Great To Be Back From Western New York!

Had a great time with our Ridgestudents & Brian Green at Circle C camp in New York! We were able to spend some time with our former worship & student Pastor Milo Wilson, Erin, and the girls. I was able to break away from camp Sunday morning and worship at The Well Church in Buffalo. It was exciting to see what God is doing there! So glad our church is able to partner financially to help this new church be a bridge of God's love to the wonderful people in the Buffalo area.

I want to say a big THANK YOU for the incredible gift I received when I returned. Pictured above is CJ & Shaneki Cauble's van we used for the trip. When I returned their van Tuesday I told CJ I had the oil changed and had his van washed and vacuumed. I was proud of myself. CJ then walked me over to my car and said, "Well, let me tell you what we had done for your car." I was in shock! Thank you for my new tires, my CV axle joints replaced, an oil change, and a good car wash. I understand the Growth Groups took up a collection. I can't thank you enough for your blessing! I serve such a wondeful church!

Again, so glad to be back as we continue our Bod For God series. We have some great worship services lined up in the coming weeks and months. Very excited about what God is doing at Ridgeview!

See you Sunday!

Daryl Hopkins To Speak This Sunday

I'm excited to have Daryl Hopkins, family life minister at Taylors First Baptist Church. Daryl is an expert in the area of health and fitness. He has been helping people in this area for a number of years. The last seven years he has been leading the family life center at TFBC. Most imporantly, Daryl loves the Lord and will share how taking care of our bodies will further enable you to pursue the purpose God has for your life. You will be blessed!

 

I would appreciate your prayers for me, Brian Green, Brice Green, & Spencer King as we head to our student retreat to Circle C Camp near Buffalo, New York this Thursday through Monday. We have a smaller number going but we are looking forward to growing closer to the Lord and to one another.

 

See you soon!

A Super Sunday!

What a wonderful day we had last Sunday! It was a pleasure to have Phil and Amy Parham and hear their weight loss story. They gave us hope that we all can win in the weight loss battle. Much work went into Sunday. Special thanks go to Brian and Kathy Green who provided the smoked chicken for us to enjoy. An employee of Blue Ridge High who ate lunch with us Sunday said the cafeteria never smelled so good! I appreciate the work of those who helped with other capacities of the meal: setting the tables, providing the paper products, and the many of you who brought a side item. It was a great time of fellowship. Our flag football game after lunch was a blast but I confess my legs are still sore

Let me thank all of you who invited family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers to this event. We had a great crowd of 187 people! Our purpose at Ridgeview is "To be a bridge of God's love to all people so they may experience His purpose for their lives." We want a full house each week at Ridgeview, especially during this series because we know God's purpose is that people take care of their bodies and honor Him in their bodies (1 Corinthians 6:20). As I mentioned in my state of the church address two weeks ago we must work hard, pray hard, and ask God shower His growth and His momentum on our church. Let's keep at it! God is blessing!

Special Guest Interview This Sunday
Dr. Ernest Carswell, Former Pastor Of Taylors First Baptist
And Heart Surgery Survivor

I am looking forward to interviewing Sunday my former Pastor, Dr. Ernest Carswell. He pastored Taylors First Baptist for 33 years and has been a model for me in ministry. I am honored that he is available to come this Sunday to Ridgeview to share his story. I could go on and on about what a great man he is, but I wanted him to share his story about how he almost lost his life. He had quadruple bypass surgery in the 1990's and almost died. After his surgery, he implemented changes in his diet and exercise that he still practices today. Lesson for us all; it is never too late! This is a don't miss event! I know his story will help many people!

See you Sunday!

Pastor Tommy

A Bod For God Message Series Begins This Sunday With

Phil & Amy Parham!

You don't want to miss this Sunday as we begin our "A Bod For God" message series. This Sunday we will kick it off with former contestants Phil & Amy Parham from NBC's "The Biggest Loser." Phil & Amy were contestants on the show in 2008. They lost over 250 pounds as a couple setting a record on the show at the time. Their lives since the show have never been the same. They now have devoted their lives to promoting health and wellness. They speak all over the country with a distinct message: God created our bodies; we need to take care of them by healthy eating and exercise choices. You can learn more about them at: www.philandamyfitness.com.

This message series is timely! So many people battle with weight issues and it affects self-esteem, energy, attitude, and it also affects their health. Obesity is becoming a national epidemic, especially among kids. Obesity related health issues range from heart disease, type II diabetes, cancers, hypertension, and stroke. We will take a biblical look at the theology of our bodies in this message series. It will also offer prescriptions for optimal health, fitness, and well-being. We will also have a companion Growth Group offered that will use Phil & Amy's book "The 90 Day Fitness Challenge" along with the corresponding DVD each week.

Let me encourage you to make it a point to be here this Sunday and each week during this series. Let me also highly encourage you to invite someone to come with you. This series can change a person's life not only physically but forever spiritually! It is an incredible opportunity tor us to build a bridge to our community. I'm dreaming that we have to set up chairs in the foyer because the auditorium is packed out. Our goal is 300 people. We can do it! Invite! Invite! Invite!