Sunday March 30, at 5:00 PM several churches came together at Calera COGOP for a District Meeting. Each 5th Sunday the following churches come together for this service: Calera, Clanton, Dry Valley and Pelham. Tonight we were blessed to meet at the Calera church. Each Pastor was present and each church well represented. Pastor Ken Humphries delivered a timely message on "staying focused on God in these last days." After service everyone was welcomed to the fellowship hall for a great meal.
The Pelham church choir under the direction of Kay Jones, sang with great anointing even though some choir members could not be present. The newly formed Calera choir also sang with wonderful anointing.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
What People Expect of A Leader
Author of this article is unknown.
There are seven things sheep want from a shepherd:
1. They expect shepherds to be concerned for their safety. People want the assurance that their organization is wise enough to survive in turbulent times and will provide for their futures. A protector who is concerned with the welfare of his flock won’t hesitate to communicate the possibilities and the perils looming on the horizon.
2. They expect shepherds to know them by name. When a responsible shepherd enters the fold, his sheep respond to him because he calls them by name. We cannot underestimate the value of establishing a connection with every person on our team – even if that number is large. The bond is strengthened each time people hear us speak their names.
3. They expect shepherds to be gentle and kind. When people you serve are less than cooperative, it’s not an excuse for retaliation. As Dwight D. Eisenhower said about his war experiences, “You do not lead by hitting people over the head – that’s assault, not leadership.” If you feel the urge to lash out at those around you, get tough on yourself. That’s where discipline yields the greatest harvest.
4. They expect shepherds to rescue them. What is our response when one of our employees becomes distracted? Do we let him stay off course and struggle to find his way back, or do we stop what we’re doing and give him our attention? Jesus said a good shepherd would leave a flock of 99 to go after the lost sheep until he finds it. That’s true of leadership.
5. They expect shepherds to be unselfish. The president of a chain of stores was under pressure to cut costs. Much as he hated it, he was forced to eliminate the Christmas bonus for his employees. Later, the president was awarded a check of $20,000 for balancing the budget. He immediately divided it with his staff. People expect to participate in decisions that affect the quality, quantity, and climate of their work. It must be a partnership that includes rewards. When one succeeds, all succeed.
6. They expect shepherds to be sincere. A fellow who was flying to a business meeting found a bug in his salad. He fired off a letter to the airlines. By the time he got back to his office, a letter was waiting for him. He was impressed by what it said, until he saw a note stuck to the back, which said: “Send this character the regular Bug Letter.” Leaders can’t afford to be artificial. They must be genuine.
7. They expect shepherds to care deeply about them. If we truly don’t respect and love people, we should resign from any position of responsibility that involves personal contact. Sheep want shepherds who are sensitive and responsive to their personal and professional needs. As this sign posted on a bulletin board says, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
There are seven things sheep want from a shepherd:
1. They expect shepherds to be concerned for their safety. People want the assurance that their organization is wise enough to survive in turbulent times and will provide for their futures. A protector who is concerned with the welfare of his flock won’t hesitate to communicate the possibilities and the perils looming on the horizon.
2. They expect shepherds to know them by name. When a responsible shepherd enters the fold, his sheep respond to him because he calls them by name. We cannot underestimate the value of establishing a connection with every person on our team – even if that number is large. The bond is strengthened each time people hear us speak their names.
3. They expect shepherds to be gentle and kind. When people you serve are less than cooperative, it’s not an excuse for retaliation. As Dwight D. Eisenhower said about his war experiences, “You do not lead by hitting people over the head – that’s assault, not leadership.” If you feel the urge to lash out at those around you, get tough on yourself. That’s where discipline yields the greatest harvest.
4. They expect shepherds to rescue them. What is our response when one of our employees becomes distracted? Do we let him stay off course and struggle to find his way back, or do we stop what we’re doing and give him our attention? Jesus said a good shepherd would leave a flock of 99 to go after the lost sheep until he finds it. That’s true of leadership.
5. They expect shepherds to be unselfish. The president of a chain of stores was under pressure to cut costs. Much as he hated it, he was forced to eliminate the Christmas bonus for his employees. Later, the president was awarded a check of $20,000 for balancing the budget. He immediately divided it with his staff. People expect to participate in decisions that affect the quality, quantity, and climate of their work. It must be a partnership that includes rewards. When one succeeds, all succeed.
6. They expect shepherds to be sincere. A fellow who was flying to a business meeting found a bug in his salad. He fired off a letter to the airlines. By the time he got back to his office, a letter was waiting for him. He was impressed by what it said, until he saw a note stuck to the back, which said: “Send this character the regular Bug Letter.” Leaders can’t afford to be artificial. They must be genuine.
7. They expect shepherds to care deeply about them. If we truly don’t respect and love people, we should resign from any position of responsibility that involves personal contact. Sheep want shepherds who are sensitive and responsive to their personal and professional needs. As this sign posted on a bulletin board says, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Breakfast
This is Wayne Chance and C. T. Daniels, (3/9/08), working in the kitchen preparing breakfast for the ladies of our church. Every 2nd Sunday the men of the church prepare breakfast for the ladies at Pelham COGOP.
Tom Bratton checking out Pastor Martin's tie before breakfast,(3/9/08)as Brother Milton Couch looks on.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Grandson Leaving for Iraq
Click on our grandson's name to view a clip of him getting ready to leave for Iraq. Please help us pray for his safe return home. Thanks to our granddaughter in-law for this clip
Karl leaving for Iraq
Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2008 13:54
Karl leaving for Iraq
Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2008 13:54
Monday, March 24, 2008
Easter Sunday
Sister Annette Daniels singing, Because He Lives, in the Easter Program at Pelham
Sister Carolyn Caulk blessing us with an anointed song during the Easter program
Brother Wayne Chance portraying, Peter, during our Easter program
Sister Becky Chance, as Mary, and singing Amazing Grace for our Easter program
Easter Sunday at Pelham COGOP was wonderful. The attendance was in the mid-fifties and thirty-three received Communion. This was the first time the church had celebrated Easter Sunday with Communion in many years.
God blessed each one as they brought their "Thirty Pieces" of silver offering to honor Christ instead of betraying Him.
Everyone present seemed to feel the Holy Spirit as He moved among us during the Choir's "Special Easter Cantata," directed by Kay Jones. Conviction of the Holy Spirit was very evident as people prayed and renewed their walk with the "RISEN" Christ.
After the service children and teenagers were busy hunting Easter Eggs.
Thanks to Tom and Melinda Bratton for their hard work in making the "tomb" for our Easter Cantata. Tom and Melinda also fixed the Choir a wonderful meal Saturday night after the dress rehearsal, even with "sugar-free" Banana Pudding for the Pastor.
Sister Carolyn Caulk blessing us with an anointed song during the Easter program
Brother Wayne Chance portraying, Peter, during our Easter program
Sister Becky Chance, as Mary, and singing Amazing Grace for our Easter program
Easter Sunday at Pelham COGOP was wonderful. The attendance was in the mid-fifties and thirty-three received Communion. This was the first time the church had celebrated Easter Sunday with Communion in many years.
God blessed each one as they brought their "Thirty Pieces" of silver offering to honor Christ instead of betraying Him.
Everyone present seemed to feel the Holy Spirit as He moved among us during the Choir's "Special Easter Cantata," directed by Kay Jones. Conviction of the Holy Spirit was very evident as people prayed and renewed their walk with the "RISEN" Christ.
After the service children and teenagers were busy hunting Easter Eggs.
Thanks to Tom and Melinda Bratton for their hard work in making the "tomb" for our Easter Cantata. Tom and Melinda also fixed the Choir a wonderful meal Saturday night after the dress rehearsal, even with "sugar-free" Banana Pudding for the Pastor.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Friday, March 21, 2008
Pastor's Meeting at Camp Boothe
Today I was among several Pastors called to Camp Boothe for a "Prayer and Directional" meeting. Our State Bishop, L. V. Jones called this meeting with the intent of seeking God on behalf of growth and spiritual development for our churches. What an our-pouring of concern and compassion from those present. Many things were discussed and time spent in prayer seeking God's direction.
God's presence could be felt through-out the meeting.
Sister Jones and her sister, Rhonda, brought the lunch meal for all the ministers. The home made desserts from the kitchen of Sister Billie Jones were wonderful.
God's presence could be felt through-out the meeting.
Sister Jones and her sister, Rhonda, brought the lunch meal for all the ministers. The home made desserts from the kitchen of Sister Billie Jones were wonderful.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Good Fellowship
My wife and I went with several of the Pelham saints tonight after Choir practice to Cracker Barrel and had a wonderful time. It was great to laugh and have a time of getting to know each other.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Birthdays
Tonight, after service, the Pelham church celebrated the birthday's of Wayne Chance, (3/12) Gary Jones, (3/17) and Josh Jones, (3/18). Bro. Josh is one of our fine up-coming youth who plays the Trombone in the Pelham High School Band.
Refreshments were served and everyone enjoyed a good time of fellowship.
Refreshments were served and everyone enjoyed a good time of fellowship.
Wonderful Presence Of Holy Spirit
Wow! What a wonderful presence of Holy Spirit we all experienced in service this AM, (3/16/08). The choir sang with so much anointing as the Holy Spirit filled the Pelham church. Saints praised God and rejoiced and we knew Holy Spirit was walking among us to give us strength and encouragement to face each day of our future.
Sunday AM message by Pastor Martin was entitled "Some Things We Have By the Blood of Christ"
Sunday AM message by Pastor Martin was entitled "Some Things We Have By the Blood of Christ"
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Prayer request for our Grandsons
Please pray for our grandson, Karl. He will be going back to Iraq later this month for another tour of duty with the USMC. Please pray for his safe return home.
Also please join us in prayer for our youngest grandson, Grant, who has "Type 1" diabetes. Grant is thirteen years of age and is very active in sports and his church. I know God can help him with this problem.
Also please join us in prayer for our youngest grandson, Grant, who has "Type 1" diabetes. Grant is thirteen years of age and is very active in sports and his church. I know God can help him with this problem.
Impossible? - by Tom Norvell
The movie Amazing Grace tells how the influence of former slave trader turned preacher, John Newton, compelled William Wilberforce to dream of abolishing slavery while Wilberforce's friend, William Pitt, dreamed of becoming Prime Minister. In one scene, the two are discussing the possibilities of seeing their dreams come true. Pitt has a plan. Side by side they will make the world a better place. Pitt is confident and persuasive. Wilberforce questions his friend on what makes him believe that the two of them are the ones to change the world. Pitt responds, "Which is why we are too young to realize that certain things are not possible." Through their idealism and determination they pursue and realize their dreams.
Can you remember a day when you were "still too young to realize that certain things are not possible?"
Are you still too young? I hope so.
We need people in the Kingdom like Pitt and Wilberforce.
We need men and women who refuse to accept things as they are and unwilling to settle for life as usual.
We need men and women who will stand up for they believe is right and trust that God is still able to do what we think is impossible.
We need men and women to stand firm on what they know God believes in, what God blesses, and what God wants.
We need men and women who believe that with God's help anything is possible and that the world can be a better place.
Can you remember?
We need men and women who take God at His Word when He says...
"I am the Lord, the God of every person on the earth. Nothing is impossible for me" (Jeremiah 32:27 NCV).
He [Jesus] replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
(Matthew 17:20 NIV)
Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26 NIV).
Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God" (Mark 10:27 NIV).
"For nothing is impossible with God" (Luke 1:37 NIV).
Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God"
(Luke 18:27, NIV).
Are you still too young to realize that certain things are impossible?
Chances are, if you already have not been, you will be faced with something before too long that will challenge your faith and put this question of possibility to the test. A relationship will seem hopeless. Recovery will seem unlikely. A career change will seem improbable. A dream will seem impossible.
There's a reason you're still too young to realize that certain things are impossible: God wants you to make the world a better place!
Believe Him. Trust Him. Witness the impossible.
It will be amazing ... grace!
Can you remember a day when you were "still too young to realize that certain things are not possible?"
Are you still too young? I hope so.
We need people in the Kingdom like Pitt and Wilberforce.
We need men and women who refuse to accept things as they are and unwilling to settle for life as usual.
We need men and women who will stand up for they believe is right and trust that God is still able to do what we think is impossible.
We need men and women to stand firm on what they know God believes in, what God blesses, and what God wants.
We need men and women who believe that with God's help anything is possible and that the world can be a better place.
Can you remember?
We need men and women who take God at His Word when He says...
"I am the Lord, the God of every person on the earth. Nothing is impossible for me" (Jeremiah 32:27 NCV).
He [Jesus] replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
(Matthew 17:20 NIV)
Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26 NIV).
Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God" (Mark 10:27 NIV).
"For nothing is impossible with God" (Luke 1:37 NIV).
Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God"
(Luke 18:27, NIV).
Are you still too young to realize that certain things are impossible?
Chances are, if you already have not been, you will be faced with something before too long that will challenge your faith and put this question of possibility to the test. A relationship will seem hopeless. Recovery will seem unlikely. A career change will seem improbable. A dream will seem impossible.
There's a reason you're still too young to realize that certain things are impossible: God wants you to make the world a better place!
Believe Him. Trust Him. Witness the impossible.
It will be amazing ... grace!
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