanctification. Peace was not the absence of strife, but the “shalom” of God – a settled right relationship with God and with others.
The second command reminds us that we have been set apart from sin and set apart to God. We belong to another as Paul notes in 1 Corinthians 6:20 (NASB) For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.
But, for a church in transition, this third command is the most critical. In any change of pastors – short-term or long, well-loved or generally disdained – resentment and bitterness can raise their ugly heads. We finally feel free to say – and even do – those things that, quite frankly, should have been presented to and talked over with God.
Resentment and bitterness is a root of a weed that is hard to extract and has long-term consequences. It hinders us from fully enjoying God’s grace. It causes trouble far beyond what is done to the individual for it can spread throughout a church. And, in the case of Esau, the consequences can be permanent. Take a look at the rest of Esau’s life in the Old Testament to see what bitterness and resentment did to him.
Whenever I right reminders like this, I picture Jesus in the upper room with His disciples, revealing that one of them would betray Him. “Is it I” is echoed all over the room and a guilty silence prevails. I may be the only one who needs to hear these words … and I want to receive them with gladness, thanking God that I don’t tumble over the edge.
But, what about you? Would you take some time to ask God to search your own heart and soul? The result will be some weed removal so that His beautiful garden may bring forth fruit!
… Pastor Pat
September 27, 2020
Today, I will be missing you all while I am down in Sacramento. This weekend I will have the privilege and pleasure of officiating at my niece’s wedding, meeting with my pastor, and – of course – catching up on all the “honey-do’s” my wife has left for me.
So, you’ll be getting the wild-and-whacky Pastor Dave preaching this morning from a critical, but difficult passage in Nehemiah 7-8. I’ve left him with a multitude of names to pronounce (how are you going to know if he pronounces a name wrong?), but with the interpretive question of why Nehemiah felt it necessary to list all these folks.
But, Pastor Dave, along with the rest of the staff (Zack Armentrout – Director of Worship/Youth Ministries; Penny Fregeau – Director of Counseling/Women’s Ministry; and Kathi Meskill – Director of Children’s Ministry/Administrative Assistant) remind me of these words from Paul to the church in Ephesus:
Philippians 2:20 (NASB) For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. 22 But you know of his proven worth, that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father.
If you look up the term “servant leadership” in the dictionary, their pictures would be next to the definition. Each day, I get to work, laugh, mourn and pray with this team. I find their love for God and their delight in you both intoxicating and encouraging. I listen to their voices both in our staff meetings and outside of them always planning with you in mind. There are no little kingdoms being set up, rather there is an unswerving and uncompromising commitment to the gospel of God and to you.
But, they have also been wounded. Although sheep are not the brightest animals God created, they do have a tendency to nip and bite their shepherds. They knew about this when the answered the call of the Chief Shepherd, but it still hurts.
Although these hurts may eventually fade and the scars might be unnoticeable, I pray daily that their service for Jesus might bring them joy and fulfillment. I pray that God would produce fruit from their efforts … fruit that remains. I pray that my every interaction with them might bring encouragement and joy to their souls. And, I trust you will do the same!
What a blessing it is to have fellow-workers like them!!!!!!
… Pastor Pat
So, you’ll be getting the wild-and-whacky Pastor Dave preaching this morning from a critical, but difficult passage in Nehemiah 7-8. I’ve left him with a multitude of names to pronounce (how are you going to know if he pronounces a name wrong?), but with the interpretive question of why Nehemiah felt it necessary to list all these folks.
But, Pastor Dave, along with the rest of the staff (Zack Armentrout – Director of Worship/Youth Ministries; Penny Fregeau – Director of Counseling/Women’s Ministry; and Kathi Meskill – Director of Children’s Ministry/Administrative Assistant) remind me of these words from Paul to the church in Ephesus:
Philippians 2:20 (NASB) For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. 22 But you know of his proven worth, that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father.
If you look up the term “servant leadership” in the dictionary, their pictures would be next to the definition. Each day, I get to work, laugh, mourn and pray with this team. I find their love for God and their delight in you both intoxicating and encouraging. I listen to their voices both in our staff meetings and outside of them always planning with you in mind. There are no little kingdoms being set up, rather there is an unswerving and uncompromising commitment to the gospel of God and to you.
But, they have also been wounded. Although sheep are not the brightest animals God created, they do have a tendency to nip and bite their shepherds. They knew about this when the answered the call of the Chief Shepherd, but it still hurts.
Although these hurts may eventually fade and the scars might be unnoticeable, I pray daily that their service for Jesus might bring them joy and fulfillment. I pray that God would produce fruit from their efforts … fruit that remains. I pray that my every interaction with them might bring encouragement and joy to their souls. And, I trust you will do the same!
What a blessing it is to have fellow-workers like them!!!!!!
… Pastor Pat
September 20, 2020
Anyone else out there feel flat? Feel like you’ve been dragged through a knothole? If it’s not COVID-19, it’s fires and unhealthy air quality. If it’s not societal unrest, it’s political infighting. Now, add to this all the stresses and strains of your own life experience.
No wonder people check out. They head up to that cabin in the mountains or at the beach. We clamber into the RV and just drive. We’re just looking for an escape. Or, it’s a night (or two or five) watching Netflix or Hulu, anything to escape the craziness that is being played out in front of us.
David, the great poet-King of Israel, faced similar circumstances. He had fallen out of favor with King Saul because of nothing of his own doing. Saul had disobeyed God and David had been faithful. Both were reaping the consequences of their actions.
David was doing crazy things to avoid Saul. He was running around the desert, and he even volunteered to be part of the Philistines command staff!!!
It was after one such crazy time that we read these words in 1 Samuel 30:1 (ESV) Now when David and his men came to Ziklag on the third day, the Amalekites had made a raid against the Negeb and against Ziklag. They had overcome Ziklag and burned it with fire 2 and taken captive the women and all who were in it, both small and great. They killed no one, but carried them off and went their way.
David and his men wearily return to find their homes devastated. Buildings are burned. Livestock has been run off. Women, children and the elderly had been captured. The only positive was that there were no deaths … just a life of slavery.
David’s men wept like never before and, shortly, the weeping turned to grumbling. Grumbling against David and his leadership. How could he had let this terrible thing happen (completely forgetting that David’s own family had been taken)?
We read these ominous words in 1 Samuel 30:6 (ESV) And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. Things looked pretty desperate and bleak. But, make sure you read the rest of verse 6!
But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God. We are not sure exactly what this is, but we do imagine that David first went to God. He reminded himself of who God was and what He had done. He reviewed again how God saw him as one of His own.
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you!” James 4:8
… Pastor Pat
No wonder people check out. They head up to that cabin in the mountains or at the beach. We clamber into the RV and just drive. We’re just looking for an escape. Or, it’s a night (or two or five) watching Netflix or Hulu, anything to escape the craziness that is being played out in front of us.
David, the great poet-King of Israel, faced similar circumstances. He had fallen out of favor with King Saul because of nothing of his own doing. Saul had disobeyed God and David had been faithful. Both were reaping the consequences of their actions.
David was doing crazy things to avoid Saul. He was running around the desert, and he even volunteered to be part of the Philistines command staff!!!
It was after one such crazy time that we read these words in 1 Samuel 30:1 (ESV) Now when David and his men came to Ziklag on the third day, the Amalekites had made a raid against the Negeb and against Ziklag. They had overcome Ziklag and burned it with fire 2 and taken captive the women and all who were in it, both small and great. They killed no one, but carried them off and went their way.
David and his men wearily return to find their homes devastated. Buildings are burned. Livestock has been run off. Women, children and the elderly had been captured. The only positive was that there were no deaths … just a life of slavery.
David’s men wept like never before and, shortly, the weeping turned to grumbling. Grumbling against David and his leadership. How could he had let this terrible thing happen (completely forgetting that David’s own family had been taken)?
We read these ominous words in 1 Samuel 30:6 (ESV) And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. Things looked pretty desperate and bleak. But, make sure you read the rest of verse 6!
But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God. We are not sure exactly what this is, but we do imagine that David first went to God. He reminded himself of who God was and what He had done. He reviewed again how God saw him as one of His own.
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you!” James 4:8
… Pastor Pat
September 13, 2020
It had been a long day as I wearily trudged up the stairs to the apartment. Judy had gone back to Sacramento. The sky was discolored and had a gritty feel to it. As I started to put everything in its place, I realized I couldn’t find my household idol.
I searched high and low for it, looking into all the little crevices and cracks where it might have fallen. I wondered how I was going to make it through the night. Where was I going to find comfort and security for those long, lonely hours until dawn? At my most fevered anxiety, I realized I had left my idol in its cradle at the church office.
I would have to go all night without my iPhone!
Yup, it may be a smart phone, but its owner isn’t too bright in leaving it in his office. I had to chuckle to myself (and write about it) about how absurd it was going one evening without my cell phone. As a tool, it’s great. I keep contact information in a multitude of forms. I can call, text, write or email with ease. I can access social media without a thought. I can play games, read books and browse for information.
It’s the perfect idol!
And what is an idol, it’s anything we put in place of God. It’s anything that when taken from us causes undue anxiety. It’s anything that we “can’t do without.” In short, it takes the place of God.
I thought of what Jonah mused when he was taking a break in the belly of the great fish. Jonah 2:8 (ESV) “Those who pay regard to vain idols forsake their hope of steadfast love.” In other words, anything we place in front of God not only absorbs our attention, but hinders us from experiencing God’s loyal love.
The psalmist compares the God of heaven with the idols of wood, stone and metal. He lists their shortcomings and concludes in Psalm 115:8 (ESV) “Those who make them [idols] become like them; so do all who trust in them.”
So, what’s your idol? What do you say you can’t do without? What absorbs all your time, energy and attention? It may not be a cell phone, but it could be tools, cars, boats, home, toys, my own time or anything that takes the place of God.
Try a little experiment this week. Put your idol down for a day. Leave it somewhere and don’t pick it up. And maybe, just maybe, you might see where it interferes with your look at God.
… Pastor Pat
I searched high and low for it, looking into all the little crevices and cracks where it might have fallen. I wondered how I was going to make it through the night. Where was I going to find comfort and security for those long, lonely hours until dawn? At my most fevered anxiety, I realized I had left my idol in its cradle at the church office.
I would have to go all night without my iPhone!
Yup, it may be a smart phone, but its owner isn’t too bright in leaving it in his office. I had to chuckle to myself (and write about it) about how absurd it was going one evening without my cell phone. As a tool, it’s great. I keep contact information in a multitude of forms. I can call, text, write or email with ease. I can access social media without a thought. I can play games, read books and browse for information.
It’s the perfect idol!
And what is an idol, it’s anything we put in place of God. It’s anything that when taken from us causes undue anxiety. It’s anything that we “can’t do without.” In short, it takes the place of God.
I thought of what Jonah mused when he was taking a break in the belly of the great fish. Jonah 2:8 (ESV) “Those who pay regard to vain idols forsake their hope of steadfast love.” In other words, anything we place in front of God not only absorbs our attention, but hinders us from experiencing God’s loyal love.
The psalmist compares the God of heaven with the idols of wood, stone and metal. He lists their shortcomings and concludes in Psalm 115:8 (ESV) “Those who make them [idols] become like them; so do all who trust in them.”
So, what’s your idol? What do you say you can’t do without? What absorbs all your time, energy and attention? It may not be a cell phone, but it could be tools, cars, boats, home, toys, my own time or anything that takes the place of God.
Try a little experiment this week. Put your idol down for a day. Leave it somewhere and don’t pick it up. And maybe, just maybe, you might see where it interferes with your look at God.
… Pastor Pat
September 6, 2020
Proverbs 15:22 (NASB) Without consultation, plans are frustrated, but with many counselors they succeed.
This passage flashed through my mind after finishing a tour of our church facility with our Worship Director, Zack Armentrout. We were looking at the Worship Center and the lobby thinking thoughts and dreaming dreams. You would have thought we were on one of those HGTV shows where they tear everything down and build a new house from the ground up. We imagined paint and pictures, flooring and facades and everything in between.
Remember, our hearts are in the right place. We’re thinking about when we finally have to come inside after all these months of having a beautiful, outdoor place of worship. I admit when I started thinking about leaving our “Worship Field,” I reverted to being a little kid who is called home for dinner. “Ah, Mom! Can’t I stay outside a little bit longer!!”
Along with our novice attempts at décor planning, I also thought about what each of us could bring when the time comes. Don’t worry … we’ll be calling on a number of you to dream, plan and prepare for our move indoors. There are scores of folks here at HCC that take flooring and painting in stride. The phrase “Oh, that’s easy” comes quickly to their lips.
But, what everyone can bring – and will bring when we move inside – is attitude. In fact, we can bring a couple of attitudes. The first is an attitude of worship. Now, Scripture tells us that this building is not “the house of God.” You are! As a follower of Jesus, you are that holy temple where God resides. So, as you come to this building to rejoice with other brothers and sisters, you can bring an attitude of worship and praise (which will probably infect everyone around you).
The second attitude is one of “positiveness.” In the small book of Haggai, we see an all too familiar scene. The people who had seen the temple before the exile were all sad and disappointed in the rebuilt temple. It wasn’t as grand and glorious as back in the good, old days.
Yet, God had some harsh words for those folks who would denigrate what He was doing. Being positive doesn’t mean being blind to the short-comings and errors that need to be corrected. Rather, it means looking at them from God’s point of view.
So, as the cooler, rainy months come in a bit … make sure to get out your sweaters and coats … along with that positive, worshipful attitude!
… Pastor Pat
This passage flashed through my mind after finishing a tour of our church facility with our Worship Director, Zack Armentrout. We were looking at the Worship Center and the lobby thinking thoughts and dreaming dreams. You would have thought we were on one of those HGTV shows where they tear everything down and build a new house from the ground up. We imagined paint and pictures, flooring and facades and everything in between.
Remember, our hearts are in the right place. We’re thinking about when we finally have to come inside after all these months of having a beautiful, outdoor place of worship. I admit when I started thinking about leaving our “Worship Field,” I reverted to being a little kid who is called home for dinner. “Ah, Mom! Can’t I stay outside a little bit longer!!”
Along with our novice attempts at décor planning, I also thought about what each of us could bring when the time comes. Don’t worry … we’ll be calling on a number of you to dream, plan and prepare for our move indoors. There are scores of folks here at HCC that take flooring and painting in stride. The phrase “Oh, that’s easy” comes quickly to their lips.
But, what everyone can bring – and will bring when we move inside – is attitude. In fact, we can bring a couple of attitudes. The first is an attitude of worship. Now, Scripture tells us that this building is not “the house of God.” You are! As a follower of Jesus, you are that holy temple where God resides. So, as you come to this building to rejoice with other brothers and sisters, you can bring an attitude of worship and praise (which will probably infect everyone around you).
The second attitude is one of “positiveness.” In the small book of Haggai, we see an all too familiar scene. The people who had seen the temple before the exile were all sad and disappointed in the rebuilt temple. It wasn’t as grand and glorious as back in the good, old days.
Yet, God had some harsh words for those folks who would denigrate what He was doing. Being positive doesn’t mean being blind to the short-comings and errors that need to be corrected. Rather, it means looking at them from God’s point of view.
So, as the cooler, rainy months come in a bit … make sure to get out your sweaters and coats … along with that positive, worshipful attitude!
… Pastor Pat
August 30, 2020
Recently, it seems that everything I read bears somehow on what we are engaged in here at Hydesville Community Church.
Catch this incident from Ezra at the laying of the foundation of the temple after decades of exile. Ezra 3:11 (NASB) And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the LORD because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid. 12 Yet many of the priests and Levites and heads of fathers' households, the old men who had seen the first temple, wept with a loud voice when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, while many shouted aloud for joy, 13 so that the people could not distinguish the sound of the shout of joy from the sound of the weeping of the people, for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the sound was heard far away.
I think that critical phrase is in verse 13 “… so that the people could not distinguish the sound of the shout of joy for the sound of the weeping of the people…”
The sounds of joy … “Yea! We’ve done what God has asked us to do. We’ve put in the foundation of the temple. Now we can move forward.” The sounds of weeping … “You should have been here in the good, old days. The temple was bigger and we had a lot more people. It’s not like it used to be.”
Is it okay to remember the good times in the past? You bet. Is it okay to rejoice in the future that God has for us? Of course! But, when one is emphasized over the other, it causes confusion. We build on what has gone before in order to reach a new generation with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
So, from days past, let’s remember God’s work in bringing people to His Son, Jesus Christ. Let’s remember those stories. Let’s rejoice in what He has graciously done for us and with us. Then let’s turn our attention to what God is doing now and in our future. It’s a lot easier to follow Jesus when you’re looking through the front windshield rather than staring in the rear-view mirror.
… Pastor Pat
August 23, 2020
I am fascinated with how preachers describe their favorite preachers. We extol the virtue of listening intently to podcasts, using an appropriate number of humorous anecdotes and quotes. But, what makes a good preacher?
People will tell you about how one guy studies intently. Another is gifted with a sonorous voice. A third has a flair for the dramatic. But, what if what makes a good preacher is good listeners?
Fifty-eight times in the New Testament we read the phrase “let him hear.” Jesus would often say in the gospels “He who has ears, let him hear.” So, there is a responsibility placed upon the listener as well as the speaker.
James gives the caveat in James 3:1 (NASB) Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment. 2 For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well.
The temptation for the preacher is to let his tongue run away. He becomes enamored with the sound of his own voice and captivated by his own cleverness, forgetting that it is the Holy Spirit that applies the Word of God to the heart of His people. Inevitably, a speaker will stumble in some fashion, and the humiliation which comes from this stumble will often make the preacher better.
But, how about the listener? Listeners are supposed to be hearers and doers of the Word (See James 1), not consumers. If listeners are listening for entertainment, then as Jesus said “surely, they have their reward.” Eventually, their ears will no longer be tickled, but will hear God’s voice of conviction and repentance.
So, what does have to do with you – the saints at Hydesville Community Church? You need to hear this … you are GREAT listeners and I want you to go on to be GREAT hearers and doers. You’re attentiveness to the message each Sunday is almost scary; it’s so intense. But, your good hearing skills spurs me on to be a better communicator. I want to dig deeper and craft a sermon like a woodworker crafts a beautiful piece of furniture. I want you to come away from a Sunday sermon shaking your head – not because of my weird antics – but because God has spoken to you.
No pastor worth their salt wants God’s people to say “Oh, Pastor, that was such a great sermon” without also saying, “Oh, Pastor, isn’t Jesus wonderful. Here’s what God told me about Himself today.”
So, I’m going to get back at sermon preparation and … thanks for listening!
… Pastor Pat
People will tell you about how one guy studies intently. Another is gifted with a sonorous voice. A third has a flair for the dramatic. But, what if what makes a good preacher is good listeners?
Fifty-eight times in the New Testament we read the phrase “let him hear.” Jesus would often say in the gospels “He who has ears, let him hear.” So, there is a responsibility placed upon the listener as well as the speaker.
James gives the caveat in James 3:1 (NASB) Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment. 2 For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well.
The temptation for the preacher is to let his tongue run away. He becomes enamored with the sound of his own voice and captivated by his own cleverness, forgetting that it is the Holy Spirit that applies the Word of God to the heart of His people. Inevitably, a speaker will stumble in some fashion, and the humiliation which comes from this stumble will often make the preacher better.
But, how about the listener? Listeners are supposed to be hearers and doers of the Word (See James 1), not consumers. If listeners are listening for entertainment, then as Jesus said “surely, they have their reward.” Eventually, their ears will no longer be tickled, but will hear God’s voice of conviction and repentance.
So, what does have to do with you – the saints at Hydesville Community Church? You need to hear this … you are GREAT listeners and I want you to go on to be GREAT hearers and doers. You’re attentiveness to the message each Sunday is almost scary; it’s so intense. But, your good hearing skills spurs me on to be a better communicator. I want to dig deeper and craft a sermon like a woodworker crafts a beautiful piece of furniture. I want you to come away from a Sunday sermon shaking your head – not because of my weird antics – but because God has spoken to you.
No pastor worth their salt wants God’s people to say “Oh, Pastor, that was such a great sermon” without also saying, “Oh, Pastor, isn’t Jesus wonderful. Here’s what God told me about Himself today.”
So, I’m going to get back at sermon preparation and … thanks for listening!
… Pastor Pat
August 16, 2020
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NASB) And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
I was meditating this morning on these thoughts Paul shared with the believers in Corinth. It’s another example of what one writer calls “the upside-down economy of God.” There are many in Scripture … you want to be great, be the servant of all … God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble and many more.
But, “weakness” is not necessarily a valued trait here in the US, especially among Christians. We have books and seminars that purport to bring the Christian path for getting ahead or for the happy and fulfilled life. We have a whole vocabulary for expressing how we’ve overcome the rigors and deficits of life.
In recent decades, pastors have gotten the mistaken impression that they must be super-competent. They need to have every answer. They need to have God’s vision down to the last sentence. The Type A bold and brash pastor who seizes all opportunities is the model.
How different is God’s picture of the believer. It’s a picture of seeing God even when being harassed and even crushed. 2 Corinthians 4:7 (NASB) But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; 8 we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.
Doing church in these days of COVID-19 is unlike anything we’ve ever seen. The honest truth is that pastors around the world don’t really know what to do. We have no precedent. But, what we do have is Jesus Christ. So, whether we mask or unmask, whether we meet indoors, live-stream or out in a field … the only issue we really concern ourselves about is Jesus. This is a great time for the church and individual Christians to stand above the fray and live out the life of Christ. It’s time for us to see beyond politics, racial inequalities and even our own preferences and see God’s kingdom plan.
And … what a privilege it is to do it with the fine folks of Hydesville Community Church!
… Pastor Pat
I was meditating this morning on these thoughts Paul shared with the believers in Corinth. It’s another example of what one writer calls “the upside-down economy of God.” There are many in Scripture … you want to be great, be the servant of all … God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble and many more.
But, “weakness” is not necessarily a valued trait here in the US, especially among Christians. We have books and seminars that purport to bring the Christian path for getting ahead or for the happy and fulfilled life. We have a whole vocabulary for expressing how we’ve overcome the rigors and deficits of life.
In recent decades, pastors have gotten the mistaken impression that they must be super-competent. They need to have every answer. They need to have God’s vision down to the last sentence. The Type A bold and brash pastor who seizes all opportunities is the model.
How different is God’s picture of the believer. It’s a picture of seeing God even when being harassed and even crushed. 2 Corinthians 4:7 (NASB) But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; 8 we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.
Doing church in these days of COVID-19 is unlike anything we’ve ever seen. The honest truth is that pastors around the world don’t really know what to do. We have no precedent. But, what we do have is Jesus Christ. So, whether we mask or unmask, whether we meet indoors, live-stream or out in a field … the only issue we really concern ourselves about is Jesus. This is a great time for the church and individual Christians to stand above the fray and live out the life of Christ. It’s time for us to see beyond politics, racial inequalities and even our own preferences and see God’s kingdom plan.
And … what a privilege it is to do it with the fine folks of Hydesville Community Church!
… Pastor Pat
August 9, 2020
An interesting thought from pastor and author, Mark Buchanan in his book, The Rest of God: Restoring Your Soul by Restoring Sabbath (p. 72). “One thing stops God dead in his tracks. It is paltry and flimsy, but tenacious enough to shatter all God’s advances. Even grace, abounding in our sin, cannot break it. I speak of pride. Pride usurps God. Pride inverts the universe’s deepest truth: that we need and serve God. Pride gets this exactly backward. Pride is the delusion that God, if he exists, is awfully lucky I’ve shown up and should mind his p’s and q’s lest I change my mind. The twin of pride is despair. It is to collapse into a sense that not even God is good enough or big enough or smart enough to sort out the mess I’ve made or stumbled upon. In despair, we are consumed by the lie that God, if he exists, is too inept or distracted or apathetic to even notice us, let alone come to our aid.”
Buchanan goes on to suggest to his readers to practice what he calls the “sovereignty of God.” It is taking the time, real time, to think through what it means that God completely rules His creation, and rules it correctly.
A dirty, little secret that many Christians carry around is that God is either inept (“How come God doesn’t do something about this coronavirus?” or “Why is God letting our society run wild?”) or He doesn’t really care. Both attitudes are straight from the pit of hell.
Many have written, including J.B. Phillips, that if one has a big God then they have small problems and issues. But if their God is small, then these problems and issues loom so large they block out His character.
Where we start determines where we end up. If I start with the person and character of God as described in the Bible, I can see that He is in control even if I don’t completely understand what is happening. He is for us.
But, if I star from the perspective of my trials, my hurts, my issues; then, I never move ahead. These things rule my life rather than the God who loves me and gave His Son for me.
Having struggled with depression, I know how easy it is to allow life to overwhelm you. It takes a concerted effort – a courageous effort – to turn from despair to hope in God.
Psalm 42:5 (ESV) Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation 6 and my God.
Psalm 30:11 (NASB) You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness, 12 that my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever.
… Pastor Pat
Buchanan goes on to suggest to his readers to practice what he calls the “sovereignty of God.” It is taking the time, real time, to think through what it means that God completely rules His creation, and rules it correctly.
A dirty, little secret that many Christians carry around is that God is either inept (“How come God doesn’t do something about this coronavirus?” or “Why is God letting our society run wild?”) or He doesn’t really care. Both attitudes are straight from the pit of hell.
Many have written, including J.B. Phillips, that if one has a big God then they have small problems and issues. But if their God is small, then these problems and issues loom so large they block out His character.
Where we start determines where we end up. If I start with the person and character of God as described in the Bible, I can see that He is in control even if I don’t completely understand what is happening. He is for us.
But, if I star from the perspective of my trials, my hurts, my issues; then, I never move ahead. These things rule my life rather than the God who loves me and gave His Son for me.
Having struggled with depression, I know how easy it is to allow life to overwhelm you. It takes a concerted effort – a courageous effort – to turn from despair to hope in God.
Psalm 42:5 (ESV) Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation 6 and my God.
Psalm 30:11 (NASB) You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness, 12 that my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever.
… Pastor Pat
August 2, 2020
It seems to be the most often-asked question of people from Sacramento … “How’s it going in Hydesville?”
My first response is “It’s cool” and they are not sure I’m making a comment on the weather or on the state of the ministry. When I do mention the summer weather here on this side of the Redwood Curtain, I get numerous requests from folks who want to escape the heat of the Central Valley for a few days of marine layer coolness.
In addition, these fine folks are a cadre of people at my home church – Hope Church – who are praying on a regular basis for us. Did you think we were facing these challenges alone? Not on your life! We’ve got all sorts of people who are lifting us and our journey before the Lord.
I think of the writer to the Hebrews who penned in Hebrews 12:1 (NASB) Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
We are on the field competing and the people in the stands are watching, cheering us on. Our response is three-fold. First, we “lay aside every encumbrance.” These are not the sinful things in our life, but rather they are the good things that keep us from having the best. It’s like trying to run a marathon wearing a suit of armor. Yes, you can, but why?
Second, we lay aside “the sin which so easily entangles us.” Have you noticed that each of struggles with our own unique sins? What causes no concern in some causes great troubles in another. We are to “lay it aside’ rather than to continue to use it in our life.
Third, we are to “run with endurance the race that is set before us.” The not-unexpected-question I get from folks at HCC is “How long will this transition process take?” It’s a naturally occurring question of any endeavor, but notice how this author defines running with endurance. I is by “fixing” our eyes on Jesus. The word “fixing” is the same word used by the Gospel writers to describe how Peter and John gazed intently into the empty tomb of Jesus.
I can only give folks a general timeline for our journey, but I can - for sure - let people know what we’re supposed to be doing. We are to keep our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus. When we’re tired or confused or frustrated or excited … our eyes remain on Jesus!
… Pastor Pat
My first response is “It’s cool” and they are not sure I’m making a comment on the weather or on the state of the ministry. When I do mention the summer weather here on this side of the Redwood Curtain, I get numerous requests from folks who want to escape the heat of the Central Valley for a few days of marine layer coolness.
In addition, these fine folks are a cadre of people at my home church – Hope Church – who are praying on a regular basis for us. Did you think we were facing these challenges alone? Not on your life! We’ve got all sorts of people who are lifting us and our journey before the Lord.
I think of the writer to the Hebrews who penned in Hebrews 12:1 (NASB) Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
We are on the field competing and the people in the stands are watching, cheering us on. Our response is three-fold. First, we “lay aside every encumbrance.” These are not the sinful things in our life, but rather they are the good things that keep us from having the best. It’s like trying to run a marathon wearing a suit of armor. Yes, you can, but why?
Second, we lay aside “the sin which so easily entangles us.” Have you noticed that each of struggles with our own unique sins? What causes no concern in some causes great troubles in another. We are to “lay it aside’ rather than to continue to use it in our life.
Third, we are to “run with endurance the race that is set before us.” The not-unexpected-question I get from folks at HCC is “How long will this transition process take?” It’s a naturally occurring question of any endeavor, but notice how this author defines running with endurance. I is by “fixing” our eyes on Jesus. The word “fixing” is the same word used by the Gospel writers to describe how Peter and John gazed intently into the empty tomb of Jesus.
I can only give folks a general timeline for our journey, but I can - for sure - let people know what we’re supposed to be doing. We are to keep our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus. When we’re tired or confused or frustrated or excited … our eyes remain on Jesus!
… Pastor Pat