Welcome from the Pastor...

Welcome to the Pastor's Blog.

Lessons from Snow

Even by Buffalo standards (my hometown) this is getting a bit ridiculous. It is winter so snow can be expected, but I think we've had enough. Denise and I worked several hours to open the driveway last night. This morning it was filled back in. The wind across the nearby farm pushed the drifting snow right across the cleared pathway. We had to dig it out again!

As I was digging I was thinking (thus disproving the walking and chewing gum theory)
God decides how much snow is coming, not the weatherman.
God likes seeing neighbors helping each other.
God listens to children's prayers.
God teaches us to slow down.
God enjoys quiet.
God can cover any blemish and make it white as snow.
Any other lessons? Let me know.

Enjoy the beauty,
Pastor Ken

Where does the time go?

If you're reading this you have a rare gift... time. At least a few minutes on the computer to read this post. It seems everyone is so busy and pushed for time that it's hard to really get anything done. I'm guilty. My intent is to post a blog once a month to keep everyone updated on things at Hope. I'm a little behind. But, as they say, time marches on.

So what 's important? The new photo directory? The Men's Breakfast and Bible Study? My small group study? The Congregational Meeting? The budget? Annual reports? All these things are happening or due in the next two weeks... Hmm, think Ken think, what's important... where should I put my time?

Answer: No where. What's important is my time with God. Sorry everyone but reading, praying and meditating need to take priority. I can still be reached, you can find me... but you're not my #1 top priority. God is and has to be. I ask the same for you. When I call to ask you ________ (and I will get around to you) there are times when you need to tell me to wait.
God comes first. He has to. That's what it's all about.

So, let's talk soon, but not right now. Log off, get your Bible, read a few lines. You have time.
Me too. Right now... I have to go, it's God time, I've kept Him waiting long enough.

Hey Scrooge it's Advent

I often say the highs are higher and the lows are lower then ever before. A few weeks ago Denise and I went out to San Diego to attend the National Outreach Convention. About 1000 people from around the country attended. It was fantastic! I came back motivated! (You can listen to the sermon from 11/15 on our website and judge for yourself.) The conference was one of those highs. However a few days later, Denise found out she needed surgery to repair some nerve damage in her neck and on top of that her "position was eliminated" so now she is unemployed. The lows are low.

Some folks hang on to the lows and forget the highs. If you ever read or saw "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens you know that's what Ebeneezer Scrooge did. He forgot all about the good times in his life and only focused on the negative. In the process he became mean, stingy, and bitter. Tsk, Tsk. Well, he's the subject of our Advent messages. Advent means 'coming.' Jesus came to earth once and will return again someday. We ought to be ready. Scrooge wasn't. He found Christmas a "humbug." Sadly, people today do too.

Come join us during the Advent season and see if we can turn your humbugs to hallelujahs. Yes, the lows are low, but they don't have to stay that way. Come to Hope. Meet our people. More importantly, come find out what real hope is. Come and meet Jesus. Hope to see you soon!

Sports crazy!

Can you believe it? Phillies back in the World Series and the Buffalo Sabres are in first place with 5 wins and only 1 loss. The Bills are struggling but the season is young. Not to mention High School sports of every shape and color are in full swing. This is a busy time; time to yell, time to cheer, and yes, time to have your heart broken by your favorite team - right Eagles fans? OK, back to yelling and cheering... are you one of those people who screams at the TV? Do you know one of those people? (I might.) And now that it's Fall, oh boy, baseball, football, hockey and even basketball starts soon. All that cheering!!!

Except of course on Sunday mornings. Oh no. That's not cool. You don't do that in church. Why not? I say let's do it! Doesn't God deserve a cheer? We cheer for a strikeout, we yell for a touchdown, we scream for a goal, and for God.... we remain silent. Let's look at our blessings - that deserves a cheer. God is the provider of all good things and He should be praised. I think we need to start the wave this Sunday, give a standing-o, and have a curtain call for the One who really deserves our admiration. Let's get excited about being on God's team. (Cliche, I know but I'm a huge fan.) See you Sunday!

What do I want?

I was having breakfast with a Pastor friend of mine this week. He asked, "Ken, what do you want the people of Hope to look like?" I think they look pretty good and besides, I was chewing some bacon, so I asked him to repeat the question. "What do you want for them, what do you want them to look like in a year or two?" I knew he didn't mean physical appearance. I thought for a bit. The easy answer would be Disciples of Christ. If Hope Church was full of Christ-like people then all would be well. But that's a textbook answer and not really what he wanted to hear. So I gave my answer, "I want them to fear God."

Proverbs 1:7(a) says,"Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge." (NLT) The NIV says, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge." When we come to grips that we are sinners and that God is so indescrible, so awesome, so _______ (fill in the blank) then we can begin to gain knowledge about him. I want the people of Hope to fear God; not in the scardy-cat kind of way, but to be humbled to know that we are worshipping in the presence of the Holy One. We come to Hope and we are standing on Holy Ground. Wow. That's what I want.

First Post

First Post

We had a wonderful outdoor Worship service and picnic on Sunday August 23rd. The weather held out, we had plenty of food, and 150 members and guests. It was an inspiring day for Hope Community Church. Thank you to all who came, worshipped, sang, set-up, played games, cleaned-up, and enjoyed the day. You are all special and it is the friendly caring people that make Hope a great place to be.

Welcome

Hi everyone! Thanks for checking out our site. I (Pastor Ken) will try to update this blog at least once a month, so check back often.
Blessings!