Class Calendar
Rick Burgess speaking at Hendersonville First Baptist This Saturday Night.
This Saturday night and Hendersonville First Baptist Rick Burgess of the Rick and Bubba show will be sharing his faith. The dinner is sold out, but we could still go hear him speak Saturday night. Tickets are $5 and can be bought at the door. The dinner is at 7 so I am sure the talk would be a little after that. I have attached an article that was in the Sumner A.M. Sunday Morning. This article should get you a little idea of his story and his walk. The article says since his audience will be predominantly male, his talk will remind men who the Bible calls them be. I think this would be a great opportunity for the guys of our class to get together.
Please let me know if you are interested.
Jeff
Mike Ryan’s Christmas Post
I haven’t used the blog in quite some time, but Mike thought we might enjoy this, so I decided to post it. Merry Christmas to all!
Merry Christmas to All
I love Christmas. I love its sounds, its smells, its colors, its foods, its songs, and its traditions. This past week while flying my trip, I wore my hokey Christmas tie and similarly hokey Christmas socks instead of my usual uniform attire. I can happily report that I received a number of positive comments on my seasonal selections to the extent that I intend to be on the lookout for another Christmas tie for my collection. I also very likely thoroughly annoyed my co-pilot as I hummed or whistled Winter Wonderland (which by the way never specifically mentions Christmas in its lyrics) all week (I had one of those endless mind loops going.) I also enjoy our usual Christmas weather that paints everyones nose red, as well my memories of Christmases past. Our family has managed to avoid much of the drama and family conflicts that color Christmas memories for so many, or at least they managed to avoid me; thus I am left with only pleasant memories. I guess I can say that I pretty much love everything about Christmas.
I also enjoy the attitude of sharing and giving that comes with Christmas. I appreciate that we are reminded that sharing with others from our abundance is a major part of this season. This tradition springs from the gifts that the ”Wise Men” brought to the baby Jesus, and has been a major part Christmas in many cultures for generations.
I suppose though, that my favorite part of Christmas is that we as Christians celebrate and remember that baby in the manger. We are again reminded that the Prince of Peace, Emmanuel, the Son of the Most High, the Messiah, the Rose of Sharon, the Lamb of God, the Alpha and the Omega humbled himself and came to live among us. This is the “big news” of Christmas, and it is “big news” for us throughout the year because that little baby was, and is, our insurance policy. This is the news that lets us live our lives as a redeemed people, full of hope and confidence for the future. It allows us to put the trials and challenges of our everyday lives in perspective and focus on what is truly important. I am reminded of William Cullen Bryant’s contemplation of his own death recorded in his masterpiece Thanantopsis. The teacher of my high school senior year English class, Mrs. Pearle Wiles, required all of her students to memorize the last stanza of Mr. Bryant’s classic. To this day it easily comes to mind; the last portion is “sustained and soothed by an unfaltering trust, approach thy grave like one who wraps the drapery of his couch about him, and lies down to pleasant dreams.” It is that baby in that stable from long ago who gives us the courage to attempt such a feat. That is truly the gift of Christmas for all of us who flaunt the “wisdom of man” and believe that He is who He said He was.
So have a wonderful Christmas! Whether you are still in school, struggling to pay mortgages or car notes, raising kids, or preparing for retirement in today’s uncertain economy, take time to enjoy the season. That baby in the manger is still with us. If we will take the time to listen to Him, He will help us keep it all in perspective, and help us prepare for our future.
Fly/Drive Safely
20 December 2008
Group Picture from Gatlinburg
Thanks to Stephanie for posting these photos on Facebook.
Jeff
Logan Newborn Pictures
Hey everyone! We miss you guys and can’t wait for Logan to be a little older so we can return to events. We are doing great. Logan is growing like a weed. He’s grown 2 inches in two weeks and is 6 lbs 8 ozs. Thanks for all the messages and prayers. We are so blessed to have ya’ll. Call if you want to come over and visit. Here’s a link to Logan’s newborn pictures we had made Saturday.
www.kimvetterphoto.com and then select “purchase photos” from the top menu. You will then see your event. It will first ask for an email address (doesn’t matter what address is used) and then a password. Password is “babyreece”.
Take a look at Logan!
We are so glad that the Reeces are doing well. Here are some pictures of their beautiful studly, handsome baby boy! Continue to pray for their family!
Jeff
The Office Party
Everyone is welcome to come watch the Season Premiere of The Office tonight at our house. It starts at 8:00 so if everyone is there between 7:30 and 8:00 that should be great.
Here are some clips to get you fired up!
http://www.nbc.com/The_Office/video/clips/michael-in-a-fat-suit/691096/
http://www.nbc.com/The_Office/video/clips/so-many-surprises/655021/
http://www.nbc.com/The_Office/video/clips/dwights-war-on-fat/691099/
http://www.nbc.com/The_Office/video/clips/huge-possibilities/655022/
http://www.nbc.com/The_Office/video/clips/michaels-a-dad/539021/
Logan Christopher Reece
Logan Christopher Reece was born a little after 5:00 yesterday (9/24/2008). The baby weighed 5 pounds 12 ounches. Everyone is doing fine. The Reece’s are in Baptist Hospital on the 7th floor in room 7729. Stay tuned for pictures and more updates.
Owen’s Weekly Update
Potluck After Second Service this Sunday
We will be having a potluck luncheon this Sunday after second service to kick off the new lesson series. Email me or Jenny if you want to help with this. Dont forget to let those you invite know so they can have another chance to meet everyone in class.
Office Season Premier at the Castle’s
We will be watching the Office season premier at the Castle’s this Thursday evening. We will be arriving at 7:30pm (the show starts at 8:00pm). Please bring either a drink or a dessert.
Gatlinburg Trip
We have one more spot available for a couple to join us on our October Gatlinburg Trip. If you would like to go but did not make the original dead line, let me or Jeff Castle know and we will get you signed up.
New Class and Thanks!
It has been a while since I posted anything, but I am going to get back in the habit. We have a new class starting up in the next couple of weeks. Meet the Family is going to be an awesome opportunity for all of us in this class to get to meet other people at HCOC. Also, we will be able to learn from their life experiences and use it to bless our marriages/life. Try to find someone to invite, because I feel like this is going to be awesome. Thanks to Tim and Holly for using their talents to get the ball rolling on this new class. Pray that it may be a blessing to all of us.
A side note, thanks to everyone that sent cards, concerns, prayers, and kind words during the last couple of weeks. You guys have been the definition of a church family. Jill and I really appreciate it. It would have been so much harder to make it through without the support of the YAMs class. We love you guys and never doubt your importance and place in our class and church family. Please continue to pray for our family as we adjust to the loss of Jill’s mom.
Carolyn’s Baby Shower
We had such a great time today celebrating Carolyn and Brent’s new arrival. Carolyn got some wonderful presents and we all enjoyed some tasty food and each other’s company, most of all. We can’t wait to meet baby Parker!!
Flickr
