180 Degrees

As I write, the snow and ice are melting. Our parking lot was pretty slick for a while, but it's getting better. No more sliding around when you come into the lot! So, it's safe.

Speaking of safety, I would like you to consider doing something outside the safety zone. When we come to church, we see friends and family and want to connect. Yea, we even stress connecting with one another. But, we need to be aware of new guests and friends too. We have a team of folks who make it their job to greet people. That's good, but it cannot stop there. I would like to challenge us all to make 180 degree turns. NOT OUT OF CHURCH! I mean when we sit in our seats, turn around 180 degrees and meet someone new. This is outside our safety zone at times, but these opportunities help us maintain a warm and welcoming environment. Ask them out to lunch or downstairs while we have the Gibson life group there after church. So, let's make the turn!

Here are some activities coming up:

• Next New Guest Reception is March 1 after church.
• The Case for Creator EQUIP class is now over, but we start the Old Testament EQUIP class called Bible Story 101 starts Feb. 24 at ZPV at 6:30. We will trace the OT story and how it points to Jesus. Three more classes (Bible Story 201, Mentoring, and Relationships) start March 4 at ZCC too. See the worship folder for a sign up. Childcare is available on request.
• The Easter Egg hunt is April 4 at the UAA ball fields in Karns City. This is a fantastic outreach for our community. We have eggs to fill and plans to make. We will also need helpers, registration table help, coffee & hot chocolate servers, face painters, etc. that day. We will be presenting the Easter story as well. Please let me know if you would like to help.
• This is the last Sunday to get supplies to Pastor Trent for his trip to Jamaica. However, later in the year, we will be asking again for our youth team heading out in June.

I am really enjoying the Put Your Clothes on series with you! Please join us this Sunday as Pastor Brandon will bring the message.

Starting in March, we will have a short series called Green. What does the Bible say about the environment and our use of it?

See you then!

Pastor Joe

Jerry

On Monday of this week, one of my good friends in CA went home to be with Jesus. The following post is long, but I want to pass on what I learned from Jerry...

While we all know in the back of our minds that this life ends, it still shocks. I was astounded as I read the news of Jerry’s passing. When we hear a news story of some unknown individual dying, we may feel sympathy for the survivors. Or, we may learn of someone we actually knew, and we sense an odd feeling. And while my loss cannot compare to Jerry’s family, this one hurts and the sense of loss is real. Even my daughter Ally, who interacted with Jerry often during childcare at Celebrate Recovery, felt the loss and shed many tears. “He was just so sweet!” she recalled.

Jerry was content to be a behind the scenes guy, but this does not mean he settled for second best. I think he understood where God placed him in life. Practically, he brought tremendous stability to our computer systems and helped us become more efficient. Sometimes, a bizarre computer glitch would arise, and Jerry would be stumped. After a while, we would just learn to live with it. Then usually early in the morning, I would find the problem solved. In my doorway stood Jerry with a goofy smirk on his face. “Yes,” he said, “we figured it out.” Often he would try and explain the complexities of some network address thing that usually floated over my head. He eagerly helped us with computer and network issues.

But Jerry’s influence did not end with computer hardware. He had a burden for a certain kind of person. I don’t want to sound insulting to the people he reached, so please take this the right way. Jerry looked for those on the fringe. He would often be frustrated that so much time and energy was spent on those who appeared to have all of life figured out and were rising stars. Jerry looked for those who were not often noticed. Especially with the junior high students at Los Gatos Christian, students could be found in his office after school lending him a hand. He would train and teach them about computers. However, he also would help them with problems at home or school. These boys admired Jerry simply because Jerry considered them valuable and loved them. I always admired this quality about him and have striven to include it in my own life.

Finally, as Celebrate Recovery began to grow, I knew I had to let my own guard down and become more transparent. The thought repulsed me, but Jerry modeled transparency for me. He trusted me with secrets he would not normally advertise. We all have things we are working on, and he gave me the courage to admit my own faults and sins. This not only helped me lead at CR, but the influence continues today.

To Deb and Family and Friends of Jerry Lee, I share your grief at our loss today. And of course, I am so happy for Jerry seeing Jesus as his is. Jerry has that goofy smirk on his face now too! He has left a legacy at Venture Christian Church and Los Gatos Christian School – two previous milestone places in my life. His legacy will not only continue there, but I strive to pass what I learned from him in my latest life milestone at Zion of Petroleum Valley in Western Pennsylvania. Godspeed, Jerry.

Pastor Joe

Lunatics

Ok, I don’t get it. I am slowly picking my way through Philippians. Paul says in 1:14, “And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.” So if Paul is in prison for preaching, how does that inspire boldness? When I see guys jump off ten foot ramps on bicycles, wipe out, and break bones, I don’t push my way to the top of the ramp to have my turn.

I don’t get it, but I do get it. My natural mind says, “Don’t get burned.” But my spiritual heart says, “Yea! Go for it!” There is something about the boldness of another believer that fires others up. It does not matter if the results do not fit the marketing plan. I do not imagine that imprisonment was in Paul’s yearly plan. But, he sees the how it fit perfectly in God’s plan. Paul’s desire was to see Christ preached. And then these lunatics are encouraged!

I do not know the names of these brothers Paul mentions. But, I think I want to be like them: crazy enough to keep speaking for Christ. I would like my confidence to speak (to individuals and to groups) to grow regardless of the outcomes. And, if Christ is honored, maybe my work for Christ will prompt others to work for Christ. Wow.

It’s not too late to sign up for Love & Respect on Feb. 6-7 at the Clarion campus. And, Feb. 1 is our New Guest Reception. Every Sunday is a good Sunday to bring friends, but we will have opportunity to welcome all those new to Zion. And, if you have not attended DZ101, please sign up this Sunday or send me a note at joe@zionlife.com. It will meet Sunday, Feb. 8 from 5-7 at ZPV.

Pastor Joe

Bad news for Petroleum Valley

In the Butler Eagle today, we read the official news story that one of our three major refineries announced a shut down for a few months. My heart goes out to the families affected by this news. I relate to how you feel, for I’ve been on the edge of employment or loss of employment too. What will happen? How will ends meet? What are my options? What steps do I need to take? Wow, the list of unknowns grows and grows.

I would like to do or write something that would be helpful. I wish my actions and words could provide jobs. I fear that platitudes or verses could be viewed as a dry morsel in a famine. However, I would like to challenge with a thought (It may annoy some but please keep reading): There are more important things than a job. Yes, there is a huge reason to stay up late at night and worry. I in no way discount the stress and fear people may feel. But, we can use these times for an inventory. Our families, health, and future really do matter more in life. Protect and guard these even during a lay off. And, take stock of the relationship with Christ. Does one follow him just when things are going well? Can we trust him now even if the evidence does not fit?

Jesus is the Lord not just of Good Friday. One of the best sermons I ever heard was called “Sunday’s comin.’” Today may look like that Friday when Jesus died and all hope was gone, but Sunday’s comin’. Don’t make bargains with God like, “If I start going to church, he’ll give me a job.” When we get our lives right with God, the storms don’t seem to matter as much. Yes, the storms are still there and seem like they will tear the roof off, but they can howl all they want. Jesus challenged us to love him more than anything because he really is all that matters.

If someone thinks I have this down and all figured out, think again. I wish I did. I am sure there are so called pillars of strength I rely on instead of Christ. But I have seen it and heard it when people better than us have abandoned such pillars one by one only to find trusting in Christ the only unshakable foundation.

Pastor Joe

Blog Metamorphosis

Originally, I kept this journal for my trip to Africa last year. I've been meaning to change it over to a Zion of Petroleum Valley log for some time. It looks like today is the day. I appreciate your comments and feedback (yes, let me know you're out there)!

As we enter a new political era, I wrestle with myself on getting too wrapped up in the political process. Since high school, politics interest me. Whether you like the new administration or not, its power and influence is minor compared to what God is doing. I’ve been in Philippians one for a while in my personal time with God. Paul writes that some are preaching Christ just to annoy him. But Paul does not care. He is just pleased that Christ is preached! I want that same burning desire that no matter what our national leaders do. Our life circumstances may improve or not. It does not matter. Am I preaching Christ? Are people coming to him? This life is not about my comfort, success, or fame. It is about Jesus getting the attention.

Don’t forget the Love and Respect conference at Zion of Clarion the first weekend of February! And, we are starting to gear up for the Easter Egg hunt on both campuses. We could use your help!

Pastor Joe

Home

I am now sitting at my desk in good old western PA. I made all my connections, but the airlines made it a tight squeeze. I arrived at the departure gate in JFK just as they were calling out for boarding. The arriving plane was late from London, and JFK was my first stop in the US. I had to get through immigration, retrieve my bag, pass customs, re-entry through security, and find my gate. After all that, we waited in the plane for an hour. But before I knew it, I arrived in Pittsburgh. Trish picked me up.

I am trying to dig out from mail, messages, receipts, and laundry. I should be reorganized soon. The trip was very rewarding. The reports I've received have been encouraging and showed it to be well worth it (see the earlier posts). I find these kind of trips to multiply in terms of influence. While we were able to pour into these leaders, they can then take it to their respective churches. Yet, there is much to do and so much more training is needed. Maybe some day, the opportunity I will be able to go back or for one of you to go!

Thank you again for all the faithful support!
Pastor Joe

Leaving

August 11, 2008

We have made it out of Goma. It was to be the most difficult part on the way home, but we had no problems. Now, we have a nice leisurely nine hour lay over in Nairobi airport. I have window shopped every store. I think I will read some.

On our way to the airport, our translator, Simeon, reported feedback from some of the pastors who attended our Goma institute. Many of our lessons addressed forgiveness. One pastor said he had bitter relationships with several people in his church. He was able to reconcile with all of them. I taught on the qualifications of an elder in First Timothy 3. I applied it to all of us. Simeon said they had no idea of the high standards set for leaders. They were not discouraged but challenged to grow. They especially mentioned being above reproach and husbands of one wife. I explained to them that this is beyond the issue of divorce. It means that we are to be a “one woman man.” Many men may have only been married once, but they have wandering eyes and are not one women men. When I heard these stories, I felt ragged around the edges – just tired out. But, they made me feel that all the time, expense, and effort was more than worth it.

Thank you to all who prayed and supported me here in Africa. You have just as much stake in this as I do. I just got on the plane. You did the support and battle in prayer.

Pastor Joe