Merry Christmas!

We had a wonderful time last night at our candlelight communion service. Most of our family was involved. Heather ran the sound board and projection system, Robert placed the baby Jesus in the manger while Thomas recited Isaiah 9:6. Zack played the piano for the Christmas Carols and for my special “Mary Did You Know.” I also sang “O Holy Night.”

I was blessed to be part of an ensemble from the community choir that performed a special number. Four of us from the group also did the scripture readings from Luke 2 and John 1.

The highlight was the candle lighting at the end of the service. Watching the light spread from the one Christ candle around the room until 73 people stood holding the light of Jesus was an awesome sight.

Several people commented on how special the service was. It was a real community gathering. We had 51 from our church, 19 from the community and 3 from out of town.

Watching the light of Jesus spread around the room reminds us of our mission to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to our family, school, workplace, and our community. If we don’t do it, no one else will.

God has given us an awesome responsibility. He has called us to be the deliverers of His gift of love and forgiveness to a hurting world.
At Christmas we see that Jesus is the one Christmas gift that truly does keep on giving.

Keep the light spreading where God has placed you, not only at Christmas but all year round.

Merry Christmas and may God bless you and your family in 2009!

Pastor Ken Lawrence

Christmas Surprise

When I stopped by the church Saturday I was surprised to find a very large Christmas package on the platform along with a note that read “to be opened by Pastor Ken during announcements.”

It never crossed my mind that it might be for me. I had the feeling that one of the elders, who just happened to be out of town this weekend, had left it as something special for the church family. I tried reaching him on his cell phone but he did not answer and did not return my call.

My next plan was to ask the chairman of the elders on Sunday if he knew anything about it. But it turned out that he was out of town as well.

Having been the brunt of many a practical joke in my life, I was a little hesitant to open an unknown package from an unknown source in front of my church family. But after being reassured by a few of the church members that it was alright I went ahead and opened the package.

As I began to open the package the praise team began singing a song about “pastor has a new chainsaw.” Only then did I realize that this package was for me. When I finally got the box opened I was surprised to find a brand new Stihl chainsaw. I was shocked and actually speechless (a rare state for me.)

The church family shouted “Merry Christmas, Ken!” What a terrific gift. I recently went out with a dear friend from church to get some firewood. We brought back two trailer loads of Aspen logs but I have not had the time to cut them up into firewood yet. I’ve needed a good chainsaw as mine is not in the best of shape. This Christmas surprise was the perfect gift.

Thank you to my church family at Norwood Christian Church. You will never know how much this gift means to me. It’s more than just a chainsaw. Your thoughtfulness in meeting my family’s needs at just the right time is incredibly generous. I can’t thank you enough for all you have done and continue to do for me and my family.

Merry Christmas to you all!
Pastor Ken Lawrence

I’m Still Here

It’s been a while since I’ve posted so I wanted to get something out here just to let you know I’m still here. Last Sunday and Monday I had a great get away with my wife. We went to Ouray, Colorado -a little over an hour away from here (Norwood). We had a great, relaxing time together with just the two of us. We sure needed the time away.
While we were there we hiked to Box Canyon Falls. What a beautiful sight to see. We’re going to go back with the whole family when we can. It is definitely a must see.
That’s all for now. I’ll blog again soon.