Reconnecting

Last year I was criticized for being on facebook, now it seems those who criticized are now on facebook - or their wives are! One great benefit of this social network is that I have reconnected with some of my old youth group from First Baptist Church in Los Gatos, CA. I was there  25 years ago. Our first years of marriage living in a very small apt. and then owning our first home are great memories. Katie was born in Santa Teresa Hospital in San Jose. We had a great time and God did some wonderful things in our lives and in the lives of the youth!

I remember many late game nights with the guys, many basketball games in our driveway - we even had to get the city to reroute the power lines to the house because they interfered with my favorite shot! Lynn one day poured a whole bowl of oatmeal on Cindy Riggio's (now Cripe) head just because Cindy knew Lynn was too polite to do it! The youth helped repaint my home, Steve R. reminded me I "let him" til my yard! He put it this way in a recent facebook note.

It has become abundantly clear as the years have passed how short your time in California really was. As I look back it seemed like you were there for many years than you were, what an influence you had, and if I recall you were quite young as well. Thank you for the time and energy you spent on us kids. I have always been involved with youth since I was able, I give you and Steve Hammond a lot of credit for keeping me on the right track and not fearing scaring me off when you checked me. I am not able to make fun of your accent through words, I miss saying "Pastor Ken", also thanks for introducing me to golf, you have given me years of agony and wasted $$s, and at some level I still play, although I haven't improved much. Your turn, catch me up on your end. Say hey to "Lynn", do you remember the peanut butter sandwiches she made, with homemade bread, Oh and thanks for letting me till your yard, I dont even do my own yardwork, See Ya....

Steve is the one with the red shirt looking back at the camera!

One very memorable event was a "Choir Cruise". We cruised from San Jose to LA in a school bus that broke down on the way home. Jayne, seen asleep in the bus, lead the choir - they were really good, and we visited many churches singing and sharing Jesus. The big idea was for the youth to see how others worship, knowing the they would be spread out in many directions as the years passed. I still pray for these guys and for some I am still pastoring them and being pastored long distance!

For all my friends that have never seen my chin - enjoy the picture!

Weddings & Joy afterwards

Got these pictures from a proud Grandpa! I was thrilled to be a part of this wedding! Good memories and this is a good family! Adeline Templeton, Parents: Matt & Natalie, Proud G'parents - Lee & Anne Templeton.

Advent Pres Church Plant's Second Gathering

What is a gathering, not a reunion like the old time churches, sometimes called and "in-gathering". Simply the first beginnings of gathering a ministry team to launch this strategic church plant in Steele Creek. Tonight we had 3 families, 4 other interested families could not come for a taco feast, a great challenge by Tim Taylor and prayer time. This was a great time which included the kids singing with us praises to the Lord! The theme for tonight was community, a basic that we are striving for as one of our DNA statements.

I am reminded of the Scripture that says do not dispise the day of small beginnings. Some of the families that are starting this process have come from very large churches, close friends and elaborate structure. Tonight we discussed the need to be known by the Lord and since we are created in his image and he was relational within the Godhead, we are to be known by others. This is scary and good, intimidating and required by Scripture. Will you pray with us, and for us?

PS. Matthew Henry says this about Zecariah 4:  "The exact fulfilment of Scripture prophecies is a convincing proof of their Divine original. Though the instruments be weak and unlikely, yet God often chooses such, to bring about great things by them. Let not the dawning light be despised; it will shine more and more to the perfect day. Those who despaired of finishing the work, shall rejoice when they see Zerubbabel giving directions what to do, and taking care that the work be done. It is a comfort to us that the same all-wise, almighty Providence, which governs the earth, is in particular conversant about the church. All that have the plummet in their hands, must look up to the eyes of the Lord, have constant regard to Divine Providence, act in dependence on its guidance and submission to its disposals. Let us fix our faith on Christ, and view Him carrying on his work according to his own glorious plan, and daily bringing his spiritual building nearer to completion." (Zec. 4:11-14)

PSS. We are praying for 40 more adults to be gathered by Feb. 15th! Pray with us that this is "His work according to His glorious plan".