Good morning. It’s the Monday after the Friday we all left Branson to head back across the state line of Missouri into Kansas following the Ministers’/Mates’ retreat. Thanks to all of you who made it a part of your agenda. Your attendance and involvement added to the value of our time together. Thanks too for the many positive responses and comments both on the cards and in personal conversations. Every year we’ve enjoyed the different components that are a part of the experience and this year was no exception. For instance, the music provided by our team from Dodge City First was outstanding. Nate, Bobby, Chelle, and Jason were really appreciated for their work with the technological stuff as well as the worship music. Quite a number of you asked about the DVD and CD presentations and copies of the same. Here’s what I know: “MOST” may be available at Amazon.com. I could not find it at Barnes & Noble or Borders. “God Grew Tired Of Us” can probably be ordered through Amazon.com or someplace like Blockbuster, Borders, Barnes & Noble, or Family Christian. The devotional by Linda Seaman is copyrighted and can be ordered from Cornerstone Audio & Video, P.O. Box 6724, Lubbock, TX 79493, phone 806-795-5344. I think my copy was $5.00 or so. I would suggest that you call Cornerstone directly and let them ship copies to you. There’s really no reason for the district office to serve as a middleman.
Several of us drove home and then on to Hutchinson First for the District Senior Adult Banquet. We were tired, but enjoyed the evening. Again, the comments were quite positive of our time in Branson, especially the free time that was scheduled. One person said, “Please don’t ever change that.” We don’t plan to and will do our best to always provide a setting for rest, renewal, and relaxation. It was great to see all of you there.
I will be getting the “Hundredth Anniversary Kits” to the pastors who were not in Branson as soon as possible. I will be trying to set up some times when I can get with you and go through the orientation presentation. The responses to the materials in the kits were very positive. The resources really are very good and easy to use and implement and fit for your congregation.
Harry Lytle, Wichita First Church, passed away and his funeral is Tuesday, the 15th. He was 87 and a long time member of Wichita First. He has been involved in many areas of the district as well as the foundation board at MNU. He was a partner in a very respected CPA firm here in Wichita. I personally have long admired him and mourn at the loss of him and those great Nazarenes of his generation.
As we move towards the end of our church statistical year, please be diligent and timely with regards to your reports and materials that have to be sent to our district secretary, Ron Willard. He has a big job and we only make it harder by procrastinating and not getting our reports in on time. Thanks in advance for your attention. Also please know that you can work on your financial obligations for others up until the time of the assembly. Right now we need to make an extra effort to get where we need to be in some of our churches. Please give it your best.
Please be reminded that our Boards of Credentials and Ministerial Studies will meet on April 29 at Wichita First Church at 9:30 A.M. Coffee/ refreshments, etc. will be provided as well as lunch. The Nominations and Finance Committees will be meeting on Tuesday, May 20 at Wichita First Church. We do appreciate the way WFC always makes their facilities available to us.
It’s interesting isn’t it as to how we can become fatigued as a result of our ministerial tasks that may span a number of days without a break. We don’t design it that way, it just becomes reality. Last night in a pastoral interview one of the board members commented that they were tired. The group that could really be counted on to work in the church had grown smaller thus creating more work for the core leadership team. However, the board member said, “But if you come and give us spirit-led leadership we’ll be able to get our second wind.” In my inner being I smiled and thanked God for the “second wind” opportunities provided by His Holy Spirit. The truth is that following nearly two weeks of nonstop ministerial responsibilities I need it myself. At any rate, I’ll be praying for you that these days of closing out the church year and ministering to your people that you too will be strengthened by “second wind” God moments. Remember, “It’s not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit sayeth the Lord.” Blessings.
