The Family Works
It is always exciting to see the church moving together in the same direction. To start the year, I felt the Lord lead me to focus on strengthening families. Along with our Sunday morning series, our home groups have been doing a series, “Marriage Built to Last”. We are also launching four, “Two Equals One” intensive study groups as well. This weekend we will be having our first Marriage Enhancement Weekend in several years with Tim and Linda Buttrey entitled, “True Intimacy”. Kinetic Youth has also been doing a family series for our teenagers. We are believing that God is going to use these days to strengthen marriages & families in our church. Testimonies are already coming in, many remarking that “This is just what we needed!”
The divorce rate in the church is comparable statistically with the national divorce rate, but through the grace of God, that doesn’t have to be the case at Faith Assembly of God. By following God’s blueprint for the family, we can change the trend of risking divorce and be a light to the world.
Matthew 19:4-6
4 And He answered and said to them, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ 5 and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? 6 So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”
Pastor Larry
Christian Unity
Last week our Summerville Minister’s Association put together the celebration of Christian Unity Week. Each day at noon, services were held at various churches. The host church would put together the liturgy (music and prayers) and a minister from the area would bring a word. This was followed by a light lunch. I thoroughly enjoyed all the different expressions of worship.
We have a wonderful community of believers who worship at different churches across the low country. Every church has a different tradition of worship which makes each congregation unique. And yet, we are all one body in Christ Jesus.
I had the privilege too, of preaching the Monday noon service at Canaan United Methodist Church. I preached on the resurrection of Jesus Christ and had a wonderful time.
Ephesians 4:4-6
4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
We must choose not to focus on our differences, but the Lord Jesus Christ who makes us one.
In His Service Together,
Pastor Larry
Ladies Retreat 2010
This past weekend was an exciting one for the women of Faith! We had our annual Women’s Retreat in Hilton Head with Dr. Janice Sjostrand as our guest speaker. From the moment the women began arriving to the time we were packing up for home, there was an air of anticipation and expectancy of what God would do in the lives of those who were participating, and we were not disappointed! God’s presence was there in a powerful, life changing way.
This year’s theme was “Run with Fire”, based on Isaiah 40. Dr. Sjostrand shared in such a beautiful way God’s message for us. She talked about those times in our lives when God lifts us up on His wings and and allows us to soar with Him to the heights. The next session she shared about running this race with the people in our lives and how we must run along side each other in our journey. The final thought was about walking out our faith day by day, moment by moment.
We were so blessed to have LaRell and our worship team lead us each session into the throne room of God. They did an amazing job. Dr. Sjostrand also ministered to us in worship from the keyboard and singing.
I cannot adequately describe what happened at the retreat - you would have to have been there. We had an amazing time with the Lord, and with each other. We had a lot of fun and got to know each other better. If you were not able to attend this year, please plan to be there next year. You will not want to miss it!
I am so thankful for all of our ladies that worked so hard to make this happen for us. I know they do this because they love the women of Faith!
Isaiah 40:27-31
29 He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, 31 But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.
27 Why do you say, O Jacob, And speak, O Israel: “ My way is hidden from the LORD, And my just claim is passed over by my God”? 28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable.
Running with Fire,
Jeanne
A New Year
What an incredible way to start the new year: Ohio State 26 - Oregon 17. I can finally get out all of my Ohio State sweatshirts after three consecutive years of heartbreak!
The weekend was also exciting with our men’s breakfast challenge Saturday morning and a wonderful day of prayer and vision casting on Sunday. I am entering the year with anticipation of what God is going to do.
2010 is going to be a year of service. As we reach out and touch our community and world, we will see people open to the gospel and lives changed. As we take on the challenge we must also believe God will provide the resources. As we seek to accomplish God’s will in reaching out, He will prove Himself faithful to bless.
19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us… –Ephesians 3:19-20
With Much Anticipation,
Pastor Larry
An Amazing Year
It’s hard to believe another year has come and gone. It seems the older I get, the faster the years go by. For our church and me personally, this has been a very eventful year.
It all started with the purchase of our T.V. station and launching WLCN TV, channel 18. The station was purchased in the spring, but actually went on air live, June 12th. It is hard to comprehend all that goes into running a T.V. station. We had to get all new equipment to be digital, re-locate the antenna, and build our studios. The next step was to hire the personnel and produce, shoot, edit, and run all the programming. This was a great step of faith by our church. We have been received well by our community and all those who are able to watch WLCN. The real payback for me occurred when a lady came into our church with some great news; she told me that she gave her life to the Lord while watching a program on our station! Our main goal for 2010 is to get wider distribution on both cable and satellite carriers. We feel like God is getting ready to open those doors.
For me personally, this has been a huge year. After my struggles in 2008, God has brought a wonderful lady into my life. It was a challenge dating Jeanne in Kenosha, Wisconsin, with her coming here or me flying up there, but to find the right one, those trips were worth the hassle. On September 4th, the church was full for our wedding. Our honeymoon cruise was a blast! Now we are getting to know each others families and still growing in our love.
I am excited about the coming year. I believe God has some exciting surprises for my new family and our incredible church family!
Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth;
Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the
wilderness And rivers in the desert.–Isaiah 43:19
Thanks for Standing with me,
Pastor Larry
Peace on Earth
Only two shopping days left before Christmas, so I guess I will start tomorrow. One more great thing about being married again is having a wife who likes to shop. She will take care of 90% of all the shopping.
I thought the Scrooge Musical was excellent, as well as the Faith Kidz Choir last Sunday morning. I am really looking forward to our always special Christmas Eve Candle Light Communion Service, Thursday night at 6pm.
There is a lot of uncertainty and anxiety in America with the economic downturn and the fact that we are still fighting two wars. It is no worse than the first century Israel, when they were under Rome’s domination and oppression, and debauchery ruled the day. But into that world and ours Jesus was born, and with His advent comes a perfect peace to everyone who will trust in Him.
14 “ Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” — Luke 2:14
Merry Christmas
Pastor Larry
Christmas is Among Us
Wow, just 10 days left until Christmas! Where did the fall go and how did we get to December 15th so quickly? My tree is decorated and the rest of the house is getting there. I have not begun my shopping yet and have just barely begun my baking. But Iʼm not worried, somehow it will all get done.
This will be an exciting Christmas at the Burgbacherʼs home. It is our first Christmas together and almost the entire family will be here during the holidays. Timmy, our college student, arrives this Wednesday. Chad and Amber and family arrive on Friday and then Benny & Kelli and family arrive on Christmas Day. Of course, Jason & Jessicaʼs family is here in town. The only ones missing will be Josh and Lindy. They will be spending Christmas with Joshʼs family. We will miss them, but look forward to seeing them in January. It will be great to have a full house and celebrate Christmas together!
We have already had such a wonderful holiday season with many parties to attend and
the wonderful “Gospel According to Scrooge” program that our very talented Fine Arts
department from Faith presented this past weekend. It was so exciting to see all the
visitors that came through the doors and also to see many decisions for Christ made
each evening. I am so proud of each one who played a part in making this production a great success. Thanks to you all.
As we all rush around with our shopping and baking and making preparations for a
memorable Christmas, be sure to take time to reflect on the real reason for the holiday.
The message of Christmas is “Emmanuel”, God with us. God sent His son Jesus to us,
to live among us, to feel our pain and sorrows, to live a sinless life so He could be the
perfect sacrifice for our sins. Because He came, He lived, He died in our place, and He
rose again, we now have a way to God. We can know Him and know eternal life in His
presence. Iʼm so thankful for the hope that Christmas brings for all who will accept itʼs
message.
“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” — Matthew 1:23
May joy, peace and hope be yours because of Christmas!
Jeanne
Party Time!
Tis the season to be jolly! Yes, it is that time of the year for Christmas parties. One of the perks of being the Pastor is I get invited to a lot of parties. During the month of December, Jeanne and I will attend 13 different church Christmas parties. The parties sometimes include gift exchanges, games, fellowship and always plenty of food.
With the increase of parties comes a busier schedule, which means less free time to work out, and more food consumption, all of which adds up to weight gain. Now I can easily get the job of Santa with my “stomach like a bowl full of jelly”. While Santa opportunities abound, the weight gain may present some difficulties. I have already given all my large clothes to others or goodwill, and my current wardrobe is getting tight. The second problem is Jeanne prefers the “skinny” Larry, not having gotten to know the “fat” Larry. You can definitely see my dilemma.
The liberal soul shall be made fat… –Proverbs 11:25
Well for now I will just party on and hit it hard the first of the year. Until then you have more of me to love. HO! HO! HO!
Pastor Larry
A Different Thanksgiving
What a difference a year makes. Thanksgiving is always one of my favorite holidays. All the turkey, fixings and desserts you can eat, football on t.v, and family and friends coming together. All that makes for a wonderful holiday. In some ways it is even better than Christmas; you don’t have to deal with the commercialism, pressure to buy gifts, and busyness. And we do have so much to be thankful for.
Last Thanksgiving was difficult though. Tania would spend two days cooking and getting ready. She always enjoyed the Thanksgiving Eve communion and all the kids and grand kids coming over. And while last year we still had plenty of football, family and food, there was still an incredible hole in my heart. It wasn’t the same without Tania.
But what a difference a year makes. God has blessed me with my wonderful new wife, as well as her children and grandchildren. The deep emptiness was gone and the joy is coming back. It also helps that Jeanne knows how to cook a good turkey! The only low point of the day was losing the Turkey Bowl in the morning. But as Clemson fans are used to saying, “There is always next year.”
We all have so much to thank God for. And if this Thanksgiving for one reason or another has been hard for you, claim the promise of Romans 8:28…
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Gratefully Yours,
Pastor Larry
Bad Car Day
Sunday after the morning service, Jeanne and i took the missionary out for lunch. After lunch we headed home. As we neared the Pilot gas station on 17A, my alternator died. I coasted into the gas station and put my portable charger on the battery. The car started up and we proceeded on 17A with a little anxiety. The car then stalled by the Hot Spot and once again we coasted in. All of this happened about a month ago, but I tightened the cables and charged the battery and everything seemed fine. But if the alternator is not working, you are destined to repeat history.
I tightened up the cables again and charged it some more. When it started up we took off again, but a mile later it died once more. This time I had to call our daughter and her boyfriend to come and get us. While waiting, I got the last bit of charge from the charger and made it to the little par three golf course on Cypress Garden Road. We waited for help about 45 minutes because Emily’s boyfriend ran out of gas! When they finally arrived, we charged the battery for about 15 minutes. That charge got me about seven miles up the road before it stalled again. One last 15 minute charge and we coasted into my garage. After six breakdowns in the cold rain and two and a half hours later, I made it home. No Sunday nap for me!
After charging the battery all night, I took the car to Advance Auto. They checked everything and confirmed that I need a new alternator, of which the cheapest is $175.
The lessons in this little car disaster are numerous, chief of most is that cars don’t fix themselves. I should have taken care of the problem a month earlier and avoided the entire “bad car” day.
The lesson that I want to leave with you is this: if you want to stay “charged up”, stay connected to the right source of power or eventually the charge on your battery will go down.
that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man… — Ephesians 3:16
Pastor Larry
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Pastor Larry Burgbacher is the senior pastor at Faith Assembly of God in Summerville, South Carolina. -
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