Louisa Interim

Trunk of Treats - Great Way to Connect to the Community

I regret I could not make it back from North Carolina in time to be at the church Wednesday night. I always look forward to visiting and catching up with what is going on. It is especially great to see the young families and youth present. I only wish more of the congregation would participate in the fellowship time that Wednesday night provides.

A great opportunity to connect to the Louisa community comes Friday night with the Trunk of Treats. I hope you have participated in some way. I look forward to seeing many of you there as we just share a little bit of compassion and care with the young families of the community.

Blessings!

Time for tests

Jacob, my thirteen year old, has been studying for his nine week exams this week. Teachers have been giving him guidance into what to study and how to prepare. It's a new adventure for him.

The church in many ways is undergoing its own "tests:"

• The test of unity during these trying days of pastoral transition. Many churches struggle with staying focused on what is most important when they are looking for a pastor. It is easy to get sidetracked down rabbit trails and emotional journeys. There is nothing wrong with sharing emotions, but it is important to remember John 13-17 during these days. The disciples were about to lose their leader, and Jesus's charge to them in his prayer in chapter 17 is to stay focused on the one purpose for which we are called - be one!  

• The test of financial commitment when it is without a pastor. It is not uncommon during days without a pastor that people think not much is happening without a pastor so we can just stop giving or at least cut back. I always remind people that the test really is not about your financial commitment to the church, but your commitment to what the Lord is doing in your life and how your gifts to the Kingdom work of the church are expressed through that commitment.

• The test of participation - I am surprised how many people think that since the pastor is gone, their participation is not that important. But really you are tested as a church the most during these times. Worship and Bible study become invaluable.

• The test of consumerism - Many of our churches are caught up in trying to become all things to all people, but God really calls us to be the church He has gifted us to be. it concerns me when people come to church with the attitude of what has the church done for me lately. What is a better question? What am I doing with my gifts and abilities to build up the body of Christ?

• The test of seeking God's direction and face - When will we ever learn that it is not about what "I want," but instead who is God leading us to become?

 

I know there are lots more tests going on. I have two questions going on in my mind - What are the tests Louisa is facing during this interim time? What tests are you facing personally? How are you doing with your tests?

Roaming thoughts for October 26

What a joy it is to serve alongside you during this time of transition for the congregation! I enjoy your positive spirit and your encouragement for each other and for me.

I will only be with you on the Sundays and Wednesdays, but you are “in good hands” during the week. Paige and Murphy will be providing excellent leadership and pastoral care to you. Please do not hesitate, though, during the week to email me at ken.kessler@vbmb.org or even call my office at the Virginia Baptist Mission Board, 804-915-2454. I may not be able to answer immediately, but I will get to you as soon as possible.

I heard some great words from Dave Ramsey, the Christian financial leader, when he spoke at the Catalyst Conference in Atlanta two weeks ago. He spoke about The Five Enemies of Unity. Ramsey stated that the five enemies are:

·         Poor Communication

·         Unbridled Gossip

·         Unresolved disagreements

·         Lack of Shared Purpose

·         Sanctioned Incompetence

I want to explore each of these five in the weeks ahead in this column. As we work together over the next few months, we want to keep these “enemies” away.

For those of you who are into computers, I plan to establish a blog for our time together also. I will give you the web address next week, and hope you will contribute comments as the weeks go by.

Blessings!

What happens with a birthday?

I am celebrating another birthday today. My phone has been ringing most of the day with wonderful thoughts from my brothers and good friends. My family and I will be celebrating tonight.

Family tradition is that the birthday person gets to choose the place to go for supper, but my honor has been restricted a little this year. We have some of Teresa's family joining us for the weekend so I have to be a little more selective in my choices.

I think we will just go to O'Charleys. You know it is not where you eat, but the fellowship and fun with the family that makes the big difference. (Or at least that will be mantra for the evening.)

The Lord has been very good to this old boy. It is amazing to realize I have lived 51 years and now working on 52. My mom died at 46 so it really hits me how young she was when she died. She had five boys, and I was the oldest. Or maybe I should take that back - she had six boys if you include my dad.

Life on this earth is so short. I will just be thankful for another day and ask God's grace to carry me through for another year. Birthdays are good days to celebrate, but really everyday is a birthday. It is a reminder to me that life is lived day to day. I just take too much for granted some times. I pray God will help me "seize the day" in my 52nd year.

Louisa Interim Blog

I wanted to find a way to communicate with the people at Louisa Baptist during the interim time by using a blog. I would encourage you to comment and dialog with me during this transition time for Louisa. My plans are to publish a blog at least weekly about relationships and random thoughts.