May 5, 2008- This is the 11th anniversary of my first Sunday as pastor of Eastside. In that time I have preached thousands of sermons (52 of 66 books in the Bible included), driven 20,000+ miles picking people up, spent 30+ full days learning to be a better pastor, and led over 1500 hours of meetings.
Yesterday, Lisa Thomas announced the results of the pastoral review we had. The board was "pleased" with the current pastoral arrangement, and that I would be asked to serve for four more years. I took notes from our meeting, and have things I will work to do better. But the church leaders want me to remain.
What have I accomplished?
We are within 6 of the highest average attendence since I've been here (last year and 2000, both at 40, 58 below the church's high of 98 in 1992). We are within 4 of the lowest average of my pastorate and the church, 32 in 2005.
We have more people attending our church who were not originally Nazarenes than ever before (41 of 72).
We also have fewer men, members and school-aged children than ever before.
I have spent hours, energy and dollars trying to get new people to our church.
I have also spent thousands of hours trying to keep those who are mad from leaving, unsuccessfully most of the time. (6 of those 11 families have left the church, with 3 of the 6 saying it was not me, and 3 leaving because they were upset with me).
And we've had our rash of out-of-wedlock pregnancies.
People have been saved, and people have been loved.
When I was young and knew everything, I quoted Paul, "Even if I am a drink offering (an offering burnt up in the offering without remains- completely unknown when gone), I celebrate my opportunity to help your faith."
Do I believe that?
So I am going to make disciples for Jesus for the rest of my time here, and the rest of my life. Whatever happens, and however those I care for end up, I will make efforts each day to follow Christ and help others follow Christ. The results are Christ's job, but I will work to do my part each day.
What will you do that makes a difference? How will you spend your life?
April 21- Thanks for a great week! You know you're fortunate when you look at your wife, kids and life and just grin, thanking God for being so good...We had a good time together Sunday.
I love the Stairway to Heaven series- this week we talked about Acts 8, where an accomplished, intelligent man tired to learn about God- but was smart enough- and active enough- to accept Christ when offered.
Ask Eric about Dorothy- they seem to fit together well.
We got some difficult news about another baby, but are trusting God to fix that, and some other dysfunctional relationships and choices around.
Aren't we glad we don't have to be perfect for Jesus to love and help us?
The ladies had a blast at Women of Worth.
Teen camp forms are out- We will be working to provide LINKS for the teens to God, each other, and others. It's going to be great! I will be speaking this year, part of a team with Mark Barnes, Mark Eby and Mike McClure- three friends that I am pumped about working with. Things are coming together well, and we're looking forward to what God can do with NC teens!
I also got my district reports in on time (except the one I have to mail)- thanks for the reminder, Sherm!
April 14- Back from Spring Break!
We had a great time at Myrtle Beach with the family, in spite of a COLD spell. If you are in the market for a time share, this is a wonderful one- South Beach Resort (www.SouthBeachResortMyrtleBeach.com) , about 22nd S & Ocean - try them or buy in (we got a VERY reasonable package), and mention the Bells and we can get extra points!
On April 4-5, Encounter Weekend was a hit as well! We had a great time with pastors & people from Rocky Mount, Havelock & Archdale churches. Pastor Mark Eby was a wonderful host, and all five people who made the effort to take the trip from Eastside said it was well worth it. Now we are preparing for LINKS Teen Camp, then Eastside's first Encounter event August 15-17!
March 28, 2007- The first day of TNT- the first TNT I've missed since 2001. Sad :(
This Sunday was Easter- usually a lower week for us.But this year, we had 46 people, and only 1 of them could be considered a visitor. We also had, by my count, at least 15 people who considered this their church who DIDN’T come. That would make 60 without visitors! (If half of us brought 1 visitor and we all came, we would be at 90!)
On Sunday we have dinner together and our short annual meeting, as well as our first Pre-Encounter meeting for those going. I wish we had more going, but am excited about who is going. We'll have fun, and hopefully be ready to start INVESTing in reality when we get back!
March 15, 2008- The Ides of March. Each year, the enemy, or people being influenced by the enemy, try to stop the work of God. They may be influenced by what they think is best for the church, or by anger, frustration or hurt. But when a Christian destroys the community they are part of with their action or inaction, they hurt the Kingdom.
Many times that happens at this time of the year, when we should be the most unified and faithful.
But I guess as long as our boss put up with his creatures killing him, all we can do is love and pray... Thank the Lord for forgiveness and healing- both received and given!
March 13, 2008- I am really excited about church this week- it's going to be great! Come early and get a good seat- you don't want to miss anything!
Also, we have our Easter schedule up- join us for communion, a Good Friday viewing of "The Passion," and our Easter services.
Because of the time change, it will be a little later this year- be here to start the Day of the Lord's Resurrection with us!
Joe's Blog- Archive
February 26, 2008- We had a great Sunday this week, with good music and singing, special music, a puppet skit, Alabaster march and a message for those who were thirsty in their lives. That was followed by an excellent dinner together and a new parent workshop (below) We are thankful for God’s Spirit working in our midst, and only wish more people were participating in the blessing each week!
We had “Help, I had a Baby!,” a workshop for new parents on Sunday afternoon. Mrs. Millie Horne, from the Birthplace at Gaston Memorial, provided a great wealth of instruction on raising young children, including diapering, feeding, safety, parent interaction, sleeping arrangements, discipline, crying infants, teething and many other topics. Questions from the audience were varied and helpful, and all had a good time. Pastor Joe also provided help on the spiritual aspect of parenting, and the discipling, modeling and growth in adults that was needed to help children grow in the faith and knowledge of our Lord. Following up on this time, Eastside will be starting a regular “Mommy and Me” support time in the near future.
Eastside has had a locally famous simple nativity scene designed by Wayne Linder which “travels” to the manger on our property each Advent. During the last weeks of Lent this year, we hope to have a similar journey to the tomb and beyond. Stay tuned for updates!
February 16, 2008- It's happening- we're starting to INVEST!
We have also headed towards INVESTing (Invite- New Faith- Visit- Encounter- Study- Train) ministry, based on the G12/ Master’s Plan model. Two new small groups have started, and those who have been involved to date report good results. A group from Eastside is going to the Encounter weekend that will be held at Rocky Mount church April 4-5. We hope to be fully INVESTed in God, others and the process by late summer/ early fall. I would be glad to speak with anyone interested about our process, or you should be able to check out our website (www.EastsideNC.org) by the end of the week.
Our Men's accountability group now meets on Mondays at 7:30 pm. Our teen accountability group starts meeting at 4:00 on Thursdays this week. Our women will begin meeting more frequently soon. Teens meet each Thursday at 4 pm.
Accountability groups encourage each other to be honest about struggles and life, to memorize and learn scripture, and to live out the Christian life.
NC NYI TEEN CAMP NEWS!
LINKS- July 21-25, 2008 Camp Courtney, Hendersonville, NC- NC Teen Camp is coming! Teen camp forms should be out by March 14 if not earlier. From July 21-25, North Carolina teens and adults will gather at Camp Courtney in Hendersonville. We will have musical leadership from Trevecca and a series of North Carolina and related speakers to help us make saving, sanctifying, healing, ministering, calling and growing LINKS with God and others this summer and beyond. We anticipate over 300 campers plus the wonderful staff that has helped camp become a highlight for many teens for many years. Please be in prayer now for our speakers, staff and campers, that this might be another wonderful week of change, growth and equipping. Check out www.NCNYI.org by mid-March for more details, including a new camp web page!
Bell News
Pastor Joe finished Clinical Pastoral Education at Carolinas Medical Center on the 5th of February. It was a good, growing experience, but it took about 20 hours a week plus travel and four weekend days in the past six months, so it’s good to be done as well. We WILL have a CPE program running at Gaston Memorial this fall for those in the area who might want to take part. Call 704-834-2888 to get your name on the info list.
As some have noticed, Stephen Bell has also had some press in the past few days:
His YMCA basketball team, coached by his dad and Daniel Bellamy from Eastside, went undefeated this year, including a win of a live halftime match during the Charlotte Bobcats game on February 8.
His picture has also appeared a number of places lately- the bottom of the nationwide Chick-Fil-A kids meal bag, the Cleveland County Schools web site, and a number of catalog and journal covers. He is glad to sign autographs for anyone interested! He has all “A”s, perfect attendance, and his artwork is on display with classmates in a county schools exhibit at Gaston Memorial.
His sister Sarah now has a big girl bed, and is quick to help anyone around her who doesn’t know what to do!
Our “Adopt-A-Kid” Paul DeAngulo has applied for a district minister’s license this year, and survived the credentials board interview!
Eastside News
February 1, 2008- We are starting our new message series, "Meet Jesus", Sunday, with a call to all who are thirsty. It will be a great time of worship from our hearts, sharing our lives,a nd hearing God's word. Make sure you come and bring a friend or two!
|
