Archive for 2008

This is a picture of the chapel at The Cove in Asheville, NC. We had a mini-retreat up there for the pastors and wives of Calvary Church. It was a sweet, precious time of fellowship, edification, and growth. I could probably blog about the retreat itself...but I wanted to show you a picture of this chapel and share what I learned there.

I drove up by myself and had a lot of time to pray, think, sing (at the top of my lungs), and of course...call my moms! (mom and mother-in-law). While driving up, I was amazed at the vibrant array of colors splashed all around the mountains. Being from Tucson, colors range from brown to tan and maybe on occasion a slight variation of that. Arizona is blessed with gorgeous sunsets and scents from the desert...but as far as seasons changing, it doesn't really go out with a bang. But here, it is absolutely breathtaking. I can not recall how many shades of red, orange, and yellow I saw on my drive up. It was like a kaleidoscope of color...varying in depth and distinction. Beautiful! Absolutely stunning.

When we reached The Cove, we all took a walk (down a crazy, twisting, steep hill) to the Chapel. Ruth Graham was the one that specified what she wanted in the Chapel. We were told by the tour guide several interesting stories about the involvment she had during the building process. But the one comment that resonated with me was about the windows. Several people had wanted stained glass windows put in the Chapel. The response? Absolutely not...the windows allow all to come into the Chapel to view the splendor of God's creation. The splendor that is all around us and we fail to acknowledge. The amazing beauty of His vast creativity at the end of our nose. All that I had seen on my way up to the Cove was within sight in the Chapel.

For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—His eternal power
and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has
been made, so that men are without excuse. Romans 1:20

His eternal power and divine nature are still visible for all to see. We are without excuse to praise and acknowledge Him in our life, come what may.

This is going to be plagiarism...but since its from Jason's sermon I think it'll be okay! :-) Jason taught from John 4 on Wednesday night for the youth service. His title was, "When Brokenness meets Reconciliation". It was amazing...I know I am biased but it really was good. There was one point especially that just keeps popping to the surface of my mind.

What is the definition for brokenness: to be reduced to fragments, not functioning properly; weakened in strength or spirit. The Samaritan woman had been fragmented. Her many relationships testify that she sought healing, completion, wholeness. She was trying to put a band aid on a gouging need. Jason pointed out that as Christians we have a tendency to do the same thing. When we are broken and discouraged we cover it up so well with playing the part of the "good" Christian. We continue on our everyday lives and fail to stop and access the damage of our heart. We try to put spiritual "band aids" over the hurt, resentment, bitterness, betrayal, unforgiveness in our lives. Ultimately, this causes the wound to be passed over initially and buried in our spiritual "to do" list. We mask the pain of what is truly going on in our hearts - all the while, every area of our life soon becomes affected by the pain.

Jesus cut to the quick with the woman at the well. He spoke directly to her - about her life. She tried to redirect His attention to a different topic...but it didn't work. Christ revealed Himself to her and that did the trick. Everything in her was crying out for what He offered. What stood in the way? Her pride.

We are the same. Foolish and prideful. Everything in us cries out to be reconciled to the Savior. We long for healing in our innermost being and yet, we try to distract the Holy Spirit from having His way in us. We focus on our church attendance, service record, etc. When all the while we simply need to put down our pride and fall face down.

This message spoke to me...in so many different ways. I looked around that night at our students. So much pain is represented in that room. And I do fall face down and ask that our Redeemer will bring reconciliation to our youth, our church...and our nation!

October is Pastor Appreciation month...of course, you think I know this because my husband happens to be a pastor. But actually, I wanted to take a moment to talk about ALL the pastors at Calvary Church and how much we appreciate them!!! (Mind you, there are ten pastors on staff...so this blog might get a little lengthy! :-) First off is our senior pastor, Dr Munro. He has been the pastor of Calvary for almost three years and is a true expositor of the Word. He holds fast to truth and diligently serves up sermon after sermon exhorting the congregation. He leads our church with wisdom and discernment. Second, Phil Divine (whom our children lovingly call "Papa Phil"). Since we are away from our family in Tucson, our kids have adopted Phil and his wife, Karen, as their pseudo grandparents. And yes, they spoil our kids rotten - just like their real grandparents do! Phil is the pastor over our Seniors ministry and the pastor of caring. He is at the hospital almost every single day of the week checking in with different members of the fellowship. He is a source of great comfort, encouragement and insight! Phil and Karen also teach the Love and Respect class on Wednesday nights. They have been married for thirty-nine years and are very passionate about marriage!!

Next, Clint Echols who is the pastor over the young adult ministries. Clint is full of life and extremely passionate about whatever he does. He never does anything half-heartedly! He is usually the instigator behind most of the practical jokes in the church office. (Of course, Jason has now rivaled him for the official title of Calvary Prankster.) When Clint preaches he does so with exuberance and energy - and of course, his signature bow tie! Fourth, Tim Hathaway who is our pastor of worship. Unfortunately as Christians today we try to modify who God is and bring Him nearer to our own image. Tim strives each week to lift our gaze from ourselves and point it to the most Holy of Holies. He works together with Dr Munro to choose songs that will penetrate our complacency and stir our hearts to true worship. Next, is Dean Hawkins who is the pastor of student ministries - and more specifically, the pastor of the junior high. Dean has transformed the student ministries in the short time he has been at Calvary. He dives into every challenge with excitement and diligence. He relates to the students and lets each of them know how important they are to him. (Unfortunately, Dean is also a prankster - so we always have to watch our backs...at camp, events, etc!) Okay, I'm half way through!!

Next, David Ingrassia who is the pastor of spiritual development...hm, what does that mean? Well, he basically is in charge of the Sunday school classes and Wednesday night classes. David is brilliant! I'm not kidding...he's really smart. Luckily for me, when we have a conversation he comes down to my level and is gracious enough to actually converse with me! :-) He loves people and loves the Word. His family has lovingly opened their home on numerous occasions to hurting members of our church. They have five children...but usually have more kids coming in and out of their house! Continuing on is Jim Lytle who is the family pastor. Jim just joined Calvary this past summer and has lost no time in settling in! Both Jim and his wife are warm, infectious people that draw you in and make you feel right at home. Jim follows hard after God's Word and is an example to those around him. (By the way, he's also a meteorologist...so just in case you want to know whats going on this weekend...) Next is Jorge Prado who is the pastor of our Spanish church. Jorge is a spitfire of a man. He is Brazilian, so naturally he talks so fast my head starts spinning and I'm trying to translate what he is saying until I realize he's speaking in English! He always has an encouraging word for EVERYONE and a hug and a smile! The Spanish service is loud, fun, exuberant, and passionate about the Word of God! Jorge is a lover of Jesus Christ.

Next is Scott Vail who is the executive pastor. Now, what is an executive pastor? I don't have a formal explanation...but to me, Scott is a lot like Timothy in the New Testament. Timothy travelled around to the different churches Paul had started and worked out differences, discipled, trained, encouraged and exhorted the believers. This allowed Paul to focus on what God was inspiring him to write. Scott encourages the pastors, oversees ministries, works out differences, trains and hires new staff, and generally exhorts all those he comes in contact with.

I've saved the best for last...Jason! I can't talk about the pastors of Calvary Church and leave out the one I love the most!!! My husband, Jason, is the senior high youth pastor. I am unabashedly proud of my husband and all he does (in fact, I'm gonna do another blog later about how amazing he is!!!). He is in charge of the high school ministry and has a blast doing it! Jason is an illustrative teacher of God's Word. The high school students are getting a healthy dose of truth each week as Jason is dedicated to developing in them a solid Christian worldview.

Those are our pastors at Calvary Church. Each one of them is unique and essential in the leadership of our church. They work together as a team to serve the congregation and surrounding area. They are passionate about Jesus Christ and His Word. Spend any amount of time with any one of them and you will be blessed. I love our pastors at Calvary Church and I wanted to take a moment out of my day to APPRECIATE them! What are the chances that they will read this blog...hm, slim to none. But that's okay!

How about you? Have you taken the time out to truly appreciate those who serve you at your church or various ministries? Let them know how important they are to you!

The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. I Timothy 5:17

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