St. Andrews UMC Recognizes our 2010 High School Graduate

Brandon Wyatt graduated this year from Gretna High School. St. Andrews UMC presented brandon with a new Bible. With Brandon we had his mom and dad, Bill and Stacey, and his brother Wesley. Brandon will be attending Virginia Tech this Fall, where his brother is in his third year. Congratulations Brandon.

How Would You Introduce Jesus?

4th of July

Wishing all a very happy 4th of July, from sea to shining sea. Keep in mind its about more than cookouts and fireworks.

"The highest glory of the American Revolution was this: that it connected, in one indissoluble bond, the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity." ~ John Quincy Adams

"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians, not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ." ~ Patrick Henry

4th of July

I caught this flipping through the channels today. Took awhile to find it online, but it was worth it.

Prayer meeting at St. Andrews UMC

We had a board meeting at St. Andrews UMC and it was proposed that we start a weekly prayer meeting. Now, the idea was not mine, it was theirs, and it was unanimously approved. For a pastor it doesn't get much better than that. I know that as a United Methodist pastor, eventually, I will most likely be moved. But, when it is their idea, they have ownership. It idea doesn't walk out the door when I have to move to another congregation.

 

We had our first prayer meeting this past Tuesday night. We had 6 people joining together and that includes me. Now that may seem like a small number to some, but with a church that has a small congregation, that number represents 10 to 20% of the active congregation. Personally, I am very pleased with the response. We spent an hour praying for world issues and needs, our nation, our state, our community, our church, and individuals.

Republican Grove VFD Helipad

The Volunteer Fire Department of Republican Grove dedicated their new helipad. It is only the second helipad in Halifax County.

Now if anyone goes critical during one of my sermons (highly unlikely, unless sleeping counts), all they have to do is get you next door and fly you out.

Father's Day

For Father's Day Joanne gave me a scale replica of Shields Tavern in Colonial Williamsburg.We have had more anniversary dinners at Shields tavern than anywhere else.

 

We had dinner at Mom and Dad's. We had a nice time talking with my sisters Dawna and Paula. It was fun using Skype to not only talk to them but to see them on the computer. I am going to have to get that hooked up on mine.

 

We found a book about oysters for Dad.The book talks about the various oysters up and down the east coast. Since Dad loves his oysters, I figured he was the only person I could think of that might actually read the book and enjoy it.

 

Jeremiah, Dad, and me.

 

 Joanne, Jeremiah, and me.

We had a nice Father's Day, hope all of you did,too.

The Newlyweds at St. Andrews UMC for Their First Sunday

Josh and Kate Dalton came to church the morning after they were married. Our benediction that morning was to have them come up to the front of the sanctuary for the entire congregation to gather around, place their hands on them, and pray that God would bless their marriage and life together.

When the "Amen" was said, we pulled out the bubble juice and blew bubbles, just like we did when they left the reception. Everyone was laughing and celebrating.

A wonderful way to start a life together, in God's house, with God's people, blowing bubbles, and laughing.

Father's Day on the Mount Airy Charge

On the Mount Airy Charge we recognize all men on Father's Day, regardless of age or whether they have had children or not.

We want all of our men to recognize that though they may not have had children, they may minister as "Spiritual Fathers" or surrogate fathers depending on the situation.

Joanne made up a little gift with lifesavers for each of the men in our 3 churches.

Even the pastor gets a Father's Day surprise.

Happy Father's Day men, thank you for serving and ministering to others.

The Wedding of Joashua and Kate Dalton

Here comes the Bride! Joshua and Kate Dalton were married Saturday June 19th at Straightstone Baptist Church in Pittsylvania County. I co-officiated with Pastor Paul Woodward of Straightstone Baptist Church. He did the opening half of the service and I picked it up with the vows. The transition was during a special song.

 

It was a beautiful service and went off with barely a glitch. I was going to serve the couple Communion and then there was to be a song, and then they would do the Unity Sand. The singer started before we had a chance to begin the Communion. I looked at Kate and Josh and told them no problem. When the song was finished I served Communion, then they moved directly to do the Unity Sand. It went seamlessly.

 

Presenting Mr. & Mrs. Joshua and Kate Dalton.

 

Rachel Nuckols, the Bride's sister and Maid of Honor.

 

The newlyweds first dance.

 

The Father and Daughter Dance.

 

The Mother and Son Dance.

 

The Buffet line and Dan hugging Kate.

 

The Cutting of the Wedding Cake, with Kate neatly feeding Joshua his first bite of cake. No cake up the nose for anyone today.

 

The Wedding Toast.

 

Kate with Bridesmaids by the pool. And no, they didn't toss her in the pool.

 

A quiet moment to catch their breath,

 

Watching the pros flat-footin' to "Rocky Top".

 

The Siblings; Kate Dalton, Rachel and Dan Nuckols.

 

Dan Nuckols and Rachel Fisk

 

A happy pastor and wife, to have been included in such a special day.

 

Lisa and A.J. Nuckols, the very happy parents of the Bride.

 

They blew bubbles instead of throwing rice. That way they could start inside the building and just follow Josh and Katie out the door.

 

Heading out! It looks like either the airbag went off or a jar of marshmallow fluff exploded. Happy couple, happy family and friends, a very good day.Thank you all for the privilege of being a part of it.