Ramblings--20091022

CHBC Ramblings
Thursday, October 22, 2009

A Personal Note
I did not send any Ramblings last week, and I am almost at the end of this week before sending this note out. Most of you are aware that Cindy’s father, Jack, was in the hospital most of last week in ICU, was moved to hospice last Friday, and passed away early last Saturday morning. Jack was just 74 years old and worked out faithfully in an effort to improve his health. However, with a failing heart, failing kidneys, a blood disorder, and the underlying difficulty of diabetes, his body gave out, and the Lord called him to what is truly a better place!

While Jack and his wife Vivian (Cindy’s mom; my mother-in-law) had moved up to Atlanta in May to be near us, they had lived most of their adult lives in Macon. Therefore, a memorial service was held at their church in Macon (Lawrence Drive Baptist Church) on Monday morning, and the people there were so gracious to us all. After lunch, we drove on down to Fitzgerald, Georgia, where we had a brief graveside service with military honors. It was a long day, but it was a good day. We have sensed the strength that God gives in difficult times. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers as well as other acts of kindness during this time. We are glad that you are our church family.

Head, Heart, Hands, and Feet
This Sunday we will conclude our seven part DiscipleLIFE Sermon Series. We have been talking about balanced growth—head, heart, hands, and feet—over three stages of development (infant, growing, and mature), and I hope you will be present as we try to put it all together.

This week’s message time will be somewhat different than usual as I will lead you in a personal time of evaluation of your spiritual health. Each person will receive a handout to keep for himself or herself that will hopefully point out areas of strength as well as areas of need for further growth.

There will also be a way for us to evaluate our strengths and growth needs as a church, not just as individuals, which will help us in the future to offer opportunities for growth in discipleship through our Ministry Teams, Life Groups (Sunday School), and DiscipleLife classes.

Live on 90% for 90 Days
Are you taking the challenge? Our Finance Committee is taking the lead from the Bible to challenge those who do not by habit tithe to try it for the months of September, October, and November. “Test me in this,” says the Lord. (See Malachi 3.6-12). This Sunday, Sylvia Gray will briefly share her stewardship story with us. You won’t want to miss her words of encouragement.

Looking forward to worshiping with you Sunday,

Fred O. Pitts, Pastor