From as much a home as I know:
Home...Hamilton...the words are a little synamous in my mind! I lived there for 14 years - 4 as a child while my dad preached there, 10 as the blessed minister of the Hamilton church. It's longer than anywhere I've ever lived in my life! Both my sons were baptized in that city. They hired a young kid (how foolish on their part but what a blessing it was to me), aged 24 to work with one of the best known churches in North Alabama and one of the strongest small town churches in our brotherhood. They were patient with me and better to me than I ever deserved. I've always been proud to say that I was associated with the Hamilton Church of Christ. Hamilton is where Maywood Christian Camp is - I've been a part of Maywood longer than any other continual influence in my life. I've served as a camper, worker, dish washer, counselor, director and now board member at that place. I got my first "real" kiss there and I first held Melanie's hand there.
Hamilton: It is home! If I died today it's where I'd want to be buried. And now I consider an honor to be back. This week I'm preaching a meeting there. And, it's been like being at home.
My first year with the church was my hardest of ministry. Comparisons, problems, leadership, all were constant frustrations. I made so many mistakes but they loved me anyway and took me into their hearts and for that this place will always have a special place in my heart. When I'm here it's like I am in my element - it seems I know everyone and have ties special ties with everyone here. I have fought back the tears every time I've stood up to preach this week. I love these people...this place.
That's the blessing of ministry. Being a part of people's lives in the highs and lows, funerals and wedding, disasters and victories. Over a lifetime. A lifetime. A common lifetime.
I don't think I could ever move back - as Melanie says, "we're at a different place in our lives and things would be different now." I'm sure she's right but I still get homesick now and then.
Ted Burlseon is the wonderful, godly man who now occupies this pulpit. And they love he and his wife Karen here. Our lives have intersected with Ted's often through the years. His son Doug worked along side me at Granny White and Melanie and I grew to love he and Kristie. His son David was roommates for a year with my two sons at FHU. And now we share this bond. Ted's maturity, wisdom and experience are leading a renewal in this congregation and I thrill with him and them.
None of this is to imply that I didn't love GW. Moving to Nashville was a blessing to every one of us and I don't regret that for a moment and working with Granny White - well, it's Granny White! What more could I say - what a place. And now to be at Spring Meadows - I have never enjoyed a work more than I am enjoying this one. What is happening there is unbelievable and I am growing to love that place more and more every day. It is Hamiltonish. The energy, life, vitality and spirit of Spring Meadows is unlike anything I've ever seen. The unity and direction, the vision and love - what more could I say? Each are special and have a piece of my heart.
I simply must say - God is good!
END NOTE: Our Andrew worked with this church last summer and is slated to be back this summer. I don't know of any other church that has been good enough to allow three generations from the same family to minister with them.
Friday, April 27, 2007
The Court Verdict
I felt honored to know Matt and consider his dad, uncle and granddad heroes of the faith. When a mutual friend called and told me that Dan had asked him to come to sit with him during the trial but that he couldn't make the trip alone and asked that I make the trip with him - I did so joyfully but reluctantly. I have a number of thoughts and comments on the injustice that I feel the trial was - several friends of mine have written about the trial more effectively than I could but the note that follows from someone I do not know I think says some powerful things worth your consideration. It is from The Tennessean:
Friday, 04/20/07
Verdict in Winkler case can't make up for family's lossBy TRUMAN BEAN
Tennessee Voices
"With the jury's verdict of voluntary manslaughter in the death of Matthew Winkler, a few important concerns need to be brought forth.
I have known Dan and Diane Winkler, Matthew's parents, through his tenure as the main pulpit minister at Crieve Hall Church of Christ (where we are members) for a decade in the '90s and early 2000s. Their sons, Daniel and Jacob along with their newly formed families and ever-new additions, were members also. Matthew visited during his college years as a student, eventually visiting with Mary as his dating partner, fiancée, wife, and mother to their children.
I have watched this family grow from five plus one spouse to five plus three spouses and a litter of beautiful grandchildren.
Dan's preaching throughout his Crieve Hall tenure was flavored with numerous family stories, of fun and sadness, successes and failures and all things in between. Dan maintained a respect for God's inspired scripture, teaching its admonitions on the importance of family and the self-sacrifice needed by BOTH husbands/fathers and wives/mothers in order to fulfill its purpose of a nurturing and fruitful environment for all.
I benefited from this emphasis, as a newly married neophyte, sleepwalking toward parenthood, needing direction to help me be the husband Kimberly deserves and the parent our children deserve.
With that said, my heart now aches for the pain that Dan and Diane, the children of Matthew and Mary and the brothers, Daniel and Jacob, are having to endure.
Hearing the news of their son's murder a year ago, I know they have had to dealt with the natural grieving process of a loss of a close loved one, the unnatural grief caused by the loss of a child, the most cruel realization that his killer was one he and they held most dear, enduring one's faith being attacked as a backward cult-like faction and finally having their child's reputation dragged through the mire of character assassination without restraint and accountability.
Dan and Diane have truly endured the trials that only Job could understand and empathize with. They have maintained a model of Christ-like living, exhibiting dignity, restraint, poise, and grace throughout this media-driven madness. They have showed the love for their son by being respectful and graceful to his accused killer.
There are no winners now that that the jury has announced its decision, only losers. Guilt or innocence did not bring back the father to three bewildered children, whose memories of their father will soon begin to fade prematurely. Guilt or innocence did not erase the deed that Mary has admitted to doing. Guilt or innocence did not wash away the accusations on Matthew's character. And finally, guilt or innocence did not bring back the warm embrace of the grieving mother, earnestly desiring to hold the life that she brought into this world.
The decision of voluntary manslaughter does not undo the harm done, but justice demanded that a verdict be rendered for all the wrongs done to the most innocent — both man's attempt in its decision today and God's final judgment in the eternal realm."
Please pray for all involved.
Friday, 04/20/07
Verdict in Winkler case can't make up for family's lossBy TRUMAN BEAN
Tennessee Voices
"With the jury's verdict of voluntary manslaughter in the death of Matthew Winkler, a few important concerns need to be brought forth.
I have known Dan and Diane Winkler, Matthew's parents, through his tenure as the main pulpit minister at Crieve Hall Church of Christ (where we are members) for a decade in the '90s and early 2000s. Their sons, Daniel and Jacob along with their newly formed families and ever-new additions, were members also. Matthew visited during his college years as a student, eventually visiting with Mary as his dating partner, fiancée, wife, and mother to their children.
I have watched this family grow from five plus one spouse to five plus three spouses and a litter of beautiful grandchildren.
Dan's preaching throughout his Crieve Hall tenure was flavored with numerous family stories, of fun and sadness, successes and failures and all things in between. Dan maintained a respect for God's inspired scripture, teaching its admonitions on the importance of family and the self-sacrifice needed by BOTH husbands/fathers and wives/mothers in order to fulfill its purpose of a nurturing and fruitful environment for all.
I benefited from this emphasis, as a newly married neophyte, sleepwalking toward parenthood, needing direction to help me be the husband Kimberly deserves and the parent our children deserve.
With that said, my heart now aches for the pain that Dan and Diane, the children of Matthew and Mary and the brothers, Daniel and Jacob, are having to endure.
Hearing the news of their son's murder a year ago, I know they have had to dealt with the natural grieving process of a loss of a close loved one, the unnatural grief caused by the loss of a child, the most cruel realization that his killer was one he and they held most dear, enduring one's faith being attacked as a backward cult-like faction and finally having their child's reputation dragged through the mire of character assassination without restraint and accountability.
Dan and Diane have truly endured the trials that only Job could understand and empathize with. They have maintained a model of Christ-like living, exhibiting dignity, restraint, poise, and grace throughout this media-driven madness. They have showed the love for their son by being respectful and graceful to his accused killer.
There are no winners now that that the jury has announced its decision, only losers. Guilt or innocence did not bring back the father to three bewildered children, whose memories of their father will soon begin to fade prematurely. Guilt or innocence did not erase the deed that Mary has admitted to doing. Guilt or innocence did not wash away the accusations on Matthew's character. And finally, guilt or innocence did not bring back the warm embrace of the grieving mother, earnestly desiring to hold the life that she brought into this world.
The decision of voluntary manslaughter does not undo the harm done, but justice demanded that a verdict be rendered for all the wrongs done to the most innocent — both man's attempt in its decision today and God's final judgment in the eternal realm."
Please pray for all involved.
Monday, April 23, 2007
If you don't like good news don't read this...
Sunday was another banner day for Spring Meadows. Another "record regular" Sunday attendance wise - we had 203 present. I have been saying for a few weeks that some Sunday soon we'd pop up over that 200 mark...and we did it Sunday! That night 133 returned and among other things heard about exciting work that Steven is doing in Costa Rica and prayed for some missionaries (Andrew and Natalie Hayes) we are helping send to Cambodia. Our total contribution was near $9000. We recognized deacons for several specific areas. BUT ALL OF THAT, THOUGH EXCITING PALES IN COMPARISON to the one baptism we had. We welcome Haley Paul to our growing family (see previous post)! Thanks for all your prayers for the work here - it is the prayers of others and the blessings of God that is making great things happen here! I know most of the readers here want to know this.
The Gospel Still Works...
If I remember correctly: Sue met her on a visit to the doctor and invited her to a Friend Day. You know how that works, but this time the invitation was accepted. Claudia came and found "her" church that day. She heard the gospel time and again and after a few months was baptised into Christ. Yesterday her 16 year old daughter, Haley, came forward and God added her to His church. Claudia's husband is now attending with her. The story is not over. You never know what a simple invitation will do. Remember our next Friend Day at Spring Meadows is May 6 - it could be a day your friend could remember for eternity. God is good.
Sunday, April 08, 2007
More...
"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us..." (Ephesians 3:20 ESV).
Ever thought about that verse in relationship to your life, to your family, to the church? If all that is happening in these venues is what you expect, you must not be expecting enough. If nothing is happening, then you must not be asking enough. Think about it. MORE. Dream more, ask more, imagine more...believe more! What more is God doing in the realms of your life? "Don't limit God" - He can always do more!
So many of you have assured me of your constant prayers for the Spring Meadows church and so many of you ask about it all. So an encouraging update seems due: Last week we set "normal" records all around. Our Sunday morning crowd was 187, Sunday Bible school 156, Sunday night 149 and Wednesday night 116 - all records. Then today (April 8) we had 241 present - a new all time high. God certainly has blessed this work - "Easter Sunday" last year 78 were present.
The names of nine prospective deacons and their respective areas were presented to the church...it could have been 20 or more but we weren't going for numbers in this attempt but trying to buttress some specific areas where we needed servant leadership.
On May 6 we are planning a spring picnic "at the property" and hope to have a BIG announcement soon about that day.
Thank you all...but most of all praise our Father, He is doing great things here...more than we could ask or imagine.
As a friend asks - need I say more?
Ever thought about that verse in relationship to your life, to your family, to the church? If all that is happening in these venues is what you expect, you must not be expecting enough. If nothing is happening, then you must not be asking enough. Think about it. MORE. Dream more, ask more, imagine more...believe more! What more is God doing in the realms of your life? "Don't limit God" - He can always do more!
So many of you have assured me of your constant prayers for the Spring Meadows church and so many of you ask about it all. So an encouraging update seems due: Last week we set "normal" records all around. Our Sunday morning crowd was 187, Sunday Bible school 156, Sunday night 149 and Wednesday night 116 - all records. Then today (April 8) we had 241 present - a new all time high. God certainly has blessed this work - "Easter Sunday" last year 78 were present.
The names of nine prospective deacons and their respective areas were presented to the church...it could have been 20 or more but we weren't going for numbers in this attempt but trying to buttress some specific areas where we needed servant leadership.
On May 6 we are planning a spring picnic "at the property" and hope to have a BIG announcement soon about that day.
Thank you all...but most of all praise our Father, He is doing great things here...more than we could ask or imagine.
As a friend asks - need I say more?
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
The All Name Hall of Fame.
Names: The report this morning said that new research has revealed that children as young as 12 months who do not respond to their name may be autistic. Names - they mean something to us don't they.
Names: With apologies to Shake sphere "a rose by any other name" might be as sweet but if you asked me to come smell a skunk I'd probably think you'd lost it.
Names: I was blessed with a good name. I've not always kept it up but hope that when the balance is done I will pass on a name still healthy to my sons.
Names: My mom's family has several folks in the "all name hall of fame": There's Inez, and Woollen, and Joleen, and Bervie, and Rey. She has an uncle named Pub and dad has one who goes by Pie, or is it the other way around.
Names: Biblically God seems to think names are important. He named Adam, changed Jacob's name, and Abram's. Saul became Paul and Joses became Barnabas.
Names: Then there's name calling. And for anyone who believes names are not significant imagine crying one of the names of derision you've heard for some societal group in a crowded theater.
Names: Some say the name on the front of the building means nothing - they don't know what they are saying. Names are significant. I would not name a church trying to give glory to God after some man, or doctrine. The name can lie - it may claim to belong to Christ but really not, so a name can deceive, but it also reveals.
Names: Your name and mine. How we behave, what we say and do is significant for someday the Lord will call our name and judge us. Take care of it.
Names: With apologies to Shake sphere "a rose by any other name" might be as sweet but if you asked me to come smell a skunk I'd probably think you'd lost it.
Names: I was blessed with a good name. I've not always kept it up but hope that when the balance is done I will pass on a name still healthy to my sons.
Names: My mom's family has several folks in the "all name hall of fame": There's Inez, and Woollen, and Joleen, and Bervie, and Rey. She has an uncle named Pub and dad has one who goes by Pie, or is it the other way around.
Names: Biblically God seems to think names are important. He named Adam, changed Jacob's name, and Abram's. Saul became Paul and Joses became Barnabas.
Names: Then there's name calling. And for anyone who believes names are not significant imagine crying one of the names of derision you've heard for some societal group in a crowded theater.
Names: Some say the name on the front of the building means nothing - they don't know what they are saying. Names are significant. I would not name a church trying to give glory to God after some man, or doctrine. The name can lie - it may claim to belong to Christ but really not, so a name can deceive, but it also reveals.
Names: Your name and mine. How we behave, what we say and do is significant for someday the Lord will call our name and judge us. Take care of it.
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