Oh What A Night...

...late September back on Friday! Okay, okay, those are not the words to the song, but it describes last night for me. Let me explain. It is late in September, it was Friday and it was a great night. I have not had so much fun in a really long time. What did we do? Glad that you asked. First of all, Toni and William watched our kids, THANKS YOU TWO! A group of us then met at Putters2 in Hopkinsville for a dinner out. Is that fish or Fried Zucchini?


It was a blast! Great food, great fun and eventually some silverware. :o)

It was then time to go into the "unknown" world of coffee shop concerts. We headed to Lebanon and found Common grounds Coffee house. This wasn't just a random trip, our good friend and fellow member of LCC John Nunns and his band were playing! Check out his Christian Rock Band at http://www.triadrocks.net/ or www.myspace.com/triadcincinnati
It was a blast. It started with a large "Carmel shot in the dark". Not sure what was in it, but it was good (and kept me up all night long). There was an opening act and he was good, but nothing compared to the ROCK and ROLL we were about to experience. First of all, let me say, it was LOUD (right Kendall)

There ended up being about 20 of us from LCC, so it was a blast.

I got so "wired" on the coffee that I actually went up front to "head bang" to a little Guns and Roses. That is the band from the "front row". John is on the far right.

Jen and I finally took off for home around 10:30 (late night for old married parents)! It was a blast! Enjoy a few more pics and don't forget to check out the band sometime soon!



How can she possibly sleep?

B. OUT!!

Disclaimer and clarification needed

Hey everyone! I received an e-mail today from a wonderful person in our church. She was commenting on our blogs and had the following info to share about a recent entry I logged about working at the church:

I know you challenged all the small groups to do this and I didn't know if you were aware that the __________ small group has been working on a list they received (not sure from who) for a couple of months now. I know they even had pizza one night at church, just like your group did, while working on some things. After I read your blog, it sounded as though no other group but yours has done anything. I think if anyone else would read it, they would think the same thing.

It is never my intention to hurt feelings, leave anyone out or cause tension. If you read my disclaimer you will see that this blog is not an LCC news or information blog. It is simply my thoughts, opinions and challenges around events in my life. Just so happens that most of my life is spent around LCC. I could never blog about all the things people are doing at LCC. I could never share every God sighting or every amazing event. There simply is not room. I can only share my perspective from where I am. Make sense?

To the other small groups. I happen to know of several groups who have worked countless hours at church or have ministered in the community or have helped lead people to Christ. For everything done, I SAY THANK YOU! God is moving in so many ways at LCC, so please never allow Satan to trap you by "reading into" things that are or are not in the blogs. Enjoy them for what they are and what they are intended to be.

Finally, thanks to the sweet person who brought this to my attention. It was out of a wonderful spirit and a pure heart, so that people would not have hurt feelings. I appreciate it very much. Let's continue to work together and change this community for Christ.

Finally, it was also brought to my attention that other groups may want to work off of "the list" at church, but may not have any idea how to get a copy. Give Anne Fulks a call or e-mail her from our website at www.lovedtolove.org if you would like to tackle items on "the list".

Love to all
B. Out!!

My Kinda Day

I really loved everything about yesterday, let me explain...

First, I had the rare opportunity to not set an alarm and to sleep in! It was mind-blowing!

Second, LCC was able to host the very first meeting of a new Pastor's "Paraclete" group. The lunch was spectacular (thanks Lynn and the Food Service Ministry, you rock)! Eight guys from a variety of churches showed up to fellowship, network, encourage, pray and just share in community. It is my prayer that each of us will be able to commit to this once a month opportunity.

Third, IT RAINED! Yes, I said RAIN! We are over 13 inches below average for the year. I actually ran out to just walk in the wet drops coming from the sky! WOW! It was sweet!

Fourth, In the middle of making dinner and getting ready for small group, I got to make a tent out of blankets for my son and "hang out" with him! I love you Caleb!

Fifth, We were blessed and able to open up our home to our dear friend Nancy to share a meal with us. We love having you over for dinner Nancy!

Sixth, SMALL GROUP! Have I ever said how much I love our small group? The Hatmakers (our newest members of LCC) opened up their home for our meeting. The "What flavor ice cream are you" ice-breaker was hillarious. The prayer time was memorable.

The study on the Word of God was powerful and convicting (see for yourself, Mike is "into it")...The spread of food was "to die for", thanks Gene and Sandy.

The "never wanting to end" fellowship well past stopping time was PRICELESS!

I love our small group. If you are not in a small group, please e-mail Pastor Dan at dponchot@lovedtolove.org TODAY!

Seventh, I was able to tuck my kids into bed, pray with them and say outloud: "I LOVE YOU".

Finally, I was blessed to fall asleep next to my lovely wife in a cool, dry and safe house.

God is good, all the time & all the time, God is good!

I loved this day, it was truly, my kinda day!

B. Out!!

View Beyond the Pew

Sunday was "good". That is Dan Ponchot's line EVERY staff meeting. Actually, Sunday was awesome!

• Gene and Sandy Hatmaker joined the LCC family! Welcome guys!
• Jon Turner shared a testimony of the frailty of life. Jon has been out of church for most of this year and PTL is ready to come home.
• The LCC band was really passionate, even with some musical "issues". We also added another guitar player, John Nunns! Welcome John! Check out his Christian Rock Band at www.triadrocks.net or www.myspace.com/triadcincinnati .
• Every worship song spoke into the heart of our lesson on sin
• God moved through the lesson on sin. We were knocked in the face with the reality of what the Bible calls sin and how we need to get rid of it. Remember church, call sin what it is: "SIN"!
• I have received e-mails and talked with people who recognize some long time disguised sin in their lives. They are now seeking God's forgiveness and victory through a heart of repentance. WOW! God is moving! WAIT TILL THIS SUNDAY! REVIVAL AT LCC? I think it is happening!
• God sent us several new faces and families. We had several new friends return.
• The offering was once again at an all time LOW! However, by the grace of God, bills are getting paid. God has a plan for us in this, just not sure what it is? Any ideas?
• Attendance was okay! We barely passed 300. Question: where did 350 from two weeks ago disappear to? Come on church, "don't give up meeting together" and bring someone with you. Satan doesn't want you to worship with your family, don't let him win!
• I got a chance to "hang out" at NP-3 during the 11:15 service! The kids know how to worship. If you get a chance, stop down and worship with them.
• The preacher actually stayed in his time frame and we were not rushed between all the services.
• Julie Mock and Subway (fields-Ertel) provided an amazing lunch for our Care Team ministry following services. Thanks Julie!
• Our Care Ministry mini-retreat was a huge success.
• We heard powerful testimonies of how God has used people at LCC to be miracles in lives.
• Care Ministry folks were honored, appreciated and challenged.
• The Bengals lost AGAIN, however, several people from LCC stopped by my house and hung out during the game. Two computers checking out fantasy football scores, a big TV blasting the game, my fam sharing life with friends and finally food, food followed by more food! It was a really "last minute" cool experience. Now that is community!

God is good, all the time & all the time, God is good!

B. Out!!

Dellmo is my hero

Okay, go back about 7 years at Blimpee's restaurant in terre haute, indiana. I met with gary dellmo about maybe helping me develop a new children's ministry at First Christian Church. He was not sure he could do it, but he would give it a try. Move up to 2007 and take a look at this...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPdgooDwCaE


Dellmo just started a blog of his own, check it out... http://www.gary-dellmo.blogspot.com/

I LOVE YOU DELLMO

many hands...

...make light work! Tonight our small group cancelled our normal Bible study and met at the church for some fellowship and hard work. A list was recently complied of many projects around the church that need to be completed (if you would like to give some time to some projects, e-mail me and I can get you a list). We agreed to tackle 4 different projects.

• clean out and organize the maintenance closet
• finish painting the hall and office entry way
• touch up a couple spots that needed some paint
• paint the railing down the handicap outdoor ramp

It began on Monday when Dave Burton started to "trim out" the walls that needed painting. He also took down a coat rack that was being removed and filled the holes. He came back this morning and finished all the trim.

This evening the rest of our group came together for some pizza (thanks Tony and Angie for the LaRosa's) and then down to work. Nancy, Tony, Angie, Todd, Danielle, Mike, Heidi, Gene, Sandy Robyn, Jen and myself got busy and within two hours we had it all completed. WOW! I think the M&M's helped put us into high gear, thanks Hatmakers. It is just amazing to me how much work can get accomplished and how much fun can be had when friends take time to serve.

SMALL GROUP CHALLENGE: I would like to invite any of the other LCC small groups to take one evening and tackle a few items from "the list". If you are not in a small group (you should be) then decide to take one or two items on for yourself or your family. Church, "the list" is long when tackled by one or two folks, but MANY HANDS MAKE LIGHT WORK!

In case I forgot to mention it: "I LOVE MY SMALL GROUP!"

B. Out!

View Beyond the Pew

First of all, please forgive me for taking several days to write. Sunday was really the "icing on the cake" for a God-honoring weekend. Could it get any better than 3 baptisms on Saturday? YES! First of all, let me say, our choir is better than I ever remember it! They were that good. You see, it is not only in the sound of their voices, but it was the way they worshipped. I mean, it was almost like "sister act". Ocie Wakefield, a dear lady in the church said that it was the first time her prayer had ever been answered. What was her prayer? That a choir would not only sing well but actually look like they were having fun doing it! Choir, you rocked it out! Hands were lifted, there were smiles on your faces, tears in your eyes and your clapping was truly inspirational. I am having trouble coming up with the words to describe how incredible it was to be lead in worship by your voices and hearts. I cannot wait for the choir to be a part of leading worship again. Jared, Dan, Chip and Jen you have done a wonderful job! In fact, while everyone was singing during second service I took a walk outside to hear the sounds coming out of the open windows. It was heavenly! I know people were hearing it all over the neighborhood. I stood there thanking God that I was a part of LCC!

Then there was our drummer Doran! Isn't it cool how God works on hearts in "His time". Doran has been using his gift at LCC for a year or so, but only in the last few weeks has God finally found a way to show him that He was lacking a very important step...Baptism! It was an honor to immerse Doran into Christ at the conclusion of the 3rd service! Sweet!!!

Then there was a surprise party in honor of Mel and Landa's 35th wedding anniversary. Don't you just love PITCH IN dinners? Can I hear an AMEN? Thanks to the Conover's small group for organizing this special event. Thanks to the Hewitt's for providing special music. Thanks to Mel and Landa for their words of encouragement and love. It was a very special day.

Don't miss this coming Sunday or you might just earn a trip to the "Principals Office".

B. Out!!

chillin out

If you could only see my now, well, actually, unless you had a flashlight, you couldn't! Why? Because I am sitting in my yard at 8:30 in the evening and it is dark! Why am I out here. Well, I was just reading some blogs and reflecting over this day, my ministry, my family and life. Why outside? Because it is sooooo nice! It is about 60 degrees and the sky is full of stars. The crickets are chirping and a plane is flying overhead. It is heavenly. Before I go on, thank you Sharon Ponchot for being my typing teaching in High school, cause I can't see a single key on this keyboard, but my fingers are doing well.

Today! Wow! First of all, I SLEPT IN! Now that just doesn't happen in our house. Caleb wakes up at 7ish no matter what. However, last night he stayed with Grandma B and was on the way to Dale Hollow Lake this morning. Lauren loves to sleep in, so when you add it up, I got out of bed around 9am! I had some breakfast and played with Lauren, then to the shower. I prayed in the shower for God to move on anyone who needed to receive Him as Lord and Savior TODAY! I then went to the church. You see, in my message on the WORD OF GOD last Sunday, I had challenged anyone who needed to receive Christ and be baptized (immersed) to come by the church between 10 & 2 today. Nothing happened for a long while. I sat in the worship center and prayed, read Scripture, cleaned the room and even started to study for a sermon series I hope to share early next year. Keith Wrassmann stopped by to see what was going on, then Jen and Lauren stopped by to say hello, but no one to receive Jesus. Jen went and got us some lunch and we ate together (it was really nice). I started back out to send a phone tree when I heard someone in the hallway and they said, "Brian, I am ready to be dunked". I was so excited. Mary Alten and her daughter Toni were coming toward me. I said, Praise the Lord and we went into the Worship Center to open up the Word and study together. Mary has been coming for about a year. She grew up Catholic and did the "religious" stuff but has never had a personal relationship with Jesus. We were about done and ready to pray when I heard more noise. I looked back to see John and Joyce Nunns and family. They were carrying bags with swim trunks in them! PTL! They begin to share how God has been working on them through their own study and prayer life and especially in the messages I have been giving recently. John grew up Catholic and Joyce grew up Lutheran. While they had ended up at a Scripture loving church over the past few years, they had never surrendered to Christ and been "born again." It was amazing to see how the Holy Spirit had worked on these 3 individuals over the past few weeks. IT WAS TIME! We got changed and I was given the amazing privilege of baptizing all three into Jesus for the Forgiveness of their sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. It was awesome!!!

I am fully expecting God to do something unbelievable tomorrow! I cannot wait to worship him and allow Him to move and work at LCC! Don't miss a moment! I said a few weeks ago, "It is here". I still cannot totally define what that is, but folks, IT IS HERE and we will never be the same again!

The rest of my day was awesome. My wife and I had a Milky Way Latte, I got to cut the Dust bowl, I mean grass. I spent a wonderful evening with my daughter! Now, I sit out here and feel the amazing presence of GOD! Anything better? God only knows and I cannot wait to see!

God is good...all the time and all the time...God is good!

B Out!!

VIEW BEYOND THE PEW

Shuuuuwwwuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu! WOW! What a day? It is now Tuesday afternoon, and it has really taken me this long to prepare my thoughts!!! Sunday was awesome for so many reasons! Let me share a few...

• All three services were well attended and fairly evenly dispersed.


• There is room for more people in every service.


• The band was ON! The songs were perfect! The tone of the service hit the mark.


• Nancy Coates was used by God to sing a perfect and beautiful song.


• We had new faces in every service


• Jared and I actually kept all three services "on time".


• The new NP-3 worship space is AWESOME!


• Every elementary SS room was so full kids had to sit on the ground.


• God's Word was given it's rightful place in our lives!


• Everyone received homework and no one complained.


• We had an incredible attendance of 349!!!!


• Another church showed up after third service and a young guy was baptized into Christ right here in the LCC baptistery!


• A cool breeze took over around picnic time and the blue sky made it perfect weather!


• A TON of people showed up for the picnic.


• The food, fun and fellowship were incredible.





• John Lucas, Geneva Myers and Jen Wise won the dessert baking contest.


• LJ Dozier and Brian Isaacs won the Corn-hole tournament.


• There were a TON of kids playing on the playground.


• There were lots of smiles, laughter, hugs and happiness all over our campus.


• A TON of people stayed to help tear down and clean up.


• It was just a wonderful day!! God blessed our FALL KICKOFF!!

I must admit, there were some "opportunities" so to be fair, here they are...

• The air conditioning was still out in the Worship Center (and it was hot)!


• We had some teachers forget to show up early and we had a major back-up of parents and kids in the hallway at 10 am.


• We had a few people forget about the change in service times and show up late or early.


• Jennifer and I went out in the first round of the Corn-hole tournament (big surprise, right).


• We fell short of our weekly budget by over $1000 once again.


• We had too much chicken for picnic.

I really had to fish for this list! It was such an amazing day! GOD IS SO GOOD!

Thanks for making our first Sunday of the fall season such a historic and amazing day. What about this Sunday? If I were you, I would not miss a moment! See you on Sunday! Oh yeah, did I tell you how much I love being your minister? I DO!

B. OUT!!

We all had a great time at the LCC Night at Great American Ball park. Did the Reds win? Well, the weather was really nice! Did the Reds win? Well, it was great to spend quality time with 24,000 of my closest friends? Did the Reds win? Well, I got we had some yummy food and got a close up of Mr. Red legs!!! Did the Reds win? WHAT DO YOU THINK????? Nope! However, we did see Joey Voto hit a 3-run homer! Gives us hope for next year. Make sure to check out www.lovedtolove.org to see more pictures of this great evening. Thanks Nancy, we had really GREAT seats! It was worth all of the $17!! We will do this again next Summer, make sure to watch for details and join us at the ballpark!!!

B. Out!!

I am dreaming about it!

Folks I am so excited about church tomorrow that I have butterflies in my stomach! Why? Well, several reasons.

• Summer is over with all the vacations and activities taking people away on Sunday's!
• We begin three services tomorrow with the potential of well over 400 in attendance!
• All of our ministry teams are prayed up and ready to serve!!
• NP-3 has a cool new theme and look for our K-5 graders! Check it out!
• Kids are moving up into new classes, including my daughter!
• A cool new series begins entitled: "Are you smarter than a 5th grader?" It will be life changing!
• We have several people ready to make decisions for Christ, could it be tomorrow?
• We never had a summer slump this year, only going under 300 twice all summer, the fall potential is huge!!!!!
• God has been sending us new faces in large numbers over the past month and tomorrow will be no different!
• Care Teams are expecting miracles!!!
• The band is prayed up, practiced up and have some cool things in store for tomorrow!
• The picnic that we postponed due to the heat in August will be tomorrow at 5pm!
• I have a chance to win the corn-hole tournament (everyone has a chance, right)!!
• Finally, MY DREAMS...

Anyone who knows me, knows that I dream. However, the last few nights, it seems that God is using my dreams to get me excited about what HE wants to do through US this fall!

• Last night I dreamed that all three services were packed, the worship was awesome, lives were changed and Holly ran to me to say we had a record of 416 in worship! Could it be?
• The other night I actually dreamed that I was preaching the message for this Sunday. It was used by God as a powerful tool for life change. I woke up around 5 am really pumped and ready to preach right then! It was in those moments that I actually realized God gave me the specifics of the message in that dream and I actually remembered them. What you hear tomorrow is what God gave to me in my sleep! How cool is that? I spent the next two hours talking to God and listening to His heart. He gave me several other things that need to be done. I know that it has and will mean more work for myself and my staff, but I already can see how it is going to be amazing!!!!

Don't miss tomorrow! God has some awesome plans!!! Satan will try to keep you away, don't let him! It is going to be something AMAZING, AWESOME, MIRACULOUS! One more time, don't forget our new times: 8:45, 10 & 11:15! See you at church, I JUST CAN'T WAIT!!!

B. out!!

This is what church is all about

I received this e-mail from a gentleman who has been attending LCC now for about 5 weeks. His wife used to attend here years ago and was even baptized here. I remember many talks we shared together and prayers lifted about her husband coming, but he would not step a foot even near the door. Now, he is here and we are praying for his wife to "come home" again real soon!!!! Won't it be an awesome day when the whole family is back in worship together??? God is amazing and it will happen, just wait!

I wanted to share the following e-mail I received today from him. I have left names off for privacy, but he has given me permission to share this message!

Hello Brian, first I would like to thank you for your interest in my family.You have shown concern about my oldest son and the situation he is in right now. I know you are a very busy man with a lot of people calling for your attention. It means so much to me that you have asked me each Sunday how he is doing. I thank you for that! I also would like to tell you that I really enjoyed the service last Sunday. The way it went back and forth between your message and then the music was great. I was really moved by that service. I have heard you mention many times about someone becoming a member of the church. I was wondering what I need to do to become a member. I will never forget the first time I walked through the doors at L.C.C. and the first person I meet was L.J. He welcomed me and said this to me ( you are not here by accident) That really hit me and made me feel like i was welcomed right from the start. I was also very surprised by the stats on Internet porn that was put up during the service last week. I was wondering if you could e-mail those to me. I was very shocked by the one about the men who attended promise keepers. Anyway I look forward to church on Sunday and i will see you there.

Church, this is what it is all about! Knowing that people just don't show up on accident! That God works through "divine providence" and brings people to LCC so that He can meet their needs through US! Way to go LJ! Way to go church!!! Let's determine now more than ever to "Care as Jesus Cares" and always remember that we have been LOVED TO LOVE!!! I can't wait to see what God is going to do next? How about you? See you on Kick-off Sunday! Remember, service times will be: 8:45, 10 & 11:15! Don't forget about the Picnic/Corn-hole Tournament at 5pm!!!

B Out!!

Is it thanksgiving?

Nope, it was too hot for Thanksgiving in Ohio. It was instead LABOR DAY "bell and richard" style. We love to deep fry turkeys. I am hooked, I can never go back. There is just no better taste in all the world. My mouth is still watering! WOW! My dad and I got our deep fryers ready and the cooking began. You could smell the turkey for miles in the hot sunny afternoon. In fact it was so warm out that the turkey cooked faster than I have ever seen one. It was done in about 40 minutes and it was almost 16 pounds of meat. As soon as I got it into the kitchen my hands started picking at the skin, wow, how yummy! Mike and Heidi, YOU MISSED IT!! For all those in the Rock Solid SS class, NO, I did not eat too much. I paced myself and felt really good at the end of the day! Thanks for your prayers, it was not easy. By the time the day was over and the carcus was the only thing left, we had all had a wonderful day of sun, swimming, the reds LOOSING AGAIN, visiting, laughing, smiles and friendship. I love my job, I love working at LCC, but it is nice to take a day and celebrate working by just enjoying God's awesome creation with friends and family! Thanks mom and dad for hosting another wonderful party! Today it was back to work and back to life, however, I did find time to have a deep fried turkey sandwich with fresh home-grown tomatoes and some miracle whip (Yes Dan P, it was THAT good)! I better stop, I might eat again! Feel free to comment below and let me know what your family did on Labor Day! I would love to hear.

Final notes. Bill and Holly and fam, I am praying for you and your family during this hard time!! The Richard family loves you guys! Finally, to my friends Jeff and Rhonda Martin, CONGRATS on Jeffery & Jonah's baptisms on Sunday. The pictures were awesome (www.emergingorchard.blogspot.com). It must be an amazing thing to baptize your kids, I can't wait for that day to come. We are proud of your boys and excited for you!!! To God be the Glory!!

B. OUT!!

view beyond the pew

Okay, did God show up and bless our socks off today or WHAT???? WOW!!! What a great worship experience. Way to go God! Thanks to Jared, Jen, Chip, Doran and Dan...You allowed God to work through your talents and as a result, the band was ON!!! I loved the format of this special Sunday what did you think? (why not comment here and let me know?). Once again our NP-3 kids ROCK! You all did a really great job today! God designed the service today with you in mind. Lots of singing and sermon "snippets" of only a couple minutes at a time. Isn't it awesome how God plans things? One of the MANY folks that shared how God spoke through the worship experience today told me that God put this service at "just the right time and on the perfect day." Oh yeah! The Spirit was moving today and it was obvious to everyone!!! Isn't it awesome to have crowds of people moving forward for prayer and encouragement. Isn't it amazing to have standing room only on a holiday weekend? Isn't it "cool" to worship with the windows wide open and the fresh air flowing through the worship center? Wasn't the testimony of Candy and Ben inspiring? On a side note, thanks for your faithfulness in giving, we actually were over budget this morning, PRAISE THE LORD!!!! I am fired up!! If you stayed home today or were out of town and missed the outpouring of God's presence, I AM SO SORRY! Words just cannot describe the way God moved through the church body today!!! I really wish you could have been with us!

What a great way to head into a new season in our church life with three services starting next Sunday. Don't forget, worship will take place at 8:45, 10 and 11:15 (Sunday school will meet during the 10:00 hour). Remember that the church picnic also takes place next Sunday starting around 5 pm. The Food Service Ministry will be providing the meat, drinks and tableware. Bring a side dish to share, lawn chairs, canopies and as many friends as you can. If you are planning to enter a dessert into the contest, make sure to have it to the church by 4:15. The corn hole tournament will begin around 6:15, sign up when you arrive.

Finally, we still have a few tickets left for the Reds game next Saturday. Call Nancy Coates or go to our website at www.lovedtolove.org to reserve your seats. PLAY BALL!

I love being your minister! I live for days like today! Thanks for your love, support and encouragement! Let's keep working together to advance the Kingdom of God in Loveland and beyond!!!

Now, time for my physical improvements. I am going to play tennis with Keith Wrassmann this afternoon. I will let you know how that goes soon. PRAY FOR ME, IT HAS BEEN YEARS!!!

God bless

B. out!!