"It's Those Things Again"

Disaster Response Trip to Wanchese/Manteo - tomorrow to Rodanthe

2011-09-21T21:30:00.000-04:00

Well . . . I am NOT sure if the folks here are GLAD they chose to come w/ me on the trip or not . . . certainly if someone else was the lead on the team then there would have been greater odds of NOT getting up at 3am to go to Stumpy Point to catch an early ferry to get to Rodanthe.

However . . it is me . . . and when the Disaster Response Coordinator called today around 11am and asked if we would consider not staying long-term in Wanchese/Manteo but going on to Rodanthe - how could we say no????

"Not many are willing to go the 2 hour ferry ride so if you guys could that would be great. They only opened the road back up last week so there is much to be done. Many have lost everything."

Well - that's all I needed to hear . . .until she said "You will need to catch the ferry. Leave the church at 3:30 and hopefully you will be in line for the ferry @ 4 and should arrive @ 6."

I wondered . . .why would they send us over at 6pm? We would lose an entire day of work . . .

After a few more minutes of conversation I realized "hmmmmm, I don't think it is 6pm . . . i think she may mean 3:30 AM!" So I asked for clarification and then she said "oh no . . it's AM."

So I lamented for a few minutes internally and then whined audibly to those unfortunate folks around me (Thank you Lee & Season for listening) and then off we came.

When we arrived they offered us the option of working here instead of going to Rodanthe . . . and I KNOW what the easy decision would be . . . but we were asked to "go" and that was no hesitation. . . . it's what we will do!

The decision was confirmed as we were at dinner b/c I took a phone call and was chatting about the ferry ride, etc. w/ some folks and the hostess heard me.

She said, "Oh, you must be going to Rodanthe! Are you here to help?"

"Yes mam." I replied. "Our church was here last week and another team is here now and we are travelling over in the morning to Rodanthe after we stay at Bethany UMC."

"That's where I go to church! I am so glad you all are going over there . . my daughter and son-in-law live there . . they own a building supply company and also some cottages. They have lost everything."

We chatted for a few minutes and then right before I walked away she said, "Oh, you know one thing . . . even though many here have lost all their things no one lost their lives. No one lost what mattered. We have been blessed."

It was at that moment that the 3am alarm time didn't matter to me, nor did the 2 billion mosquitoes that were circling my entire being like I was fresh bait.

What did matter was that I am the one blessed enough to do this "for a living."

And blessed to be surrounded by a church that is supportive of trips like these . . .

And now to be blessed by a staff @ West and a team of volunteers that carry on the ministries and enable me to regain my focus on the things nearest and dearest to my heart!!!!!

No longer do I wear "all the hats" but am able to share those very freely and am so grateful for this as a reminder of who we are and who we are called to be!

Tomorrow we will encounter those who have lost all their worldly possessions . . . and for them we will have the honor and privilege of being the hands, feet, eyes, and voice of the one who said those earthly things don't matter . . . what matters is the issue of the heart.

May our hearts both here in Wanchese, NC, @ WCUMC both West & Brawley, and ALL over be full of love & selfless giving of monetary resources, time, and our personal gifts of talents. Let us Change Lives & Change the World through Christ" so that all may see and know there is SOOO much more . . . .

Grace & Peace,
Andrea

The verse

Bash'11

2011-08-11T20:36:00.000-04:00

Today I attended the WCA Leadership Summit, held as a satellite venue on the Grace Covenant Campus. While walking down the hall I ran into Jennifer, one of the amazing volunteers from last weekend's Bash!

She attends Grace Covenant. I'm not sure how she got hooked up w/ Bash but the stories she shared today were unforgettable, as have so many of your stories been!

I'll confess, I didn't have a lot of time to see the "God moments" b/c I ended up dealing w/ issues that came up . . . . but to hear the stories of those who served, those are the "goosebump" stories that remind me of the vastness and greatness of God's love!

Today Jennifer shared that after she prayed w/ the little boy she had put shoes on his feet, he grabbed her hands and said, "Let us pray . . . Dear God, thank you for ALL these people who were so kind to share their stuff with us. Thank you for all the fun things we get to do here. Thank you for the food. Thank you for the school supplies. This is just the best day ever God so thank you SO MUCH!"

NOW . . . if that wasn't the voice of Christ nudging OUR hearts . . . I don't know what was or IS! To have the one being served then take it upon himself to share prayers of gratitude and blessings on those who are serving . . . . it is a reminder that amazing things happen . . . LOVE happens, when we work together in a common purpose and mission!

2700+ Kids were served!!!!
Over 500 haircuts!!!

AND I already have at least 10 emails from folks saying, "I would LOVE to serve on the vision team for this event in 2012!" THAT is the BEST NEWS EVER to my ears!!!! What started as 4 people around a table in a restaurant in 2010 . . . . that went to a team of 20 in 2011 and transposed to over 750 volunteers . . . . will now be UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!

Last week when Leslie said in the video "I'm ready to start working on Bash'12 tomorrow!" I thought "ARE YOU CRAZY??????" But honestly, after worship on Sunday @ West . . . I was ready to get started immediately!

In fact - Bash'11 IS NOT DONE!!!!!

WC was contacted by an organization in Statesville, associated w/ the Statesville Housing Authority. They are hosting a Bash in one week and asked if we had any left over supplies!

Here are the God things in that conversation and circumstances:
- We actually had supplies left OVER for the first time ever!!!! HOW we don't know . . . short of a miracle. BUT we do. AND we will be donating those to the Statesville Kids!

-I asked what the organizational structure is for this Bash b/c I wanted to make sure that the kids actually receive the items! They are SO similar to the way we are doing it and I asked her if she would like to partner with us for next year so we could actually serve the entire county - not just one little part! SHE READILY AGREED!!!!!

You see - she attends The Cove, which is one of our partners! Her vision is the same as the Bash'10 and Bash'11 vision . . . so now we will begin working together to ensure that for Bash'12 we don't have to turn ANYONE away!!!! ALL ISS schools will hopefully be able to be served!!!!

IRONIC that happens today as I listen to leaders declare we need to have BOLD vision and we need to "DO SOMETHING!"

It is an honor and privilege to be a pastor at a church where folks are NEVER afraid to DO SOMETHING!!!!!!!!

I can't wait to see where God takes this over the next year! Thank you for YOUR support of the Bash!!!!

Grace and Peace,
Andrea

Is the Thunder REALLY all that necessary?

2011-08-05T14:21:00.000-04:00

It really did seem like things were moving a little too smoothly!

Yes there were the normal kinks . . . we needed more supplies, we needed more money, we needed more hair cut people . . and EACH time we needed something more - God provided.

In fact, it made the Charlotte Observer last Sunday (I found this out today) that one of the businesses helping with the event said, "I think they bit off more than they can chew."

Well, our human selves may have bitten off more than we can chew but what that lady did not seem to remember is that we are not in this whole "Bash'11" thing alone! God is a LOT bigger than we are and as a volunteer shared this morning as we had the first of many "crisis points" of the day . . . God never "bites off" more than God can chew!

It did seem like if it "could" go wrong - it DID go wrong this morning . . . grill issues, charcoal issues, water issues, forklift issues, generator issues (that was the biggest!!!!!) . . . and each time we turned around something else was wrong!

However, the most amazing thing was and is that at every turn where there was a problem - God was also working w/ us to provide solutions. And the solutions were far bigger and better than the original one each time!!!!!

I guess the final straw came for me when I got an email chastising us for not "qualifying the children" so we could make sure we were helping only the poor! The individual was disgusted with the way we went about it, felt we were misadvertising, etc. The email left me greatly, greatly unsettled!

Yet - there was God again! Which is why the blog is called, "Its those things again." Those things - are GOD things!!!! God really does not ever let us fall . . . .

As soon as I read the email that stung pretty badly . .. there was one from a new West family -
"I really enjoyed Sunday’s message and as I sat there thought about how incredibly lucky to have such a passionate and talented woman helping me in my faith. I hope life hasn’t hit your blind side too hard this week."

I don't know what tomorrow will bring . . . . but as I sit in my office and hear the thunder outside I am reminded of the Mercy Me song, "Bring the Rain." It's all good - b/c really - the fact that we have:

Bash’11 has collected over $15,000 from area churches and business organizations . . .
Bash’11 has over 550 DIFFERENT people being the hands and feet of Christ . . .
Bash’11 will serve over 3000 students in our local community with either school supplies, shoes, and haircuts . .. or for many – all 3!
Bash’11 has 45+ different people to come cut hair on a church property . . . .less than ideal “salon” circumstances . . .
Bash’11 will show folks in our community what it means to show love and generosity in the name of Christ.

ALL that is a God thing!!!!

So . . . go ahead . . . and let it rain!

It Comes Full Circle

2011-07-11T09:49:00.001-04:00

The Jamaica Mission Team is working away in the mountains of Jamaica surrounded by the Deaf Village that has become a part of the heart of WCUMC.

Look on the right of the page for the link to their blog!

One of the components of the trip is to visit the Infirmary and spend time with them on Sunday afternoon. Then return mid-week and take them a meal and continue hanging out and building relationships.

The most interesting component of this is the "Infirmary" is a cross between a nursing home and mental ward. Never in America would there be ANY place like this - conditions are abhorable and the people, for the most part, lie there waiting to die, flies, heat, and hopelessness surrounding them. Or so it seems . . .

For any American it would seem that hopelessness abounds . . . yet upon some time with the people you quickly learn they are not immersed in anything other than peace. They derive their peace from a source much bigger than themselves so it matters not that they have nothing but a bed and maybe, if they are lucky, a plastic box with a few possessions, they are at peace with who and where they are.

The most interesting thing to me, however, is that when the team arrived there yesterday (a year after the last visit w/ NO communication during the year - there's no way to communicate with them) . . the people of the infirmary, the men and women lying in their own states of helplessness called the people from WC by name.

They greeted our people by name.

They remembered.

I really, really, really try hard to remember people's names when I meet them! Unfortunately sometimes I "rename" people because I forget . . but more often than not I forget completely . . I struggle to remember, even though it is something I really want to do!

How is it that men and women in another part of the world, marked by cultural differences,distance,and failing health can remember a 1 hour visit and call the people by name?

Obviously something happens in that one hour visit that is a catalyst for changing someone's life.

I'm not sure quite yet what that means for me . . . but what I do know is that I hope every encounter I have can be a catalyst for change. Not just for who I am "encountering" . . . because frankly, that's the least of my concern . . . the change needs to happen within me.

Whereas I pray for the folks in the infirmary that they will feel God's peace, strength, encouragement, etc. I may want to revisit that prayer . . the ones who have nothing, who are presented with days lined with no hope out of a dismal situation, are the ones who are content. At peace.

I struggle a bit because my entire family is out of the country, on a trip I hold so dear to my heart, and I'm here . . . alone . . . little "pity party" can we say? And then I read their blog post - and I am reminded . . . like the Apostle Paul said,

"For me, to live is Christ. To die is gain."

Maybe my focus shouldn't be AT ALL on me! That's where the contentment comes from . . . . may God KEEP reminding me of that and may God keep on using those folks in the villages of Jamiaca to draw all people to the peace and perseverance that only God provides.

Grace and Peace, A

On "Fire" for Jesus . . . or Feeling like it anyway!

2011-06-26T21:25:00.000-04:00

When West was created we said we wanted to be "Different" . . . certainly today was testimony to the DNA of a different church! I don't think I could have been more frustrated by the end of the sermon. Then this afternoon I received a "forward" from a friend and it was a devotion by Saddleback and it was entitled "Jesus laughed." He reminded me that today Jesus would have laughed and it would have been ok!!!! And he was right . . .

That, along with feedback from the Leadership Team, has reminded me that it is ok to laugh . . . it is ok for bizarre Sundays! Because even in the "differences" there were the "God moments" that won't be easily forgotten!

There is something powerful and spiritually moving when a faith community unites together to lift up people within the community in prayer.
I know that Don, Jake, and Jason felt the power of prayer from their faith community. And despite the CRAZINESS of the day . . . the heat, the phantom microphone muting, the random flying objects, etc. somehow we ended up in a place and time of worship! Thanks for being a part of West!

Now . . . for a bit of humor from the day . . . my top "10" list of why it was fine for there to be ZERO air @ West today!

The Top 10 Reasons that No Air @ West was a Good Thing!

10. All participants in worship or Wired/Sparked lost a guaranteed 1.5 pounds.

9. In addition to teh new weight loss, an additional 200 calories were burned as a result of fanning.

8. If you are unable to experience vacation in a tropical area you were able to experience what one could potentially feel like and not spend a DIME!

7. You had the opportunity to see first hand how many different colors the shirts of the band/worship team could be, depending on degree of sweat.

6. It allowed you an opportunity to sit close to the stage without seeming like an "over-eager" worshipper. (Don't you want to sit that close every week?)

5. Many were able to reminisce to the days of their childhood of "No Airconditioning."

4. Those who load/unload the trailers and experience new body smells after they are done w/ the physical labor now have something in common with the rest of those who attend West.

3. We now know how much it takes to send Andrea to the edge in worship . . .
a. Heat that takes your breath away when you walk on stage
b. Tons of movement in front of people's faces so no eye contact can be gauged.
c. Flying insects coming in from all the open doors that have potential to sting consistently flying in Andrea's face, around her body, and refusing to leave her alone until she yells at it and offers up a prayer, "God I need a break!"
d. Hearing every outside noise possible because of all the open doors.
e. Actually having written out a sermon while on vacation only to have the inability to focus and "engage" because of the bizarre circumstances

2. IF the theology of West was a "Fear Based Theology" today would have been a prime opportunity to preach on Hell. AND we will always have this to fall back on as an example.

1. I've always wanted to be a "Hot" preacher w/ a "Hot" church! ;)

Seriously - We have now witnessed that we can withstand LOTS of factors!
a. Worship Leader Interview in worship in which he ignored every direction of worship team and pastor
b. The beautiful rendition on the Sunday before Christmas of "She's Got Legs" and "If You Wanna Be My Lover" playing pre-worship and then during the announcement video
c. The Palm Sunday experience in which we sang 9,423 choruses of "He Reigns" while waving palm branches in the air because the children forgot to leave.
d. The Palm Sunday monologue in which Andrea was being rolled out on a bed w/ curlers in her hair, pajamas, fuzzy bedroom shoes, and a face mask as she is sitting up in the bed yelling at the Worship Team to "sit them down" because the congregation was still standing and it was time for the monologue.
d. Today.

And each time those who make "West" "West" carry themselves with grace. I am not exactly sure what grace I carried w/ the whole bee/wasp thing . . .because at that point I wanted to just give up . . . but I decided that was not my best option!

I am grateful for the folks that come and fill those seats each week . . . and believe it or not - we had a first time worshipper today and her quote to someone was . . .

"Well, it was a little warm but we had a great day at church!"

So . . .there you go! God does work through and in all things!

I'm so blessed to be able to be a pastor at such a amazing church!

No Fluff Stuff -

2011-05-02T12:23:00.002-04:00

Time is of the essence and being away last week at a Conf. for new church starts has just taken a TOLL on my email and time . . .BUT . . . want to make you aware of how YOU can be a part of helping folks locally that have been impacted by the recent storms!!!!!

Thanks!

Entire Church Group at Williamson's Chapel UMC
Message from: Joan Finn
Happy Easter Season!

We are in the season of Easter and while we celebrate the joy and hope of having a resurrected Messiah we also recognize so many of our brothers and sisters are hurting and experiencing a “new normal” in life! Their homes, lives, and many families have been impacted if not destroyed by the severe storms that have hit our community and neighboring states.

We as a faith community want to do all we can to make a difference in the lives of those who are hurting! We have several things going on right now to make a difference:

Items for Relief for Alabama:
Bring Items To The Fellowship Hall By Tuesday, May 3rd

ITEMS NEEDED:
• coolers
• sunblock
• baby wipes
• energy bars
• canned goods
• baby food
• diapers
• paper products
• hand sanitizers
• toothpaste
• toothbrushes (adults/children’s)
• deodorant
• soap
• Bibles
These will be loaded tomorrow from the Fellowship Hall at the Brawley Campus at 3pm on Tuesday. ANYONE who would like to help load, please drop by at 3pm.
PLEASE DROP OFF ALL ITEMS by 3pm tomorrow!!!

Early Disaster Response Training:
We are currently working on dates for a training – most likely it will be on a Saturday and it lasts for 4 – 5 hours.
Training is good for 2 years.
NO job skills required – just an "able body" and "willing heart"
Ken Young is our contact for Disaster Response. Email Ken at youngkjem@aol.com

Offerings:
UMCOR is the United Methodist Commission on Relief and they are ALWAYS first on site to share hope with those who are hurting.

The Holy Thursday offerings went to UMCOR Disaster Response for the Tornados but if you were unable to give toward that offering and would like to contribute, please write:
UMCOR Emergency Advance #302132 and this will bring hope to survivors of these devastating storms. One hundred percent of your gift goes directly to the relief of those affected by the 2011 Spring Storms.
Read more about UMCOR at www.umcor.org

If you have questions or have ideas for how we can continue to change lives and change the world through Christ as a missions team, please email Nick Harshbarger at nicharsh@msn.com or andreasmith@williamsonschapel.org

Grace and Peace,
Andrea

Mighty Winds . . .

2011-04-19T08:12:00.000-04:00

Over the past two weeks life for many has consisted of powerful and often times destructive winds, literally and figuratively. Just this past weekend many of our neighbors in Raleigh lost their lives because of these winds. Not to mention the many all over our country that have gone through similar devastating storms. Our prayers continue for all impacted by the storms.

Here in Mooresville we have been fortunate to circumvent those storms. We find ourselves in the middle of Holy Week. We have been studying the last 24 hours of Christ's life for the past six weeks and now we find ourselves walking through those days, pondering and reflecting the events that changed reality for all who followed and follow him. We get ready to walk through what I believe was one of the darkest storms of humanity . . . when ego, pride, and insecurity won out over meekness, humility, and love. They won for a little while anyway . . .

In preparing and walking through Holy Week I have to admit my life feels like some giant whirlwind . . .
I can't find things . . . (ANY of the Smith's Social Security Cards - and Andrew would like to get his Driver's Permit sometime this century and YOU HAVE TO HAVE THAT CARD! ARGH!)
I have procrastinated WAY TOO LONG to finish the seminary class I took in Jan and took an incomplete when Scott's mom died . . . if I don't complete all work by Thursday I fail! Way to plan Andrea.
And the other ten billion things that keep swirling through my mind . . .
feels a little harried and windy!

But then I turn on my computer this morning and I get this from Kathy Warner, Williamson's Chapel's liaison with our sister church in Kolkatta, India.

Subject: Prayer for you & your countrymen

Pastor Andrea Smith & Sister Kathy Warner,

Lord’s mighty care be upon you, your ministry and all of your countrymen .

After getting news on 18th April 2011 about the devastating storm for three days in six provinces in your country particularly North Carolina we are worried about you and your ministry where the storm victims are forty four as yet.

As your sister church we always feels pathos for this natural catastrophe. We pray for you & your ministry, and your country. Now I stop my pen with great anxiety for you all.

May Lord save all of you from this catastrophe.

Your in His service

Rev. Jeny

And I am reminded of what matters . . . and what grounds us even in the darkest of storms!

When we were in India we encountered some of the darkest places I believe exist in our world. Walking through the slums where people had nothing but ten people living in a 10x10 space with no water, electricty, food, water, etc. and they also did not know Jesus . . . . there was a darkness that permeated the air.

Then we met Pastor Jeny, her faith community and the children @ her church. Through them, we encountered the light of Christ in such a way it permeated all the darkness that we encountered the days before.

And so today I remind myself that is what it is all about - being grounded in that which matters . . . following the light that broke the darkness in the world . . .

Now, let me share one story about things being "redefined" . . .
ON Sunday after the Egg Hunt at Lake Norman High (which was just an amazing afternoon of fun, community and fellowship) some folks were taking the 6000 eggs back to the West storage unit.

Lance had the eggs in the back of his truck and Scott was following behind. As Lance picked up a little speed all of a sudden the eggs started swirling up in a funnel shape and then flew out of the truck landing in the road and lining the sides of Hwy 150. Scott tried to get his attention to get him to stop and finally, after who knows how many eggs flew out they stopped and fixed the flyaway eggs. They tried to recover as many as they could without causing a traffic jam . . . but they didn't quite get them all.

Last night Scott was on his way home and Layne was talking to him on the phone and asked him where he was . . . typically his directional response is "at the steam station" or "passing over the lake" but yesterday his words were "I'm at the eggs." I thought, "Well, I guess we have a new landmark now. We will always refer to that place as 'The Eggs.'"

This week can pose as a new landmark for each of us . . . it can redefine who we are as followers of Christ. It is my prayer that as we walk through these days, even if they feel like a whirlwind . . .that we will allow the events and the meaning of these days and hours to redefine us and change us . . . . forever.

Thanks be to God!

Grace and Peace,
Andrea

Thoughts from the Last 24 Hours

2011-03-17T21:34:00.000-04:00

I am safely at home - getting ready to go get ready for SLEEP but before I turn off my "technology" I wanted to put what was written sometime in the wee hours of the morn in Amsterdam but didn't post . . .

And just fyi - I wrote the majority of this after scanning my email in the airport and read there may be some issues w/ the high school and summer usage. Instead of normal "andrea mode" which would include lots of anxiety and panic - I figured perhaps I should just have faith and trust - and God would use whatever situaiton we found ourselves in for good.

The irony??? I opened my email just a few minutes ago - and there was an email from Mark Jordan - telling me all is well - we are good to go and there are no worries!!!! God was at work all the time - and I didn't have to be involved one iota!!!!!!

So . . . .here are my prior thoughts . . .

I look forward to sharing the Ugandan experience with you!

Take care!

We have been in the bus all day - and soon will be to the airport. Our plane leaves at 1am Uganda time - we fly all night - get home US time tomorrow night around six.

The trip was amazing . . . none of us will leave unchanged.

Yesterday afternoon after we ate a late lunch we went to do one final shoe distribution in Aurua. Way too much to type right now - and would much rather "preach" it than type it because it could easily be misunderstod - but let's just say we saw poverty and desperation in a way none of us ever imagined. Desperation - for a pair of shoes. HUNDREDS of children - at least 500 were on the site of that school by the time we left - all wanting, pleading for a pair of shoes.

The team looks forward to beginning a partnership with WC and Acres of Hope. As we prayed w/ Geoffrey and Stanley over the land Sara Beth told us that it was just August 16, 2010 that she and the Ugandan pastors stood on the land and prayed God would lead someone their way to walk along side them in the journey.

Well . . . . my computer died in the van yesterday when we were typing so the rest of the blog went away . . . sigh . . .

We are now in Amsterdam waiting on another airplane -

We said our goodbyes - hearts were heavy yet also filled with hope of what is to come.

THis is fulfilling what I have envisioned Christ called the church to be . . . NOT just something to "help out" but relationships. Kathy and I have prayed hard for a LONG time that God would bring the right relationships to Williamson's Chapel because you are a church with such a heart for serving people - both in Mooresville and now, truly, all over the world. Partnering with children in Afghanistan, looking to grow in the relationship with Christ Church in Kolkata, and now - partnering with others in the hope of building orphanages with a community of pastors in Nebbi, Uganda - I would say that is pretty close to fulfilling the call of the kingdom . . . to do unto the least of these.

And "the least of these" is what we have seen. Bellies so distended . . . hundreds and hundreds of children that run to us when we appear in an area . . . not running up to beg, mind you, simply running up for the touch of a hand. They all wanted to shake our hands . . . and if they were children who had been under the influence of any adult in their midst - as a sign of respect they would curtsey or bow.

The other children who perhaps had not experienced the presence of a "white person" merely stared but never in an unkind way. A curious way . . . looking . . . anticipating of what might can be.

Some realities are:
THIS OLD GIRL is a WEE BIT TIRED :)
THe other nine people who have given so selflessly of their time and money are exhausted too - not just physically but I think emotionally!
And I realized just now as some woman bowled me over while we were having our things scanned at security I am a bit grumpy too . . . .

BUT - and there is a BIG BUT!!!!
if you had told me even a year ago when we were in Kolkata that I would spend 6 days in the midst of nature - using the bathroom in places that really, REALLY are out of my comfort zone with creatures that I hope to never see again - showering in ways that don't leave me feeling clean - and whoever said "oh it's fine if they do not have hot water, African water isn't cold like you think." REALLY???????? Um, yes, it is a little cold!!!!!!

But - despite all those things - I sit here feeling nasty and grumpy but have a heart that is filled with joy and gratitude. I made the mistake of reading a few emails that downloaded and I see what reality awaits in about 10 more hours - - - -

And as a few situations seem insurmountable in the Inbox I remember that I have seen GOd multiply shoes to fit the needs of the children that kept coming . . . I have seen God Provide protection for the team as the earth rumbled a little bit (yes, there was an earthquake in Nebbi on Tuesday - most of the team slept through it but a few of us did not . . .) and I watched God empower two men and some other adults from the US have a vision for no more orphans and hunger in the middle of Africa and God has enabled them to begin on the journey to make that vision a reality.

Those without vision perish.

May we, as we each come home, so grateful to be in step w/ ministry with each of you, continue to see God's vision before us. A vision that is not based on material things or how many shoes and pocketbooks I can have (yes, I have been a bit convicted) but a vision based on using all that we are and all that we have to share God's love through all things - whether it is a single pencil, a "Smartie" (a piece of candy that comes in a pack - we gave each child 1. Not one pack - one piece of candy - and they would wait in line for 15 min to receive one)

Next weekend we will gather to package meals for "Feed My Starving Children." I see there are a few spots still open on Saturday - come join us in making a difference!!!!!!

I have already contacted FMSC to see if the next time (not next weekend, it is too quick to make a reality) but the next time we do this as a church - we can GUARANTEE that the very food we package will be distributed on the ground in Nebbi, Uganda. We also can even potentially schedule a summer 2012 trip w/ the distribution of the meals . . . and also a medical team . . . and a shoe drop. That is the vision for summer 2012. By then, it is my full hope and expectation that the first of the 3 orphanges will be built and children will no longer have names that mean "No Love" because they will be given new names in Christ.

November of this year we look to do another short Africa trip again. A week seems to work if you don't go do any kind of major sightseeing - which we did not do - no "safari's" for us - BUT i don't think a single soul will complain because we saw more animals on the side of the road and in the Nile that I ever imagined . . . .
BUT in November we will take women's dresses. THey do not wear pants . . . so we will do a "woman's dress shop" and let each woman in the village come and pick out an outfit for her! We will not only love those kids - but show love to those that care for them as well!!!!!!

Thank you as a church for supporting this - thank you for not "holding tight" to your dollars but for sharing them so generously with Mooresville and with the world!

Thanks be to God.

On way to the airport

2011-03-17T03:27:00.002-04:00

Unsettled

2011-03-14T14:45:00.001-04:00

For us it is a pipecleaner cross – for them it is the symbol of hope and the resurrection.

Today we met a young boy whose name is Merumbe. It means “without love”

I thought I misheard Stanley – one of the Ugandan pastors we are partnering with – and I asked him to tell me that one more time.

“It means ‘without love’ – his parent named him that most likely because his dad died from AIDS.

After that as we profiled him so he could then be sponsored by someone in the US – hopefully one of you for $31 a day . . . . I wept.

And we found out he lives with his dad and 2 brothers. There is no mom.

And his name is without love. And at some point – if not already – he knows that.

What would we do if that was our name?????

It’s different . . . much easier to blog in India when you go back to a 5 star hotel (granted, in India standards) and you have that environment in which to ponder and write.

Before I left Mark Jordan and I were chatting and he said “Surely it can’t be worse than what you experienced in India.” “Good point.” I responded.

Oh how I was wrong.

But let me say it is not “worse” as in bad . . . but I don’t think there is a human being on this trip that will say their heart remains unchanged. I guess “unbroken” would be the best way I could describe it.

Sunday’s worship was powerful at both churches. One group went to Stanley’s church and another group went to Geoffrey’s. In both worship experiences it was evident that God is universal and bridges all gaps between culture. At Stanley’s, the worship songs were chosen by the congregation (five minutes before the service started – gives new meaning to worship planning) and both languages filled the room as the songs of faith resonated among the people.

I had the privilege of preaching at Geoffrey’s church and other than forgetting that I had to STOP and wait for the interpreter to interpret my words and luckily the Williamson’s Chapel people yelled out “WHOA” it was again evident that God’s presence is far reaching. The praise team sang out “You Are Good” and the familiar lyrics and tune brought a peace that settled the team.

Sunday afternoon brought two more villages - - - one that truly was on the banks of the Nile River. As we stood there among the huts and the sun set over the banks of the Nile it seemed children came from everywhere.

In the thousands of years that we know that humanity has existed in that area I seriously doubt circumstances have changed. And the even more potent part of that realization was the lack of want or need. The villagers had peace. Yet there was extreme excitement as the van rumbled in. Roads? What roads!!?!?!?!?! Some “dirt” paths define roads . . .

The women made cross necklaces from the pipe cleaners and beads we brought from America and only later did we learn how important that was because the women from a neighboring village/tribe had enough resources to have their own beaded jewelry and the women of this area had nothing but literally the clothes on their backs. But now they have beads – in the shape of a cross. And the woman that I sat beside looked at me and said, “I am a Christian.”

That was all she knew how to say. But for her that was enough!

I only have internet for 1 minute and the team REALLY wants something posted – so this is all for now . . .

But as I leave the internet realm – the things I REALLY DESPERATELY want to never forget –

The group of children with bellies so distended from poverty standing around behind us a we circled today on the land Geoffrey (Ugandan pastor) has already purchased “Acres of Hope” and we blessed and prayed over that land – after we said “Amen” all the children started clapping. They could have NO IDEA what we were doing or saying but their clapping was a true sign from God that hope and joy abounds among the desert and the starvation and the death.

Eryn surrounded by a bunch of African women with smiles so large because they had some beads.

Morgan, Julie, Layne, Andrew, and Lance doing the parachute and the soccer and OF ALL THINGS the “Chicken Dance” without any words to entertain the children – and then the African women RUNNING up so they could do the dance too.

Meeting SaraBeth, Whitney, K.B., and Lacey and seeing their passion and sacrifice for the African people.

Pat, Lance, Scott, Kathy, Eryn, Layne, Andrew, Morgan, Julie and myelf are blessed to be a part of WCUMC. We are sad to get ready to come home but also READY because we have much to share!

Until then...

It's Sunday after church

2011-03-13T07:57:00.005-04:00

Andrea preached and did a great job. The interpreter did an amazing job translating Andreas sermon.

Their energy and passion for Christ was amazing. They sang and clapped and danced for over an hour! Although we are a world apart the similarities in God’s message clearly cut across cultural bounds.

This afternoon we travel to a town beside the river Nile. We look forward to being in the same waters that Moses was in. In addition to the 100+ shoes we gave away yesterday, today we will again wash feet, share God’s love and give away shoes! We hope to see another elephant and hippo though we cannot take pictures because the government does not allow it unless we are on a paid safari.

Yesterday was totally amazing, crazy, and touched and inspired each of us in a unique and powerful way. Kneeling at the feet of African children and washing the dirt off of them was such a humbling and fulfilling experience. It was not about the shoes but about sharing love in a personal and general way with orphans who have no family unit and rarely receive the touch of a loving individual.

As we played games with the hundreds and hundreds (no lie) of kids the pure joy in their faces was Indescribable especially compared to the daily trials they face. Compared to the USA it is rare for these kids to experience such freedom to be a kid and just have "fun"!

As we have said, power is off here so communication is difficult but we feel the prayers and thank each of you who are continually lifting us up.

Tomorrow we hope to have Internet access at Geoffrey's house. Andrea has a blog post much deeper than this :). This post is submitted by Kathy, Eryn, and Scott on the iPhone and thankfully re-sent by Joan Finn from WCUMC.

If you want to send a text to the team send an email to: 37257710878@SMS.onesimscard.com. A text will come to us at no charge and the email is free for you :)

Limited Communications in Nebbi, everyone is well, no power, posting from cell phone

2011-03-12T02:23:00.003-05:00

Everyone is well. On the ride here we saw elephants, baboons, monkeys and hippos. We crossed the Nile river twice.

Accommodations are ok, just generator power for. Few hours each night.

Passing out shoes sat morning and there are hundreds of kids waiting on us. Their eyes light up when they see us.

We will send communications when we can but very limited as we can only do this from the iPhone.

New Appreciation for Nothing But Nets!

2011-03-10T17:22:00.000-05:00

We are here in Kampala, landed and got to hotel around 11pm I think . . . now it is after midnight - time for bed as 7am and the 5 hour bus ride to Nebbi tomorrow will come early!

Relatively stress free day - it seems like forever ago when we were in Charlotte - I guess we have spent over 24 hours in travel but we are here safe and sound and so glad!

Staying at a nice hotel . . . . .w/ Mosquito Nets. Now - I have to confess. I've always heard about the "nothing but nets" campaign done through UMCOR and other mission organizations but i don't know what I expected. Truthfully i thought it was a net you put over your body - like you wore it or something - I had no idea. It's a canopy kind of thing! BUT BOY AM I GRATEFUL FOR IT!!!!!!!! Those little mosquitos are EVERYWHERE and all our luggage (with all my bug spray is on the bus)!!!!

So . .. sleeping in my clothes and a net . . . as are most other people. I truly don't think anyone cares!!!!!! We are just so glad to be here and meeting Geoffrey and Stanley - the two Ugandan Pastors has been so cool! They laugh and joke around but their prayer tonight was so beautiful.

I do want to apologize on the front end if you are reading this blog for tidbits of info on your loved ones. I try to give you overviews of safety, etc. but this also serves as my "journal" . . . a way to remember things that happen that I NEVER want to forget . . . so when I wax eloquent - forgive me!

Two quick things happened today that I hope I will always remember.

We had a little passport drama in the Amsterdam airport. One of our team members laid down their bag at one of the little shops in the airport (NO - for once it wasn't me - but so typical of something I would do!)

They didn't get back to the gate until we had about 20 min to get ready to board the next 8 hour flight. They went to look for their passport but it wasn't w/ all the WCUMC Luggage. They insisted they left it there . . . they KNEW beyond a shadow of a doubt they did not carry their bag around with them.

Thus began an all out search. All the Samaritan's Feet staff, several WC team members, etc. went around looking in bathrooms, near tables, food court, etc. HOPING to find the bag. We also talked to immigration and found out there was no way they could take off on another plane unless that passport was in hand. We didn't know what we were going to do except get a hotel, go to the US Embassy, and get a new one overnighted. To say it was stressful for a few minutes is a slight under exaggeration.

FOr a good 15 minutes 10 different people combed the airport. Finally - the one who originally lost it came back and had it in hand. Sighs of relief rang out.

The irony of the whole thing was something I think we all have that is so blatant in our lives.

That which we think we know with all certainty - is often not absolute.

Had some inisitence not occurred today w/ the whole passport thing and someone insisting that we had to leave and go look for it we would probably still think it was mixed up with someone's carry on.

Yet the nudge was there that it was NOT mixed in - I would have seen it . . . So we kept looking.

I wonder how many times in life - both in the US and for the Ugandan Team - do we miss the things that are so crystal clear and absolute because we inisist on our own ideas and own "way."

It is my prayer this week that we see God with such clarity of vision and purpose and love that there is NO our own way. It is only God's way!

Thank you for the prayers! They are much, much appreciated!!!

Now - off to sleep - up in 5 hours. ;)

Landed in Amsterdam

2011-03-10T00:22:00.000-05:00

We made it to Amsterdam safely. Now a 4 hour layover and another 8 hour flight to Uganda!

LOTS of SHOES . . . . and HERE WE GO!!!!

2011-03-09T11:31:00.000-05:00

Well . . .

We are here . . . and SHOES are everywhere!

We had a "little" counting discrepancy between the Samaritan's Feet office and the bins and bags at WCUMC so when we did the group check in and got near the end we had a few too many bins and a few NOT enough people!!!

We consolidated 2 bins into the rest of the check in luggage that didn't weigh 50 pounds and thought we were GOOD to go!

NOPE!!!!

Still two more bins! Hmmmmmmmm . . . how in the world are we going to get this stuff there? And this is more than just some makeup and construction paper. It was shoes. And for each pair of shoes there is a small person on the other side of the world that has a need. Leaving those behind felt like a HEAVY weight on our hearts!

We TRIED to negotiate a reduced fee - $200 per bag extra. Could we do a "buy one get one free" sale?

***Brief aside - our Ugandan Pastor - Geoffrey is Skyping with us while we sit in the Charlotte Airport! HOW COOL!

Anyway - No Negotiating w/ Delta. :(

So . . . SaraBeth was going to pay for one bin, I was going pay for the other. $400 is nothing compared to 60 or 70 pair of shoes on children's feet!

BUT we spied ALL THOSE CARRY ON BAGS . . . SURELY between the 10 of us and SaraBeth from Samaritan's Feet we could get those shoes on that airplane without spending lots more money!

We have shoes everywhere . . . they are in every crevice of backpacks, pocketbooks, and even took the place of a pillow or two, and we are patiently waiting on our flight to NYC!

We are so blessed by you and your prayers!

This morning the staff of WC and the parents gathered around the team and covered us in prayer.

As Rob closed the prayer his words were beautiful, "And God let the impact of this trip have effects that are eternal in the lives of both those going and those who receive."

Eternal effects . . . by an eternal God.

Let us truly see and experience those effects in every step of the way.

Thank you for keeping the team in your prayers!

Grace and Peace,
Andrea

Team:
Pat Benfield
Lance Armstrong
Eryn O'Brien
Julie Fuquay
Morgan McMahon
Andrea
Scott Smith
Andrew Smith
Layne Smith
Kathy Warner

Flight Itinerary

2011-03-09T11:15:00.000-05:00

Wednesday 9 March 2011
Delta Air Lines Inc - Flight DL 6055
Depart: Charlotte Douglas Airport 12:47 PM
Arrive: New York John F. Kennedy Int'l Airport Travel Time: 2:12

Wednesday 9 March 2011
Delta Air Lines Inc - Flight DL 0070
Depart: New York John F. Kennedy Int'l Airport 4:25 PM
Arrive: Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport Travel Time: 7:35
Thursday, March 10, 2011 6:00 AM

Thursday 10 March 2011
Delta Air Lines Inc - Flight DL 9318
Depart: Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport 10:15 AM
Arrive: Entebbe Airport Travel Time: 8:00
8:15 PM

Thursday 17 March 2011
Delta Air Lines Inc - Flight DL 9598
Depart: Entebbe Airport 1:45 AM
Arrive: Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport Travel Time: 8:30
8:15 AM

Thursday 17 March 2011
Delta Air Lines Inc - Flight DL 0071
Depart: Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport 10:25 AM
Arrive: New York John F. Kennedy Int'l Airport Travel Time: 8:40
2:05 PM

Thursday 17 March 2011
Delta Air Lines Inc - Flight DL 3965
Depart: New York John F. Kennedy Int'l Airport 4:00 PM
Arrive: Charlotte Douglas Airport Travel Time: 2:20
6:20 PM

Beyond Politics . . .

2011-01-12T21:52:00.000-05:00

"In the fleeting time that we have here on earth what matters is not wealth or status or power or fame but rather how well we have loved. And what small part we have played in making the lives of other people better."

Politics aside, whether you like him or not, in President Obama's words to the community in Arizona who gathered to mourn the loss of the people killed in such a tragic act of violence he summed up truly who we are called to be . . .

As a people of faith the things that matter are not "things" but the "who" and the "how."

How do we love? How do we show that love? It is in the small things.

I have to "speak" at the clergy meeting tomorrow morning about Williamson's West. I have to share about it . . . not real sure what that means.

Anyway - as I shared in my sermon on Jan. 2, my last encounter with the these clergy was at the District Board of Ordained Ministry and it wasn't what I would call stellar. Debacle would be more like it.

So I'm a bit anxious about what to say . . .

And then I was reminded tonight as I heard the President's words . . . there are only a few things that really, truly matter. Those things are all centered around "love" . . . and how we share Christ's love.

So, tomorrow I'll share how West is a place that shares that love.

I'll share . . .
how people email me asking for prayers for their friends and family.

how this faith community that was barely two months old adopted 60 angels and supplied them with Christmas.

how 25 people came the day after the "big snow of Christmas" to clean up our "stuff" from our Christmas services so the high school could have their basketball tournament and we were finished in less than 45 minutes.

how 29 youth give tirelessly of their time to provide a WIRED ministry for kids grades 1 - 5.

how a group of women asked me to go with them to pray with their neighbor, even though we had never met, because she was waiting on a brain mri to see if her tumors had shrunk.

how amazing volunteers pulled together to create two amazing and moving Christmas services.

how even when "screw ups" happen in worship we find a way, through the power of a spirit much bigger than anything we could create, to experience the presence of a loving, gracious God.

and how even when the pastor (me) was hurling ALL NIGHT LONG in the bathroom on the second Sunday of the new year . . . "worship" of a four month old church happened without MISSING A BEAT because of great VOLUNTEER leaders and a great "preacher's wife" (HA) that pulled together to make things happen.

I am blessed beyond words to be a part of a community that shares love so freely.

Obama also said, "the forces that divide us are not as strong as the ones that unite us."

How true.

Thanks be to God. Amen.

The Wrong Line of Work!?!?

2011-01-04T08:40:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I wonder if I am in the wrong line of work.

I am in Florida in seminary this week. Taking a theology class the first week after Christmas break was not the BEST of my ideas. But it is the class that is "required." It's a freshman level class that I have waited until I am classified as a senior to take. Seems I consistently do things backwards.

As I drove in this morning I was still trying to find a radio station to listen to. I finally found one that had some peppy music to wake me up and then it went into the "morning talk show."

A lady named Suzanne was fielding calls, answering questions. Now these weren't just any questions, these were questions like, "Suzanne, do you see me making a move this year?" or "Suzanne, I am having a difficult time and trying to decide whether or not to leave Florida. Do you see me leaving Florida?"

Each time Suzanne had an answer. After she gave the answer the person on the other end of the phone sounded relieved, would make a general comment of response, thank her, and hang up the phone.

I thought - "Ok, this has got to be a joke. Surely people don’t' think this is real."

But . . . no joke. The station announcer went on a few minutes later to welcome Suzanne and give her "credentials." I then decided some woman was getting paid money to sit and tell people whether or not they were going to move. I could do that! I could listen keenly to what folks said and then make a guess at what I thought they should do. I'd never "know" them so it wouldn't matter if I got it wrong . . .

When I started thinking about whether or not I would "get it wrong" and I was justifying that it really wouldn't matter (I do realize I have already spent a LOT of wasted time pondering this), I concluded that because of the answers Suzanne gave, the people would gauge their lives and decisions by that advice.

She told one woman that she was going to move in five months so she needed to go ahead and get boxes and start throwing things away she didn't want to take with her. From the excitement in the lady's voice I imagine as I sit here in this chair for the next NINE HOURS (ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh) she will be out procuring boxes and getting ready to move!

I have committed this new year to really engage in personal study and devotion time with God. No more excuses, no "I'll do it later, I need to be devoted to that now. So I'm reading the "One Year Bible - God Sightings" version by Group Publishing. There's a group of folks reading along with me and we will "blog" about it together. It's ironic the first three days of the readings point out how folks from Adam/Eve, people during the time of Noah, and even Jesus were tempted to "achieve" or "receive" more. Jesus is the only one who was not driven by greed and desire.

Keeping that in mind with the fact that some woman is getting paid money to guess people's life decisions it made me think . . . sometimes we want things so badly we will do whatever we have to in order to find the answer or receive the wisdom. Greed doesn't have to be greed of money; it can also be greed of thought or control.

(For more on this read my blog for the one year Bible reading)

I am guilty of greed of "control." I want to know what is going to happen and when. I like being in control of my "days" and my "time" and "situations." BUT . . . I am not called to be in control or worry about tomorrow . . . I am to live in today. Yet not live on my own power . . . I am to live in and for and with the power of God.

John 1 says those who follow Christ are given the right (some translations say "power") of God.

So I don't need a lady on the radio to tell me where I will be in June or what I will be doing. I've got something far greater . . . so I just need to "get over myself" and live. In the HERE and NOW!

So . . . I'll go listen to a professor talk about Plotinus for lots of hours and see what it is God wants me to take away from this.

The Hard Lesson at Christmas for a Pastor

2010-12-14T21:14:00.000-05:00

God speaks . . . always . . . we just have to be still to listen!

It’s a hard lesson for a pastor at Christmas.

The past two Saturdays have been doing various mission things . . . one working the Home Tour – the next wrapping angel tree gifts and I would not trade that activity for anything! It is now a Smith Family Tradition. BUT because we weren’t home on Saturday and one of the offspring had activities on Friday night, there is STILL no tree in our home decorated for Christmas.

Someone was commenting to me on Sunday – why weren’t my kids NUTS about not having a tree? They couldn’t believe we didn’t have that tradition of really being psyched about a tree. If it weren't for me - I 'm not sure the Smith's would have one at all!

Now all that happened AFTER what was to be one of our most powerful worship services to date began w/ ZZ Top playing through the sound system and playing “She’s Got Legs!” . . and out I walk . . . THEN it launched into the Spice Girls during the scrolling announcements, the song will remain nameless! ;)

But back to the tradition thing - that has weighed heavy on my mind and heart all week . . . . have I cheated my kids out of traditions because of “work”?

Yesterday was just normal Monday stuff with a few wrenches thrown in . . . . things not working out with some elements of worship, our India partnership not going well and us needing to make a final decision about that, then today I guess all the stress of the past few weeks caught up and I just had a few “moments” of self doubt, maybe even pity, and wondering . . . what else could I do? Maybe I’m doing some things wrong and that’s why this is difficult – I need to figure that out and fix it.

Just when I was ready to wave the white flag and give up on a few things I got an email from a friend. “Have you considered being still and listening to God? I don’t mean to be cliché but just listen and relax.”

I decided, “Ok. I will. No email, no nothing – just being still!”

After about 5 minutes the phone rang. It was Samaritan’s Feet with absolutely the best, most well rounded, educated, passionate conversation about international missions. We talked for 45 minutes regarding our current relationships and then we ended the talk with a new hope in my heart and soul for where God is leading WCUMC, both campuses. Then about 15 minutes later the other Samaritan’s Feet contact called and we talked for 45 minutes as well – truly two conversations that were directed by God! Not only did it solve the current dilemma but it also gave meaning and purpose to our other international mission project – the Deaf Village in Mandeville. Samaritan’s Feet has some other folks looking for that type of connection b/c they wanted to help. We were able to provide our contact information for them to Samaritan’s Feet! These were TRULY God things! Thus the name of the blog, “IT’s those things again!”

I finally had some peace and hope for what could be and what could come! The hole in my heart and weight I had been carried around dissolved and healed with one phone conversation when I finally let it go and gave it to God.

THEN I looked at my paper calendar (b/c I have been doing a bad job putting things on my calendar b/c we’ve been w/o a secretary for a few months) and I noticed I was supposed to be at Davidson UMC for an interview in 45 minutes to continue in the ordination process (probably the most important interview all year) and I had forgotten all about it. In fact, had I not talked to another staff person and they made a comment about the senior pastor being in a meeting all day (he is on the committee) and that jarred my memory! I ran to my paper calendar – saw it on a Tuesday at 3pm so I put makeup on my very weary face and tore off to Davidson!

So it wasn’t shocking today when I got the date mixed up for my DBOM interview!!!! ;) I showed up a week early . . . . . I think I scared the other two women there who are up for commissioning. When I got there and someone else was already there – I knew I had messed up . . . NOTHING would have surprised me today! So I just sat there – I figured if they came out, called her in and that was the last interview of the day then I would come back home, look it up on the form, and go another day. I knew the time of 3pm was right- I just didn’t know what day! They were there w/ notebooks, suits, etc. and here I come in – nothing in my hands and certainly not in a suit.

She asked me, “Are you here for an interview?” and I replied yes and then she went into a long explanation about how she had her paper, she then got it out –looked at it again, etc. I ASSURED HER . . “if anyone messed up today – it is me. Trust me, I’m sure you are right.”

Well it evidentially bothered her that I didn’t leave so she asked me “well, are you just going to sit here and stay?” I replied yes, until they came to get her, that my senior pastor was in the room and I would confirm that I didn’t miss the meeting earlier that day and then leave. She just stared at me – which by now – really. I’m ok w/ about anything . . . . .

So – then the other lady in the interview came out – they knew each other so they chatted, then they both started staring at me again. I just volunteered “I’m here on the wrong day or at the wrong time. I’ll figure it out and I’ll be ok.” They looked at each other . . . I’m sure they thought “she’s a freak!” :)

Then the first lady asked me who my senior pastor was. I told her. Then the other lady said, “You sound familiar. And you look familiar. Williamson’s?” I told her yes, then she called me by name. She told me I did the prayer at the UMW district meeting a year and a half ago and then she said, “Oh, you launched the West Campus, I read it in the conference newsletter . . .” and she started talking about whether or not it was successful, that she thought it was, did I think it was gauged as a success?

I don’t have a “yes” b/c who am I to say that? I replied that we are having fun while we are trying to fulfill the mission of the church and every Sunday is an adventure. (I left out that on Sunday ZZ Top and Spice Girls accidentally played on the iPod during the service – that would have most likely sent them right on over the edge!)

Anyway – they just stared at me some more.

Then – in my bizarreness – I said, “Maybe I’ll hide in here while they call you just to make sure I didn’t miss my interview.” I don’t think they appreciated my idea of hiding . . .

Then – as I finally decided to leave – which they both agreed was a good idea . . . . I said, “Good luck on your commissioning. I am sure you will do well! One thing that was helpful for me was I had a couple of friends in the conference that had already been through the Conference BOM and they read my papers. I would be more than happy to read your papers if you want me to.” They both quickly and assuredly said they felt like they were ok! :) (by the way – I did remark earlier that maybe it was a good thing that my interview was a different day b/c I had not done my paperwork yet b/c I forgot and now I could do it) They probably thought I was going to copy their papers!!!!!!

So . . .. . . I finally left – and I could see the look on Rob’s face as I walked down the hall – he looked a little surprised. (I had contemplated crawling under the window of the door but I figured that truly would send those women into hysterics BUT if it had just been me in that hallway - down I would've gone - on all 4's crawling my way to safety of embarrassment!

My desire to avoid my senior pastor was because last week I had the dates of the staff Christmas party and the church administrative board dinner wrong – I had them both down for last week and they are this week. He told me that at the rate I was going I’d have Christmas Eve services this Friday! And he may be right!!!!!

The funniest thing of the whole thing – I was so perplexed as to why they were staring at me . . . I realized when I got home – I had my jewelry on all backwards. It too was bizarre looking!

In the absolute chaos emotionally and spiritually today I came upon the stark realization that my problem has been I have stopped listening. No devotions lately – no time just to “listen” to God and what he has to say to me. How can I lead if I am not listening? It's time for this old girl to listen. Past time . . . . what have I missed because I have forgotten AGAIN to listen!?!?!?!

That’s one reason we are going to offer a daily reading as a campus beginning January 1. The Bibles will be in the bookstore and the readings will be posted on our webpage.

“The God Sightings Bible” will be the version we use and it is available for $14 in the Plugged In Tent.

I also will be joining a West LifeGroup! I need friends to be in this journey with me, praying for me and me for them, lifting up one another as we go together and grow together in our faith. I hope you will prayerfully consider being a part of this too!

Until Sunday - Merry Peaceful Christmas!

The Boomwhackers are Contagious!

2010-12-08T22:00:00.000-05:00

Twenty-four hours later I am still pondering how the biggest joy of the entire 7th and 8th grade middle school concert at Mooresville Middle last night was to watch the special needs students work together with their peers to play their own concert! They were called "The Boomwhackers."
They were amazing . . . as were their peers seated in the audience.

Sometimes in life is it awkward when you are faced with a situation in which folks are different from you and there is an uncertainty in how to act/react.

On the Sunday after Thanksgiving we decided we would go to see a movie (along with the rest of Birkdale Village). I didn't realize that all the seats would fill up in the theater so I had my pocketbook sitting in the chair next to me.

A few minutes later two men came up and sat down right beside me. We were of different ethnic backgrounds - which at first wasn't something I noticed, until after they sat down I took my purse and moved it to the floor. He looked at me and said, "I was not going to bother it. You can leave it there. It's ok."

Then I realized he thought I moved it because I suspected he was going to do something to it! He seemed very upset by the fact that I had judged him.

Pretty soon into the previews I noticed he went to sleep. Prior to that I noticed he muttered quite a bit and seemed to have some uncontrollable movements occur periodically. After a few moments of sleep he jerked awake and began muttering again . . . at this point several people turned around and stared at him, some even commenting and sighing loudly.

At this point it became very obvious he had some special needs. His peer with him tried to settle him down and encouraged him to watch the movie that was getting ready to start. He did in fact calm down after a few minutes and things would be fine for awhile and then that whole scene would replay itself again.

The stares and gawks in the few seats around us were uncomfortable at best. After a few minutes I decided that my part in making him uncomfortable needed to be rectified. So I took my pocketbook, gaping open as it was, and put it back in the chair, in fact in the middle of the chair, in between us. He looked at me and simply said, "Thank you."

In the past two weeks I've been in two very different circumstances with people different than me. One in which it was painfully uncomfortable because of society's reaction . . . and the other where there was universal acceptance and love.

Ironic that the situation that bore the most love was the one with the middle school students. When the Boomwhackers were finished playing the students lept to their feet yelling and cheering them on! One young man was so moved by the recognition, support, and cheer that he raised his hands in the "touchdown" pose and kept saying "yes" over and over again!

In the season of Advent I find it interesting to remember that just as the universal symbol of hope and love came to us in the form of a child, perhaps some of the best lessons we have to learn also come from children. Those students at MMS changed the lives of the special needs students and their families by so quickly offering generous love! What would this world be like if we did the same thing?

Let us live this season as if we were living like a child . . let us love unconditionally . . .say things as we see them and don't play games. Let us be loyal and give our love without asking for anything in return.

Let us be, for all people, a conspiracy of goodness and love!

The "I" in Christmas

2010-11-30T13:11:00.000-05:00

I have several favorite holidays . . .
Easter and Christmas are tied for 1st Place
Black Friday is 2nd!

I love Black Friday! I really don't know why other than it is just "fun" to see if I can indeed find the BIG bargain and be in the midst of lots of people in the Christmas Spirit.

Energy and excitement are contagious!

And that spirit was just ALL OVER Concord Mills until I made it to Bath and Body Works. Layne and I patiently waited in line on the "dots" that had been strategically placed on the floor to keep everyone in some semblance of a line.

Evidentially there were TONS of bargains as we seemed to be in line for at least 30 minutes. We were NEXT to approach the cash register and there was a very kind Bath and Body Works employee (I'm going to call her Karen just to make the rest of this easier to understand) and Karen was standing there to guide people to the next available register.

Karen was a great salesperson because if she noticed you checking out any of the products along the "waiting line" she would make some great suggestive sales. The lady behind me was asking about this bizarre looking thing - a hot pink acrylic cat with round paws. Karen explained that to her that it was a back massager. Then the lady exclaimed, "OH, you need to rub my back!"

I thought "Really? Surely not. Surely a customer at a store that has been opened since midnight is not asking the employee to rub her back."

Oh yes . . . . not only was she serious but then she continued to chat . . . "I've really had a hard morning. It's been really crowded her and I've had a lot of shopping to do. I need someone to rub my back."

I looked at the employee and then I just could not stop myself! I felt so bad for her standing there rubbing a customer's back while she herself had probably been at work already close to 9 hours. My mouth kicked in gear, "I bet you have had a hard day too."

She smiled and said, "Oh, it's not too bad" and then the lady continued lamenting about how hard it was to be shopping.

I was struck with how much we make Christmas (and life) about "I." Here's a woman working all night long rubbing someone's back because she CHOSE to engage in the recreation of shopping. And she didn't complain.

I decided this Christmas season it would be really cool if that was the attitude I possessed. If I decided that I would not complain . . . if I would be the one that would go out of my way to do something kind for someone else . . . go above and beyond.

We are calling it the "Conspiracy of Goodness" at West Campus. We gave out cards at the Mooresville Parade that were attached to candy. The card said something like "Someone has done something kind for you, now pay it forward and do something kind for someone else and pass this card along." It's a conspiracy of goodness.

Each Sunday throughout Advent we are going to give those cards to everyone in worship and then we are going to see if we can start a conspiracy. A good one! And maybe, just maybe it will cause someone somewhere to stop and take a second look at asking someone to rub their back when in fact, they need to be the one doing the offering!

Happy Shopping but most importantly . . . Merry Christmas!

What It Really Looks Like!

2010-10-23T21:29:00.000-04:00

Today I had the privilege of being reminded what a true church looks like!

It was at the Mooresville Skate Park in downtown Mooresville and it was a dream of a young man who has been a part of Williamson's West since it's "birth" on Sept. 12, Aram Lumley, and his sidekicks Lance and Joycelyn Armstrong.

The event was "Mission Skate" and young men and women came and brought either food or money for Mooresville Christian Mission's Poverty Awareness and in return entered into a skate competition.

Valerie Chamberlain, the Executive Director of Mooresville Christian Mission, came to share a brief few words about MCM and some folks from Williamson's West were there to show support to Aram, Lance, and the skaters, and a few kind EMS workers hung out "just in case!"

Valerie and I stood and talked about how cool it was to see how awareness and food could be raised for the mission by skateboarding with a lot of young people. I was just happy that there were lots of skaters there, probably between 25 - 30, and all seemed to be having a good time.

Then Valerie said something that still rings in my ears.

"You know, it is really great that West is supporting this. This will make a difference with a different group of people entirely. There's a lot of churches that would want NOTHING to do with anything like this. It would be perceived as wrong."

I looked around at all the people inside that skate park. There was a significant ratio of ink:skin, some interesting and cool belts semi-holding up jeans, and a lot of smiles and looks of contentment as a group of people sharing a commonality had fun.

Were there things that could have been perceived as "wrong" . . . I guess . . . but my comment to Valerie was, "this is what I think it looks like when the church is really being the church." There were people there that had an awareness of a moral code and responsibility to care for one another, to love one another, and to make sure that those in need were being taken care of.

Then I said, "I bet if this were thousands of years ago . . ." and at the same time we said, "Jesus would have been on a skateboard."

And I believe he would have been. He would not have been hanging out with the religious people, he would have found "The people" and then found a way to connect with them in a way that was non-threatening and relevant to their culture and society.

It was so cool to watch a young man emerge as a leader in a new faith community. It reminded me why I love ministry so much . . . because it matters, it ALL matters.

It was an honor to hang out today for an hour and watch guys skate in a quest to get food for those in need. I'm excited to see how this and other components of West will grow and make a difference here in our community. Changing lives and changing the world . . . that's what it is all about!

MISSION SKATE!!!!

Lessons Learned

2010-09-12T22:08:00.002-04:00

Beginning in middle school I had the great honor of having a best friend . . . you know, one of those friends that you have all your classes with, you can tell everything to, you stay on the phone for hours, they cover for you when needed . . . that kind of best friend.

We were inseparable, except for one thing. Church.

I was quite the little devout church goer. Every Sunday at least 7 hours then again on Wednesday nights for 3 hours or so . . . and usually at least one night per weekend was a youth function. I was quite impressed with myself in my relationship with God.

One day, while in high school, my friend and I were discussing some pretty heavy life issues. One of our classmates had died unexpectedly that summer and for teenagers, that was a tough reality to face. Things were tough at best . . . and we were struggling with faith.

I would say that was the summer that I finally "got" faith.

You see, all my life I had believed that faith came with black and white answers. And these answers were found in one interpretation of the scriptures (and also in these little 4x6 booklets we used to pass out door to door - may I mention that folks LOVED that!) These answers were never to be challenged or doubted, only taken as absolutes and then shared with all people. But this time - faith needed to be real and it needed to be understood.

As my friend and I were talking (She was QUITE brilliant by the way) she pointed out to me that I did a lot of TALKING about my faith but she never saw me DO anything with it. Could I please "DO" something with it and provide some answers. Could I help explain how God, faith, and peace were real in the face of such a tragedy.

In my spiritual arrogance I argued back that I did have the answers. I did the best with the rehearsed and "pad" answers I had learned throughout my years of "training school" on Sunday nights. Those answers fell hollow in the midst of a situation that was very real. I'll never forget that helpless feeling that afternoon.

You know, I certainly didn't have the answers that day, although I tried really hard to scour my pamphlets to find one! The answer I did walk away with, after much prayer, counsel with my youth pastor, and my friend, was that faith - it's a journey. It isn't a "black and white" issue . . . and little tracks and number of hours logged in a church don't "win" prominence on some kind of religion totem pole.

What it does win is an opportunity to seek and question, knowing that one is not alone and something much bigger and stronger is out there pulling and tugging at us, if we will just be still enough to listen and follow.

On that day 20 years ago I NEVER would have imagined that I would be the pastor of a church that was starting it's very own journey. (First of all - I thought it was sheer BLASPHEMY that a woman would EVER be a pastor/preacher) but . . .

This morning we celebrated being a people on a journey of faith and I have the true joy of serving as a pastor. We are going to be a people that are seeking, looking, listening, and serving as we go day by day on this trip of life together. It's going to be cool to see what ends up happening with the West Campus of WCUMC. There certainly was a great energy and joy in the room as we "owned" that we don't have to know it all but can try to figure it out together. I'm SO GRATEFUL I had a best friend willing to push me on the points that mattered and make me look deeper to claim my faith and make it mine. I believe that was the start of a journey that put me here today!

I believe God is smiling upon a new faith community that is taking "root" in the Lake Norman/Hwy 150 area and it is a true honor to be a part of the journey!

Thanks for the prayers for Williamson's West and Brawley Campus. Looking forward to next Sunday!

NOW - the rest of the lessons learned:
1. Those mics that go around your ear - if you wear earrings that are dangly, there is almost ALWAYS some kind of interference.

2. When you go to CVS Drugstore to get some writing utensils prior to the service and you are a LITTLE nervous b/c you have never launched a church before, REMEMBER to take your car keys BACK to the car so the CVS cashier doesn't have to come RUNNING out to see if the green rubber keyring that said "P4W" (Pray 4 West) is yours!

3. If you get nervous at BIG things and your mouth tends to go dry, when you are having your "first" worship service in your new faith community KNOW that you MIGHT want to have some water!!!

4. DO NOT say to people after worship, "I had to get rid of that Bible!"
There was no table, stand, pulpit - ANYTHING up on that stage to lay my Bible and I talk w/ my hands - so I needed to put it down and I couldn't find anything. BUT I need to keep my mouth shut in regard to HOW I communicate that!

5. Do not try to run with a 6 ft table while you are wearing 2 inch heels and then hide behind it in broad daylight. 6 feet tables are not easily hidden!

6. AND THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON . . . THINK before SPEAKING !!!!! Else NERVES will make you say INTERESTING things to people!

"GLEST" - A combination of Glee and West

2010-08-31T22:31:00.000-04:00

I'm behind . . . I've never watched Glee until a few months ago when we went on vacation and because of all the chatter about it, I downloaded all the episodes to my iPad. I didn't know I was missing 1/2 of shows! So tonight I was thrilled to see that it was coming on tv.

If you've never watched it, try to catch an episode . . . they have many "teaching points" in each one!

Tonight's show, however, was probably one of the most powerful I've seen! The "Cheerios" (cheerleaders) were being made to do some kind of strenuous ritual to make sure they were thin enough, pretty enough, etc. to be viewed by a famous reporter that was going to give their coach a prestigious award.

It came time for their performance but much to their coach's dismay it was not the cheerdance she was expecting. The song started with the "atypical" cheerio singing Christina Aguilera's "Beautiful" and before you knew it ALL the "atypical" beautiful people were out on the floor singing and dancing!

It immediately made me think of West! Our commitment to being a place where "atypical" people can come and feel welcome, loved, accepted regardless of personal characteristics that distinguish anyone as "different" in a bad way. We've committed to loving people whether they are long-time Christians or people who are not even sure there is a God. We want all people to feel a part. Far too often religion has judged people based on social status - how they look when they "come to church," their way of worshipping, life choices, physical characteristics like hair color (died perhaps purple or green), body piercings (if I HAD a cool belly button I'd have it pierced too but I don't so I won't!), tattoos - I like those too but have an aversion to pain, and all TOO often these judgments end up standing in the way of people finding their place on path to faith. We are called to love all people. Breaking out of the huddle means loving all people!

On Glee tonight the point was to empower people where they are in their own lives! People should "be the people they are" without feeling like they have to change to be beautiful! What a powerful message . . . thus I've named this blog "Glest" for "Glee/West" . . . now, if we only had their money.

I thought the words of Aguilera's song were appropriate . . .

Everyday is so wonderful, then suddenly, it’s hard to breathe
Now and then I get insecure, from all the pain
I'm so ashamed

To all your friends you're delirious
So consumed in all your doom.... (oohh mmm)
Trying hard to fill that emptiness,
The pieces gone,left the puzzle undone,
Aint that the way it is?

I am beautiful no matter what they say
Words can't bring me down
I am beautiful in every single way
Yes words can't bring me down
So don't you bring me down today

Let's be a faith community that seeks not to break down but to build up!
Let's show all people they are beautiful in our eyes, but even moreso in the eyes of God!

"Changing Faiths"

2010-08-16T10:17:00.002-04:00

I think it is interesting, especially in light of the sermon yesterday on why folks don't want to be a part of the church . . . b/c Christians are seen as judgmental, hypocritical, and insensitive to the needs of others . . . that this is the article I read this morning in my study time.

This article was spawned by the fact that Ann Rice, famous author, publically renounced her Christian faith. In Saturday's Charlotte Observer it read, "Ann Rice: 'I felt I had to step aside from Christianity'" and then in the article she expounded on why.

'In the name of Christ I refuse to be anti-gay. I refuse to be anti-feminist. I refuse to be anti-artificial birth control. I refuse to be anti-Democrat. I refuse to be anti-secular humanism. I refuse to be anti-science. I refuse to be anti-life.'

How sad that Christianity is seen as "anti" everything. Again, it is no wonder people do not want to be a part of a church.

It is the goal of the West Campus to refute that belief. We are not "anti" we are about love and grace, forgiveness and journeys! We are all in need of those things and we are each on a journey that will have great experiences and then times where we find ourselves searching for meaning and belonging.

Take a look at this excert from the Barna Group . . . it is definitely food for thought!

Why People Change Faiths
The survey also explored the top-of-mind reasons why people change faiths. The most common reasons for moving away from Christianity included life experiences, such as gaining new knowledge or education; feeling disillusioned with church and religion; feeling the church is hypocritical; having negative experiences in churches; being in disagreement with Christianity about specific issues such as homosexuality, abortion or birth control; feeling the church is too authoritarian; wanting to express their faith outside of church; and searching for a new faith or wanting to experience other religions.

Among those who were shifting toward Christianity, the most common motivations were going through difficult life events (such as divorce, a health crisis or death of a loved one); getting older and seeing life differently; wanting to connect with a church and grow spiritually; discovering Christ; or wanting to know what was in the Bible.

Age and Change
Most of the people who have made these changes did so as a teenager or young adult. The study discovered that the median age at the time they changed faiths or significantly altered their faith perspective was 22.

One-third of those who experienced a significant faith shift did so during their twenties and another one-third did so before age 20. In total, two-thirds of people who had a major faith change experienced that outcome before the age of 30 (68%). In fact, among respondents over 40, only 5% of them reported making a major shift in their religious affiliation after the age of 40.

Headed West . . .

2010-08-15T21:33:00.002-04:00

3 am rolled around and I woke up in a panic . . . I only sent one email to the launch team - they were not going to have a clue about today, we would be lucky if we had 30 people show up! AND maybe that would be a good thing because I FORGOT all about getting stuff for the nursery.

One of those MINOR details at a launch of a new faith community in a high school. There are NO toddler toys lying around!!!!!! So after a brief trip to Walmart this morning we had what we needed to do our first service where we were trying to tweak all the things that need to be perfect on Sept. 12 for our public launch!

Right before it was time for people to arrive I had another moment of panic - we had no "hospitality!" No signs, no refreshments, what would it be like, would people feel like it was a total waste of time and energy! BUT we said it would be a service where we worked on sound and lighting so no need to stress on all the other factors, there was nothing I could do about it at the last minute.

We had worship! There were 101 people there . . . and we had people from WC Brawley Campus that are willing to serve on the launch team and we had folks that are new to the WCUMC community period! That's truly what the west campus is supposed to be and I am so grateful for the folks that are willing to take this leap of faith into HARD WORK and lugging carts, etc. to make the West Campus happen!

BUT the coolest part of all came after the service. I went to the hallway to take off the microphone contraption that will have to be exchanged by next Sunday because it made me look like I had my hair in pigtails and I heard tons of laughter and noise.

"Hmmmmmmm," I thought, "What's the deal? Why is everyone happy? There is no food out there, no refreshments, nothing to do, people are just chatting and standing around, people sound happy."

Then I hurried out there because I wanted to see it for myself. . . there were the folks that had attended worship, just being friendly and warm to one another and I venture to guess there were probably no groups larger than 10 that knew each other . . . the people came from all aspects of WCUMC and the community.

And even though they did not know each other - they were sharing radical hospitality and love with one another. And that is what it means to be the church!

I pray that God will continue to pour out his blessings on the West Campus of Williamson's Chapel as we prepare for our public launch on Sept. 12. It is my hope that people will encounter the presence of Christ through an atmosphere that is open to all!

Speaking of atmosphere - did I mention some of the launch team wore p.j.'s?

Some folks took me literally - "Come as you are!" So they did! And guess what . . . I don't think anyone judged them . . . I didn't see any noses turned up, etc. I will admit I was a LITTLE puzzled at first but I figured, "oh well, I'd rather them be here in pajamas than not be here at all!"

The Scripture Passage today was taken from 1 Cor. 13. Not the traditional way of looking at the text in light of love between a couple committing their lives to each other but a definition of love in light of the church being a body of believers who follow Jesus, whose defining characteristic was love.

It is our dream to live out this calling to "Be the church." I encourage you to read this Scripture but instead of putting the word "love" put the words "The Church" . . . this is who we are called to be and how we are called to live!

I am EXCITED and HONORED to be a part of the church!

From 1 Cor. 13:

Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
Love never dies.

Grace and Peace,
Andrea

The Bash!

2010-08-09T23:16:00.007-04:00

Wow! It is hard to believe that months and months of Tuesday morning meetings are now finished and Darlena Goodwin, Leslie Wilson, Denise Takes, and Joycelyn Armstrong and I don't have a lot to do! Seems unreal to go in Staples or Walmart and NOT analyze the prices of the supplies for school!

HOW grateful we are to ALL who made this weekend possible. From the prayers of the team, to the support of the area churches and businesses, to the fact that PEOPLE are STILL bringing in supplies b/c there were some high school students that did NOT get what they need, to the kind lady who left 11 o'clock worship yesterday and gave me her number on a piece of paper so I could contact the young man who left without getting a hair cut and that was the only reason they came - we THANK YOU!!!!

Saturday not only were the lives of the people in the community changed, the lives of WCUMC were changed. We are living in the reality of changing lives, changing the world. Just like Jesus called us to do!

There were so many stories - for me, the biggest was the email I received from a lady who does not attend Williamson's Chapel sharing with someone else, "If this is what heaven looks like, people loving and helping each other, then I am ready to go." Her grandson received supplies and she said all night he was packing and unpacking his new bookbag.

One young girl going into 6th grade had never had a new backpack.

Another boy was going into middle school and had received a haircut one time in his life prior to Saturday. We had to close off the haircut line at 1 b/c there were too many people and not enough haircuts BUT we are already working on a plan for next year. Every room downstairs will be FULL!!!!!!!!!! Certainly that is a need!

Also, people stood in line for 1 1/2 hours to get a pair of tennis shoes they had never seen, had no clue if it was a "cool tennis shoe" or not . . . and then responded when members of the team said they were sorry because they were having to wait in line so long, "Oh, I've only been here 1 1/2 hours, that's not bad for something like this!" WOW!!!!!! What grace!

And the other thing that just rings in my mind - people were telling me the kids picked out their mechanical pencils as if they were choosing gold. They went through each pencil carefully, looking for their special color. Wow. . . . wow!

Feet were washed, children were prayed with and for, supplies were distributed, and fun was had.

The Methodist Men cooked over 4000 hot dogs and at some point yesterday I found myself saying in my sermon, "Isn't it amazing that faith could be rolled up (w/ a lot of other things too) in a hot dog?" and then I started rambling about how hot dogs were nasty! REALLY ANDREA . . . JUST HUSH! BUT WOW! The men were so dedicated and gracious - they were truly appreciated!

BUT - the biggest story from Saturday for me is a Thank You to you! The other 4 women on the team were phenomenal . . . and ALL the sponsors were so gracious . . . Jeff Nanney and Lake Norman Screen Printing waited til Wednesday afternoon to finish the backs of the volunteer shirts because the sponsor list kept growing! YET nothing would have happened if you did not take the vision.

Either you guys just don't want to hurt my feelings when I come up with some crazy idea or you are able to see bigger and you know that if we just open up and give it all to God, the one much bigger than us, it will all be ok. Not just ok - it will change the world.

I hope you had a chance to read the link in the Statesville Paper!

Correct statistics now are:
2100+ students served
557 volunteers from ALL OVER
5000+ people walking around and creating community, a true Mooresville Community

We're still giving out shoes and supplies to some so the gifts just keep giving!

In fact, The Cove called today. "IF you need anything please let us know. We will put out a call to The Cove and make it happen!" And they will . . . what an amazing church! And how cool it is to partner together!

It was amazing to work with other churches and NO ONE CARED about denominations, who gave what, did what, where it was, etc. The ONLY thing people cared about was serving the young people in our community, and serve we did!

This Scripture verse jumps at me . . . Luke 12:48: "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked."

We are living out that call from Christ as we ARE the church, reaching out and changing lives and changing the world!

Truly this weekend was one in which the church lived out being the church God calls us to be!

We can't WAIT to see what God holds in store for next year!

And now . . . I'm 'heading West'!!!! And I can't wait to see what God is going to do!

It really is a privilege to be a pastor at Williamson's Chapel and now "the" pastor for our West Campus! I NEVER thought that would be a reality - to be "the" pastor unless something bad happened and the conference had to pull me to use me in that capacity! Now . . . here we are . . . and you know what, tonight I ran by Michael's to get something and I saw statues of Pigs with Wings. "When Pigs Fly!" . . . Guess what - at Michael's they fly!

Let's go FLYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!

Love, Grace, and Peace,
Andrea

Tired . . .

2010-08-06T08:18:00.005-04:00

The eyes are a weeeee bit tired . . . shed a few tears last night either from sheer fear of crowds ;) or because on Sunday things change, transitions happen, exciting times ahead but change is a little sad sometimes! After Sunday the West Team will head West to make things happen and get ready for our launch on Sept. 12.

So this morn I am dragging just a bit . . . woke up at 5 thinking of "entrance" and "Exit" signs . . . but then I get here and Kathy Warner received an email from our sister church in India . . . the children from the Sunday School here sent cross necklaces to them b/c there is no where there to even begin to think about obtaining a cross.

Kathy is in the middle of planning our trip in March and she has encountered roadblock after roadblock. In fact, Wed we were so frustrated . . . then we get this and we are reminded why we do what we do!

Here's to loving people here and loving people half a world away . . .

To,
Pastor Andrea Smith & Kathy Warner,

Greetings in the name of Lord Jesus Christ.

Here's to loving people here and loving people half a world away . . .

To,
Pastor Andrea Smith & Kathy Warner,

Greetings in the name of Lord Jesus Christ.

Thank you for your prayer support for our church& her activities. Church members are very happy and preparing themselves to make your visit a success and a great joy to both of us. xxxxx visited our centre on 28th July, 2010 along with two CEI staffs.

Project children are doing well. New babies and mothers are also doing well. Mothers have learnt few new craft works. They wish to learn you two new items as well as to learn new items from you. This time I am sending a beautiful photograph of God’s new creations (group photograph of new born babies). Project children are preparing new designed greetings cards to present your Sunday school children. May I know how many Sunday school children you have. Our Sunday school children greet your Sunday school children through a photograph which is attached hereby. Please show convey their love and greetings to them in the name of Lord Jesus Christ.

A selected group of 7 children are doing theological class every Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Pray for them so that they could be the cross bearer and committed children of Christ in their adulthood. They play cricket & football well. Even they could play musical instruments. We have a children music team but they could play music well.

XXXXX & XXXXXX are well and pray for you. I have conveyed your greetings to all the children. They are also preparing to present you a short attractive cultural program.

Pastor XXXXX, my husband and I always pray Lord to lead us with His great commission. Believe your presence and acceptance of our church is under the planning of God’s mighty grace. Pray Lord to make it strong in the sharing of God’s grace.

May Lord richly bless your ministry.

Your in His service

Rev. XXXXXXX
Director

Now I'm READY to go to India even though I fear the "hotel" they are putting us in in the middle of NOWHERE . . . google it and see what YOU can find!

Sea Bird International Near Diamond Harbour

BUT it is safe and that is all that matters!

Pray for the Bash, the people that will come, the safety of all in parking and walking, and then pray for the message on Sunday that it will be God's and not mine!

Now - off to the Leadership Summit.

You just never know!!!

2010-08-05T19:35:00.002-04:00

Well, in about 36 hours there will be LOTS of folks that come to the corner of Brawley School Road and Williamson's Road to celebrate getting ready to go "Back to School" at the first annual area Back to School Bash! It's been so cool to watch the community come together . . . all denominations, area businesses, and people to offer things for students that will make a difference. It really did start as a "little" idea and just grew, grew, and grew but the most amazing thing (the God thing) was that as it grew, the volunteers grew and at some point the leadership team has wondered . . . will we have more volunteers than we will kids??? I don't think so - but we did wonder!

Wednesday I was talking with Mike Faircloth, a gentleman at WC that has been a part of a church that does events like this a lot. They are called "Bridge" events . . . events that bridge the gap between the church and the community.

He told me about an event they had when they opened the church many years ago. They had inflatables, games, etc. and the traffic was backed up in the town of Mountain View all the way to Hwy. 321 (over 3 miles). He said it was a logistical nightmare because so many people came and they NEVER anticipated that many! (As he talked my stomach started to churn more and more and more)

He then shared an amazing testimony that came out of the event . . .

There was a lady that was driving by (stuck in the traffic) with her little boy. He saw the inflatables and immediately started begging to stop. She told him no, they had somewhere they had to be. He was relentless in his asking . . . in fact, in her words, he began to beg. He wanted to stop and jump for just a few minutes. He promised he would be ready to go as soon as she said it was time if only they could stop for awhile.

She decided to stop so she pulled into the church parking lot and was immediately greeted by a gentleman that helped her and her son find their way to the registration area. She responded later that she was greeted so warmly, she felt immediately welcome. They ended up staying for a long time and when she got ready to go she went back to the gentleman and some others that were around and asked them to follow her to her house.

That's an odd request . . . . someone you have never met before asking you to follow her home!!! But . . . even though it was odd, they did.

When they arrived at her home she handed them a note she had written. The content was explaining the reason she felt she had nothing to live for.

When she and her son were in the car, she was on the way to her mother's house because she was going to drop off her son so she could then return home to end her life.

Yet, once she encountered some folks that were happy and had joy something "switched" in her and made her change her mind. She shared that with those folks in her home on that Saturday and I believe that encounter changed all their lives. They gained a new perspective of what an encounter with someone you don't even know can mean and she became a committed part of the church and now is one of the key leaders in ministry.

Saturday is a big day for us as a community of believers. Although we won't be taking a poll, "Do you know Jesus" . . . hundreds of thousands (yes, thousands) of people will know that "church" is not a noun, not a place, but a verb . . . it is people loving and serving in the name of something bigger than themselves. . . God. Snow cones, hot dogs, shoes, pencils (about 18,000), paper, books, etc. will share a message of hope with a community that needs to know there is hope in despair, light in darkness, and we are ALL in it together!

Let's join in praying together that God will continue to be "all over this" and remember that it is not about us . . . it is only about Him. May he use it to warm hearts and share love. Thank you for being part of this dream!

Philippians 2:17:
"If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."

This is what you are living . . . wow . . . way to "BE" the church!

I call it "God things!"

2010-08-01T08:01:00.000-04:00

The title of the blog is "It's those things again" because frankly that's just how I live my life . . .
I WANT so desperately to always KNOW and have the faith that all is going to be ok!

Yet when things happen that just don't make sense, I see hurting that is unjust, or just sometimes in my own humanity I have questions . . . doubts . . . fears . . .

And it is in those times that I find my self wallowing in self-pity or fear that I ask pretty loudly "God, where are you?"

Everytime in the depths of the questions, I get an answer.

It may not come as quickly as I would like sometimes but God is always there with an answer.

I think God must know that I am on some pretty FRAGILE ground right now with the Back to School Bash that has over 3000 students registered and the Launch of the West Campus. Between the two things, sleep is something not easily obtained.

This morning I realized we were going to need a considerably larger amount of food than I had imagined . . . so panic set in . . . again! I spoke and thanked the Methodist Men for their gracious contribution and support and then walked over to the office to prepare for worship. I spoke with Rebecca, our children's minister, and admitted my fear about this whole thing.

She reminded me . . . "Andrea, God always provides." Bob Chambers, the President of the Methodist Men, had previously said the same thing.

I went by my office mailbox and saw the bill for the backpacks lying inside. "Oh no . . . . here we go again. Now this is going to be another downer to a day that really has yet to get firmly started."

I debated opening it - it can wait for tomorrow for me to stress over.

Something "nudged" me to open it . . . I debated a few more minutes then kept feeling that nudge - so finally I gave in!

I should have known. It's that "God thing" again!

I opened the bill for the 1400 backpacks that we ordered for the kids and low and behold the bill was $1500 less than I thought it would be. . . . I'm sure it is just my "bad math" but . . . I am attributing it to being a "God thing!"

I read from Steven Furtick, pastor at Elevation Church, that we pastors really lose out when things happen and we don't take the time to record them. We get too wrapped up in ministry and life to see and hear the "God things" and to write them down. So then we find ourselves searching and looking later on when we could have had it all along . . . if we had taken some time to write it down!

I'm not a journal person . . . I say I will and I never get around to it!

But with the launching of West Campus it is rather important that my focus change a little, instead of just letting life happen and being in the "now" of the God moments, I want to remember them too!

So I invite you to follow along with the blog. My goal will be 3 times a week, more than that and I know I will fail! I'm about setting goals that are obtainable!

Check out West Campus on Sept. 12. I truly do believe it too, like this Back to School Bash, is going to be a "God thing!"

Andrea