Anonymous Letters

As a pastor I have often received anonymous letters. Some have been encouraging, but most have been downright ugly and evil. So you'll understand my ammusment with the following blog posted by my dear pastor friend Rev. Paul Grabill. Enjoy.

How to Write an Anonymous Letter

Today I gave counsel by phone to a dear pastor friend who received a nasty anonymous letter. Usually, it's best not to read something that has no name at the end. But it's hard to resist knowing what people think of us, even though we know it's probably going to be ugly.

It reminds me of the story of the famous New England preacher, Henry Ward Beecher, upon ascending into the ornate pulpit found a note with one word, "FOOL." He held it up to the congregation and said, "This is odd. I've known of people who have written a letter and forgot to sign their name, but this is the first time I've known of someone to sign their name and forget to write the letter."

Anyhow, here is my proposal for an honest Christian anonymous letter:

Dear Pastor:

As you can tell by the end of the letter, I have chosen not to sign my name. The reason is obvious: I am a coward. Why can't I just admit that I'm a coward and deal with it? Well, you guessed it, I'm too cowardly to admit that I'm a coward.

Anyhow, I digress. The purpose of this letter is to share with you the inner venom that I have been holding toward you, but can't seem to be able to honestly share with you. I know the Bible says to speak the truth in love, but you're going to have to pray for me about that love thing. It's not there, especially for you.

I realize hit-and-run is illegal when you are using a car, but last I checked it's not when you use a pen. If I'm wrong, I trust God will forgive me.

I guess that may mean that you won't take seriously anything I'm about to say. I understand that. Of course, I'm not really writing this for you. I'm writing it for me. I've got to vent my spleen, or get a spiritual hernia. You understand, I'm sure. Don't you ever do that in sermons?

Well, please know that at this point I'm so angry at you that I can't seem to frame it in a way that anyone would respect--and certainly not you. But I'm still angry, you understand, really, really angry. I mean reeeaaaally angry.

I realize, too, that you won't be able to help me because you don't know who I am. That's my choice. I don't want your help, even though the church pays you tens of thousands of dollars a year to help us. Maybe you can help other people, but not me. I don't know if it's pride or rage or what it is, but I don't want help, even from God, at this point. Some people need a pastor; I don't. If I did, I'd let you know.

So, since I'm here to deal with the speck in your eye, let me proceed with how I want to bring you down to where I am...

Sincerely,

An Anonymous Saint

You can vist His blog at www.scassembly.blogspot.com

YUMMMY - SARRIS CANDY

Thanks to my wonderful mother in-law dessert was wonderful tonight! We received a nice litt care package from PA today, which included the finest chocolate in the world, Sarris Chocolate from Cannonsburg, PA. The delicious milk chocolate just melted in my mouth. Oh what I wouldn't do to be able to go to my local Shop-n-Save and pick up a few bars and a bag of their famous chocolate covered pretzels.

Since I am on the subject of food, I guess I will continue with foods I really miss from PA that can't be found in the midwest.
A-Treat Soda products. I really miss my Birch Beer and Red Cream Soda.
Shoo Fly Pie. There is just something about going to grammys house and having a slice of homemade pie. Not to mention her wonderful chocolate mayonnase cake with peanut butter icing. And how can I forget her Funny Cake and chocolate marshmallow delight.
Last night almost did me in. While watching the Food Network they went to Pittsburgh and showed the world the beautiful Primanti's sandwich. Fresh sliced bread, with your choice of meat, piled high with fries, topped with coleslaw and tomato.
Thinking of restaurants, my wife really misses Eat-n-Park. Their grilled chicken salad (with the fries allready on) and the smiley cookie.
TastyKakes. Peanut butter candy cakes (Double filled) and butterscotch krimpets (double iced).
Probably one of the biggest things I miss is Lebanon Bologna. I think Seltzer's makes the best but for me any will do just fine.
I cant leave out the best mustard dipping sauce, Herlocher's. And of course you have to buy it in the Penn State jar.
And, oh yeah, a real slice of pizza from Pastor Erics favorite Jake's Pizza Belle Vernon, not crackers with ketchup and cheese (st. louis style).

Well those are just a few of the flavors of PA that I miss. So if any one actually reads my blog and is wondering what to get me for Valentines, Fathers Day, Birthday, or Christmas I left you links where you can order it. Or if you live in PA you can just go to Giant Eagle, Sheetz, Sarris, Eat-n-Park or any place near lancaster and buy and ship it to me. I love you all. And hope that one day some of these items make there way to St. Louis.

http://www.papantry.com/Qstore.cgi

Happy 15th

Happy anniversary to my beautiful wife of 15 years! I cant begin to express the joy I have experienced growing deeper in love with Suzanne every year. Being married 15 years has lots of memories. How we met (Penn-Del Kids Kamp 1987). Our first kiss (7th hole of the Penn-Del golf course). Our first dinner (sorry I don't remember, it's a guy thing. But I'm sure Suzanne will comment). My proposal of marriage (Fountain Hills, AZ). Our wedding (Beautiful snow covered day, and just for the record I wasn't crying I had something in both eyes, I think it was the reflection of my bride). Our first apartment (Phoenix, AZ). Our first home (State College, PA "The PA Promised Land"). Our first youth group (S. C. Assembly of God, Impact Youth Ministries, we love you guys and think of you often. It is so awesome to see so many of you in full-time ministry and others of you very active in ministry in your churches). Our second youth group (Waynesburg, PA Crosstraining Youth, we love you and are proud of you).
We have made so many friends over the past 15 years it is hard to count them all. But you have all played a vital role in making us who we are.

As I write this with Suzanne asleep beside me, I can't help but think how unfulfilled my life would be with out her. She is a great wife. One that cares deeply for me and would do anything for me. She is truly a reflection of God's grace and glory. She strives to be the best Christian she can and she demonstrates that in public and at home. She makes it so easy for me to love her. I hope and pray that the next 15 are as blessed and wonderful as the first 15. With so many marriages ending in divorce, I am thankful that mine just gets stronger.

I LOVE YOU SUZANNE!!!
XXXOOOXXXOOOXXXOOO

Now A Proud Mac Man

I am now the proud owner of a Mac Book. Let me just say that after 2 weeks I wonder why I didn't purchase one earlier. I am loving it. The functionality, the ease of learning, and the outstanding software are no match for windows. So if you are in the market for a new puter, I recomend going with a Mac.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year!
For the new year I pray that you will grow closer to the Lord. That you will have an intimate relationship with him. One that is more than just going to church on Sunday. One that moves you from the church pew (or chair, depending on your church) to lost souls in the world. I pray that 2007 will be the greatest year of harvest that the church has ever experienced. What will you do, who will you touch, how bright will your light shine for Christ.

With so much vying for our attention in todays world, we tend to loose focus on what is really important. This year let us resolve to be like Joshua and live by the resolution: "As for me and my house we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:15. To follow David with a resolution to: Pray, Praise (at all times, when we praise there is no way we can complain, gossip or even ) and Meditate on the Word (Ps. 116:1-2, Ps. 34:1, Ps. 119:15-16). To resolve to be separate from the world as Daniel did (Daniel 1:4-12). And finally to be like the prodigal son and resolve that life is better when we are in our fathers house with his blessings (Luke 15:14).

Exercise

As each day goes by, I look at myself in the mirror and say, "Man I am really out of shape. I need to start exercising." This seems to be my mantra about every 3 years. Most likely I will start to exercise again and loose about 20 lbs. But in 3 years I can already see myself saying the same thing again. So maybe I just need to say, "O well, Wayne, your getting older and being physically fit isn't as important as it was when I was in H.S. and College." But then again all the Dr.s say it is more important as you get older to be active and in good shape. It helps you maintain good health and avoid the hospital and the medicine. I have noticed and people have commented that I look much better and seem to be more energetic when I am at a lower weight.

I'm not one for making New Years resolutions, but I do like to set goals for myself. So what are some of the goals you have set for 2007?

Tis the Season

What are your plans for Christmas. We are planning on staying out here in the snowless Mid West. Christmas Eve we will celebrate with our church family in the morning. Christmas day we will enoy the morning with just our family, go to our friends in the afternoon and party.

So is Christmas just another excuse to spend money we don't have and get together with people and stuff our faces, or is there more to it. My hope for all who read this is that you will grow closer in your relationship with the Lord. Tis the season to rejoice in His birth. Christ came to allow for us to have a relationship with God. That relationship is what keeps me going from day to day. Tis the Season all year round.

Spare Time

What do we do with our spare time? (Reuters - Americans use TV ...) For me I know I don't mind the time I veg in front of the TV. But how much is too much. What are we neglecting or feeding when we are spending hours in front of the tube. When is the last time you spent 30 minutes in prayer instead of watching Seinfeld. Or when was the last time you read your Bible for an hour instead of surfing the web for something interesting like my blog? Even better when is the last time you took a couple of hours and went out into your community (maybe just to your neighbors) and talked to them about the love of Christ?

We seem to be able to come up with all kinds of excuses for why we can't do certain things, but what do you think the Lord's response to us is? Can you even imagine a world where just the Christians used their spare time to grow in their relationship with God or to help disciple a new believer or even to go out and be bold in spreading the good news?

Come On Ring Those Bells

Paul Grabill - It seems to me that it is often the older congregations that often teach that faith is a very private affair that are the ones most likely to have church bells that ring throughout American communities.We evangelicals normally keep our loud music within the four walls.:)I've always wondered why there aren't more complaints than there are about unsolicited music from ancient boom boxes (bell towers).

Here's a New York Times article about them bells, Christmas and otherwise.
What do you think?

Where Have They All Gone

A couple of weeks ago I preached a message on Leaving a Lasting Legacy. In that message I made the observation that in our church and in the majority of main-line denominational churches there is a huge age gap. The 25 to 55 year olds seem to be missing in action. I gave a couple of personal and statistical reasons for this, such as:
1. I was forced to attend church (a church I didn't like), where they crammed a bunch of thou shalt nots down my throat.
2. I can't just be myself at church, I feel everyone is judging me.
3. Church, what's that? I've never been.
4. The messages aren't relevant to my life. How many times do I really have to be told that I'm a sinner and if I don't "repent" and become "born again" I'm going to burn in hell forever. I got that message the first time when I was 5 and had nightmares for weeks. Trust me, I was scared into heaven. Tell me what the bible says about keeping my marriage together, how to raise my kids, what is good financial planning, how do I deal with my inlaws, how do I balance a busy schedule, etc...
5. The church I attended seemed to draw all the grumpy people, no one ever smiled.
6. I feel I have a stronger walk with God on my own, than having to be quilted into my salvation and service for Him.
7. I was really hurt by some people at my church growing up.
8. There a bunch of hypocrites. Act like angels on Sunday and devils the rest of the week.
9. I'm not sure what to do when I go to church. When I go to a movie I know to go in sit down (with popcorn and soda) and watch the movie. At a sporting event I know to go and root for my favorite team (at church its like they are all on the loosing team, where is the excitement?). At the grocery store, I know to go in, get my items, pay and leave. I mean even at the Dr. I know to sign in at the desk, have a seat, pick up a magazine and it'll be at least 30 to 40 min. Before the Dr. gets to me. But what am I supposed to do at church? Do I sit on the right or the left, or maybe there is assigned seating (there is a Bible that's been left in that spot every week and a the same person seems to claim it every week but never takes it home)? Do I sit, stand, clap, raise my hands, sing loud, sing soft, bring my Bible, read off the screen, smile, look grumpy, compliment the musicians (or is it worship team, I'm so confused)? Should I complain when they sing a song I don't know or one that is too loud or to fast or God forbid to country for my taste. Should a shout amen when I agree with the pastor's message or keep it to myself because it was a personal moment. Do I go up for prayer when I need it, or will everyone else be making assumptions (He's sick, his wife is leaving him, he manages his money poorly, he has an addiction to something) of what I am requesting prayer for? Do I shake hands, hug a neck, or give a holy kiss? Should I come back on Sunday night and Wednesday night? What are these small groups I keep hearing about, but am never invited to?

On and on it goes. So why do you think people ages 25-55 are no longer interested in attending church? If your in that age group I would love to hear your response. And what needs to be done to attract them to church, with out compromising the Word of God.

Who said we had to wear a suit and tie to church. What about those ladies who cut off the circulation to their brain because their hair is pulled up so tight in a bun. Do we make the rules or do we live by the Word of God.?

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

Well I have waited three years for a big snow storm to hit East Alton, IL and it looks as if it will finally happen. I can only hope and pray. For once I hope my friends at AccuWeather (in the beautiful town of State College) are right. 6 to 12 inches of the fluffy white stuff. I love fresh fallen snow. It reminds me of the purity of my life when seen through the eyes of God. Thank you Jesus for your blood that makes me white as snow.

As an aside to this blog, let me direct you to a blog I read everyday. Pastor Paul Grabill of State College has a wonderful thought provoking blog www.scasssembly.blogspot.com, check it out. From time to time I may barrow his ideas or even use his posts on here. Thanks Paul for allowing me to do this.

Good Books

For those of you who enjoy reading I have some recommendations for you, but if you read them please drop me a post or email about what you think. In the past month I have completed The Barbarian Way & Chasing Daylight by Erwin McManus. I am currently reading Searching for God Knows What by Donald Miller. What unique and challenging books for the Christian. As with any book I don't know if I fully agree with all of there points, but they do cause you to search the Word of God. Another book that I have recently completed is Joseph by Charles Swindoll. I really enjoy the dramatic flair he has put into this Great Lives from God's Word series.

So how about you? Any recommendations? By the way, if you haven't checked out our churches website www.eaassembly.org what are you waiting for. There is basic info, as well as a resource page, and you can also listen to our Sunday Service online for free or download to your ipod.

Give Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving! We are blessed to live in this great land of liberty. To be able to worship Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. I am thankful for my salvation paid for on Calvary and for my freedom paid for on the battle line by my fellow Americans. Thank you Lord for my beautiful wife, my two great kids and a wonderful family. I pray that your day will be a blessed and happy one. Give thanks to the Lord!

My Space

What do you think about the My Space Craze? My son and wife both have one. Most of the youth of our church have one. They use it to witness to their friends (a lot of them anyway). What dangers do you see in it if you dont have a private page? For me blogging is a hard enough chore. So I don't know if I'll ever get a space. Then again you never know.

One of my favorite myspace friends to visit is www.myspace.com-prsspace Pastor Rich is one of the most creative (crazy) guys I know. While there be sure to visit Doug Sayers space.

Debt Free Christmas

This Sunday I challenged the congregation to have a debt free Christmas. To not only put away the plastic but to cut it up. We have become so enamored with living the overindulged American life, that we have actually put ourselves, our children and our churches on the endangered species list. By endangered I mean that we have become a slave to the companies that tell us to buy now, pay later.

Along with living credit card free for two months, I challenged them to cut back on gifts for each other, gifts that really aren't necessary and are soon (next day in many cases) forgotten, and to invest in missions. Take the $3.00 away from Starbucks or $1.00 from McyDs and invest it in the building of spiritual lives for the kingdom of heaven. For most of us, in just two months, we could invest $120.00 in reaching the lost if we just cut out that coffee or pop from the convenience store.

If your trying to live debt free, here is a great sight for you. www.daveramsey.com