In light of Labor Day Weekend, I'm talking about the power of rest this Sunday.  Here's the equation: LEAN + LEARN = REST.  The message is titled, "Give Me a Break!" This clip is a good introduction to both the text and message. Join me at North Campus at 9:30 a.m. or the Sterling Campus at 10:45 a.m. See you Sunday! 

Labor Day is Monday and thus the Labor Day Weekend is this Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. In preparation for Labor Day, I thought this video was a good reminder of why we this day. 

Since I wasn’t at church today, I thought it might be safe to share a moment on the topic of church etiquette. Now, if something happened in church today that’s on my list, please don’t be offended. I haven’t talked to anyone today about what’s on this list. Every once in a while, I think it’s appropriate to stop and share some expectations regarding demeanor and decorum in worship. In order to make our worship services enjoyable for all participants, I want to encourage every worshipper to think through this list. Please note this isn’t a stuffy list, just an appropriate one. 

When you enter in the room for worship, please make sure your cell phone (mobile device) is silenced. If you are expecting an important phone call, please sit near an exit with your phone on vibrate. If you receive the call, move quickly to an exit and answer your phone in a foyer. 

If your phone rings during the service because you forgot to silence it, please mute the ring as soon as possible. Please don’t ignore the ring due to the embarrassment of being “found out.” Muting the ring quickly will minimize the interruption rather than allowing it to ring through the call cycle. In my experience, the caller will call back! 

In an effort to keep movement to a minimum during the teaching portion of our services, please visit one of our restrooms or get a drink of water or coffee prior to finding your seat for the service. Extra movement such as worshippers entering and exiting the service does interrupt the worship experience. 

Please refrain from emailing, texting, or searching the internet during the service. While this is a personal choice, this activity distracts others around you. Refraining from such activity during the service demonstrate respect. If you are accessing the Bible on your mobile device (such as an iPhone) this is certainly acceptable. 

Please make every effort to enter the worship center on time before the service begins. Finding your place prior to the beginning of the service makes for a more enjoyable experience. A lot of cool stuff happens at the very beginning! 

My desire for sharing this list isn’t to embarrass anyone, but to make worship an enjoyable experience for all!

We celebrated Penny Robinson's 10th Employment Anniversary at Memorial Baptist Church today! I'm proud of Penny! She's a great team player and does everything with excellence. I've embedded a short video from the cake presentation. I want to thank Lydia for making a great cake for today's occasion. Since you don't get to see much of the cake in the video, I've included a picture. 

For information sake, there is a scheduled Called Church Conference at the beginning of Prayer Meeting on Wednesday, September 8, 2010. The Called Conference is for the purpose of receiving recommendations on the following:

- The Leadership Development Committee will present a slate of names for approval on the official formation of the Explorers Preschool Committee. This groups had previously been working as a team during the transition, but their role becomes more administrative going forward therefore requires becoming a committee versus a team. 

- The Leadership Development Committee will present a slate of names for approval on the formation of the Campus Renovation Committee. 

- The Deacon Election Committee will make an annual recommendation for approval regarding Deacon Qualifications. 

- The Staff Committee will make appropriate recommendations for approval regarding interim ministry leadership. 

More details regarding all the specifics above will follow later. I just wanted you to be informed and I'll keep you posted.

I know my posts have been rather sporadic the last couple of weeks. I’ve been busy with the final push on my doctoral work to be submitted by September 10, 2010. I’ll be back on a more regular regimine by next week. But, I couldn’t pass up a moment to comment about today. School begins today for most of our school districts in the area. The newness of the school year is exciting. For my family, everyone (in a local school) is starting a new school today. You might be asking how? Jolanta is now teaching at Cedar Bayou Junior School as their Choir Teacher. Both Angie and Chris will be going with her to Cedar Bayou. It’s a day of new things in our household. 

Additionally it is a new day at 600 West Sterling. This is the first day of our new school year at the Explorers Preschool. This year is particularly exciting, as our program has expanded to a five-day full-time program. We have a record enrollment this year and an outstanding expanded staff. I’m excited to see this ministry blossoming before our eyes. God’s timing is always perfect. It’s interesting to recall our effort to investigate the possible expansion nearly five years ago. The doors closed on our efforts. This year, the doors opened wide. It had been a dream of the heart to expand this program; our initial efforts were just premature. But in God’s timing, He opens the door and causes dreams (the dreams He’s planted on your heart) to become a reality. 

It’s a new day. School’s in session. Be safe and careful through all the school zones this week as we get back into a routine.

Okay, I had another thought not about sunrises, but about sunsets. I've been spending some time out on the bay (due to the hospitality of some kind folks) doing a lot of writing in relationship to my final project report for my doctoral work. The other evening, I was leaving to head home. As I walked out of the house, this is what I witnessed - an incredible sunset. As I reflect upon this moment, this thought comes to mind. I want to finish well. In other words, I want to finish this life well. When the sun sets on this life, I want to be said, "He finished well." 

How important is it to finish well? Not only do I want to hear the words, "Well done, my good and faithful servant!" I want for my life to reflect the transformational presence and working of Christ. I don't want anyone discounting faith because I slipped up or took a wrong route in life. "Lord, I desire to finish well. Protect my steps, light my path, guard my mind, and be my strength. May my life reflect you - my actions, my thoughts, and my words. Amen."

This picture was taken from the window of our hotel room in Marshall as I got up for a new day last Sunday. I pulled open the blinds; paused, and reflected on the beauty of a new day God had given me. I was reminded of Lamentations 3:23, “22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” 

With every sunrise, God gives vision to a new day packed full of opportunity, as we are grateful recipients of His compassion and grace. With each dawn we are reminded He never fails. Each new day represents a new start – a freshness and new beginning. I am thankful for His love and grace poured out on this one who is so undeserving. Yet, He freely gave to me. How gratitude overwhelms my soul! 

With each new sunrise you witness, thank God for His great love, His compassion that never fails, and for His faithfulness. Let the rays of light that filter through the clouds remind you of the new beginning He’s given you!

Thursday night is happening at Memorial and Galveston. The children who qualified for the Moody Gardens Sleep-over will spend the night in on of the pyramids on Thursday night (August 19). A total of 24 from Memorial are headed to Galveston Thursday evening. These are the children from both campuses who earned enough points through attendance, Bible verse memorization, and outreach (inviting friends to attend Parable Quest this summer). What a great reward!  I can’t wait to hear all the cool and interesting tales that will be shared from those who “survive” a night in the pyramid. Great job children in earning your points this summer in Parable Quest! Thank you Kay, Pam, and Children’s Ministry leadership for making this an exciting summer on Sunday mornings for our children!

As many of you know by now, Jolanta and I were away last weekend helping Katey move back to East Texas Baptist University for the beginning of her junior year. Due to her Sky Ranch work schedule, she wasn't able to come home before returning to ETBU. So Jo and I loaded up the car and moved most of her necessities up to Marshall on Saturday evening. It's hard to believe this is year three. 

I want to thank Dr. Randy Gilchrist for speaking in my absence at the Sterling Campus. Randy is the Executive Director of the San Jacinto Baptist Association. I appreciate his leadership and friendship both. Additionally, I want to thank Rev. Andrew McDaniel for speaking at the North Campus. I proud of Andrew and thankful for his leadership as the North Campus Pastor. 

I also want to thank you ahead of time for your flexibility over the next couple of weeks. I'm taking some additional time away to complete my project report and dissertation for my doctoral work. All the final work must be turned in by mid-September. This nearly eight year process is nearing completion! I have my eyes set on graduation in December. Thanks again for your flexibility and forbearance. I'll be speaking this Sunday at both campuses. 

The S.M.A.K. performance yesterday evening was the perfect culmination to a great week. I thought the children did an outstanding job! I heard a lot of buzz and excitement among our kids last week and saw it first hand last night. We are so fortunate to have such a great team of volunteers every year. I'm amazed at the results. A total of 9 children made a decision for Christ this past week. Isn't that incredible? God is at work in our Children's ministry! I want to thank our great host of volunteers. S.M.A.K. would not have been possible without you! Thank you for giving of your time and talent in order to invest in the lives of children. You are making a difference. We had several of our students involved in S.M.A.K. this year on a variety of leadership levels. I'm proud of our students and their role in leadership. Great job. Can't wait for next year! Here are a couple of pictures I took before the performance from the stage. The musical was titled, "Under God's World in 3-D." I love the fact (almost) everyone is wearing 3-D glasses. 

Here’s my essential list for the next couple of months. This is the stuff we’ve got to get a grip on immediately. It is the important stuff – it’ll shape our future. 

First, we need to officially seat and empower the Campus Renovation Committee to complete the process of bringing an official recommendation (plan) to the church family for approval including a prioritized list of renovation projects. Then, we must raise the funds to make it happen. While there are a number of urgent projects, I believe our children’s wing is one of our first priorities. The dated and unkempt décor and dysfunctional design does not serve well our congregation or outreach attempts with children and younger families. 

Second, we must seat and empower a Young Married Adult Ministry at the Sterling Campus. Our Bible Study/Sunday School is void of small group connections for younger married adults. We need leaders from the Sterling Campus to step up willingly and enthusiastically to meet this challenge. We need a number of couples to create the environment necessary to draw and sustain younger couples. Did you know that our preschool attendance more than doubles at the 10:45 a.m. hour? Younger married adults are in our congregation. We must provide a compelling venue for these and for potential new families at Memorial. 

Third, we need to further develop and empower our Children’s Ministry. We need additional enthusiastic, energetic, and committed volunteers to work along side of our current faithful and wonderful volunteer base. We are in the process of bringing a recommendation for “one of our own” (think Kay McDaniel) to lead the Children’s Ministry into the future. This is a must do and must happen now. 

Fourth, we need a stronger evangelism effort and presence in our church. At present, we don’t have a “sales force” to respond to the many guests that walk through our doors through our various ministry efforts. We had hoped for organic growth, but that has not worked for us. Implementing REACH on September 19 at the Sterling Campus will go a long way in creating an evangelism fervor in our congregation. We need at minimum 50 people participating in REACH each trimester. 

Fifth, we need to continue to develop what we’re doing on Sunday mornings in worship. While Sunday School (Bible Study) at the Sterling Campus continues to struggle our worship attendance has outpaced last year. We have more people in our services this year than we had last year to-date. This is a good thing! We need solid worship leadership in our services to continue this trend. You’ll hear a recommendation shortly about the interim (think Don Thrasher) and permanent plans. 

Sixth, we need to develop a greater consistency in our financial giving and plans. As you’ve heard before, the majority of what we do financially is empowered by a small segment of our congregation. Scripture calls for us to practice a tithe. It is the giving of a minimum of 10% of our income and the bringing it to the storehouse (local church). Anything less is disobedience. As you’re heard before, a majority of our congregation does not practice the tithe. Our disobedience is limiting what God desires to do through our obedience. We need greater consistency in our message about stewardship. We need to unashamedly call our church family to live out the Biblical model of giving – to live obediently. These two things I’ve learned. Those who discount the practice of the tithe and its teaching are those who prefer hold onto the very funds God entrusted them with and spend it upon their own consumer lusts. Additionally, those who grumble about “hearing again” a reminder about Biblical giving are those who practice it the least. Ouch! I know that stepped on a few toes, but it is truth. 

This is part of my essential list. These are the things that must be completed over the next several months. We have no option; this is an imperative. You’ll hear more about this in the weeks ahead. It’ll sound like a broken record until we get it fixed.

I’m teaching on kindness this weekend at both campuses. We hear the plea from friends, family, and others regarding the need to demonstrate kindness. So, what exactly is kindness? Kindness is defined as the state of being kind. This state is demonstrated through charitable oriented behaviors. It is a state of the heart, a fruit of the Spirit. God’s work in us is evidenced by kind behaviors, demonstrations, or acts. God’s affect on you is seen through acts of kindness. Anything less than kindness demonstrated reveals a lack of mature faith or an unyielded heart. Orientate your heart toward kindness. Allow your life be evidenced of the Spirit’s work. 

The passage I’m reflecting upon for this lesson is found in 2 Samuel 9:1-13. It’s where David is caused inwardly to show kindness to a remaining relative in Saul’s household. Take a moment to read through the passage in an effort to prepare for Sunday morning. I think you’ll discover some unique lessons and principles regarding the demonstration of kindness. See you Sunday!

REACH is the intentional evangelism strategy for Memorial Baptist Church. In an effort to successfully reach and connect with a diverse population with the love and message of Christ, REACH begins at Memorial Baptist Church on September 19, 2010. REACH is composed of three seasonal cycles – fall, spring, and summer. Each trimester has duration of approximately ten weeks. Week one includes both orientation and visitation. Each subsequent week includes visitation and reporting. Each team has a designated Team Leader. Every leader is responsible for contacting team members each week and encouraging them in REACH process. REACH is a commitment. It is expected that each team member will be present every week unless providentially hindered.

Trimester Schedule

- Fall 2010 – September 19 - December 5 

- Spring 2011 – January 16 – April 10 

- Summer 2011 – June 12 – August 14

The Basics 

- Every participant is a member of a team. 

- Each team has three members. 

- No previous experience necessary 

- Share Jesus without Fear training track available. 

- Each participant will complete a Commitment Card prior to each trimester. 

- REACH happens on Sunday afternoon from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

I’m still looking for leadership in our Young Married Adult Ministry. I’ve heard from several, but only a few have indicated genuine interest. In an effort to create a new and exciting Young Adult Bible Study Department on Sunday mornings at Sterling, I need some face time with folks that are interested. This would get everyone in the same room to hear the same vision and allow ample time for discussion. If you have an inkling of interest, I want to meet with you. I’d like to get a group of people together to talk specifics about this Young Adult Ministry at Memorial. Therefore, I’m calling an informal meeting of interested parties to join me for a discussion about what we need and what’s involved. If you’re interested, please join me on Sunday, August 8 at 4:00 p.m. in the Conference Room at the Sterling Campus. If you’re interested, please email me at brad@memorialbaytown.com. If you’re interested and unable to attend due to scheduling, let me know that too. I’m looking forward to what God is going to do with this ministry.

At the heart of the church must live a passion to tell the story of Christ. It's a story not only to be told, but to be lived. Evangelism is the purpose for which the church exists. The world must know the Redeemer's work personally. I love this inspirational thought. Watch it and see if it doesn't resonate in your heart. 

S.M.A.K. 2010 is off to a great start. The hallways are filled with music. Elementary school age children are busy learning the fundamentals of music during Summer Musical Activities for Kids. Each day a child receives instruction in the arts. Following the instruction time, they all learn a musical that'll be presented at the end of the week (Sunday night).  It's fun to watch children explore the world of music and to learn truths about God's word. Join our children for the musical Under the Water in 3D this Sunday night at 6:00 p.m. in the Worship Center at the Sterling Campus. It's going to be a blast! 

ONE Sunday is coming September 12, 2010. On ONE Sunday we come together as ONE church in two diverse locations to worship together in ONE service. On September 12, 2010, we’ll worship together as ONE family. Our ONE service on September 12, 2010 will be at the Sterling Campus beginning at 10:45 a.m. Following the combined service, we’ll enjoy lunch together with a real covered dish dinner. What is a covered dish dinner? It’s where each family brings at least one of their favorite homemade dishes (salad, vegetable, meat, dessert, or other side dish) to share with others at the dinner. There’s always plenty of food and the choices are too numerous to count. 

Here are the facts for the day: 

• 1. Sunday School (Bible Study) will operate as normally scheduled.  
• 2. Our combined service will begin at 10:45 a.m. and conclude by 12:00 p.m. 
• 3. Lunch begins at 12:00 p.m. in the ROC (Activity Building). 
• 4. You can drop off your covered dish to the ROC as early at 9:00 a.m. 
• 5. There will be no evening schedule for either campus that Sunday.

I enjoyed the Brazil Mission Team Report last night at the Sterling Campus. I am proud of our young people and sponsors for their willingness to step outside of their comfort zone. The stories were great, the testimonies moving, and the excitement captivating. Thanks for sharing about the experience. I'm confident God will use this experience to shape the way our seventeen do ministry in the days ahead. 

Here's the group picture. We had a great week. Four of the children in our group made a decision for Christ this week! How fantastic is that!  Jo and I had a great time with the kids and sponsors. I want to thank Katelyn, Nikki, and Alex for helping us chaperone this year. We could not have done Pre-teen Camp without you!  As for our kids, I'm proud of them. Our group did a great job this week. Can't wait for next year! 

Here's a short video from worship on Monday night at Pre-teen Camp. The worship leader picked both Abby and Alex to come and help lead this particular song complete with hand motions. I couldn't resist the quick catch on my phone. I apologize for the audio and camera man skills demonstrated here. But, you get the idea. After all is said and done, they did a great job! Thanks Abby and Alex. 

Everyone appears to be having a good time. I think the kids are starting to drag just a little bit. Everyone is running at full steam. The weather did impact some of the play time yesterday, but our Camp Director was pro-active in making preparations ahead of time. By the way, our boys did win the cleanest cabin award yesterday - that's not a misprint. Way to go boys! Last night, three of our children made decisions for Christ. I'm proud of these kids and their decisions. It is cool to think - they have a lifetime to live for Christ! Last night we had the much anticipated search for the man in black. The camp lights are out, everyone is dressed in black, and they search the camp grounds in organized color groups for a character in the drama (the man in black). They had a blast!

Keep praying for our kids. God is doing an amazing work in their lives. I'm proud of their behavior. They're on time, polite, and courteous. One in our group today commented he was a little bit homesick yesterday. When I questioned him about it, he said he missed his Xbox. I looked at him for a moment and then asked, "What about your parents?" He smiled and said, "Them, too." It's good to know parents are missed! 

All in all, day two was great. It started out as another very warm day. By 1:00 p.m., the stormy weather approached. Everyone was sheltered in their respective dormitory until the storm passed. The rain did bring cooler temperatures. It was our pony (a story to be told later). Afternoon free-time include a selection of indoor activities until the lakefront was re-opened. Unfortunately, our group did have an accident yesterday. One of our girls fell on a floatation device in the lake and dislocated her knee. After a trip to the Livingston Hospital (and a trip by mom and dad from Baytown), the knee was popped back into place. Thank you Jolanta and Katelyn for accompanying to the hospital. Everyone returned to camp late in the evening and one with a new set of crutches and brace. She'll be enjoying the use of a private driver and mule for the duration of her stay. 

The kids are learning some wonderful truths about loving God with all of their heart, soul, mind, and strength. Today we learned in our small group time about the importance of loving God with all of ourselves. We also learned what happens when we love God "partially" with the consequence being our inability to know all that God has for us.  

Again, I'm proud of our kids. They're doing a great job! 

It’s been a great experience thus far at Pre-teen Camp. The weather has been great in the picturesque setting of Lake Tomahawk. Our biggest challenge for our kids has been getting accustomed to a schedule (during the summer) and the larger than normal population of bees at the camp. We’ve had a couple of bites so far, but nothing too serious. Our girls have been the real winners today. They won the award for best kept/clean cabin. Way to go girls! Our boys didn’t quite make the top of the list today. Well, to be completely upfront, we didn’t make the list at all! I guess it’s to be expected. The lakefront remains the popular destination on hot summer days. The worship time has been good, energetic, and enthusiastic. I’ve been proud of the behavior our young people have exhibited this first day at camp. They are great group!

From time to time I’m asked, “How can I help you, Brad?” I’m always appreciative of the offer to assist in some area of ministry. Perhaps you’ve been considering the question, “How can I help?” Memorial is a multi-faceted ministry. There are many avenues by which to serve. One in particular that is very close to my heart is our work with younger adults. Currently, I have a huge need for a minimum of three couples that are willing to direct, lead, and teach our younger adult Sunday School areas. Younger adults are essential to our ministry at the Sterling Campus. We’re positioning ourselves to invest in children; we must invest in parents too. I find it interesting to note that the size of our 10:45 a.m. preschool area attendance nearly doubles our 9:30 a.m. attendance. It goes to show that there are plenty of young adults attending our service, but far less attending Sunday School. Do you want to make a difference at the Sterling Campus of Memorial Baptist Church? A great place to start is in our younger adult Sunday School areas. But, here’s the catch, we’re looking for more than just willing volunteers, we’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers.

I received an email from Annette just moments ago. The figures are in from the weekend. As of today, approximately $57,300.00 has been given towards the Elevator Fund.  Thank you Memorial Baptist Church for your incredible response to the appeal to renovate and update the elevator. I am thankful for your generosity and response. We're not far from our goal now!

This is the text from the Elevator Appeal Letter that went out earlier this week. If you did not receive a copy, please call the church office at (281) 427-1725 to verify the mailing address we have on file for you.

I’m writing on behalf of both the Finance and Maintenance Committees in regards to our recent church vote to update the elevator located in the west wing of Memorial Baptist Church. Due to changes in state regulations, we are required to replace both the mechanical and electrical components of the elevator. After much research and deliberation, our current service agent AMTECH has been awarded the contract for the work. 

As of the writing of this letter, we have approximately $14,000.00 held in a designated account for the sole purpose of repairing the elevator. The cost of this project is approximately $76,500.00. Subtracting the designated balance from the cost of the project leaves us with a balance of approximately $62,500.00. The Finance Committee’s recommendation, which was endorsed by the church, calls for us to raise the balance of the funds over the next 30 days in order to initiate and complete the project. 

In order to accomplish this task, we need your help. Would you prayerfully consider making a one-time gift over and above your normal contribution to make this project a reality at Memorial? The safe and continuous operation of this elevator is important to so many who visit and attend the Sterling Campus. It provides access to the second floor including access to such spaces as adult classrooms, the Fellowship Hall, the balcony of the Worship Center, and the children’s wing. 

When all of us pull together, nothing becomes an undue burden or hardship upon a few. The goal in raising $62,500.00 in 30 days is a doable objective in a church family our size. Would you partner with me in raising the funds necessary to insure a successful completion of the project? I have enclosed a special Elevator Fund offering envelope for your convenience. Please return your contribution by mail or drop it in the offering plate during one of our services. 

Your generous participation is valued and appreciated. Thank you for being a part of the solution!

Blessings, 

Brad

Just to let everyone know, the Brazil Mission Team landed safely about 11:00 p.m. (Central). Everyone is doing fine. All the luggage arrived too! They're on the boat cruising to their destination. Remember to pray for the team today!