Thank you

November 11, 2013 marked the 27^th year of God calling and you allowing me to serve as one of your pastors. Twenty seven years ago, the phrase “one of your pastors” meant being the fourth different pastor called in your young existence but today it means being one of four ordained pastors (five counting my dad) and one of nineteen full time staff members.

Thank you for allowing me to participate in the some of the most holy moments of your lives, profession of faith and baptisms, births and deaths, graduations and weddings. Thank you for trusting me to be present when life was so dark you could not fathom living another day and when the joy was so ecstatic laughter and smiles were laced with tears of joy. Thank you.

Thank you for taking a chance on a young, green, inexperienced, uneducated, brash 31 year old wet behind the ears overly confident kid. Today, I understand why you first balked at hiring me because if the 31 year old “Rick Owen” applied today to join our staff I would more than balk. His resume wouldn’t make the first cut. I wouldn’t hire me, but you did. Thank you.

Thank you for loving Dallas and Justin from the moment we arrived on the scene. Thank you for being present when Jacob and James were born and helping us raise all three into God fearing young men. Justin and Jacob are thriving in their careers. James has a job waiting for him when he graduates from UT next May. Most of all, all three are followers of Jesus. Thank you.

Thank you for hanging in there with Dallas and me when our marriage was on the rocks. We will celebrate 35 years of marriage January 6, 2014 in large part because of the love and grace of Jesus you showered upon us both. We will forever be indebted to you being the hands and feet of Jesus to our family when the shadows of darkness turned our days into what seemed like years of endless night. Today our marriage is stronger than ever for even when day gives way to night the light of Jesus shines upon us. Thank you.

I have many regrets. There are a litany of sermons, conversations, conflicts, meetings and leadership moments I wish I could do over. At age 58, I just now understand what it means to really follow Jesus and be a senior pastor. At age 58, I realize how much I didn't know then and don’t know now. At age 58, I finally understand what my elder mentor Paul Buening told me time and time again. “Love and prayer are the two most powerful forces in the world.” Thank you Paul, I get it.

Yes, I have many regrets but there are two decisions I will never regret. Saying “yes” when you invited Dallas, Justin and me 27 years ago and saying “no” to every suitor who invited me to pastor their church, change denominations and other various other opportunities that came my way. I will never forget at age 23 telling the District Superintendent of the United Methodist Church, after he laid out my 20 year plan of climbing the ladder from church to church that I didn't see the Holy Spirit in that plan. I told him “If I am going to be a full time pastor, I want to grow with one church so I can really know and love the people, and so they can really know and love me.” He said “The likelihood of that happening is slim to none.” But thanks be to God and thanks be to you, here we are! Thank you!

And we are not finished yet. I am more excited and hopeful about our future than ever before. 2013 has been one of our best years ever but hold on dear friends. I have said it many times before and believe it more today than I did 27 years ago when these words came out of my mouth. “God is not finished with us yet! The best is yet to come!” Thanks be to God and thanks be to you.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Rick

Extra………Extra……..Read all about it…… Exciting Changes coming in 2014

THANK YOU AND ELECTION TIME: It is time to say thank you to elders and deacons rotating off their perspective bodies. December 31, 2013 and elect a new class to serve in 2014.  Please offer a prayer of thanks giving for the service of deacons; Roxanne Ancy,  Michael Effertz and Jim Perkey, elders; Lana Horadam, Paul Keese and Mike Richey.  In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the power of the Holy Spirit their work has born much fruit. Thank you dear partners in the Lord!

Please read the most recent E News letter to become more familiar with our respective slate of 2014 elder deacon slate of nominees:  Denise Gales, Karen Harris and Rick Martin;  Nathan Higbee, Tim Love and Deanna Mullins. 

The nomination process included, nominations from the body, prayerful discerning discussion of all nominees by the nomination team, presentation of 12 elder and `12 deacon nominees to the session, more prayerful discerning discussion, ballot voting by session elders, votes counted by session clerk and nominating chair resulting in a slate of nominees. Nominees were approached and asked to pray about accepting the nomination. 

We will proceed to elect by acclamation at a short business meeting near the beginning of the Thanksgiving Blowout, Sunday, November 24^th 5:32 PM.  For integrity purposes, our polity allows for other nominations from the floor up to two weeks before the election by contacting the moderator of the session, yours truly.  If the nominee is willing to serve, the body will be notified and we will elect by secret ballot on the same date. 

   

FACILITY UPGRADES  on the way in 2014!   The Sanctuary is going to get a face lift early 2014.  New  floor covering, a coat of paint, some audio/video upgrades are in the works  and if the price is right a few other nice surprises.   We also plan to remodel the ARC bathrooms and spruce up the ARC foyer.  If funds allow, we will replace the floor covering in the stair wells and around the track.

BUILDING EXPANSION back on track for 2014 as well!   In 2008, for economic reasons, we placed on hold the planned construction of more community space, expanded nursery and new worship center. It is our intent to begin construction on additional nursery space and an expanded Community space (foyer) after Easter 2014.  The plans are being modified so the Community Space will connect the ARC and Sanctuary foyers.  Sketch drawings will be revealed when available. It will be about a $3.5 million project and will take around 10 months to complete.  Much work has to be done prior to construction but your session has prayerfully put the wheels in motion and will be keeping you informed as the plans for design, costs, funding and construction schedule unfold. We will give you an update at the Thanksgiving Blowout and be around to answer any questions.

REBRANDING UPDATE:  Your re-branding team has been meeting for a year (Arlen Fuhlendorf, Lana Horadam, Cheyanne Davis, Josh Fortney, Liz Mitchell, Bill Whatley, Nedra Lamar and Jeff Ogden) praying and discussing the process that will result in new name for our faith community which will better reflect our DNA and better connect with the unchurched.   We are now partnering with a firm out of Atlanta called Root Radius to help us. Root Radius specialize in helping non profits, especially churches,  identify their DNA and develop a branding strategy to accelerate mission fulfillment.  It is our prayerful expectation that the Rebranding Team will have at least three names to present to the session for consideration in early 2014. 

Yes, there is much going on every week and every weekend. God is working overtime. Through Jesus, lives are being changed before our very eyes   God is doing a new work among us in the here and now and by  the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we are posturing ourselves to participate in what God wants to do in the future.  

Change is always challenging, but every challenge is an opportunity to grow in faith, hope and love. I remain as excited and hopeful about our future as I did 27 years ago so it is with boldness I declare once more,  the best is yet to come! 

Peace,

Rick

Great , Busy, Crazy Summer

Camp Fun

It has been a busy, crazy  but great summer around and about the ol Church House.  Many children and youth  have been blessed and served by the masses at VBS and Church camp.  Mission work has been successfully accomplished at home and abroad.   Our Women’s and Men’s ministries are rocking and rolling and I could go on and on. Most of all, people have come to Christ and others have made a decision to be more intentional about becoming a disciple.   So “Praise Be to God” and “Thank you St. Matthew” for being serving and giving God your best. I hope you have had a great summer and are ready for a life changing experience as we gear up for the Fall. 

Elder Deacon Nominations:

It is that time again!  Please pray for who God wants to call out to serve on session and the diaconate.  Every year three elders and deacons rotate off and three nominated and elected by the body rotate on. The election process begins with you and a nominating team praying and then placing name

s in nomination.  Paper ballots will be available in worship August 3-4 and 10-11. You may also place names in nomination by using your smart phone. Text  “votecpc” to 99000. You will receive a response inviting you to submit your names.

Basic Qualifications to serve include:

·         Must be a member and been active in the life of the church for at least one year.

·      Ideally have taken all three core classes, Inquirer Series, Bible 101, and Place

·         Displayed a commitment to the purpose and vision.

·         Tithe:  time, talent, and financial resources.

·  Committed to worship, small group and servant leadership (Celebration, Community, Call)

Read our Confession of Faith, pages 30-31 and I Timothy 3:1-13  to further understand the desired characteristics of an elder and deacon.

Ministry Partner in Need:

Jorge Chacon

Jorge Chacon, our friend, neighbor and ministry partner who facilitates all of the ministry in Rio Bravo Mexico is gravely ill.  Jorge is in dire  need of a liver transplant, dire meaning as soon as possible.   Three of our own Paula Peckham, Theresa Young and Heather Mc Kenzie are spearheading a nationwide movement to raise funds ($250,000) for Jorge’s transplant.Jorge has facilitated mission trips for churches all across America that have resulted in the poorest of poor receiving a roof over their heads and the Good news of Jesus sown in their hearts. Jorge and his family are loved by many.  

St. Matthew is acting as trustee for all funds collected for Jorge's transplant, so every gift besides helping on of God's servants will be a tax deductible donation. You may donate online at

http://stmattcpc.org and click on Giving. Find "Chacon Medical Fund" and check the box so your contribution will be designated for Jorge. You can choose to have your donation withdrawn from your checking/savings account or you can use a credit card for your donation. 

I am praying for you. Please pray for me. 

Peace, 

Rick

June By The Numbers

June 8-9......36 St. Matthew servants were in Oklahoma for tornado disaster relief clean up.

June 8..........36 St. Mathew servants hosted a dinner for our 24 high school graduates

June 8-9......38 St. Mathew servants responded to the appeal to serve twice over the summer in children’s ministry during weekend worship.

June 8-13....13 St. Matthew servants were in Mexico building a “casita”, repairing a local church and hosting a medical clinic.

June 15.........14 St. Matthew servants hosted 60 dads and 60 daughters for our first daddy daughter dance

June 15-16...... 3 Believer Baptisms....4 Profession of Faiths....10 Reaffirmation of Faith's.....6 Infant Baptisms

June 19.........10 St Matthew servants provided courtesy parking security and to the door
transportation for the 1,000 plus mourning the death of Brian Jennings, long time local   youth pastor of Alsbury Baptist church.

June 21-23....25 St. Mathew servants were in Oklahoma for tornado disaster relief clean up.

June 23-27.....205 St. Matthew Servants hosted Vacation Bible School for 385 children.

June, 155 (on average) St. Matthew Servants worked each weekend to prepare and host
worship and all age small group needs. Average weekend attendance, 941.

January to June     General Fund Giving        $1.31 Million
                                  General Fund Expenses  $0.96 Million

Why June by the numbers? Because these numbers tell us that God’s people (now) called St. Matthew are answering the call to serve like never before. We have a long way to go but we also need to celebrate the presence of God’s favor upon us and the Jesus Followers who are answering the call.  Way to go Church!!  We are maturing.  We are growing in faith, hope and love. We are a blessed people! To top it all off, the above numbers barely scratch the surface of all we are doing  and about to do that will glorify God as we share the love and grace and Jesus with as many people as we can.

I am sincerely humbled and honored to serve as one of your pastors and the amazing part is, the best is yet to come!

I am praying for you. Please pray for me.
Peace,
Rick

News You Can Use

Your Disaster Relief Response to the tragedies in West, Cleburne, Granbury and Oklahoma communities is a powerful testimony to your love of God and neighbor. I am very proud of you! I suspect there will be mission opportunities off and on all summer as the recovery efforts continue.

Facility News:

- Thank goodness for insurance. Two spring hail storms mean you will soon see workers replacing the church roof with a brand new layer of shingles.

- Thanks to Claudia Humphreys and Jim Perkey for taking the lead on upgrading our landscaping. It is looking so good!

- Thank you Steve Willmoth for continuing to mow and edge our mammoth property.

- Your Session continues to prayerfully consider out next steps on how to upgrade our current sanctuary, expand the ARC foyer and construct a new worship and community space.

- Thank you Staci Eisner, Perry Allen, Vonna Pool, Karen Harris, Sunny Hammonds and Dena Adamson for evaluating how we can improve the function and aesthetics of the ARC foyer.

Please continue to pray for the Rebranding Team, Jeff Ogden, Sherri Sechrist, Will Johnson, Lana Horadam, Arlen Fuhlendorf, Cheyenne Davis, Josh Fortney and Nedra Lamar as they continue their important work. We are seeking God’s direction for a church name that that will increase our ability to share the love and grace with the unchuched and ideally, better describe our DNA to surrounding communities.

Staff News:

- After 16 productive ministry years on staff and 5 ½ years of seminary, Judy Madden is an ordained minister. Praise be to God!

- Chris Bohon visited with the session requesting to become a candidate to the ministry. The session said a resounding “Yes” so soon a letter will be sent to presbytery recommending Chris to the Committee on the Ministry as a candidate.

- Robin Medina has been a part of our Nursery Staff for 8 1/2years caring for our infants and toddlers while supervising others to do the same. Robin completed her official term of service May 26th. Please be in prayer for Robin as she begins a new season of life and the Family Ministry Team as they seek new leadership for this very important ministry area.

- Jonathan Leonard’s time on staff ended May 11th. The Staff Development team will soon name an interim Outreach Minister and begin a nationwide search to fill the open position.

- The Media, Communications and Worship ministries are in the midst of a reorganization process. In the near future you will hear of people shifting seats on the bus and new part time seats being created.

We begin a New Message Series this weekend titled “# Church Stuff.” For those not familiar with Twitter, “#” is called a hash tag which refers to trending topics or matters of interest worth following or investigating. This summer, our “# Church Stuff” series will look, from a biblical basis, at why we do certain things like worship, small groups, communion, read the bible, mentor, pray, gather food for people, music etc.

June, July and August will be busy months around the ol Church House. High School Senior Recognition, Mexico Mission Trips, Disaster Relief Mission Trips, Vacation Bible School, 4 Church Camps and hours spent preparing for the Fall, winter and 2014.

Mark Your Calendar: August 25th. Church wide outing to Hawaiian Falls. Discount tickets will soon be available.

Most Importantly, the southwest part of the metro-plex is one of the fastest growing areas in the United States. That means lots of people will be moving into the area this summer,  looking for and or needing a church home. Demonstrate your commitment to the Great Commandment and our purpose by Inviting Others to join you in worship. I am eager to spend the summer studying God’s Word with you, your family and friends.

Peace,

Rick

Good Bye Ethiopia, Here We Come Texas, USA!

Tuesday April 30, 2013 12:56 AM Texas 8:56 Ethiopia


This is my last blog post before we begin our 20 ½ hour flight back to the states. Our plane departs 10:15 PM Ethiopia time, stops for fuel in Rome, lands in Washington DC 8:30 AM EST on Wednesday and finally at DFW 5:15 PM.

Yesterday we visited a child care program, El Ollum, that assists mothers who live in the city dump. 58 infants and preschool children, capacity of 100, receive very good care and a kindergarten level education. They counted to thirty and did their ABC’s, in English, as good as any American child. It is a remarkable ADERA program, making a significant difference in the lives of both children and mothers. Some of the moms are taught a trade so they at least have a chance to put food on the table without scavenging through the refuge of others for a morsel of food.

We then visited another ADERA program, the feeding of 164 children, k through 12th grade, who attend a government run school. The only meal these children eat is the lunch, plate of rice or pasta, ADERA provides when they are in school. After all of the children had been served, we presented them with the St. Matthew provided uniforms from our Birthday Gift to Jesus. Photos to come, but many of their uniforms were so tattered they could barely keep them on their bodies. We presented them in the name of Jesus on your behalf and they erupted into joy. Some of the children were Muslim, others from homes who did not believe in God. Way to go St. Matthew!

Later in the day we visited the church of Alemayehu, our Ethiopian contact. Their church has outgrown their facilities and St. Matthew helped them fund the second stage of their construction. The project was going to take them 4 years because of minimal funds. Our $5,000 gift cut the time frame in half. Again, way to go St. Matthew!! The pastor, elders and members of the building committee met us there and joyfully expressed their gratitude, photos and video to come.

We ended the day by eating in the home of Alemayehu. We met his family and shared traditional Ethiopian food. Well, Joe and Claudia shared the traditional food I tasted it but thought better of it and ate the pizza they provided for the wimpy stomach. That would be yours truly. I took two or three bites and thought better of it. We lingered in their home for some time, visiting and praying with his wife and children. It was a very full, good day.

Today’s Schedule

8:30 AM Breakfast Meeting with local

10:00 AM Check out

11:00 AM Inspect Hostel Furniture

Lunch

2:00 PM Visit local church and visit with pastor

4:00 PM Attend Festival, Goat BBQ , with Mom’s and children at El Ollum

5:30 PM Supper

6:30 PM Head for Airport for to Check in and Lobby for choice seating

10:00 PM Departure

It has been a very successful trip but we are ready to be home. Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, generous Birthday Gift to Jesus, excellent participation in Change the World Weekend, loving each other and loving those who do not know Jesus or have a church home. We are a blessed people and I am humbled to serve as one of your pastors.  I will see you this weekend in worship!

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8

Peace,

Rick

Ethiopia Update

Pictures would not load so I will post when we get home. I am so sorry for the long text without any photos. 


Monday April 22, 2013 1:00 PM Texas 9:00 PM Ethiopia

Sleep came quickly Sunday night but we were all wide awake by 4 AM. Our body clocks are still adjusting to the 8 hour time difference. We left our living quarters at 7 AM knowing that a 90 minutes drive to Guncherie would be on what is known by anyone who has been here as “the road from hell.” There is no other description for 30 mile journey. Little did we know there would be a new dimension to this bone rattling journey.

A thunderstorm roared through around 2 AM dropping inches of rain in a matter of minutes. The rain pelted the metal roof and the open window, the only form of air conditioning, allowed the cool fresh air to make sleep even more welcome. Thunder rolled and lightening lit up the sky. It was majestic, powerful and would soon birth once again the evidence that God shows up when you least expect it.

Three miles into “the road from hell,” drivers ahead of us were turning around and shouting to all behind them, “Turn around! The roads are too slick. It is dangerous. Turn back.” We pulled over, thought, prayed and concluded to press on as this was the only access to Guncherie . More than that, we had promised pastors and their wives we would be there. The decision was made to press on.

I do not have the space to adequately explain what happened in the next 45 minutes but picture an old fashion demolition derby comprised of Frac Trucks, busses of all sizes , mini vans and a car or two, all stuck, racing their engines to get out of the mud on the side of a very steep mountain. It was comical, unnerving and in the end a tribute to the power of community, perseverance and the presence of God. I captured much of the experience on video; we will post it on the website after we get home and are able to produce a finished product from my amateur recording.

Miraculously we weaved and slid through the collection of stuck vehicles without slamming into anything or any person. When it came time to make the perilous ‘u’ turn up a steep grade our driver and friend Solomon pressed the gas pedal to the floor. Half way up the speedometer showed 70 plus kmph but we were literally spinning our wheels. Slowly we began to slide backwards and then suddenly we were thrust forward. Out of nowhere 10 or 12 men surrounded the van and pushed it to the top of the grade. They were covered in mud from the spinning tires but they were smiling from ear to ear. God showed up!

When we arrived at our destination we were greeted by 22 different churches comprised of 22 women, 34 men, representing all total 5,500 church members. That is what I call sharing the love and grace of Jesus Christ with as many people as we can!

It is now raining again and the power went off for the third time this evening. Thank goodness for battery power but I will proceed to sign off and finalize my studies for tomorrow.

Everyone is feeling well and though we are enjoying the beauty of Ethiopia we miss Texas and the good ol USA. Ten days and counting Dallas, I miss you!

We are praying for you. Please pray for us.

Tuesday April 23, 2013 2:05 PM Texas 10:05 PM Ethiopia

It rained off and on all day long and it is raining again. The temperatures have been mild but the travel has been grueling. Every day it is a rough unpaved 90 minutes to our location and 90 minutes back to a Hotel that is satisfactory for our purpose but several steps below the lowest rating we would give to one of our own. It is clean and the staff are very nice, but there is no air conditioning, barely any running water, few edible food offerings and the power randomly goes off and on. I woke up last night at 2:30 AM because the lights came back on after a seven hour hiatus. Ethiopia is always an adventure and to be truthful, I love it.

The unreliable power source is a great reminder that God is always reliable. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. The rain falls on the just and the unjust. Some people are born in wealth, some in poverty but God is always reliable, not to take care of all our wants but our needs. Thanks be to God for all of the simple, daily blessings of life. We are a favored people.

We saw the girls’ Hostel today and it is awesome! 64 girls will have a chance to complete their high school education and move on to college because of your generous Birthday Gift to Jesus offering. It is a 3 building complex, living and dining, laundry and kitchen, toilets and showers. Construction should be finished in time for the girls to move in for the Fall 2013 semester.

We also visited the library, kindergarten, soccer field, and water stations. One of the water stations gave birth to an economic boom in the form of 200 plus new houses. When we arrived the new mayor was excited to see is and very grateful for our continued work. Again, God showed up.

Tomorrow we begin our second round of training in Endemir. By the time we get to our third round, Claudia and I might step back and let your young interpreters take over. They are incredible! Selamawit (28) and Flagot (23) are highly educated professionals who are sold out to Jesus. This sister brother team has been a huge blessing to us and the conference participants.

The rain has decided to take a break and the power is still on but I think I will quit while I am ahead. Last night I battled a swarm of mosquitoes all night long so I need to gear up in case the battle comes to me again. We love you and appreciate your constant prayers. Tomorrow I will tell you a God story or two.

We are praying for you. Please pray for us.


Wednesday April 24th 2013 1:10 PM Texas 9:10 PM Ethiopia

It was a long, hard, trying day but I am wired, wide awake ready to go again. We got back to our quarters at 6 PM. I laid down and went into a deep sleep waking up just in time for our 7:00 dinner gathering. In the middle of the meal our international phone rang and I got to speak with Dallas and Jacob. Our conversations were brief but enough to recharge my batteries.

Today was especially difficult because our group in Endibir was compromised of the poorest of the poor. 25% of Claudia’s group could not read or write. Five of the women brought their infant children and tended to them, including breast feeding while participating in the training. They were obviously oppressed and only present because they had been told by their husbands to attend. Claudia did a masterful job adapting.

At one point she stopped and started praying because she sensed the oppression of the women in our class. Little did she know at the precise time she was praying, I felt led to leave my lesson plan to address the subject of pastors honoring and loving their wives. I told the men, “I don’t know why I am doing this, but God is leading me to steer us in a different direction. Let’s visit for a while about what it means to love your wife like Christ loved the Church.”

Claudia and I were both weary at lunch because our group dynamics were less than stellar but when we learned what God did during her prayer we were inspired and encouraged. And though the afternoon session was just as challenging, the presence of the Holy Spirit emboldened us both and the group dynamics began to shift.

These pastors may not be able to retain, much less apply, one point from the training but that is more than okay. God has made it clear that we are here with this particular group to sow seeds and more importantly to encourage them with the love of Jesus. Hmm, sounds like a good line for a purpose statement. We are looking forward tomorrow fully believing that again God will show up.

We are praying for you. Please pray for us.


Thursday April 25th 2013 10:30 AM Texas 6:30 PM Ethiopia

We our completed our second round of training a little early so I was able to squeeze in a short work out. For some reason a white man exercising in the open spaces is s entertaining because my simple routine of pull ups, air squats, box jumps, pushups and running up and down the stairs drew quite a crowd. Some intermittingly clapped and others cheered. Though I am sure their expressions were offered for the most part in light hearted humor and out of curiosity, their encouragement spurred me to push myself beyond what I had intended.

As I continued my routine I thought of the writing in Hebrews 10 “Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another.”

We can tell you are praying for us because we have felt encouraged in the most trying of circumstances. Many of our participants in the past two days could not read or write. Several only came for the chance to receive a free meal and a free trip out of town. Older pastors who obviously carried great influence in their region were less than welcoming. I senses they were threatened by our presence and the infusing new ideas in their people. Some became belligerent, expecting to receive more financial assistance than what was offered. For a moment we were discouraged but then came answered prayer.

One of the young pastors pulled us Joe Robertson aside and apologized for the greedy behavior of his elder peers. He said he has been up all night praying we would forgive them and show up this morning anyway. A woman who had being abused decided to do something about her situation because of Claudia’s wise counsel. Late this morning a light switch went off in some of the pastors because the energy and the participation went through the roof. Closing worship was amazing. God showed up again and we were encouraged.

To top it all off, we are distributing to each attending church a means to purify water in small quantities as a mission outreach program. We had 17 buckets for 18 churches, dilemma. Joe decided to give them their transportation money at the morning break as a test to see who was present for the training and who was there for the money. As expected 5 leaders left but when the time arrived to hand out the 17 buckets, guess how many churches remained? You got it, 17. God showed up, pruned the tree and a harvest was claimed. We are encouraged.

In 15 minutes we will convene for dinner and have a surprise birthday party for Selamawit, our now 29 year old pregnant university professor interpreter. She is dearly loved by her brother Flagot, my interpreter, so he asked us to help him surprise her. We have all been deeply moved by the affection of Selamawit and Flagot. Our whole team is forming a strong bond and that in itself is encouraging. Still, I am eager to return to my family, biological and church because there is no encouragement like that from those who really know you and still love you.

We are praying for you. Please continue to pray for us.


Friday April 26, 2013 1:34 PM Texas 9:34 PM Ethiopia

Our last training event in Agena did not start off very well. Ethiopians have little concept of time so we were not concerned when no one was present at our starting time, but when 30 minutes passed and no one was present we felt like a bride left at the altar with no groom. Needless to say there was a lot of tension and anxiety by the local coordinators of the event. Emotions got a little testy. The suggestion was even made that we might as well pack up and head back for the hotel.

Thank goodness I was in James chapter 1 for my morning devotion or I might have fed the smoldering, building drama. “Be slow to speak….Quick to listen….Slow to get angry.” As a result the Holy Spirit urged to me to say…..”We can sit around the hotel and pass time or we can sit around here and pass time. I would just as soon sit around here for at least an hour.”

The scenery was breathtaking. Agena is a clean little community nestled high in the mountains. If heaven looks half as beautiful as the landscape where this town sits we are in for a treat when our day of departure arrives. So we hunkered down to enjoy God’s creation. Within minutes of our decision, pastors, evangelists, elders, male and female began trickling in. We started over one hour late but was the best training day of this trip. I can’t yet speak for the women, but most of the men were engaged, hungry, eager to grow and learn.

God continues to teach me important lessons. I did not want to get up early and be in the Word this morning. I stayed up late last night working on our next message series and I wanted to stay in bed till the very last minute possible. But the Holy Spirit clearly spoke, “Get up and open the Word.” I forced myself out of bed and wound up reading exactly what I and our whole team needed.

Reading the Word before I begin my day is like hydrating before a long run. The legs are stronger and the body has more energy. If don’t hydrate until after the run, chances are both my time and body will suffer. If I wait to drink from the Word until after my day is finished, the chances are greater my spirit will be depleted. Post run spiritual hydrations are often more about asking for forgiveness than offering thanksgiving. Reading the Word in the morning prepares to better handle what is to come.

I know some of you are night owls and prefer to have your devotion time in the morning, but I think there is a reason Jesus snuck away early in the morning to spend time with God. He was ready for whatever the day brought before him.

Tomorrow we wind up our training and will head back to Ethiopian City life, Addis Abba. Though I am eager to get home and see all of you, I truly love the Ethiopian and people and will miss them. I will especially miss Alemayehu, Flagot, and Selam. I have known Alemayehu for 6 years and we have become very close. Flagot and Selam quickly became more than translators. In a short six days they have become family. They are extraordinary young adults and I wish we could bring them home with us. They are both going to be world changers so I suspect we will be hearing more about them in the future.

We are praying for weekend worship and change the world weekend. It is hard being away on suchy a big weekend but I know that you are in good hands and in many ways function better when I am away. I am very proud of both our church staff and you. Thank you for allowing me and Claudia to represent you in our mission effort.

I am a very proud and blessed to serve as one of your pastors.

We are praying for you. Please pray for us.


Saturday April 27, 2013 3:05 PM Texas 11:05 PM Ethiopia

We are back in Addis Abba! As far as the training goes, mission accomplished. Joe Robertson, our friend and ADERA contact gave me these stats late this afternoon.

Guncherie
Participants                                  56
Churches Represented                 22
Church Members Represented 5400

Endibir
Participants                                  52
Churches Represented                 18
Church Members Represented 6100

Agena
Participants                                  59
Churches Represented                 19
Church Members Represented 2200

Totals
Participants                                 167
Churches Represented                   58
Church Members Represented 13,700

The last two days of training were the best of the week. Not due to Claudia, Selam, Flagot or myself, but because the participants were eager, starving to learn. We closed out the training even more convinced that are mission in Ethiopia is a very important facet of our “Ends of the Earth” outreach. Great work church family. That is what I call sharing the love and grace of Jesus Christ with as many people as we can. The seeds have been sown. There is a plan in place for the seeds to be watered, fertilized, and there we are confidenct that God will provide the growth.

I am cutting this short because I MIGHT have slept two hours last night. If I wrote a book about last night it would be “The Attack of the Monster Mosquitoes.” My gosh! You would not believe how those things kept coming and coming and coming. I know I am whining so bear with me for a moment, but my room was the only room that was invaded. To top it off, I had no running water meaning no toilet or shower. It was a very interesting night and morning.

Still, God is good and it was a GREAT day. Tomorrow we will rest. I plan on spending some lengthy time in the Word and prayer before doing some more writing for upcoming messages. Monday we will visit a Mothers Day out program for endangered children and their moms, a new feeding program, the church and home of our Ethiopian friend and host Alemayehu. Tuesday will visit a progressive church attended by Selom, attend a "Goat Feast" with the Mothers and children of the day out program, debrief with Joe Robertson (ADERA) the cost and impact of the trip and then head towards the airport.

We are praying for you as you assemble for weekend worship and engage in Change the World Weekend. Thank you for praying for us. We are humbled by your loving encouragement.


Sunday April 27, 2013 11:39 PM Texas 7:39 AM Ethiopia

I tried posting my blog until 1:00 AM Ethiopia time on a dial up connection and finally said “enough is enough.” We take so much for granted including instant wi fi hook ups and clean water. To no avail I was hoping to make a connection with the body before you assembled for worship. Our living quarters are less than desirable so we are going to relocate after engaging in small group worship and breakfast. We will try and find a internet hot spot as well.

As I reread the book of James this morning an Imam chanted over the city of Addis Abba, calling people to prayer and worship. Though we are miles apart I am praying the Holy Spirit will call you out of your beds and away from the distractions of this world to engage in worship and humble service.

“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world is an enemy of God. God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Submit yourselves then to God.” James 4:4,6-7a

I am praying for you regarding this Word from the Lord. Please pray for me.

Peace

Safely Arrived in Ethiopia

Sunday April 21, 2013 2:55 AM Texas 10:55 AM Ethiopia


We are in Ethiopia! After a 13 ½ hour flight from DC that included two cumulative hours of sleep, one hour of standing in line to get our Visa, 45 minutes to get all our luggage and a harried drive to Adera's Addis Abbaba office, we have showered, if you can call it that, and are  ready to drive to our home base in Western Ethiopia.

From that base, we will drive daily to three remote areas to preside at two day conferences, one of which is in our sister city, Gunchrie. During lunch on Monday we will tour the girls Hostel you are building that will minimize the risk of 100 young ladies dropping out of school and continuing the poverty legacy of their family. The work you are doing here is important and impacting. You rock St. Matthew!

Though tired and flight weary we are ready to get on with the work knowing God will provide the strength and energy needed because of your prayers and the presence of the Holy Spirit. We are proud to represent you and feel in a sense that you are with us. We are here in the name of Jesus Christ on behalf of the people now called St. Matthew. By the time we leave they will love you even more because they will hear of your faith and commitment to share the love and grace of Jesus Christ  them and with as many people as you can.

Intenret access may not exist where we are going, if so  I will still  blog every evening and post when we get back to Addis on Sunday.

We are praying for you. Please continue to pray for us.

Peace

God Showed Up!

Friday, April 19, 2013 11:40 PM EST

Claudia Humphreys, Joe Robertson and myself completed the first 3 ½ hour leg of our journey to Ethiopia with no drama or scares. The passengers on the flight next to our arriving gate were held for an hour because of a medical emergency. We were packed in like sardines, middle seat for me of course, but we quickly disembarked into a rainy DC.

I sat next to a guy who lived in Brooklyn New York who had not been able to contact a friend who ran in the Boston marathon. He was worried, angry and perplexed that God did not show up and prevent the two terrorists from succeeding. The absence of God in the world is not the cause of such evil acts; it is the absence of God in the hearts of men!

Both in Boston and West God showed up in the sea of first responders and “Joe Citizens” who crossed the bounds of their comfort zone to bandage, console , help, serve, protect and search. God even showed up at the Boston Bruin hockey game when a packed house raised the roof with the loudest version of God Bless America and The Star Bangle Banner I have ever heard.

The terror in Boston and the tragedy in West were not because God didn’t show up, but because we live in a world were evil lurks in the hearts of humanity and bad things happen to good people. Stuff happens and often it is bad stuff. But do not be mistaken, God showed up in Holy Spirit filled Jesus Followers and maybe even an Agnostic or two who understand we are our brother’s keeper.

And I trust God will show up on Change the World Weekend as we invade our communities with helping hands. I trust God will show up in Ethiopia as we continue to make a difference in the least of these who never heard of Boston or West. I trust God will show up every weekend we assemble for worship. Here's what I know. I want to be where God shows up because there is nothing like being in the presence of God.

This will be my last timely blog post as internet service will not be available again until Monday April 29th. On that day, I will attempt to find a hot spot and load all of my daily blog entries. We leave tomorrow at 11:00 AM EST to begin a 13 1/3 hour flight and then a 5 hour drive to our first teaching location. We will host three two day conferences beginning Monday six days straight and then head back to Addis Abba to prepare for our return flight. Ethiopia is 8 hours ahead of Texas CST.

I already miss Dallas and my family, including my church family but I am ready to get on with the mission because I know God is going to show up.   He already has! "Where two or more are gathered in my name, I am in the midst of them."  Matthew 18:20

We are praying for you. Please pray for us.

Peace

Basking In the Glow and Praying Expectantly

     Even as I prepare for Easter weekend I am basking in the glow of Palm Sunday weekend. 

1
12 brand new adult believers  came forward to be drenched in the waters of baptism.

Over 600 worshippers showed up to circle our two worship spaces  and children's areas to pray for for an outpouring of God's spirit upon all area places of worship for Easter Weekend.

And then there was the Easter Egg Hunt Extravaganza. I love this event because my only responsibility is to show up and watch God work and there was much to see last Sunday afternoon! Scores of willing servants hosted local communities for two hours of fun, all in the name of Jesus, and a great time was had by all. After the last egg had been found and grounds cleaned up, close to a hundred servants stayed for Easter training and drama rehearsal not leaving until after 8:00 PM.

God was glorified in many excellent ways last weekend. Thank you church family! You are an amazing people.

Soon we will gather in homes for Communion, walk through the Journey to the Cross , assemble for Good Friday Worship and then it will be time to shout “He is Risen!” on Easter weekend. I can hardly wait!

I have been praying expectantly each morning for the guests you are inviting to Easter worship. God has convinced me that the Easter message should be especially directed to your unchurched family and friends. Please take advantage of this rare opportunity. Your family and friends are waiting for an invitation. Most of them, even the reluctant and the doubters, want to be invited. People like being invited even they cannot or will not attend because everyone desires to be wanted. Everyone likes to be included.

In fact, that is why God sent his son into the world, to invite us into a relationship with himself through the Resurrected Christ and include us in what he is doing throughout the world. Invite. Invite. And invite some more.

I am eager to shout with each of you and your guests this weekend  ”He Is Risen!”

I am praying for you. Please pray for me

Peace,

Rick

Grace Place

“I was told I couldn’t attend worship if I was wearing a belly ring.” “No one ever spoke to me so I thought, why bother.” “The messages were boring and irrelevant.” “I was pregnant, not married, told it would look better if I attended worship with a man so I didn’t look like a ‘XXXXX.’” “I was told belly rings not allowed.” “I felt judged.” “I don’t need to attend church to be close to God.” “Why would intelligent people buy into a mythological god in order to avoid a mythological place called hell for a mythological place called heaven? It is all nonsense.” “Hypocrites! When obese people stop judging homosexuals and examine their own sin I might return to church. Of course that will be when hell freezes over. So…..”


These are just a sampling of the 100 plus responses I received from the face book survey many of you helped me employ. Many of the responses reflect the bias or issues of the individual but I am sad to say many of them are a true reflection of The Church. We are going to learn about what the cross, The Crux, has to say about grace this weekend. I look forward to sharing what God is teaching me in hopes more and more we can be thought of as a grace place.

To that end, please remember the Holy Call to Action. This weekend you will receive a card to help your Easter invitations. A digital version will be posted on the website by Monday, March 18th. We will also send you a link in an ENews letter shortly thereafter.

It is not too late to begin to visiting with those you want to invite, even praying for them by name in your personal prayer time. Remember to reserve Sunday, March 24th, 12:15 – 12:45 PM to be at the church for a minimum 500 people prayer circle. Then come back that same day for the Easter Egg Hunt. Let’s start off Holy Week worshipping, praying and serving the community.

I am praying for you. Please pray for me.

Peace,

Rick

Holy Week Call to Action

1) March 24, Palm Sunday, 12:15 Prayer Circle

2) Holy Thursday (March 28) Communion, in homes

3) Good Friday and Journey to the Cross (March 29)

4) Commit to Baptism and or Church Membership

5) Invite people to the Easter Party, March 30-31

6) Serve and Attend Easter Saturday Night Worship

God Messengers, Rebranding & Easter

Wow! Praise be to God! Your response to serve as “God Messengers” as we plan, prepare and host all of our Holy Week activities, climaxing with five exiting life changing Easter Worship Celebrations was tremendous! Our cup runneth over with blessing. I continue to be in awe of your commitment to the mission and extremely grateful to be one of your ministry partners. Every weekend God is allowing us to witness life change among both the lost and the found. God’s favor is obviously upon us so I thank God for his blessing but I thank you for your commitment to the mission.


In the past few weeks you have heard a little about the session’s prayer led decision to begin a process that would lead to us embracing a new name. A rebranding team was created last fall for the purpose of helping us develop and work through a process that would allow us to seek and discern God’s revelation for the name. Understandably, there are many questions and emotions surrounding such a bold decision. Please allow me to answer a few of those questions as we continue to process, dialogue and together seek God’s revelation.

Why are we changing our name?

The short answer is a different name will allow us to reach people for Jesus who for various reasons when hearing of or seeing our name, quickly decide without knowing our DNA that we are another irrelevant institutional church. Our name alone, without chance of a lengthy conversation, has little if any appeal to the lost, unchurched or younger families new to the area.

I thought we were doing pretty well. Are we trying to be a mega church?

We are trying to be obedient to the biblical mandate of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) and our purpose statement. God has been good to us. By his grace, your hard work and generosity, we have witnessed a bountiful harvest, but as Jesus left the 99 to seek after the one, we feel compelled to do the same. We are to be ever pushing to be a mission outpost, a mash unit on the battlefield of life for people who do not know Jesus and or who have been hurt or turned off by institutional religion.

Isn’t rebranding expensive?

Signage, vans, business cards and letterhead are expensive, but regardless of the name change, we will soon be spending money on these items and others anyway. Our signs are tired, ineffective, dated and need to be relocated. Our vans are on their last leg and the bus logo is fading. Letterhead and business cards are cyclical and we are coming up the restocking cycle for each of these disposable items. And yes, communicating to the public who knows the name St. Matthew Cumberland Presbyterian church will require expenditures, but mission work is always messy, exhausting and expensive.

Will I get a vote? What is the process? When is all of this going to happen?

According to our church government, the only “local” church wide vote is for the elders and deacons who are charged with leading the body in the fulfillment of the mission in accordance with our denominational polity and theology. There is no set time frame. We are very early in the process and want to give you time to catch up mentally, emotionally and spiritually. The smaller the plane, the smaller runway needed to get the aircraft off the ground. This is a big plane, so the run way will be lengthy. I anticipate after Easter and throughout the summer there will be more opportunities for church wide conversations with the session and rebranding team. A consistent communication plan to the body is being designed as well as a way to receive your suggested names. The Rebranding Team will create focus groups from non St. Matthew worshippers to give us feedback on our current and proposed names. Eventually the Rebranding Team will propose a short list to the body and the session. The session will vote on a name and then take our request to Presbytery for approval.

Are we leaving the denomination?

There are no plans or intentions to leave the denomination.

I want to know more. I want to help. I want to share my thoughts and feelings. How do I do that?

By Monday, March 4th, there will be Rebranding Link on the front page of the website listing contact info for the Rebranding Team and the Session. You may also contact me or any other staff member. This is a huge change and we want to help you process anyway we can.

I am going to set aside my focus on this endeavor for a few weeks so I can zero in on Holy Week and Easter. I urge you to do the same. The Holy Spirit is moving and we have a tremendous opportunity forthcoming to reach many for Christ. I look forward to working side by side with you now and for years to come as together we strive to…. “glorify God by sharing the love and grace of Jesus with as many people as we can.”

Your session is praying for you. Please pray for your session.

Peace,

Rick

I Love Our Church Name But.........

I love our church name “St. Matthew,” but it is not about me! On December 6, 2011, our session made and unanimously passed a recommendation to change our name so that we might better fulfill our purpose; “Glorify God by sharing the love and grace of Jesus Christ with as many people as we can.”

I love our church name “St. Mathew, “but it is not about me! Our session has been discussing this idea for many years so I was not surprised by the recommendation and vote but I was surprised by my surfacing emotions. I spoke for the recommendation but immediately began to grieve the forth coming loss of a name that marks some of the most important experiences in my life; my first full time pastorate, the site of my ordination, where our children were raised, baptized and professed their faith. Under the name “St. Mathew” I have presided at scores of marriages, baptisms, and funerals. At “St. Mathew” I learned how to be a godly man, husband and father. At “St. Matthew” friendships were built that will last a life time and at “St. Matthew” I have been a part of a family that has impacted the world for Christ in our own backyard and across the seas.

I love our church name “St. Matthew,” but it is not about me! For many reasons, to be shared in a future blog, the full name “St. Matthew Cumberland Presbyterian Church” carries numerous connotations that are a stumbling block to those we are trying to reach, the unchurched and those who do know Jesus. Witnesses inside and outside the church prove this to be true so your session formed a Rebranding Team in August 2012 to begin the renaming process.

I love our church name “St. Matthew”, but it is not about me! After processing with several groups of people my grief has passed and I am excited about the prospects of our new name. I am convinced that it is God’s timing, God’s idea and God’s favor that has led us to this season in our journey.

Soon the Rebranding Team made up of Jeff Ogden chair, Arlen Fuhlendorf, Sherri Sechrist, Will Johnson, Liz Mitchell, Bill Whatley, Lana Horadam, Cheyenne Davis, Josh Fortney and Nedra Lamar will be inviting you into the conversation and discernment process. Together, joined in prayer and stimulating conversation, we will seek God’s name for His Church so we might fulfill the mission he has placed before us. How long will the process take? Only God knows. What will be the process be? Will be shared in a forth coming blog.

Yes, I love our church name, but more than loving the name “St. Matthew “ I love who we are, our DNA, our identity, our heart, our passion and our mission for reaching the lost. And I am eager to move into this next season of our existence so that future generations will be even more effective at fulfilling our purpose; “Glorify God, by sharing the love and grace of Jesus Christ with as many people as we can!”

I love our church name, but it is not about me, it is not about you, it is about God's mission placed before us.

I am praying for you. Please pray for me. And pray for our Rebranding Team and Session as they lead us through us this season of exciting change and possibility.

Peace,

Rick