Israel, June 2011

My wife and I are leading a pilgrimage tour to the Holy Land, June 5-17.  Still have a few spaces left, but time is running out to sign up.  See http://www.hcanglican.org/page.asp?pg=Israel%20Tour%202011.  Shalom in Yeshua!!

New Life in Christ Anglican Fellowship

I visited last Sunday afternoon New Life in Christ Anglican Fellowship in Newnan. Great folks!!  Good day of worship and preaching.

With Marianne Freeling and Father Ed

A Day at the Georgia State Capital

 I spent this past Tuesday as the Chaplain of the Day for the Georgia House of Representatives.  I was privileged to be able to open the Word of God at the Opening of the day's session.  Spoke on Psalm 1.  The House of Representatives posted a video of it on Representative Walker's Facebook page, and I put it on mine. But I can't figure out how to copy it to my blog. So... if you are a Facebook friend, go to my page or the Holy Cross page, and you can see it.  A special thank-you to Rep. Len Walker and Rep. Bruce Williamson for taking good care of me.

Rep. Len Walker with Speaker of the House, David Ralston

Rep. Bruce Williamson of Monroe with Rep. Len Walker of Grayson/Loganville

It was a privilege.  I couldn't help reflecting that 42 years ago, I was a wild street-kid as a 9, 10, 11, year old child on the streets outside those doors.  What an ironic and amazing act of grace that God would have me speak under the "Gold Dome."

The band Widespread Panic was being honored for being named to the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.  I had met them years ago when I married their manager and his wife.  Sadly, the manager was found dead later that night.  Too young.  Left a young family.  May God comfort his wife and children.

With the band Widespread Panic

Christ Church Marietta, GA

Worshipping at Christ Church, Marietta

With Canon Celestine Ironna, Vicar

This past Sunday I visited one of our CANA Partner churches, Christ Church, Marietta.  Christ Church is an alive Church with vibrant worship and a dedicated congregation.  The Rev. Celestine Ironna is the Vicar and not only preaches, but sings leading the congregation into praise and worship.

Grace, Sir Clement, and the Bishop

To hear my sermon for the day, go to http://www.holycrosspodcasts.org/C1-media;show,69.

Latimer and Ridley

Anglican Bishop Hugh Latimer as he was being burned at the stake in 1555 in England:  "Be of good comfort, Mr. Ridley, and play the man!  We shall this day light such a candle, by God's grace, in England, as I trust will never be put out."


Anglican Bishop Nicolas Ridley just before he was burned at the stake along with Latimer:  "So long as the breath is in my body, I will never deny my Lord Jesus Christ and his known truth.  God's will be done in me.  I commit our cause to Almighty God, who will indifferently judge all.  There is nothing hid but it shall be opened."

Latimer

Holy Cross -- Seven Years!

 Where has the time gone!  Seven years ago we started Holy Cross Anglican Church, and it is has been a GOD-filled adventure ever since.  Today we celebrated at both services and had a delicious dinner on the grounds after the third service.

My sermon was a recap of the hand of the Lord in our journey.  To hear it, click here: http://www.holycrosspodcasts.org/C1-media;show,67.   At our dinner we heard several testimonies from folks about the impact of the church on their lives.  Great day at Holy Cross!  Thank you LORD for your grace and power.

Arrow Leadership Program

Isaiah 49:2 - "He made me like an arrow, sharp and ready for use"


Years ago I was privileged to participate in the Arrow Leadership Program, an incredible leadership evaluation and training experience started by Dr. Leighton Ford.  It was designed for young leaders to assist them in finishing strong as servant leaders for the Gospel.

Last night I attended the graduation of the 28th Class of the Arrow Leadership Program at Winshape Conference Center in Rome, GA.  Twenty leaders from around the world were there to finish up with Arrow.  What a thrill!  Dr. Carson Pew, now the President and CEO of Arrow, gave a strong challenge to the class as they go back to fulfill the purposes God has for them.  Drawing on the illustration of David picking up 5 stones to slay Golliath, he offered five stones to slay the giants which all leaders face.

1) Attitude.  Keep a positive attitude.  There are enough nay-sayers and grumps.
2) Never give Up.  It's hard work. We will not be judged for how we start, but how we finish.
3) Continuous Training.  Be a continual learner.
4) Family.  It's important. Take responsibility for your own stuff.  Forgive.
5) Understand the difference between who you are supposed to be and who you are.  Who you are is your character.

THE ARROW CONFESSION

God calls us to be kingdom leaders,


To be LED MORE BY JESUS,
Knowing and understanding His will;


To LEAD MORE LIKE JESUS,
Enabling His people to be a 
reconciling community;


To LEAD MORE TO JESUS,
Serving His redemptive purposes
in our generation.


For more information on Arrow, check out www.arrowleadership.org.