Mt. Airy Charge Easter 2008

March 23rd 2008, Easter Sunday and my birthday. The last time Easter was on March 23rd was in 1913 and the next time it happens will be in 2160. I wasn't around for the last time and I won't be around for the next. So, today is a day of firsts. My first Easter Sunday / Birthday combination. My first Easter as a pastor. My first Maunday Thursday, Good Friday, and Sunrise services as a pastor. So it was a special day for me on top of being a special day in itself.

Our Easter Sunrise Service was at St. Andrews at 7:00. Joanne and I had to make it out of the house by 6 to get there on time and we barely made it. Well we actually left at 6:15 and I had to really hustle, (God was merciful that there were no State Police, Sheriffs, or deer out) but we made it. There were folks walking in the church laughing and saying, "Well we can't be too late we got here before the preacher!"
I was glad to see folks from the other churches there. It was a blessing to see members from all 3 churches attending the Maunday Thursday, Good Friday, and Sunrise Services during this week.
Joane wanted to get a shot of the preacher his first Easter Sunday on the job. The fact is I was sweating bullets and the outside temp was around 40. I think that it being Easter made me want to get it right. If I can ever stop trying to get it right, I may just get it right.

Folks got a kick that Jo and I were both wearing pink. We hadn't planned it, but it did make us look rather coordinated. We were actually lucky to be wearing matching socks and shoes.
After the Sunrise Service there was a big breakfast for those willing to get up this early. We had eggs, sausage and ham biscuits, muffins, fruit, and lots of orange juice and coffee. We were enjoying the food and fellowship so much we almost forget that we had to be at Republican Grove at 9:00. But, we made it there on time.

At Providence UMC after service we had an Easter Egg Hunt. Fred and Theresa Reiger's grandchildren were with us. Providence was the only church where I got to use my Easter Children's message. We had packed two candy packs and realized we needed four. So, Joanne ran back to the car and packed two more, while I stalled the service for a few minutes.

They hid the eggs in plain view at the ends of the pews. I was hilarious watching the kids look in all the harder places to hide stuff and walk right by the ones out in the open. I guess when you expect something to be difficult and hidden, you don't recognize it when it easy to get and so obvious. Ooh, that'll preach!

It had been a very busy week. Last Sunday, after the morning services and having lunch and a nice visit with the Reigers, we went to visitation for a member of Republican Grove who had died Friday night. Monday was the funeral in Brookneal, with the burial at the church cemetery. This was my second funeral in two weeks. Thursday night we had Maunday Thursday Service at Republican Grove. Friday night we were at Providence for Good Friday Tenebrae Service. The Sunday we had Sunrise Service at St. Andrews and Easter Services at Republican Grove and Providence at there regular times.

After Monday I needed the Thursday, Friday, and early Sunday. There is an old song by Carmen that says, "It may feel like Friday night, but Sunday is on the way!" Monday was the Friday night for me, the rest of the week with all the services drew me back to Sunday. That was where I should of been all the time.

Starry, Starry Night

You know something I really like about going out in the country? They got real stars! In the city if you look up in the sky and think you're seeing the stars, you're not. Mostly what you see are satellites and planes. You think you're looking at a star, only to notice its blinking and moving across the sky. The lights of the city keep you from seeing the incredible display of the heavens. Ever tried to see the Big Dipper with satellites? I really like looking at real stars.

First Funeral

This past Tuesday, March 4, I performed my first funeral as pastor of the Mount Airy Charge. It has been something I expectedto eventually have to do, but have been dreading since I was first assigned. A member of St. Andrews UMC died late Saturday night. I had been to visit him numerous times since last July; in the hospital, at the rehab facility, and at home. While he had been through a lot and was very ill, when you would walk in the room you wouldn't get the impression that he was sick. He was the healthiest looking sick person I had ever seen.

When he died I didn't feel totally comfortable with the possibility of giving the eulogy. I sincerely prayed that God would get me through this somehow. I had gotten to know him somewhat, but didn't feel I was right one to do it. Fortunately they asked a former pastor of St. Andrews UMC to do that duty. That pastor had known him for over 40 years; they were friends and had hunted together many times. They had a history, that I lacked. He was just who was needed. A prayer answered. We also had the pastor of his son to take a part in the service. So we had a retired Methodist pastor, a Baptist pastor, and me doing various parts of the service. Oh, I had best not forget the pianist; Joanne played the piano.

The church was full. It is a good measure of a person when so many come to pay their respects. The Renan Volunteer Fire Department was there. He had been a member of the volunteer fire department for 40 years. After the funeral we went to the cemetery. The big red fire truck led the way with lights flashing. The Sheriff's Department met us at every intersection, led us through Altavista and out onto Route 29. They did a excellent job. We were concerned that it might start to rain, but it held off until after we were all done.

My concern was that I would get it right my first time for the family. When it was over I felt like I could breathe again. Everything went off as it should. No one dragged on too long or messed up their part. I really don't relish the opportunity to do another one any time soon, but I know God will get me through, just like He always does.

The Demise of a 93 MIata

This past Wednesday, February 20th, started out as a nice relaxing day. I went to visit some of our church folks at the Altavisita nursing home. After that I was going to deliver bulletins to the churches, so they would be there Sunday morning when everyone arrived. Not having anywhere to rush to, I was having a leisurely drive enjoying the country. I was driving down Riceville Road, coming over that rise in the road coming towards the camera. There was a car at the stop sign at that road to the left. As I was coming down that slight incline, when they pulled right out in front of me. I hit the breaks, but it was too late and too close. I hit the other car in the driver's side door and its momentum pulled me into the other lane and the other car went off the side of the road down a 4 foot embankment. The young lady driving the other car got out before I did and asked how I was. I told that I had banged my knee and she told me to stay seated. I had my seat belt on and I'm sure that if I hadn't there would have been a large hole in that windshield. She called 911 on her cell phone and flagged down a car to go get her mother who lived just down the road that she had pulled out of. Fortunately for us the 640 Rescue Squad is at the top of that rise in the road and arrived quickly. The State Police and the Sheriff got there in about 10 minutes. They took our statements and provided us with each other's information.
I was able to get a call from Joanne before my cell battery went out. We decided to have the ambulance transport me to the hospital. The only problem was that they routinely take you to the closest hospital. Which means they planned to take me to Danville. The EMT said he would rather take me to South Boston. Neither of these would have been the least bit convenient for Joanne to get to me. Meanwhile, Joanne called Carl Wayne Adams from Providence UMC, who lived nearby and asked him to go check on me and to try to get me sent to Lynchburg General Hospital. I heard Carl's voice when he got to the scene asking the EMT, "Is he conscious?" He told me Joanne had called and would like for me to go to LGH if at all possible. The EMT said they would be willing to take me there, so it worked out well.
When I was placed in the ambulance, the EMT's strapped me to a back board, put on a cervical collar, and immobilized my head. It was about that time that I thought, "This might not be good". On the way to the hospital, staring at the roof of the ambulance, I started saying the Jesus Prayer to myself. Breathing in on "Jesus Christ, Son of God" and breathing out on "Have mercy on me a sinner". It helped to calm me and give me something to concentrate on. I also was aware that there were more people than I knew praying for me. Knowing Joanne I was sure that she had our churches and half the District notified and praying. When I arrived at the ER, Joanne, my Dad, and Jeremiah, our son, were waiting for me. They rolled me into the Er and sent to an exam room. They got me off the board, but left the collar around my neck. The doctor came in and did a check of my legs and arms, then ordered a CT scan of my neck and x-rays of my chest and spine, still leaving the neck collar on. The scan and x-rays didn't take long and I was back in the room. The doctor came in and without saying a word came over and removed the neck collar. That told me all I wanted to know, everything else would be relatively good news. The diagnosis was that I had whiplash and muscle strain.
The next morning the phones started ringing around 7:00. Folks letting us know they were praying for us and wanted to know how I was doing. We got calls from our insurance people and the other driver's people. In the afternoon we went back to Gretna to meet the other driver's insurance person to talk to them about a settlement and to see the Miata since it was towed. I hadn't really spent much time looking at it when it happened. Well, they totaled the Miata, it was too damaged to repair. So, Joanne and I started to unload the trunk and glove box. I had always complained about how little the trunk held, man was I wrong. When we finished we drove over to the church and finally delivered some bulletins.
Well, my playmate is no more. It's like losing an old friend. We bought the Miata in 1995 used and its been a good car. It has really been fun driving the back country roads between churches. As bad as it looks, it held up well. The cockpit didn't compress and the was no glass breakage. The seat held fast and I didn't bang my head on anything. The airbag didn't deploy, but I'm not so sure that that was a bad thing. I am very thankful to my guardian angels; Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy, who were there with me as they have been all the days of my life. All in all, I felt protected by God's loving hand, covered by the prayers of the saints, loved from all directions, and blessed beyond comprehension. I know what it could have been and I know what it is, and I am so incredibly thankful. Every day walking with Him is another day of adventure, no mater what, it is all part of the adventure.

Had a Nice Vist

This past Sunday I had a nice visit from my parents and my brother Aaron. Now, my parents live in Lynchburg and have been out to the church before, but this was Aaron's first time out. Aaron and his family live in Charleston, West Virginia. The critiques weren't too harsh, my dad had saved his from their last visit. I guess he felt more comfortable with the gang critique. Honestly, it wasn't bad and it was stuff I needed to hear. If you're going to be told how to do better (actually, how you mess up) it might as well come from family. I'm glad I've been at it for over 6 months so that I only had to listen to an hour of it.
I think Aaron wanted me to pose, but the best I could do was grin and laugh. Joanne and Dad were suggesting poses for me, they were pretty bad. I'm not sure if they wanted me to look like an evangelist preaching hell fire and brimstone or the village idiot. Anyway, we all got a good laugh.

After lunch, as Aaron was getting ready to head home and we were walking to our cars, he said,"I'm proud of you." Thanks Bro, it meant more than you know.

The Newest Grandchild

On January 8th, Leah Gabriell Johnson was born to our son, Jeremiah, and his girlfriend, Kate. Leah weighed in at 6 lb. 8 oz. and was 20 inches long.
Joanne stayed in the room during the birth, along with Jeremiah and Kate's mom. I stayed in the room for a bit, but I bailed as soon as I heard Kate yell,"I'm gonna push, I can't help it!" I was a blur leaving the room.
I thought I'd have time to stroll to the cafeteria and get some supper. I stopped for awhile to talk to a guy who had worked in x-ray when I worked at the hospital. In about 15 minutes Jeremiah came out and gave me the all clear sign, it was safe to return. Supper would have to wait. (until morning)
This is Leah about two weeks after birth. She has gained back to her birth weight, plus an ounce or two. She seemed to be more intent on sleeping, but we did catch her with her eyes open for a little while. Jeremiah is a hoot to listen to and watch with the baby.
Joanne and I have now been blessed with 5 grandchildren; Thomas, Taisie, Levi, Lila, and Leah. We thank God for each of them and rejoice in their health and well-being. We pray for our Lord's hand to be on them, that He will guide and protect them all their lives.

I think it might just be part of God's plan, that as we get old he brings babies and children back into our lives again, so that we remember our youth and feel young again. Ain't God good!

Live The Light

Last Sunday we started a five week study of the book by Pastor Larry Davies of Timberlake UMC. We handed out a copy of the book for each family at Republican Grove UMC, Providence UMC, and St, Andrews UMC. I assured everyone that it was now "their" book and they could keep it. I would not be asking for them back. Several got an extra copy to deliver to those members not there that morning. There is a reading for each day of the week and that week will be the focus of the next Sunday message. I encouraged them to share the book in their homes, write in the book, use a highlighter, read it daily, and do the exercises at the end of each reading.

I'm really excited that we will be working through this during the Lenten season. My hope is that it will help us refocus on the season and the call of Jesus in our lives. That we will, not only as a church, but as individual members be that light that bring the lost safely home. Please keep us in your prayers as we do something that will stretch and grow us in Jesus.

The Gratitude Campaign

It's almost like a salute. Check it out and get a tissue. This is great and it connects.

From the website:
For the past several years as I've been traveling around the country, I've been approaching soldiers in the airports and thanking them for serving for us. On several occasions I have noticed that it felt a little awkward for both of us.

There are several reasons, some of which I am even just now learning as I produce this film and talk to more soldiers.

But they have always appreciated being thanked, and I have always felt better having expressed my gratitude.

I started to think that it would be nice if civilians had a gesture or sign they could use to say 'thank you' quickly and easily without even having to approach. I did some research and found the sign that we are now using.

Is this limited to the military? Not at all. If you look around you I'm sure you'll find lots of people who are serving their communities, from local to global. If you appreciate their service, give them a sign. Say 'thank you.'

http://www.gratitudecampaign.org/fullmovie.php#

Family Christmas

This Christmas we were blessed to have both of our children, Courtney and Jeremiah, and their families with us. This was the first time in about 5 or 6 years we've all gotten together. We had expected Courtney and Dave to arrive with the kids in the afternoon, but our doorbell rang at 9 in the morning. Thomas, Taisie, and Levi were hiding by the door, with Courtney under the porch taking pics of my reactions.

Jeremiah had Lila enthralled by his beard. She wasn't quite sure what to make of him.
We gave Thomas and Taisie Nintendo DS Lites. They each had different games and played all morning.
They apparently enjoyed them because they hardly set them down for the next 4 days.
Levi got his own, unbreakable, digital camera. He ran around taking pics of everyone and everything. The camera has games on it and will also let Levi take videos.
I got to hold the baby some, which was a good present for me. Lila just kinda took it all in and watched everyone acting goofy. She opened her collection of rubber Disney Princesses and wasted no time chewing them. Can you say "teething"?

Levi got a dragon costume from Uncle Jeremiah. He had gloves, shoes, head, and a cape with scales. You can only imagine his ferocious roar.
Courtney had received her Christmas gift early. Family members sent funds to Dave and he presented them to Courtney so she could buy an exceptional digital camera.
Jeremiah was right in there with the kids. Throwing paper everywhere. He did the uncle thing very well.
Dave kept getting the one things kids dread at Christmas, books! But, it didn't seem to bother him much.
Taisie was flooded with Hanna Montana clothes, dolls, games, jewelry, and of course plenty of Disney stuff.

We all had a lot of fun and really enjoyed our time together. Christmas is so much more when there's family there to enjoy it with you. I hope you all were as blessed with your Christmas day as we were with ours.

Christams Eve Candlelight ervice at Providence UMC

On Christmas Eve we had a candlelight service at Providence UMC. We used the program "9 Lessons and Caroles" from the UMC Book of Worship. Members of the congregation read the various lessons.
Brian Daniels, accompanied by Joanne Johnson, sang "Mary Did You Know". This was the first Christmas Eve Service held at Providence UMC, according to the congregation. It was the perfect way to move into Christmas day.

It seems like we work up to the day before and we're rushing here and there to get everything for everybody. We forget who and what its all about. We really need to make ourselves "in the mood" for Christmas. Have you ever looked forward to Christmas being over? If you haven't, well you've been blessed. I have to make myself in that holiday mood and a Christmas Eve service is just what I need.