2011- Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

2011! Man, it sure seemed to come quickly! Were you ready for it? What kind of plans are you making? What personal changes are you resolving? How do you feel about your life in light of this New Year?

At our house as a part of our Christmas tradition, we watch ‘It’s A Wonderful Life.’ Both Debi and I tear up at the all important messages of the movie. It helps us to remember that in spite of disappointments, heartaches, and the fatigue of the past year, we are still important to many people. Sometimes the thought that we are important to others escapes us and we feel less than important in this life.

“Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?” Clarence Oddbody

"Dear George, remember no man is a failure who has friends. Thanks for the wings, Love Clarence." Clarence Oddbody

These quotes from the movie challenge Debi and me and should you too. You see what Angel Clarence Oddbody knew from a heavenly perspective is that each of our lives are significant! God created you, knew you in your mother’s womb, and planned your life to have significant impact on others. We are here by design not accident and have an important role to play in the lives of others that only we can accomplish!

You have to remember that our lives will impact millions/billions of people and future generations to come! That decision you make today will not only impact you and those around you now but many in the future to come.

As we enter 2011, let us live significantly not selfishly bearing in mind that our lives immensely affect the lives of others!

Church Attendance Optional!

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is.

Hebrews 10:25

Now days, church attendance is becoming optional. You can have a 'streaming' experience online, watch religious TV programs, and chat online with believers all the while not having to leave the comfort of your home.

So much for 'assembling together!' We are promoting more and more isolation.

What keeps you from coming to church on Sunday. There are many excuses and I have heard too many of them. Some are legitimate and some just outright frustrate me.

For instance, have you ever let discouragement keep you from attending church? Don't let discouragement keep you away from your spiritual family! You need their love and support, to hear them say, "We made it, and by God's grace you can too!"

"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is." This word "forsaking" is taken from three Greek words which could be translated "out," "down," and "behind." They describe someone who feels left out, spiritually and emotionally down, and far behind everyone else. The moment you feel like that Satan whispers, "Just stay home from church today, you don't need to go down there with all those good people."

If Satan can isolate you from other believers at the very time when you need them most, he can rob you of God's blessing! Sure you can stay home, read your Bible, turn on Christian radio and television, but surrounded by your spiritual family you'll get answers, experience joy, and receive encouragement you can't find anywhere else.

On any given Sunday, Church is the last place the devil wants you to go especially when you're feeling low. He knows if you go, you'll be touched by the presence of the Lord and be able to crawl out of the hole he's put you in.

Debi and I often say that attending church on Sunday is like having Thanksgiving and Christmas meals together. It's a special time.

Let’s not allow any excuse to keep us from the joining with our family on Sundays.

Confidence in 2011

I trust you had a wonderful Christmas with your families and friends. Debi and I did! This year we celebrated with Debi’s family as our sons and wives were not able to be with us. We all are truly blessed by good families and great friends.

This week will lead us up to New Years. I know many of you will have plans and some will be making New Resolutions. Many embrace a New Year as a year of fresh and new beginnings. We all have had victories and maybe some defeats in 2010. But the good news is this year is over and the new before us!

George Fredrick Handel was a harpsichordist. He was on the verge of bankruptcy and had suffered a stroke on his left side, and temporarily lost the use of four fingers on his right hand. To him life had become one big rut, and he didn't know how to break out of it.

A friend gave him an idea for a dramatic musical. In just 25 days, George Fredrick Handel, the man who'd decided that his life was over, created the 260-page masterpiece known to us as Handel's Messiah! I imagine your heard it over the past two weeks! There have been YouTube videos of groups singing it in malls and food courts!

Are you overwhelmed by some things that happened in 2010? Are you losing heart and fearful of the future? In a rut? God knows the way out. Talk to Him!

Getting out could begin with a decision to
(1) forget your past,
(2) confront your fears, and
(3) seize your God-given opportunities.

Do that, and your best days are ahead!

Let’s embrace 2011 together with faith in God!

Merry Christmas to all-

A Pastor's note to Vine Fellowship last week-

Dear Saints,
What a great weekend last week with the Christmas Store Outreach and then the service on Sunday. There was a sweet, sweet spirit in this place. How pleasant and good it is when church members dwell in unity together. We are a church at peace with God and one another.

The theme of peace runs all through the Christmas story. Peace on earth and good will to all men. Jesus was called the Prince of Peace. To know Christ is to know peace with God and it enables one to be at peace with others.

For 20 years I have conducted a Christmas Eve communion service. It is not a service but an intimate time when you can come with your family, receive communion, and then I personally pray over each family while they are kneeling at the altar. We will do it again this Christmas Eve from 6pm to 7pm. It is a drop in time and you are free to leave after being served communion. I trust you will be able to join with us.

Debi and I wish you and your family a Christmas of peace and joy. Debi and I love you and enjoy serving you here.

Merry Christmas,
David and Debi

Young Communicator- Amazing!

The story of Jonah from Corinth Baptist Church on Vimeo.
Can't see video- click 'The Story of Jonah' above.

Great Chinese State Circus - Swan Lake

Great Chinese State Circus - Swan Lake



If you can's see video, click here.