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
Monday, May 03, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
A word from Rick...
I am thankful that God continues to heal our hearts though the loss is huge.
Life is fragile. Time is short. Let's give our best to the things that really matter.
When you pray:
- Declare His greatness
- Surrender your will
- Acknowledge your dependence for provision, pardon, protection.
Rick Painter
Worship Arts Pastor
Monday, March 29, 2010
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
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
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
It Was A Great Party...
Sunday night we did something we have never done before- we went off campus and had a fancy party. By all accounts, Married Life Live was a big success. It was a dress up affair, and most of the guys cleaned up pretty well.
The party was the end to the message series, I Do- Again. A combination date night, dinner party, dance, and fun program, it ended with an opportunity for couples to renew their marriage vows.
The party was the end to the message series, I Do- Again. A combination date night, dinner party, dance, and fun program, it ended with an opportunity for couples to renew their marriage vows.
If you attended Married Life Live, we have a short survey that will help us plan better for possible future activities. Click here to take survey.
Here is a little sample of the fun.
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Whose side are you leaning on?
There's a great song we used to sing in preschool chapel called "Whose Side Are You Leaning On?" Ever heard it?
Well, that's the song that went through my head last night as I thought about this subject of bad things happening and how we interpret how to feel and who to listen to. When something that is difficult or painful happens to us and we hear that voice that says, "things will never be the same", why do we always assume that is bad?
Clearly the voice that says "you are a failure" or "how stupid can you be" is bad and does not come from the Lord. We must question any thought that tears us down and tells us we cannot be used by or to walk away from God. However, when our decisions or actions cause a major change and soul searching in our lives why is it so difficult to see this as an opportunity for God to do something new and powerful if we let Him? That verse in Romans (8:28) really is true. "We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him. He appointed them to be saved in keeping with his purpose." (NIRV)
Not because its always easy but because:
I won't pretend I am so excited to do the hard stuff He asks me to or that I jump for joy when I talk to someone I know or look in the mirror and find out a big mistake has been made. But we all get to choose the direction we lean.
Do we get angry at God? Do we give up on ourselves and Him? Or, do we find hope in all the love and blessings God has already given us and still promises? Do we choose to say
"Okay, I'm hurting but I know You are bigger than even this so please show me Your plan and give me the courage to get on board." That to me is leanin' on the Lord's side.
Our preschoolers just need to know which way to lean but as the grown ups we get to choose to lean into His plan for our lives, even when things are hard and instead of leaning on the enemy's side of defeat, misery and self doubt.
God can speak to our hearts in different ways so here are some other ways of saying the same thing. Today I read an article explaining how a Pastor I follow is living this out - (Click here to read the article).
I read a blog a few weeks ago that says it another way. The author asks "What does this make possible?" (click here to read it)
Everyday we have a choice to make about whose side we're leanin' on. Every time I lean on the Lord's side I am more convinced that He is who He says He is. Pray for me as I pray with you to choose leanin' on the Lord's side.
Hope and Courage in Christ,
Amy
"I lean, I lean, I lean, I lean.
Leanin' on the Lord's side!"
(call me and I'll sing it for you!)
Well, that's the song that went through my head last night as I thought about this subject of bad things happening and how we interpret how to feel and who to listen to. When something that is difficult or painful happens to us and we hear that voice that says, "things will never be the same", why do we always assume that is bad?
Clearly the voice that says "you are a failure" or "how stupid can you be" is bad and does not come from the Lord. We must question any thought that tears us down and tells us we cannot be used by or to walk away from God. However, when our decisions or actions cause a major change and soul searching in our lives why is it so difficult to see this as an opportunity for God to do something new and powerful if we let Him? That verse in Romans (8:28) really is true. "We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him. He appointed them to be saved in keeping with his purpose." (NIRV)
Not because its always easy but because:
- He is always faithful.
- He is all knowing.
- He is not surprised or caught off guard by what has happened.
- He already has a plan and He will walk beside us the whole way.
- He will even carry us when we need Him to.
I won't pretend I am so excited to do the hard stuff He asks me to or that I jump for joy when I talk to someone I know or look in the mirror and find out a big mistake has been made. But we all get to choose the direction we lean.
Do we get angry at God? Do we give up on ourselves and Him? Or, do we find hope in all the love and blessings God has already given us and still promises? Do we choose to say
"Okay, I'm hurting but I know You are bigger than even this so please show me Your plan and give me the courage to get on board." That to me is leanin' on the Lord's side.
Our preschoolers just need to know which way to lean but as the grown ups we get to choose to lean into His plan for our lives, even when things are hard and instead of leaning on the enemy's side of defeat, misery and self doubt.
God can speak to our hearts in different ways so here are some other ways of saying the same thing. Today I read an article explaining how a Pastor I follow is living this out - (Click here to read the article).
I read a blog a few weeks ago that says it another way. The author asks "What does this make possible?" (click here to read it)
Everyday we have a choice to make about whose side we're leanin' on. Every time I lean on the Lord's side I am more convinced that He is who He says He is. Pray for me as I pray with you to choose leanin' on the Lord's side.
Hope and Courage in Christ,
Amy
Friday, December 18, 2009
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
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
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
We Are So Blessed...
I was just thinking today of all of the wonderful people that make our Singing Christmas Tree possible. Extra dear to my heart are the "behind the scenes" servants. These invaluable people never stand on stage or in the glow of the spotlight.
Alan Goode has the assembly of the tree structure down to a fine science. Thank you, Alan and all those who work with you to make the tree sturdy and safe.
Jerry McCann and Darren Prevatt worked tirelessly to keep the tree lights working.
John Santillo and his team served hundreds of cups of coffee and hot chocolate with a smile.
Mary Karpf, while dealing with her own sickness, flawlessly coordinated our childcare during the rehearsals and performances.
Stan Stufflebeam rehearsed the band (our band is awesome!), organized our music, put up the sign and took care of many details.
Keith Thompson put together the beautiful video graphics that the audience enjoyed during the show. Keith's video work is second to none.
Pastor Ken never fails to bring us stories that are relevant and moving. While many preachers are bent on "shucking the corn" our Pastor shares wonderful stories – just like Jesus did! Thank you, Pastor Ken for you support.
Mark Reed takes 48 inputs of audio in a very difficult environment and makes it sound good. Every good performance begins with good sound. Thank you, Mark.
Ken Krantz sets up and runs our stage lighting and spotlight. Kenny, you are invaluable.
Hal Hunter ordered the scaffolding and chairs, printed our posters, helped with set up, ran the computer for the choir and tons of other "little" things. Thank you, Hal.
Larry Coffey ran the computer for the audience while dealing with some very painful foot problems.
Gerry Mucha faithfully ran the video camera for all performances.
Diane Keuning is as faithful as the sun rising in the morning. She rehearsed the sopranos and altos and the Children's Choir and they were outstanding.
Phil Massicotte does the line up on the tree and helps me in many ways.
Ricky Travis coordinates our security. Ricky and his team spend the night to watch the equipment. We haven't lost anything yet!
And for those I left out, I apologize. I'm getting old. Anyway, I just wanted to say "Thank you" to all of you.
It was cool how many families were a part of the production. The whole Thompson Family, Jonathan and Emanuel (Tony, we miss you. There is a hole in our hearts when you're not playing. Our band is incomplete without you. We are all praying for your speedy recovery and your return.) Kim and David, Phil and Rachel, Ken and Becky, Ken and Lori, Sherri and Brooke, Rick and Donna (Donna is my dream come true. My ministry would be non-existent without her), Hal and Betty and many more!
Our band is exceptional. Our singers are the best anywhere. It's amazing the talent God has assembled in our small church family! You're not only good at what you do. You have a sweet spirit, too.
We are so blessed. Thanks for letting me hang around.
Rick Painter
Worship Arts Pastor
Alan Goode has the assembly of the tree structure down to a fine science. Thank you, Alan and all those who work with you to make the tree sturdy and safe.
Jerry McCann and Darren Prevatt worked tirelessly to keep the tree lights working.
John Santillo and his team served hundreds of cups of coffee and hot chocolate with a smile.
Mary Karpf, while dealing with her own sickness, flawlessly coordinated our childcare during the rehearsals and performances.
Stan Stufflebeam rehearsed the band (our band is awesome!), organized our music, put up the sign and took care of many details.
Keith Thompson put together the beautiful video graphics that the audience enjoyed during the show. Keith's video work is second to none.
Pastor Ken never fails to bring us stories that are relevant and moving. While many preachers are bent on "shucking the corn" our Pastor shares wonderful stories – just like Jesus did! Thank you, Pastor Ken for you support.
Mark Reed takes 48 inputs of audio in a very difficult environment and makes it sound good. Every good performance begins with good sound. Thank you, Mark.
Ken Krantz sets up and runs our stage lighting and spotlight. Kenny, you are invaluable.
Hal Hunter ordered the scaffolding and chairs, printed our posters, helped with set up, ran the computer for the choir and tons of other "little" things. Thank you, Hal.
Larry Coffey ran the computer for the audience while dealing with some very painful foot problems.
Gerry Mucha faithfully ran the video camera for all performances.
Diane Keuning is as faithful as the sun rising in the morning. She rehearsed the sopranos and altos and the Children's Choir and they were outstanding.
Phil Massicotte does the line up on the tree and helps me in many ways.
Ricky Travis coordinates our security. Ricky and his team spend the night to watch the equipment. We haven't lost anything yet!
And for those I left out, I apologize. I'm getting old. Anyway, I just wanted to say "Thank you" to all of you.
It was cool how many families were a part of the production. The whole Thompson Family, Jonathan and Emanuel (Tony, we miss you. There is a hole in our hearts when you're not playing. Our band is incomplete without you. We are all praying for your speedy recovery and your return.) Kim and David, Phil and Rachel, Ken and Becky, Ken and Lori, Sherri and Brooke, Rick and Donna (Donna is my dream come true. My ministry would be non-existent without her), Hal and Betty and many more!
Our band is exceptional. Our singers are the best anywhere. It's amazing the talent God has assembled in our small church family! You're not only good at what you do. You have a sweet spirit, too.
We are so blessed. Thanks for letting me hang around.
Rick Painter
Worship Arts Pastor
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