Hello Folks,
     I have a had a pretty rough week.  I am asking you folks to be praying for me for physical healing for my body.  A couple weeks back I fell and it has generated a lot of pain from my neck and through my shoulder to my arm.  This pain has almost incapacitated me for the past few days.  I did not preach this past Sunday and have not been able to get anything done for about 5 days now.  So I ask you to pray that the Lord would give physical healing to my body. 
     Every year at Christmas my wife and I are privileged to visit with our children up north.  This year is no different.  Our plans are to go and celebrate the Lord's earthly birth together.  We plan on sitting in the living room of my daughter and son-in-law's home with our other children and all of our grandchildren opening gifts and expressing our love to each other.  God is very good to me.  Here I am 62 years of age and I am allowed to worship the marvelous Savior Jesus and celebrate with my family.  There is nothing better than that.
     I pray that you will be able to have the same kind of celebration this year.  May His grace be on you and may His love be poured into you as  you go through this season.  I will not be writing anything for a couple of seeks but after the first of the year I plan on being back and getting this blog going again.   Our Savior is wonderful and we all should sing praises to Him.


Have a great day,


HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     Our world is in a time of turmoil and tension.  In my lifetime it seems that there has never been a time when someone is not declaring doom and destruction for the United States or other parts of the world.  While I personally have a tendency to agree that the future is not very rosy for our world I must also remind us that we are not to live life for this world.  This world should not bin dour hearts to its dismal outlook because we are children of the King of Kings.  He has promised us that while this world will be destroyed, even though no man knows when, His people will have an eternal home that will not be moved by this worlds condition.  You and I, if we are followers of Jesus, washed by His blood, made part of His glorious Church, we have a hope that sees beyond the concerns and problems of this world.  No matter who the political leaders are, no matter who has great armies and powerful weapons, no matter our country that we live in, God is still our King and we can depend on Him.  If we die we go to our eternal home with Him but if we live we serve the Savior who died for us!  With that kind of our outlook we can live in a world of tension and turmoil but have peace in our hearts and know that all is well with our King!
     May this month of December be filled with Christmas joy for you and your family. 

Have a great day,

HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     This past Sunday we had Jon and Karen Lambert, our missionaries from Ecuador, in our services with us.  They both shared in our worship and Jon preached a sermon--you can listen to it on our website.  It was a very powerful sermon and God spoke to our congregation.  I pray that all of us opened our ears to hear what the Spirit had to say to the Church.  I wonder if Christian people really want to be used of God or whether we merely want to feel good on Sunday.  Is that not the real question all of us have to answer in our own lives?  Is this Christian life something that transform us in how we live or is it just one of the things that we do in our lives and of equal importance with all the other things?  It would seem to me that those who love Jesus must decide if we are impacted by Him to such an extent that we just cannot sit by idly while the world around us goes to hell.
     This morning I received a text message from a brother here in the Church of God at Greeneville.  He related to me that he had been able to witness to a man and give him a tract on salvation.  This same brother picked up a man who has come to our congregation for help to meet physical needs but had never been in a worship.  Well, this brother somehow managed to get him to church this past Sunday.  I wonder how that happened?  But I wonder even more what would happen if we all attempted to get someone into worship who merely sees the church as a building where they can get their physical needs met but never consider their spiritual needs.  Is this at least part of what is meant by seeing our world as being lost and doing all we can to reach them for the Savior. 
     I pray that your December, the month we celebrate the birth of Christ, will take on a deeper meaning for all of us.  This is about far more than merely gifts and dinners.  Will we help others to realize it?

Have a great day,

HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     This week we in the United States, and possibly other places as well, will celebrate Thanksgiving!  This is a time that reminds us how God placed His hand on our nation to allow us to grow and become a place that celebrates freedom as a part of who we are!  Those of us who are a little bit older remember how the Pilgrims had almost starved to death and decided to celebrate the harvest and the wonders of God's help for them through a Thanksgiving feast.  Many in our nation have forgotten why we have Thanksgiving but Christians should always remember and remind those around us about the wonders of God's provisions for our lives.
     This next item that I am about to speak is something that should cause us American Christians to thank God for the way He has taken care of us!  It should also cause us to remember that much of our world is not blessed in the same manner that we are blessed.  Our national media has kept the instances of Muslim murder and religious persecution from the view of most people.  They had failed to report how in Syria there has been mass murders of Christians.  In one town alone churches were attacked and 45 Christian men, women and children were tortured and killed by the Muslim majority.  It is time that Christians raised their voices in protest to such violence against our brothers and sisters around the world. 
     Our world has much wrong with it but there is one thing that true for all people.  Jesus Christ died to provide forgiveness to all people regardless of their actions in our world.  So while we protest the hatred that produces atrocities against people we should proclaim the Savior who is able to change people of all colors, religions, backgrounds, and languages.

Have a Great Thanksgiving,

HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     Last night my wife and I visited an elderly couple from our congregation.  He has been unable to attend for about 2 years and she is quickly reaching that stage as well.  As we sat down and talked with them they told us about how long they had been married, 72 years, the situation with their son and their grandchildren as well as some memories of their past.  During that discussion the husband informed me that he felt that he had "slipped" in his relationship with Christ and wanted to me to pray with him about that issue.  We had that prayer and he was assured that all the sin of his life had been placed under the blood of Jesus.  The lesson for me was that I should never take it for granted that a person has resolved all the issues of their life or their soul regardless of their age.  It is very easy to reach the place where you simply think that everyone is settled in their life for Christ and there is no reason to talk to them about that issue.  Thank God that this man was willing to address the concern he had and call out to the Savior!  I would have missed it if it had not been for him.  I also thank God that He still teaches me lessons.
     This past Sunday tornadoes hit in Central Illinois where two of my children and four of my grandchildren live.  You can imagine my relief when I talked to them and found out that all was well.  The storms had hit about 12 miles from where they live.  But at the same time there were hundreds of families devastated by those storms.  Life is filled with storms some of them hit us directly and some of them bypass us.  Yet regardless there are people who are often devastated and I wonder if we even consider their needs or what we can do to help.  We can be so relieved that our loved ones are fine that we forget that there are numerous loved ones that are overwhelmed. 

Have a great day,

HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     You should have been in our worship this past Sunday.  We honored our Veterans in our worship and had Dr. Ron Duncan here to preach.  The sermon that he brought to us was from the Lord and it impacted the lives of people.  There were at least two people saved and others dealt with the concerns of their lives.  We started the morning with breakfast for Veterans and their families with at least 100 people eating with us.  Then they entered the Welcome Center where various uniforms were displayed as well as photo's of those who had served.  Then in our worship there was a very moving Drama, the choir sang, and some children sang as well.  God seemed to orchestrate all that took place and it culminated in Dr. Duncan preaching about Going Home!  I must say it again you should have been here to hear God speak through the various things that took place.  We also received an offering that went to the Wounded Warrior Project that totaled $2343.00.  That money will be used to help those who will and have returned to the U.S. with wounds both visible and invisible.  I pray that all that was done here brought glory to the King of Kings!  He is truly Great!
     I ask you to pray with us here at Greeneville First Church of God.  It is my intention to attempt to do 2-3 things over the next year that will have direct impact upon our community.  We will ask our congregation to participate in an effort to reach into our community in a manner that will help the lives of people.  It is to be done with the desire to help people see the living Savior working through us in their lives.  Those things have not been completely decided as of yet so I ask you to pray that we will know what should be done. 

Have a great day,

HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     This past Sunday was a day of wonderful worship in Jesus.  I had prepared a sermon on Biblical honor as the first sermon in a series that I preach each year on the family.  It seems to me that if families honor each other and God the home would be a place filled with the wonders of God.  Well, I had already prepared the sermon when I received a phone call from a woman in the church whose son plays football at one of the High Schools.  It seems that the players wanted to attend this past Sunday as a way of saying thank you to Dale Gruver our Worship Pastor.  He has been a volunteer chaplain for them over the past four years.  So unknown to Dale I said yes and they arrived in their uniforms.  I could not have paid for a better illustration about honor than what they provided us that morning!  Praise be to God while they did not know what I was preaching about and I had no knowledge that they would call and want to do that on that Sunday God did and He arranged it all!  The presence of God was very real and people were praying at our altars getting business done with the King! 
     Next Sunday we will celebrate Veteran's Day and we have been preparing for it for some time now!  Ron Duncan will be our speaker and we will have some special moments designed to honor, there's that word again, our Veteran's for their sacrifices.  We are fortunate to have one WWII veteran, Arthur Ricker, who was at Normandy storming the beaches on June 6, 1944.  The future of the world depended upon those men who were dying as they attacked an entrenched enemy.  Thousands died and many more thousands were wounded that day alone but the Allies won the day and history was changed for the better!  In our services will be men and women who have given much to enable all of us to have freedom that we are so blessed to have in the United States.  I pray that we give real honor to those individuals who gave so much.
     Yet there is one who gave so much more than all of them combined and that is the Savior, Jesus Christ, who left heaven, put on human flesh, died on Calvary, was buried, but rose again on the third and appointed day!  May we always remember to honor Him!  There is no other Savior than Him and if He had not accomplished the greatest victory of all no one would be able to enjoy the freedom that comes from Him.  We should honor Him above all else.

Have a great day,

H. G. Rudd

Hello Folks,
     A couple of weeks ago we were informed that one of our granddaughters had an eye condition that could be caused by tumors, MS, or other such things.  We were also told that it would eventually cause blindness.  Needless to say we were very concerned and began to ask people to pray and to ask God for a miracle.  This past Friday the doctors declared that the issues was "non-progressive".  They also said that it was probably a hereditary condition and that she had no tumors or any of the other possible factors that would be life changing.  Praise God for the miracle that He has given to us.  He is certainly great!  I am reminded by this episode that the God of all Creation is also the God of the individual.  He can take care of one person as well as create all that there is!  Praise be to Him.
     I am reminded that I am not able to take care of all the problems that arise in the church, my family, or even, my own life!  But I am also reminded that there is a God in Heaven who sees me and all the things that are taking place in my life or in your life.  When we realize that we are more subject to turn to Him and trust Him to do what needs to be done.  Even when life's problems are overwhelming and we feel as if we stand empty handed He is God and He will provide us great victory!  I pray that you and I both will depend upon the One who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we can ask or think!

Have a great day,

HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     This past week a number of the folks from this congregation met for Family Fun Day.  We went to the Harrell's farm where we had inflatables for kids, corn hole pitching for anyone, a Rook Tournament, riding of 4-wheelers, shooting contests, eating and all around fun.  This was a great time for all who were there and I think that it was well worth it.  When the Church family meets for a time of celebration it is something that is filled with great joy, laughter, and just a sense of fellowship.  A number of folks worked hard to make this come about and I am thankful for them as well.  The church being a family, laughing and enjoying one another is something that is an absolute necessity for those who want to be a part of the local congregation.  It is certainly something you do not regret at all.
     On the other hand this past Sunday we had someone come to the church before services in a quest for money.  This man has been here before and we have helped him some.  As he told me that he was hungry and I offered to take him to get him a dinner only to have him say he would just go back home I find myself wanting to harden my heart.  That is a great fear I have when I see individuals who I think are just wanting a handout and have no intention of changing anything that they do.  I smelled the cigarette smoke on him and listened as he talked about his need only to have him turn it down because I would not give him cash it is easy to think of everyone like that.  I pray that I keep my heart soft so that when there is a real need I will be able to help.
     Here are two different sides!  One is of celebration and family while the other is of selfishness and darkness.   But is that not the biblical outlook?  There is light on one side and darkness on the other.  I pray that I would be a man who brings people to light!  I also pray that everyone of us would not only bring people to light but that we would walk in the light. 

May He bless Yyu all,

HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     This past Sunday p.m. Horsecreek Church of God hosted our area Reformation Rally and the attendance was very good.  The sanctuary there was filled to very near capacity.  There were people sitting in the choir and chairs had been set out.  My wife, Ruth, and her quartet, sang two songs and in my non-prejudiced opinion they sounded great!  The theme is The Trumpet Still Sounds.  Tuesday night and Wednesday night of this week Alan Hutchison from Morehead, Ky will be preaching and I really look forward to it.  Alan is a friend of mine as well as someone who God has greatly blessed as a preacher.  Pray that the God will bless him as he preaches and that all who are there will see the truth of God and place it into practice in their lives including me! 
     Last night I was reminded how life is filled with the unexpected.  Ruth and I received a phone call from one of our family members telling us about a physical need that has come to light in our family.  At this time I cannot be more explicit but I will merely say that it is a very serious issue and that we need God to give us a miracle.  Would you please pray that this is exactly what takes place!  For the past 41 years I have trusted God and He has taken care of us in everything that has come and I am going to continue to trust Him!  He is the miracle giver and there is nothing that is too difficult for Him! 
     May He bless you all today!

HGRudd

Hello Folks,

            For those of you who do not know we have recently redone our website.  Over the next few weeks it you will still be able to use greenevillefcog.com and get to our website but there is coming a day when you will have to switch to greenevillfcog.org.  It would probably be better to do so now but if you want to wait you can at least for a while.  This almost sounds like a sermon on salvation and judgment.  There is coming a day when we shall all stand before the Savior and today is the day of salvation.  This has eternal impact while our website issues will only be temporary issues.  By the way my e-mail address will change to pastorrudd@greenevillefcog.org as well and while you can use the old one there is coming a day when it will not work.                                                                             This past Sunday we had a dedication service for our Stewards who are the major leaders of our congregation.  I would ask that you pray for each one of them as they will be involved in a great deal of work that will place great demands on them.  They are: Steve Ottinger, Paul Collins, Lisa Shipley, David Tipton, David Gefellers, Ralph Shipley, Eric Miller, Sabra Modina,  Kim Trantham, and Jeff Melton.  Please pray for these individuals in the days and weeks to come.                                   In this new fiscal year we will be attempting some new efforts for ministry in our community and surrounding areas.  We will also be looking for people to lead those ministries as well as our current ministries.  It is vital for us not to attempt ministry of any kind unless we have appropriate leadership so I ask you to pray.  

 May the Lord bless you all,

HGRudd

 

Hello Folks,
     I do not know if you have wondered about what appears to be the cultural shift that is taking place in the church but it is something that has caused me to wonder what will the future look like for congregations in the Church of God and among other groups.  It seems that there are changes that are taking place everywhere we turn where local congregations are concerned.  As I look at the changes it makes me think that within the next 15 years most congregations will look entirely different than they are now.  Now, this may be nothing new and every generation may come to this same conclusion but it is disconcerting to me to see what is taking place.
     This is what I think I see.  The older generation is dying off and no one is coming in to take their places in many areas.  While we may see our Sunday a.m. attendance growing it seems that we are seeing all other attendances shrinking.  Sunday school, p.m. worship and Wednesday nights are changing almost everywhere you turn.  My generation, and those older than me, are asking the question of whether we have people who are committed to the local congregation.  I know that some will say that they are committed to Christ  but that does not appear to transfer over to any local group of people who are attempting to make a difference.  It almost like they want to do their own thing without any interference or accountability.  They want the local church to provide ministry but they do not want to invest their time or finances in the local church.  Maybe it is because some of us older folks are used to measuring commitment by finances and attendance.  But is there another way of measuring it?  That is a real struggle for me.
     If we continue to move in the direction we are going in now we will wind up being a Sunday morning only group.  The question might be asked if that is a bad thing?  But then I wonder how we will combat the efforts of a society that is becoming distinctly anti-Christian?  We want to train our children and youth for Christ but we expect the church to do that in 2 hours or less a week.  Is that even reasonable? 
     These are some of things that are in my mind.  What do you think?

Have a great day,

HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     Sixty-two years ago today Homer Gerald Rudd came into this world born into the family of Homer and Lou Verna (Creech) Rudd.  It was at Good Samaritan Hospital in Dayton, Ohio where my parents had moved to make a better living for their family.  In that 62 years I have been blessed with a wonderful wife, Ruth, 3 wonderful children (Bob, Debby, and James), 6 wonderful grandchildren (Bailey, Breanne, Jordyn, Alexis, Camryn and Landon). 
     Over 40 years ago I was born into the family of God with Jehovah God as my father, Jesus Christ my Savior, the Holy Spirit as my guide and sanctifier, and the church of God as my mother.  In that time I have been called to preach the gospel and pastor God's people.  I have served two congregations for a total of over 33 years.  I pastored the family of Pekin First Church of God for over 21 years and have served the family at Greeneville First Church of God for over 12 years.  No one could be more blessed than I have been.  God has given me far more than I could ever deserve and I bow before Him and Praise His Glorious name for all He has done for me.  
     When a person looks back over their life they see many things.  There have been times of failure and of success, times of sorrow and of joy, times of doubt and of certainty, but most of all there have been, for me, times of great love that has been given to me by my physical family and my spiritual family.  I would not want to be anything other than a follower of Jesus!  Thank God for His wonderful grace!

Have a great day,

HGRudd

Hello Folks,

     Back in the office after being in Ecuador for one week.  What a wonderful time we had with the people of Ecuador and of the Lord.  I was given the privilege of preaching in two different congregations there and then working on one of them.  There were six of us there: myself, Raymond Shelton, Dereda Shelton, Brandon Modena, Debby Kinney (my daughter) and Gail Williams.  We worked with some of the locals to lay block on an education facility.  Most of us would consider it something less than an educational building but the people of that country are very poor and do what they can.  It was my job to mix concrete and I realized pretty quick how far I am away from hard physical labor.  But what a joy it was to watch the walls go up and observe the fact that we were making definite progress for that congregation.  Pastor Rodrigo and Pastor Jorge were working with us as well as Marko and Marino.  These men worked rings around me but Brandon and Raymond did as well.  The women worked so hard and were invaluable in our labor.  Unless you have been in Quito and worked in the altitude there you will not know how hard it is for North Americans to breathe in that setting.  I must thank Raymond and Dereda for doing all the work of getting the details of the trip worked out.  The missionaries there, Jon and Karen Lambert, were wonderful to us in providing us a place to stay and food to eat as well as being guides for us in our sight seeing.  If you ever get a chance to go on such a work camp take advantage of it.  It will be well worth it for you in your life.

     This past Sunday we had marvelous worship in both of our services.  Sunday a.m. the music was marvelous with Tim Hybarger singing "Oh, What a Savior" and the Lord anointing that song.  Sunday p.m. we had a Concert of Prayer and God moved in our time together.  For those of you who missed it you should have been there.  When God comes it is more than a service but real worship and it is worthwhile being at it.  I am thankful to be the pastor here and look forward to what God is going to do among us.

Have a great day,

HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     This past Sunday a.m. we had a wonderful time of worship.  People were testifying of what God had done for them healing their bodies, saving souls and caring for them in life.  It was a real please for me to be part of what took place.  I wonder what people do who are in a congregation that feels as if they are merely going through the motions.  For me I would feel as if I were dying to have to go Sunday after Sunday and never hear from God!  I want Him to speak through all that takes place.  I have been so blessed to be able to be at places where God has been present.  This was true at the place I came to Christ at when Bro. and Sis. Collins were the pastors of my home congregation.  It was there that I learned what worship was suppose to like and that I came to celebrate being at church.  Then I pastored Pekin First Church of God where He used Jean Heberer as our song leader and she was so real, ready to be used by God, prepared and so easy to work with that I learned more about worship and to continue to want to be at church.  Now, I am here in Greeneville, Tn where Mickey Waddell so desired to bring the best to God and then with Dale Gruver who has such a heart for worship and such a demand for excellence.  I have been blessed to be allowed to like being at church!  Praise be to Him. 
     We introduced nine different areas of ministry that we have provided "seed" money in our budget and I am just waiting for someone who will say that God has called them to lead one of them.  I wonder what will happen in lives because of those ministries.  They are very practical such as opening up our property to be used to plant gardens for families and helping the single mothers in our town.  Who will God call to be the person that will impact the lives of so many others?  Who will hear God's voice and answer with the words of Isaiah, "Here I am, send me."  Pray that God will provide us leaders for these ministries.

Have a great day,

HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     It is good to be back home.  I have been gone for 2 weeks and enjoyed my time but sure missed being with you all.  Ruth and I were in Mountain Grove, Mo for a week where I preached in the camp meeting there.  There were twelve services that I preached and Ruth sang in two of them.  The people were wonderful, the weather was great, even with the rain, and the food was exceptional.  I concentrated in the evening worship services from Wed. through Sunday a.m. on the message of the Church of God Reformation Movement.  It seems to me, and I may be wrong, but our people are hungry to know what we believe and why we believe it.  Some of them have been in Church of God congregations for years and their pastors have failed to proclaim those truths.  While I realize that we want to see people saved but there is more than salvation that must be declared.  Sanctification, Second Coming, Holiness, and other such messages must be delivered or we will grow people who will be spiritually malnourished.  What an honor and privilege it was for me to be with those people and to preach the Word of God.
     We also got to spend some time with our son, James, his wife, Michele, and their two daughters, Jordyn and Alexis.  I was able to take the girls to school and pick them up which was a pleasure for me.  Some of those things that many of you get to do with your grandchildren are seldom experienced by me and Ruth.  I also spent some time with James just doing some of the normal things like eating and talking.  My daughter-in-law, Michele, trilled me by just spending some time talking with her and listening to her talk about her job and the challenges that she faces.  Those are some of the joys that I experienced while on vacation.
     Tomorrow we will have our annual Business Meeting.  It is always a lot of work for the leadership of this congregation to get things together like our Budget.  This congregation will look to the next year financially and in placement of new leadership.  Every new fiscal year reveals what our efforts and challenges will be in the year to come.  I look forward to His grace in everything that takes place.

Have a great one,

HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     This week has already become a very busy week.  We started Camp Meeting here in East Tennessee this past Sunday p.m. with a unity service and Bill Konstontoupolos was the preacher.  He preached a marvelous message on the things that God desires for the Church and he spoke about unity in that sermon.  God used him to speak in a very clear and pointed manner now the only question is whether we will live that truth out. 
     Last night at Camp Meeting Richard Mansfield preached and once again God used the speaker.  He spoke out of 2 Kings 6 where Elisha made the ax head to float and how we need to believe that God will do miracles and all we have to do to pick it up.  Richard Mansfield, as you who know him realize, is uniquely gifted by God and we were all blessed and challenged to believe God for miracles.  Praise God for calling and using men and women who will be available to Him.
     Next week Ruth and I will go to Missouri to preach the camp meeting at Mountain Grove.  I ask all of you to be praying for us as we travel and as we serve the church family in that area.  Johnny Creasong, the pastor in Pekin, Il is the worship leader and I also ask you to pray for him that he would be used greatly by God.  While I know that God has called me to preach I still desperately need to have the Spirit guide me and use me as I realize that I cannot achieve what needs to be done in my own power.  I need Him to direct and use me or it will all be in vain.
     Ruth and I will then take a week vacation and visit with our friends, Mike and Jeannie Ebert, I am really looking forward to a couple of days with them.  Then we will go to Indiana and visit with our son and daughter-in-law, James and Michele.  We will also get to spend time with Jordyn and Alexis, two of our granddaughters.  I truly look forward to that.  Pray that we have safety.  
     We have our house up for sale and I ask you to pray that we get it sold. 

Have a great day.

HGRudd    

Hello Folks,
     This week at Greeneville First Church of God we are celebrating VBS.  Children will come in from our community and from our congregation to be part of the activities that we offer.  One of the things that we do is next Sunday morning in our worship services we will allow the workers and participants of VBS to lead our worship.  I will then have the opportunity to preach to the all of those who will be here solely to support their children or grandchildren and would not enter our doors if it were not for that.  We have attempted to make VBS a type of outreach for us over the past few years.  Every year on that Sunday we will have a number of visitors and family members will sit in our services hearing the message of Jesus Christ.  I ask you to pray for me that I will be able to preach the gospel of Jesus and that lives will be changed because of what happens here. 
     I tell you about this because this has been the mindset that I have approached the ministry of this congregation.  It has been my idea to use the normal things we do in an effort to reach people for Christ.  So our special events will attempt to get people into our doors and to point them to Jesus.  One part of that is to attempt to have good follow up on those who have attended.  This has not always worked well as it seems that most folks know that if they give us their address that opens them up to being contacted whether it be by phone, letter or in person.  It would seem to me that if all we do is for those who are a part of this congregation we have missed the idea of the Great Commission.  If a congregation is not living out the Great Commission then it seems to me that they are not being what God has directed us to be.
     Well, I pray this summer gives you great opportunity to share the message of Christ to our world.  May He bless you and use you in this endeavor.

Have a great day,

HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     This coming Sunday I am going to preach a sermon on where a person fits in the life of the church, Lord willing.  I am going to take a page from the National Assn. Mid Year Leadership Conference (thank you Charles Myricks) and see if we can give an illustration of what that means.  We had a picture of our sanctuary turned into a 250 piece puzzle and I will have one piece given to each family.  The outside edges of the puzzle will have already be put together on a table and I am going to ask each family at the end of the worship, and for another 3-4 weeks, to put their piece in place. 
     It seems to me that a lot of folks are trying to figure out where they fit in the life of the church.  Unfortunately I am not sure that we, the leadership, always gives individuals an opportunity to figure it out.  They come to a congregation and might not know anyone and we think that they already know all there is about the classes, the ministries and other things in which they can participate.  Or if they know what is available they might not know how to get involved.
     One of the things that I am curious about is how many people will not bother to put their puzzle piece into place.  Will that speak of laziness, a lack of caring, or will they merely forget to bother over a 3-4 week period.  This will be an interesting  time as I observe the congregation I pastor.  I pray that it will be a help to those who are here.

Have a great one.

HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     It is good to be back and settled in here in Greeneville.  Ruth and I were in Anderson, In for the Global Gathering and General Assembly Meeting.  There was some really good preaching even though I did not get to hear much of it as we arrived on Monday and left on Wednesday.  On Tuesday Ruth became sick and I had to tend to her and finally took her the hospital where they treated her for a viral infection.  After GA on Wednesday we left for Illinois and decided to just come home after church on Sunday.  We arrived back here late Sunday night.  Ruth is much better now even though she is still not fully recovered.
     This past Sunday we celebrated Independence Day out at Locust Springs.  We had hamburgers, hotdogs and the ladies carried in covered dishes.  Then Paul and Kattia Jones along with their daughter, Tabitha, were with us and Paul and Kattia spoke at our worship services.  Jeff Melton led us in songs and after dark we had a fireworks display.  It was a great time with the folks of the church family and many people worked very hard to enable this celebration to take place.  Locust Springs Christian Retreat Center also celebrated their 20th year of existence and shared that at least 200 people have come to the Lord while using the facilities out there.  It was a great day in the Lord!
     The General Assembly was rather disappointing to me.  Our new General Director, Jim Lyons, spoke and did a very good job.  He is an excellent communicator and I do believe that he will be able to give direction to the ministry through our national ministries I must say that I am praying that he will also provide a strong stance on the traditional message of the Church of God Reformation Movement.  Time will answer that question.  The GA decided to send a resolution on Christian Marriage back to be reworked.  As I sat there what I seemed to hear was a call for us to use language that is more agreeable with the times.  I wonder if it was a matter of political correctness as it seemed that the language they had a problem with was the biblical quotes that were used.  I may be wrong, and hope that I am, but the question is what will be next?  Where will we do and what will we wind up with in the long run.  I am very conflicted on this issue and wait with great anticipation to see what the decisions our GA will make.  I also wonder what all the pastors, ministers and others who can help make those decisions left it up to about 500 people to make the decisions?  Time always answers the questions that we have.

Lord bless you all,

H G Rudd

Hello Folks,
     This week I have been reminded how our plans do not always work out.  Ruth and I have four grandchildren visiting with us and we had planned on going to Dollywood as a treat for them yesterday.  As we drover the approximately 75 miles it began to rain and it was still raining, off and on, when we got there.  We decided to go to a mall for a little diversion and to wait to see what would happen.  Then we went to get some lunch at McDonald's and as we were there one of the my granddaughters became ill.  We made a decision that we would come back home and, hopefully, Ruth will be able to take them on Friday.  I cannot go on that day due to other commitments. 
     I wonder how many people are planning, consciously or unconsciously, to wait for a particular time or event before they turn to Christ.  The question becomes what will happen to change that decision and will they ever reach the place that they will become a follower of Jesus.  What a shame it would be to make all those plans and find yourself in an eternity without God saying, "But I was planning on turning to Jesus."  That is why we are told that today is the day of salvation.
     Next week I will be making a trip to Anderson, In for our annual General Assembly meeting and will also attend the Global Gathering.  Pastor's Fellowship has introduced a Resolution on Christian Marriage and we will see if it will reach the floor or not.  I never look forward to meetings but I do look forward to what God will do there.  Over the next couple of weeks I will not be sending this blog out as I will be gone from my computer. 

May the Lord bless you all,

HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     Yesterday was a full day for Ruth and I as we traveled to Florence, Ky where we met our oldest son, Bob, and our daughter, Debby, to pick up four of our grandchildren who will be staying with us about 2 weeks.  Bailey is 15, Breanne is 14, Camryn is 13 and Landon is 6.  It was a  long day with us driving over 600 miles total but it wsa well worth it.  To be able to have some of our grandchildren with us is a great joy for us.  We have a few plans and they include a trip to Dollywood one day. 
     I became a Christian in March 1973 and there has been a lot of things that have changed in the church world in that 40 years.  One of the most marked changes has been the way Sunday night Worship is being abandoned by the vast majority of Christian people.  While I realize that there are numerous things that are in competition for that time and that Sunday night worship is not necessarily a biblical mandate it still confuses me some as to why this has taken place.  As a pastor I work hard to prepare the same level of sermons that I preach on Sunday morning.  Our worship pastor puts a great deal of effort in making sure that the singing and other aspects of worship are not at a lower level thank Sunday a.m.  Yet it appears that people just do not want to come regardless of what you do. 
     One of things that I think I see taking place is that the older generation is dying off and they make up at least 60% of Sunday p.m. attendance.  The younger generations appear to have no desire to be there.  They are busy with ball, hiking, and family time.  While are some very clear exceptions to this the trend appears to be clear to me.  As I said it is confusing and I wonder if there is something that would be far more productive for the church?  I mean if people were being saved at the ballgames and other events that many give themselves to that would cause me to say lets do more of them.  But then again if we were seeing people saved in the p.m. services maybe there would be a greater desire for people to come. 
     I am just conflicted with all of this and was wondering what some of you think about this.  Do you see the same trends? What are your thoughts concerning this issue?  Let me know if you will I am really curious to find out some answer.

Have a great day,

H. G. Rudd

Hello Folks,
     This summer has a lot of activities in it.  We will have an all church visitation of seniors where we are asking all of those who can to come and help us give care to our seniors on June 10-11, 13 at 6:30 p.m., four of my grandchildren are due to come and visit June 9-June 22, Anderson Camp meeting, the Global Gathering, is June 20 through June 25, on July 7 we will have a celebration worship service at Locust Springs to celebrate their 20th year of ministry and our nations 4th of July celebration, our VBS on July 22-26, East Tennessee Camp meeting from July 28 through August 4, then I will be preaching the Missouri State Camp meeting August 5-11.  That is a pretty busy summer especially when you take into account all the other "normal" things that will take place here.  I ask you to pray for the congregation and the pastoral staff as we will are involved in all the ministry that comes to us in that time.
     I am sure that many of you have a multitude of things planned for this summer.  Vacations, family gatherings, church activities and numerous other events that will arise.  In the midst of all of that I pray that we all will keep in mind that we are servants of the most High God and that His Son Jesus Christ died for us so we could live for Him and share His message with others.  May we always keep balance where our livs are concerned.  God wants us to care for our families but He does not want us to forget that we are participants in the ministry that He has called us to fulfill.  It is easy to get so wrapped in all that we have to do that we forget the Person who has made it all possible for us. 
     May this summer be filled with the joy and wonders of God for you and yours!  Prais His name.

Have a great day,

HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     I missed you folks last weeks as Ruth and I were in Ohio preaching a revival.  This revival was something that was special to us as we got to see our Pastors.  Vernon B. Collins and his good wife Bea have been part of our lives for a very long time.  Bro. Collins is now 93 years of age and his health is not the best but he was at every service.  He is walking with a cane and needed a wheel chair to get up the ramp into the church building but he was there supporting the worship as well as testifying to the wonders of God in his life.  Ruth and I have been blessed by God to be given such wonderful examples in the faith.
     Not only did we get to see Bro. and Sis. Collins but we got to see a great number of people who we have been privileged to know through the years.  We saw family members, both of my sisters attended the revival for at least one service, and numerous cousins who I had not seen in years were there.  There were 4 other area churches that the pastor or some of their congregation attended and gave their support to the revival.  But one of the most important things was a young man was saved during that time.  God is good all the time to us!
      The congregation here has the joy of sending a young couple to do ministry in Texas.  They will go to serve with UTRI a group that serves the Hispanic community in Mexico.  Steve and Nicki will take their children, leave their jobs, and go to a new place because they believe that they are being called by God.  I ask you to pray for them as they answer their call to move to a different level of ministry.

Have a great day,

HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     One of my responsibilities is serving on the Pastoral Ministry Team for the State Ministries of Tennessee.  It used to be called the credentials committtee which means I am part of a team that deals with such issues as congregation recognitiion, credentialing of ministers, dealing with the church fights and problems, as well as confronting any problems that arise in the life of a pastor.  Most of the time serving in this capacity has some very good things take place.  It is a joy to see a person come and tell us about their call into ministry, their faith walk, what they believe, and to look at papers sent by those who agree with their calling.  But I also must say that there are times when we are called to deal with certain issues that are just not fun.  When there are hurts that exist in the life of an individual or congregation because of words spoken and actions taken that are viewed as harmful to those around them it is difficul to deal with those things.  Attempting to be grace giving and loving while at the same time confronting wrong is not an easy task.  It would be so much easier to let others handle this but I have been assigned this for my life at this time.  Pray that I would be a man who fulfills his ministry to suit the Savior.
     As I sit here writing this I hear the voices of some of the folks who are part of this congregation and I think about the fact that God has called me here to serve them.  The challenges of pastoring are great but the rewards are amazing.  What a joy it is for me to be allowed to know these individuals who make up this congregation and to celebrate their joys as well as be with them in their sorrows.  One of the most important things for me to remember as a pastor is that these people have given me their love and I am able to give them mine.  Thank God for His grace and His willingness to allow me to be here with them.

Have a great one,

HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     I got back from Pastor's Fellowship 2013 at Winchester, Ky late last night.  Ruth and I look forward to getting to be at the Fellowship every year.  We have attended since 1980 and have only missed 2 of them  in that time.  Through the years it has served as a time when we can go and have our spirits renewed and our hearts filled with the wonders of God's truth.  This year was no different!  The preaching was spirit filled as well as the singing.  The different individuals who preached brought their personalities and methods of presentation with them when they stepped into the pulpit.  But  you could also see that they had prepared and that God blessed them as they preached the Word.  What a joy it was to hear such people as Arlo Newell, Bill Neece, Charles Heater, Darryl Allen, Bill Means, and Dave Hall who have been used powerfully of God in the past.  Then to hear Rick Hays and Ray Wyant who I had never heard before was a joy for my heart.  God used these individuals to fill me up.  On top of that the fellowship with friends of the past and people who I had met for the first time was a real blessing.  I pray that you will consider attending this event, it is for anyone who would show up, next year the first Monday and Tuesday of May at Winchester, Ky First Church of God.
     This year Brother Bill Neece had to preach sitting down but God still filled him up with the Spirit.  Brother Neece has some kind of lung disease that is affecting his ability to breathe if he exerts himself.  But what a sermon!  The anointing of God was present and as he preached my heart was filled with joy of being a follow of Christ.  In the next few days the sermons will be placed on the Greeneville First Church of God website and you can listen to all eight sermons.  You would be blessed if you would listen to them.  If you want to purchase a set of CD's or DVD's e-mail me and I will get you and address to contact. 

May He bless you all today,

HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     After almost 2 weeks of being sick I think I am back to being about as normal as I can get.  With a severe sinus infection and some asthma mixed in I was beginning if I was going to recover.  But my good wife, Ruth, did her best to take care of me, and the saints of God were praying for my recovery I have turned the corner.  Even though I was out of the pulpit one Sunday this past week I was able to preach again. 
     Ruth and I were talking about how as we get older our body seems to have so many more aches and pains.  But that reminded me that this body is only a temporary place for the real me to live.  God made this body with a distinct design to be limited in years yet He has promised me a new body that will be fashioned like the glorious body of Jesus.  The longer I live the more I am made aware of my limitations both in time and abilities.  But the longer I live the more I am made aware that there is more coming!  The future for the follower of Jesus Christ has eternity written all over it.  I am thankful that I know this life is not all there is!
     On May 6-7 Pastor's Fellowship will be taking place in Winchester, Ky and it is one of the joys of year.  To be able to go and hear the anointed preaching that takes place there is a great joy.  This year I look forward to hearing people like Arlo Newell and Bill Neece among others as they proclaim the truth that surrounds revival.  If you cannot come at least order the CD's or DVD's and have the opportunity to hear the truth preached.

Have a great day,

HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     I know that probably every pastor feels like they have way too many things taking place in a given day, week or month.  I certainly feel that way today.  We have had two people die and I will be taking part in their funerals either by preaching or other responsibilities.  We have a number of people in the hospital, having surgery or recovering.  I am also attempting to set up a meeting in Anderson for next week that will demand I travel there and lose about 1 1/2 days of work time here.  On top of that Ruth and I are attempting to get our house decluttered so we can put it up for sale.  (We want to move to a smaller dwelling so we do not have all that work on such a large home.)  So we rented a storage unit and have begun to put items in it.  I am sure Ruth feels the brunt of that issue more than I do.
     But in the midst of those things I have found that it is very important for me to rmember that I am a servant of God and not the one who makes all things happen.  Is it not funny that we can get so immersed in the things of life and ministry that we begin to believe that unless we are there and take care of things it just cannot be done.  I realize that we do not think that we are god like but it often appears that we think that we are His helper in all things and that He cannot do without us.  I am often reminded of how small and incapable I am when I realize that death and life issues do not need my approval as they come regardless of what I think.
     This brings me to the thought that I am thankful that He is God and that I am not.  The world would be a much worse place if I were the decision maker but because He is there is salvation through His Son and hope of eternity with Him.  I bow before the King of kings and confess that I need Him far more than He will ever need me.  Is He not Great and Wonderful!

Have a great day,

HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     it has been a busy two weeks since I last wrote.  My son, James, came to visit with his two girls and my daughter, Debby, her husband and two children came at the same time.  James I were turkey hunting all that we could and in the off time we were sitting laughing and enjoying each other.  God blessed me greatly to be able to be with 2 of my 3 children and 4 of the 6 grandchildren.  I am so thankful for what God has given to me through the years but my family is one of the highest gifts that He has made possible to me.
     Just this week I had to make a trip to middle Tennessee to meet with the Pastor Ministry Team of the church of God in Tennessee.  Those meetings are mixed with joyful things and difficult things.  It is a joy to be able to help men and women in the process they are in seeking ordination but it is a difficulty when you have to deal with the problems.  On top of that four and one half hours of driving each way is never a pleasure to me but it is a necessity.
     In our conversation I was reminded that we are to rejoice in all things.  That is a real challenge at times but when you consider that God is with you then it becomes much easier.  The living God who conquered death, hell and sin is the One who is with me.  What more could I ask, what greater helper could I receive, what more amazing presence is there?  God is great and i am thankful for Him. May that same One bless you as well.

Have a Great Day,

HGRudd

    

Hello Folks,
     Well this past week was sure filled with a lot of activity.  Our congregation presented our Easter Drama once again.  We have been doing it every other year for the past 6 years and before that it was presented almost every year for a number of years.  This year it was decided to present it Thursday night through Sunday night and God really blessed in it.  There were people saved and other rededicated their lives.  One lady and her daughter met me at the door one night after the presentation and said that they had rededicated their lives to Christ.  One young man with five children made a first time commitment to Christ.  There were over 2900 people who attended along with the approximately 200 people who were part of the cast or the support members.  We will not know all the good that this has accomplished for the King and His Kingdom until we step into eternity.  I want to thank all those who participated in the Drama for giving so much of themselves.  Mickey Waddell, Anita Miller and Dale Gruver gave untold hours in their leadership roles.  People like Bill Clark and those who ran the sound, Jerry Hartsell, Bobbie Darnell and Scott Foshie who took care of seating and security were phenomenal in their dedication.  All of those men who worked in the ceilings to allow Jesus and the angels to "fly" gave so much.  The list could go on and on and I would undoubtedly miss some so I just say to all of them "thank you" for lifting the message of Jesus through drama so this community could be reminded of the wonders of the Savior.
     The drama we presented lasted for 4 nights but the reality is that the message it represented was given to us from the foundation of the world.  I wonder if we would be faithful not just for 4 nights but in every day that our Lord would give us to share that message with others.  We are allowed this time for the purpose of lifting up the King of Kings.  May we do exactly that.

Have a great day,

HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     If you missed my blog last week it was because Ruth and I went to Hilton Head Island, S.C.  While we were there we were able to attend the Mid-Year Leadership meeting of the National Association of the Church of God.  What an amazing time we had while we were there.  God was certainly present and the power of His Spirit was so real that our hearts were moved by Him.  James Earl Massey led a conference that I attended concerning leadership and the truth that was given brought joy to my heart.  On Wednesday night a friend of mine, Horace Shepherd, Jr. preached and the Holy Ghost spoke powerfully to all of us.  I am so thankful that I was able to attend and would encourage you to if possible in the future.
     Ruth and I attended the meeting with an ulterior motive.  We were also able to celebrate our 42nd anniversary while were there.  We were married on March 6, 1971 in Dayton, Ohio.  Our pastor, Vernon B. (Bert) Collins officated and Ruth has put up with me for all of these years.  I am certainly blessed to have been able to live all this time with such a wonderful woman and I give thanks to God for her.
     This past Sunday was a day of God working among us.  During our a.m. worship we considered "What's Next" and then in the p.m. worship we looked at "The Healing Savior".  If you were not here Sunday p.m. God moved powerfully and it seemed as if people just did not want ot leave here.  At about 7:30 p.m. I told people to leave if they wanted but those who desired could stay and worship and pray as they felt directed.  At 8:00 p.m. I basically told people they could leave and it was probably closer to 8:30 p.m. before we got out of here.  I realize that length of worship is not necessarily an indication that God was present but there was a sense that we had been in His presence.  I am thankful that I got to be here for that time. 

Have a Great Day,

HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     This past Sunday our congregation made pledges to help make the payments for our loan over the next 3 years.  Thus far over 100 families have made commitments totally over $368,000.  This will help us immensely in our effort to retire debt.  Also next Sunday we will have a First Fruit Offering and the giving of "stuff" that will be sold for the immediate application to the debt.  These sacrifices of our congregation will enable us to reduce our total debt amount both now and over the next three years as individuals become aware of things that can be sold for the purpose of continuing to reduce debt.  It is our prayer that over the next three years that we will be able to become debt free.  Pray that we would listen to our Savior as we move forward in this endeavor.
     I often wonder what it is that God has in store for me and the congregation that I pastor.  I struggle with knowing what it is that God desires for us to do.  It is easy to determine the general ideas such as winning the lost, making disciples, and preaching the sermons.  But how is that all fleshed out in the practicality of reaching people or finding out the step-by-step pathway to take.  In my life I like to know what to do next and sometimes that has not been as easily understood as I would like.  But in the midst of it all I know that the only true God will be with me in my journey.  May He be praised.

Have a great day,

HGRudd
    

Hello Folks,
     This past Sunday p.m. our congregation celebrated a Concert of Prayer.  It was a very special time of congregation praying for each other, the ministry of the congregation, leadership, and a variety of other needs including a time for anointing and praying for healing.  We spent about 11/2 hours in prayer and it seemed to me that it was very meaningful for a lot of people.  Also this past Friday we had a time of fasting and then at 3 p.m. we had 2 hours of prayer.  This coming Saturday we will have a day of prayer where people will coming and going in the life of the church for a 24 hour time period pouring their hearts out to God.  I do not know how everyone else thinks about this but it seems to me that we are attempting to understand the mind of God and to accomplish His will.  If you cannot actually come would you pick out a time where you can pray for this congregation to fulfill the will of God.  God hears His people and His promise is to answer our prayers.
     This coming Sunday is our pledge Sunday for the Debt Retirement Campaign then on March 3 we will ask people to begin a 3 year journey to retire our entire debt of almost $1.5 million.  This is a really aggressive goal but is not God able to accomplish this if His people merely open their hearts to His will?  If we merely look at all the things we have we could have take place the same thing that took place in the building of the Tabernacle where they had to tell the people to stop bringing "stuff" because they had more than enough.  I am waiting to see how God will do this among us. 

Have a great day,

HGRudd
    

Hello Folks,
     I have just been reading a book titled "The Church in an Age of Crisis, James Emery White and if you can I would encourage you to get it and read it.  It has what I consider to be some very timely analysis of our time.  One of the things that I just read was about Generation Y or the Millennial Generation.  The prediction by on eauthor in 2000 was that Generation Y would be more positive in outlook with a 'can-do' spirit."  Moving forward to our current time we find Generation Y to be more captured by individualism than any other generation.  He continued to say that they are a generation of entitlement.  They believe that they are entitled to everything that they want that will make their generation perfect.
     It was interesting to hear his evaluation of Generation Y but one of the things that we ought to recognize is that the sinful nature is one that looks to self more than anything else.  While parents and society can help shape a generation to become so self-absorbed that they only think of what makes them feel good or to believe that they deserve the best of everything there is an absolutely internal issue of what is called the "Adamic nature" invovled in making them like that.  Can we not see that Jesus is the still the only Savior who can change a heart and mind to become self-sacrificing rather than self-serving? 
     I wonder what will happen in the life of the church over the next 30 years?  While the Pope may resign Jesus is still the Head of the Church and He will never give up His seat!  He is in charge of His Church and we look forward to His coming to destroy the world and receive us unto Himself.  While we want all of the world to turn to Him we realize that the sinful nature will move all who refuse Christ to an eternity without Him.  What a shame especially since it is not His will that any should perish.

May we all turn to Him,

HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     Over the past couple of days I have been reminded of the fact that death comes to everyone.  This morning I participated in the gravesite service of a wonderful saint from this congregation.  Elizabeth Luttrell lived a long life of 89 years and she was faithful in this congregation for well over 65  years.  In the 11 years that I have pastored here she has been nothing but a wonderful example of Christian love and patience.  I have never heard her day a remark that could be thought to be disparaging of another person.  What a legacy she left for her 4 sons and their families as well as the local congregation and the local community.  It is a joy to be part of a funeral where you have no doubt about someone's faith in Christ and their life as they live their faith.  It is also a reminder that no matter how many years we have here in this world that through Christ life continues and we live with Him forever!  Praise His wonderful name.
     I have been reading some about the cultural changes that are taking place and some of the struggles that are taking place in the "christian" community.  All through the ages there have been those who have held divergent viewpoints that have a possibililty of moving people away from the One true Savior!  Today we have those who are espousing an "emergent" church viewpoint.  In essence that viewpoint is nothing more than what has been proclaimed by many others in the past.  The idea that everyone's understanding is acceptable to God becomes nothing more than the universalism of the past.  To preach and teach that there is no truth other than what each individual determines for themself is a falsehood that will send people to a very real hell.  It may take 20 or 30 years but the "emergent" church viewpoints will fall upon the trashbin of falsehoods that have come from the past.  May we all walk with the only one who is THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE.

Have a great day,

HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     As a pastor it is very interesting to me to watch people as they begin to react to the challenges that revolve around the question of money.  In this building fund campaign we are not only asking people to pledge so much money to help us pay the monthly payment but we are asking them to look through their possessions and see what they could give the to the Lord in an attempt to retire the debt completely within the next 3 years.  One man in the congregation is going to sell a cow and give the proceeds.  I set aside 2 times when we began to first talk about this and have been fortunate enough to see them both so when March 3 comes around I will be able to make my donation immediately.  Over the next few weeks I will have the joy of watching as people in our congregation make their donations, as far as that goes if the Lord's wills it, I will be able to watch it for the next 3 years.  What an exciting time that promises to be.
     I made a decision this past week to attend the National Assn. Mid-Year Convention after an invitation came my way.  Ruth and I will go over to Hilton Head, we have never been there, and spend a couple days.  It just so happens that we will be celebrating our 42nd anniversary on one of those days.  I look forward to the conferences and preaching services and to get to fellowship with my brothers and sisters. 
      As I sit here at my desk I am thankful for the grace that God gives to me everyday of my life.  It seems to me that I have been blessed beyond measure and given opportunities that are beyond my wildest expectation.  At 61 years of age I can say that if I were to leave this world right now I am of all men most blessed.  Thanks be to the God who saved me and called me and has taken care of me for all of these years.

Have a blessed day,

HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     It sure is cold here in Tennessee this morning.  But you should have been with us Sunday in our p.m. worship when God was here and His warmth was amazing!  Dr. Horace Shepherd Jr. was our guest speaker and by the time He had finished preaching we found ourselves in the presence of the Holy Ghost.  Altars were filled, people were being anointed with oil and God moved powerfully in lives.  You should have been with us!  When God comes it is truly amazing and powerful.
     Let me ask you a question.  Should we not always be in the presence of our Amazing God as He works among us?  Should not our worship times together be so filled with Him that people look at themselves and desire God more than they did the day before?  Worship should never be stale and dull because it is about the most High God!  Could it be that we so orchestrate what we do that we try to keep Him restricted to working a particular manner that we are comfortable with?  I pray that I will be looking for how He wants to do whatever it is that He desires in our midst.  I also pray that I find Him at all points.
     I am thankful for the opportunity in my life to serve God in the capacity as a pastor.  I am also thankful that He has allowed me to serve two wonderful congregations over the past 32 years, one for 21 years and this one for over 11 years.  But I am more thankful that He has allowed to be have times when He has been so close that I have felt the breath of God on my soul.  May He breathe on you as well.

Have a great day,

HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     This past Sunday here at the church we began our Building Fund Campaign.  This campaign is differenet than any we have engaged in over the years I have been here.  While we are asking people to commit to give what they can over the next three years so we can make our normal payment we are also asking folks to consider helping us to pay our entire $1.5 million debt off over those same three years.  We realize that this is a great step of faith and that it is a challenge unlike any we have ever attempted here before but we do believe that God is in it.  We are asking people to do what our spiritual forefathers did in Exodus 35 and look through their possessions and consider giving things that are sitting in their homes that would be of value and could be sold to retire the debt.  I have personally already set aside two items, one of them was sold recently so I have the money waiting to bring on First Fruits Sunday March 3.  Some people will have gold, jewels, automobiles, land, stocks, pieces of collections and other such things to donate.  If we all would be willing to give what we can the debt could easily be retired in the next three years. 
     Can you imagine what would take place if we were debt free?  The potential of additional ministry is absolutely amazing.  We would be able to address the needs of our community in a greater fashion, we could have more resources for outreach in our city, state, nation and in other nations.  It would also release all of those who are giving of their resources in our building fund campaign and they would have more resources for their homes and families.  Ministry that I have not even thought of might take place simply because we have been freed from the constraints of the building payment. 
     I ask you to pray for us as we go through this campaign and may we simply hear from God on this and obey Him.

Have a great day,

HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     Well I am finally back to my normal schedule.  Ruth and I had a great time with the children and grandchildren over the holidays but we are glad to be back in our own bed and back here in Tennessee.  I was given the opportunity and honor to preach at New Covenant Church of God in Mapleton, Il while we were visiting and got to see many people who I have known through the years.  It was a really good time.
     This past Sunday I preached a New Year's sermon that outlined what we are going to attempt to do in ministry here at Greeneville First Church of God in 2013.  I gave dates and a general overview of how we will invest our energy and resources.  If you would like to hear the details you can go on line at our website and listen to the sermon.  One thing that I know for sure and it is we can plan and execute all the good things that we desire but unless God is in it and His Spirit leads and empowers we are merely going through the motions.  I ask you to pray for me that I will never just go through the motions.
     One of the things that I fear is that I would get to a place where I merely wait for retirement.  I must admit that I get tired much easier now than I did when I was 45 or even 55.  There are moments when I long for the opportunity to sleep in and take it easy.  I also must admit that I find that I want to figure out what I need to do to get things moving like I want them to move.  What a struggle it is for me to just listen to God and allow Him to give me clarity on His will.  Since God is really the One in charge and I am merely a servant I must continually remind myself that a servant is simply in place to serve his/her Master. 
     Well, we are in a New Year and I am commited to what someone said, "Work like it all depended on you and pray like it all depended on Him."  Have a great week. 

HGRudd