Revitalize Your Church

Never irritate a woman who can operate a backhoe! (special thanks to sister in law, Sandy, for sending this along to me.)

A class of second graders was asked why God made Moms. One little girl replied, "She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is!"

We used this video during our Christmas Eve services

Yesterday I preached a sermon about Tears. It was sparked a couple of months ago, when I was visiting my mother in Ohio, and discovered an old Bible (from the 1800's) that belonged to my great grandfather, John Wilson and his wife Juda. In this photo, John's the guy in the front on the left. Juda is in the middle. I was surprised to find an old handkerchief in the Bible, which I surmise, belonged to Juda. . . It was quite a treasure to discover and set me to pondering . . . what made Juda cry? What life experiences brought tears to her eyes? That led me to wonder what the Bible says about tears. So, I launched into a deep Scripture study -- which really blessed my heart. On Sunday morning, I shared my findings with the congregation. Here are my notes for you to decipher: What does Bible Say About Tears? 1, Tears of Grief and Sorrow: (John 11:35 “Jesus Wept”) St. Mary’s chaplain called our tears "holy water" American novelist Washington Irving wrote, " There is a...

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one. When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals. When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me, and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life. When you thought I wasn't looking, I heard you say a prayer, and I knew that there is a God I could always talk to, and I learned to trust in Him. When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other. When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing, and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don't. When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone ...

Here's an interesting article about Mother's Day from my friend, Ron McClung, Assistant General Secretary for the Wesleyan Church: Anna disliked Mother's Day. Can you imagine anyone feeling negative toward that special day? Actually, I have known people who were uncomfortable with Mother’s Day. Some have had mothers who mistreated, abused, or neglected them. Others are uncomfortable because they have been unable to have children themselves and Mother's Day reminds them of this disappointment. Still others have lost children, either through miscarriage or other untimely deaths, and Mother's Day opens a fresh wound, stimulating the pain all over again. Some have borne children, but gave them up for adoption or lost their children through some other means. Mother's Day becomes a negative reminder for such people. But none of these were reasons why Anna disliked Mother's Day. She didn't like it because it was so commercialized. She watched people sending gre...

Busy Moms Learn How To Balance Family and Faith

If Rajo Devi goes to church next Mother's Day, she will win the "Oldest Mother" Award.

Happy Mom's Day! An elementary school teacher was teaching a science lesson to her class one day. Describing a magnet, she said, "Class, I'm thinking of a word with six letter, starts with 'M' and picks things up. Can you guess what it is?" Half the class shouted, "MOTHER!!!!"

Hayward Wesleyan Family, At Church, this Sunday, Mother's Day, I'm going to talk about "How to Have a Happy Home." The text for my message is Eph. 5:21-6:9. You can read it here. Some food for thought: 1. What does this Scripture say about submitting? How does verse 21 relate to verse 22? 2. According to the passage, what is the wife's duty to her husband? 3. The husband's duty to his wife? 4. Children's duty to parents? 5. Parent's duty to children? 6. How should we handle the passage about slaves and masters? How do we bring that to today's context? Songs we're doing Sunday include: All Things are Possible Blessed Be Your Name Come, Now is the Time to Worship I Surrender All Jesus, All for Jesus We'll also honor the moms and dedicate a couple of babies (9:40 & 11:00). We'll enjoy a delightful Mother's Day Tribute video, and a trumpet solo by Sam Yoder. I look forward to seeing you!