Hello Folks,
In the past 2 weeks we have had 3 people makes commitments of salvation to Jesus and we should all give thanks to God for His Holy Ghost working in thel ives of people. We should also pray for these folks and continue to ask God to move among us so we can see people come to Christ. One of thos indivdiuals was led to Christ by someone who attends here, another came to my office wanting to be saved an unwilling to wait until Sunday, the other person made their commitment at our altar. God is really good to us.
I will be going to Zanesville, Ohio to preach a series of sermons from Sunday through Wednesday of next week. Pray that God will use me to preach His Word and that the Holy Spirit will pierce the hearts of people so we can see people saved, sanctified and continuing in their life as disciples of Jesus Christ.
It has been my privilege to pastor for almost 31 years now and I feel as if I am heading toward the downward slope of life. None of us know how much longer we will be allowed to live in this world but as you get older you begin to realize that your time is more limited than it has ever been. I ask you to pray with me so I can be the man that God would have me to be. It is easy to miss the mark of God's plan for your life if you listen to all the "noise" that goes on in life. Pray that I will hear Jesus speak to me and that I will obey His call in my life. What a privilege is has been to serve the King! One man said: "Christ's call to discipleship is a call to self-death, an absolute surrender to Jesus." I pray that will be true everyday in me!
HGRudd
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Hello Folks,
The drama preparation is moving forward at a very fast pace. The scemery is in place and the practices are moving forward. People have been working hard and we are anticipating a moving of God in our midst. Now, for one of the most important parts for this event and it is prayer! Woudl you pray that God use our efforts for His glory? This needs to be a spiritual sacrifice given to the One who gave Himself for us.
As this congregation moves forward there is one thing that is obvious to me and it is that we must consistently seek the direction of God in what we attempt. Being part of God's church has more to do with finding His willing than it does in staying busy. As I personally move forward in my life it is difficult sometimes to discern what is necessary and what is spiritual "static." Sometimes it is easy to get drawn into the idea that if I just work harder things will be the best yet the reality is that I really need to listen to God and find out what He would have me to invest myself in. I do not know if you struggle with that issue but it seems to me to be a consistent issue!
Well, I pray that this week will find you seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness! May He bless you in that quest.
HGRudd
The drama preparation is moving forward at a very fast pace. The scemery is in place and the practices are moving forward. People have been working hard and we are anticipating a moving of God in our midst. Now, for one of the most important parts for this event and it is prayer! Woudl you pray that God use our efforts for His glory? This needs to be a spiritual sacrifice given to the One who gave Himself for us.
As this congregation moves forward there is one thing that is obvious to me and it is that we must consistently seek the direction of God in what we attempt. Being part of God's church has more to do with finding His willing than it does in staying busy. As I personally move forward in my life it is difficult sometimes to discern what is necessary and what is spiritual "static." Sometimes it is easy to get drawn into the idea that if I just work harder things will be the best yet the reality is that I really need to listen to God and find out what He would have me to invest myself in. I do not know if you struggle with that issue but it seems to me to be a consistent issue!
Well, I pray that this week will find you seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness! May He bless you in that quest.
HGRudd
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Hello Folks,
This past week some of you began the hard work or getting the scenery set up for the Easter Drama. On Monday the material was brought in from the garage and placed in the sanctuary. Then on Thursday and Friday many of you came and help assembly it all. On Saturday the decorations were added and by the time the worship services took place on Sunday it was almost completed. There are a few things that still must be done but most of it has been accomplished. But that is not all that has to be done. Now, people are beginning the work of learning parts, singing songs, getting sostumes worked out and practicing. I ask you to pray for all who are involved but even more pray for those who will come to watch the performances and find out that God is present. Could it be that souls would be saved and invidiuals would become more like Jesus? Help this take place by inviting people and by praying for them. The Lord wants to do a great work among us and this is one of the things that is part of that. The Drama will be presented April 14-17 each night and if you bathe it in prayer there is no telling what God might do among us.
This past Sunday p.m. I preached about the fact that we are in spiritual warfare. Often it is easy to forget that much of what takes place in the lives of those who love Jesus is a real spiritual warfare. The devil is very real and he desires to destroy us individually and as a local body of believers. I must confess that it is easy to get so caught up in the ordinary things that we do that we forget that much of the depression and weakness that we have is due to the battle that is taking place. I would encourage all of us to be alert and ready to fight this battle. We are Kingdom people whose King is Jesus and He will give us victory.
May He bless you all,
Pastor H. G. Rudd
This past week some of you began the hard work or getting the scenery set up for the Easter Drama. On Monday the material was brought in from the garage and placed in the sanctuary. Then on Thursday and Friday many of you came and help assembly it all. On Saturday the decorations were added and by the time the worship services took place on Sunday it was almost completed. There are a few things that still must be done but most of it has been accomplished. But that is not all that has to be done. Now, people are beginning the work of learning parts, singing songs, getting sostumes worked out and practicing. I ask you to pray for all who are involved but even more pray for those who will come to watch the performances and find out that God is present. Could it be that souls would be saved and invidiuals would become more like Jesus? Help this take place by inviting people and by praying for them. The Lord wants to do a great work among us and this is one of the things that is part of that. The Drama will be presented April 14-17 each night and if you bathe it in prayer there is no telling what God might do among us.
This past Sunday p.m. I preached about the fact that we are in spiritual warfare. Often it is easy to forget that much of what takes place in the lives of those who love Jesus is a real spiritual warfare. The devil is very real and he desires to destroy us individually and as a local body of believers. I must confess that it is easy to get so caught up in the ordinary things that we do that we forget that much of the depression and weakness that we have is due to the battle that is taking place. I would encourage all of us to be alert and ready to fight this battle. We are Kingdom people whose King is Jesus and He will give us victory.
May He bless you all,
Pastor H. G. Rudd
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Hello Folks,
Last night I met about a dozen men here at the church building and we began moving all the material for the drama set into the building. We finished by about 7:15 p.m. and over the next few nights the set will be assembled and our sanctuary will be transformed into a set that has a 1st century A.D. feel to it. I cannot express the joy I have when I watch the people of this congregation get together to accomplish something for the Kingdom. It is a pleasure for me to get to fellowship with our men as we labor together. I want to thank all of them for their willingness to be here and help.
This pastor Sunday we had a baby dedication service and saw 7 children dedicated to the Lords use and had those parents give themselves to raise their chidlren in a godly fashion. On top of that there were numerous family members who sat in our pews who would not have been here if it were not for that speical service. They participated in our worship and who knows what will happen in their lives for Christ.
I also preached on making disciples. As part of the altar service I asked people who wanted to be discipled or who wanted to learn how to make disciples to meet me on the platform. I had a total of 15 people tell me that they wanted to be involved in this process. Now I need yoru prayers so I can make sure I follow up on these individauls in an appropriate manner.
We also had a wonderful orchestra play for our worship. Pastor Dale and Pastor Anita have worked very hard to make this possible. Who knows what the future holds for us where this orchestra is concerned. I look forward to the day when this will be part of our worship every Sunday for the glory of God.
Have a great day,
Pastor H. G. Rudd
Last night I met about a dozen men here at the church building and we began moving all the material for the drama set into the building. We finished by about 7:15 p.m. and over the next few nights the set will be assembled and our sanctuary will be transformed into a set that has a 1st century A.D. feel to it. I cannot express the joy I have when I watch the people of this congregation get together to accomplish something for the Kingdom. It is a pleasure for me to get to fellowship with our men as we labor together. I want to thank all of them for their willingness to be here and help.
This pastor Sunday we had a baby dedication service and saw 7 children dedicated to the Lords use and had those parents give themselves to raise their chidlren in a godly fashion. On top of that there were numerous family members who sat in our pews who would not have been here if it were not for that speical service. They participated in our worship and who knows what will happen in their lives for Christ.
I also preached on making disciples. As part of the altar service I asked people who wanted to be discipled or who wanted to learn how to make disciples to meet me on the platform. I had a total of 15 people tell me that they wanted to be involved in this process. Now I need yoru prayers so I can make sure I follow up on these individauls in an appropriate manner.
We also had a wonderful orchestra play for our worship. Pastor Dale and Pastor Anita have worked very hard to make this possible. Who knows what the future holds for us where this orchestra is concerned. I look forward to the day when this will be part of our worship every Sunday for the glory of God.
Have a great day,
Pastor H. G. Rudd
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Hello Folks,
I just received a summary for the total number of books checked out of our library for the month of January of 2011 and it was 614. That included all ages and all types of books. It appears that many of those who attend here are utilizing our library for various nees. I would like to thank Heidi Deyton for all her good work in obtaining books and making them available for the use of any who want to use it.
I have been reading the book "The Essential Church" by Thom and Sam Rainer. This book deals with the question of why so many young people leave the congregation between ages 18-22. The title of the book gives us a basic idea for this and it is that the church is not an essential part of their lives. I wonder if that is also true for those of all ages? I watch as some people slowly allow their spiritual lives to evaporate--it disappears and sometimes no one even knows it. If you have any ideas as to what can be done to help address those issues please feel free to write them down and get them to me. I would like to be able to help make a difference in the lives of our young adults as well as people of all ages.
Jerlee Ottinger is currently in Haiti helping to lead a work camp of 25 people from South Carolina. What a joy it is to watch our folks from our congregation pour their lives into missions work. We also have Raymond and Dereda Shelton who pour so much into the work in Nicaragua and have led numerous work camps there. We are very blessed to be allowed to share in ministry with them. Pray for them as they give of themselves for the Kingdom of God.
May He bless you all.
Pastor H. G. Rudd
I just received a summary for the total number of books checked out of our library for the month of January of 2011 and it was 614. That included all ages and all types of books. It appears that many of those who attend here are utilizing our library for various nees. I would like to thank Heidi Deyton for all her good work in obtaining books and making them available for the use of any who want to use it.
I have been reading the book "The Essential Church" by Thom and Sam Rainer. This book deals with the question of why so many young people leave the congregation between ages 18-22. The title of the book gives us a basic idea for this and it is that the church is not an essential part of their lives. I wonder if that is also true for those of all ages? I watch as some people slowly allow their spiritual lives to evaporate--it disappears and sometimes no one even knows it. If you have any ideas as to what can be done to help address those issues please feel free to write them down and get them to me. I would like to be able to help make a difference in the lives of our young adults as well as people of all ages.
Jerlee Ottinger is currently in Haiti helping to lead a work camp of 25 people from South Carolina. What a joy it is to watch our folks from our congregation pour their lives into missions work. We also have Raymond and Dereda Shelton who pour so much into the work in Nicaragua and have led numerous work camps there. We are very blessed to be allowed to share in ministry with them. Pray for them as they give of themselves for the Kingdom of God.
May He bless you all.
Pastor H. G. Rudd
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Hello Folks,
As I write this blog we have had two nights of our winter campmeeting already go by. The preaching has been o the subject of revival with Darryl Allen being used by God to present the truths that surround revival to us. He has been preaching out of 2 Chron 7:14 and Rev 2:1-7. One point that he has concentrated on is that revival is for the church! That means you and I may need to have our hearts renewed so God can do what He desires in us and among us! I ask you to pray that God would continue to speak through our brother so we can become more like Jesus.
Mick Gilliam from Anderson, In has been our worship leader and he has done a wonderful job. In the Sunday p.m. worship he led the choir in an arrangement of Victory in Jesus that was absolutely amazing. The song spoke to my heart and, I believe, to the hearts of others who were there. The speical singing has been very good and the overall spirit of things has been very good.
If you are in the area there are two more nights of worship and I would encourage you to be there! Our area congregations get together twice a year in camp meeting and I hope that you will live out the message of unity by being with us. It is really hard to tell folks that we are One Church when we do not want to be together.
On Feb. 20 we will be having a baby dedication and we have about 7 families signed up to participate. If you want to participate in this please be in my office on Feb. 13 so I can over some issues with you. If you cannot be there then please let me know and we will work something out. This is a marvelous time when families are making commitments to dedicate themselves to raise their children in the manner that is God pleasing and will help their children grow up knowing about the Savior so that as some point they will turn to the Savior.
I pray that your week is filled with the wonders of Jesus. May He bless you all.
Yours In Christ,
Pastor H. G. Rudd
As I write this blog we have had two nights of our winter campmeeting already go by. The preaching has been o the subject of revival with Darryl Allen being used by God to present the truths that surround revival to us. He has been preaching out of 2 Chron 7:14 and Rev 2:1-7. One point that he has concentrated on is that revival is for the church! That means you and I may need to have our hearts renewed so God can do what He desires in us and among us! I ask you to pray that God would continue to speak through our brother so we can become more like Jesus.
Mick Gilliam from Anderson, In has been our worship leader and he has done a wonderful job. In the Sunday p.m. worship he led the choir in an arrangement of Victory in Jesus that was absolutely amazing. The song spoke to my heart and, I believe, to the hearts of others who were there. The speical singing has been very good and the overall spirit of things has been very good.
If you are in the area there are two more nights of worship and I would encourage you to be there! Our area congregations get together twice a year in camp meeting and I hope that you will live out the message of unity by being with us. It is really hard to tell folks that we are One Church when we do not want to be together.
On Feb. 20 we will be having a baby dedication and we have about 7 families signed up to participate. If you want to participate in this please be in my office on Feb. 13 so I can over some issues with you. If you cannot be there then please let me know and we will work something out. This is a marvelous time when families are making commitments to dedicate themselves to raise their children in the manner that is God pleasing and will help their children grow up knowing about the Savior so that as some point they will turn to the Savior.
I pray that your week is filled with the wonders of Jesus. May He bless you all.
Yours In Christ,
Pastor H. G. Rudd
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Hello Folks,
The weather has been really nice here in East Tennessee and I for one have been enjoying it. Of course, I would be happy if the tempature never got below 60 degrees. The cold tempatures here have effected everyone by doubling and, in some cases, tripling our heat bills. That has been difficult for many folks and this warm weather has been a big help.
Our worship in both the a.m. and p.m. this past Sunday was really good, at least from my perspective. We had a number of new folks here and the Spirit moved in hearts. I wonder sometimes how to measure whether we were "successful" with what takes place. Most of the time it is a matter of whether anyone comes to the altar and how I "feel" about what happened. Could it be that much more takes place in the pew without anyone ever moving out of their seat? Could it be that I "feel" good but that no one else does? Those are some of the questions that I have. Maybe it is more an age issue for me. I am 59 and getting older so could it be that I am wondering if I have invested my life correctly? Let me simply say that spending over 30 years a pastor has been something I would not change even though I have had times when I did not get it done right. It has been my privilege to see people have life changing encounters with the Savior and that has been amazing.
This past Sunday I had a man come to me and say that he wanted to grow in Jesus and wanted his family to do better at it than he had done. This had a profound impact upon me! How do I help people like that to grow in Jesus. I told him that I would contact him about working together to learn what it meant to grow in Christ. I have that to do this week. Others came to me for other issues Sunday but that man's desire moved my heart! Pray that God use me to help that individual to grow in Christ.
H. G. Rudd
The weather has been really nice here in East Tennessee and I for one have been enjoying it. Of course, I would be happy if the tempature never got below 60 degrees. The cold tempatures here have effected everyone by doubling and, in some cases, tripling our heat bills. That has been difficult for many folks and this warm weather has been a big help.
Our worship in both the a.m. and p.m. this past Sunday was really good, at least from my perspective. We had a number of new folks here and the Spirit moved in hearts. I wonder sometimes how to measure whether we were "successful" with what takes place. Most of the time it is a matter of whether anyone comes to the altar and how I "feel" about what happened. Could it be that much more takes place in the pew without anyone ever moving out of their seat? Could it be that I "feel" good but that no one else does? Those are some of the questions that I have. Maybe it is more an age issue for me. I am 59 and getting older so could it be that I am wondering if I have invested my life correctly? Let me simply say that spending over 30 years a pastor has been something I would not change even though I have had times when I did not get it done right. It has been my privilege to see people have life changing encounters with the Savior and that has been amazing.
This past Sunday I had a man come to me and say that he wanted to grow in Jesus and wanted his family to do better at it than he had done. This had a profound impact upon me! How do I help people like that to grow in Jesus. I told him that I would contact him about working together to learn what it meant to grow in Christ. I have that to do this week. Others came to me for other issues Sunday but that man's desire moved my heart! Pray that God use me to help that individual to grow in Christ.
H. G. Rudd
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