I have always hated Memorial day weekend when it comes to church. Can anyone say: "Ghost town?" However, this year was different. I loved the experience we had on Sunday. Was the crowd large, honestly, I couldn't tell you, I didn't look! It was such a moving service. You see, we didn't have the typical song service, typical sermon, typical communion and offering. Yet, we had all of that and more. It really can't be described. It was incredible. If you missed it, man, maybe church on a holiday would be a good idea?
Thanks to Jared Adamson for dreaming up and organizing this experience of worship. Thanks to Julie Gregory for adding so much to the leadership of this service. Thanks to everyone who hosted communion stations. Thanks to Barb Walchle and Keith Kruse for your great work on the AV side of things. Thanks to the NP-3 Kids who did such a great job in "Big Church". Finally, thanks to everyone who attended and participated. What was it like? Here are a few e-mails I received.
Brian, my young friend, thank you for today's service. For me it was the most worshipful service I have experienced in a very long time. Newer and older songs included! :o) You really are in the right job. (ministry) I know that being a minister is not an easy job but if you keep on trying to please God and not man you can't help but to succeed. FAITH PEEL
Brian, I had to comment on Sunday's service. Dan and I were suppossed to be out of town but our plans fell through at the last minute. I am SO GLAD we did not miss Sunday's service. It was incredible and there was such a worshipful spirit in the church. I was trying to talk to Melanie about it later and it was almost hard to describe. You just had to be there!! Actually the last two services have been great. The one the week before about being a DISCIPLE of Christ meant so much to me too. We got to meet with Dan Bacon last week and he was also talking about some other things that the leadership of LCC has in mind for the future. All I can say is that I feel SO EXCITED and am so glad we found you guys!! Or should I say I am so glad we were led. When we joined the church and you prayed with us you mentioned God taking a bad situation and turning into something good. How true!! Have a good week! ELAINE HENSLEY
Wonderful service on Sunday....the ultimate memorial. PAT MARTIN
Anything to add? Why not e-mail me or simply comment! I would love to hear how God worked in your life through the worship experience on Sunday.
B OUT!!
THEY'RE BACK
The last time we saw anything like this, I was 21 years old. I was still in college. I had not ever darkened the doors of LCC. Gas was only ???? I won't even go there. My wife was in High School. I didn't have any grey hair. I was about 50 pounds lighter.
What am I talking about? Cicada's! These 17 year visitors started coming out of the ground on Saturday but really made a strong showing today. I imagine we will see many more and then will begin to hear that famous sound..... enjoy the pics....
The next time they come out like this, Caleb will be 22 years old, Lauren will be 20 years old and I will be 55! Jen will be ?? NO, I am not dumb! Ahhhhhh!
B. OUT!
What am I talking about? Cicada's! These 17 year visitors started coming out of the ground on Saturday but really made a strong showing today. I imagine we will see many more and then will begin to hear that famous sound..... enjoy the pics....
The next time they come out like this, Caleb will be 22 years old, Lauren will be 20 years old and I will be 55! Jen will be ?? NO, I am not dumb! Ahhhhhh!B. OUT!
some happier things
First of all, WE HAVE NEW CARPET! It is not in our entire home, but our lower level looks brand new. The people who owned our house before us were chain smokers, especially in the basement. We have tried everything, but our house always smelled like a stale ash tray. Thanks to our president and the need to stimulate the economy, we were able to get carpet. Enjoy the before and after pictures and if you are in the area, come by and see it. Just don't wear shoes or eat/drink anything anywhere near the lower level. LOL
The left picture is OLD carpet and the right picture is NEW!
Finally, Jennifer and I were able to get a babysitter (thanks Alisha) and go out for the evening. Jen's birthday is Sunday and I wanted to take her out to buy her present. This afternoon I received a call from Gene Hatmaker informing me that he and his wife Sandy wanted to treat us to dinner, WOW! Jen and I went to JC Penny's and then met the Hatmakers at Bravo's. Following our one hour wait we had a wonderful dinner. Thanks again guys, it was so much fun. We then went to Kidd Coffee to listen to Pete and Al play guitar. It was fun to sit around, drink some "foo foo" coffee drinks and talk to different folks. What a great time. Enjoy the pics, by the way, the last pic was following the entire coffee shop singing happy birthday to my lovely wife...
B. OUT!!
my heart breaks
Today I was asked to preside over the funeral of a 39 year old son and nephew of two sisters in our church. His name was Paul Heustis. He passed away from a major heart attack on Saturday. No warning, no sickness, no signs. He went to sleep and never woke up. It is sad and as I said in the service, we will never have answers, but God knows and understands all!
I also heard this morning that singer, songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman's 5 year old daughter Maria Sue passed away after being run over by her older brother driving an SUV. Oh God, NO! How painful. How awful. WHY? Not his "Cinderella". Please pray for the Chapman family. They have blessed so many people and have been such a positive witness for the cause of Christ. If anyone understands untimely, undeserved death, it is our GOD! Please lift both of these families up to Him NOW.
I also heard this morning that singer, songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman's 5 year old daughter Maria Sue passed away after being run over by her older brother driving an SUV. Oh God, NO! How painful. How awful. WHY? Not his "Cinderella". Please pray for the Chapman family. They have blessed so many people and have been such a positive witness for the cause of Christ. If anyone understands untimely, undeserved death, it is our GOD! Please lift both of these families up to Him NOW. Here is the link to the Chapman news story:
This has been a long, hard day. Not only dealing with death but also: meeting with Dan Bacon, Funeral, graveside, lunch, work, bank, Lauren's IEP meeting, pick up Lauren, Practice for Sunday's service, dinner, giving blood and camp meeting. OH, did I mention that we got brand new carpet down our stairs and in the basement? I will show before and after pics soon. Anyway, with everything today...I need to hug my kids! I need to kiss my kids! I need to hold my wife! We just never know. Take a moment and thank God for the people in your life and make sure to tell them how you feel! We can never say "I love you" enough!
With that, if you are reading this... I LOVE YOU!
B Out!!
Loveland and beyond...
I know that the sermon's I preach are put on the web, but I don't think I realize just how many folks have opportunity to hear them. Gone are the days of only preaching to those who show up at your particular church on Sunday. Case in point...
My freshman year of college I met a really neat guy by the name of Matt Vermillion. In the last 10 - 15 years I had lost contact with him, but now thanks to Myspace and Facebook we have started talking again. He told me he enjoyed my sermons, but I really didn't think about what that meant, until tonight. Please read what he wrote on my facebook page
Brian, I had to write you after I heard your message from Sunday. Wow. This message needs to be heard everywhere. I have to say I have been involved with the Christian / Churches of Christ since I was 3 years old and I am now going to be 38 in July, and I have never heard a Disciple of Christ lay it on the line as you have. You have touched the part of my battle that I have had with the church for so long. People who come to church and claim to be Christians need to stop playing and get real. I know on your blog you stated "chairman of our Elders, Dan Bacon when he said, "now that was a kick in the rear sermon"." I have to say I am not even sure that can even describe it. I am going to be sending the link to this message to as many people as I can in order to let more people hear the truth that we need to hear in our churches today.
I pray for you and your ministry everyday and all that you are doing. I also am praying for Loveland's leadership to have guidance and protection on them and their flock for I know that the devil is going to be working triple time to stop you, but you and I both know that with the power of God on your side you can not be stoped.
On a personal note you have brought me back to where I needed to be for so long. I have struggled with God on several things in the last 3 to 4 years and I have now realized that it is not about me it is all about Him. He is the one who laid his life down on a cross and saved me. It is he who bore the crown of thorns on his brow. It was lord who took the nails in his hands and feet. And it is my savior who once again who has forgiven me of my wrong thinking and doing. You see I have been so mad at his church for so long that it has affected my relationship with him. But after listening for the last 5 weeks to your sermons all that has changed. I have found my love for him again. His love for me was always there, I am the one who moved away from it and was depriving myself of a WIN. I just wanted you to know if there is ever a time in your mind you think you are not making a difference out in the world. Read this note again and know that you are lying to yourself.
God Bless You.
Your Brother in Christ,
Matthew Vermillion
I am humbled by the words! Thank you Matt for sharing your heart. GOD IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME & ALL THE TIME, GOD IS GOOD!
If you would like to hear the sermon he is speaking of, please CLICK HERE and listen to the message entitled "Christian".
Serving HIM with all I have!
B. OUT!!
My freshman year of college I met a really neat guy by the name of Matt Vermillion. In the last 10 - 15 years I had lost contact with him, but now thanks to Myspace and Facebook we have started talking again. He told me he enjoyed my sermons, but I really didn't think about what that meant, until tonight. Please read what he wrote on my facebook page
Brian, I had to write you after I heard your message from Sunday. Wow. This message needs to be heard everywhere. I have to say I have been involved with the Christian / Churches of Christ since I was 3 years old and I am now going to be 38 in July, and I have never heard a Disciple of Christ lay it on the line as you have. You have touched the part of my battle that I have had with the church for so long. People who come to church and claim to be Christians need to stop playing and get real. I know on your blog you stated "chairman of our Elders, Dan Bacon when he said, "now that was a kick in the rear sermon"." I have to say I am not even sure that can even describe it. I am going to be sending the link to this message to as many people as I can in order to let more people hear the truth that we need to hear in our churches today.
I pray for you and your ministry everyday and all that you are doing. I also am praying for Loveland's leadership to have guidance and protection on them and their flock for I know that the devil is going to be working triple time to stop you, but you and I both know that with the power of God on your side you can not be stoped.
On a personal note you have brought me back to where I needed to be for so long. I have struggled with God on several things in the last 3 to 4 years and I have now realized that it is not about me it is all about Him. He is the one who laid his life down on a cross and saved me. It is he who bore the crown of thorns on his brow. It was lord who took the nails in his hands and feet. And it is my savior who once again who has forgiven me of my wrong thinking and doing. You see I have been so mad at his church for so long that it has affected my relationship with him. But after listening for the last 5 weeks to your sermons all that has changed. I have found my love for him again. His love for me was always there, I am the one who moved away from it and was depriving myself of a WIN. I just wanted you to know if there is ever a time in your mind you think you are not making a difference out in the world. Read this note again and know that you are lying to yourself.
God Bless You.
Your Brother in Christ,
Matthew Vermillion
I am humbled by the words! Thank you Matt for sharing your heart. GOD IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME & ALL THE TIME, GOD IS GOOD!
If you would like to hear the sermon he is speaking of, please CLICK HERE and listen to the message entitled "Christian".
Serving HIM with all I have!
B. OUT!!
D-group Bon-Fire
This past Saturday, Nancy Coates sponsored a night of fun for our D-group. Thanks to Ted Coates for opening up his home and to Tracey Rathweg for helping out. Nancy, you throw a great party! The food was yummy, the fellowship was incredible, the trampoline was a hit and the bon-fire was HOT! If you are not in a D-group, contact Dan Ponchot ASAP, and don't let another week go by without the fellowship, Bible Study and accountabilty of a group. Enjoy a few pics and if interested, check out my facebook page for all the pics.
View Beyond The Pew
Today was everything I felt God was going to do and more! I think the best quote of the day came from the chairman of our Elders, Dan Bacon when he said, "now that was a kick in the rear sermon". Thank you God for using me, even though I am a sinner and unworthy! WOW!
Dan Ponchot did a great job leading worship along with Doran and Chip! YOU GUYS ROCK! Rhonda Adamson, thanks for your prayer report on that awesome missionary family: Brett, Heather and Fiona Seybold! Now, here is just the "tip of the iceberg" of what I noticed today...
Dan Ponchot did a great job leading worship along with Doran and Chip! YOU GUYS ROCK! Rhonda Adamson, thanks for your prayer report on that awesome missionary family: Brett, Heather and Fiona Seybold! Now, here is just the "tip of the iceberg" of what I noticed today...
- People were really excited to be at LCC!
- There was a real anticipation for the message and what God was going to do.
- The sermon was sharp, tough, relevant and was heard!
- One of our senior saints thanked me and told me that the "knife" went into him about 4 times!
- The Holy Spirit was alive and working!
- My heart broke for Dorothy Sinclair who lost her Nephew Paul tragically on Friday
- Regina Magg poured her heart out in a testimony following the message first service about how God truly works in the bad times and how we need to totally trust in him, Thanks Regina!
- Dan & Elaine Hensley joined LCC at the conclusion of 2nd service, WELCOME GUYS!
- Mark Jacobs shared a testimony about how a couple people at LCC made a huge impact on his life 4 years ago this weekend when his mother passed away and they drove through tornado's to get there!
- All 3 services were well attended!!
- Our giving went above budget once again!!
- A long lost friend of Heidi Constables "showed up" today and they got to share in worship.
- God is using Heidi a lot lately!
- Care team was on and God sent a TON of new friends!
- My new friend Steve Rose joined us for worship once again today!
- A girl from my home church and who lived on the same street I did in Goshen came today for the first time and loved it.
- An older gentleman from my home church in Goshen came with his daughter today. I have not heard his name in years!
- I got to pray with several folks looking for God's direction in their lives.
- Lots of tears but even more hugs and prayer
- We sold almost $150 in Beading to Beat Autism Bracelets at Preschool graduation
- Preschool graduation was a blessing once again.
- Lunch was fantastic!
If you missed the corporate worship experience at LCC, you missed a wonderful Holy Spirit time of refreshing and challenge. IT WAS A GREAT DAY AT LCC! I know a ton of folks will be gone next weekend, but I still can't wait to see what God is going to do through His church in Loveland! We have a very special service highlighting the remembrance of the Lord's Supper next Sunday (I will blog more later), so don't miss it!
If you would like to hear the sermon delivered today or any of the others given during this powerful series "?" please click HERE
B. Out!
CHRISTIAN?
What has happened to the term Christian since it was first penned in the book of Acts? Who really live as Christians? What should a "Christian" Church look like today? What does the world see when they see "Chrstians"?I am very excited about the final lesson in our series "?" being presented tomorrow morning at Loveland Christian Church at 8:45, 10 & 11:15. If you are near the area, stop by, enjoy the incredible fellowship, sing and praise along with our band of talented & spirit-filled musicians, join us for communion and be challenged by the Powerful and life-changing Word of God. If you are not in the area or attend another church, stop by our website Sunday evening and listen to the message for yourself. We are going to ROCK and be ROCKED tomorrow morning, don't miss it!
B. OUT!!
How we spent vacation #1 of 08'
As I type this, I sit only 1 day away from the end of my first vacation of 08. I thought I would take a few moments and simply share what vacation consisted of for the Richard family. It was truly an abnormal vacation. It began on Thursday, May 8th with little fan-fare. We had a final IEP meeting for Caleb and then I got to pick Caleb up from school. Friday, we got everything packed up and picked Caleb up from school at 2:00 and we were off...
I find it interesting that Jen (who packed all of our clothes) forgot her swimsuit...things that make you go hummmmmmm.
Jen and I then went back to the Boors to hang out for the rest of the evening. What fun! Matt grilled out a FEAST, but not before cooking some Morel Mushrooms.
Once back at the hotel, we convinced Lauren & Caleb it was time to sleep and it was lights out.
We arrive at the Cloverdale Super 8 motel around 4:45, got checked in, laid down for a moment and the headed for First Christian Church for a wedding rehearsal. I new it would happen someday and it finally did, I got to perform a wedding ceremony for someone associated with my children's ministry (more later). The Rehearsal went well and so we were eating in the fellowship hall by 7 pm. Patsy Rader (who is an awesome cook) made a wonderful Ham, green beans, and homemade yeast roll dinner. I was then given my surprise for the weekend: LIVER AND ONIONS! She had made it especially for ME! Ahhhhh, she is sooo sweet! We gathered the kids up and headed back to the hotel for some SWIMMING!
I find it interesting that Jen (who packed all of our clothes) forgot her swimsuit...things that make you go hummmmmmm.Saturday morning, Caleb and I went back into Brazil for a meeting with those from FCC going on our Gulf Coast Relief Trip in July. It was at the Coffee Cup Restaurant and I had a wonderful Mushroom Omelet. We stopped by our good friends Matt and Kathy Boor before heading back to the hotel. For lunch, we went to "grandma Marie & grandpa Frank's house.
The Laroche's were our neighbors in brazil, but have moved to Greencastle. We followed them to a wonderful little family restaurant. Following lunch we dropped our kids off at the Boors and went on to the wedding. It was a beautiful ceremony.
Congratulations to Kevin Litshka & Jade Rader! Jade, you were a beautiful bride!
The reception was also very simple (just cake and punch) and very nice.
Jen and I then went back to the Boors to hang out for the rest of the evening. What fun! Matt grilled out a FEAST, but not before cooking some Morel Mushrooms.
For those who don't understand this delicacy, they can go for $25 a pound and more. They are incredible.
The main meal was even more amazing!
Once back at the hotel, we convinced Lauren & Caleb it was time to sleep and it was lights out.Sunday, once we got the kids up, we went swimming, packed up and then attended worship at FCC! Great message, Bob! It is always wonderful to see everyone and to worship with our second church family. On our way back to Cincy, we stopped in Shelbyville for Jen's Mother's day lunch at Applebees. Okay, can you say: SLOW! Wow, the service was really bad. Oh well, the food was really good.
We arrived home later that afternoon and simply "hung out".
Monday meant it was WORK time! My first goal was to lay 160 feet of edging around all of our mulch beds. Stretch out the edging, dig the trenches, drive in the stakes, put down the edging, drive it into the ground and then pack it with dirt. Sound easy? NOT! I got most of it finished before it was time to go to our softball games. The girls won but the guys lost! For a complete schedule of games, click HERE.
Today I got up early to finish the edging. I then got everything cleaned up and started to mow the lawn. Jen took Lauren to grandma bells and I met Caleb and Jen at JF Burns elementary for the results of all of Lauren's communication tests. Well, she was well below. In fact, she is over a year behind. What does this mean? Preschool at Kings in the fall with an IEP. I am glad we found out now, but it was a hard pill to swallow. Caleb stayed at school so Jen and I took the opportunity to go to lunch at Mimi's Cafe'. YUMMMERS! I then went back to cutting grass, weeding out my gardens and making sure all our mulch beds were weeded as well. When Caleb got home from school, I took him up to the park to shoot some baskets. This evening, I grilled some pork and we had a nice dinner. The kids are in bed and I am typing here. Here are a few final pics from today and the finished product on the yard and garden...
What about tomorrow? Not sure! It is expected to rain and be nasty. Maybe I will just stay in and relax. One thing is for sure, come Thursday, it is back to work!
To see several photo albums of our vacation, please go to MY FACEBOOK page!
B. OUT!
View Beyond The Pew
It was such a fantastic day on Sunday that it took me a few days to gather my thoughts. First of all, thanks to the CrosSeeker Youth Choir and Youth Jazz Band from First Christian Church, Brazil, Indiana for blessing us at all three morning services. It was a special morning of worship for many reasons. First of all, "my kids" from my former ministry at FCC were all grown up and were sharing at the church I love here in Ohio. It brought me to tears several times as I listened to each of them use their talents for God's glory. It was a neat feeling to preach with all of them packed in the first three rows. Thanks for the memory and blessing I will not soon forget. Secondly, Jared was truly humble and used by God as he lead our song service from the Piano. I missed the band, but was blessed at all three services to hear voices raised with such strength and sincerity. Finally, it was heartwarming to pray with several people pouring their hearts out to God in the front of the Worship Center. I spent the afternoon with the group from Brazil. It was so nice to just talk, remember and share future with these "kids"! The Lord blessed us with a beautiful day. The highlight for me was sitting on the playground clubhouse and just talking. 
However, while I hung out with them, I noticed some activity going on around the church. I found out that several folks came back to work on our landscape. Thanks to Sharyn Bacon for killing all the weeds. Thanks to Gene Hatmaker for pulling out a dead tree and trimming those crazy shrubs in front of the office windows. 
Thanks to Tessa and kids for clearing out our mulch beds. 
All of these jobs were essential to prepare for MULCH MADNESS scheduled for this Saturday.
Finally, evening came and the FCC kids really blessed everyone in attendance. WAITERS was truly an awesome and thought provoking program. I was so proud of everyone. Oh, and the Jazz Band, how cool? Great job on your impromptu number! I was thankful for the $220+ offering collected to help offset the travel expenses. The cookie and punch reception following was first class. Thanks to everyone who pulled it off and cleaned it up. In fact, thanks to Anne Fulks and the Food Service Ministry for serving the teens and host families dinner on Saturday. Thanks to all of our wonderful host families who provided a bed and a warm welcome. Thanks to Rhonda Adamson for providing dinner on Sunday evening.I just love my LCC Family and I am blessed to forever have my FCC Family!!
B Out!!
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