BRHS Here We Come!

I am pumped about this Sunday's first worship service at our new location, Blue Ridge High School. And oh, by the way, the new location is 2151 Fews Chapel Rd, Greer 29651.

 

Unfortunately, we were unable to meet last Sunday. I wanted to pass out invite cards for you and have a time of prayer last Sunday. Because we were unable to do that, you will be receiving in the mail tomorrow 3 invite cards and a letter from me. I am asking you to do 3 things as we prepare for the Big Day (Super Sunday) and seek to reach our goal of 200 people this Sunday:

 

1) Pray for those 3 important people on your invest and invite card.

 

2) Take the 3 cards you will be receiving in the mail, pass them out and invite those people you have prayed for.

(If you don't have 3 people- pass them out to strangers- just get them out!!!)

 

3) Pray for our Big Day that God would bless the mailers, the stick signs, the Val-Pak ads, and all those personal invites going on in our church and that they would find favor with the recipients.

 

My friends, don't rest on someone else to invite. If you don't do it, who will? We cannot grow if we don't step outside our zone of comfort and make the "big ask." God will bless your obedience. Scripture says, "Then Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus…(John 1:42). You can change a person's eternal destiny simply by bringing them to church and they meet Jesus. I along with others in our church have been praying and fasting for this Sunday. It's too important to take lightly. I am so looking forward to what God is going to do.

 

See you Sunday!

I read a letter Milo & Erin Wilson wrote to their son Josiah at his memorial service last night. Thought I'd share it with you...

Dear Josiah,

The day you were born, your mommy and daddy were so scared. We were scared that we were never going to have the opportunity to see our precious boy none the less hold you. But the moment you were born our fears turned to joy. Mommy got to hear you cry, little did I know that would be the only time I would ever hear your precious voice. Your poor Daddy had to wait in the hall outside the OR because the doctors would not let him in, but he got to see you first, as an entire team of doctors wheeled you by on the way to the PCICU. We waited for hours and hours to hear if your first, of what would be many, invasive heart procedures was effective and we could have you for another day. When the word finally came that the doctors had success and you were stable, mommy and daddy were overjoyed. We remember the feeling so clearly it was a moment of the most real and authentic worship we had ever known. We were just both so aware at that moment that God, your Creator, had granted us another moment with you and we were so grateful. Those first few days were so scary. We were thrust into a world we had never known existed and it was so overwhelming. But the amazing doctors and nurses in the PCICU were incredibly caring and spent so much time with us teaching us about this whole new world. We learned a new language, a new culture, and a whole new way to live, where you make each moment count because you are not guaranteed your next.

When you were 13 days old you underwent your first open heart surgery. The night before, your surgeon told us that we could delay your surgery if we weren’t prepared to lose you. We told him that we would never be prepared. We were once again so scared, we cried and cried over you. We had to step away from you for a moment and take some time to eat. As your daddy and I sat on a bench outside the hospital we prayed and begged God to protect you. God gave us a sign at that point in the most unlikely of ways. In the bottom of our fast food bag was the most perfect, heart shaped jalapeno popper! Mommy and daddy laughed so hard, we were stunned and truly believe that God gave us an incredibly silly sign just so we would laugh and be at ease. It worked! Because of your surgery the next day the staff let us hold you for the very first time that night.

God saw you through that surgery. You did so well and began amazing the doctors with your strength. Those first couple of weeks turned into a month and it was then after several attempts at breathing on your own that we began to realize just how damaged your lungs were and we settled in for the long haul in the PCICU. One month turned into two months which turned into four and on and on. You had some really great days and some really really bad days and the roller coaster ride continued. It continued for 8 wonderful months until this past Sunday when you were so unexpectedly taken from us. Our hearts are breaking because we miss you so much but Daddy and I have said over and over that we were never guaranteed day one with you and yet we got 249 days with you. 249 days worth of love and memories that we will cherish forever.

You have taught us so much in your all too brief life on this earth. The constant theme through all you have taught us is love. You taught us how to love you even though we never got to hear your voice or feed you a bottle . You taught us how to love your sisters more deeply and never take a moment with them for granted. You taught us how to love each other through pain and suffering. You taught us how to love other people exactly where they’re at, if they are broken and hurting or if they are rejoicing because of victory. You taught us to see the beauty in each moment. We will never forget the first time we saw you smile 10 minutes before doctors wheeled you off for your second open heart surgery. It was like you saved it specifically for that moment to let us know you were going to be okay. We will never forget the day you got your trach, when you were 5 months old, and for the first time in your life mommy and daddy got to see your beautiful face, free from tubes. It brought us to our knees as we thanked God for the most precious cheeks that we could now kiss. We will never forget the 3 days we had you at home and we were a complete family of 5. We had begged God for that opportunity and although it was the craziest 3 days your mommy and daddy have ever experienced, we will cherish those moments forever.

We miss you terribly but we are at peace knowing that you are now free from the tubes and the monitors, the medications and the surgeries. You are now whole with Jesus and are experiencing life to the fullest. Your heart is perfect and your lungs are pristine. We rejoice that we will one day see you again and that we will finally hear your voice calling us, Mommy and Daddy.

You are our precious, sweet, angel boy. You are our son and we love you all the way to heaven - and back.

- Mommy and Daddy

Why I'm fasting for 21 days and reasons you should too!

Yesterday (Sunday, January 17) I embarked on day 1 of a 21 day partial fast. I preached a message to our church encouraging them to join me in this spiritual discipline we don't talk about much in the church. But, if Jesus, Moses, David, Elijah, Esther, Daniel, & Paul practiced it, then maybe I should too. Now I know there is never a good time. My wedding anniversary is coming up during this fast. Oh well, no spending 50 plus dollars on a meal this year. We all have things that will be in the way. Nevertheless, we just need to do it.

I believe that fasting is part of the big three. Jesus says in Matthew 6 to give to the needy...when you pray...and when you fast. He assumes you will do all three. I confess I've been doing more like two out of three. You can guess what they are. I enjoy eating!

Here's what I firmly beleive: If you want to experience spiritual breakthroughs in your life, to go to the next level in your personal walk with God- then you must commit yourself to prayer and fasting. Dr. Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade stated, "Fasting with prayer is a spiritual atomic bomb in its potential power."

I need breakthroughs in my life. You do too. I need more of Jesus in my life. You do too. If you've never experienced fasting, then why don't you try it. Are you spiritually dry? Try it! I believe it is a great gateway God uses to draw us closer to Him and allows us to enjoy spiritual breakthroughs in our lives that have been holding us back far too long.

Blue Ridge High Auditorium- Our new home on Sundays beginning January 31

 

 

Lots of information to share with you today...

 

1. Haiti Disaster Relief

 

The disaster relief group of the South Carolina Baptist Convention has established a relief fund for victims of the Haiti earthquake. Cliff Satterwhite, director of South Carolina Baptist disaster relief efforts, said "100 percent" of donations will go directly to aid victims and no money will be used for administrative costs.Satterwhite will be part of a conference call at 2:15 p.m. Wednesday with Baptist Global Response and the North American Mission Board as Southern Baptists assess the scope of the tragedy and plan initial responses.

Contact number for SC Disaster Relief: 1-800-723-7242.

 

2. Awaken 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting begins this Sunday (January 17 - February 6)

 

Please do everything you can to be here this Sunday as I share everything I've learned about fasting in a two part series beginning this Sunday. We will be joining hundreds of churches all across America in this 21 day fast. As I shared in my state of the church address last Sunday, we've got to break down spiritual strongholds with prayer and fasting. Pastor Ronnie Floyd from his book, The Power of Prayer and Fasting: God's Gateway to Spiritual Breakthroughs defines fasting as "the abstinence from food with a spiritual goal in mind. It is when I pursue the God of Heaven to do something powerful and supernatural in and through my life." I know God will do some mighty things not only in your life but in the life of our church.

 

3. Church Health (C.H.A.M.P.S.) Collaborative Workshop this Friday night and Saturday morning at Taylors First Baptist

 

Please let me know a.s.a.p. if you will be attending our workshop this Friday at 5:30 pm in the fellowship hall of Taylors First Baptist. We will meet until 9 pm Friday night. Saturday morning we will meet again from 8:00 am - 12:30 pm. The workshop will be led by Don Matthews of the South Carolina Baptist Convention. Many of you took the church health survey last summer. We will be sharing the results of that survey and will have breakout sessions during the evening.

 

Childcare will be provided.

 

For more information or to sign up, please call me (630-9459) or email at tommy@ridgeviewchurch.net.

 

4. We're moving to Blue Ridge High School!

 

Doors have opened once again for us to move. We will get in on Sunday, January 31. Our worship service time will remain the same. We will have a time of prayer walking through the building and commissioning. On Sunday, February 7, we will officially open our doors to the community again with a "y'all come!" We will do major advertising in the community and will kick off a new message series entitled, "It's a new day for financial freedom."

 

Please pray for this move and our goal of having 200 people  that Sunday on our Big Day! Remember, numbers represent people. We have set an attendance goal in order to see as many people come to know Jesus Christ and as a statement of our faith in God. Goals are simply statements of faith. I believe God is going to do some great things in the life of our church these next few weeks as we collectively pray and fast. Hold on...let's see what God does!

 

See you Sunday!

 

Pastor Tommy

 

 

 

Ridgeview State of the Church Message This Sunday

Ridgeview State of the Church Message This Sunday 

 

I am looking forward to being back with you this Sunday as I share my heart and vision for 2010. Years ago, I read a book entitled Good To Great by Jim Collins. He states that all organizations that made the leap from good to great must face the brutal facts. We are going to confront Sunday some of the brutal facts at Ridgeview: the good and the not so good. This is one of the most important messages I will lay out all year. I can't wait to share with you what God has laid on my heart. I also have some great news to share with you. Don't miss this Sunday!!!!!

 

A Great Christmas Eve Service!

It was a great way to close out the year with two Christmas Eve services at the red barn. Milo and his dad Marvin did a great job leading us in Christmas worship songs. Several commented to me this was one of our best services we have had at the barn. I heard CJ Cauble did a great job in my absence last Sunday. I am grateful for him and his family and what they mean to our church. I also am excited to have Jim Crittendum speak this Sunday. Jim works for our International Mission Board responding to counseling needs to our missionaries. You will get to hear firsthand how the money you have given this Christmas for the Christmas offering is making a difference globally. I look forward to being with you January 10 as I share my state of the church address. I can't wait to share with you what God is stirring in my heart. Blessings, Pastor Tommy

Christmas Eve at red barn!

I am looking forward to our two Community Christmas Eve services at the red barn (6 pm & 8 pm). This has quickly become a tradition for many not only in our church, but also in our community. Don't forget to bring your "Christmas Offering" with you. No greater gift can you give this Christmas than the financial gift that will enable many people to hear the good news of Jesus Christ.

Don't let all the commercialism of the season keep you from the reason of the season.

 

Hope to see you and your family this Christmas eve!

 

Pastor Tommy

 

Former University of South Carolina Quarterback Garry Harper To Speak This Sunday: "Husbands Who Love & Lead"

 

Don't miss this Sunday as we conclude our message series, The Perfect Family Christmas, with guest speaker Garry Harper. Garry played for the Gamecocks from 1977 - 1980. During his senior year in 1980, he was the QB who handed the ball off to the eventual winner of the Heisman trophy that year, running back George Rogers (see above reunion picture). Garry had many accomplishments on the field, such as leading South Carolina over Michigan; it was one of  the biggest victories in school history. They went on the Gator bowl that season.

 

In spite of his success on the football field, Garry is most proud of his family. His wife of 27 years, Karen, will also be with us Sunday. He is the proud father of Shane, Daniel, and Kara. All three kids are in their twenties and are passionate about Jesus Christ. Garry has an incredible testimony of how he came to know Christ by a fellow teammate. His life has never been the same! I came to know Garry as a middle school student at Taylors First Baptist where Garry was a member at the time. He and Karen were my discipleship teachers and they were great models for me of a Christian marriage. They will be great models for you as well.

 

After graduating from USC, Garry spent 12 years with IBM and resigned in 1992 to attend New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He majored in Old Testament/Hebrew. He spent 10 years as a full-time Baptist minister. In 1999 he entered back into the business world and became a VP for one of the largest Auto ID industry distributors in the US. He is now a Client Exec for Agilysys in Greenville. He is a member of the Spartanburg School District 5 School Board and is a Chaplain for the Spartanburg County Sheriffs office. He is a member of NewSpring Church Greenville.

 

Garry says his purpose in life is to "Cause God joy and to point people to Jesus where I am every day and in every way. I love to be prepared at all times to give a defense for the hope that is within me, yet with fear and reverence.  I love ALL people because of the love of Jesus that is in me."

 

You don't want to miss this Sunday! We have a special treat for a lucky Clemson fan. Bring a friend!

 

Pastor Tommy

 

This Sunday "Christmas Offering" Live Chat With SBC International Missionaries Tim & Anna N. Stationed Off African Coast

This week you will be receiving your Christmas offering letter in the mail. For the last two Sundays we have shown videos of how your offering goes directly to support over 5,000 Southern Baptist missionaries who are all over the world. Did you know that Southern Baptists, through our annual (Lottie Moon)l Christmas offering, are able raise support for our missionaries so that they can go to the field without having to raise their own support. One such couple on the field is Tim, Anna, and Judah (last name withheld). They have been an active part of our church over the last year and a half. They are now on the field and are at language school. We are going to call them Sunday morning using Skype and hear firsthand how God is at work. Remember, you judge a church not by it's seating capacity but by it's sending capacity. So, I will see you Sunday. Please give prayerful consideration how much God would have you give for this year's Christmas offering.    

 

Red Barn Christmas Eve Services

Last year over 300 people attended our Christmas eve services at the Red Barn. Like last year, we will be offering two services at the same time: 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm. I am excited about this year as we have worked to really simplify the evening. In fact, Milo Wilson has made an instrument he will be playing that night. You don't want to miss it! Please bring family and friends!

 

See you Sunday!

 

Pastor Tommy

 

Parents Who Guide This Sunday at Ridgeview

 

Pictured above is our family's dinner table. We bought it at Wal-Mart 10 years ago. It is certainly not the most expensive piece of furniture we own (have you checked out the prices on Pottery Barn furniture?) but it is certainly the most important, especially as it relates to Parents Who Guide. Ephesians 6:4 states, "And fathers, don't stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." I look forward to seeing you this Sunday at Ridgeview as I co-teach with my wife Tanya principles from God's Word on training and instructing children. Are we the experts? No, certainly not! We are on this parenting journey like many of you. We simply want to share some things we've learned from God's Word and some ideas for implementing His principles in teaching our two boys. I know you will take away at least one thing this Sunday to help you guide your kids in the way in which they should go.

 

See you Sunday! 

 

Pastor Tommy