July 9, 2009 10:05 a.m.

Today’s scripture readings are Proverbs 30-31 (http://tiny.cc/prov30_31).

I received a call the other day. It began this way: “I am the aunt of John McCain and I need for you to do a funeral for our family.” My immediate reply was: “Who has passed away?” Her response?  “John… of course.”

It took me a second. We had a member who passed away several years ago named John McCain. You may remember him as Patsy’s husband. I was not shocked that she called and asked for help with a funeral. I thought that maybe she had been to John’s or Patsy’s service and remembered me. I was shocked that she was calling about John.

To make a short story long, it is a different John McCain.

[Some of you may even remember that there was a John McCain who ran for president a long, long time ago. He’s still kicking and he already has a Pastor. Who knew Sarah Palin would retire before he did?]

She got my name from a funeral home director who knows me from another connection.

I will be headed downtown about 9:00 a.m. to help people I don’t know process grief. Grief is hard enough when you know the person helping you. How much harder is it when you are dealing with grief all alone?

I read articles every day online. Some are dull and others are irrelevant. Sometimes they are really done well. There are two that caught my eye today. They are linked here. The first speaks of grief. The second speaks of loneliness.

http://www.ethicsdaily.com/news.php?viewStory=14507

http://www.ethicsdaily.com/news.php?viewStory=14506

The two issues are linked much too often. Have you found yourself confused or bewildered or grieving and you look around and you just can’t find anyone to talk to? At that point it is hard to see which is more painful; the grief or the loneliness.

Church ought to be a place where those conversations occur. We will all grieve, but we should never feel alone in our struggles.

I have people ask me all the time: “Why should I come to church?”

Maybe it’s too simple an answer, but one might be…When someone you love dies; at least you know the person who will walk you through your grief.

Say a prayer for the McCain family today. They could sure use it.

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June 30, 2009 9:40 a.m.

Guest Blog by Keith Hamilton, Associate Minister of Music

Today’s readings are Psalm 106-110 (http://tiny.cc/psalm106_110) and Proverbs 21 (http://tiny.cc/prov21).

Jeff and I visited Kirby Follis, JVBC Pastor of Worship, yesterday morning at the hospital - Wendy and Kirby’s Mom and Dad were there.  Kirby seemed relaxed.  We laughed some and prayed a lot.

Kirby was in surgery from 12:00 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. yesterday.  He headed home later in the afternoon – wow!  Dr. Vito Speciale (church member) performed the surgery on his broken ankle.  Vito said it went well.  Kirby now has a plate, seven screws and a pin in his right ankle.  There was a ligament pulled loose, so they had to pin it.  That’s what made it hard to get the bones in place, but it went well. 

Wendy is waiting to see him now.  Kirby has a follow up doctor appointment Thursday. 

Thank you for your continued prayers for Kirby.  God is at work!  Now we pray for a speedy recovery.  They are at home now.  Wendy has asked for no visitors to their house for now.

Keep praying!!!

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June 26, 2009 12:10 p.m.

We finished a great week of VBS today – thank you to all the teachers, workers, and volunteers who made it a success!  We were able to share the Good News of Christ with hundreds of kids here at JVBC this week!

We will have a great musical presented by the JVBC Worship Choir and Orchestra in both services at 9:30 and 10:55 a.m. this Sunday, June 28.  Don’t miss it!

Another exciting event in the life of our church will be on Saturday, July 25 as Travis Cottrell brings his Jesus Saves Live Tour to JVBC! Tickets are $10 per person (general admission) and will be sold online at jvbc.org.  Click on the link below to purchase tickets online now, and please spread the word about this great community worship event to your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers.  Tickets will be held at the Will Call desk in His House to be picked up the night of the concert. Tickets are also available at the Church office during regular office hours. FREE childcare available birth through 5 years of age. Please RSVP for childcare online or by contacting Elaine Pendergrass at 713.466.6102. Childcare drop off begins at 5:30, the doors open at 6:00 p.m., and the concert starts at 7:00 p.m.

http://tiny.cc/tickets461

p.s. In case you were wondering, I do know that LSU won the College World Series.

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June 25, 2009 4:00 p.m.

Today’s readings are Psalm 86-90 (http://tiny.cc/psalm86_90) and Proverbs 17 (http://tiny.cc/prov17).

Kirby blogged this morning about an incredibly important event this weekend. If you were looking forward to my response to the College World Series please know that I have three comments: 1. I will wear purple and gold on July 12^th. 2. LSU was the better team last night. 3. The first picture in the media gallery at the link below says it all.

http://www.jvbc.org/main/photo_gallery.htm

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June 25, 2009 12:10 p.m.

Guest Blog by Kirby Follis, Pastor of Worship

East to West – Special Worship Services Sunday

It is my privilege to share something very special with you about this week’s worship services.  Your worship choir and orchestra have been working on “East to West.”  It is a musical celebration of Christ’s life, crucifixion, resurrection and second coming that is very exciting.  It features multiple soloists, duets and a trio and the best part is that it is designed for the congregation to sing the whole time.  It also features a personal testimony of God’s grace.  There are great songs we know and love like “East to West,” “By His Wounds” and “Nothing But the Blood.”  The words will be on the screens for you just like they are every Sunday.  This is no spectator sport.  The music is uplifting, the message is clear and truthful and life-changing and we have the opportunity to be a part of it in both services this Sunday morning, June 28.  Please take time to use the attached flyer as an invitation tool for neighbors, family and co-workers.

I believe what we do every Sunday morning as the body of Christ is vital.  This week, we have the chance to exalt Him in a little different way which should be very exciting.  I am so proud of our music ministries and the way they point the way to Christ.  I pray this Sunday will be no exception.  See you Sunday as we are reminded that God has removed our sin and healed us by His wounds.  We have every reason to rejoice in Him.  He is our Savior!  Join me Sunday as we celebrate Him and all He has done for us.

Click on the link below to download a flyer that you can pass along to friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers:

http://www.jvbc.org/documents/6.09EasttoWestflyer.pdf

A Personal Note

I want to thank each of you for your prayers, care and concern for me and my family.  The past few days have been difficult.  The break in my ankle is severe – one of the worst breaks you can have.  It will be repaired surgically Monday, June 29, at noon at Willowbrook Methodist Hospital.  On top of that, I contracted a virus that leaves you with a deep, raspy cough, chills and absolutely no energy.  Thankfully, it is starting to lift.

I believe the answer to my every need can be found in my Lord, Jesus Christ.  He is my healer and my joy.  I also believe that your prayers on our behalf are the reason we have been able continue to function in light of this accident and the ensuing pain and disability.  Thank you for your continued prayers for me, Wendy, Hannah, Ian and Nathan.  It is my joy to serve you as Pastor of Worship.  Thank you for your love, support and encouragement during the good times and the bad.

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