August 31, 2012

Hello!

The summer is coming to a close and we are in full preparation for the Fall, which is what "Bayside 3.0" is all about. We will unveil these "upgrades" on September 9th.

We believe many great things are ahead of us as a church and we are eagerly preparing for them. Not only do we need to prepare corporately, but also individually. One of the ways we do this is by choosing to walk away from worry. I want to challenge each of us to stay out of the weeds, which are the small and not so small things that everyone else is worried or upset about. Too many people live their lives in the weeds and miss out on the big things...the God things. Worry is all around us, but so are the good things of God. Which do we keep our eyes on?

Many of you know that our son Seth has been going through health troubles lately and you have been praying for Him and for us. This trial has been a great reminder to us of just how fragile our bodies really are. It also reminds us of the God who holds us together. We are getting to the resolution of Seth's issues and hope to have them in our rear-view mirror very soon. We have been tempted through this trial to focus on the negative "what if's" and tempted to succumb to "worry." We have also been challenged to look up and keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. The temptation will distract us to no end and the challenge helps us to see what is important each day as He gives us perspective. The truth is, we have to travel through this process of ill health no matter what. The question is, will we travel distracted, missing the good things of God all around us or will we travel focused on Him and enjoying His presence in the midst of our trial. We are certainly not perfect people and we miss the mark many times, but in this trial I can tell you, with no help from "worry"...our family has seen that our God is good.

We are excited to be with you this coming Sunday as we look at "worship." This one week study will be a challenge to take God seriously; seriously enough to affect how we worship. Take a look at the following passages as we look forward to Sunday morning: Isaiah 6:1-8, Psalm 103:1-5, Luke 17:12-19.

Pastor Craig, Becky, Seth, Hannah and Riley the dog.

August 24, 2012

Hello!

The view from here is good...because I know that God is in control. I know He is in control, because I have given him the right to be. I am not able to see everything in front of me, but I am able to see who I walk next to...the Son of the living God. His name is Jesus. Whatever your situation, give him control and stay at His pace. Don't move ahead of Him...let Him lead and you will be right where you're supposed to be. Many of us need to be reminded of these things right now, at this time of the year when we are making plans. Make your plans with God as your lead.

I want to encourage you to take a look at our passages for this coming weekend services. They are found in Acts 1:8-11, I Thessalonians 5:2-11 and Revelations 1:9-18. I know you will be energized as you read through these passages and think on these things.

Also, if you are a parent of a teen, our Student Ministries pastors Bobby and Cindy Grasso are having a meeting in The Landing this Sunday directly after each service, to preview and get feedback on some things being considered for the Fall schedule. If you want to speak with them about these things please be available for this short meeting.

As always, we look so forward to seeing you this coming Sunday and please know we love you and are praying God's best over you!

Pastor Craig, Becky, Seth, Hannah and Riley the dog.