March 26, 2009

¹² And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the Lord your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul. ¹³ And you must always obey the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good. (Deut. 10:12, 13 NLT)

PRAYER FOCUS

Church for this week: (3/23/09) Glendale – Frank and Mary Faye Cantrell

Church for next week: (3/30/09) Glenville – Ralph and Mavis Campbell

Church for the next week: (4/6/09) Glenwood – Roger and Jean Rhoads

• Wesleyan Women’s Retreat this weekend
• You are asked to pray for Jim and Betty Graham, an LBA member of the Tuckasegee Church.  Their son was killed in a car crash in Iowa last week.  He leaves behind a wife and 4 daughters, ages 5-12.
• Rev. Ray Lewis (Retired) fell Sunday morning, breaking a hip, and is in Mary Black Hospital. While awaiting surgery (postponed until Wednesday), he worsened and was moved into ICU.
• Rev. Wayne Tippey (Retired) is home recovering from surgery during which stents were implanted. Rev. Tippey is the father of Mrs. Dale Link (Cheryl).
• Rev. Michael Stepp (Carlisle) continues to make good progress following his back surgery.
• Mrs. Herbert Taylor (Carolyn) is continuing her chemo for cancer.
• Continue to pray for the physical needs of Rev. Darlene Teague, a situation worsened by a lapse in her insurance coverage.
• Pray for Mrs. Chet Rowan (Kathy) whose treatment for MS continues.
• The families of Saul Rodriguez, Jimmy Williams, and Beulah Groves.
• Brian Hall, son of Richard and Sharon Hall (Eden) who is in Iraq.
• South Coastal DS Dan Berry and his wife, Shelley http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/danshelleyberry.

What’s Been Happening

March Madness. We have a new definition: Three adult children and their spouses, along with six grandchildren, at our house for four days, trying to watch four different basketball games at the same time!!! In reality, it was a LOT of fun and we had a great time, but we desperately needed some rest and quiet by Sunday evening . . . and we got it.

How times have changed! Several times in the past, the guys in our family have gone in person to the 1^st and 2^nd round games of what I consider to be the best sports event for the year–the NCAA Basketball Tournament. And we could have gone this year to Greensboro, NC. But last year, one of our sons asked, “Why don’t you (meaning me) just order the DirecTV March Madness package and we’ll all come to TR?” So, that’s what we’ve done for two tourneys now. This is a different season for us and for our children, who are now parents of little ones.

Since I started with family stuff, let me continue. For almost 25 years (kindergarten with the oldest through college with the youngest), Joan and I have been going to school programs. We did it again last week. This time it was for grandchildren who are home-schooled . . . primarily. The one-day-a-week Classical Conversations is an enrichment experience. I was enriched by hearing them recite Scripture in English and Latin. Granddaughter Mallory (8) played the piano and grandson Max (5) sang a song recounting what he has learned about the invasion of Pearl Harbor.

There were several district activities/meetings as well. Last week also included the monthly meeting of the Leadership Team (DS and Assistants). These times have proved to be a great blessing to me and I believe to my colleagues. I feel so blessed to be a part of this team and their work and support is invaluable. I also attended a productive meeting of the TR-CMA. Within a few weeks, a new brochure for Table Rock–the first in many years–will be mailed to all churches over 100 in attendance within 75 miles of TR. Thanks to Dan Dees for giving leadership to this project. Attention is being focused on increasing the client base. While occupancy has been growing, there are still times, especially in the “off seasons,” when we could host additional groups. You are encouraged to talk to your friends and associates about what is offered here at TR. Pastors, you have direct contact with other pastors in your cities and communities and your help is needed in “marketing” our wonderful facility.

During the week, I also had numerous visits and made many phone calls to pastors and others in addition to spending a significant amount of time preparing for our DBA meeting on Saturday. I want to express appreciation for our DBA and their commitment to helping our district becoming more effective and missional. From the meeting I would highlight the following:

All payments for the former Woodside Avenue property have been received and the property now officially belongs to the Gabriel AME Zion congregation. (The district had financed this for them.)

Approval was given to the following: the apportionment of the Lay Delegates for district conference;

the excellent pastoral votes that have been completed this year; and the nomination for Wesleyan Women Director.

In addition, we worked with several issues related to new and developing churches. I have the privilege of working with a quality group of men and women who serve on our DBA, and I am so thankful for their collective wisdom and passion.

Our Sunday visit was to the Smith Chapel Church in Liberty. It was good to see some of the positive things that are happening with this congregation that will celebrate their 100^th birthday this year. We enjoyed an incredible covered-dish dinner following the service and then met with LBA for some training and sharing. Pastor Scott Uselman and Debbie are providing leadership in helping this church to ReFocus and are truly appreciated by the congregation. Pastor Jon Brady is the youth pastor and his gifts are proving to a blessing to the church.

I want to remind pastors that this week you have been sent:

o 3^rd Quarter Report form along with the current Budget Assessments Receipts report

o Lay Delegate Apportionment chart for district conference.

It is important to remember that if you are using email, then that is our primary means of contacting you. It is vital that you check your email regularly. A “read receipt” that was sent with the report form on Monday reveals that most had not opened it by Wednesday.

I pray that as you continue to participate in SpingLife and prepare for your special Easter services, you will experience God’s presence and anointing. I would love to know about any special services and events that you have planned.

Believing in each other,

Pastor Buddy

News and Information

Best Year’s Fellowship Luncheon April 14, 2009 12 Noon SWU Dining Commons

Mens’ Retreat April 24-26, 2009 Springmaid Resort, Myrtle Beach

Best Year’s Fellowship Luncheon

April 14, 2009 12 Noon

“4H for Seniors”

Holy, Helpful, Healthy, Happy

Guests: Dr. Clifton & Ernie (Parker) Wood

Southern Wesleyan University Dining Commons

$10 per person and you may pay at the door. Reservations due by Friday, April 10 to Glenda Hoyle: 864.878.5778 or hoylegs@aol.com. If you make a reservation, please be present because payment must be made for the number of meals requested.

Open Churches:

Golden Grove

Quote for the Week

Sloth is the failure to do what needs to done when it needs to be done. – John Ortberg

Humor for the Week

“There are two things you can do with your head down. Play golf and pray.” – Lee Trevino

The South Carolina District of The Wesleyan Church is a community of Christ followers committed to the transformation of South Carolina and the world by resourcing leaders and multiplying churches.

Resourcing – Multiplying – Transforming