I began my day by having coffee at Kidd with one of my closest friends and partner in ministry, Keith Wrassmann. He always has a "fresh word" from God and a great perspective about life and ministry. I always leave challenged and encouraged. Thanks Keith, I am so thankful that God brought you into my life. WE MUST GOLF SOON!
I really have a great staff at LCC. Today was our first "monthly staff lunch". We will be meeting together on the last Wednesday of every month at noon for a delicious lunch provided by the Food Service Ministry of LCC (thanks Lynn), a encouragement and prayer time and a book study. Our first study is the book Simple Church. We only got into the first chapter but it was a time of stretching and growth for all of us. I know that there were moments of frustration and even disagreement, but I walked out of that room feeling extremely excited about the future. Thanks Jared, Dan & Holly (we missed you Tawnya)! I am blessed to work alongside each of you.
This evening I got to share a meal with my family. Truly the best part of my life! Lauren slept through dinner, but she was still close by. Caleb, Jen and I enjoyed the few moments of peace and quiet. I am so thankful that we continue to protect (as often as it is possible) our dinner time.
The day concluded with our D-Group meeting. I have said it many times, but I LOVE OUR GROUP! We had a full living room at the Temple's tonight. It was obvious that everyone wanted to be there and wanted to share life and relationship. We got so much accomplished this evening and had a great study time. We finished week 1 of ? on baptism. I love the mix of our group. I think we have almost every denomination and background covered. The cool thing is that EVERYONE is hungry for Truth! It is going to be an amazing study and I truly believe that Eternity will look differently in the next few weeks.
Finally, can I offer some reading encouragement for anyone in ministry. Read Philippians 1! I realized that Paul and Timothy (staff) is speaking to the entire church and especially the deacons and elders. He says that they are ALL partners in ministry, he says that they pray in joy for ALL of them, he says that he has them ALL in his heart and then offers an amazing prayer for them. I JUST LOVE HIS ATTITUDE. Ministry is hard. Communication is difficult. Keeping pride out of the way is almost impossible. Oh, that I would pray this prayer for my elders, deacons, congregation...why can't I? Anyone want to join me?
B. OUT!!
"WAITERS" AT LCC THIS SUNDAY
I am very excited to share about a special program being presented this Sunday evening at my church. The youth choir "CrosSeekers" and teen Jazz band from First Christian Church, Brazil, Indiana, will be sharing their ministry at 6 pm. This free event is open for everyone and is relevant for all ages. There will also be a punch/cookie reception immediately following the program in the foyer. Anyone reading this is strongly encouraged to attend. Don't miss this special night of music presenting a valuable and timely message for each of us about God's Will in our lives.
Would you like to hear a sample? Come to one of our three services at LCC this Sunday morning. The Jazz band will be performing our Prelude and "CrosSeekers" will be leading our special music. Service times are 8:45, 10 & 11:15 am.
View Beyond The Pew
I was so focused on what God was pressing me to say this Sunday that I was just simply zoned out. I felt a little like John when he said that he was "in the Spirit on the Lord's day." I was so intense that I didn't look at anyone. I didn't pray with anyone. I didn't notice anything. I just preached my heart out. I know that not everyone is 100% behind the content of my message on Sunday and if that is you, I simply pray that we can study Scripture together. I am honestly and genuinely seeking truth! God's Word seems so clear to me when it comes to being "saved", how you get to that condition, what it means to be there and what is expected from us while being there. Hummmm. Anyway, as far as this blog entry, I would like to do something different this week. IF YOU WERE AT LCC AND YOU ARE READING THIS,
WHAT WAS YOUR VIEW FROM THE PEW?
Please e-mail me at brichard@lovedtolove.org or simply comment here on this blog. I want to hear your thoughts. I want to hear what you saw. I want to know your impression. Feel free to move even beyond this Sunday. What is your impression of what God is doing at LCC? What have you noticed? What do you see on the horizon? Come on folks, open up and share!
If you are not sharing in worship with us at LCC, then let me know what God is doing where you are worshipping or serving. I would love to hear from everyone.
B. OUT!!
WHAT WAS YOUR VIEW FROM THE PEW?
Please e-mail me at brichard@lovedtolove.org or simply comment here on this blog. I want to hear your thoughts. I want to hear what you saw. I want to know your impression. Feel free to move even beyond this Sunday. What is your impression of what God is doing at LCC? What have you noticed? What do you see on the horizon? Come on folks, open up and share!
If you are not sharing in worship with us at LCC, then let me know what God is doing where you are worshipping or serving. I would love to hear from everyone.
B. OUT!!
Kidd Coffee 20 Mile Stand
I want to say a special thank you to Bryan, Howard and Carol Converse and everyone at Kidd Coffee for sponsoring LCC Day on Monday of this week. The final total came in with 70 LCC friends stopping by and a total of $100 donated from Kidd toward our Gulf Coast Relief Mission Trip. We will be planning one more of these special days before our trip. I would like to ask anyone and everyone near Landen to please fight the traffic, budget some money and make it a regular habit to stop by and support this incredible Christian buisness. Let's not allow Satan to take away another awesome "light" in our neighborhood. God bless Kidd Coffee and thanks to everyone from LCC who made this day so special!
View Beyond The Pew
Way to go LCC! It was obvious that everyone spent a lot of time praying and inviting! WOW! The cool thing about Sunday was not only the fact that people had to create new parking spots because we were out of parking! It was not only that NP-3 was packed with elementary kids and that we signed in more than a dozen brand new kids! It was not only that our Care Ministry team members were so busy they were not sure if they were coming or going and that they had to recruit others to help! It was not only that we cracked that 400 mark once again! It was not only that we closed in on $10,000 in our giving! It was not only that the choir sounded amazing and "rocked it out"! It was not only that the band really used their gifts to glorify God! It was not only that we learned how "man looks on the outside, but God looks on the heart". Well, maybe it was all of those things and so much more! I honestly cannot write everything that God was doing at LCC on Sunday. It was just a God-filled amazing day!The thing that really sticks out in my mind was how God answered our prayers! Allow me to explain. You see, we pray every week, that God will send us people who need...and He did. I met and prayed with tons of people on Sunday. People searching for Christ. People who just need healing. People who are looking for a growing and vibrant community to worship and serve. People with hurts. People coming to church simply because someone who cared invited them. People celebrating victory in their lives. Old friends and new friends alike! I have heard so many stories about people sharing with each other and praying together. It was amazing! Remember, EVERY SUNDAY IS FRIEND DAY AT LCC!
Finally, I want to say, THANK YOU to everyone who made Sunday such a great opportunity to minister to our community, family and friends! From coffee ministry, communion preparation, teachers, servers, care ministry, parking attendants and anyone else, It is a true blessing to serve alongside all of you.
Friend day is over, but really, it has just begun, so now, let's all PRAY! Did you know that God sent us like 15 families that indicated they are searching for a home church? Pray! People are hungry for genuine community and we have some of the best. Wanna know how to help? See me ASAP! I cannot wait to see what God is going to do next Sunday! Remember, live it everyday! Worship all the time and never miss a chance to share the "good news"!
B OUT!!!
P.S. A special thanks to Mrs. Hoffman (Caleb's Kindergarten teacher) and her husband for being Caleb's friend on Sunday! It meant a lot to him and to Jennifer and I. We know that you guys have a ton of responsibility at your church and it was not easy to get away. This truly will leave a wonderful memory for Caleb to treasure! God bless you!
I LOVE YOU JEN
My lucky number used to be 7, but now, it is 8, at least for one more year. You see, today is my 8th anniversary. It is not easy to be a mom, it is not easy to be a wife, it is not easy to be a homemaker, it is not easy to live on one income, it is not easy to be a preacher's wife, it is not easy to be MRS. RICHARD, need I say more? There is only one person in this entire world that has the gifts and ability and patience for this special task, and PRAISE GOD I FOUND HER! I love you Jen! I don't say it enough. You are everything I need to make me a complete man of God! Our life is tough, but God is good! I am so thankful that you were put in my life at just the right time. I am so glad that God chose you for me. How many wives would be cool with their husband going to a Deans meeting at camp followed by a deacons meeting with church on their "big day"? You are one of a kind and I am the most blessed man alive! I cannot wait to celebrate on Friday evening! I LOVE YOU TONS! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY SWEETIE!
Running out of church
I am used to hearing lots of reasons why people don't go to church or run out before the sermon, but this one was classic! Honestly, it is a really cute story and it really happened this Sunday to a mom and daughter at LCC. They have given me permission to reprint the story. Enjoy...
I just had to pass on this to you cause I thought it sweet but funny.Sarah, my 12 year old daughter and I were running late for church, as usual. She has 3 Guinea pigs and she said she was going to bring Citrina, the one which is her favorite, to church. She came out of her room with the pig in a canvas bag with a zipper.I insisted she couldn't take the pig to church and she didn't like it, but she complied with my decision.Well, we arrived at church and during the second song, she looked at me tearfully and said--did I put Citrina pig back in her cage? I said I didn't know. I said where did you leave her? She indicated that she put her down on my footstool in the family room in the bag. She began to cry.Well--if you didn't know, we have a Jack Russell dog who loves getting mice, chipmunks, and has actually killed one of her pigs. She was frantic. I said lets go and check it out. We left church and rushed home.Sarah went flying into the house to check out the pigs demise??? Well, thankfully, the pig was still sitting on the footstool and the dogs had not even realized that she was there. All was well......The end of the story???? Sarah said lets go back to church...I told her by the time we would get there that communion would be over and it would be distracting.......I sat down to relax..after all the commotion, and she came to me with a piece of bread and a cup of cranberry juice...she said this is our communion--I said well, actually we should have unleven bread and fruit of the vine, but in this case I suppose God would understand. We communed together.I guess the teaching does sink in even though we as parents think are kids aren't listening.......I hope they only listen to the good things, but I know they are open to everything we say and do; our example is so important.
That is the best "View Beyond the Pew" I could give. For those of you who wait for that weekly blog, let me say, Sunday was awesome in every way! People were praying with each other, God sent us like 10 brand new friends, the prayer cushions were completely full and people were waiting in line to bow in prayer, folks were laying hands on others and agreeing with them, the band was rockin again (great to have you back on the drums Doran), the PEEPS series was a great hit, the D-group/Elders and spouse lunch and training was SPIRIT-FILLED! I understand that Impact on Sunday night was intense! I am amazed at what God is doing at LCC! What does this Sunday hold in store? Remember, it is FRIEND DAY! Take a chance, invite your friends and family, I DARE YOU!
B. OUT!
I just had to pass on this to you cause I thought it sweet but funny.Sarah, my 12 year old daughter and I were running late for church, as usual. She has 3 Guinea pigs and she said she was going to bring Citrina, the one which is her favorite, to church. She came out of her room with the pig in a canvas bag with a zipper.I insisted she couldn't take the pig to church and she didn't like it, but she complied with my decision.Well, we arrived at church and during the second song, she looked at me tearfully and said--did I put Citrina pig back in her cage? I said I didn't know. I said where did you leave her? She indicated that she put her down on my footstool in the family room in the bag. She began to cry.Well--if you didn't know, we have a Jack Russell dog who loves getting mice, chipmunks, and has actually killed one of her pigs. She was frantic. I said lets go and check it out. We left church and rushed home.Sarah went flying into the house to check out the pigs demise??? Well, thankfully, the pig was still sitting on the footstool and the dogs had not even realized that she was there. All was well......The end of the story???? Sarah said lets go back to church...I told her by the time we would get there that communion would be over and it would be distracting.......I sat down to relax..after all the commotion, and she came to me with a piece of bread and a cup of cranberry juice...she said this is our communion--I said well, actually we should have unleven bread and fruit of the vine, but in this case I suppose God would understand. We communed together.I guess the teaching does sink in even though we as parents think are kids aren't listening.......I hope they only listen to the good things, but I know they are open to everything we say and do; our example is so important.
That is the best "View Beyond the Pew" I could give. For those of you who wait for that weekly blog, let me say, Sunday was awesome in every way! People were praying with each other, God sent us like 10 brand new friends, the prayer cushions were completely full and people were waiting in line to bow in prayer, folks were laying hands on others and agreeing with them, the band was rockin again (great to have you back on the drums Doran), the PEEPS series was a great hit, the D-group/Elders and spouse lunch and training was SPIRIT-FILLED! I understand that Impact on Sunday night was intense! I am amazed at what God is doing at LCC! What does this Sunday hold in store? Remember, it is FRIEND DAY! Take a chance, invite your friends and family, I DARE YOU!
B. OUT!
P.S.
I received an e-mail today in response to my last blog. It was from Jamie's sister, Jen. Her husband and family are also now saved and a part of LCC. She wanted me to add this P.S.
If it weren't for Alicia's friendship with Jamie, George and I probably wouldn't be where we are today either. Each life we touch can create a chain reaction that we hope doesn't ever stop.
What a great truth! Thanks Jen!
B. OUT!!
If it weren't for Alicia's friendship with Jamie, George and I probably wouldn't be where we are today either. Each life we touch can create a chain reaction that we hope doesn't ever stop.
What a great truth! Thanks Jen!
B. OUT!!
That is what I am talking about
For those of you who heard my sermon on Sunday, this e-mail will make total sense to you. If you have not heard my sermon from Sunday, why not listen to it. Just follow this link and enjoy the message: http://www.lovedtolove.org/content/streaming-sermons/Default.aspx
Here is the testimony I received on Monday in my inbox. I have been given permission by Jamie to share it with you. Enjoy and be encouraged...
Hi, Brian! I just wanted to let you know that I thought that yesterday’s sermon on friends was AWESOME! Before coming to LCC, I was one of the friends on the outside. If it weren’t for someone reaching out to me from the church, I never would have become a Christian. Eleven years ago, I was blessed enough to meet Alicia Weber. It was my first year of teaching and she was “assigned” as my mentor. Little did I know that she was not only my mentor at work, but she would be my mentor in my journey with Christ! I cannot tell you how thankful I am that God put her into my life. She (and Kurt) prayed for Brian and I to come to church all during our friendship. It took nine years before we finally ended up coming to LCC. My point is that if she hadn’t been willing to have friends outside of church, who knows where Brian and I would be today! She loved us, and showed us what she and her family had, we wanted that for our family, too! Thank you for spreading that word (yesterday) to others!
Have a great day!
Jamie
B Out!!
Here is the testimony I received on Monday in my inbox. I have been given permission by Jamie to share it with you. Enjoy and be encouraged...
Hi, Brian! I just wanted to let you know that I thought that yesterday’s sermon on friends was AWESOME! Before coming to LCC, I was one of the friends on the outside. If it weren’t for someone reaching out to me from the church, I never would have become a Christian. Eleven years ago, I was blessed enough to meet Alicia Weber. It was my first year of teaching and she was “assigned” as my mentor. Little did I know that she was not only my mentor at work, but she would be my mentor in my journey with Christ! I cannot tell you how thankful I am that God put her into my life. She (and Kurt) prayed for Brian and I to come to church all during our friendship. It took nine years before we finally ended up coming to LCC. My point is that if she hadn’t been willing to have friends outside of church, who knows where Brian and I would be today! She loved us, and showed us what she and her family had, we wanted that for our family, too! Thank you for spreading that word (yesterday) to others!
Have a great day!
Jamie
B Out!!
View Beyond The Pew
I know it has been a long while since I have shared my "view beyond the pew" blog entries. My attitude in ministry has just not been what it should, but since I have really worked on a new attitude, I think it will be easier to write each week. Anyway, here goes...
Sunday was sweet at LCC! We had great crowds in all three services. There were tons of new faces as well as some former LCC people making a surprise visit (Ron and Nancy Gray; Keith and LaVonne Linville). From beginning to end there was just a special spirit in the air.
Jared just returned from the National Church Music Conference and you could tell he was charged back up. It was so cool to start our service with "Holy, Holy, Holy" only with our voices. I had "God Bumps". From that point it only got better. Chip and John were great on guitar and Jared was really "tickling the ivory's". Donna Julliard did a fantastic job with the Missions Moment about Woodland lakes Christian Camp. We had a special guest with us during our third service. Jay and Romola Henry from the Mid-India Christian Mission had just arrived from India and stopped by to share a few moments with us. It was great to pray for them and their ministry. There was a great response to the second sermon in our "PEEPS" series. Remember church, it is so important that each of us invest in friendships outside of the church for the purpose of helping people grow closer to God. Want to hear more about it? Did you miss the sermon, but would like to hear it? Would you like to subscribe to the pod casting of my sermons? We now have them online just for you. CLICK HERE to catch a recent sermon or subscribe. This is a brand new ministry of LCC and I am excited!
Finally, it was just awesome to see so many people kneeling at the front of the worship center, praying for one another and doing "business" with God and then to conclude our morning with Doran Crowe's testimony about his father was just incredible! Oh wait, I forgot to mention that God's family gave almost $12,000 in offering! PRAISE THE LORD! It is such an honor and privilege to serve as your preacher! I LOVE MY LCC FAMILY! The View Beyond the Pew this week was contagious and powerful! I cannot wait to gather together next Sunday! Don't miss a moment of community life at LCC.
B Out!!
Sunday was sweet at LCC! We had great crowds in all three services. There were tons of new faces as well as some former LCC people making a surprise visit (Ron and Nancy Gray; Keith and LaVonne Linville). From beginning to end there was just a special spirit in the air.
Jared just returned from the National Church Music Conference and you could tell he was charged back up. It was so cool to start our service with "Holy, Holy, Holy" only with our voices. I had "God Bumps". From that point it only got better. Chip and John were great on guitar and Jared was really "tickling the ivory's". Donna Julliard did a fantastic job with the Missions Moment about Woodland lakes Christian Camp. We had a special guest with us during our third service. Jay and Romola Henry from the Mid-India Christian Mission had just arrived from India and stopped by to share a few moments with us. It was great to pray for them and their ministry. There was a great response to the second sermon in our "PEEPS" series. Remember church, it is so important that each of us invest in friendships outside of the church for the purpose of helping people grow closer to God. Want to hear more about it? Did you miss the sermon, but would like to hear it? Would you like to subscribe to the pod casting of my sermons? We now have them online just for you. CLICK HERE to catch a recent sermon or subscribe. This is a brand new ministry of LCC and I am excited!
Finally, it was just awesome to see so many people kneeling at the front of the worship center, praying for one another and doing "business" with God and then to conclude our morning with Doran Crowe's testimony about his father was just incredible! Oh wait, I forgot to mention that God's family gave almost $12,000 in offering! PRAISE THE LORD! It is such an honor and privilege to serve as your preacher! I LOVE MY LCC FAMILY! The View Beyond the Pew this week was contagious and powerful! I cannot wait to gather together next Sunday! Don't miss a moment of community life at LCC.
B Out!!
now that is ministry
So, on Tuesday, I go into the office with a changed heart and attitude. I seek God's Word. I ask the questions from my last blog and then asked God to shower me with people to love and care for and serve. WHAM... minutes later, I get to sit down with a great guy whose father is in the process of dying and share some great stuff. We prayed together. It was an awesome hour. I ran into one of our church members and Meijers and actually took time to talk and share. I got a chance to give counsel to a distraught parent who had just found out about sin in her teens life. I came home for lunch with my family and had no sadness or stress. I was lead to call some folks who have started coming to LCC and just minister to some of their hurts. I called someone who has made the decision leave LCC and go with her family to another church in order to support the family and stay unified and I was able to share that I supported her decision and was proud of her. The Lord gave me opportunity to talk with someone who had not been at church for awhile while her kids took piano lessons at our house and now she is coming back this Sunday.
Moral of the story...Watch out when your heart gets right and your attitude is transformed and you live in your purpose, because GOD WILL ANSWER THOSE PRAYERS!
Thanks God for allowing me to minister! It's not about me, It's not about church, it's about truly living a life that is characterized by a "Loved to love" attitude. You are awesome God. I really can't wait to see what you have in store for me tomorrow. The most exciting thing is what you are going to do ON SUNDAY! I can't wait! Amen!
Moral of the story...Watch out when your heart gets right and your attitude is transformed and you live in your purpose, because GOD WILL ANSWER THOSE PRAYERS!
Thanks God for allowing me to minister! It's not about me, It's not about church, it's about truly living a life that is characterized by a "Loved to love" attitude. You are awesome God. I really can't wait to see what you have in store for me tomorrow. The most exciting thing is what you are going to do ON SUNDAY! I can't wait! Amen!
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