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
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
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
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
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
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
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
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
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
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
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
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
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
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
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
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
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
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
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
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