August, 2007 Return to: pastorob's current journal
Jebby is in
production at Bear Creek Community Church
(Lodi-Stockton) doing his latest play:
Christmas in Mayberry
We discussed the prospect of producing it in
Auburn as well. An important scene at the
very beginning was inspired by this clip
from Season 4 Episode 103:
Barney Fife:
Preamble
to the Constitution
If any
Auburnite men are able to pull off a decent
impression of Barney Fife, please contact me
immediately.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Before the days of video projectors at
church, our oldest son,
Joe, ran the
overhead projector on Sunday mornings. Over
a certain window of time, we were able to
see the ability of all four kids.
Joe and Mary were the best at manipulating the
transparencies, keeping them straight,
steady, and moving
them--in order--at just the right time, etc.
Jerry and
Daniel...well, their skills were in
different areas.
When Cathy and
I were newlyweds, we worked
as cameramen for our pastor. He had a show
on Cable Access called Union 33. In fact,
that's how we initially met
Pastor John
Clark. We had been watching his
show from my
brother's apartment and as a result took my
brother, Richard, to his church (because it
was handicapped-accessible). After attending a
few times, we decided to ask Pastor John to
perform our wedding at their church. That's
how we became part of his production team.
Later, in our own various ministry settings,
we often had our kids behind camera. Here
too, Joe and Mary's projection skills seemed
to transfer well. They usally delivered
the best overall work as cameramen.
Ironically, Daniel has been the most-willing
volunteer.
I'll say it again:
Daniel has been the most-willing volunteer.
He has purchased his own camera in order to
do what he
enjoys most--editing. Yet, if no one shoots the raw footage, there will be nothing
to edit later! So, Daniel's agreeable
spirit, coupled with access to a camera, has
resulted in yet another video of BellRoad
Sunday Morning.
However, Daniel's movements are usually too
swift for my eyes. He rarely establishes a
shot and leaves it there. Maybe he sees with
a different vision than his Dad. Maybe what is blurry to my eyes can be
clearly seen in his mind. He is, after all,
a wrestler, and doesn't care to stay in one
place too long.
Herein lies a parable about developing
disciples, equipping the saints, and
empowering the willing. I just don't have
the time to fully develop the parabolic paragraph so
I'll defer to an
awat.
Cathy reminds me that Daniel would do very
well in a live setting as a second or third
cameraman (with headset instructions from a
Director).
In production classes, I have often heard:
"Don't say, 'we'll fix it in the Mix'... Get
it right the first time!"
Daniel takes risks. If there had been
another camera on a tripod for a long shot,
then some of these movements would make
wonderful transitions at key points.
Click on this frame and see for
yourself. I edited this 2 minute video
yesterday afternoon. I don't really know how
to use the software so this effort was
me--winging it.
Here's to the willing volunteers who will be
joining our ranks during the four months
immediately ahead of us.
...and to creative flexibility
whenever we try to 'Fix it in the Mix.'
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
It was very hot in Galt; loaded
up the car with stuff (2 conga drums for
church sometime) and many videos to sort
through. I will unpack all those possessions
this morning.
The need for prayer (personal, small group,
and corporate) has become more evident
during the last 24 hours. If you are one who
reads this column regularly, please pause to
pray for me and the people of Bell Road
Baptist Church.
We so desire to be used powerfully by the
Lord during the next four months.
"The Thief comes to steal, to kill, and to
destroy...
...but we are going to follow Jesus." Amen?
I think I will listen back to some of this year's sermons for
edification as I organize my office today.
I was on the phone yesterday with
Curt, Patrice,
and Jebby about a new Christmas drama (by
Jebby). It is called "Christmas in Mayberry).
On our way back to Auburn, we stopped in
Rocklin so that I could check out an
opportunity that Grace Earl has shared. She
invited me to audition for the tenor section with the Sierra
College Chorus. I have a chance to sing with
them for a benefit which will take place at
Adventure Church in October. The benefit is
for 'Acres of Hope' (an area shelter
ministry).
I was impressed. This is the best
choir I've been in since the mass choir in
Kalamazoo (back in the day). It would be
challenging to keep up with the guys who
were standing around me in the tenor
section. Again, there is an opportunity to
see good Leadership skills modeled in this
setting.
Grace Earl
attends our church and is the President of
the Chorus. She introduced me to the
Director, Lorin
Miller.
Lorin is gifted with a great ability to lead
choir. I also learned that he is on staff at
a church near ours called Auburn Grace.
Here is
a
link to the website for Sierra
Community Chorus.
Sunday's Message is now online:
CLICK HERE
to hear
Hometown Prophet(s)...
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Went to bed at midnight--exhausted;
up at 6:30 this morning--refreshed.
I worked on post-production for the
SundayMessage called 'Hometown Prophet(s)'
and tried unsuccessfully (several times) to
upload the work in progress. There may have
been heavy traffic at Sermonplayer.com.
Joe and
Sharon were online and would have
downloaded it--had it been online.
So, after 1.25 hours of editing this
morning, it is now on the sermonplayer--ready
to be heard. Hopefully, the heart of the
message will be enhanced by the editing I've
done--an echo here-and-there, some uhs,
and-ums, and tongue-twisted enthusiasms
removed.
Oh...man, I just discovered that my 1.25
hours was LOST...due to a technical
glitch...so, hmm..I'll revert to last
night's half-finished edit..
Also, I slipped in the little sing-song of 2
Corinthians 1:20 (that I couldn't locate in
the sermonic moment). In post-production,
more bible study
takes place here.
CLICK HERE
to hear
Hometown Prophet(s)...
Last night, I went to a showing of
'September Dawn' (a film about one
controversial episode in Mormon history).
Only three others were in the room with me.
I wondered if there was a connection between
Christopher Cain (director), Dean Cain (who
had a cameo as Joseph Smith), and an actress
with the same name Cain.
chuckle...it just hit me--the name 'Cain' is
a biblical name. and another
morning-wormhole:
Arnold Murray (Shepherd's Chapel) and his Kenite stuff.
I will continue to work on archival storage
here in Galt today. Mary is planning to
bring back a friend (Lynn) with her when we
go back to Auburn.
I am planning to join the Sierra College
Chorus tonight. A benefit for Acres of Hope
will take place at Adventure Church in
mid-October (so this will be a limited
involvement with a community group to see
how it goes).
Yesterday, I had the privilege to begin a
read-through of a script written by
playwright, Jebby.
It is the latest play he has written--based
on the TV series 'The Andy Griffith Show.'
Jebby is
planning to direct 'A Mayberry Christmas'
at Bear Creek Community Church this
December. He has given me permission to
produce it at BellRoad as well. I think it
would be great fun but haven't made a final
decision yet. I will pray about it today and
make a few calls. I should decide quickly,
however, Bear Creek held their first
auditions last Sunday.
Monday, August 27, 2007
I woke up at 3:00 a.m. today. No email other
than the Norwegian Cruise Line offering cool
deals. I really don't think that we can afford
the ticket(s) or the time away to do anything
about these special hot-deals...but I looked
anyway.
Then, I wrote the top-student at
EducationPlus
this brief email:
to join me and mama on a cruise sometime
daddy
The reason I don't wanna even try to afford
any more time away from Auburn during this year
(2007) is because of this slide
that I found early Sunday morning.
Click on the slide and see for yourself.
Something just might happen here this year.
I don't wanna miss out by being someplace else.
What happened in the '07? So far, it has
been an interesting year for us at
bellroad.org
Last night, Brandon
and I opened our evening concert (Matt
and Justine) with congregational
singing. Afterwards, I gave a short testimony
that was tied to the morning's sermon. However,
the technology didn't cooperate. I had intended
to show this video as I sang along.
The theme is about being open to God's immediate
calling upon His church:
anytime, anywhere. I recently uploaded this at
google-video. Hopefully, even those with dial-up
will be able to view this short video.
Liberia Timeline:
Call to the Galtonians
5:00 minutes
Sunday, August 26, 2007
I spent my morning time working on a graphic for
the Announcements Slideshow. It will be good to
someday have our Media Production Team in place.
Looking forward to having
Matt and Justine lead the
Worship Team this morning. For this special
occasion, I'm gonna play piano,
Cathy's
gonna play drums, and
Mary's gonna click the
powerpoint...Lord
Willing.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Yesterday, Mary
and I transported various pieces of
equipment for the studio at
BellRoad Radio.
Over the years I have gathered resources for
a production studio but have lacked the
personnel to effectively begin. Joe helped
me for awhile. He digitized and edited some
of the analog tapes from the archives.
Mary has decided to attend
EducationPlus
again. As Director, I am pleased to recall
that Mary was our top student during her
first semester with us. Actually, she was
our only student so her rise to the top came
rather quickly.
If so, I hope she will take our elective
class:
Audio Recording,
Editing, and Distribution.
Last semester, she worked on the editing end
of her Language Arts project. She showed
promise in this field of endeavor.
Click here
to hear for yourself:
Mary's
Semester Project
I have purposed to promote a cooperative
exchange of research and development with
the Chancellor at
BellRoad University.
Sharon Cole (a personal friend and
member of our local church)
understands the synergy that is possible by
alignment of personal energies toward the
Great Commission.
Cathy, Mary,
and I gave Matt
and Justine Klein a tour of
the BellRoad campus last night. During the
evening tour, I shared my year-end goals
with Justine. Matt was hearing them for the
third time. They will be worshipping with us
tomorrow at the 10:15 service. Then, he will
perform at an evening concert at 6:00 p.m.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Mary and
I will be in Galt until this afternoon. I am
organizing my hardcopy files of a decade's
ministry in Galt. Cathy stayed in Auburn
working different shifts for Home Instead.
Matt and Justine drove
north last night and called me when they got
close to Galt. They decided to keep
driving--all the way to Auburn.
In case you haven't heard Matt's songs yet:
Matt and Justine Klein--3
songs (click
here)
Sunday morning, August 26th,
Matt is
scheduled to lead our Worship Team at the
10:15 service. Then, at 6:00 p.m. that
evening, he will perform in concert.
Pastor Wesley
called me from
Liberia at 7:00 a.m. this
morning. During the week, he has been
sending me the photo application of students
being given school scholarships as a result
of our VBS Offering. The $1,100 we have sent
to Liberia should be enough to sponsor 15
children at various schools. I will probably
make a slideshow of their photos when all
the applications have been received.
Joe
wrote last night:
the Lord! It was one of the most interesting experiences of
our marriage logistically considering that when we arrived
in Phnom Penh (at 1am) we didn't have any of the local
currency.
Philippines. Hopefully, we will be able to have a nice rest
and ministry with Sharon's extended family and community
while she works towards her MBA and we await the visa to
the U.S.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Up at 3:29 a.m. Hmm...maybe there's
something to Ruth's thought process (see
yesterday's entry). After I write this,
surely I'll go back to sleep for awhile.
There is a busy day ahead. From 8:15-8:30
a.m., I have a phone interview with
Terry Baker,
Director of Seniors Ministries at First
Baptist Church of Fair Oaks. I told Terry
that we are currently praying about
expanding our ministries to Seniors. As my
Dad would say, "I need to pick her brain."
Then, I will be working with
Emma to
finalize the bulletin for Sunday morning.
Then, I'll head to
Baker's Square for
Joy Fellowship
at 11:00 a.m.
This morning I am privileged to be the guest speaker.
My topic?
"Expanding our Ministry to Seniors"
*write, call, or email for your
free CD
As soon as I'm done there,
Mary and I
are taking a run to Galt for the night.
Micah Willette
is meeting us there on business and I have
other matters with which to attend.
I met with Peggy
Los
calzo,
from
Bible Study Fellowship (in
Auburn) yesterday.
We have offered the beautiful campus at
BellRoad University
as the site for BSF
classes in 2007-08.
I have offered to be the Soundman for the
corporate gathering every Tuesday. I'm
excited about having another opportunity to
help make disciples through this
organization.
Click here for more information.
Alisha Rosenau
has left for her next missionary stint with
Rancho Sordo Mudo (a deaf school in Mexico).
Yesterday, Alisha,
Patrice, and I met at the Flour
Garden to work with internet connectivity.
Alisha
will be developing her weekly newsletter
with
googlepages.
Perhaps her mission page will look something
like this page sent to us by
Corinna Gregg
from Honduras.
Corinna was in her early twenties
when she worked alongside Cathy and me years
ago at
Alpha and Omega Ministries.
Here's an email I received from
Corinna
yesterday.
I've just updated my blog for the end of the
school year here. I've added lots of
photos! So, if
you would like to see lots of pictures of
Honduras,
you can view them at:
www.corinnagregg.blogspot.com
Enjoy! If you haven't heard, I have
been offered a
teaching job in North Carolina as a
kindergarten
bilingual teacher. I leave this Saturday!
I am
really excited! Well, talk to you later!
God bless,
Corinna
We are still finalizing our schedule of Fall
classes at BellRoad University. However, we
are ready to begin registration this Sunday
for the following classes:
ME 121
Baptist Faith and Message
with Mike Hodges
Sundays only from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
MA 202
Love Languages
with Curt and Jean Harjo
*this section is for
teens or adults with
or without a spouse.
Sundays only from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
MA 203
Bell Choir for Beginners
with Pastor Rob and friends
Sundays only from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
MA 242
Truth Project
with Wolfgang and DeLynn Rosenau
Sundays only from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
MA 252
The Power of a Praying Woman
with Sharon Cole
Wednesdays only from 5:45 to 7:00 p.m.
MA 302
40 Days of Pots, Pans & Prayer
with Pastor Rob (text: the
Purpose-Driven Life)
Wednesdays only from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
MI 377
Experiencing God
with Faye McKinley
*workbook required with daily readings
Wednesdays only from 5:45 to 7:15 p.m.
LM 402
Student-Planned Curriculum
*credit may be given for enrollment and
participation
in BSF, Auburn Senior Center classes, and other
community organizations.
*by approval of BRU staff
Wednesday, August, 22, 2007
Yesterday, Sharon
Cole (our chancellor at BellRoad
University) went with me to meet
Bob Knapp
(our local evangelist). Bob had the kids
gathered on the sidewalk at Colonial Village
doing a follow-up with those who had made
decisions during our Backyard Bible Club.
In the evening,
Mary babysat while
Brian and Debby
Peterson joined
Cathy and
me for a night out.
An 87 year old church member named
Ruth is
praying DAILY that God will expand her
sphere-of-influence. I always enjoy
receiving emails from Ruth. When I first met
her she told me that at age 87, she had
earned the right to 'speak her mind' about
anything of concern in the church. She has
proven to be a God-given treasure to this
somewhat-younger pastor.
Before you begin to read and reflect upon
her email (below), you may want to
click here for last Sunday's Sermon and
listen simultaneously to the message she
references:
The Devil's Deal
Dear Pastor Rob,
Your message
Sunday was great, the music was
great, the soloists were great; all in all, an
outstanding service! Thanks, also, for allowing us
to hear
Jebby sing--he was outstanding also. More and more
I feel
marvelous things are in store for our church and am
praying
for that reality.
I was
touched by your reference to Jabez's prayer.
I
read that book and continue to pray that prayer
daily. After
I was so ill and could no longer attend Bible
Study
Fellowship, I wondered what doors God could open
for
me, since I am so limited physically. Then I
joined Curves,
and women have told me I've touched their lives
there. Isn't
it beautiful the way God works?
I continue
to marvel at all you are able to do.
Maybe
getting up at 3:30 a.m. is the answer!
May God continue to bless you and yours!
Love, Ruth
The Lord's answer to Ruth's daily prayer has
been to give her a ministry-of-presence at
Curves. Might the Lord Jesus also
grow her own local church?!
Remember, this sister says she is praying
DAILY...
I wrote back to
Ruth that we just offered to host
Bible Study Fellowship, International
in our facilities on Tuesdays--starting in
September. Credit will also be given to
BellRoad University
students who enroll in
BSF for the
fall.
I shared on Sunday night how important it is
to utilize the technology available to us in
these peculiar days. Mention was made that
my son, Joe,
(who is in Asia) listens to my sermons more
regularly than
Jerry (who is only 60 miles
away).
Before we went to bed, this note had come in
from Joe and Sharon.
They had gone to Cambodia for a short visit:
Hey Guys,
Upon attempting to reenter Thailand, we were stopped
and informed that since I had been in Thailand more than
90 days in the past 6 months, I would need to travel to
Phnom Penh to get a visa before I could return to Thailand.
coming to the end of the 2 day processing time and hope
to get the visa this afternoon and leave Phnom Penh at
6:30am tomorrow for the border and then on to Bangkok.
Just wanted to let you guys know what is going on with us.
This morning, my
INBOX contained this update:
We are all set to go
back to Bangkok in the morning. Good news is
that we got the visa to return to Thailand, now
for the entire days travel ahead of us tomorrow.
Glad we were able to get the visa. There
aren't too many other ways out of this part of
Asia-- and we have already purchased the tickets
to Philippines from Bangkok.
This has been a great experience with my
lovely wife. Sharon had been to Cambodia
twice before, so she was able to help us find
some good places to eat and sleep as well as
negotiating the transportation and taking me
through the genocide museum.
Joseph
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Yesterday, Cathy
and I took the cross-the-field
path from Miner's Station to Education
Street (and over to the DeWitt Center). We
visited the Senior's Center again and
observed the Monday morning Line Dance
class. Several wonderful seniors approached
us to join them.
I seriously think that we may give credit
for any student at BellRoad University who
attends a Line Dance class as a way to meet
people in the community.
We stopped by the Courthouse Athletic Club
and saw that the Monday's Auburn Journal was
on the table--open to the Expert Advice
column as the week's feature (twice-sized).
Click here
for Expert Advice archive
page.
Next week's question addresses how to order
tickets for the Ron and Peggy Roloff event
on September 14th. Cathy and I have never
really paid for TV, so we haven't ever seen
the Discovery Channel's
Little People, Big World. So, I found a
few links for Cathy (and maybe you) with
which one can familiarize oneself with that
reality show.
Little People, Big World
Peggy Roloff
The more I learn about Peggy and the Roloff
family, the more excited I will become about
promoting this event.
update
to a reference in yesterday's chat:
Matt suggested uploading Sunday's Powerpoint this way:
so
here goes
It takes a few minutes to download but
then it also
requires that the viewer has powerpoint installed...
so, I went ahead and tried
this
evaluation copy of the converter to FLASH
or went further to embed Sunday Morning's Slideshow
in a frame on the highspeed
version of this page
click here
Monday, August 20, 2007
Last night during the Jesus Film, I noticed
that my laptop (which had been used on the
platform for the youth slideshow) had
actually been able to connect to the
wireless (...quite a distance from the
modem).
During my post-film pitch, I told the
congregation that Joe had checked on gmail
chat to see if I was there. Of course, I
wasn't...I was sitting out in the chairs
section watching the movie. However,
in the middle of the night, I woke up and
with my trusty bedside laptop, I checked
online...
No new mail...so I thought about Matt and
Justine and that I wanted them to see the
powerpoint I had put together Sunday morning
before church.
Then, all of a sudden up pops Joe:
joseph: hey papa
me: hi joe I
woke up really early 3:00 a.m.
3:41 AM
thought I'd look on the
internet...
for a powerpoint to web
converter
joseph: Sharon and I are still in
Cambodia
me: are you having a good time there?
4 dollar room, eh?
joseph: Its ok
yeah
3:44 AM
We're going through a little roller coaster
right now
Thought the visa would be today,
but it will be at least 2 more. I was ok with
that
me: hmm.... yeah?
joseph: but all the sudden HUNGRY and
a little LOST
me: are you outta money?!
joseph: sometimes frustrated for a
little while
but overall GREAT
me: oh...ok, good.
joseph: no school this week :D
me: cool I ran 2 video
projectors for announcement loop
yesterday. Looked
very, very good...
joseph: we got some money from the
ATM here ... I mean no
school for me because I am stuck in Cambodia
me: then surprised to see Jebby
and Ronda dropped in to
visit at churchso, got Jebby
to pick guitar while I
sing-songed a portion of Luke
it happened to work well!
joseph: cool
3:50 AM back
me: ok
joseph: had a little computer problem
me: having a glitch here too...
as I try to convert this slideshow
joseph: it would be nice if our job
can replace me while we
are gone and then pay me before we leave to
Thailand. I made a mistake in that I
shouldn't have
been working.
3:54 AM you there?
me: yup
what are you doing?
I'm trying to figure this out
but probably too sleepy...
joseph: emailing my tithe to FBC
[ Galt ]
me: hmm...how do you do that?
joseph: UBOC can send a payment
through them mail
in 5 days. [Union Bank of California]
me: really? very cool
joseph: and I think I got an email
from Virgina stating the receipt of the
first one
me: Last night I was sharing the
importance of retaining our
youth members after they graduate...
I mentioned how you didn't really
'connect' even at CBU...
but the 21st century local church can
keep connected with
our young adults through interactive
web projects
so...your tithe to your home church is a
good example
btw, you did get an email from Virginia
about it
I was cc'd...I remember wondering how you
had done it
hey, I'm about to drop...better get back to
sleep, ok?
4:03 AM you there?
4:06 AM joe?
4:09 AM bye
Saturday, August 18, 2007
We went to Galt after the Camp Talent Show
on Thursday. Spent all day Friday taking
care of business, paperwork, all the kinds
of stuff that I've put off trying to focus
on the work in Auburn. The 2 video
projectors were delivered there at around
8:00 p.m.
When I was at FBC of Coldwater, Michigan
recently, I saw this video called Linebacker
Evangelism. After we are all set up with new
projectors at BellRoad, I may show it there:
Click here
for a preview:
Linebacker Evangelism
Tomorrow night at 6:00 p.m., we'll screen
the old film called 'Jesus'.
It is of importance to us because one of our own is currently on a mission as an
Audio Engineer to develop more translations
for this important evangelistic tool. Click
on the graphic for more facts about the
Jesus Film Project.
CLICK HERE for more INFO on the project
Late Friday, we drove back to Auburn. Daniel
is doing some cement work for Chet and
Jimmie today. We have a community barbecue
at Miner's Station from Noon to 3:00 (where
we hope to meet many of our neighbors and
invite them to church).
From 3:00 on we have a Class Gathering at
Les and Bobbi's.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Came home from Camp again last night. Had an
appointment with
Pastor John Trafton at 8:00 a.m.
this morning.
A poster was clipped on our apartment door
about a community barbecue on Saturday.
Mary is
planning to meet our neighbors who have
children and hopes to pick up some
babysitting jobs.
On the same day,
Cathy and I will go out to
Les and Bobbi's
home for a picnic with members of Mike
Hodge's Bible Study.
Much to do at the office this morning. Will
probably run back out to Camp for the Talent
Show this afternoon.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
So much to do this morning before leaving
for Camp.
Last night I spoke with Finance Committee
members to secure permission to order two of
these 2500 Lumin projectors:
click here
Daniel rear-ended someone last night after
wrestling practice last night. No one was
hurt but just the thought adds some stress.
May the Prince of Peace, Lord Jesus, reign
in our lives today.
I hope you'll enjoy these photos from Sunday in Pakistan.
Pastor Shamas sent them
(read more below).
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Up at 3:30 a.m. and must run to the office before heading back up to Camp Alta for morning devotions at 7:30.
Yesterday, from Camp, I uploaded a roughly-edited dub of the cassette copy of yesterday's sermon.
You can listen to it here:
Cause-ish Giving
There is also a pdf file of the Sermon Outline stored there.
I came home to our apartment last night after the Evening Bible Study. Joy Jones taught group #4 and I assisted. Group #4 has been scheduled with revolving teachers this year. Joy will teach again this morning and tonight. Bob Knapp, Tom Wirth and others are also scheduled through the week. I am on the schedule for group #4 tomorrow morning.
Last night, as everyone was waiting for their supper, I strummed the guitar and taught everyone a song around the team-theme: 'Shake it off...'
When someone has offended you, 'Shake it off'...
When you're starting to get irritated, 'Shake it off'...
The songs says,
'Shake off those heavy bands,
Lift up those holy hands,
Let all of God's children praise the Lord.'
Pastor Shamas Pervaiz sent me photos from the 40 baptisms last Sunday in Pakistan. I wondered if I should withhold them from publication so I wrote to inquire about it:
Dear Pastor Shamas,
I just wrote a letter to friends all around America. I wonder if it is alright to mention you in my blog and show photos of these baptisms...or does that pose danger for you and your pastors?
Let me know.
Sincerely,
Pastor Rob
Pastor Shamas wrote back later that day:
Thanks for e.mail. Brother you do that you want. Because my desire I preach here good in every areas and in every villages. . . my desire I preach forever.
God Bless You
Pastor Shamas
I took a course in Missions from Dr. Dubose his last year teaching at GGBTS. I learned about the evolution of mission strategy among the different sending churches throughout history. Certainly there is disagreement over which methodology serves Christ's purposes best.
Those differences seem to keep the average church-goer out of the debate and it sometimes leads to a low-ceiling on 'giving' to the Great Commission Cause. Over the years, I have seen joy slowly sucked out of the very few who have the God-given passion for Mission.
Still I press on until the Holy Spirit Himself clearly tells me to stop, to shut up, and leave it to the professionals. I desire to know that the pastors ordained by Pastor Shamas are being discipled in the ministry and in the Word of God.
Until our church grows in numbers and acceptance of a more complete mission-vision, Pastor Shamas must continue without much input from those to whom have been given much.
Again, here's Sunday's Sermon which addresses the idea of a one-time gift (like BellRoad's recent gift for Children's Ministries in Pakistan):
Cause-ish Giving
There is also a pdf file of the Sermon Outline stored there.
We're supposed to baptize two teenagers in our local church this Sunday and three children next Sunday. I must follow up with these five individuals and speak personally with each one.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Up at 4:30 a.m. Special Ministries Camp
starts at Camp Alta today. I am supposed to
be there by 11:00 a.m.
I quickly recounted highlights from
yesterday below while listening to the
cassette recording of yesterday's service.
Cathy worked an overnight for Home Instead.
She should stop in (around 7:30) and kiss me
goodbye before she heads to another
assignment in Newcastle by 8:00 a.m.
She has been allowed to sleep some on Friday
and Saturday nights, so hopefully she was
able to get some rest last night as well.
For the time being, I'm still paying the
mortgage on our home in Galt. Cathy's job is
paying for our apartment!
We're down to one child living with us! The
other two are in our home (yeah, I know...)
until they get their own apartment near
their community colleges in Sacramento.
They're on a waiting list.
Before going to Camp, I'm gonna try to find
someone to transport our kitchen table &
chairs, and a dresser from Auburn's
Salvation Army to our apartment.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Full day.
Led the Worship Team in Auburn. Scott at the
Mixing Console; Zack helped him get my guitar's
single notes to cut through.
Coached Ben to pull back on the drums a bit.
Coached the girls to unify and carry the melody
whenever I shift to harmony.
Pre-Service Practice went well, but it
demonstrated for all 'why' I have chosen not to
wear that particular hat...
Private coaching with a key player about
'showmanship'. Addressed the importance of
giving God our very best. Key passage from
Scripture?
"Play your instrument skillfully before
the Lord."
Prayed with the player as if she were an Olympic
Gymnist. Gotta walk to the mat, take a deep
breath, and do one's very best. Showmanship is
very important. However, restraint and
thoughtful caution is important as well--judges
are watching. Restraint yet willingness to
Risk...
Shared Big
Picture-MissionStrategy with mother
of mission-minded adult children during the
Sunday School time. This stirred me up. Sermon
was already gonna address Mission-Giving and so
was the Evening Service. However, this mama
needed to hear some of it then-and-there.
Worship Service was what it was. Preached with
conviction. Offered a public invitation to
repent and receive Jesus. Shared the Lord's
Supper.
Met Paul and
Heidi who are planning to marry in
Reno on Friday. Rejoiced to see
David Little
again. Met Melody
who wants to pursue joining our church. She fell
through the cracks in 2006. Nobody called her
about her checked box: "I want to join this
church."
Melody wants
to connect with our International Mission Board.
Needs to be a member of a Southern Baptist
Church.
After church visited with
Dan and Renee.
At piano-side, taught
Anthony how to sing 'God is Good All
the Time'.
Lunch with Daniel,
Mary, and Cathy at Sizzler.
Drove to Brandon
and Heidi's to pick up
projector for Evening Mission Report.
Drove to Fry's (with Daniel following on his way
to Galt)--fully intending to purchase 2 video
projectors. Took 30 minutes to drive 10 miles
due to an accident and traffic back from Hot
August Nights in Reno.
Got to Fry's wanting to rush in and out...but
'wasted' 30 minutes to walk out empty-handed
(except with rain checks for two 2,500 Lumins
Toshiba projectors at the great price of $749.00
each).
On the road again...rushed west on I-80. Had
people waiting.. In haste, put on the A-V hat,
and tried to gear up for the evening.
Note to self: BellRoad needs to settle the A-V
question. Why am I setting up a projector while
Jon cuts
himself by aggressively attempting to beat the
old man at the speed of a chromatic run down the
piano?
Oops. He cut himself and bled on the low A.
Running around looking for an S-Video cable?
Yeah...I told Ben
I was stressing over it. I finally found it.
Whew...in time. We enjoyed a great Mission
Report from both Hannah
and Ben. I shared my convictions
about our unfolding role as a missionary-sending
church. Then, I introduced
Zack and his decision to head to
Florida to work on compiling, editing, and
dubbing translations for the Jesus Film project.
After everyone went home, I tried to dub the wav
file of the morning's Service to mp3. Worked
from 9:30 to 11:00 p.m. on this. Just couldn't
get it to work...
Went home to bed.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Last night, I discovered that periodically,
I have wireless access here, so I'm
broadcasting from our apartment in Auburn.
Curt Harjo
will be ministering at a church in another
city tomorrow, so I am leading the Worship
Team at Bell Road.
Tomorrow's Message is entitled Cause-ish
Giving. I have yet to get much further
than title, passage, and basic feel for what God
wants to settle in our hearts before we
share the Bread and the Cup.
As we pass the Bread,
Kristi Ronk will sing. During
the passing of the Cup,
Sharon Cole
will play the piano. I am looking forward to
this Service.
Cathy worked an overnight; Mary and I
brought up some basic household furniture to
get started in our new apartment. It is
quite small compared to our home in Galt,
but we hope to launch a vibrant evangelistic
ministry in the neighborhood.
A veteran of WW2,
Walter Price, (one of our church
members) is being featured in a PBS special.
Here is a link to a related article:
click here
Friday, August 10, 2007
Jack Caulder
and I hung out together yesterday morning.
Jack was on the search committee that found
me in Galt last November. I showed him how
to use Western Union to send our VBS
Offering to Pastor Shamas in Pakistan and to
Pastor Wesley in Liberia.
Then, I showed him the apartment where
Cathy, Mary,
and I are moving this week. It is a near a
regional park where I hope we will meet
hundreds of people of all ages. This is one
of our strategies to spread the Good News of
Jesus--to live in close proximity to people
who don't already know Him.
Jack doesn't have Internet access so when we
went back to my office, I showed him various
photos of work done through VBS offerings in
these two nations.
We also looked at the various aspects of web
development that is being developed as tools
for future ministry opportunities through
BellRoad.
Cathy and I drove to Galt to return a flute
she had borrowed. She needed to get right
back to the foothills to work a night shift.
I stayed in Galt to attend to some needs here. I will probably work on my
sermon after posting this entry. The message
is entitled:
"Cause-ish Giving"
In our three-year sermon series, we
have come to the place in Acts, wherein
Barnabas has been introduced as one who
gives what he has. Sunday we will meet a
married couple who also give: Ananias and
Sapphira.
Stay tuned to see how these old, old stories
will relate to what God is doing among us
today.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
I was exhausted upon my return from the
airport with Matt so I took a nap before our
evening prayer meeting. I taught from
Colossians 3:15-17 and, collectively, we
interpreted the hymnic meaning of
'Brethren, we have met to Worship' for us.
Zack, Mike,
Jack, John, Jimmy, Chet, Janet, me, Marcie, Steve, Faye,
Clyde, Elinor, Nancy, Elfreida, and
Bernhardt were among those in the
Learning Circle.
Click above and we see a verse that is
missing from our own hymnal. I clicked on
the wordsmith's name, George Atkins and
learned that he was a Methodist preacher.
After prayer, Janet and I joined those
waiting upon us for Worship Practice
(Brandon, Ben, Vicki, Patrice, Kristy, and
Jonathon). I shared a story about learning
to worship as a team-member.
We had a wonderful time in Worship Practice
by simply worshiping--unplugged and
unhindered.
On the Sunday that Ben left for his mission
trip to Alaska, my sermon included a
'sending' from our local church. I publicly
proclaimed that our church ought to look
different by the time Ben gets home. As I
evaluate that statement and look back, look
around, look within, and look up, I do see
change and growth.
A few days ago, I answered a question 2 weeks in advance for Expert Advice. The question was about being overwhelmed by concerns over current events on a global scale as well as facing personal stressors.
Then, yesterday, I myself started to feel
overwhelmed by the needs I see that must be
addressed in order to organize and coach
my own local church as we are becoming the
mega-power, mega-grace church mentioned in my
last two sermons.
This morning, I have categorized my
primary concerns under these five headings which
should solidify
the liquidity
of theory and practice (remembering that
'according to the scripture this temporal life
is but a vapour).
1. Message (working out the practical
application of being devoted to the public
reading of Scripture, to preaching, and to
teaching).
2. Multiplication (building the strength
of our local church from within so that Bell
Road will flourish for years to come--with and
without me).
3. Music (teaching our entire church body
through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs;
reaching people of all ages through music
education and performance).
4. Media (working smarter and
working harder in the compilation, editing,
transmission-distribution of the Message and
Music).
5. Mission (becoming much more
effective as one of the top 100 mission-giving
SBC churches in California by challenging the
tradition of giving-by-rote).
The Holy Spirit has also been prompting me in
other matters associated with these five
categories. This is why I was feeling the
symptoms of being overwhelmed.
To be overwhelmed does not need to be perceived
negatively. If I must kneel down in submission
to the overwhelming responsibility that comes
with hearing Him, my mind (and my heart) will be
guarded in Christ Jesus.
Jesus has told me to come under His Yoke and to
Learn from Him--that is what I intend to do.
First, I will allow the Word of Christ to dwell
in me richly, then I will call out for the
congregation of the saints to voice the Amen by
the power of the Spirit--to the glory of God.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
It is 5:49 a.m. as I write. We dropped the
music guy, Matt,
off at 10:50 last night. We had a long
string of important introductions with some
of BellRoad's sparkling personalities
yesterday. I told Matt that we wouldn't
start again until 9:00 a.m. today.
Hopefully, he will get some rest. Today's
schedule will be full--all the way to the
moment I need to take him to Sacramento to
catch his flight home.
Cathy has to be to work at 8:00 a.m. in
Newcastle today, so we're gonna head for the
Gym.
Our son Joe is now working his first job as
a married man. He and Sharon are living in a
job-provided apartment in Bangkok as he
teaches 25 different English classes. I read
a chat he had with his mama last night and
could see that he was stressed. He's really
homesick for California, wants to be around
the extended family, and introduce his wife
to us.
However, he will have to apply for the
proper visa and sometimes the process takes
awhile. I wrote and asked him to refrain
from wasting this chapter of their lives by
allowing negative thoughts to rule in his
mind. As an elder, it is important that I
share stories of how I've managed to rise
above circumstances in the past.
I once had a job that I dreaded--day after
day. Then I started carrying around a
photograph of Joe-Joe and baby Jeremiah. I
pulled the photos out of my shirt pocket
several times each day...and prayed for our
future.
That simple act sustained me and changed my
perspective about the unfulfilling job. The
dread was transformed into hopeful
expectation as I stood on the promises of
God (which, by the way, are YES and AMEN in
Christ Jesus).
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
I have had a great time with Matt ever since
picking him up from the airport. We had a
full day yesterday and last night. Then, we
started with the Men's Breakfast this
morning at 6:00 a.m.
I just submitted two more columns for Expert
Advice to the Auburn Journal. So, its time
to head out with Matt and introduce him to
people who have expressed an interest in the
pursuit of a Worship Leader for our local
church.
Then, this just came in from a lady named
Mimi. She has been hunting for me on the
Internet but somehow was looking for me as
Pastor Bob. We'll have to clear that up!
Oh yeah, I should tell you...my hair is no
longer pink!
Hi Pastor Bob,
We met on the airplane on the way to
Michigan in July, on the 13th to be exact. I
was sitting an aisle behind and across from
you.
I commented on your pink hair and we
chatted. I mentioned that I was on my way to
Pennsylvania the next day with my daughter.
I asked if you were a musician.
You asked my name and I replied, Mimi. You
said that you would do a song and that I
could check on your website when I returned
home and that you would have a song written
for me.
It is now a month later and I checked your
website, pastorbob.com--right? But, to no
avail, I found no song.
Did I not go to the right link? Or did you
perhaps forget about my song? I'll wait,
hopefully you'll remember.
If not, please reply, because I have
something to share.
Thank you for the thought, that was awfully
sweet of you to even mention.
Take care, I hope this finds you in good
health.
Kindly,
Mimi
Monday, August 6, 2007
Last night, I attended the class on Hebrews
with bible teacher,
Tim Willette. We covered
Hebrews 12:1-15. Much was gained personally
as we considered God's chastening of those
He loves.
Before going to bed, I invested a couple
hours editing the audio track from
yesterday's Sunday-Morning-Message:
click here for 'Becoming a
Mega-Church: part 2'
Yesterday, our summer missionaries,
Gregg and
Emily, just completed BellRoad
University's first-ever session of
LM 499 Auburn
Mission Practicum
They both performed their required tasks and
lessons beyond their supervisors'
expectations. In turn, we also learned a
great deal from the time they invested of
themselves at BellRoad Laboratories.
Both teenagers are featured in the
SundayMessage:
Becoming a Mega-Church:
part 2
This morning I have the privilege of meeting
singer-songwriter, Matt Klein, at the Sacramento
airport. At my request, he is coming to Auburn
to spend 53 hours alongside me, us, and others
as, together, we seek God's Will for his life.
Years ago, Dave
Hendrix, posed a question about
knowing the Will of God for one's life. We
discussed the whole idea--since we were both in
that peculiar, life-changing,
decision-making stage. He was simultaneously
reading a book (by Multnomah Press) about the
process of seeking God for wisdom in making
decisions.
Later, in 1991, Nan
Bragg introduced me to Henry
Blackaby's book, Experiencing God. That
text, and subsequent small group encounters with
other serious Christians, has continually
provoked me to yield my presuppositions to the
God who calls . . .
These particular 53 hours should be very helpful
to Matt
(33), and his wife,
Justine (31) as they seek our
heavenly Father for wisdom to follow Jesus on
the straight-and-narrow path marked His Best for
all of us.
pictured above: Matt, Jonah, Justine, Evan
Here I Am.mp3 Matt
says that he wrote this song 2 years ago. It
was a difficult time in his life:
"I just sat down one day
and wrote it
to the Lord."
I Stand Amazed.mp3 Written 7 years ago, when Matt was a worship leader for Hope Chapel in Huntington Beach. He was preparing the music for worship practice and getting tired of doing the same music. Matt asked the Lord for a new song, "and well... He gave me one."
Lets Talk About It.mp3
Written to Christians in
general, this song is about getting the word out
that Jesus is Alive and well.
Three songs
by Matt Klein (all rights reserved)
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Plans changed yesterday. Mary and I drove
back to Galt to see our boys, check on the
house, and spend the night. Emily and Gregg
stayed with the Rosenau family.
In less than one week, we should be living
in our Auburn apartment--not far from our
church property.
This morning we will say goodbye to Emily
Payne and Gregg Reese, our summer missionaries
who came for one week to help us build
relationships and spread the Gospel in Auburn.
We also welcome back to us our own teen NAMB
missionary who has been in Alaska: Ben Rosenau.
Last week, we quickly acknowledged that Hannah
Knapp, our teen missionary to Asia was home.
I asked all four teenagers to take part in
helping me share part 2 of 'Becoming a
Mega-Church' this morning.
Saturday, August 4, 2007
The other day I witnessed to a 14 year old
who said she had only been to church one
time before. She had, however, seen 'The
Passion of the Christ' and shared that
frame of reference. Last night we rented the
DVD: 'Bridge to Terabythia' and
watched it in the Youth Room at church. In
the film is a significant spiritual
conversation between three children. It is
worthy of discussion and definitely should
be seen by those who minister to the
children.
This is the last full day our missionaries
will be with us. This morning we have a
men's breakfast at 8:00 a.m. so Gregg will
attend that with me.
Afterwards, I will take
Emily and Gregg
to the Courthouse Museum where we will meet
up with others for a free, one-hour walking
tour of Old Town Auburn (click
here). There is also a farmers'
market today from 8:00 - 1:00, so if you'd
like to come along, we'll probably see you
there. I'm the guy with the pink hair.
I have been wanting to visit the Bayside
Church in Rocklin. Emily thinks that
Lincoln Brewster
(Director of Worship Arts) is incredible.
They have two Saturday night services at
Bayside.
We will try to worship with them today:
(click
here
for more information).
We will probably go back to Downtown Auburn
sometime today (or tonight) to see if we can
find Travis
again. He touched our hearts the other
night.
We will have a wonderful celebration
tomorrow morning at our own local church. I
hope you'll come...
Bell Road Baptist Church 707
Bell Road, Auburn
9:00
Bible Study for all ages
10:15 Morning Worship
click here
for a map
Friday, August 3, 2007
First off, here is a link to new website.
www.mattandjustine.com
I was introduced to
Matt Klein through
Jason Gold (the
Worship Leader at Calvary Chapel of Auburn). He
told me that it has been said of Matt that "he
does Keith Green better than Keith Green". Well,
that aroused my curiousity.
The song 'let's talk about it' does sound like
it could be Keith at the piano. I just got off
the phone with Matt. We've had three lengthy
phone conversation during the last six days.
Matt is gonna be in Auburn during the weekend of
August 24-26. He and Justine will be part of the
Worship Team that morning. It should be a
wonderful time because we will have baptisms
that morning as well (see below).
Again, here's the website. Click on the link for
music. I can't wait until he gets up family
photos, etc. He's quite busy these days (in
between taking my calls and reading my letters).
www.mattandjustine.com
I have really appreciated all the free programs
that Google has provided over recent years. My
gmail account has been very helpful to keep me
organized. The minimal advertising usually
provides links to sites in which the scanning
software 'thinks' that I might be interested.
Today, they provided a link to Calvary Chapel
Tucson. Their's is a good model for a website:
click here
Being from Michigan, I had never heard of Chuck
Smith. Even after all these years in California,
I still hadn't heard him. So, on their site, is
also a link to their 2007 Pastors' Conference. I
saw that Chuck Smith had sent in a
message. I'm listening to it right now (on
this link). I've read and heard
about Chuck several times. I'm enjoying the
opportunity to hear his opinions from his own
voice through this particular message.
Yesterday, a small team from our local church
took a Jump House and a Cotton Candy machine to
Colonial Village (a local housing
complex). We were there from 1:30 to 8:00 p.m.
with the primary goal of building relationships
with people of all ages.
Wolfgang, Patrice,
Zack, Stacy, Mary, and Bob
worked alongside our visiting teen-missionaries
(Emily and Gregg)
to share the love of Jesus with this little
neighborhood. Cathy
and Mary D. also joined us after
they got off work. Somehow, as we all did our
part, God worked through the outreach effort.
Many lives were touched through the short
conversations. Longer, intentional spiritual
conversations led to four young people praying
to receive Jesus as their Savior (one at a
time).
We joyfully welcomed the opportunity to share
the Good News with Tara
(12), Ryan
(nearly 11), Maddie
(11), Joeb
(8). We were able to meet with the parents of
these children as well. The first three children
are planning to be baptized on August 26th.
The fourth
child's family attends another church, so we'll
share with his pastor about the spiritual
movement in his young life.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
The second cast (Haydn) performing The Sound
of Music did a great job at yesterday's
matinee. At the door, we received a
photo-program for the show: Curtain Call.
Now, I'll be able to identify the names of
performers who stood out to me in some way.
Maybe I'll call certain individuals for
interviews at BellRoad Radio.
During the intermission, I spoke with the
show's drummer, Gary Howe. He has performed
in the area for many years with the Auburn
Symphony. He's been cutting back but is
still going to be involved in a major
children's program sometime..hmm, I guess
I'll have to ask for an interview because I
can't remember what he told me.
Cathy was told by someone at Calvary Chapel
that the girl who played Maria,
Kara Wolfley,
had also sung with the Worship Band at 07
Awaken.
I'm thankful to the Lord that our new
ministry setting, Auburn, is thriving with
artistic expression. The Placer Auditorium
is a pleasant venue. I look forward to
meeting many other artists in the days
ahead.
One of the area's greatest talents in
Mark Hall
(over at FBC Auburn). Our short-term
mission team went over there on Tuesday to
look at their VBS staging and caught Mark's
song-n-dance. Very good to see him working
with young people. Mark is a gifted musician
and very friendly man-of-God.
Here's a question I started working on as an
introduction to the CD: 'What's
So Special about Jesus?'
Pastor Rob,
I recently heard a wise person say that all
paths lead to God. That sounds right. Is it?
My response to this question will be
in Monday's Auburn Journal in the Expert Advice
section. If any of you need expert advice in any
area of interest or concern, please send your
question:
pastorob@gmail.com
Tonight, we are doing an outreach in a local
housing complex. Wolfgang Rosenau is providing a
JumpHouse. So, that is today's primary focus.
I sure hope that our teen-missionaries are
journaling. We have had a whirlwind of activity
and have met many, many interesting individuals
in these few days together. I certainly won't
remember them all without 'a little help from my
friends.'
Our
apartment becomes available to us on
Saturday, August 8th.
Click on this 360 model for a look around.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Mary and
I are taking a quick run down to Galt to
take her second behind-the-wheel driving
lesson. Cathy just left (6:30) for Grass
Valley to a
Home Instead placement.
I hope someone out there will be at
the Sound of Music
to see the 2nd cast. The dress-rehearsal
matinee is at 2:15 today (and costs only
$3.00). Emily
was in many shows as a child and
Gregg wants
to take some classes in musical theatre. Me?
I'm talent-scouting again.
I invited the singer-songwriter,
Travis
to come along. Travis had been our waiter at
the Pizza place on Monday night. We went
back after-hours and met him in the alley
for a spontaneous songs-n-stories.
Yesterday was packed with visitational
outreach in the community (CAC, Boys&GirlsClub,
ARD, and B>alentShow).
At the church,
Rita, Charles, Jaci, Zack, Hannah, and
Bob all met Emily & Gregg. We
ended the night with a walk under the
Foresthill Bridge. We stopped to pray and
then saw a rattlesnake just off the path on
our way back.
The teens are supposed to journal their
remembrances of people we meet along the
way. I'm starting my notes below.
sunday--Mike and Janie
Sanchez transported Emily and Gregg to us.
After a short nap, we went outside Save
Mart, Longs and the Flour Garden to pass out
the invitations to the 2nd night of 07
Awaken (w/ Phil Wickham, Coach Joey Montoya,
and Greg Denham).
This was very productive in that we purposed
not to hand the cards out indiscriminately
(but to those who seemed receptive to the
pink hair). A 12 yr. old kid on a skateboard
(who we would see later on Tuesday afternoon
outside the Placer Bank).
The mother of teens sitting at the pay
phone. She is unchurched. I told her to
consider me her pastor.
Met Lilly (a drummer) and the guys she was
with (and invited them).
We drove to Downtown Auburn, parked by the
Pizza Place, and walked to the High School
meeting people along the way.
more later..