Facebook Bible Verses

It can be quite a task to come up with something interesting in my Facebook status box. I might make the mark a few times, but after awhile things started to get mundane. Do people really need to know that my day is going to be tough? Do people need to know that I bowled a 161? Do people really need to know that I like bacon? Probably not.

A few days ago, with nothing left to put there, I put a Bible verse for my status. I have been doing this for almost a week. I received multiple comments from people who mention that this was a great start for their day, or that it was what they needed to pick themselves up when they were down.

I can tell you right now that God's Holy Word will go do much more good for those on Facebook than anything I can write. So, if you like the verses, you'll be seeing a lot more of it :-).

Oakfield Youth Group at Work

The Oakfield Youth Group met this past Sunday to put the final touches on the relief bags for Haiti. With help from the congregation and some funds from the group, they were able to prepare 14 bags that will be mailed to help in the relief effort.

This picture was taken in the Youth Room as we were putting in the final components. From left to right: Christa Droste, Youth Group leader; Mack Shaffer & Robert Easterson.

Thank you to all of those who gave money or materials to make this happen.

The Shepherd

This is our dog, Weaver. She has grown up quite a bit since I've last blogged about her. She still demonstrates some puppy behavior, but she has grown up quite a bit. As you can see, she remains vigilant for our safety while we are in the house. She'll definitely let us know of if anyone gets near the house...it's a blessing and a curse. :)

Each morning during the week, I take Weaver for a walk. We explore all sorts of places in Oakfield each day. This morning, our walk took us by a farm that has sheep. According to the agency that we adopted Weaver from, she is part Australian Shepherd. "We'll see how this goes," I thought to myself.

Weaver definitely got pretty excited as we walked by. She kept tugging against the leash and she barked a little bit. The sheep, however, were in a sheltered area as we approached. Once they saw Weaver they came out of the shelter. They came forward about twenty feet and stopped...they looked right at Weaver.

As we continued on our way, they walk with us, keeping their same distance, but still focused on her. They were not skittish; they did not look scared. It was as if they were just fascinated with her. Even when we left the area, they continued to look.

This little incident reminded me of Easter. No...I am not saying my dog is Jesus.

We celebrate Jesus' triumph over death at Easter. We use Lent as a time to prepare for his arrival at Easter. As he gets nearer we allow ourselves to be fixed on him. Living in a busy society, other things in life may cause us to keep a distance greater from Him then we'd like. But, we continue to focus. He makes us calm. His excitement to see us never changes. Even when Easter is over, it is our hope that we continue to stay focused on Jesus.

Weaver is a shepherd. Jesus is the Shepherd.

God be with you and keep you safe. Have a good weekend!

New Commercial Opportunities

I do enjoy living in the Oakfield community. It is quiet, peaceful and friendly. I like walking to get my mail each day and I appreciate how easy it is to take a walk and not worry about traffic.

The main drawback to living in Oakfield is that there is not much commercial development in the city. For almost anything, we need to travel to Fond du Lac. We have a gas station/convenience store, a bank, a salon and a bar/restaurant. We have a few other small business, but these are the ones that come to mind or are businesses we have frequented.

A few months ago I heard a rumor that they were doing to be putting a seven store strip mall in the lot where the grocery store used to be. Some were questioning if it would ever happen. It appears that this is going to happen! The picture that you see is what remains of one of the old buildings.

Christa and I have been trying to brainstorm a list of stores that we would like to see in there. I have to counter that with thinking of stores that also have the potential to survive in a city of 1,000 people. Thus far, I think a Subway would be great. I also think a ice cream/candy store may have some potential. Does anyone else have any ideas?

Regardless, I celebrate any steps that Oakfield makes to expand. Between this and the new housing development taking place by the old Belle Reynolds school, I an encouraged by what could happen in this community.

The Office to Come

As I was driving over to Tabor church this morning, I contemplated working in new pastor's office. I am just very excited!!! The picture you see to the left was taken from the closet of the office. At this time there is no furniture.

I figured I could grab a table and a chair and get to work. But, without a completed phone jack and access to supplies, it seemed like a stretch. So, I went upstairs to the multipurpose room.

I can say that I am excited for the first time when I can use this new office. There is a great deal to look forward to:

• I will appreciate having a space in the church that allows for complete privacy. I can meet with people knowing that no one else has access to that room.
• My office is right by the entrance to the church. No more searching for the pastor's office!
  
• I can come in to prepare for Sunday services without interruption. It's not that I don't appreciate meeting with people before church.
  

I want to say how appreciative I am in this church for being willing to go forth with this construction project at a time when the economy is down. I am appreciative that they have budgeted for a space for the pastor to have an office. I am blessed and I am thankful for the gifts that God has given us!

A Deep Breathe Day

The one thing I do appreciate about taking Monday off is that it leaves me excited about Tuesday because I know I'll be busy; I am anticipating the opportunity to get back to work (I know, I know) Technically, I didn't take Monday completely off. Shhh... I taught Confirmation class last night. Last night was our last class...the next time we meet we'll be rehearsing for Confirmation Sunday on April 18.

Between that and getting up at 5:30AM this morning, I was pretty beat. It wasn't until I looked on my to-do list application on my phone that I realized how much I really had to do today. My total work time was shrunk by the fact that I had to meet with my clergy mentor as I prepare for my yearly meeting with the District Committee on Ministry. It was a wonderful meeting and it was great to see Lucretia again, but it did take away from my work day.

I made some great progress on the to-do list today. But, it was the technology stuff that got me messed up. I was trying to work on the website and nothing was working with it. The formatting is off, fonts are matching and I accidentally deleted some stuff. After 20 futile minutes up not making any progress, I finally just stopped! I greatly enjoy that we have a website and I think it is a wonderful way to keep the community informed about what we are doing. But, it takes up a lot of time to keep updated.

I have really had some lessons in long-range planning and prioritizing those things that need to get done. This was the first day where I wasn't able to get done everything that I wanted to get done. It's hard to believe there was a time when I wondered what I would do to fill up the day...today it felt like there was too much! It is good to know that I will stay busy, and find a way to manage everything. :-D

March 14, 2010 Service

This Sunday we gather for the Fourth Sunday of Lent by examining the question, "Will the Judge of all the Earth do what Is just?" This is another question that we often ask of God. We ask it in a world where we often see injustice and oppression. We ask in times when we see suffering in the world. What does it mean to be just? What does it mean to be righteous? Is God just?

This Sunday is also a United Methodist Sunday with a special offering. We will take an offering for One Great Hour of Sharing. If you would like to know more about this offering, please click here. I hope you will consider giving additional money to this worthy cause.

At the Oakfield church, we will be taking the "Noisy Cans" offering as well. This offering is taken the second Sunday of the month. It is comprised of the loose change that you have with you. It is an offering taken by the Sunday school kids...the money raised from this offering goes to help mission work in Senegal.

At the Tabor church, we will be celebrating a moment of Christian witness. Church member Irene Schrubbe will be sharing her Christian journey with us during the worship service!

The Bible readings for this Sunday are:

• Joshua 5:9-12
• 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
• Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
  

See you in church!