Pastor Rick speaks to our Worship Team...

Dear Worship Team,

Thank you for sharing your time and talent as a singer, player and technician.

We are SO blessed at Argyle. God is awesome. You are awesome. Thank you.

It's very important that you guard your heart.

It's very important that you have personal guard rails in place.

It's very important that you pray and study your Bible every day.

It's very important that you remind yourself of exactly why you play, sing and tech

and who you play, sing and tech for!

When we forget that, 

then we show up late, unprepared, with a heart far from being open to worship...

We'll be tempted to complain, be jealous, feel sorry for ourself and develop a bitter spirit.

We might even begin to think it's all about us!

There is too much at stake for our efforts to be misguided.

There is too much at stake for us to be complacent.

As worship leaders, it is our calling and our responsibility to lead our people into the very presence of God.

We can't lead where we haven't been.

Each week, spend quality time with God. Acknowledge His greatness. Confess your sins.

Pray for God's anointing on our worship.

Pray for your pastor (God knows he needs it.)

Each week, spend quality time with your music. Rehearse on your own. Listen to the mp3's online.

If you're confident with the music, that will allow you to worship freely.

Come prepared to offer Him your absolute best. He's worthy. He's so worthy.

God has blessed The Church at Argyle.

This Sunday, we will begin two worship gatherings to allow us to minister to more people and allow our Children's Ministry Team to attend our worship gatherings every week.

This opportunity will require greater commitment from all of us. I believe we are up to the task.

If I schedule music at the end of the worship gathering, it will be a solo.

That will allow you to leave, if you choose, after the music at the second worship gathering.

Please always attend at least one of the complete worship gatherings.

This is our new schedule:

8:00 am       Arrive/warm up/tune

8:15 am       Downbeat of the first song

9:00 am       First worship gathering

10:30 am     Second worship gathering

6:00 pm       Christmas rehearsal

Please invite people. You are our most effective outreach opportunity.

Here we go.

God's up to something good. It's exciting to be part of it!

I'll see you Sunday at 8!

Love you all,

Rick

One Woman's Journey... A Guest Post

Not all that long ago, if you were to ask me "What do you think about God?" I would have gone on this long tirade about Christians. At my kindest moments I would think them boring, naive and bad dressers and I regularly said "I will NEVER be one of THOSE people". I equated God to his people and not the other way around and my opinions were not kind.

Then I lost a  bet with God and I reluctantly returned to church. In those early days I was aggressive, even MORE judgmental than usual, and defensive. I just knew those people would condemn me so I condemned them first. I steadfastly kept God OUT of my blog, out of my life and out of my heart. Those days the only thing that kept me coming back was KidStuf and Mary's hugs. In those early days Pastor Ken was not MY pastor and in fact, I was convinced if he said the word "Literally" ONE more time, well, even I would not spork a pastor, but...

It was before Pastor Hal refused to let me goad him. It was before Ms. Amy cast her spell on me and made me love her. It was before my beloved 4th grade tweens, before the Dorcas ladies, before the Cafe Club. Back then I mocked The Promise and thought talk radio was for freaks and kooks. Then I showed up at the doors of the church one November Sunday and found KidStuf.

To you, the leaders, players and Students of KidStuf, I say thank you. Every cold morning, every missed vacation, every night rehearsal and every other imaginable sacrifice you made to put on a production of KidStuf every week saved me. You broke down Christianity into bite sized pieces and fed it to me in a way I could digest. When Pastor Ken was still talking over my head, you spoke directly to my heart. You found me and you lead me to a real relationship with Christ. One virtue, one song and one laugh at a time. You broke through my strong defenses. With each new secular song I heard in church the wall cracked. When I saw a grown woman in pigtails bouncing around the stage the cracks deepened. When I saw a strong black man dressed as a pregnant woman the wall crashed to the ground. Once you brought down my defenses Pastor Ken got in and was never again THE pastor but MY pastor. Once that happened there was no going back. God walked it and did what God does.

Over the next few months I discovered I was the one Pastor Ken spoke of when he said "Those no one else wanted." I was Mary Nobody. I was the beaten down, the scorned, the lost. I was the one who felt I was too broken to be saved. I was convinced I was going to hell and I would take you with me given half the chance. I knew every section of the Bible that I could mock or use in my arguments but had no idea how many books in contained, how it started or how it finished. I knew every verse that was inconsistent, or could conveniently be twisted but had no idea how many times the word "Love" was used. Yes, I am the one this church changed course for. I am the face of Mary Nobody.

These days there is rarely a day God is not in my blog. Should  you find yourself in my car you will hear either a podcast for my "God Pick" playlist. I am married to the same man, live in the same house, drive the same car, have the same job but nothing is the same.

Now, I give God the credit for the dramatic changes in my life, but The Church at Argyle was His tool. THOSE  people pried open my heart so God could get in and completely transform me. I am not worthy to be called one of THOSE people but I'm honored to be among them and I am forever grateful.

With Gratitude & Love,
Beth Reed

Some words from Rick's heart for the Argyle family...

Dear Argyle Family,

Last Sunday night was a wonderful event and experience for us. I found myself getting verklempt (Mike Myers/Coffee Talk) at the end and wasn't able to express all that I wanted to share.

My partner in ministry for 34 years (in fact, we were in ministry together 2 years before we married) is vital to everything God has called us to do. (You think I don't know that the only reason you keep me around is so you can have Donna.) Her heart, commitment and love for people is a beautiful thing to behold. I cannot imagine doing this without her. Like Ms. Becky, she is a model pastor's wife. It truly was love at first sight.

Our children are such a joy and inspiration to me. I've learned so many life lessons by hanging with them. To know they love me and are praying for me is huge.

My parents and Donna's parents are extraordinary people. How do you put a value on never doubting for a moment that you are unconditionally loved? The only problem with having parents like that is that I don't have anyone to blame for my screw-ups.

My dear friend Ken shaped my heart and life in so many ways. I miss him greatly. I still feel as though I'm just filling in for him. Maybe someday I will be a smidge of the gentleman and Christ follower that he exemplified. To have the support of Becky, Kenny and Darrell in this new adventure is beyond expression. Becky, thank you for your affirmation again Sunday night.

Amy, Terri, Hal and David are all very gifted and have a heart for God and the Argyle family. Thank you for your words and actions of encouragement. We are blessed with a wonderful team.

Our Creative Team, Drama Team and Technical Team all play a part not only in last Sunday night's event but every week as we work together to bring people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Everything you do, on or behind the stage, makes an impact. I know that it doesn't happen by itself. Thank you.

It's a beautiful thing to see your racquetball buddy grow into a Christ follower with a servant's heart. Thank you, Leroy and Kitchen Team. You are amazing.

I appreciate very much the words of encouragement from Phil and Tim. They have known me many years. It's hard to fake someone out for that long. The fact that they seem to still have respect for me is very humbling. Also, thank you Evie and Connie.

Some of the video was a little embarrassing. But I did it, so I've gotta take it like a man. Yet, we were very passionate that we needed to speak The Message in the language of the 70's and 80's culture. Maybe God found a way to use some of that stuff for His glory.

Thank you, Argyle Family, for your love and support (though you are my main source of High Anxiety). The anxiety is not because of anything that you have done. It's the weight of the responsibility. Since I'm teaching that to have anxiety is wrong, I probably should stop it. I am thankful that God is growing me to trust Him to care for you.

I'm convinced that some of the world's most wonderful people are in our midst.

If I left you out, I'm sorry. I'm getting verklempt again.

Rick

Starting The Search...

The deacons have named a Pastor Search Committee – Kim Bass, Wade Collier, Terri Johnson, Arlette McCann, Tony Morales, Keith Thompson and Gerry Yutuc. Arlette was selected as Chair at their first meeting on Wednesday evening, May 5.

The Committee prayed, then got organized, and everyone was given the opportunity to share their hearts and thoughts. Everyone is still grieving and missing Pastor Ken, but everyone agreed that it would be Pastor Ken's most sincere desire that the Committee be careful to listen to the leading of the Holy Spirit as they work. The Committee believes that God has already prepared a man to lead us, and that we simply have to obey as He directs us to that man.

The Committee decided to pray individually for a week, and to perhaps fast one of those days. They ask that the entire Argyle family join them in praying and fasting as they seek out God's will, and listen for His voice.

The Committee will meet again on Wednesday, May 12. Until then, continue with them in prayer.

Picking Up The Pieces...

It has been a whirlwind since Easter. Many of us are still dealing with the loss of Pastor Ken, and some of us (Hal & Amy) are also dealing with deaths within their own families.

In the middle of all this, the church and its work have to go on. It is a sad truth that in the long view of the church, we are all expendable. The only certainty we face is that, until Jesus returns, the work of the church has to continue. We are still sad, we have to get back to what we are called to do.

I was asked Sunday, "What do the sheep do when the shepherd is gone?" The answer is, there are several shepherds, not just one. Sundays will never again include Pastor Ken teaching us, but there will always be a Sunday morning at Argyle. God will be praised, joyful voices will raise Him up, prayerful people will celebrate as the Gospel is proclaimed. Children and students will be loved and challenged with Scriptural truth, converts will be baptized and people will be encouraged in their spiritual growth.

Our By-Laws provide for transition. Our deacons have selected a Pastor Search Committee. Kim Bass, Wade Collier, Terri Johnson,  Phil Massicotte, Arlette McCann, Tony Morales, Keith Thompson, and Gerry Yutuc have already started the process that will lead to selecting our next Senior Pastor. Pray for them and pray for our fellowship to listen closely as God speaks to us about what He has in mind for us as we continue our journey with Him. We have a great past, but our greatest years lie in our future!

Hal Hunter
Ministry Pastor

Great Way To Begin A Great Week...

Yesterday was Palm Sunday. It marks the beginning of a week of great contrasts- from triumph (Matthew 21:8-11) to seeming tragedy (Luke 23:33).

Yesterday we enjoyed some triumphs. Like most Sunday mornings at Argyle, we had great worship, a powerful and challenging message, and lives being changed by the power of God working through His people. It was Sunday evening that was something special. A really nice crowd was back to enjoy the baptism, Lord's Supper, family dinner and Student Dessert Auction. Our students led worship, and they did a great job. It wasn't exactly grandma's church, but it was Jesus' church.

We had three baptisms. Their video stories were a glimpse into the various ways the Holy Spirit uses to draw people to Jesus. A brother and sister were brought to Argyle by the influence of Godly grandparents who wanted their family to hear the Gospel faithfully preached. A woman who has been dealing for years with the consequences of bad choices and poor decisions made the right decision- to totally turn her life over to Jesus. We know that it is not baptism that saves, but it does publicly proclaim the joyful news of a life newly devoted to Jesus and His mission for the church.

We had a wonderful opportunity to obey Jesus' other desire for us- we remembered Him and looked forward to the fulfillment of His promise by sharing the Lord's Supper (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).

Chef Leroy did not disappoint. His world famous BBQ disappeared in no time. Leroy always frets that people will get bored of the same old pulled pork- he have to keep reassuring him that it is the best BBQ in town, hands down, and there is nothing he can serve that people would enjoy more.

For years (we think 12, but aren't real sure) the Student Ministry has done a dessert auction to help fund the annual BigStuf summer camp. Last night we set a record- over $1,900 was raised to help Argyle Students grow in their faith at BigStuf. Thank you Argyle families for your awesome support. Our students appreciate it.

Hal Hunter
Ministry Pastor

Why The Church Needs To Change When Jesus Hasn't...

Here is a link to a post on Perry Noble's blog you need to read.

He is the Pastor of NewSpring Church in Anderson, South Carolina. He is just as passionate about God and being real and relevant for Christ as our own Pastor Ken. Perry's style is different but his message is the same.

The message is - we are here to reach people for Christ, not to protect ourselves in a Christian bubble. The people we are trying to reach are those who do not know Jesus yet.

The church should be a place where believers greet and welcome people, children, families, who are looking for Jesus. We are not trying to make people more like us; we are introducing them to Jesus so they can build a relationship with Him, choose to ask him to dwell in their hearts and become new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Perry doesn't pull any punches so please get past the language and hear the message, see this child through Jesus' eyes.

This is our job every week in the children's ministry. This is our job every day in a world looking for Christ but being criticized by Christians.

 Amy Gieger
Children's Ministry Director

Why We Do It... A Guest Post

What a great service Sunday. Thanks so much to all of you for all you do!

I am guilty of taking for granted that our church will be there and will be great. Pastor Rick will have great music. The Worship Team will be great. Pastor Ken will have a moving and inspiring sermon. The KidStuf actors will rock.

I'm thankful that I can do my little part and serve as a baby toe in the church body. I tried doing "Word" in KidStuf and was sick with worry about remembering my lines every Saturday night. I tried being a lead teacher; again, I was sick with worry every Saturday night, and dreaded it, and knew that wasn't right.

But I can DANCE and smile. So I am happy to dance on the KidStuf floor and serve as the STAIRMASTER, keeping kids off the stairs and stage and go shhhhh to the noisy ones during the show.

I can dance in UpStreet too (its like a free aerobics class). And I CAN easily be a friend and listener and provide Jolly Ranchers to kids in UpStreet and assist crazy fun Don Eldridge in his kids small group. I'm so thankful to him for figuring out the curriculum and lesson, which boggles my mind many times. I'm happy to say shhhh while he speaks and to play the games, especially those boy vs. girls competitions that can be so riveting.

It's EZ to hug, smile, chat and encourage little ones and listen to their stories about a lost tooth, good grades, winning a soccer game, and to meet their friends and relatives.

I guess I'd like to inspire those folks who think they don't have a place at church that they do! Even if you aren't as comical as Kenny, eloquent as Mr. Dwight and Mrs. Linda. Even if you aren't a musician like the amazing Bass family and that awesome teenage drummer girl Cameron or you don't sing like Arlette (ssss..Stepping Stone). Or you are not actors or actresses who can remember lines and get on that KidStuf stage without vomiting.

Keep searching till you find your spot. Try things and if they don't work. Try something else until you find a comfy space, like I have.



Mary Maragy

Card Response...

Last week we asked our people to fill out cards to both update our people database, and to let us know about spiritual decisions they had made.

We had a great response- well over 200 cards were completed. A lot of those were from people who had made spiritual decisions, such as wanting to join the church, wanting to be baptised, or telling us about their salvation decision.

The problem is, we need to talk to all of those people- and there don't seem to be enough hours in the day. If you are one of them, don't get too impatient- we will get to you as soon as possible. If you have a few minutes to spare one weekday, call me in the office between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm, and we can take care of things in just a few minutes.

Hal Hunter

Ministry Pastor

Every week...

I watch the video of our Worship Gathering at Argyle to evaluate how things went. Even though I start out watching and listening to check the mix, are we in tune, entrances and cut-offs, can I understand the words, how is the energy level, etc. I always end up moved by the worship experience of a mighty God and appreciative of the faithfulness, passion and skill of our Worship Team (band, singers, tech, dance, drama and visual arts).

Thank you!

Rick Painter
Worship Arts Pastor

Super Size It?

I just got back from McDonalds (sorry, Chick-fil-a). They have a drink special going on- any size for a dollar. I thought to myself- why would anyone not want the biggest size? Get more bang for the buck?

Then it occurred to me- isn't church a lot like that? We want the biggest, the shineiest, the most. Then a little girl got a drink- and she couldn't handle the biggest one- it was too much for her.

So, maybe church isn't a one size or one style fits all. There is room in the Kingdom for all of us.

Ken Dyal

A Safe Place...

is Pastor Ken's new series that focuses on the church as the Body of Christ. What does it look like, what does it do and how does it impact its members and the world?

Every now and then we take surveys of our congregation, asking them their opinions about Argyle and how we do things. One of our main questions is "Why does The Church at Argyle exist?"

If you are reading this, whether or not you are a part of the Argyle family, please comment and answer that question- why do we exist?

One reason why we do what we do...

Every now and then something happens that really brings home, in a powerful way, why we do what we do, as a church and as individuals in the Body of Christ. This is one of those things. Take a moment and read a portion of an email from a member of the Argyle family.

I am also so grateful to the Church at Argyle. I told you a little about this, but I left the Catholic church about a year ago, and started searching at all the local churches. I found my home at The Church at Argyle. The music at the Church at Argyle is unmatched -- anywhere. Pastor Ken's ability to connect with me as I sit and listen is also unmatched.

I find now that instead of feeling like I "have to" go to church, I actually very much look forward to it each week. I used to just sit in church for an hour, not really learning anything. Now, I take something new away every time I go. I am learning huge things about my Faith that somehow managed to escape me even through 12 years of Catholic school. Church is now not just something I think about or do on Sunday, but it is always with me. I hear a lot about "life change" at The Church at Argyle and I have noticed that every aspect of my life is changing for the better.

I just wanted to let you know all of this because I am sure you don't hear it enough. :) If you would like, feel free to share this email with other members of the TCAA staff. I know encouragement is something we could all use more of.

I write a blog called "Out and About in Jax" all about events in Jacksonville. I wrote an entry about the Prayer Walk last Friday and what it meant to me. Maybe if you have some time, you could check it out http://outandaboutinjax.blogspot.com/2009/04/prayer-walk-at-church-at-argyle.html

Anyways, thanks again, and I'll see you Sunday...

Erica

An "AHA" moment...

There are some truths that seem to have universal application. Take a moment and read this short article and reflect how this is true not only for a business consultant, but for us in the church.

The difference is - a business consultant is not dealing with eternal issues - the church is. Being right and being effective in the business world makes for job satisfaction and happier stockholders. Being right and being effective in the church denies hell a larger market share.

A New Series...

Pastor Ken is finished with "The Eleventh Hour and will begin a new series, "3-1-6." Let's listen to him explain a little about the new series.

Remember, if you have missed any of Pastor Ken's previous messages, they are online, both audio (since May, 2007) and video (since January, 2009).

A new tool... or is it a new toy?

Guys are into toys and technology. But, so is our whole society. So, we have a new toy, or as we prefer to think of it- a new tool to reach people and get them engaged.

Beginning this week, we will ambush Pastor Ken and the other staff members and ask them to contribute a thought or two- check back often for the latest updates.

Hal Hunter

Some good news...

It seems that a lot of what we have talked about recently has been pretty somber. It's probably time for some good news.

Recently we have noticed a number of first time visitors. It's hard to say just why we are seeing them now, but for whatever reason we are pleased.

One of the most common things we hear when we talk to visitors is their almost universal perception of us an open, friendly place. Mostly, this is the result of our people being open and friendly- it is something the staff and leadership can want and encourage, but can be accomplished only by the people who are here Sunday morning.

Thanks Argyle. Your smiles, your handshakes, your warm greetings, have made a difference for a lot of people lately.

Hal Hunter
Ministry Pastor

A Really Difficult First...

The Church at Argyle just had a first- but one we can't be very proud of. For the first time in 25 years, we had to cut staff.

For some time we have been reporting that our giving was not meeting our budget needs. For the 2008 financial year, the giving shortfall was about $95,000. This shortfall was handled by cutting ministry budgets, avoiding making expenditures when possible, moving some projects off-budget through special offerings and directed giving, allocating reserves, and cutting out all possible discretionary spending. But, we have exhausted that means of staying afloat. There is nothing discretionary left to cut, and no ministry budget that can be further cut without fully deleting a ministry.

The only two places left within our control to cut (we can't NOT pay the utility bills, the insurance premiums, or the mortgage) are Missions Giving and Salaries.

Missions include our support of the Cooperative Giving Program of the Southern Baptist Convention. The CGP supports overseas and North American missionary efforts, domestic disaster relief, the general work of the Convention, and five Southern Baptist seminaries. We also give to support the Jacksonville Baptist Association which is invaluable in assisting the work of our local churches, including Argyle. We believe strongly that we cannot ask our members to give when we, as a church, are not cheerfully giving to support our own local, national and international efforts. In addition, we give small amounts to several other worthwhile charities and parachurch organizations.

By deciding to not touch Missions Giving, that leaves only Salaries to cut. Pastor Ken has prayed and deliberated for some time over whether this step would be neccessary, and if it was what shape it would take. After meeting recently with the Stewardship Committee, the Deacons and the Corporate Directors, we made the decision to furlough our Ministry Assistant Liz Eddy and our Facilities Custodian Stan Stufflebeam, effective February 15.

Both Stan and Liz have been and are invaluable members of our team. Their absence is going to leave a big hole that the other members of the Staff are going to have to work to fill, hopefully with the help of volunteers. This decision has nothing to do with their job performance, but with our inability to sustain our payroll with the current levels of giving. When God blesses us with an improvement in our giving, we will be quick to bring them back to the staff.

Hal Hunter
Administrator

Looking ahead...

to the new year is a tradition at year's end. We plan, we ponder, we predict, and sometimes we even manage to get it right.

What do we want out of 2009? I think we all want our national economy to show some signs of real recovery. We all want our military efforts in the war on terror to be successful. Regardless of how we voted in November, we want the new President and Congress to succeed. We want our families and friends to be safe and happy.

What does our church want? Despite what it may seem money is not our main concern. What we really want is to carry out our mission-to bring people into a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. If we do that, the money will happen. We want to develop people who are serious about glorifying God and telling the world about their relationship with Him through Jesus. We want to help people understand they must become less dependent on the world, and more dependent on the power of the Holy Spirit. We want to grow a close, loving community within our Argyle family.

Hal Hunter

Weather Watching...

It's not just farmers and fishermen who watch the weather. People who put on major outdoor events involving hundreds of people and a lot of electronic equipment and musical instruments also ponder the sky.

Each year we present an Outdoor Singing Christmas Tree. 2008 is the 14th year. Our Tree has become something of a tradition in our community. (After all, it can be heard a mile or more away on a still evening!) The singers and musicians started rehearsing in August. Over 80 people have spent months learning music and practicing.

Last week we built and decorated the Tree structure. This morning we set up the mixing console (48 total channels for the techies), powered speakers, sub-woofers, amplifiers, signal processors, lights, spotlights, computers, projectors and flat-screens, drum kit, two keyboards, and what seems like a bazillion music stands and a couple miles of wire.


Now comes the weather watching part: predictions say we should expect rain Thursday. Not just rain, but the "possibility of severe thunderstorms." There have been a couple times over the years when we had had to cancel a single performance for weather, but we hope that Thursday is not one of them. The hour-by-hour predictions say the storms should be over by late afternoon, with clearing by 6:00 pm. If those predictions are accurate, we are good to go with performing at 8:00 pm.

Join us in praying for good weather later in the day Thursday. Since God encourages us to bring all our cares to him, let's get specific: rain ending by 4:00 pm, followed by quick clearing; conditions at 8:00 pm- clear, dry, still and 58 degrees.

We invite everyone to attend. It's free, with plenty of parking and seating. We even provide hot chocolate and coffee. This may be the only time this Christmas season some of the people attending the Tree will hear the Gospel and hear the real Christmas story. That's one of the main reasons we do it, and one of the main reasons you should join us in praying for the weather.

Hal Hunter