Michael Dunn Valentine's Day Party

Get this party started! Roane Church had an absolute blast at the Michael Dunn Center Valentine dance. We love being involved with things that matter, and in Roane County, the MDC matters. There was no holding back when the music started playing. The happiness on the faces was contagious. Not only was this a dance but it was also a pep-rally for the Roane County Chargers which is MDC’s basketball team. I hope you enjoy the pics.

Philippians

This past Sunday we talked about “status”. It has the possibility to consume us whether we are just beginning up the ladder of success or during these difficult days, we are simply trying not to fall off the ladder that we have worked so hard to climb. Either way it seems to affect focus on self rather than others. This is probably the reason that there are so many discouraging things that happen in our families or even in church. We are so busy with the wrong focus. I desire to be a person who considers others first, and I am thankful for what we are learning through Philippians. Such as the key verse in 1:27, “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ”, there are a whole lot of “whatever happens”, it seems today, and we can learn together what God has in store for our lives. No matter where you have been or what has happened in the past, God has a plan for your life. Let’s learn together how to focus on something bigger than ourselves or our circumstances.

Still Reflecting on Sunday...

There are many things in life that are bigger, deeper, or have more meaning once we get into it. I love Paul’s example when he takes tough circumstances and says it is “advancing the gospel”. How do you have this peace even when life has a lot to throw at you? In Philippians, we are learning that every circumstance is an opportunity to grow in our understanding of prayer, the Holy Spirit, and life and death. Everyday is a new day to learn something new.
The tough stuff in life has sometimes brought me to my knees. Even in times when I thought my prayers were unheard, I learned to keep on praying. I continue to learn that the Holy Spirit is at work everyday and that the Bible does not hide that it is usually when we are struggling that we come to understand Him the most. As for life and death, I use to think that I was invincible and that life had a reset button, but that thought was soon taken away during tough circumstances. As time goes by, I am thankful for the circumstances although I would never want to go through this again. I am truly thankful for all that God is teaching us at Roane Church.

Follow-up on Pete

I called Pete Stetson while he was still in the emergency room yesterday and talked with him later on in the day. At the hospital, they did some tests and blood work and found no answers that would explain the situation that occurred. He will follow up with a cardiologist in the near future. Please pray for him as he and his wife try to get some answers. At this point, he is back to business as usual.

Our First "Public" Meeting

How do you take your heart and put it on paper? Sunday was a great day! The worship environment was incredible. The children’s area is one of the neatest areas. I am not sure who was having more fun the children or the adults. There have been so many people praying and working to begin a church in Roane County that would not be just another church but a different church. I want to thank all of the new people who came. Several of you have already responded with so many positive statements that honor God. I know that God is the one who led us yesterday.
We are gearing up for this Sunday already. Bryan McKaig will be leading worship with band members from Knoxville. Remember this church is for anyone. I don’t care where you have been or what you have done. Please come and know that already people are earnestly praying for you this week.

The People

Today we went to the Michael Dunn Center to do some work in their community room. It is so much fun just to be there, but I love getting the privilege to know some of these incredible people. Today it was Justin.
My family, along with MDC employees Micheale & Rhonda, looked through Justin's photo album. The pictures depicted a young man full of compassion and joy who has many meaningful relationships. As we looked at these pictures I could see Justin smile to let us know that he was fully aware of everything going on.
There were many other people with different needs come and engage us while we were there. All of them noticed the children and my pretty wife. This all goes to show that the incredible people at the MDC are people who long to share real lives, with real hope, and real love. I hope through the years to develop some of these real relationships. Roane Church knows that God’s love is for everyone, no matter our backgrounds or different needs. Sunday is coming fast! We will see you at 10am at the MDC!

Preparations

Today, we sent off our second 5000 piece direct mail. It is going to the same homes that the first direct mail went out to in Harriman, Rockwood, Kingston, Oak Ridge, Oliver Springs, Loudon, and Lenoir City. This is a 10 mile radius surrounding the Michael Dunn Center. Who knows what is going to happen Sunday, but we are praying. Many people are praying that people will “connect to hope in Jesus” and people will know that as long as there is breathe in their lungs that they would know that there is hope for them. No matter what we have done or where we have been, God is waiting to show us love. I wanted to share with you a thought that a friend sent me today, Kevin Bradford, who will be moving he and his family here from another state to join us in the work God has appointed us to do at Roane Church.

As I was reading through Luke 15, verse 1 and 2 caught my attention.
It says that the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to Him.
And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled saying, 'This man receives sinners
and eats with them.' May the tax collectors and sinners draw near Sunday as
Roane Church begins public services. May they be received, welcomed, and
loved! And as verses 7 and 10 say, may the maddest block party ever
be thrown in heaven because people have surrendered to Jesus and become cleansed through His blood! The Lord God Almighty is more than able to do far more than all we ask or think. May He be glorified?

I thought this was pretty cool. If you are reading this today, maybe take a moment, take a deep breath, and know you are loved by God. Hope to see you Sunday!