tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15302739080252014252024-02-08T13:34:19.299-05:00See What God Is Doing!This is a blog that details how God is working in and through the lives of James and Joan Swanson. It is meant to glorify God and to offer hope to anyone who is going through a time of decision and change.James Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094007549042502782noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1530273908025201425.post-7222905273930617192010-02-09T10:04:00.002-05:002010-02-09T10:28:10.694-05:00Where did that come from?If you read my blog from yesterday you may be wondering 'Where did that come from?' I just had a couple of weeks off to study and I spent hours and hours writing and researching. Sunday was my first Sunday back in the pulpit, leading worship, etc. and I really struggled. I found myself 'doing church' or 'doing my job'. I knew that something was wrong but I just could not put my finger on it. As I prayed about it I began to realize that I had slipped into filling a pulpit, trying to grow a church, trying to make people happy. <br /><ul><li>God was saying "now is the time to stretch the boundaries, the time to challenge and be challenged, the time to take tremendous steps of faith, the time for the mustard seed". </li></ul><ul><li>My faith level was saying "sure, sounds good, but have you looked around at my reality? I am afraid - there is a precarious balancing act going on and I do not want to upset the apple cart, wouldn't it be better just to accept what is?" </li></ul>The moment I realized what was in my heart I confessed it to God and asked Him for His picture again. I simply cannot accept just filling a place or position. There is too much at stake, too many broken lives, too much eternity . . . it does not matter what anyone else expects, it matters what God has given me to do.<br /><br />Thanks for praying. God is challenging <span style="font-weight: bold;">me</span> to grow so that <span style="font-weight: bold;">we</span> can grow. <span style="font-style: italic;">I cannot lead where I have not been.</span>youareamiraclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07474879195485007037noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1530273908025201425.post-54565964765533214252010-02-08T17:05:00.002-05:002010-02-08T17:37:54.527-05:00Sermons and LifeOn Sunday I gave a sermon about the Garden of Gethsemane and how Jesus struggled to do the Father's will. The sermon came from Matthew 26:36-46 which clearly shows that Jesus was not always sure of the direction that God was leading him and that when he found out he was not always excited about it. I ended the sermon with these points --<br /><br />What we can take away from this snapshot of Jesus' life<br /><ol><li>If Jesus and his disciples were figuring out God's will as they went we should not be shocked that we are too;</li><li>More than anything else Jesus wanted his disciples to hear him and care about what he cared about;</li><li>Jesus did not want to do what the Father was asking him to do, but he was willing. We will run into the same situation many, many times.</li></ol>We are part of God's plan <br /><ol><li>His plan is larger than us, we are simply a small part of what God is doing in the lives of those around us, in our community, in our nation and in our world;</li><li>God's plan operates on a spiritual level and we have to constantly remind ourselves that what we see is not what matters most.</li></ol><div style="margin-left: 40px;"> </div>That sermon was easier to preach than it is to live. I know that I struggle with the desire to know what, when, where and how life is going to unfold. Probably my greatest struggle right now is that I do not want to accept what is acceptable as a pastor, as a father, as a husband, as a Christian. It seems so easy to be lulled into a sameness and a deadness of faith and expectation.<br /><br />I want a keen sense that I am not just going through the motions, or accepting less than God's best in ministry, in my family, in me. Please pray for me in this regard. In particular -<br /><ol><li>I want a burning passion for people who are lost without Jesus Christ (I want to be willing to be a fool for Christ - 1 Corinthians 1:25-29); </li><li>I want to live a life of purpose and power (no compromises or backward thinking - 2 Timothy 2:7);</li><li>I want everything I do and say to draw people to God the Father through Jesus Christ (no wasted words or emotions, just what will lead others to Christ - Colossians 3:17, 23-24).</li></ol>By the way, if you are interested in the sermon, or in the website for the churches, the links are below. Thanks for praying with me, for the churches, for the lost; and thanks for praying for me too.<br /><br /><a href="http://docs.google.com/View?id=df738rqs_7347xwr29gp">The Way of the Cross: The Garden of Gethsemane</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.seewhatgodisdoing.com">SeeWhatGodIsDoing.com</a>youareamiraclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07474879195485007037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1530273908025201425.post-87092177541404388442009-12-25T06:56:00.002-05:002009-12-25T07:17:20.832-05:00Christmas Eve ServicesWe held a Christmas Eve service at the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Fort Miller</span> church at 3:00 pm. We held it this early because some of our congregation cannot drive after dark and it starts getting dark about 4:30. There were about 15 people there with one person attending who was probably not a believer. A person in our congregation put together an audio visual presentation that involved some audience participation but also included movie clips and special music. My sermon was about light and dark and we ended the service with a candlelighting. The service went very nicely. I am not sure if it was 'worth it' in terms of maximum impact for time invested, but my gut is that it was valuable to do something well on Christmas Eve. It was another 'win' in the healing process of this church.<br /><br />At <span style="font-weight: bold;">Chestertown</span> we saw the same audio visual presentation, the same sermon and the candlelighting ceremony, but it was all different. More people sang, there were kids and teens laughing and running around and we did the candlelighting in a circle. At the end of my sermon I asked for people who needed God's light to drive out their darkness to look up at me so that I could pray for them - five people indicated that they needed God's light. This is one of the first times there has been any kind of spiritual response at either church. Pastor Jon was able to deliver Christmas gifts to a needy family while the kids were at the Christmas Eve service. Both churches were involved in providing these kids with a very nice Christmas. This service was definitely 'worth it'.<br /><br />It feels like I am called to do what is right and healthy for these churches whether they really respond or not. There is something to just following the correct procedures with excellence no matter what the response. My sense is that both of these churches have had times in their past where a pastor tried something like a Christmas Eve service and they became discouraged by the results so they slowly stopped trying. I think that consistently reaching to the congregation with love and truth will gradually affect them and those who they touch.<br /><br />We are going to begin Bible studies at both churches in the new year. Fort Miller is not used of studies like this, they have responded very well to the one study I led. I am going to offer this next study during a daytime and an evening. My sense is that I need to be reaching to where they are right now and that in time they will reach to where others are too. At Chestertown we will be offering an evening Bible study. This church basically grew out of a Bible study five years ago, so it is part of it's DNA, but through the parade of pastors and leaders over the past years the concept of spiritual growth and evangelism through Bible studies has been lost. This might sound strange, but at this point in the development of these churches it really does not matter how many people turn out for any of these studies. It matters that we are offering an excellent opportunity for these congregations to grow in the Lord. Even if they do not attend the studies they will hear back around about how we led the studies with love and excellence and about the truth that was shared from God's word.<br /><br />Merry Christmas! Pastor Jamesyouareamiraclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07474879195485007037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1530273908025201425.post-6791100211608154712009-12-21T13:04:00.002-05:002009-12-21T13:28:59.938-05:00UpdateHello everyone, I'd like to update you about the two churches where Joan and I are ministering. This summer we had about 20 people per church and we had a low Sunday of 15 and 17 people (low in several different senses of the word!)<br /><br />We have decided to switch our focus to developing families, teens and children in both churches. We have had events like Backpack Blessing, Friend Sunday, meals, Trunk-N-Treat, youth events, and - just yesterday - a Candy Cane Festival. It seems to be working. Both of the churches are growing.<br /><br />The <span style="font-weight: bold;">Fort Miller</span> church is averaging nearly 30 people and the offerings have been very strong for that many people. I have held a couple of weekday Bible studies that were designed to help adults to grow in their understanding of God, the Bible and themselves. We are still not getting many children and teens at this church, but I can tell that God is setting the foundation for an influx of younger people. We all have to be on the same page about why we exist before God can send young familes who need God's love and need a solid, caring church family.<br /><br />We have gained some wonderful people over the past months, most notably a couple who were missionaries in Brazil for several years. They just left the field a few months ago and they are re-acclimating to the US and to cold weather! They are being a wonderful help.<br /><br />Please pray for a man in his mid-20s who is making some decisions about the direction of his life. He has been coming recently and there is great potential to reach to other young families through him and his family.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chestertown</span> - Wow! What a trip! It has seemed that this church was on the verge of closing many times. This summer we made some changes in the signage out front, in the children and infant areas, in the care and upkeep of the building, etc. It has been a long time since someone really cared for this building and the body of believers who meet there. The church is only five years old but it has been through multiple pastors and church bosses in that short time. The remaining people were skeptical about me and Pastor Jon. There was almost a palpable sense of fear and distrust. I took it personally a few times, but the Lord was leading me to understand that they had been through hurt and disappointment several times and their pain was not going to go away in a matter of weeks.<br /><br />We have tried to consistently minister with compassion, firmness and honesty to each person we came in contact with. We have held the events I listed above and each time we accomplished something together you could tell that we were growing from the inside out. There was greater energy, greater trust, greater hope. This church has had 40 people three out of the past four Sundays. There are children running around all over the place and growing group of teens. It seems like God has his hand on the what is going on here.<br /><br />Please pray that we will keep our eyes focused on what God has for each of these churches. Thanks for praying. Jamesyouareamiraclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07474879195485007037noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1530273908025201425.post-85920027387533357202009-12-21T12:32:00.002-05:002009-12-21T12:42:10.859-05:00Change in Blog FocusThis blog began as a personal journey about the changes that were happening within Joan and me as we were being led from Horseheads, NY to the Albany, NY area. Once I had settled into the churches where I now minister (Fort Miller, NY and Chestertown, NY) I noticed that the focus of the blog needed to change to be about what God is doing in these churches. I struggled with that change because it meant that I would be writing for people who are not in the churches I am currently pastoring. I would like to be able to share about what God is doing in the churches and in individual lives. But to make this change I kind of feel like the people in these churches need to not read about themselves. I am not going to share names or private info, it just seems like it would be better if people were not reading about themselves.<br /><br />I have struggled with this refocusing for a couple of months and yesterday I finally decided to make the change. It frees me up to share freely from my heart. I have removed the links to this blog from the website for the churches seewhatgodisdoing.com and the only people who will really be aware of this blog are those of you who have signed up to read it.<br /><br />I have been writing regularly about the churches in emails to various people so I am going to do an initial blog post that will kind of catch up to this date. I will tell you this - God has been doing some awesome things in the churches and in lives. I am excited about the opportunity to give God glory through this blog.youareamiraclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07474879195485007037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1530273908025201425.post-40929160192546196762009-10-06T06:38:00.002-04:002009-10-06T06:54:43.838-04:00Learning CurveWhat a tremendous experience these past months have been. I thank God for putting me in these places to hear, feel and see what has happened. Only God's perfect plan would make sense and his plan does make sense. He has led us from a thriving church in Horseheads, NY - to the dream of planting a church in a city setting - to pastoring two small, struggling rural churches. What a ride this has been. For a while I felt underwhelmed because the vision seemed to have shrunk along the way. I found myself pining for something else. Over the past weeks God has been whispering to my soul that I needed to stop looking elsewhere and I needed to be where he has sent me. I have had a divided heart much of the time I was here, because I was wondering what was next. <br /><br />Over the last weeks I spent time with several people in these communities - I heard their stories, asked them spiritual questions and shepherded them. I began acting like I was here because God sent me 'for such a time as this' (Esther 4:14). <br />All around us<br /><ul><li>there are lost people who need a Savior</li><li>there are children who need to know that someone loves them</li><li>there are couples who need to know about forgiveness and love</li><li>there is confusion about what it means to be a Christian</li><li>there a people who are being lied to by the evil one and they have no joy</li><li>there is the need for a Godly church to rise up and be a light to a community</li><li>there is an opportunity for souls to find hope here on earth and for eternity</li><li>there is a chance for believers to step out of their comfort and into God's plan</li></ul><br />What an opportunity! The chance of a lifetime to be useful in God's hands.youareamiraclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07474879195485007037noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1530273908025201425.post-77014503061908445252009-09-15T16:55:00.002-04:002009-09-15T17:03:59.231-04:00I Should Have Been More Specific When I PrayedI have been praying for a while that we would get a drummer in the church. Well, I figured the odds of someone coming to the church who was a drummer were pretty slim. This past Sunday I mentioned this in passing from the pulpit and after the service a young man approached me and said that he was a drummer and that he would love to help out. I could tell by the kind of person he was that he would be great to work with. As we talked I found out that this was only his second time in church, but he knew that he wanted God to have his life. Then he said there was one problem, he didn't have a drum set right now. <br /><br />Immediately I thought that I should have prayed for a drummer with a drum set! I should have been more specific when I prayed. Well, now my prayer has changed - I am praying that this young man will meet God through Christ and that we can find a drum set. If you are praying with me, I would prefer an electronic set with digital sound if possible.<br /><br />Of course, I am kind of joking (and I am kind of not joking). I believe that God has his hand on this young man with or without drums, but I wonder what might have happened if I had had more faith and I had prayed for more. Hmmm.youareamiraclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07474879195485007037noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1530273908025201425.post-47529631225475349152009-09-08T08:15:00.004-04:002009-09-08T10:27:37.693-04:00Renewed and RefocusedI have taken a few weeks away from blogging and I will explain why below. I am going to be writing regularly again. The focus of the blog will be upon the steps and processes God is leading me and the churches through as we seek to become healthy again.<br /><br />Why did I not blog since early August? Honestly, I was depressed and I did not feel that I had anything worthwhile to say. I hit an emotional lowpoint a couple of weeks ago when I began to question why we had left a very solid church to come to two struggling congregations. It seemed that nothing was working in the churches or in our personal lives. I could hear the evil one saying that these were my options 1) quit, or 2) accept mediocrity and limp along like this. I knew that neither of these options was right but it just seemed like we were banging our heads on a wall over and over again.<br /><br />I have spent the past couple of weeks seeking what God would have for me to do spiritually, emotionally and physically in relation to the churches. I feel that God has given me a new set of marching orders and I need to be acting up His lead on a daily basis.<br /><br />1) PREACH THE WORD - regardless of what else happens in a church I can control whether the Bible is being preached each Sunday. I can control whether I am being true to God's word without mixing my personal preferences in. God has made it plain that I must do my very best to present<a href="http://www.seewhatgodisdoing.com/sermons"> sermons</a> that are interesting, informational and Biblical. I am endeavoring to do that very thing. I am continuing to post my sermons to the <a href="http://www.seewhatgodisdoing.com/">seewhatgodisdoing.com</a> website on a weekly basis.<br /><br />2) STRIVE FOR THE BEST, BUT ACCEPT WHERE WE ARE - I had become accustomed to a certain level of professionalism and possibility in my previous church. I have struggled because there was just no way these two churches could be like the previous church. I kept wishing that we would magically transform into a different kind of church. God has told me in no uncertain terms that these churches will not change overnight and I need to stop living with that expectation. These churches will change gradually (sometimes almost imperceptibly) and I need to rejoice with each step we take. I cannot push us to be more than what we are capable of, but I cannot accept for us to be less than what we can be.<br /><br />3) <span style="font-style: italic;">WE</span> NEED TO BE HEALTHY - This starts with me. I have to be right before God emotionally, spiritually, physically, etc. Then I can preach and teach with authority about being a healthy church and healthy congregational members. The old saying says 'You cannot lead someone else where you have not been yourself.' So the strange paradox is that as much as the church needs me to help them with their issues, questions and struggles - I have to allow God to help me first and I have to set aside time and energy to be the best I can be as well. This is a challenge but it is worth it for me, my family and the churches.<br /><br />4) WE MUST BECOME MORE STABLE BY INTRODUCING SUCCESSFUL INSTABILITY - Both churches have been through several different church leaders over the years - pastors, worship leaders and church bosses. As these church leaders have changed the churches have split and fractured repeatedly. Those who remain have been left with a tremendous sense of instability and distrust in new leadership. In fact, several people have not even come back to church since I began ministry there. It seemed as if I was just one change too many for some people.<br /><br />I really sense that we have to strive to take steps ahead in ministry and facilities, even though these changes inherently bring further instability. But as these steps are well-planned, well-executed and successful the churches will sense greater trust and stability. The basic struggle is to introduce just the right steps forward, at just the right times, so that there is healthy, stabilizing change.<br /><br />5) THE HOLY SPIRIT - Everything I have written about above comes down to me following the leading of the Holy Spirit, personally and professionally. We cannot afford for me to operate out of my own ideas or my own ego. We can end up being growing, healthy churches that are focused on souls, and the key is whether I am listening to God's leading through the Holy Spirit. To be that kind of leader I have to be in the Word, in prayer and right in my attitudes and actions.<br /><br />Thank you for taking a few moments to read about where we are and where we are going. I hope that this blog entry will help you to be able to pray for us in an informed way.youareamiraclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07474879195485007037noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1530273908025201425.post-48226480136933117502009-08-09T05:52:00.001-04:002009-08-09T05:55:05.056-04:00The Body of ChristEphesians 4:11-16<br /><br />Synopsis:<br />True <u>spiritual leaders</u> lead the church to have a <u>'how can I help' attitude</u>, which leads a church to <u>maturity</u> that is evidenced by the freedom which comes from <u>speaking the truth in love</u>. This church sees itself as <u>a body with Christ as the head</u>. Each part is <u>different and valuable</u> and they are all being directed by the head.<br /><br /><blockquote class="webkit-indent-blockquote" style="border: medium none ; margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 40px;">Ephesians 4:7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it (...) 11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.</blockquote><div><div><br /><b>SPIRITUAL LEADERS</b><br /></div><div>In verse 11 we see that God has called some in the church to be spiritual leaders - apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. These roles in the body of Christ come with much responsibility, few rights and little earthly reward. As I was writing this sermon I remembered how God called me to his service. I remembered the feelings of inadequacy and fear that the evil one kept throwing at me. I relived some of my moments of failure where I have not lived up to my calling and I have lived in fear or pride or doubt. I thanked God for his faithfulness to me in spite of my humanity. The question that resounds in my head is - 'Why would God choose to use someone like me?' Yet, regardless of my questions the simple fact is that he has clearly called me, he is equipping me, he is guiding me and as I follow his lead, and he will continue to use me to lead others to know him. Paul was entertaining these same kinds of thoughts when he wrote<br /><br /><div style="margin-left: 40px;">1 Corinthians 1:26 Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.<br /> 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things-- and the things that are not-- to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him.<br /> 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God-- that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."<br /></div><br />Jesus made it plain to his disciples how they were called into ministry<br /><br /><div style="margin-left: 40px;">John 15:16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit-- fruit that will last.<br /></div><br />As I was preparing this sermon I had the overwhelming sense that God was calling or would be calling someone who would hear or read this sermon into his service. I really wrestled with God about whether I should include this statement in my sermon and I complete peace that someone who will be touched by this sermon needed the confirmation that God was calling them into the ministry. (Repeat John 15:16)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">* * *<br /></div>Paul told the spiritual leaders he was developing that they needed to watch over both the flock they are given and themselves<br /><br /><div style="margin-left: 40px;">Acts 20:28 Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.<br /><br />1 Timothy 4:16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.<br /></div><br />Spiritual leaders are also held to high standards by God and the church.<br /><br /><div style="margin-left: 40px;">Titus 1:6 An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. 7 Since an overseer is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless-- not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.<br /> 8 Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. 9 He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.<br /></div><br />Listen to the apostle Peter's beautiful description of the role of spiritual leader in the church. Shepherding - willingly, care-fully, faithfully . . .<br /><br /><div style="margin-left: 40px;">1 Peter 5:1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers-- not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.<br /></div><br /><b>THE 'HOW CAN I HELP' ATTITUDE</b><br /></div><div>Notice that as the spiritual leaders listed in verse 11 are all fulfilling their call before God they will be affecting the church as a whole. As we see in verse 12 God's people will be prepared for works of service and the body of Christ will be built up. Then we see in verse 13 that unity, knowledge and maturity will follow.<br /><br />A healthy church will have spiritual leaders who are called by God and are calling upon God for wisdom and direction. That healthy church will focus on preparing the members in that church to reach out to others. When Paul talked about the church being prepared for works of service he knew that the happiest people, the most fulfilled people are caring for others - believers and unbelievers. They have an attitude that says 'how can I help?' They wake up every morning and say 'Dear Lord, how are we going to touch someone's life today?' <br /><br />I have watched as the 'how can I help?' attitude has spread like wildfire throughout a congregation and to other churches. Church members were reaching out to their neighbors, to others in the church, to strangers, to people in the grocery store and people were noticing something unique in their attitudes and actions. People want to know what makes you tick when you are loving them with your actions before you love them with your words.<br /><br /><div style="margin-left: 40px;">1 John 3:18 Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.<br /></div><br /><b>THE MATURE CHURCH</b><br />When the church is mature, understanding God and following his leading then we will be childlike in our faith, but not childish in our actions and reactions.<br /></div></div><blockquote class="webkit-indent-blockquote" style="border: medium none ; margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 40px;"> Ephesians 4:14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.</blockquote><div><div>Childlike not childish</div></div><blockquote class="webkit-indent-blockquote" style="border: medium none ; margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 40px;">Matthew 10:16 I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.<br /><br />1 Corinthians 14:20 Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults.<br /></blockquote><div><div>As mature Christians we need to know what we are about so that we are not blown about by different ideas and different questions. We need to be firmly rooted in our faith and growing (set my feet firmly on the ground); we need to be looking to God for our guidance and hope (turn my eyes upward for few moments); and our arms need to be wide open to the needs of those in the church and around us everyday (spread my arms out and bring my gaze down to the eyes of the congregation). Do you recognize someone else who was firm in his faith, looked to his heavenly Father for direction and reached to those around him?<br /></div><div><br /><b>THE BODY OF CHRIST</b><br /><div style="margin-left: 40px;">Ephesians 4:15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.</div></div></div><div><br /></div>Paul says that instead of the instability and wishy-washiness that he talked about in verse 14 we need to speak the truth in love and we need to act like a body that works together, grows together and goes together.<br /><br />It appears that the answer to immature and childish faith is speaking the truth in love which will cause each part of the body of Christ to grow and become stronger.<br /><br />Well, that sounds pretty simple doesn't it? If the body of Christ would be strong and vibrant by just speaking the truth in love then why are so many churches struggling? Why are so many churches weak and ineffective? Why are very few churches winning souls to Christ? It is because we tend to speak the truth without love, or we speak lovingly without telling the truth. To actually speak the truth in love we have to care so much about a person, we have to be so broken about their pain and confusion that we tell them the truth that will set them free.<br /><br /><u>Speaking the truth without love</u> = hurtful words motivated by pride and causing pain<br /><br /><u>Loving without speaking the truth</u> = enabling powerless words motivated by fear and causing confusion<br /><br /><u>Speaking the truth in love</u> = powerful and compassionate words motivated by what is best for the other person and leading to health and wholeness<br /><br />John 8:32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."<br /><br />Speaking the truth in love brings freedom to both sides of that situation. The person who is speaking has a clear heart and conscience that they have said what the other person really needs to hear. The person who is hearing what is said is free because now the truth is laid out before them and they can make decisions based on reality rather than uncertainty and confusion.<br /><br />True <u>spiritual leaders</u> lead the church to have a <u>'how can I help' attitude</u>, which leads a church to <u>maturity</u> that is evidenced by the freedom which comes from <u>speaking the truth in love</u>. This church sees itself as <u>a body with Christ as the head</u>. Each part is <u>different and valuable</u> and they are all being directed by the head.youareamiraclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07474879195485007037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1530273908025201425.post-77397246564990171742009-08-01T12:41:00.003-04:002009-08-01T13:00:33.172-04:00Ministry UpdateDear Prayer Team,<br /><br />Thank you so much for your prayers. We are doing very well. Our family is settling into the house and we are beginning to explore the area around us. This afternoon we are going to two family festivals that are being held near us.<br /><br />Ministry at the churches is definitely taking shape. I can sense God giving me more direction and focus as each day passes. Our attendance is just about the same 25 or so at Ft. Miller and 20 or so at Chestertown. The offerings are averaging about what they were before I came. I held vision casting meetings at both churches last Sunday (7-26-09) and they seemed to be very well received. There were children at both of the meetings and we are redesigning our Sunday AMs to be 'kid-friendly'. I am especially excited about the children at Ft. Miller. They definitely understand that children and teens are essential to their long-term existence and vitality. We are beginning Children's Church at Fort Miller this week because it is going to be a need beginning this week. We re-established Children's Church at Chestertown last Sunday.<br /><br />On Thursday morning we had a prayer meeting at Ft. Miller with 7 in attendance and that afternoon I worked with 2 Chestertown teens on helping to lead worship this coming Sunday (wow, lots of energy - I could barely keep up with my guitar). Thursday evening we had 15 at their Thursday night prayer and Bible study. Definite signs of life there. There seems to be a good buzz going around about the new direction the church is taking. Both churches have a yard sign that tells what time the services are being held. This is temporary until we can find a more fixed way to display the service times.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">* * *<br /></div>One last update item and prayer concern. There will be a work team coming from another church the week of August 17th. We have established three kind of projects for them to help us with - <span style="font-style: italic;">D</span><span style="font-style: italic;">efinite Projects, Possible Projects</span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;"></span>and the<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;">Faith Project</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">.</span> The <span style="font-weight: bold;">Definite Projects </span>are needs that we have raised funds for already and we have most of the resources on hand. These projects include some clean up, making the nursery and children's church area acceptable for new families, installing some doors and windows and some small exterior cosmetic work. The<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Possible Projects</span> are repairing a back exterior wall which is rotting because of a drainage issue (and fixing the drainage issue), replacing the new sign out front, and make a long dark hallway brighter and less scary. The <span style="font-weight: bold;">Faith Project</span> is to put vinyl siding on some or all of the building. These last two kinds of projects can only happen if we are able to purchase more supplies. Please pray with us about these possibilities.<br /><br />In Faith,<br /><br />Pastor Jamesyouareamiraclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07474879195485007037noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1530273908025201425.post-62747796479504508602009-07-17T08:12:00.002-04:002009-07-17T08:53:43.019-04:00Next steps in ministryAs I mentioned in my previous post this past Sunday night (July 12, 09) was pretty challenging. Earlier in the day I had done my first circuit with the churches I am pastoring now, and I was sitting considering what had happened and wondering what to do next. It is pretty evident that the churches cannot continue on with only 19 people at their services. All kinds of ideas began to rush in and out of my head - different ways to try to attract attenders, ways to help the churches become healthy, questions about whether I was capable of being what these churches needed me to be, etc.<br /><br />As I was spinning ideas and questions I realized that, on my first day, I had already hit the wall, ouch!! - that was pretty quick. I felt paralyzed by the amount of need, and my inability to meet that need on my own. In my mind I vacillated between faith and fear for quite a while. Then quietly and slowly I began to remember that God had called me to this ministry and that all He needed was for me to be obedient to His leadings. A strange and unreasonable peace began to sweep over me. This was God's ministry, and if I stayed true to what He led me to say, think and do He would be glorified through my efforts. The results may not be understood by those in the churches, in the district, or in my personal life, but that is not the issue. The issue is if I did what God told me to do - period!<br /><br />I called the family together, we went for a walk along the Hudson, and then we loaded in the car for a sightseeing ride near the Vermont border. We saw some beautiful lakes, wildlife, vacationers and many other wonderful sights. At one point in the ride we came to the top of a hill and I realized that we could see the Adironacks on our left and the Green Mountains of Vermont on our right. We stopped and just stared in awe at what God had created. We were so small in the vastness of His creation. He had created such order, beauty, detail and majesty. As I sat there I was reminded of my conversation with God earlier that evening. I am simply a small part of what God is doing in the world. My role is like a rock on a mountain or a tree in a forest - seemingly insignificant but extremely valuable if done right and added to the efforts of others.youareamiraclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07474879195485007037noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1530273908025201425.post-85032204209379862402009-07-13T08:03:00.002-04:002009-07-13T08:22:07.692-04:00Finally Settling In . . .Thanks for all your prayers. Our lives are finally settling down and we are settling in to our new home and our new ministries. Joan and I are tired of seeing boxes, moving boxes, packing boxes, unpacking boxes - tired of anything having to do with boxes.<br /><br />Our new home is in a rural setting. The nearest store of any kind is about five miles away, and 'real' shopping is at least twelve miles away. It really slows us down from making any 'impulse' purchases. It is helping us to simpify our lives in many ways, the pace is slower for everything and there are some advantages to that.<br /><br />Jake has a BB gun, an assortment of knives and chopping tools and he is in country boy heaven. Our nearest neighbor is about a quarter mile away so he can pretty much do whatever he would like in the stream and the woods around us.<br /><br />Julia is playing with her cousin Sarah regularly so she has not had time to miss her friends from Horseheads - yet. She is outside a lot playing with her cousin and our dog Katie.<br /><br />We held our first services yesterday morning - first at Fort Miller Wesleyan at 8:30 am and then at Chestertown Wesleyan (Northway Community Fellowship) at 11:00 am. There were 19 people at each service. Jon Wixson came up for the weekend to meet everyone and he participated in the services. Jon and I shared a skit under the name "The Sons of Thunder". The services went well and I was encouraged to find a warm welcome from both congregations.<br /><br />In my next post I am going to share about the emotions I went through Sunday evening. It became evident right away that the Evil One wanted to knock me out, but God is good and good things are coming.youareamiraclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07474879195485007037noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1530273908025201425.post-25780008451273755212009-06-20T10:17:00.002-04:002009-06-20T10:21:48.578-04:00Father, Father Her<b>Father, Father Her</b><span><b> </b> </span><span> <span> </span><span> </span><br /><br />By James Swanson<span></span> </span><br />Written and sung for Jocelyn on her wedding day, June 20, 2009<br /><br />I'll never forget the day you were born<br />I was such a proud father<br />You were so tiny and frail full of possibilities<br />Suddenly I felt overwhelmed and scared<br />How could I care for such a precious life<br />I asked my father to give me wisdom<br />So that I could be the father you needed me to be<br /><div style="margin-left: 40px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 40px;">Father, father her - your love is greater than mine<br />Creator, keep on making her - in your design<br />Take her now - I commit her to you<br />No stronger hands could hold her<br />Watch over my little girl<br /></div><br />The minutes turned into hours,<br />then days and months and years<br />you blossomed like a flower<br />brimming with personality<br />beauty shining from ear to ear<br />It became evident that you stand apart from the crowd<br />To whom much is given much is required<br /><br /><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">Father, father her - your love is greater than mine<br />Creator, keep on making her - in your design<br />Take her now - I commit her to you<br />No stronger hands could hold her<br />Watch over my little girl<br /></div><br />So we are standing here now<br />You are on the edge of a brand new life<br />God has sent you the perfect life-mate<br />Although it might not always seem that way<br />Together you'll grow and flourish<br />Together God will use you to touch lives<br />You are in your Father's hands now<br /><div style="margin-left: 40px;"><br /></div> <div style="margin-left: 40px;">Father, father her - your love is greater than mine<br />Creator, keep on making her - in your design<br />Take her now - I commit her to you<br />No stronger hands could hold her<br />Watch over my little girl<br /><br />Father, father her<br />Father, father her<br /></div>youareamiraclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07474879195485007037noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1530273908025201425.post-5441314174474126042009-06-20T08:58:00.004-04:002009-06-20T09:50:22.949-04:00Hard to Believe Jocelyn Is Getting MarriedIt is hard to believe that Jocelyn is going to get married today. What makes it extra hard to believe is that five-year old Julia is running around the house singing, asking questions and being very excited about life. I keep on mistaking Julia for Jocelyn, and remembering Jocelyn as 'Little Miss Big Hair' like when she was a little girl. So in a strange way Julia makes it seem like Jocelyn is still five-years old and there is no way that she is getting married today.<br /><br />But she is not five, she is nearly twenty-one and she is getting married today. We are so proud of her for who she has been and who she is becoming. We trust that Jon is just the right man for her in God's plan for both of their lives. Jon is an intelligent, Godly, gentle, analytical person who is the perfect complement to Jocelyn's vibrant personality.<br /><br />Julia's wedding day will come soon enough and by that time I might be confusing grandkids with Julia, who knows. I just thank God for each of our children - Jocelyn and Jon, Joshua, Jacob and Julia - and I recommit each of them to their Father's care.youareamiraclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07474879195485007037noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1530273908025201425.post-58121474090275375432009-06-13T15:22:00.003-04:002009-06-13T15:45:01.994-04:00Specific Needs at the Chestertown ChurchThe NCF (Northway Community Fellowship) church has some specific needs that need to be addressed. If you know of a way you could help please let me know.<br /><br />The building has several physical issues - unfinished rooms, exterior siding issues, a new sign out front, some water issues from ice and snow, etc. In mid-August a skilled work team of 8-10 will be coming from the Lisbon Wesleyan Church to spend most of a week working on the church building. There is plenty for them to do as you can tell from the preceding list. We need to pull together a work plan for them and supplies for them to use.<br /><br />First, we need someone who would help us assess what needs to be done and help us gather the right materials for the workers to use. I would like to start working with this person the second or third week of July so that we are well-prepared for the work team.<br /><br />Second, the church needs help to pay for the materials. We will know how much our total cost will be after someone helps us to assess the materials we will need. My guess would be that we will need more than $2,000 in materials.<br /><br />If you can help in either of these ways please contact me and I will let you know what the next step would be. <br /><br />Email: backinaday@gmail.com<br />Phone (until June 25th): 607-739-9915<br />Phone (after July 6th): 518-695-3766<br /><br />Thank you so much for your prayers . We can't wait to 'see what God is doing' in and through NCF.youareamiraclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07474879195485007037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1530273908025201425.post-85296642696499268252009-06-13T15:11:00.002-04:002009-06-13T15:21:08.607-04:00Thanks for praying for the meetings!We had three meetings on Thursday and they all went very well. It was a full day but it was worth it. Joan and I got to know several people from the Fort Miller and Chestertown churches, and we had a great time talking to Pastor Brian Bartow who has been interim pastor at the NCF (Northway Community Fellowship) church in Chestertown for the past four months.<br /><br />It became evident right away that both churches care about souls and that God is opening up ways for the churches to grow, become more solid, and touch lives. What a great opportunity!<br /><br />The Fort Miller church will meet for Sunday service at 8:30 AM and then we will travel up to Chestertown and hold a service at 11 AM. During the week NCF has Family Night on Thursday nights and we are hoping to have a weekday late morning prayer meeting at the Fort Miller church. From there we will see where God leads.youareamiraclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07474879195485007037noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1530273908025201425.post-25492987410907392672009-06-03T11:42:00.003-04:002009-06-03T11:51:34.853-04:00Upcoming MeetingDear Prayer Team,<br /><br />Joan and I will be traveling to the Albany area next Thursday, June 11. We will have a meeting at 1 PM with the members of the Fort Miller Wesleyan Church. We will get to know them and they will be able to get to know us a bit. We will also discuss some of the options for the direction of the church and then discuss service time options. Then at 6 PM we will be meeting with the Northway Community Fellowship members in Chestertown. We will have a very similar time with them.<br /><br />Please be in prayer for these meetings<br /><br />1) Pray that I will know what questions to ask and what statements to make that will assure them of our dedication to the Kingdom of God and to their church.<br /><br />2) Pray that we will mutually decide upon service times that work for both churches. <em>This is a really big deal.</em> We desire for both churches to be viable and growing. Since the churches are about an hour apart this will make Sunday moring scheduling very important and tough.<br /><br />3) Pray that we all sense the presence of the Holy Spirit as we discuss and decide some big issues. When the meetings are done my prayer is that we will all know that God is leading each church in the right direction for this time and place.<br /><br />Thanks for caring and praying.youareamiraclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07474879195485007037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1530273908025201425.post-32878940465663070952009-06-02T13:24:00.004-04:002009-06-02T14:49:25.934-04:00Winding Down ... Winding UpThis is such a strange time for us. It seems like we are letting go of a lot of precious people and places right now.<br /><br />Jocelyn and Joshua are beginning their lives as young adults in Indiana. Jocelyn is getting married and will be in her senior year at Indiana Wesleyan University this Fall. She may go on for Masters work in Indiana and only God knows where He will lead Jon and her in the future. Joshua is graduating from high school in a few weeks and then he is moving out to Indiana at the beginning of this summer to work at Indiana Wesleyan over the summer and then attend school there this fall. We love both of them so much and we will miss them as they begin new lives in many ways, but we know that God has great things in store for both of them. I pray this verse for both of them<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"You are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God has prepared in advance for you to do."<br />Ephesians 2:10</span><br /></div><br />We are also leaving Horseheads Community Church and many, many people there that we love and care about. It feels like we are letting go of family members in many ways. They have shared our lives and we have shared theirs. They have seen our ups and downs and we have seen theirs. It has been a challenge and a pleasure to minister there for the last 13 years and I thank God for giving me this opportunity. But again I believe that God has great things in store for them and their new Sr. Pastor, Bob Russell. I pray these verses for Community Wesleyan and Pastor Bob<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;">"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other".<br />1 Thessalonians 5:11-13 </div><br />So some things in our lives are winding down, but some are winding up and just getting started. We know that there are many people we have not met, there are many lives that God will call us to touch, there are places we will go we have never even imagined yet. Our lives will never be the same, but that does not mean that they will be less, just different. We love you all - those we know and love, and those we have yet to meet.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God,<br />and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all". <br />2 Corinthians 13:14 </span><br /></div>youareamiraclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07474879195485007037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1530273908025201425.post-45160415936857057192009-05-23T15:59:00.004-04:002009-05-23T16:22:20.211-04:00What makes us 'special'?I just got home from Wal-mart a few minutes ago and I was blown away by the people I saw there. All different sizes, shapes, colors and types of dress. What I realized is that each one of them wanted to feel special. <br /><ul><li>For some of them what made them special was who they were with - their cute little baby, their big strong husband or their spry grandmother. </li><li>For others what made them special was what they were wearing - the 'fast' new pair of sneakers, the halter top that left way too little to the imagination, the fatigues that said 'I'm a man!'. </li><li>And some people were special because of what they were purchasing - the new stereo, eight cases of Pepsi products (must have been a special), the perfect gift for their perfect grandchild, the yellow blouse that will just make them gorgeous this summer.</li></ul>Recently my wife told me of a lady who stopped by a rummage (junk) sale we were having at our house. She was perusing items and talking to her friend. In a little while her friend said it was about time to go, and she said to her friend "I just want to find that one special item some time today!" She wanted that one special item that would make her special.<br /><br />Many of us will spend a large part of our lives searching for someone or something to make us feel special. We are already special regardless of our clothing, our house, or our bank account. God made us special. Ephesians 2:10 says, "For we are God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God has prepared in advance for us to do."<br /><br />What makes us special is not what we <span style="font-style: italic;">have</span> - it is what we <span style="font-style: italic;">do</span> for others. Each of us has been given uniques capabilities that we can invest in others. We will feel the most fulfilled and complete when God is using us to touch someone else's life. We were made to do good works which make others feel special and along the way we recognize how special God has made us too.youareamiraclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07474879195485007037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1530273908025201425.post-32965512037691792372009-05-18T06:46:00.005-04:002009-05-20T08:40:41.149-04:00You are getting so big!I was at a convenience store a few days ago and as I was standing in line the cashier began to talk to a woman and her son. The boy was about 10 years old and the cashier was remarking about how big he was growing. I watched for his reaction as she was complimenting him. He leaned forward, placed his hands on the counter and went up on his tip-toes as far as he could. He made himself even taller. He was beaming from ear to ear to hear such positive comments about himself. Then his mother began talking to the cashier about the fact that her son plays trumpet in the band at school and they had a concert last night. The mother went on to say how great the concert was and how well her son played trumpet. If he had smiled any bigger I think his face might have broken.<br /><br />That interaction took less than a minute, then his mother handed him his donut and they headed out the door. I stood there thinking about how incredibly happy and secure he felt in the fact that he was noticed and appreciated. I looked around at the other adults in the store and realized that none of us get compliments about how big we have gotten (we tend to get wider not taller) and most of us do not have a cheerleader who notices our special gifts and tells others about how special we are.<br /><br />Then I thought, 'why not?' Why don't we dig deep and notice something special about those around us. Why don't we go out of our way to be complimentary to others? Doesn't a 30, 50 or 70 year old need it just as much as a 10 year old? We could leave a trail of smiles behind us throughout our day.James Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094007549042502782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1530273908025201425.post-54529750971179507962009-05-15T14:02:00.004-04:002009-05-15T14:28:33.395-04:00Sample website and prayer request<span style="font-weight: bold;">Sample website</span> - I have been working on a website for the churches Jon and I will be pastoring. It is a pretty basic website that is not ready to be posted yet. Eventually it will be the main webpage and the blog you are reading will be a link off of the main page.<br /><br /><a href="http://sites.google.com/site/seewhatgodisdoingcom/">SeeWhatGodIsDoing.com</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Prayer request</span> - over the next month or so we will have to figure out what day and time to have the main worship service for both of the churches. This is a really big decision because both of the churches need to be reaching to unbelievers in their area. As we pray and plan about this and other issues we need to be sure that we are doing what is best for those who are in and out of the church.<br /><br />There are many other things to pray about for both churches - finances, property decisions, short-term health and long-term vitality, etc. Please pray for Northway Community Fellowship and Fort Miller Wesleyan Church as the Lord leads you. Also, as you feel led please pray for Jon and I to have wisdom, patience, peace and boldness.James Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094007549042502782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1530273908025201425.post-63905288244207171612009-05-11T17:00:00.003-04:002009-05-11T18:59:41.954-04:00Clarity of DirectionJoan and I went up to the Eastern NY Wesleyan Headquarters this past Friday and Saturday to meet with Pastor Paul James and the district board of administration. They asked me to pastor at two churches north of Albany on an interim basis while the district is preparing for a church plant in the Clifton Park area. I accepted the offer and we will begin on July 12.<br /><br />The two churches are Northway Christian Fellowship (a Wesleyan church) in Chestertown NY and the Fort Miller Wesleyan church. Both of the churches have been without a pastor for a while and need someone who will come and help them become solid, healthy churches. There are challenges that are unique to each church and it will be the first time I have ever had to think about two different situations simultaneously (actually kind of interesting).<br /><br />Jon Wixson, a licensed minister in the Horseheads church, has decided to come along with us on this adventure, and we are hoping that he can be the on-site pastor for the Chestertown church while the Swansons live at the Fort Miller church. Jon is coming on faith - he will need a job and housing. This experience should be great for him, and he will be an excellent stabilizing force for the Northway Community Fellowship.<br /><br />Our intention is to continue praying and planning for the church plant near Clifton Park. We do not know exactly when that will happen but this interim ministry at these two churches gives us a little breathing room to prepare for the church plant. Our intention is that when we leave these churches they will each be able to support a full-time pastor. This also gives us an opportunity to become more familiar with the area and develop contacts. God is leading us every step of the way.James Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094007549042502782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1530273908025201425.post-22871208954035252132009-05-11T16:56:00.003-04:002009-05-11T17:00:10.049-04:00Jake and Julia (funny)Jacob is 11 and he is a morning person (for right now, we'll see how the teen years go). Julia is 5 and she is not a morning person. Well, Jacob woke up his usual chipper and talkative self this morning and at one point he was looking in a mirror and he exclaimed '<span style="font-style: italic;">Am I a genius, or what</span>?' It was silent for a moment and then I heard a little tiny voice call out from under her covers '<span style="font-style: italic;">what ...</span>"James Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094007549042502782noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1530273908025201425.post-76099566876376404272009-05-05T10:56:00.006-04:002009-05-05T11:19:00.666-04:00I love Community Wesleyan Church!Wow, it felt so good when I wrote that blog title. Because it is the truth. We have developed so many wonderful friends, co-workers, 'grandmas', 'grandpas', 'uncles' and 'aunts' here. It has been a privilege and a joy to be part of what God has done in and through this church in Horseheads, NY. We will miss the church very, very much.<br /><br />As recently as the past Sunday we saw God moving in lives again. 5 people were baptized this past Sunday and their testimonies of God's forgiveness, healing and mercy left nearly everyone in tears. One of the people being baptized was talking about the church and he said that he was blown away by the love he felt here. He said that he came initially because someone 'forced' him to come, but then he realized that the church had something he did not have and he wanted it. He came to understand that 'it' is the peace and joy of knowing God our Father through his Son Jesus. I have heard that same story dozens of times, what a great testimony!<br /><br />This past Sunday there were well over 200 people at CWC praising God in song, giving out hugs and handshakes, reading God's word, developing Christian relationships and growing in their relationship with God. What an awesome time, what an awesome place. There is a song that has come to my mind over and over again as I have prayed for CWC over the years.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">You are awesome in this place mighty God,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">You are awesome in this place Abba Father,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">You are worthy of all praise,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">To you are lives we raise,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">You are awesome in this place mighty God.</span><br /></div><br />That song says what should be happening in every church. The church should be a body of believers where God is lifted up and where believers are committing themselves to God's leading. An unbeliever should leave church in awe of what God can do in lives and what God can do through lives - 'ordinary people who serve an extra-ordinary God'. I firmly believe that CWC is that kind of church and that they will continue to be that kind of church. I cannot wait to hear how God continues to move in hearts and lives over these next years. I love this place!James Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094007549042502782noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1530273908025201425.post-29975222147163878512009-05-05T10:43:00.003-04:002009-05-05T10:56:03.705-04:00Meeting this SaturdayThis Friday (May 8, 2009) Joan and I will be traveling to the Albany area to attend a meeting on Saturday at the Eastern NY headquarters. At this meeting the district board will be discussing various ways that we could be used in ministry. Eventually we will be planting a church somewhere around Clifton Park, NY, but we might be able to help the district out in some other places along the way. I will post specifics once we have them.<br /><br />We are very excited about the upcoming transition to the Eastern NY district. I am not saying anything bad about the Central NY district, I have felt very well supported and accepted in this district. It is just exciting to be taking on a new challenge and a new opportunity to be used by God. <br /><br />In my next post I will be talking about our current church Community Wesleyan Church in Horseheads, NY, but I will just state now that I feel the same way about Community Wesleyan, I have really enjoy our 13 years here and it has been a joy to be part of God's work in the church and through the church.<br /><br /> A few years ago a family came to our church and I was so excited that they chose to join the church. They came for several months and then one Sunday the father came to me and said that they were leaving the church to go help at a church plant in the area. I was really thrown because this did not fit <span style="font-style: italic;">my</span> idea for <span style="font-style: italic;">my</span> church. I said all the right things to him, but inside I was frustrated. He basically told me that Community did not <span style="font-style: italic;">need</span> his family and the other church did. As I struggled through those emotions over the next weeks I realized that I needed to develop more of a Kingdom mindset. The church plant did need that family more than we did and the family wanted to be an integral part of a church's ministry.<br /><br />Just a few years later I find myself explaining the same thing to many different people about our family. Yes, I love this church, but we sense that there are other people in other places that God is calling us to. Hard to explain, hard to understand, but once God makes something clear there is only one reasonable response. "Here am I, send me."James Swansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094007549042502782noreply@blogger.com1